As someone once said, of all the things in the world that aren’t important, football is the most important of all. Since I was a kid, Tottenham Hotspur have been a significant part of my life. Unlike my relationships, I’ve had the chance to leave but never wanted to. For me, a Spurs win lifts my mood and makes me a better person, until the next game comes around and the butterflies in my stomach return as kick-off is near. Shouldn’t be that way, but there it is.
My goodness me how I have missed it. I like to make up my own mind about things but having consumed Spurs through the media this past month, it’s interesting to see what they think of us. I don’t want an obsequious media, drooling over Pochettino’s views in the same way they fawn over Mourinho’s contemptuous invective, but while we get a good press, we don’t get the credit we deserve. Because Spurs are “a big club” (whatever that means exactly) there is an expectation that we will do well not shared by supporters to anywhere near the same extent. This is the youngest team in the PL punching way above their weight, full of young British players several of whom are home-grown. You’d think that would be more of a story. Leicester’s heroics have overshadowed that to a large extent, and good luck to them by the way.
However, the radio has conveyed a sense that Spurs will keep going. Listening to both the Palace and Everton games on 5 Live, we went a goal down but just kept on playing, undeterred. It’s a good feeling to have.
In the words of soul legend Solomon Burke, she’s mean to me, she’s so bad for me, but when she touches me, nothing else matters. As others tire of the game, exhausted by the shabby, dismissive way supporters are treated, by the money, the greed, the hypocrisy, the incompetence of those who run it in England and across the world, so I grow to love my club more. Being there is what matters to me and I was glad to be at the Lane yesterday. Joy and relief in the stands when the goal went in. I joined in the singing, then stopped to listen, look around and take it all in. The whole ground full of song, the noise echoing in the roof and in my ears, rhythmic clapping rippling around the stands.
The goal when it came was worth waiting for, not only a thing of considerable beauty but also an illustration of how far this team has come. Spurs clean out an untidy ball in the corner not by whacking it upfield, perfectly acceptable though that option is, but by a spot of head tennis to keep possession at all costs. Kane comes deep to help out. Still in our half, a cushioned lay-off, his trademark touch, to a stampeding Dembele who surges 20 yards onwards. Not so long ago, he would have waited and taken it sideways.
Dembele pauses, here’s Alli just on as sub, to take it further. Outside of the foot cross, confident, precise, bisects keeper and defenders. This effort takes several Spurs attackers deep and should leave us short, but here’s a full-back, Trippier, at the far post to gleefully tuck it in. He’s run 80 yards from the edge of his own box to get there. The whole thing took, what, 15 seconds.
Trippier was marked by Capoue, one of the old guard who by all accounts did not buy into Pochettino’s regime, aka wouldn’t put the hard work in. The Frenchman half-heartedly goes with his man but could not be arsed to run the extra yard or so that would have prevented this goal. That’s why he no longer plays for us.
Even allowing for their self-imposed lack of ambition, Watford were pressed back into their half for extended periods. Never mind the shot and corner stats, the number crunchers could have added ‘times in the opposition half’, such was our dominance. They kept it very narrow and tight, denying space with 10 or 11 men behind the ball. It’s something we’ll have to get accustomed to.
Spurs combated this by attacking at a high tempo from the start and sustaining this until we went ahead. Despite the blanket defence, we made more chances in this match than in any I can remember for ages, 5 or 6 good opportunities in the first half. Pochettino’s system asks a lot of the full-backs, probably why he’s sought quality cover on both flanks as a priority. Trippier and Davies, nominally the second choice pairing, did not disappoint. Three times in the first half, Davies closed in on the goal with menace and intent. Three times Gomes saved low down to his left. He kept Watford in the game and was their star man by a street. Kane and Chadli missed good chances too.
Tottenham came out after half-time and upped the pace, if that were possible. Now it was Trippier’s turn to feature. Time and again he burst down the right and his crosses posed a danger every time. Spurs launched a determined assault on the Watford goal, 15 minutes of relentless brilliance that produced several chances and a definite penalty when Gomes, reverting to behaviour so familiar to Spurs fans, clumsily fell into the back of Kane’s legs. Eriksen and Trippier excelled, Lamela, who had a reasonable game, missed a great chance and helped create others. Then the goal, significantly one of the few times Spurs shifted the defence right out of shape. It was more like an away goal, hitting on the break, which is why we have such a good away record – it’s a style that suits.
Not so long ago you would have had more chance of convincing me that the earth is flat, people can walk up the side of buildings and next year we’ll all get around by using jetpacks than persuading me that Spurs have the best defensive record in the Premier League. Yesterday, for all the sustained attacking, Alderweireld showed once again that he is the main reason why. Alert and strong, he snuffed out most of Watford’s efforts before they got anywhere near Lloris, who did not have to make a save all afternoon. He’s in charge, of the opposition and his own defence, organising and pointing. Wimmer looks promising, in the same mould. He accomplished the best single piece of defence, stretching to intercept a curling cross and heading it back to Hugo.
Dembele was outstanding in the first half. In terms of the extent to which he lifts the team’s performance, he remains the most influential midfielder in the league. Trippier wins man of the match. Eriksen as I said was excellent too. Dier was not only strong as usual but kept the attacks moving with a series of firm, straight first-time passes from the back. I prefer Son to Chadli and Lamela because of his greater impact in the box, and I would have started him/brought him on sooner.
Talented though these individuals are, the team’s the thing. I’ve not seen a Spurs manager have such an impact on the team since Billy Nick. Burkinshaw deserves great credit for his achievements, more so than he receives. His is a lasting legacy, Pochettino’s short-term (so far) but more transformative. His ability to organise and motivate has transformed Tottenham Hotspur from a bunch of underachievers plus youngsters into a dynamic, purposeful aggregation where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
As I write we are second in the league. Think I will type that again. Tottenham Hotspur are second in the league. We deserve it, but whatever happens from now on in, it is a heart-warming experience that lifts the spirits and restores the faith of jaded supporters in the beauty and glory of the game. The soul-sapping spectre of the Europa League looms in the background. Tiredness could be our worst enemy. For now, enjoy every moment. I wonder if this is how it felt in 1959, when supporters starved of success watched a largely untested manager assemble the pieces of the greatest side of modern times. This lot won’t be as good as the Double team, of course not, but we are watching something special come together nonetheless.
Fortunes on the field are subject to the vagaries of the game – loss of form, tiredness, poor decisions, bad luck. However the season turns out, Pochettino’s side have achieved something that seemed impossible in the contemporary history of Tottenham Hotspur, bringing the club and supporters closer together. The problems and potential problems have not disappeared. Lest we forget, prices deter many and exclude many more. The club is more responsive to fans than they were 18 months ago and the Supporters Trust have had a lot to do with that but let’s not kid ourselves. In many respects at senior level they do not understand what fans want and even less about how to give it to us.
But this team have transcended that. They give everything they have. They care – about each other, about winning, about the supporters. They understand what the club means to supporters, what it stands for. After the Norwich game, instead of dashing off after a perfunctory wave to the Park Lane, spontaneously they stayed on the pitch as if they did not want to leave it after playing so well. They shuffled round in a semi-circle of honour, all of them, applauding the crowd who sang ‘happy birthday’ to Hugo. Instead of rushing home to the warmth of families who wanted us to be with them on Boxing Day, many stayed and clapped back. It was the same yesterday. It’s different, it’s wonderful.
I am deeply touched that so many people have missed the blog over the past month and have said that reading it is part of their Spurs routine. Sincere thanks to everyone who has wished me and my wife well. She doesn’t understand why so many total strangers have hoped she gets better but she is grateful. She also doesn’t understand why I sat at her hospital bedside and watched a vine of Alli’s goal at Palace for 10 solid minutes, but you do.
TOTTENHAM ON MY MIND 
Welcome back Alan, hope you and the missus are doing well. We missed you, COYS!!
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Missed you all too *sobs*
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Lovely piece of writing!!
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O, i read your blog from here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I appreciate your writing, observations and sentiments. Thank you for blogging
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Great to have you back, wonderful piece.
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Thanks John, good to be back.
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Another beautiful piece of writing Alan. Like you, I’ve followed Spurs all my life, since the latter part of Bill Nick’s reign and you really have captured exactly how we feel about our team and how Poch has given us ‘our’ Tottenham back. Keep it up mate.
Cheers, Martin
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Cheers Martin. I have been positive about the feeling at the Lane for a while, not shared by everyone so good to know others feel the same way.
Regards, Alan
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Great piece, to be honest I was worried at 2nd half we would slow down a bit…boy was I wrong, Chadli despite not taking a good chance via Lamela did exceptional in creating for Davies…lovin each game as they come
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There was some lovely interplay down the left, the chances for Davies were created beautifully, making space and drawing defenders out.
Regards, Alan
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Having been born in Tottenham there was only ever going to be one team that I would follow. I had the pleasure of seeing Bill Nickolson play before taking over as Manager so you can see I am quite old. But I have enjoyed the good days and the disappointments, but I am enjoying this team that has so much quality but more importantly as you say they actually care. There is clear love and respect between Mo and the squad, and between Moandvthe fans. I love this guy and what he and his team are creating at the club. Bill Nick would be proud.
Alan keep up the good work great article, the best to you and your wife.
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Many people who actually saw the Double side confirm I am not exaggerating with that feeling, the closeness between players and supporters. Not as good as the Double team though, but then probably no team ever will be.
Cheers Al
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You don’t have to write this blog, but you do and I appreciate it very much. I wish your wife a speedy and full recovery. A light will banish the gloom and that’s what Pochettino’s boys are doing. Make no mistake, this is a brilliant coach and manager. I pray that he stays with us for a while yet.
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Kind of you, thanks very much.
Alan
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Welcome back, Alan, great to have your bird’s eye view observations again. This is the most positive you’ve been in the last few years I’ve been reading your wonderfully passionate blog. But I’m keeping it like MoPo, one game at a time — we’ve still got Citeh, Arse, Cheatski, Manure, and Pool to play in the league and at least Fiorentina in EL. Top-4 and a possible Cup Final/win is still my best case wish, with anything beyond, fantastic gravy on top. But we’re all seeing the progress and work that’s been put in, the growing team spirit, the alchemic blend of fearless youth and veteran savvy, and the love/appreciation building between players and fans. Our Spurs motto “Audere est Facere” means “To Dare is To Do.” And MoPo said yesterday: “The most important thing is to do rather than speak.” Here’s to continuing “To Do” as this dream-like continues on. About 40-50 of us were at our local Greyhound in Los Angeles, joyously singing “Let’s go f**king mental!” as the game wore on, and then ironically chanting, “We won the league in black and white!” Thoughts with you and your lady and family for courage and health! We could all do with a little more courage in our lives! Here’s the conclusion to a Huffington Post blog I’m writing this week about us: Today, I love our Mauricio Pochettino led team — our savvy, yet sometimes criticized chairman Mr. Daniel Levy hired him when many were again questioning his decision — and “MoPo’s” philosophy of promoting youth (Harry, Dele, Eric, Tommy) and blending them with world class veterans (The Boss, Jan and Toby, Mousa). This season may be one year too early for us. But we’re growing and Spurs are once again playing with style like that recent Dele Alli three-touch swivel and volleyed goal-of-the-season candidate. It’s inspiring and makes me think that we can recapture that “glory” our “Danny Boy” talked about. Blanchflower’s spirit and those of the great 1960-61 legends are watching over us! COYS!
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Good one Ashley though I think we could go beyond what Danny an Bill did…its time to create a dynasty!!!!!
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From your lips, Ron! COYS! Our Spurs motto “Audere est Facere” means “To Dare is To Do.” And MoPo said: “The most important thing is to do rather than speak.” Just do it, indeed, eh?!
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Nice to hear from you, Ashley and thanks for the good wishes. Agree, this may be a season too early for us. I still think we are punching above our weight but on form we deserve to be there. This lot will get better and better, not a time for negativity but the whole of Europe has taken note of Pochettino’s name. The offers will start to come in. But that’s for the future, let’s relish every second for now!
Cheers, Al
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Lovely to have you back and very best wishes to you and your wife. Can’t say much more about the match except to say that we would have certainly conceded a late equaliser two seasons ago and probably last season too. We had two pigeons on the pitch down the Paxton end in the first half and they were barely disturbed.
I really love this team. I’d grown a bit cynical of players just passing through on their way to so-called ‘better’ clubs but this side has team spirit. With Fazio gone, it’s difficult to say we have a ‘bad’ player in the squad. I was sad to see Townsend go but he wasn’t fitting our style of play and he’s too talented to be a bit player. I genuinely wish him well (except when they play us).
Second – heady days!
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In a word – yes, agree with all of that. Catch up with you soon Pete. Take care.
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Welcome back, Al. Hope all is well and best wishes to your wife.
A good time to be a Spurs fan not least because as you say above the bond between club and fans feels closer than it has been for quite some time. Poch is doing good things and I like very much the cut of his jib.
We played well yesterday. Watford are a good team and were it not for Gomes we could well have grabbed a hatful of goals. We didn’t but still a tidy win.
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Thanks Russell, she is on the mend albeit slowly.
Only one goal but 26 shots I think, certainly more chances than usual.
Regards, Al
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So pleased you made it back Alan and in that also wish you and you family nachus and health.
Things are certainly looking up with our club.We now have more consistency,more conviction and more confidence and we are still under the radar which is great.
Dont worry there will be more adherents soon and theywill come in droves.Right now let them fool themselves into thinking “Oh but its Tottenham…”.
Its not Tottenham,Its TOTTENHAM.
Im presently in the carribean but have seen the highlites if the Watfird game and happy to see that so many players now are putting their name on games. Eriksen is someonewho needed to assert himself and is,Dembele has been a revekation that I started seeing during the second half of last season,Alli of course..the amazing depth in defence all round actually and a system that is shiwing how dynamic it can be.
Im on a ship that is totally Navy and White and Im proud
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Enjoy the carribean as much as I’m enjoying watching this team, Ron, and thanks for your good wishes.
Cheers Al
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Alan,
I have always wondered about why I support Tottenham Hotspurs. The players come and go, the ground location sometimes changes, the management changes and the level of achievement never certain. What I have forgotten is the ‘spirit’ of the team that has built up over the years that cannot or should not be forgotten. I, like you, go back to mid-60’s , queuing up for hours to enable me to position myself at the front of the shelf to watch my heroes. Remember swaying to and forth in an ‘illegal’ 65,000 capacity White Hart Lane playing Liverpool, the noise, the emotion, the joy, the disappointment leaving one totally overwhelmed for hours after would. Having the honour of watching players like Jimmy Greaves, Martin Chivers, Dave Mackay and Alan Gilzean, weave their magic. Watching Mike England and Alan Osgood taking chunks out of each other was a another memorable occasion. Given that these players performed on a playing surface that these days would be thought of as inferior for a kick about over the playing fields on a Sunday morning again makes their achievements even more remarkable.
Having little ability to express my thoughts (as the above clearly shows) I still was moved to contribute something to your blog that I discovered a few days ago. The content is excellent and has the edge over everything else I have read because it reads as if it being written from the ‘heart’, not something written by someone just trying to meet their deadline. I don’t go to White Hart Lane very often now because although borne and bread ‘Enfieldien’ I now live in Fleetwood, Lancashire. Have attempted twice to contact the North West Tottenham Hotspurs Supporters Association without reply, I am now limited to my Sky service to view my team.
I will always be a Tottenham supporter and often proudly walk down to the town centre with my ‘spurs’ hat firmly in place. Although I sometimes get some strange looks (nearly as strange as the Jehovah Witnesses get I expect when that are standing silently by the side of the path) I will always be proud to show my loyalty.
Stephen
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Nicely expressed, Steve! I’m watching the games, sometimes at the ungodly hour of 4am out here on Left Coast, luckily with a bunch of Yanks and ex-pats, from 40-50 to 150 plus for the NLD. “We’re the Tottenham Boys everywhere we go…” Cheers!
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Lovely comment Stephen, thank you. Welcome to the blog and comments section, usually better than the articles 🙂 I write as a fan, because I want to. No deadlines, no income from ads, nobody else to please except me so as you say, good or bad it’s honest and from the heart.
Regards, Al
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Stephen I’ve tweeted the NWTHFC club, see if they reply, will let you know. They have a facebook page if that helps.
Cheers
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Apparently, the crowd were amazing yesterday. This was at home, a place of poisonous invective over the last two years. Maybe, Poch has been watching “Gladiator” and if so, then he will have noted the advice given to Maximus about winning the crowd. Perhaps the greatest achievement of Poch so far this season may be this, which bodes well. We are a lean, mean fighting machine on the road with our band of ear-splitting ultras, but WHL has not been a fortress of late. We need our fans to chill the marrow of the visiting team: gentlemen, you have entered the place of our dreams, but it will be the pit of your nightmares!
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Great to see you back on here my friend and in such glory times. What was it you said?
“Tottenham Hotspur are second in the league.” hah hahahaa COYS
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hard to believe – but true. Good times.
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Great writing Alan and all the responses from Spurs fans are so positive. Let’s keep it going!!!
There is a real strength of character in this Spurs team that can push through to further success. Let’s hope it’s this year but if not our young team should be able to be up the top of the table for the next few years and win us some trophies.
COYS
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Good interview with Hugo on the official site saying just that, their character is keeping them together and making them rise to whatever challenge is put before them. He also calls Poch ‘gaffer’ which I kind of like. Cheers Chris
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Alan,
I am sitting here watching the overblown multimedia effect called the Super Bowl and as I have done nearly everyday the past month or so I have tapped the TIMM icon my Safari browser, and it was wonderful to see you new post. My hopes are that this means your lovely bride is on the mend. This I believe to be your finest post, loved it, made me smile, think and want to get back to the Lane so badly this year, working on it! Boy do I love watching this team, they play so hard for each other and it really feels as if they are playing for the supporters.
Well back to the drivel of a game.
Can’t wait for City on Sunday!
Ed
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Well, Ed, I don’t think Peyton Manning (who I interviewed once), Von Miller and their deadly D, along with all those Broncos’ fans thought it was drivel, but there you have it. Our Spurs lot are certainly exciting! Once more unto the breach, dear friends…bring on Citeh!
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Well said, one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure, I guess we were do a defensive battle, how many Americans who watched that game complain about soccer’s lack of excitement, ironic. I can not wait for Sunday, though I wish it were a Saturday match, always a bit more stress with the late Sunday game.
Up the SPURS!
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Edward any game of any game can be ugly or beautiful.
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Literally walked into my Hollywood gym today, one guy goes, “That was an awful game.” Another (a Denver fan), ripostes, “No, it was beautiful!.” There it is…one man’s floor is another man’s ceiling, etc. 😉
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I watched some of the play-offs, on late at night over here with my wife in hospital, and couldn’t really get into it. Plenty of skill but less spontaneity.
You are so right about the team, they play hard for each other and they have an on-field intelligence so they move so well. That movement is remarkable – not seen a Spurs side flow like this.
Regards, Alan
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Once again, best wishes to your wife and you Alan.
I hope we have the legs to go for all three competitions. We are certainly good enough to do so.
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Thanks my friend. I think the legs will run out sometime in the EL, some talk about how Poch’s mentor Bielsa’s side ran out of steam towards the end of the season, but let’s wait and see, enjoy it all for now.
Regards, Alan
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Hi Alan
Great read and so happy you have posted.
Hope your Wife is bearing up well and on the road to a full recovery .
Good time to be a Spurs fan 🙂
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Thanks KK, on the mend slowly and wondering why so many total strangers are wishing her well!
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Alan,
I have always wondered about why I support Tottenham Hotspurs. The players come and go, the ground location sometimes changes, the management changes and the level of achievement never certain. What I have forgotten is the âspiritâ of the team that has built up over the years that cannot or should not be forgotten. I, like you, go back to mid-60âs , queuing up for hours to enable me to position myself at the front of the shelf to watch my heroes. Remember swaying to and forth in an âillegalâ 65,000 capacity White Hart Lane playing Liverpool, the noise, the emotion, the joy, the disappointment leaving one totally overwhelmed for hours after would. Having the honour of watching players like Jimmy Greaves, Martin Chivers, Dave Mackay and Alan Gilzean, weave their magic. Watching Mike England and Alan Osgood taking chunks out of each other was a another memorable occasion. Given that these players performed on a playing surface that these days would be thought of as inferior for a kick about over the playing fields on a Sunday morning again makes their achievements even more remarkable.
Having little ability to express my thoughts (as the above clearly shows) I still was moved to contribute something to your blog that I discovered a few days ago. The content is excellent and has the edge over everything else I have read because it reads as if it being written from the âheartâ, not something written by someone just trying to meet their deadline. I donât go to White Hart Lane very often now because although borne and bread âEnfieldienâ I now live in Fleetwood, Lancashire. Have attempted twice to contact the North West Tottenham Hotspurs Supporters Association without reply, I am now limited to my Sky service to view my team.
I will always be a Tottenham supporter and often proudly walk down to the town centre with my âspursâ hat firmly in place. Although I sometimes get some strange looks (nearly as strange as the Jehovah Witnesses standing silently by the side of the path) I will always be proud to prove my loyalty.
Stephen
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Dear Alan,
I take my hat off to you sir for producing such a detailed and accurate account of how things are this season. I am a fan since 1961 and my views are very similar to your own. As I live in the land of Blanchflower and Jennings my visits to WHL are only occasional but I have enjoyed some great days eg Modric goal beating Chelsea. Let’s hope the coming weeks are simal.
Cheers
Bryan
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You are very welcome Bryan.
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Was great to have you back in your seat again on Saturday Alan
Have missed the arm waving, the head bobbing and the strained look on the face, as well as the constant encouraging of the mighty Spurs. Although the road to recovery maybe long, hopefully, like a good wine, Mrs TOMM will improve over time
Best wishes to her Alan and I’ll look forward to reading more of your succinct comments soon
Up the Spurs
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That is me exactly everyone! It will never change and Steve has to put up with it every home game, bless him. Good to be back.
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C B Waters, Spurs supporter, overheard by Daniel Levy as he entered the THFC car park.
‘Oh that we now had here, upon our daunting run-in, but three players more
to cover their lordships Kane, Vertonghen and our slow left flank’.
Levy: ‘What’s he that wishes so?
Our cousin C B Waters?? No, my fair cousin:
If we are marked to fail on three fronts, we are enough to do
our great club loss; and if to succeed, the fewer men, the greater
share of Honour and Glory.
God’s Will! I pray thee, wish not one player more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires;
BUT if it be a sin to covet Honour and Glory,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No faith, my coz, wish not a player from other clubs! God’s Peace!
I would not lose so great an honour as one player more, methinks,
would share from us. For the best hope I have …Oh do not wish one more;
Rather proclaim it, C B Waters, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight, let him depart
or play for the under-21s. His passport shall be made,
and crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die for the cause in that man’s company,
that fears his fellowship to die with us!
Next Sunday is called The Feast of Tottenham;
He that outlives that day and comes safe home,
will stand a tip-toe when this day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Tottenham.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say ‘Tomorrow is Saint Tottenham’
Then he will strip his strides and show his scars,
And say ‘These wounds I had on Tottenham’s Day’
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
but he’ll remember, with advantages, what feats he did that day,
and thru the season’s end!
Then shall our names,
Familiar in the mouth as household words, Levy and Pochettino,
Harry the Kane, Erik the Dane, Fleur de Lloris, Lords Walker and Rose,
Trippier and Davies, Vertonghen and Alderweireld, Dele Alli the Great,
Lamela, Mason and Dier, Bentaleb the Moor, HM Son of the East,
Dembele and Chadli, Carroll and Wimmer, Njie and Vorm,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember’d.
This story shall the good Spurs man teach his son;
And Tottenham Hotspur shall ne’er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
but we in it shall be remember’d;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he, in weeks to come, that sweats his blood
Shall be our brother; be he, on pitch or in stands,
and ne’er so vile …these days shall gentle his condition:
And players throughout the world, now a-bed,
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks,
That fought with us upon …SAINT TOTTENHAM’S DAY!!!!’
With apologies to William Shakespeare – but then what’s coming is far more
important than Agincourt and St Crispin’s Day.
Hope your wife is much better, Alan.
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Shakespeare would be proud of you CB. A rousing call to arms! Levy should ensure they read it out in the dressing before City game.
Regards, Al
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To state the obvious, your wife is your other half. This blog would not be what it is, if she wasn’t who she is and if she wasn’t a big part of your life. We appreciate that and we appreciate that she is gracious enough to let us see through your eyes, hear through your ears and celebrate with one heart our shared passion. Dare I say, a passion that most, if not all of us following this blog, have shared since before each of us got married!
Welcome back Alan and thank you for another heartfelt, typically perceptive blog!
Our TOTTENHAM in Second Place after 25 games and actually getting BETTER, if six consecutive wins are anything to go by! MAGIC!!
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Very kind John, she may sometimes prefer that I am at home rather than in block 28. Thanks should go to her daughter who stayed with her while I was at the Watford game even though she is a WHam ST holder!
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Great to see you’re back after your family troubles. I do hope Mrs Alan is now fitter than a fiddle.
Enjoyed your thoughts about Watford and look forwrd to lots more TOMM incision during the rest of Spurs’ glorious season.
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Hello Alan,
Greetings from Singapore…
Am glad that the Mrs is getting better, and you are back to your inspiring and wonderful writing.
I have been a Spurs fan since the days of Perryman, Peters, Hoddle etc.. and as I celebrate the Chinese New Year this week, it has never been better and sweeter..
Cheers to all ….COYS !
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Happy Chinese New Year! Thanks for your good wishes.
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Spurs fans from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Los Angeles, Cape Town, Harare, London (surely!), Lancashire and Northern Ireland, as far as I can make out, coming together with Tottenham On Our Mind, 24/7. Great!
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Welcome back. I hope all is well again with your wife.
Tottenham are are at times almost frighteningly good. I’m unsure if I have the inbuilt capability, the DNA maybe, to cope with this pursuit of glory. But it sure is exciting finding out.
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