by Chris Clarke

Created on: November 10, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Being a life long Tottenham fan, it pains me to be writing on the negative side of this debate. However, we are now in November and despite the introduction of a new management team, I believe it will be difficult enough for Tottenham to finish in the top six never mind the top four.

It has been a disastrous start of what was to be a break through season at the lane. But we were all pretty surprised at the record breaking signing of Darren Bent; yet another striker. This, we thought, could only mean they were going to sell Berbatov, a player admired and targeted by top clubs across Europe, and especially Manchester United. Were the club going to cash in ? Why else would they splash out such a vast sum of money on a fourth striker and not a quality midfielder ? This is surely where they should be investing. Since the departure of Michael Carrick the team have lost their control and composure in times of pressure. They also needed to beef up the defence where goals are leaking to the point where they have conceded more goals than anyone in the premiership bar bottom of the tableDerby County.

So what does this say about the management ? Martin Jol did a fantastic job over the past three seasons. He built a team of flair, style and flowing football for sure. But what happened this year ? Why did he not bolster the team in the weaker areas ? Why buy a fourth striker ? Did he get it so wrong or is the blame to lie elsewhere in the management structure ?

Whatever the answer, one thing is for sure; unless Tottenham buy a quality midfielder or two to protect the back four in the January window, then they will struggle for the remainder of the season. It is particularly ominous with the rise of Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth and Everton, who are all showing good form and looking like they will not relinquish their position easily.

Christmas is always an exciting time in football with lots of matches during the holiday season. The contenders are separated from the pretenders. But for Spurs it will be interesting to see how the new regime develops and it will be a definite indicator of whats to come for the remainder of the season, especiall for the long suffering fans.

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