Football.London

Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly at the forefront of a new proposal that will aim to revolutionise Premier League broadcasting. According to the Daily Mail, the proposal, which has been circulated to all 20 clubs, includes three initiatives designed to bring TV viewers closer to the action.

The first initiative is the introduction of mid-game interviews with players who have just been substituted. However, these interviews will be 'positive' in nature, with journalists limited to asking two game-related questions.

A second proposal involves a half-time interview with a player or coach either leaving or returning to the pitch. This interview would also be restricted to just three players, and broadcasters would only be able to choose their interviewee from a list of five names provided by each club.

The final concept involves filming inside the dressing room, although clubs would be given blackout and audio control options if this is implemented. If approved, these proposals could be introduced from the start of the next season, with clubs required to provide at least one of the three additions twice a season.

These new elements are similar to those sometimes seen in charity friendly matches such as Soccer Aid. In these games, in-match interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of managers delivering their pre-match team talks are frequently part of the broadcast.

Nevertheless, any change to broadcast coverage would need to be approved by clubs ahead of the next television rights cycle, which begins next season. The Premier League agreed a new deal with Sky Sports and TNT Sports for their rights back in December 2023.

The agreement, which runs for four years from the start of the 2025/26 campaign, was reportedly worth £6.7billion. The package promises to broadcast every Premier League match live in the United Kingdom, aside from the Saturday 3pm kick-offs.

It probably does not come as that much of a shock that Dejan Kulusevski is now an influential figure in Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham team. After all, the 24-year-old has had a number of distinguished teammates in the past to learn from.

Playing for Sweden alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and also Harry Kane in a Tottenham shirt, Kulusevski was also a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo during his time with Juventus. The duo only spent one season playing alongside each other for the Bianconeri but it was enough for the youngster to study the Portuguese star closely and also take on his tips and advice.

Something Ronaldo told a young Kulusevski at Juventus didn't make sense at the time but the Spurs ace now fully understands the meaning of the 39-year-old's message.

"To not be satisfied with being good, but to be the best every day," said Kulusevski at a Sweden press conference (as reported by Fotboll Skanalen) when asked about his strong start to the season and new thinking. "That's the only thing that matters. As hard as it is to try to be the best.

"I think that you learn over time, that you begin to understand much more about how the world and the brain work. You can't be 17 and know everything.

"Yes, I always change. I'm starting to get to know my body. When I was younger, I didn't understand when [Cristiano] Ronaldo told me: "You will get to know your body". Because I didn't know my body then.

"But now I'm starting to understand my strengths and weaknesses, how I can improve. So I feel like everything is getting easier. I know how to train the day before a match, two days before a match, what to do when I'm tired and so on. All the little details that in the end make a big difference."

Kulusevski is now making a big difference on the pitch for Tottenham as part of Postecoglou's midfield three. Delivering some outstanding showings in the opening month of the campaign, the Swede wowed everyone watching on in the recent 3-0 win over Manchester United as he delivered a midfield masterclass.

The Stockholm-born player wreaked havoc on Erik ten Hag's men as he created an incredible nine chances for Tottenham during his playing time. It was a huge match in Kulusevski's young career and one that demonstrated to all just how dominant he can be.

“It [being a protagonist] came out in that match, but I have worked incredibly hard to be able to play at that level. I’m not shocked. I’ve just been waiting for it. Every match has felt good, but that one was perhaps extra good,” he explained.

“I want to try to maximize this career as much as possible and never be one of the crowd. It has been the whole season. I really feel that I am stronger mentally and physically this season.

"I have changed the 'mindset' a bit. I think that is to my advantage. I have grown off the pitch as well. The plan is to get better every day, and I feel that I am becoming that.”

On his midfield berth after previously always playing from the right flank, he added: "In the end it was enough to play on the edge. I think I take a lot more responsibility defensively now. Maybe it was difficult to put me as 'ten' or 'eight', as I even played in Tottenham recently, before.

"That would never have happened a few years ago. As a young person, you don't think it's important to defend. But today I know that it is at least as important to defend as to attack."

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

It was a mixed Friday evening for a number of Tottenham stars representing their respective nations over the international break. Brennan Johnson, Micky van de Ven and Dejan Kulusevski were among those in action with all three included from the start.

Johnson and Wales were in Iceland for their latest Nations League clash with the Spurs attacker keeping up his excellent run of form by grabbing a seventh consecutive goal. He was also booked in the clash which means he will miss their second clash of the two-week pause against Montenegro through suspension.

Craig Bellamy then made the decision to sub him off at half-time, seemingly to avoid any chance of a red card being issued his way. The goal and just 45 minutes of action looked to be handing Postecoglou the perfect boost, but that is now far from the case.

After the game, according to BBC Sport journalist Dafydd Pritchard, Bellamy revealed Johnson was taken off at the interval as a "precaution." Given his recent form, any absence for Johnson will be a significant blow especially with the other injury concerns out wide.

Wilson Odobert and Son Heung-min are both currently absent and Ange Postecoglou will be hoping Johnson does not join them on the injury list. Elsewhere, Dejan Kulusevski started up top alongside Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres for Sweden's 2-2 Nations League draw against Slovakia.

The 24-year-old had a stunning seven attempts at goal and also created five chances with two of those considered big opportunities. Despite his clear involvement in the action, Kulusevski failed to make a telling contribution in front of goal with Sweden letting a two-goal lead slip.

Though he looked sharp, Postecoglou would have likely preferred for him to not play the entire 90 minutes while Lucas Bergvall was an unused substitute. Van de Ven was the other Tottenham star in action as he played the full game of Netherlands' stalemate with Hungary at left-back

Postecoglou has previously stated his concern over Van de Ven playing in that position because of his attributes and the injury risk that arrives with displaying them regularly. However, the defender looks to have avoided any issues and could instead be set for a huge role against Germany on Monday.

Virgil van Dijk was sent off in the late stages on Friday and thus will be suspended which may mean Ronald Koeman opts to shift Van de Ven instead to partner Stefan de Vrij in the centre of defence. However, Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt is the more likely replacement for a number of reasons.

Injuries for Nathan Ake and Jurrien Timber makes Van de Ven the only suitable option to play on the left of defence and De Ligt was also the player introduced to cover for Van Dijk's absence.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham!Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

England skipper Harry Kane and chess maestro Magnus Carlsen have joined a £76.5 million investment drive for Toca Social, the brains behind the football-inspired leisure and dining hotspot. This financial boost is set to propel Toca Football's expansion, with plans to open new venues in London, building on their existing spot at the O2 Arena alongside launches in Paris, Mexico, and across the US, while also funding tech advancements for its Toca Soccer training hubs.

Kane has bolstered his initial 2022 backing of Toca Football by participating in the Series F funding round. The former Tottenham Hotspur talisman, who doubles as a brand ambassador, is deepening his ties with the enterprise founded by ex-professional footballer Eddie Lewis, known for his stints at Fulham, Leeds United, and the US national team reports City AM.

Meanwhile, Carlsen's reinvestment coincides with his presence in London for the Global Chess League, hosted at Friends House in Euston. The Norwegian prodigy, who first invested in Toca Football earlier this year, is diversifying his portfolio with interests spanning the tech and chess arenas.

Toca CEO Yoshi Maruyama expressed optimism about the sport's growth prospects, particularly in the US, stating: "This new capital infusion empowers us to scale our brand and to bring our cutting-edge training methods and immersive experiences to millions of guests around the world."

He also conveyed his gratitude towards the investors, noting: "We are incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence of our investors, both old and new, as we unlock our strategic vision with our partner MLS, who share our passion for advancing the beautiful game." Toca Social is making waves in the football entertainment scene, having opened its first venue in London back in 2021. It comes complete with immersive football challenges, drinks, food, and live sport screenings.

They've quickly expanded, adding a new location in Birmingham and striking a deal for further openings within Westfield shopping centres. Stateside, Toca Soccer reigns as the top tech-infused soccer training centre operator in North America, boasting 39 sites and the backing of Major League Soccer.

With heavyweights like Kane and Carlsen already on board as investors, they've now welcomed Leah Williamson, England women's captain, to their investment team. High-tech heavyweight Jim Kavanaugh, part of the ownership team at St Louis City, along with savvy investor Bill Anderson, and software guru Jared Smith of Qualtrics fame, joined in on the Series F funding extravaganza.

Jim Kavanaugh was vocal about Toca's groundbreaking approach: "Toca's unique approach combining personalized, data-driven training with engaging, soccer-themed entertainment has captivated a global audience, from elite athletes to young players discovering the game for the first time. "With a presence in key markets, Toca is poised to redefine the future of soccer on a global scale."

Adding clout to Toca's leadership are industry stars like Erik Anderson, former Topgolf head honcho, US women's football legend Abby Wambach, and high-flyers from Lululemon and the National Women's Soccer League gracing its board.

The summer of 2024 was always going to be an important period for Tottenham in Ange Postecoglou's quest to take the club to the next level. Finishing fifth in his first season in North London, the Australian is determined to have his team challenging towards the top of the Premier League and also competing for major honours on a regular basis.

In order to do that, Tottenham needed to add to their playing squad as part of the big changes taking place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A total of six players were signed for the first team, including the £65million addition of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth.

The striker enjoyed an incredible 2023/24 season at the Vitality Stadium and he was seen as the perfect frontman for Postecoglou's Spurs masterplan. The Lilywhites also had one eye on the future with their summer transfer dealings as teenagers Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and Yang Min-hyeok all signed on the dotted line.

Premier League chief Richard Masters has warned there will be no quick fix to resolve the sponsorship row with Manchester City, but has vowed that necessary amendments to associated party transaction (APTs) rules will be 'effectively remedied' moving forward.

Masters is said to have written to top-flight clubs - including Arsenal, Chelsea on Tottenham Hotspur - to inform them that officials would 'take necessary time' to try and change associated party transaction (APTs) rules. Earlier this week, an independent panel found the rules that prevented clubs from signing inflated deals with companies linked to their owners as unlawful.

City are currently in court defending themselves in a separate case around 115 charges for the Premier League's financial regulations. But after seeing a number of deals blocked by the system, the club can now claim damages from the top-flight with relation to their APT concerns.

Addressing all 20 top-flight clubs this week, Masters wrote that necessary amendments could be 'quickly and effectively' remedied - according to The Daily Mail. In his latest email, Masters is said to have thanked clubs for providing information on shareholder loans.

Masters is said to have stated that the Premier League now had 'a comprehensive set of information and data which is helping to inform our recommended approach and rules amendment drafting'. The chief pulled out of a luxurious Loch Lomond golf day with top Premier League broadcasters to deal with the crisis - adding the world-renowned competition is now 'taking the necessary time to develop our proposals... for club consideration'.

Masters is expected to get back in touch on Monday with a further update, but warned the planned meeting for next Thursday regarding financial controls and legal advisory groups may have to be rescheduled.

With the international break at its most boring it was time for our Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold to answer your questions about the club.

Spurs have had a mixed start to the season in terms of results, winning six of their 10 matches, but their performances on the whole have been better in plenty of aspects as Ange Postecoglou's overhaul of the club continues. They were 18 dodgy minutes at Brighton away from making it six victories on the trot.

Instead they threw away a two-goal lead and Tottenham supporters have been waiting for the international break to end in order to see their team put that right.

While we wait for the international games to be done and for Premier League football to return, we got our Spurs man Alasdair to answer your questions about the north London outfit. Here's the full transcript with everything he said.

Ryangoles: "What positions do you think Spurs will look to strengthen in come January?"

Alasdair says: "Annoyingly, Spurs still have to be aware of the Europa League squad restrictions, knowing that whoever they bring in, if they want them to play in Europe, then other players will have to be removed from that squad.

"Postecoglou could well take that into account but mainly he'll be thinking about the other three competitions and the need to keep evolving his squad, which should override the European concerns.

"I would say a left-back able to play in the inverted style and another centre-back with a bit of pace are the biggest priorities in my opinion as potential January additions. In an ideal world, a player who could fill both roles would only require one person to come out of the Europa League squad if they are to be registered should Spurs get to the knockout stages.

"Beyond that, Vicario needs someone to challenge him going forward and further midfield and attacking options are going to be required to continue the development of the squad."

bblakemore10: "How do you avoid falling into the crisis narrative that follows this club every time we don’t get a result? Five wins in a row and one bad half sends the whole internet into a frenzy. Why do you think that is? Do you think we can ever get rid of that?"

Alasdair says: "I think that's more just how modern football is nowadays with the instant, extreme reaction that social media brings. Five victories in a row and then 18 minutes of bad football is all it takes to rewrite everything that came before. Suddenly Brentford are a bad team, winning at Old Trafford is nothing (even if United then went and drew at Villa) and winning in the Europa League with 10 men for almost 90 minutes is easy while only a second European away win in 10 games is expected.

"There's been one of the biggest overhauls of the club in decades and it's about time Spurs stuck with someone to actually see a rebuild through, instead of panicking and pointing the finger.

"The club's motto is 'To dare is to do'. It's about time they adhered to it, rather than screaming and panicking every 18 months or so.

"That's how we get rid of the constant frenzy around Tottenham Hotspur, by the club actually being a stable one for a prolonged period of time rather than one that mostly exists in utter chaos. That cascades down to all those who follow it and who knows, a bit of stability might bring that silverware we've all wanted for so long. Chopping and changing clearly hasn't worked."

tulsamatt: "How's the marathon training coming along?"

Alasdair says: "Thanks for asking. I'm getting in the miles. I've got more than 130 miles into my legs over the past two months even if that's meant muscle and knee pains aplenty! It's all worth it though because it's for a great cause - Cancer Research UK. So far, 916 brilliant people have donated on my Just Giving page and we're almost at £17,000 raised which is fantastic. If you would like to donate as I tackle the TCS London Marathon then you can do so on https://www.justgiving.com/page/alasdair-gold-1725490059956."

TommySanFrancisco: "Any chance of making a change to the Europa League squad before January (i.e. Djed for Timo)?"

Alasdair says: "You can't change the squad before the knockout stages. At that stage, if Tottenham make it into them, it's all on Djed Spence really and his performances over the next couple of months. He needs to make his case impossible for Postecoglou to ignore. There's also the prospect of new January signings needing to be added in for the knockout stages if Spurs get through. The Spurs boss will have plenty of decisions to make."

mikonu: "Do you think Spurs will offer Son a new contract any time soon? Isn't it getting risky with how much he’s got left?"

Alasdair says: "There's the option to extend it until 2026 which means there's a bit more time to work with. I'm sure Spurs want Son to remain with them for the foreseeable future as he's so important to them on and off the pitch and the Tottenham captain wants to, in his own word, justify being called a legend at the club by winning something with them."

minnie6: Do you think Ange will buy a new number six at some point? I don't think currently any of our midfielders are suited to the role.... Maybe Archie Gray longer-term."

Alasdair says: "In my view Archie Gray is the long-term candidate for the role but I wouldn't be surprised if Spurs bring in another option for the position in the mean time in the summer and one of the current incumbents moves on."

seanyspurs61: "Given his late return from international duty, would you drop Romero from the West Ham game and play Dragusin, as his performances have been less than stellar since season started? He did not have much of a summer break either."

Alasdair says: "I still wouldn't drop him because I think (the Arsenal goal aside) he's got the mentality you need for a derby match. Romero also being suspended for Argentina's first game means he's got a good week's break, albeit then having to rush back from the second game. Postecoglou will check on his physical condition in the days ahead of the game but I think he'll be wary of leaving him out for this one when he can do that against AZ."

suppco: "Has the £50million that wasn't used in the £150million from a couple of years ago been drawn down yet for January?"

Alasdair says: "There's nothing on Companies House to suggest it has."

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Ange Postecoglou has often come in for criticism for not changing his ways at Tottenham. The Australian is an attacking coach, playing his courageous brand of high-press, high intensity football consistently.

Or at least that's what he expects of his players. They do not always carry it through, as seen in the shocking second half performance against Brighton & Hove Albion, when Spurs relinquished a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 on the south coast.

Postecoglou wants his team to entertain the fans. He wants his team to attack from the outset and continue to do so throughout, no matter the score and no matter the situation.

That is his philosophy and he will stick by it no matter what. And he has been proven right, in some respects, despite Tottenham being ninth in the Premier League table after seven matches.

Spurs have won three, drawn one and lost three of their opening seven encounters and are eight points off the top of the table. So how are Postecoglou's methods working?

Well, in some ways, Spurs should be much higher in the table than they are. Looking at the stats in front of both goals, Tottenham have a better record than anyone bar champions Manchester City.

According to fbRef.com Tottenham have move shots per 90 minutes this season than anyone else except Man City, with 17.57. That translates to 6.57 shots on target per 90 minutes too, better than any other team except City.

Spurs also have the highest Expected Goals of any team in the Premier League with 14.8, proving they are doing the right thing when it comes to opposition penalty boxes.

And then at the other end, Tottenham have some incredible stats too. Postecoglou's team concede the fewest shots on their goal per 90 minutes than anyone bar City too, conceding 8.71 shot on their goal per 90.

That translates to 3.29 shots on target per match - only better by City and Brighton. Their xG against stands at 8.0 though, which is bettered by six other teams in the league.

Those stats show Tottenham are doing everything right in both boxes, without getting the results they deserve, which has been the case in a number of games for sure already this season.

Brennan Johnson has handed Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou a double boost while in action for Wales. The 23-year-old has been in fine form recently with six goals arriving in as many games across three different competitions with that continuing over the October international break.

For Wales' Nations League clash against Iceland, Johnson was named in the starting XI and scored after just 11 minutes. With Harry Wilson's effort slipping under Hakon Valdimarsson, the Iceland goalkeeper clawed the ball off the line, but Johnson was in the right place at the right time to tap home from just a few yards out.

Craig Bellamy's side doubled their lead later in the half with Johnson again involved in the action but not in front of goal. After 30 minutes, he was shown a yellow card which means he will be suspended for their next clash against Montenegro and thus he cannot pick up any injury.

As he was on a caution, Bellamy actually made the decision to sub him off at half-time which will have undoubtedly arrived as another boost. Not only has he kept up his impressive scoring run but he will now play no further part for Wales in the current international break.

Johnson's exceptional run of form came about in rather horrendous circumstances as he deactivated his Instagram account after receiving abuse from Tottenham supporters. Johnson has netted against Brighton, Manchester United and Brentford in recent weeks and will be hoping to continue his streak over the coming months.

Up next for Spurs is a clash at home to London rivals West Ham with Postecoglou likely keen for his side to get back on track after suffering a damaging defeat at Brighton. Spurs were two goals in front at Amex Stadium but threw away the points with the Seagulls scoring three in just 18 minutes.

Prior to that, the Lilywhites had won five games on the bounce which pushed them into the Premier League's top six. They also boast a 100 percent winning record in Europe and are still in the Carabao Cup, though they will meet Manchester City in the fourth round at the end of October.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham could be handed a worrying Micky van de Ven scenario after a huge decision was made. The 23-year-old has been a vital player for Spurs since his arrival in the summer of 2023 with his frightening pace an attribute regularly needed.

Though the Lilywhites are far from defensively solid, he has formed a strong partnership with Cristian Romero and ahead of Gugelielmo Vicario. His versatility also allows him to play at left-back with a number of cameos made in the role during the latter stages of last season when Destiny Udogie was injured.

Van de Ven has suffered some muscular injuries of his own though, with Postecoglou keen not to risk him. Earlier this season, he missed the clash against Newcastle with the Spurs boss not wanting his minor knock to become major. “I’ve been mindful of Micky," he said after utilising him at left-back for just 30 minutes against Burnley.

"He’s had a couple of injuries and I’ve got to be careful with him when it comes to the demands of playing left-back in our system. I’ve got to think about the future and the physical demands are different at left-back." Despite his preference to play in the centre of defence, he is deployed at full-back for the Netherlands.

Nathan Ake and Jurrien Timber are ahead of him in the pecking order but injuries have seen both left out of Ronald Koeman's squad with Van de Ven set to benefit. For the Nations League clash against Hungary, he has been named in the starting XI at left-back.

Given what Postecoglou has already said about him playing in the position, there will be some concern over the defender potentially picking up a muscular injury. On Monday evening, the Dutch are back in action against Germany and another start for Van de Ven, especially if he impresses, looks likely.

Going forward, Van de Ven could make the spot his own with Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij as the preferred centre-back duo and thus the Spurs man is likely to remain on the flank. With that being said, he is nearly a decade younger than both and therefore will likely succeed either as a key part of the Netherlands' spine.

"My favourite position is the centre back position," he admitted to reporters after a training session with the national team. "Nathan Aké is now injured, [Jurrien] Timber is injured. I hope to fill in the [left-back] spot now, yes." In the meantime though, as he has stated, playing at left-back will have to be what he settles for.

While Postecoglou will certainly be pleased that his players are playing competitive games over the break and thus staying match fit, he will be hoping Van de Ven can return to Hotspur Way without injury.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.