Since the summer there have been many unhappy fans that have stated that Joe Lewis and Daniel Levy have not done enough at the right time (in terms of spending).
Now over the 2012-2013 season so far the club has actually spent £3,625,600.00 (all players in and out). This may seem as if someone is playing around with the books, but it is fact yes only £3mill spent. Although we have purchased wisely in the summer. Lloris, Vertonghen, Dembele and Dempsey have all been good/ great signings. Ade is out of sorts (but I still believe to come good) and Sigurdsson has taken a while to settle in, but with many sub appearances it is hard to. All the signings on paper show to be a great feat (especially given who we were in competition with to get them). Then in January we have signed Fryer and Holtby, 2 great ones for the future.
Forgetting who we have sold, looking at those players I am certain that we would all agree that on face value they are great purchases.
The issue we currently have is that AVB and Levy had relied on Ade not going to the African Cup (based on an argument between player and country). Well what a big mistake that was. In the summer AVB stated clearly that with Ade, Defoe and Dempsey we had enough up front to cope. I completely disagree, but I suppose my opinion does not count to them. We have now lost Ade to the cup (which he has every right to do) and AVB has moaned about it, but it is likely because Lewis and Levy had said that they will not be buying in January.
With the ever-growing concerns with the Spur's Fans surely Lewis & Levy will have no choice but to listen to the fans and move for another striker? Forget about a world class midfielder (essentially we have coped without one in their eyes), the must is a striker.
Negredo is seemingly now set to leave Sevilla with Del Nido and the player’s agents all in London to tie up a deal. For all those thinking that Chelsea is in for him (you are greatly mistaken), it is whether Arsenal or Tottenham want him. Although it wouldn't stop Redknapp making a cheeky bid (and why not!).
Contrary to what many opinionated Chelsea and Arsenal fans have harped on about Tottenham had shown an interest in Negredo when Real took up their buy back option and also if a player is of a good level doesn't mean only Chelsea or Arsenal are looking at him (they are stupid enough to make their interest known)! Seriously take a look at how bad your teams are performing and concentrate on moaning at your own manager and club before attempting to ease your pain with silly and irrelevant comments about others (this includes AVB’s jibe at Chelsea an Redknapp’s attempt to unsettle).
I digress..... Simply I can understand those with anger toward Lewis & Levy I really do, but my concern has never been the amount of money spent or made, my concern has always been deep down to invest at the right time. Levy see's the January window as a holiday (unless the right deals come up), however for the past 4-5 seasons Lewis & Levy have made the mistake of not buying in January to give a boost, create competition and to improve the squad to keep the team pushing on til the end of the season. Understandably the squad tire as the same players are utilised and then a few injuries sprinkled in to add salt to the wound and before you know it we've lost 3rd or 4th and then its a farewell to Europe's elite for another year.
I am greatful to Lewis, Levy & AVB for who they have brought in (I really am), but in order to progress, give the team that big boost, create the now needed competition and improve where we lack we must purchase in January, we must finish stronger than we have for the past few seasons. This is the recipe to success.
Some teams have done this in the past and relied on the squad they have, rather than seek to make the necessary improvement and where has it got them? Dropping out of the top 4, top 7 or even relegation.
Its never about the amount you spend its when you spend it and on who. Michu £2million was a bargain and Swansea landed him a the right time. My point proven. Cisse last year, point proven. Its the same old same old. Spend money to make money, but always know when to spend it.
I for one live in hope that Lewis & Levy make the right choice and sign Sneijder and Negredo. They are the viable option open to us with both owners desperate to sell. The wages as always are negotiable, but lets be sensible, no one is out of reach there is always a deal to be struck, its approaching it the right way.
So for those of you that grow tired I feel your frustration, but remember money has been spent, its whether it was at the right time and on the right people. I would say 50-50 that it has.
Whether I trust Lewis & Levy is not too important, I trust our manager AVB and the players to play to their best. Come the end of the season if we miss out on Champions League it will be Lewis & Levy's fault (unless Bale turns into Bentley and Lloris into Boruc).
Lets concentrate on what’s important though, the team, its position, our current players and its staff.
AVB I really do take my hat off to you and the staff you put together. I am glad that everyone is beginning to show you the respect that you rightfully deserve.
COYS!!!!
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