My sincere thanks go to Jake Holloway of the Spurs List for his kind permission to use this fantastic post on the website. I think it is a marvellous battle cry for all us Spurs fans, not only for this Saturday's "North London" Derby, but as a reference for many occasions in the future. I would suggest reading Jake's article to the tune of the "Battle Hymnn of the Republic" (Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!)
When times were really bad you came through it. When we had a mumbling mulleted foot-inspector with a doughnut formation you came through it.
When we flirted with management from the dark side you flinched (well, maybe) but you saw the pure white glow of the shirts at White Hart Lane and the decades of history and commitment to proper football and you gritted your teeth and it came good.
And before that, when we sank into the second division and played Burnley and Brighton and lots of other teams beginning with B, you probably enjoyed the diverting nature of the season and thanked Ghod it was just the one!
Every cloud has a blue and white lining. For every red letter day, a lilywhite weekend. Into every season a little pain must fall but don't ever, EVER forget that;
(1) we are Spurs, and that is a curse as well as a privilege!
(2) we are unique, a club at the top table that has never ever forgotten that football is about more than winning. A club and a million or more supporters that can talk about a history of style and grace that goes back 60 or more years, not a few over-hyped seasons.
(3) we're where we are on merit and honest cash. We're in North London because that's where we come from - not where the gooner franchise moved during a post-war stitch-up, or with money obtained from a whole continent of poor people.
(4) ....... and remind yourself it's not about todays team, this weeks results or the people who happen to be 'in charge' at the moment. We've seen them come and go - seven, eight managers, five Chairman, Lord only knows how many Directors and sub-managers and DOFs! Its about a commitment to an idea, a group of fellow supporters, a shared enemy, a history rich in legends, groundbreaking coaches and players, individuality and style over percentages and mindless running.
(5) and then, and only then, realize that - as a matter of FACT - we're a great team this season, much better than for a good long time, with some lovely young players, with a great coach who has a sense of humour and humility AND a winning mentality and yes it might not be a perfect season and maybe we make mistakes but so what, this is reality!
So cheer up!
Stop reading the predictable messages from the pessimists. They know NOTHING.
AND.. We've got the scum on Saturday! All soldiers need to shape up and report to their posts! Whether its in a bar in San Francisco, your living room in Washington DC or at White Hart Lane!
Come on you SPURS and snap out of it soldier!
Jake..
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