Tom Middleton looks back at the Sunderland game and how despite the 5-1 win, Sherwood still has to go, walk out that door, without turning around, as he isn't welcome any more.
Deadwood
Tim Sherwood mentioned a while back the planning for next season, involved removing the club of deadwood. Ironically enough Tim is the key deadwood that needed swift ejecting from the club, and reports surfacing Monday afternoon suggest his temporary reign of terror at the helm of White Hart Lane is coming to an abrupt end.
Throughout the season the players struggled to get motivated for valuable points that mattered, and the moment the pressure was eased, we walloped Sunderland 5-1. The improved atmosphere down the Lane was due to a combination of celebration, and the feast of goals the boys dished up.
I have taken a back seat on expressing my opinion on Tim, but every time I read or listen to whatever he has to say I’m cringing throughout. We all want our manager in their press conferences to be eloquent and show a touch of class, or at the very least show a bit of professionalism, but Sherwood’s cringe fests are the equivalent of writing out your wedding invites in Comic Sans MS.
[linequote] The players need a sense of direction and style of play from the manager[/linequote]
Over the recent weeks and months he’s comparable to the drunk guy on the bus, at first his passing comments were making the journey entertaining, however it quickly became annoying and draining to the point of wanting to issue a firm backhand in the face for being such an irritant.
We’ve constantly been subjected to the last few months of “desire” and “commitment” and “heart” with maybe a bit more “desire”. Yes, this was an accurate assessment of what was lacking from some of the players’ performances, however to tie in with this, the players need a sense of direction and style of play from the manager.
Tim has input neither into our talented crop and throw in the clear lack of tactical nous, it’s no wonder we are subjected to the dross we have had to endure. This isn’t Cub Scouts Tim; I’m sure the players were tired of his “It’s not the winning that counts, it’s the taking part” followed by a rendition of “Akela we’ll do our best!“. It would help playing players in their correct positions.
Yes, shoving an attacking midfielder out-wide as a playmaker-winger and then a winger in said attacking midfielders position or now in centre midfield, cutting edge stuff that! Look at Juan Mata on Saturday, finally played in the No.10 role and he regulated throughout and was immense. Christian needs to be playing there for us.
Yes, Christian was outstanding against Sunderland from that left side, but think of how he’d affect proceedings from his best position. It’s more of a credit to Eriksen for still putting in these performances out of position. I was expecting a cutting edge tactical masterplan of Eriksen at right back / quarter back, Lennon as the anchorman lynchpin in centre midfield and Bentaleb up top as the target man. This didn’t happen.
[linequote]Christian was outstanding against Sunderland from that left side, but think of how he’d affect proceedings from his best position[/linequote]
I enjoyed the victory against Sunderland and I always look forward to watching Spurs. However one 5-1 victory over a very poor Sunderland side who are treading very close to the relegation trap door doesn’t suddenly make up for everything that has come before it. Our first three goals were down to the sheer brilliance of Eriksen, and a few other of our boys playing to their ability, and the tie was won.
Tim is a touchline diva. If he’s not shedding (and hurling) items of questionable clothing on the touchline, rampaging about or distracting everyone with his “Where’s Wally?” Impression in the stands he’s still trying to keep all eyes on me, me, me.
LVG has to come in, and be given the time and space to operate as he has done with his other clubs; instilling his style, demands and philosophy throughout the club. And please, for the love of god a left back.
All views and opinions expressed in this article are the views and opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of The Fighting Cock. We offer a platform for fans to commit their views to text and voice their thoughts. Football is a passionate game and as long as the views stay within the parameters of what is acceptable, we encourage people to write, get involved and share their thoughts on the mighty Tottenham Hotspur.
16 Comments
Would you like to write for The Fighting Cock?
09/04/2014 @ 4:45 pm
Apart from the predictable Sherwood must go shit,do you really think van Gaal will be given time to do anything,of course not ,within a month the Lynch Mob will be baying,the blog sites moaning and groaning and helping to make us look ridiculous .You mention Eriksen and others playing to their ability,who do you thinks done that father Christmas ,no Tims r
ants have .He aint pretty but hes getting things to happen.Funnily enough Im saying give him time like you want to give LVG time thats if he’s daft enough to come to Spurs with our toxic “Fans”and blog sites.I would end COYS but Im not sure you know what that means.
09/04/2014 @ 7:17 pm
You’ve lost the plot mate. Recognizing that Tim is not yet ready to manage a team with Spurs’ ambitions due to his lack of experience does not translate into not supporting the club. On the contrary, it means wanting to have the best man possible in the job.
10/04/2014 @ 8:57 am
ARE YOU A NUTTER….AND YOU MAKE URE SELF LOOK RIDICULOUS NO ONE ELSE…and PS…no one gives a fxxk what you think.
10/04/2014 @ 1:06 pm
Agree with you. This is a great piece on why we fans are as culpable as Levy.
http://www.topspurs.com/jmdview.htm
09/04/2014 @ 5:00 pm
Agreed on all counts. The question is will LVG come in? Seems like his preference would be to manage Man U and the likes of RVP seems to be leading the revolt at OT to get Moyes sacked. If LVG holds out to see how that situation plays out and ends up at OT, then what? Who should be brought in? Pochetino does not convince me as the answer?
09/04/2014 @ 5:22 pm
If you think Van Gaal has less temper or passion than Tim and picks less fights with journalists than AVB I quietly suggest you do your homework on youtube regarding these subjects and return here
LVG is just another throw of the dice, might work for us, might be another Ramos.
10/04/2014 @ 9:00 am
THROW of the DICE …what you mean the Dutch National Mgr ??? I think your brain has a throw of the dice every moaning in wanting to stay in your body….hardly unknown is he Einstein…as for temperament…well why dont you look at Sir Alex…most succesful mgr of ALL TIME..hardly a shrinking violet eh??
09/04/2014 @ 6:11 pm
Agree with everything Spurgatso said. Seems most Spurs ‘fans’ wanted Tim to fail from day 1. He has in fact, despite the constant abuse he gets from our own fans and the media, done a very good job. I mean did we really expect to do any better after we sold a third of our squad, including the league’s best player, bought 7 non-premiership experienced players, changed managers halfway through the season, and given the completely unexpectedly excellent form of Liverpool and Everton. I think given all the obstacles we’ve overachieved. I was quietly happy when Tim was appointed. Young, English manager who knows the club and had done exceedingly well with the youth team. I still think given some backing and the chance to streamline the squad in the summer he could do very well for us for years to come. Unfortunately he won’t get that chance as the media and fans have hounded out yet another one of our managers and we have to start again. Van Gaal is not the answer. He’ll be sacked within 2 years. On top of that, from what I’ve seen of him in the media, he seems like a twat. Who says they’re sick of managing their national team 2 months before he leads them to a world cup? I hope Utd take him before we can.
10/04/2014 @ 2:38 pm
Sensible comment, I agree. For all of our fans moaning the fact is Sherwood has better stats than most Spurs managers and if we win our remaining games Spurs finish on 74 pts, a record haul for the club in the Premier League. The players couldn’t be arsed because they knew Sherwood only had 18 months which actually meant 6 months in reality. Give the man a proper contract and let him build his own team before judging him.
http://www.topspurs.com/jmdview.htm
09/04/2014 @ 6:54 pm
Good article, just about sums up Deadwood. The twats who think that Dim should be given a chance to stay on as manager are either idiots or Arse fans. Sure we beat Sunderland, a team that are looking relegation fully in the face but we’ve looked like Sunderland ourselves when faced with better organised and tactically astute teams and have gotten royally walloped. Forgive me but wasn’t Dim the motivator, champion of passion, commitment aggression and guts in charge of the team during those games? Even the spammers gave us a slapping at our own ground, twice. Spurs need a top class manager NOW not some rookie giving it large as if he’s billy big bollocks.
09/04/2014 @ 7:27 pm
Nice article and I agree with the majority of it. What pisses me off even more are these fans who seem to think just because you are English, played for the club, managed some youngsters, despite no UEFA or coaching badges, that makes you qualified or a better bet than someone who has PROVEN they are good at Coaching especially with Youngsters etc. Those screaming to give Sherwood a chance will be e the same screaming for his head or castigating Levy for appointing him in the first place when he fails, which I am sure he will. Sure, because Sherwood would need at least 2-3 years to learn his trade and perfect his skills. He has allot to learn. I just don’t want him learning at my club. He says he would buy “Premier League” experienced players, but those of the level we require to take us up are already at other Top Four clubs, so these players he is talking about are the leftovers those above us discard or deem not good enough..Sound familiar?
If I was a sinister person, I would say all who praise Sherwood and bleat on about dismissing any experienced manager over Sherwood are really exposing their own views which seem purely down to nationality.. In other words they do not wish the best for Spurs, they want to champion the cause for BRITISH managers and will always put nationality ahead of talent. That sought of thing resembles our current situation with employment in this country and the impact of ‘foreigners’ in the UK! ie, They are taking our jobs (No, they are working hard and doing many jobs UK citizens refuse to do as they think it us beneath them or not enough money. And as for all other jobs, it is purely those foreigners in higher paid jobs are BETTER skilled than their UK counterparts. It is the same with the players. British footballers will get in amongst the foreigners IF THEY ARE GOOD ENOUGH! Which in most cases, they aren’t).
I felt sorry for Sherwood on Monday when asked about his job. He looked and has always looked out of his depth. But all these people going on about timing etc, I would like to stress, I think Tim was put in purely to the end of the season. No one from Spurs has said anything other than that. All other speculation is.media and people’s wishful thinking about Tim getting it full time. If I had an asset worth millions, I think I would prefer an experienced person to drive it rather than a novice.
In fact, Sherwood really exposed himself when arrogantly mouthing off about not wanting to be a No.2! The experience would have made his prospects better in the long run. All you have to do is compare with Mr Monk at Swansea to see how someone should act as a front to a football club.
10/04/2014 @ 3:07 am
totally agree with the last few boys sherwood needs to do his time under an international manager the other problem is sherwood saying i will bring in english players or epl players problem is i dont think they would want to come while he is manager its obvious that already the present crop are not giving much to timmy he maybe not getting respect because they dont have faith in him as manager so lets all move on get aninternationally acclaimed manager and let timmy go back to his under 21 if not piss off to the arse
10/04/2014 @ 4:31 am
The club recently sacking managers either openly or covertly during a season does not sit well and would surely impact on our ability to attract a top class manager. If we do get LVG or another equivalent, he has to be able to operate without the distraction of Levy having another hissy fit and interfearing. Give the new bloke continuity and full support and move the club to where we should be at the top of the League. Good luck Tim, all the best, just go out gracefully..
10/04/2014 @ 10:54 am
Haha finally someone mentioning a left back!!! I hear these fans saying we have one but he is playing for QPR! Spurs havent had a decent left back in over 15 years! Please please please can that be the first major signing of the summer! COYS
10/04/2014 @ 11:37 am
Sherewood was right when he said, some Spurs players were softies.
Each and every player wearing should play like Sherewood–PASSION.
11/04/2014 @ 4:39 pm
Levy was right to give sherwood a crack, personally i would have liked to have seen Ramsey given a shot but I think Levy always saw this as a transition period when no-one obvious presented themselves at Christmas and any transition period was always gonna have casualties Sherwood was an obvious choice ahead of someone like Ramsey who has a long term future at the club and one of the leading coaches in the country. The main disappointment with sherwood is his lack of tactical strategy compared to the big boys and his inability to move the club forward. Liverpool was a classic example we needed to go there, play deeper, counter attacking football make ourselves difficult to beat. What do we do? try and press liverpool at anfield…not clever. What Sherwood has done which he should be given credit for is getting Adey onside who on his day is as good as anyone, and blooding Bentlab, Kane and hopefully Veljkovic in the next few games those 4 players could make part of potentially a decent 22 for next season along with the 7 players we brought last summer suddenly the squad looks a lot deeper than it looked right now. RVG will be a great signing but he will need time and we some stability at the club for a change.