Tottenham Hotspur’s fans have long since been some of the most demanding, and sometimes impatient in the English game. This has been in no small part helped by the mixed fortunes experienced by the team over the past couple of seasons. From the erratic showings that made Martin Jol’s job obsolete to the current highs that have everyone in and around White Heart Lane in a euphoric mood.
Martin Jol’s ejection from the managerial seat at the lane left the door open for Juande Ramos’ reign, which was very short-lived. After a blistering start with a League Cup victory over Chelsea in the final in February 2008, Spurs fell into an uncontrollable slump with a lot of players becoming alienated. By October 2008 Spurs had made the worst start to a season in the club’s history. Out went Ramos and in stepped Harry Redknapp and he set about patching things up at the lane.
First order of business, bring in Palacios to toughen up a very soft midfield. With this bandage in place, Spurs once again regained some semblance of a team playing their football at the highest level. The team went on to win 10 of the remaining 12 points left to play for and ended the season on 8th, just barely missing out on a Europa place.
This season has seen the club go from strength to strength. After resigning Defoe and Robbie Keane along with some reinforcements in other positions, and the blossoming of players such as Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Harry has the team running like a well oiled machine. They now sit at 1st place in the table after three matches. Fans and neutrals alike will surely be watching to see if Spurs can finally fulfill their potential and break into the top four this season. Around the Christmas break I’ll revisit this spurs team and assess their progress. Until then good luck to Harry and the boys.
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