In philosophy I am generally in agreement that sport, and football in particular, has fallen victim to over commercialization in recent years. Even beloved Tottenham now charges forward with plans for a new stadium and a transfer policy designed to profit the ownership group above all else. Yet one criticism of Tottenham by many traditionalists really irritates me. The notion that the pursuit of Champions League football has ruined Spurs is simply the anthem of those bereft of ambition.
I get the basic argument. Finishing top 4 has become an obsession and we have only managed to achieve Champions League qualification once. As such, our other seasons have been failures. What's worse is that many of our seasons are over well before the end of our fixture list because we are too far out of contention. Many even argue that given our financial limitations we will continue to struggle to finish in the top 4 behind our richer peers. I won't even delve into the intricacies of how the cost of Europa League participation drives some people mad. My question to those who feel this way is simple: what in the hell do you want us to strive for?
People who detest our obsession with CL Qualification want you to believe they are staying true to the Club's history. The game is about the glory, to dare is to do, etc line up nicely with going full tilt after trophies but isn't pushing for Champions League really going after the biggest of trophies? I'd like to win a FA Cup (and end our trophy drought) as much as the next guy but that is trying to win an English trophy. By simple logic isn't the quest to win a European honor more daring? What seems more glorious to you: a FA Cup final versus Burnley or a Champions League knockout match versus Roma?
Even worse are you Spurs fans who abhor the CL ideal because of our inability to compete with other Premier League Clubs. Shame on all of you. If we can't finish in the Top 4 then surely we can never challenge for a Premier League title. Why not drop down to the Championship so we can go after a League Title? Do we have an easy road to a League title or even a top 4 finish compared to richer teams? No, but we are Tottenham for God's sakes!!! There is something special about our Club. Whether you think it's the gleaming white on our kit, the magic of White Hart Lane or the spirit of our fans there is something amazing and utterly unique about Tottenham. If you don't believe that unique quality can help us "punch above our weight" and compete at the highest levels of football then I pity you. Your experience as a Spurs fan lacks the best thing about my fandom: the belief that there is magic in Tottenham.
Many of you will read this and laugh at what you perceive to be my naievety. You have my deepest sympathy. I go into every season daring to dream of a magical run to the Title or at least Champions League qualification. You begin the season sadly waiting for failure. Remember why you fell in love with Tottenham in the first place, dare to be special....dare to be Tottenham.
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