One of the key components of misdirection in the pursuit of a new manager for any club is the name shouting that invariably accompanies the process. The yelps of ‘Get so-and-so!’ and ‘This guy would be perfect!’ are never helpful, and it could be reasonably argued that more thought goes into your average punter selecting a horse for the grand national.
Fabrizio Romano believes that Eirk ten Hag is a definitive goer for the vacant Spurs job – and I have nothing to add about his suitability. The reason being, this recruitment, despite the urgency (Harry Redknapp was miles off in his claim that Daniel would already have someone lined up), will perhaps be Daniel Levy’s most cautious appointment yet.
Mourinho agreed to the terms, and the restraints, but then he refused to listen or act upon the further instructions given afterwards. The specifics in this instance were – loosely speaking – don’t ask me for big-money signings and don’t ask me to sell Dele Alli.
PS: According to a source close to the club, I am advised that the Gareth Southgate tip doing the rounds is as I mentioned in a recent video was only ever what the board expected the level to be, and not a hard and fast target. As I said, when the information emanates from the club itself, it can frequently be disinformation.