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By Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport Online

Tottenham's Dean Richards has told Spurs fans that the club is gearing up for a European challenge this season.

He has come out in the club's defence as an air of despondency threatenens to overshadow the club before the Premiership season has begun.

QPR beat sorry Spurs

Spurs fans have made their frustration at a lack of signings clear while certain players have spoken out criticising the White Hart Lane outfit.

If we can strengthen the squad and bring in a couple more players we should be okay

Dean Richards

A 3-2 pre-season defeat by Queens Park Rangers has only added fuel to the fire amid speculation of a falling out between manager Glenn Hoddle and director of football David Pleat.

But Richards told BBC Sport Online he is more optimistic than the doom and gloom threatening to undermine Spurs' season.

If Hoddle comes up with the signings he has on his shopping list, Richards believes Uefa Cup qualification is more than a possibility.

Hoddle stays tight-lipped

"Last season we particularly tailed away towards the end of the season but if we can strengthen the squad and bring in a couple more players we should be okay," insisted Richards.

At one point last season Spurs looked to be set for Europe, either through the Worthington Cup final or via the Premiership.

They lost out on both accounts but en route showed enough to suggest they on the right road, even through it may be a slow and grinding process.

Tottenham boss Glenn Hoddle
Hoddle has his sights set on a striker

"We didn't have the opportunity to rest players," said Richards.

"Ledley King probably played in every game. Teddy (Sheringham) and players like that sometimes need a breather but we didn't have the strength in depth to do that."

"Hopefully, we can bring a couple of new faces in."

He added: "If we can break into the top six, win a cup and get into a European spot I'm sure that would be seen as a successful season."

In Richards opinion, Spurs fans should not write off their season just yet.

Christian Ziege, Teddy Sheringham, Ledley King and Stephen Clemence return to training on Monday.

Slovenian international Milenko Acimovic
Acimovic could be a surprise revelation

They will join Republic of Ireland international Stephen Carr who is back and looking good from a long-term injury.

Goran Bunjevcevic is back and Hoddle says the defender is ready to show his true ability after a period of adjustment and injury.

Those players will link up with new arrivals Jamie Redknapp, Milenko Acimovic, Rohan Ricketts and Jonathan Blondel.

Darren Anderton may have to be sold to bring in the striker Hoddle wants but, with the promising youngsters aiming to make their mark, Richards is remaining upbeat.

Spurs may sell Anderton

The central defender was bought by Hoddle for �8m in September 2001 from Southampton and he also has something to prove.

"I think when I came I started quite well," he recalled.

Hopefully now I can kick on this season

Dean Richards

"My form dipped a bit towards the end of the season and then unfortunately I got injured but that's all in the past now.

"I'm just looking towards this season, getting myself in the team and being the figure I was at Southampton - the leader organising at the back as well as playing well myself.

"It is fair to say that they (supporters) have got to see the best of me so hopefully that will be this season.

"When I came here I had to adapt to a new system (5-3-2) straight away which was a bit foreign to me.

"I played it a few times at Southampton but I mainly played in a back four.

"It was about adapting and getting used to it last season and hopefully now I can kick on this season.

"The team now needs to break into that top six."