NLD.

Today should have been Arsenals first visit to the new White Hart Lane stadium to give our neighbours a good thrashing.

As such I have decided to do a Spurs XI of players who I hate slightly less than the rest.

GK - Erik Thorstvedt - The last Spurs keeper to win a major trophy, the big Norweigen kept goal for them for the best part of a decade. I seem to remember him dropping a clanger on his debut in a televised game versus Forest, but he recovered to have a solid career.

RB - Stephen Carr - Irishman who resembled a potato, what's not to love? Was in the PL TotY a couple of times.

LB - Chris Hughton - Don't worry, not every outfield player will be Irish. Hughton seems a nice chap, and was part of 2 FA Cup and a UEFA cup winning team - meaning he won as many trophies in 13 years as Spurs have since he left.

CB - Gary Mabbutt - Have to admire how he had a career at all, due to his health issues. His career was then nearly ended by John Fashanu's elbow, but he still came back. My favourite Mabbutt moment? Scoring the winner in the 87 cup final of course!

CB - Sol Campbell - The invincible. A great defender, and showed his courage, ambition and intelligence to move to Arsenal. Won as many titles as Spurs have in their history. Legend of North London.

CM - Ossie Ardiles - The ever happy little Argentinian played with a smile on his face, even when playing for Spurs. He had a Chas n Dave song dedicated to him, and even had a solo in a later hit. Good footballer too.

CM - Paul Gascoigne - Everybody loves a clown, but Gazza had quality to go with his madcap ways. Should have been sent off in the 91 cup final, instead was allowed to carry on and totally fack up his knee instead. Went on to bigger and better things with Lazio, Rangers and Middlesborough.

CM - Glenn Hoddle - A Rolls Royce of a player, elegant, skilful and scored some wonderful goals. Hates disabled people, but that only showed after he retired from playing.

CM - Luka Modric - The Gail Platt lookalike runs midfields with ease. Had to leave Spurs to win things, but always looked a good player despite being in an average team at WHL. World Cup finalist, Ballon d'or winner, multiple Champions League winner, multiple title winner, no trophies at Spurs.

AT - Teddy Sheringham - "Ohhh Teddy, Teddy, went to Man United and you're still a caaaant". Actually dislike him, but he gets in as he has been somewhat a regular at Princes Park, home of the mighty Dartford FC.

ST - Jurgen Klinsmann - Shook the PL up a bit when he first came. Then left abruptly after just one season. He was part of the Spurs team that somehow managed to lose 4-1 to Everton in the FA Cup semi final. Came back for another season later in his career. Showed the great German sense of humour by celebrating one goal with a dive.


Manager - David Pleat. No, not for being a kerb crawling pervert. He co-commentated on that night in May 89...
A good team, albeit one that would win at most a League Cup.

Happy North London Derby day.