The Strutting Cockerel - Here We Go Again

July 2024

So here we go, headlong into the 2024-25 season fresh from the disappointment of a less than flattering England display at the Euros. From all accounts Big Ange took ITV by storm with his 'no nonsense' punditry and straight down the line analysis! Attributes we're becoming accustomed to as Spurs fans.

OK, so lets start with a precis of what's happened with our squad over the northern summer. Lucas Bergvall is now on board and along with Archie Gray makes up the exciting new signings (so far) plus a youthful looking midfield. Last season's loanees are back in-town, so to speak - some missing the pre-season tour to Japan/Korea in favour of finding new clubs - players like Reguilon and Gil. Latest news is that PEH is off - on loan to Marseille for a season - l'OM have an option to buy him at the end of that term. Somehow I don't think we'll be seeing him in a Spurs Shirt back at the TH Stadium. PE has been a decent servant - he gave us a bit of Oooomph, but unfortunately his Denmark form wasn't replicated enough for Ange last term and he got caught ball napping or losing the ball just once too often for the standard we needed him to be at. Always showed up, so power to you Mr Hojbjerg - and good luck.

One point becoming apparent - is Ange's desire to have a good look at the Academy youngsters. Who'd be so naive as to overlook the U21 squad when they won the previous season's Prem 2 League? We must be doing something right so lets give these lads a fair crack! All the talk (in certain circles) has been about Mikey Moore. Lets hope he doesn't do another Troy Parrott and disappear into the wild blue yonder after such a promising start. Is it me or does it feel like Dane Scarlett has been on the verge of 'breaking through' for the past 2-3 seasons - and not really laying down a marker? - he's one that needs to be given a decent run (or shipped out) - personally I'm not sure which way he's heading . The kid Lankshear also looks to be a baller too. With Pape Sarr plus the two newbies, we're only really missing that one play-maker that can spark things off before we could almost field an U23 side.

To our 2 Argentines - congratulations for winning the Copa America. Cuti has been one of my favourites for some time and I really do hope he's back all guns blazing in a few weeks. The control of his natural defensive aggression, part way through last season, was great to see. Lo Celso - well there's definitely a player there - I'm just not sure his style of play is suited to the EPL - plus his almost Anderton-esque propensity of an injury hasn't done him any favours....I'm betting he and Gil will be gone soon......along with Reggie - who promised so much at times....but again, could not do a job......One more for the bum's rush will be Emerson. Wearing his shorts half way down his arse makes him a candidate for the nudge..... I mean, at times its like watching Laurel & Hardy with him and Biss following suit....Again, nothing too much against Mr Royal, I just think we're due an upgrade...

Righto, so to the elephant in the room - who are we going to sign as our No.1 striker?

Reports associating Ange with a preference for Dom Solanke are gaining momentum. Then there's Ivan Toney - why has no one already picked him up??? Personally, if we were were really serious about taking a pop at the title, I'd stake a claim over Isak. And what about Gimenez or David - whats the thinking with these two? Social media and paper-talk drives you bonkers this time of year. Most of it is complete and utter fabrication, wishful thinking or just darn right BS. We're associated with everyone and sign none of them! But then (and not as our No.1 striker) I'd love to see Eze at our club - watching him last term reminded me of why we love football - he glides over the surface of a pitch, drops a shoulder here and there and makes decent defenders look like cartoon characters..He'd be a Yes from me!

There's no point second guessing who will be at N17 and who will move on before the season starts. Suffice to say Spurs recruitment under Johan Lange has been a noticeable improvement. Lets hope the kids get a fair crack of the whip, we get the best out of the established squad on tour and have a meaningful attack - firing on all six and ready for Leicester.

Richard

COYS!!