Oppositions Season Thoughts: Tottenham Hotspur

Last updated : 16 June 2009 By Dan Buxton
How did your season go? Did Spurs finish where you expected them to?
Finishing eighth represents something of a minor miracle considering we were, at one one point, staring oblivion square in the face. As has become the norm, the pre-season hype and Juande Ramos's Carling Cup triumph led to fans believing this would be the year we would genuinely challenge for a place in the Champions League. After eight games that goal never looked as unachievable.

Redknapp came in and turned it around. He improved home form, squad spirit and made some decent signings. Missing out on Europe could be a blessing in disguise come next season.

Who was Tottenham's player of the year?
Aaron Lennon. The little winger enjoyed a much improved season this campaign and rightly deserved to reclaim a spot in the England squad. Still hasn't become as consistent a crosser as he needs to be in order to prove himself at the highest level but, on his day, there are few full-backs who can cope with him.

Who were the best players you saw play against Spurs?
Most will say the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United but to be a little different I'd like to give some credit to Fulham. They've been much improved under Roy Hodgson, who has made them much harder to beat. They've got some solid players and we really struggled to break them down.

Which, if any, Stoke players impressed you this season?
I think the signing of James Beattie stood out. He was a bargain at the price you got him at and is exactly the type of striker you need.

What are your thoughts on Stoke City?
Stoke are a strong team with great, vocal supporters. They will need to expand on the style of football they play if they are to be as successful next year, as it's likely most teams will wise up to it. Tony Pulis is an underrated boss and, with investment, Stoke stand a good chance of avoiding the drop again next season.

Where do you need to strengthen this summer?
For the upteenth summer in a row a naturally left-footed winger is our main priority. We only need three players at most to launch a realistic challenge on the top six. It would be nice if we trimmed some of the fat from the squad as well.

Who'll be on their way out?
David Bentley and Darren Bent are likely to be sold, and Roman Pavlyuchenko will probably be moved on if a team is willing to pay the asking price. A host of fringe players will go.

Tottenham's best 11 of the season?
Gomes
Corluka King Woodgate Assou-Ekotto
Lennon Jenas Palacios Modric
Bent Pavlyuchenko

Gareth Davies is editor of Tottenham Hotspur Mad