Half-Term Report: Tottenham

Just when things appear on the up, clouds form on the horizon. Spurs have got embroiled in a debate over the future of White Hart Lane and cannot ignore the fact that they are relying on an ageing squad with no cash to spend on players. Even the diehards have turned on Teddy Sheringham, while Les Ferdinand is out of the picture and Stefan Freund and Gus Poyet are in the twilight of their careers. Glenn Hoddle is still blamed for excessive tinkering with his line-up although he has got the message of late. Jamie Redknapp started brightly, but has faded and Spurs are desperately in need of leadership and someone up front to relieve the burden of expectation on Robbie Keane. It is something he clearly does not relish. It is difficult seeing them improving much on last year's ninth place.