Tom Allnutt
@tomallnutt.bsky.social
Football journalist for The Times.
Now London, previously Madrid.
Now London, previously Madrid.
Pinned
Tom Allnutt
@tomallnutt.bsky.social
· Mar 16
Inside the real European talent factory (and it’s not Barcelona)
Benfica trying to find sweet spot between success and profit by using street football and dance lessons and ‘not over-coaching’ to develop young stars
www.thetimes.com
Free to read weekend on @thetimes.com ! forgive some spamming of recent pieces …
Are homegrown players for playing or profit? How Benfica created the most lucrative academy in the world
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Are homegrown players for playing or profit? How Benfica created the most lucrative academy in the world
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Luis Enrique is the most box-office coach now in Europe. I tend to think he's also incredibly underrated.
Another Champions League trophy would change all that. On a wild and wacky career & the job he's done at PSG:
@thetimes.com @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/3e16...
Another Champions League trophy would change all that. On a wild and wacky career & the job he's done at PSG:
@thetimes.com @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/3e16...
Luis Enrique: Man who turned PSG from a brand into a team
Underappreciated at Barcelona, derided at Spain and now shining in France, the combative head coach will sweep aside any asterisks on his CV if he wins Champions League
www.thetimes.com
April 29, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Luis Enrique is the most box-office coach now in Europe. I tend to think he's also incredibly underrated.
Another Champions League trophy would change all that. On a wild and wacky career & the job he's done at PSG:
@thetimes.com @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/3e16...
Another Champions League trophy would change all that. On a wild and wacky career & the job he's done at PSG:
@thetimes.com @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/3e16...
Real Madrid comebacks finish late but start early, the whole campaign designed to create that pressure & noise in a way only Real Madrid can.
So will Arsenal implode like Chelsea, City, PSG? Or just brush them aside like City in 2023 & Ajax in 2019?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/927f...
So will Arsenal implode like Chelsea, City, PSG? Or just brush them aside like City in 2023 & Ajax in 2019?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/927f...
Can Arsenal avoid implosion against comeback kings Real Madrid?
Task for Mikel Arteta’s side is to endure 90 minutes at Bernabéu but Spanish club’s comeback campaign has been activated since the final whistle blew at the Emirates
www.thetimes.com
April 16, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Real Madrid comebacks finish late but start early, the whole campaign designed to create that pressure & noise in a way only Real Madrid can.
So will Arsenal implode like Chelsea, City, PSG? Or just brush them aside like City in 2023 & Ajax in 2019?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/927f...
So will Arsenal implode like Chelsea, City, PSG? Or just brush them aside like City in 2023 & Ajax in 2019?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/927f...
Confrontations at church, propaganda videos & written statements — how clubs, presidents and lawyers took referee abuse in Europe to a new level.
Has the pursuit of transparency made football more understanding? or more suspicious?
@thetimes.com :
www.thetimes.com/article/7286...
Has the pursuit of transparency made football more understanding? or more suspicious?
@thetimes.com :
www.thetimes.com/article/7286...
‘They’re attacking my nine siblings’ — grim scale of European referee abuse
Criticised on club channels with their tyres slashed and families threatened, officials on the continent are up against a spiralling conspiracy culture over their decisions
www.thetimes.com
March 28, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Confrontations at church, propaganda videos & written statements — how clubs, presidents and lawyers took referee abuse in Europe to a new level.
Has the pursuit of transparency made football more understanding? or more suspicious?
@thetimes.com :
www.thetimes.com/article/7286...
Has the pursuit of transparency made football more understanding? or more suspicious?
@thetimes.com :
www.thetimes.com/article/7286...
Tight races in the big Euro leagues have been pretty rare in recent years. Especially with more than 2 contenders.
So two three-way races in Spain and Italy for the final stretch feels like something to savour: will Barca & Inter hold on?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/96c8...
So two three-way races in Spain and Italy for the final stretch feels like something to savour: will Barca & Inter hold on?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/96c8...
How greatest title drama in years is gripping Italy and Spain
With Barcelona resurgent under Germany reject and injuries piling up for Inter Milan, a spectacular finale should replace usual one-sided dominance in La Liga and Serie A
www.thetimes.com
March 24, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Tight races in the big Euro leagues have been pretty rare in recent years. Especially with more than 2 contenders.
So two three-way races in Spain and Italy for the final stretch feels like something to savour: will Barca & Inter hold on?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/96c8...
So two three-way races in Spain and Italy for the final stretch feels like something to savour: will Barca & Inter hold on?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/96c8...
Interview with Pochettino on how USA can be no1 in the world, pressure from Donald Trump, interest in the England job and why he'd love to return to Spurs.
"There are all the possibilities again to build something special."
@thetimes.com @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
"There are all the possibilities again to build something special."
@thetimes.com @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Mauricio Pochettino: The England job? Of course I would have been interested
The USA head coach talks about World Cup hopes, his Chelsea tenure and the desire to one day return to Tottenham Hotspur
www.thetimes.com
March 18, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Interview with Pochettino on how USA can be no1 in the world, pressure from Donald Trump, interest in the England job and why he'd love to return to Spurs.
"There are all the possibilities again to build something special."
@thetimes.com @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
"There are all the possibilities again to build something special."
@thetimes.com @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Free to read weekend on @thetimes.com ! forgive some spamming of recent pieces …
Are homegrown players for playing or profit? How Benfica created the most lucrative academy in the world
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Are homegrown players for playing or profit? How Benfica created the most lucrative academy in the world
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Inside the real European talent factory (and it’s not Barcelona)
Benfica trying to find sweet spot between success and profit by using street football and dance lessons and ‘not over-coaching’ to develop young stars
www.thetimes.com
March 16, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Free to read weekend on @thetimes.com ! forgive some spamming of recent pieces …
Are homegrown players for playing or profit? How Benfica created the most lucrative academy in the world
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Are homegrown players for playing or profit? How Benfica created the most lucrative academy in the world
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Arteta said Arsenal will take “joy, confidence, belief” from that win. He’ll hope some big performances — Odegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard — carry through to the run-in too.
For PSV, the carnival lads in sparkly jackets could have defended better @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/3af7...
For PSV, the carnival lads in sparkly jackets could have defended better @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/3af7...
Arsenal smash seven past PSV Eindhoven as Martin Odegaard shines
PSV 1 Arsenal 7: Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard (twice), Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori ensure Mikel Arteta on cruise control into last eight
www.thetimes.com
March 5, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Arteta said Arsenal will take “joy, confidence, belief” from that win. He’ll hope some big performances — Odegaard, Nwaneri, Trossard — carry through to the run-in too.
For PSV, the carnival lads in sparkly jackets could have defended better @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/3af7...
For PSV, the carnival lads in sparkly jackets could have defended better @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/3af7...
Reposted by Tom Allnutt
Barcelona have the most fabled academy in the world — but nobody makes more money from their youth system than Benfica.
How do they do it? Are academies now for playing or profit? and ahead of the homegrown derby, could they learn from each other?
@timessport
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/insi...
How do they do it? Are academies now for playing or profit? and ahead of the homegrown derby, could they learn from each other?
@timessport
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/insi...
Inside the real European talent factory (and it’s not Barcelona)
Benfica trying to find sweet spot between success and profit by using street football and dance lessons and ‘not over-coaching’ to develop young stars
www.thetimes.co.uk
March 2, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Barcelona have the most fabled academy in the world — but nobody makes more money from their youth system than Benfica.
How do they do it? Are academies now for playing or profit? and ahead of the homegrown derby, could they learn from each other?
@timessport
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/insi...
How do they do it? Are academies now for playing or profit? and ahead of the homegrown derby, could they learn from each other?
@timessport
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/insi...
Barcelona have the most fabled academy in the world — but nobody makes more money from their youth system than Benfica.
How do they do it? Are academies now for playing or profit? and ahead of the homegrown derby, could they learn from each other?
@timessport
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/insi...
How do they do it? Are academies now for playing or profit? and ahead of the homegrown derby, could they learn from each other?
@timessport
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/insi...
Inside the real European talent factory (and it’s not Barcelona)
Benfica trying to find sweet spot between success and profit by using street football and dance lessons and ‘not over-coaching’ to develop young stars
www.thetimes.co.uk
March 2, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Barcelona have the most fabled academy in the world — but nobody makes more money from their youth system than Benfica.
How do they do it? Are academies now for playing or profit? and ahead of the homegrown derby, could they learn from each other?
@timessport
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/insi...
How do they do it? Are academies now for playing or profit? and ahead of the homegrown derby, could they learn from each other?
@timessport
www.thetimes.co.uk/article/insi...
There's a reason Spurs are always among the favourites for the UEL but have never gone past the 1/4s.
They underestimate teams like AZ and get burned. They go hard in the PL and get knackered.
Ange ditching the league makes perfect sense
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
They underestimate teams like AZ and get burned. They go hard in the PL and get knackered.
Ange ditching the league makes perfect sense
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Ange Postecoglou’s team selection makes it clear that Europe is the priority
Tottenham Hotspur head coach chooses to rest exhausted stars against Manchester City with firm eye on Europa League triumph — and with it, Champions League qualification
www.thetimes.com
February 27, 2025 at 2:06 PM
There's a reason Spurs are always among the favourites for the UEL but have never gone past the 1/4s.
They underestimate teams like AZ and get burned. They go hard in the PL and get knackered.
Ange ditching the league makes perfect sense
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
They underestimate teams like AZ and get burned. They go hard in the PL and get knackered.
Ange ditching the league makes perfect sense
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Reposted by Tom Allnutt
New pod: is Ange right? Are injuries the only reason for Spurs’ slump? With @tomallnutt.bsky.social & Tom Barclay. pod.fo/e/2ab0ed
The Tottenham Way: Is Ange right? Are injuries the only reason for Spurs' slump?
Dan Kilpatrick, Tom Allnutt and Tom Barclay were all at Villa on Sunday as Spurs crashed out of a second cup competition in four days and they all questioned Ange in a fiery post-match press confer...
pod.fo
February 11, 2025 at 6:11 PM
New pod: is Ange right? Are injuries the only reason for Spurs’ slump? With @tomallnutt.bsky.social & Tom Barclay. pod.fo/e/2ab0ed
Reposted by Tom Allnutt
Really enjoyed chatting to Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley this week, the Spurs duo on loan at Leyton Orient.
One is lighting up League One, the other the miracle man of the FA Cup. Today: Manchester City.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/0891...
One is lighting up League One, the other the miracle man of the FA Cup. Today: Manchester City.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/0891...
Goalscoring ’keeper and ‘next Harry Kane’ hoping to pile misery on Pep
Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley are thriving on loan at Leyton Orient from Tottenham Hotspur and aim to cause a huge upset against Manchester City in the FA Cup
www.thetimes.com
February 8, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Really enjoyed chatting to Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley this week, the Spurs duo on loan at Leyton Orient.
One is lighting up League One, the other the miracle man of the FA Cup. Today: Manchester City.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/0891...
One is lighting up League One, the other the miracle man of the FA Cup. Today: Manchester City.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/0891...
Really enjoyed chatting to Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley this week, the Spurs duo on loan at Leyton Orient.
One is lighting up League One, the other the miracle man of the FA Cup. Today: Manchester City.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/0891...
One is lighting up League One, the other the miracle man of the FA Cup. Today: Manchester City.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/0891...
Goalscoring ’keeper and ‘next Harry Kane’ hoping to pile misery on Pep
Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley are thriving on loan at Leyton Orient from Tottenham Hotspur and aim to cause a huge upset against Manchester City in the FA Cup
www.thetimes.com
February 8, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Really enjoyed chatting to Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley this week, the Spurs duo on loan at Leyton Orient.
One is lighting up League One, the other the miracle man of the FA Cup. Today: Manchester City.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/0891...
One is lighting up League One, the other the miracle man of the FA Cup. Today: Manchester City.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/0891...
A bit here on Nico and where he might fit in at City. he’s been more Gundogan than Rodri for Porto. Plus thoughts on why Pep went for him from one of his coaches at Barcelona.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/b452...
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/b452...
Nico González is an intelligent midfielder — but no Rodri replacement
Languid 6ft 2in midfielder may have defensive flaws that mean he can never be a like-for-like for the Spain star but Guardiola will have been drawn to his understanding of the game
www.thetimes.com
February 4, 2025 at 10:01 AM
A bit here on Nico and where he might fit in at City. he’s been more Gundogan than Rodri for Porto. Plus thoughts on why Pep went for him from one of his coaches at Barcelona.
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/b452...
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/b452...
Spurs: an asset to sell or team to succeed?
On the day the stadium opened Poch called on #thfc to start “acting like a big club”.
Then, wages down, spend down, team? Down. On Levy, a booming club & a team that went bust
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/e0ca...
On the day the stadium opened Poch called on #thfc to start “acting like a big club”.
Then, wages down, spend down, team? Down. On Levy, a booming club & a team that went bust
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/e0ca...
Daniel Levy has grown Spurs as a business — but shrunk them as a team
Tottenham chairman’s reluctance to pay high wages despite increased revenue and preference to sign young talents over ready-made starters has left club on course for worst points tally since 1980
www.thetimes.com
January 28, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Spurs: an asset to sell or team to succeed?
On the day the stadium opened Poch called on #thfc to start “acting like a big club”.
Then, wages down, spend down, team? Down. On Levy, a booming club & a team that went bust
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/e0ca...
On the day the stadium opened Poch called on #thfc to start “acting like a big club”.
Then, wages down, spend down, team? Down. On Levy, a booming club & a team that went bust
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/e0ca...
There’s still a path I think for Postecoglou to save this season.
It’s narrow and not everything is in his control but still, it’s there if he and the club get some big decisions right.
Some glass half full thoughts on struggling Spurs @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/de3b...
It’s narrow and not everything is in his control but still, it’s there if he and the club get some big decisions right.
Some glass half full thoughts on struggling Spurs @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/de3b...
Richarlison revival, Van de Ven return, belief. How Spurs can save Ange
If Tottenham can land one of the trophies they are still in contention for, Australian will become a club legend and no one will give a hoot where they finish in league
www.thetimes.com
January 26, 2025 at 9:01 AM
There’s still a path I think for Postecoglou to save this season.
It’s narrow and not everything is in his control but still, it’s there if he and the club get some big decisions right.
Some glass half full thoughts on struggling Spurs @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/de3b...
It’s narrow and not everything is in his control but still, it’s there if he and the club get some big decisions right.
Some glass half full thoughts on struggling Spurs @timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/de3b...
Dele and Walker would make it 16 British players in Serie A, up from 10 last season and five the one before.
For the previous three decades there were hardly any.
When did Italy become the place to reset? why the surge? and will it last?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/6783...
For the previous three decades there were hardly any.
When did Italy become the place to reset? why the surge? and will it last?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/6783...
Why British stars are flocking to Italy for a career renaissance
Dele Alli is latest Premier League player to see Italy’s Serie A as an ideal environment in which to revive his career (and the tax breaks don’t hurt either)
www.thetimes.com
January 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Dele and Walker would make it 16 British players in Serie A, up from 10 last season and five the one before.
For the previous three decades there were hardly any.
When did Italy become the place to reset? why the surge? and will it last?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/6783...
For the previous three decades there were hardly any.
When did Italy become the place to reset? why the surge? and will it last?
@thetimes.com
www.thetimes.com/article/6783...
Curious stat: #thfc have the best defensive record in the league away from home. In fact, the numbers overall aren't *that* bad. It's been more about timing, the clusters and loss of focus (& energy?).
Wasteful Arsenal vs leaky Spurs? with @garyjacob.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Wasteful Arsenal vs leaky Spurs? with @garyjacob.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Arsenal’s blunt attack or Spurs’ kamikaze defence: who will crack first?
Arsenal are struggling to find the net while Tottenham’s defenders are prone to switching off, a combination that makes for an intriguing north London derby on Wednesday
www.thetimes.com
January 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Curious stat: #thfc have the best defensive record in the league away from home. In fact, the numbers overall aren't *that* bad. It's been more about timing, the clusters and loss of focus (& energy?).
Wasteful Arsenal vs leaky Spurs? with @garyjacob.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
Wasteful Arsenal vs leaky Spurs? with @garyjacob.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/sport/footba...
That goal last night, fair play to Bergvall but brilliant from Solanke. The run, the strength to hold off Konate, the touch to make space and the lay-off, left foot, for Bergvall. Just really smart all-round CF play. Gone under the radar how good he's been for Spurs this season.
January 9, 2025 at 11:02 AM
That goal last night, fair play to Bergvall but brilliant from Solanke. The run, the strength to hold off Konate, the touch to make space and the lay-off, left foot, for Bergvall. Just really smart all-round CF play. Gone under the radar how good he's been for Spurs this season.
Reposted by Tom Allnutt
Latest TheTottenhamWay pod includes a discussion of the Xmas matches, a look back on 2025 and a frank discussion about Postecoglou’s future. With Marcus Buckland and @tomallnutt.bsky.social. pod.fo/e/297948
The Tottenham Way: A happy new year? Assessing the future and Ange's role in difficult 2024
Marcus, Dan and Tom A look back on the games against Forest and Wolves, as Spurs finished 2024 with two more difficult results. Marcus reels off the grim stats, including unwelcome comparisons for ...
pod.fo
December 30, 2024 at 8:36 PM
Latest TheTottenhamWay pod includes a discussion of the Xmas matches, a look back on 2025 and a frank discussion about Postecoglou’s future. With Marcus Buckland and @tomallnutt.bsky.social. pod.fo/e/297948
A look at Tottenham and the transfer window.
Postecoglou has called for support — Spurs can give it to him without diverting from the broader strategy
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/e09d...
Postecoglou has called for support — Spurs can give it to him without diverting from the broader strategy
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/e09d...
What Spurs must do in January transfer window to get back on track
Spurs need at least one left-sided defender, quality cover for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and to make a decision on Ange Postecoglou’s future if they are to come back from 11th in Premier League
www.thetimes.com
December 31, 2024 at 9:38 AM
A look at Tottenham and the transfer window.
Postecoglou has called for support — Spurs can give it to him without diverting from the broader strategy
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/e09d...
Postecoglou has called for support — Spurs can give it to him without diverting from the broader strategy
@timessport.bsky.social
www.thetimes.com/article/e09d...
Son will go down with the Tottenham greats when he’s done. But how long has he got left? Age, form, contract — all suggest we’re in the final chapter. are Spurs ready for what comes next?
www.thetimes.com/article/c792...
www.thetimes.com/article/c792...
Son Heung-min is Spurs’ talisman, how do they plan for life after him?
Tottenham captain helped to define an era at the club and his contract expires next summer, so is Son nearing his sell-by date or ready to defy his 32 years…
www.thetimes.com
December 22, 2024 at 3:39 PM
Son will go down with the Tottenham greats when he’s done. But how long has he got left? Age, form, contract — all suggest we’re in the final chapter. are Spurs ready for what comes next?
www.thetimes.com/article/c792...
www.thetimes.com/article/c792...
None of the last five UCL winners are currently in the top 8, and only three of the last 12 finalists.
So why are the European elite struggling in a format designed to favour the favourites?
www.thetimes.com/article/f3e0...
So why are the European elite struggling in a format designed to favour the favourites?
www.thetimes.com/article/f3e0...
Why Real Madrid and other giants are suffering in Champions League
New Champions League format means there is real jeopardy for the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to make the last 16
www.thetimes.com
December 15, 2024 at 9:39 AM
None of the last five UCL winners are currently in the top 8, and only three of the last 12 finalists.
So why are the European elite struggling in a format designed to favour the favourites?
www.thetimes.com/article/f3e0...
So why are the European elite struggling in a format designed to favour the favourites?
www.thetimes.com/article/f3e0...
Interview with Gio Lo Celso, on his revival at Betis and his “uphill struggle” at Spurs, false promises, mixed messages from club & coach, and the blow of losing Poch.
“They always told me one thing in the club then something else happened on the pitch.”
www.thetimes.com/article/80ba...
“They always told me one thing in the club then something else happened on the pitch.”
www.thetimes.com/article/80ba...
Giovani Lo Celso: Spurs wanted me one day and then let me go the next
Giovani Lo Celso on his new lease of life back at Real Betis after a turbulent spell at Tottenham – and his wife’s waters breaking after a magical Messi moment
www.thetimes.com
December 14, 2024 at 9:35 AM
Interview with Gio Lo Celso, on his revival at Betis and his “uphill struggle” at Spurs, false promises, mixed messages from club & coach, and the blow of losing Poch.
“They always told me one thing in the club then something else happened on the pitch.”
www.thetimes.com/article/80ba...
“They always told me one thing in the club then something else happened on the pitch.”
www.thetimes.com/article/80ba...