We battle back to secure a draw at Stamford Bridge ??@MindCharity ?? #SpursPreSeason pic.twitter.com/IPeacamQcS

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 4, 2021

The whole idea of a "friendly" match against Chelsea, followed by Arsenal on Sunday seems alien, but of course the clubs cannot make their usual commercial arrangements in foreign climes and this series is in aid of an excellent cause - MIND - which has been well supported by Spurs Odyssey in recent years.

Spurs gave Pierluigi Gollini his first start and played a fairly strong side with unexpected names such as Aurier and Sissoko on the bench.

Full report here

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?? ???????????????????????? from Lucas
??? Unselfish from Sonny
?? Cool as you like from Dele

Watch #SpursPreSeason live ??

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 28, 2021

Spurs’ last visit to Stadium MK was three years ago in September 2018 when we played a “home” Carabao Cup game here against Watford. On that occasion Dele Alli captained the Spurs side against Watford, scoring during the game which finished 2-2 and adding a decisive penalty to secure the tie for Spurs. Last night Dele was captain of a Spurs side which welcomed back two senior full backs for the first time this season, and he scored again in another comfortable pre-season friendly.

Full report here

The official announcement yesterday of Toby Alderweireld's departure came as no surprise, as his move to Al-Duhail SC in Qatar had previously been accurately forecast in the press and social media. This transfer was nonetheless very sad as Toby had been a very skilful and solid centre-back in his 6 years at Spurs, five of which were spent in partnership with his Belgian International team-mate and fellow favourite Jan Vertonghen. That partnership, forged over so many games together, had been one of the very best for Tottenham in many years. Both players were adored by the fans, and both had songs dedicated to them. Both returned the love in full and bid heartfelt fond farewells to the fans and the club.

Six years of support, thank you ?? pic.twitter.com/i8otBw8yXf

— Toby Alderweireld (@AlderweireldTob) July 27, 2021

Full story here

Our summer series of articles regarding arrivals and departures at the club began with the much-awaited confirmation of the appointment of workaholic Fabio Paratici as “Managing Director, Football”, before the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as our new head coach, who said “We are going to make you proud”.

Now we have had our first two signings confirmed in the shape of 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and 20-year-old Spanish midfielder Bryan Gil. Erik Lamela has gone in the other direction to Sevilla in connection with the Gil signing and the club has paid something like an additional figure of £21 million for Gil, who is currently busy representing Spain in the Tokyo Olympics, after which he will join in his new club. One encouraging factor about these signings is that they were correctly heralded in press and social media reports long before the actual singings were confirmed by the club. On that basis, it seems we can also look forward to the signing of another Atalanta player – centre-back Cristian Romero, aged 23. Romero is actually on the books of Juventus but has been on loan to Atalanta. Paratici was famously involved at Juventus, of course.

✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini from Italian side Atalanta on a season-long loan, with an option to make the transfer permanent.

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 24, 2021

Full story here

Colchester finished six points and three places ahead of the League Two drop zone last season, but their most recent history against Spurs featured a League Cup Third Round win (on penalties) in September 2019. Two of the “U”s starters tonight – Frank Nouble and Tom Eastman – featured in that game. Eric Dier, Oliver Skipp, Lucas Moura, and Dele Alli all started that inglorious game, and started tonight. Son Heung-min and Troy Parrott were subs in that game. “Sonny” and Oliver Skipp made their first starts of this season, as did Alfie Whiteman. The absence of Joe Hart perhaps give credence to the rumours that Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini will join Spurs and will therefore challenge or replace Joe Hart as Hugo Lloris’s number Two. Erik Lamela has been training from the outset with Spurs, but he has yet to feature and is rumoured to be going to Sevilla in a swap plus payment deal for 20-year-old Bryan Gil.

Spurs won this game comfortable with a mix and match starting line-up of experience and youth. Once again, Spurs’ final goal was scored in the 38th minute, but this time that made the score 3-0 and it remained that way to the finish, by which time once again our regular first-teamers had left the scene, apart from Japhet Tanganga.

Full report here

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On Thursday 24th June, 2021 I learned of the passing of Raymond Lo on 6th June this year. Ray turned 70 last year having been born on 14th September, 1950. Ray was my very good friend and Spurs Odyssey colleague.

This obituary can only serve as one related to my friendship with Ray and will hopefully illustrate to his family the degree of Ray’s involvement with the game and team he loved. Indeed, it seems that such was Ray’s modesty that his family were largely unaware of the depth of his commitment.

On our way back from The Champions League Final in June 2019. On this occasion Ray seems to be having more than his customary half-pint! (Left to right, my son Greg, Ray, me, Andy Park, Curtis Harman)

· Read the Spurs Odyssey Obituary in full here

While all attention is on whether Mauricio Pochettino is returning to the manager’s hot seat at Tottenham, a company called CK66 is quietly working away to make sure he will not have Harry Kane waiting to welcome him back.

This is the agency that represents ‘Our Harry’ and is run by his older brother Charlie and father Patrick. It has swish offices in the heart of the City of London’s financial district, and they are geared up to handle what would be a world record £150-million transfer deal. They have only one client: Harry Kane..........

· See Norman Giller's article in full.

· The "Giller Index" - listing all Norman's articles for Spurs Odyssey

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The most epic thread on The Spurs Odyssey message board was one which started in 2010. This provided the history of our new stadium applications (including the thankfully unsuccessful bid for the Olympic Stadium) right up to the present day with images of the completed new stadium. In the early hours of Saturday 20th October, 2018, our stadium thread reached 1,000 pages! There is a genuine community feel about the board, which is moderated.

Every Spurs match is covered with excellent threads, which feature images and stats from previous games. There is so much to enjoy about the message board which also has an off-topic section where non-football matters are discussed.

There is also a great archive of filed material with links to some great Spurs history and goals.

If you would like to become even more involved, then please e-mail me (webmaster@spursodyssey.com) stating your full name, address (Town and Country will suffice!) and desired user name, and I will do the rest.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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