Redknapp on the ropes... What Euros?

With the future of Harry Redknapp looking as uncertain as a Greek back four, knocking England off the back pages, an assessment of his reign and likely successor is in order. Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy seems reluctant to extend Redknapp's contract beyond the one year remaining and this has led to vast speculation. In a BBC interview with Redknapp at the Euro's he denied the rumours, but with fresh uncertainty this morning, in the press at least, it seems his future is sealed.


Harry has had a fantastically successful tenure at Spurs, taking over from a disastrous Juande Ramos, he guided Spurs to safety and has not been out of the top five since. Spurs qualified for their first ever Champions League campaign in 2010, which saw them defeat holders Inter Milan en route to the quarter finals. With nearly a 50% win rate at the helm of Spurs, why would Levy let him go? Indeed it seems as though their relationship has become increasingly strained. It is rumoured that Levy was very disappointed with the end of season slump, with just four wins in their final thirteen games and the gut wrenching 5-2 loss to rivals Arsenal on February 26th, Spurs missed out on third spot and as it turned out, Champions League football.  Levy is undoubtedly ruthless, axing Martin Jol after Spurs reached the dizzy heights of fifth, and Ramos, less than six months after a big money move. Would the relieving of Redknapp be that much of a surprise in this modern game.We understand Levy feels it may be time for a change and David Moyes is evens favourite to get the job.


After ten years at Everton, Moyes has hinted his time may of come to an end. With the probable sale of star full-back Leighton Baines, Moyes has become increasingly frustrated with Everton's lack of investment and status as a 'selling club'. Moyes, who has been LMA Manager of the Year a record three times, could be a shrewd replacement. Putting together a very solid squad, one which cost Man United the title, on a shoestring, a good transfer budget at Spurs could perhaps see the unforgiving Glaswegian achieve greatness. In addition the possibility of bringing with him some of Everton's stars makes his signature very lucrative.

Spurs' fans have all too often been frustrated with Redknapp's lack of tactical nous. When Tottenham start a match with confidence and sharp flow they have an excellent game and at times look unbeatable. However, as was evident during the end of last years campaign, when Redknapp found his side not firing he seemed powerless to turn round a sinking ship. Relentlessly sticking with the same personnel and formation and making inept substitutions too late into games, Spurs could not buy a win. Redknapp is of course an excellent motivator, his character, charisma and personality make him the sort of manager that player's want to play for. But, for Levy at least, this does not seem to be enough.

In the transfer market it would be fair to say Redknapp has adopted a limited approach. Much of Spurs' excellent squad was compiled pre-Redknapp, and the players he has brought in have been predominantly from the Premier League. With very few foreign bargains (to the likes of Papa Cisse, Nikica Jelavic or Gylfi Sigurdsson) acquired, perhaps Moyes would provide Tottenham with an edge in the foreign market.

Talks between Levy and Redknapp have been scheduled for today and it is not improbable that Redknapp will stay, especially after Harry's heavy denial on ESPN. Redknapp has been a revelation at Spurs, but is the future Moyes?

JLloyd