I think Harry is great but...
Now I know I am not the first, nor will I be the last, who can honestly say Harry is the best manager we have had in years. He is down to earth, knows how to get the best out of his players and gets his teams playing the kind of football we want to see. However, the result against Blackpool highlights a few problems that we have wanted to be resolved for a while but are just left scratching our heads, wondering why nothing has been done to correct them.
Spurs are a very good side, with a fantastic squad, but it is not good enough if we are to be consistently in the top 4 and pushing towards a future title. I know it is a bit cliche, but really believe we are 4 (possibly 3) players away from being equal to Manchester Utd and being better than Ars*nal. So here are my suggestions to making Spurs great.
Right Back - This is the area I am least concerned with. I think that Hutton can be good going forwards, but makes too many mistakes at the back. Corluka is the opposite. The solution: I think Kyle Walker is looking good playing for Aston Villa so we may not need anyone in this position. Cost £0
Left Back - I have had my doubts about Assou-Ekoto for a while now, he can be really good. Against Ac Milan, it was his best game yet. If he could do more of the same then it wouldn't be such a problem. But he is too inconsistent and needs to have a fight on for his place. The solution: Quality full backs are actually in short supply so I would suggest Michel Bastos who can play anywhere along the left and even fill in at right midfield if you need him too. Ideally he and Bale could swap roles, pulling the defences apart. Bastos is even faster than Bale too. (If the worst case scenario happens then we should still replace Bale with Bastos, and look for a more defensive LB) Cost- £15- 20 Million? I know it is a lot but worthwhile.
Centre Back - Dawson needs someone fast that has good positioning off the ball, his areas of weakness. So John Terry is not an option! We need consistency at the back and a proper partnership. Also someone who can tackle properly and does not give penalties away too easily. Woodgate is quality and if he was able to achieve full fitness and stay fit again this may not be such a problem, but his history is not good and Ledley is the same unfortunately. The solution:Ideally, Giorgio Chiellini from Juventus but this is a bit out of our range. Also a defender who is used to the premiership or could adapt quickly. So Either Arne Friedrich or Richard Dunne Cost: £3-10 million
Striker (one that can score) - The final piece in the jigsaw puzzle is one that we all have been calling for for some time. I believe that Defoe on his day is capable of brilliance, but if he is not firing or is injured the replacements can not fulfil this role. We need a player than can form a partnership with him as well as become a goal poacher when he needs to be. We are looking for an in form Torres, but at half the price. Crouch is a good squad player and I think he can add something different so he needs to stay. Pav' I am afraid you just are not a top 4 player so your time is up. We need something special. The solution: I was hoping we were going to get Suarez, before he started to get on Liverpool's radar, and Andy Carroll became too expensive. A proven goal scorer, who can also pass, hold up the ball, create goals for others and is strong. I have never liked his attitude on the pitch, but believe we could soften to him (think Klinsman), but Drogba could be our man, and Harry will know how to keep the old dog going for a few years yet. If this is not on the cards then I think Hulk is the man to go for. Cost £10 - 20 million.
My final point on making Spurs great is a need to change our wages policy. I don't think we should pay ridiculous prices but if the right player is available then we should do all we can to get them.
Total cost: £28 - 50 million (But I am sure Harry can get the best deal possible)
Please share any thoughts and alternative solutions.