Football
PA sport 9y

Michel Vorm defends his switch from Swansea to Tottenham

Michel Vorm knows many find his decision to swap Swansea's number one jersey for the Tottenham bench a strange move, but it is a challenge the goalkeeper has no regrets about taking.

In the summer, the Netherlands international joined left-back Ben Davies in swapping south Wales for north London, ending a successful three-year spell at the Liberty Stadium.

Both players return to the club for the first time this weekend, but while full-back Davies may start Vorm will be consigned to the substitutes' bench.

The 31-year-old has found it understandably tough to displace France captain Hugo Lloris in the Spurs goal, restricting him to just four appearances in the cup competitions.

Vorm insists he understood the situation when he came to Spurs, arriving with his "eyes open," but understands why outsiders may have raised an eyebrow at his move.

"A lot of things happen in football," he said. "You make decisions and only when my career is finished will I know if it was the right decision or not.

"When I left Utrecht for Swansea, people asked me why I was going there because they were going down. Well look where they are now. They are an established Premier League club. It's hard to say whether I have made the right decision or not. Only time will tell."

Vorm is looking forward to catching-up with his former teammates on Sunday, especially given the move to Spurs went through so quickly he did not even have a chance to say goodbye.

He has still not had a chance to return, making this weekend's reunion against the club he helped establish as a top-flight force "quite special."

"Obviously I am proud [of my time at Swansea]," Vorm said. "You can see now why they are doing well. They have changed managers and are still playing the same, but I took my decision to leave and I am proud to play for Tottenham.

"People don't always understand the choices you make in football, but I am very happy to be here. Sometimes you need new challenges and want to see how it is at a bigger club."

That challenge has, though, required Vorm to adapt his mentality, even if he feels in good shape physically.

"It's obviously a very different situation for me," he said. "I have to respect that and it is also something I knew about when I came here.

"Hugo is doing very well, which also makes it easier to accept than if your competitor is not doing quite so well. But for me the only thing that matters is to keep fit and make sure Hugo feels I am at his back.

"The only way I can do that is by training well and when I get the chance to play make sure I do the best I can. I think in the games I have played I have done well and I am satisfied with my work."

Reports suggest Vorm may get his chance as Spurs' No. 1 sooner rather than later, with Lloris constantly linked with a move away from White Hart Lane, despite penning a new five-year deal in the summer.

The ever-impressive Frenchman's gloves would be hard to fill, but the Dutchman would appear to be a solid replacement.

Vorm has looked decent in his fleeting Spurs appearances and will get another chance between the sticks in Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie with Newcastle.

"Obviously you always want to play," he said. "The only thing I can do is keep at my best because the whole situation could change overnight and then I have to be there.

"That is my situation now and I can't be negative and less motivated because that is not how I am. Maybe other players are like that.

"But I am a professional and need to be focused and sharp, especially as a goalkeeper. Things can change and if that happens I need to be there."

^ Back to Top ^