The Academy, NextGen, U18 & U21 Premier League and On-Loan Thread

[Danishfurniturelover]

i watched the final and it was a tight game, ajax were slightly the better team but inter are a big strong side.
yes it was great to beat inter 7-1 but in the return leg they should have beat us 7-1, but overall we done well and played the champions twice and didnt lose so its a shame we didnt progress, next year the competition is expanding with teams like utd, chelsea, arsenal, madrid entering

The test will be whether any of these players come through to the first team or whether it just proves englethorpe is a good coach. I kind of miss when we were going round the world entering youth tournaments here there and everywhere. I understand the players going out on loan to get more experince but i would have thought that we could start that again with the current lot to give them more experince playing against players with different styles.

Used to be a competition we entered every year in switzerland but i do not think i have seen us in it for a couple of seasons.

 

[zin]

Oscar Jansson's blog created:

http://www.glory-glory.co.uk/entry.php?2404-Oscar-Jansson-2011-12-Bradford-City-Shamrock-Rovers

 

[Gazza Dazzla]

I'm not sure to be honest, there's nothing official yet but Yeovil did sign a 7th player on loan on the same day and you're only allowed 5 in the match day squad, maybe they needed bodies in another position so Parrett loses out.

Hey Zin, just coming back to what we discussed in another thread about Parrett. I think he should be bossing it at the level of Yeovil, maybe it's unfair to compare the 2, but like Caulker was when he was 18 at this level and then pretty much each loan he's had. Like I say that could be unfair as it seems Caulker is a special talent. Maybe Livermore would be a better comparison, it seemed he never set the world alight on his loans but played pretty regularly at Championship level, this is what I would expect from the Parrett's / Bostock's and Carroll's as well. It appears they all seem to struggle at that level and in Parrett's case the league below?

 

[yiddo2786]

Brilliant stuff

 

[zin]

Hey Zin, just coming back to what we discussed in another thread about Parrett. I think he should be bossing it at the level of Yeovil, maybe it's unfair to compare the 2, but like Caulker was when he was 18 at this level and then pretty much each loan he's had. Like I say that could be unfair as it seems Caulker is a special talent. Maybe Livermore would be a better comparison, it seemed he never set the world alight on his loans but played pretty regularly at Championship level, this is what I would expect from the Parrett's / Bostock's and Carroll's as well. It appears they all seem to struggle at that level and in Parrett's case the league below?

I think with Parrett only turning 20 a few months ago he has a couple more years to break through. He's not performed badly but he's not set the world alight either so far. Expectations are high due to him having a transfer fee, Jake Livermore was afforded more time as he was not bought so expectations were lower and he has only broken through now, being almost exactly 2 years older than Parrett. I can't really comment much on Livermore as I'm only aware his Derby loan was a disaster but that was only one of six. The other five may have been a lot better. Once I get round to doing a blog on Parrett I think his pros and cons will be more clear, they are certainly more clear to me with Jansson now to form an opinion of whether he will break through at Spurs (I don't believe he will).

 

[zin]

BUTTON HOPES FOR SPURS FUTURE

David Button admits he is facing a "big summer", but the goalkeeper remains hopeful that he has a long-term future at Tottenham.

The 23-year-old has made just one substitute's appearance during his Tottenham career and has taken in numerous loan spells to gain experience.

He is currently on loan at Championship side Barnsley and believes he is steadily getting closer to being in a position to challenge for a first-team spot at White Hart Lane.

"It's a big summer for me," said Button. "With a year left on my contract, I need to make some decisions.

"If Spurs still have plans for me, I'll be delighted to stay, but if not, I'll have to look elsewhere.

"I've known myself over the last couple of years that I haven't been ready to play in the Tottenham first team, but I feel I'm gradually getting there.

"Brad (Friedel) and Carlo (Cudicini) have next year on their contract, but they are getting older, so there will be an opportunity there for somebody in the next year or so."

Button has made two appearances since arriving at Barnsley and is enjoying the chance to work with Keith Hill again after a previous loan spell under the Tykes boss at Rochdale.

He added: "I've worked with all the staff here before. They're probably the best I've worked with.

"Keith Hill is great. He knows how to man-manage the players. He's a great motivator.

"He loves football and can talk tactics all day long. I'm not lying when I say he's one of the best managers I've worked under."

Seems to suggest that Cudicini has had his contract extended for another year.

 

[DanishWhite]

I didn't rate Livermore from what little I saw of him. Before this season.

To me it looks as if he's lost a few pounds of fat and muscle all round being in fact quicker and more agile compared to when he was younger and on loan e.g. at DCFC. Is that true or my memory playing tricks ?

Great to be proven wrong on someone like him. He is cool on the pitch, very strong, counts as a homegrown and looks like he enjoys football, not anything much bad to say at all.

 

[Spaceman]

i thought he looked slim and trim a few months back but fudge me, on sat he was a brickhouse

 

[zin]

73' Save (Catch) 66' Save (Catch) 59' Save (Catch) 47' Save (Catch) 35' Save (Catch) 14' Save (Catch)

DAVID BUTTON (Barnsley) 24.03.2012 vs Peterborough Unuted (H) 1-0 (W) Championship (Round 39) First clean sheet in his second game for the club and home league debut. Is already getting positive reviews from the fans, especially for his kicking. In an interview he has stated how he hope Spurs keep him on and with Friedel and Cudicini seemingly only having one more year left in them he feels he has a chance to break into the first team squad. Tomlin's dipping effort forced a strong save from David Button. Button denied Little as he got a shot away from inside the area. Goalkeeper David Button came off his line to punch a number of balls clear but was rarely tested on his goalline. Whats Buttons kicking like, ...fantastic. Button was on his game in goal. Button 6 (Had nowt to do thats why) Button looked more than solid, great kicking. Credit to David Button, had a decent home debut. Liked to punch the ball a bit too often, but you can't take anything away from him when he's kept a clean sheet, did his job. Not knocking Steele here but does anyone else think Button looks V.V.Good. Button is very good especially when he kicks the ball it goes where he kicks it and not out of touch like steele. SOME good kicks but still alot straight into the left touchline,but looks a good prospect. Button's kicking for MOST of the game wa fine ,but sometimes it was like steels. he wont afraid to go for the ball,still can,t decide. Didnt really get tested today, three Steele like goal kicks to Steeles 2 per game but his pass back hoofs were spot on every time. He only made one save, didn't he? I think he spent most of his time doing stretching exercises against the post, altho' I must admit, they were impressive exercises. His long kicks give the opposition defence real problems with us playing two up front. Button is a Spurs player who's helping us out.,he looks strong on crosses and has a great kick but we ain't seen enough of him yet. Having seen a deal more than you regarding Button, hes a fantastic keeper, not prone to any Steele calamitys or Ikeme for that matter. Like the look of him - Three experienced keepers in front of him at spurs - worth a cheeky bid? David Button admits he is facing a "big summer", but the goalkeeper remains hopeful that he has a long-term future at Tottenham. "It's a big summer for me," said Button. "With a year left on my contract, I need to make some decisions. If Spurs still have plans for me, I'll be delighted to stay, but if not, I'll have to look elsewhere. I've known myself over the last couple of years that I haven't been ready to play in the Tottenham first team, but I feel I'm gradually getting there. Brad (Friedel) and Carlo (Cudicini) have next year on their contract, but they are getting older, so there will be an opportunity there for somebody in the next year or so."

JORDAN ARCHER (Bishop's Stortford) 24.03.2012 vs Halifax Town (H) 1-3 (L) Conference North (Round 34) Struggled with injury throughout this game, resulting in a poor performance. Conceded two early goals today as Blues keeper Jordan Archer struggled with a knee injury. Either they played on the injury that Jordan Archer clearly had or were just clinical in the opening foray. Stortford only had teenage Academy keeper Matt Gill on the bench, so on-loan Spurs keeper Archer soldiered on even though he was clearly unfit. Archer was clearly struggling at this stage and Blues readied Academy keeper Matt Gill, but the Spurs man waved the substitution away. Jordan Archer had picked up a knee injury the day before in training with Spurs and was clearly in some discomfort and Phil Anderson was taking the goal-kicks for him. Too many Blues players were playing back passes to Archer and this was exacerbating the problem as he was having to kick away the danger while Halifax smelt blood. The keeper had a problem which caused indicision at the back, usually he would have come for at least the second one rather than watching it fly across the box. Jordon was clearly struggling, at no fault with first goal but could possibly have done better with second if fit.

OSCAR JANSSON (Shamrock Rovers) 23.03.2012 vs Shelbourne (H) 4-0 (W) League of Ireland (Round 4) Played his tenth game of the season, kept his fourth clean sheet and first in five games as well as his first in the league. Jansson was quick off his line to claim a through ball. The visitors had a great chance to grab a goal when the ball broke kindly for Paddy Kavanagh and he found himself one on one with Jansson but the Hoops Swedish 'keeper spread himself and blocked the ex-Hoops shot. Kavanagh then whipped in a great free-kick that was deflected on goal and Jansson again reacted quickly to snuff out the danger. Much better from Oscar tonight, looked like a proper keeper after being shaky in the first three league games. Good solid performance from Oscar tonight, pulled off two good saves and got his first clean sheet in the league tonight. Full backing is now restored. Oskar is getting more confident but on the whole a bit too fond of fisting.

Not In Squad

MIRKO RANIERI (Viareggio) 25.03.2012 vs Sorrento (A) 0-3 (L) Lega Pro Prima Divisione (Round 28) Six games out of the squad and counting.

90' Corner Conceded 49' Assist (Shot Blocked) 45' Subbed On

KYLE NAUGHTON (Norwich) 24.03.2012 vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) 2-1 (W) Premier League (Round 30) Found himself on the bench for the first time since the first game of the season, but came on at half time and played in the right-back position. Norwich have been linked with ex-Spur Chris Gunter this week which suggests Naughton will not be with them next season. Kyle Naughton began the second period in place of Simon Lappin for the hosts. Jonas Gutierrez vacated his temporary left-back station to tease Kyle Naughton before whipping in a devilish cross. Naughton dropped a gorgeous pass inside Gutierrez for Bennett. Ba remained the preferred end game ÔÇô Naughton was both alert and brave to block the hitmanÔÇÖs volley. Naughton on the bench??? Sounds like Naughton has picked up a niggling injury and Drury is knackered, so Lappin is at left-back. Naughton - 6.5 - Rarely troubled in defence, he mixed some great passes with the odd poor one. We need to get Naughton's signature on the dotted line as soon as possible. It is an interesting one, the Naughton situation will be a tough one. No doubt he has come in and got better each and every game and clearly shone down the right side of our defence. If he isn't gonig to be here then whoever comes in has big boots to fill as Naughton, uptil now has not made a terrible mistake all season he has been pretty consistant and would be in my top three for player of the season, probably top 2. Gunter is not a bad RB/LB but he's no Kyle naughton. Would far rather we moved heaven and earth water to make naughton ours. Naughton is an absolute beast, no doubt about it, but Lambert will have contingencies.

Not In Squad

VEDRAN CORLUKA (Leverkusen) 24.03.2012 vs Schalke (A) 0-2 (L) Bundesliga (Round 27) Still out with a hamstring injury but cycling and running now. Sidney Sam (24) and Vedran Corluka (25, both muscle injuries) began running in rehab. When I identified him correctly, he has completed a unit on a bike on Tuesday - when crew training was. According to KStA Corluka will still be missing several weeks. Although I can not imagine any way that the journalist speculated with more factual knowledge than is done here in the forum. Was this just a hamstring with him? And he's gone almost a month? "Several weeks" means that it was a rip. Corluka is class. His injuries I have now found out that on the heel but not muscular in nature. Keep, if feasible. So, injuries to the heel are much more serious than a muscle injury. If he has really survived these problems and it runs really more well, we can keep him happy. According to BILD the Spurs want to have 6.5 million for him, and Voeller has said that it will be very difficult to keep Corluka here.

 

[zin]

90' Foul Suffered 69' Foul Suffered 36' Foul Committed

STEVEN CAULKER (Swansea City) 24.03.2012 vs Everton (H) 0-2 (L) Premier League (Round 30) A rare defeat for Swansea at home. The next game is against Spurs which he will not be able to play in. I thought Caulker was particularly poor in possession today. He was more often that not the spare man bringing it forward and far more often than not failed to pick a pass but turned around and played it backwards. I kept an eye on Moyes and, every time the ball went out of play, he was signalling his strikers to pick up Williams and Caulker and stop the easy ball for Vorm. Caulker, Williams and Britton had silly amounts of time on the ball. We had no problems playing it out from the back yesterday. Caulker had acres of room to bring it forward on numerous occasions. Caulker and Leon were our best players by some distance. I'd have Caulker over Kaboul and Gallas regardless of age. I think he has proved that he has made the grade at this level big time. If he doesn't get a place in the Spurs squad next season I will be very surprised and more then happy if we can hold onto him.

90' Assist (Shot Off Target) 60' Corner Conceded 36' Foul Suffered 3' Foul Committed

SEBASTIEN BASSONG (Wolves) 24.03.2012 vs Norwich City (A) 1-2 (L) Premier League (Round 30) Once more on the losing side and at fault for one of the goals. Holt, played onside by S?®bastien Bassong, ran on to Jackson's pass, lobbed the ball over the Wolves goalkeeeper, Wayne Hennessey, and nodded the bouncing ball into the empty goal. Sebastien Bassong's last-ditch challenge prevented Holt heading in his hat-trick goal in the 60th minute. Johnson did $$$$ all wrong for the goal, Bassong was at fault. Both at fault, but I think Bassong was the main culprit playing Holt onside. Bassong played two players on side. Bassong at fault, 10 meters behind the rest of defence playing the canary onside. Ive seen nothing from Bassong to warrant us signing him, he looks friggin usless at DEFENDING. He's incredibly comfortable in possession for one. Get Berra back in for Bassong. Bassong. I expected him to be a better defender coming from Spurs. He allowed Holt on side when he scored his first goal. 6 Bassong would be great but he will want to stay in the Prem. Even Bassong in central midfield would have done a better job!

88' Assist (Shot Saved) 84' Assist (Shot Saved) 83' Yellow Card (Bad Foul) 74' Assist (Shot Off Target) 61' Shot Off Target 56' Shot Off Target 34' Foul Suffered 32' Shot Blocked 1' Foul Suffered

STEVEN PIENAAR (Everton) 24.03.2012 vs Swansea City (A) 2-0 (W) Premier League (Round 30) First back to back games for Everton since the first two games he played in and peformed excellently with Leighton Baines on the left, especially in the second half, setting up up three goal scoring opportunities. Also picked up another booking. The likes of Steven Pienaar and Osman, peripheral figures up to that point, began to feature more prominently. Pienaar shot narrowly wide at the other end as the introduction of substitute Marouane Fellaini began to influence play after replacing Cahill. After Pienaar had curled an effort wide, the South African teed up Jelavic who fired horribly off target with just Vorm to beat. Vorm then made a fantastic scrambling save to deny substitute Denis Stracqualursi a third after more trickery from Pienaar. The South African was at the heart of all of Everton‘s good attacking play in the second half, and could have bagged himself a goal with a curling effort that clipped the post not long after Baines had put the Blues in front. “It’s great to have him back,” Baines said. “It was a massive boost for us when he did come back because we knew what a good player he was and we’d missed him since he left. It’s been unfortunate that he’s been cup tied and missed a few games like that but we’re just glad to have him for the games that we have got him for and he definitely makes a massive difference for us as a team." Anyone who has their doubts over Pienaar has to watch his performance against Swansea, he was class..... a priority signing for sure. He has his flaws but what player doesnt. Him and Baines on fire are unplayable, easily the best left sided combo in the league imo. We may have sold Pienaar for ?ú2m but if it costs ?ú5m to get him back, so what. Superb footballer. Would love the extra funds to get Pienaar on a permanent. Pienaar 8.

79' Cross (Saved) 69' Subbed On

ANDROS TOWNSEND (Birmingham City) 25.03.2012 vs Middlesbrough (H) 1-1 (D) Championship (Round 38) Dropped to the bench with Wade Elliot taking his place and came on in the 69th minute in place of striker Erik Huseklepp. Wade Elliott preferred ahead of Andros Townsend, who dropped to the bench.

Unused Sub

THOMAS CARROLL (Derby County) 24.03.2012 vs Crystal Palace (H) 3-2 (W) Championship (Round 39) On the bench for the fourth game in a row even though he had a good game for the reserves three days ago. Interesting that the recent turnaround in fortunes has coincided with Carroll and Ward not being in the midfield. Well Spurs rate Carroll very highly but I think he has not performed as well as Hendrick has for us. Carroll isn't costing us as I believe Spurs are still paying his wages.

Not In Squad

RYAN MASON (Millwall) 24.03.2012 vs Leeds United (H) 0-1 (L) Championship (Round 39) Once more not in the match day squad.

Not In Squad

YAGO FALQUE (Southampton) 24.03.2012 vs Doncaster Rovers (H) 2-0 (W) Championship (Round 39) Even after another good performance for the U-21s, he was nowhere to be seen for this match.

Not In Squad

DEAN PARRETT (Yeovil) 24.03.2012 vs Hartlepool United (H) 0-1 (L) League One (Round 39) Announced on his twitter the day before the game that he was returning to Spurs. The loan window closed two days ago so there is no opportunity for him to go out on loan elsewhere this season. Dean Parrett was left out ahead of his anticipated return to Tottenham Hotspur, replaced by Spurs colleague Jon Obika. Disappointed by that news. Rated him... Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has explained why he is looking to return midfielder Dean Parrett to White Hart Lane on Monday. The Tottenham Hotspur player is not included in this afternoon's line-up against Hartlepool United and has already stated on Twitter that he will leave the club after the weekend. Johnson has told BBC Somerset that it is the form of Ed Upson and Dominic Blizzard that is making him look forward to the 2012-13 season, and with League One safety now only a few points away, the Glovers boss wants to look at next season. Needing to drop two loan players for every match at present, and with Upson and Blizzard his preferred central pairing, Johnson explained it wouldn't be fair on Parrett to keep him sat in the stands: "Well of course you can't keep all seven (loans). With Dean Parrett, we're talking with him at the moment, and Tottenham, about going back to Tottenham. That's because what I want to start doing, is I want to start keeping a team together, if I can, that can go into battle for next season. Ed Upson, Dominic Blizzard, Gavin Williams and even Woodsy (Michael Woods) are all people that I want to fight for a place in our squad for next season. I think that Ed and Dominic have done very very well so far, and I want to keep them as the midfield two at the moment. It's not fair to have a Tottenham player who is not getting regular games. I don't mind having six (loans) because of injuries. We've got a small squad anyway, and if one of the loanees gets injured then at least I've got another to use."

 

[zin]

85' Freekick (Pass) 73' Foul Committed 72' Subbed On

JOHN BOSTOCK (Swindon Town) 25.03.2012 vs Chesterfield (N) 0-2 (L) Johnstone's Paint Trophy (Final) Signed for Swindon two days earlier and got to play twenty minutes in a Wembley final. Maybe Di Canio did see Bostock as one that could change the game on reputation or training efforts. Chairman Jeremy Wray has hailed the arrival of John Bostock from Tottenham and believes working under Paolo Di Canio could help the midfielder rediscover the form that once made him the most promising prospect in the country. “No-one doubts his talent,” Wray told the Advertiser. “I think some have questioned his attitude but he has had a lot thrown at him since being the most promising teenager in the country. “He is only 20 and if he is getting his head down and gets a good run of games under Paolo, then it would be really good for him.” Town had pursued Bostock earlier in the season, but the youngster felt then it was better to be playing at a higher level to help aid his career development. “He made the decision to go elsewhere because he looked then at the table and wanted to play at a higher level,” added Wray. “Now he recognises the quality of football Swindon play and it was quite obvious that where he went it was hoof ball that did not suit him. “He has seen that the way Swindon play means it is a better place for him to play his football and because of that it does not matter what league we are in.”

76' Foul Suffered 42' Shot Saved 9' Header Saved

HARRY KANE (Millwall) 24.03.2012 vs Leeds United (H) 0-1 (L) Championship (Round 39) Made his 20th appearance for the club but had a goal controversially ruled out as a penalty had been given moments earlier and was subsequently missed. Harry Kane and Henderson went closest for Millwall in a forgettable first half. Kane fired the loose ball into the net but Probert had already pointed to the spot, and Henderson's spot-kick was superbly turned away by Lonergan. The ref gave the pen after Kane had already scored following Keogh being taken down! Therefore, ironically, awarding the penalty was effectively giving the advantage back to Leeds. Absolute joke. Can someone please explain why the fudge Kane was playing on the left with Keogh on the right. What a fudging waste of space, how the fudge the yids rate him i'll never know! Yet KJ gives him 90 minutes when he did fudge all and we were losing? To be fair to him KJ is playing him on the fudging wing. He is slow and a big lump, hence why he's a target man. We had no width down the left today and that isn't Kane's fault. He scored wasn't his fault the ref had blown for a penalty. Kane very good striker, not winger him and keogh seem to done well together. Would like kane hendo keogh again next season with one other with pace. He's a very good young prospect IMO and I've seen him play well. I don't think singling out a young player (who is played in the wrong position) is gonna help matters. Not to mention the fact he has had some very good games for us so far. Kane has scored a few goals, usually when playing up front in a 4 4 2 formation. Playing on the wing or in a 4 4 3 formation he has struggled. Which is fair enough for an 18 year old. Kane, Keogh & Henderson all scored on Tuesday so it would have been tough for Jacket to drop one of them. Playing Kane wide was a complete waste.

63' Cross (Saved) 45' Shot Saved

JONATHAN OBIKA (Yeovil) 24.03.2012 vs Hartlepool United (H) 0-1 (L) League One (Round 39) Back in the First XI but could not help prevent Yeovil losing their second game on the trot. Ritchie Humphreys dragged a strong shot across goal before Obika fluffed his line when clean through at the other end. Williams knocked down for Obika but the attacker was soon dispossessed. Obika - Looked better as the game went on. I thought obika was as much use as a snow plough in summer and could not evan score in a brothel. Thought Obika put himself about well today and held the ball up well at times today. He was one of our better players. Yes he missed a couple of good chances, but the 1 in the first half was a great save by Flinders who was outstanding. Imo when Obika plays he gets the best out of Andy Williams. Obika clearly has the ability just needs to show it consistently/more often and have the confidence when in front of goal. Trouble is the fans of yeovil have to have a spacegoat and along with Jon Obika Sam is it at the moment.

Unused Sub

KUDUS OYENUGA (St Johnstone) 24.03.2012 vs Hearts (H) 2-1 (W) Scottish Premier League (Round 30) Warmed the bench once more.

86' Assist (Shot Hits Post) 85' Subbed On

SIMON DAWKINS (San Jose) 24.03.2012 vs Toronto FC (A) 3-0 (W) Major League Soccer (Round 3) Only got five minutes in this game but immediately almost assisted a fourth goal with Chris Wondolowski hitting the post. Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) hits the right post with a right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box. Assisted by Simon Dawkins with a cross. Wondolowski almost scored a hat-trick in the game, as he missed an opportunity late in the match following a moment of individual brilliance from second half substitute Simon Dawkins. The Englishman took a pass down the left wing toward the byline before shaking off a TFC defender with a beautiful stutter step move. His hard crossing pass was met at the far post by Wondolowski, but with only an open net in view, he deflected the ball off the goal post. Brilliant run from Dawkins. Honorable mention to Dawkins for his 1v1 dribbling & cross to Wondo in the 90 minute.

 

[elyid]

Interesting interview with Bostock...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17482201#asset

No sign of a bad attitude here, says he desperately wants to play football and will hopefully be able to at Swindon.
That next year is the last year of his Tottenham contract so wants to show what he can do between now and then.

 

[jimmyb]

Great stuff, as per usual, zin. Many thanks.

 

[SpurSF]

On Bostock...

Interesting interview with Bostock...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17482201#asset

No sign of a bad attitude here, says he desperately wants to play football and will hopefully be able to at Swindon.
That next year is the last year of his Tottenham contract so wants to show what he can do between now and then.

I think the most interesting bit about this interview is what he says about the style of the team he is playing in. I think fans ÔÇö especially fans of the loan clubs ÔÇö often underrate how difficult it is to come on loan and play well, especially if the style employed by the manager isn't suited to your game. A ball-playing, passing midfielder like John Bostock is not meant to play in a team coached by Gary Megson. For example, Arsene Wenger sending players like Wheelchair and Miyachi to play for Owen Coyle makes so much more sense than sending Bostock to play with Megson or a ball-playing CD like Steven Caulker is a great fit at Swansea. I just think so many people are so quick to write off these players, especially based off reports from fans who have a bias against other clubs (especially a big club like THFC) is dangerous. I still believe in Bostock's talent, and I still think he can come good for the club, and hopefully if Di Canio likes to play the passing game that he says he does, we will be hearing good things about this loan move. For the record, I think the same out Tom Carroll. Derby County plays dogbrick football, and a player as intelligent and technically skilled as Carroll is not going to work there as well as a Dean Whitehead would. How often are we complaining about square pegs and round holes at our own club, and expect our own players (many of whom are under 20) to be able to fit into round holes straight away.

 

[Spaceman]

you think the coaches and redknapp dont do their homework before sending the young players out on loan? everyone says the same thing when a loan doesnt work out, it "they played long ball" and "their style didnt suit me".

the players need to knuckle down, work hard and learn as much as they can because if they continue playing managers will come and go and change tactics etc

 

[zin]

Interesting interview with Bostock...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17482201#asset

No sign of a bad attitude here, says he desperately wants to play football and will hopefully be able to at Swindon.
That next year is the last year of his Tottenham contract so wants to show what he can do between now and then.

Thanks for this, goes along what the chairman of Swindon said too.

Great stuff, as per usual, zin. Many thanks.

My pleasure, this update took longer than anticipated, plenty of information flying around lately on our loanees.

 

[zin]

I think the most interesting bit about this interview is what he says about the style of the team he is playing in. I think fans — especially fans of the loan clubs — often underrate how difficult it is to come on loan and play well, especially if the style employed by the manager isn't suited to your game. A ball-playing, passing midfielder like John Bostock is not meant to play in a team coached by Gary Megson. For example, Arsene Wenger sending players like Wheelchair and Miyachi to play for Owen Coyle makes so much more sense than sending Bostock to play with Megson or a ball-playing CD like Steven Caulker is a great fit at Swansea. I just think so many people are so quick to write off these players, especially based off reports from fans who have a bias against other clubs (especially a big club like THFC) is dangerous. I still believe in Bostock's talent, and I still think he can come good for the club, and hopefully if Di Canio likes to play the passing game that he says he does, we will be hearing good things about this loan move. For the record, I think the same out Tom Carroll. Derby County plays dogbrick football, and a player as intelligent and technically skilled as Carroll is not going to work there as well as a Dean Whitehead would. How often are we complaining about square pegs and round holes at our own club, and expect our own players (many of whom are under 20) to be able to fit into round holes straight away.

you think the coaches and redknapp dont do their homework before sending the young players out on loan? everyone says the same thing when a loan doesnt work out, it "they played long ball" and "their style didnt suit me".

the players need to knuckle down, work hard and learn as much as they can because if they continue playing managers will come and go and change tactics etc

I agree with points from both of you. What I would say is in the example of Carroll is that Derby wanted to get the ball down and play possession football and that's why Nigel Clough brought him in, he persevered with this ideal for 8 games but eventually essentially admitted it wasn't going to work and their fans touched on this saying that if you are surrounded by players who are not available to receive the ball or able to keep possession and pass then you are facing a losing battle.

Then you have players like Parrett at Plymouth who were just played out of position and couldn't adapt, and then you have players like Kane who are being played out on the wing and central midfield and are doing their best with mixed results.

 

[SpurSF]

I agree with points from both of you. What I would say is in the example of Carroll is that Derby wanted to get the ball down and play possession football and that's why Nigel Clough brought him in, he persevered with this ideal for 8 games but eventually essentially admitted it wasn't going to work and their fans touched on this saying that if you are surrounded by players who are not available to receive the ball or able to keep possession and pass then you are facing a losing battle.

Then you have players like Parrett at Plymouth who were just played out of position and couldn't adapt, and then you have players like Kane who are being played out on the wing and central midfield and are doing their best with mixed results.

Come on. It's Megson, one of the biggest long ball coaches in English Football. There's no way Bostock was going to play well in his system. Also, Clough can say whatever he wants, the players that he has on his books simply do not have the quality to play a passing game. I also totally take your point about Kane. How would Edin Dzeko look if he was playing wide left for Millwall? Better than Kane maybe, but not up to his level. Obviously, the players have to perform well to make it, but as a club, Spurs need to make sure they are putting players in the best position to succeed.

What I really don't get is why we don't have a reserve team. Surely, these players would be better served learning the Tottenham way and playing together and getting comfortable with the style of football they play. Not comparing us to Barcelona, but you don't see players like Pedro, Thiago, Busquets, and Sergi Roberto going to loan at second-rate sides. Obviously, it's different b/c in Spain the reserve teams are allowed to play in the second division, but as long as reserve matches are played with some level of intensity, it seems better to keep the players here and let them learn the Tottenham way.

 

[zin]

I think the discussion on scrapping the reserve team has been covered ad nauseum since it happened, I think playing in a competitive league where winning and losing is important, unlike the reserves, is more beneficial. Others disagree with this. From what I can see a lot of teams are going down the "development squad" route rather than reserve team. We play Spurs XI games now and again when it suits us rather than be pinned down to reserve league fixtures at times which may not suit (e.g. getting someone injured back to fitness).

 

[Danishfurniturelover]

I think the discussion on scrapping the reserve team has been covered ad nauseum since it happened, I think playing in a competitive league where winning and losing is important, unlike the reserves, is more beneficial. Others disagree with this. From what I can see a lot of teams are going down the "development squad" route rather than reserve team. We play Spurs XI games now and again when it suits us rather than be pinned down to reserve league fixtures at times which may not suit (e.g. getting someone injured back to fitness).

I think the next big talking point in youth football for us at tottenham will be a b side. If we can not get players into clubs that play the way we want then i think the will come a time when we would have to look at a b side. Even if you can only loan a maximum of 4 players to your b side in one season it would be a help because we would know they would be playing in a side that plays the way we want.

Of course for that to happen we would have to start at the very bottom of the league system but i do not see that being a huge problem and would look at what afc wimbledon have done and think we should be able to get to a similar level in a similar time frame.