Just a few short weeks ago, after Spurs 6-0 battering away at Manchester City, I published an article on this website stating that I hoped Spurs kept faith with manager Andre Villas-Boas. When this sort of thing happens in real time they call it the ‘curse of the commentator’. What better way was there for me to give him the kiss of death?
Of course, Spurs did part ways with AVB this week while Tim Sherwood, Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey took charge of first team affairs. If you scroll through any sports news site then what you are likely to find is about 10% actual news and about 90% speculation. I’m here to fuel the speculation that surrounds the vacant managerial position at White Hart Lane. Let’s look at the candidates:
Glenn Hoddle
A surprise candidate for many, the legendary Spurs midfielder has been viewed by plenty as a good short term solution. Out of management since 2006, Hoddle has expressed an interest in taking the reins at Tottenham, a club who sacked him from the same position in 2003.
Despite his substantial time away from the game and previously unsuccessful tenure as Spurs manager, the white side of North London seem quite keen on the potential appointment. A fans poll on Sky Sports News this week seemingly showed Hoddle as the fans first choice to take the job. It seems that his previous managerial work and subsequent sacking hasn’t sullied the reputation of a man who is widely regarded as Spurs best ever player.
Hoddle’s appointment may seem a long shot at the moment. But, with it usually much easier to appoint a manager in the summer than December, he could be the right man to steady the ship for the remainder of the season.
Fabio Capello
Installed as an early favourite with the bookmakers, Capello’s stock as a club manager is incredibly high after a glittering career has seen him win numerous trophies in charge of AC Milan, Roma, Juventus and Real Madrid. Not a bad CV at all. He didn’t have a great time in charge of the English national team but then again, who has?
The stumbling block with Capello is that he is currently in charge of Russia’s team. Since they have already qualified for the World Cup it would be a huge shock to see him leave before the tournament starts next summer to take over at Spurs now. Perhaps a future successor after a caretaker does the job for the time being. But it would be surprising to see Capello in the role before next summer’s World Cup.
Tim Sherwood
Current caretaker manager who presided over Spurs 2-1 Capitol One Cup loss this week against West Ham. Sherwood made 93 appearances for Spurs and has been part of the coaching staff since being brought to the club by Harry Redknapp in 2008. But the former Premier League winner’s service to Spurs has not brought him as much good faith with the supporters as you might think.
The rumour mill amongst Spurs fans is that Sherwood is and has been an avid Arsenal fan. Internet rumours hold very little credibility but mud sticks and he is off to a bad start with the Spurs faithful already. In the same way that they never took to former Gunners boss George Graham, who had a large Arsenal crest on his patio at home. Fear not Spurs fans, his lack of managerial experience may see him overlooked this time anyway.
Jürgen Klinsmann
When Newcastle United were in trouble and fan unrest was rife throughout the club in 2008, the hierarchy appeased these supporters by appointing a boss that they couldn’t possibly turn their noses up at. A club legend called Kevin Keegan. It’s this kind of cache with the fans that has seen many pine for Glenn Hoddle to take over. The same thing can certainly be said for Spurs legend Jürgen Klinsmann.
It’s easy to forget that the former Germany captain and manager only played for Spurs 56 times. But such was his impact that this really didn’t matter. The hugely popular striker has gone down in folklore as one of Spurs greatest, netting 30 goals during his only full season in 1995/96 and a brief loan spell in 1998.
Unlike Hoddle, Klinsmann hasn’t taken an extended break from the game and is currently manager of the USA national team who continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership. But, like Capello, Klinsmann’s involvement in next summer’s World Cup may scupper any immediate move. What’s more, the USA were quick to tie Jürgen to a new contract last week that will run until 2018. Probably a shrewd move with AVB’s position looking increasingly uncertain.
No obvious solution is forthcoming for Spurs. Other names like Swansea’s Michael Laudrup and Southampton’s Mauricio Pochettino have been mentioned but for a variety of reasons there is no front runner.
However one thing is for certain. Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy, who has already hired and fired Glenn Hoddle, David Pleat, Jacques Santini, Martin Jol, Juande Ramos, Harry Redknapp and AVB during his relatively short spell at the helm, will need to get this appointment right or risk further derailing Spurs development.