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Hopes and fears for 2016/17

2 min read
by James Forster
The new season is a matter of days away, but questions remain. Have we been left behind? Should we fear the new managers? Where are the "Champions League" signings?! James Forster gives his views.

The upcoming Premier League season is imminent; with that brings an assortment of emotions to football fans – vehement excitement, anticipation, nerves and hope – they are certainly feelings felt by all.

However, amongst these, there is still a nagging discontent among some Spurs fans, a disconcerting view that we are being left behind by the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and City throwing their financial weight around. Measuring our current predicament and performance of last season compared to the likes of these other big clubs, I think excitement and hope should outweigh the worry felt by this segment of our fans.

[linequote]There is still a nagging discontent among some Spurs fans[/linequote]

Let’s put it into perspective, on the basis of last season and the many outstanding performances seem by all, our first eleven is very strong. You only have to examine the Inter Milan friendly to see the fruition of Spurs regulars, Alli, Kane and Dier back playing together and linking up beautifully. On the evidence of this strong starting eleven, we simply do not need a radical overhaul like other big clubs who severely under-performed last season.

That being said, Pochettino has dipped into the market, signing Premier League experienced Wanyama as well as the young Dutch prospect Janssen. Both are smart, acute signings, addressing areas in the squad that needed strengthening.

[fullquote]BUT, we need Champions League signings![/fullquote]

Another view vocalised by some fans. Who is to say the likes of Alderweireld, Lloris, Kane, Alli, Eriksen aren’t Champions League players?

What “Champions League player” could we sign, who fits our wage structure and will slot right in to the starting eleven?

The beauty of Pochettino is he improves players, makes them in to Champions League quality. Why be so naive to state he can’t do that with the likes of Janssen or potential signing Nkoudou?

It is all very well to see the prices banded about by United and City and be nervous of the quality coming in, however, it’s foolish to think our abundance of youth won’t keep continuing to improve. In the current, ridiculous football financial climate, what kind of prices would Kane, Alli, Dier go for?

There is so much value in our team which will keep increasing. Just because we haven’t spent excessively in an over-inflated market mean that we will be left behind – cast your minds to the mess after the Bale sale when we spent over £100m.

[linequote]The beauty of Pochettino is he improves players, makes them in to Champions League quality.[/linequote]

Spurs finally have a manager with a plan – a manager with a ruthless edge, a desire and drive to reach the top. We need to trust Pochettino as fans; last season was only a glimpse of the heights this young team could reach. The team chemistry and togetherness displayed are signs in itself that we can stand up to the heavyweights and fight.

All views and opinions expressed in this article are the views and opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of The Fighting Cock. We offer a platform for fans to commit their views to text and voice their thoughts. Football is a passionate game and as long as the views stay within the parameters of what is acceptable, we encourage people to write, get involved and share their thoughts on the mighty Tottenham Hotspur.