The Latin Redknapp

One thing about the Lilywhites is that they are a mega-ambitious club.

Extremely proud of their heritage and legacy of good football under Bill Nicholson, it is unacceptable for them to be languishing in the Europa League whilst their panache merits them a seat at the highest seat of European club football.

However, they’ve been doing just that ever since Harry Redknapp’s buccaneers were defeated by Real Madrid almost 4 years ago.

That team was adventurous, exciting, steely and a little bit too daring.

Whilst the attack was a fearsome sight to behold when they gelled, the defence left much to be desired. Gareth Bale was the star of a mega-unit of performer, but when their form dipped it did so collectively.

However, Daniel Levy saw fit to dispense of the best English coach in recent years in order to appoint Chelsea flop Andres-Villas Boas. He duly flopped.

Mauricio Pochettino has been picked because Southampton’s passing and swagger was almost unmatched in the league last season.

He made a team of young men and re-hashed journeymen turn in some of the best performances in England, and they matched their scrumptious attacking verve with some determination and steel at the back that won them many plaudits.

At times, he looked lost without a cool head above him (Nicola Cortese’s departure triggered a poor run of form) and Franco Baldini has not exactly lit up the Spurs. However, if Levy can assist him in making some critical signings to fix a squad that is not poor but a little bit bloated by Villas-Boas lack of skill in the transfer market, he could change things around.

He has an adventure and demeanour that is rather like a calmer version of Redknapp; whereas the Englishman was happy and laughing all the time, Pochettino merely exudes a degree of constant satisfaction.

Like Redknapp, his players are endeared to him, and are ready to adapt to his philosophies.

However, unlike Harry Redknapp - who Van Der Vaart said "never uses his chalkboard" - Pochettino is making use of every single bit of technology available to give him an edge in games.

Redknapp has sometimes been accused of being outdated - despite his relative success - but no such accusation can be levelled at Pochettino. He monitors his player’s fitness levels from afar, he scrutinises every detail of every game and makes sure he cannot be surprised.

Next season, Mourinho’s Chelsea, Pelligrini’s City and Wenger’s Arsenal are looking to duke it out for the title. A Suarez-less Liverpool and a rudderless Everton will be fighting for fourth place. If anyone can bring back the good old days of Harry Redknapp’s Champions League charge, Pochettino is the man.