NORMAN GILLER'S SPURS ODYSSEY BLOG No 518
Submitted by Norman Giller
Ange deserves to be given a reprieve
What would YOU do if you were in the size 7 shoes of Daniel Levy? The lynch mob are, of course, back to shouting for Ange Postecoglou's head, many of them the same people who danced in celebration of Tottenham's Europa Cup triumph in Bilbao last week.
Yesterday's 4-1 drubbing by Brighton was a defeat too far for many, the 22nd Premier League loss of the season as Jekyll and Hyde Tottenham once again put Postecoglou's future at the top of the debating agenda.
From the joy of Spain, we turned to the pain of humiliation by a bright Brighton team that made its strongest ever bid for Premier League glory. If you can bear it, you can read the dismal details reported by our Spurs Odyssey guru Paul H. Smith HERE.
In the second half Tottenham played as if they were hung over, going down to a defeat that could hang Ange. To be honest, it was the performance we should have anticipated after all that alcoholic celebrating in Spain.
Levy must now decide whether to trust Postecoglou with the managerial reins next season as Spurs sneak into the Champions League thanks to that victory over Man United in Bilbao.
It would be easy for me to sit on the fence while we wait for an announcement from the club, but I firmly believe that Ange deserves a reprieve and the chance to lead us into the European challenge that he created with his plotting and planning in the Europa League.
We could then see where we are at Christmas before passing judgement on the Greek Aussie, who points out that in "all the best TV series, season three is better than season two."
This prompts the thought that next season should be called, "Would I Lie to You?"
COYS!
Peter Baker, a cultured and athletic right-back
I had hoped to hide yesterday's demoralising defeat behind the announcement of the new Spurs Odyssey champion for 2025, but I couldn't find a winner!
Not one of you agreed with my final choice:
Jennings (1972)
Baker (1963), England (1972), Roberts (1984), Knowles (1972)
Blanchflower (capt, 1963), Perryman (1984)
Jones (1963), Gilzean (1972), Greaves (1963), Galvin (1984)
Subs: Lloris, Vertonghen, Son, Eriksen, Kane
Many got within one or two of my team choices, but it was my selection of Peter Baker at right-back that sunk most of you. He would have won a string of England caps but for being around in a golden era for right-backs, including George Cohen, Jimmy Armfield, Don Howe and Ken Shellito. Thanks to his athleticism he was able to cover for Danny Blanchflower, who had knee problems almost from when he joined Spurs at the age of 29 from Aston Villa.
So, my friends, we go to a penalty shoot out, and the challenge I am making to all of you is:
Name in 1-2-3 order the 10 greatest Spurs captains since the Premier League was born in 1991-92. The person with the list closest to mine will be declared Spurs Odyssey Quiz Champion. Oh yes, as a tiebreaker also name your top English-born Spurs captain from 1950-1990.
Deadline, midnight this Friday. (soqleague@gmail.com)
I will announce the winner and 2025 champion in my Spurs Odyssey blog next Monday. Happy selecting!
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