I suppose it is safe to say, even at a time when testosterone levels are on an upward curve, that Tottenham is a unique football club.

They are, without doubt, one of the better regulated clubs in the Premier League in financial terms and are backed, in equal measure, by a devoted, volatile and over-sensitive fan base.

It was my pleasure, indeed honour, have spent the last 25 years of my sporting (working) life alongside a sports writer who lived and breathed Spurs, who could rattle off outstanding teams from different generations, who could entertain with tales of glory and even delve into the darker hours.

He was born within a decent throw-in of White Hart Lane, was on personal terms with some of the club’s great names, had the private telephone numbers of the people who mattered. And at the beginning of August each year he would tell us how this was going to be Spurs’ season, how they were going to clean up all the trophies, win the title, get into Europe.

Sounds familiar, eh?

He was at Wembley for all six of Tottenham’s FA Cup triumphs from 1961, but he was denied any worthwhile league success and became exasperated by their continual failure to make any impact in the Premiership cum Premier League.

He died last year, still waiting, along with many thousands more Spurs fans, for the big breakthrough.

So I guess it as more of a tribute to a dear friend, rather than with any sense of genuine optimism, that I would like to see the great awakening of that mighty sleeping giant this coming season.

There’s no doubt that Juande Ramos is re-shaping the team, even if he is putting a few noses out of joint in the process. But perhaps that’s what’s needed.

Perhaps the fans should remember that there’s more to a successful season than putting one over Arsenal. OK, that 5-1 humiliation of the Gunners was certainly long overdue, but let’s not have that thrown around at every convenient opportunity this coming campaign.

Perhaps the new foreign imports should be given a reminder every so often of the great days of Tottenham, of the great managers and even greater players who have donned the lilywhite shirt.

My old mate used to regale me with their names and honours – goal-scoring and creative forwards like Bobby Smith, Cliff Jones, John White, Martin Peters, Glenn Hoddle, Gary Lineker, Teddy Sheringham and the Argentinian marvels Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles.

And who will ever forget Pat Jennings, Alan Mullery, Danny Blanchflower and Dave Mackay?

And yes, I haven’t forgotten the managers and coaches – Arthur Rowe, Bill Nicholson (not a bad player for Spurs either), David Pleat, Terry Venables, George Graham – there must be many other I haven’t mentioned.

These are the names of the past, part of Tottenham’s history and heritage, names that were never far from the lips of one Spurs fan whose great dream was to see either the Premier League or Champions League trophy sitting proudly in the trophy cabinet at White Hart Lane.

Would it be asking, or expecting, too much of today’s fans to put aside their bigotry, forget about Arsenal and their fans, and concentrate on the job at hand?

You never know; Juande Ramos might be just the man to bring back the good old days!