Alan Smith: Title looks out of reach for Tottenham, but Gareth Bale’s return should give Spurs a big lift

It got plenty talking, as well as laughing, when Harry Redknapp tipped Spurs to win the title . Sat there in the Sky Sports News studio on deadline day, Tottenham’s former manager explained his reasons, pointing to good cover in every position of a talented squad.

To a certain extent, I understand where he’s coming from. Boosted by a very useful transfer window, Jose Mourinho is now blessed with a fair few options. Yet, for me, questions must still be answered about the quality and balance in defence and midfield.

Mind you, you certainly can’t argue with that sparkling attack, not when Gareth Bale joins Heung-min Son and Harry Kane in a fearsome trident that should scare the living daylights out of most rearguards.

Bale, we hear, is very close now, having trained with the group for some time. And fitness is obviously the main issue here. I mean, the boy hasn’t completed 90 minutes since January. Getting back up to full speed will be quite a task.

There are other factors to consider, too. How, for instance, does Bale feel inside? He had to sit on the sidelines at Real Madrid for an awfully long time, knowing his manager neither rated nor particularly liked him. That’s got to have an effect on anyone, no matter their mental strength. It might have left a wound that will take time to heal.

This is where Mourinho’s man-management skills come in. I’m sure he’s been constantly chatting to Bale on the training ground, gauging where he’s at and getting to know his personality. Mourinho has seen all types in his extensive career. He will know how to treat the homely Welshman.

The rest of the squad, for sure, will have welcomed him warmly. I mean, who wouldn’t want a world-class performer batting for your side? His arrival should have given everyone a lift.

Naturally, some like Lucas Moura and Eric Lamela will be wondering where this leaves them. How many games will they get with the new man on board? Well, chaps, it’s time to respond, time to raise your game to give the boss food for thought.

To be fair, positive reactions all round aren’t suddenly going to make Spurs title contenders, but they should improve standards and help in the quest for long-overdue silverware and a top-four place.

It feels like a long time since Spurs thrashed Manchester United 6-1. But if Bale makes the matchday squad on Sunday, there’ll be an extra quiver of excitement in that dressing room that gets everyone going against West Ham.