Rise of the Giant

Being the club that was often touted as the club with enormous potential, Tottenham Hotspurs is or rather was always tagged as a sleeping giant. This is simply because they have never able to meet the fans expectations. A decade of under-achievement added together with the constant success of the most hated neighbours (Arse-nal, just FYI) made it more frustrating for the Cockerel fans. It has been a reversal of fortunes from the 1960s, when Tottenham were all-powerful and Arsenal was mired in mediocrity.

Since Martin Jol took over managerial reins from Jacques Santini in November 2004, it seemed to breathe new lease of life to the club. In his first season in charge of the club, Tottenham came within a win to finish 4th in the English Premier League table and qualify for the Champions league. Unfortunately, with a controversial final day of the season, arch-rivals Arse-nal pipped them to the 4th place. Nevertheless, it was the first time in 25 years, the club managed to finish 5th in the league.




More importantly, Jol has patiently built a strong and talented squad at White Hart Lane, backed by the sound financial management of Daniel Levy and his board, and Spurs fans are daring to dream about a return to the glory, glory days. To me, this signals the beginning of a new era, the awakening of the giant.

Last season the club was expected to challenge again for the Champions League spot but instead they seem to have taken a step back. At one point of the season, it looks as if they struggle to even qualify for the UEFA cup spot. I felt that the club was more of style over substance, constantly trying to play the free-flowing attacking football, yet some of the players lack the quality to do so. Moreover, the players brought in were very much different individuals. I think the club should have focused on building a collective group of players with similar qualities since the club has already set on the style of football to be played.

Most of the times, I felt that Martin Jol has reached he’s limit for the club. I do appreciate what he does so far but it could be time for a new approach. With the recent spree spending of over ₤39 million, the pressure on him to finish at least 4th in the league is greater than ever. Here are the transfer activities for the club so far:

Players Out:

Reto Ziegler to Sampdoria.Undisclosed fee

Hossam Ghaly to Birmingham City for ₤3million

Mido to Sunderland for ₤6million



Players In:

Gareth Bale, ₤10million
Youngest ever player to play for Wales aged just 16 years and 315 days when he made debut on 27 May 2006 as a substitute in a 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago. .Although being trained as a left-back, Bale's left-footed prowess and free kick ability have evoked comparisons to the legendary left-footed winger Ryan Giggs, also from Wales. Hopefully he’ll solve our most problematic side; left midfield.


Adel Taarabt, undisclosed fee
He has been described by Tottenham's Sporting Director Damien Comolli "as one of the best talents in Europe for his age group. Definitely one for the future.


Darren Bent, ₤16.5million
You don’t need a pundit to tell you that he’s definitely overpriced, eclipsed Thierry Henry’s transfer fee to Barcelona by £500,000. This lad has a lot to prove for the club. Fortunately, he’s already looking sharp in the preseason. Hopefully he’ll formed a formidable partnership with Berby.

Younes Kaboul, ₤8million
He was known to be the 'back bone' for Auxerre, due to his excellent tackling skills, good judgement and strength. He was also known to score a few key goals that clinched wins for Auxerre. While at the club he represented France at under 19 and under 21 level, captaining the Under 21 side on numerous occasions. I believe he will feature straight into the first team considering that our captain, King will be out for the start of the season.

Danny Rose, undisclosed fee
I really don’t know much about this guy. Played he’s football at Leeds and was a youth product together with the likes of our young superstar Aaron Lennon. If he can produce anything as spectacular on the left side, he will definitely be useful for the team.

Kevin-Prince Boateng, ₤5.4million
one of the Bundesliga's biggest talents, scoring four goals in his 42 league appearances for Hertha as well as being voted the country's best young player in July last year, definitely an exciting prospect.


I believe there is still one two final transfers left to complete the remaining jigsaw piece. Despite all the transfers, I a bit disappointed with the club not signing a left winger yet. Although there are options of playing a couple on the left, I still hope the club can sign a creative force who can play on the left, probably someone in the mould of Kim Kallstrom. One thing that I’m glad is despite all the links of bringing players in, we have managed to kept our top Bulgarian striker, Dimitar Berbatov for at least another season. I’m delighted that he did not jump ship immediately after such a brilliant first season in the league.




With the English Premier League just around the corner, it’s the moment of truth for all Spurs fan to witness whether our team can justify all the hype of challenging for title. I would definitely settle for a spot in the Champions league and ousting Arsenal out of the top 4 would definitely top the cheery and icing on the cake. It’s time for the Rise of the Giant.


Cheers,
EJ