Gareth Bale was a true Daniel Levy signing if ever there was, Spurs have netted players with backstories before, but the Welshman arrived with more baggage than a Kardashian on holiday. Injured, elderly, and rarely seen without a generous smile across his face. The latest quotes from José via The Sun suggest a start against West Ham might be on the cards.
This season to date we’ve had 4 goals and 2 assists in all competitions. Breaking down footballers’ salary per action never does anyone any favours; suffice it to say that in no analysis could anyone credibly suggest Bale’s return has been ‘good business’. Of course, had the initial projections for the return of supporters to stadiums happened, then ENIC might have sold a bundle of merch, but let’s just stick to the football. Beyond the goals and assists, we’ve benefitted from 11 shot assists (3 of which occurred last night).
Now it might sound unkind, but looking at Gareth’s minutes played column, then Wales managed to get 98 minutes out of him in the UEFA Nations League on 15.11.2020. Spurs have squeezed over an hour out of the 31-year-old on only a handful of occasions. Is our kit the wrong colour?
I take a view that Bale would need to go absolutely berserk in his final months for us, but that’s hugely unlikely to happen – indeed – physically improbable.
As fans, we’ve had far too much interference from Levy in the markets. This summer must be all about whom Mourinho wants. If it isn’t then the Portuguese may as well follow AVB’s lead and resign mid-press conference.
This is Frank Sinatra with the toupee.
Never an experiment with a high chance of success and there were plenty of sensible people who had the limited fortitude needed to overcome nostalgia induced emotional attachment.
Of course we love the association “one of our own” has with the club, but really, what a terrible piece of business; surely we can’t be selling Bale shirts at anyway near the rate he trousers his wages! Its sadly one of those moments to say, “sorry lad, but its time to grow up and face reality”.
His body was creaking a bit when he left, but he thrived in the conditions presented by the pampered, warm condition in Spain, playing alongside the worlds best against opposition who would for the most part struggle to get a result against the likes of Marine.
Coming back to English weather and English opposition has sadly confirmed what Zidane saw that he’s had it. It was wonderful to see his goal the other night, but no EPL defence would allow that to happen.
As the weather warms he may be able to nurse his body to find a scrap of form as an impact sub, who can if the planets align, change a game that’s mired. But like Ali’s last fights its sad to see a world class talent on the wane.
Have to go yes. Unless you’re die hard Barca. Shame on you figo. 🌚 Actually didn’t he leave madrid for Barca? Can’t remember
The trophies as well.. Loads of trophies.. Ronaldo, sergio ramos and co he was playing with the best….. When Madrid have come calling then you go.
You’ll find your groove again mate. The body’s had a good rest though
😆 ive not played that in years… I’m worried about my football absence, age, snooker and pool too.
Bale never went on strike! Unlike Modders who was a treacherous little leprechaun agreed….. In fact Bale had recently signed a 5 year contract and when Madrid came calling he wanted to give us another year! Madrid said no, its now or never… I am one of many who don’t blame him for leaving. Four champions leagues and the rest.. Hes proved the doubters wrong repeatedly.
I ain’t played table tennis properly for a good few months cush. I reckon I’ll be sh!t for a bit when I get back on the table🌚
All he forgot to add was “unless the numb€rs work. It’s how this agent/club/busness thing works
It was busine$$ not personal. Who wouldn’t leave their job for 4-5 times more dough? Clubs treat payers just as bad as players treat clubs. (Rose) not good to be vex forever man. Forgive, never forget
I believe in you Gareth. I know you obviously ain’t got the “torque you used to have but I know you’ve still got the ability. I’m glad you’re here and hope you end up staying. Loving how you find Nuff time for our youts dem there. “Grab a bag of balls and watch me dead ball👍
Setting aside his wonga he has contributed more than Bergwijn except that Berwgijn runs around a lot more. He still has the ability to create moments of magic and he gives the opposition defence something to worry about. I would like to see him given some match time alongside Son and Kane as I think he could develop a combo with them that may start delivering, No opposition is going to relish facing a front line of Son, Kane and Bale. It also looks as if Son gets fired up if Bale is playing as he does with Kane.
I don’t love him. I haven’t wanted him back since he left. You see, when a player goes on strike to prove his unerring desire to get out of the club that made him – like his mate Modric before him, and then goes on to refuse to leave the club he left us for – who DOESN’T want him – for pure and unadulterated wonga….. well, I know were I am on that ilk of footballer.
Bales goal was lovely… Barnett is a helmet, hes always talked rubbish. Gooner he is who constantly told the media that Bale would never want to return to us.
Barnett is a carbuncle on the backside of humanity and can go do one. He’ll keep fleecing the cash cow that is Bale until he’s in the knackers yard.
I really hope he can get going again… I love the guy and can only imagine him working hard, training hard, wanting to get some form back… The two years out has affected him I think it’s like mma, or playing a musical instrument. If you stop then your skills begin to fade.
One swallow and all that! However, he did have an effective hour last night, albeit against very naive opposition. So the only reason I could see in taking him off, was that he remains in Mourinho’s plans, for Sunday at least. If not, why not squeeze 90 out of him, for a possible confidence and fitness boost?
The romantic side in me wants to believe he will find his mojo and make a significant impact, during the remainder of the campaign. Realistically though, I won’t be making any wagers.
I thought Barnett’s comments the other day were somehow, both bizarre and interesting. Unless I got the wrong end of the stick, he seemed to be saying no one has any right to question his commitment and desire, as he has won it all; and is now of a certain age. Maybe he was mugging Levy off again