Spurs could turn to five ex-figures as interim boss before Pochettino | Football | Sport
Could Spurs get on the phone to Harry Redknapp? (Image: Getty)
Tottenham have cut the cord on Thomas Frank’s disastrous spell in charge. The former Brentford boss has been dismissed following Tuesday’s 2-1 home loss to Newcastle, which left Spurs 16th in the Premier League.
With West Ham improving under Nuno Espirito Santo, the Lilywhites are embroiled in a relegation battle, sitting five points above the drop zone. A large section of the fanbase has been clamouring for the return of Mauricio Pochettino for years. However, as head coach of the US national team, the Argentine, who departed the club in 2019, won’t be obtainable until after the World Cup this summer. To secure Pochettino, they would need to appoint an interim manager for the remaining crucial months of the campaign.
That would eliminate early frontrunners like Roberto De Zerbi, who would have no appetite for taking the side for a brief period. However, several Spurs legends might relish the opportunity to assist the club in its hour of need.
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Harry Redknapp
Alongside Pochettino, Redknapp is one of the most successful Spurs managers of modern times. Despite being almost 79, the managerial icon hasn’t entirely dismissed a return to the dugout.
And a Tottenham salvage operation, backed by younger coaches who also harbour deep affection for the club, may appeal and certainly wouldn’t intimidate him.
A post-World Cup return for Poch would prove highly popular (Image: Getty)
Tim Sherwood
A former Spurs manager and player with intimate knowledge of the club, while not held in the same esteem as Redknapp or Pochettino, Sherwood’s brief tenure in charge was respectable.
In the view of many, he was also unfairly dismissed by Daniel Levy after guiding the side to sixth place in 2013/14. Sherwood subsequently managed Aston Villa before another dismissal and is now a regular pundit on Sky Sports following more than a decade away from top-level coaching.
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Ryan Mason
This is familiar territory, with Mason having undertaken caretaker stints in 2021 and 2023 and proving a steadying hand. Still just 34, he is available after being dismissed by West Bromwich Albion recently.
An advantage is his familiarity with many of the current squad, though it wouldn’t be the most inspiring appointment. Perhaps a coaching position under someone like Redknapp would suit him better.
Tim Sherwood led Spurs to a sixth-place finish (Image: Getty Images)
Jermain Defoe
A Tottenham legend with coaching experience at the club would presumably be welcomed by supporters. The former prolific striker has previously worked within the academy before departing to pursue a senior position. Could that opportunity arise at Spurs?
Stranger things have happened and he has Redknapp’s backing. Speaking last year, Defoe revealed: “Harry Redknapp messaged me the other day and said, ‘When am I going to see you on the touchline?’ I said, ‘Boss, I’m trying.’ A lot of the feedback I get is the same, it’s about my experience.”
Gus Poyet
A forgotten man of English football, the Uruguayan is currently available after parting ways with K League 1 club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. He’s warmly remembered by many supporters for his stint as a player in the early 2000s.
Poyet would likely be open to a return to the UK. Although he may not be a long-term solution, he could potentially invigorate a passive-looking Spurs team.
