Tottenham Hotspur Message Board

We have lost 8 players from last season, some of whom were amongst the best footballers we...

We have lost 8 players from last season, some of whom were amongst the best footballers we had at the lane in decades.

Luka dictated the style and the way we played, although his assist and goals record wasn't great he started most of our attacking plays. He also had enough of an engine and positional sense to be able to help Sandro/Parker to break up oppositions play.

VDV is another quality midfielder/CF, that we no longer have, his goals and assist record speaks for itself and whilst I agree with Sfer, VDV was infuriating to watch when he was playing between the back 4.

We lost Niko, who I know some of you don't rate, but again a very good footballer, who IMO would have been starting in Hudds place if he was still here, same goes for Pienaar! I'd have him in my 11 over Hudds any day.

So IMO our squad is significantly weaker in terms of quality. Any team who lost a player of Luka's quality would suffer considerably.

AVB does not have the quality or the depth that Harry did.

I agree with SB and Sfer, at times the style of play has been not to my taste, but at times its been effective! First time we beat Manure in what 24-25 years? Not pretty but effective!

IMO AVB is still learning the capabilities and options he has with his current squad, therefore its reasonable for him to try different formations and players. How likely is it anyone will reach their full potential after just 5-6 months in a job? I'm certain Levy will invest in Jan (he must) otherwise he is not giving AVB the same tools he gave H!

Some of us got the bollock ache with Harry's team selections, never rotating or trying other players, bring on DM midfielders in a game we had to win! H made controversial decision aswell, plus he'd have watched us get relegated and taken everything he could- 'there's NO loyalty in football' HR! we know H' we watched you work for many years!

IMO if Levy panicked and caved to the wishes of those who want AVB out, we would be back to square one, in need of new management, who would need more time apply his changes, what if he didn't achieve instant success or play the way we want? sack him off and start again? where does it end?

Sorry about neglecting you lot, I feel marginally bad about it, sadly I have rather more pressing matters- ordinary service will resume at some point!

COYS!

i thought it was pretty clear we have gone a bit backwards since harry left.

i thought it was pretty clear we have gone a bit backwards since harry left.

Can't argue with the stats point of view. If we are in a reasonable position come the ...

Can't argue with the stats point of view. If we are in a reasonable position come the end of the season many fans will be happy with that. For me its also about how we get there.

I don't like the way AVB sets the team up and asks them to play - its too negative and that has never been something you could accuse us of. Even at home against Wigan when a goal down he stays negative. How can you say that he compares well to Arry in that sense?

Whilst Modric was undoubtably a talented player he was accused of not trying at times (maybe due to his heart being somewhere else) and he was injured for parts of last year so he was not available for chunks so you can't say the team has changed that much and as someone that did not rate VDV I would not say he is a loss at all. "AVB's performances are demonstrably better than Arry's" - don't see that one little bit Robin and if it were true why would so many fans be upset and angry and want AVB out? It doesn't make sense. If he was doing better than Arry 99% of the fans would be delirious.

Obviously everyone has their way of interpreting performances but ultimately it is the lea...

Obviously everyone has their way of interpreting performances but ultimately it is the league stats that count and on that basis the team are playing at the same level as last year - and the main point is, I think - with a less talented playing eleven.

Given that we all make mistakes ( and I agree with you that AVB has made some) I think he's doing a good job at the moment. In fact given that Harry Redknapp had Modric and VDV at his disposal, I think AVB's performance is demonstrably better than Harry's.

I think you have to give people a reasonable amount of time doing a job before you can asses there worth.

Spurs are not going into the championship any time soon.

You are of course absolutely right Robin. If you look at where we are position and points ...

You are of course absolutely right Robin. If you look at where we are position and points wise it ain't too bad. But its not the position or points tally that has some people worried.

Its the way we are playing, team selections, formations and style, weird substitions and strange tactical decisions that have people worried.

Its not so much now that worries some, its the future. AVB, having never proved himself anywhere (most people discount that short period at Porto as "proved success") is an experiment and to many, its an experiment that either we should not have entered into or should get out of quickly to avoid disaster.

I have made my thoughts on it as clear as I can. I don't think AVB is a good manager and I would take the short sharp exit route rather than the - in my eyes - inevitable long slow painful route which keeping AVB would be.

As we have said many times, only time will tell but for me the signs do not look good. I hope my doubts prove unfounded.