Goal.com Tottenham Fanview: ‘The Arsenal connection will be forgotten if William Gallas helps us win some serious honours’

Spurs supporter to give Frenchman benefit of the doubt...

24 Aug 2010 08:05:00

More On :  Arsenal FC, Tottenham, William Gallas
"I don't know about him being a fans' favourite, ever. Unless we win some serious honours in his time at the club then all will be forgotten."

Tottenham Fanview | By Andrew Burd
Life-long Spurs fan and season ticket holder


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Are you pleased to see William Gallas at Spurs?

I can't be sure of that yet. Obviously as a player he is top class, a top international centre-back with experience but whether he will fit in at the club is my biggest worry. If he gets his head down and plays he'll be an outstanding signing in an area we need cover in. In the back of my mind there is a worry that he has the potential to upset the harmony within the dressing room.

Was Gallas a target for boos whenever Arsenal came to White Hart Lane?

Gallas has never been too popular with Spurs fans, certainly not with the ones I know anyway. Obviously, a player who moves from Chelsea to Arsenal is never going to be adored by the Spurs faithful but Gallas in particular has always been disliked at the Lane. It doesn't help that he's scored a few goals against us in the past, a last minute screamer to win the game for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge a few years back. I certainly wouldn't put him in the Sol Campbell bracket of hate figure but he's never been appreciated at White Hart Lane - until now maybe.

Is Gallas the type of defender you need? Do you agree with Harry who said bringing him in is a 'no brainer'?

There's no doubt in my mind that Gallas is a good defender, he's quick and has valuable experience, particularly in the Champions League. I do agree with Redknapp saying the transfer is a 'no brainer' in terms of no fee being involved and it is a position that we need to strenghten in. The Champions League tie against Young Boys last week exposed our defensive frailties - Bassong had a nightmare and I'm not convinced that Younes Kaboul is ready to play at the highest level. Ledley King is one of the best defenders in the world but he can't play week in week out and Jonathan Woodgate's future in the game seems uncertain. If Gallas can come in and keep it together mentally I think the fans will warm to him and the signing will be proved worthwhile.

Are you concerned by his reputation of being a disruptive influence in the dressing room?

This is my main concern. I don't know what wages we're paying him but I imagine they're quite high which may unsettle the other players who are part of a strict wage structure. Also, you have to worry about his mental state after some of his past actions. The guy was captain at the mob down the road and lost it because of an outburst against his team-mates in a French newspaper. There was that outburst at Birmingham where he seemed to throw his toys out of the pram after things didn't go his way. The good thing is we've only signed him on a one-year deal with an option for another year, so if it doesn't work out Harry can let him go — to West Ham maybe?

How should the arrival of Gallas change the make-up of the Spurs back four?

The main problem with Tottenham's centre-backs is keeping them fit. My preferred pairing these days is Dawson and King, I think most Spurs fans would be reluctant for either one of these two to be dropped for Gallas if they are both fit. It is important though to have stability in that area and Redknapp may decide to make Gallas his main man at the back with his experience. I think the two younger centre-backs, Bassong and Kaboul, will still get games and may well benefit from playing alongside someone like Gallas.

Do you think he can be a fans' favourite at White Hart Lane?

I don't know about him being a fans' favourite, ever. Unless we win some serious honours in his time at the club then all will be forgotten. I feel embarrassed when I hear boos towards Tottenham players at White Hart Lane so would hope the fans give him a chance. He's a Tottenham player now and we have to trust Harry Redknapp's judgement, it hasn't been too bad so far!

I don't know if he has the potential to be a fans' favourite because of his personality and his past connections but if he performs on the pitch and doesn't make headlines off it then I'm sure the Spurs fans will support him.

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