22 Jul 2015 10:39:25
We are still in the middle of a significant restructuring of the squad, so it is too soon to come to any firm conclusions, but I am slightly concerned we may be trying to do too much too soon.

In defence, Friedel has retired and Kaboul has been sold, with Chiriches likely to follow. However, we have already brought in 3 new defenders so we have a good mix of known quantities and new options. I don't have too many worries there.

Midfield is a different story. We have already got rid of Paulinho, Capoue, Holtby and Stambouli with Lennon almost certain to follow. It seems probable that any serious offers for Townsend and Lamela would also be accepted.

That would leave us with Mason, Bentaleb and Dembele in the defensive positions and Erikson and Chadli in the more attacking roles, supported by the untried promise of Alli, Carroll and Pritchard.

At the same time, both Adebayor and Soldado look likely to be on their way, leaving no support at all for Kane.

Of course, we won't be selling 10 or 12 players without bringing in some new recruits, but if all these changes go through, our squad for next season could be virtually unrecognizable.

I just hope this is not going to be repeat of what happened in 2008, when a new manager decided he doesn't fancy his squad and conducted a massive clear- out, only to see the wheels fall off at the start of his second season. At the very least, the new signings are going to have to hit the ground running, or our season could be over before it has even begun.

On the other hand, if we get the recruitment right, this shake-up might be just what we need.

Exciting times!

1.) 22 Jul 2015
22 Jul 2015 17:21:27
I think it will be a case of swapping proven unworthy fringe players for young prospects

2.) 22 Jul 2015
22 Jul 2015 18:13:10
We also could do with proven players. We need the balance of young & experienced players, One of the Eds mentioned Cambiasso the other day, we could get him on a free, then look to spend more money on a younger class player. We need a midfielder who can unlock the door as we'll as Erikson.

3.) 23 Jul 2015
23 Jul 2015 11:18:29
DR-THFC

We all like to see Tottenham sign exciting young talent that we hope will just get better and better, but it can’t always be ‘jam tomorrow’.

Our current squad has 25 outfield players. Only one is a teenager (Alli), but 15 are between 21 and 25, and 7 are between 26 and 29.

Only Soldado and Adebayor have passed 30 and both will probably go this summer.

That is a good age profile, but you might be right in saying the squad could benefit from the experience of a top class veteran.

Levy must realise that resale value is not the only criterion for signing players.

4.) 23 Jul 2015
23 Jul 2015 13:09:33
The only thing Levy and his ENIC pals are interested in is money, so the criteria for buying players is 1000% what will the re sale value be, that is their only concern. Between the Peter Crouch signing and getting Saldado how long were we crying out for a top striker. Everyone in the football world knew how desperate we were. Didn't happen but Daniels pockets were still full and that's all that matters. Inter Milan nights are now decades away and this is 1000% down to Levy. He should of done the decent thing and sold to the Saudis in 2008, but he knew we were his cash cow so didn't, now look at us. Honestly is there another club more in need or deserving of a big takeover.

5.) 23 Jul 2015
23 Jul 2015 20:08:49
If Tim is nice enough to take Ade from us, I can see Soldado staying at least for one more season.

6.) 24 Jul 2015
24 Jul 2015 07:59:27
Even if Ade does go and we keep Soldado we are still in massive need for a striker. i'm impressed with all the deals done so far but if levy doesn't sign a top striker we will end up falling further behind and think we will finish 6th.

7.) 24 Jul 2015
24 Jul 2015 18:56:08
Sad thing is we always seem to be 1 good striker away from glory

8.) 26 Jul 2015
26 Jul 2015 20:44:45
@KM, Good post (as usual). I think the difference this time is that the players we are clearing out were the ones that didn't play much last year, so in that sense the first team hasn't lost anyone. The players that we are looking to bring in for the most part have Premier League experience.

I can see Vert and Ald being the first choice centre backs, with Dier and Wimmer as young backups still learning. Tripper played well last year and hopefully his form maintains, and if nothing else he will be good competition for Walker (I did feel that Rose upped his game last year).

Midfield will be interesting as I think we got burned out last year, Mason especially. Both Pritchard and Dell Alli did impress, admittedly at a league lower, but they will still have some relevant experience. If the rumours are true and we sign Berahino then that is more PL experience as well, and a partner that Kane knows well if we ever wanted to play 2 up top.

I still think that it will be a building season for us, but with the established 1st XI all still present it will give us time to introduce the new players in. You can never tell how other teams will do so positions tough to predict, but I would expect us to beat 72pts this year. If we do that and finish 5th I still think it will have been a good year.