Tottenham Hotspur ~ To Dare is to Do!

[JulianBere]

[JulianBere]

CLUB INFO
CLUB FULL NAME: Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
NICKNAME(S): The Lilywhites
FOUNDED: 1882
OWNER/CHAIRMAN: Daniel Levy

LEAGUE INFO
LEAGUE: BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP
PREVIOUS POSITION: 8th (2008-2009)
# of TEAMS: 20

HISTORY
Few teams have experienced the highs and lows as dramatically, over the years, as North London’s Tottenham Hotspur. They’re a team that have regularly bounced around all the positions in the top division like the ball they play with: sometimes having brilliant years and sometimes having awful years but consistently being a threat to any team and a name that brings with it a notable history.
Over the years they have always prided themselves with attracting top-class English, and more recently world players. Alongside their close neighbours, arch enemy Arsenal and their West London rivals Chelsea, they have been a dominant force in London's club football. They were the first English club to win the ‘double’ and the first to win a cup in European competition. Like them or loath them, Gazza and Lineker saw something in them. That must say something.

School Days
What we all know as Tottenham Hotspur began in 1882 when the grammar school boys from a bible class at All Hallows Church in north London, had a pair of teams in different sports called Hotspur Football Club and Hotspur Cricket Club. The word Hotspur is thought to have come from a man who lived in the area around the 14th Century, nicknamed Sir Harry Hotspur. The name Tottenham Hotspur came about that year and the boys turned pro in 1895. They copied Preston North End’s white and navy colours, in the hope that they could repeat their success, and they were allowed to join the Southern League that year.
Before they found a suitable site to set up shop, Spurs drifted around North London until in 1899 they settled on the spot on Tottenham High Road, which later became called White Hart Lane. They were owned by Charles Roberts, a local entrepreneur who ended up being the chairman at Spurs for the next 45 years.
Tottenham were one of many southern clubs to benefit from the controversial shake-up in the laws of the game, which involved the unionisation of players in the north of England. A couple of big names came to the new and hopeful Spurs in the form of the two Johns (Cameron and Bell) both from Everton. With the Johns at the helm, Tottenham won their non-league Southern League and then unbelievably the FA Cup in 1901, something never done before by a non-league team.
Their reward was a season with the big boys in the Second Division. They finished second and won promotion to join the cream of the crop at the top in the First Division. However, things then weren’t quite so hot for Hotspur and in the ten years before war broke out, you would have found Tottenham sitting at the bottom of the league.
After the war the highest high came in 1921 when they won the FA Cup again but then the lowest low came in the 1920s too when they were relegated back to the Second Division. They were to remain there for a while, ironically along with a number of other clubs that would later go on to be giants of the game such as Man United and Liverpool. When the Second World War broke out in 1939 you’d have found Spurs mid-table in the Second Division.

Push and Run
"Push and Run" was a term coined by the staff at Spurs who, after the war, sat down and draw up plans to improve the team’s tactical performances on the pitch. The man who led this was master-tactician Arthur Rowe, who came to White Hart Lane in 1949 and would develop this style. A quick pace, a fluid movement of the ball forward, this tactic quickly paid off and up Spurs went to the First Division again and then beyond that, in 1951, they won their first ever top-league title. The boys on the pitch were quickly making a name for themselves and none more so than Alf Ramsey and Bill Nicholson, the latter becoming a crucial part of the swinging sixties for Spurs.

A Double Nicholson please
As a player Bill Nicholson was brilliant. As a manager he was amazing. Never has a club manager made more of an impression on taking over a club as Nicholson did in Oct 1958 when they beat Everton with a record-breaking 10-4 win. Then came the famous 'double' in 1961, when he led them to victory in the FA Cup and the First Division title for the first time in English history. Success continued for him and for famous names such as Jimmy Greaves, Dave Mackay and Danny Blanchflower throughout the early sixties. Then the success started to dwindle and Nicholson had to draft in some replacement players.
Terry Venables, Mike England, Alan Mullery and Joe Kinnear were but a few of the new faces at White Hart Lane. They all helped Spurs get back on top and in 1967 they won the FA Cup again and came third in the First Division. They kept their chins up into the seventies and Nicholson remained as trusty as ever. They won the League Cup in ’71 and ’73 and then the UEFA Cup in ’72. However, things went wrong for Tottenham and the fans could be said to be the reason. There was rioting on the streets of Rotterdam in the UEFA cup final and as a result of this, the man who had been loyal to the club for just over 15 years, stepped down as boss having notched his beloved Tottenham 8 pieces of silverware. Nicholson’s recommendation to the board and chairman for his replacement were ignored and instead they appointed Terry Neill in 1974. Relegation loomed for the ageing and deflated Spurs, the fans called for a new leader and in 1976 they got Keith Burkinshaw.
Subsequently a massive hole was created in the Spurs side when their ace in goal, Pat Jennings, was sold to their biggest rivals Arsenal, stoking fires that didn’t need stoking and eventually resulting in relegation and a period when Burkinshaw seemed to be relying on his finger nails. Finally Ray Clemence from Liverpool donned the number 1 shirt and gloves for Spurs and in 1978 they won promotion back to the First Division. Then came a shocker. Burkinshaw brought a pair of young Argentineans to north London called Osvaldo Ardiles and Ricardo Villa.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, said another London boy, Charles Dickens, and he could have easily been talking about Tottenham. They had always played with flair but that didn't always bring results. During the 1980s though, Spurs would field some of their best players and they hoped it would bring the best of times.

When Tottenham looked Hot-stuff
Tottenham always had potential but not since Bill Nicholson had they delivered the goods. Liverpool would take some beating but Spurs looked as if they finally had some major clout. Players like Crooks, Archibald, Hoddle and Ardiles took them to FA Cup wins in 1980 and the year after, and to victory in the UEFA Cup in 1984. They had managed to bag three pieces of silverware in four seasons and under Burkinshaw had a leader who had made them a major force to be reckoned with, but the run would end when their big brother announced he was off in 1984.
Peter Shreeves was the new manager, but financial problems at White Hart Lane would mean there was only so much he could do to help the club. Their luck turned when they appointed a new manager fresh from Luton Town, David Pleat, and a potent midfield of eighties throw-backs, Waddle and Hoddle, provided the necessary sticking factor in cup wins, although Liverpool and Arsenal stood above them in the league. Pleat brought such high hopes but they were never delivered. Typical Tottenham.
Then came Tez. That’s Terry Venables. He was Tottenham through and through and loved the club as much as the fans. He also had a few quid of his own to invest. Could he make Spurs everything they had always wanted to be? He started off well by bringing two of the best English players in history to the team: first of all Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne from his home club Newcastle Utd in 1988 for a record fee at the time of £2.3 million and then Gary Linekar in 1989 from Barcelona. This didn’t mean things were suddenly rosy at White Hart Lane but hopefully things would improve soon. The major problem at Spurs was with money: they just didn’t have any.
Local entrepreneur Alan Sugar bought the club in 1990 and tried to sort out their debts. They were forced to sell Gazza to Italian club Lazio for £6.5 million but that would just be the start. Venables, who had some of his own cash now in the club, moved to the back-room and, when they ended in the disappointing middle area of the table, Sugar called for Terry’s departure and replaced him with another old player Ossie Ardiles.

You're fired
Ardiles brought in some big names to Spurs. The Famous Five were Sheringham, Klinsmann, Barmby, Amderton and Dumitrescu. Some were more prosperous than others. Man United were dominating the domestic league and cups and no one else really stood a chance. Ardiles was the next to get the chop after a dirty scandal involving illegal player payments, which would have brought more financial problems had it not been for Sugar’s shrewd power of persuasion.
The new boss was Gerry Francis but he couldn’t deliver the goods either, and continual bad form in the league and failure to gain money from European qualification, meant their star striker, Teddy Sheringham, had to go to United for a bargain price of £3.5 million. Francis was told to pack his bags.
The next man to take the poisoned chalice was the Swiss, Christian Gross, but he too struggled, even when Klinsmann came back on loan in 1997 for a season from Sampdoria to score nine vitally needed goals in 15 games. Gross went. George Graham then tried to bring some temper to Tottenham but the curse of being an ex-Arsenal manager brought with it poor results and off he went. Some hope for the Lilywhites came in the form of Frenchman David Ginola, who lit up the Premiership with his technique, skill and good-looks, but he would prove a perfect encapsulation of Tottenham’s problems: all flair and no results. In 2000, Alan Sugar finally realised things weren’t ever going to get better so he fired himself.
The next man to take over was another ex-player Glenn Hoddle, and his hopes lay in the signing of the goal-machine Robbie Keane from Leeds, when they sold everything but the kitchen sink in 2003. Keane worked out well but Hoddle didn't. He wasn’t liked by the players, fans or board and he had to pack his bags.

Some Dutch courage finally
After an awful decade of instability for Spurs, they finally found some hope with Dutch coach Martin Jol. He was boosted from assistant coach to manager in 2004 and was the first boss the fans took a shine to in years. His ordered and calm style brought Spurs out of the mid-table doldrums and into the top 6 for the first time in years. They finished 5th in 2005, qualified for Europe with Jol’s smart eye for scouting overseas players, and brought in top quality men at affordable prices with the likes of Berbatov, Chimbonda and Malbranque. Although they would suffer with players getting injured left right and centre, finally Tottenham was a place that players seriously considered moving to, and their European success restored their confidence.
However, things would go down-hill again for Spurs, when in Oct 2007, following an appalling start to the 2007/08 season, which many thought would be their best for many years, Martin Jol was sacked by the board and Juande Ramos came in to replace him with another ex player Gus Poyet as his assistant.

Tottenham will always be a big club in England but they will always fail to justify fully to their fans why they haven’t achieved their potential. They’re a team that play with flair and style and have the classic English mentality of it not being about the winning, but the manner in which you play. With players such as Gazza, Waddle, Ginola and now Berbatov, they have favoured style over substance.
They will always be a force to be reckoned with though, and will always possess enough history to be a promising venture for any investor. With the right combination of manager, money and players they could one day repeat success similar to that found in west London at Chelsea. Something makes you think they might not though.

Honours

||FA Cup
1901, 1921, 1961, 1962, 1967, 1981, 1982, 1991
|Runners-Up
1986/87

||Football League Cup
1970-71, 1972-73, 1998-99, 2007-08
|Runners-Up
1981/82, 2001/02, 2008-09

||FA Community Shield
1920-21, 1951-52, 1961-62, 1962-63, 1967-68, 1981-82, 1991-92

||Football League First Division / Premier League
1950-51, 1960-61
|Runners-Up
1921-22, 1951-52, 1956-57, 1962-63

||Football League Second Division
1919-20, 1949-50
|Runners-Up
1908-09, 1932-33

||Southern League
1899-1900

||Western League
1903-04

||Football League North and South
1943-44, 1944-45

||UEFA Cup
1972, 1984
|Runners-Up
1973-74

||European Cup Winners' Cup
1963

||Anglo-Italian League Cup
1972

Stadia



White Hart Lane.
Opened in 1899, on the 4th of September.
It has a capacity of 36,310 people.
It has four stands: The North Stand, The West Stand, The East Stand, the South Stand.
It's located in Tottenham, North London, England.
It uses a grass surface with dimensions of 100m x 67m.
It has a UEFA 4 star rating.

[JulianBere]

Henry James
Redknapp

Henry James "Harry" Redknapp was born in Poplar, London, England on the 2nd of March in 1947. He was a promising youth footballer who supported Arsenal. Harry trained for Tottenham when he was younger, but did his real Academy work at the West Ham Academy.

He played for West Ham United for 6 years, but then moved to Bournemouth, from there he spent an unsuccesful season at Brentford. He moved to Seattle Sounders where he got his first Coaching job, being a player/coach for the club. He went back to Bournemouth to play, but his real goal was coaching.

He started coaching profesionally Bournemouth during the 1983/84 season. He coached the club for 9 years, before parting ways for West Ham United having won the Third Division. During his transition between Bournemouth and West Ham, Harry was in a car accident in which he was the only survivor. He survived unscathed but he lost his sense of smell permanently.

Harry helped stabilize West Ham, developing future stars like Joe Cole and Frank Lampard, and leading the Hammers to their highest ever finish of 5th place. But, he was fired from the job after releasing some information about his future contract offer during an interview.

Redknapp signed with Portsmouth as Director of Football but was soon where he belonged, coaching. He led the club to the Premier League, but disputes with the owned meant he left the club and joined Southampton, their main rivals.

Redknapp's tenure at Southampton was an unhappy one, and before you knew it he was back at the helm of relegation facing Portsmouth. Good old 'Ary managed to pull a last minute trick from the hat and with the influx of money from the new owner Alexandre Gaymanak, he managed to save the club from relegation.

After some wise investments from Harry's part, his popularity as a "spinner and wheeler" in the transfer market grew. Harry managed to coach Portsmouth to their first and his first major trophy when they beat Cardiff City 1-0 in the FA Cup final thanks to a goal from Nlalalalawo Kanu.

After a abismal start to the season under Juande Ramos, Tottenham brought in Harry to replace Ramos. Portsmouth were paid a compensation of around £5 million. With the financial prowess he now possesed, Harry went around building his team. Harry made significant purchases bringing back Jermaine Defoe, buying Wilson Palacios, bringing Carlo Cudicini, and bringing back Chimbonda and Keane who had both left during the summer.

Harry's reign still continues, and Spurs fan hope he takes them even further than last season!

[JulianBere]

- Name: Heurelho Gomes
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Number: #1
- Date of Birth: February 15, 1981
- Place of Birth: João Pinheiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Age: 28
- Height: 6'3 ft
- Previous Clubs: Cruzeiro, PSV
- Rating: 79


- Name: Carlo Cudicini
- Position: Goalkeeper
- Number: #23
- Date of Birth: September 6, 1973
- Place of Birth: Milan, Italy
- Age: 35
- Height: 6'1 ft
- Previous Clubs: Milan, Prato, Lazio, Castel Di Sangro, Chelsea
- Rating: 77

[JulianBere]

- Name: Vedran Corluka
- Position: RB
- Number: #22
- Date of Birth: February 5, 1986
- Place of Birth: Derventa, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Formerly part of SFR Yugoslavia)
- Age: 23
- Height: 6'3 ft
- Previous Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Manchester City
- Rating: 79


- Name: Alan Hutton
- Position: RB
- Number: #2
- Date of Birth: November 30, 1984
- Place of Birth: Glasgow, Scotland
- Age: 24
- Height: 6'1 ft
- Previous Clubs: Rangers
- Rating: 76


- Name: Kyle Naughton
- Position: RB
- Number: #16
- Date of Birth: November 11, 1988
- Place of Birth: Sheffield England
- Age: 20
- Height: 5'11
- Previous Clubs: Sheffield United
- Rating: 70


- Name: Ledley King
- Position: CB
- Number: #26
- Date of Birth: October 12, 1980
- Place of Birth: Bow, London, England
- Age: 28
- Height: 6'2 ft
- Rating: 78


- Name: Sebastien Bassong
- Position: CB
- Number: #19
- Date of Birth: July 9, 1986
- Place of Birth: Paris, France
- Age: 23
- Height: 6'3 ft
- Previous Clubs: FC Metz, Newcastle United
- Rating: 78


- Name: Michael Dawson
- Position: CB
- Number: #20
- Date of Birth: November 19, 1983
- Place of Birth: Northallerton, England
- Age: 25
- Height: 6'3 ft
- Previous Clubs: Nottingham Forest
- Rating: 75


- Name: Jonathan Woodgate
- Position: CB
- Number: #39
- Date of Birth: January 22, 1980
- Place of Birth: Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, England
- Age: 29
- Height: 6'2 ft
- Previous Clubs: Leeds United, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Middlesbrough
- Rating: 80


- Name: Gareth Bale
- Position: LB
- Number: #3
- Date of Birth: July 16, 1989
- Place of Birth: Cardiff, Wales
- Age: 20
- Height: 6'0 ft
- Previous Clubs: Southampton
- Rating: 73


- Name: Benoit Assou-Ekotto
- Position: LB
- Number: #32
- Date of Birth: March 24, 1984
- Place of Birth: Arras, France
- Age: 25
- Height: 5'10 ft
- Previous Clubs: RC Lens
- Rating: 77

[JulianBere]

- Name: David Bentley
- Position: RM
- Number: #5
- Date of Birth: August 27, 1984
- Place of Birth: Peterborough, England
- Age: 25
- Height: 5'9 ft
- Previous Clubs: Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers
- Rating: 80


- Name: Aaron Lennon
- Position: RW
- Number: #7
- Date of Birth: April 16, 1987
- Place of Birth: Chapeltown, Leeds, England
- Age: 22
- Height: 5'5
- Previous Clubs: Leeds United
- Rating: 78


- Name: Tom Huddlestone
- Position: CM
- Number: #6
- Date of Birth: December 28, 1986
- Place of Birth: Sneinton, Nottingham, England
- Age: 22
- Height: 6'3 ft
- Previous Clubs: Derby County
- Rating: 77


- Name: Wilson Palacios
- Position: CDM
- Number: #12
- Date of Birth: July 29, 1984
- Place of Birth: La Ceiba, Honduras
- Age: 25
- Height: 5'10 ft
- Previous Clubs: Olimpia, Wigan Athletic
- Rating: 78


- Name: Jamie O'Hara
- Position: CM/LM
- Number: #24
- Date of Birth: September 25, 1986
- Place of Birth: Dartford, Kent, England
- Age: 22
- Height: 5'11 ft
- Rating: 75


- Name: Jake Livermore
- Position: CM
- Number: #29
- Date of Birth: November 14, 1989
- Place of Birth: Enfield, England
- Age: 19
- Height: 6'2 ft


- Name: Jermaine Jenas
- Position: CM
- Number: #8
- Date of Birth: February 18, 1983
- Place of Birth: Nottingham, England
- Age: 26
- Height: 5'11 ft
- Previous Clubs: Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United
- Rating: 78


- Name: Luka Modric
- Position: CAM
- Number: #14
- Date of Birth: September 9, 1985
- Place of Birth: Zadar, Croatia (formerly SFR Yugoslavia)
- Age: 23
- Height: 5'8+ ft
- Previous Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb
- Rating: 82

- Name: Danny Rose
- Position: LW
- Number: #25
- Date of Birth: July 2, 1990
- Place of Birth: Doncaster, England
- Age: 19
- Height: 5'8
- Rating: 68


- Name: Niko Kranjcar
- Position: CAM
- Number: #21
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1984
- Place of Birth: Zagreb, Croatia (Formerly SFR Yugoslavia)
- Age: 25
- Height: 6'1 ft
- Previous Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split, Portsmouth
- Rating: 79

[JulianBere]

- Name: Giovani Dos Santos
- Position: CF
- Number: #17
- Date of Birth: May 11, 1989
- Place of Birth: Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
- Age: 20
- Height: 5'8 ft
- Previous Clubs: FC Barcelona
- Rating: 76


- Name: Jermaine Defoe
- Position: ST
- Number: #18
- Date of Birth: October 7, 1982
- Place of Birth: Beckton, London, England
- Age: 26
- Height: 5'6
- Previous Clubs: West Ham United, Portsmouth
- Rating: 81


- Name: Peter Crouch
- Position: ST
- Number: #15
- Date of Birth: January 30, 1981
- Place of Birth: Macclesfield, England
- Age: 28
- Height: 6'7 ft
- Previous Clubs: Queens Park Rangers, Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Southampton, Liverpool
- Rating: 79


- Name: Robbie Keane
- Position: ST
- Number: #10
- Date of Birth: July 8, 1980
- Place of Birth: Dublin, Ireland
- Age: 29
- Height: 5'9 ft
- Previous Clubs: Wolverhampton Wanderers, Coventry City, Inter Milan, Leeds United, Liverpool
- Rating: 82


- Name: Roman Pavlyuchenko
- Position: ST
- Number: #9
- Date of Birth: December 15, 1981
- Place of Birth: Mostovskoy, Russia (formerly USSR)
- Age: 27
- Height: 6'2
- Previous Clubs: Dynamo Stavropol, Rotor Volgograd, Spartak Moscow
- Rating: 76

[JulianBere]

-ON THE LINE-
Last Season Finish: 4TH (72 pts)
ARSENAL FC

Arsenal FC once again failed to win any trophies last season. They ended up in 4th after a turbulent season in which both Aston Villa and Everton threatened to join the big four. However, in the end, Arsenal had just enough, and a little more, to end up in 4th. Arsenal made one of their biggest signings during January, where they signed Andrei Arshavin, who was their focal point for the 2nd half of the season.
This summer Arsenal sold their only left invincible Kolo Toure to Manchester City alongside Emmanuel Adebayor, but they have acquired young defender Thomas Vermaelen, who is a trusty CB and great captain. It will be seen how they fare without two of their main stars, as clubs like Aston Villa and Spurs make extravagant buys to improve their standings in the table.

PREDICTED FINISH: 5th.

TRANSFERS IN: Thomas Vermaelen.
TRANSFERS OUT: Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor.

KEY PLAYERS


MANUEL ALMUNIA (GK)
Being Lehmann's and Seaman's replacement was always going to be a tough act to follow, but Almunia has done admirably since being thrust into the spotlight. The Spaniard joined Arsenal from Celta Vigo in 2004, and has since then only strengthened. His displays have even called for him to be England's number 1, since he is Internationally Available after spending 5 seasons in england.


THOMAS VERMAELEN (DEF)
Thomas Vermaelen is a natural leader. He was brought to Arsenal to shore up a patchy defense. Vermaelen was Ajax's captain last season and is the current Belgium captain. His young age is only an extra to what is a steady and great prospect for the future.


FRANCESC FABREGAS (MF)
Francesc Fabregas, an ex-barca academy youth, has been Arsenal FC's creative force as of late. His stock has only risen since his debut, and is now one of, if not, the best player in the Arsenal squad. Wenger looks towards Fabregas as the future, and present, of the club.


ANDREI ARSHAVIN (FW)
After Arshavin's exploits during EURO 2008, he was one of the most sought after players during the summer. The Russian Magician was linked with, most prominently, Barca and Tottenham, but in the end no move materialized. Arshavin signed for Arsenal during January, and has already achieved feats players dream of achieving in their whole lifetime, such as scoring 4 goals against Liverpool at Anfield in one match.

MANAGER


ARSENE WENGER
Arsene Wenger has been with Arsenal FC for over 13 seasons. He boasts a CV any manager would be proud of, but it's not trophy's he won, it's the gems hes found that he's known for. He has uncovered such stars such as Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka, Patrick Vieira, and Robert Pires. But Arsenal have not won a trophy in a long time, and some fans are starting to call for his head. Arsene will look for a trophy this season, but can he hold on to 4th place, AND win a trophy?

HOME GROUND


Emirates Stadium, LONDON
- Capacity: 60,355
- Pitch Surface: Grass
- UEFA Rating: 5 Star

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[JulianBere]

Goal.com Season Preview Part 1 of 2


Coach: Arsene Wenger
Star player: Cesc Fabregas/Andrey Arshavin
Youngster to watch: Jack Wilshere
Top signing: Thomas Vermaelen
Objective: Top four

It will work for Arsenal this season because they'll continue to play fantastic football and young skipper-cum-driving force Cesc Fabregas will be fitter, enjoying a full season alongside new star Andrey Arshavin and returning Eduardo. As far as the title is concerned, though, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor have left for Man City and defensive signing Thomas Vermaelen will have his work cut out. Wenger had better hope for better chemistry and leadership or the doubters will multiply tenfold.


Coach: Martin O'Neill
Star player: Ashley Young
Youngster to watch: Nathan Delfouneso
Top signing: Fabian Delph
Objective: Europa League

Aston Villa looked to be on the verge of breaking into the top four last season, before capitulating unexpectedly. A second-string UEFA Cup surrender rubbed many fans and neutrals up the wrong way, and highlighted the fact that, as special a manager as he is, this challenging at the very top level lark is new to O'Neill. Midfielder Gareth Barry is off to Man City and defender Martin Laursen has retired prematurely. Although still capable, the squad is far too thin for another 'cat among the pigeons' affair.


Coach: Alex McLeish
Star player: James McFadden
Youngster to watch: Christian Benitez
Top signing: Christian Benitez
Objective: Survival

McLeish's dream of managing in the Premier League turned into a nightmare last time out, but 'Big Eck' has led Brum straight back up after a solid Championship season and a nervy second-place finish. His wily, veteran-reliant teams get the job done and little more, leaving the fans satisfied but uninspired. You can bet that the Blues will be fighting right until the final whistle of the last game for survival, with anything else a huge bonus. If they can find goals - a problem last season - they could stay afloat.


Coach: Sam Allardyce
Star player: Morten Gamst Pedersen
Youngster to watch: Steven N'Zonzi
Top signing: Franco Di Santo
Objective: Lower mid-table

Rovers are a limited side and the fans will know better than to dream impossible dreams ahead of the new season. Still, 'Big Sam' will be hoping to continue to repair his reputation by maximising his side's modest assets as he did during his Bolton days. Few doubt that Rovers will be hard to beat, but their erratic array of attacking talent - now minus Roque Santa Cruz - may have to scrap too hard for routine points, particularly on the road.


Coach: Gary Megson
Star player: Kevin Davies
Youngster to watch: Chris Basham
Top signing: Sean Davis
Objective: Lower mid-table

Signings like Sean Davis and Paul Robinson hint that boss Gary Megson isn't planning a Reebok revolution. A few tough customers such as goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and forward Kevin Davies mean that Wanderers are likely do do just enough again to stay in this division. However, mid-decade this was a team averaging seventh place and a lack of creative spark means that such a position is no longer a realistic ambition.


Coach: Owen Coyle
Star player: Martin Paterson
Youngster to watch: Chris Eagles
Top signing: Steven Fletcher
Objective: Survival

Coyle makes it four Scottish gaffers in the top-flight this season. Like his compatriots the young boss brings realism and a no-nonsense managerial style to the Premier League. Last season, many will remember his upstarts shocking Fulham, Tottenham, West Brom, Chelsea and Arsenal in cup competitions. They then roused themselves towards the end of their Championship campaign, beating recent Prem drop-outs Reading and Sheffield United in the play-offs despite only finishing fifth. In terms of existing players and new arrivals, this is a Championship squad - so 'doing a Stoke' will be the aim.


Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
Star player: Frank Lampard
Youngster to watch: Daniel Sturridge
Top signing: Yuri Zhirkov
Objective: The title

Chelsea have been there-or-thereabouts over the last couple of seasons, and now many expect them to enjoy instant success under new boss Ancelotti. Temporary manager Guus Hiddink sorted out the ailing Blues last term, leaving 'Carletto' with a strong, experienced and still-hungry squad at his disposal. Sensible new signings were all that was needed, with a strong pre-season and key contract renewals justifying the decision to forego an overhaul. If there's one major qualm it's the gulf between the strong left side and thin coverage on the right. Aside from that, the west London side can challenge all the way as long as Ancelotti's tactics are regularly spot-on.


Coach: David Moyes
Star player: Mikel Arteta
Youngster to watch: Jack Rodwell
Top signing: Jo
Objective: Europa League

For so long the 'best of the rest', the Toffees come into the new season after another underwhelming summer and little new to offer. Still, these players continue to improve year-on-year, both individually and as a squad. The likes of Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott contribute to a very capable defensive unit, while there are tricky customers like Tim Cahill littered throughout the side. Despite the lack of spending, many gaffers would prefer to coach this side than Man City and their eclectic superstars. The most pressing issue: Goodison must become a fortress.


Coach: Roy Hodgson
Star player: Brede Hangeland
Youngster to watch: Chris Smalling
Top signing: Bjorn Helge Riise
Objective: Europa League

Few will accuse the Cottagers of being potential top four contenders, yet they appear incapable of underachieving with Hodgson at the helm. Ever since he masterminded the great escape of 2007-08 Fulham's stock has been on the rise, and few rival bosses will relish seeing their name next on the fixture list. This is one of several sides hoping for natural progression built upon solid foundations, rather than big-money quick fixes. Perhaps if Andrew Johnson can rediscover his best form they can continue to make an impact.


Coach: Phil Brown
Star player: Geovanni
Youngster to watch: Jozy Altidore
Top signing: Seyi Olofinjana
Objective: Survival

Phil Brown and his Tigers were the most baffling addition to the Premier League last season. Hull made a dash from the depths of the Football League and surfaced in the top flight, which they initially took to like a duck to water. Flying high after the early part of the season, they went into free-fall and many blamed Brown for the incredible on-pitch dressing down he gave his players at Eastlands. The KC Stadium faithful will likely demand more consistency during this soplalalalare year - in terms of results and individual performances - rather than another roller-coaster ride.

[JulianBere]

Coach: Rafael Benitez
Star player: Steven Gerrard
Youngster to watch: David N'Gog
Top signing: Glen Johnson
Objective: The title

The Merseyside men really could come anywhere in the top four this term - perhaps even top six - and Rafa's Reds will be scrutinised at every turn. Many felt that last season was their big chance to finally put their ribbons on the Premier League trophy, but untimely injuries to Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, although coped with admirably, prevented 'Pool from developing a head of steam and second place ensued. Market dealings have resulted in injury-plagued Alberto Aquilani 'replacing' departed playmaker Xabi Alonso, meaning that Rafa can afford no passengers. The major plus: roving right-back Glen Johnson is a fantastic signing.


Coach: Mark Hughes
Star player: Stephen Ireland
Youngster to watch: Kelvin Etuhu
Top signing: Carlos Tevez
Objective: Europa League

Tevez, Kolo Toure, Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz, Gareth Barry, etc... the calibre of signings sauntering into Eastlands boggles the mind, but let's not forget that City have been tipped for great things before each of the last two seasons. Even so, such quality, coupled with the development of existing stars like Stephen Ireland and Micah Richards, will equal points. The spread of new boys will mean that few fixtures will lack added needle in terms of ex-clubs, and there's not even European football to distract them. Still, anyone who's seen City in pre-season will know that they're weeks, maybe months, from gelling; this process is likely to cost them the Champions League.


Coach: Sir Alex Ferguson
Star player: Wayne Rooney
Youngster to watch: Federico Macheda
Top signing: Antonio Valencia
Objective: The title

Ferguson has been typically bullish of late, but he'll have his Red Devils on at least amber alert. Barcelona gave them a lesson in Europe; Madrid completed their cash and grab on Cristiano Ronaldo; Tevez has gone to Man City's 'Pleasure Island'. In response, Fergie scoured the (relative) bargain bin to bring in the likes of Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia. Whether they suffer some form of sensory overload remains to be seen, but Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and co. should relish proving that United were never a one-man team. Only fools will write them off, yet it's likely that Fergie will face some potentially career-defining challenges this season.


Coach: Paul Hart
Star player: David James
Youngster to watch: Matty Ritchie
Top signing: Aaron Mokoena
Objective: Survival

Pompey are in a transitional phase at present. There's a take-over looming, quality players are leaving in every transfer window and boss Paul Hart remains largely unproven at this level. A mixed bag of players will start the season: a few remaining stars like David James mixing with signings such as loan striker Frederic Piquionne and freebie Steve Finnan. They should still have enough quality to see off the challenge of the promoted teams from the last two seasons, but it will be very hard for the south coast side to generate momentum from a standing position.


Coach: Tony Pulis
Star player: Abdoulaye Faye
Youngster to watch: Ryan Shawcross
Top signing: Tuncay
Objective: Lower mid-table

Rory Delap's long throws; Tony Pulis' baseball cap; an awkward collection of journeymen... it somehow all added up to 12th place last season for Stoke. The danger now is a second season slump; it can happen to any team, yet Pulis' no-frills, set-piece reliant Potters are perhaps more susceptible than most. They're unlikely to change their approach, so survival be a case of winning their winnable games, particularly against their fellow strugglers-to-be.


Coach: Steve Bruce
Star player: Kenwyne Jones
Youngster to watch: Fraizer Campbell
Top signing: Lorik Cana
Objective: Top half

Steve Bruce tends to work wonders wherever he goes, quietly building solid outfits with the right mix of graft and flair. His latest challenge is one which only the bravest managers would attempt at present: working in the North East. Bruce, with rich owners behind him, has been linked with a lot of hot European talent, but he hasn't had much luck, perhaps due to Sunderland's middling profile. His first season, then, will likely be about getting the Black Cats back in the mix; they haven't finished higher than 15th this decade. To do this, several players will have to up their level, with new skipper Lorik Cana overseeing things on the pitch.


Coach: Harry Redknapp
Star player: Luka Modric
Youngster to watch: Giovani Dos Santos
Top signing: Niko Kranjcar
Objective: Europa League

It's time for Spurs to grab the bull by the horns. They don't fare well against the big teams and their huge potential has gone untapped in recent seasons due to poor signings, OTT pressure on decent managers and a general lack of oomph. Their defence is frail - more physically than anything due to the likes of Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate being made of glass - yet their attack should pack a punch this season. Big signing Crouch (quite literally), Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe should cause headaches all season long - but it's up to the likes of Modric and Aaron Lennon to provide the ammunition. Not enough depth and too many question-marks, perhaps.


Coach: Gianfranco Zola
Star player: Matthew Upson
Youngster to watch: Junior Stanislas
Top signing: Luis Jimenez
Objective: Mid-table

Rookie boss Zola and assistant Steve Clarke are one of the most promising managerial partnerships in football, having led the Hammers to a ninth-place finish last season. However, the Upton Park club remain in financial peril and Zola's main aim will be to hold onto his very solid core of English players. If he can do that, he's shown that he has the tactical skill for top-flight management, so a similar finish isn't out of the question. Another task will be keeping a threadbare squad fit, though.


Coach: Roberto Martinez
Star player: Lee Cattermole
Youngster to watch: James McCarthy
Top signing: Jason Scotland
Objective: Mid-table

New boss Martinez comes from success in the Football League clearly believing that his talent will translate to the Premier League, also signing a couple of players like Jason Scotland on that principle. He could do worse than inheriting a Steve Bruce side, yet it's still a massive ask to improve upon 11th-place. The much-improved Titus Bramble and co. will continue to work their socks off under Martinez, but with the club's one true touch of class - Antonio Valencia - having moved on, much of the pressure will be on the shoulders of hotly-tipped Lee Cattermole.


Coach: Mick McCarthy
Star player: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
Youngster to watch: Sam Vokes
Top signing: Nenad Milijas
Objective: Survival

Mick McCarthy, whose last stint in the division with Sunderland was something of a disaster, has taken Wolves back to the Premier League as champions. This time, both club and gaffer will feel that they have much to prove. The main concern is a virtual abundance of experience. The likes of Michael Kightly and the prolific Ebanks-Blake will relish a shot at the big guns, but Wolves struggled at times last season and are unlikely to get many second chances here. Derbies with Villa and Birmingham should get them riled up, at the very least.

[JulianBere]

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - Friendly #1


Spurs 2-4 Manchester United - Friendly #1
Friendly #2, #3, #4 - Roundup


Ryan vs Steve - The 6+5 Rule


Mario Bolatti - Spurs next Midfield Maestro
Di Maria & Bassong - Unveiling.

[CFC | Koop]

first post! looks like i have some very worthy competition, nice graphic, but why hotspurs with an s?


and btw, did you make those facepacks yourself?

[JulianBere]

Originally Posted by koopIfooty

first post! looks like i have some very worthy competition, nice graphic, but why hotspurs with an s?


and btw, did you make those facepacks yourself?

I know it's Tottenham Hotspur but it's like, when you say it you say Hotspurs, so I don't know, I guess I felt like putting it with an s?

And no, I got those facepacks of the internet.

[digitalchaos00]

dos santos

[JulianBere]

Dos Santos what?

And when I finish the midfielders part, you'll have the added picture of yes, Giovani Dos Santos and Danny Rose.

[CFC | Koop]

Originally Posted by JulianBere

I know it's Tottenham Hotspur but it's like, when you say it you say Hotspurs, so I don't know, I guess I felt like putting it with an s?

And no, I got those facepacks of the internet.

tottenham hotspurs. that is so weird

[JulianBere]

For me it's weird when I say Tottenham Hotspur.

I just need an S at the end.

Anyways I finished players

[CFC | Koop]

it's the opposite for me.

[JulianBere]

Ahaha, well whatever.

Since it is technically incorrect for me to put it under Hotspurs (even though it sounds right), I have asked Adroit to change the name.


I finished Managerial INFO~

[RIC0]

Nice Start and some good Info,

Good Luck!

[JulianBere]

Hey, thanks

[GK01]

Good Luck with the best team in the world

Best start in 49 years

[FC Shorty]

Good luck Make sure you finish above the ars.e

[JulianBere]

Thanks GK01.


For those wondering, the history was an essay I did for my english teacher.

Like all kids, I borrowed part of it from the internet, wink wink. Haha.

[FC Shorty]

Originally Posted by JulianBere

Thanks GK01.


For those wondering, the history was an essay I did for my english teacher.

Like all kids, I borrowed part of it from the internet, wink wink. Haha.

You got to do an essay about football