SPURS DESTROY CHARLTON IN SHOWPIECE FINAL
THOMSPON DELIGHTED WITH RESULT

Tottenham Hotspur and their manager Brian Thompson have written themselves into SAS history after crunching Charlton Athletic 6-1 in the Champions Cup Final at the SAS National Internet Stadium. With the biggest crowd in SAS history at the stadium, Tottenham fans were left in absolute bliss as they watched their side run away with the match to cap off an unbelievable season.

The final itself was nothing more than a humiliation for Charlton boss Top Gun who has won the respect of SAS's top managers after an explosive season that saw his side come back to win SAS premier Division 4 and then go on to beat SAS Champions Derby County over two legs to reach the final. Tottenham however, showed the gulf in class that is beginning to form between them and most teams in SAS and on current form there aren't many teams around who can match the North London side over 90 minutes.

Thompson's all-stars showed up Top Gun's side as the played yet more irresistible football to clinch their second trophy of the season and establish themselves as perhaps the best team in SAS. Tottenham's amazing squad, packed with internationals hardly broke sweat as the rolled Charlton over. A sublime Owen hat-trick proved once again that the England star is well and truly back, and better than ever and he took his goals with the style and precision that has made him one of Europe's top strikers. Charlton were also force to watch as superstar David Beckham scored twice on his debut, his second a trademark free-kick, to put the game beyond doubt. England Under 21 defender Gareth Barry also getting his name on the score sheet with his first of the season.

Throughout the Tottenham side they oozed quality and but for a magical consolation goal from Carlos Marinelli, their victory would have been complete. How perfect can they get though? Tottenham have scored goals like there was no tomorrow this season and their amazing firepower will have to be stopped if teams are going to try and stop them doing the same next season. Add to that they've had one of the best defences in the country and it is plain to see why Tottenham are regarded as the new team to dominate the decade by many of the game's top managers and pundits.

Thompson's men lived up to all the hype, and more, going into the game and despite being clear favourites, no-one expected them to destroy Charlton like they did. For any manager in SAS watching the game, it would have confirmed what they already thought, Tottenham are a force to be reckoned with. Tottenham will have to work very hard to retain their trophy next season though. In a mouthwatering Premier Division 2, it is going to be more difficult to win their Division this time around and certainly, it will be even harder to match their record of this season that Thompson himself has said, may never be broken under the current league structure. However, long time enemy and Division 2 rival Alain Borl has already said that he believes Tottenham will win Division 2 next season and they don't come much more respected than him.

The win has established Tottenham as the SAS Champions of the Champions in the event that is considered by many to be the ultimate prize in SAS. The win sent Thompson into the SAS Hall of Fame, making him only the fourth manager still managing in SAS to have that honour with Buck Hysen also writing himself into the record books after a sensational SAS Cup victory over Everton earlier in the season.

Thompson's controversial, very in-your-face way of managing has made him the most unpopular manager in SAS but it has inspired a huge following from football fans around the country, especially the neutral supporter and it seems you either love or hate the extravagant manager. Thompson's style of managing, much criticised by the games top managers, has proven to work as his side are the only in SAS this season to take back two trophies. Thompson has said that he won't change and he can only be what he is but nobody doubts his talent and ability. Thompson, possesses both the good and bad qualities that make all great managers and after one season in SAS, he has already established himself as perhaps the best manager the league has ever seen. Now he will need to conquer the test of time if he is to prove himself as the absolute best ever and with a challenging season approaching, he will need to continue as he started. The future is bright for Tottenham, can they maintain the success of their first season?

For Charlton, they will still be delighted with all they've achieved this season on a shoestring budget and a squad of players with sheer determination and dedication to the cause. Manager Top Gun knows that to survive in Division 3, he'll have to buy big to ensure they can compete with SAS's finest, another big season for The Addicks is coming, but after they surprised all odds and critics this season, whose to say a repeat won't happen next time around?

Past Newspaper Articles: