Redknapp Court Case Not a Distraction for Spurs January 26, 2012
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It has been an unsettled week for bwin favourites Tottenham Hotspur as Harry Redknapp has been in court rather than on the training field with his team, as he faces two charges of cheating the public revenue which is a trial set to end at the end of next week.
With a disappointing bwin betting result at the weekend to league leaders Manchester City where they could have snatched a late winner just moments before conceding a penalty in the last seconds of the game to actually lose the match, Redknapp will have been desperate to have his team bounce back from that with a positive week of training.
Harry Redknapps assistant Kevin Bond and coaches Clive Allen and Joe Jordan have taken charge of the training and insist that the court case hasn’t been a distraction to their players in the run up to Friday nights FA cup tie at Watford, and that Redknapp will still be in the dugout for the match.
Speaking in today’s press conference, Kevin Bond when asked about what had changed during the week, replied:
“Clearly the manager is not here, but very little really.
“The training carries on pretty much as normal and everybody has been getting on with things as normal so there’s not really a lot of difference except, obviously, Harry is not here during the day.
“We had a similar scenario a few weeks ago when Harry had a small (heart) procedure done and he wasn’t here for a week or so leading up to the Fulham game.”
The Spurs camp are remaining positive about the situation bu the club as whole will no doubt be hoping that Redknapp, who is pleading not guilty to both charges, can clear his name as soon as possible so that Spurs can continue their title winning aspirations without any further negative press.
The cup tie away at Watford will be a difficult test for Spurs who will be hoping to bounce back from last weekends defeat as they will be hoping to go all the way in the FA cup.
Although they will have the manager with them pitchside however, the team looks like it will be missing the likes of Gareth Bale, Scott Parker and Younes Kaboul after all three came off in training with slight injuries on Wednesday.
Dos Santos set for Villareal January 25, 2012
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It looks like Giovani Dos Santos could finally be leaving White Hart Lane this month after Villarreal have confirmed that they are in advanced negotiations with Tottenham over the signing of the Mexican forward.
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Despite having great talents and impressing in the cameo appearances he has made for the club, the 22-year-old Mexican international has failed to establish himself since arriving at White Hart Lane in the summer of 2008 from Barcelona.
He has spent much of his time at Spurs on loan to the likes of Ispwhich Town and Racing Santander in Spain, which makes you question why he hasn’t moved away from the club sooner!
Dos Santos was a very exciting prospect when signed by Jaunde Ramos but he has failed to impress Redknapp. This season he has been used principally by Harry Redknapp in domestic and European Cup competitions, contributing a couple of goals against Shamrock Rovers and Cheltenham.
It doesn’t come as much surprise therefore to see that his time in North London is coming to an end as Villareal want to complete the deal before the month ends, although La Liga rivals Espanyol and Granada are also known to be interested in securing his services.
“The negotiations are well on the way and it seems like the player wants to come to Villarreal,” said the Spanish outfit’s vice president Jose Manuel Llaneza.
“The deal is not finalised, but we expect a solution by the weekend. Villarreal needs more attacking players.”
The Spaniards are keen to bolster their attacking options following a hugely disappointing first half of the season which sees them only out of the relegation places on goal difference.
In addition, there are also reports that strike Nilmar could leave the club having been linked with a return to his native Brazil.
Of a possible deal, Llaneza added: “When we have solved that for better or worse we will say, we don’t wish to speak about it when we’re negotiating.
“Until March, when the Brazilian window closes, there is time.”
It would be a great move for both parties involved as Villareal would be picking up a great footballer, while Dos Santos would be playing in a great league for a good club that will be perhaps more suited to his style of play.
Harry Furious With Referee’s After Balotelli Stamp January 23, 2012
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It was a hugely disappointing day for Spurs yesterday after they lost with a last minute penalty to Manchester City who are now a popular stan james free bet to win the Premier League title. But the game wasn’t without controversy. Minutes after Jermain Defoe could have won the game for Spurs, which would have boosted their bwin title odds, Mario Balotelli went on to win and then convert the penalty. But Harry Redknapp Redknapp has urged the Football Association to take action against Mario Balotelli for an apparent stamp on Scott Parker which should have seen the Italian sent off.
It was clear for all to see from the replays that the Italians heel was directed with excessive force into the head of Scott Parker. Redknapp was left fuming after the controversial striker was unpunished and then went on to score the winning penalty for City in a thrilling finish at the Etihad Stadium.
Replays showed that World Cup final referee Howard Web may not have seen the actual stamp but if he refers the matter to the Football Association, Balotelli could be hit with a four-match ban. He has already been sent off once this season at Liverpool, and a ban could rule him out of the Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield on Wednesday.
Redknapp expects the FA to look at the incident as he feels the offence was blatantly obvious.
“I’m sure they [FA] will look at it,” Redknapp said. “They must do, mustn’t they? It’s not the first time he’s done that is it and I’m sure it won’t be the last.
Blatantly obvious
“The first [stamp] could be an accident, but the second one? He’s back-heeled him straight in the head. I don’t like talking about people kicking players in the head, but when you see that, it’s wrong. It’s blatantly obvious.
“Whether he gets sent off or whatever, it’s wrong and I don’t like seeing people react like that to a challenge.
“Scott made a good block. He [Balotelli] reacts like that at times to challenges, but Scott now has a lovely cut on his head. I don’t see any reason. What reason did he have to kick Scott in the head with his studs while he is lying on the floor?
“It’s not something I understand. How you can back-heel somebody in the head when they are lying on the floor?
“It’s not a nice thing to do and it has no place in football.”
It is hard to take for Spurs fans and players who feel hard done by with the poor refereeing decisions, as the had Balotelli been sent off, it could have had a huge impact on Tottenham’s title challenge.
Spurs Chance to Close Gap On City! January 20, 2012
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Its a huge weekend of vc bet football at the top of the Premier League, and it is one of the biggest tests so far for Spurs as they have the opportunity to make a real claim for their title aspirations in their game with leaders Manchester City.
While Bet victor bet, most football pundits and , as well as Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson already acknowledge that Spurs can win the league, interestingly Joleon Lescott has apparently said that Man City are not looking at Tottenham as their main rivals in the title race.
I think after Sunday, Lescott will be looking at Tottenham in a different light.
Manchester City have started to struggle with their performances over the last couple of weeks. They are still in a strong poistion of course but Spurs have more than enough quality to cause City major problems. Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon’s pace will cause damage on the big pitch at the Etihad, and with Jermain Defoe back in the team he will be a live wire in the box and will be wanting to prove a point.
In a way, the pressure is all on City. They are the ones that are expected by everybody to win the league, and Spurs could capitalise on this, and you could say that they will be even more dangerous when the pressure is off.
City have struggled with a few players missing in the last couple of weeks and they stumbled to a victory against Wigan last week. They will be without Kompany and Yaya Toure who have been immense this season, and it will give Redknapps men a real boost.
They will of course have to get past the sensational Joe Hart who will always be difficult to beat, but there is no doubt that Spurs will create chances. The players will be really up for this one, and will be out for revenge after City put 5 past them on the opening day.
It will be a fantastic game for sure, and a Tottenham win would make it very interesting going into the last 18 games of the season.
Confidence remains around Spurs January 17, 2012
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There has been much speculation being bandied around as to whether Spurs can be considered legitimate Premier League title contenders, and one of their stars certainly seems to think they should be considered legitimate nominees.
Harry Redknapp has previously spoke about his confidence in the aspirations of his team and now Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has stated he thinks the North London side should be considered equals to Premier League leaders Manchester City.
The Dutch star has been a great signing for Redknapp and is in integral part in an exciting midfield at White Hart Lane, which has seen Spurs climb the table and now look real contenders for a Premier League top four finish. People who bet on Premier League games should remember this.
Van der Vaart has identified Tottenham’s team spirit as something vital for the coming months and reckons the big names at City could lose some edge “in their heads” if results start to go against them.
But the midfielder is confident Spurs can maintain a strong consistency between now and the end of the season to not only secure a top four finish and Champions League football, but really battle for that Premier League title. Those looking at the football betting should bear this in mind.
“Everybody knows Spurs have a great team and if we can keep playing like this, then we’re also favourites to win the title,” he said.
“City have so many good players that even when they’re not playing well, they can decide a game, whereas we’re more of a team. It’s going to be very interesting.”
Scott Parker has also come out and stated he classes Spurs as genuine Premier League title contenders, but the team’s credentials are really going to be tested between now and the end of the season.
Spurs should be overjoyed with top four January 13, 2012
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Tottenham are enjoying a great season under Harry Redknapp and the experienced boss keeps insisting the team can challenge for the Premier League title, but they would be more than happy with a top four finish.
Spurs find themselves sitting third in the Premier League and only three points behind second-placed Manchester United, with a game in hand on the defending champions, as the North London side slowly build momentum going into the business end of the season. Anyone looking at the Premier League betting needs to bear this in mind.
Redknapp saw his team lose their first two games of the season, by the two Manchester clubs, but since then Spurs have only lost once and are realistically looking like challenging the top two for the Premier League title. Anyone betting on football should remember this.
With the boss likely to do his traditional wheeling and dealing during the January transfer window Spurs could end the month even stronger.
Redknapp reckons his team need to believe they can “keep challenging” for the title as they have certainly become a stronger unit this season, but admits it will be “difficult” and achieving a top four finish would make the campaign a success.
“If we got Champions League football again we would be delighted here,” he said.
“That is what we really wanted to do this year, anything above would be great.”
Redknapp has the luxury of a strong squad at White Hart Lane and that is likely to get bigger in January, and he has told his fringe players to work hard if they want to break into the first team.
Such a large squad all desperate to impress could be vital over the coming months as Spurs look to hold off the challenge of Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool and ensure a Premier League top four finish.
Woody backs Spurs for title tilt December 13, 2011
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Stoke defender Jonathan Woodgate has backed his old club Tottenham to challenge for the Premier League title, either this year or the next.
The 31-year-old got to see his old side at first hand on Sunday when they travelled to the Britannia Stadium to play his present employers Stoke.
The Londonders have emerged as darkhorses for the title in recent weeks with their premier league odds drifting in on the back of a run tat has seen them win 10 and draw one of their last 11 games.
They went into the game with the Potters riding high in third place, but the Britannia is a tough place for any team and despite dominating the second half and coming out on the wrong side of some questionable refereeing decisions, they lost 2-1 and dropped down to fourth.
For Woodgate is was a bitter sweet day, “There’s no animosity between me and anyone at Spurs,” he said after the game, reminding us that his departure was an amicable one based on his battles with injuries.
Playing Live Football is a struggle for Woodgate, who has suffered from serious injuries ever since his Newcastle days in 2003. He notoriously had to wait a year to make his Real Madrid debut such was his fitness problems and he has never been far away from the treatment table despite re-building his career back in England with Middlesbrough and then Spurs.
His move to Stoke was largely down to the club’s unwillingness to have two injury prone defenders, with club captain Ledley King another with fragile bones. But is is still refreshing to see a transfer go through on such good terms in these days of player power and agent-driven contract disputes.
“They’re a great side and I wish them all the luck in the world,” added. “I think they’ll go close to winning the league, if not this year, then next year. I don’t want to show anyone anything –I’ll do it with my performances. I don’t need to show anyone I can still play. I get on with my game and I know Harry Redknapp believes in me, so no problem. I didn’t want to leave and he didn’t want me to either. But that’s life – you’ve got to get on with it. You move on.”
But I think Spurs are an unbelievable team – different class – and they’ll go very close to winning the title. The whole team has pace and it’s frightening for an opposing team when you know everyone’s quick, and with the ability they’ve got, as well as speed, they’re going to be a good side.”
Redknapp questions FA’s Rooney decision December 9, 2011
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Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp thinks the FA have ‘opened a can of worms’ following their successful appeal to Wayne Rooney’s three-match ban.
The hearing in Switzerland, which Rooney attended personally, resulted in his ban for his red card against Montenegro last October reduced to two matches and the third suspended, only to come into force if he is sent off in an England game in the next four years.
That means his first Live Football of next summer’s tournament will be England’s final and potentially decisive group game against Ukraine. That is a much better scenario than having him miss all of the group stages, which England may struggle to qualify from anyway with or without the Manchester United striker.
However, Spurs chief Redknapp – favourite in the football betting to be next England boss – feels the FA have now put themselves in a difficult position, with club sides ready to use their action over Rooney as a reason to get future suspensions reduced.
“In all honesty it was a three-match ban for violent conduct. You can look at it and say it wasn’t that violent but it doesn’t matter. If you cuff someone, you get a three-match ban. Those are the rules. If you appealed it [domestically], it would be a frivolous appeal and you would probably get four games if you went to the FA,” said Redknapp.
“For them to get it from three to two, it opens up a can of worms. There will be clubs appealing against bans and they will want to know why they aren’t getting it cut from three to two for similar situations. People will look at it and think: ‘Hang on, the FA have gone and appealed against his [Rooney's] red, why can’t we?’
“From England’s point of view, I’m pleased to see him get two because he’s that important to England but in all honesty the rules are supposed to be the rules and they have not been adhered to in this situation.”
Harry eyes hopes to Nic a deal December 1, 2011
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Harry Redknapp has been his usual open and honest self when talking about possible January transfer targets, this time singling out Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka. The out-of-favour Frenchman is entering the final few months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and it appears as though Anelka’s time at Chelsea is coming to an end.
AC Milan have shown an interest in taking the experienced front-man to Italy, although Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua are reportedly offering Anelka a significant pay day should he relocate to the Far East. A string of MLS franchises have also shown a keen interest in taking the Frenchman across the Atlantic, following in the footsteps of Thierry Henry.
While many believe Anelka will be soon leaving these shores, Spurs boss Redknapp has admitted he would be very interested in having the 32-year old at White Hart Lane. Harry revealed he has been a long-term fan of Anelka and refused to rule out a possible deal in January. Those looking at the Champions League betting qualification odds will know the side are desperate to get back in Europe’s premier tournament.
“I have always liked him. I think he is a fantastic goalscorer but he is not a player who I have made any enquiries about or mentioned to the chairman,” he said.
“Having said that, I wouldn’t stand here and say, ‘No. Never’, because if I did sign him you would say, ‘What a lying git’. It’s not a bad shout. He’s a good player.”
Anelka’s arrival would do nothing to enhance Jermain Defoe’s chances of earning a regular first-team spot, and could result in the England man being forced to leave the club for a second time in the search of regular action.
Can Spurs win the cup? November 30, 2011
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Since Harry Redknapp – Tottenham’s current manager – took over the managerial reigns at the prolific London club back in 2008, things have been looking up for Spurs.
Redknapp has installed a fantastic team spirit and has acquired the signatures of some terrific players. Now although Redknapp hasn’t won a major trophy as of yet, he is sure to win one in the near future.
The last time Tottenham came close to a trophy with Redknapp as manager was back in the 2008/09 League Cup. Unfortunately, Spurs lost 4-1 on penalties. The result must have disheartened the loyal Lilywhite fans, the hard-working players, and the respectable Harry Redknapp.
In the previous FA Cup, Tottenham failed to inspire as they were knocked out of the competition in the Fourth Round by fellow Premiership outfit Fulham. It resulted in a 4-0 win to Fulham with goals from: English national Danny Murphy in the 11th and 14th minute, Norwegian international Brede Hangeland in the 23rd minute, and Belgian international Moussa Dembele in the 45th minute.
The end result must have shocked Tottenham fans and football fans alike. The last time Spurs claimed an FA Cup trophy was back in 1991 where Tottenham beat Nottingham Forest 2-1.
This season, Tottenham look to have one of the best squads in the Premier League. My favourite player has to be Toga international Emmanuel Adebayor. People looking at the online FA Cup odds should remember this.
The powerful striker is sure to cause issues for any foe that Spurs come up against in the FA Cup. So, in answer to the question in the title – Can Tottenham Hotspurs claim the FA Cup trophy in the 2011/12 season? – I believe that Redknapp has enough quality in his squad to claim the prestigious FA Cup trophy.
Their pacey style of play alongside a solid defense is sure to challenge the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
