My Spurs

How did you become a Spurs fan?

Family heritage. My dad is a massive fan and he took me to my first game, he raised my brother on them as well and basically I grew up in a Tottenham atmosphere, even though we didn’t go to that many games.

First Game?

My first game was in 1996 or 97. It was Leeds United at White Hart Lane and we won 1-0. Not the most thrilling of games but as a young child, you couldn’t care less. Darren Anderton scored - I was under the impression it was Teddy Sheringham until, on the train home, someone asked me what who scored and my dad corrected me after I had misinformed the stranger!

How often do you get to see them now?

Not as regularly as I would want. Limited tickets and expensive prices mean that I get to a handful every season, usually the cup games. I’m looking to become a member next season, though, so with any luck I should get to a lot more games. The only thing not to benefit will be my wallet.

Most Memorable moment?

There’s loads. You always get entertainment as a Spurs fan, even if there is painful disappointment to match it. Notable moments are both League Cup wins over the last 10 years, especially the Chelsea one this season. Beating Arsenal, the few times I’ve actually seen us do it! Pedro Mendes’ halfway line ‘goal’ against Man Utd. Erik Edman’s 45 yard missile at Anfield. Beating Pompey 4-3, days after losing 4-3 to Man City. Beating Leeds 2-0 in an FA Cup replay and the goals from Darren Anderton and David Ginola. One moment was particularly special, even if it is a bit bittersweet. The game that Arsenal won the title at White Hart Lane - Robbie Keane scored a brilliant last minute penalty to tie the game for us. It still meant that Arsenal won the league but it pretty much kept us up that year and it was an amazing moment.

Have you met any Spurs players?

Unfortunately no. Nowadays, these Premier League stars are scarcely seen near us mortals! I have applauded Darren Anderton from 10 yards away at an AFC Bournemouth end of season lap of honour, does that count?

Favourite Current player?

Ledley King is a colossal player. He really is so good, literally, the rock of our side. Injuries, however, have severely limited his appearances so when he’s not around it has to be either the genius that is Dimitar Berbatov or the giant presence that is Tom Huddlestone.

Describe last season. How did it affect you?

Take the Carling Cup out of the equation and its an awful season. But, we did win it, so it will go down as a mixed season, yet another season of transition. There were some superb performances and we still look the 5th best team in the country when we our at our best but we did put out some awful displays at times. It was frustrating but the continued hope and knowledge that we can do better got me through the season. And how many trophies have those mugs at Arsenal won in the last three years? Sweet FA.

What are your hopes for next season?

Well, I am a realist. And I’m not going to keep saying that we can do better each season and then watch us fail. But, I think we do have the raw ingredients to do well. A lot will depend on Ramos’ signings and who he decides to let go. If Berbatov stays then brilliant. If he leaves then fine, lets just replace him with a decent player. I’d take top four. If that’s not possible then top five or six and a shot at another trophy would be brilliant.

Choose your all time Spurs eleven.

Paul Robinson in goal. Steve Carr or Alan Hutton at right back with the Swedish genius Erik Edman at left back. Ledley King would captain the side and partners Sol Campbell at the back, even though he is a twat. David Ginola takes up the left wing with Simon Davies on the right. Michael Carrick is in midfield alongside Pedro Mendes. And as for up front, it has to be Teddy Sheringham and anyone from Robbie Keane, Dimitar Berbatov, Gary Linekar, Jurgen Klinnsmann and Jermain Defoe. And after much deliberation, I’ve picked Berbatov purely because of his ability and his nonchalance.

The thing I hate about Tottenham is…

The inconsistency. The continued potential and the usual disappointment. The fact that we never pull off surprise results against big teams. The occasionally awful signings (Ricardo Rocha, Noe Pamarot, Lee Young Pyo, Paul Stalteri, etc). The area around White Hart Lane.

The thing I love about Tottenham is…

The football. We play so brilliantly at times it makes you lose your breath. The kit. The superb players (Berbatov, Ginola, King, Keane, etc). The stadium and the atmosphere. The fact that Arsenal fans get so wound up by us and they only get mouthy when they’re doing well. The constant promise of something brilliant. Jermaine Jenas. The West Ham ’rivalry’. The all white UEFA Cup kit. Martin Jol.