The atmosphere and feeling amongst Spurs’ fans before and after Sunday’s Carling Cup Final could not have been in more contrast to last year’s corresponding fixture. The opposition were different - the bite and history of a heated rivalry conspicuous in its absence – but the trophy was the same. So, why the lack of enthusiasm and subsequent disappointment?
Of course, fans of the North London club wanted to win. A trophy is a trophy and to retain one is always satisfying, as is overcoming more illustrious and successful opponents. The fans, as always, were fantastic. However, compared to last year there was a noticeable lack of zeal.
Superficially, the situation at the club is very similar to that of last season. A poor start to the season, a sacked manager and a new appointment who has stirred a revival of sorts. Despite these similarities, the wider context reveals a clear difference in attitude and atmosphere at the club. Last year, there was a feeling that the side were on the up: a manager with a fantastic track record taking over a side that, in the two previous seasons, had enjoyed relative success. A squad of very good players, strengthened in the January transfer window, the annihilation of the old enemy and a team who looked fit, confident and full of quality. It felt like Tottenham deserved to be in the final and had every right to win it.
The reality of that optimism did not quite turn out as expected and this season the feeling is slightly different. The club has been on a stuttering downward course over the last year, recovered slightly with a new appointment, but with little improvement in performances and even less quality. The Carling Cup campaign itself was unconvincing and the final was against a side fielding a weakened team. The distance that Spurs have slipped was palpable, a reminder of what was and the course that the club have been on.
Perhaps winning last season dampened the enthusiasm somewhat and any excitement for UEFA cup qualification is understandably lacking after the disdain shown for it by the club this season. However, the apathetic reaction to defeat reveals the diminishment of ambition at the club.
It’s not all doom and gloom for Spurs: the performance was encouraging if not spectacular and the side was missing several key signings who will surely strengthen the side in their league endeavours.
For now Spurs need to consolidate their league position and ensure survival. For the future, Harry Redknapp needs to get that feeling back, the feeling that we have the right to challenge at the very top of the game.
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