Source: Team_Talk
Harry's Spurs deserve top-four triumph
After Tottenham's qualification for the Champions League, TEAMtalk's Rob McCarthy looks at where it all went right for Harry's men this season.[LNB] Now I know I'm biased but I'd like to think that the majority of football fans will be pleased to see a new name finish in the Premier League's top four.[LNB]Tottenham's win at Manchester City on Wednesday night ensured that Harry Redknapp's men could be dining at Europe's top table next season, if they can overcome a potential qualifying tie in August, and over the course of the campaign few can argue that they have deserved it.[LNB]It's a remarkable achievement, considering where Spurs were when Redknapp took over 19 months ago - and although they've clearly benefited from Liverpool's dramatic fall from grace this season, a huge amount of credit must go to the experienced tactician for the club's renaissance.[LNB]The job at White Hart Lane was always likely to be Harry's last hurrah in management and he's clearly been determined to prove he can live with the top coaches in England and Europe. In fact it's just refreshing to see two English managers, including Roy Hodgson, having a major impact on the season.[LNB]Of course it's not all about the gaffer, it's the players who deserve the majority of the credit. The performance of Ledley King at Eastlands once again highlighted his remarkable ability to turn in world-class displays without kicking a ball in training - surely he is a must for England this summer, if his dodgy knee can take the strain.[LNB]The outstanding Michael Dawson continues to go from strength to strength and will also be hoping for a seat on the plane to South Africa, while Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon are all likely to get the nod from Fabio - if only Gareth Bale was English! (in-house TT joke).[LNB]Of course Harry will need to make some quality additions to his squad this summer, but that should be far easier with the lure of Champions League football. He certainly needs a decent back-up goalkeeper and maybe another centre-half, especially if Jonathan Woodgate is forced to hang up his boots, while the striking department could also need attention if Robbie Keane opts to move on.[LNB]But Spurs are still very much a work in progress. Home wins over Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea this season were compounded by the inability to beat the big hitters on the road again, while home slip-ups against the lesser sides need to be eradicated if they are not to be one-season wonders.[LNB]The win against City and subsequent sealing of fourth was also tempered when the list of teams they could face in the qualifying stage was revealed - with this season's semi-finalists Lyon possibly lying in wait! [LNB]But an exciting 2010/11 beckons for the club and Spurs fans everywhere, and I for one cannot wait.
