1. How have you found the season so far? So far, I'm happy with our position in the league but frustrated that our performances often feel stifled. I think we're struggling to beat a team that has elected not to 'park the bus' as we're struggling to find that cutting edge. I think that will come, there's been glimpses of excitement so far and I know that each of the players that we have signed has something to contribute to the success of the team. Plus, we've not really found our feet in terms of performances and yet we're 4th, can't be a bad thing. Means that when we really get going, we should be right up there in the mix.
2. What thoughts do you have in relation to Gareth Bales transfer? Frustrated at Bale for the way that he acted throughout the deal but more disgusted by the apparent behaviour of Real Madrid who seemed to have no regard for our club. I thought that tapping up was illegal and yet the number of Real Madrid players that came forward and said how happy they would be for Bale to join the club appeared to be a very much side step stance to get to Bale. I kept wanting Bale to stay but it was sadly only a matter of time. I was disappointed in Bale for not playing for us at the start of the season. If he really was injured, then I can understand this but question marks have been raised over the authenticity of these injuries. In the end, we secured a good price and have bought players who look like they can deliver over the longer term so perhaps it can work out well for all parties concerned.
3. What relationship do your fans have with your manager? I think he is quite popular with the fans. I think that his statement about the backing that the fans give the players was controversial but needed to be said. We, as a crowd, can be louder and need to find the atmosphere that we used to have again. He does have to get the team playing 'sexy' football before he can be really loved by the crowd though. We can't accept just good results, we appear to want the displays alongside them too.
4. Spurs have a reputation as being a bit of a graveyard for young talent, rightly or wrongly. How would you respond to this? At the moment I couldn't say that I agree with the comment. In terms of youth development, obviously Townsend has come to the fore this season. His play has been exciting, his confidence to run at players lighting up what can otherwise be grey performances. Other than that, I would say that Harry Kane appears to be growing in ability and confidence. Plus, Kyle Walker has been with us since the age of 18 and is a first team regular now at the age of 23, and has just been offered a new contract. So, whilst our youth development hasn't always been great, as a club we appear to be happy to sign young players and keep with them and have developed a few of our own over time.
5. What if any were your thoughts upon Moyes leaving and Roberto arriving? I was interested to see how Moyes performed at Manchester United but had doubts that he was the right choice. I think Everton made the perfect appointment. Martinez likes to manage teams who play good football and so far this season, Everton have been a breath of fresh air with positive displays and securing strong results. I think you've done well to bring him in.
6. What are your thoughts on Everton as a club, our ground, our fan base, and our style of football? I like Everton. I think alongside Aston Villa, and Southampton, those are the only Premiership teams that I really have an affinity with. Swansea perhaps could be added to that too. I think there is something comparable between Tottenham and Everton, both clubs having recently lived in the shadow of their derby rivals. Both clubs are now really starting to push their rivals and we're both hoping that there can be a swing in fortune soon. The style of football has improved this season under Martinez, as commented upon above, and I like seeing Everton play. I appreciate Everton fans, especially as I know that the real fans in Liverpool support Everton. I've met a lot of Everton fans and never been offended by one.
7. How do you view this fixture in terms of importance for the season and it's fear factor rating? I'm a bit anxious going in to this game. I believe that Everton are on form at the moment, whilst our performances haven't always been impressive. I think it's an important game as at the moment there's a closely knit group of clubs at the top of the table and no team will want to fall too far behind. I think over the course of the season it won't be one of the most important, as the game will become just one game in 38, but right now it's important for momentum and for current standings.
8. Final score on the day? I think this will be a draw with 2-2 a likely scoreline. The game will be more open than we're used to, as Everton like playing football. I think Lukaku will be a handful for our defence but I think we'll be capable of scoring if your side aren't water tight at the back and I'm expecting Soldado to get one.
