FAI hoping to retain Hughton as assistant
Hughton was named as a likely appointee if Spurs follow the advice of caretaker manager David Pleat and divide the traditional manager’s role between two people.
Hughton is currently first team coach to Spurs but Pleat suggested he might be invited to accept responsibility for all things affecting Spurs’ Premiership side, including team selection and tactics.
Chris Hughton yesterday confessed that he had no knowledge of Spurs’ plans but he stressed he did not want to sever his connection with Ireland’s international team.
“I know nothing of any plans that Spurs may have, only what I heard on the radio today or read in the newspapers.
“At the moment I am very pleased with my dual responsibilities and working with Ireland’s international players has been very satisfying.”
The job of manager at Spurs has been vacant since Glenn Hoddle was sacked more than a month ago. David Pleat is Director of Football at the club and he has made it clear that his term as caretaker manager is only a temporary one.
He provided a strong indication of the course of action that Spurs might take when he said: “I believe it is more logical to follow the Continental example and have one man as coach/manager to the first team with complete responsibility for training, coaching and selecting the team.
“He would be relieved of all other responsibilities with the club with a second man dealing with the business end of things like players’ contracts, new signings and all of that.”
Hughton is 45 next birthday and he has divided almost all of his senior career as player and coach with Spurs and with Ireland. He was born in London, came up through the ranks at White Hart Lane and left for just three seasons for West Ham at the end of his career.
He was a popular appointee by Brian Kerr last February and yesterday Mr Fran Rooney, Chief Executive of the FAI, said: “I have spoken to Chris Hughton and to Brian Kerr and it is clear this is nothing more than speculation at the moment.
“It is our hope that whatever course of action Spurs will take it will not deny us Chris’ services. He is a very popular member of our team.”
Hughton should still be able to combine his work with club and country even if Spurs do saddle him with added responsibilities. International matches nowadays coincide with a close-down of club activity and with just five or six international matches a year he should be able to fulfil both functions.
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