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Benoit exclusive on STVO!
Benoit Assou-Ekotto has given a rare and exclusive interview to Spurs TV Online - and its coming up later today!
The left-back has become a popular figure among fans over the past year, as well as integral to Harry Redknapp's side.
And on the back of qualifying for next summer's World Cup with Cameroon, Benoit speaks with delight at the prospect of representing his chosen nation in South Africa.
He talks us through the Indomitable Lions' tough qualification campaign and his reasons for choosing to play for them over France, the country of his birth.
‘Benni' also describes what he believes has made him a better player since recovering from lengthy spells on the sidelines with knee problems.
And of course, he also discusses our form so far this season and looks ahead to Sunday's Premier League clash with Wigan Athletic.
ALSO AVAILABLE
We caught up with assistant manager Kevin Bond earlier in the week to get a round-up of all that's been happening since our last game with Sunderland.
Yet another exclusive interview includes:
- his assessment of that victory
- comment on four of our players involved in the latest England squad
- the success of some of our young players out on-loan
- an update on Carlo Cudicini
- and of course, a preview on the Wigan game
Also available soon will be coverage from Harry Redknapp's pre-match press conference held at Spurs Lodge on Friday.
And don't forget, you can listen to match commentary live from White Hart Lane on Sunday from 3pm.
For all this and so much more from around the Club every week, subscribe to Spurs TV Online today!
Familiar faces for Wilson
If anyone in our squad knows what sort of game to expect against Wigan Athletic on Sunday, it's Wilson Palacios!
The midfielder meets the Latics for the first time since leaving them for N17 back in January.
And although much has changed at the DW Stadium since his departure, including the manager, he is still able to give a fair assessment of our next opponents.
Wilson said: "This should be a good game. Wigan always play good football and they will make it difficult for us. Nonetheless, we hope to win.
"I still have many friends at the club and I've had three weeks of them talking to me about the game, sending me loads of texts!"
One friend in particular, Honduras international team-mate Hendry Thomas, has almost come in as a direct replacement for Wilson at Wigan.
And as two tough-tackling midfielders, the reverberations could be felt across North London when they clash at the Lane.
But Wilson insists they are different, adding: "Hendry is a good player but I wouldn't say that he is similar to me.
"We don't really share the same style and I believe we like to play a different sort of game but, nonetheless, he is hard to play against
"Maynor Figueroa, the left-back, probably won't play on Sunday because he is injured, but he is also a good friend of mine from the national side along with Hendry."
Team news
Aaron Lennon is back for Sunday's clash against Wigan at White Hart Lane.
The flying winger has missed the games against Everton, Arsenal and Sunderland after picking up an ankle injury against Stoke back on October 24. The injury also ruled him out of any involvement in England's friendly against Brazil last weekend.
Harry Redknapp confirmed that 'Azza' was ready to return after training on Friday.
Central defender Sebastien Bassong is back in the frame after damaging a hamstring against Arsenal on October 31 while goalkeeper Jimmy Walker is also training again after a wrist problem.
That's perfect timing with fellow keeper Carlo Cudicini now absent with wrist and pelvic injuries as he recovers from his recent road accident.
Carlo has been discharged from hospital today (Friday) - CLICK HERE for the latest news.
Ledley King (hamstring) is running but unlikely to feature against Wigan while the news is good on Luka Modric (fractured fibula) and Giovani (ankle).
Luka's rehabilitation has progressed to running and ball work and Gio is expected to return to full training next week.
Carlo discharged
Carlo Cudicini has today (Friday) been discharged from hospital and would like to express his thanks for all the messages of support he has received in the last week.
The goalkeeper underwent surgery last Friday on his right wrist and pelvis following his involvement in a road accident. The operations were successful and the 36-year-old is already mobile with the assistance of forearm crutches and hugely positive over his progress.
"The current position is that the operations went very well and I am already moving my wrist," reported Carlo first thing today. "This morning I met the hand surgeon and he would like to see me again on December 18 and, if everything is okay, I will no longer need any protection on the right wrist and I will be able to move it like the other one.
"Regarding the pelvis, I am still waiting to see the surgeon later on, but from what he said to me last time he would like to check on me every month and, at the end of the 12 weeks, now 11, I will be able to move without the crutches and free to begin my preparations."
In the meantime, Carlo has no intention of putting his feet up and sampling the ‘delights' of daytime television.
"No, no, please," he laughed. "With the physios I am sure we will find things to keep me busy.
"As long as I don't put too much weight on the right leg I am able to do everything. Probably swimming is going to be the most effective exercise and the best thing for me in terms of cardio as well, the movement and work is always good."
A special tonic for Carlo has been the get-well messages he has received from supporters and his friends in football.
"You don't want to have an accident like this to check out how many people love you! But I have to say that the response has been unbelievable and I have received many emails and cards from team-mates, Tottenham and Chelsea fans, people who work at both clubs - and also from people who don't support Tottenham or Chelsea. All in all it has been a touching reaction from people who support football in general.
"I want to thank everybody because, for sure, it has made me feel much, much better," added Carlo, who also wishes to extend his appreciation to the staff at the Princess Grace Hospital.
"Of course it has been a difficult week, but the people here have been fantastic. The nurses and doctors have been so kind and have been so nice every time I have needed anything. They are always smiling and have made my time here so comfortable. I really want to thank them."
Luka celebrates Haringey's sporting achievements
Luka Modric was a special guest at the annual Haringey Celebrating Sports Awards at Alexandra Palace on Thursday night.
The Croatian international midfielder joined local delegates in recognising the achievement of the borough's top sportsmen and women at the Tottenham Hotspur sponsored event.
This year's awards included a new ‘Haringey Hero' award, which was presented by Luka to Pedro De Freitas (pictured above), an incredibly brave young sportsman and huge Spurs fan. Pedro, who is currently battling against bone cancer as well as suffering from a related disability, was last week also a guest at Spurs Lodge meeting the first team and Harry Redknapp.
Luka outlined the importance of the awards, saying: "Sport is important on many levels and the borough of Haringey can be very proud of what the people here tonight have achieved, especially in the case of Pedro.
"It's important that when you do well you are recognised for your achievement. When I was growing up it was always very constructive to receive positive feedback. The Club plays an important role in helping the local community and hopefully those receiving awards tonight will continue to achieve their full potential."
Spurs Ladies and the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation picked up awards on the night with the Foundation's Danny Jarvis scooping ‘Disabled Coach of the Year' and Brian Adams taking the award for ‘Disabled Sports Performer of the Year'.
Also in attendance were Mayor Cllr Bernice Vanier, Cllr Dhiren Basu the cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Brian Haley cabinet member for Environment and Conservation along with sprinting sensation and Great Britain's 100m record holder Montell Douglas.
The full winners list included:
Volunteer of the Year
Joint winners: Craig Gravis (Haringey Jogging Club) and Glenn Weaver (Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC)
Sports Performer of the Year
Torema Dorsett (Enfield and Haringey Athletics Club)
Junior Sports Performer of the Year
Tom Rutkis (Haringey Junior Ice Hockey Club)
Disabled Sports Performer of the Year
Brian Adams (Tottenham Hotspur Foundation)
Coach of the Year
Jayne Foster (Tottenham Hotspur Ladies FC)
Disabled Coach of the Year
Danny Jarvis (Tottenham Hotspur Foundation)
Junior Volunteer of the Year
Chinice Oliver (St Thomas More School)
Torquay loan for Smith
Adam Smith has joined Torquay United on loan until January.
The 18-year-old defender previously spent one-month on loan with Wycombe Wanderers earlier this season where he made three appearances.
Button loan to Shrews
David Button has joined Shrewsbury Town on loan until January.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper made 11 appearances during a loan spell with Crewe Alexandra earlier this season as well as making his senior Spurs debut as a substitute in our League Cup win against Doncaster Rovers in August.
Gomes' home comforts
Heurelho Gomes is aiming for another three points on home soil on Sunday before our tough triple-header on the road.
We've won four out of six games at the Lane so far in the Barclays Premier League and the popular goalkeeper is aiming for victory against Wigan before the trips to Villa, Manchester United and Everton.
Gomes - who played such a key role in the win last time out against Sunderland on November 7 - is the main feature in Sunday's official matchday programme.
He said: "I believe that you must win your home matches if you are fighting to reach the top four, but picking up points away from home is what makes the difference between the top teams.
"We have a quality group of players who have enjoyed some good results on our travels and if we can continue this, we will maintain our place towards the top end of the table.
"We certainly have some difficult away games coming up, but if we can pick up another three points against Wigan it will give us the confidence we need going into those games.
"Wigan have played some good football this season and can be difficult to beat, but I'm optimistic."
Gomes produced the key moment against Sunderland when he turned away Darren Bent's penalty with us 1-0 up just minutes into the second half.
Tom Huddlestone rattled home a 25-yarder to secure the 2-0 victory and the Brazilian international feels that hard-earned success underlined the spirit and winning mentality in the squad.
"We certainly look stronger than last season and what I like is that we are always looking to win games and work well together as a team," he explained. "There is a good spirit and a great atmosphere in the camp and when a team stays together like this, it makes it much easier to win games."
After Wigan, we travel to Villa in the league on November 28, United in the Carling Cup on December 1 and then Everton back in the league on December 6.
NOT at the Lane on Sunday? You can purchase our home programmes online - CLICK HERE...
Shirts raise thousands for Poppy Appeal
The Club is delighted to announce we raised over £32,000 for The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal campaign through our recent online auction of special edition match shirts.
Shirts worn by our players during the 2-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland at the Lane on Saturday November 7, all bearing a specially embroidered poppy, were signed by the lads and auctioned off to fans.
The auction received an overwhelming response, with supporters bidding thousands of pounds for these exclusive items towards a staggering total of £32,547 - more than any other Premier League club.
Ledley King's signed match shirt fetched the highest amount out of all available items - a whopping £2,500!
All money raised in the auction will go towards the Poppy Appeal, which aims to offer support for those who serve, emphasising the increasing need to help the men and women who are serving today, as well as ex-Services and dependants.
The Club would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who took part for making such a significant contribution to this worthy cause.
Soldiers salute Spurs fans!
At the Sunderland game, the Club was delighted to welcome serving members of the 2nd Battalion The Rifles (2 Rifles) and 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 Rifles). They received a fantastic reception from supporters and Sergeant Major Colin Nufer of 4 Rifles wrote to the Club to offer his gratitude.
"It was a true honour for us to lead the teams onto the pitch and the rapturous ovation that greeted us from the fans brought a lump to the throat of all who marched out there," he said.
"This appreciation has given us untold faith in the Great British public and has given us a new level of pride in all that we, and indeed all members of the Armed Forces, has achieved.
"This level of pride extends to our support for you and our association with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. The gracious and heartfelt respect and support that both you and all at the club have extended to us is quite outstanding and so very much appreciated.
"Please can you also thank the team players who took the time to come up and see us. All soldiers commented on how friendly, sincere and utterly decent they all were."
Pictured are the members of 2 Rifles and 4 Rifles who were at the Sunderland game.
Kev on Wigan
Kevin Bond has warned we must be wary of a Wigan Athletic side capable of beating anybody on their day when they visit the Lane on Sunday.
Roberto Martinez's side have proved how good they can be, becoming the first team this season to beat table-toppers Chelsea and also winning 2-0 at Aston Villa in impressive fashion on the opening day.
But they are a difficult side to predict, with disappointments coming in the form of a 1-0 home defeat against struggling Wolves back in August, and a 4-0 thumping at the hands of bottom club Portsmouth last month.
Therefore, our assistant manager believes we need only concentrate on our own game so that we are ready for whatever the Latics have to throw at us.
Kevin said: "Wigan are perhaps a work in progress at the minute with a new manager, some new players and playing in a style that perhaps they weren't playing in before.
"Some weeks I think they've been awesome, playing some great football and playing teams off the park to a degree.
"Other times they've been beaten when perhaps they shouldn't have been, so they need that sort of consistency that everybody looks for.
"But on their day they've beaten the best in the country, so we won't be taking them for granted and we know that we'll have a tough match on our hands and need to play well ourselves - that's what we'll concentrate on."
In terms of how we will look to go about our business, Kevin admits the free-flowing, dangerous attacking play we became known for in the early part of this season is what the team strives for.
But at the same time, he feels the doggedness and defensive resolve that has helped get us results against the likes of Sunderland more recently is not to be frowned upon if it means three priceless points.
Kevin added: "We haven't been at our best recently but we've still managed to get victories when maybe we wouldn't have in the past, so that's something very positive.
"Of course we'd like to get back to be pleasing on the eye, knocking the ball about, creating chances and looking a real threat.
"Perhaps we haven't done that so much of late but we'll certainly try our best to get back to playing that way if we can."
This exclusive interview in full is available now on Spurs TV Online, as Kevin also rounds up all the news from the international break including our young players out on loan and the latest on Carlo Cudicini.
For this and so much more as we get back to Premier League football this weekend, subscribe today!
Robbie's pride
Robbie Keane has urged his Republic of Ireland team-mates to hold their heads high after their brave exit from the World Cup on Wednesday night.
Giovanni Trapattoni's men succumbed to a controversial French winner in the second leg of their qualification play-off in Paris.
It came after Robbie's 41st international goal had levelled the aggregate scores following a 1-0 first leg defeat in Dublin last Saturday.
And the captain claims that there is no doubt as to who the better side was over the two games - although it is Les Bleus who are on the plane to South Africa.
A devastated Robbie said: "Over the two legs, we were certainly the better team. If you look at the chances of both teams, I don't recall them getting many.
"We caused them a lot of problems. We got down the sides, myself and Kevin Doyle were keeping the ball but they're through and that's the killer.
"We had plenty of chances. My touch let me down in one when I tried to take it around the goalkeeper and the ball went too far. Damien Duff had a good chance too."
He continued: "I told the lads in the dressing-room afterwards that we must keep our heads up. The most important thing is to never let yourself down and do as well as you can on the pitch for the country.
"Every one of these players and the substitutes that didn't come on all played a massive part and, as captain, I'm very proud to be part of the team. I'm just gutted we didn't make it to the end."
Travel Update - Wigan
ALL services to and from Cambridge will be formed by 8 carriages, and will serve Northumberland Park approximately 3 hours before and 2 hours after the game.
Services to/from White Hart Lane will run to an improved frequency and ALL will be formed by 8 carriages approximately 2 hours before and 2 hours after the game.
CLICK HERE for the timetable in pdf format...
Heartbreak for lads
Robbie Keane and Roman Pavlyuchenko both suffered play-off heartbreak as their World Cup dreams came to an end on Wednesday night.
And it was a cruel end for Robbie and the Republic of Ireland, who were controversially defeated by France in Paris.
It was always going to be a tough ask for the Irish, who trailed Les Bleus 1-0 from the first leg in Dublin on Saturday.
But there was never any sign of Giovanni Trapattoni's men being daunted by the task at hand - and it was captain Robbie who levelled the aggregate scores just after the half hour mark.
Damien Duff broke down the left and pulled back an inch perfect ball for ‘Keano' to slot home first time from the edge of the box in trademark fashion to send the thousands of travelling Irish into ecstasy.
And this is the way it stayed for the remainder of the 90 minutes - although there is no question as to who were the better side.
With Robbie tirelessly leading from the front, the visitors constantly hassled and hurried the former World Champions into countless errors as well as being resolute at the back.
And there was even another opening for Robbie when he was put through by Liam Lawrence midway through the second half and just ran out of space as he tried to take the ball around outstanding French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
As extra time began, the home side seemed to have little that could trouble the brave Irish - but what a cruel way it was that Robbie's World Cup dream was stolen from him.
In the final minute of the opening period, a long free-kick pumped into the Irish box appeared to be drifting out of play when the hand of Thierry Henry quite clearly kept the ball live.
Within one movement, the former Arsenal captain had squared for current Gunners defender William Gallas to tap home from point blank range.
The goal that never was somehow stood, the Irish were left dumbfounded, and their hopes of being in South Africa next summer were over.
Nonetheless, Robbie will return to N17 in preparation for Sunday's Barclays Premier League game against Wigan Athletic with his head held high after a performance to be proud of.
It may be a little more difficult for fellow striker Roman to do the same after Russia were dumped out of the competition despite being clear favourites against Slovenia.
Guus Hiddink's men had looked comfortable with a 2-0 lead during Saturday's first leg in Moscow before conceding an away goal two minutes from time against a side 37 places below them in the FIFA rankings.
And at the Petrol Arena in Maribor, Russia's worst fears became reality as Slovenia scored the one goal they needed through Zlatko Dedic a minute before half-time to send them to South Africa against the odds.
Roman started the game but was substituted at half-time on a night to forget for both him and Robbie.
Young Lions update
Dean Parrett was among the goals as England Under-19s defeated their Turkish counterparts 3-1 in a friendly at Glanford Park, Scunthorpe on Tuesday night.
It was the midfielder's second goal at this level on this his fifth cap, and he was joined on the scoresheet by Aston Villa pair Nathan Delfouneso and Gary Gardner.
The match also saw John Bostock make his England Under-19 debut, following on from his two-goal performance for Brentford at the weekend.
Steven Caulker and Ryan Mason were also involved as Noel Blake's men made it five wins out of five this season.
Danny Rose, meanwhile, was involved in England Under-21 action as Stuart Pearce's men took on Lithuania in European Championship qualifying in Vilnius.
The midfielder played the full 90 minutes but could not match his goalscoring heroics of the weekend as the Young Lions were held to a 0-0 draw.
The result leaves them still two points behind leaders Greece, who suffered defeat in Portugal on Tuesday night, after five matches with a game in hand.
Tip on 10
The Club is on board with the 10:10 environmental campaign and in doing so has committed to reducing its emission 10% by 2010... and we'd like you to join us and do the same!
Throughout the campaign we will be giving you some simple advice that will help you seriously reduce your energy use without having a big impact on your lifestyle.
This week's tip - Energy efficient lighting
An energy efficient bulb can save you up to £60 in electricity over its lifetime and produces much less CO2.
Energy saving bulbs work in standard fittings, provide the same coloured light and are widely available at low prices. Make a pledge to swap old bulbs with energy efficient bulbs whenever they need replacing to save energy.
The Club recently changed the existing floodlights at the stadium with a lower wattage more environmentally friendly lighting system that reduces spill, glare and energy consumption.
CLICK HERE for more on 10:10...
Ladies latest
Due to the weekend's poor weather conditions, many Spurs Ladies fixtures were postponed, including the first team game at Ebbsfleet.
One game that did survive was the Under-11 Whites' trip to Denham United, and they made the most of the opportunity with a 5-0 win.
Despite taking only a narrow 1-0 lead into half-time thanks to Ronell Humes, second half strikes from Emily Tibbs, Kally Ann Westgarth, Flo Donald and another from Humes made victory comfortable.
Of the other few games to survive the weather, three sides visited Luton Town, where they managed to get some games on amid the heavy rain.
The Under-10 Whites earned a 1-1 draw, while both the Under-13s and Under-15s lost out 2-0 in the Home Counties Girls Football League.
Annual Report 2009
The Club's Annual Report for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2009 is now available to download online.
CLICK HERE to download your copy in PDF format...
A big thank you to all shareholders who opted to accept this year's Annual Report electronically, saving printing and helping the Club reduce its carbon footprint.
Fan wins Opus with MBNA!
Many congratulations to Mr Andy Senior (pictured above) who won the exclusive Tottenham Hotspur OPUS in a prize draw run by MBNA Europe, issuers of the Tottenham Hotspur Credit Card.
By using his card during July and August, Mr Senior earned entries into the draw to win this fantastic prize.
Mr Senior said: "I can't believe it! I used my card to buy my son a Spurs shirt at the Spurs shop when we played Liverpool and now I have won the OPUS!
"I use the Tottenham Hotspur Credit Card because I have a passion for Spurs and want to contribute in some way to the success and future of the club.
"MBNA help me do that with attractive interest rates and a personalised card."
For more information, or to apply for the Tottenham Hotspur Credit Card (typical APR 15.9%), CLICK HERE or call 0800 028 2440.
The Tottenham Hotspur Rewards Credit Card is issued by MBNA Europe Bank Limited, Registered Office: Stansfield House, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QQ. Registered in England number 2783251. Credit is available, subject to status, only to UK residents aged 18 or over. You cannot transfer balances from another MBNA account. We will monitor or record some phone calls. MBNA is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. MBNA's consumer credit activities are licensed by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and our general insurance activities are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
FAYC date confirmed
Our FA Youth Cup Third Round tie with Wigan Athletic will take place on Wednesday December 9, kick off 7pm, at the DW Stadium.
The tie will be settled on the night with both extra time and penalties if required.
CLICK HERE for a full list of Under-18 fixtures...
