Robbie Keane

[yapster]

Although I've always been a fan of Robbie's and have always stuck up for him in the past, I would be hugely surprised if he ever played for Spurs again, and if so, would say he has no-one only himself to blame.

For as it was, he was always "batting on a sticky wicket" under Redknapp, since Crouch (signed 3 times by Harry) and Defoe (managed with 3 clubs by Harry) were always going to be the manager's first choice strike duo. Moreover, when RK came back from Anfield, it was in the context that the manager was desperate for players, and the Chairman was, as always, happy to make a tidy "turn" from Liverpool.

Which is not to say that RK would never have played under Harry, one of whose strengths is not to be too dogmatic when it comes to selection, personalities, formations and form. (Somebody said earlier that Harry had "frozen out" the likes of Bale, Bentley and Pavylichenko from the team earlier in the season; not so, in fact it was quite the opposite - although he wasn't picking them, it was only because he had better laternatives at the time, which the players accepted. Therefore when he recalled them, they weren't resentful, but gave it their best shot).

No, what did for RK was defying Harry's express instruction that there would be no Xmas Players Party, by covertly organising one in Dublin under the guise of a "Golfing Trip". Faced with potential rebellion in the ranks, Harry could have lashed out at all of them. Instead, he was cuter than that, by going for the chief mutineer. I distinctly remember when Harry first heard of it, he really gave RK what for and I said to myself, "That's the end of Robbie".

However, a couple of days later, Harry was much more conciliatory. Most people took that as a sign Harry was backing off, but I had little doubt that he went to his Chairman, demanding that RK be sold in the January window, only to be told that the club wanted back most/all of the fee they paid Liverpool. As it happens, there were no takers, so Harry was clever enough to offload him (and his wages) to Celtic, to buy himself time.

And in that period, he signed Eidur Gudjonnson on loan (v.similar type player to Robbie), and reinvigorated Pav, who would have been sold had there been a big enough offer.

Thereafter, having asserted his authority and restored the morale in his squad, Harry managed to get Spurs into the Champions League, which means that the Chairman will now loosen the purse strings to allow Harry to sign another couple of strikers and take the first half-decent offer for RK.

Of course, it is just possible that no such offer will come in for RK. In which case, he will have to come back to Spurs. But if he does so, it will be strictly on Harry's terms and quite honestly, the trust having been broken between them, I doubt whether it can ever be regained.

Sad, but as a Spurs fan, I believe no player is ever bigger than the club, therefore so be it.

P.S. For all those posters slagging off Jermain Defoe as being overrated etc, you are, of course, entitled to your opinion. I personally don't share it, but that's neither here nor there, since Harry clearly rates him and it's his opinion which counts - something Robbie Keane should have heeded...

P.P.S. Fabio Capello also seems happy enough to have JD in his squad (if not First XI), which must count for something.


Great post Ealing, Keane was stupid to organize that party behind Redknapps back. Harry is a shrewd operator and played his hand just right.

[endabob1]

It about opinions... Martin Jol sold Defoe to keep Robbie

Nothing is black and white in football, Defoe was ahead of Robbie for long periods under Jol but his contract was running down at the same time as RK had gotten himself back in favour, rather than run the risk of losing him for free Levy cashed him in with Bent essentially already there as his replacement.

I think the stats on Defoe are a bit harsh, saying he scores less against good teams than he does against poor teams is quite frankly stating the obvious. The question for me is does he score enough against everybody and this season the answer is yes, he's faded in the last third of the season, ironically if Keane had still been at Spurs I reckon he would have seen a good amount of playing time during the run in.

Have to agree with EG here, I'd be amazed if Robbie plays for Spurs again, as both a Spurs & Ireland fan it saddens me but c'est la vie. I hope he gets a good EPL club and scores plent of goals, Fulham would be a good move I think, excellent manager and some good experienced heads around him, based in London too, potentially no need to move. That said I have a sneaky feeling he'll end up at Newcastle...

[geysir]

And in that period, he signed Eidur Gudjonnson on loan (v.similar type player to Robbie), and reinvigorated Pav, who would have been sold had there been a big enough offer.

Thereafter, having asserted his authority and restored the morale in his squad, Harry managed to get Spurs into the Champions League, which means that the Chairman will now loosen the purse strings to allow Harry to sign another couple of strikers and take the first half-decent offer for RK.

Of course, it is just possible that no such offer will come in for RK. In which case, he will have to come back to Spurs. But if he does so, it will be strictly on Harry's terms and quite honestly, the trust having been broken between them, I doubt whether it can ever be regained.

Sad, but as a Spurs fan, I believe no player is ever bigger than the club, therefore so be it.

I'd agree with much of what you wrote in your whole post, except Gudjonsson is not a similar player player to Robbie. IMO he was signed as he is a player who can perform a different role and do it more effectively than Robbie could. A free role, some similarity to Berbatov in style. He is part playmaker, he drops deep, roams around the middle and gets involved up front, one who can hold up the ball, who can be brought on in the last 15 minutes and have effect regardless of what the team need to do. It took him a while to get match fit for Spurs. Although Robbie covers a lot of ground, his effective movement is in the last third.

[jbyrne]

which was worse, robbie organising the christmas party or king and bentley getting done for drink driving last year?
you'd swear that robbie had to drag the players over for the party and if keane was singled out for that reason then its ridiculous. if harry is as shrewd as people think he is then how did he not put two and two together when the players were going to dublin to "play golf" a few weeks before christmas?!
keanes form visibly dipped post wc play-off and pre christmas party. id say thats the reason harry let him out on loan and nothing else

[geysir]

Robbie's form did dip after Paris.
But you can't just discount the effect on the manager of the team captain (whose form had dipped) behaving in that way.
And Harry should be able to trust his captain.

[jbyrne]

Robbie's form did dip after Paris.
But you can't just discount the effect on the manager of the team captain (whose form had dipped) behaving in that way.
And Harry should be able to trust his captain.

double standards then as king was captain when he was up to no good

[endabob1]

Harry said no Christmas party
Keane went behind his back and organised it, clearly the other players were complicit but Keane was captain and acknowledged ring leader
Result was a breakdown in trust, end of relationship.

[jbyrne]

Harry said no Christmas party
Keane went behind his back and organised it, clearly the other players were complicit but Keane was captain and acknowledged ring leader
Result was a breakdown in trust, end of relationship.

if he was banging in the goals at the time it would have been brushed under the carpet

[geysir]

The point is that Robbie wasn't banging in the goals and Harry could impress a code of discipline at the same time. It's not double standards, it's killing two birds with the same stone.
And Tottenham did not suffer, they did not get the usual jitters at the end and held onto 4th spot

[Den Perry]

"

Which is not to say that RK would never have played under Harry, one of whose strengths is not to be too dogmatic when it comes to selection, personalities, formations and form. (Somebody said earlier that Harry had "frozen out" the likes of Bale, Bentley and Pavylichenko from the team earlier in the season; not so, in fact it was quite the opposite - although he wasn't picking them, it was only because he had better laternatives at the time, which the players accepted. Therefore when he recalled them, they weren't resentful, but gave it their best shot).

.

and Harry told you this, did he?

[Charlie Darwin]

The point is that Robbie wasn't banging in the goals and Harry could impress a code of discipline at the same time. It's not double standards, it's killing two birds with the same stone.
And Tottenham did not suffer, they did not get the usual jitters at the end and held onto 4th spot
They did struggle to score towards the end of the season. Luckily it coincided with Dawson's best form and King being fit for an extended period.

[SkStu]

Keane ready to regain his Spurs place. Go on Robbie!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/8701883.stm


Keane 'hungry' for Spurs success


Robbie Keane expects to resume his career at Tottenham having been on loan at Celtic since February.

The 29-year-old striker has been linked with a move from White Hart Lane.

But the Republic of Ireland captain has insisted he rediscovered his "hunger" for success while at Celtic Park.

He said: "Going to Celtic was maybe the best thing that ever happened to me."

"I am going back to Tottenham unless someone tells me different."

Keane, who has been linked with a possible move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa, added: "I have a three-year contract left and I am going back to train at Tottenham on July 5."

The Irishman has admitted that he lost confidence after returning to the north Londoners for a second spell in February 2009 after a disappointing six-month stint at Liverpool.

He failed to keep a regular spot in the Spurs starting line-up in the first half of the 2009-10 season and was loaned to Celtic this February for the remainder of the campaign.

"I did not have the hunger I had, and I certainly got that back at Celtic and got my life back on track and really enjoyed my football again," he revealed.

"It's up to me now to go back to Tottenham and get back into that team and stay in that team.

"Harry [Redknapp, Tottenham manager] knows what I am like and the type of personality I am. I just love playing football and he fully respects that."

Keane, who will lead his country in an end-of-season friendly against World Cup finalists Paraguay on Tuesday, added: "I love to play football and I am not one of those people like to sit on the bench and pick up the money and be happy with it."

He has also hailed Tottenham's "massive achievement" of breaking into the top four of the Premier League and so earning a shot at the Champions League.

Keane cost Tottenham £12m when he returned from Liverpool six months after the north Londoners sold him to the Anfield club for £19m in July 2008.

The striker, who joined Tottenham from Leeds for £7m in 2002, will face competition for a starting place from Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavlyuchenko next season.

[Charlie Darwin]

I'd love to see him play in the CL for Spurs but I think he'll have to content himself with being Defoe's understudy.

Just as I speak, there's a man named Giovani dos Santos tearing the England defence apart.

[Crosby87]

Great attitude from a great footballer and a great Irish Captain. He is not hanging his head or making excuses. He wants to get out there and earn his role. Defoe is not George Best and I think Robbie can regain his spot.

[yapster]

Keane will be a sub again next season that is if Redknapp doesn't offload him in the summer.

[elroy]

Reported in the mirror (reliable I know) that Redknapp has decided that RK and Jenas can leave.

[Charlie Darwin]

If we've learned anything from the past two transfer windows, it's that Robbie's managers always wind up doing the exact opposite of what they say they will. I think this means Defoe is going to Celtic on loan.

[geysir]

Not silly ramblings by Neil but maybe touched by fantasy.
Neil Lennon on a return to CP for Robbie
"It would be an incentive for him but he might have his own thoughts elsewhere. He never really gave any indication to me that he would be back," said Lennon.
"I would like to speak to him again, but whether the club can let that happen is another matter and whether he wants to come back I don't know. He would take a lot of convincing."
“He was wonderful. He made a massive contribution. Not only on the field. He’s got those leadership qualities that I’m looking for. He has that quality that we’ve been lacking this year and a half or so"
“If it’s achievable then why not? It’s not the type of signing I need. I need to strengthen in all areas. If I can get that one extra special signing then I’d be delighted. If I can’t then I won’t be too disappointed because I have to build a team.”

[EastTerracer]

Saw Robbie play for Spurs last night against the New York Red Bulls. He looked a little rusty but did score the equaliser in the second half before Spurs got a winner near the end. Le Cheat scored for New York in the first half on his debut. There were a few Irish shirts around and the Spurs fans gave Henry plenty of booing as well.

It was funny before the game as the two teams were shaking hands. As captain, Robbie gave Henry a very formal (but not necessarily friendly handshake) - Henry tried to put his arm around Robbie and smile but our captain kept walking and didn't really acknowledge him. On Sunday its New York against Manchester City so I'm not sure if Shay will do something similar (he's listed in the squad so hope he's not rushing back too soon from his operation).

Robbie did play at the weekend as well and lacked a bit of sharpness (to be fair to him all the players look rusty as they are only just back in training). He's clearly getting his opportunity to claim a place now before Defoe and Crouch are back from their holidays but it still looks more likely that a decent bid from Villa or Fulham would lead to a move. There were a few other Irish fans at the game (see below) but since I don't have their permission I have spared them their identities. They were right behind the goal where le Cheat and Robbie scored.

Updated: Setanta Ireland are showing the game at 8pm tonight and have the other games live tonight and on Sunday (Man City v Sporting Lisbon tonight and Spurs v Sporting Lisbon and NY Red Bulls v Man City on Sunday evening).

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_H4iJqY9xLrc/TEopG-DcIlI/AAAAAAAAAZI/aBGqPiQTUxA/s800/IMG_4391.JPG

[boovidge]

Keane's goal:

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/6342121/

[DannyInvincible]

Criminal goalkeeping/defending.

[tricky_colour]

Terrible, at least 3 players marking nobody, it was almost as if Keane was invisible, (which to be fair he often is :p ).

[Crosby87]

That game was unwatchable, it's exactly why MLS is horrible.
They are also in the middle of their season and the teams are playing friendlies against the likes of Tottenham? Pointless.

[SkStu]

not pointless at all. Win win situation for MLS and for Premier League clubs in terms of exposure to a potentially huge market.. and great for the fans of the MLS clubs.

[Colbert Report]

I watched Los Angeles vs. San Jose last night. What utter rubbish. MLS is a joke. Surely the LOI must be a higher standard?

[Charlie Darwin]

Not even close. The MLS is significantly better than the League of Ireland.

[irishfan86]

MLS is getting better. It's not brilliant but it is slowly improving, and unlike the League of Ireland it is producing genuine top players.

The only "top" player to come out of the League of Ireland lately has been Kevin Doyle.

Some might try and claim the likes of Fahey, but realistically to say he's made the same impact as the likes of Donovan, Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Tim Howard would not be accurate.

Now a lot of this comes down to the fact that the MLS is simply bigger and has more resources, but at the end of the day these two things cannot be discounted.

Add in the fact that very good players are going there to wrap up their careers, and it really pushes ahead of the LoI.

This is not an attack on the League of Ireland -- it's just that it's fashionable to bash MLS, and it really isn't fair. They're trying to build a competitive league and I think they're doing a good job of building it up gradually, with a slow introduction of top talent. And unlike the League of Ireland, they've developed an economic system that means every team is financially viable.

As for Robbie's goal, Greg Sutton is the ex Canadian No. 1 keeper and Toronto FC keeper....he is probably the worst keeper I've ever seen. Absolutely terrible. Furthermore, he is the backup for Red Bulls....much like a fair chunk of the teams in these friendlies are backups I'd imagine.

[Colbert Report]

The LOI must be total rubbish if the MLS is better than it. I mean, c'mon, the only team Ireland sent to the Champions League were trounced 4-0 by some Welsh team this week. They're not even League 2 quality!

[Charlie Darwin]

The MLS is in the middle of its season. They're no more likely to play their full team than Bohs were against Wolves.

[Colbert Report]

Yeah, but I watched LA Galaxy vs. San Jose last night and both clubs had their first teams playing. Terrible, terrible football. The right-back for the LA Galaxy misplaced a back pass and the ball ended up going for a throw almost at this own corner flag. He had received the ball on the midfield line and put it out right next to the corner flag to the LEFT of the goalkeeper. Shocking stuff.

[irishfan86]

What are you trying to prove Colbert? If you watch any game looking to deride the players, you will find a few shocking plays to focus on.

Here is the reality, the MLS, the League of Ireland and the Welsh League are all second or third tier leagues. If you go in looking for problems, you'll find some. Nobody is saying they are the best of the best.

The League of Ireland is terrible, compared with La Liga. This doesn't mean it's not worth having a league, but it means that we have to be realistic about what we expect from it.

As for having arrogance about the likes of Bohs versus TNS, it's the Irish champions versus the Welsh champions. Anybody who thought it should have been an absolute walk in the park is an embarrassment. The League of Ireland champs have no right to be arrogant against the likes of TNS. This isn't to say Bohs weren't better, or shouldn't have won on paper, but I was put off by people expecting to be in the next round.

[Crosby87]

not pointless at all. Win win situation for MLS and for Premier League clubs in terms of exposure to a potentially huge market.. and great for the fans of the MLS clubs.

No exposure what so ever. Quick article about Henry in the Daily News no one read. No mentions on sports radio. There are no casual soccer fans here. Maybe watching USA every 4 years in a bar. But it doesnt carry over. No one who didnt know who Tottenham was last week knows now. The game was half empty. If you called WFAN to talk about this game they would laugh at you and you would never get on the air.

[Acornvilla]

The LOI must be total rubbish if the MLS is better than it. I mean, c'mon, the only team Ireland sent to the Champions League were trounced 4-0 by some Welsh team this week. They're not even League 2 quality!

i hate ignorance

[Qwerty]

No exposure what so ever. Quick article about Henry in the Daily News no one read. No mentions on sports radio. There are no casual soccer fans here. Maybe watching USA every 4 years in a bar. But it doesnt carry over. No one who didnt know who Tottenham was last week knows now. The game was half empty. If you called WFAN to talk about this game they would laugh at you and you would never get on the air.

The only people who go to MLS games or watch them on TV are illegal immigrants. Still that's a market of about 11 M. There has been talk about moving the NE REVs to Somerville as there aren't enough illegals out in Foxboro, and there is no public transport from the city to the stadium.

[Charlie Darwin]

They have a decent support base among the general population too. The MLS is building gradually, even though they still have a propensity to go for a quick fix with a huge transfer like Beckham or Henry.

[EastTerracer]

No exposure what so ever. Quick article about Henry in the Daily News no one read. No mentions on sports radio. There are no casual soccer fans here. Maybe watching USA every 4 years in a bar. But it doesnt carry over. No one who didnt know who Tottenham was last week knows now. The game was half empty. If you called WFAN to talk about this game they would laugh at you and you would never get on the air.

There was 20,000 attendance in a stadium with a 25,000 capacity. That's a pretty good turnout for a friendly game. Man City v Lisbon was less than 10,000 last night but I'd expect a decent (15-20 thousand) crowd for the double-header tomorrow. The standard is probably top half League 1 in England with the occasional Championship standard performance. There are some very good players combined with a lot of very raw talent. Some of these lads are earning less than $ 25,000 a year to play professionally so you can't expect too much more.

Live football should not be about watching the "best footballers" but it's more about enjoying the competitive aspect. Since I've moved here I miss being able to go to see Rovers so I've gone to a few MLS games just to get a live football fix. No matter how poor the game is it's still far more enjoyable than watching a game on television.

[irishultra]

fool give the mls a chance would you and stop being such a gloryhunter and support your league. mls is good and getting better all the time with youth players like andy najar, omar gonzalez the future is good.

i hate people makin fun of americans and soccer, its especially ironic coming from this country

[irishultra]

not pointless at all. Win win situation for MLS and for Premier League clubs in terms of exposure to a potentially huge market.. and great for the fans of the MLS clubs.

it kinda is though because mls is in the middle of a season but i don't think americans think that way sure the all star game against man united is seen as a pretty big deal there. contrast that to here where the all star game(actually why wasnt the airtricity 11 referred to as all stars makes it much better nd glamorous) is seen as a pointless waste perhaps due to the team they r playing

[SkStu]

im not sure the point youre making that proves the friendlies in the USA are a waste of time or pointless at all though? By that token you can dismiss ALL friendlies in every code as pointless. Theyre games to attract potential new fans in a WC year and also to expose premier league teams to that market.

MLS is pretty poor overall though. Great attacking players but the standard of defending is pish. It is around the LOI level - slightly better or slightly worse on occasion. It is certainly run a hell of a lot better.

[Crosby87]

Ultra the MLS is horrible and boring. Im sorry, it is. I dont know anyone that watches it I dont know one person. I know people who watch Tennis, the Tour D France and get up at 7 am to go to a bar and watch the EPL but none of them watch MLS. I know people who watch Cricket.
If the league was good of course i would watch. My arguement is It is OK we dont have a great soccer league here. What is the big deal? I have no problem following the Euro Leagues. We have everything else. Its OK to be off the grid in one category.
Most people are happy to watch once every four years, as an excuse to get drunk and learn names like "Landon Donovan." I have no problem with that. I see bringing in broken down talent like Becks and Henry as being desperate. Its like watching a boxer at the end of his career who should hang it up, who gets enjoyment out of that? Let alone build a league around it? I mean they had Pele here for Crimineys sake in my lifetime and the league folded.

Stu all I meant was that no one cares here about exhibition games. Im sorry, it just will not create intrest. By here I mean the NY met area. Ryan Giggs coming here and playing is exciting for people who are fans of his, but will not create any new fans. Yes, maybe the ex pats of Britain get up for that, but no one else notices. It cant possibly help them sell one single ticket to any other game.
Even if it did, they would flip the Red Bulls on and see them playing some obscure opponent like the Seattle Sounders at 0-0 and be like, I cant watch this. The MLS is never going to be more than a blip on the radar here and I am fine with that. The USA is not huge into soccer. Whats the big deal? If a friendly against Tottenham helps the Red Bulls bottom line good for them. But make no mistake, no one cares. The guy who is wating for the Jets training camp to start isnt like wait, a team from a place in England I will never ever go is playing a game that doesnt matter against the red bulls? Yes!

[yapster]

The MLS is getting better but for the most part is unwatchable much like the LOI. Robbie Keane was playing because Harry wnts to get a good price for him but on that performance maybe the MLS will be a good option for him. Henry is a scumbag. Soccer will never take off in the US even the MLS is going strong for 14 years now.

[EastTerracer]

At the Spurs v Sporting Lisbon friendly in New York (it's on Setanta Ireland if anyone is interested). Robbie got another goal midway through the first half - a very neat finish.

It's roasting here and the ref just stopped the game for a water break (which I've never seen before). It's a double header today with New York Hand Balls playing Manchester City next. Stephen Ireland and Thierry Henry on the same pitch - they deserve each other.

[Sullivinho]

Stephen Ireland and Thierry Henry on the same pitch - they deserve each other.

A bit harsh on Thierry there ;)

Always good to see Robbie scoring. I think I'd still prefer him away from Spurs though. Have a feeling he'll be third choice (at most) no matter what he does.

[Charlie Darwin]

Is Pavlyuchenko injured or is he just completely out of favour? Unless I'm mistaken, he hasn't featured in either game so far while Keane has completed both.

[EastTerracer]

I'm not sure on Pavlyuchenko - he played some of the game last weekend (against San Jose) but didn't see any sign of him today. He's either picked up a knock or is off negotiating his next move. It does like Crouch and Defoe will be the preferred options for the start of the season.

I did jokingly shout at Robbie if he's be interested in playing for Rovers against Juventus on Thursday ....... he did laugh!

[irishfan86]

Keane's goal:

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/6369151/

As for Pavlyuchenko, I read something on BBC rumours that he was actually on his was to Sporting...haha.

[EastTerracer]

Robbie got a bit of praise from 'Arry Redknapp after the game according to this http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/tottenham/7909623/Harry-Redknapp-wants-to-keep-Robbie-Keane-at-Tottenham.html

It's still not convincing though - if the right offer comes in and Robbie thinks he'll get a regular start somewhere else I think he'd have to move.

[endabob1]

The official line on Pav is that he has a tight hamstring, the rumours of his imminent departure won't go away anytime soon, same for Keane. Spurs Should be looking for a top class centre forward, if they want to compete in the CL and look for top 4 again.

[Metrostars]

Like ET I went to the match last week at Red Bull Arena but I don't hate Henry as much. I'm sure Robbie Keane would have done the same thing.

In any case, MLS suffers from the same as LOI does. People like Crosby love to deride it since "no one watches" and the standard is not the same level as the Prem or La Liga. But I don't care. Like when I used to go to Terryland long ago, now I go to a few RB games a year with my son and we have a great time.

[Razors left peg]

Whether its the LOI or MLS watching your club live beats watching a match on tv. If u support a club you will get the excitement and disappointment that goes with that even if the players arent the best in the world.