How do you assess Tottenham’s season so far?
After a shaky start I think within recent months the team has gelled well under AVB. The loss of van der Vaart and Modric were big losses in the summer but AVB has instilled a new confidence amongst the players. We fear no one and have become very consistent of late. We are currently four points clear of Arsenal and just a point behind Chelsea. We’re currently on a 10 game unbeaten run in the league and I am more hopeful we can secure 4th again this season if not 3rd. But there is still a long way and the team need to keep building on the momentum they have gained.
How have your January signings settled in at White Hart Lane?
As I’m sure you are aware we never seem to do much business in the January transfer window. We bought an ex-Man United starlet who hopefully in time will provide good competition at the back but even more impressively we secured the Holtmeister (Lewis Holtby). He has settled in very quickly and it is clearly evident he has the ability to become an excellent player for us. In my opinion the Premier League is really suited to his game and he has already started to show great understanding with Bale and our other midfield players. I think the future will be bright for him at the Lane.
Yet again AVB’s striker policy has been questioned having not signed a striker in the January transfer window. Do you think this could scupper your season?
Potentially yes. As you have seen in recent Games Bale has really upped his game and been scoring all our goals. If he gets injured and other players do not contribute to the goals then it could become a struggle. Despite this, Defoe will be returning from injury shortly and hopefully with the rest he has had will be fresh to start being clinical again in front of goal. I do worry though with the somewhat lacking work rate of Adebayor. He has only scored one goal in the league and needs to contribute more to the team. I’m sure we will be going in big for a big striker.
Harry Kane has been recalled from his loan spell at Norwich. Is he ready to make the step up?
As a first team player, no. On the few occasions he has been given a start earlier in the season I had not seen much of merit from him. He is still young though and has ability but he needs to transfer this ability from the training ground onto the playing field. I do think though we need him as cover if both our strikers get injured. I just feel he is too lightweight for the Premier League at the moment and will never be a first teamer until he beefs up a bit and becomes a stronger presence on the field.
David Bentley has just come back from his loan at Russian club FC Rostov and has gone out on loan to Blackburn. Does he have anything to offer the club in your opinion?
Again no. When a player isn’t selected or shown much love at a club I think they work less hard and their footballing ability does not improve. Bentley has been as big flop if not bigger than Sergei Rebrov back in the day. I think his time at Spurs is numbered and can see him leaving in the summer.
Tottenham seem to be aiding Harry Redknapp’s attempt to stave off relegation at QPR with Jermaine Jenas and Andros Townsend moving to Loftus Road. Will ‘Arry be able to steer QPR to safety?
The gap is currently seven points with 12 games to go. As much as I like Harry he is at a club that is full of mercenaries including himself. Tony Fernandes has taken a big risk at QPR and I also don’t feel with the current personnel they have, they will avoid the drop. If anyone can do it though Harry can and a lot depends on whether they can create enough good chances for Remy and whether he is clinical enough to finish them.
Looking towards the summer. What areas of your squad would you like AVB to strengthen?
My number one priority is a top class striker. We need to spend at least £20 million on a striker. Someone like Cavani would suit our play really well. Other than up front, I feel we had great depth within our squad at the back and in the midfield.
Given Gareth Bale’s form this season. Do you think he will still be at the club come the start of next season?
He seems an honest player that is loving his football at the moment. I think if we get Champions League football he will be happy to stay. The decision ultimately falls to Daniel Levy though. If we get a £50m bid in the summer whether we are in Champions League football or not he may decide to sell.
Who should West Ham fans be wary of in the Spurs first XI when the club’s meet?
Bale of course. He has a few role on the left hand side and come s inside whenever he wants. We have seen how flexible a player he can be these past few weeks and I’m sure stopping him play will be your best chance of getting result against us.
What’s your opinion of West Ham this season?
For a newly promoted side you have done well. I have enjoyed watching all the newly promoted sides this season. Whereas Southampton and Reading have played more exciting football, you guys have been getting the better results.
Which West Ham players have stood out for you this season?
Kevin Nolan and Diame have played very well. Joe Cole coming back has helped freshen up your play a little and adds to your creativity. I can see him having a greater impact in the run in for you.
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