Tottenham Managers During Daniel Levy’s Time as Chairman
By Logan Holmes
Glenn Hoddle (March, 2001 – September, 2003)
It All Ended in Disappointment
The appointment of Hoddle was greeted with universal approval from Tottenham supporters. Levy knew that putting Hoddle in charge would win over the fans and buy him time as the former player was a Tottenham Legend known for his desire to play entering football. He had been in charge at Southampton and in his first full season Tottenham’s future looked to be in good hands.
Tottenham Legend
Hoddle brought some experienced players into the team with the return of Teddy Sheringham and the signing of Gus Poyet. An exciting run to the Worthington Cup Final, including a 5 – 1 semi-final win over Chelsea, ended in disappointment with defeat in Cardiff at the hands of Blackburn Rovers. Following that encouraging start, it all fell away for Hoddle and his second full season ended with 7 defeats in the final 10 matches. Spurs suffered three consecutive defeats to end the season, including heavy losses at Middlesbrough and at home to Blackburn. Many thought Hoddle would be dismissed in the summer but after a poor start the next season he was sacked in September, 2003.
David Pleat (Caretaker Manager) (September, 2003 – May, 2004)
Not His Finest Hour
The former Tottenham manger, as Director of Football he was again in place to step into the breach. Put in temporary charge while the Tottenham Board considered the options to replace Hoddle, Pleat’s time in charged stretched through to the end of what proved to be a very disappointing and frustrating season, finishing in 14th place. Spurs also lost an FA Cup replay at White Hart Lane against 10-man Manchester City, having taken a 3-goal interval lead. One of the few highlights from the season was the signing of Jermain Defoe from West Ham United.