Feeney signs first pro deal with Spurspublished at 17:51 21 January
17:51 21 January
Image source, Inpho
Image caption,
George Feeney joined Spurs from Glentoran in the summer of 2024
Northern Ireland youth international George Feeney has signed a first professional contract with Tottenham Hotspur.
The 17-year-old joined the Premier League club from Glentoran in July and has been a regular starter for their under-18s this season, scoring twice in 12 games.
Prior to the move to north London, Feeney made 10 appearances for Glentoran's senior side last season and became the east Belfast club's youngest-ever goalscorer when he found the net against Dollingstown in the BetMcLean Cup as a 15-year-old.
He has represented both Northern Ireland and Wales at underage level, with his father Warren, grandfather Warren Sr and great-grandfather Jim all having played international football.
Are Spurs' players 'robust enough' for front-footed football?published at 12:19 21 January
12:19 21 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
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Almost all of Tottenham's 26-man first team squad were injured at some point in the 2023 Premier League campaign and the 2024 season is not proving to be much better.
Ange Postecoglou had 22 of his players out at some point of the season, with 37 separate injuries recorded overall. In their worst-hit week, Postecoglou had nine players absent as many players suffered more than one injury.
"That was against the grain," said Postecoglou's former Head of Science Anton McElhone, who worked with him at Celtic. "That's normally season two, that peak."
The impact of switching to a more front-footed style of play takes a toll on the body as McElhone described it as "survival of the fittest" on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"They need to be robust enough, and I don't know at the moment if Tottenham have got these players. They've got a very young squad behind the senior squad as well.
"They've had so many [injuries], whether it's non-contact, or silly injuries, it can be very difficult."
As things stand, Spurs have suffered 22 separate injuries this season and most notably to their back line. The pressures of the Premier League and their European campaign mean a balance is needed to ensure some players are rested while remaining competitive.
But that becomes harder when you have a depleted squad and you are slipping down the league.
"Ange is very good at giving them time off and time to reflect," McElhone added. "The training volume is good.
"Ange is all about the numbers and would say 'give me the facts'. His job was to make the decisions and that's what he gets paid for. That's not up to us as sports scientists; never is, never will be. Our job is to support, give the information, and the facts and figure if it is dangerous."
Spurs travel to Hoffenheim on Thursday before hosting Leicester on Sunday in the Premier League.
'There's no doubt who Spurs fans blame'published at 11:46 21 January
11:46 21 January
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Our chief football writer Phil McNulty has been taking your questions.
@therealasliatta: What's the real issue? Ange Postecoglou trying to find a way with a depleted squad? Or Daniel Levy not opening up the purse strings and giving him some depth in the first place?
Phil answered: I was at Goodison Park yesterday and, at least judging by the noise coming from the Spurs fans, there is no doubt who they blame. They went through their full anti-Daniel Levy songsheet, and while they gave the team a very rough reception at half-time then just drifted away at the end. I did not detect any chants aimed at Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs adopted a strategy of signing younger players in the summer, such as Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, something which Postecoglou said he bought into. I believe they will be two outstanding signings for years to come.
Dominic Solanke arrived for £65m, so he was a big money, experienced buy, but there was a feeling more was needed and now a serious injury crisis has worsened that situation.
Gossip: Spurs consider Delappublished at 07:31 21 January
07:31 21 January
Tottenham are considering a move for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, 21, this month but could face competition from Chelsea. (Teamtalk), external
Spurs are facing a struggle to sign Slovakia centre-back Milan Skriniar, 29, from Paris St-Germain this month amid strong competition from Galatasaray. (TBR Football), external
Tottenham and Leicester City are targeting Danish centre-back Thomas Kristensen, with Juventus having held discussions with Udinese over a move for the 23-year-old. (Mail), external
'If you change, what or who are you changing for?'published at 15:35 20 January
15:35 20 January
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BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.
Karl asked: How long for Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham? For me, until we are out of the cups.
Phil answered: There is no doubt the cups are pivotal, and we know only too well that Daniel Levy is not exactly known for his patience with managers.
The big question is: if you change, what or who are you changing for?
If you do it during the season, who can you realistically get that you would want or would it be another Ryan Mason holding operation?
Saying "sack Ange Postecoglou" is the easy bit - if that is what people want. The hard part is finding someone who would do better and is available. Not easy.
I agree, though, the cup competitions are assuming more importance all the time.
Is this the beginning of the end for Postecoglou?published at 13:11 20 January
13:11 20 January
Ali Speechly Fan writer
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Is this the beginning of the end for Ange Postecoglou as manager of Spurs?
I have been trying to trust his process for some time now, but on Sunday there was a sign that perhaps he himself has lost faith in it.
After months of stubbornly insisting that this is how his teams play and that he would not be changing his approach – regardless of injuries, game-state, frustrated fans and endless quizzing from the media – he opted for a back three against Everton.
It was immediately apparent that this was a bad idea.
In times of stress, it is imperative that players go with what they know. Yes, injuries have forced certain players out of position in recent weeks, but Ange had the personnel available to him on Sunday to play a back four. Not his first-choice back four, granted – but a back four nonetheless.
This was not the way to finally reveal that you are capable of adapting.
Another frustrating and perplexing issue is Ange's refusal to rest players when the opportunity presents itself. For example, Djed Spence could have rotated with Destiny Udogie a lot earlier in the season to help avoid exhaustion and subsequent injury to the latter.
In this game alone, Richarlison could have started for the injured Solanke. Will Lankshear could have replaced Richarlison if he had tired on his return from injury. Mikey Moore could and arguably should have started – even if that meant making a difficult decision to drop your exhausted and out-of-form captain.
Obviously the players will face criticism as well, and they are not blame-free. What they are is exhausted and devoid of confidence.
Right now, Ange needs to rescue the team he has – not build for the one he wants. If he can do that, he might save his job.
Everton 3-2 Tottenham - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:18 20 January
11:18 20 January
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Everton and Tottenham.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans:
Mike: For 70 mins a breath of fresh air performance and show of commitment from Everton. Haven't seen that for a long time. Then the panic button once Spurs scored. Shouldn't have been that nervy but pleased for Moyes.
Chris: Phew. Good job we were three up. Where have that Everton been? Only in the last 15 minutes did it seem nerves got hold of them, as if they couldn't believe they were 3-0 up. Had visions of a capitulation again but well done. Great finish from DCL, more of the same please and a bit more confidence in the last quarter of a match. Thoroughly deserved win but kept supporters' nerves jangling.
Sudesh: Everton played their best football in ages, and it's all thanks to David Moyes. Same team, but the transformation under Moyes' management is remarkable. His tactics were fresh, dynamic, and nothing like the predictable play we saw under Dyche. The players were full of energy, pressing hard, exploiting space, and showing real flair. It was a joy to watch – proper football! If this is what Moyes can do already, I can't wait to see what's next. COYB!
Les: They should not be letting any team get back in the game full stop - 3-0 at half time, should be 5-0 at the end. Everton always sloppy in last 15mins. Glad for DCL but not with his cocky comments - "it's not my first rodeo". Fighting for relegation because you can't score, that's not the first rodeo the fans endure!
Tottenham fans:
Martin: This is getting embarrassing! Ange might have done well in a two horse league in Scotland and he might have world class ideas. What he's got to realise is he doesn't have 20 world class players. We are thin on the ground without a defence to cope with being left exposed by his tactics. Time for a change I think.
Doug: Pathetic first half. Got a bit more alive in the second half but too little too late, the damage was done. It's not just down to injuries as the main players aren't performing either with the exception of Dejan. It's now at the point where most fans have had enough of losing. I'm not one for changing managers but I'm not seeing any improvement in the team - if anything we are worse. Things need to change now or Ange needs to go.
Tony: Enough is enough. Another horror show. Outclassed, outfought and out run by Everton. The players have given up. The injury record means nothing.
Lindsay: We have some very talented young players who are being asked to do a job which isn't suited to them. The lack of Plan B is finally coming home to roost. Arrogance is OK until the ignorance prevents the acceptance of a problem which is in need of solving. I think Ange's race is run at Spurs. More importantly, has Daniel Levy got in place a risk contingency plan? We're in a total mess.
'Dr Tottenham' cures Evertonpublished at 11:18 20 January
11:18 20 January
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Everton are the latest crisis club to seek a cure for their ills in the healing hands of 'Dr Tottenham' and their manager Ange Postecoglou - and come away feeling reinvigorated and revitalised.
David Moyes was the biggest beneficiary as Everton secured their first win since his return as manager with a 3-2 victory, but Spurs counterpart Postecoglou's position will come under even closer scrutiny after a seventh defeat in 10 Premier League games.
'Dr Tottenham' is the latest cruel jibe aimed in the direction of Spurs - the theory being if you are a team or manager in desperate need of a tonic, then look no further than the surgery in north London.
Among the satisfied patients this season have been Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town - both of whom secured sorely needed first league wins against Postecoglou's side.
Everton may have had a new (or old) manager in Moyes, but they took a list of ailments as long as your arm into Sunday's match after the 61-year-old Scot's first game ended in a home defeat by Aston Villa.
That made Spurs - admittedly in desperately reduced circumstances of their own because injuries - the ideal opponents.
'Bullied' by Everton and 'stubborn' in stylepublished at 08:44 20 January
08:44 20 January
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Tottenham's players "are starting to feel sorry for themselves", says former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.
Ange Postecoglou's side suffered their 12th league loss of the season on Sunday with defeat at Everton as Dominic Solanke became their latest absentee due to a knee injury.
"The best managers find a way and they have to adapt, but with Postecoglou he is never going to change," said Reo-Coker on Spurs' high line style. "I predicted an Everton result, but Spurs were absolutely bullied in the first half.
"They faced a side that have struggled to score all season, yet conceded three just by being stubborn."
Speaking on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast, he added: "It is such a worry. Why not just change and adapt because that way you're more likely to get some results and build confidence going forward?
"Tottenham players are starting to feel sorry for themselves. I saw them clapping the fans after the game and I saw that in them."
How can Tottenham improve from worst start in a decade?published at 08:44 20 January
08:44 20 January
A graphic from Sunday's episode of Match of the Day showed that 2024-25 is Tottenham's worst start to a season in the last decade - by some distance too.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman says "it's all about hard work" for Spurs to get out of their rut, adding: "Get in the training ground, get together and be a unit. Sometimes things will fall for you if you are prepared to work hard and stick at it. It might take one moment to turn the whole thing around."
Former England Women's midfielder Fara Williams added:"You look at Everton, who were struggling to get performances. In two games, you have seen that togetherness and fight. We haven't seen that in this Tottenham team in recent weeks.
"The senior players have to show more leadership and set the tone for the rest of the team."
Is Postecoglou 'comfortable' with having no plan B?published at 08:23 20 January
08:23 20 January
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Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray says Tottenham being in 15th in the Premier League table "is just unacceptable" and Ange Postecoglou has to start adapting.
"I don't think Postecoglou has a plan B but I also think he is comfortable with that," said Murray on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "I understand that as a manager you don't want to change your style just to avoid being sacked because you still could anyway in the long-run.
"So it is about his philosophy and way, but you also have to be more adaptable in certain situations and amid this injury crisis it is that time.
"It is a results business and you have to be winning in the Premier League. Being 15th in the league is just unacceptable."
'Fans will have their opinion and criticise, and rightly so'published at 17:34 19 January
17:34 19 January
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Tottenham midfielder James Maddison spoke about Spur's performance to Sky Sports after today's game: "Too little too late, wasn't it? We're in a tough moment there's no denying it. It was a tough afternoon.
"They were quite direct but we should do better for the goals. We need to be more resilient, tougher to score against really, collectively. It was a tough first half.
"We're in a tough moment with a very depleted squad. There is no excuse for the first half. The message at half time was to be resilient and take a bit of pride and we nearly got back it into but it was too little too late. It was a tough afternoon.
"We had 11 fit senior players ready to start. There is context to it. Despite that, the first half was unacceptable. The fans will have their opinion and criticise, and rightly so. We just have to stare that in the face and take it on the chin. They probably don't want to see me talking too much, they want to a see a reaction and we've got an opportunity to do that at Hoffenheim on Thursday."
'I haven't lost belief or determination to turn it around'published at 16:47 19 January
16:47 19 January
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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been talking to Sky Sports after today's loss: "It is a difficult result. We struggled to really get in the game in the first half and that gave Everton and momentum. We gave ourselves a mountain to climb but the players certainly tried to claw the game back but we just fell short.
"We couldn't really take control of the game. We struggled to get any traction in terms of with and without the ball and that allowed to get in behind us. We had some chances where we probably should have capitalised early on, but in the end it wasn't enough.
"We are pretty stretched. We literally had 11 players fit enough to start the game. We weren't in total control of our organisation and Everton capitalised on that and we paid the price for it. Radu [Dragusin] had to come off because of the deep cut and restructure.
"Second half we had the fair share of the game. We started strongly and I thought Richarlison made a difference and a presence and Mikey Moore gave us something on the left."
On the transfer market: "There will be urgency but it doesn't need me to say it, everybody can see that. I have no issues with how the club are going about it, they are working hard and trying to find solutions. These players need help that is for sure and hopefully over the next 10 days or so we'll find a solution. It is really tricky, we're not the only ones in the market. The club are trying hard."
Does your faith waiver? "No it doesn't. If you look at the situation we're in, it will eventually dissipate. I certainly hope and believe it will. We'll give ourselves the opportunity to get consistency in performance and results. I certainly haven't lost belief or determination to turn it around and the players showed in the second half that they haven't either."
Image source, Inpho
