‘Desperate times’: Sam Allardyce backed to take over at Tottenham after Igor Tudor twist
Sam Allardyce has been tipped for a sensational return to Premier League management as Tottenham Hotspur continue to drop towards the relegation zone.
The 71-year-old last managed in 2023 when he was unable to help Leeds United avoid the drop, but he could now be a surprise contender for the Spurs job.
Igor Tudor was appointed as the interim manager in North London, but has lost each of his two games in charge, while his press conferences have been damning.
Former Spurs scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Tudor’s appointment was a shock to begin with, as the club need somebody with Premier League experience.
While Allardyce is not seen as the “perfect fit” and there is recognition the fans would not be pleased, they are in a desperate situation and Tottenham could soon change managers.
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VISIT THE MANAGER HUBSam Allardyce tipped to replace Igor Tudor at Tottenham
Brown told Football Insider on 4 March that Tudor could be sacked by Tottenham if their results do not improve, with their clash against Crystal Palace likely to be key.
Spurs are currently just one point outside the relegation zone after West Ham and Nottingham Forest picked up points, and could be forced into drastic action.
“I was surprised when they brought Tudor in,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He’s never managed in the Premier League and never managed a club like Tottenham, it’s a different ball game entirely.
“It sounds like a cliche, but somebody like Sam Allardyce would have been a better option short-term when they want somebody to keep them up.
“Not that he’s the perfect option or somebody Tottenham fans would be happy with, but he would keep them up and that should be their primary aim now.
“It’s crazy to have to say it, but Tottenham are fighting against relegation and they need somebody who is going to come in, make them solid and get the best out of the players.
“That’s something we’ve seen Sam, and other managers like him, do time and time again. It wouldn’t be a long-term thing, but they cannot afford to get relegated.
“I don’t think Tudor will keep them up with the way he’s been speaking and the way they’ve been playing, so they may have to go and get somebody who will.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures, and these are definitely desperate times for Spurs.”
Who will be the next Tottenham manager?
Regardless of whether he is able to keep Tottenham in the Premier League, Tudor is not expected to stay on as the manager beyond the end of the season.
As a result, Spurs have been looking at a number of big-name bosses to step in and turn around their fortunes after what has been a dismal couple of seasons.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 2 March that Niko Kovac could be an option for Tottenham, although Borussia Dortmund are determined to keep him.
The likes of Pochettino and Marco Silva are also targets for Spurs and both could be available ahead of the summer when they will be desperately searching.
Pochettino is currently managing the USA and will lead them at the World Cup, but could be available after, while Silva is out of contract at Fulham.
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