Woody Obika Smith & Alnwick

I wouldn't read too much into Smith's contract extension as I think it's more about getting a fee for him rather than saying he has a future at Spurs.

Very surprised on Obika, although it could be for the same reason as Smith.

Ben Alnwick's just staggers me. I cannot begin to think what the logic behind that one is.

I was under the impression that Jake Livermore's contact was up for renewal this summer, but I must have got that wrong as I saw Harry talking about sending him on loan to Rangers.

Spurcat

Have to agree on Smith and Obika. They don't seem to have shown as much on loans as Caulker, Walker, Livermore or even Naughton and I wouldn't be surprised to see them leave. But I'm not sure we want to be creating more "deadwood" at this time. Maybe they will go in January after further loans.

As for Alnwick I hope he's not being retained as an emergency number 3 GK in case Gomes does go. We would have been better off giving Pletikosa a short deal.

Are the other leavers (sorry can't begin to spell their names) any loss? Of the academy players given deals are there any with real potential in your view?

ddd - My guess is that Obika might end up at Yeovil as that's the only place he seems to have done reasonably well. I never saw much of Adam Smith, but I gather he did well at Bournemouth and maybe he'll either end up there, or more likely, Burnley, as Eddie Howe is apparantly a big fan of his.

No, I don't see any loss in the released players. Difficult to say about any of those retained because so many of them were at the younger end of the age group, which probably explains why they had a cack start to the Academy League season and then ended it with a really good run. Ryan Fredericks does look quite lively though.

we should get the 7 yr old who had a trial at barca this week. even though he thinks they play better football in spain hes a spurs fan.
i think im right in saying that the youngsters have a blotchy fixture list like the reserves did. but with our entry into champions league juniors (cant remember the name) their fixture schedule should be pretty evenly spread. more consistant games/practice should mean we get to see some of our little fruits develop quicker and better than most. fingers crossed.

Actually the Academy games are virtually every week with very few blank Saturdays. But you're right, the new NextGen competition will certainly see these youngsters develop quicker.

Good point about the NextGen tournament. I guess we'll find out how good they are incomparison to the other clubs.

I seem to recall reading a week or so ago about Smith potentially going to Bournemouth permanently if Spurs released him. Maybe he'll be loaned to Burnley instead/to begin with.