Next Stop:White Hart Lane

The experience at St. James' Park set a high bar for the football part of the trip but the visit to White Hart Lane topped that.

When we last spoke our group was completing a pub crawl taking in Sunday's matches.  This left Michael in a bad mood as Tottenham were beaten 0-1 by Manchester United, with neither side exactly distinguishing themselves.   Wins for Chelsea and Arsenal did not help the situation, but at least Manchester City lost to Leicester and Liverpool drew West Ham.

Monday was a van ride to York with a stopover in Whitby for lunch at Royal Fish and Chips, which, depending on who you talk to, may or may not be the finest such establishment in the region.  A quaint seaside town in any case.  York was also a pleasant stop.  Several of the pilgrims climbed to the top of a historic cathedral called the York Minster.

Back in the van to drive to our Air BnB flat in the Marylebone section of London.  Some drama over room assignments but we got through.  Pints of bitters and ale were consumed at every opportunity, but you knew that didn't you?

Michael in Mecca

After two straight football-less days, it was time to get back to business.  We met Michael's friend Simon, who successfully guided us to North London.  First agenda item of course was to purchase swag.  Allegiance to Newcastle meant no scarf for me but I thought a wool hat was okay, especially since the temperature was dropping.

Next stop was the Nicholson suite for pregame festivities.   Sitting at the table eating roast beef, meeting Tottenham greats, leafing through both the Spurs yearbook and game program (which included birthday wishes for Michael), I asked Simon (front right in the photo) if he remembered the scene from Local Hero in which a newly rich townsman asked his friend "I wonder what the poor people are doing tonight?" He smiled.


Finally it was game time.  They let us out
through the secret door and we're in our seats.  Tottenham played, well, like Tottenham.  Total domination for the first twenty minutes, culminating in a goal by Erickson.  Charlie's picture shows the ball on its way into the net.  Then Spurs lost the plot for a while.  By a while I mean the rest of the half.  Fortunately they did not surrender a goal and went into the locker room 1-0.  My recommended Football Manager halftime talk for Pochettino would have been "I want to see more from you."

It took a few minutes but slowly Tottenham took over in the second half.   Goals from Erickson and Wanyama built a comfortable 3-0 lead, allowing everyone, especially Michael, to relax.


Full-time whistle sent us back through the secret door to the Nicholson Suite for more refreshments and post game analysis from Kevin Wimmer.  Also, one more chance to talk with our new friends , Sarah and her relatives.  Sarah was keeper for the Tottenham women's team and now plays for a local club team.  We vigorously protested her claim that at 26 she was past her prime.  They were such nice people we let it slide that they are Dallas Cowboy fans.  The night ended with Michael getting a birthday card signed by Spurs players and a picture with Wimmer.  Yeah, again as good as it could be.

No pressure on Crystal Palace but our teams are 2-0 on the trip with seven goals scored and two clean sheets.

A Yank Among Geordies

Tidying up some items from the northeast, we found the interviews posted by HTIC.  I'm in four separate videos; don't blink though or you'll miss me.

Which keeper?

Lascelles

Toughest opponent

Sunderland player you would take


I feel reasonably good with the responses.  Was a little worried on the Defoe answer but you'll see that someone else agreed.  I wonder how Geordies reacted to hearing a Yank interspersed throughout the videos; hopefully they were pleased that someone from across the pond had at least some knowledge of doings in the Championship division.

Otherwise occupied at White Hart Lane, I couldn't follow Wednesday's match at Wigan.  A 2-0 win put them back ahead of Brighton (who won on Tuesday) and opened a nine points lead over third place Reading.  Nice that there was no let down.

One More Stop

We spent Thursday walking around London (pictures will be in next post) and will do more tomorrow.  Saturday we'll take in Crystal Palace vs Chelsea at Selhurst Park; check out NBCSN at 7:30 Saturday morning and see if you spot "The 5 Men from USA."

Once again, post was composed on my phone so apologies for formatting issues.