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Tottenham Club Focus - The Good, The Bad and The Unexpected
During January, Tottenham Hotspur manager, Harry Redknapp repeated that Spurs would do little business but that he was interested in bringing in a world class player to improve the squad: "We've got to be a club looking to go places,” he told reporters. “If we're going to make a signing, let's make one big signing. That would send out a message."
Spurs fans may be forgiven for asking then how this statement fits in with the signings of Louis Saha and Ryan Nelsen, especially when there appeared to be genuine interest in Loic Remy, Christopher Samba and Junior Hoilett. Now the dust has settled on the window, what conclusions may be drawn from Spurs’ activity?
The Good - The sale of Roman Pavlyuchenko for £8million, and the loan departures of Sebastién Bassong, Vedran Corluka and Steven Pienaar was good for the club. The wage bill is reduced and unhappy players desperate for first team action, and who consequently may have unsettled the dressing room, are gone. Also positive were the young players going out on loan, such as Harry Kane, Thomas Carroll, Iago Falqué and Andros Townsend. All the loanees should gain crucial experience and appear to have all gone to clubs that suit them.
The Bad - Giovani staying at Spurs is probably the worst case scenario for him and the club, leaving an unhappy player at the club, who do not appear to want him. Perhaps a more sensible price should be sought whilst the Russian and South American windows are still open. Adam Smith’s loan to Leeds United is arguably the worst decision of the window. In accepting Corluka was going to leave, the Croatian’s loan deal meant there were no funds to buy cover. Therefore, loaning Smith may leave Spurs short at right back if Kyle Walker is absent. Younes Kaboul could cover there but considering his excellence at centre back this season, playing him at right back may weaken Spurs in central defence.
The Unexpected - Spurs’ offer for Remy was rejected and Milos Krasic turned down a loan as he was after a permanent move, with Redknapp stating there were no funds available for this. However, a greater offer had been made for Remy and funds were realised from Pavlyuchenko’s sale; neither was there a follow up offer for Remy, all of this after the commencement of Redknapp’s trial. Was this Daniel Levy being uncertain of his manager’s future and unwilling to commit funds accordingly? The unexpected result: the incoming Louis Saha and Ryan Nelsen for free. These are possibly very good deals. Both players bring plenty of Premier League experience and, in form and injury free, will add to the squad. If Saha can re-capture form, he is a proven goal scorer with his link up play and work rate better than the departed Russian. Nelsen brings leadership, aerial duel success and good defensive statistics. That both have six month contracts is good business. With reasons to prove themselves, their performances should reflect this - perhaps more than some departed. The contracts will also buy time for Daniel Levy until the future of Redknapp is resolved. The short length of contract, along with potential departures of William Gallas and Emmanuel Adebayor, will give whoever is in charge options. If they have proved themselves the contract may be extended, if not space will be available for returning loan players.
Considering the uncertainty over Harry Redknapp’s position, the activity in January was maybe the best Spurs could manage.
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