da cassino online： As much as the national press would have you think otherwise, the vast majority of Tottenham Hotspur supporters have unnerving confidence in chairman Daniel Levy’s ability to run their football club. Yet despite the rumors that Levy is toying with the idea of bringing the Director of Football structure back to White Hart Lane, it’s not the principal that is the cause for concern, rather the practice. What credentials does Tim Sherwood have, to sit on a panel that devises transfer policy?
da doce： The dismissal of Harry Redknapp split most fans down the middle in N17. And whilst the frustrated brigade of those who became disillusioned with his tactical tomfoolery were sizeable, there were perhaps even more supporters who were gutted to see him go. But rarely does a manager leave a football club, with both his supporters and detractors showing such little, venomous animosity. Of course there has been critique on most sides, but despite his lampooning in several media quarters, it is the chairman who carries the weight of trust with the fans.
Daniel Levy has made his fair share of mistakes at Tottenham. His infamous, hard-nosed approach to transfer policy has cost his club at times and the Dimitar Berbatov debacle of 2008, damaged Spurs’ season immensely. Likewise, the way that Martin Jol was treated during his departure in 2007 left a bad taste in the mouth for many at White Hart Lane. But Levy maintains a huge level of respect at Tottenham. People recognize that the club is in a far better place now, than before the Essex-born businessman took over from Sir Alan Sugar in 2001. In an era when football clubs are ran as businesses first, it is both refreshing and reassuring to see a public face who is a genuine fan and a man who holds the best interests of the club at heart.
But bar the extreme failure of the Juande Ramos experiment, as already touched upon, the fortunes of Tottenham under Daniel Levy have been a progressive improvement over the past decade. Yet for the first time, it feels as if next season could be one of regression at White Hart Lane. The first team squad needs serious addressing and the relative stability that Redknapp brought to the club has been disposed of in a heartbeat. Next season is one that will massively influence the way history looks back at Levy’s legacy and his next managerial appointment is surely his most important. And interestingly, he seems to be favoring a return to something that once cost the club a small fortune.
The Director of Football role is shrouded with distrust on these shores. And perhaps it was a lack of understanding that sees Tottenham fans look back to the past with slightly more fondness than what they did at the time. Of course mistakes were made, but a vast majority of the squad that Harry Redknapp attained such success with, were brought in under the continental regime.
Frank Arnesen laid down the foundations by acquiring Michael Dawson, Aaron Lennon and Tom Huddlestone before the controversial Damien Comolli came in to he helm. Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Dimitar Berbatov and Younes Kaboul were all Comolli signings and although he signed his fair share of driftwood, the value of his successes has more credence than his failures. As time has moved on, Spurs fans have eased some of their worries about the fabled role of Director of Football and they could live with it being reincarnated in 2012. The simple issue is who comes in.
The mentioned name of a certain Tim Sherwood as a potential candidate has got a fair few people talking at Spurs. Sherwood, a former Premier League winning captain from his time at Blackburn Rovers, was something of a divisive figure himself during his time at White Hart Lane as a player. Sherwood’s parting shot at Glenn Hoddle when he left the club was infamous for its stinging distaste and his part in Roy Hodgson’s departure at Blackburn leaves one or two question marks over his character. But ultimately, as much as these things play their part in football, if he makes a good Director of Football, than they are rendered academic.
Yet however highly Daniel Levy may rate him, the fact remains that if the Director of Football role is to be brought back, there are far better candidates for the job. It may well be that the new regime at Spurs is more of a panel of experts and directors, than one singular man. But as more people get involved, the more room there is for politicking and in fighting. Tottenham definitely do not need that during a summer in which there needs to be serious changes implemented within the playing squad.
But why Tim Sherwood? Frank Arnesen had a resume at PSV Eindhoven that included the unearthing of a certain Ruud van Nistlerooy and Ronaldo, amongst others. Damien Comolli wasn’t quite the success story many have him down as at Arsenal, but he was responsible for the scouting of Gael Clichy and Kolo Toure. Tim Sherwood’s technical experience amounts to four-years at Spurs, which began in a part-time coaching capacity. Harry Redknapp only initially brought him in, so that he could tap into his, “terrific football brain.”
If Tim Sherwood is elevated into a senior capacity at White Hart Lane, then all involved at the club will back the new regime to the hilt. But however you wish to spin the potential role, be it Sporting Director, Director of Football or Technical Director, it still feels like a bold move by handing it to Sherwood. Considering the potential, proven services of those such as Txiki Begiristain or even Louis van Gaal are available for hire, it seems hard to understand why Sherwood is being elevated to such a position.
Although, Daniel Levy must be careful. The new manager, the new regime and the new players are all going to be supported by the White Hart Lane faithful. But an error of judgment on this one could perhaps herald the last time such universal backing is guaranteed.
How would you feel about giving Tim Sherwood a bit of power at the Lane? Wise decision or a potentially fatal error? Get involved in the Spurs debate on Twitter and tell me how you feel, follow @samuel_antrobus
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