Tottenham need more than Carabao Cup to keep Harry Kane, Jonathan Woodgate insists

The Spurs striker has the chance to win his first major trophy on Sunday, but it might not be enough according to the former defender

Ed Elliot
Friday 23 April 2021 10:12 BST
Comments
Mourinho fears Kane will miss Cup final after Everton draw

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jonathan Woodgate says Tottenham Hotspur must start delivering trophies to keep hold of Harry Kane but is not convinced lifting the Carabao Cup will be sufficient.

Former defender Woodgate cemented his place in Spurs folklore by securing the club’s last piece of silverware courtesy of an extra-time winner against Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final.

Tottenham will seek further Wembley glory in that competition on Sunday when they take on holders Manchester City.

Striker Kane, who is doubtful for the game due to an ankle injury, is yet to win a major honour and Woodgate believes the north Londoners need to end the 13-year trophy drought and commit to additional investment to prevent their star man eyeing a move elsewhere.

“They have to (start winning silverware) with the stadium they have built and with the players they have got,” said Woodgate, who manages Championship side Bournemouth.

“They have got the best striker in England in Harry Kane so they need to start winning trophies for him. They’re a well-run football club but they need to start soon.”

Asked if breaking City’s three-year stranglehold on the cup would be enough to appease Kane, Woodgate replied: “I am not sure.

“They will need more investment for Harry Kane to stay, I’m sure of that.

“He’s been unbelievable again this season and scored so many goals and even evolved as a player by making so many assists.

“He’s an incredible talent so I would say Spurs need to invest to keep Harry Kane at the club.”

Interim manager Ryan Mason will lead the team at Wembley on Sunday
Interim manager Ryan Mason will lead the team at Wembley on Sunday (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Woodgate was making only his fifth Tottenham appearance when he unconventionally capitalised on an error by Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech to snatch the 2-1 win in 2008 after a Dimitar Berbatov penalty cancelled our Didier Drogba’s free-kick opener.

Despite finishing runners-up in the Premier League and Champions League under Mauricio Pochettino in recent years, the club have not added to their trophy cabinet since.

Spurs look likely to miss out on Champions League qualification for a second successive season and will run out at the national stadium at the end of tumultuous week which included a failed attempt to join an elite European Super League and the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

Rookie manager Ryan Mason is tasked with halting the prolonged barren spell after being thrust into the Tottenham hot seat at the age of just 29 following Mourinho’s departure.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in