Spurs Next Manager?

Rumours were rife yesterday with suspicion that spurs had parted ways with manager Harry Redknapp. Later in the afternoon Redknapp himself made several statements to the media rejecting these rumours as disgusting and offensive, citing the year that remained on his contract and his intent to extend that deal as proof.

But this morning the club released a statement confirming the club had in fact relieved the 65 year old of his position.

Redknapp took charge of Spurs in October 2008, at that time they were bottom of the league with two points. He immediately made an impact, taking 10 points from a possible twelve.

Harry began to put his stamp on the team in January 2009 in his usual wheeler dealer fashion, bringing back fans favourites, Defoe, Chimbonda and Robbie Keane.

Tottenham finished the season in eighth place and narrowly missing out on European Qualification; they were also beaten finalists in the F.A Cup by Man Utd on penalties.

The following season brought a major overhaul of his squad; as a result Redknapp guided Spurs to their best ever premier league finish and booked their place in the Champions league play-offs.  Redknapp also took the Premier League Manager of the Year Award, only the second manager to do so without winning the league.

Even with the rigours of Champions League football, this was brought to a halt by Real Madrid in the quarter final Stages, Harry’s charges still managed to finish fifth, this time qualifying to the Europa League.

Despite a Champions league qualifying fourth place last season, qualification was eventually stripped from them by Chelsea and their heroics in Munich. Daniel Levy has opted to apparently take the club in a “different direction”, terminating Redknapp’s contract.

Where now for Mr Levy and Spurs?

As is usual following a managerial casualty, every decent manager has already been linked with the vacant position. We have decided to take a brief look at a handful of the candidates and the odds being offered.

David Moyes 6/4

Moyes has been Everton Manager for 10 years, following his appointment from previous club Preston North End. Widely regarded as one of the best managers in the Premier League, a move to a big club is almost a certainty.

Moyes is settled in the Northwest and uprooting his family from their home and school does not appear to be a realistic possibility. Although he has been inserted as favourite, we don’t see Spurs as a big enough club to warrant such a move.

Andre Villas-Boas 6/1

Currently without a job following his sacking from Chelsea, having been let go so early in his first season, Villas-Boas will feel he has unfinished business in the premier league.

His ability to handle the pressure of Chelsea and the egos of their superstar players was called in to question; but no such pressure will be on his shoulders at Tottenham.  He is definitely one of our contenders for the job

Fabio Capello 8/1

The former England manager has one of the best CV’s in the business, ironically England is the only managerial jobs he has not experienced success. The Italian has won a league title with every domestic club he has coached.

Capello has made no secret of his desire to manage in the Premier League, but we’re not convinced he fits the bill so these odd are a little short in our opinion.

Laurent Blanc 16/1

Currently on duty with France at Euro 2012, although still relatively young he had an impressive managerial debut with Bordeaux, finishing second in his first season and following that with the league title the following year; as well as the Coupe De La Ligue.

He was then tasked with resurrecting the national teams fortunes following two disastrous tournaments, but there are whispers that he may be tired of international management and wants to make the move back to club football.

Blanc definitely has what it takes to continue the job of turning Spurs into title contenders.

Gus Poyet 40/1

Poyet may be considered a long shot, but for us he has more chance of being considered for the role than some of the contenders who are being offered at shorter odds. Having played for spurs for three years he is still considered an icon by the supporters, thanks to his full blooded performances.

The Uruguayan is considered to be one of the best young managers in the country, earning rave reviews for his management style and how he expects his teams to play.

His appointment may go someway to appease any disgruntled fans, who will still be scratching their heads at Redknapps departure.