9. Andre Villas-Boas
Taken at face value, last season was mostly successful for Andre Vilas-Boas. After a slightly fraught start, the Portuguese convinced most of White Hart Lane that the club were still moving forward after Harry Redknapps sacking with displays of balletic attacking football. However, he still missed out on the holy grail of Champions League qualification, and football is nothing if not a results-driven business. When we discuss Spurs 2012/13 campaign in the annals of history, we wont be referring to the nice football the fifth-place finish is all well see. And Gareth Bale. Ah yes, Bale. The Welsh tyro wrecked all before him last season and is now subject to amorous glances from European moneybags Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. It might not be fair to call Spurs a one-man team, but theyre definitely poorer without him and AVB needs to decide whether he takes the £80 million or keep his flying winger. Make no mistake, the decision will shape Spurs season and their chances of breaking the top-four stranglehold. At the moment, Tottenham occupy a no-mans-land the best of the chasing pack but not good enough for the Champions League. Whether Bale-inspired or funded, If the Portuguese loses touch with the top, he might just lose his job.
Edward Owen
Contributor
Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League.
You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.
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