Spurs come to Toon

By Jon H
December 11 2003

Spurs face the long trip to the Toon this weekend, as do I. This will be my first trip to that fine northern metropolis and I fully expect to return from the northern borders with at least one point safely tucked away in my Christmas stocking.

‘Wildly optimistic’ I hear you cry – maybe, but maybe not. The reasons for my optimism are twofold really: Firstly I believe that our defence, ably marshalled by Deano and Ant is getting stronger by the week. Secondly, the return of the King Kanoute coupled with the return to form of Keano leads me [blindly some may say] to the conclusion that we now offer a potent goal threat and even at the toughest of venues, we are capable of nicking a goal or two.

In midfield for Spurs Ledley is slowly growing into the defensive midfield role he was thrust into earlier this season. Also, recently Darren Anderton has shown signs of a return to the form that took us to Cardiff only two seasons ago. I think though that playing both he and Poyet together at St James’ Park could be costly as we will need a hard running midfield to counter the constant threat of Dyer and Jenas who thoroughly spoilt my week last January with that last minute winner on a bitterly cold evening. With regards to Dalmat a lot will depend on which one turns up – will it be the pouting, preening, sulky Stephanie, or the hard running, silky, skilful Stephan version – I sincerely hope it’s the latter, who on his day can unlock the tightest of defences.

‘Bah humbug’ you say ‘What about Shearer, Jenas, Dyer, Ameobi et al? ‘Surely they will overwhelm Spurs, especially at home’. ‘Haven’t you lost the last three games against Newcastle?’ you mutter. ‘Ho, ho, ho’ I retort. That was then, this is now. We are solid, organised, allied with a potent attacking threat. Newcastle’s home performances have not been too convincing recently and they are not the same without the threat of Bellamy. If we can silence Shearer then I honestly believe that we can silence the Gallowgate End too.

One cautionary note in this festive tale of impending great joy to all ‘Spurskind’ is that two of Spurs heaviest defeats in the Toon have come in December – one in 1996 which was 7-1 and then in 1999 the 6-1 FA Cup capitulation. Spurs though, now are made of sterner stuff and if we can also bear witness to the early start of the panto season starring Bramble and Woody [‘he’s behind you’] then Spurs can get their festive season off to a jolly start.

“Hark now hear the Tottenham sing……..

“On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...A Fre-di Ka-nou-te”

“On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me... two champion-ships”

“On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...three league cups”

“On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...four new signings”

“On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...five goals v Wolves”

“On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...six against Palace”

“On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 7 songs a singing”

“On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 8 FA cups a winning”

“On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... “nine teams above us”

“On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me... 10 teams below us”

“On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...eleven players playing”

“On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...12 points for Nό-el”