Looking forward to the new season

Already Premier League clubs are commencing their pre-season training schedules. Three of our players (Sanchez, Foyth and Aurier) have been involved in major summer tournaments (Copa America and the Africa Cup of Nations), whilst other international players will no doubt have an extra week before training next week. Spurs' first team friendly programme starts on July 21st in Singapore.

As usual, I have been asked by the World Soccer magazine for my comments regarding last season and looking forward to the coming season. An edited version is reproduced below to account for recent events:-

1. In a sentence or two, how would you describe last season for your club?

At the start of the season, no Spurs fan would have predicted a run all the way to the Champions League Final. To lose against Liverpool was disappointing, but to reach that game was a fantastic achievement with memorable wins and comebacks on the way, such as the away games against Manchester City and Ajax. That has to be the highlight of a season in which we ultimately stumbled over the line to qualify for a fourth consecutive Champions League, so we go again next season! We are also so grateful and impressed to be in our marvellous new stadium, at last!

2. What are your hopes and fears for the 2019-20 season?

My hopes have to be for a trophy. I am still desperate for a first FA Cup Final appearance since 1991. All Spurs fans hoped for signings after two windows without a single acquisition. Already we have been rewarded with the announcements yesterday (July 2nd) of 18 year old Jack Clarke, and 22 year old Tanguy Ndombele. Maybe we willsee more acquisitions. I also hope for less injuries to key players, and a genuine tilt at the Premier League title. If you have any thoughts about the forthcoming season, or indeed any sports events, you might consider these ladbrokes promo codes. My fears include the potential loss of key players such as Eriksen and Alderweireld. We do at least have until 8th August before the transfer window closes.

3. Who was your biggest hero last season?

Club members (senior and junior) voted Son Heung-min as player of the season. Many Spurs fans, including the eminent Spurs legends, voted for Moussa Sissoko who had a fantastic year. My personal hero for the second successive season is “Super” Jan Vertonghen.

4. Who was your biggest villain?

This has to be Kieran Trippier, who by his own admission had a difficult season. Having starred in last year’s World cup, he was dropped from Gareth Southgate’s Nations League squad this summer. Trippier has disappointed too often with defensive failures, and less effective delivery of the ball in attacking situations.

5. What was you team’s best song/chant last season?

An easy choice! “Oh what a night! Watching Tottenham on a Tuesday/Wednesday night. You play Thursday’s ‘cos you’re …………(not very good)”. This will be sung next season too.

6. Is there a youngster to watch out for?

22-year-old Luke Amos is hardly a youngster, but made his debut at Newcastle in the opening game, then missed the rest of the season through injury. Amos has now gone to QPR on a season's loan. This season look out for striker Troy Parrott, and midfielder Jack Roles, both of whom had impressive seasons at Academy and Development squad levels.

7. Who is your most under-rated player?

Perhaps 34-year-old Fernando Llorente, who played less minutes than most and was rarely played to his strengths. When he was – for example in the second half of Champions League games away to Man City and Ajax – he had a great influence, scoring the vital third goal at The Etihad and playing a crucial part in Lucas Moura’s heroic last-minute goal in Amsterdam. Llorente's contract ended on June 30th, and his aerial presence could be missed.

8. How are relations between the fans and the owners?

There is plenty of admiration for chairman Daniel Levy after we finally moved into the fantastic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but the extended stay at Wembley was a burden. Quibbles remain over pricing structure and policies, but for the moment E.N.I.C are lauded for their achievements. After all, we’ve finished above Arsenal for three consecutive seasons now. That hasn’t happened for too many years!

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