Well, it's not the title that I think is AVB's aim next season, it's a top 4 finish. Secondly, of course this is just the beginning of a number of signings that are much in need at both clubs and will hopefully be there come end of August.
The TT Football Club
- Thread starter Ross K
- Start date
Well, it's not the title that I think is AVB's aim next season, it's a top 4 finish. Secondly, of course this is just the beginning of a number of signings that are much in need at both clubs and will hopefully be there come end of August.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Of course. I think Spurs have a good midfield already though. From the outside it seems like someone who can help keep things tight at the back, and a striker who can get goals will be what improves them the most.
It's like Chelsea signing Schurrle, he's a very good player but he's just adding to a strength we already have (Hazard, Mata, Oscar, De Bruyne etc..). The thing that's going to push us forward is strengthening the areas that aren't so strong.
Arsenal lost van Persie, but they didn't have any problem getting goals through Podolski, Giroud, Walcott and others chipping in. Is Higuain what they need to get them challenging again? Not for me, it's further back they need help (a keeper, centre back, a top class midfielder).
As you say, it's still early in the summer and all 3 teams have plenty of time to address those situations. It will be interesting to see who does it the best.
Holy crap, F, how on earth anyone's meant to compete with certainly Chelsea and City and their insane spending power is beyond me. :shock: The Chelsea squad is just overflowing with outstanding and outlandishly priced talent. Oh well, at least the pressure is well and truly on Jose to actually win the PL and CL.
PED and other goonies... sorry, gooners... OMG, lock up your Grannies! Because FWIW, I've heard that Rooney was at the Emirates today. Could be total BLX of course (these things usually are). Never know though.
Over a period of years, neither of our clubs can compete with them, but I think if the management are able keep a squad together until their peak, and outperform the wage spend, then I think we could give the top three a run for their money over the space of a single season.
I really think Spurs need that new stadium built though. Based on the figures from last year, Spurs have been investing much more than any other club in fixed assets, and that's all part of the stadium project. So for disgruntled fans, I'm sure that's why you're not spending as much as you'd like on players / wages etc.
Many of the old buffers have left the board of directors in the last few years, so their wives should be safe; though septuagenarian Sir Chips Keswick has just been appointed Chairman, so he may have to watch out.
I'm not that keen on pursuing Rooney. He's a great player, but he will be expensive, poses a risk as to whether he would be motivated or not, has a history of holding a club to ransom, and would just be strengthening an area where we have a few decent players. A club with Arsenal's finances can't afford for a signing on £200k+ a week to go wrong. Some may say that's an 'unambitious' attitude, but realistically Rooney would not transform us into title challengers, so we should stick to a 'value' model for signings.
I think we should go after a CF (we may have had options last year in Giroud, Podolski, Walcott etc, but there's not a prolific striker amongst them), a CDM (the 'genuine,' disciplined, stay-at-home CDM that we've been missing, and everyone's been shouting about, since Gilberto Silva), and another CB. I'm happy to stick with Szczesny in goal; he made quite a few howlers, but I think he was put in such a hopeless position by the defence, until the final third of the season when things seemed to get a little more organised (when of course he was replaced by Flappyhandski).
The club have looked a bit stupid, though, bellowing to anyone that will listen that we have £70m that we desperately need taken off our hands. Of course the fans are upset, and they want them to renew their season tickets, but rather than making it clear to sellers just how hard they can bargain with us, the management should keep quiet and let the squad movements speak for themselves at the end of the window. The CEO et al are supposed to be the smart ones who are paid to think with a little more perspective, yet they seem to be driven by external emotion as much as everyone else.
Anyway, I know everyone's saying it, but this is the first season in quite a while where I'm actually anticipating its start well in advance, rather than hoping it didn't kick off until mid-September. The Happy One, Pelligrini, Wenger with a bit of cash
shock, Spurs smarting in their hovel with an even bigger chip on their shoulder after another bitter and embarrassing disappointment (not to put too much of a point on it :twisted, the slow motion Cockney Mafia car crash up on the Tyne, and most intriguing of all, NO MORE ALEC shock.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
There is quality in alot of areas, whilst others are short of what's needed to win the Champions League. Bayern and Barcelona are way ahead of us in the engine room (Schweinsteiger, Martinez, Xavi, Iniesta etc..). If Napoli's official radio station are reporting Cavani is pretty much a done thing then that fixes one of the two issues.
I've never really been a fan of sacking managers if they don't win the Champions League, it's basically just luck. We won it after having our worst season in a decade, Bayern were so dominant this year but there were times when they got very lucky. Arsenal were so close to taking them out, they got some luck in the final etc..
I think the Premier League is the best indicator of how good a team is over the course of the season. The pressure should be there for Jose to win the League, no doubt about that. What happens in Europe is just a lottery for me.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Zzzzzzz. Spain will probably win.
Not sure Spurs should keep repelling the Madrid advances for Bale... a ton of money AND one or two from DeMaria, Coentrao, possibly Higuain (intrigued to hear RM may well have offered the all but sealed 'Arsenal player')... throw in Paulinho, plus someone like a D. Villa, or a Belhandra, Jedvag the Croatian prospect, or any of the slew of players we seem to be sniffing around and... well, it would be a rather different and surely improved team, no?
Interesting to see Rodgers and Liverpool seemingly going for it too in the transfer market.
Can't wait until next season.
Interesting to see Rodgers and Liverpool seemingly going for it too in the transfer market.
Can't wait until next season.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Not sure Spurs should keep repelling the Madrid advances for Bale... a ton of money AND one or two from DeMaria, Coentrao, possibly Higuain (intrigued to hear RM may well have offered the all but sealed 'Arsenal player')... throw in Paulinho, plus someone like a D. Villa, or a Belhandra, Jedvag the Croatian prospect, or any of the slew of players we seem to be sniffing around and... well, it would be a rather different and surely improved team, no?
Interesting to see Rodgers and Liverpool seemingly going for it too in the transfer market.
Can't wait until next season.
I always say that when silly money is on the table. Fans and management always seem loathed to sell their best players, but teams like Porto do it every year and put their faith in scouting to keep the team at the top.
Losing Bale would obviously leave alot of Spurs fans unhappy, but as you say, you can get 4-5 top players with that money and make the team 5 times better than it is already. I actually think it would be a better deal for Tottenham than it would Bale as the team at the moment is basically just him against everyone else, which is neither healthy nor sustainable.
Can I see Bale tearing it up in Spain? If i'm honest, I can't. Can I Spurs being a better team without him (providing they invest his fee into the team)? Absolutely.
Levy and Spurs were determined not to sell Modric for two summers and look how that one turned out, he's bombing in Spain and Spurs hardly noticed he wasn't there anymore.
Yes, completely in agreement. Let's see if RM can actually offer enough inducements players and money-wise. If so, I say 'do it!'
BlackSilver
Semi-Pro
Spain looks flat. Less time to rest, more time playing, possibly hot in the final.... I think Brazil has good chances
Not sure Spurs should keep repelling the Madrid advances for Bale... a ton of money AND one or two from DeMaria, Coentrao, possibly Higuain (intrigued to hear RM may well have offered the all but sealed 'Arsenal player')... throw in Paulinho, plus someone like a D. Villa, or a Belhandra, Jedvag the Croatian prospect, or any of the slew of players we seem to be sniffing around and... well, it would be a rather different and surely improved team, no?
Interesting to see Rodgers and Liverpool seemingly going for it too in the transfer market.
Can't wait until next season.
I agree with both sentiments. Word going round is that Madrid are preparing to pay stupid money for Bale and eclipse the fee they paid for Ronnie by some 20 million, to break the triple digit mark. I know Levy doesn't want to sell Bale, but to turn down 100 million? That's absurd, you could buy 3-4 genuinely world-class players at 25-30 million each and still have a few pounds left over. Spurs could get 2 world class players and drop the rest on good squad players so they've got the manpower to make a run at Europe and at the same time challenge in the league for the title and a Champions League place. Sell Bale to Madrid, invest the cash wisely and all those goals can be achieved next season, and eventually perhaps a Premier League title will arrive at the Lane in two or three seasons.
Keep Bale and none of that will happen as Spurs' attack will be extremely predictable and one dimensional and they won't have a supporting cast capable of stepping up to Bale's level in time of need.
BlackSilver
Semi-Pro
Final is gonna be at night, with that I think the spanish have a little more of favouritism
I don't think it even need to be above one hundred million, seventh and above is probably enough to make Spurs a world class team
I don't think it even need to be above one hundred million, seventh and above is probably enough to make Spurs a world class team
Crisstti
Legend
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Same for me. Although I am getting bored of Spain winning everything.
I just see it as Torres, Mata and Azpilicueta against David Luiz and Oscar
If you head over to the Emirates please take Mikel with you as well, he's crap.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
I thought Galatasaray were after him? I agree about moving him on, but driving to Turkey sounds like a bit of a mission
SempreSami
Hall of Fame
Dayumn Brazil!
BlackSilver
Semi-Pro
Spain flat again, payed the price this time. Ramos for president of the world
SempreSami
Hall of Fame
Excellent pinged diagonal ball from Luiz for the first goal, and what a clearance just before the second (although Subotic's in the CL final was better)!
PED
Legend
Score probably would of been the other way round without Oscar and Luiz
It's a shame he'll be playing alongside Messi at Barca next year
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
It's a shame he'll be playing alongside Messi at Barca next year
Haha, no chance of that happening. I do feel sorry for Barca, one bad season and they look to Chelsea, who they hate with a passion for answers? For a side who are supposedly "more than a club", they can do better than that, surely.
For starters, they could play Mascherano in place of Busquets, who is crap (and was thoroughly owned by Neymar yesterday). Mascherano is the best defensive midfielder on the planet by a considerable distance when on his game.
Last edited:
BlackSilver
Semi-Pro
I didn't see that. And in the first half I am sure it didn't happen as I saw a rerun of the first time and the very beginning of the second and it just didn't happen. After that, well, not really important.
However, he was crap and did a lot of mistakes
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
He's up there no doubt. I think De Rossi is better though personally.
SempreSami
Hall of Fame
Mascherano can barely pass water.
Just caught the second half of Ghana-Portugal in the U-20 World Cup, brilliant match. Not impressed by Chelsea's newest signing, Bruma, though. He seemed like a deer in the headlights every time he touched the ball, aside from one good pass did nothing with the ball. No shot, no skills, no tricks or fancy dribbles, no good passing, nothing. Do they really think he is the next coming of Ronaldo? He sucks!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
I think there are a number of clubs after him. Maybe he'll be another Bebe.
I had to laugh at the Paulinho interview in tomorrow's papers. He says he's going to the new Lampard. I think he's a decent defensive midfielder, scores the odd long range effort etc.. He's no Lampard though.
You never know though! He could very well be the new Sandro and be decent at Spurs. Say, what ever happened to him?
Also, with Bebe, there was no previous record to go on. He was just some dude who played street football in the homeless world cup. Bruma has come up through Sporting's academy.
Last edited:
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
I try to watch as little of Spurs as possible
whenever I see them Sandro seems to be on the pitch, he's always quietly impressive, which is pretty much what you want from a player in the middle.It's weird that the season is around 6 weeks away, but there haven't been too many signings for the big English teams.
Hopefully it kicks up a notch over the coming weeks, deadline day is going to be pretty dull the way things are going
Last edited:
Fena, Nick,
Re above posts, Sandro was injured for a lot of last season, which was a real shame as he'd been playing very solidly.
Paulinho will undoubtedly add a lot more quality and tactical options for AVB than the likes of the presumably soon to departing likes of Parker, Livermore and Huddlestone etc. Allie that to the striker (or 2) he needs and I think will bring in (talking about the likes of Soldado, Benteke, and Villa.) Then the future promise of the young Croatians we've been deep in negotiations with lately (Halilovic and Jedvag). Plus another another one or two. Factor in Dembele, Siggardson, Holtby, Vertonghen, Lennon, a fit again Sandro, and, not least Bale (reports now suggest RM have, er, baled out on Bale) and... well, you'd imagine Spurs will be a stronger proposition to last season.
Re above posts, Sandro was injured for a lot of last season, which was a real shame as he'd been playing very solidly.
Paulinho will undoubtedly add a lot more quality and tactical options for AVB than the likes of the presumably soon to departing likes of Parker, Livermore and Huddlestone etc. Allie that to the striker (or 2) he needs and I think will bring in (talking about the likes of Soldado, Benteke, and Villa.) Then the future promise of the young Croatians we've been deep in negotiations with lately (Halilovic and Jedvag). Plus another another one or two. Factor in Dembele, Siggardson, Holtby, Vertonghen, Lennon, a fit again Sandro, and, not least Bale (reports now suggest RM have, er, baled out on Bale) and... well, you'd imagine Spurs will be a stronger proposition to last season.
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Not to mention the manager will of found his feet. I think you had a fairly average start last season, but the middle and end went well. Usually with Spurs it's the other way round!
So with the combination of the new players and the manager being settled, you'd expect more consistency.
Chelsea pretty much have the title wrapped up already, but you could grab second or third if things go well... maybe
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Speaking of midfielders. The fairly long wait for Van Ginkel is finally over, I like this move. Next up seems to be De Rossi, which I like even more. Those two, with the 3 little wizards in front is going to be a hell of a midfield.
I'm already looking forward to Torres missing all the open goals they set up for him
I'm already looking forward to Torres missing all the open goals they set up for him
Breaker
Legend
LOL
Yeah Vidal is probably the best all around central/defensive/all-action midfielder in the game. Any team would benefit from him, although he'd cost an absurd amount. Didn't Madrid or PSG have a 50-odd million bid turned down for him?
finalfantasy7
Semi-Pro
i can't see de rossi leaving roma imo, he's too loyal, under zeman he didnt play but then got injured. As madrid got ancelotti i can see madrid getting verrati as alonso getting old (31yrs old) learning from him also.
reports saying barca want marquinhos for 20m euro's, roma holding out for 26-28m e3uro's for him.
Suprised only to see fiorentina holding talks with mario gomez - wouldn't mind him at juve while we sell vucinic/matri&quag. Do want juve to land kolorov - think he be perfect in our system rotating with asamoah.
Think juve bid on ogbonna been stalled - read that napoli are interested in him.
Hernanes being linked with PSG rumour has it 30meuro.
Whats happend with Mamadou Sakho - 2yrs yrs ago he was considered the next big thing
Also don't know where jovetic will end up next yr
reports saying barca want marquinhos for 20m euro's, roma holding out for 26-28m e3uro's for him.
Suprised only to see fiorentina holding talks with mario gomez - wouldn't mind him at juve while we sell vucinic/matri&quag. Do want juve to land kolorov - think he be perfect in our system rotating with asamoah.
Think juve bid on ogbonna been stalled - read that napoli are interested in him.
Hernanes being linked with PSG rumour has it 30meuro.
Whats happend with Mamadou Sakho - 2yrs yrs ago he was considered the next big thing
Also don't know where jovetic will end up next yr
Disappointed about David Villa/Spurs not coming off with him electing to remain in Spain. Thought he could have fulfilled a similar role to Rafael VdV for us, i.e. top class player bought for comparatively little and providing a few seasons worth of real quality. Okay, we've got Paulinho, but, thus far it's the usual tortuous transfer window for us with zillions of players being linked, some being very actively chased (Villa a case in point) and us in dire need of around 5 or 6 players.
How's everybody else feeling re their teams transfer dealings (or lack thereof)?
How's everybody else feeling re their teams transfer dealings (or lack thereof)?
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Not surprised he didn't move abroad. He's had chances all his career but he's never wanted to step out of his comfort zone.
Still not really happy about what we're doing (Schurrle fills a position we already have huge depth in, whilst the rest of the time has been sent going for Ruddy). Missed out on Cavani, Falcao, Lewandowski etc.. Really don't want Rooney.
Hopefully just get De Rossi and end it there.
Breaker
Legend
You've tapped up Benteke (probably) so should be alright at striker.
Not sure about City's tbh. Fernandinho was good for Shakhtar every time I saw him so happy about that one. Navas looks great as well, an actual winger almost forgot what those looked like in a City shirt. not so sure about the striker choices that are being targeted though, Negredo/Osvaldo are a bit underwhelming when you look at the forwards other top teams have and are targeting.
Funny you say that re Schurrle as I can't quite work out what AVB has in mind with Paulinho as we;ve similar players there already. Furthermore, is the Brazilian's arrival bad news for Holtby, about whom the jury is definitely out, and yet in Germany he was the dog's BLX.
Yes, but aren't Fena's money bags Chelski also showing an interest?
SempreSami
Hall of Fame
Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang to Dortmund. Exciting.
Also, has anyone seen Stoke's signings? Marc Muniesa on a free from Barcelona and Erik Pieters!
Also, has anyone seen Stoke's signings? Marc Muniesa on a free from Barcelona and Erik Pieters!
Feña14
G.O.A.T.
Funny you say that re Schurrle as I can't quite work out what AVB has in mind with Paulinho as we;ve similar players there already. Furthermore, is the Brazilian's arrival bad news for Holtby, about whom the jury is definitely out, and yet in Germany he was the dog's BLX.
Yes, but aren't Fena's money bags Chelski also showing an interest?
Agreed. Never a bad thing having great strength in depth, but both Chelsea and Spurs have other areas that should be strengthened before signing players like Paulinho and Schurrle.
Benteke wants to go to Spurs, so that should happen. Chelsea already have Lukaku and they're pretty much identical.
Loving what Dortmund are doing, they're not finished yet either.
Stoke have made some interesting signings for sure, same goes for Southampton. Wanyama is a great buy for them. Sunderland seem to be going down the same route as always, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them in another relegation battle.
