Originally Posted by andyk (Post 2359751) R And all this talk about Ramos bringing his ex-players from Sevelle,I really don't think it'll happened at all ! Especially not at inflated prices ! What do you guys think ?

Ramos starts with a win

Tottenham started the Juande Ramos era by reaching the Carling Cup quarter-finals at the expense of Blackpool - but the new boss was shown how tough his new job will be despite the 2-0 win.

On the face of it they are two matches from Wembley, although their opponents from the Championship caused trouble for Spurs' defence at times, setting off the panic that has undermined their season.

It took Robbie Keane's opener in the 18th minute to settle the nerves of the home fans - Ramos maintained his `granite mask' and merely pointed to Paul Robinson who had helped create the goal.

The Spaniard punched the air when Pascal Chimbonda added a second in the second half after Blackpool had hit the bar, and they would have been level but for Robinson's agility in goal for Spurs.

The rest of the time Ramos gestured as his side lost the ball cheaply and struggled to play their way out of trouble against a side that was playing in League One last season.

Tougher times await for Ramos, starting with the trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday when Spurs look to climb out of the bottom three of the Premier League. Their aim, of course, is to reach the Champions League, not to set up a rematch with the Seasiders next season.

Ramos picked a full-strength team to have a proper look at what he has on his hands, and it took less than a minute for him to start stalking his technical area, pointing instruction to a defence that looked short on confidence.

Blackpool, 20th in their division, sensed their opportunity and started with pace, and only Younes Kaboul's block prevented Robinson being called into action after Keigan Parker was sent down the right channel.

Parker then set up a great chance after Keane lost the ball in midfield, only for David Fox to fire into the sidenetting.

Keane has been the only player full of confidence during Spurs' dismal start the season, and it was no surprise that it was the Republic of Ireland striker who opened the scoring, his 24th in his last 31 games.

For all the talk of Ramos bringing stylish football with him from Sevilla, the first goal of his time at White Hart Lane was route-one.

Keane clipped over goalkeeper Paul Rachubka from Dimitar Berbatov's flick-on. Ramos barely flinched, merely pointing at Robinson, whose long punt had set up the opener.

Keane had scored the first goal of the Martin Jol era three years ago and he did the same for Ramos, although his team-mates did not immediately capitalise on the breakthrough.

Spurs were restricted to long-range efforts before the break, then Blackpool started the second half looking to rattle the hosts.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher smacked the crossbar with a header from Parker's cross within two minutes of the restart.

Keane should have added a second when he raced through and chipped wide and he was nearly made to rue his miss as Robinson somehow flung himself to keep out Taylor-Fletcher's next effort, which was headed for the top corner.

Robinson was also guilty of a fumble and poor kicking, suggesting his jitters from earlier in the season have not entirely disappeared.

Just as the visitors were gaining momentum, Chimbonda headed in Spurs' second.

Steed Malbranque's corner found the full-back unmarked at the far post and the France international thudded home his header.

Jermain Defoe came on for Keane after the hour mark and almost scored with his first touch, only for Rachubka to tip over the crossbar.

Ramos also looked at Darren Bent off the bench as well as Teemu Tainio at right-back after taking off Kaboul, suggesting there will be changes before long.

At least Spurs have the winning feeling again after six games without victory prior to the clash.

Juande Ramos admitted there was plenty of room for improvement throughout the squad after marking his first game in charge of Tottenham with an unconvincing Carling Cup victory over Blackpool.

'I would say the team needs to improve in all areas, in attack and defence, but this is a team of great professionals and I hope it will improve quickly,'' Ramos said.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher smacked the crossbar with a header in the second half and also forced a fine save from Paul Robinson.

Ramos still saw enough to give him encouragement ahead of the clash against Middlesbrough on Saturday when Spurs will look to climb out of the bottom three of the Premier League.

'The most important thing was the victory,'' the Spaniard added. 'The team's played well generally, they had spells of good football. We have to look forward to the next round.

'On the positive side they've shown great willingness to play and fought very hard, physically it was very hard because it was three days since the last game. The negative side was the chances Blackpool had.''

Younes Kaboul was guilty of mistakes at the back and may have been punished against tougher opposition than a side 20th in the Coca-Cola Championship.

The young French centre-back did not even acknowledge Ramos when he was taken off in the second half. Dimitar Berbatov also came off but did not give his manager a warm greeting, while Keane embraced the new man.

Ramos explained that Kaboul's substitution was a precaution.

'The change was simply because Kaboul had a yellow card - Chimbonda can play at centre-back,'' Ramos said.

Ramos' first win means he is now two ties from Wembley but admitted the need for victory forced him to pick his strongest team.

'It was very important to get the victory, to calm the team down a bit,'' he said. 'To get a result tonight was vital.''

Blackpool boss Simon Grayson was introduced to Ramos before the game as his side were staying in the same Waltham Abbey hotel.

'Full credit for him that he came to speak to me at the hotel,'' said Grayson. 'His English was fine but he didn't say he had a big fry-up or anything.''

Grayson felt his side missed their opportunities at key times of the game.

'We had opportunities to get in front or to get back in the game,'' he added. 'But we didn't take them. We gave a good account of ourselves but they took their chances.' -soccernet

Originally Posted by ANDYSIAO14 (Post 2363547) [CENTER]Ramos starts with a win Tottenham started the Juande Ramos era by reaching the Carling Cup quarter-finals at the expense of Blackpool - but the new boss was shown how tough his new job will be despite the 2-0 win.

Originally Posted by Castrol (Post 2364502) give robbie keane a bungalow and a payrise!

Originally Posted by no_faith (Post 2364589) this i agreed too. he really commited as u can see on the pitch. nvr kp here and there. even the team is losing, he is the captain and do not show any negative attitude to the game. a great captain to lead the team.

Originally Posted by andyk (Post 2378071) He's already playing badly this season & then wants to stalled signing new contract...and news that his demands are if we don't finished top 4 then he's gone !....and then now his Dad is saying that he wants out !.....

Originally Posted by Castrol (Post 2378132) hope these reports are not true, too many drama mama players in epl these days. anyway whenever a new manager comes on board, many players will come and go. i only hope keane, defoe, lennon and zokora will stay on. :D

Originally Posted by andyk (Post 2379983) BERBA SPEAKS OUT - Spurs Website.... Finally Berba have denied whatever reports that his Dad have mentioned that he want out !....He love the club & fans & only unhappy because we are having a bad start & only wants to focus on his football !.... Really glad that he have speak out instead of letting all news getting out of hand ! these vicious bastards writing all this rubbish to get more readers !..... RAMS should be looking for a big win over Hapoel Tel-Aviv,then follow up with another win over Wigan this weekend & that will boost our team confidence sky high !.....Come On You Spurs !

Originally Posted by andyk (Post 2378264) We don't need all these kinda of "negative news about Berba so if he & Dad wants to be in the news for the wrong reasons,then he should have gone in the summer for a record profit ! and if he still wants to go in Jan,we will only sell high or else play in our reserve team & rot !"..... Do you really liked Zokora ? He was hyped up before we brought him but i think he's not suited for the EPL,he keep losing the ball or falling down or can't really pass liked Carrick - splitting the defence ! So not the kinda of play maker we wanted !....anyway liked to hear your view for better understanding !

Originally Posted by Castrol (Post 2387447) spurs 4 wigan 0 jenas (2), lennon, bent. spore pools was giving 1.33 for a spurs win and 2.0 to give 1.5balls. as i was considering and counting my beer money, it dropped to 1.95 from 2.0, so faster buy lo... but bet $50 nia. :D