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Tottenham Hotspur's Whitewebb Park training ground plans approved

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Tottenham Hotspur has been given the go-ahead to build a new training ground despite campaigners arguing it would destroy a park.

The football club plans to fence off a section of Whitewebbs Park in Enfield, north London, and build a new women's academy, with 11 pitches and a new clubhouse.

There were 296 objections sent to Enfield Council, with many comments about the loss of green space and the impact on wildlife in the area. Objectors to the plans included The Woodland Trust.

Enfield Council decided to grant a 25-year lease to the football club, and said the development would include "improving the surrounding parkland landscape".

Concerns about the scheme had included the blocking of views, limiting access to public spaces and not preserving ancient parkland and wildlife.

Campaign group Friends of Whitewebbs Park said the character of the park - which was bought for the benefit of the people of Enfield by Middlesex Council in 1931 - would be permanently altered, and it "would be irreversible".

The group's chairperson, Sean Wilkinson, described the "supposed benefits" to the community as "minimal".

Enfield Council's Labour leader, Ergin Erbil, said the project would "bring exciting opportunities to Enfield, including job opportunities, apprenticeships, and enhanced sports facilities".

"We look forward to the next steps, to ensure the project achieves long-term benefits for everyone in Enfield," he said.

A spokesperson for Tottenham Hotspur said the club was "delighted" by the approval.

The Premier League club promised the development would "improve local access to nature and habitats, provide new facilities for visitors, community groups, and sports clubs, and put Enfield on the map as a champion of the women's and girls' game with a best-in-class academy".

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King told he is 'bigger than Beyoncé' at Tottenham meet and greet

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King Charles has visited the home of Tottenham Hotspur to highlight the Premier League club's work supporting local businesses.

The King met guests including Gina Moffatt, 48, an ex-offender who turned her life around with help from the King's Trust - formerly the Prince's Trust - and now runs a restaurant in Tottenham, north London.

Ms Moffatt informed the head of state he was "bigger than Beyoncé", referring to the US superstar's upcoming performances at the stadium.

King Charles also took the opportunity to have a go at throwing an American football - receiving mixed feedback.

The football club is collaborating with America's National Football League (NFL) - which stages games at the arena - in supporting local businesses and good causes.

During the visit the King met students from the London Academy of Excellence Tottenham, a state-funded high achieving sixth form on the stadium campus.

On the pitch he was handed a ball by the longest-serving British NFL player Efe Obada, who praised the "energy" of the King's throw but added that his "technique wasn't immaculate".

"I wanted him to get a little closer to the target so he could get it in but he was having a great time and got a good reception," he said.

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FA Cup: Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacts to Aston Villa defeat

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Watch a "disappointed" Ange Postecoglou reflect on his Tottenham side being knocked out of a second cup competition within a week following a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa.

WATCH MORE: Aston Villa reach FA Cup fifth round with win against Spurs

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Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur: FA Cup stats & head-to-head

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Aston Villa have progressed from just one of their last six FA Cup ties against Tottenham Hotspur, winning 1-0 at White Hart Lane in a third round replay after a goalless draw at Villa Park in 1992.Â

Tottenham Hotspur have won nine of their last 10 away games against Aston Villa in all competitions (L1), with their last two wins coming by the same 4-0 scoreline (April 2022 and March 2024).

Aston Villa are looking to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2014-15, when they eventually reached the final before losing 4-0 to Arsenal.

Tottenham have progressed from four of their last five FA Cup fourth round ties, though did lose 1-0 against Manchester City at this stage of the competition last season.

In the Premier League era (since 1992-93), Son Heung-min has been involved in more FA Cup goals than any other Tottenham player (26 – 14 goals, 12 assists). In that time, only Harry Kane and Jermain Defoe (15 each) have scored more in the competition for Spurs than their current captain.

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Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur: Ange Postecoglou relishes 'big occasion' for Carabao Cup semi-final

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Liverpool and Tottenham go head to head on Thursday in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg - with both managers aiming for a first final in English football.

Spurs - who last won a trophy 17 years ago with a League Cup triumph - edged the first leg 1-0 at home four weeks ago through Lucas Bergvall's late strike.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is under pressure, with his injury-hit club in the bottom half of the Premier League.

Holders Liverpool, on the other hand, are flying under manager Arne Slot, sitting six points clear at the top of the table and cruising through to the Champions League last 16.

There will be full commentary of the game on BBC Radio 5 Live, with build-up starting from 19:00 GMT.

The winner of this tie face Newcastle or Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, 16 March.

Liverpool manager Slot says right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the game.

The England international was substituted after 70 minutes in the Premier League win at Bournemouth on Saturday with what appeared to be a thigh injury.

The Reds' next game is against Championship side Plymouth in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.

"We have to see whether he is able to play on Sunday, but what we do know is that he is not available for tomorrow," said Slot.

"He left the pitch with a bit of pain in his leg but he's already on the [training] pitch, not with the team but with the rehab coach, so let's see how long it is going to take."

Conor Bradley, who replaced Alexander-Arnold against Bournemouth, started the first leg at Tottenham on 8 January and looks set to do the same for the return tie.

Joe Gomez is also an option following his return from a hamstring injury.

Tottenham have two new loan signings available to make their potential debuts - Lens centre-back Kevin Danso and Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel.

"In terms of availability from last week, everyone is fine and got through OK - so no issues there," said boss Postecoglou.

"Kevin and Mathys are both available. They have trained and are cleared to play so they are all good."

Postecoglou added Danso will definitely play in the game - whether from the start or from the bench - due to the club's defensive problems.

Radu Dragusin's season is over with a knee injury, with Micky van de Ven still finding fitness after an injury and Cristian Romero having not played since December.

"With Micky and Romero to a certain extent, I feel we have to be a bit more conservative with them," added Postecoglou.

"Micky got through the [Europa League] game alright but I don't think he feels ready for that step up to the Premier League, the intensity of it. Same with Romero.

"I made the decision that I don't want to risk losing these guys."

Tottenham come into the game on the back of wins over Elfsborg and Brentford, having only won three of the previous 10 games.

And they are bidding to win their first trophy since the 2008 League Cup when they beat Chelsea 2-1. That is their only silverware since Daniel Levy took over the club in 2001.

"It is a big occasion for us, the club and the fans," said Postecoglou. "I don't think Liverpool will be any less anxious than us for the fixture of a semi-final, a second leg. It is tight and a big game for both clubs.

"You recognise that, embrace that, but ultimately if you want to be successful then these are the games you want to be involved in.

"There is no point in having trepidation about it because the alternative is you will be watching two other teams on the TV and you would be sitting on the couch wishing you were there. We are going to be there and we've got a chance and we will go for it."

Australian Postecoglou pointed out in September "I always win things in my second year" at a club.

He did so with South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F Marinos, the Australia national team and Celtic.

The only times he failed to win a trophy were with teams he did not stay for two years at - Panachaiki, Whittlesea Zebras and Melbourne Victory.

BBC Sport football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella said: "Back-to-back wins and clean sheets over Elfsborg and Brentford have eased the pressure generally on Ange Postecoglou.

"But Spurs remain 14th in the Premier League table and success in the cup competitions has helped keep a frustrated atmosphere among supporters from getting any worse.

"That fan anger is more directed at the ownership and chairman Daniel Levy than the manager - as they have won just one trophy in his 24 years.

"Chants of 'Levy out' have continued despite back-to-back wins and the only way to satisfy supporters is to finally win a trophy.

"That's why, although navigating a trip to Anfield is not easy for any club, there remains pressure on this match for all involved and in this project built around Postecoglou's attacking style of football."

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Tottenham news: Where should Djed Spence play in Spurs defence? - poll

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'Best midfield in the league' - Keown praises Liverpool trio. Video'Best midfield in the league' - Keown praises Liverpool trio

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Ronaldo at 40, Carabao Cup - Arsenal v Newcastle semi final second leg; Tottenham Hotspur news conference

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Recap: EFL Cup build-up & most complete player

That's all from us today.

You can recap on anything you've missed from clicking on the summary points.

We'll be back tonight to bring you live text coverage of Arsenal v Newcastle United in the EFL Cup semi-final.

Alternatively, BBC Radio 5 Live will also be across that fixture this evening with Ian Dennis and Chris Waddle bringing you commentary from St James' Park.

Otherwise, we will see you bright and early tomorrow morning to do it all again.

Have a good one!

What's to come?

Newcastle v Arsenal (agg: 2-0, 20:00 GMT)

Newcastle and Arsenal meet at St James' Park in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday with the Gunners looking to overturn a two-goal deficit, while the hosts are aiming to move one step closer to a first major trophy in 56 years.

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon both scored at Emirates Stadium on 8 January to ensure Eddie Howe's side have one foot in the final.

Arsenal, however, will be determined to keep their own trophy hopes alive and go into the game on the back of their most impressive result of the season - a 5-1 defeat of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

'I do not think Liverpool will be any less anxious than us'

Liverpool v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou on the trophy drought and the pressure to deliver tomorrow evening: "It's a big occasion for everyone. It's a semi-final. I don't think Liverpool will be any less anxious than us. It's a big game for both clubs. You recognise that, you embrace that, but ultimately if you want to be successful these are the games that you want to be involved with because the alternative is, you'll be at home on the couch watching two other teams on the TV wishing you were there."

'I am more than 100% sure that Tel wants to be here'

Liverpool v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was asked how he convinced Mathys Tel to join the club after it was reported he initially rejected the move: "I think people need to understand that you are talking about a 19-year-old who has to make a major decision for his career and it's not that he rejected us or rejected anyone else - I think he just wanted to be comfortable with his decision. I don't think he wanted to be pushed in a certain direction and it's credit to him.

"I had a conversation with him and it was purely around the football and I think he'll find a really good place for him here. Irrespective of age he will get an opportunity here. The way we play I think will suit him and what we are building beyond - I thought this would be the perfect fit for his next step. I think it's right that he took time in his decision."

On whether he is convinced Tel wants to be at the club: "I am more than 100% sure that he wants to be here. He was so diligent when he made the decision that it gave me even more confidence that we were getting the right kind of mentality and player. He is very ambitious. He has a great deal of self belief and confidence and it feels like he can reach the very top of the game."

Van de Ven and Romero remain out for EFL Cup semi-final

Liverpool v Tottenham (Thu, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou on team news: "In terms of availability, everyone is fine from last week so no issues there. Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel are both available, they have trained.

"With Micky [van de Ven] and [Cristian] Romero to a certain extent, I kind of feel we have to be a bit more conservative with them. Micky got through the game [vs Elfsborg] alright but I don't think he feels ready for Premier League intensity and that's the same with Cristian. We are going to keep them ticking over in training and make sure they are absolutely ready with no set-backs."

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Tottenham transfer news: Teenager Mason Melia to join from St Pat's in 'record' deal

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Teenager Mason Melia has agreed to join Tottenham Hotspur for what St Patrick's Athletic have announced is a "record transfer fee for a League of Ireland player".

The 17-year-old made his senior debut in May 2023 and became the youngest scorer in league history aged 15.

The deal, which is reportedly worth an initial £1.6m,, external will see Melia move from St Pat's to the Premier League side in January 2026 on a five-year contract.

The County Wicklow native has made 54 appearances for St Pat's, scoring 10 times, and earned his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad in October 2024.

In 2023, he became the youngest player to play in an FAI Cup final when he helped his side defeat Bohemians to lift the trophy.

St Pat's manager Stephen Kenny praised Melia's ability as a goalscorer, with the former Republic of Ireland manager adding that he believed the striker will enjoy a fruitful international career.

"Mason is a terrific talent with an exceptional attitude and a real appetite for hard work," Kenny told the club's website.

"He has had a dramatic impact for one so young, his performances in our Conference League games playing as a central striker against high calibre opposition were of real quality.

"Mason has repeated those performances at international level for Ireland and has a bright future ahead for his country."

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Chelsea and Tottenham face difficult Uefa squad decisions

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Five of the six senior players let go in the transfer window by Chelsea were in the Conference League squad but only a maximum of three changes can be made for the knockout stage.

Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia were left out of the League Phase squad because of the sheer size of Chelsea's squad - along with Ben Chilwell - but can now be added.

But Chelsea have also signed young midfielder Mathis Amougou and recalled defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Aaron Anselmino from their loan spells.

It means at least three players will miss out on European football, and potentially glory in a competition for which Chelsea are strong favourites.

Spurs, meanwhile, signed goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, defender Kevin Danso and forward Mathys Tel.

But they may also want to add either Djed Spence or Sergio Reguilon to their Europa League squad after needing to play Archie Gray at left-back in several matches since Destiny Udogie's injury.

It means two of Ange Postecoglou's five players will be left out when picking his squad before Uefa's deadline at 23:00 GMT on Thursday.

Hopefully that cleared things up, rather than making you more confused.

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Postecoglou, Amorim and the art of a post-match interview

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Pete Allison & Manish Pandey

BBC Newsbeat

Most of us would admit we've said something in the heat of the moment and regretted it.

But what about putting your foot in it when millions of people around the world are watching?

That's the high-pressure scrutiny football managers face every week - and one that has thrown up more than a few viral moments down the years.

Think Kevin Keegan's "I'd love it" rant, Chris Wilder's sandwich snap or Jose Mourinho preferring "not to speak".

More recently we've seen Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou fume with a BBC reporter's opening question and Manchester United's Ruben Amorim call his side the "worst team" in history.

And this weekend Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens took the trend meta when he said he wouldn't "make excuses" for his side's 1-0 loss because he's "not Ange Postecoglou".

So what is the art behind nailing the post-match chat?

Put yourself in a manager's shoes.

"The adrenaline's absolutely pumping at this stage, but you're expected to give an interview," sports broadcaster and media trainer Bryn Law tells BBC Newsbeat.

"And that can be a challenge for people because you've got to control your emotions.

"But you've also got to come up with something that sounds credible - particularly difficult off the back of a defeat."

Bryn has worked in broadcasting for several years and coaches managers on dealing with the media.

He says Postecoglou and Amorim's outbursts are examples he plans to use in future courses.

"So what we talk about is creating a message in your mind that you're then going to deliver to the audience.

"The audience isn't the reporter, it's whoever is on the other side.

"That could be the fan base, the owners, your players and that could be potential future employers as well."

In the hands of a skilled operator the post-match interview can also be a chance to steer the narrative.

"Somebody like Jose Mourinho was an absolute master at doing that," says Bryn.

"Diverting attention away from what might have been a poor result and a bad performance."

Bryn feels that is what Amorim has tried to do, along with sending a message to his players.

"In a sense take the pressure off the players by saying: 'Yeah, not very good at the moment, but obviously we'll work to try and get things better'.

"Maybe rile the players. For them to say: 'Well, actually no, we're not the worst team ever.'"

The interviewer's perspective

From the point of view of the person asking the questions, BBC commentator and interviewer Robyn Cowen tells Newsbeat she "absolutely hates it".

She explains managers are contractually obliged to give those interviews within a certain time period.

If they don't, they get fined.

"So they're kind of pushed into this situation," says Robyn. "They might not have had time to calm down or to collect their thoughts."

Those factors are how you end up with comments like Postecoglou's, Robyn says.

She adds the Spurs boss is "a tough nut to crack".

"That's his right. But as a paid-up member of the commentators and reporters union I'm very much: 'Give us something'."

And while interviews might lead to confrontations, Robyn says it's "very important" to do them.

"Whether they win or lose they explain how it happened."

But Robyn does reflect after a tricky moment.

"You look at yourself and think could I have phrased things differently? And usually the answer is yes.

"It is really important how you phrase things because if it doesn't go quite as you would like, then you do get the occasional: Sorry, what did you just say?

"And when that happens your stomach drops and it's not a nice feeling."

Bryn adds there is another consideration for managers who have English as their second language, like Amorim.

He says managers are trying to translate the English into the home language and then craft a response under time pressure.

"And that can be an issue in terms of the way you phrase things with nuance.

"Humour can be difficult as well."

But sometimes with all the training and plans, managers will end up doing their own thing.

Like bringing up an assistant referee and their sandwich.

Bryn says the infamous moment Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder singled out the official over a post-match munch is always a risk when a manager is "a bit of a maverick".

"We've had him on one of our courses," says Bryn.

"But Chris is going to do his own thing and that was a clear example. Would I ever advise that? No, I wouldn't."

"Because the problem these days with coming out with something like that is that you become a kind of meme effectively."

But Bryn feels generally managers are doing a good job "at messaging".

"Far better than most modern politicians. Occasionally, they slip up.

"But most of the time I think they really hit the mark."

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