Mason in mix for Tottenham job
RYAN MASON is emerging as a serious contender to become the next Tottenham manager.
The 29-year-old (below) has impressed since his promotion from Under-23s boss to interim manager following Jose Mourinho’s sacking a fortnight ago. Chairman Daniel Levy and Technical Performance Director Steve Hitchen want a young, forward-thinking coach and Mason, who would likely be
offered a two-year deal, fits the bill. Despite his lack of experience in senior management, there is a growing belief in the boardroom that hiring Mason would appeal to fans, who will feel a connection with a
Spurs boy, one of their own.
And defender Toby Alderweireld sees shades of ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino in Mason, which is not surprising given the former midfielder played under the Argentinian for a season and returned as an age-group coach on his watch.
Alderweireld said: “Everyone knows he played under Poch, he has a lot of ideas from him and we can only agree that’s very good.
“You see the similarities, how the training sessions are – it feels very familiar.”
But Levy and Hitchen will seek talks with other candidates – such as Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez and Wolves chief Nuno Espirito Santo.
Former Everton boss Martinez is someone they like, but he would have to be sold on the project the Spurs hierarchy have in mind and their long-term plan.
It would need to be something spectacular, too, to convince him to turn his back on Kevin De Bruyne and Co, given that in the 18 months from June they could conceivably become European, Nations League and world champions.
Nuno is another under consideration given the job he has done at Wolves.
While they have not given up on the idea of trying to entice Rodgers from Leicester, although the compensation they would have to find could prove prohibitive on its own.