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'I played for Tottenham manager candidate – everyone who has says same thing about him'

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'I played for Tottenham manager candidate – everyone who has says same thing about him' - The Mirror
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Tottenham have parted ways with interim boss Igor Tudor and now turn their attentions to finding a manager who can save them from relegation

Former Tottenham coach and player Chris Hughton has been mentioned as an improbable candidate to return following Igor Tudor's departure. Spurs have already received a strong indication about how highly the 67-year-old is valued by players.

With the club in turmoil and the genuine prospect of relegation looming large, Tottenham dismissed caretaker boss Tudor over the weekend. His spell lasted merely 44 days and he managed to secure not a single Premier League victory after succeeding Thomas Frank.

Spurs now require a manager to arrive and rescue them from the drop and numerous names have been suggested. Former Brighton chief Roberto De Zerbi seems to be the frontrunner, according to reports, but Hughton has also been cited.

Hughton accumulated a total of 27 years at the club, initially as a player, featuring in almost 400 matches, and subsequently as a coach. He served as an interim or caretaker boss in north London on three separate occasions and while it appears unlikely that he'll be summoned once more, he is highly rated by those who have worked under him.

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The former Republic of Ireland international departed Spurs in 2007 as part of outgoing Martin Jol's backroom staff and took on first-team roles at other clubs. He began as a coach at Newcastle, then became caretaker manager and ultimately head coach.

Hughton went on to take charge of Birmingham City, Norwich City, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and the Ghana national side, with his last position ending in January 2024. Michael Dawson worked under Hughton at both Spurs and Forest. Speaking to The Athletic in 2020, he said: "I have spoken to a lot of players who have worked under him and they all say, 'Wow, what a gaffer he is.'

"I first got to know Chris at Spurs, from the first day I walked in at the age of 21. He was assistant manager to Martin Jol and he took me under his wing and looked after me at a time when I was stepping into a different world. I was trying to settle in at a massive club, in a new city and Chris was a massive help for me, not just as a coach or manager, but on a personal level.

"He just helped to keep me calm at a time when I was desperate to make a positive first impression. I arrived with a stress fracture in my shin. I was injured. But, when you get signed for money, there is pressure on you. I went into this dressing room with some absolute superstars and I was just a young lad from the Championship. I was concerned.

"But he was always dead chatty, always telling me to relax because my opportunity would come. Thankfully that did eventually happen. But he was always just encouraging me. Playing in the Premier League brings expectation and he always went out of his way to help. He would help me on the training ground and he was always approachable if you wanted a chat."

Reflecting on Hughton's arrival at the City Ground six years ago, he added: "Chris has expectations and standards he will set and an intensity he will expect from you. If you give him those things, you will get honesty back from him.

"The intensity of training changed immediately... but that is normal. Whenever a new manager comes in, players all know how important first impressions are. They all want to impress. You want to be playing in his first game. You want to be part of things.

"We had some great times at Spurs. When you have a connection with somebody already, it makes things so much easier. It does take time for a new group of players to gel and the manager has to find his best team. But the only thing that matters is getting back to winning."

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Roberto De Zerbi in advanced talks with Tottenham over becoming new boss

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Roberto De Zerbi in advanced talks with Tottenham over becoming new boss - The Mirror
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Roberto De Zerbi is in advanced talks about becoming the next Tottenham boss.

Negotiations are still ongoing but there is a hope from Tottenham’s side they will be able to persuade De Zerbi to take the job now. They have set a target of making an appointment in the next few days and are now trying to close in on a deal for De Zerbi. It is not yet done but there is a willingness from both sides.

Former Brighton boss De Zerbi had been reluctant to take the job until the summer even though the Spurs role appeals to him after his exit from Marseille. But Tottenham interim boss Igor Tudor left the club on Sunday by mutual consent after just 44 days in charge.

It was clear Tottenham then had a direction of travel as they wanted to get a manager in this week to give him time to prepare for their next game with Sunderland on April 12. They want someone in by the time the players return from international duty from Wednesday.

Even though they have considered going down the caretaker route with a former player, their first call was to De Zerbi.

It will be a permanent job but he is now open and talking about taking over now.

He has a reputation for shaking things up and is very good tactically and that appeals to Spurs with just seven games left.

Tudor’s reign was a disaster and they now find themselves just a point above the drop zone and they could be in the bottom three by the time of their next game.,

West Ham play Wolves two days before Tottenham go to Sunderland and if the Hammers win then that will drop Spurs into the bottom three.

It would be unthinkable for Spurs to be relegated and it is a risk they cannot afford to take even though the club also wanted to wait until the summer which is why they originally brought in Tudor.

They have yet to win a Premier League game this calendar year and De Zerbi’s first task will be to get them to safety.

De Zerbi has attracted criticism and comment from at least three Spurs’ fans groups because he publicly supported former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood while in charge at Marseille.

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Tottenham given split Roberto De Zerbi verdict as ex

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Tottenham given split Roberto De Zerbi verdict as ex-Brighton boss emerges as favourite - The Mirror
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Tottenham given split Roberto De Zerbi verdict as ex-Brighton boss emerges as favourite

THE BIG DEBATE: After Igor Tudor's 44-day reign was officially ended on Sunday, where should Spurs turn next? Our reporters have their say

Tottenham are on the lookout for their fourth boss in the last nine months after Igor Tudor's disastrous reign was officially ended on Sunday. Tudor spent just 44 days in charge in north London.

He won just one of his eight games in charge, drawing one and losing the other five, leaving Spurs perilously close to the relegation trapdoor.

With seven games remaining, they sit just a point above the drop zone and at real danger of slipping into the second tier for the first time since the late 1970s.

So, where do they turn next? Roberto De Zerbi is the overwhelming favourite to succeed Tudor, but he comes with baggage and would require a hefty bonus for keeping them up.

Or should they turn to somebody who knows the club in order to give the players a kick up the backside? Our reporters have had their say...

John Cross

With seven games left, Tottenham need a manager to give them shock treatment. That is why, on the face of it, Roberto De Zerbi is a good fit and would have enough time and games to keep them up.

The former Brighton boss has attracted criticism and comment from at least three Spurs fans groups because he publicly supported former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood while in charge at Marseille.

Furthermore, De Zerbi is an explosive character and one who probably is not for the long term - even though it would be a permanent appointment and one designed to take the club forward.

Tottenham have a squad which should not be in so much trouble. Igor Tudor was brought in to give them a kick up the backside. They would have done better sticking with Thomas Frank.

But of all the candidates, De Zerbi is the here and now choice. Last week he was not keen. This week, he is open to it. Mauricio Pochettino is in charge of the US until after the World Cup. I’m not sure he should go back.

They have looked at former players and managers. They even looked at Ledley King earlier in the season as an emergency option. This is Tottenham. A huge club. The fans are being failed. De Zerbi would keep them up. But you cannot ignore all views on him.

Andy Dunn

For what it is worth, I have never quite understood the allure of Roberto De Zerbi. He has a reputation that dwarfs his managerial achievements.

He seems a high maintenance type and has a distinctly average win percentage. As a manager, he has won nothing of note. If you were a betting man, you would have the bank on it going all Antonio Conte for De Zerbi at Spurs.

But if he is the manager they want for the long term, do whatever it takes to get him now. It should not be that difficult. He is available for the job and he either wants it or he doesn’t.

Offer him a decent long-term deal and demand an answer within 24 hours. If he prevaricates, he is not for you. In that case, leave Bruno Saltor to oversee matters and then make a proper plan at the end of the season.

After all, no manager will make that much of a difference in seven matches. It is down to the players. They have put themselves in this mess and need to get themselves out of it - regardless of who the manager is.

Felix Keith

Tottenham's first choice is Roberto De Zerbi, which seems to me to be a high-risk strategy, given what we know about the fiery Italian and his idealised hard-to-master tactics. If they do persuade him to take over this week, it has the potential to exacerbate an already shambolic situation.

What Spurs need is someone capable of motivating a miserable and underperforming squad in the short term. There are just seven games left in the Premier League season and a few wins will make all the difference. Relegation is unthinkable. If they can avoid it, then a permanent solution can be found in the summer.

Michael Carrick's success at Manchester United has shown that interim bosses can work. Ryan Mason has done the job twice before, while football.london have reported that Ben Davies could step into the coaching staff.

Time isn't on their side, so two familiar faces who can galvanise the squad, simplify the approach and instil some belief is the way to go.

James Whaling

Spurs seem to be all in on Roberto De Zerbi, but I'm not convinced he is right for this situation.

He's already hinted that he's not keen on being a short-term fix, albeit that view seems to have softened. Might that have something to do with a rather large survival bonus?

I'm only speculating, but if that's the reason he's changed his mind, it doesn't strike me as the best idea. If Spurs stay up and decide he is the man for the long term in the summer, then so be it.

But to get to that stage, they should be looking at somebody who, for want of a better term, knows the club. All manner of ex-Spurs figures have thrown their hats into the ring to help them out of this hole.

I think a concoction of Ryan Mason, Robbie Keane and Ben Davies, or something along those lines, is probably the way to go. All relatively recently involved at the club, will get the fans on side and will be able to relate to the players.

But ultimately, it's on the players to get their way out of this mess.

Alex Richards

This is a really tough time for the Spurs hierarchy, a group who haven’t covered themselves in glory when it comes to making managerial appointments for quite a while - and even more so since Daniel Levy was shifted aside.

Given the horrors of this season, any manager of any repute has them over a barrel when it comes to cutting a deal and making demands for next season (should indeed they stay up).

Some might say going for their No.1 target Roberto De Zerbi and just giving him everything he wants is worth the risk. The Italian is seen by some as a genius tactically, and certainly, the hype around him never stops.

But he is also combative, falls out with players and those above, and has a very big ‘Antonio Conte at Spurs’ feel about him - i.e. it’ll all end in tears.

It does feel like Spurs, by hook or by crook, just need to get through to the summer. Perhaps then, you hand it to Ben Davies and Bruno Saltor to get the job done, two men trusted by the current crop of players who can embolden a misfiring cast to come together and do what’s needed, before allowing you to enter the managerial market in a stronger position when the season has ended.

That sounds almost sensible. But sensible isn’t really the Spurs way in recent times. So go get De Zerbi. Stick him under the gun and let’s see if his reputation is well earned.

If he can get this squad playing and is promised funds in the summer, it might well be a risk worth taking and he knows what he's working with and gets chance to evaluate before pre-season. It can be a move for both the short and long term.

And if it all goes pear shaped in spectacularly quick style… well, the Championship can be a nice place come August.

Conor Mummery

It's the biggest decision Tottenham chiefs Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange will ever make. Spurs have seven games to stay in the Premier League and the next managerial appointment has to be the right one.

Venkatesham and Lange's decision to appoint Igor Tudor was a disastrous one. You could see the thinking in that he's succeeded in Italy coming in at a similar point in the season with Juventus and Lazio, but to appoint a manager who with no experience of the Premier League and with Spurs in such a precarious position was bordering on negligence.

An array of Tottenham legends have been linked with the role, but the likes of Tim Sherwood, Glenn Hoddle and Harry Redknapp have been out of work for far too long and the game has passed them by.

Roberto De Zerbi looks the favourite, the Italian does not come without baggage and supporters groups voiced their concerns over the weekend.

If you're basing it purely his managerial capabilities, the former Brighton boss may give the players the shock treatment they need and get them playing the front foot football the squad was built for.

Spurs aren't going to defend their way out of this relegation scrap, their only chance of staying up is taking the game to their opponents and getting results on their own terms.

Martin Domin

They gotta Röhl with it.

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Tottenham manager candidate left Arsenal star 'humiliated' and desperate to leave club

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Tottenham manager candidate left Arsenal star 'humiliated' and desperate to leave club - The Mirror
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Tottenham Hotspur have explored a number of managerial candidates as they look for a new boss to replace Igor Tudor

Former Brighton and Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi is among the contenders to take over at Tottenham Hotspur and the Italian already has history with one of rival side Arsenal's senior stars. De Zerbi had a run-in with Leandro Trossard when the pair were together at the Amex Stadium and it ultimately led to the Belgian trading Brighton for Arsenal.

De Zerbi, who left Marseille earlier this season, is one of the managers in the mix to replace Igor Tudor and is now reported to be open to joining immediately. Ex-Juventus boss Tudor lasted just seven games at Spurs - taking one point from five league outings - before leaving by mutual agreement.

Italian boss De Zerbi got a bit more time than that at each of his last two clubs, taking charge of 69 games at Marseille and 89 at Brighton. He left the English club at the end of the 2023/24, more than a year after a falling-out with Trossard which effectively ended the former Genk star's time on the south coast.

In January 2023, De Zerbi claimed Trossard left a training session without permission after being told he wouldn't feature in the third round of the FA Cup. The forward would end up never playing for the club again, joining Arsenal later that same month, though Trossard disputed the manager's version of events.

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"He left the session without saying anything to me," De Zerbi said. "And it's not good. I spoke with him, and I explained this attitude [and] behaviour, I don't like.

"I am open with him to take a step back and listen to him, but he has to understand me; I want only players who work hard and play for the team 100 per cent."

Trossard joined Arsenal for up to £27million on January 20, helping the London club run Manchester City close in the title race. Regarding De Zerbi's assertions about that training session, though, the player's agent gave a rather different account of what happened.

"In the run-up to the game against Middlesbrough for the FA Cup, Leandro had already indicated twice that he had problems with his calf," Trossard's agent said in a statement. "This was the reason why he stopped training. This was, incidentally, in consultation with the medical staff.

"The manager told Leandro that he had to train separately. Last Monday, the manager humiliated Leandro in group and indicated that he no longer wanted to see him. A manager who has not communicated directly with his player for four weeks is really incomprehensible.

"Incidentally, it is also the manager who has indicated several times that a transfer is the most convenient solution. It is therefore important that Brighton cooperates with a potential transfer during this transfer period and shows a benevolent attitude, which is beneficial to both parties."

The remainder of the 2022/23 season went well for De Zerbi and Brighton, who recorded their best ever Premier League finish of sixth. They spent the majority of the following season in the top half but eventually finished 11th, with their manager's exit confirmed just days before the end of the campaign.

Trossard recently brought up three years as an Arsenal player, having agreed improved terms in August last year. He played his 150th match for the London club this season and has scored five league goals this season to help them sit in pole position in the title race with just seven games to go.

Rivals Tottenham, in contrast, are just one point clear of the relegation places. De Zerbi had reportedly been reluctant to take the manager's job at the club until the summer but recent reports indicate his stance has softened.

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Five managers Spurs could appoint as Igor Tudor leaves after 44 days in charge

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Five managers Spurs could appoint as Igor Tudor leaves after 44 days in charge - The Mirror
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Tottenham Hotspur are on the lookout for their third manager of the season after the exit of Igor Tudor and there are a number of directions that the North London side could go in

Tottenham Hotspur now need to appoint yet another new manager after the exit of Igor Tudor. The Croatian was only appointed earlier this year following Thomas Frank’s dismal spell at the helm.

But Tudor fared even worse, with the North London side now firmly in the relegation mire with just seven games to go of the season. And Spurs chiefs have a fair bit of time to think, with the international break having brought Premier League action to a brief pause.

There are already a number of options being considered, with both long-term and interim appointments potential possibilities.

But who could actually be the man to take the reins? Mirror Football takes a look at a few potential options:

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Roberto De Zerbi

The man that Spurs seem to want as their full-term manager is former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian impressed during his time in the Premier League and continued his eye-catching work in France.

De Zerbi only left Marseille in February so would be free to return to work. But he has made it clear that he only wants to take over in the summer, while a few supporter groups have issued less than warm responses to the prospect of him taking over. So his appointment might actually be more complicated than first thought.

Adi Hutter

Another European coach who has admirers is Austrian tactician Adi Hutter. The 56-year-old has caught the eye over recent seasons with Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Monchengladbach and Monaco.

He has been out of work since October, having left the latter after just over two years in charge. Reports have suggested that talks have already taken place between Spurs and Hutter over the past few days. Whether discussions ramp up now Tudor has left remains to be seen, but Hutter is certainly an option.

Sean Dyche

Another name to have been linked is former Burnley, Everton and Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche. Reports suggested that Spurs were willing to make a move for Dyche on a temporary basis.

He was recently asked about the job and appeared to pour cold water on any prospect of him being appointed. That stance could potentially change now that Tudor has officially left.

Ryan Mason

If Spurs want to appoint a man that’s done the job before, then they need to look no further than Ryan Mason.

He was appointed after Jose Mourinho’s sacking in 2019 and led Spurs to four wins from seven games. Mason was then entrusted with the role two years later.

The former midfielder remains out of work following a less than inspiring stint with Championship side West Bromwich Albion.

Robbie Keane

Another name that needs little introduction to Spurs fans, their former forward was also linked with a return immediately after Frank’s sacking. Keane is currently impressing with Hungarian giants Ferencvaros, where he has claimed the league title.

Keane has also had a spell with Maccabi Tel Aviv, as well as coaching roles with Leeds, Middlesbrough and the Republic of Ireland.

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Tottenham to act quickly in manager search as two frontrunners emerge after Igor Tudor exit

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Tottenham to act quickly in manager search as two frontrunners emerge after Igor Tudor exit - The Mirror
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Tottenham expect to appoint a new manager before their next Premier League clash against Sunderland with two early frontrunners for the post

Igor Tudor has left Tottenham after his disastrous six-week reign in charge. And Spurs now expect to have their next manager in place for their next Premier League game in charge at Sunderland on April 12.

Tottenham are believed to be looking on the continent with former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi the strong early bookies’ favourite.

Austrian coach Adi Hutter, who most recently managed Monaco, has also been linked with the job. But former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche is not in the frame having also publicly ruled himself out of the running to replace Tudor.

They are looking for a manager to help them stay up and have gone down the stats and foreign path in terms of recruitment.

Bruno Saltor will lead training for those not on international duty but they are expecting to make an appointment in the coming days.

That points to why Tudor has gone now with the club saying it was by mutual consent just a week after Tottenham lost to Nottingham Forest which leaves them just a point above the drop zone.

Tudor failed to win any of his Premier League games in charge and his appointment backfired in spectacular fashion.

They delayed taking any action as the club announced after the Forest game that Tudor’s father had passed away and issued their condolences.

Spurs turned to Tudor, 47, after dismissing Thomas Frank last month, with the club in a perilous position in the Premier League.

With Tottenham out of action until their game away to Sunderland on Sunday, April 12, both the club and Tudor have made the decision to part ways.

In a statement posted on the club's social media channels, Spurs said: "We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.

"Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach. We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly.

"We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time. An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course."

Tudor lost his first five games in charge of Spurs before he briefly stopped the rot with a draw against Liverpool and victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

However, the latter result wasn't enough to send them through to the quarter-finals, leaving Premier League survival as their sole focus.

The decision leaves Tottenham looking for their fourth manager in less than a year. Spurs sacked Ange Postecoglou last summer, despite winning the Europa League.

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Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham after six weeks amid dreadful form and sad family death

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Igor Tudor leaves Tottenham after six weeks amid dreadful form and sad family death - The Mirror
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Tottenham have announced that interim manager Igor Tudor has the left club via mutual consent. His final game proved to be last Sunday's chastening 3-0 defeat at home to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

Spurs turned to Tudor, 47, after dismissing Thomas Frank last month, with the club in a perilous position in the Premier League. But the former Juventus boss was unable to halt the club's slide, with Tottenham now just a point and place above the relegation zone.

Sunday's loss to Forest - who started the afternoon below them in the table - has turned out to be the final straw. The Croatian didn't speak to the media post-match, having been informed shortly after the full-time whistle that his father, Mario, had sadly passed away.

With Tottenham out of action until their game away to Sunderland on Sunday, April 12, both the club and Tudor have made the decision to part ways. In a statement posted on the club's social media channels, Spurs said: "We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.

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"Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach. We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly.

"We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time. An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course."

Tudor lost his first five games in charge of Tottenham before he briefly stopped the rot with a draw against Liverpool and victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. However, the latter result wasn't enough to send them through to the quarter-finals, leaving Premier League survival as their sole focus.

The decision leaves Spurs looking for their fourth manager in less than a year. Tottenham sacked Ange Postecoglou last summer, despite winning the Europa League.

Who should Tottenham appoint? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

Frank was quickly recruited from Brentford, but he endured a torrid time in North London before he was relieved of his duties. It remains to be seen whether Spurs will make another temporary appointment like with Tudor, who arrived with a reputation for saving crisis-ridden clubs in Italy.

Roberto De Zerbi is the early favourite, with the former Brighton boss currently out of work after being sacked by Marseille. Ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is also sure to be in the frame, although he's otherwise engaged until the summer as he takes charge of World Cup co-hosts the United States.

Sean Dyche is a short-term option, having been dismissed by Forest last month. Austrian coach Adi Hutter, who most recently managed Monaco, has also been linked.

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GK Barry forced apology to Tottenham with controversial comment before BBC cameo

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GK Barry forced apology to Tottenham with controversial comment before BBC cameo - The Mirror
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GK Barry found herself at the centre of controversy, including a comment that forced an apology to Tottenham

GK Barry's comment about Tottenham Hotspur led the Women's Super League to issue an apology to the club. The popular internet personality is set to appear on Michael McIntyre's The Wheel on BBC One on Saturday alongside the likes of Chris McCausland, Gabby Logan and Iain Stirling.

She sparked controversy last year while conducting the Women's League Cup quarter-final and semi-final draws. The 26-year-old, real name Grace Keeling, carried out the live draw alongside her partner, Portsmouth attacking midfielder Ella Rutherford, with it being broadcast on WSL Football's TikTok page.

However, her behaviour landed her in hot water after making several crude jokes, including a comment about Tottenham. An apology from the WSL was issued to the north London club following the controversial draw.

She also drew a ball from the bag, only to drop it back in accidentally, then removed it once more to be used as part of the official draw. When pulling out a ball with Tottenham's name on it, Grace asked the viewers: "What do we think of Tottenham?"

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The comment was in reference to the anti-Spurs chant sung by Arsenal supporters. An adjudicator was present at the draw and confirmed that the ball she took out for a second time - which revealed the home side in the first semi-final - was the same ball she dropped.

WSL Football later confirmed that if the number hadn't been the same, her blunder would have necessitated the draw being restarted. She has become a mainstay of reality television in the UK, having appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2024.

In the same year, she joined Loose Women, becoming the youngest regular panel member in the ITV show's 25-year history. Following the WSL incident, she received support from her Loose Women colleague Denise Welch on Instagram.

Responding to a video about the criticism she and her partner faced, Welch said: "For goodness sake!!! Don't book Grace then!!!

"It's exactly what she does. She's never going to be a regular football pundit!! It's like booking Alan Carr and complaining he was too camp!!!"

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Tottenham fan groups launch campaign to STOP Roberto De Zerbi becoming manager

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Tottenham fan groups launch campaign to STOP Roberto De Zerbi becoming manager - The Mirror
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Tottenham are considering another managerial change with Roberto De Zerbi on their radar, but several fan groups have come together to oppose a move for the ex-Brighton boss

Three Tottenham supporters' groups have released a joint statement opposing the possible appointment of Roberto De Zerbi, who has been touted as the first choice should Igor Tudor be relieved of his duties.

The north Londoners are without a Premier League win in 2026 and their Croatian boss has not has the desired effect, leading to talk of him being dismissed after a little over six weeks in the job. The 3-0 loss at home to Nottingham Forest left Tottenham just one point above the relegation zone.

As Tottenham's bosses consider a change, De Zerbi - who has impressed previously at Brighton - is seen as the ideal candidate. But his previous comments on Mason Greenwood, whom he managed at Marseille, have been cited as a serious red flag.

As a result, fan groups have united in a 'No to Roberto De Zerbi campaign' as they believe his feelings towards Greenwood would damage the club's culture. The ex-Manchester United star was arrested on suspicion of rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behaviour - but the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges.

When he moved to Marseille, following his exit from Manchester, De Zerbi claimed that he was “good guy” but had paid a “heavy price” and that he "knew a totally different person than the one who was described.”

Those comments haven't been forgotten by a number of Tottenham's supporters - who believe he belittled the allegations against Greenwood.

Women of the Lane said in their statement: "Clubs signal their values through the decisions they make. Who they appoint matters. The manager sets the tone, every day, for what is expected, what is tolerated, and how people are treated. At a time when Spurs needs to rebuild, that culture matters as much as anything on the pitch.

"For many in our community, this is difficult to reconcile with the club's stated commitments to respect, safety and inclusion. This is not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make. It introduces unnecessary cultural risk without a clear, proven track record to justify it."

Proud Lilywhites, another of the groups involved in the campaign, said: "When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters, not just in isolation but in what it signals."

Spurs Reach said on De Zerbi: "Regardless of intent, framing of this nature risks normalising harmful attitudes, diminishing the experiences of survivors, and sending a deeply concerning message about what is tolerated within the game."

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