Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, in the news much of the summer for his blockbuster transfer dealings, declared his side's intention to build a team strong enough to challenge the best sides in the immediate vicinty, but not Arsenal.
"We can be the Newcastle of the South," Levy stated. "We've got the players, the facilities, and the fans. Now it's just down to getting the results on the pitch."
Last season, Spurs actually finished 3 points ahead of the Magpies, but Levy knows that successful teams do it season after season.
"We've got more work to do," said the 46-year-old businessman, who stood up to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, refusing to sell star striker Dimitar Berbatov before selling him. "It's early doors, but they've opened up a 2 point lead. We want to keep them in sight for now, and try to reel them in after Christmas."
Levy, who stood up to Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez by refusing to sell Robbie Keane until he did, points to manager Juande Ramos as the key to Spurs' revival.
"We are indebted to Martin Jol, but Juande has taken the club to new heights. His results speak for themselves: they are marginally worse than Martin's."
Spurs are home to Hull City on Sunday.
