From boredom to excitement overnight: Fan verdict on Tottenham landing Antonio Conte

Lifelong Spurs fan James Trembath gives his thoughts on the appointment of Antonio Conte and the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo.
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It was a total waste of four months, but we got there in the end.

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The million dollar question is what changed?

Was it the toxic atmosphere inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night?

Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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Or was it simply the tepid performances that have seen Spurs fail to register a shot on target in a game-and-a-half of football?

We’ll probably never know the full answer. But make no mistake, the horror show against Manchester United was definitely a watershed moment.

It’s a terrible admission from a die-hard fan of 30 years, but once the game was lost I was almost willing United to score more goals, to make the defeat as bad as possible, to be absolutely sure a change happened.

Thankfully, it did.

Overnight, I’ve gone from being bored, disenchanted and totally depressed with watching my beloved Spurs to being refreshed, galvanised and excited for the season ahead.

Harry Kane after the loss to Manchester United. Credit: Getty Images Harry Kane after the loss to Manchester United. Credit: Getty Images
Harry Kane after the loss to Manchester United. Credit: Getty Images
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Let’s hope the chorus of boos that rung out on Saturday finally struck a chord with the board.

We have a shiny new stadium - one of the world’s best sporting arenas - but it’s time to focus on matters on the pitch.

We need investment in the right players. We need to continue to clear out players who don’t want to play for the badge.

We need to finally recover from the hangover which has been lingering since that heartbreaking 2019 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool in Madrid.

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Suddenly, there’s all to play for. The top four race is wide open for anyone who can find consistency.

We’re in the League Cup quarter finals.

And the Europa Conference League (don’t laugh) is there for the taking should we want to go all out for that much sought-after trophy.

With Conte in charge he brings a winning mentality. He will demand nothing less.

Expect fireworks. Those who are up for the challenge will flourish, those who are not will be shown the N17 exit door. For some of them, it’s not before time.

Hopefully, at last, to dare is to do. Time will tell.