When Tottenham have made managerial changes in the 21st century, they have seemingly been guided by a specific principle. The new man must represent a fresh start and so it would surely help if he were radically different to his predecessor; often the complete counterpoint. It began when Glenn Hoddle came in for George Graham in 2001 and over the ensuing years the club have bounced, for example, from Juande Ramos to Harry Redknapp to Andre Villas-Boas. From Mauricio Pochettino to Jose Mourinho.
You want to establish quickly a clear and defined alignment between yourself and the different football departments within the organisation that you have just inherited. You have to be clear on your objectives and set certain principles in the first few days - like a work ethic, for example - that are non-negotiable and must be made absolutely clear to players and staff members who have not worked with you before.
John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. They share their experiences of Macclesfield's FA Cup triumph and have their say on the Michael Carrick & Liam Rosenior appointments. John is getting ready for his trip to the Arctic. There's Clash of the Commentators controversy, more unintended pub names, and which commentary phrases will end up in our Great Glossary? Suggestions welcome on WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk
Xabi Alonso was recently shown the door by Real Madrid, and he is already being linked with a return to management. Clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly interested in him. The 44-year-old is regarded as one of the finest young managers in the game, and he could prove to be an excellent option for all three clubs. Alonso has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur.
It's one of the biggest jobs in football, a club that has -- as their supporters sing at every game -- won it all, but to be head coach at Chelsea, top-level experience and a proven track record are not required, so don't expect an elite managerial name to replace Enzo Maresca. If you think that makes no sense -- a view taken by many confused Chelsea fans right now -- it is the reality of the "new" Chelsea under the control of Todd Boehly
I'm surprised, because I think given where he was at Luton in terms of his stock, I think that was probably, with respect, as good as he could have hoped for, the Middlesbrough job. It's a really big job. He's turned the support around from being a little bit in the doldrums to feeling really positive. So I am surprised from that respect, because I think the opportunity to take Middlesbrough back into the Premier League would be amazing for him.
Allegri could have easily have been the Roma boss. In fact, he was close to becoming their manager last March, with Claudio Ranieri himself having worked to convince him to take over, before they eventually turned to Gasperini. The Friedkins would have been happy with Allegri: a winner, with a strong personality, knowledgeable about Roma (thanks in part to friendships like that with Ubaldo Righetti), and ready to relaunch himself at a demanding club, accepting a two-year plan and a careful transfer window.
