After another disappointing year, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is set to overhaul the squad yet again.
Tottenham struggled all season, pottering along like an old Skoda with a busted transmission until finally grinding to a screeching halt at fifth place. Star Harry Kane provided some horsepower with 31 goals, but no other player put up even half that.
It’s no wonder Pochettino wants to change out some parts. Reports have already said he plans to sell up to 10 players this summer. When the new campaign begins, however, watch out, Spurs will return a well-oiled machine.
Pochettino has already set about gathering attacking support for Kane. Timo Werner, Anthony Martial, Giannelli Imbula are all rumoured to be very likely signings. None of the three are older than 22. Add that to the 21-year-old Kane, and Tottenham will have a pool of young talent to draw from for years to come.
The Lilywhites have already won the signature of defender Kevin Wimmer on a five-year deal. The Austrian, who this year helped Bundesliga side Cologne avoid relegation, is key in rejuvenating Tottenham’s back line with the potential departures of Younes Kaboul and Vlad Chiriches. At 22 years old, Wimmer is another versatile youngster who can play either left back or centre back.
White Hart Lane will retain the services of Christian Eriksen, Ryan Mason, DeAndre Yedlin and Alex Pritchard, all young players with lots of energy and promise. Pochettino has regularly been hailed for developing youth, and it seems he’ll have a lot to work with following the summer.
So while all the attention may be lavished upon Chelsea and Arsenal, the shiny, sleek sports cars of the league, watch out for the new and improved model arriving soon on the market: Tottenham, revving their engine and waiting for the green light.
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On the 22nd May 2010, the impossible happened for Blackpool fans. After 90 minutes of sweltering heat, the team lifted the Championship play-off final trophy at Wembley to be promoted to the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history.
After coming from behind twice, 11 Tangerine players became heroes, but three were lucky enough to score the goals that counted.
At the Official Blackpool Supporters Trust Gala Dinner to commemorate five years since promotion, Charlie Adam, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Brett Ormerod looked back on their time as Tangerines.
FFC: What was it like at Wembley?
Adam: Wembley is a special stadium and it was a surreal atmosphere and we shouldn’t have been anywhere near it but we did because we had a fantastic group of players. It was an incredible achievement and I am just so glad I was a part of it.
Taylor-Fletcher: As soon as we had Cardiff, we knew we were going up. We had a fire in our belly and it just all came together. Everything we had worked so hard for meant we knew that no one and nothing was going to stop us.
Ormerod: I think the whole day was just one of those one-off things that as a player you don’t really think about at the time, but just seeing what it meant to the fans is something that will live with me for a very long time.
FFC: What was your favourite goal you scored for Blackpool?
Ormerod: The most important one was obviously Wembley. I was so proud to get the goal that took us into the Premier League. I was pretty pleased with all of them though!
Taylor-Fletcher: Personally family-wise it was scoring at Anfield. It was in front of my little lad and my family. It was just stunning! But then the final was just incredible.
FFC: Who was the most important man at the club while you were there?
Taylor-Fletcher: Thommo was the heart of that club. We could ring him whenever we needed anything. I mean he was the assistant manager, taxi driver, kit man, groundsman- anything else I missed off? He wasn’t given the credit he deserved!
FFC: Brett, you played for Blackpool in two occasions- how was it coming back in the second spell?
Ormerod: They’ve both been very special for me. I did have reservations coming back because I didn’t want to spoil what I had the first time around but it turned out to be the best decision I made in my career. We had such a fantastic squad, I have never been in an atmosphere like it.
FFC: The Blackpool fans celebrated with a bus parade on the Prom, how was that for the players?
Adam: I didn’t know there was that many people that lived in Blackpool. It was an amazing day and just seeing what it meant to the fans was incredible. At the end of the season awards there was actually grown men crying and seeing that really put into perspective just what it meant to everyone involved in the club.
FFC: How do you feel looking back now?
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Taylor-Fletcher: We were like a family and we all still are. What we did is now a memory but you can’t take that memory away from the fans or us.
Things may have taken a turn for the worse at the club, but for one night at the BST Gala Dinner everything was forgotten and the good times were remembered.
We may still be one month, one week and two days away from the opening weekend of the 2015/16 Premier League campaign – yes, we’re ticking off pretty much every hour here at Football Fancast – but some clubs’ starting Xis for next season are already beginning to take shape.
Manchester United, for example, have only added Memphis Depay so far but at this point their alleged transfer targets are relatively indisputable, as are the current first teamers likely to retain their places in the starting Xi for next season.
So with everybody here at Football Fancast Towers growing increasingly desperate for the new season to begin, we’ve decided to slow down our withdrawal symptoms by considering what the Red Devils’ starting line-up might look like when they take on Tottenham on August 8th.
Would this XI trounce the north Londoners? Or perhaps more importantly, is this XI capable of claiming next season’s Premier League title?
GOALKEEPER – HUGO LLORIS
With David De Gea’s long-awaited departure to Real Madrid seemingly inevitable, Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been billed as the PFA Player of the Year nominee’s likely replacement.
The 28 year-old seems more than capable of filling the void; he’s captain of the France national team and has continually demonstrated world-class shot stopping abilities since arriving at White Hart Lane in summer 2012, last season making the most saves – an impressive 89 – of any goalkeeper in the Premier League’s top six.
Tottenham are understandably reluctant to sell, however, especially to a divisional rival, and allegedly value Lloris at a whopping £40million. They also intend to appoint him as captain next season to convince him to stay in north London.
Resultantly, they’ve been linked to an alternative in Ajax and Netherlands No.1 Jasper Cillessen.
RIGHT BACK – SEAMUS COLEMAN
The Red Devils have already missed out on a number of prominent right-backs this summer; particularly, Sevilla’s Aleix Vidal, now of Barcelona, Catalan team-mate Dani Alves, who extended his Nou Camp contract, and Liverpool signing Nathaniel Clyne.
But there’s still one option on their radar that The Daily Mail claim is now at the top of Louis van Gaal’s wishlist – Everton’s marauding No.2 Seamus Coleman.
LVG elected for midfielder Antonio Valencia over Rafael last term and the Ireland international is of a similar mould, having begun his career as a winger but since emerged as one of the top attacking right-backs in the Premier League.
He’s got pace and power in abundance but most impressive is the 26 year-old’s output; nine goals and four assists in 71 appearances over the last two campaigns.
The Telegraph claim the Toffees have identified Leeds youngster Sam Byram as Coleman’s replacement, suggesting a summer move is likely.
CENTRE-BACK – SERGIO RAMOS
A few weeks ago, Sergio Ramos seemed destined for a long and successful career at Real Madrid, before eventually retiring as one of the greatest defenders and servants in the club’s history.
But following the rather bizarre news that the Spain international offered himself to Barcelona a few months ago, he’s now a priority Manchester United target and apparently desperate to escape the Bernabeu as soon as possible.
Louis van Gaal has spent the last two summers searching for a highly-experienced ball-playing centre-back with irrefutable pedigree and the 2010 World Cup winner, famed for his ability to contribute going forward and occasional goals, fits the bill perfectly.
The only issue is price-tag, especially considering Ramos is now 29 years of age. Earlier this week, United launched a £28.6million bid; but Los Blancos allegedly value their star defender at a ridiculous £63million.
CENTRE-BACK – MARCOS ROJO
In truth, any of Manchester United’s centre-backs could pair up with Sergio Ramos next season, with the exception of transfer-bound Jonny Evans. Chris Smalling produced some fantastic displays towards the end of last season and Phil Jones has just signed a new contract.
But purely for his left foot and compatibility with Louis van Gaal’s preferred style of play, we’re going for Marcos Rojo.
The 25 year-old struggled upon his initial arrival in the Premier League last summer but grew as the season went on, eventually finishing up with 2.4 tackles, 2.5 interceptions, 6.3 clearances and 2.4 successful aerial duels per match.
Of course, the versatile defender could find himself utilised more regularly at left-back next season, which bring us onto…
LEFT BACK – LUKE SHAW
It was a turbulent first twelve months for Luke Shaw at Manchester United, disrupted by recurring injuries and concerns over his fitness.
But the England international’s great potential was evident on enough occasions and after moving to Old Trafford for a record-breaking fee for both a teenager and a full-back last summer – a whopping £30million – Louis van Gaal will be determined to get his money’s worth.
Still just 19 years of age, the attacking full-back has a huge future ahead of him.
HOLDING MIDFIELD – MORGAN SCHNEIDERLIN
Michael Carrick will almost certainly be a resident figure at Old Trafford next season, but Manchester United are on the hunt for a long-term successor to England international this summer, having often struggled in his absence last term.
And according to the tabloids, that’s thrust them towards Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who has emerged as one of the top enforcers in the Premier League since the club’s top flight ascension in 2012, last season averaging the second-most tackles per-match, 3.7, of any player in the division.
The France international lacks Carrick’s definitive passing range but he’s a similar kind of player; physical, formidable and renowned for his ability to bring composure and control into the area he operates in.
The Saints are believed to have rejected a £20million bid from the Red Devils, however, valuing the 25 year-old at closer to £25million.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – ANDER HERRERA
Ander Herrera’s impressive performances seemed to slip under the radar a little bit last season. He actually ended up as United’s fourth-top goalscorer and fourth-top assistor in the Premier League, with six and four respectively from his 26 league outings.
The 25 year-old perhaps isn’t of world elite standard but he’s a fantastic technician, with a pass completion rate of 89%, and added a little feistiness to United’s engine room through 2.8 tackles per match.
The Spaniard is subtle yet effective and particularly befitting of Louis van Gaal’s possession-based philosophy, so he’s almost a dead cert for a regular role next season.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER
Along with Morgan Schneiderlin, the Red Devils are reportedly targeting Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.
At 30 years of age, the industrious centre-mid is coming to the end of his peak and probably can’t perform in the box-to-box capacity that’s made him one of world football’s best for much longer, but he’s hugely experienced with the 2014 World Cup, the 2013 Champions League title and eight Bundesliga titles on his CV.
Louis van Gaal knows Schweinsteiger well from his spell at the Allianz Arena and the German international could be available for just £10million this summer, due to his contract expiring at the end of next season, so he could prove to be a very smart piece of business.
Bavarians boss Pep Guardiola, however, has insisted Schweinsteiger is involved in his plans for next season.
RIGHT WING – MEMPHIS DEPAY
Manchester United’s attack lacked penetration at times last season but £25million signing Memphis Depay should address that in abundance.
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The Netherlands international was nominated for the Best Young Player award at the 2014 World Cup and continued his form into the following season, netting 22 times in 30 Eredivisie appearances to fire PSV to their first league title since 2008.
Fast, powerful, often compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and undoubtedly one of the most promising attacking talents in Europe, there will be a big expectancy for the 21 year-old to perform next season.
LEFT WING – ANGEL DI MARIA
Angel Di Maria’s first season at Manchester United was a polarised one. The Argentine started off looking worth every penny of his club record £59.7million transfer fee, but ended it out of sorts and out of favour.
There’s been rumours of a potential move to PSG but the 27 year-old has insisted that he intends to stay on at Old Trafford for at least next season.
Part of the problem, in my opinion, is the ambiguity surrounding his best role in the starting Xi, having begun his career as a winger but emerged as a real force at the heart of Real Madrid’s midfield during the 2013/14 campaign.
The new arrivals, however, should help Louis van Gaal decide how to best utilise the former Bernabeu star. He’s got an absolutely lethal left foot when driving crosses into the box so a role on the left side of United’s attack seems like the most logical position.
STRIKER – WAYNE ROONEY
If the right deal comes along, Manchester United could decide to sign another striker this summer, with Robin van Persie apparently being offered out to a series of clubs across Europe.
But in terms of the starting Xi, Louis van Gaal seems content enough with skipper Wayne Rooney leading the line on a regular basis.
The England international’s all-round game has never been in doubt – he’s easily one of the most complete players on the continent and unquestionably the most complete in the Premier League.
In terms of his goal tally, however, the Red Devils will be hoping for a little more next season. Old Wazza Roo managed just 12 last season – albeit, spending significant chunks of the campaign in midfield – and hasn’t breached the 20-goal mark since the 2011/12 campaign.
If United are to claim next term’s crown, he’ll have to step it up a notch.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has paid tribute to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp for improving Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this season.
Eyebrows were raised when Liverpool paid £35m to sign Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
Indeed, the England international struggled for consistency during his time at Arsenal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain initially found it difficult to break into the Liverpool first team, but the 24-year-old has been a regular in recent weeks, and played a key role in his side recording a 5-0 win over Swansea City on Boxing Day.
Pundit Redknapp has claimed that he was unsure about the move when it occurred, but has paid tribute to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s improvement at Anfield.
Redknapp told Sky Sports:
“I wasn’t sure about the move for him to start with and I was wondering how he was going to do, but he has surprised me.
“I looked at him at Arsenal and it was like he was treading water and going nowhere, but under Jurgen Klopp I am seeing a completely different player.
“I am seeing he is fit, with a great attitude and wanting to win tackles.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain has scored twice and provided two assists in 17 Premier League appearances for Liverpool this season.
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The attacker, who is valued at £27m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has also netted once in four Champions League appearances since making the move to Anfield.
According to reports in The Mirror, Liverpool face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton in the race to sign Norwich City attacking midfielder James Maddison in the summer.
What’s the word, then?
Soccer Football – Championship – Norwich City vs Millwall – Carrow Road, Norwich, Britain – January 1, 2018 Norwich City’s James Maddison celebrates scoring their second goal Action Images/Andrew Couldridge EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account represen
Well, The Mirror says that the Premier League trio are all admirers of the 21-year-old, who has enjoyed an impressive season for the Championship outfit, but the Canaries are set to keep hold of him this month following Alex Pritchard’s transfer to Huddersfield Town.
Even though he moved to Carrow Road from Coventry City two years ago, this has been the starlet’s breakthrough season with City following a loan spell with Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen last term.
The Mirror adds that the Reds, Spurs and Saints are all expected to firm up their interest in Maddison at the end of the season, with the player considered to be one of the most highly-rated outside of the top flight.
How has Maddison done this season?
He has been brilliant.
Maddison has been playing in the No 10 role behind the striker for the Canaries – similar to the one that Dele Alli often plays for Tottenham – and he has made a big impression.
Even though Norwich are down in 13th position in the Championship standings, the 21-year-old has scored six goals and provided a further five assists in 24 league appearances, while he has has seven goals and eight assists in 28 outings in all competitions.
In fact, he netted once and set up the other in a 2-1 win against Millwall on New Year’s Day, while he played the full 90 minutes in the goalless draw against Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend.
Would he be a good signing for Liverpool?
He certainly would be in the future, yes.
The 21-year-old has shown the ability and the potential he has for Norwich this season, but whether he would be involved in the Liverpool first-team next term would remain to be seen.
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Maddison would have plenty of competition in the middle of the park from the likes of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana, while Jurgen Klopp could still look to buy a replacement for Philippe Coutinho.
That said, if the Reds want to buy the best young British talent for the future, then it will be a no-brainer to try and win the race for Maddison in the summer.
It’s hard to gage just what Jose Mourinho was trying to accomplish by describing Luke Shaw as one of the best left-backs in the world just before dropping him for Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor.
Actions speak louder than words and while the Red Devils gaffer may have sung the England international’s praises in the media, he also dropped him against a side that haven’t won and scored just four goals in their last eight games in favour of a 32-year-old converted winger.
“He’s good, solid, physically much better, mentally much stronger, tactically understanding the game much better and what we need in different phases and circumstances.
“I’m really happy and [looking at the transfer market], I can say that in this moment I don’t see many left-backs better than this Luke Shaw.”
Perhaps the Portuguese was trying to keep Sean Dyche second-guessing, perhaps he was trying to talk up Shaw’s value in the transfer market, or perhaps it was a mixture of both.
In any case, although Mourinho’s hand was somewhat forced by Ashley Young’s recent suspension, it’s certainly curious that Shaw has come back into United’s first team and earned praise from his manager just in time for the January transfer window, after being stuck on the fringes at Old Trafford for the vast majority of the United gaffer’s first 18 months in charge. That suggests if United receive a decent offer for Shaw before next week’s deadline, they’ll be open to a sale.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Everton vs Manchester United – Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain – January 1, 2018 Everton’s Nikola Vlasic in action with Manchester United’s Luke Shaw REUTERS/Andrew Yates EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account represe
The ultimate question, though, is which Premier League club can provide the best home for a player who has struggled to progress since becoming the most expensive full-back in the world back in 2014.
There’s been speculative talk (quoted in The Express from Sky Sports’ The Debate) from the likes of Tim Sherwood about Shaw reuniting with Mauricio Pochettino in a swap deal that would see Danny Rose move to Old Trafford, but Everton are in need of a young, dynamic option at left-back as well.
“They might as well do the swap now. Shaw is loved by Mauricio Pochettino. Danny [Rose] is loved by Mourinho. Just do the swap now and get it over and done with.”
Leighton Baines is still a solid performer on his day, one that now boasts an abundance of experience in addition to his impressive technical quality and deadly deliveries into the box, but he just can’t be relied upon anymore – aged 33 and continuing to suffer from injury problems. That’s been a real issue for Everton this term; since being sidelined in November, Sam Allardyce has been forced to depend on Cuco Martina and Jonjoe Kenny switching to their less preferred flank. Performances from both right-backs at No.3 have been inconsistent at best.
The main concerns with Shaw are that he’s endured serious injury problems as well, and that there has been a recurring narrative of the England international failing to meet the demands of his managers.
Roy Hodgson, Louis van Gaal and Mourinho have all publicly criticised the defender at times, while even Pochettino who brought Shaw through at Southampton questioned the youngster’s working appetite in his book published earlier this season.
But Shaw is still an incredible talent who encompasses the qualities craved in modern full-backs, and he’s still just 22 years of age. That’s more than young enough to get his career back on track with the right move, and for a manager to leave a lasting impression on the youngster that can eradicate the criticism he’s received in recent years.
While there may be concerns over style of play for players coming into the club, Allardyce has proved himself to be an exceptional man-manager, capable of getting the best out of different types of characters, and that’s exactly what Shaw needs – someone who knows how to put an arm around him, as well as point out where he’s going wrong.
And if there is a clear weakness in Shaw’s game, it’s one Allardyce is almost tailor-made to solve; the seven-cap international has always been a formidable threat going forward, but the defensive side of his game would certainly benefit from fine-tuning.
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At this point in January, the big questions are whether Everton have enough time to get a deal done and how much it would cost them, especially in light of Mourinho’s recent comments. It’s clear United are aware of Shaw’s value in the transfer market, even if he’s not a guaranteed starter. Transfermarkt value him at just £13.5million, but Everton could easily end up paying double that sum based on recent fees for full-backs.
Yet, Everton’s starting XI continues to cry out for a Baines successor and if the Toffees intend on becoming a side that can consistently compete for Champions League qualification under Allardyce, Shaw is undoubtedly the calibre of player, also offering longevity, who must be brought into Goodison Park. So, Everton fans, should your club swoop before next weeks’ deadline? Let us know by voting below…
Having scored just 24 goals in the same number of Premier League games this season, it’s clear Southampton need more firepower – but that doesn’t necessarily mean signing another striker before the transfer window slams shut next month.
Indeed, a regular supply of goals from other departments would give a huge boost to Southampton’s survival hopes, while a lack of pace, power and all-round dynamism in the final third has been a recurring problem for them this season.
With that in mind, we proposed a surprise signing for Saints earlier this week in the form of West Ham’s Michail Antonio, who enjoyed a spell at St. Mary’s as a youngster, and asked whether supporters would back a late January swoop for the Irons attacker.
And according to our poll, 66% of Southampton supporters would be keen to bring Antonio back to the south coast before next week’s deadline. How much would you be prepared to pay for the winger’s services, Southampton fans? Let us know by commenting below…
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The final 10 minutes of Sunday’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday were full of drama.
Victor Wanyama cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s opener with a thunderbolt of a strike, while Harry Kane missed a penalty to put the visitors ahead.
Salah scored again in added time to seemingly hand the win to Liverpool, but another penalty was awarded to the North London outfit after discussions between referee Jon Moss and his linesman.
Kane did not miss the second time around and the clubs ended up sharing a point, much to the home side’s dismay.
Controversially, the topic of diving has reared its ugly head after Dele Alli was booked for simulation and Kane was accused of going to ground too easily to win the first penalty.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has since given his thoughts on play-acting.
In a piece published by The Independent, the Argentine told the media that the fixation on diving is “killing the game” and that football is all about trying to trick your opponent.
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As expected, some Liverpool fans were not impressed by Pochettino’s stance.
Leeds United’s winless run was stretched to nine matches on Sunday after failing to beat play-off hopefuls Bristol City at Elland Road in the English Championship.The Whites have failed to win a single match in 2018 and their hopes making the play-offs have all but been ended by the run of poor form.In truth, Sunday’s match could have been a lot worse for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.The away side rushed to a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes and looked set for a comfortable victory before Kemar Roofe and Pierre-Michel Lasogga scored a second half double to rescue a point.https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/leeds-relegation.mp4Supporters were left frustrated with the result and performance, reserving particular criticism for goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald.The shot-stopper struggled in the early stages with both of Bristol City’s goals and fans are now calling for him to be dropped or even sold.They took to Twitter to share their thoughts on his performance…
Tottenham Hotspur signed Lucas Moura from Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window, and the Brazil international scored on his second appearance for the club against Rochdale in the FA Cup.
Lucas is widely expected to start Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round replay with Rochdale at Wembley, but the 25-year-old is going to find it difficult to break into Tottenham’s Premier League XI in the final weeks of the 2017-18 campaign.
The attacker, who is valued at £25.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, was left on the bench against Arsenal earlier this month, and only played the final 24 minutes of Tottenham’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
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The presence of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen means that Lucas has a tough task to break into the Premier League team, but the Tottenham fans feel that the former Manchester United transfer target is more than capable of becoming a key player.
Indeed, the supporters have liked what they have seen from Lucas thus far, and many have urged Pochettino to hand him a regular starting position in the next few weeks.
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A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below.