Interview with the Enemy: Spurs

By: Matt | July 25th, 2009

In this edition of “Interview with the Enemy”, we talk to Drew of the Spurs Offside. Spurs and Celtic meet on Sunday for the final match of the Wembley Cup. After Celtic defeated Al-Ahly 5-0 on Friday, Celtic is in the drivers seat to take the Wembley Cup. A defeat of Spurs and they win the competition. Even a draw would mean Barcelona would have to beat Al-Ahly by 5 or more, though Celtic showed that is very possible. Celtic will probably not go guns out though, trying to save the first team for this upcoming week’s Champions League Qualifier against Dinamo Moscow. Regardless of what team is put out there, you can see Celtic take on Spurs on ESPN360.com if you are in the United States, something I was unaware of until the second half of the Al-Ahly match. Until then, come with me and get a course in Tottenham 101 with Drew.

A brief history of Spurs?

Founded in 1882, won the league and FA cup double in ’60-61 season. Won the European cup winners cup in ’63, as well as the Uefa cup in ’72 and again in ’84. Most recently winning the carling cup against Chelsea in 2008.

Favorite Spur of all time?

That is a tough question, Probably Gary Lineker.

After starting off in the relegation zone, Spurs showed some great improvement and made it into the top half. What was the reaction to Spurs starting off so slow and was Harry Redknapp seen as the savior?

I think I can speak for most Spurs fans when I say the start of last season was one of the worst periods of my life as a sports fan. I never was sold on Juande Ramos as manager, and the beginning of last season proved my point, between his language barrier and losing Berbatov and Keane it was just a recipe for disaster. I don’t know if I’d use the term savior when referring to Harry, he’s a great manager who values the quality that we have, and he’s been able to instill some confidence in our boys.

What are the expectations for Spurs this season? Do you think they have a chance to crack the usual top 4?

I always think that they have the potential to break into the top 4. I’d say at the least we’ll qualify for the Europa league.

Being outside the EPL’s top 4 and with Man City spending seemingly Monopoly money this offseason, what is your opinion of the current financial and economical climate of the EPL?

It’s absolutely looney; the amount of money being thrown around is insane! Between Man City and Real Madrid the markets are so inflated that other teams with less financial backing are feeling hopeless.

What was your reaction to the EPL1 and EPL2 proposal made last season? How would you react to Celtic and Rangers having a chance to make it to the EPL?

I’d love to see Celtic and Rangers play the EPL teams, though I wasn’t a huge fan of the set up of the leagues as I feel the teams that were in EPL2 would complain of being given the short end of the stick.

What is the consensus from Spurs fans on the level of football seen in the SPL, more specifically with Celtic (obviously)?

I think that Spurs fans believe that the SPL quality (Celtic in particular) is right on par with the EPL. I think that is why there are so many transfers between the two leagues. We bought Alan Hutton from Rangers a few seasons back and I haven’t been anything but pleased with him.

What is the sense on the type of team Spurs will be putting out for the Wembley Cup? Will there be a lot of first teamers or should Celtic fans expect to see a lot of youth and reserve teamers?

I think that Harry will put out most of our first team for the Wembley Cup, with exceptions in our center of defense as our starters will be out injured until about a week into the season.

Best and worst memory from a Spurs/Arsenal game?

Best memory: the 4-4 draw last season at the Emirates (mostly Bentleys goal).
Worst Memory: Losing 5-4 at home in 2004/05 season.

And finally, who should Celtic fans watch out for on Sunday from Spurs and what is your prediction for the match overall?

Hmm… I’d say to watch out for Luka Modric as he’ll be running the Midfield. As well as Jermain Defoe, he’s got blistering pace and a deadly shot. My prediction is 2-1 to Spurs.