In a captivating twist to the ongoing saga at Tottenham Hotspur, Amanda Staveley is reportedly gearing up to seek a managerial replacement for Ange Postecoglou, particularly as concerns regarding the club's form linger on the horizon. Staveley, who has firmly planted her flag in the footballing world after her notable tenure at Newcastle United, is on the lookout for fresh opportunities following her departure from the Magpies this past summer.
Having played a pivotal role in facilitating the Saudi Public Investment Fund's hefty £305 million takeover at St. James' Park nearly three years ago, the seasoned executive's exit clearly left her feeling "devastated," but her desire to re-enter the football fray is palpable.
The buzz surrounding Staveley intensified when she was spotted at Tottenham's stadium during their stunning 3-1 victory against Brentford earlier this September. Reports have suggested that she is engaging financial partners to purchase a substantial stake in Spurs, especially with the diminishing influence of former majority stakeholder Joe Lewis.
As Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy scrambles for new investment avenues, the stakes remain high for the club, especially as Postecoglou navigates a tricky run of form. Should Staveley successfully clinch a stake at Tottenham, sources from The Sun indicate that she may rapidly impose her vision on the first-team setup, which could signal an impending managerial shake-up.
In fact, Staveley is reportedly eyeing Newcastle boss Eddie Howe as a potential successor to Postecoglou should the situation demand it. During her period at Newcastle, she was integral in Howe’s appointment and provided the necessary financial backing to help the club make strides back into European competitions.
However, it is understood that Staveley’s investment project is still a few weeks from fruition. Additionally, any hopes of luring Howe from St. James' Park may hit a snag as the FA holds him in high regard for the England job, and they appear reluctant to pay the compensation required to break his contract.
As for Postecoglou, his current position remains secure for now, although the mounting pressure could intensify if Tottenham's inconsistency continues after the international break. Following a recent 1-0 setback in the north London derby against Arsenal, Spurs narrowly avoided an early Cup exit thanks to late goals from Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson, winning 2-1 against Championship side Coventry City.
Currently, Tottenham finds itself in ninth place in the Premier League, boasting three wins coupled with three losses under Postecoglou, who recently witnessed his team squander a two-goal lead in a cruel 3-2 defeat to Brighton. Next up, the team faces West Ham at home on October 19, a fixture that could prove instrumental in shaping Postecoglou's future.