Tottenham are paying the price for not paying the price

TOTTENHAM are falling apart, their Premier League title challenge is over and they have to write off another season.

The injury to Harry Kane is a huge blow to Spurs who have been warned for years that they will struggle to cope whenever their talisman is out for a lengthy spell.

And unfortunately the lack of serious investment in the Spurs squad over the last few years has come home to roost.

It is such a shame because just a few weeks ago they looked in a great position to mount a serious challenge in the title race and chase Manchester City and Liverpool to the end.

In fact, prior to their home defeat to Wolves, they were on the heels of the top two and having seen them play against Everton before that, I thought they were real contenders. But failing to add to the squad in the summer was always in danger of catching up with Mauricio Pochettino (right) and it is unlikely to get better for the Spurs boss.

The move to the new stadium has been delayed and delayed, which has added to the massive costs and there will not be any serious funds available for the team. Pochettino will have to rely on free transfers or battle on with Fernando Llorente or Dele Alli to cover up front. The one positive for Irish fans is that young striker Troy Parrott might get some game-time in the cup games. From Spurs’ perspective, Kane is a quick healer so we could see him back before the two months currently anticipated.

They will miss him though, and not just for his goalscoring ability and link-up play. His leadership will be most missed. He is a serious captain with one of the biggest presences in the dressing room which will be even harder to replace.