Where are we now? I'm deliberately writing this prior to one of the most important periods in the recent history of Tottenham Hotspur. The next week will decide where in the realms of footballing terms our club stand....or will it? Are we capable of becoming one of the elite? If so, how?

The only way is to bring in, nuture and embed young talent into a fighting unit. And that, in my opinion, is the direction in which we are heading. We do not have Chelsea's resources, nor at the moment Arsenal's or Manchester United's pulling power to attract massive household names. But who would you opt for if you were 18 to 20 years old, and had the chance to join a top Premiership side?

Our problem, I feel, will be as was evident in the summer - to hold on to our star names when faced with monopoly money. Once a player's head is turned, it's virtually impossible to keep him. What can the board do when faced with this situation? Nothing other than take the cash and hope that a replacement is fit and able to take the mercenary ba***rd's place.

Something inside tells me that if we are going to win something this year, then our resolve to hold on to players will be tested severely this summer. But there is an apparent kinship about this team, and they really are a joy to watch at present. I put this down down to Martin Jol alone. Sure he has made errors, but football is a game of instant decisions (who knew about Anthony Gardner's injury or Dimitar Berbatov's groin?) Jol is still learning, as are many of the key players, so in essence it is the only way forward for us.

The Spurs board know our limitations and our fans' expectations; they understand what is needed for us to break into the elite of English football.That journey will not happen in the next week, more likely it will take three to four seasons. So keep the faith guys - onwards and upwards, with a possibility of a little turbulence en-route.

How can Spurs break into the football elite? Send your views to Sportingo.