Football
Stephen Carr exclusively to William Hill: Eddie Howe has done unbelievably well for Newcastle
Former Spurs, Newcastle, Birmingham City & Ireland full back Stephen Carr talks exclusively to William Hill about Spurs current performances this season including the recent inconsistency. Stephen Carr also talks about Newcastle’s current form and Head Coach Eddie Howe and looks at the future for both Clubs. Finally, Stephen Carr talks about Birmingham City and the importance of promotion this season.
Spurs are showing lots of inconsistency at the minute in the Premier League. What can you put it down too?
If I knew I would tell them, it’s a difficult one. Even the Manager doesn’t know. Every game is so hard for different reason. They just can’t seem to get on a run. It’s like one step forward and a few steps back. It all seems strange to me. The win over Manchester City was great and it looked like spurs had turned the corner and then Spurs would push on and progress and put some wins together and then challenge for a Champions League place. But, the inconsistency has to be solved as this Premier League is so congested in the middle of the table and with so many sides chasing a European place, Spurs have to go on a good run soon.
Vicario is out for months with the club supposedly not set to sign a replacement, meaning Fraser Forster will deputise. Does the former Saints keeper have what it takes to be number one for that time?
Fraser Forster is an experienced Premier League goal keeper, he has been around the League for a while, so I see no reason why he can’t do a good job in Vicario’s absence. With Spurs playing the expansive style of football, he could well be busy, but he commands his area well and with plenty of games coming up over the festive period, will gain good confidence by playing plenty of games.
What would the expectations be for Spurs now this season?
The expectation would be Champions League, but Man City Liverpool and Arsenal are looking good to make it, and you look at Chelsea who are playing very well, you have Aston Villa, Brighton are also having a good season, so it’s getting harder and harder for the likes of Spurs to challenge.
I think you have to be more consistent to get into the Champions League positions and this is where you want to be Financially and to attract top players, but for Spurs this year, to get a European spot and win a cup competition would be a successful season
Has Ange put himself under pressure by saying he always wins things in his second season?
He has, but he is a confident man, he can take the pressure, he has backed it up until now, but saying this, the Spurs fans will be expecting it. He believes he can do it with this squad at Spurs and why not as there is plenty of quality at the top end of the pitch and if they can get it right against Manchester United in the quarter final, then it’s a possibility for sure.
Looking at Spurs and Newcastle, do Spurs have a brighter future with the younger players coming through?
Yes Mikey Moore and Archie Gray are exciting players coming through. The future is brighter for Spurs as they have the Stadium and they will have more available to spend and with more younger players in Spurs academy coming through, the foundations are better and in Mikey Moore especially, he looks a real talent.
Eddie Howe in some quarters is regarded as under pressure. Do you agree?
That sums up football. He over achieved by qualifying for the Champions League. With FFP they had to sell players with restrictions, they can’t spend what they want so it’s tough. He has done unbelievable well for Newcastle, he must be given time. It’s harsh and unfair and he is doing a great job. He can’t sustain it in the champions League because they just don’t have the squad for it. I think they are doing well and the Premier League is getting tougher and tougher. His downfall was he overachieved a few seasons ago and fans expectations go up.
You’ve played across the Premier League and Championship in defence. Spurs let Japhet Tanganga leave for Millwall for free this summer and the centre-back has been very impressive with the Lions keeping clean sheets against Leeds United and Burnley. Have Spurs missed a trick in how they managed that?
Great question and spot on. Tanganga is doing really well at Millwall and has a good partnership with Jake Copper. Millwall are on a terrific run of form and defensively they are doing really well and have had some great results lately, which has also see Tanganga get on the scoresheet which is always a massive bonus for the team if you’re not only scoring from the attacking players but defenders are getting in on the act. Sometimes the timing isn’t right for players and that can be a reason why he was let go. You need a good run in a side to be confident with your fellow defenders and build a good relationship. You look at all partnerships and they don’t just gel at once and it’s difficult to come in and out of a side.
Is there one player you think the club should prioritise a move for in January?
January is always difficult to sign players, but for Spurs, I would look at players who match what style of play Ange is looking to play. Spurs have been inconsistent and after a 4-0 win at Man City to only pick up 1 point out of 6 against Ipswich and Fulham at home will have surprised Ange. I would look at another centre back and centre midfielder, but in terms of names it’s always difficult to look at who is available.
Could you see Birmingham City catching rivals Aston Villa at some point in the future under their new America owners?
No, I don’t think so. Aston Villa are playing in the Champions League, they are competing at the top of the Premier League, and it’s full credit to Unai Emery and the great job he is doing and some of the hugely talented players they have at Aston Villa. For Birmingham, the task is simple, get promoted back to the Championship. Then if that happens, they can review how they can compete in the Championship, which is a very tough League.
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