Questions for Levy, Poch & Hugo

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Okay, I've just got home and it was an absolutely brilliant event. Virtually all of your 'sensible' questions were answered, so here goes from memory and in no particular order:

January 2016 Transfer Window
  • There are definitely funds available to strengthen the squad.
  • DL made it very clear that MP will always have the final say on which players are bought or sold.
  • They will look to do business 'swiftly' (yeah right), if the right player becomes available.
  • A number of supporters stated they were worried about being one Harry Kane injury away from disaster.
New Stadium

Lots of questions about this as you can probably imagine, so I've summarised the main bits.
  • £110m has already been spent on the project so far, and the total build cost is going to be around £500m once finished.
  • Everything is geared towards being in the fully completed stadium for the start of the 2018/19 season.
  • I'm sure we knew this already, but the new stadium will be corporately named and will definitely not be called White Hart Lane or the 'New White Hart Lane'.
  • DL said all efforts are being made to secure Wembley (at the reduced 50k capacity) for the 2017/18 season away from WHL.
  • DL said there is no intension to be away from Tottenham for more than one season.
  • DL got a round of applause and made everyone laugh, when someone suggested that we were going to share the Olympic Stadium with the Spammers. His exact words were 'do you think that pug-nosed bitch Karen Brady would agree to that?' **Edit: he may not have said 'pug-nosed' or 'bitch'
  • 1882 got a mention and DL said extensive efforts have been made in the design and choice of materials to make the atmosphere as vibrant as possible.
  • DL said he was very well aware of supporters concerns about ticket prices in the new stadium and there would be a wide-range of pricing options.
1st Team
  • MP & HL both said that there is an excellent team spirit and sense of togetherness in the dressing room and that everyone was pulling in the same direction.
  • MP said that all the players understand his way of thinking and that he credits his backroom team with raising the fitness level of the whole squad.
  • As we already know, MP said he enjoys working with a mixture of experienced international's and the young players. His aim is to improve every player in the squad.
  • When drawing up a list of transfer targets at the end of last season, it was widely recognised that we needed a defensive mid-fielder. However, MP told DL and the rest of the THFC board, that he would turn Eric Dier into defensive mid-fielder, which he has definitely succeeded at, I am sure you will agree.
  • HL said the vocal support the team receives home and away is the best he has ever experienced in his footballing career.
Other
  • Surprisingly, HL said his idol or hero when he was growing-up, was Pete Sampras.
  • MP said his hero was his father when he was growing-up, but is now DL - this got a huge laugh and round of applause, as I'm sure you can imagine.
  • DL clearly stated that neither ENIC/Joe Lewis had any intention of selling the club, once the new stadium is complete and they are in it for the long-term.
  • Son is the biggest joker in the dressing room, closely followed by Kyle Walker.
Sales of Bale & Modric

This point wasn't raised by any of the supporters, but is something DL referred to when talking about keeping the best players at the club.
  • DL said something very interesting about the sales of both Luka Modric and Gareth Bale. He stated that the club did not wish to sell either player and that the final decision was made by the manager at time.
  • In LM's case and as is widely known, Chelsea made a big bid for him, but Harry convinced him to stay for one more season, before getting his dream move to Real Madrid.
  • In GB's case, AVB decided that he could not offer him what he wanted and was likely to be a disruptive influence in the dressing room, if he was made to stay.
My Observations
  • There is a real feel-good factor around every area of the club at the moment and numerous supporters said how pleased they were with the progress that is being made on and off the pitch.
  • DL is actually a much more approachable and easy-going kind of guy, than I have always thought he was. He's clearly very intelligent, astute and rightly deserves credit for how far the club has come, since ENIC took-over.
  • It was clear to me that MP and the whole club are very ambitious and positive about the future. I definitely got the impression that the new stadium is an integral part of looking beyond the top 4.
  • Finally, I really got the impression that MP is genuinely the man they wanted as manager, and that he has the complete and full backing of DL, plus the rest of the THFC board.
If I'm being totally honest, there was only one negative to report, which was a question from a female member of LGBT Spurs. She asked a completely inappropriate, confusing and seemingly politically motivated question, which neither HL or MP really understood or knew what to say in response. I didn't really get it either and it was more of a political statement rather than a question in the end.

Other than that, it was a fantastic evening and I don't think, I've ever been prouder to support our great club.

The future's bright, the future's Lilywhite, as they say.

COYS!!!
 
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Spurs1882DW said:
Okay, I've just got home and it was an absolutely brilliant event. Virtually all of your 'sensible' questions were answered, so here goes from memory and in no particular order:

January 2016 Transfer Window
  • There are definitely funds available to strengthen the squad.
  • DL made it very clear that MP will always how the final say on which players bought or sold.
  • They will look to do business 'swiftly' (yeah right), if the right player becomes available.
  • A number of supporters stated they were worried about being one Harry Kane injury away from disaster.
New Stadium

Lots of questions about this as you can probably imagine, so I've summarised the main bits.
  • £110m has already been spent on the project so far, and the total build cost is going to be around £500m once finished.
  • Everything is being geared towards being in the fully completed stadium for the start of the 2018/19 season.
  • I'm sure we knew this already, but the new stadium will be corporately named and will definitely not be called White Hart Lane or the 'New White Hart Lane'.
  • DL said all efforts are being made to secure Wembley (at the reduced 50k capacity) for the 2017/18 season away from WHL.
  • DL said there is no intension to be away from Tottenham for more than one season.
  • DL got a round of applause and made everyone laugh, when someone suggested that we were going to share the Olympic Stadium with the Spammers. His exact words were 'do you think that pug-nosed bitch Karen Brady would agree to that?' **Edit: he may not have said 'pug-nosed' or 'bitch'
  • 1882 got a mention and DL said extensive efforts have been made in the design and choice of materials to make the atmosphere as vibrant as possible.
  • DL said he was very well aware of supporters concerns about ticket prices in the new stadium and there would a wide-range of pricing options.
1st Team
  • MP & HL both said that there is an excellent team spirit and sense of togetherness in the dressing room and that everyone was pulling in the same direction.
  • MP said that all the players understand his way of thinking and that he credits his backroom team with raising the fitness level of the whole squad.
  • As we already know, MP said he enjoys working with a mixture of experienced international's and the young players. His aim is to improve every player in the squad.
  • When drawing up a list of transfer targets at the end of last season, it was widely recognised that we needed a defensive mid-fielder. However, MP told DL and the rest of the THFC board, that he would turn Eric Dier into defensive mid-fielder, which he has definitely succeeded at I am sure you will agree.
  • HL said the vocal support the team receives home and away is the best he has ever experienced in his footballing career.
Other
  • Surprisingly, HL said his idol or hero when he was growing-up, was Pete Sampras.
  • MP said his hero was his father when he was growing-up, but is now DL - this got a huge laugh and round of applause, as I'm sure you can imagine.
  • DL clearly stated that neither ENIC/Joe Lewis had any intention of selling the club, once the new stadium is complete and they are in it for the long-term.
  • Son is the biggest joker in the dressing room, closely followed by Kyle Walker.
My Observations
  • There is a real feel-good factor around every area of the club at the moment and numerous supporters said how pleased they were with the progress that is being made on and off the pitch.
  • DL is actually a much more approachable and easy-going kind of guy, than I have always thought he was. He's clearly a very intelligent guy and he rightly deserves credit for how far the club has come, since ENIC took-over.
  • It was clear to me that MP and the whole club are very ambitious and positive about the future.
  • Finally, I really got the impression that MP is genuinely the man they wanted as manager, and that he has the complete and full backing of DL, plus the rest of the THFC board.
If I'm being totally honest, there was only one negative to report, which was a question from a female member of LGBT Spurs. The question she asked was a completely inappropriate, confusing and seemingly politically motivated. Neither HL or MP understood the question or knew what to say in response, which is not surprising at all, as I didn't really get it either.

Other than that, it was a fantastic evening and I don't think, I've ever been prouder to support our great club. The future's bright, the future's Lilywhite as they say.

COYS!!!
Click to expand...
A good read. Thanks.
 
Lukeyn17 said:
Thanks for the reply Spurs1882DW Spurs1882DW and for taking the time to detail all you saw and heard. Very insightful.

Out of interest what was the reaction of all 3 when asked about being 'A Kane injury away from disaster'
Click to expand...

Thanks and yes, this was actually the very first question of the evening.

If I remember correctly, MP answered this one with a super response. He said that his style of play means the attacking players interchange positions all the time. He went on to say that there is a fluidity between the players when attacking and defending as a team.

I rated him very highly before last night, but I was even more impressed after hearing him speak. From what HL said, the players clearly have a huge amount of respect for him and that they all buy into his philosophy.

HL also indicated that the outfield players are like a pack of wolves, when it comes to doing the high press and have this overwhelming determination to get the ball within 5 seconds of losing possession.
 
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Spurs1882DW said:
Here's the link to their website, which should explain all: Welcome to the Proud Lilywhites

Don't quote me word-for-word on this, but the question or more accurately political statement, was something about the recent reports of one or more gay footballers, going public about their sexuality before the end of the season.

She then went on a rant about diversity in the workplace and if it was a Spurs player that goes public, would the other players in the dressing treat him differently or ostracised him and what sort of abuse would he be subjected to by opposition players etc. etc. I'm sure you get the gist of it.

HL was very professional and attempted to say something along the lines of that it does not matter, everyone is equal etc. but she rudely interrupted him and started ranting about something else, which was completely irrelevant. Thankfully, one of the staff took the microphone off her and we moved swiftly onto the next question.

That's probably the best way I can explain it, but trust me when I say it was not appropriate and was delivered in such an aggressive tone.
Click to expand...
What pisses me off with this is that it's up to the player. I would not give a fuck if Harry Kane was gay. It would make no difference to me and he would get no abuse from me, either would any oppo gay player.
I hate they hypocrisy of these groups.
Especially PSG stamp out homophobia campaigns &the Man City LGBT group. Still haven't got a reply to a question I sent Canal St Blues about their views on Abu Dhabi's policies toward homosexuals -seeing as their owner is a member of the ruling family and Dep Prime Minister. I asked if they had any qualms about being owned, and benefiting enormously financially from the coffers of, a Govt/country that deports, fines and imprisons visiting homosexuals and has the fucking death penalty for it's own gay citizens.
Same laws with with Qatar; a country that has told Gays not to be openly gay if visiting for the WC, but has it's French club PSG participate in a kick homophobia out of football campaign.
I suppose the LGBT groups of both these clubs are fine with it, as long as they are winning things.

Massive campaigns for kick out racism and homophobia by UEFA and FIFA and Qatar gets a WC?
Fucking hypocrites the lot of them. If they were serious the LGBT Man City and PSG fans would be up in arms and FIFA would NOT have a WC in a country that is homophobic.
 
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Blanchflower said:
Kafkaesque Kafkaesque quotes from yesterday Saido Berahino top of Tottenham's January hit list

When asked about Berahino, Pochettino gave a wry smile, and insisted: ‘We never speak in public about another club’s player. We need to show respect. Of course we are interested in different players — that is our job.

‘I’m very happy with my squad but always in every position you can improve. We have offensive players who can play like Harry. There is Son (Heung-min) or (Nacer) Chadli or Clinton (N’Jie) — they can play like a striker.

‘But maybe it’s true (that Spurs will sign a striker in January). I recognise they are not specifically strikers so maybe we will work to try to find such a player who we can add in the next transfer window or in the summer to try to help the team. It is important we find someone who is very specific.’


Sounds like somebody wants to sign specifically a striker, not rely on players that can play like a striker if you close your eyes and wish it were true. :pochohshit:
Click to expand...

I've never denied that being the case. In fact, I started out this discussion by stating that Poch clearly wanted a striker, and I've said numerous times on here that I too think, we should sign another striker. This and Poch thinking (actually thinking, not paying lip service to Levy) that our system (and our players) is flexible enough that it's not such a desperate need that we need to sign whoever is available, is just not mutually exclusive though....is my simple point.

You know, I know and Poch knows if we can get someone in the striker department who's right for the squad, we should do it sooner rather than later. But you're the one claiming Poch isn't being completely truthfull when saying the options are good enough now. Your starting point is we need a striker desperately and you stick to that premise even though the only "evidence" is Kane playing every minute, when in truth that could well have been the case nomatter who we'd signed, because Kane is just that good. I, on the other hand, am willing to see beyond myself wanting another striker, and seeing that what actually goes on on the pitch supports Poch's interpretation.
 
Spurs1882DW said:
Okay, I've just got home and it was an absolutely brilliant event. Virtually all of your 'sensible' questions were answered, so here goes from memory and in no particular order:

January 2016 Transfer Window
  • There are definitely funds available to strengthen the squad.
  • DL made it very clear that MP will always how the final say on which players bought or sold.
  • They will look to do business 'swiftly' (yeah right), if the right player becomes available.
  • A number of supporters stated they were worried about being one Harry Kane injury away from disaster.
New Stadium

Lots of questions about this as you can probably imagine, so I've summarised the main bits.
  • £110m has already been spent on the project so far, and the total build cost is going to be around £500m once finished.
  • Everything is being geared towards being in the fully completed stadium for the start of the 2018/19 season.
  • I'm sure we knew this already, but the new stadium will be corporately named and will definitely not be called White Hart Lane or the 'New White Hart Lane'.
  • DL said all efforts are being made to secure Wembley (at the reduced 50k capacity) for the 2017/18 season away from WHL.
  • DL said there is no intension to be away from Tottenham for more than one season.
  • DL got a round of applause and made everyone laugh, when someone suggested that we were going to share the Olympic Stadium with the Spammers. His exact words were 'do you think that pug-nosed bitch Karen Brady would agree to that?' **Edit: he may not have said 'pug-nosed' or 'bitch'
  • 1882 got a mention and DL said extensive efforts have been made in the design and choice of materials to make the atmosphere as vibrant as possible.
  • DL said he was very well aware of supporters concerns about ticket prices in the new stadium and there would a wide-range of pricing options.
1st Team
  • MP & HL both said that there is an excellent team spirit and sense of togetherness in the dressing room and that everyone was pulling in the same direction.
  • MP said that all the players understand his way of thinking and that he credits his backroom team with raising the fitness level of the whole squad.
  • As we already know, MP said he enjoys working with a mixture of experienced international's and the young players. His aim is to improve every player in the squad.
  • When drawing up a list of transfer targets at the end of last season, it was widely recognised that we needed a defensive mid-fielder. However, MP told DL and the rest of the THFC board, that he would turn Eric Dier into defensive mid-fielder, which he has definitely succeeded at I am sure you will agree.
  • HL said the vocal support the team receives home and away is the best he has ever experienced in his footballing career.
Other
  • Surprisingly, HL said his idol or hero when he was growing-up, was Pete Sampras.
  • MP said his hero was his father when he was growing-up, but is now DL - this got a huge laugh and round of applause, as I'm sure you can imagine.
  • DL clearly stated that neither ENIC/Joe Lewis had any intention of selling the club, once the new stadium is complete and they are in it for the long-term.
  • Son is the biggest joker in the dressing room, closely followed by Kyle Walker.
My Observations
  • There is a real feel-good factor around every area of the club at the moment and numerous supporters said how pleased they were with the progress that is being made on and off the pitch.
  • DL is actually a much more approachable and easy-going kind of guy, than I have always thought he was. He's clearly a very intelligent guy and he rightly deserves credit for how far the club has come, since ENIC took-over.
  • It was clear to me that MP and the whole club are very ambitious and positive about the future.
  • Finally, I really got the impression that MP is genuinely the man they wanted as manager, and that he has the complete and full backing of DL, plus the rest of the THFC board.
If I'm being totally honest, there was only one negative to report, which was a question from a female member of LGBT Spurs. The question she asked was a completely inappropriate, confusing and seemingly politically motivated. Neither HL or MP understood the question or knew what to say in response, which is not surprising at all, as I didn't really get it either.

Other than that, it was a fantastic evening and I don't think, I've ever been prouder to support our great club. The future's bright, the future's Lilywhite as they say.

COYS!!!
Click to expand...
Yeah, thanks for taking the trouble David. :adethumbup:
 
Lukeyn17 said:
Spurs1882DW Spurs1882DW , can you enlighten me to what 'LGBT Spurs' is and more of what she actually said? Sounds very odd to say the least
Click to expand...

Here's the link to their website, which should explain all: Welcome to the Proud Lilywhites

Don't quote me word-for-word on this, but the question or more accurately political statement, was something about the recent reports of one or more gay footballers, going public about their sexuality before the end of the season.

She then went on a rant about diversity in the workplace and if it was a Spurs player that goes public, would the other players in the dressing room treat him differently or ostracised him and what sort of abuse would he be subjected to by opposition players etc. etc. I'm sure you get the gist of it.

HL was very professional and attempted to say something along the lines of that it does not matter, everyone is equal etc. but she rudely interrupted him and started ranting about something else, which was completely irrelevant. Thankfully, one of the staff took the microphone off her and we moved swiftly onto the next question.

That's probably the best way I can explain it, but trust me when I say it was not appropriate and was delivered in such an aggressive tone.
 
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