Matt Hughes responds: Is it Spurs’ year?

In this week's debate, Matt Hughes suggested Juande Ramos (right), the Tottenham manager, will have no place to hide this season after being given generous transfer funds and clearing out all traces of previous incumbent, Martin Jol, at White Hart Lane. Reader replies were an understandable mix of bright optimism and forehead-slapping incredulity.

Spurs have a long way to go. Some players I suspect are mid/upper-table quality such as Gomez, Woodgate, King, Bentley - even this wonderkid Giovanni has a lot of settling in to do.

With an inferior manager in Mark Hughes, Man City could also suffer, so in my eyes the best hope of cracking the big four goes to Everton and Aston Villa, who on paper have an excellent starting 11, but desperately need to strengthen in depth. These two clubs will need a lot of luck with results and injuries if they have any hope. - Sharpe

MH: Everton, are you sure? I may have missed something, but as far as I’m aware Everton have not added a single player to a squad that suffered when hit with injuries last season, have just lost their chief executive, Keith Wyness, through resignation and are struggling to finance their move to a new stadium, hardly ideal conditions from which to mount a challenge to the big four. David Moyes is an outstanding manager who should go on to experience more than the single Champions League tie he has managed in to date, but he cannot work miracles.

Not top four for another couple of seasons at least. Our best chance is to try and create a top five. A fifth place finish this season would be good, and with some good signings we should aim to do it comfortably. Unless the big four get particularly weak we won't be able to break into the top four, just simply shadow them for a bit with hopefully two wins in the eight games against them that we will play this season. That will be a good season for the team, Ramos and the fans. - CE

MH: Completely agree CE, consistency has to be Ramos’ aim for this year after the disappointing end to last season when his players’ took their foot off the gas. Given the strength of the top four, finishing fifth would represent significant progress.

In three seasons: one cup, two fifth-place finishes (let's not mention food poisoning), three semi-finals and five quarter-finals and some of the most exciting football along the way. Not bad form at all if you ask me. Spurs have momentum, money and a brilliant manager. This squad has the most potential in the Premier League. And I underline potential. - Vinny Maddage

MH: Spurs have had talented squads before and achieved relatively little. Let’s see if Ramos can break the cycle, as he wasn’t poached from Seville at vast expense just to win the Carling Cup.

If Levy judges Ramos on one season (and yes, this is his first real season in charge), bar some massive disaster, he is a fool. This is another laughable attempt to create a big drama out of nothing - 6th place next season and strong showings in the cups will satisfy most real Spurs fans, 4th will be the target, but we know the gulf to the top four is huge and 5th would be a very good finish. And of the top four I believe Liverpool are our most realistic target, not Arsenal.

When Jol was given the boot, the majority of the Spurs fans that you would so love to paint as fickle were fully behind their manager. It is my opinion however, that Ramos has already proven to be a step up and every one of our summer signings so far has identified him as a major factor in their decision to join Spurs - so much for his questionable reputation. You are supposed to be an intelligent football commentator Matt, you are surely not so naive as to think the only reason for Seville's success was Monchi's signings! If ever there was an example of a team that is more than the sum of its parts it was Seville under Juande Ramos!

Once again of course, the media will hype and hype Spurs and claim that only a top four finish will satisfy the fans and chairman, ready to make a huge song and dance about it if things don't meet those unrealistic expectations. And of course our big spending will be used as ammo again, despite the fact we spent big last season and still made an operating profit and made good money on the players we have sold on this summer. - Rich

MH: You said it Rich! If ever there were a club that sprang to hasty decisions then it’s Spurs. Levy and the Board effectively judged Jol on just two matches last season – after giving him significant funds to spend in the summer transfer window I hasten to add – beginning the process of recruiting Ramos after defeats to Sunderland and Everton before he was finally sacked in November. And it’s hardly an isolated case, as both Hoddle and Santini before him failed to survive the autumn. Ramos will undoubtedly be given more time, but if he doesn’t challenge for a European place via the Premier League questions will be asked next summer.

Spurs fans chuckle embarrassingly at the outspoken optimism of fellow fans which then, sure enough, turns whingy and rancorous in search of scapegoats, when all along it was their own unrealistic hopes that were the problem.

Ten games into last season, Liverpool and Arsenal were running away with it. Spurs were in the relegation zone. Two days before the Carling Cup Final in February, Petr Cech and Avram Grant said Chelsea were on for 'the quadruple'. By the time the season had finished, Manchester United had won the EPL and CL, each at the last gasp, and after a competition that shocked all bigheads, Portsmouth beat Cardiff City in the Final of the FA Cup.

Football fans, presume little and accept that other clubs exist. - Peter

MH: Quite right Peter, inflated expectations of both the fans and the Board could be said to be at the heart of Tottenham’s problems in recent years.

Tottenham's summer spending spree can be likened to Manchester City's last year. In my mind their season could well follow a similar path, especially as they still lack a real ball winner. Early season promise that will fall away when the going gets tough. As for Arsenal, the sky is the limit. Cesc, Clichy, Sagna, Toure, Adebayor, Almunia and some of the fringe players will have benefited a lot from last season's experience and will be eager to improve. Arsenal will achieve greater consistency than Spurs, for this year at least. One other thing worth remembering is that Arsene has always been very active on transfer deadline day, this year will be no different. 15 points +. - Sam 

MH: Arsenal finished a staggering 37 points ahead of Tottenham last season – a gulf that even Spurs’ Carling Cup demolition of their rivals’ reserves cannot disguise – so it’s perhaps unrealistic to expect Ramos’ side to overhaul them. If Spurs can close the gap to something like the eight and two points managed by Jol in his last two season’s then they can be pleased with themselves.

If we get a decent central defender in as cover to Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate and sort out our back up goalkeeper we will have a decent defence. We have depth and quality in midfield now. Up front Bent is on fire so is reserve striker Pekhart, so maybe adding another more established striker and we have a decent attack. I would target a top four finish as possible , if we fill in the gaps, but more realistically a top six place this season. - Phil 

MH: Top six is a realistic aim. And given their injury records you probably need two centre-backs to cover for King and Woodgate.

Here comes another biased comment. I think Spurs can finish top three. I I've no idea who will fall back from the big four. Chelsea if anyone; they're the ones with a new manager used to international management. With Corluka arriving as further defensive cover I see no reason why we can't finally have a decent run in the league. - Josh, Spurs fan

MH: If Spurs finish above Chelsea – strongest squad in the Premier League, managed by a World Cup winner and the genius that is Deco geared up for a swansong – then I will happily resign. But it would be amusing to watch…

Spurs to finish in the top three? I've heard it all now. Mind you it is less than two weeks now till they lose at MIddlesbrough and then follow that up with a draw at home to Sunderland to burst their balloon. You would have thought they would have earnt their lesson by now, but obviously not.

Spurs will finish between 7th and 9th, will have a couple of decent cup runs and may pull off one of the domestics, and that is it. Their defence is poor, their midfield has no substance and while they will play with lots of flair and get involved in some high-scoring thrillers they are nowhere near good enough to give the top boys a decent run.

Man City and Villa will finish above them, they may overtake Everton, but Portsmouth could finish above them as well. That is the real world for Tottenham fans whether they want to accept it now or collect a few harsh beatings first to let the message sink in. - DR

MH: Given the uncertainty surrounding Thaksin Shinawatra’s financial position Man City’s dramatic improvement last season is by no means certain to continue. Villa could be a better bet to finish fifth, particularly if the hold on to Gareth Barry.

A chain is as strong as its weakest link and Spurs weak link has always been the defence. If (or more likely when) King and Woodgate get injured, I'm afraid that Dawson and whoever could struggle. A decent young centre back is an urgent requirement before we can really become too optimistic. I think it all depends upon how injury free those two can remain next season. - Mike

MH: Quite right Mike, unfortunately for Spurs’ their defensive foundations are built on sand.

Lots of wheeling and dealing has been done but lots more is required. For Spurs to compete for the top four we need to lose players like Lee, Stalteri, Rocha, Zakora and Boateng and bring in a left midfielder (Downing?), a midfield enforcer (Diarra?), a top quality centre-half and two strikers. Berbatov is gone, in spirit if not in body and cannot be relied upon to perform. Cash from the sales should be able to fund some quality buys. We can then spend the season bedding in and hope for a European challenge, a few wins against the big boys and a cup win. - Simon Green

MH: Diarra has the potential to develop into a genuinely world class midfield player and, what’s more, he seems to know it. Given his attitude to loyalty he’ll probably be ready to leave Portsmouth by January and would make an excellent signing for Spurs.

I am a Spurs fan who is sick of this obsession with the Champions League. I would rather see us play good quality football, win a trophy and make better progress in the league. I would rather win the Uefa Cup than finish 4th, unless finishing 4th meant the Gooners finished 5th! - Simon

MH: Ah, an old fashioned romantic. You’re preferences are refreshing Simon, but unfortunately everyone at the club disagrees. For financial reasons alone the Champions League is God these days.

I'm mystified as to why everyone is assuming that Ramos won't be fired by Christmas for failing to win the League, Champions League, World Cup, and Euro-Lotto jackpot. Then Spurs can replace him with Slaven Bilic, or whoever the currently trendy manager is.

On the plus side for Spurs, there aren't many more overrated managers than Ramos, so any change is likely to be an improvement this time around, instead of a step down, as it was when replacing Jol with Ramos.

When you look at the players and managers that Tottenham sign, you have to wonder if the club don't consider it to be more important to be able to dream that they have world-class employees than to get the best people they can? Would they rather have people they can overrate than someone a little better, with a worse reputation? - Josh

MH: Spurs have an unerring ability to cock this up for themselves so nothing can be ruled out. But Ramos will surely last the season, won’t he?

With the wholesale changes at Spurs this year, I think that Ramos is going to have a problem in just deciding who is going to be on his first choice team. After that, he's going to have to hope that his first choices can play together in a cohesive unit.

No top four this year, but with some judicious tweaking, and a couple of key additions, maybe the following season. - Barrie Collins

MH: Ramos effectively lost the Spanish League with Sevilla 18 months ago because his small squad was incapable of sustaining a challenge on three fronts. He appears to have learnt from that by getting lots of numbers in so expect plenty of Rafa Benitez-style rotation this season.

Comments

[Everton Carter]

Ah Everton written off again I see.

Cool then we can go about our business of staying the best team outside the "big 4" whilst adding 3 or 4 victories against "big 4" teams too.

I mean Spurs were 19 points behind us last season.

It's also worth noting that we have yet to add to our squad and it was a lack of numbers that stopped us getting over 70 points last season. We will be adding to the squad, and the additions will be quality ones.

[reuben anderson]

Yes, spurs' problem is defence. Ramos' style (at least, with Sevilla) is to for the team to defend high and hard, from the front (Berbatov doesn't really fit). Last season though we were undone by mental lapses, poor fitness, a lack of balance on the left, injuries to key players, and poor quality in defensive replacements.

Yes; last season we had the second best attack in the league (after Man U).. but a terrible defensive record. Talk of 4th spot is utterly ridiculous until this problem is resolved. Jenas, Zokora and Huddlestone can all do the holding midfield job, as could Tainio and Malbranque previously - but just not consistently enough.

The fans get excited about the potential of the attacking talent, but that's less than half the game of football.

As for the rest, both Everton and Villa have fantastic first 11, but desperately need some more players, City should do better with a bit of luck and Portsmouth should be very strong again.

Arsenal? ... I just can't see them filling that Flamini shaped hole for a while.

[phild26]

for sure, Spurs need a ball-winner...maybe Huddlestone will suddenly become quick?.
I have a horrible feeling, they will be good to watch, but lose often,
You know, a bit like when Ardiles was in 'charge'

[Diago]

Jol was doing a great Job 2 seasons 5th,Levy wants to sell.
Why else let Keane (Don't really believe he wnted to leave) go and Berb unhappy, this season I will be surprised if Ramos lasts till xmas, but we have on paper good fixtures for the first half of the season,it will be interesting to see but I am not as optimistic as last season.
Don't forget Spur's fans its all money now and to make Spurs an attractive package to sell.
Fingers crossed

[Gloria]

I cant see much difference in the quality of spurs squad and the top four except for their defensive cover. Hutton Woodgate and King are all liable to spend more time injured than playing and the new keeper is a bit like David James either brilliant or errant. We should all be excited about the coming season as there will be greater competition. Utd might miss Quiroz. Chelsea are going to win league and fa cup

[Peter]

I am an Arsenal fan, and I honestly believe Spurs has made the best signings this summer, I would think the Croatian is a great player, the Brazil keeper is much better than Englands no 1 (most keepers in PL are...), Bentley is of course a great player, he's been trained by the greatest manager of them all! (by the way, thanks spurs for the 40% of your Keane cash...), the signing I doubt is the Mexican, Barca would never sell a youngster if they believed he had a great future, they must have rated him as maybe the 6-7:th choice in their line of attack, so he might be promising, but then again Spurs thought Routledge was a great talent… .

So, does this mean that this is Spurs year? Most likely no. They conceded around 50 goals last year; will a new goalie change that? Nah, partly maybe, but not that much, maybe 10 goals less conceded. But the biggest problem is the attack. Keane and Berba has been one of the greatest attack combinations in PL the last 2 seasons, 50-60 goals in all competitions between them, and now the combo is broken. Berba, already extremely fed up with playing UEFA cup games against low profile Scandinavian and eastern European teams in a freezing mid November evening far away from the big stage, wants to leave and seems to lost the little determination he had, and Keane joined the club he really loves (all this “I am the captain and kiss the badge as often as possible” thing was just theater, apparently he always loved Liverpool), so who will score the 50-60 goals? The Mexican? The Croatian? Bent? Bentley? Lets get the facts; Bent lost all his confidence last year, yes he scores in pre season, but Arsenal has 16 year olds scoring in pre-season, doesn’t mean they will get 20 goals in PL. The Mexican has never played PL football and was a fringe player in Barca. The Croatian scored 13 goals in the Croatian League; if he gets 5 in his 1st year in PL he will have done well. Bentley had an amazing season last year and still scored 6 goals…

I can imagine Berba on pure talent and the will to show big clubs he is worth buying will score 20-25, but I can’t see Spurs score as much as last year, (not even if they buy Arshavin, PL normally takes time to get adjusted to) and so the conclusion is they bought good players but because they had to sell some as well it’s pretty much status quo, maybe 7-6:th place, but realistically not more.

Best advice; try to get the Mickey Mouse cup again, we might meet you there with our youth team!

/Fly Emirates

[Glyn Ward]

David you started so we in highlighting the Dawson is not the problem in defence when King and Woody are injured, it is who is next to him. But then you go an throw it all away by calling Jenas, Zokaora and Huddlestone weak links. I think you need to watch some matches rather than the Man Utd advert that is MOTD. Check the stats, we win more matches when Jenas is on the pitch. Zakora's only real fault is occasional rash tackles but those are getting less and less. Thud has improved steadily for the last 2 seasons and has just signed a new contract so clearly Ramos does not see him as a weak link.

[will]

if ramos can tighten up the defense i dont see why tottenham cant push liverpool extremely close.

gomes
hutton
bale
king
woodgate
jenas
huddlestone
modric
dos santos
bent/berbatov
bentley

that is an extremely strong first XI

reina
arbeloa
insua
carragher
agger
pennant
gerrard
mascherano
barry
keane
torres

those 2 elevens look pretty even to me, then with arshavin(wherever he will fit in) and corluka to back up sick bay, i seriously think tottenham should not be scared of any of the top 4 and liverpool should probably be desperate to win the championsleague cos theres no gurantee they'll make it via the league

[PH]

The premier league has to improve on last season and I would love to see the top four challenged this year, spurs have a great chance in doing so with the quality signings they have already made added to an already great squad, but as a villa fan id have to say we stand a better chance than any of the chasing teams. Martin oneils ability to make even the average players play better with the smallest squad in the league resulted in the villa finishing 6th last season, like spurs are defence was a constant issue but with the likes of shorey, young and friedel added, okay no world beaters, im sure we'll improve on last season.

[Sharpe]

Read what I said again Matt Hughes because I think we agree. If Everton can keep relatively injury free and get a bit of luck I think they have a better shot at the big 4 than Spurs do.

Throw in a cheeky Moutinho and 1 or 2 others and my point stands.

[Josh]

"MH: Everton, are you sure? I may have missed something, but as far as I’m aware Everton have not added a single player to a squad that suffered when hit with injuries last season, have just lost their chief executive, Keith Wyness, through resignation and are struggling to finance their move to a new stadium, hardly ideal conditions from which to mount a challenge to the big four. "

Well, it worked for Arsenal...

[dan]

People who think everton will be worse this season are wrong. we have some kids coming through which are going to be class, and spurs still dont have a defence despite woody and king. How many games have they played between them in the last 2 years? less than the villa and everton centre halves- who will come 5 and 6th again.

the top 8 will be great this year, i think we should all get behind the chasing pack and get rid of this top 4 monopoly (it needs to reflect quality of football and not how much cash a club has).

[byjkt]

The BOD tapped up Ramos, have given him, till recently, the highest salary, all with one aim; to get into CL ! Boost clubs value to sell on at a profit. Ramos has said 'break the bank' to bring in players if that's the target. Quality in depth, a top notch fitness regime, tactical nous ... oh and a bit of luck here n there !

[WM]

I dont think we can speculate about our prosprcts until we find out two things, can leggless Ledders play week in week out and whether there is a quality striker to replace Berbatov. As to our squad we've actually got cover for nearly every position apart from the center back and striker role....So let's wait and see what we get in that department...what is encouraging though is the style and shape of our play in pre season, we are actually keeping possesion and playing a much more patient game. One worry though will be a lack of explosive pace from midfield, but the guile and vision we have in that department should see us challenging for the 4th spot I predict we'll be unbeaten until Oct.
It could be 10 draws, but we'll be unbeaten.

[David Alvey]

Dawson gets a lot of unfair criticism. When Spurs were a whisker away from the Champion's League he was amazing. Real Spurs fans that actually watch our games, and not just MOTD highlights, know that he is great. Our central midfield is often a gaping hole, and that's highlighted by awful full backs, most notably the dreadful and overrated Chimbonda. These combine to horribly expose our centre halves. A ball winning central midfielder is an absolute must. Jenas, Zokora and Huddlestone are the weak links.