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Spurs reveal pre-season plans
10 Jun 2009Tottenham have confirmed their pre-season preparations will include travelling to Beijing next month for the Barclays Asia Trophy.
Harry Redknapp's men will face West Ham on July 29 with the winners facing Hull or Beijing Guoan two days later, with all matches at the Workers Stadium, which was used for the Olympics last year.
Redknapp, who lifted the trophy with Portsmouth in Hong Kong in 2007, said: "It is a great opportunity for fans from China to get to come and watch their favourite players in action.
"I really enjoyed the last time I was involved in the competition with Portsmouth two years ago in Hong Kong. It was a great few days in terms of preparation for the new season and I was really impressed with everything."
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, emphasising the importance of China, added: "The development of the game in China is critical to football's future as the world's sport of choice."
Redknapp, meanwhile, is expected to busy in the transfer market before the tournament as he shapes his squad for his first full season at White Hart Lane.
Fringe players such as Giovani dos Santos and Kevin-Prince Boateng are not needed, while Didier Zokora could leave for Sevilla if a price can be agreed.
Reader views (3)
No chance of raising the profile in Asia if you play in Blue ..... in the Far East they support Man U, Liverpool or Arsenal who all play in red. Most popular team in Japan? The Urawa Reds. Blue/purple have deathly implications out there.
- Paul, London, 11/06/2009 09:12
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i would not hesitate to bring back Paul but at the same time keep Gomes, then Spurs will have 2 of the best gk in the contry. Why sell Gomes when now he is coming good. Another player who i would like to see back is Berbatov. The later and Keno made a perfect partnership. As soon as they left the club and each other they floped. Robbie has not been himself since this happened and as for Berbatov well.... Carrik back we wish. Some weeks back I suggested Pato well......
- Joe Mifsud, msida malta, 10/06/2009 22:07
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And there was I thinking Spurs would be far too busy to go on tour, purchasing all the players back that did so well under Martin Jol! Latest news is that Spurs are going to sell the excellent Gomes & replace him, with none other than, yes you guessed, Paul Robinson! Then all they need is Carrcik & Tianio to complete the set!
- Rob Gooner, North London, 10/06/2009 16:40
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