Spurs targeting Moyes or Martinez

Everton boss David Moyes.

Everton boss David Moyes.

Published Jun 14, 2012

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Everton’s David Moyes and Roberto Martinez of Wigan are strong contenders to take over at Tottenham Hotspur after the club decided not to offer Redknapp a new contract.

The tactic was designed to force out the 65-year-old, but Redknapp stood his ground during talks with chairman Daniel Levy, refusing to resign despite the club’s tough stance.

Now that Redknapp is gone, though, Levy has set his sights on a successor. Moyes and Martinez top the list, while Frank de Boer of Ajax has also been linked with the job. Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is in the running, although as an outsider.

Moyes has established an enviable reputation during his 10 years at Goodison Park. The Scot, who is due to return from holiday today and plans to take in some games at Euro 2012, would be tempted by the opportunity to manage a club with genuine Champions League credentials.

Redknapp has overseen a revival at Tottenham but there appears to have been a serious breakdown in his dealings with Levy.

Theirs was never an easy relationship but the chairman did at least recognise the job Redknapp had done in rejuvenating a club that was in danger of relegation when he took charge. He not only guided them into the Champions League for the first time but also built one of the most entertaining teams in England.

Strong support for him from the club was still evident as recently as February, with White Hart Lane officials attending every day of his trial for tax evasion at Southwark Crown Court.

But just as Redknapp was acquitted, things changed. Most commentators – and the club – were convinced he would succeed Fabio Capello, who quit as England manager the very same day.

A poor run of results cost Tottenham third place and with it Champions League football. There were also conflicting reports as to whether Redknapp had rejected a new contract or whether he had been offered one in the first place.

Redknapp’s candour, only last week, in publicly urging the club to give him a new deal also caused friction and it appears Levy’s refusal was the breaking point. – Daily Mail

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