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Despite Harry Redknapp's extremely outspoken style, Tottenham's impressive start has gone largely unnoticed
London club off to a quick start that very few have picked up on so far in 2011-12.
Nov 30, 2011 2:37:00 PM
By Shane Evans
Getty Images
Before Harry Redknapp took over Tottenham Hotspur in October 2008, the club was in complete shambles.
Still hurting from a disappointing 11th place finish to the 2007-08 season, Spurs started the 2008-09 year the way they ended the prior one, in horrific form. Taking only two points from its first eight matches under then manager Juande Ramos, the London club was in need of a change.
Enter Harry Redknapp.
Since leaving his post as Portsmouth boss, the wily old manager has turned Tottenham around following a souring end to Martin Jol's reign and the Ramos debacle. Bringing in and subsequently ushering out a host of players in his three years on the job, Redknapp has done things his way and rightly so.
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Fast forward through a few seasons that included an impressive fourth place finish, an even more impressive run in the Champions League and almost as many strikers at the club as the goals they all combined to score and the club finds itself at extreme heights.
It is now the end of November, calendar year 2011, and Tottenham is enjoying one of its best ever starts to a Premier League season, currently sitting in third place with a game in hand on all teams but Everton thanks to a canceled fixture to start the year.
Since consecutive losses to the two Manchester sides to begin the season, Redknapp has led Tottenham to an undefeated run of 10 matches, winning nine, drawing one. All of which were convincing results, something the club typically hasn't been known for in recent years.
"It's very tight, we look a good team," said Redknapp of his club. "We've got pace, we're athletic, we're young and we've got a bit of experience in the right areas as well. We certainly look a very decent team. I said all along it's not impossible. I'm not saying we'll win the championship - it's a very tall order and we'd be one of the outsiders of the six to do it - but it's not impossible.
"Anyone who can keep that run going, and have that belief, could do it this season. I think we're all very much on a par and there's not a lot between us."
Included in that run: A 4-0 drubbing of Liverpool, a 2-1 victory over arch-rival Arsenal, and more recently a tidy 2-0 result over Aston Villa. Spurs are also performing reasonably well at the Europa League level, currently embroiled in a three-way push for supremacy of their group.
So how did Redknapp get Spurs to where they are today? The short answer is with lots of tinkering and player movement. As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day. Redknapp understands that and has taken time to craft his squad in his image. Here comes the long answer.
Firstly, and arguably the most important reason for Tottenham's impressive start is the forthright managerial style of the 64-year-old London native. In charge of a team with significant expectations and financial backing, but not quite at the level of the traditional big boys, Redknapp found himself in a unique situation. This position, in many ways, gave Redknapp license to take a more aggressive stance when dealing with his players.
Taking no guff or games from a number of primadonnas in his team, Redknapp would openly chastize those whom he felt needed a push in the right direction. In doing so, he'd root out those not capable of playing on a team he managed or more specifically, one with Spurs' bold intentions. Case in point: Darren Bent. Redknapp famously called out the England striker for a botched finish, claiming, "my missus could have finished that."
Before long, Bent was obliviously tweeting his way to Sunderland and Tottenham continued on without him.
In the time since, Redknapp has dealt with quarrels from the likes of Roman Pavyluchenko, Niko Kranjcar and Luka Modric, all with varying levels of flamboyance and resolution. What didn't change though was how he dealt with those affairs. He makes it known to all of his players: either you want to play for the club, or you don't. If you do, and you're good enough, you'll play.
"The first half wasn't good enough and I told them that at halftime," said Redknapp after his team went down 1-0 early in its match with West Bromwich last week. "They needed to know I wasn't happy with that first half. We're better than that. The second half I felt we upped the pace, our wingers ran at them and we looked a different team."
It goes beyond Redknapp's managerial acumen however, as his ability to spot a good bargain in the transfer window works out more often than not, particular over the last two seasons. The acquisitions of Brad Friedel, William Gallas, and Sandro have proved excellent, thrifty signings.
The addition of Rafael van der Vaart last season took things to a whole other level. Scott Parker's signing this season built on that even further. Both players are outstanding, cultured and efficient midfielder men built to succeed in the pacy and physical Premier League, and so far, have done just that for Redknapp. The kicker? The pair cost Spurs a COMBINED 13.5 million pounds. For a point of reference, Samir Nasri cost Manchester City 25 million when he signed from Arsenal in the summer.
If Van der Vaart and Parker are the sprinkles on this painstakingly crafted, yet delicious ice cream sundae of a team Redknapp has created over the last few years, Emmanuel Adebayor is surely the cherry to top it off.
Toying with his forward options since he took the job, Redknapp may have finally found one that he can rely upon. Joining on a year-long loan from Manchester City, a club with its own revolving door of goalscorers, the mercurial Togolese vagabond has found his best form under 'Ol Harry since he left Arsenal and Arsene Wenger back in 2009. Ironically, Wenger and Redknapp couldn't have more opposing man management styles, thus proving Adebayor's enigma status.
Redknapp won't complain though, as the forward has notched seven goals and five assists in 10 Premier League matches. Talk about a return on investment.
"It’s always good to show team spirit, character and personality," said a seemingly matured Adebayor after the aforementioned 3-1 victory over West Brom. "This win said a lot of things. I think even if we’re 1-0, 2-0 down, we could come back and win because we have the ability and belief to come back.
In a year where the 'big' clubs are suffering through numerous identity crises, Tottenham has flown under the radar and quietly put in a stellar first third. Most of the eyes have been drawn to the north what with Manchester City flying high and United trying desperately to keep up. In the capital, the media have examined the collapses of two great clubs in Arsenal and Chelsea, and have constantly speculated on their eventual return to prominence.
Kudos to Arsenal for getting its act together over the last few weeks, but unfortunately for Gunner nation, it is no longer the best team in North London. Not even with Robin Van Persie doing as much damage as he has been doing.
With the wide open feel that the EPL his this season, anything is possible, for most any team. As Redknapp said, keeping the belief and playing well as a team is how you achieve success in this league, and so far, that's exactly what his team has done.
For Spurs, it has been helped by the fact that they haven't found themselves in the spotlight much this year, and that it is run by a manager who is in absolutely control of the situation he is in, which more than most of his peers can say. Look out, EPL, Tottenham may (finally) be for real.
Shane Evans is an editor for Goal.com USA. His feature, "The Full English" appears every Friday morning. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com with questions, comments and concerns, follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/shanEvans
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
Still hurting from a disappointing 11th place finish to the 2007-08 season, Spurs started the 2008-09 year the way they ended the prior one, in horrific form. Taking only two points from its first eight matches under then manager Juande Ramos, the London club was in need of a change.
Enter Harry Redknapp.
Since leaving his post as Portsmouth boss, the wily old manager has turned Tottenham around following a souring end to Martin Jol's reign and the Ramos debacle. Bringing in and subsequently ushering out a host of players in his three years on the job, Redknapp has done things his way and rightly so.
Follow SHANE EVANS on
Fast forward through a few seasons that included an impressive fourth place finish, an even more impressive run in the Champions League and almost as many strikers at the club as the goals they all combined to score and the club finds itself at extreme heights.
It is now the end of November, calendar year 2011, and Tottenham is enjoying one of its best ever starts to a Premier League season, currently sitting in third place with a game in hand on all teams but Everton thanks to a canceled fixture to start the year.
Since consecutive losses to the two Manchester sides to begin the season, Redknapp has led Tottenham to an undefeated run of 10 matches, winning nine, drawing one. All of which were convincing results, something the club typically hasn't been known for in recent years.
"It's very tight, we look a good team," said Redknapp of his club. "We've got pace, we're athletic, we're young and we've got a bit of experience in the right areas as well. We certainly look a very decent team. I said all along it's not impossible. I'm not saying we'll win the championship - it's a very tall order and we'd be one of the outsiders of the six to do it - but it's not impossible.
"Anyone who can keep that run going, and have that belief, could do it this season. I think we're all very much on a par and there's not a lot between us."
Included in that run: A 4-0 drubbing of Liverpool, a 2-1 victory over arch-rival Arsenal, and more recently a tidy 2-0 result over Aston Villa. Spurs are also performing reasonably well at the Europa League level, currently embroiled in a three-way push for supremacy of their group.
So how did Redknapp get Spurs to where they are today? The short answer is with lots of tinkering and player movement. As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day. Redknapp understands that and has taken time to craft his squad in his image. Here comes the long answer.
Firstly, and arguably the most important reason for Tottenham's impressive start is the forthright managerial style of the 64-year-old London native. In charge of a team with significant expectations and financial backing, but not quite at the level of the traditional big boys, Redknapp found himself in a unique situation. This position, in many ways, gave Redknapp license to take a more aggressive stance when dealing with his players.
 |
"We've got pace, we're athletic, we're young and we've got a bit of experience in the right areas as well. We certainly look a very decent team." - Harry Redknapp
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Taking no guff or games from a number of primadonnas in his team, Redknapp would openly chastize those whom he felt needed a push in the right direction. In doing so, he'd root out those not capable of playing on a team he managed or more specifically, one with Spurs' bold intentions. Case in point: Darren Bent. Redknapp famously called out the England striker for a botched finish, claiming, "my missus could have finished that."
Before long, Bent was obliviously tweeting his way to Sunderland and Tottenham continued on without him.
In the time since, Redknapp has dealt with quarrels from the likes of Roman Pavyluchenko, Niko Kranjcar and Luka Modric, all with varying levels of flamboyance and resolution. What didn't change though was how he dealt with those affairs. He makes it known to all of his players: either you want to play for the club, or you don't. If you do, and you're good enough, you'll play.
"The first half wasn't good enough and I told them that at halftime," said Redknapp after his team went down 1-0 early in its match with West Bromwich last week. "They needed to know I wasn't happy with that first half. We're better than that. The second half I felt we upped the pace, our wingers ran at them and we looked a different team."
It goes beyond Redknapp's managerial acumen however, as his ability to spot a good bargain in the transfer window works out more often than not, particular over the last two seasons. The acquisitions of Brad Friedel, William Gallas, and Sandro have proved excellent, thrifty signings.
The addition of Rafael van der Vaart last season took things to a whole other level. Scott Parker's signing this season built on that even further. Both players are outstanding, cultured and efficient midfielder men built to succeed in the pacy and physical Premier League, and so far, have done just that for Redknapp. The kicker? The pair cost Spurs a COMBINED 13.5 million pounds. For a point of reference, Samir Nasri cost Manchester City 25 million when he signed from Arsenal in the summer.
If Van der Vaart and Parker are the sprinkles on this painstakingly crafted, yet delicious ice cream sundae of a team Redknapp has created over the last few years, Emmanuel Adebayor is surely the cherry to top it off.
Toying with his forward options since he took the job, Redknapp may have finally found one that he can rely upon. Joining on a year-long loan from Manchester City, a club with its own revolving door of goalscorers, the mercurial Togolese vagabond has found his best form under 'Ol Harry since he left Arsenal and Arsene Wenger back in 2009. Ironically, Wenger and Redknapp couldn't have more opposing man management styles, thus proving Adebayor's enigma status.
Redknapp won't complain though, as the forward has notched seven goals and five assists in 10 Premier League matches. Talk about a return on investment.
| HARRY'S BEST BUYS FOR TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (2009-2010) |
|
 |
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| Kyle Walker & Kyle Naughton Rafael van der Vaart Sandro Scott Parker William Gallas Brad Friedel Emmanuel Adebayor Total Tranfer Fees |
£9m £8m £6m £5.5m Free Free Loan -------- £28.5m |
"It’s always good to show team spirit, character and personality," said a seemingly matured Adebayor after the aforementioned 3-1 victory over West Brom. "This win said a lot of things. I think even if we’re 1-0, 2-0 down, we could come back and win because we have the ability and belief to come back.
"To do it in an away game is good for us. At home, we can do it, we know that, but to do it away, all I can say is congratulations to the team.”
And despite everything going so well 12 games into the 38 Tottenham has to play this domestic season, no one has taken notice. All of Redknapp's candid remarks to the media can't do a thing to draw attention to this team. Again, no complaints from the old gaffer.In a year where the 'big' clubs are suffering through numerous identity crises, Tottenham has flown under the radar and quietly put in a stellar first third. Most of the eyes have been drawn to the north what with Manchester City flying high and United trying desperately to keep up. In the capital, the media have examined the collapses of two great clubs in Arsenal and Chelsea, and have constantly speculated on their eventual return to prominence.
Kudos to Arsenal for getting its act together over the last few weeks, but unfortunately for Gunner nation, it is no longer the best team in North London. Not even with Robin Van Persie doing as much damage as he has been doing.
With the wide open feel that the EPL his this season, anything is possible, for most any team. As Redknapp said, keeping the belief and playing well as a team is how you achieve success in this league, and so far, that's exactly what his team has done.
For Spurs, it has been helped by the fact that they haven't found themselves in the spotlight much this year, and that it is run by a manager who is in absolutely control of the situation he is in, which more than most of his peers can say. Look out, EPL, Tottenham may (finally) be for real.
Shane Evans is an editor for Goal.com USA. His feature, "The Full English" appears every Friday morning. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com with questions, comments and concerns, follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/shanEvans
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
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