Spurs fans in 'total shock' at Redknapp's departure (From Enfield Independent)

Spurs fans in 'total shock' at Harry Redknapp's departure

12:40pm Thursday 14th June 2012 in News By Hermione Wright and Chris Hewett

Tottenham Hotspur fans are in “total shock” at news Harry Redknapp has lost his position as the club’s manager.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy confirmed the decision in the early hours of this morning following wide speculation that the 65-year-old’s job was no longer secure.

Although a replacement is yet to be announced, Everton manager David Moyes and Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez are tipped to be in the frame.

The news comes after contract talks broke down between the chairman and Redknapp, who still had one year left at the club.

Lee Smith, who is a fan of the former West Ham manager, said: “It was a complete shock – I thought they would sort it out and I can only imagine that Levy has already found his man because he thought Redknapp was going to England.

“I liked Harry as a person and a manager and I can’t deny he has done well.”

Redknapp was arguably Spurs’ most successful manager in recent years, taking them to the Champions League quarter finals in 2010 and the Carling Cup final in 2009.

His four-year tenure included a 9-1 thrashing of Wigan but despite finishing in fourth place this season, his side narrowly missed out on a lucrative Champions League spot to competition winners Chelsea.

Season ticket holder Lee said: “I have a horrible feeling that David Moyes will be given the position but I don’t think his track record has been brilliant.

“It could be a situation where we have to start again. Missing out of the Champions League has put us back three years. If we are not careful we will be in mid-table mediocrity.”

Some supporters believe Redknapp may have forced the issue of a new contract by saying he needed another year and speculation is that Levy was unhappy with the manager’s approach.

Spurs fan and trainee lawyer Daniel Martin, 25, was left reeling by the decision.

He said: “I am very upset, almost distraught. It was a total shock and after the whole England situation, I thought he was 100 per cent going to stay. I can’t understand what Levy is thinking.

“Tottenham had been mid table for ten years – he put us in the Champions League quarter finals and I can’t understand why he is leaving now.”

Season ticket holder and film maker George Garnish said: “When I got the news through Twitter I was quite shocked but now I have a mixture of emotions.

“I am feeling better now I have slept on it. He has been there for four years but he has failed to get us to the Champions League this year.

“I reckon he went because he admitted he would have taken the England job and demanded a four year contract.

“I don’t know how this will affect the club – it will be good or bad, it all depends on who takes up the position.”