Ange in or out?

[ricky2tricky4city]

In my opinion, the answer to that lies in our history. If we’d won this — or any other trophy — more regularly, no. But it’s 41 years since a European trophy. Only 5 English teams have ever won it. Arsenal, for all their success over the years, have never won it.

I also think to allow the league form or a personal dislike of Ange to take any gloss of what winning the Europa League should mean is a huge missed opportunity as a fan. Who knows when we’ll be back here?

Just need to forget about the manager good/bad situation until after the Brighton game (I know it's harder for you as you've been deep in this discussion for months).

To everyone, you don't need that colouring what is a massive, rare as hens teeth, night out for us in a European final....what you need to bring, to colour that night, is all your own history into that game...not just all the blood, sweat and tears but the love you've poured into this club. There is a chance for repayment with unique memories, shared amongst others that have done those same hard miles down the years.

Zero point letting your thoughts on the manager tarnish that. How silly would that be when he probably won't be here in a month?

 

[thfcsteff]

Continued...

I think it is fair to say that when it comes to Poch, I have always been one of his fiercest supporters. When the decision to sack him was made, I was in a minority here in saying it was a massive mistake and that he deserved a chance to rebuild with funds, especially after the summer departure was averted by Levy sweet-talking. I have been clear; a piece of me died off with that tragic decision.


Whatever anyone thinks of Ange, we are in a European final. I am going to enjoy that, albeit the stain will always be the incessant reminders of how brick some people feel he is (I wish there could be an agreement for truce until Thur 22nd).

I cannot claim moral superiority. Back in 99 I enjoyed winning a trophy but not with raincoat in charge. In my defence I was over 25 years younger than I am now, so that combination of youth, hubris, anger, and misdirected emotions were washing all over me (he also fudged over a friend who was playing for us at the time)...

...I am doing everything I can to enjoy this moment, which includes watching in a stress-free aggro-free environment (i.e. not Bilbao for me).
Life is shorter 25 years on. My neighbour's wife died suddenly at 42 on Feb 4th. Friends have cancer. Peers have died. My parents passed. Life presents great challenges, and I have to pick where my joy can be found.
Nick Cave last night.
Stereo MCs tonight.
Spending time with my fantastic wife.
Having lunches with my 32 year old son who is also die-hard Spurs.
Trying to help my neurodivergent 19 year old
daughter navigate what for her is often a daunting world.
Enjoying my creative work.
Underworld next Friday...and before that, the most incongruous and incredible of anomalies, a European final for Tottenham Hotspur.

Facts and stats are curious things. They sit and taunt us. Context bends them in directions which suit our perspectives. Dialectics exist everywhere...

...my friend.
Your passion and fire for this club is evident.
I hope you can find space in your mind (and heart) to park all the negatives aside and focus only on the incredible positive that Tottenham Hotspur are in a European final.
I hope you can enjoy it unfettered with reflective emotions, flooded only with the very present and raw feral instinct that wants to see US win as a CLUB.

Sending best wishes and hope you can do it for yourself...

 

[thfcsteff]

Don't get me wrong I'd rather it was Poch or nuno, but beggars can't be choosers and we've not had much to cheer about.
I'm lucky to be old enough to remember winning the EL in '84 and it's still the best sporting memory of my life.
This won't be the same, age, experience and lots disappointments have taken the shine from it, but I'm excited and hopeful.

With you.
I was a delirious shelf-side teenager that night.

 

[thfcsteff]

All sarcasm and bitterness aside I'm genuinely happy for you and all the other fans that feel that way. I hope we win it for you guys and wish I could feel the same way.

You can mate. It's a choice.