NORMAN GILLER’S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 250
Submitted by Norman Giller

Guy Fawkes could not have produced a bigger keg of gunpowder than sits under the desk of Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. It could explode in his face if he does not open the purse strings and release the money to buy at least two players during the upcoming January transfer window.

Mauricio Pochettino surely feels as if he’s starring in an episode of Casualty as he surveys his walking wounded, and must be tempted to join in the chorus from Spurs fans for Levy to strengthen the squad after last summer’s total inactivity.

I supported the transfer embargo because I saw no sense in buying for the sake of it. But now, with players going down like ninepins, it has become imperative that Levy supports his manager with the cheque book. I would hate to see Mauricio being tempted to take his dream job at Madrid because he is not getting the backing he deserves.

The whispers coming my way from the Tottenham control room is that two major transfer deals are being set up for January. We shall see, but all Spurs watchers will know it makes sense.

Saturday’s nerve-shredding second-half against Wolves underlined that several Tottenham players are running on empty after digging deep to get Spurs through their rush of games. It has all served to emphasise that the first-team squad is two class players short if the club wants to turn a creditable fourth place into a proper championship challenge.

Let’s be honest, they have got within firing range of the top spot without ever consistently finding last season’s rhythm and power. Climbing above the Gooners speaks volumes for the character of the team.

It’s anybody’s guess who Pocchetino will pick for tomorrow’s crucial European challenge against PSV. He must spend more time discussing selection with his physios and medics than he does his coaching staff.

Our Spurs Odyssey guru Paul H. Smith and guest reporter John Ellis give their views of Tottenham’s performance here, but whichever way you look at it Spurs were fortunate to come away from Molineux with all three points. What looked a walk-over at 3-0 almost turned into a nervous breakdown.

A word of encouragement for young Juan Foyth, who marked his Premier League debut by conceding two penalties. Both of his predicaments were caused by hesitancy from more experienced colleagues, and there is much about his game that suggests he will be a force to be reckoned with in the years ahead.

I have long ago conceded that I can never know the feelings of a true Tottenham fan. I’ve never had to put my hand in my pocket to support them, so my views are never swayed by economics. The luxury of the press box has protected me from the icy blast of having to put money where my mouth is.

But what I do know is that if I was a paying fan I would be furious at the contemptuous way supporters are treated by the Establishment. How dare they play games on Saturday nights to satisfy the great god of television.

There is another Saturday night trek coming up next month at Leicester, causing I am sure disruption to family weekend plans.

December is also going to be the month of not one, but two North London Derbies.

Now that is really going to be fireworks.

Then we await the bonfire of Mr Levy’s vanity as – surely – he gives Pochettino money to burn. Penny for the guy, guv?

Question No 12 in this 2018-19 SOQL season:

Who has won 17 international caps, has collected the Rinus Michels’ Player of the Year award, and from which club did he join Spurs?

Please email your answer to me at SOQL12@normangillerbooks.com. Deadline: midnight this Friday. I will respond to all who take part.

This year’s prizes for the champion: two books from my Spurs collection with autographs from Jimmy Greaves, Steve Perryman and Dave Mackay, and a framed certificate announcing the winner as SOQL champion.

There will also be a special bonus prize that I will announce later in the season. I promise it’s a collector’s item for anybody who follows the mighty Spurs.

Last week I asked: Who won two FA Cups and a Uefa Cup with Spurs, also played for Rangers and Chelsea, and against which overseas team did he score in a penalty shootout?

Three points to all those of you who said Graham Roberts, the big-hearted defender who scored a vital goal in open play and then in the penalty shoot out in the unforgettable Uefa Cup final against Anderlecht.

Please keep a check on your scores. I will be trusting you to count your points as I do not have faith in my email server.

Thank you for taking part. See you back here same time, same place next week. Keep the faith. COYS!

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