Chris Hughton has emerged as an unexpected candidate to return to Tottenham Hotspur as manager following the dismissal of Igor Tudor, whose brief 44-day tenure ended without a Premier League victory. The 67-year-old, who spent 27 years at the club as a player and coach, is reportedly among the names being considered to steer Spurs away from relegation danger.
Hughton, a former Republic of Ireland international, made nearly 400 appearances for Tottenham before moving into coaching. He served as interim or caretaker manager on three occasions and left in 2007 as part of Martin Jol's backroom staff. Since then, he has managed Newcastle United, Birmingham City, Norwich City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest and the Ghana national team, with his last role ending in January 2024.
Former Tottenham and Nottingham Forest defender Michael Dawson, who played under Hughton at both clubs, gave a glowing assessment. Speaking to The Athletic in 2020, Dawson said: 'I have spoken to a lot of players who have worked under him and they all say, 'Wow, what a gaffer he is.' He took me under his wing and looked after me at a time when I was stepping into a different world.'
Dawson praised Hughton's personal touch and high standards. 'He was always dead chatty, always telling me to relax because my opportunity would come. Chris has expectations and standards he will set and an intensity he will expect from you. If you give him those things, you will get honesty back from him,' Dawson added.
