ANDY REID: ‘These three players will win Spurs the title’

With the prospect of closing the gap on leaders Chelsea this weekend, Spurs’ visit to the Etihad could have real repercussions in the title race. 

Spurs, who beat City 2-0 in the return fixture at White Hart Lane, are in fine form as of late, overcoming both Chelsea and West Brom back-to-back.

This has put Tottenham in firm contention for the title, according to former midfielder Andy Reid.

“Pochettino is doing a fantastic job and if anybody is going to catch Chelsea I would say that would be Tottenham. I really hope they can and it’s certainly going to be close,” he said exclusively to 888sport.

“I watched the game at the weekend and they were absolutely fantastic: they just brushed West Brom aside and West Brom are playing well right now. They played good attacking Tottenham-like football and that’s what the fans like to see.” 

Reid, who also had stints at Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, believes Pochettino’s side have what it takes to go all the way this campaign, and believes three players in particular can push them all the way.

“I love watching Dembele play. He is excellent and just slides across the surface and is very difficult to get the ball off,” he said exclusively to 888sport.

Reid continued: “Harry Kane is just lethal at the moment. His finishes at the weekend show he’s in a rich vein of form and when he has confidence he puts them in the top corner and doesn’t give keepers a chance.

“In my opinion he can get thirty plus goals this season.”

But it’s 20-year-old Dele Alli that really caught the eye of the Irishman.

“You would imagine the England team of the future will be built around him. He has everything it takes to be a really, really top player and I hope he stays at Tottenham and develops even more.”

Read the full 888sport interview with Andy Reid, including his thoughts Tottenham are the only team who can catch Chelsea.

ANDY REID: ‘Martin Jol kick-started Spurs’ revolution over 10 years ago’

With Spurs flying high in the Premier League, plaudits are flooding in for Mauricio Pochettino and his young squad. 

Tottenham, who currently sit in second place behind leaders Chelsea, are beginning to look like serious competitors in a fierce title race for a second successive season.

But it was former boss Martin Jol that deserves all the praise for this revolution, according to former midfielder Andy Reid.

Reid, who joined the club back in 2005 alongside fan-favourite Michael Dawson, believes the Dutch manager was the man to kick-start their rise under former sporting director Frank Arnesen.

“It started with Martin Jol on the playing side but behind the scenes Frank Arnesen was there as well taking care of the recruitment side as Director of Football and he helped to kick-start it,” Reid said exclusively to 888sport.

Reid continued: “at the time there was a European set-up with Martin as head coach and he was a big part of that.

“It was around that time that things really started to get going and they did so by putting the infrastructure in place to move forward.”

Reid spent a year at Spurs between 2005-06 under Jol, and featured alongside the likes of Edgar Davids and Michael Carrick during his time there.

He believes that the work of his former manager has allowed for the club to really push on under Pochettino.

“We’re seeing that now with all the new contracts for the best players who are already there and that’s vital,” Reid said exclusively to 888sport.

“Holding on to the ones you have is as important as signing new players because it shows Tottenham are not a selling club which they previously had been renowned for.” 

Read the full 888sport interview with Andy Reid, including his thoughts Tottenham are the only team who can catch Chelsea. 

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Darren Anderton reacts to Sol Campbell title comments

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Darren Anderton has told Sol Campbell to look at the table, in reply to his recent comments about Spurs’ lack of title credentials.  

Campbell, who recently said that Spurs do not have enough leaders to win the title, has been heavily criticised from fans.

But former Spurs star Anderton believes Spurs are within a chance of picking up the trophy.

“Where they are now (he said about Campbell’s comments), they have a chance,” Anderton remarked.

He continued: “Are they favourites? No, probably not. I would say City are the best team, and should go on and win it.”

Anderton, who enjoyed 12 years at White Hart Lane, continued to say that Spurs are within their rights to be linked with the title.

“But the way this season has been, the way they can be very in and out and be inconsistent, who knows?” he said.

Anderton said: “Arsenal, of course, are on a bad run at the moment but they’ll be in or around it. 

“And Leicester. Everyone keeps disregarding them but the next two weeks will be interesting for Man City and Arsenal.”

Dreamt of playing football with your childhood hero? Well, now you can! Anderton was speaking to Play with a Legend, who bring together football fans and their idols for a memorable football game and a post match pint where you can hear tales from the dressing room. It’s perfect for a stag, birthday, corporate or charity event and with over 80 former professionals involved, there’s sure to be someone you’d like to play alongside.

 

VIDEO: Footage uncovered of Tottenham star Dele Alli on driving lesson aged 17

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has taken the Premier League by storm this season, with five goals already under his belt.

The former MK Dons star, who scored the equaliser at the weekend against Everton, has already earned himself a call up to the England senior squad, with many speculating that he will travel to the Euro’s next summer.

But Dele has not always been the cool, calm and collected talent that we see before us today.

Footage has been found of the young midfielder on a driving lesson, the day before his test, forcing you to love the man just that little bit more.

WATCH Dele learns the rules of the road here:

Five things I loved about Football Manager 2016

The lovely folks at SEGA were nice enough to send me a copy of their latest release, Football Manager 2016. Eager to start playing the game, and in return for their wonderful Christmas spirit, I reviewed this masterpiece and found five things I loved in particular!

The gameplay 

Like every year, FM crank up the in-game visuals. First we had nothing, then we had moving spots, now we have actual gameplay with the kits and all! It may not be much, but the fact that this is tweaked every campaign shows improvement and allows for a break from the overly statistical view seen normally. Who knows, next year we might get stadiums too!

Backroom staff support

In past year’s, it felt like once there were signs of problems at the club, you were destined for the sack. Now, at the first sign of trouble, the backroom staff are far more supportive. Training, scouting and advice are three features in particular that allow you to perform better and Jesus Perez at Spurs is perhaps the best of the bunch.

Press conferences and meetings 

You’re able to give across information far more clearly this year. Whether being calm, passionate or assertive, you can convey your thoughts to the media, players or staff with far more ease. It can sometimes prove a tricky nut to crack, as I found with players that wanted to leave. With one click you could insult them, and alternatively they may be apologising for a lack of professionalism.

Man-management 

The game gives you many more options that it normally allows in terms of dealing with players on a personal level. An example that popped up was Erik Lamela seeking departure from White Hart Lane. An option available was to get a senior player to speak with them, an option that was very successful. It feels like you’re allowed to develop a philosophy much more easily than simply playing the old 4-4-2 on all fronts.

In-game tactics 

By far the best part of the game. The explicit instructions that you can give the players are staggering. Whether playing a high-line, encouraging them after a good spell or to specify the type of corner you want delivered. You are able to tailor your experience far more closely than last season, and it allows for an all-round better game.

Overall the game was fantastic. As opposed to its competitors, there are real signs of improvement every season, and who knows? This year might be Spurs’ year after all under the guidance of TalkingTHFC.

Sun Dream Team Weekly

The Premier League is back after a week of international football, which means Dream Team is back! Here are my picks for this weekend.

GK – Joe Hart (Manchester City)

City were back to their best against Newcastle. With Bournemouth their next game, I can’t see Eddie Howe’s side beating them at the Eithad, or even scoring. #CleanSheet

DF: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

An absentee in recent weeks due to injury, Kompany is back in my side this week. He is solid and much like Hart, I can see this being a clean sheet for the City defence. #RockSolid

DF: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham Hotspur)

What a man. Toby has been tremendous this season and is exactly what we needed. A proper defender with a proper partner alongside him. #BelgianMonster

DF: Chris Smalling (Manchester United)

This guy is one of the surprise packages of the season. He has been racking up the points left, right and centre. A certainty for your team this week. #ChrisScoresPoints

DF: Ryan Bertrand (Southamtpon)

Southampton haven’t been as impressive this season, but continue to put on a strong defensive display. That is partly down to this guy. #GiveRyanAGo

MF: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

I was sceptical about the money that City forked up for him. But he’s impressed me massively. He will score this weekend. There, I said it. #MoneyTalks

MF: Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

A big Gooner obviously, but he is making the striking role his own this year. They have a very easy trip to Watford tomorrow and he is certain to get some goals. #TheoIsAStriker

MF: Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)

I promise I’m not a Gooner! His start to life at Arsenal was not great, but slowly he seems to be turning it around. It’s a shame, but Arsenal are getting better. #EyesAreOffside

MF: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur)

Woaaaah the Dele Alli. This guy is my new favourite Spurs player. He is the King of nutmegs and will be buzzing off the back of his international call-up. With loads of midfield injuries this week, he will fill the void. #NutmegKing

ST: Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)

Linked with Madrid this week, as a Spurs fan I can’t wait till he moves to Spain. Unfortunately, he’s smashing it for Arsenal and will continue this week. #ChileanStar

ST: Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

Liverpool will score goals against us this week. They just will. Being their only striker, he will score this Saturday. #SturridgeScores

Think you can do better? Pick your team here, join my mini league here using the pin 3007498, and compete to win £3,000. 

The Sun Dream Team Weekly: Team TalkingTHFC

The Premier League season is well underway, and like many others, my Sun Dream Team is filled with players that I believe can push-on from their strong start.

GK: Joe Hart (Manchester City)

I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Hart, as was supported by Pellegrini’s decision to drop him when he first arrived at the Etihad. However, City look unstoppable this year and are yet to concede. #CleanSheets

FB: Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool) 

“Whack Clyne in your team, he gets tonnes of points,” a friend of mine recently said. So there he is. Clyne has broken the trend of Saints players who move to Anfield and do not fulfil their potential. #TrendSetter

CB: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

Unfit and lacking in goals, Kompany would have been a poor pick last season. After a summer of working hard, the City captain is back to his phenomenal best. #SolidAsARock

CB: Daley Blind (Manchester United)

An odd selection, admittedly. But Blind and Van Gaal go together like Spurs and fifth spot. From the Scott Parker school of old-school defending, the Dutch international is stronger than ever. #BlindSpot

FB: Seamus Coleman (Everton) 

Coleman is the one defender in the league that I want at Tottenham. He has bags of talent and I honestly believe he could play at the highest level. Plus, he scores some corkers. #MerseysideRobertoCarlos

CM: David Silva (Manchester City)

Are you sure you’re not a City fan? Yes Silva is my third pick from the Sky Blues, but the little magician looks back on form. Against the Baggies, he was Messi-esque. #SilvaIsBetterThanGold

CM: Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

Toure is an easy pick. Not only does his selection allow you to hum “Yaya, Yaya, Yaya, Yaya,Yaya,” in your head all day, but likes his City team-mates, he is a man on a mission this season. #KoloKoloKolo

RM: Memphis Depay (Manchester United) 

I promise, I am a Spurs fan. Depay is my weakest link, although I feel he will improve as the season goes on. With Juan Mata next to you, you’re certain to thrive. #MemphisLivesInMe

LM: Nacer Chadli (Tottenham Hotspur) 

The Belgian winger is silent but deadly. With 10 league goals last season, and with one under his belt already, I back him to equal his record this season. #OohNacerNacerChadli

ST: Jordan Ayew (Aston Villa)

I must admit, I thought I’d picked André. But nevertheless at £2M, Aston Villa’s Ayew is a risk that could pay off in your team. After all, playing for Sherwood is enough to scare you into performing. #WrongBrother

ST: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Roooooooney. Fresh from his 50th international goal for England, I’m backing Wayne to carry this form into the Premier League. He looks hungrier than ever, but isn’t he always. #OgresHaveLayers

Think you can do better? Pick your team here, join my mini league here using the pin 3007498, and compete to win £30,000 this week! 

Tottenham Hotspur receive £11million towards transfer spending

London Evening Standard report Tottenham Hotspur have received £11million after completing the sale of Brook House primary school, on High Road Tottenham.

The club has reportedly sold the site to Legal and General Property, and will receive over £10million as a result.

The Evening Standard understand Daniel Levy will put the profits from the sale towards Mauricio Pochettino’s summer spending, which will merely add to the healthy fees collected for the likes of Paulinho and Etienne Capoue.

With reports today claiming that Fernando Llorente is a target of the club (and is rated at £11million coincidentally), could Daniel Levy be set to spend this sum on the Spaniard?

Manchester United legend labels Tottenham star Harry Kane as “overpriced”

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has slammed young English stars as “overpriced” in a Twitter outburst over Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

Ferdinand’s former club United have been linked with Kane this summer, despite the striker maintaining that he wants to remain at Tottenham Hotspur.

Having retired from professional football, the former England centre-half took to Twitter to voice his concern over the figures touted in today’s press surrounding the two most-wanted attackers in the country.

English players are soooo overpriced right now it's a joke! Kane & sterling have huge potential but 40m & 50m…aguero 38m & sanchez 32m!!!

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 20, 2015

Despite voicing frustration over the value of these young stars, Ferdinand himself was the most expensive British footballer in history upon his move to Old Trafford, moving for roughly £34million.

Kane has been adamant that his future lies with Spurs, however in an age of modern football such figures could transpire for the youngster in upcoming summers.

The agent of Nabil Bentaleb comments over future of Spurs star

The agent of Nabil Bentaleb has spoken to the media about the future of his client.

For Tottenham, the quotes released are rather concerning as it appears that his wage demands are not being met by Daniel Levy.

Bentaleb’s agent told French press: “The wages requested by the player is close to the average salary of an incumbent player in a Premier League club.

“A meeting is scheduled next week with the club and the player is determined to get what he deserves.” 

Whilst the remainder of the comments may be lost in translation, it is very clear that Bentaleb is unhappy with his treatment, a confusing situation given how highly he is regarded by Pochettino.

The agent continued to say: “A meeting between the player’s agents and club management, we expect will see an announcement next week in London.”

The most concerning of all his comments is certainly the following, in which Bentaleb’s representative said that other (and greater), clubs are chasing his client.

He remarked: “Clubs of greater caliber are willing to meet the player.”

Hopefully, as stated by the agent, the matter is resolved next week. Nabil Bentaleb has been dubbed a future Spurs captain, and to lose him over a minor fee could be Daniel Levy’s ultimate mistake.