EPL: 10 Managers Who Might Replace Harry Redknapp at Spurs
Most England fans will be pleased to hear that Fabio Capello will step down as national coach after the European Championship in 2012.
The Italian's popularity has dwindled over the past year, following his team's half-hearted and dim-witted performance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and his handling of the England captaincy issue more recently.
The bookmakers' favourite to replace Capello next summer is Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who has enjoyed a successful three-year stint in North London, having guided Spurs, the Premier League's perennial underachievers, to fourth in the league last year and to the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League this term.
It seems that this is almost a foregone conclusion, provided that Redknapp's court case over tax evasion this summer does not bring too much shame on the former England international. Such is the lack of viable alternatives that Redknapp's murky past and lack of silverware or experience managing at the very highest level does not seem to be an issue for the F.A.
But how will Tottenham, currently fifth in the top tier and in a strong financial position, replace a man with such charisma, knowledge and presence?
Whoever they eventually choose could have a say in the futures of young stars such as Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Luka Modric.
Will chairman Daniel Levy put his trust in a younger manager such as Spurs legend Jurgen Klinsmann (pictured), who created a breathtaking style of play during his tenure as German national coach? Will Premier League management experience be the critical criterion? Or will the club want to make a statement of intent with a star signing?
In this slideshow, I look at 10 possible future Spurs managers (in order from least to most likely candidates) who would look to build on Redknapp's sterling work and create a name for themselves alongside the likes of Bill Nicholson and Arthur Rowe as managers who make history in N17.
10: Martin O'Neill
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Age: 59
Nationality: Northern Irish
Notable Appointments: Wycombe Wanderers, Leicester City, Celtic, Aston Villa
Managerial Highlights: 75 percent win ratio at Celtic and 25 consecutive league victories. Two League Cup triumphs with Leicester City.
Baggage: Left Celtic to look after his sick wife. Resigned from Aston Villa post after disagreement with chairman over strategy and transfer funds.
Potential: 6/10
9: Gustavo Poyet
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Age: 43
Nationality: Uruguayan
Notable Appointments: Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur (Assistant Coach), Brighton & Hove Albion
Managerial Highlights: Won the Carling Cup as Spurs assistant, instrumental in Brighton's transformation as table-toppers of League One
Baggage: Ultimately dismissed as Assistant Coach in unsuccessful Juande Ramos era. Still lacks experience.
Potential: 6/10
8: Chris Hughton
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Age: 52
Nationality: Irish
Notable Appointments: Tottenham Hotspur and Republic of Ireland (Assistant Coach), Newcastle United
Managerial Highlights: Kept his job at Spurs under 10 different managers and ably stepped into caretaker role twice. Superbly led team back to Premier League under difficult circumstances.
Baggage: Has been a part of many failed setups at Spurs and has spent most of his coaching career as a backup.
Potential: 6/10
7: Guus Hiddink
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Age: 64
Nationality: Dutch
Notable Appointments: PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands, Real Madrid, South Korea, Chelsea, Russia
Managerial Highlights: 15 managerial titles, including six Eredivisie victories and three coaching awards. Won the F.A. Cup in his last game as Chelsea caretaker manager.
Baggage: Already 64 years old and has steered clear of club managerial roles recently.
Potential: 6/10
6: Owen Coyle
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Age: 44
Nationality: Scottish
Notable Appointments: St Johnstone, Burnley, Bolton Wanderers
Managerial Highlights: Two Manager of the Month awards and cup semifinals in Scotland, almost beat Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs in League Cup at Burnley, having successful season at Bolton this year.
Baggage: No experience managing 'big' teams or players, Coyle may be an unpopular choice with fans
Potential: 7/10
5: Jose Mourinho
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Age: 48
Nationality: Portuguese
Notable Appointments: Porto, Chelsea, Internazionale, Real Madrid
Managerial Highlights: Won Primeira Liga with record 86-point haul. Stunning Champions League triumph with Porto, back-to-back Premier League and Serie A titles with Chelsea and Internazionale.
Baggage: Would be hugely expensive and might want to manage Portugal next. Accused of favouring some players and bearing grudges with others.
Potential: 7/10
4: Michael Laudrup
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Age: 46
Nationality: Danish
Notable Appointments: Denmark, Getafe, Spartak Moscow, Mallorca
Managerial Highlights: Won Danish Cup final and then Double with Brondby, linked with spate of top clubs and highly thought of in La Liga.
Baggage: Has only enjoyed moderate success in a couple of his previous roles and has yet to hold down a post at a prestigious club.
Potential: 7/10
3: Jurgen Klinsmann
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Age: 46
Nationality: German
Notable Appointments: Germany and Bayern Munich
Managerial Highlights: Claimed a third-place finish at 2006 World Cup and rewarded with German Order of Merit award, reached Champions League quarter-finals with Bayern Munich.
Baggage: Was criticised for commuting to Germany from the US while in charge of the national team, critics suggest he ignores defensive tactics and has no Plan B.
Potential: 7/10
2: Carlo Ancelotti
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Age: 51
Nationality: Italian
Managerial Highlights: Second-placed Serie A finish with Parma, two UEFA Champions League trophies with AC Milan, won Premier League title with Chelsea team which scored 103 goals in a season.
Baggage: Will not leave Chelsea unless pushed by owner Roman Abrahamovic, would he move across the city to build Spurs into a force?
Potential: 7/10
1: David Moyes
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