A Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur news and links February 4, 2016

Happy Thursday, Spursland!

Because of a comment by one of our favorite Belgians, citing the presence "of no heroes" in our team, I got to thinking about superheroes. This isn't uncharted territory for a Hoddle, what is, but still worth discussing. When Toby used the word, he means something very specific, but in reality heroes come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from emotionally angsty to pure as the driven snow. From human to anything but. In the footballing sense, I think we are full of heroes.

I've always had a soft spot for Gambit, a member of the X-Men. A hustler from New Orleans, Remy LeBeau, whose other aliases include "Le Diable Blanc", uses kinetic energy to charge everyday items and use them to his advantage. Despite his connection to the good doing X-Men, he is not too far removed from the other side of the tracks, and often walks the line of right and wrong.

Basically, if you take away the criminal background, he embodies Dele Alli, explaining why I've always adored the 19 year old phenom. Like Gambit he does things with common objects that others can't. Like Gambit he walks the line between Ego and Id, often precariously. He oozes flair and charisma, taunting opponents with tricks that most would never consider in their daily lives.

In the end, however, it's important that a team of heroes, as we've been taught time and time again by the countless superhero supergroups, is that they mesh well together, forming a complimentary system. I've started the list, now I'll sit back and see what other heroes you think embody our current crop of players. With all due respect to Toby's original point, of course.

And now for the "news":

The comments that inspired this Hoddle| Daily Mail

His remarks have merit. I just like to think he meant the word "hero" in the ego-maniac, or narcissist, sense of the word.

Victor Wanyama refuses a new contract| Metro

Surprisingly, Tottenham are not signing the Kenyan to play defensive midfielder. He will actually just carry Eric Dier around off the pitch so that our number 15 can play every minute next year without being fatigued. Forward thinking stuff here.

Dominic Ball targets silverware while on loan with Rangers| Glasgow Evening Times

I linked to stories on MLS Cup playoffs so I guess we can include player quotes about the Scottish Cup, which sounds like a relic Indiana Jones should be hunting.

USSF sue USWNT player association| Stars and Stripes FC

I wish sport had more real world relevance, you know? Women's rights, labor conditions, and collective bargaining: what real person has to deal with these issues? La di da.