In 2016, Spurs fell 11 points short of Premier League glory (although it felt much closer). A year later the gap was seven points to champions Chelsea.
Since then though the distance to the table-toppers has been 23, 27 and 41 when the current season was halted by Coronavirus.
Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Mousa Dembele and Christian Eriksen all played key roles in our two nearly title bids. And all four have since departed without being replaced, albeit Rose is technically still on the books.
And the fear is that there could be more key men heading for the exit door, with Harry Kane telling Sky Sports last week: “If I don’t feel like we’re progressing as a team or going in the right direction, I’m not someone to stay there just for the sake of it.”
But what do Spurs need to satisfy Kane and prove that there are capable of pushing for major honours?
Up to five new players, according to former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker.
Lineker defended Kane’s comments in a recent interview with talkSPORT and stressed the need for Spurs to match his level of ambition if they want to keep him.
“It would be unthinkable for a player of Harry Kane’s stature if he didn’t win anything in his entire career,” said Lineker.
“You can’t criticise him too much for having that view; he’s been at the club for a long time and he’s been brilliant.
“And he might well stay there, they might possibly develop, but you’d say they’re four or five players short of certainly challenging for the title.”
What’s the point of this article if Lineker doesn’t apparently name any players.We can and do say the same thing,but we know how this goes.Put up a list of quality players,fine.Then factor in Levy for the negotiations and spending and we’re back square one.
All the while ENIC/Levy are at our club nothing will change.At the moment though,it seems the criticism of Levy is becoming more apparent.I have my doubt that it will change his modus operandi,he’s too thick skinned.
Ive never forgiven Walker for his insane 40 yard pass back at Anfield that cost us a game we were in total control of. You wouldnt see that on a Sunday morning.
Players should never have to leave Spurs to win trophies , its a mega club. Sadly the owners are not interested in fulfilling the potential. Hence the situation. Also i wouldnt want any of that quartet back. They are the reason for not quite good enough. Eriksen & Dembele lazy , like Ozil. More drive & urgency needed. Ie Souness & Archie Gemmill, Harry Winks says ,Modric, Dembele & Carrick his best midfielders. Bale correct , See dvds of Hoddle, Waddle, Ardiles & Gazza. Harry may do a Teddy & Campbell. When are we going to learn ffs
But what five players, that’s the question, another five N’jies and Nkoudous.