Camden Sports - DAN CARRIER Published: 11 December 2008
‘Best behaviour’ for Berbatov
Ex-White Hart Lane favourite is sure of a ‘warm welcome’ at the weekend
SPURS fans have been told to be on their best behaviour at Saturday’s game against Manchester United, when their former idol Dimitar Berbatov returns to the Lane following his highly controversial summer move to the Champions. Berbatov, 28, scored 46 goals in 101 appearances for the Lilywhites but annoyed fans over his attitude as he angled for a move.
Spurs Supporters Trust chairman Daniel Wynne admitted Berbatov would face a lively reception, but added he hoped it would be all in good humour.
He said: “I think he will get a warm reception. He spoke time and again about it being his dream move, but United were not there two seasons ago to bring him to the Premiership. Spurs helped make him the striker he is today. “He scored 46 goals for us and was fantastic but at the end of the day he angled for the move.”
He said Spurs fans should move on and remember the good times Berbatov enjoyed and added: “The outcome at the end has been good for the club. We’ve now got a squad of players committed to the team and with things so tight in the league this season there is no reason why we shouldn’t aim for a top-six finish.”
He added that under Harry Redknapp there had been just one home defeat, and Spurs had improved their record against the top four.
He said: “We drew away at Stamford Bridge and the Emirates, and have beaten Liverpool twice this term. United have Rooney suspended and we’ll be at full strength. There is no reason we can’t be confident of a home win.”
This week Hampshire police issued photographs of fans they wanted to speak to following abuse aimed at former Spur Sol Campbell during the team’s away match at Portsmouth in September, and the club have warned fans they face bans if they misbehave.
The club’s safety officer Sue Tilling said: “The club does not tolerate any form of abusive or discriminatory chanting. Our fans are normally well behaved.”