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View Full Version : The Jermain Defoe to TFC thread (It's Official!)



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Justin10000
11-26-2013, 07:06 PM
Wow....

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenhams-jermain-defoe-agrees-transfer-2854640

Batman
11-26-2013, 07:10 PM
wow. first postitive news in a dogs age

Alonso
11-26-2013, 07:10 PM
Wow....

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/tottenhams-jermain-defoe-agrees-transfer-2854640



I still don't see anything official....

But we can hope.

(pictures, or it didn't happen.)

PopePouri
11-26-2013, 07:11 PM
http://i1.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article2658444.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Jermain-Defoe-Hat-2658444.jpg

Ivy
11-26-2013, 07:13 PM
^^ look official enough for me.

Wagner
11-26-2013, 07:13 PM
Very exciting.

He is going to tear this league apart. ;)
(is that like a "first" post)

Corpand
11-26-2013, 07:15 PM
And we ain't done yet. This is our biggest signing by far.
As a gunner, mixed emotions here. But he does have quality.

Wagner
11-26-2013, 07:21 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtQIPKg9ly0

Haddy
11-26-2013, 07:26 PM
notthesun (I think he's on here too) put this on Reddit and I had to share.

Live shot of TFC head offices:

http://i.imgur.com/eOls60i.gif

GabrielHurl
11-26-2013, 07:26 PM
$8 million a year

notthesun
11-26-2013, 07:29 PM
notthesun (I think he's on here too) put this on Reddit and I had to share.

Live shot of TFC head offices:



Haha, I couldn't resist. g:D

That pic of Defoe as a Mountie is actually from reddit too, someone posted it in r/tfc a few weeks ago, the Mirror must have found it.

Ivy
11-26-2013, 07:30 PM
how tall is this dude? Plata Sr.?

Justin10000
11-26-2013, 07:31 PM
And we ain't done yet. This is our biggest signing by far.
As a gunner, mixed emotions here. But he does have quality.

As a fellow gunner, I'll forget his Spurs roots if he scores a lot of goals.

OgtheDim
11-26-2013, 07:34 PM
As a fellow gunner, I'll forget his Spurs roots if he scores a lot of goals.

And if he's a bust, well........

Ivy
11-26-2013, 07:35 PM
4 years of busting is a lonnngggggggg time.

Justin10000
11-26-2013, 07:35 PM
And if he's a bust, well........

WE HATE TOTTENHAM, WE HATE TOTTENHAM....

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Technorgasm
11-26-2013, 07:43 PM
http://youtu.be/xghVlRW5-Nc

ENGLAND International coming to Toronto in a world cup year?

DROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLL

Parkdale
11-26-2013, 07:45 PM
that's bonkers!

I'm really impressed with the signing, now let's get a team that can back him up

Technorgasm
11-26-2013, 08:02 PM
amazinmg . . .


http://youtu.be/iVjQ6rUrv3A

TOBOR !
11-26-2013, 08:04 PM
I love that he said he wants to come here to play for Ryan Nelsen... What's that? He didn't say that? But he was thinking it. He must've been thinking it.

Greatest Ripoff
11-26-2013, 08:08 PM
You guys realize that the Mirror is about as legit as a Duane Rollins article. I wouldn't get too excited until something official is announced.

Technorgasm
11-26-2013, 08:10 PM
DP/JD
WOOOOMMMPPPPSSSSSS


http://youtu.be/3zavi4PzF5Q

i'll never forget his bicycle kick vs the mancs.
hope he does the same hefe.

has it been said yet?
has it?

GOING TO TEAR THIS LEAGUE APART.

brad
11-26-2013, 08:27 PM
You guys realize that the Mirror is about as legit as a Duane Rollins article. I wouldn't get too excited until something official is announced.

This is true. However the Times is reporting it now, and it is legit.

nobodybeatsthewiz
11-26-2013, 08:30 PM
Sportsnet ticker had it on just after 7pm

brad
11-26-2013, 08:31 PM
This is true. However the Times is reporting it now, and it is legit.

I should say the Times is legit. Don't know about the signing.

nfitz
11-26-2013, 08:34 PM
You guys realize that the Mirror is about as legit as a Duane Rollins article. I wouldn't get too excited until something official is announced.That's rather an insult to Duane Rollins isn't it?

The Mirror is a UK tabloid. And at that, it's got more in common with the Weekly World News than the Toronto Sun. Many, many stories that the Mirror have published as being true, are completely without any substance.

Normally thought, there is at least a kernel of truth. But often nothing more than something like Defoe might have talked to someone from TFC ... rather than agreed to a deal.


This is true. However the Times is reporting it now, and it is legit.Now that's different.


:cheers: :cheers:

gdg_9
11-26-2013, 08:41 PM
I should say the Times is legit. Don't know about the signing.

Anyone have a Times subscription and can share what the rest of the article says?

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/premierleague/article3933110.ece

Marc"2L"
11-26-2013, 08:52 PM
I don't know, this is still spec, I don't think it should have its own thread.

deltox
11-26-2013, 09:13 PM
and are we talking about adding Gilardino as well?

tfcleeds
11-26-2013, 09:25 PM
Good signing...but one player does not a team make. That's what 7 years of failure does. But a good start anyways.

habstfc
11-26-2013, 09:28 PM
and are we talking about adding Gilardino as well? Luke wileman reported earlier today on twitter that report out of Italy genoa will sell gilardino to tfc in January for 7 million euros(9.5)

tfcleeds
11-26-2013, 09:32 PM
So, apparently we've snagged Defoe, and if rumour has it, Gilardino will follow. Now if we can just get some players who will provide them service, we'll be on easy street.

sidvan
11-26-2013, 09:37 PM
G&M reporting everyone elses news
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/report-toronto-fc-agrees-to-deal-with-tottenham-striker-defoe/article15624366/

TFC1154ever
11-26-2013, 09:45 PM
Jermaine Defoe! Plays for T.O! Jermaine Defoe! Plays for T.O!

ensco
11-26-2013, 10:55 PM
I think post Forlan we would know that the "Report:xxx signs for TFC" type stories don't mean it's done.

Alonso
11-26-2013, 10:57 PM
I think deep breathes are in order....

No one has been signed.

Inklink
11-26-2013, 11:05 PM
Obligatory...he's going to tear...

Seriously though, waiting for confirmation, but big news!

Marc"2L"
11-26-2013, 11:11 PM
Can you imagine if this doesn't happen?

As far as twitter is concerned, he's already gotten his first fucking hat trick for us!

Mark in Ottawa
11-26-2013, 11:20 PM
Sorry but I am just too jaded regarding MLS in general and TFC in particular.
I'll believe it when I see it and hold my breath waiting for them to screw it up!!

boozilla
11-26-2013, 11:46 PM
A Defoe and/or Giraldino would improve the squad, no doubt.
However, I'm still so disillusioned that I'm going to wait for results before I re-up.
If it's too late and my STH tix are gone, so be it.

Initial B
11-26-2013, 11:55 PM
What the... !? $145,000 a week?!?! That's over $7.5 million per year!!! Please tell me that's a mistake, because if true we massively overpaid for him. You know that the curse is going to bite us and Dafoe's going to tear his ACL on Seattle's turf in week two.

The soccer gods do not want to see TFC in the playoffs and no amount of money or hubris can fix that. It looks like TL is going to learn that the hard way.

Joe Kool
11-27-2013, 12:11 AM
Ben Haim was signed too and on the TFC website even....believe this when it is confirmed for real. I don't get myself too excited these days until I see the picture with the jersey. Yup, TFC turned me from optimist to skeptic.

PopePouri
11-27-2013, 12:18 AM
What the... !? $145,000 a week?!?! That's over $7.5 million per year!!! Please tell me that's a mistake, because if true we massively overpaid for him. You know that the curse is going to bite us and Dafoe's going to tear his ACL on Seattle's turf in week two.

The soccer gods do not want to see TFC in the playoffs and no amount of money or hubris can fix that. It looks like TL is going to learn that the hard way.

Isn't Dempsey like 9 million a year?

reggie
11-27-2013, 12:38 AM
What the... !? $145,000 a week?!?! That's over $7.5 million per year!!! Please tell me that's a mistake, because if true we massively overpaid for him. You know that the curse is going to bite us and Dafoe's going to tear his ACL on Seattle's turf in week two.

The soccer gods do not want to see TFC in the playoffs and no amount of money or hubris can fix that. It looks like TL is going to learn that the hard way.

jeezzz...that's all I can...:facepalm::drinking:

razor787
11-27-2013, 12:48 AM
I think I saw somewhere that Dempsey's transfer fee was $9M, I don't think the gets paid that much.

Cashcleaner
11-27-2013, 01:00 AM
I so want this news to be confirmed. Defoe wearing the red shirt would be epic. Not sure if Giladino will still be the cards, though.

Nestease
11-27-2013, 05:32 AM
What the... !? $145,000 a week?!?! That's over $7.5 million per year!!! Please tell me that's a mistake, because if true we massively overpaid for him. You know that the curse is going to bite us and Dafoe's going to tear his ACL on Seattle's turf in week two.

The soccer gods do not want to see TFC in the playoffs and no amount of money or hubris can fix that. It looks like TL is going to learn that the hard way.

Who cares whether he gets paid $1 million or $100 million.

flatpicker
11-27-2013, 07:11 AM
Who cares whether he gets paid $1 million or $100 million.

Exactly.

I'm not the one signing cheques, so it's irrelevant to me.
And it's makes no difference to the salary cap.

flamehawk
11-27-2013, 08:22 AM
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1629867/tottenham-hotspur-striker-jermain-defoe-close-toronto-fc-switch-reports?cc=5901

It's on soccernet. They're claiming defoe is waiting on approval from Hogson

GlenM
11-27-2013, 08:23 AM
As a fellow gunner, I'll forget his Spurs roots if he scores a lot of goals.

AGREED!

GlenM

BuSaPuNk
11-27-2013, 08:24 AM
Exactly.

I'm not the one signing cheques, so it's irrelevant to me.
And it's makes no difference to the salary cap.

Bingo. Hate this he's over paid card guys are on. Money is not an issue to a multibillion dollar company that controls all the ways to make money off success. $7-9 Million in salary and another bit of a transfer fee. If the team turns around they will completely double there investment with media on the team, more seats being sold. So it's not a question of money.

Fuck id go so far to say that TL could probably talk the board into spending $100 million plus for a Messi, Ronaldo type.

GlenM
11-27-2013, 08:28 AM
notthesun (I think he's on here too) put this on Reddit and I had to share.

Live shot of TFC head offices:

http://i.imgur.com/eOls60i.gif

Techno will love this.

GlenM

brad
11-27-2013, 09:06 AM
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1629867/tottenham-hotspur-striker-jermain-defoe-close-toronto-fc-switch-reports?cc=5901

It's on soccernet. They're claiming defoe is waiting on approval from Hogson

This is a big potential hitch. Defoe has options in the EPL, Hodgson is most certainly encourage him to stay in England playing at the top level. There is nothing about going to a lower standard in of Football in Canada that benefits the English National Team. Lower standard of football & trans-Atlantic travel aren't exactly great.

I bet that if it happens, he won't come until after the World Cup.

Oblio2
11-27-2013, 09:10 AM
A commited, fast poacher who is still young and desperate to win. He scores wherever he goes. This kid is gonna sacka bagful of goals for us...as long as he gets the service on the ground.
He could play for most EPL teams easily and is an Egland International.
He also loves the ladies and will be banging Canuck girls from here to Vancouver.....a Church going, God fearing Christian. This is one hell of a signing and a positive move.
You will simply love this guy!!!

David_Oliveira
11-27-2013, 09:14 AM
All this talk of moving to a lower league bugs me. The fact he is not a regular in the Spurs' lineup would make any move a better option for him. Don't forget that if he came he would be a starter. This not only improves his in game shape but if he starts scoring regularly, his mentality/confidence will improve. Wouldn't the Hodgson want an inshape player who exudes confidence out the ying yang over a non starting out of shape striker? I know if I was in his shoes, I would choose option A everyday of the week

brad
11-27-2013, 09:16 AM
A commited, fast poacher who is still young and desperate to win. He scores wherever he goes. This kid is gonna sacka bagful of goals for us...as long as he gets the service on the ground.
He could play for most EPL teams easily and is an Egland International.
He also loves the ladies and will be banging Canuck girls from here to Vancouver.....a Church going, God fearing Christian. This is one hell of a signing and a positive move.
You will simply love this guy!!!

And apparently he is the player that Drake was hitting up for MLSE. It all makes sense now...

brad
11-27-2013, 09:18 AM
All this talk of moving to a lower league bugs me. The fact he is not a regular in the Spurs' lineup would make any move a better option for him. Don't forget that if he came he would be a starter. This not only improves his in game shape but if he starts scoring regularly, his mentality/confidence will improve. Wouldn't the Hodgson want an inshape player who exudes confidence out the ying yang over a non starting out of shape striker? I know if I was in his shoes, I would choose option A everyday of the week

It's not about Tottenham vs us. It's about West Ham/Sunderland/Hull/other interested EPL teams vs us.

He would be a starter at those clubs, and likely at others in the EPL.

OgtheDim
11-27-2013, 09:32 AM
To be fair, its not approval from Hodgson, its an opinion on what a move will do to his ability to be at the top of his game for June. Hodgson is unlikely to say that if he goes to TFC, he won't be picked.

cwell
11-27-2013, 09:39 AM
Could be the start of the start....
Good signing...but one player does not a team make. That's what 7 years of failure does. But a good start anyways.

Damien
11-27-2013, 10:02 AM
As long as Drake isn't involved I'll be as sound as a pound!

...oh wait.

ManUtd4ever
11-27-2013, 10:17 AM
I would love to celebrate this news but reports out of England this morning suggest that Defoe is awaiting word from Hodgson as to how a potential move to MLS would affect his standing with the national team.

Fingers crossed that the deal goes through, as it would be an immense signing for TFC.

Areathrasher
11-27-2013, 11:52 AM
The Hodgson stuff could be good for us. I'd imagine he could say something like " Have a goal a game average at the end of May and you will be in my thoughts" to Defoe and we get a fired up determined Defoe starting the season.

tfcmanu
11-27-2013, 11:52 AM
TFC says report of Defoe signing is 'inaccurate'

Read more: http://www.cp24.com/sports/toronto-fc-news/tfc-says-report-of-defoe-signing-is-inaccurate-1.1562954#ixzz2lrjVbYh4

Fort York Redcoat
11-27-2013, 12:41 PM
I cannot even pretend to celebrate this info until the shirt goes over the head.


Show me the signing.

Carefree
11-27-2013, 01:05 PM
His wikipedia page hasn't been updated yet:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jermain_Defoe

All it says is this:
"Former teammate and current head coach of the MLS side Toronto FC, has recently revealed his interest in the English striker.[81] (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/#cite_note-82) Despite this, the Tottenham Hotspurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, has mentioned his intent on keeping Jermaine at the club until his contract expires."

Marc"2L"
11-27-2013, 02:53 PM
His wikipedia page hasn't been updated yet:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jermain_Defoe

All it says is this:
"Former teammate and current head coach of the MLS side Toronto FC, has recently revealed his interest in the English striker.[81] (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/#cite_note-82) Despite this, the Tottenham Hotspurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, has mentioned his intent on keeping Jermaine at the club until his contract expires."

Its Wikipedia...........I could say he's from Neptune with an edit.

Couchy81
11-27-2013, 03:14 PM
I'll believe it when I see it. After the Forlan reports I will never trust news of a signing until the player is here talking to the media.

cmonyoureds
11-27-2013, 03:59 PM
This would be a good signing for us, however in a world cup year, and with being able to start for quite a few EPL teams, I don't see it happening.

I'll believe it when the team confirms..........no, when he has the press confer........I'll believe it when he is out on the field in the starting 11 and the whistle goes.

Section 117
11-27-2013, 04:45 PM
I have a question who thinks Defoe would actually make the England's World Cup squad?? As I see it he is at least 5th in line barring any injuries. As you have Rooney, Wellbeck, Sturridge and Lambert all of head of him

i think his World Cup dreams are done

Yohan
11-27-2013, 04:49 PM
I have a question who thinks Defoe would actually make the England's World Cup squad?? As I see it he is at least 5th in line barring any injuries. As you have Rooney, Wellbeck, Sturridge and Lambert all of head of him

i think his World Cup dreams are done
you never know with loss of form and injuries

crozack
11-27-2013, 05:50 PM
TFC says report of Defoe signing is 'inaccurate'

Read more: http://www.cp24.com/sports/toronto-fc-news/tfc-says-report-of-defoe-signing-is-inaccurate-1.1562954#ixzz2lrjVbYh4

That's a non denial, denial.

Ivy
11-27-2013, 07:33 PM
TFC says report of Defoe signing is 'inaccurate'

Read more: http://www.cp24.com/sports/toronto-fc-news/tfc-says-report-of-defoe-signing-is-inaccurate-1.1562954#ixzz2lrjVbYh4

Report says Defoe is going to be making 155k a week. If this is not true, then the report is, in fact, "inaccurate".

FluSH
11-27-2013, 08:15 PM
Pictures or it didn't happen!

Shakes McQueen
11-27-2013, 08:27 PM
TFC will deny it until the press conference, because they've been burned too many times in the past.

Thrilled about this signing assuming it becomes official. I'll forgive him being a Spurs player if he scores a bunch for us, and if he busts, then I get to say the Spurs player sucks!

- Scott

brad
11-27-2013, 08:37 PM
Report says Defoe is going to be making 155k a week. If this is not true, then the report is, in fact, "inaccurate".

90k - 95k GBP/ week is what is being reported in the UK (matching his Spurs)salary. 90k = 155k CAD

Ivy
11-27-2013, 11:20 PM
90k - 95k GBP/ week is what is being reported in the UK (matching his Spurs)salary. 90k = 155k CAD
I get that, I'm simply giving an example of how a report can be "inaccurate" as stated by TFC.

__wowza
11-28-2013, 01:03 AM
Its Wikipedia...........I could say he's from Neptune with an edit.

i edited the earth wikipedia page to say "earth is the largest planet in the world" in the opening paragraph.
it stayed like that for seven months. you make a valid point.

Technorgasm
11-28-2013, 07:59 AM
I have a question who thinks Defoe would actually make the England's World Cup squad?? As I see it he is at least 5th in line barring any injuries. As you have Rooney, Wellbeck, Sturridge and Lambert all of head of him

i think his World Cup dreams are done

Barring some big upset, injury or severe dip in form, Defoe WILL be going to Brazil.
Hodgson has said that the squad that played the last 2 qualifying games will remain unchanged and Defoe was a part of that squad,.

Thats why I think this link has legs. He'll be the biggest name in the city and a top 3 name in MLS.
Where as he woudl fade into the noise of the prem / championship.

Cant wait for him to pot his first goal.

Technorgasm
11-28-2013, 08:01 AM
PS.
Yur Mum.

Oblio2
11-28-2013, 08:46 AM
PS.
Yur Mum.

I agree 100%

ensco
11-28-2013, 08:47 AM
I don't doubt that the Defoe links are real.

I do seriously question the strategy of leaking this endlessly, and think it just creates risk for the TFC FO (who are running a serious risk of looking like stooges, again, if he doesn't come). Plus the chatter may scuttle the deal. I don't see how it helps sign the player. Do you think Defoe really feels like answering all these endless questions about TFC?

TL is only a marketing guy. Not a businessman.

Chevy
11-28-2013, 09:15 AM
i edited the earth wikipedia page to say "earth is the largest planet in the world" in the opening paragraph.
it stayed like that for seven months. you make a valid point.

I love the internet!!

OgtheDim
11-28-2013, 09:26 AM
The leaks are just as liable to be coming from

a) Defoe's management or family or hangers on

b) people within Spurs with their own agenda

Canary10
11-28-2013, 09:34 AM
The leaks are just as liable to be coming from

a) Defoe's management or family or hangers on

b) people within Spurs with their own agenda

We do know that Defoe's mom being in town was leaked on TFC's end. We even know she had dinner at Real Sports.

Section 117
11-28-2013, 12:24 PM
Barring some big upset, injury or severe dip in form, Defoe WILL be going to Brazil.
Hodgson has said that the squad that played the last 2 qualifying games will remain unchanged and Defoe was a part of that squad,.

Thats why I think this link has legs. He'll be the biggest name in the city and a top 3 name in MLS.
Where as he woudl fade into the noise of the prem / championship.

Cant wait for him to pot his first goal.

Honestly, he is the fifth choice striker, who does not get a game unless it is a Europa league game how can not that not hurt his chances?? Secondly is England that bad that they name a a player who doesn't play week in and week out. This would be normal for the CNMT not England. Again barring any injuries to the players I noted above I can't even see him getting on the pitch even if he is selected.

The link to TFC is true the money being mentioned is correct as I heard the samething prior to this coming out so, IMO I don't Defoe will be in Brazil unless he is on vacation

Phil
11-28-2013, 12:27 PM
The leaks are just as liable to be coming from

a) Defoe's management or family or hangers on

b) people within Spurs with their own agenda

Bingo. My money is on Agent leaks to get the deal done and shake Spurs into letting him go.

mastermixer
11-28-2013, 12:37 PM
Defoe's not in the starting lineup or sub lineup for Spurs match today... just saying.

Canary10
11-28-2013, 01:30 PM
Defoe's not in the starting lineup or sub lineup for Spurs match today... just saying.

Neither are about 10 starters. Most didn't make the trip. Obviously Spurs are focused on Man U this weekend.

Canary10
11-28-2013, 01:31 PM
Honestly, he is the fifth choice striker, who does not get a game unless it is a Europa league game how can not that not hurt his chances?? Secondly is England that bad that they name a a player who doesn't play week in and week out. This would be normal for the CNMT not England. Again barring any injuries to the players I noted above I can't even see him getting on the pitch even if he is selected.

The link to TFC is true the money being mentioned is correct as I heard the samething prior to this coming out so, IMO I don't Defoe will be in Brazil unless he is on vacation

I really like Rickie Lambert, but I really don't think he ends up going to Brazil. And if he does, England are nuts to not pair him with Grant Holt.

Ultra & Proud
11-28-2013, 01:37 PM
Defoe's not in the starting lineup or sub lineup for Spurs match today... just saying.

They're resting him up to not use against Man United I see. Good.

Abou Sky
11-28-2013, 03:03 PM
We do know that Defoe's mom being in town was leaked on TFC's end. We even know she had dinner at Real Sports.

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/ff/ffff14ab4447722b6678ed1df7a1ee772468bcd07f25b3392e 167f091edef680.jpg

skypilot69
11-29-2013, 10:52 AM
Defoe is a very good player, better than any other forwards that have come through FC. That being said, I'd welcome him if he comes, but I believe that Lewieke said that he was going to bring in 2 top players and I hope that we can do better than Defoe (I am concerned that we don't have a quality forward who is also tall). We get pushed around by most teams.
SP69

Canary10
11-29-2013, 11:33 AM
Defoe is a very good player, better than any other forwards that have come through FC. That being said, I'd welcome him if he comes, but I believe that Lewieke said that he was going to bring in 2 top players and I hope that we can do better than Defoe (I am concerned that we don't have a quality forward who is also tall). We get pushed around by most teams.
SP69

He's strong and has a low centre of gravity. Aguero is short too, but no one talks about pushing him around. They are built similarly. I wouldn't worry about that.

Ultra & Proud
11-29-2013, 11:54 AM
He's strong and has a low centre of gravity. Aguero is short too, but no one talks about pushing him around. They are built similarly. I wouldn't worry about that.
Exactly. It's not like we're bringing in some softy from some fancy boy league. He has held up in the EPL for years so he can handle MLS.

Marc"2L"
11-29-2013, 12:13 PM
Exactly. It's not like we're bringing in some softy from some fancy boy league. He has held up in the EPL for years so he can handle MLS.

If they were smart, they would announce who's going to feed him the ball first.

Yohan
11-29-2013, 12:25 PM
If they were smart, they would announce who's going to feed him the ball first.
they can't. not until re-entry draft at the earliest. and more likely during Jan/Superdraft time when teams make more trades

FluSH
12-01-2013, 12:15 AM
We do know that Defoe's mom being in town was leaked on TFC's end. We even know she had dinner at Real Sports.

But .... Do we know what she ordered for dinner? :)

Pookie
12-01-2013, 09:20 AM
THE GAME PLAN

Step 1 - Pause season ticket renewal

Step 2 - Pull out this year will be different speech. NOTE: remove references to 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Step 3 - Shuffle management

Step 4 - Determine investments in infrastructure required to ID players at all levels, including first team. Analyze depth of scouting network and prospects and work to build a solid foundation that reflects an organizational vision for achieving sustainable excellence

Step 5 - Receive consensus from management team and arrive at an estimated progression timeline

Step 6 - If results in step 5 >1 year, ignore outcomes of steps 4 and 5

Step 7 - Roll the dice on a +30 year old player... with another +30 year old player as a compliment/insurance... to carry the team to glory.

Step 8 - Press conference time! Repeat Step 2

Step 9 - Issue season ticket renewals

Step 10 - Hope to hell neither receives a harsh tackle, loses footing on less than ideal playing surfaces or as most of us know when we hit the middle ages... they don't "sleep wrong" the night before

Step 10b - In the event of the inevitable injury, pull out the "How Good This Team Would Have Been If They Didn't Have Bad Luck" speech. NOTE: remove references to 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Chevy
12-01-2013, 12:47 PM
But .... Do we know what she ordered for dinner? :)

Rumour has it she had the Anselmi Burger - Looks and sounds good, but more filler than meat and leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.

Pendrith
12-01-2013, 09:14 PM
Another article on Defoe joining TFC. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/transfer-news-jermain-defoe-agrees-90000aweek-deal-with-mls-side-toronto-fc-paving-way-for-tottenham-exit--reports-8966617.html

Haddy
12-01-2013, 10:33 PM
Another article on Defoe joining TFC. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/transfer-news-jermain-defoe-agrees-90000aweek-deal-with-mls-side-toronto-fc-paving-way-for-tottenham-exit--reports-8966617.html

That's four days old. Published on the 27th.

Technorgasm
12-02-2013, 03:44 PM
Step 8 - Press conference time! Repeat Step 2


THIS.

Did anyone mention yet that TFC Jermaine was subbed on vs M.United this weekend?

The commentators on Talksport mentioned that he was "Strongly linked with a move to Toronto in Major League Soccer"

Sweeper
12-02-2013, 03:52 PM
Could somebody merge this thread or change the title until it actually happens or can be officially verified.

Fort York Redcoat
12-03-2013, 07:52 AM
Could somebody merge this thread or change the title until it actually happens or can be officially verified.

Done. I like it.

Sweeper
12-03-2013, 03:11 PM
Thanks.....every time I opened the page I would see the thread title and get excited thinking it was official.

Oldtimer
12-04-2013, 10:29 AM
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/12/03/aston-villa-look-to-hijack-spurs-star-jermain-defoe/

Villa looking to bid.

burlington Red
12-04-2013, 10:48 AM
Coming into Jan transfer window, I'd say there will be a few more PL teams who are having problems scoring goals being connected with Defoe. So far we have had West Ham, QPR in Championship and now Villa as rumoured to be looking at him. We really can't be sure of the credibility of these links until Jan comes and clubs start making offers.
The Villa one is interesting because Spurs have been linked via Britsh press with making a bid for Bentke in Jan window. They could do swap plus cash deal I guess, but unless Bentke does leave Villa it is hard to see Defoe going there, because much like at Spurs he would be playing as back up to the main striker. Bentke hasn't scored in something like 6 games, I am sure if he goes on a goalscoring run in next few games then this rumour probably dies. He hasn't been playing that great since coming back from injury. Will be interesting next 6-8 weeks as rumours on many players heats up

Canary10
12-04-2013, 10:52 AM
Coming into Jan transfer window, I'd say there will be a few more PL teams who are having problems scoring goals being connected with Defoe. So far we have had West Ham, QPR in Championship and now Villa as rumoured to be looking at him. We really can't be sure of the credibility of these links until Jan comes and clubs start making offers.
The Villa one is interesting because Spurs have been linked via Britsh press with making a bid for Bentke in Jan window. They could do swap plus cash deal I guess, but unless Bentke does leave Villa it is hard to see Defoe going there, because much like at Spurs he would be playing as back up to the main striker. Bentke hasn't scored in something like 6 games, I am sure if he goes on a goalscoring run in next few games then this rumour probably dies. He hasn't been playing that great since coming back from injury. Will be interesting next 6-8 weeks as rumours on many players heats up

Like Tottenham? Ha ha.

flamehawk
12-04-2013, 04:01 PM
Ugh, Defoe starting today. :/ I don't know waht that means.

Ultra & Proud
12-04-2013, 04:04 PM
Ugh, Defoe starting today. :/ I don't know waht that means.

Squad rotation against a very, very poor Fulham. I'd save up my main forwards too.

notthesun
12-04-2013, 05:04 PM
He didn't score, probably a good thing for us.

Super
12-04-2013, 05:51 PM
Bendtner also started for Arsenal. Scored, sure, but that doesn't mean he'll be a regular starter. Defoe won't be either.

69Chevy396
12-07-2013, 02:32 PM
Bendtner also started for Arsenal. Scored, sure, but that doesn't mean he'll be a regular starter. Defoe won't be either.
Defoe played 90 min today. Many chances, looked good, but what is the point of breaking the bank for a player who rarely scores? Altidore for Sunderland looked just as good, and the transfer window will have numerous such players to consider. For a team lacking in talent in all positions I think it would be foolish to sign Defoe, a striker who needs good service to make an impact.

Marc"2L"
12-07-2013, 02:47 PM
Defoe played 90 min today. Many chances, looked good, but what is the point of breaking the bank for a player who rarely scores? Altidore for Sunderland looked just as good, and the transfer window will have numerous such players to consider. For a team lacking in talent in all positions I think it would be foolish to sign Defoe, a striker who needs good service to make an impact.

The only time I really noticed him (aside from the missed chances) was a few moments where I thought he looked lazy, hand on hips type stuff, with the ball in the attacking half. I didn't think it was a great game for him

reggie
12-07-2013, 02:53 PM
what game were you watching,looked fine to me...could of had 3 goals today with a little luck,glad he didn't score or the price may go up more.

Marc"2L"
12-07-2013, 03:02 PM
It was more a comment about his mental stuff, the chances were fine.
They mentioned it during the game, he snatched a chance and they said it wasn't like him to rush.
He's probably got a lot on his mind....

Thomas
12-07-2013, 04:59 PM
I wouldn't judge him from one game. I also think that a number of close calls in the Prem league will translate into goals in MLS.

brad
12-07-2013, 07:03 PM
He'll tear this league apart.

Pookie
12-08-2013, 09:57 AM
He'll tear this league apart.

^ or his aging ACL

cmonyoureds
12-09-2013, 11:36 AM
Dailymail has a headline about him being told "Forget about Canada and concentrate on playing for a world cup place."
They're a trashy paper, but still an interesting headline.

(is that the sound of the renewal team crying that I hear?)

brad
12-09-2013, 01:13 PM
Daily Mail is a rag, I'd pay zero attention to it.

OgtheDim
12-09-2013, 02:36 PM
Dailymail has a headline about him being told "Forget about Canada and concentrate on playing for a world cup place."
They're a trashy paper, but still an interesting headline.

(is that the sound of the renewal team crying that I hear?)

More like the sound of the UKIP supporting Daily Mail.

They think anything north of the Home Counties and south of Kent is evil.

123 elite
12-09-2013, 09:19 PM
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/toronto-set-sights-on-swoop-for-georgios-samaras-1-3226669

TFC07
12-10-2013, 12:50 AM
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/toronto-set-sights-on-swoop-for-georgios-samaras-1-3226669
Cheaper signing than Defoe. I guess this means Defoe isn't coming to Toronto?

Shakes McQueen
12-10-2013, 12:55 AM
Cheaper signing than Defoe. I guess this means Defoe isn't coming to Toronto?

That article mentions that Defoe is still their "clear target", in addition to this.

- Scott

Dreadlocks
12-10-2013, 09:48 AM
Latest on Defoe:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/transfer-news-jermain-defoe-exit-will-be-blocked-unless-tottenham-can-sign-new-striker-with-javier-hernandez-among-targets-8995811.html

OgtheDim
12-10-2013, 09:50 AM
Otherwise known as......Hernandez' agent talking.

Canary10
12-10-2013, 10:04 AM
I honestly can't see Defoe coming here. It would be career suicide for him prior to the World Cup. He's getting starts with Spurs right now and will continue to get some. If not enough for his liking, there are a lot of places he could play in the Premier League and cement his England place. If he comes here, it'll be purely based on money, definitely not for his career.

Also, AVB and Levy aren't even on speaking terms with each other at the moment. I don't see much chance of Levy going out and buying him another striker after they spent over 100 million to get him the team he said he needed. I see Levy telling him, I got you the team, now get it together. There are too many things conspiring against this move. After the World Cup I could maybe see it. But it makes no sense for him right now.

Stress
12-10-2013, 10:14 AM
I honestly can't see Defoe coming here. It would be career suicide for him prior to the World Cup. He's getting starts with Spurs right now and will continue to get some. If not enough for his liking, there are a lot of places he could play in the Premier League and cement his England place. If he comes here, it'll be purely based on money, definitely not for his career.

Also, AVB and Levy aren't even on speaking terms with each other at the moment. I don't see much chance of Levy going out and buying him another striker after they spent over 100 million to get him the team he said he needed. I see Levy telling him, I got you the team, now get it together. There are too many things conspiring against this move. After the World Cup I could maybe see it. But it makes no sense for him right now.

From what I read, it sounds like Levy has been the one making the buying/selling decisions, and AVB hasn't been entirely happy with what he's been given. If that's true, I think Levy has no problem selling Defoe to us and making another striker signing in January.

Canary10
12-10-2013, 10:20 AM
From what I read, it sounds like Levy has been the one making the buying/selling decisions, and AVB hasn't been entirely happy with what he's been given. If that's true, I think Levy has no problem selling Defoe to us and making another striker signing in January.

Lamela? That's Baldini and AVB. Soldado? Same. I could go on. The only one Levy was directly involved in was Bale, which was obviously happening despite what everyone wanted. I see little chance now that Levy will authorize over-paying for a striker after paying 57 million for Lamela and Soldado. Defoe is really the only other one there atm.

ensco
12-10-2013, 10:49 AM
I honestly can't see Defoe coming here. It would be career suicide for him prior to the World Cup. He's getting starts with Spurs right now and will continue to get some. If not enough for his liking, there are a lot of places he could play in the Premier League and cement his England place. If he comes here, it'll be purely based on money, definitely not for his career.

Also, AVB and Levy aren't even on speaking terms with each other at the moment. I don't see much chance of Levy going out and buying him another striker after they spent over 100 million to get him the team he said he needed. I see Levy telling him, I got you the team, now get it together. There are too many things conspiring against this move. After the World Cup I could maybe see it. But it makes no sense for him right now.

Plus he costs $40-50M. This is 5x what Thierry Henry cost NYRB.

Plus he won't sell tickets after 5-10 games.

Plus he's not really a draw on the road.

I find this story to be the most absurd publicly reported player acquisition story in TFC's history. Which is saying something given the Forlan thing.

I can only speculate about the motives of the people involved.

mowe
12-10-2013, 12:23 PM
Plus he costs $40-50M. This is 5x what Thierry Henry cost NYRB.

What figures are you using for Henry's salary? Dude has made 4-5 million every year.

In any case, Henry wanted to live in NY. We are TFC, we have to overpay to get international stars to come here. And I honestly couldn't care less if MLSE has to spend a few million extra.

But you can't seriously think there's no substance to this signing? There's been too many reports on both sides of the Atlantic. It's way past the point of a publicity stunt.

ensco
12-10-2013, 12:55 PM
What figures are you using for Henry's salary? Dude has made 4-5 million every year.

In any case, Henry wanted to live in NY. We are TFC, we have to overpay to get international stars to come here. And I honestly couldn't care less if MLSE has to spend a few million extra.

But you can't seriously think there's no substance to this signing? There's been too many reports on both sides of the Atlantic. It's way past the point of a publicity stunt.

Henry came for 2 years at $5M per year in 2010. Total cost $10M. Re-upped for less in 2012. Total NY risk has never been more than $10M.

I agree that NY and LA get a discount, that is a valid point.

I agree that the discussions are real. They have to be at this point.

I just don't find this likely, from either side's pov. I am more than a little suspicious that there may be "insincerity" on the part of both parties, who would both have their reasons for making a lot of noise about this.

Beach_Red
12-10-2013, 12:57 PM
Henry came for 2 years at $5M per year in 2010. Total cost $10M. Re-upped for less in 2012. Total NY risk has never been more than $10M.

I agree that NY and LA get a discount, that is a valid point.

I agree that the discussions are real. They have to be at this point.

I just don't find this likely, from either side's pov. I am more than a little suspicious that there may be "insincerity" on the part of both parties, who would both have their reasons for making a lot of noise about this.

TFC in its usual role of bargaining chip? Someday, though, someone's actually going to have to sign with the team to make the 'negotiations' plausible.

ensco
12-10-2013, 12:58 PM
TFC in its usual role of bargaining chip? Someday, though, someone's actually going to have to sign with the team to make the 'negotiations' plausible.

Joao Pinto and Paul Dickov are both out of contract.

Phil
12-10-2013, 12:58 PM
I think some of the numbers are getting blown out of proportion a bit in the media. Usually its agents who leak that kind of stuff and they want to drive them up for their cut.

mowe
12-10-2013, 01:24 PM
Henry came for 2 years at $5M per year in 2010. Total cost $10M. Re-upped for less in 2012. Total NY risk has never been more than $10M.

You're thinking of Beckham, he took a pay cut in 2012 to re-sign for two years. Henry signed a 4.5 year contract (http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323582904578485123015255886)in 2010, and his guaranteed compensation was over 5 million the first 3 years. For a 32 year-old there was some risk for NYRB, but it's Thierry Henry so of course you do whatever you can to sign him.

cmonyoureds
12-10-2013, 01:27 PM
TFC in its usual role of bargaining chip? Someday, though, someone's actually going to have to sign with the team to make the 'negotiations' plausible.


I wonder if MLS will increasingly become a bargaining chip. Especially with that "all scouts to find European talent for MLS" ultimatum/announcement bit.

Section 117
12-10-2013, 01:32 PM
Plus he costs $40-50M. This is 5x what Thierry Henry cost NYRB.

Plus he won't sell tickets after 5-10 games.

Plus he's not really a draw on the road.

I find this story to be the most absurd publicly reported player acquisition story in TFC's history. Which is saying something given the Forlan thing.

I can only speculate about the motives of the people involved.


Barcelona gave the MLS Henry and Marquez for free no transfer fee was required. If the players wanted to move any other team Barcelona wanted a transfer fee. If I remeber correctly Barcelona did this as there were rumors they wanted a piece of the potential Miami team...

Section 117
12-10-2013, 01:39 PM
I honestly can't see Defoe coming here. It would be career suicide for him prior to the World Cup. He's getting starts with Spurs right now and will continue to get some. If not enough for his liking, there are a lot of places he could play in the Premier League and cement his England place. If he comes here, it'll be purely based on money, definitely not for his career.


He is 31 years old and a fringe player for the national team who is a best 5th choice striker. No team in England let alone Europe will give him 90,000 pounds a week on a 4 year deal. We as fans have to remeber that they are not normal employees they have a very limited window to make enough money to live comfortably for the balance of their lives, with a lifestyle they are accustom to. IMO, he is stupid not to take the deal as he will not make anything close to that for the balance of career in England. Plus he will end up going to Brazil for like two-three weeks max not even get a game and be back home right after the group stage.

ensco
12-10-2013, 01:42 PM
You're thinking of Beckham, he took a pay cut in 2012 to re-sign for two years. Henry signed a 4.5 year contract (http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887323582904578485123015255886)in 2010, and his guaranteed compensation was over 5 million the first 3 years. For a 32 year-old there was some risk for NYRB, but it's Thierry Henry so of course you do whatever you can to sign him.

I was sure their was an NY team option at the end of 2012, but I can't find it. I know the salary is dropping.

This says total dollars is around $15M, maybe a bit more.
http://karllusbec.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/thierry-henry-at-nyrb-a-big-bonus-for-the-mls/

mowe
12-10-2013, 01:59 PM
I was sure their was an NY team option at the end of 2012, but I can't find it. I know the salary is dropping.

This says total dollars is around $15M, maybe a bit more.
http://karllusbec.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/thierry-henry-at-nyrb-a-big-bonus-for-the-mls/

You can go back and check the players union figures each year. He had a guaranteed compensation of $5.6M from 2010-12, and $4.3M this year. Assuming he got paid half in 2010 because he signed midway and will get $4M next year, that's a $22M commitment for NYRB. Still way less than the rumoured Defoe numbers, but that's only because Barcelona let Henry go without a transfer fee.

ensco
12-10-2013, 02:11 PM
You can go back and check the players union figures each year. He had a guaranteed compensation of $5.6M from 2010-12, and $4.3M this year. Assuming he got paid half in 2010 because he signed midway and will get $4M next year, that's a $22M commitment for NYRB. Still way less than the rumoured Defoe numbers, but that's only because Barcelona let Henry go without a transfer fee.

OK. I surrender. I am a sucker for the facts!

Canary10
12-10-2013, 02:25 PM
He is 31 years old and a fringe player for the national team who is a best 5th choice striker. No team in England let alone Europe will give him 90,000 pounds a week on a 4 year deal. We as fans have to remeber that they are not normal employees they have a very limited window to make enough money to live comfortably for the balance of their lives, with a lifestyle they are accustom to. IMO, he is stupid not to take the deal as he will not make anything close to that for the balance of career in England. Plus he will end up going to Brazil for like two-three weeks max not even get a game and be back home right after the group stage.

Of course no one else will give him that money. That's why I said if he comes it's only for money, not for having a chance to play for England. And he still has a pretty good shot at that.

Shakes McQueen
12-10-2013, 11:08 PM
TFC in its usual role of bargaining chip? Someday, though, someone's actually going to have to sign with the team to make the 'negotiations' plausible.

Gilberto was sitting in Larry Tanenbaum's courtside Raptors seats tonight, wearing a TFC scarf.

Not quite a press conference and a picture with him holding a TFC shirt, but about as close as you can get. If you believe Cathal Kelly's latest article on TFC, the TFC FO are already apparently preparing their "player relocation" people as though the Defoe thing is a done deal too. Hodgson has said all of the right things to make it sound like he will give this move his blessing, too.

There's no doubt we will be wildly overpaying for Defoe, but if you're TL, this could be seen as a big short-term investment, to try and ensure a bright future (or any future at all) for one of their sports franchises, that could very well be worth exponentially more to them 10-20-30 years from now.

If they manage to pull off Gilberto, Defoe, AND bringing someone like DeRo back (Baz only confirms he spoke to his agent) - holy cow. Even if DeRo isn't the player he once was, just the act of bringing him back would be a powerful signal to fans that a new management era is upon us, and they don't want to make the same odious mistakes.

- Scott

Canary10
12-11-2013, 09:44 AM
Interesting article on Defoe. I'm still skeptical AVB gets any more money in January to replace him, and this move will not happen unless they do.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jermain-defoe-not-priority-tottenham-2915255

69Chevy396
12-11-2013, 06:08 PM
Gilberto was sitting in Larry Tanenbaum's courtside Raptors seats tonight, wearing a TFC scarf.

Not quite a press conference and a picture with him holding a TFC shirt, but about as close as you can get. If you believe Cathal Kelly's latest article on TFC, the TFC FO are already apparently preparing their "player relocation" people as though the Defoe thing is a done deal too. Hodgson has said all of the right things to make it sound like he will give this move his blessing, too.

There's no doubt we will be wildly overpaying for Defoe, but if you're TL, this could be seen as a big short-term investment, to try and ensure a bright future (or any future at all) for one of their sports franchises, that could very well be worth exponentially more to them 10-20-30 years from now.

If they manage to pull off Gilberto, Defoe, AND bringing someone like DeRo back (Baz only confirms he spoke to his agent) - holy cow. Even if DeRo isn't the player he once was, just the act of bringing him back would be a powerful signal to fans that a new management era is upon us, and they don't want to make the same odious mistakes.

- Scott
I predict Dero, Gilberto and Defoe sign and Dero outperforms and outplays the other two.

Thomas
12-11-2013, 07:55 PM
You hope so, and I hope not.

flamehawk
12-12-2013, 05:04 PM
Hmm.. Defoe wasn't in the squad/bench for today's Europa League match. I wonder if that means something.

moralis
12-12-2013, 05:38 PM
Also, Soldado scored three goals. Hope he starts against Liverpool on Sunday.

burlington Red
12-12-2013, 09:17 PM
Interesting article on Defoe. I'm still skeptical AVB gets any more money in January to replace him, and this move will not happen unless they do.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jermain-defoe-not-priority-tottenham-2915255


a lot of talk of Lamela at Spurs being let out on loan in Jan to Spain. That would be another attack minded player going. Spurs must have something up their sleeves whether it be a buy or perhaps even taking someone on loan. Levy is smart enough to know that Spurs must get CL football after their financial outlay pre-season. Definetly interesting to watch, next month will be intriguing

Canary10
12-13-2013, 09:47 AM
a lot of talk of Lamela at Spurs being let out on loan in Jan to Spain. That would be another attack minded player going. Spurs must have something up their sleeves whether it be a buy or perhaps even taking someone on loan. Levy is smart enough to know that Spurs must get CL football after their financial outlay pre-season. Definetly interesting to watch, next month will be intriguing

The one good thing for us is the MLS season starting in March. They could have a deal for Defoe to come in for the start of the season, or even a few weeks in, possibly giving Spurs more chance to wait until the summer transfer window to replace him. I read that Pato is signing with PSG btw.

burlington Red
12-13-2013, 10:00 AM
The one good thing for us is the MLS season starting in March. They could have a deal for Defoe to come in for the start of the season, or even a few weeks in, possibly giving Spurs more chance to wait until the summer transfer window to replace him. I read that Pato is signing with PSG btw.


Pato to PSG, wonder where Cavani will end up

Milanista
12-13-2013, 11:08 AM
Pato ain't going to PSG come on now...Have you guys seen him play lately? I remember his first game with milan, i was in shock at how good this kid was...Milan paid big money for him and he had all the tools to become the best striker in the world...Than 3 yrs later something happened, he came back from summer and was huge. He gained so much muscle mass and that was the start of his decline. HE kept getting muscular injuries and never was healthy and he couldn't take guys one on one anymore. Now in brazil the media are calling him the biggest expensive flop for a brazilian club purchase in years. Watch the penalty shot he took vs dida a few weeks back, unreal. They say he is more into partying, women and doing other stuff than giving a shit about soccer.

trane
12-13-2013, 04:39 PM
^ He has flopped, but I do not blame him for trying to put on some mass, he need to be stronger on the ball. But yes injuries killed him, that and Barbara.

Technorgasm
12-14-2013, 10:11 AM
Toronto FC to land Tottenham striker Jermain DefoeEnglishman could be highest-paid MLS player ever
Until now, he was little more than an "if" around MLS circles -- a world-class attacker Toronto FC supporters and media talked about with both cautious optimism and uncertainty.


Still distrustful from the Diego Forlan fiasco this past season, TFC supporters have been patiently standing by, waiting for MLSE head honcho Tim Leiweke -- The Ultimate Entertainer, as past employees refer to him -- to produce his final act. On Friday, Leiweke and the Reds provided fans with an appetizer. Gilberto Oliveira Souza Junior, a 24-year-old Brazilian striker, was unveiled at the Air Canada Centre as Toronto's newest Designated Player, spurring little more than a golf clap.

"I am very excited to join Toronto FC and MLS," Gilberto said. "There is a lot of opportunity here, both with this side and the league and I am excited to help grow Major League Soccer with my fellow Brazilians back home. This is a great city with a great quality of life and I look forward to winning titles here."


But he's poised to complement a much bigger name, someone Leiweke claimed this off-season will be one of the biggest signings in league history.
The Toronto Sun has learned Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe will join Toronto FC next season in what's sure to be the biggest off-season move MLS-wide -- both financially and tactically.


The Reds are believed to be dropping as much as $10 million on a transfer fee to secure the services of a player they'll pay upward of $150,000 per week, numbers that will make Defoe the highest-paid player in MLS history. It's unclear whether the 31-year-old will join the Reds before next summer's World Cup, but TFC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko told the Sun last weekend he's working to have both DPs settled in Toronto before next season.

By the end of next week, expect TFC's roster to be -- on paper -- a lock to make the post-season, a prediction Leiweke made two months before the Reds embarked on what will eventually turn out to be the most transformational few weeks in club history. Combine the additions of Jackson, Gilberto and Defoe with a number of likely veteran signings next week and we might be witnessing the start of an unprecedented turnaround by league standards.


"We promised our fans back in September that this club would make bold moves this off-season and that they should evaluate our progress in January," Bezbatchenko said today in downtown Toronto. "We will continue to work toward delivering on that promise over the next month."
After Defoe is introduced in January, the Reds will sport a championship-caliber striking trio in Gilberto and Bright Dike, who will go from being the club's first-choice No. 9 to a solid choice off the bench. Keeping in mind Matias Laba has fully recovered from a toe injury, the addition of Jackson this past week will pay off in a midfield that already includes Alvaro Rey, who's expected to produce more in his second season with the club.

At the back, expect the Reds to add to a base that already includes the club's top player from a year ago, Steven Caldwell, another piece in the club's quest to check all of its boxes before next season.


"Hopefully, everything is teed up and ready to go so that when dates come along you can start checking the boxes," Bezbatchenko said of the club's swift off-season transformation. "The boxes are being checked." With the addition of Gilberto and Defoe, the DP box is officially completely filled in.

Super
12-14-2013, 10:17 AM
Defoe is not a lock yet, and it's still very possible that Spurs will decide to keep him come January 1st. But we have Gilberto AT LEAST, and that's a pretty damn good signing to have up front. Gilberto and Dike will be a very decent strike partnership for us. Add to that a few other pieces (in my opinion DeRo should be one of them) and we'll be in good shape to kick off the season. Then we can potentially add Gilardino after the World Cup. At least we won't start the season with a poor line-up.

We're well on our way to building something here, lads!

Milanista
12-14-2013, 11:31 AM
with the amount of money rumoured to be set for defoe, you would think we could get someone even better….i haven't seen much of him, i just hope he isn't some overrated englishman…sign players for their quality not the nationality.
hows his finishing?

TorontoGooner
12-14-2013, 11:35 AM
with the amount of money rumoured to be set for defoe, you would think we could get someone even better….i haven't seen much of him, i just hope he isn't some overrated englishman…sign players for their quality not the nationality.
hows his finishing?

Finishing is his game. He is a very good player, and he will tear this league apart. I'm an Arsenal fan and I'm still delighted that this move could go through. He alos like to run a players, and give him a few yards on the edge of the box, and he'll bury it nearly every time. Significantly better than any player we've ever signed

Haddy
12-14-2013, 11:35 AM
with the amount of money rumoured to be set for defoe, you would think we could get someone even better….i haven't seen much of him, i just hope he isn't some overrated englishman…sign players for their quality not the nationality.
hows his finishing?

Forget about the personal terms. It's all about the transfer fee to get him released.

10 mil approx. in Canadian dollars is what....6-7 mil quid? What else do you think you can get for that low fee these days?

TorontoGooner
12-14-2013, 11:42 AM
Forget about the personal terms. It's all about the transfer fee to get him released.

10 mil approx. in Canadian dollars is what....6-7 mil quid? What else do you think you can get for that low fee these days?

Thats a very good point mate, have to say that sort of money doesn't get you a lot unless you find an absolute diamond in the rough

mcolvy
12-14-2013, 01:54 PM
I think this stuff is all done and has been for a bit now. I think that all that speculation that it isn't done and that Defoe is in the team again and what not is just a move to protect Spurs from overpricing and other teams taking advantage negotiation wise. Deal gets sealed and then doubts get leaked, he gets handed a start and all of a sudden Spurs have more power in negotiations.
Its pretty typical business.

Milanista
12-14-2013, 03:23 PM
there are many trasnfers that go for under 10 million…he will cost a premium bc he is considered a "top" player..i don't mind the signing as long as he's legit, this league needs finishers who can take advantage of the few chances to score we will actually get per game. It just seems defoe and gilberto might be similar players from what i read

Yohan
12-14-2013, 04:02 PM
there are many trasnfers that go for under 10 million…he will cost a premium bc he is considered a "top" player..i don't mind the signing as long as he's legit, this league needs finishers who can take advantage of the few chances to score we will actually get per game. It just seems defoe and gilberto might be similar players from what i read

now I may be putting too much faith into Nelsen and Bez, but everything we've seen so far had trades and signings have deliberate purpose to every move. they supposedly have a plan, identified plans that will fit under whatever system Nelsen wants to play, and going after them. so, they must have a plan for Gilberto to partner with Defoe or Gilardino or whoever, and to make it work. 5-7 mil Euros is pretty consistent with what a decent European striker would net in Euro market... (and I bet TFC will be dipping into the new transfer fund MLS has made league wide available, maybe incl Gilberto deal)

big if mind you... I have so little faith with previous managers that they have to work hard to merely disappoint me with their tactics/system :p

tfcocd
12-15-2013, 12:51 AM
If this creates competition for the featured role it could be a positive. With the midfield of Rey, Laba, Joso and Jackson? there should be a much improved conversion rate on the builds ups where Braun and wiedeman and others let chances go begging and the expectation is Gilberto, Defoe/gilardino, dike will add the finishing touch.

notthesun
12-15-2013, 12:22 PM
AVB uses all 3 of his subs, leaving Defoe on the bench as Spurs are down 2-0 to Liverpool in the 60th minute.

No way is Defoe staying.

TFC/Everton
12-15-2013, 12:34 PM
AVB uses all 3 of his subs, leaving Defoe on the bench as Spurs are down 2-0 to Liverpool in the 60th minute.

No way is Defoe staying.

Not making the 18 mid week and staying on the bench today is a clear sign that he's not part of AVB's plans.

I really hope he comes. Would be a major boost to our club and the league as a whole.

SoccMan2
12-15-2013, 12:43 PM
Still many moves to come an attacking mid a must, and after all the hoopla with TL and the signing of two DP strikers if they don't sign a Defoe or Gilardino or a player similar to any of these two it will be a major fail after all the hype. This team also needs two more decent players in the back if they do all this then it will be up to Nelson and his staff to point them in the right direction.

ag futbol
12-15-2013, 12:47 PM
Well if this is realistically "done", I doubt Spurs are interested in having him on the field to pick up an injury.

Defoe looks like a very good MLS player at this point but his national team career surely is dying. England must have several players better form to take to the WC? I would assume ?!?

JohnnyEnglish
12-15-2013, 12:58 PM
Well if this is realistically "done", I doubt Spurs are interested in having him on the field to pick up an injury.

Defoe looks like a very good MLS player at this point but his national team career surely is dying. England must have several players better form to take to the WC? I would assume ?!?

Defoe is probably about 6th in the pecking order, regardless of him staying in the premiership it's very unlikely he would make the squad.

Milanista
12-15-2013, 01:00 PM
well lets name the strikers england has ahead of him…
walbeck, ronnie, sturridge, who else? i don't follow epl too much

jasper
12-15-2013, 01:04 PM
AVB uses all 3 of his subs, leaving Defoe on the bench as Spurs are down 2-0 to Liverpool in the 60th minute.

No way is Defoe staying.
and apparently left for the dressing room immediately

JohnnyEnglish
12-15-2013, 01:12 PM
Rooney, Wellbeck, Sturridge, Wallcott, Lambert. Carroll probably gets ahead of him depending on form too, then you have the likes of Zaha and Rodriguez that hodgson has called up recently.

It depends on the system you want to play. Defoe is most effective in a flat formation with 2 strikers. I personally would put him in the squad, he's exactly the type of player you want coming into a game if you need to change things up.

Milanista
12-15-2013, 02:02 PM
Forget Defoe, lets poach Lamela off them lol…all jokes aside I can't believe he doesn't play for Tottenham…this guy was so good last yr for Roma, but it just might be his style better suited for la liga and serie a

Ultra & Proud
12-15-2013, 11:24 PM
Rooney, Wellbeck, Sturridge, Wallcott, Lambert. Carroll probably gets ahead of him depending on form too, then you have the likes of Zaha and Rodriguez that hodgson has called up recently.

Well the first 4 listed are all ahead of him in the pecking order for sure and Lambert possibly depending on opponent and situation. I really think he has almost no hope for the WC. All depends on how many forwards Hodgson feels like carrying and if I am picking a 5th or 6th forward to ride the pine then I'd probably take a youngster like Zaha or Rodriguez for the experience going forward. And with Spurs in an ugly tailspin I am not sure wallowing on their bench would help his chances. No matter what happens with AVB, there are no guarantees that any new manager would offer Defoe any more minutes than what he gets now. Plus the pressure at WHL is going to build into madness if this keeps up much longer.

Greatest Ripoff
12-16-2013, 05:50 AM
Well the first 4 listed are all ahead of him in the pecking order for sure and Lambert possibly depending on opponent and situation. I really think he has almost no hope for the WC. All depends on how many forwards Hodgson feels like carrying and if I am picking a 5th or 6th forward to ride the pine then I'd probably take a youngster like Zaha or Rodriguez for the experience going forward. And with Spurs in an ugly tailspin I am not sure wallowing on their bench would help his chances. No matter what happens with AVB, there are no guarantees that any new manager would offer Defoe any more minutes than what he gets now. Plus the pressure at WHL is going to build into madness if this keeps up much longer.


Here in England there has been much more noise about Hooper or Campbell for England than there has been for Defoe. Both are also scoring in premiership unlike Defoe.

OgtheDim
12-16-2013, 07:10 AM
FWIW, AVB fired.

ensco
12-16-2013, 07:48 AM
FWIW, AVB fired.

It's not trivial. The new guy is not compelled to stick with Soldado.

Milanista
12-16-2013, 09:56 AM
Villa-Boas has to go down as one of the shittiest managers in the EPL...this guy was a joke from the get go, ppl thought he was the next Mourinho just bc he was portuguese haaaa

flatpicker
12-16-2013, 10:09 AM
Villa-Boas has to go down as one of the shittiest managers in the EPL...this guy was a joke from the get go, ppl thought he was the next Mourinho just bc he was portuguese haaaa

Considering how bad he is, I found this line from bbc site interesting:

He won 53.7% of his league games in charge, which is the highest of any Spurs manager since the Premier League era began in 1992.

Canary10
12-16-2013, 10:20 AM
^ Last year was Spurs' highest point total ever in the EPL.

Suds
12-16-2013, 10:44 AM
It's not trivial. The new guy is not compelled to stick with Soldado.

Was Soldado not Baldini's pick more-so that AVB's? Whoever comes in may have to make that signing work and there is speculation Baldini could be caretaker in the short term.

I get your point though, with AVB out and someone new coming in it can change the entire decision process at Spurs.

cmonyoureds
12-16-2013, 10:45 AM
Winningest manager in Spuds history get fired. His last interview he says something very interesting about whether the current players and all the purchases were his choice. "I cannot make that public".

I'd say unless the Defoe deal is already signed, it ain't gonna happen now. Not till the new guy is hired and makes the decisions. I could see Defoe staying if they can find a place to offload Adebayour.

Even Defoe himself might be thinking "new manager, new chance at playing, new kick at world cup"

Canary10
12-16-2013, 10:49 AM
Was Soldado not Baldini's pick more-so that AVB's? Whoever comes in may have to make that signing work and there is speculation Baldini could be caretaker in the short term.

I get your point though, with AVB out and someone new coming in it can change the entire decision process at Spurs.

AVB was hinting most of the signings were Baldini, including Soldado and Lamela who have been the most expensive and the biggest busts.

The rumour is that Spurs have picked their new manager but won't be announcing it until January. Stefan Freund is caretaking until the new manager is announced. I would think this leaves the Defoe deal up in the air.

Phil
12-16-2013, 10:54 AM
Well, the one factor that may make all this moot is if Defoe requests the move and wants out. That may be the case here.

Suds
12-16-2013, 11:01 AM
Winningest manager in Spuds history get fired. His last interview he says something very interesting about whether the current players and all the purchases were his choice. "I cannot make that public".

I'd say unless the Defoe deal is already signed, it ain't gonna happen now. Not till the new guy is hired and makes the decisions. I could see Defoe staying if they can find a place to offload Adebayour.

Even Defoe himself might be thinking "new manager, new chance at playing, new kick at world cup"

Unless Spurs agree to pay the bulk of Adebayour's salary I don't see many clubs lining up to take on that contract. Agree with your point on Defoe. He may see this as an opportunity to get back in the main squad now that AVB is out. Happens all the time when there is a change in management.

In the end I think it will come down to where Defoe's head is at. If he wants out I think the deal is done.

Chevy
12-16-2013, 11:17 AM
Unless Spurs agree to pay the bulk of Adebayour's salary I don't see many clubs lining up to take on that contract. Agree with your point on Defoe. He may see this as an opportunity to get back in the main squad now that AVB is out. Happens all the time when there is a change in management.

In the end I think it will come down to where Defoe's head is at. If he wants out I think the deal is done.

I also agree with this. Even if the new manager hints at providing him an opportunity (and there's never a guarantee it will last long, or even happen at all), if he's mentally checked out of his current job and looking forward to new things it's nearly impossible to check back in.

jabbronies
12-16-2013, 11:21 AM
I also agree with this. Even if the new manager hints at providing him an opportunity (and there's never a guarantee it will last long, or even happen at all), if he's mentally checked out of his current job and looking forward to new things it's nearly impossible to check back in.

Depends on where Defoe's priorities are.

If it's with a World Cup spot, then anything that'll give him a better chance at this is where he will go.
If it's at the club level, you may be right.

TFC/Everton
12-16-2013, 11:22 AM
If the deal is done, as it has been reported to be, the chairman/board of directors would have signed off on it. AVB's firing won't change a decision made by the board.

Also, the chairman/directors knew AVB was on the chopping block for months now, meanwhile they were still shopping Defoe.

I remain confident that Defoe is coming. Most of the Toronto media, Davidson, Larson and Wileman are reporting the deal is basically done...

However, this is TFC, we have the ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Perhaps this is history repeating itself yet again.

Canary10
12-16-2013, 11:24 AM
If the deal is done, as it has been reported to be, the chairman/board of directors would have signed off on it. AVB's firing won't change a decision made by the board.

Also, the chairman/directors knew AVB was on the chopping block for months now, meanwhile they were still shopping Defoe.

I remain confident that Defoe is coming. Most of the Toronto media, Davidson, Larson and Wileman are reporting the deal is basically done...

However, this is TFC, we have the ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Perhaps this is history repeating itself yet again.

If there's one thing I know about Daniel Levy it's that a deal is never done until it's done.

reggie
12-16-2013, 11:25 AM
I would love to have Defoe here,but I wont lose sleep if he doesn't,i think we can get a good player with 15 20 mil.

Milanista
12-16-2013, 11:32 AM
IMO that had wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more to do with Bale than the manager...Bale gone=tottenham playing like shit


^ Last year was Spurs' highest point total ever in the EPL.

Canary10
12-16-2013, 11:37 AM
IMO that had wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more to do with Bale than the manager...Bale gone=tottenham playing like shit

Oh yeah. No doubt. The cracks have been showing in AVB for a while but Bale papered it over.

Still it's funny that the guy with the highest point total ever for the team and the highest win percentage is fired.

Ageroo
12-16-2013, 11:38 AM
Depends on where Defoe's priorities are.

If it's with a World Cup spot, then anything that'll give him a better chance at this is where he will go.
If it's at the club level, you may be right.

WC cup glory is nice.......but it is clubs that pay your bills.....If it was me I would be looking to make a move to get playing time and a big payday.

tfcleeds
12-16-2013, 11:55 AM
After the Forlan fiasco, I'm not believing a thing until I see Defoe donning a TFC jersey, regardless of how many reporters think the deal is "done".

tfcleeds
12-16-2013, 11:56 AM
Oh yeah. No doubt. The cracks have been showing in AVB for a while but Bale papered it over.Still it's funny that the guy with the highest point total ever for the team and the highest win percentage is fired.Also kinda highlights the quality of managers Spurs have had the last odd 20 years.

Abou Sky
12-16-2013, 12:04 PM
WC cup glory is nice.......but it is clubs that pay your bills.....If it was me I would be looking to make a move to get playing time and a big payday.

I'm with you, the guy has plenty of caps and realistically, he knows that England has a snowballs chance in hell of winning the WC

There is a point in your life when you start being a pragmatist and my guess is that he is there.

Ageroo
12-16-2013, 12:06 PM
he isn't getting any younger and this is probably the biggest payday he'll get at this point....and a chance to be a superstar in this league. Of course the superstar in this league waits to be seen.

Milanista
12-16-2013, 12:36 PM
Oh yeah. No doubt. The cracks have been showing in AVB for a while but Bale papered it over.

Still it's funny that the guy with the highest point total ever for the team and the highest win percentage is fired.

remember what happen to dimatteo

Canary10
12-16-2013, 12:47 PM
remember what happen to dimatteo

I never said funny unique. :)

Super
12-16-2013, 12:57 PM
WC cup glory is nice.......but it is clubs that pay your bills.....If it was me I would be looking to make a move to get playing time and a big payday.

I agree with you in a way, but Defoe is already a very wealthy man, and if he wants to leave a lasting legacy it will have to be through bringing glory to England.

Ultra & Proud
12-16-2013, 01:11 PM
if he wants to leave a lasting legacy it will have to be through bringing glory to England.
Well that's never gonna happen though.

jabbronies
12-16-2013, 01:35 PM
I agree with you in a way, but Defoe is already a very wealthy man, and if he wants to leave a lasting legacy it will have to be through bringing glory to England.

Won't happen. England team isn't in a position to do much at this World Cup IMO.

His best chance at leaving a lasting legacy will be to do something big in MLS.
Otherwise, he'll be just another star player who came and went.

Super
12-16-2013, 01:42 PM
Won't happen. England team isn't in a position to do much at this World Cup IMO.

His best chance at leaving a lasting legacy will be to do something big in MLS.
Otherwise, he'll be just another star player who came and went.

Sure, it isn't likely that they'll win. However, I'm Danish, and I remember fondly how Denmark shocked UEFA by winning the 1992 Euros. Should prove that anyone can win the darn thing.

jabbronies
12-16-2013, 01:57 PM
Sure, it isn't likely that they'll win. However, I'm Danish, and I remember fondly how Denmark shocked UEFA by winning the 1992 Euros. Should prove that anyone can win the darn thing.

Paul Scholes retired from International play 9 years before he ended his club career. This guy was a difference maker type of player and could've made a huge impact on the ENT during what were his later prime years. Family and his club were his driving factors in life and decided International duty was in the way. (something he later regretted mind you).

This really isn't about wether England have a chance to do something big and Defoe wanting to be a factor in that success.
The question is how strong is Defoe's taste for International spotlight and potential for glory that may come with it.

tfcleeds
12-16-2013, 02:00 PM
Sure, it isn't likely that they'll win. However, I'm Danish, and I remember fondly how Denmark shocked UEFA by winning the 1992 Euros. Should prove that anyone can win the darn thing.Sure, but Euros have more of a history of unfancied teams winning it (eg. Denmark, Greece). WC is almost always won by one of the big guns. Sure England COULD win it, but highly unlikely.

brad
12-16-2013, 02:28 PM
Paul Scholes retired from International play 9 years before he ended his club career. This guy was a difference maker type of player and could've made a huge impact on the ENT during what were his later prime years. Family and his club were his driving factors in life and decided International duty was in the way. (something he later regretted mind you).

Combined with frustration the fact that the idiotic England managers kept insisting on playing one of the most (if not the most) gifted English player of his generation out of position . Scholes was ahead of his time for England.


This really isn't about wether England have a chance to do something big and Defoe wanting to be a factor in that success.
The question is how strong is Defoe's taste for International spotlight and potential for glory that may come with it.

You also can't overstate how much it means to a lot of these players to represent their country in the WC.

Pendrith
12-16-2013, 02:38 PM
Whether Dofoe comes or not is not the point. The point is that MSLE and TFC have a huge budget to bring in a DP. Wheter its Dofoe or somebody else, MLSE has given TFC a financial advantage over most other MLS teams to bring in high profile players. The DP's may or may not work out but its not from lack of financial resources the MLSE has given TFC and they should be recommended for that.

Milanista
12-16-2013, 02:52 PM
Sure, but Euros have more of a history of unfancied teams winning it (eg. Denmark, Greece). WC is almost always won by one of the big guns. Sure England COULD win it, but highly unlikely.

I agree i think 5 teams have a LEGIT chance to with the world cup in no particular order
brazil, italy, spain, germany, argentina (even though their defense is brutal)

Canary10
12-16-2013, 02:53 PM
Whether Dofoe comes or not is not the point. The point is that MSLE and TFC have a huge budget to bring in a DP. Wheter its Dofoe or somebody else, MLSE has given TFC a financial advantage over most other MLS teams to bring in high profile players. The DP's may or may not work out but its not from lack of financial resources the MLSE has given TFC and they should be recommended for that.

Well that's certainly a new spelling.

burlington Red
12-16-2013, 03:01 PM
I agree i think 5 teams have a LEGIT chance to with the world cup in no particular order
brazil, italy, spain, germany, argentina (even though their defense is brutal)

South American team will win it

tfcleeds
12-16-2013, 03:04 PM
If a European team wins it, it would be the first time that happened when the WC was held in the Americas. Anyways, not to get too far off track. I would still think Defoe harbours some England ambitions. If Spurs provides the better avenue to realizing those, he may well not end up coming here until after. Will just have to see.

Abou Sky
12-16-2013, 03:20 PM
Can they just freaking announce it so I can get back to proper work!?!?

OgtheDim
12-16-2013, 07:07 PM
Duhfough

Dafoe

Dofoe

Dafoo


Could do this for hours but I'm working.

habstfc
12-16-2013, 07:49 PM
It's a done deal from what I've heard from many sources. I don't think a change of manager is going to matter. The guy's 31 yrs old, doesn't really have anything to prove in the epl and with england having ZERO chance of winning, and perhaps not getting out of the group stage, 3 million dollars more per year to play here sealed it I believe.

Canary10
12-17-2013, 11:29 AM
Looks like Mirko Vucinic is joining Tottenham on loan in January. Know what that means?

Haddy
12-17-2013, 11:35 AM
Looks like Mirko Vucinic is joining Tottenham on loan in January. Know what that means?

Spurs finally have four strikers? They need 4-5.

:P

Canary10
12-17-2013, 11:41 AM
Spurs finally have four strikers? They need 4-5.

:P

Well, it's only a rumour...let's not go crazy.

cmonyoureds
12-17-2013, 11:52 AM
In today's news, allegations that part of AVB's demise was refusing to play Adebayour even when Baldini/Levy instructed him to do so. News like that seems pro TFC Defoe.

Shakes McQueen
12-17-2013, 07:46 PM
Daily Mirror has a story saying Drake called Defoe personally, to sell him on Toronto. Apparently Defoe is a huge fan, as are a lot of footballers (?). Also saying the deal is for 90,000 pounds a week, unlimited flights for his family, and two houses (??).

UK outlets are all talking about it like it's a done deal, and just won't be announced until January (as that's when the window officially opens). Everything Tottenham is doing privately and publicly, also indicating he isn't in their plans.

Good to see Tim L is putting his "ambassador" to work.

- Scott

Kaz
12-17-2013, 08:00 PM
Was that the article beside Obama hates black people and over the Article on the rise of the Fourth Reich lead by hitlers clone? I really don't trust most British papers.

brad
12-17-2013, 09:53 PM
The Mirror is a rag.

Shakes McQueen
12-18-2013, 01:02 AM
The Mirror is a rag.

So is the Toronto Sun, but it doesn't really speak to the quality or veracity of sports reporting within.

- Scott

brad
12-18-2013, 10:50 AM
So is the Toronto Sun, but it doesn't really speak to the quality or veracity of sports reporting within.

- Scott

The sports reporting in the Mirror isn't something to place any stock in.

tfcleeds
12-18-2013, 10:58 AM
The sports reporting in the Mirror isn't something to place any stock in.Agreed. It's pretty much a reflection of the reporting in the rest of the paper.

Canary10
12-18-2013, 10:59 AM
The Mirror runs anything. That's actually part of what makes it entertaining to me.

Technorgasm
12-18-2013, 12:09 PM
#defoeTTLA

Sweeper
12-18-2013, 12:17 PM
I can't believe Defoe is worth 7.9 mil lbs in Fantasy Premier League

Sweeper
12-18-2013, 12:20 PM
Zero goals, zero assists this year in BPL play, though not a ton of minutes.

ManUtd4ever
12-18-2013, 12:32 PM
Zero goals, zero assists this year in BPL play, though not a ton of minutes.

Defoe had 17 goals in 2011-2012, and 15 goals in 2012-2013 as a regular starter. He has been the victim of politics this year, and has not been given a chance in league play, but he has still scored 9 goals in 18 total appearances including cup play and the Europa League so far in 2013.

Defoe is still a world class striker at this stage of his career.

Greatest Ripoff
12-18-2013, 12:39 PM
He has been the victim of politics this year, and has not been given a chance in league play.

I was at one of his few (only?) league starts this year and thought he was really poor. I am about to catch a bus to WHL, so we'll see if he plays any better tonight. But regardless of him form in England, I still think he can do a job in the MLS.

Sweeper
12-18-2013, 12:43 PM
Defoe had 17 goals in 2011-2012, and 15 goals in 2012-2013 as a regular starter. He has been the victim of politics this year, and has not been given a chance in league play, but he has still scored 9 goals in 18 total appearances including cup play and the Europa League so far in 2013.

Defoe is still a world class striker at this stage of his career.


Just stating the facts. I think this situation is a perfect opportunity for MLS to acquire him and I think he will do well in MLS. World Class right now, that's debatable. I think if that was the case there would be more interest in the BPL.

burlington Red
12-18-2013, 12:49 PM
I was at one of his few (only?) league starts this year and thought he was really poor. I am about to catch a bus to WHL, so we'll see if he plays any better tonight. But regardless of him form in England, I still think he can do a job in the MLS.


You could say that about quite a few Spurs "stars" this season.

Canary10
12-18-2013, 12:56 PM
I was at one of his few (only?) league starts this year and thought he was really poor. I am about to catch a bus to WHL, so we'll see if he plays any better tonight. But regardless of him form in England, I still think he can do a job in the MLS.

I think he's always been a better player having another striker to work off of. Don't think he ever took that well to AVB's lone striker system.

Also, one game I watched he had something like 9 touches on the ball in 60 minutes, while Spurs enjoyed 60% possession. Spurs are having serious problems getting those balls through to their striker (whether him or Soldado).

burlington Red
12-18-2013, 01:08 PM
Just stating the facts. I think this situation is a perfect opportunity for MLS to acquire him and I think he will do well in MLS. World Class right now, that's debatable. I think if that was the case there would be more interest in the BPL.


there has been reported interest from other clubs, Villa, West Ham and Fulham were 3 that had been connected to him, as were QPR in Championship. There seems to be an assumption now though that this deal is done ie TFC, and has been for a while, so that might have put off any other suitors

Canary10
12-18-2013, 02:01 PM
Defoe and Adebayor start up front today for Spurs. Finally dropped the lone striker.

burlington Red
12-18-2013, 04:14 PM
Defoe sets up Adebayor for 1st spurs goal.

nfitz
12-18-2013, 05:35 PM
It's a done deal from what I've heard from many sources.I'll believe it when I see it. Watch ... instead we'll end up with another South American that no one has heard of ...

... or perhaps someone misheard Defoe instead of DeRo.

mowe
12-22-2013, 02:28 PM
Caretaker manager for Spurs started Adebayor and Soldado in a 4-4-2. Adebayor scored 2 goals, Defoe subbed on for Soldado in the 85th minute.

cmonyoureds
12-23-2013, 12:45 PM
Caretaker manager for Spurs started Adebayor and Soldado in a 4-4-2. Adebayor scored 2 goals, Defoe subbed on for Soldado in the 85th minute.


He favours a 4-4-2. I'm leaning towards him wanting to keep Defoe.
If he was one of these 4-5-1ers or a "false number 9er" I'd thing it'd be more likely Defoe was on his way.

Either way, Defoe watch is certainly something to keep TFC on the radar over winter.

pdubs
12-26-2013, 10:44 AM
defoe not even on the bench today, and they are starting soldado and adebayor up-top. maybe nothing maybe something? aha

moralis
12-26-2013, 05:29 PM
Seems Jermain Defoe did not play today because he was suffering from a hamstring strain:

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-1-west-brom-1-match-report-emmanuel-adebayor-off-day-has-spurs-in-a-muddle-9025994.html

Spurs play Stoke on Sunday, so we'll see if he plays then

moralis
12-29-2013, 01:06 PM
Defoe in the press box as he misses another game due to a hamstring injury:

http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/funny-picture-sandro-townsend-defoe-watched-spurs-stoke-from-the-press-box/

Spurs win 3-0 over Stoke

Ivy
12-29-2013, 01:08 PM
Funny how so many players get injured before the transfer window.

mowe
12-29-2013, 02:02 PM
I was thinking, does how much Defoe is playing really mean anything? If we do buy him in January, we're going to loan him back to Tottenham for two months anyway. I doubt whether the new manager rates Defoe is a factor in the sale.

Also, assuming a deal has been agreed to already, how soon after the window opens will they announce it? He would need to fly here for a physical, and Tottenham have a game on January 1st. Would he skip that or just wait another day? I need to know!

Greatest Ripoff
12-29-2013, 03:40 PM
Not the best source for info but the son of the West Ham chairman posted this tonight.





Jack Sullivan ‏@jsullivanwhu 33s
You may not know Defoe has all ready signed for Toronto and will go in march as that when their season starts!

OgtheDim
12-29-2013, 05:10 PM
There would be no announcement on the 1st for 3 good reasons.


Spurs have a game and that would just upset things unnecesarily.

MLSE will all be in Michigan.

No media will be around that day.

I suspect an announcement on Tuesday January 7. Big and flashy.

ensco
12-29-2013, 05:29 PM
There would be no announcement on the 1st for 3 good reasons.


Spurs have a game and that would just upset things unnecesarily.

MLSE will all be in Michigan.

No media will be around that day.

I suspect an announcement on Tuesday January 7. Big and flashy.

I am sure the physical can be done in England. Likely it has already happened, would be part of why he is in the press box.

They have "extended" the lapsed SSH renewal window to Sunday January 5, so I wonder if Thursday the 2nd or Friday the 3rd isn't the day.

I hope am wrong and Leiweke is right about this. Feels like a massive mistake to me.

OgtheDim
12-29-2013, 06:11 PM
Interesting but I think maximised PR would be next week, not this week. And, I would hope TL is more concerned about getting new SSH then renewing ones.

moralis
12-29-2013, 06:18 PM
Interesting comments at the end by Tim Sherwood about Defoe's future at Tottenham:

http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/9093528/sherwood%27s-first-home-win