Best of the stressed

3:27pm Thursday 4th October 2007

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TOTTENHAM Hotspur is the most stressful Premier League football team to watch, producing more heart-stopping moments than any other club, according to a survey.

With last season's failed bid to qualify for the Champions League, and a high number of narrow-margin victories and defeats, Spurs beat off opponents West Ham to claim the unflattering title.

The survey, based on league results from January 1 to the end of last season, analysed results, league positions and margins of victory and defeat, to calculate the amount of stress teams inflicted on their fans.

Long-standing fan Simon Linden, 26, who witnessed the nail-biting 4-4 draw on Monday said: "Spurs are just having a little blip at the moment in terms of their performance, but we're still not up there with Chelsea and Arsenal, and that's probably what's frustrating fans a lot.

"We're always the laughing stock and we make stupid mistakes."

Fortis Green ward councillor Matt Davis, an avid Tottenham fan, said: "Being a Spurs fan can be stressful.

"As a season ticket holder, I'm used to it, but I still try to keep optimistic. You don't support Spurs for an easy life."

Now, Lloydspharmacy, which conducted the analysis, is offering Spurs season ticket holders a free cholesterol and health check at most of its pharmacies until the end of next week.

Chris Frost, head of marketing, said: "You only have to read the headlines to know that being a Spurs fan is a stressful experience. So we're hoping that the offer of a free heart health check will help them de-stress and look after their health for the season ahead."

Middlesborough's fans were named the most relaxed in the Premier League, attributed to a permanent spot last season propping up the middle of the table.