Pavlyuchenko

The truth of the matter is that I've not met with Viktor as he's not even in England at the moment.

I did speak with Roman this morning and he made it clear that he needed to play as it's World Cup year.

I explained to him and the rest of the players that haven't been getting a game, that they are all in my plans.

Roma were looking at Roman about 6 weeks ago, but they didn't make an offer, so as far as I'm concerned, Roman is a Spurs player.

The same goes with Jenas and David Bentley. They're both definitely in my plans. Martin O'Neill hasn't picked up the phone to me to enquire about the pair of them. If he was interested, I'm sure he would have called me by now. He's got my number.

I'm not closing the book on signing any more players either. We've got Ozzie in at the minute and he looks promising, but we'll have to see how the rest of this week goes. We may extend his stay with us for another week, but we'll just have to see how things go.

I like the balance of the squad and feel that we can improve with the players that are here. We did ever so well after the way Tottenham started last season. We could have ended in 5th or 6th. We've now added to the squad and in my opinion, made it stronger.

Can we finish higher than 5th? Who knows? We're still right at the starting line and there's such a long way to go yet.

I'll be playing David, Roman, Crouchie, Jamie and Alan Hutton from the start in tomorrows game. They all need a run out, especially Peter. He's looking fit in training but playing is a proper match is another world away from playing in a training 5 versus 5 match.

Doncaster are a strong side and I know their manager well. They'll come out the blocks fast and won't make it easy for us, I can tell you that. Tomorrow gives me a chance to look at the squad and see which players are really up for it.

We've been putting a lot of effort into character building since I came here. Joe and Kevin are excellent at assessing a players character. Clive and Tony have also worked wonders for me.

Tim and Les offer so much support and guidance, especially to the younger players in the side.

I'm sorry that I'm not on here more, but I'm sure you can imagine that I'm a busy man.

Look forward to seeing you all at the match.

Pavlyuchenko

Opening day comments

I thought we played really well yesterday. All the lads were happy and the confidence around the place at the moment is good.

Sebastien had a great game to. It was his first time out at a full White Hart Lane and it looked as though he and Ledley had been playing together for quite a while.

His winner was something special. There's a lot more to come from him to.

I was also pleased for Benoit as he's really come on in the last 8 months or so. What a strike!

I decided to start with Robbie and Jermain up front as both have been super in training. We all know about Jermain's qualities and Fabio got to sample some of it against Holland last week.

Keane is a really good player, a proper pro. He should have scored on at least two opportunities in the match but their keeper is world class.

I will start with Crouchie in mid week against Hull as we need to hold the ball up more when playing away. As to who plays alongside him, we'll be making that decision on Tuesday.

Hope you enjoyed the game.

I'll be trying to write up my comments after each match, but be patient as I'm a busy man.

Opening day comments

I fancy Keane & Crouch

I've got a fantastic bunch of strikers. Keane, Crouch, Pavlova and Defoe are all terrific lads to boot.

In training, I've had my eye on all four and I'm not saying that Crouchie's name will be hammered in stone on the team sheet, but I will start with him and will pair Robbie alongside him.

Jermain already has a working relationship with Crouch and I need Keane to develop that with Crouch to. Pavlova, as the lads call him, is a talented player. But he still needs to adapt his game somewhat.

Keane will be starting against Liverpool.

I fancy Keane & Crouch

My super player

That Luka Modric is one super player. He can play anywhere in midfield and even in the hole.

I'll tell you what though, he is a lot tougher than he looks to. He can also see a pass and to top it all off, is a pretty decent fella to.

You just wait and see the performances he turns in this coming season. He'll set the place on fire.

My super player

Vieira can get stuffed

I was interested in bringing Patrick into Spurs as I'm sure he would have bolstered the squad with his presence.

I sent him a text to ask him what was going on with him still to decide if he would join us or not and he told me needed more time.

Then I read that Wenger wants to sign him and that he'll be going to them. If that's what he wants, then good luck to him. He can get stuffed for all I care.

Vieira can get stuffed

Sunderland ain't game

I've just got off the blower with Daniel. A deal has been agreed with Sunderland, although we want the cash up front, but Niall's not game.

Sunderland ain't game

Window Shopping

I've just been out to one of the biggest shopping centres in Hong Kong. To be honest with you, I'd take Lakeside any day of the week over this one.
Sent from Worthing's Second-hand sale park, Romford

Window Shopping