Advertisement
Villas-Boas: sacked this morning. Stephen Pond/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Andre Villas-Boas sacked by Spurs

Decision taken “by mutual consent” after yesterday’s 5-0 defeat against Liverpool.

Updated 11.44

ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.

The decision was taken “by mutual consent” after yesterday’s 5-0 loss against Liverpool, Spurs’ heaviest home defeat in 16 seasons.

Former England boss Fabio Capello has been installed by bookmakers as the early favourite for the job with Guus Hiddink and Michael Laudrup also linked with the North London club this morning.

Spurs said: “The club can announce that agreement has been reached with head coach, Andre Villas-Boas, for the termination of his services.

The decision was by mutual consent and in the interests of all parties.

We wish Andre well for the future. We shall make a further announcement in due course.

Villas-Boas and his players were booed off the pitch yesterday as the home fans at White Hart Lane made their voices heard.

The result left Spurs in seventh place, five points outside the Champions League places and still two points better than defending champions Manchester United.

But in the wake of last month’s 6-0 humiliation against Manchester City, a second heavy defeat to a top four rival left Villas-Boas on the brink.

A £105 million summer transfer binge only added to the pressure on the Portuguese, who arrived at the club in July 2012.

Spurs finished fifth in his first season, narrowly missing out on a Champions League place to rivals Arsenal.

But when they cashed in on Gareth Bale, selling the Welsh star to Real Madrid for a world record fee in excess of £85 million, Villas-Boas faced the unenviable task of rebuilding without one of the world’s biggest names.

The bulk of that money was spent on four players — Spanish forward Roberto Soldado (£26 million), Erik Lamela (£26 million), Paulinho (£17 million) and Christian Eriksen (£11.5 million).

Three more summer signings — Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches and Nacer Chadli — took the spree above the £100 million mark.

After losing five times already this season, including the hammerings against City and Liverpool, the Spurs board have moved for a swift change.

Capello, Hiddink and Laudrup have all been linked as have club legends Glenn Hoddle and Tim Sherwood who could team up as a double act.

– First published 11.09

Barca draw Man City in Champions League while Arsenal face champions Bayern again

Close
102 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bob Frapples
    Favourite Bob Frapples
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:25 AM

    They’ve exactly the same points now as they did this time last season, which was a record for them at the time. A bit harsh imo.

    371
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Conway
    Favourite Declan Conway
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:04 PM

    At the start of each season you can classify fans’ ambitions into five levels;
    In ascending order -
    5. Pessimistic
    4. Realistic
    3. Optimistic
    2. Delusional
    1. Tottenham

    140
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Graham Kavanagh
    Favourite Graham Kavanagh
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:07 PM

    The only thing missing for Spurs right now is the spark. They are doing well, but something seems to affecting moral on the field.

    23
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Keating
    Favourite Patrick Keating
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:21 PM

    Not harsh at all. Some Mickey Mouse outfit in Portugal might take him on.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Redmond
    Favourite Peter Redmond
    Report
    Dec 17th 2013, 12:24 AM

    There’s something wrong with any club were a manager has no say in what players are being signed, in saying that I don’t think AVB is a great manager, he won the Europa league and league in Portugal with Porto? Not the greatest achievement.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter - County Arms
    Favourite Peter - County Arms
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:16 AM

    That’s a stupid move by Spurs. Changing their manager will achieve nothing at this stage of the season. Speaking as a Gooner – I’m thrilled.

    267
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute nelll
    Favourite nelll
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:39 AM

    Moyes will be next

    140
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Skillington
    Favourite Tony Skillington
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:59 AM

    Mouse has a bit of time yet… Remember when Ferguson took over he achieved nothing for the first year..give him another season and he should turn things around. That said the fact Ferguson is still casting a long shadow over the place ain’t helping his cause either.

    83
    See 11 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Skillington
    Favourite Tony Skillington
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:59 AM

    Moyes* fkn predictive text

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciarán
    Favourite Ciarán
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:09 PM

    Ferguson didn’t take over a title winning side or a side that had the ridiculous amount of recent success as the club now has. The club is also bow heavily burdened with debt which is not a huge issue so long as their revenues remain high but a year or two without champions league would be all it takes to throw them into financial Armageddon.

    To suggest Moyes will be given the same leeway considering these circumstances is not really realistic. The club needs success to survive

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bobo Delaney
    Favourite Bobo Delaney
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:58 PM

    Moyes inherited a premier league winning team yes but only one that would have won the league under Ferguson. It’s a midfield of very ordinary players…

    Moyes will be given time to turn their fortunes around. Everyone who puts all the blame on him are wrong. You must point the finger at the players and of course Woodward who dealt terribly with the summers embarrassing failed transfer attempts! It’s Manchester United we are talking about here, people must remember that. They will be great again, this is a transition period.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Matthynssens
    Favourite Jack Matthynssens
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:09 PM

    Football has changed since ferguson arrived at United, anybody who thinks moyes will be given time is delusional. If Moyes fails to make the champions league, he’ll be gone.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Erin Smith
    Favourite Erin Smith
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:32 PM

    Moyes won’t be sacked. He got a 6 year contract, the Glazers won’t want to pay him out of that. Anyone that took over from Fergie would suffer, large number of those players have barely experienced another manager it was always going to be a tough season. If they finish outside CL spots the answer is not to sack the manager it’s to buy players – we’ve the worst midfield I’ve seen in my time.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel O'Neill
    Favourite Nigel O'Neill
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:58 PM

    Hallelujah!!!! People who havent been watching Spurs regularly over past 16 months are not in a good place to be deciding whether this was a good or bad move!
    Trust me..I have been and the guy is a 1 trick pony and has been well and truly found out! Bale saved him last season..take away his goals and assists and we have finished 14th!! What would yee have said then!!???

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Doyle
    Favourite Gavin Doyle
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:30 PM

    Or it will look at Southampton

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Doyle
    Favourite Gavin Doyle
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:33 PM

    Not in this day and age does moyes have time united can’t afford not to be in the champions league and if that’s what happens this year I think moyes will be getting the chopped

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Doyle
    Favourite Gavin Doyle
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:34 PM

    Like liverpools transitional years

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Doyle
    Favourite Gavin Doyle
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:36 PM

    Paying moyes off and getting in to the champions league would be pittance in comparison

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Doyle
    Favourite Gavin Doyle
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:44 PM

    Sure look at united and van Persie take away his goals and assists would united had won the league same with Suarez and Liverpool would they be in the position they are without him every team has one player to look to RONALDO ,MESSI .
    AVB did not buy those players I wonder did he even want half of them .
    They should have brought in three really classy signings got them into the team and use to the league and went back again in the summer .
    It seemed as if as long as the money was spent it didn’t matter what players were brought in.
    Just because that amount of money was spent does not mean all the players that were bought are a fit .
    Once these players get used to the league I think spurs will be a different animal a very hard one to beat .

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bockeys Jollox
    Favourite Bockeys Jollox
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:16 AM

    His greatest achievement??? Bringing Eva Carneiro (Chelsea physio) to the PL

    263
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Tormey
    Favourite Alan Tormey
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:33 AM

    Rumours Steve Staunton has been seen around White Hart Lane this morning,

    213
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan Stokes
    Favourite Ronan Stokes
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:15 PM

    The Gaffer.

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Lyle-Stirling
    Favourite Alan Lyle-Stirling
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:55 PM

    Lol.. What ? Cleaning the toilets..?

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry Dunne
    Favourite Barry Dunne
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:29 AM

    His poor family. And it so close to Christmas!

    185
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ted Carroll
    Favourite Ted Carroll
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:43 AM

    Suarez will be blamed for this soon enough, putting a family on the streets!

    190
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pablo
    Favourite Pablo
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:49 AM

    Yeah deserves 16 match ban

    87
    See 5 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neil Barrett
    Favourite Neil Barrett
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:17 PM

    Yeah I am sure they’ll have to cancel Christmas , he is freaking multimillionaire and no doubt will be having a payout after sacking … His Christmas goose will be very fat.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Barry Dunne
    Favourite Barry Dunne
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:20 PM

    His current deal at Spurs is worth £16m but you can buy a brand new ‘Sarcasm Detector’ for a fraction of the cost.

    196
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Erin Smith
    Favourite Erin Smith
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:33 PM

    Barry! Lol

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Cunningham
    Favourite Michael Cunningham
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:18 PM

    What was the payout from Chelsea? £10mill?
    Now he’s another fat paycheck on the way from Levy’s Spurs. All at 36 years old.

    Feel verrrrrry sorry for him alright!

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fintan Culhane
    Favourite Fintan Culhane
    Report
    Dec 17th 2013, 12:02 AM

    To be fair to the man, taking the spurs job cost him like €10 mil from chelsea which he could have got just sitting around on his arse. He doesn’t seem to be about the money really…

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Darren Doheny
    Favourite Darren Doheny
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:17 AM

    When will clubs learn that you can not buy a league in one season. That amount of new players need time to bed into the system. Rash decision. Very disappointing.

    148
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel O'Neill
    Favourite Nigel O'Neill
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:00 PM

    Dissapointing for who? And why ‘rash’ ? He has been in charge 16months and we had been in 14th but for Bale last season!!!! Have only scored 15 league goals this year…it certainly isnt rash..has been the same slow..stubborn tactic for 16 months and isnt happening

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Doyle
    Favourite Gavin Doyle
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:48 PM

    It was happening last year for them even if it was bale that was there

    1
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Darren Doheny
    Favourite Darren Doheny
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 5:35 PM

    Of course it is – you don’t rebuild a team with 100m and expect immediate results. That’s exactly what happened.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brad Willingham
    Favourite Brad Willingham
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:22 AM

    Stupid Stupid Decision, AVB was arguably the best Manager we’ve had in Years an has just had an unfortunate couple of months, though still managed to sell a 100mill player, get the most points in a season we’ve ever had and has attempted to create an entire new team – which takes time.
    Typical Levy thinking he knows best. We’ll get a second rate manager now Hoddle/Cappelo, lose the majority of our signing and go back to being a mid table team.
    Only news i wanna hear now is Re-hireing of AVB or Re-Hireing of Redknapp.

    Levy’s the only person to blame here.

    98
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matthew Ryan
    Favourite Matthew Ryan
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:34 AM

    Capello second rate? You’re having a laugh aren’t you?

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Honest Tom
    Favourite Honest Tom
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:06 PM

    Disagree that Cappelo is 2nd rate. Apart from that I agree with your comment. From what I can see Levy’s only real strength is manageing to get top dollar for the players they sell. Carrick, Berbatov, Bale etc.

    16
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brad Willingham
    Favourite Brad Willingham
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:27 PM

    Capello done fantastic as a player and manager on paper, though if you look at the teams he managed it would be hard not to.
    I’ve only ever seen him struggle to manage a team once – and it was the only team that wasn’t already full to the brim with superstars, Englands National Team.

    I completely agree Levy is great when it comes to making money – but you can’t make loads, expect great results, get them for 3 years running – have 1 bad patch in the start of a season and sack the 2nd manager, in 4 years.
    Your right when it comes to getting the funds but the truth is if we want to push to be a top flight team we need a manager who can mold a team and get the best out of them. AVB/Redknapp can do that. In my opinion Capello & DEFINATLY Hoddle cannot.

    Truth is 10 years ago you would Laugh if i told you spurs would be challenging top 4 year every year and would be making 30mill signings regularly but our 2 recently poor treated managers made it a reality and got shown the door by a Business man (LEVY). He’s not a football manger, hes a haggler.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Lyle-Stirling
    Favourite Alan Lyle-Stirling
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:59 PM

    Best team Spurs have had since the days of Chivers, Peters and Jennings. Mad to sack him. Just as West Brom were mad to sack their guy.. Can only do so much with the available troops. !

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert clifford
    Favourite Robert clifford
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:17 AM

    Feel for the guy. You’d wonder if half the players bought were his idea.

    83
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ann-Marie Wallis
    Favourite Ann-Marie Wallis
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:22 AM

    Levy and Baldini bought the players, not AVB…ridiculous for them to think they could buy what they wanted with little consultation from the manager.

    68
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Erin Smith
    Favourite Erin Smith
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:34 PM

    He pretty much confirmed last night that he had no say. Ridiculous decision, who do they think they’re going to get now?! Delusions of Grandeur. Would love to see him go on and do well at a good club now

    17
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ann-Marie Wallis
    Favourite Ann-Marie Wallis
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:19 PM

    It’s a vicious cycle for Tottenham, they spent during the summer but in reality the club never had the money to do such a dramatic sweep on the transfer market before. They won’t be top dog in North London without their proposed stadium (which Haringey Council went well out of their way to secure the club’s future in the borough, despite the interest Levy once had in the Olympic Stadium).

    They need to develop Northumberland Park asap; as much as I hate to see football go like this, it is the big money spenders like business people in the City or Canary Wharf that are increasingly filling seats and generating the money as part of ‘the matchday experience’. Corporate packages are becoming essential components of building a brand like a football club’s name internationally. In an area like Tottenham, I wouldn’t be surprised if most people couldn’t afford to go to a game in the Lane regularly; they also have one of the highest season ticket prices in the PL. Without the revenue, they cannot attract the players with the astronomical wages in the PL.

    Bums in seats, TV and advertisement is what all clubs need. IMO, Levy failed miserably here; he should have instructed the manager to spend the money as he sees fit if he truly believed AVB was there for the long haul. Spurs need their Wenger, a stabilising influence on the players and club.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Murphy
    Favourite Patrick Murphy
    Report
    Dec 17th 2013, 12:03 AM

    He won’t do well, he is a charlatan of a manager who has been found out, again.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Gorman
    Favourite Michael Gorman
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:51 AM

    Having the same amount of points as last season at this point, trying to rebuild a team that’s not entirely his own and previous achievements make this a very harsh/rash decision by Levy plus board… poor old AVB!

    Coming from a united fan, it’s hard to admit but Liverpool were sublime going forward yesterday taking apart a disorganized defense. Swarez is probably the second best player in the world atm with messi injured behind ronaldo.

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Cunningham
    Favourite Michael Cunningham
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:12 PM

    Fair point, but you can’t allow Jordan Henderson to run riot against your team and expect to get away with it.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Honest Tom
    Favourite Honest Tom
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:46 AM

    For me, football is ruined. I no longer enjoy watching it. Far too much emphesis on the Champions League. Qualifying for it has almost become an honour, or seen as success. Arsenal players celebrating finishing 4th last season for example was embarrassing. The competition itself is boring until the knockout stages.

    Tottenham sacking the manager because they fear they wont make the top 4 I guess. There are plenty of clubs challenging for those 4 spots. Manchester United if/when they improve will expect to make it, Arsenal are spending again, and have improved from last season when they finished 4th so will expect to make it. Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool have improved, Everton will want to challenge. There are only 4 spots, they can’t all qualify. people will have to realise there is more to football than the champions league, they have no right to make the top 4, and sacking the manager because they dont is not a solution.

    Spurs sold their best player in the summer, and replaced him with how many? 10? what do they expect? buy a new team and it will all fall into place right away? Just seems to me that some of the people running football clubs have no clue about football.

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ted Carroll
    Favourite Ted Carroll
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:10 PM

    Honest Tom the problem is that there’s such a huge financial difference between finishing fourth and fifth that it has become a massive deal. You also struggle to land top players as that’s where they want to be playing. Money talks and that’s just the way football is. I’ve never seen the league this competitive before, it’s great to see but you’re right it’s weird seeing clubs aiming for a top 4 finish as if it’s some sort of second place prize for winning the league.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Lyle-Stirling
    Favourite Alan Lyle-Stirling
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:05 PM

    I agree totally . Champions league should revert to one from every league plus the reigning champions. It is only set up this way for money. Bring back the Cup Winners cup and Eufa cup and get rid of this rubbish they have now.

    16
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Matthynssens
    Favourite Jack Matthynssens
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:38 PM

    Total rubbish idea, the champions league is so successful because all the best teams play in it. The best teams are not necessarily league champions, just look at Real, Atletico, Napoli, Dortmund, Milan, City, Arsenal, Chelsea. All of whom could have been considered realistic contenders, instead you want to change that to a competition of mismatches apart from maybe 2 or 3 games. I’d much prefer Arsenal v Napoli than Barca v Copenhagan, Juventus v Wisla Krakow or Manchester United v Sligo Rovers which are what most of the games would be like if it was restricted to League winners. If that’s the kind of competition you like maybe you should watch the world club cup. I thought it’d be nice if cup winners were given a champions league ticket instead of 4th place but I certainly wouldn’t want to dilute the standard of games in the way you suggest. Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Honest Tom
    Favourite Honest Tom
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:47 PM

    In one sense I agree, the quality of teams in the better leagues should make for a more interesting competition than if Barca played Copenhagen etc. However I do think 4 teams qualifying from some leagues is too much, and I do think the format of the competition could be changed. I don’t like the group stages, I find it a bore. Even less chance of an upset and a big club or good team getting knocked out before the last 16. So yes maybe keep the big clubs in it, but change the format to a straight knockout competition like it used to be.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hugh Carolan
    Favourite Hugh Carolan
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:20 AM

    Didnt think AVB would be thrown out so soon, Spurs with an attractive squad should be able to find a top manager..but who?!

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ann-Marie Wallis
    Favourite Ann-Marie Wallis
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:31 AM

    I suspect that someone like Levy wouldn’t have got rid of AVB unless he has some kind of backup plan. If he doesn’t, he’s in awful trouble. Rumour around my neck of the woods here (I work and live in North London) is that Hiddick is linked with the job…

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Graham--
    Favourite Graham--
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:47 AM

    Bielsa maybe

    1
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave O'Hanlon
    Favourite Dave O'Hanlon
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:37 PM

    Hiddink did well in his small spell at Chelsea, got the best out of the available players. He could possibly do the same for this squad as well.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Lyle-Stirling
    Favourite Alan Lyle-Stirling
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:02 PM

    Hiddink is a genius with under performing teams. Remember what he did with a two bit Australian team at the 2006 World Cup. Only for a typical Italian dive they would have made the quarter finals or better.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute tom pepper
    Favourite tom pepper
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:24 PM

    Mr Trapattoni is available for work.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoin Lynch
    Favourite Eoin Lynch
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:40 PM

    Hiddink is taking the Holland job after World Cup so if he is linked it will probably only caretaker again. Getting rid of AVB was foolish at this stage. They’re not going to get relegated this year so they should really give him the season to see if he could turn it round. He always seems to be under ridiculous amounts of pressure in any job he takes. I remember early last season spurs fans booed him after a difficult period and they ended up with 72 points. Football is mad the way it’s sacking managers for very little these days

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B
    Favourite B
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 5:44 PM

    Ann-Marie, are you the gorgeous looking one on the left or the gorgeous looking one on the right.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jho Harris
    Favourite Jho Harris
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 6:54 PM

    Jasus. Trap just gone now AVB, there is only so much negative football a person can watch. I might be able to stay awake now watching my favourite club and my country from here on in. AVB was not doing a good job at Spurs; I was hopeful but he was playing too many players out of position and their game was pedestrian to say the least. Now there can be fire in the bellies of Tottenham and ROI players again and I for one am rejoicing or at least hoping to rejoice.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Kearney
    Favourite Shane Kearney
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:27 AM

    Its not the biggest reason, but I reckon that the Europa League and the Thurs-Sun schedule had an impact on Spurs’ form this season, Swansea as well. If you dont finish fourth, your better off in sixth it seems.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Billy Kennedy
    Favourite Billy Kennedy
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:53 PM

    What’s funny is that both Spurs and Swansea are in essentially the exact same place as they were this time last year.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Kearney
    Favourite Shane Kearney
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 5:06 PM

    See where they’ll be at the end of the season, and if Swansea will have won a cup

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute executioner
    Favourite executioner
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:31 AM

    Losing to Liverpool 5-0, I mean Liverpool !for God’s sake has to be the final straw.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute thomas the tank
    Favourite thomas the tank
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:23 AM

    Levy the hatchet man strikes again players should look at themselves,disgraceful yesterday but not to take anything from pool who were awesome

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jody
    Favourite Jody
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:47 AM

    Highest win % of any Spurs boss..

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B
    Favourite B
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:47 AM

    My heart goes out to this multi-millionaire chancer in such a difficult moment.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B
    Favourite B
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:21 PM

    Things started to spin out of control for him when he started to question the Spurs fans in the stadium. From that moment on the negativity started and the team started to play boring football.

    Spurs have always been so much fun to watch but over the last few weeks they’ve become a total bore. Something was clearly not right. It looks like the players had enough of him.

    And yes, I did use the word STARTED a lot in this comment.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bluemist
    Favourite Bluemist
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:58 AM

    Another job for Roddy Collins

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john clarke
    Favourite john clarke
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:45 PM

    I suspect that AVB is now tempted to exit the game without saving and then restart at the last autosave that was made around the end of September

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James O'Keeffe
    Favourite James O'Keeffe
    Report
    Dec 17th 2013, 1:44 PM

    That’s a great comment.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jody
    Favourite Jody
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:05 PM

    Luis Suarez causes rise in unemployment. 9 match ban!

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Furey
    Favourite Paul Furey
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:27 AM

    AVB gone, Clarke gone and one or two more to go. Are there enough managers out there to replace this lot?

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ted Carroll
    Favourite Ted Carroll
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:54 AM

    Might throw in a CV, used to be pretty handy on Championship Manager and even getting sacked after a few games gets me a massive payday.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Connolly
    Favourite Stephen Connolly
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:21 AM

    Not surprised. Losing 6-0 and then 5-0 at home is enough these days to get you the boot. Kilnsmann for manager

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute yanky
    Favourite yanky
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:27 AM

    he hasn’t the call on the players bought, that has been known for the last year since Baldini came in. Hard to work with players who u didn’t buy or possibly want.
    Knee jerk reaction. Results were good at all, but he still needed more time to blend a glorified new team!

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leonard Annett
    Favourite Leonard Annett
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:37 AM

    That’s why Keegan left Newcastle a couple of years ago. You can’t expect a manager to accept players he doesn’t want and then take all the flak if they don’t perform well.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute yanky
    Favourite yanky
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:39 AM

    Easy target, it the “european model” it seems. Odd way to do it.
    I’d say Moyes is nervous now, but I think United will stick by the “united way” and stick by him without a doubt.
    Players need to take the hit on this also, looking at them yesterday strolling around the place, embarrassing themselves.

    11
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leslie Alan Rock
    Favourite Leslie Alan Rock
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:14 PM

    In fairness len, keegans a bottler. How many jobs did he walk away from under pressure? Nearly every one of them

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Big Pat
    Favourite Big Pat
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:24 PM

    Instead of red thumbing Les, why dont you prove him wrong. Name one job he didnt walk away from!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Davin Lynch
    Favourite Davin Lynch
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 4:09 PM

    That clown would walk away from a b-job. He’d fit in well with the wafflers in the spurs set up actually.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute micheal285
    Favourite micheal285
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:21 PM

    As a Arsenal fan I feel sorry for AVB things are just not working out for him : his players let him down yesterday because Liverpool are not that good : neither are Arsenal btw : he seemed to be a nice man and was very honest in his post match interviews : a well such is life . COYG

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute yanky
    Favourite yanky
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:46 AM

    His 50% win rate was the highest for a Spurs manager in 100 years. Makes it even stranger, but they have obviously a yes man standing in the wings for this job.
    Like what Newcastle did, which in a weird way it has worked out, I hated the way they went about it, Spurs have done the same. Couldn’t wish Levy/Spurs any success if thats the way they go on.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane McDonnell
    Favourite Shane McDonnell
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:20 AM

    We were only talking about it yesterday! Had to go

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Getard Lanslanger
    Favourite Getard Lanslanger
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:01 PM

    Harsh and that’s from a Liverpool fan. Given no time to rebuild are Bale left. Takes minimum one season to gel in that number of new players

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Spillano
    Favourite Sean Spillano
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:31 PM

    As a Gooner just wondering how many Spud managers now has Wenger seen off? Levy is a clown. Long may it continue! :-D

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute yanky
    Favourite yanky
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:41 PM

    Spurs have probably had 4 managers since 2005.
    In that time Spurs have one 1 trophy. In that time Wenger has seen them all off but has won zero trophies.
    So if that continues SPurs will be the happier fans.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciarán Dubhlain
    Favourite Ciarán Dubhlain
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:16 PM

    The premier league is getting ridiculous

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dwayne Price
    Favourite Dwayne Price
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:52 PM

    Not in a bad position in the league, should have been givin the season with his new players.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Noel Otley
    Favourite Noel Otley
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:00 PM

    Bring back, ‘Arry!!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bockeys Jollox
    Favourite Bockeys Jollox
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 11:50 AM

    They should get Kevin Keegan, match made in heaven Spurs fans like attacking football, no better man!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bockeys Jollox
    Favourite Bockeys Jollox
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 12:07 PM

    Trampatoni is also available

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Moynihan
    Favourite Brian Moynihan
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 4:38 PM

    He could go to West Brom,you’d never know

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Bass
    Favourite Brian Bass
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:44 PM

    Peter Andre Villas Boas leaves LDN Soccer Chickens. #mysteriousgirl

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan McManus
    Favourite Ronan McManus
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:14 PM

    C’eat la vie AVB

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gavin Doyle
    Favourite Gavin Doyle
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 2:50 PM

    Get rid of levy I would say myself look at it this way he was the one who sanctioned all that money on transfers that have not worked .buying players left right and centre as long as it looked good to the fans even if they were no good for the team .

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Leonard
    Favourite Shane Leonard
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:28 PM

    in steps di matteo

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoin Lynch
    Favourite Eoin Lynch
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 1:46 PM

    Di Matteo is still technically employed by Chelsea and is getting 130,000 a week for doing nada. He might not be too keen on taking another job while he was that gem of a payout on his hands

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan Byrne
    Favourite Ronan Byrne
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 9:12 PM

    Shame for ABV, came across as a decent guy. The real culprit is Levy who sanctioned selling their best player at the last minute and then buying in random available players. ABV deserved a full season to blend in all the new players, much like LFC has given Rodgers. Spurs will remain a basket case small club with money under Levy….

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergal O'Leary
    Favourite Fergal O'Leary
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 5:57 PM

    Where’s steve Archibald when u need him?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anto Golden
    Favourite Anto Golden
    Report
    Dec 16th 2013, 9:56 PM

    I am not surprised by Spuds sacking AVB, 5 points off 4th place coming up to Xmas is not exactly the worst start ever for most clubs. However this is Spuds and over the last few seasons they have kacked themselves every year but the year the actually qualified for CL.

    AVB is getting a lot of flack for dismantling a successful team, letting the likes of Modric, Bale etc go. The people who are responsible are Balidini and Levy. They are responsible for transfer policy, buy cheap sell big. Spuds had a net spend of 4 million over the Summer, brought in 6/7 players over the Summer. I think AVB’s sacking represents Spuds ambitions; essentially a selling club that will try to cover costs by qualifying for CL.

    Any manager in their right mind would run a mile if they were offered the job. Any possible candidate would have to accept they dont have control of buying players. Its fair to say that some if AVB’s signing were not his but Levy and Balidini. If you dont have control of player’s been signed, you effectively dont have control over the team you pick.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.