Newman Optimistic About New Season

 

 NEWMAN OPTIMISTIC ABOUT NEW SEASON

 

Tottenham Hotspur manager, Ben Newman, has today stated that he hopes the European success of last season will pave the way for his side side to become Division One champions, once more, in the upcoming season. The North London side will be looking to get off to a good start to the season, as they face Stoke City in the Super Cup tonight, before kicking off their league campaign with a home game against West Bromwich Albion this weekend. Ahead of a busy opening, Newman had this to say on his ambitions for this season;

"The start of a new campaign is always exciting for managers, players and fans, as well as everyone else associated with a football club, whether it be one that finished at the top of Division One or one that finished at the bottom of Division Four the previous season. It's a fresh start. Pre-season gives everyone the chance to reflect on the season gone by and what improvements can be made for the following season, if there are any of course. For us, we can look back at last season and be happy with our achievements, both domestically and in Europe. Whilst we didn't win a domestic trophy, we managed to claim a spot in the top four, finishing just one point behind [the] champions Liverpool, following a major blip in form that saw us go crashing down the league table as each game went by, but fortunately we managed to change that as we entered the final stage of the season, and here we are today. Obviously, our biggest achievement last season was retaining the Champions Cup, and defeating Galatasaray in the final in such a manner. It was a fantastic night for everyone involved with the football club, and certainly one that nobody associated with the club will forget for a long time, if ever! If we can replicate the events of that night in the slightest tonight, against Stoke in the Super Cup, then I, and everyone associated with Tottenham, would be over the moon. And what a great start to the season that would be!

Seeing how happy the Champions Cup victory made everyone, from the owners down to the fans, has only boosted mine and the players confidence going into this campaign. A club of this magnitude should always be fighting for league titles, and seeing how close we came last season has certainly encouraged us to try and go one further and be crowned champions of England once more this time around, albeit there is still some very tough competition, who will want it just as much as we do. That's why we have to want it more!"

Tottenham Hotspur retained their Champions Cup title, following a 5-0 win against Galatasaray in the final. The North London side, who fought off the likes of Sevilla, Roma and Fiorentina on their road to the final, are the first team in history to retain their title two years on the bounce, with manager Ben Newman picking up his third Champions Cup winners medal. Two goals from Antonio Valencia and one each for Bale, Van Persie and Rami wrapped up the victory.

The Prestonian's overall silverware tally is now at seven, just three years after he left Tranmere Rovers to join the European champions. As his side face Stoke in the Super Cup tonight, you can be reassured that we wants to collect his eigth winners medal!

Amongst the chatter of last season and this seasons objectives, the Tottenham manager was also asked about the man of the moment, Division One Player of the Season, Gareth Bale. Having played a large part in his sides success last season, by contributing with 23 goals and 42 assists in all competitions, the Welshman has been in high demand this pre-season, with fellow Division One sides sniffing around, claims Newman.  

"Gareth Bale certainly played a huge part in Tottenham's success last season. Has there been any interest in him heading into this season?" 

"He was magnificent last season and is our most key asset, so obviously there has been some interest in him during pre-season. However, as I have told each manager that has enquired about him, he is going nowhere! Gareth is very happy at the club and is in the form of his life, which really showed when he deservedly picked up the Player of the Season award earlier this week, which made us all very proud. He, like the rest of the team, is raring to go this season... but unfortunately for the teams interested in him, it will be in the white and navy blue colours of Tottenham".

A man in demand: Gareth Bale with his Division One Player of the Season award