Managerial Merry-go-Round: Into the Fray

Patrick Vessey was today announced as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur after Mauricio Pochettino declined the approach by the board, citing "personal reasons" as his decision to step back from football. The surprise announcement by the board was met with criticism by both the media and fans who believe that Patrick Vessey lacks the necessary backroom experience to be able to lead the North London club towards the higher reaches of the table.

In a statement, Tottenham Hotspur chairman, Daniel Levy, stated that "Tottenham Hotspur believe that Patrick marks a significant divergence from our usual protocol in appointing a manager. Our recent struggles in ensuring the continued success of the club both in terms of player retention, performance and our league form warrants a change in our approach. By recognising the ambition, drive and desire of a young and upcoming manager, Tottenham have made the executive decision to place their trust in this young man."

Writing for BBC Sport, Robbie Savage stated in his column that "fans must be baffled by the mixed messages that Daniel Levy, as chairman of one of the top teams in the English Premier League, seems to be sending them. With no disrespect intended towards their new manager, there were plenty of other, perhaps more suitable candidates, who were overlooked by this surprise announcement. Ultimately, both the fans and the media must be waiting with baited breath to find out what the manager has to say in his first press conference and, more importantly, whether he can deliver on the pitch."

Patrick Vessey is not a man who is looked favourably upon by the Tottenham Hotspur fans at the moment and he will face an uphill struggle to convince them of his ability to bring success to a club often in the shadows of the capital rivals, Arsenal. Vessey faces a challenge in ensuring that the squad beds itself well with his philosophies and shows parity with the Tottenham Hotspur Academy products and their first-team signings. With the pre-season underway and the Barclays Premier League beginning in a matter of weeks, the first game will be a test of his diligence, talent and skill in balancing the delicate equilibrium in play.

Vessey: "Tottenham A Solid Base"

Patrick Vessey appeared in his first press conference alongside Tottenham Hotspur chairman, Daniel Levy, since being appointed to the role and had some controversial comments regarding his squad and its potential. Responding to a question from BBC Sport, Vessey stated that "Tottenham Hotspur have the makings of a top six side, perhaps even challenging the top four. That's our aim for the first season - continental qualification. Do I see it as a realistic target? Absolutely. Is it all down to me? No. The players need to turn up, day in, day out, and carry out the tasks I assign them."

The chairman of the club seemed impressed by Vessey's ambition and drive and smiled throughout the press conference, deflecting any questions directed towards him and placing them at the feet of the newly-appointment management. In a rare admission, Daniel Levy told The Telegraph that "nobody at the club would have expected Vessey to come into this club and perform miracles. Mauricio refused the offer not because he didn't want to join us - he did - but because of illness. Vessey was going to be his assistant manager. Mauricio saw something in him and now, I see it too."

Questioned about his transfer policy by the Daily Mail, Vessey cautioned the club's fans against hopes of "big-name signings" when he said that "Tottenham have the foundations with players like Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Roberto Soldado all providing excellent attacking options and a defensive backline consisting of (captain) Younes Kaboul, Federico Fazio and Etienne Capoue. Some of these players may have been on the fringes with previous managers. All will be given a fair chance with me."

In a sign of things to come, Vessey and Levy both agreed that their focus for the summer window would be to "build a promising youth academy" and to focus on the "next generation of young, upcoming players". In a statement sure to grab headlines, Vessey told Sky Sports that "Tottenham Hotspur have a young and upcoming manager and now I'm looking to give them a side to match that."