Tottenham’s most successful season for twenty years saw them break the recent monopoly of the EPL’s top four to reach the final qualifying round of the Champions League next season.

Manager Harry Redknapp had lifted the Lilywhites from the relegation zone to the brink of Europa League qualification in 2008/09.

And the side’s progress continued into this season, allowing them to shake off the challenges of big-spending Manchester City, top-six regulars Aston Villa, and an in-decline Liverpool.

 

Season highlights included a 9-1 home thumping of Wigan Athletic, home wins over Arsenal and Chelsea in the space of three April days and a greater resolve away from home, culminating in the single-goal victory at Manchester City which clinched fourth.

Indeed, Spurs could have threatened third had they not dropped points against struggling sides, including a home draw against hapless Hull and home and away defeats to lowly Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Spurs’ strikers all found form, which allowed Redknapp to send club captain Robbie Keane out on-loan to Glasgow giants Celtic in January.

But their strong finish was underpinned by left-sided midfielder-cum-defender Gareth Bale, who added pace and goals to Spurs during the all-important run-in.

In October Spurs announced new stadium plans and submitted a planning application for a new 56,250-seater stadium adjacent to their traditional White Hart Lane home, with a view to moving in by 2012.

Building work on a new training ground is also well under way, as the club has been buoyed by on-field success as impressive-looking financial results.