Cartilage Free Captain

good morning!

Not many tennis players have ever fought the way Andy Murray has.

And just weeks after having surgery, he competed in possibly his farewell match at Wimbledon on Thursday with his brother Jamie.

Let’s briefly look at his career. He participated in an error of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal - the three greatest tennis players of all time. And he made the Big 3 a Big 4.

I think what makes his career so admirable is that, before all his successes, he faced some truly difficult moments. He was 0-5 in major finals before winning the 2012 US Open, including a heartbreaking defeat to Roger Federer that year.

And then, in 2013, he ended the 77-year wait for a British champion to win Wimbledon again. Three years later, he completed his ascent to the top of the tennis summit and became the No. 1 player in the world.

He had so many injuries and surgeries. I can’t remember them all. But man, did he fight.

Watching Federer was like watching an artist at work. To watch Nadal is akin to a gladiator. Djokovic is like a surgeon.

To watch Murray is to watch life unfold itself unfront of you. You see the struggles, the grit, the frustrations. And you also see the determination, the perserverance, the strength and will he used to pull through the toughest of matches.

One of the most incredible of them all came in 2008.

Down 2-0, Murray summoned a comeback of epic proportions on Centre Court. With the comeback just barely underway, Murray hit one of the greatest passing shots I have ever seen, and it’s probably the point I remember his career most by.——

As his injuries picked up over the years, you could see he couldn’t move quite the way he did. And it wasn’t until watching him today that I realised he switched over from Head to Yonex.

But he always fought.

Even in 2019 it was thought that would be his last year. The Australian Open had so much weight behind it because we thought he would retire. (How could we not, when he had a press conference like this?)

He pushed 22 seed Roberto Bautista Agut to five sets (a huge feat), but couldn’t pull off the win.

Four years later, Murray defeated Matteo Berretini in five sets in the first round. In the second, he defeated Thanasi Kokkinakis 4-6 6-7 7-6 6-3 7-5 in 5 hours and 45 minutes. It was the 11th time he won a match after being two sets down.

And you would just think, ‘How the hell can this guy do that?’ How can someone come back from all those injuries, all those surgeries, and well past his physical prime, able to pull off two five-set wins against players much younger than him?

He always fought.

Fitzie’s track of the day: Gotta Believe, by Donavon Frankenreiter

And now for your links:

Charlie Eccleshare ($$): Andy Murray says Wimbledon farewell with Centre Court ceremony and tributes

The Athletic ($$): Inside Archie gray’s transfer to Tottenham

After making his club debut against Manchester City, making four total (short) first team appearances, and tallying a ton of minutes in the Premier League 2 last season, Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate and midfielder Jamie Donley is likely set for his first ever loan this coming campaign. Matty brought you news last week of interest from Championship promoters Oxford United, but it looks like he’ll have several options to choose from for where he’ll play his football next season.

According to Alasdair Gold in Football.London, Donley is now of interest to Luton Town, and to Birmingham City. Luton, of course, were relegated from the Premier League this past season and are now looking to rebuild back in the second division. Birmingham City would provide a different challenge — they were relegated to League One last year in what was described as a chaotic season, but just hired Ange Postecoglou’s top assistant Chris Davies to be their head coach in June. League One would be a step down in potential competition, but Davies will be well acquainted with Donley and what he can do, and there are suggestions he will attempt to implement something akin to Pochettino’s high octane tactics at City.

There’s always a question of what kind of loan club best for young players. Some say that it’s not a good idea to send a player on loan to a club (like Luton?) that’s expected to be competitive in a league because managers will sometimes overlook on-loan talent for older, more experienced players if there’s something to play for. Conversely, the same can be said for teams in a relegation battle.

I have no idea, but the fact that Donley’s apparently well-thought of enough that he has two Championship and one comfortable League One club interested in taking him on bodes well for his development and for his chances of getting significant minutes next season. That said, loans are weird and they don’t always work out. So let’s see where Donley decides to go and send him there with our blessings (and a giant horseshoe for luck).

good morning !

Believe it or not, Spurs actually have a lot going on this month. And they got off to a busy start too with the signing of Archie Gray. Hopefully a couple more signings come in soon.

It’s pretty crazy to imagine we’re still in the thick of the Euros and Copa America, and Spurs have a fixture in less than two weeks. That’ll be a friendly against Logan Roy’s boyhood club Hearts.

Fun fact: Fitzie managed hearts during FM. Won the Scottish Premiership with them.

That match starts a four-game run in 14 days. Wild. Well, if the players stay fit and it gives them even more time to adjust to Ange Postecoglou’s methods, then I’m here for it.

(And hey, even better if a signing or two joins them).

Plus, Spurs also fly off to Korea this month. They play two matches before a double against Bayern Munich (but the latter is for August, we’ll get to that).

Only a few weeks til Spurs play again. Til then, enjoy the Copa America, Euros, Wimbledon and Tour de France.

Tottenham Hotspur men’s schedule: at Hearts (17 July), at QPR (20 July), at Vissel Kobe (27 July), K-League XI (31 July)

Fitzie’s track of the day: US Blues, by the Grateful Dead

And now for your links:

What the future Tottenham XI could look like after Archie Gray signing

Dan KP on what the England squad did on their final rest day

Blackburn Rovers criticised after minimum wage reports for women

Tottenham Hotspur “club signing” Djed Spence had a good loan this past season at Genoa, good enough that the Serie A club wanted to keep him permanently. But the clubs have been locked in negotiations for weeks now without a breakthrough, with Genoa not willing to meet Spurs’ asking price for Spence.

Now, according to Nizaar Kinsella writing for BBC, talks have broken down and Spurs are willing to offer Spence to other interested clubs.

I don’t know how much Spurs were asking for Spence but it can’t be that much. That said, Genoa isn’t exactly known for being a rich club, so it really could be that whatever league premium Spurs are expecting is out of their financial reach. Tottenham might consider a deal to let Djed go but they’re not willing to lose their shirt, so it makes sense to test the waters elsewhere.

There’s really no chance Spence, who’s Tottenham contract expires in 2027, is going to make an impact under Ange Postecoglou. That long term deal kind of hangs like an anchor over him, and I can see another scenario where Spence heads out on loan again for the season. Guess we’ll find out — Kinsella hints that if Spurs can’t find a good club for him that they may come back to Genoa later in the window.

good morning -

It’s a pretty sad day at Hoddle Headquarters, as it marks the day where we no longer feature Micky van de Ven as our hoddle hero.

I had a good one lined up for today too.

At least he ended his hoddle hero tenure with a bang. Netherlands eased past Romania 3-0 in the first round of the knockout stage of the Euros. Van de Ven even came off the bench to mark the occassion.

(Radu Dragusin looked pretty good too, I heard).

I guess van de Ven had a decent run. Two weeks isn’t so bad. And it did end on a happy note: We signed Archie Gray.

So now it’s back to the drawing board. Who will be the next hoddle hero?

This time I will be keeping you all in suspense again. And, unlike last time, this hoddle hero will be fitzie’s choice!

I know how many of you all were looking forward to me previewing this month for Tottenham, but that can wait. For now, let us all eagerly await the arrival of our next hoddle hero.

Fitzie’s track of the day: Archie, Marry Me, by Alvvays

And now for your links:

Dan KP: Archie Gray on his connection with Ange Postecoglou

Alasdair Gold on what Spurs can expect from their new signing

Marta to play in sixth Olympics for Brasil

IT’S OFFICIAL - Tottenham Hotspur have made their second signing of the summer.

After a whirlwind 48 hours, after it looked like the young Englishman was set to sign for Brentford, Spurs have landed their man, who will wear the #14 shirt:

According to reports, the young 19-year-old completed a medical at Brentford before a phone call from Ange Postecoglou himself convinced Gray of the Tottenham project. Ange, like a number of previous signings, supposedly presented Gray with his future plans for the team and Gray’s role in that plan. That was enough for Archie to choose Spurs, and the rest is now history.

This works out well for Leeds United, who were under pressure to make sales due to PSR. Spurs came in with an attractive £40 million offer, while also offering to sell Joe Rodon, on loan at The Whites in 23/24, for a decent price (more on that here).

Gray will likely stay with the first team, rather than head out on loan again - this will ensure he ends up as a club-trained player in a few years’ time. It’s hard to say just how much he will be involved, but the rapid pivot from The Bees to Tottenham suggests that Ange has a level of confidence that he can contribute now. His technical skills and ability to play right back and in midfield will be a huge boost to the squad, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.

Let the GIF party commence!

good morning!

It’s July 2, which means we’re a couple days behind recapping all that’s happened in the EFL Championship from June.

Thankfully, not much happened.

I guess the most pertinent thing for this blog is a certain player from a certain club possibly joining Tottenham Hotspur. But we’ve covered this plenty, so why add that again here?

There was only one real notable development from last month, which is that Sunderland finally appointed a manager: Regis Le Bris.

I know all us fans here bemoaned the Spurs managerial saga a couple years ago (lol remember Nuno?) but that pales in comparison to the 100+ days Sunderland hand to go til they finally landed on their manager.

I don’t know a darn thing about this guy. I hope he does well, mostly cus I want Jack Clarke to do well. Gotta root for the Spurs boys wherever they are (unless they’re managing Chelsea - which they’re not).

The EFL Champ preview will come in due time. But let me give you a preview of the preview: I don’t expect much from Sunderland this year. They were seriously dreadful last season adn I don’t understand why they’d be considered top-six contenders this season.

But that’s for another day. Til then, let’s just enjoy the pics of Micky van de Ven whilst we can.

Fitzie’s track of the day: Sugar on My Tongue, by Talking Heads

And now for your links:

The Athletic ($$) on the doctor who saved Christian Eriksen’s live

Uefa investigating Jude Bellingham over gesture

Ready for a blast from the past today? Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tom Huddlestone announced his retirement from playing football today after a nearly 20-year career in the English professional game. The 37-year old Huddlestone officially hangs up his boots today, saying that he now plans to continue his career in football through coaching.

Yeah, I know! I thought he retired years ago too!

So the day has come to announce my retirement from playing professional football. From the age of 8 football is all I have ever known or wanted to do. To be able to do this up until the age of 37 has been a blessing, with many ups and downs on this journey.Now is a time for me to repurpose to the other side of the game I love, coaching.

Having played for 20 seasons and almost 600 games I feel privileged to have represented some fantastic clubs and fan bases along the way. Each club I have been at, i have always given 100% & due to this had a fantastic rapport will all fans I have played in front of.To represent my country was the ultimate dream growing up , so to achieve that is something I will cherish forever.To all teammates , coaches and managers along the years a huge thank you for the times we have shared. Not always positive but memories nonetheless. More importantly, a huge thank you to my fantastic family who without them none of it would have been possible. Forever indebted to you all, whether no longer with us or still a part of my journey today.

Thank you

For those of you who are newer to Tottenham fandom, Tom Huddlestone came through into professional football from Derby County, and spent eight glorious years anchoring Spurs’ midfield, from 2005-2013. He was there at the start of my Spurs fandom, and he was an integral part of the Tottenham teams that first qualified for the Champions League and started the resurgence into what Spurs are today. He played 144 matches for Tottenham before Spurs sold him to Hull City in 2013, where he made 133 more league matches in the Premier League and Championship. He even had four caps for England. Huddlestone just finished a two year stint at Manchester United’s U21 team where he was employed as a player-coach. According to Wikipedia, he just signed with Grimsby Town as a player-coach, but I guess now he’s less of a player-coach and more of a coach-coach.

Huddlestone was... well, let’s just say he was not “blessed with speed” if you know what I mean. Nor was he particularly adept at, well, “moving” or “agility” and he was something of a late bloomer. But the guy could pass. I have fond memories of watching THuddz sit at the base of Harry Redknapp’s midfields, pinging balls to players like Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe, Gareth Bale, and Rafa van der Vaart. He was also a physical specimen in his prime, bossing the center of the pitch putting in crunching defensive tackles to players who managed to get into his way. He was also good for the occasional long range blast of a goal; you may recall hearing about a “Thudderblast” back in the day, and he scored 15 goals for Spurs

This is very much a Remembering Some Guys™ post, but dammit, Tom Huddlestone was a big part of my early Spurs fandom, a real artifact from a different time in the Premier League. I always liked him, even when it was clear that particular skillset no longer benefitted Tottenham’s new look and status. It’s amazing and awesome that he had as long a playing career as he had, and as he transitions into what I hope is a long-term coaching career in the beautiful game, I wanted to just take some time to thank him for his service, and for giving me moments of joy at times when I didn’t fully appreciate them.

Thanks, Tom. Hope you come back to Spurs someday, that’d be swell.

As expected, I woke up this morning to the summer’s first Tottenham Hotspur BOMBA — Tottenham and Leeds United have, according to David Ornstein, fully agreed a deal to sign 18-year old utility midfielder/defender Archie Gray. The deal is for six years in length, through the 2030 season.

The fee is supposedly £35m, which is a LOT for an 18-year-old with only one year of experience in the second division of English football, but the fee is also offset by what is likely to be a separate transaction that will send Joe Rodon back to Leeds permanently for around £10m. That makes the total outlay for Gray about £25m — still a lot, but potentially a good buy for a player who could turn into a star.

Interestingly, there are also reports now that Gray had a purchase clause of £35m that kicked in when Leeds didn’t promote to the Premier League. That might explain the collapse of the Brentford deal; as stated, Brentford triggered the clause but apparently couldn’t come to an agreement for terms with Leeds and the deal collapsed. Spurs must have offered more favorable amortization terms.

Gray played a lot of right back for Leeds last season and is practically tailor-made to be an inverted fullback in an Ange Postecoglou system, but most Championship watchers have his long-term future at defensive midfielder, and that feels about right. I have a hard time believing that he’ll displace any of Spurs’ current midfield options, but with Tottenham in Europa he’ll get plenty of minutes either in reserve or as a backup/rotation option. I can easily see him getting at least 800 minutes of football next season, more if he’s better than advertised.

This is not the player we thought we were signing, and I do wonder if this ends Tottenham’s pursuit of Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher. But Archie Gray gives Tottenham a very young core of midfielders along with Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall, who joins the club officially today.

We’ll wait for the official tweet from the club, but it’s sure looking like Spurs have their first signing of the summer. Let’s go!

good morning and apologies for the late hoddle - Fitzie forgot to schedule this one after writing it:

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It’s a big day in sports. The Euro, Concacaf and Conmebol tournaments continue. We’re into stage 3 at the Tour de France, and today marks the first day of Wimbleon.

Let’s focus on the latter today. Specifically, let’s give a mini-breakdown of the draws.

Women’s singles

Favourites: Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff

It’s an open tournament this year. Swiatek and Gauff don’t have a lot of success here, nor on grass. Even though I really like Gauff, I’m not too sure she’ll be able to handle getting through to the QFs, SFs and F all in one go. It’s a big ask.

Rybakina is a huge serve who’s had an inconsistnent year, but I do think she has a favourable draw. She probably won’t run into any trouble until the QFs, when she likely faces either Ons Jabeur or Jessica Pegula.

But my money is on Sabalenka. I know she’s carrying a shoulder injury, but I’m betting her withdrawal from Germany a couple weeks ago has given it enough time to heal. No one serves or hits harder than her on tour. She’s the best hard court player in the world. After this tournament, I expect her to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish.

Dark Horses: Danielle Collins, Ons Jabeur, Emma Raducanu, Madison Keys, Jelena Ostapenko

Let’s discuss Raducanu first. The player who gets a tonne of press in the UK. She deserves to be a dark horse in the tournament, with two good wins against Sloane Stephens and Jessica Pegula before losing to eventual champ Daria Kasatkina in Eastbourne. It’s been a long road to recovery, but I like what she’s doing.

Collins and Keys can both crush the ball. That’ll do well here. And they’re both having a tremendous year. Perhaps Collins moreso than Keys.

Mens singles

Favourites: Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Alex Zverev

This might be the most open men’s Wimbledon tournament in decades. I have no idea who’ll win. It’s hard to pick against Djokovic, but he’s had a rough year and it seems his age is finally catching up with him. Plus, he just had surgery!

And it’s rare for someone to do the French Open-Wimbledon double. Can Alcaraz do it? I’m not sure. That leaves Sinner and Zverev. I don’t know what to make of it.

Dark Horses: Grigor Dimitrov, Tommy Paul, Jack Draper, Karen Khachanov, Alexander Bublik

I’m going with form here. Paul and Draper both won grass titles recently, and Dimitrov (a former semifinalist here) is having a bit of a renaissance year.

But here’s the problem: They’re projected to play either Alcaraz, Zverev or Sinner pretty early on. In a best of 3, that’s kinda doable. Not so in a best of five.

Otherwise, look at the winner of Matteo Berrettini-Marton Fucsovics to trouble Sinner in the second round. That is an upset I could see happening, even though I’ll go with Sinner as my champion.

Fitzie’s predictions:

Women’s final: Sabalenka def Swiatek

Men’s final: Sinner def Hurkacz

Fitzie’s track of the day: Talk Talk, by Charli XCX

And now for your links:

England’s ‘get out of jail free’ card vs Slovakia

Mexico out of Copa America