An Ode to Baldini

There once was a man named Baldini,

He spent Tottenham's money too freely,

He came in from Rome, but now he's gone home,

And black boxes rule Spurs every day.

Lamela he bought,

But goals were still sought,

Till Harry from home saved the day.

Now home grown the lads all are,

One even became a big star,

And papers start rumors all day.

So farewell to Franco, his intentions were good,

His suits were well pressed and never included a gilet,

But he still's been sacked, the good sense he lacked,

Not to end up like Sherwood today!

Cameron Carter Vickers to Norwich?

Possible breaking news regarding Tottenham prospect and USMNT player Cameron Carter Vickers future. Unconfirmed reports have Tottenham in negotiations with Norwich City on a loan deal. The rumors have been stoked by Carter-Vickers himself who retweeted a Norwich player this evening who was promoting Norwich's tight knit team.

While there is a long way to go in these negotiations I'd be pleased with the move. If he can get regular playing time there it could make him ready for the First Team at Tottenham as early as next year. Stay tuned to this blog for more as the story develops.

It's Not About Race: Why Spurs fans prefer Soldado to Adebayor

Both Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado are seemingly at the end of their time as Tottenham strikers but almost universally, fans wish Soldado the best while hoping Adebayor is finally consumed by the Juju. Why do Spurs fans remain sympathetic to Bobby while burying Adebayor?

Right off the bat let me address the possibility that this is based on race. I imagine for some fans this might be the case, but I don't see it as the primary motivation for many fans. I think the cultural relatibility of Soldado for most fans is significantly higher than Adebayor's given their backgrounds but at best, that is an undercurrent for most.

The real reason behind the difference between the two in fan's minds comes down to visible effort in the pitch. Close your eyes and think of Soldado....chances are the image in your mind is of his face marred in angst after a near goal. Now do the same for Adebayor...you likely get an entirely different image. Perhaps you are like me and are cursed to see the image of he and Sherwood locked in salute, maybe you see him loafing after a loose ball or even in an Arsenal kit. The point is we have always been convinced of Soldado's effort and care for his performance while Adebayor has frequently been absent both physically and emotionally.

The psychology behind this is pretty straightforward. We can all relate to Soldado as a man who gives his best effort and is suitably frustrated. Who among us hasn't tried their best and failed at something? On the other hand, there are precious few Tottenham fans know what it feels like to squander enormous talent while being made rich with zero apparent misgivings. Adebayor is the classic villain while Soldado represents the quintessential Everyman hero. It is a story old as time. To sum it up, we like Soldado because he gives a damn. We ridicule Adebayor because he doesn't.

Lastly let me say to critics who will defend Adebayor due to his personal difficulties you can save your breath. I know that Adebayor's family is as crazy as a box of ducks and that he has done a great deal of charitable work. Ever wonder why we seem to know every twist and turn of Adebayor's life? We know because he wants us to see his personal life as a justification or counterweight for his lack of on field performance and effort. I don't blame him for the strategy but let's view it for what it is. It's a public relations strategy from his agent not a series of heartfelt mea culpas.

So fellow Yids continue on wishing Soldado the best while hoping the Juju finally does Ade in. After all, he once played for Arsenal. Do we need a better reason for our disdain?