Cronky

That's interesting, I didn't know that. Ange always seemed to be alone on the touchline. I can't remember seeing him in conversation with another coach, exchanging ideas, and I'm not aware of any particular sidekick / mentor who has worked in close partnership with him. Clough had his Taylor, Ferguson relied on a series of assistants, and of course Eddie has his Mad Dog. Things started off well at Spurs, but when problems arose, I wondered whether he had anyone to turn to for advice or to bounce ideas off? He's been a big fish in a number of smaller ponds, and maybe he's used to being smarter than those around him or those in opposition to him. The Premier League, of course, is different.

I don't think it is, but in order to adjust to the Premier League, he needed to reassess his ideas, go on a learning curve and adapt. He didn't seem willing to do that, and reacted badly to criticism.

I was quite taken aback by its savagery. I'd have thought that the Sports Editor would have got him to tone it down. I also think he got it wrong in essence. I don't think Ange has a false image that he's created for himself, as I think is being implied. I think he's a bit thin-skinned, and stubborn when it comes to dealing with criticism, or even advice. He's struggled to live up to his own ideals, but I don't see him as a phoney.

I thought our best attacking football came towards the end when we had a front six of Rogers - Bellingham - Jones ; Madueke - Eze - Gibbs-White. They showed some good combinations. I'm not sure about Madueke though, but Eze is a real talent. He seemed to flourish with the extra responsibility.

Saka looks completely out of sorts. Only one of Rice and Gallagher should play. There's no blend in the midfield at all. Walker way past it, and even at his peak I thought he was a bit overrated.

Frank has shown he's got ability, but the pressure of being Spurs manager is a step up. I think I'd have gone for Iraola. I sense there's an extra streak of toughness in his make-up.

I always have this slight reservation about Salah, because at Liverpool, he's been in a very good side, and hasn't been asked to do anything that he's not good at, from a position that he most favours. A very, very effective player in that context, of course. A memory of him that I will treasure is of him standing and watching whilst Tino and Barnes double up on Liverpool's full back to create our second goal in the final.

You need three centre backs who are first-team ready, not two. The third choice at the moment is Krafth, who is really a utility defender.

It's not the first time I've had that thought, but yes, the Andorra striker was causing him some problems. It's testament to Eddie's management skills that he's not getting exposed so much at club level, but we're clearly looking for a replacement.

Sorry to say this, but Dan Burn looks completely out of place in international football. I don't understand why Tuchel is picking him.

I just think that if we sign Elanga, we'd end up with 4 right-footed wide players. Murphy is a useful squad player who can cover other positions, and wouldn't fetch much wonga, so it's between Barnes and Gordon. At this moment, there's not much to choose between those two, and Gordon would be the easier to shift for a big fee. LIverpool seem to have a long-term interest.

I liked him at first. He had reached the top level by an unconventional route, and seemed to bring something different. However, I don't think he adjusted to the different level of competition that he was facing - perhaps because he thought he was already the finished article and didn't need to. This season, he lost composure under pressure and started arguing with supporters, the media and officialdom. What's more, there have been questions as to whether his training methods were contributing to his team's injury problems. I didn't get the impression that he was working closely with his backroom staff. Eddie clearly works in a team framework and seeks other opinions, but that seemed absent with Ange. Another curious thing was that he didn't seem to communicate with his players on the pitch. I've often wondered whether managers shouting and gesticulating on the touchline was really effective, but Ange seemed to go in the opposite direction, as though making a particular point of not doing that. At times, Spurs looked like they needed some tactical adjustments, but they didn't come.

I get what you're saying, and I would rather we were signing someone who was a bit better on the technical side. Mbeumo would have been great, but maybe we just have to face the fact that the players who are most in demand at any given time won't be available to us yet. If Elanga does sign, then I think either Gordon or Barnes will leave, and I reckon it will be Gordon. I agree that we have difficulty in breaking down teams who come to defend because our players generally aren't technical enough when it comes to passing and controlling the ball through tight spaces. Maybe Grealish on loan, playing as a number 10 would help.

I think it'll be Iraola, and I think he'll do well.

On a Youtube scouting, he looked strong but otherwise not particularly technical. I don't think he'll be a long-term regular first teamer. Hope I'm proved wrong etc etc