Send them Bhoys packing

By: timmyg | July 21st, 2008

There is definitely something fishy going on in SW6. Can anyone remember a time when the club won five straight matches?

Now, granted, the last two were meaningless friendlies. And the latest 3-1 victory over Celtic was against their JV squad and the Bhoys’ second match in as many days. But still, the club seems to be showing no signs of post-survival hangover. I wonder how Tottenham’s season would’ve turned out last year if they didn’t stop caring by March…

Nevland scored a goal that pierced the lower corner (seriously, he needs a nickname. Every goal he’s scored is identical in style, but equal in precision and chilling ruthlessness). Newby Bobby Zamora had a scorcher of a goal that initiated his spell at the Cottage. Even Leon Andreasen’s goal was too quick for the camera’s (look at the highlights — one cannot see it).

Its no sectret that to succeed in any professional sport, it requires an odd balance of managerial skill coupled with player experience. Why were the 1996-2000 Yankees so dominant? Because Joe Torre took a bunch of hungry, frustrated (anyone remember Buck Showalter choking the series to the Mariners in 1995?) players and worked magic. How is Man United guaranteed another title this year? Because Liverpool and Arsenal aren’t spending? Yes, but also because Sir Alex Furguson has an experienced methodology that he can take players that succeeded in other leagues, and simply drop them into his rotation without there being a cog in the machine.

Woy is doing the same, albeit on a much smaller level. Zoltan Gera is a quality player that will only get better under this system because he’s captained a crappy country and mediocre club. Same goes for Simon Davies, Erik Nevland, Brede Hangeland, and, hopefully, Steven Davis.

The club travels to South Korea next week for a duet of friendlies against Busan l’Park and Ulsan Hyundai. Dejan Stefanovich and Elliot Omozusi obviously won’t tag along as they’re both in Norwich (for good and for loan, respectively). The season begins August 16th at Hull. And I’m ready, and confident, in all the upcoming matches.

And when’s the last time you heard “Fulham” and “confidence” is the same breath?