It has been confirmed Les Ferdinand, Tim Sherwood and Chris Ramsey will look after proceedings for the short term whilst the North London club look to replace Andre Villas-Boas, who was sacked by the club following their disastrous 5-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Although AVB posed the best win ratio over the past two decades at fifty-four percent, the side’s slow and methodical style paid the price and has also seen summer signings including Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela left dejected. The former Chelsea front man looked beaten and bruised as he came to recognise the sword in the chairman’s hand was for only one man’s head.
Whether fans feel sorry for their former boss or elated that his penny failed to drop this season, football moves on and so must Tottenham. Many excuses have entered the frame, suggesting Gareth Bale’s world record sale was the root of his sacking whilst the former Spurs boss failed to identify his best eleven with plenty of interchange between games. Fans will be insistent on a positive influence to the dressing room, someone who understands the game inside-out and values the club’s history and tradition of free-flowing and high tempo football.
With Tottenham more desperate than ever to secure a top four spot, their next manager will be under severe pressure to not only deliver UEFA Champions League football but the element of fancy footwork on the pitch to bring the entertainment back to the theatre that was once White Hart Lane.
The Candidates:
Michael Laudrup
The former Barcelona man has taken to life at Premier League side Swansea with ease. His style and technique has been admired since his appointment last term. With better quality players and resources at White Hart Lane many are predicting an approach from Levy along with a couple of the Swans high profile performers, including a certain Michu to bring goals to the equation.
Jurgen Klinsmann
Orhestrating a return of a club legend would go down well with plenty of Spurs devotees. Despite leading the United States national side to their seventeenth successive World Cup in Brazil next summer, the temptation of returning to the Lane may be an option too good to turn down. Although times were tough in charge of Bayern Munich between 2008-09 and maybe a little reluctance to leave the States before next year's summer festivities could creep in, it could become very interesting should Tottenham come calling.
Glenn Hoddle
Hoddle has been tipped as one of the favourites to take the role. He has the backing of former players including Clive Allen but returning to the reigns at Spurs may prove very difficult following a less than convincing spell as boss between 2001-03. There has been a long wait for the former England head coach to return to management whilst the timing of this opportunity could prove perfect simitry for Hoddle. The 56-year-old knows the game very well and being a part of the FA commission may prove to be a key component to his appointment.
Mauricio Pochettino
A philosophical and talented young coach who has worked wonders at Southampton this term, by introducing styles of play that Tottenham fans use to witness prior to Gareth Bale's departure. Although they have just sacked a young manager, the former Argentina centre-back seems to be a preferable choice for many Lilywhites fans. One can only imagine how he would work with the talent at Spurs with the spirit he has installed at Southampton with a group of less high profile players.
Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel is impressing the majority in the Bundesliga and has been likened to a certain Jurgen Klopp after replacing the Borussia Dortmund manager at FSV Mainz 05 in 2008. Spurs are looking for a long term figurehead and Tuchel has spoke of his admiration of the Premier League. This could be a perfect fit but may be deemed a little too risky with the current state of affairs.
Fabio Capello
The former England coach had been spotted around the North London club during the club's 5-0 hammering to Liverpool before AVB's dismissal. Despite leading Russia to Brazil, he is touted as a club manager but has shocked many by choosing not to challenge himself to suceed as he once did with Lazio, Juventus and Real Madrid. A strong connection with Franco Baldini could prove pivotel in Levy's selection process, but evidential communication problems whilst heading the Three Lions proved too much for the Italian.
David Ginola
Another Spurs legend has entered by frame and why not. Ginola has been spending plenty of time alongside the crew at Talksport but has spoke of his dream to return to his favourite club… as the main man. The Frenchman brought glamour and a celebrity status to the Lane and may be the man to imbed new confidence into the strong calibre of talent at hand.
Frank De Boer
Frank is one half of one of the most famous brotherly duo and has continued to perform with high standards at managerial level. Before Manuel Pelligrini's appointment at Manchester City, De Boer was a favourable choice. Moving from Dutch champions Ajax to England will be a massive challenge due to the depth of talent and demand between grade one England and the grade two Erevidisie. De Boer will bring attitude, presence and one or two tasty match conferences.
Luis Enrique
Enrique could either be a smart choice and another doubtful selection to follow the tail of AVB. The Celta Vigo boss is relatively unknown in England but is building his profile rapidly and could bring a fresh image to London. Spurs would be putting all their eggs into one basket with Enrique's lack of experience but like many young managers, new ideas and a fresh mindset could prove a wise move.
Tim Sherwood
Sherwood has become the bookies favourite ahead of Glenn Hoddle since being given the permission to take charge of the club’s next couple of games. He has won the Premier League at player level and understands Tottenham’s philosophies from the players straight through to the backroom staff. The 44-year-old is a traditionalist and will look to install his own spin on matters on the field. Former Director of Football at White Hart Lane Damien Comolli has given the former Blackburn Rovers player his backing and believes it is Sherwood’s job to lose.
It’s Levy’s choice but who do you want in?
The next couple of weeks in North London are going to be intriguing with a host of names being thrown into the foray. The chairman will have to think logically about AVB’s replacement. Should he go for another foreign manager to try and inaugurate another specimen of flare into the side or should he go for a British name who has his name in the right place. With UEFA Champions League qualification the priority, Levy needs to think of how he will approach the next five months. Does he choose an interim or consider longevity despite his side sifting through seven managers since the George Graham era.
