Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has issued a stark warning that the club could find itself in League One if it fails to secure its Premier League status and address off-field issues. Speaking to Boyle Sports, Sherwood expressed deep concern over the North London side's current plight, as they sit in the relegation zone with only four games remaining.
"It's a worry, it depends on who's in charge of recruitment and running of the club," Sherwood said. "For me to give an educated answer on if they will go back up, for the people who are running the club at the moment, there'll be no guarantees." He emphasised that without a football-minded person at the helm, a swift return to the top flight is not assured.
Sherwood drew parallels with Leicester City, who won the Premier League in 2016 and the FA Cup in 2021 but now face the prospect of relegation to League One due to poor off-field management. "Leicester just shows you what can happen if your club's poorly run," he said. "A team that had so much success... it's just mind-boggling to imagine that team in League One."
Only five teams in Premier League history have suffered back-to-back relegations, with Leicester being the most recent. Others include Luton Town, Sunderland, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Swindon Town. Tottenham currently trail West Ham United by two points, but a recent 3-0 defeat for West Ham to Brentford has given Spurs a lifeline.
Sherwood believes Tottenham have the resources to bounce back, but only if the club's decision-makers are replaced. "If you don't bounce straight back straight away, it becomes very difficult," he added. "Tottenham will be back. They're not down yet. If they go down, they will be back. And it needs to be on the first attempt."
Tottenham's remaining fixtures include clashes with Aston Villa, Leeds United, Everton, and West Ham, which could determine their fate. The club's supporters will be hoping for a turnaround under manager Roberto De Zerbi, but Sherwood's warning serves as a reminder of the perils of mismanagement.
