 Complete the following phrase:  At the end of the 200001 season, Sheringhams four-year contract at Old Trafford expired. He was facing stiffer competition than ever for the places up front, most of all from Uniteds new Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. He refused Uniteds offer of a 12-month contract and returned to Tottenham on a free transfer as one of new manager Glenn Hoddles first signings. In his first season back, Sheringham helped Tottenham to a ninth-place finish, the clubs highest in 6 years, and to reach the 