John Terry backs up Tottenham in ‘biggest club’ debate, then reverts to norm

Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has been among the loudest critics, questioning whether Spurs are spending wisely or even know what they are doing following their £100 million move for Sandro Tonali.

Former Newcastle star John Barnes also weighed in, suggesting Tottenham’s ability to lure Tonali from Tyneside to north London was not purely down to footballing reasons.

He said: “Except for Liverpool and Manchester United, it’s always been the same, for years and years and years, players playing anywhere north of Birmingham want to move to London.

“As much as Newcastle United are doing better than Tottenham, there are foreign players who would rather live in London.”

Barnes added: “Foreign players don’t have an allegiance to anywhere in England, even though a move to Liverpool or Manchester United is a bit different, so if a club from London comes calling, then they’re going to go.

“When people wonder why this move could happen, it’s nothing to do with football.”

John Terry reluctantly sides with Tottenham before reminding everyone how much he dislikes Spurs

The debate surrounding Tottenham’s move for Tonali has continued to gather momentum, with former Chelsea captain John Terry becoming the latest high-profile figure to offer his opinion.

Appearing on Sport Uncensored alongside Piers Morgan and Simon Jordan, Terry admitted that despite his personal feelings towards Spurs, he believes they are still the bigger club compared to Newcastle United.

He said: “Would you not say Spurs are bigger than Newcastle? I would say so, even though I hate to say it.”

When asked why he felt that way, Terry gave a brutally honest response. “I f***ing hate Spurs.”

Asked whether he disliked Tottenham even more than Arsenal, Terry replied: “Yeah, Spurs are the only team I hate.”

Explaining his feelings, he added: “Rivalry over the years… the only team I hate is Spurs. I don’t mind Arsenal, Man United, City, Liverpool.”

Despite his clear dislike for Tottenham, Terry acknowledged why he believes the club should now be competing at the very top.

He said: “In terms of finances, if you go down this route you expect them to be much better because with their stadium, the revenue they can generate in terms of the Super Bowl, the concerts and also if the owners are now prepared to go invest in the market… he’s a top player as well.”

Is Spurs or Newcastle actually the bigger club?

It is certainly a debate worth having over which of the two sides is bigger. There are, indeed, strong arguments on both sides.

Newcastle possess one of the most passionate fan bases in the country and enjoyed greater domestic success during the early decades of English football, winning four league titles.

They are also the undisputed club of an entire city, with St James’ Park remaining one of the game’s most iconic stadiums.

Tottenham, however, have built a stronger case in the modern era. Spurs have enjoyed far greater consistency over the past two decades, regularly qualifying for European competition while establishing themselves as one of the Premier League‘s biggest commercial forces.

Their 62,850-seat stadium has transformed the club financially, generating enormous matchday and non-football revenue through NFL games, concerts and other major events.

That financial strength is reflected in Tottenham’s revenues, which regularly place them among the world’s highest-earning clubs, while their squad value also comfortably exceeds Newcastle’s despite the Magpies’ Saudi-backed ownership.

Historically, Tottenham also hold an edge internationally, having won three major European trophies compared to Newcastle’s single Inter-Cities Fairs Cup triumph.