Gareth Bale completed an excellent week from a personal point of view by picking up the Football Writers’ Player of the Year award and in doing so he became the eighth Tottenham player to receive the accolade.
As the trophies came Gareth’s way, it was always going to be inevitable that links with a move away from the club would gather pace and so it’s proved. Firstly, there were claims that Real Madrid would make a determined effort to get their man this summer while an isolated report last night claimed to have ITK information about a transfer into Manchester United.
While the gossip floods in, head coach Andre Villas-Boas denied that Bale’s future at the club depended on whether we qualify for the Champions League or not.
“I would be extremely surprised (if he left),” AVB said.
“In football anything can happen. It’s impossible to predict, but this is the assurance I have had from the club.
“We understand that the more awards the more recognition the player will have, the more media attention, but the club has to move forward by holding onto its best players.”
Meanwhile, Bale himself said he was delighted with his third award of the week but it looks set to be an intense summer of rumour surrounding the player’s future.
As a die hard Spurs fan, I would like to offer my congratulations to young Mr Bale on yet another personal accolade by the very same people who are doing their damnedest to sell him off to any one of four clubs in their various rags. AVB fills me with anticipation going forward and his comments regarding Bale staying with Spurs irrespective of achieving Champions League football this season or not, only enhances that feeling. If Redknapp was still in charge, I’m fairly sure he would be dropping hints to his mates in the low class press that the club should sell Bale to the highest bidder, take the money and getting in a few replacements, sod building a solid foundation around Bale and progressing. I get a real sense that AVB actually feels a great deal for his players and our great club, long may that progressive connection continue.