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A professional performance ensured a vital 3pts in the kick-off to Tottenham’s festive programme. Harry Redknapp’s men sit comfortably just outside the top four and in striking distance as they approach the second half of the season.

At FFC we have seen a mixed bag of articles which includes a power shift in North London; Benzema the ideal acquisition and Tottenham swoop highlights plight.

We also look at the best Tottenham articles around the web this week.

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The TEN Premier League Players of the season so far…in my view

TOP TEN Grand Entrances in Football sponsored by Heineken

If I can only sign one player for Spurs this January, it would be him

In light of George Graham’s comments, do Tottenham play more attractive football than Arsenal?

The FIVE most frustrating things about being a Tottenham fan

Tottenham’s young duo gives Redknapp food for thought

ITV’s insincere support for Tottenham is not welcome

Tottenham’s approach provides a refreshing change from the norm

There’s no power shift in Manchester, the real shift is in London

FIVE strikers Harry has his eye on to strengthen Spurs

Tottenham swoop simply highlights Liverpool’s plight

* The best TOTTENHAM blogs around the web this week. *

Me like Meelan – Dear Mr Levy

It’s a (Xmas) cracker – Spurs Musings From Jimmy G2

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I’m Not Modric’s Agent But… – Who Framed Ruel Fox?

Aston Villa 1-2 Spurs: The Barcelona Five Minutes – All Action No Plot

Harry & Levy Crash Spurs Player’s Christmas Party – Harry Hotspur

The Unwritten Rules of Football – Dear Mr Levy

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You’d like to think Harry Redknapp spent Sunday evening scribbling a strongly worded letter to the FA. Well if illiteracy didn’t stand in his way of doing so then English footballs head honchos would be on the business end of his scorn.

Signing off with a ‘Thanks but no thanks’ the FA would feel the full wrath of the Tottenham boss’ vicious contempt. The revelation that Roy Hodgson was in line to replace Fabio Capello as England manager must have felt like dagger through the heart for Redknapp. His one chance to fulfill a lifelong ambition to take what he refers to as ‘the ultimate job’.

In the wake of Capello’s departure 82 days ago the media hyperbole machine was sent into overdrive. That fateful day on February 8th when the stars appeared to align and events seemed to jump straight from a scriptwriters imagination was to prove a false dawn. The Italian’s resignation was swiftly followed by Redknapp’s acquittal from a tax evasion charge. It was all too perfect

He was the overwhelming favourite to succeed Capello in the Wembley dugout. The Redknapp bandwagon soon kicked into gear as the media plugged the 64-year-olds credentials at every available opportunity. Spurs’ 5-0 thrashing of Newcastle looked to confirm he was the only candidate worth considering. Even influential members of the Three Lions camp championed Redknapp’s case for appointment. It seemed like it was a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ his appointment would be rubber-stamped. The decision to hand Hodgson the job contradicts both public and internal opinion.

Foreseeing the destructive effect the media wildfire could have Spurs’ officials instigated a no fly zone for journalists keen to cross-examine Redknapp about England. The FA also acknowledged that approaching him too soon could turn out to be disruptive as the North Londoners challenged for the Premier League trophy. At the time Tottenham  were deemed serious title contenders sitting third in the table and breathing down the necks of both Manchester clubs. A champagne performance in the win against Newcastle only served to reaffirm to the media and his adoring fans that ‘Arry was England’s knight in shining armour.

Unfortunately for Spurs the hyperbole machine was already rattling along at breakneck speed. Arrogantly Redknapp had already begun to believe his own hype and Spurs slipped into free fall. Three wins from the next 11 games in all competitions saw their their title dreams wrecked along with their hopes of winning the FA Cup and securing automatic qualification to next seasons Champions League. In the blink of an eye their season had unravelled in the most spectacular of circumstances.

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Redknapp had taken his eye way off the ball and Spurs had paid the price. Speculation soared over his future at the London club with it appearing inevitable that he would be installed as England’s new leading man ahead of Euro 2012. His predestined departure caused a visible shift in the focus of his squad. Uncertainty over whether their manager would be around at the start of next season played heavily on the minds of players. The swashbuckling early season form, that saw them ruthlessly carve teams apart at will, had been substituted for a tentative style that reeked of nervousness and fear. On the pitch they appeared fidgety and restless, their passing and movement lacking in any sort of fluidity and conviction. It’s as if the trust the players had in one other to take risks has evaporated completely.

Morale had irrefutably dipped and, despite his well renowned motivational expertise, Redknapp struggled to conjure the corrective formula. His shortage of tactical knowledge also had a negative impact. Constantly switching Gareth Bale and Luka Modric into the wrong positions stifled their once vibrant play. Quite simply he failed to cope with the pressure of merely being linked with a job that is relentlessly scrutinised by the notoriously brutal national press. Graham Taylor, Steve McClaren and more recently Capello felt the sting of journalist’s keyboards following their sub-standard England reigns. Even as a media darling Redknapp has been pummelled into mental submission under the sheer weight of expectation before he even had the chance to pull on the Three Lions blazer.

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Tottenham have been a casualty of that as has Redknapp’s reputation as a specialist in man management. The FA have undoubtedly taken notice of his failure to nip Spurs’ downturn in the bud ignoring the newspaper and television headlines effectively demanding they give him the job. Opting to overlook the ex-Portsmouth and West Ham chief strikes me as a power move displaying that the English football hierarchy aren’t to be swayed by the national media’s impositions. Not to disparage against Hodgson who is a fine manager in his own right. But is he better or worse than the other pretenders to the throne?

For so long Redknapp appeared to be the only man in the frame. But the sheer level of expectancy from the press and public ultimately proved to be his undoing. He’ll surely view this as the end of his dream to manage England. Meanwhile Spurs will be left picking up the pieces in the aftermath wondering whether their manager has enough in the mental tank to carry on in their hotseat.

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Newly promoted Norwich City have landed full back Kyle Naughton on loan reports Sky Sports.

The Tottenham defender, who can play operate at both right and left full back, joins the Canaries until the end of the season.

Naughton was being chased by a number of Premier League clubs with Aston Villa showing strong interest in him.

But the 22-year-old has decided a move to Carrow Road would provide more first-team opportunities and boss Paul Lambert was overjoyed to secure his services.

“We’re delighted to have secured Kyle’s services for the season,” Lambert told Sky Sports

“He’s a quality player who will come in and give the current group a hand as well as providing more healthy competition for places.

“He’s a pacy player and he’s also young and hungry to continue developing his career and we’re obviously pleased he’s got the chance now to do that with us here at Norwich City.”

Despite moving to Tottenham in 2009 he has failed to nail down a regular starting place at White Hart Lane with manager Harry Redknapp opting to loan him out.

The move will now give the full back a chance to establish a presence in the top flight after two seasons of playing in the Championship on loan at Leicester City and Middlesbrough.

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He’ll be hoping the loan can revitalise Naughton’s career in the same way it did for Kyle Walker who shone on loan at Aston Villa last season.

The January transfer window is fast approaching, and in recent times it has become something of a ‘bargain market’, with Premiership clubs looking to unearth some cheap gems from the Football League. Here is a look at some of the more likely sought after players from the Football League, that the top-flight sides may decide to take a chance on.

Lewis McGugan

The Nottingham Forest midfielder has been in devastating form for the Reds this season, scoring some quite sublime goals to propel him to the top of the Forest scoring charts. It’s a fantastic turnaround for McGugan, after having to work a lot on his fitness in the summer after being criticised about his weight and attitude by manager Billy Davies. The Nottingham- born man has responded well to the Scot’s call, and has returned this season with a real appetite for the game. He already has nine goals to his name, of which at least five will all be challengers for the Championship goal of the season. McGugan has been linked to West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa and he is sure to be one of the most sought after players in this January window.

Andy King

The Welsh international has revelled in his new role as skipper of Leicester City, since manager Sven Goran-Eriksson gave him the role after he took over at the Walkers. King has really matured as a player over the last couple of seasons, and the Foxes are reaping the rewards this campaign with King being the catalyst in their side and the midfielder has chipped in with nine goals. After becoming a permanent fixture in the Welsh set-up, the 22-year-old is bound to be attracting the attention of some top-flight clubs. However, with Leicester now being bank-rolled by their new Thai owners, who are expecting promotion this season as a minimum, it is unlikely that they are going to cash in on their most prized asset.

Charlie Austin

The former brick-layer has come a long way since being released by Reading for being too small. After that set-back, Austin played semi-professionally for Poole Town in the Wessex league while continue to earn a living with his brick-laying. That was until Swindon Town took a gamble on him and he has repaid the Robins by firing them to the League One Play-Off final in his first season in professional football. Austin has continued his goal glut this campaign, already having 14 strikes to his name and he could be a gamble worth taking for some top-flight clubs, and almost certainly most Championship outfits.

Kris Commons

The Derby County playmaker is a hated figure in Nottingham, after he left Forest for arch rivals Derby in 2008, but outside of there the Scottish international has a whole host of admirers. Since Nigel Clough took charge of the Rams and moved Commons into a more central attacking role rather then his, at the time, accustomed role as a left winger, Commons hasn’t looked back with some eye-catching displays. He is the Rams’ top scorer this campaign, and with him stalling on a new contract he could certainly be a player that top flight clubs may look to take on the cheap in January- or even for free at the end of the season.

Scott Loach

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The Watford stopper earned national recognition when he was called up to the England squad earlier in the year, and since then has further enhanced his reputation with some fine displays in goal for the Hornets. Has been touted as a real star of the future and has been linked in the past to Villa, Fulham and even Arsenal. Whether Loach is ready to be plunged straight into a side going for the Premiership title remains to be seen, but Arsene Wenger remains less than convinced with his current goalkeepers and may be tempted to take a gamble on Loach- admittedly this is unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

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Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has admitted that goal-line technology will be rolled out as soon as possible, but will not happen next season.

Many in the game have been calling for the use of technology to ensure correct decisions are made, after seeing this work well in other sports.

However the Premier League supremo admits that next season will come to soon for the extension plans.

“It’s imminent and we’ll look to put it in front of our clubs as soon as we practically can in terms of implementation,” he told Sky Sports.

“But it is unlikely to be for next season given the time scales involved – FIFA approving it and the start of our season for time, many logistical things would need to happen so unlikely for next season but as soon as we can.”

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By Gareth McKnight

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We all remember the classic film, where the dream team of Pele and Bobby Moore, team up with Rambo, Michael Caine and Ipswich Town’s John Wark to outwit the Gestapo and escape their prisoner of war camp through the power of beautiful game. Few people know however, that the plot of this football classic is in fact based, on a true story. This is the story of F.C Start and ‘The Death Match’.

Football, in the 1930’s had become extremely popular in Eastern Europe, and one of the more successful teams in Ukraine were Dynamo Kiev . After the German invasion in 1941 however, the national league was cut short, and the players, who joined the army, were captured and sent to prisoner of war camps. In the Spring of 1942, the former Dynamo goalkeeper, Mykola Trusevych was released, and with the support of his boss at Bakery Number 3, set out to find his old team members. Trusevych found eight former Dynamo players, and, accompanied by three from rivals Lokomotiv Kiev began playing local military teams under the name F.C Start.

Following several convincing victories over Hungarian, Romanian and German teams, including a Luftwaffe team known as Flakelf, F.C Start were noticed by the leaders of their German occupiers. It was seen that the team had become a beacon of hope for the population of the city and it was decided that a rematch would be played between Start and Flakelf and this would be used as a propaganda tool for the Germans, therefore a much stronger team would be put out by the Luftwaffe.

The match was held in the Zenit Stadium in Kiev and was refereed by an SS officer. The exact size of the crowd was unknown but it is said that the heavy police presence did not deter the people of Kiev coming out to support their team against the occupiers. Before the match the referee entered the Start dressing room and instructed the players to perform the Nazi salute before the match. The Start players, unlike the England team upon their visit to Berlin in 1937, refused, and instead gave their own slogan, which roughly translates as an appraisal of physical strength.

The Start players were certainly aware before the game that it was in their interest to lose the match. Despite this, by half time F.C Start had come from a goal down to lead 3-1, and the referee returned to ask the players “to think of the consequences” of winning the match. However by the end of the game Start led 5-3, and as the crowd went wild, one of the Start players, it is said, dribbled his way through the opposition defense, rounded the German keeper, and rather than slotting the ball home, turned and kicked the ball straight back towards the center circle. The referee did not even allow the match to reach 90 minutes, out of fear of further embarrassment for the Luftwaffe side.

There are numerous myths that surround the events that took place after the game, but it is thought that the team was broken up shortly after and the players were sent to various work camps, such was the regime.

The heroism of these eleven men was seen as a beacon of hope to the people of Kiev throughout the Nazi occupation, and their courage and bravery is commemorated today. In 1981 the Zenit Stadium, still home of Dynamo Kiev was renamed Start Stadium, and a monument was placed, with the inscription:

“For our beautiful presence

They fell in a fight…

For ages your glory won’t fade,

The fearless hero-athletes.”

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The playing record of F.C Start reads, played 9, won 9, scored 58 and conceded 10.

Article courtesy of Matthew Hines from This is Futbol

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Andy Carroll’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. One week he’s bothering Arsenal, the next he’s a media target for his off-field behaviour, then he’s called-up to the England squad. Whether the Newcastle striker will actually line up at Wembley against France remains to be seen as Carroll faces a late fitness test on a groin injury.

The 21 year old has lit up the Premier League this season with a series of displays which has seen him dubbed the old-fashioned centre forward that England have been lacking for so long. It will be a shame if he doesn’t have a chance to make his debut against France tonight, but there’s no doubt that Carroll will have plenty of other opportunities to step into the England fold.

The only concerns regarding Carroll are not those of his quality or his ability, but of his off-field problems. England boss Fabio Capello had this to say regarding Carroll’s development: “Everybody makes mistakes when they are young. It is very important for him to be in the seniors because we have a lot of important players, who can stay with him and speak with him about what happens outside the pitch.”

There are those who believe that Capello’s selection of a man with two separate assault charges under his belt sends out the wrong message to young players. Whilst I would never condone Carroll’s actions, I don’t view his England selection as poor judgement on Capello’s behalf. The man has made some mistakes, and if he’s remorseful and wants to better himself both as a footballer and a human being, then there’s no point ostracising him or fiddling with his development as a footballer.

Despite his looks and his build, Carroll is only 21-years-old. He needs all the role models and decent advice he can get. It’s a shame he’s injured because to spend time with the likes of Capello – who has a reputation for not suffering fools, is something that would be sure to affect the young striker. His call-up to the England squad shouldn’t be seen as a license to do whatever he likes, but as an encouragement to better himself and to focus on the football.

The fact of the matter is, if Carroll listens to his superiors and cleans up his act he has a good future ahead of him. It’s no exaggeration to say that he could be an England great. If he repeats his mistakes his future will begin to look bleak. There is no shortage of people willing to lend Carroll their support and help curtail the more reckless side of his personality. This is a man with a history of violence towards women. If he doesn’t change his ways nobody will have any interest in his England future. Carroll – you can have it all, or have nothing. It’s decision time.

If you’re interested and want to hear more feel free to follow me on Twitter, where you can also keep right up to date with the latest Newcastle United news!

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Click on image below to see Wesley’s latest lady

As the 2011-12 season ticks to a close, many players will have one eye on the upcoming transfer window. Whether certain individuals have disappointed, failed to settle, or performed to a level beyond that which was expected, it’s likely that numerous players will be moving on this summer.

Footballers are not known to stick around nowadays, with the one-club man becoming a dying breed in the Premier League, as a result another busy transfer window is all but guaranteed, with clubs across the nation searching for new players and look to remove certain stars from their wage bills.

This list looks at 20 players who are likely to have a long summer ahead of them, as they search for a new club for the start of the 2012-12 campaign.

Click on Gylfi Sigurdsson to unveil the 20

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What are your thoughts? Find me at @Alex_Hams to have your say

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Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak looks set to leave Old Trafford after 5 years at the club, according to Sky Sports.

The Polish goalkeeper made 7 appearances for the club last season but has failed to prove himself a worthy successor to Edwin van der Sar following the Dutchman’s retirement. With the imminent arrival of young Spaniard David de Gea from Atletico Madrid in an £18 million deal, Kuszczak looks likely to move on from the Premiership Champions as he chases first team football.

The 29-year old moved to Old Trafford from West Bromwich Albion and it seems his former club could move for the goalkeeper, who has won 10 caps for Poland. Current West Brom Number 1 Scott Carson is entering the final year of his contract at the Hawthorns and, with an extension yet to be agreed, could be on his way to Turkey in a surprise move to Bursaspor.

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Kuszczak first moved to Old Trafford on loan in 2006 before making the deal permanent the following summer. He has played for the club 61 times but has been understudy to van der Sar for most of his Old Trafford career. His last appearance came in the 1-1 draw with Blackburn which clinched United their record 19th League title but his performance was littered with errors.

The Championship is just starting to get into full swing as teams battle for places in arguably the most competitive and unpredictable league in English football.

Here at FootballFanCast we have teamed up with npower to offer you the chance to win a Pair of Tickets for three lucky home fans to the following three matches that all take place this Saturday on the 6th November:

Bristol City v. Preston North End Derby County v. Portsmouth Queens Park Rangers v. Reading

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All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is to answer the following question correctly:

Which team are unbeaten in the Championship this season?

A) Bristol City

B) Derby County

C) Queens Park Rangers

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Email your answer along with the game you would like to watch (either the match at Ashton Gate, Pride Park or Loftus Road) to [email protected].

The competition closes on Tuesday 2nd November and as there is only one pair of tickets to give away for each match you’ll need to make sure you get your answers in now!