Spurs Reserves v Nottingham Forest Reserves
to be played at Broadhall Way, Stevenage
Tuesday 28th August, 2001
Kick-off 7pm
How to get there:-
Whether you are arriving from the North or South on the A1(M), turn off at Junction 7 (signposted Stevenage South). From the north you need the first exit, from the south you need the third. Continue on the dual carriageway, going straight over the first roundabout. For a reserve game, you are likely to find parking outside the ground, by turning right at this roundabout, then immediately left to access the club car park. Alternatively, there is plenty of free parking nearby at the "Out of town" shopping areas.
At present Stevenage are building a new stand for away conference supporters at the South end of the stadium, so viewing will be from three sides of the ground only. There is a fully seated stand behind the dug-outs, otherwise all areas are standing. There is strong support for Spurs in the Stevenage area, but I expect there to be no pressure on the turnstiles. The usual turn-out for a conference game is 2,000, with a capacity of about 6,000 (taking the building work into account)
Normally one might expect Simon Davies and Alton Thelwell to play, as they have hardly featured in the Premiership so far. However, they are both on International duty (for Wales and England under-21 respectively). Ciaron Toner may be on under-21 duty for Northern Ireland, so it could be a very young and inexperienced Spurs side facing new coach Colin Calderwood's last team, Nottingham Forest.
There is a slight chance that first team players such as Les Ferdinand, Oyvind Leonhardsen, and Tim Sherwood may be returning to fitness, and therefore may need a game, but I expect the side to line up something like this (in a 3-5-2 formation):-
Kasey Keller:- our newest signing. USA International and experienced keeper. If available, he is likely to force Gavin Kelly to wait in the wings. Kelly (b. 3.6.81) impressed last season on loan at Kingstonian, and enjoyed their FA Cup heroics. In my view Kelly is likely to be snapped up by a lower league side if he has not made progress at Tottenham before the end of this season.
James Quilter (b. 15.7.83.) Quilter is a third year trainee, having played 22 games for the under-19s last season. He got one or two outings for the reserves at the end of the season, when the first team was so depleted. Big and strong, he looks a good prospect, which is why the club have given him longer to impress, as he did lose some time through injury.
Anthony Gardner (b. 19.9.80). I noticed that Gardner got a late substitute appearance for the reserves recently, so I hope to see him continuing the come-back trail in this game. Many fans will hope he can get back to the first team, after his super run at the end of last term.
Paul O'Donaghue (b. 14.12.83) I know little about this lad, who can expect to play most of his games for the under-19s. However, he has had some outings with this year's reserves, who may need him at Stevenage.
John Piercy (b. 18.9.79) Piercy made his league debut under George Graham against Derby on 16th October 1999, having also played against Crewe in the Worthington Cup. At that time he was seen as a striker, and also played on the right wing. Late last season, played at the back of midfield, and pre-season Hoddle groomed him as a right wing-back, where I expect him to play tomorrow. In the absence of Ian Hillier, who is on loan at Joe Kinnear's Luton, Piercy may even captain the side.
Ciaron Toner (if available) (b.30.6.81) Made it to the Premiership squad under Glenn, but has yet to make his debut. Has player almost everywhere in defence and midfield, and I would expect him to play central midfield, if available.
Johnnie Jackson (b. 15.8.82) Bright England under-18 star. Full of running and passing skill, Johnnie made several appearances pre-season at left wing back, before the Premiership and Reserve squad split up. Expect him to play left midfield.
Maurizio Consorti (b. 6.3.82)Favours the right side, at full back. Still needs to establish himself in the reserves.
Matthew Etherington (b. 14.8.81) Needs no introduction really. Signed for Spurs at the same time as Simon Davies from Peterborough. If I remember rightly, it was Etherington who was seen as the major part of the deal, and yet he has failed to make the same sort of impression as Simon, who is establishing himself at full International level for Wales. Etherington is an attacking left winger, who has not yet adapted playing as a left wing-back under the current playing system at Spurs.
Yannick Kamanan (b. 5.10.81) French Youth International. Yannick enjoyed his pre-season outings with the likes of Gus Poyet serving him some fine chances, enabling him to score three goals in the first two games at Stevenage and Swindon. He has pace but needs more strength if he is going to make it. This is a make or break season for him, in my view.
Steven Ferguson (b. 1.4.82) Signed from east Fife in December 2000.An exciting young prospect with pace and delightful skills. Another David Pleat "spot", who deservedly featured in the Premiership squad under Glenn Hoddle.
Look out for up and coming player such as Lee Barnard, Ben Bowditch, and George Snee. Forest provided challenging opposition at White Hart Lane late last season, so it should be an entertaining game.
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