 Complete the following phrase:  At the start of the 200809 season, Tottenham made its worst ever start to a campaign since 1912, losing six and drawing two of their opening eight Premier League matches. At that time, Assou-Ekottos chances of first-team football were limited and he claimed that he wanted to leave England to go back to French football. However, Spurs manager Harry Redknapp decided to give Assou-Ekotto the chance to play in the team. He improved rapidly with regular matches and became first choice towards the end of the 200809 season. Having regained his fitness in the 200809 season, he became the North London clubs first-choice left back due to a string of good performances under Redknapp. He started the 