Who are the best Spurs managers in the club’s history?
The English Premier League is arguably THE top domestic competition in world football. But why is this true? It largely comes down to the exciting games it delivers and the fast-paced, physical nature of EPL matches.
The Premier League is also a major hit with fans because it is such a great league to bet on. The range of markets you can get involved with is a classic example of why this is true, as is the number of stats available online to analyse before making any wagers. When you also factor in the teams that the EPL is home to and the iconic names that have graced the English game over time, it is clear why so many people follow it.
Of course, Spurs are one side that has a proud history at the top level of English football throughout time. While this is in part due to the world-class players the team has signed, it also comes down to the top-class managers Tottenham have employed.
But who have been the best managers in the club’s illustrious history?
Bill Nicholson
With Spurs looking to replace Antonio Conte in summer 2023, they could do worse than finding a clone of Bill Nicholson! Former player Nicholson not only managed the club for a stunning 16 years after taking over in 1958 but also picked up multiple trophies on the way.
This included three FA Cups, two League Cups, the UEFA Cup and the European Cup Winners Cup. For many fans, though, it is his winning team of 1960/61, which saw Tottenham become the first club to win a double in the 20th century, that stands out as Billy Nick’s finest hour. Known for his excellent man-management skills and tactical acumen, he is easily one of the best coaches Spurs have ever had.
Keith Burkinshaw
Burkinshaw’s eight years from the late 1970s to mid-1980s were quite remarkable when you look back at them now. Coming in after the Bill Nicholson era had faded, he managed to bring winning ways back to the club and carve his name in the Tottenham history books.
It did not start off too well for him, though! His first year in charge saw the team relegated, before he took them back into the top flight the following season. Sticking with Burkinshaw turned out to be a wise move by the board, as he went on to become the most successful Spurs manager after Nicholson.
This saw his side claim a famous UEFA Cup win against Anderlecht in 1984, and two FA Cups before that. Burkinshaw is also fondly remembered for bringing exciting players such as Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa to the club.
Arthur Rowe
Rowe’s stint at the club might have been comparatively short but the impression he made marks him out as one of the best ever. When he arrived, Tottenham were in the old second division and looking for someone to inspire them to glory. Rowe certainly did this and took his side to promotion as division two champions.
Even better than this, Rowe went on to win the old first division crown with Spurs in the next season. This made the side the first post-war team to win back-to-back titles and helped establish them as a real force in the modern game.
As a manager, Rowe was also known for developing the ‘push and run’ style of football. This is also known as a ‘one-two’ between players, who use it when trying to break through the opposition’s defence.
Mauricio Pochettino
This might be something of a surprise inclusion, as Spurs never won a trophy under Pochettino. Despite this, he deserves a place on this list for a few reasons. Firstly, there is no doubting his talents as a coach and how tactically astute he is as an elite-level manager.
When it comes to Spurs in particular, though, he stands out as someone who brought stability back to the club and gave the side a new lease of life during his tenure. Highlights included finishing second in the EPL with 86 points during 2016/17, and a Champions League Final appearance in 2019. He is also fondly remembered for the attractive style in which his Spurs team played and the way he brought top talent such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier into the first team ranks.
Spurs have seen some top coaches over time
As this discussion shows, Tottenham have seen some very good managers steer the club to glory over the years. This has helped them not only cement their status as one of the leading sides in English football but has also give fans of the club something to be proud of.
