2008/2009 Spurs Season Preview

With the start of the season drawing closer, I thought I’d have a look at the upcoming season, the new players, the current squad and also if any lessons can be learnt from last seasons 11th place finish.

WHATS IN STORE. Spurs start the 08/09 season away to Middlesbrough. The Riverside club are worthy opposition, however Ramos will hope that his classy side will prove their talent and register their first win. Spurs have the players to get the 3 points, but will they kick on and get the job done? Spurs will be hoping for a good start, unlike last season, when Roy Keanes Sunderland beat the lillywhites on the first day, 1-0. Tottenham’s first home game will be against the same club. Former Spurs players Pascal Chimbonda, Teemu Tainio and Steed Malbranque are likely to feature. League runner’s up Chelsea follow the Sunderland match. Spurs will be hoping for a result similar to that of the Carling Cup final, however new Chelsea boss ‘Big’ Phil Scolari will likely prove a firm test.

Tottenham’s first 3 games will all be difficult, but Ramos should be looking at ending August on around 5 or 6 points. His squad have the capability of beating Middlesbrough and Sunderland but Chelsea could take 3 points from Spurs. However Tottenham always put up a fight against Chelsea meaning a draw could be a possibility.

The first North London derby comes on the 29th of October, taking place at the Emirates Stadium. Many Spurs fan’s believe that this is the year in which Tottenham will finally finish higher in the table then their bitter rivals. It could happen, but Spurs would have to find a consistency to rival that of Arsenal’s, who very rarely lose to substandard teams.

Tottenham will also attempt to defend the Carling Cup this season. The competition holds a special place in Spurs hearts following last seasons win and you can expect to find Ramos fielding his strongest team in all of the clubs Carling Cup ties.

NEW SIGNINGS. Ramos has been extremely busy in the summer transfer market. bringing in no less then 5 players, with more new players expected before the transfer window closes. Spurs completed the signing of Croation Luka Modric who arrived from Dinamo Zagreb in July. The midfielder impressed during Euro 2008 and was widely regarded as one of the best players of the tournament.

Giovani Dos Santos arrived from Barcelona in June whilst Heurelho Gomes followed, joining from Dutch champions PSV. The goalie replaces Paul Robinson as the club’s number 1, with the latter moving to Blackburn Rovers. David Bentley later arrived from Blackburn, costing Spurs £15m, with the fee set to rise to £17m depending on futer performances. He made his debut against AS Roma, and found the net twice. 36 year old spanish ‘stopper Cesar Sanchez also joined the club, signing from Real Zaragoza.

THE CURRENT SQUAD. Spurs boast 3 good goalkeepers in Gomes, Sanchez and youngster Ben Alnwick. However none of the three have premiership experience. Gomes is likely to be the club’s new number one, with Sanchez and Alnwick likely to be used as backup. Paul Robinson leaves for Blackburn whilst Radak Cerny departs for QPR.

Tottenham’s defence looks to be shaping up well with King, Woodgate and Bale all at full fitness. The club have good defensive cover in Dawson, Gilberto, Rocha and Dervite whilst Hutton is rapidly proving why he was rated so highly at Rangers. He’s likely to play a prominent part in Tottenham’s season though he’ll miss the opening game with a foot injury.

Tottenham argubly have one of the best midfields in the league. New signings Dos Santos, Modric and Bentley are all expected to start with Jenas, Lennon and Zokora remaining at the club. Malbranque has left for Sunderland, leaving a few questions over who will start in left midfield. Gilberto, Bale and Dos Santos are all possibilities.

Tottenham’s greatest weakness is probably their strike-force. Keane left for Liverpool and Berbatov looks likely to leave for Manchester United. If he does go, Tottenham will be left with only one senior striker, Darren Bent. However youngster Tomas Pekhart could feature.

LAST SEASON. Spurs started last season on the back of finishing 5th in the league two years running. Jol started the season in high spirits but a first day loss at Sunderland sent the club on a downward spiral. After a UEFA Cup loss to Getafe, Jol was sacked. Ramos replaced him and steadily led the club back up the table. The club ended up in 11th but won the Carling Cup and performed respectably in the UEFA cup. Last season wasn’t seen as one of Tottenham’s best showings but it proved a steady start for Ramos and also deliverd some silverware.

This season will be Juande Ramos’ first full season at Spurs. Many fans are optimistic and expect a top 6 finish. Spurs could do better; alas, they could also do a whole lot worse if the new team members don’t gel. The 2008/2009 season promises to be a very exciting, and nail-biting, new season for fans of Tottenham Hotspur.