Gazza Mania! - #BlogToLisbon campaign by www.camporetro.com

My entry for the #BlogToLisbon campaign by www.camporetro.com

 

By David Lee Wheatley

It was a balmy late-August evening when north London club Tottenham Hotspur visited for the opening home fixture of Sunderland's 1990-91 Division One campaign and it was sure to be a huge test of the Rokerites' ability to cope in the top-flight following an incredibly fortunate promotion.

Swindon Town triumphed over Sunderland at Wembley in the May play-off final thanks to a Gary Bennett own goal, which apparantly condemned the north-east club to another year battling to reach the promised land. However, The Robins were found to have made illegal payments to players over a four-year period, which breached several Football League regulations along the way. The alloted punishment was to have their advancement to the First Division annulled in favour of losing finalists Sunderland taking their spot instead.

Denis Smith's men were suddenly on an incredible high due to their unexpected reprieve following the awful setback they'd suffered at Wembley. The team were determined to make the most of their good fortune and they couldn't have chosen a better way to welcome top-flight football back to Roker Park than to take on glamorous foes Spurs, complete with two superstars fresh from competing in a World Cup that had England fans everywhere dreaming of lifting the golden trophy for the first time since 1966.

I was stood in the Roker End that day as an excited ten-year-old, just to the right of the goal in a corner compartment that was filling up to maximum capacity in anticipation of kick-off. The floodlights shone down on an immaculate playing surface and the atmosphere inside was absolutely electric. My cousin and I were taken to the match by my father and we always got there early before most supporters had arrived; that decision positioned us right at the front behind large yellow metal fencing, which I could barely see over!

As kick-off approached, it became apparent our part of the ground was becoming dangerously full with no sign of any let-up in the increasing amount of fans making their way into that corner. I actually heard at one stage to my utter horror a steward exclaiming, "we can get another thousand in here!". At that point, I was being pushed into the fence by a large group of grown men who'd made their way into the area surrounding us and it was quickly developing into a terribly worrying situation!

Remember, this was before all-seater stadia had been introduced and a young lad of my age at the time didn't stand a chance of keeping his footing when getting crushed against the metal fencing. Eventually, the side of my face was jammed up against the yellow bars ahead of me and a split-second decision by some of the stewards in attendance meant that all of the children at the front were lifted out to safety and led away from the scene. Unbelievably for us, we were all lined up immediately behind the advertising hoardings in a prime location extremely close to the pitch just in time to witness the two sets of players making their way on to the field.

Rapturous applause rang out around a packed Roker Park to herald the arrival of the teams with Spurs resplendent in their yellow and black away strip, as the likes of Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne ran around doing warm-up stretches in preparation for the start of the game. Indeed, during one particular stretch down to touch his toes, the Geordie joker purposefully pointed his backside in the direction of the Main Stand when reacting to the dog's abuse being hurled in his direction from the terraces! Gazza's countrywide popularity had reached fever pitch due to his wonderful performances at Italia '90 and, of course, those infamous tears he shed in the semi-final against West Germany. He'd literally become the most adored footballer on the planet almost overnight, yet the Sunderland fans still hadn't forgotten his allegiance to Newcastle United!

His slightly chubby appearance was unmercifically prayed upon by the red-and-white army when a shower of Mars Bars hailed down on the Gateshead-born midfielder. In true Gazza style, he picked up the nearest chocolate bar, took a big bite and threw it behind the goal where our group were sat. The boy to my right, whom I wasn't familiar with, quickly snatched the half-eaten Mars Bar before wrapping it up and putting it in his pocket for safe-keeping. What a souvenir to take home; completely congealed most likely by the time he got back in the house from the warmth of the coat pocket on a sticky summer's night!

The anxious rush to grab that sought-after item of Mars memorabilia serves to perfectly illustrate the hysteria surrounding Gascoigne during that era; everybody wanted a piece of him, even his left-over food! He'd been the stand-out performer at the World Cup and his fame had peaked at the sort of level usually reserved for movie or rock stars. Nobody had captured the imagination of the English public in quite the same way as Gazza had achieved and to have both he and Lineker in direct competition with our hometown club - when we initially believed just a few months prior that we'd be watching Division Two football all over again - was an awesome sight to behold.

Even though the match ended in a 0-0 draw, it was a fabulous experience to be sat practically on the byline watching proceedings unfold and to witness those two international heroes in action. The 30,000 crowd were treated to a decent contest, but with very few goalscoring opportunities to speak of. I do, however, recall a Gary Lineker strike from about 20 yards flying towards my little face at a rate of knots before I took swift evasive action in order to avoid getting a burst nose or black eye to round off my eventful evening!

That early mark within the infancy of a brand new season held boundless hopes and dreams for both clubs and their dedicated followers, but it all ended in great disappointment league-wise. Terry Venables' side were third in the league after 17 matches, but fell away alarmingly to finish tenth while local arch-rivals Arsenal claimed the title. However, they tempered that feeling of failure by claiming the FA Cup when defeating Nottingham Forest in the final, albeit with the devastating loss of Gascoigne to serious injury. Meanwhile, Sunderland's Division One odyssey lasted only a solitary term, as they were relegated in 19th place alongside bottom club Derby County.

Despite the profound sadness related to relegation, I shall always fondly remember the day World Cup wonders Gazza and Gary Lineker came to town!

Follow me on Twitter: @davewh1980

 

In conjunction with @camporetro for their #BlogToLisbon competition

Spurs bag bargain of the summer

By David Lee Wheatley

Tottenham Hotspur's spending spree continues unabated as they attempt to construct a side capable of challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League without the considerable Real Madrid-bound talents of Gareth Bale.

Incoming stars Roberto Soldado, Nacer Chadli, Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Erik Lamela have all improved the depth of quality within Andre Villas-Boas' squad, but it's the signing of Dane Christian Eriksen that potentially represents the greatest value.

The slight attacking midfielder possesses wonderful technique on the ball, a keen eye for a telling pass and also great ability at set-pieces. Now 21 years of age, Eriksen is developing into a more mature footballer both physically and experience-wise. His £11.5m switch from Ajax is a major coup for the White Hart Lane club, with a plethora of sides circling around the most outstanding player of the Dutch league in recent seasons.

Ever since Luka Modric left for Real Madrid in 2012, the north Londoners have struggled to find a suitable replacement for the Croatian playmaker. In the young Danish international, they've finally secured a footballer worthy of taking on the mantle vacated by Modric last summer. Similar in stature and style, the pair are top-level footballers and the Dane is fully capable of making Spurs' supporters forget about the memory of both Modric and Gareth Bale in the process.

Ajax and the Eredivisie will be the poorer for losing Eriksen to the English game, but Tottenham will certainly reap the rewards of having struck the bargain buy of this transfer window.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Facebook.com/DLWSports

Where will Bale fit at Madrid?

By David Lee Wheatley

Gareth Bale's protracted move from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid moved a step closer today with the revelation of the player's lawyers arrival in the Spanish capital to finalise the switch, as Bale already indicated his own agreement with the personal terms on offer.

Unfortunately, the PFA and Football Writers' reigning Player of the Year let himself down slightly with his refusal to train at current club Spurs since Tuesday, due to the growing frustration he feels over the tedious nature of negotiations regarding the size of an expected world-record transfer fee.

Real Madrid realised recently what many sides in the past already knew - Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is an extremely difficult negotiator to compromise with. He's forever determined to reach the very best conclusion for his club by wringing every last ounce of value from any given deal, no matter how long it takes.

Despite the delays, it's likely the saga will end this weekend or Monday - transfer deadline day - at the very latest. When Bale does sign, the next unknown within this intriguing dynamic is where he will fit in amongst a galaxy of stars at the Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to be top dog at the club, evidenced once more during the last few days when it emerged he'd suggested to the Real hierarchy he simply didn't want the fee that eventually captures Bale to eclipse the £80m spent on him in 2009. Ronaldo is seen as something of a forerunner to the Welsh international and there are similarities; they frequently display versatility yet play in similar roles and have a penchant for scoring goals from deep-lying positions, both players take a stunning free-kick in similar style to one another and the two also enjoy running at pace towards petrified opposition defences.

Ronaldo can play wide, but has moved into a more central position at Real as time progressed in a parallel manner to Bale at White Hart Lane. Now the pair will be fighting for a starting berth in their favoured role in the middle of the attack, but only one can take the spot.

Meanwhile, competition on the left flank will come from Angel Di Maria, if he sticks around, and more prominently from the fantastic young Spaniard Isco, who is making waves early in his fledgling Madrid career following a summer move from Malaga.

If Bale aims for central midfield, but perhaps in a less advanced part of the pitch to Ronaldo, then he potentially comes up against stern competition from Mesut Ozil, Luka Modric, Kaka and Sami Khedira; all are not expected to remain at the Bernabeu, however.

The extremely highly-rated former Southampton man faces a battle on his hands just to gain a place in the starting line-up and could see his career stall if regular appearances aren't forthcoming. However, should head coach Carlo Ancelotti find a tactical solution within his plans that allows Bale and Ronaldo to co-exist in the same side, then Real Madrid could find themselves in possession of the most powerful attacking unit in European football.

What the Welshman will be desperate to avoid is a repeat of the spells suffered with the Castillian giants by fellow Brits including Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Owen, who both sat out large chunks of their stays due to a potent cocktail of injuries, suspension and a lack of faith from their manager; the splendid period in Spain enjoyed by former Liverpool star Steve McManaman will be the dream scenario for Bale to emulate.

Two-time La Liga and Champions League victor McManaman recently backed Bale to be a success in Madrid, while making it clear he'll need to concentrate on his football in an effort to cope with huge pressure from the media and public alike.

Should he manage to make an impression on the field, while learning the language and integrating off it, then 24-year-old Spurs phenomenon Bale will be fully capable of winning over the team's fanatical support amid Real's attempts to claim several major trophies during his stay.

He may have to cede main-man status to Cristiano Ronaldo, but football's latest superstar holds significant potential himself to further an outstanding reputation by creating a massive impact at one of the world's greatest sporting institutions.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Facebook.com/DLWSports

Spurs will be better without Bale

By David Lee Wheatley

With a mystery rival bidding for the signature of Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale alongside long-time suitors Real Madrid, it seems certain the Welsh wizard will be on his way out of White Hart Lane before the transfer closes in seven days.

Matters seemed to be reaching a conclusion when Real began retailing 'Bale 11' emblazoned shirts at their online store prematurely last week following weeks of speculation, but the revelation earlier today surrounding a potential alternative has complicated the deal.

Wherever the former Southampton star ends up, his sale guarantees Spurs a massive pay-day to the tune of around £90million when he does eventually move on. The north London club have already spent a large chunk of the expected windfall through the introduction of new boys Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Nacer Chadli and are still looking for more recruits in an effort to off-set the likely loss of last season's PFA Player of the Year.

There's no doubting Bale's ability and influence on the team during the last couple of campaigns, but the over-inflated value currently placed on his head will allow Spurs to continue bringing in fresh blood to strengthen every department of the side. Bale is an extremely talented footballer, but Spurs will reap the benefits if they simply let him go.

Spain is calling and Bale's already there in his head, so the best decision at this stage is to agree to a switch and move quickly in search of a suitable replacement before deadline day. One possibility, Willian, appears to have chosen Jose Mourinho's Chelsea over Spurs and therefore Roma's Erik Lamela is now the front-runner to join up and offer the same attacking spark delivered by the outgoing Wales international in recent years.

If the cash already laid out by Tottenham represents the amount they planned to shell-out in any event, then their coffers will be recharged to a level which would open the way for them to secure at least three absolutely top-notch, world-class footballers for the price of one.

With that budget Tottenham were already set to spend in mind, plus the world-record fee on the verge of being banked for a prize asset, Spurs are about to experience their strongest financial position for an age and must acknowledge the fact they'll be markedly better off without Bale.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Facebook.com/DLWSports

Soldado will soften the blow

By David Lee Wheatley

Tottenham Hotspur today agreed a £26m deal with Valencia for the transfer of Spanish international striker Roberto Soldado.

Real Madrid's relentless pursuit of Gareth Bale appears close to a conclusion and the capture of the former Getafe man will go a long way to make up for the expected loss of the Welsh winger.

Soldado racked up 30 goals in 46 appearances for his club last season and such efficiency will be welcome at White Hart Lane, especially considering the options Andre Villas-Boas currently has open to him.

Jermain Defoe is a predatory finisher, but isn't a player for the long-term at 31 years of age and is possibly on the verge of leaving. Adebayor looked excellent when on loan at Spurs the season before last, but his form faltered badly following completion of a permanent switch and is subject of intense interest from the Turkish league. Meanwhile, Clint Dempsey operates between the midfield and forward line, making the need for an out-and-out striker extremely urgent.

28-year-old Soldado started out at Real Madrid, but struggled to force his way into the first-team and left for Getafe having played just 16 times. A goal every two games with the Madrid-based side brought the attention of bigger clubs and hometown team Valencia signed him up in 2010. Soldado's career surged on to another level with Los Che helping him cement a place in the national squad along the way.

As with all foreign imports, there'll be a settling-down period for Soldado before he feels fully comfortable in his new surroundings, but undoubtedly his supreme eye for goal and positional sense puts him up alongside the very best strikers in world football. During the last two campaigns in particular, the Valencia-born finisher looked consistently excellent.

Spurs already sealed deals for winger Nacer Chadli from Twente and Brazilian star Paulinho from Corininthians before agreeing a fee for Soldado. Another two or three top-class additions financed by the windfall from the likely sale of Gareth Bale should make Tottenham a serious threat to the top three positions in the Premier League this coming season.

Fans may feel disappointed at the prospect of Gareth Bale joining Real Madrid, but they can comfort themselves with the thought that one player doesn't make a team and the north London club are in the process of constructing a squad capable of challenging for top honours both domestically and in Europe.

It really isn't all that bad!

Premier League set for a Brazilian invasion?

 

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley

 

 

There've been plenty of Brazilian footballers who've moved to England to play their football, but often flattered to deceive. Juninho, Gilberto Silva, Edu and Sandro apart, most have arrived with big reputations either intact or burgeoning, which they've failed miserably to live up to.

 

A large majority leave the English game having left no mark on it whatsoever. Mario Jardel, Branco, Jo and Afonso Alves spring instantly to mind when considering the plethora of stars who've joined amid significant fanfare only to perform poorly and move on with a whimper.

 

Now, there's a renewed interest in the Premier League as a possible destination for young superstars of the Brazilian game, led by the likes of David Luiz, Oscar and Coutinho who all ply their trade here.

 

The latest links to English clubs include Atletico Mineiro winger Bernard, fresh from sealing the prestigious Copa Libertadores on his home continent, and exciting forward Leandro Damiao. Arsenal are said to be in the frame for the signature of 20-year-old Bernard, while Southampton and Spurs are battling it out to attract 24-year-old Internacional man Leandro.

 

It's perfectly true that 'next big thing' Neymar snubbed Chelsea, amongst others, in favour of a switch to Barcelona earlier this summer, but there certainly appears to be a sea-change within the mindset of Brazilians about the possibility to play in this country. Should any of the sides mentioned in connection with Bernard and Damiao prevail, it could set off a chain reaction with several other full internationals considering a switch to these shores.

 

An improved influx of quality from the World Cup host nation could be about to gather pace, as the English top-flight attempts to maintain its position as arguably the best league in the world.

 

Twitter: @davewh1980

Facebook.com/DLWSports

 

 

 

 



Bale won't resist Madrid

 

By David Lee Wheatley

 

The chase for Welsh wizard Gareth Bale is set to come to a crescendo over the coming days, as strong rumours of a mega-deal worth £86m surfaced from Real Madrid today.

 

Carlo Ancelotti is determined to seal a deal for the Tottenham Hotspur winger and will stop at nothing until he gets his man.

 

Spanish giants Real reportedly offered £51m cash, plus Argentine winger Angel Di Maria and Portuguese left-back Fabio Coentrao in exchange. Not only is the opportunity of a switch to the Bernebeu an attractive one for Bale, the transfer also appears highly lucrative for Spurs.

 

Losing the former Southampton man would be a huge blow, but it'd be softened somewhat by the arrival of the world-class Di Maria and Coentrao. Receiving two players of that calibre would strengthen the Spurs left flank and deliver extra options to Andre Villas-Boas in his quest to lead Spurs back into Champions League reckoning.

 

Bale's performances last season showcased the supreme talent he possesses and placed him amongst the world's very best. Spurs will struggle to keep hold of the 24-year-old due in equal parts to the lack of top-level European competition at White Hart Lane and the lure of Real Madrid proving too strong for the player regardless.

 

As evidenced by many cases in the past, keeping a disillusioned player on the books usually becomes counter-productive and Villas-Boas must make a crucial decision soon on Bale's future.

 

It could be argued that even taking into account Bale's excellence, a replacement in the form of Angel Di Maria wouldn't necessarily be a step backwards for the north London side. The former Benfica flyer represents a class addition to the squad should he settle and integrate quickly into the AVB way.

 

Judgement day is almost upon chairman Daniel Levy and he, in conjuction with his head coach, needs to make a decisive choice in the best interests of the club. It may mean Bale leaving to pursue his dream of turning out for Real well in time for the new campaign.

 

Twitter: @davewh1980

Facebook.com/DLWSports

 

You can also find me writing for www.football-oranje.com, www.footballhub.tk and www.footballrants.com amongst others!