Little Player Movement Likely with Ramos

While much speculation has emerged about Ramos bringing Sevilla players to the Lane, and with Ladbroke's anticipation that Spurs will be the top spenders in the next transfer window, the likelihood of these events transpiring actually seems remote.

Del Nido certainly wouldn't be in any mood to deal with Tottenham, as he is already considering pursuing tapping up charges against the north London club. It is also worth noting that Spurs already have established players at the positions Sevilla's stars occupy.

Moreover, Levy and Comolli have revealed that a "football management group" will collectively identify transfer targets, a continental structure meant to maintain stability in a club through managerial changes. No influx of Dutch players followed Jol to the Lane and it is unlikely that Ramos will be indulged either. It is also likely that no major transfer activity will occur during the January window as a manager's overhaul of the squad runs contrary to the continental management structure.

Despite suggestions in some corners, the team's playing style is unlikely to undergo radical changes with the managerial transition. Jol and Ramos both favor attacking football. Jol's teams lacked consistency, discipline and preparation. These are elements that Ramos can add to the club without much player movement. Ramos may also contribute more to player development. Jenas, Lennon, Huddlestone, and Defoe have not shown the progress that should be expected for young players. They have not developed a greater understanding of their positions or grown into leadership roles.

Frankly, the team needs more quality in the middle. Ramos may be able to demand more out of his players than Jol did and develop young players into stars. With Taarabt, Boateng, Pekhart, Rose, Dervitte and Berchiche waiting in the wings, let's hope this is the case.

Fitness Issue

With the number of points lost to injury time goals, it is not surprising that one of Ramos' first steps as new manager was to bring his fitness coach from Sevilla and to instill two-a-days.

There was every indication that conditioning was a problem with Spurs. Recall Hossam Ghaly's failed transfer to Birmingham. Bruce sent him back to Tottenham and cancelled the transfer after the Egyptian refused to do basic fitness training.

Consider how Mido, Huddlestone and Reid have all had such a hard time keeping off weight. In a top flight club, players should not have the chance to get out of shape.

One further point also needs to be made. Spurs players are too injury prone. Certainly much is made of the Premier League's packed schedule. Yet, it is also true that injuries follow a lack of fitness. Players in peak physical condition are less likely to break down. This includes strength training in addition to cardiovascular conditioning.

If there is one immediate impact that Ramos may have on the team, it is with discipline and fitness. Sometimes matches are won and lost in the last five minutes. Tottenham have been consistently losing those matches. These first few practices may seem grueling to Spurs players, but they'll be grateful for them at the end of the season.

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Yet another injury time goal allowed. To date that's Sunderland, Fulham, Liverpool and Blackburn. Eight points dropped due to last minute defensive lapses. Those eight points would put Tottenham at the top half of the table and five points out of Europe.

Perhaps it was telling that Jenas was left on the bench. Zokora looked rejuvenated and a number of players performed with added intensity. But telling was how the team closed. And it can only be concluded that Spurs have forgotten how to win.

Tottenham fans must hope that Ramos can instill a better work ethic in the team and restore the pride that Spurs players should have to wear that shirt.

Spurs watching in DC

Lucky Bar - 11am.

Do Spurs Have a Manager?

Jol's exit must be followed by a quick managerial hiring otherwise the team may find itself in a season-long relegation battle unsettling its top players.

Let's hope the Telegraph's report that Ramos has already been signed is correct. Reuters is reporting that Ramos unilaterally rescinded his Sevilla contract. The Independent reports that he announced on his website he was headed to London. If there is a legal challenge, this could get very messy.

Sevilla president del Nido is known to be a very difficult negotiator and it is unlikely that he let his manager go mid-season without a prospect to replace him and substantial compensation. The best hope is that Spurs became so desperate to resolve the coaching situation that they coughed up whatever cash Sevilla was asking.

Curiously, Edgar Davids was critical of Jol, suggesting that he had every right to expect the sack given his results this term. What makes this so surprising is that Davids is an Ajax player and the Amsterdam club is Jol's most likely destination.

The word is also that former Spurs player Gus Poyet, an assistant coach at Leeds, will fill in as number two at Spurs to help Ramos communicate with the English speaking players. However, Poyet and his current club had no indication he was in Tottenham's plans and professed no contact from the London club. Leeds soon changed course, though, and suggested he would not be on the sidelines for their match tomorrow against Millwall.

Ramos is supposed to be in the stands for Tottenham's Sunday game against Blackburn. Hopefully he is well received. Hopefully he is signed by then.

Jol Out. Ramos In?

Jol dramatically stepped down as Tottenham manager, tendering his resignation before the UEFA Cup loss to Getafe. Clive Allen, manager of the reserve squad, will fill in as caretaker manager for Sunday's Blackburn match.

It is being reported that Juande Ramos, Sevilla manager, is poised to take over at White Hart Lane. Former Spurs (and Chelsea player) Gus Poyet is mentioned as a candidate to replace Hughton as number two.

The home loss in the group stage UEFA match was almost secondary. News emerged about Jol's departure at half time leading the home supporters to cheer Jol for his contributions to the club and to boo Levy and the board.

The supporters had to recognize, however, that once the manager had begun to lose the dressing room, his fate was sealed. Berbatov's reluctance to warm up as a substitute in the Newcastle game is the type of behavior that cannot be tolerated on a winning side. Yet, he's the quality of player Spurs cannot afford to lose. His inclusion in the starting XI for the Getafe match was an indication of the board's influence in team selection for that match.

It is that development in particular that made an expedient resolution to the manager issue imperative.

Let's hope that the reports of Ramos' pending arrival are true. Spurs are adrift now. Absent a top flight manager in this situation would have the team hemorrhaging talent.

Board Movement and Newcastle Game

The Board had two interesting releases over the past week. A few days ago the word leaked out that Paul Kemsley was leaving his post at Tottenham's board to manage his U.S. investments. This news was followed by the publication of the team's latest financial report showing Spurs have netted record profits.

These two issues raise some interesting questions about the club moving forward. Kemsley was known both for being caught on film wooing Ramos in Spain as well as for his efforts planning for a new stadium.

With many stories about the team's pending sale, it's interesting to note that the latest rumor involves Kemsley joining current Newcastle owner, and lifelong Spurs fan, Mike Ashley in a Tottenham takeover bid.

Is this a wind up in advance of tomorrow's game against Newcastle? There are already a number of other intriguing factors leading up to this match.

Jenas returns to Newcastle.

Jol says Newcastle wishes they were Tottenham.

Allardyce talking about exposing Spurs weaknesses.

Tomorrow's game is on Setanta broadband at 2pm and replayed at 8pm EDT. If anyone needs access, contact me.