The great experiment that was supposed to return the glory days to Tottenham collapsed last night almost before it had begun. Jacques Santini quit as the head coach after only five months, citing "private issues" in his personal life but with problems in his working life really at the root of his decision.
The strains in Santini's relationship with Frank Arnesen, Spurs' sporting director, have taken their toll and, with the team's Premiership results going downhill, the former France coach has chosen to return home. It emerged last night that he was on the verge of the sack in any event.
Although there was a general sense of shock at Santini's sudden exit, the decision will suit the Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, who had become increasingly unimpressed with his work. There is a strong possibility that Levy will appoint Martin Jol, one of Santini's assistants, to take over on a permanent basis. Jol will be in charge today against Charlton.
Jol had been recommended for the job in the first place by Arnesen, who watched with admiration from his previous post at PSV Eindhoven the work the former Coventry and West Brom defender did in Holland with RKC Waalwijk.
However, Levy chose to bring in Santini because he felt that would be more palatable to the fans, who expected a big-name appointment after links with Giovanni Trapattoni among others.
The decision appeared justified initially as Tottenham began the season excellently, going six games undefeated and rising towards the top of the table. But recent results have been poor: four defeats in five league matches and a lack of goals have cost them dear.
There have been problems in Santini's personal life. He has found it difficult to settle in England, with his wife in the country only intermittently, spending more time in France, where her mother is believed to be ill. However, those issues are not the overriding factors behind his resignation.
Santini's relationship with Arnesen has been difficult from the word go, with Arnesen appointed to bring in the players for Santini to coach. They have disagreed on signings, notably Michael Carrick, who was lavished with praise by Arnesen but has scarcely featured in the first team.
Santini never had the control he wanted and the coaching structure also appears to have been problematic. One squad member commented that there were more coaches than players: Santini, Jol, Chris Hughton, Clive Allen and Dominique Cuperly all having roles.
There seems to have been friction between Jol - who was Arnesen's man - and Santini and his preferred lieutenant, Cuperly. Training was said by one player to be low-key and the squad were not allowed to continue practising after formal sessions had ended.
The timing of Santini's departure does not seem such a surprise when recalling comments he made on his arrival. "We must start the season well," he said. "We are hoping to pick up many, many points in August, September and October to give a dynamic elan to the team and the club."
October ended with the club 11th and Santini is understood to have told Levy after last weekend's defeat at Fulham that things were not working. The board agreed that he had not served satisfactorily what effectively amounted to a probationary period. He will leave with a significant pay-off.
"My time at Tottenham has been memorable, and it is with deep personal regret that I take my leave," Santini said. "Private issues in my personal life have arisen which caused my decision. I have therefore requested to return to France. I very much hope that the wonderful fans will respect my decision. I should like to thank Frank Arnesen and Daniel Levy for their understanding. I wish the club and the supporters all the best for the season."
Levy had hoped that Santini would arrive at Spurs having won Euro 2004 with France but instead saw him depart in the second round amid fierce criticism after defeat by Greece.
It is unlikely that the chairman has been impressed with Santini's constant remarks about injury problems, or comments on the relative lack of quality available to him. Santini also caused dismay by failing to attend the post-match press conference on the day Bill Nicholson died.
Santini did not attend training yesterday morning and when the players checked into their hotel in the evening to prepare for today's match they were summoned to a meeting and told of Santini's departure.
The reaction is said to have been one of shock, although some at the club were not taken aback. At least one member of the coaching team was aware on Wednesday that Santini had decided to quit.
"Our priority is to ensure that this season's performance remains unaffected by this move," said Arnesen. "I shall make a further statement on Monday, clarifying our position. We wish Jacques well."
Monday also sees Tottenham's AGM, where questions will be asked. For the second time in two seasons Tottenham have lost their manager before the onset of winter.
Santini arrived in June proclaiming his determination to re-establish the club among the elite. He may leave with the feeling that this was an accident waiting to happen.
Jacques Santini
June 6 2004 - Nov 5 2004
P13 W5 D4 L4 Win%38.5
David Pleat
Sept 21 2003 - June 6 2004
P39 W16 D7 L16 Win%41
Glenn Hoddle
April 2 2001 - Sept 21 2003
P104 W41 D18 L45 Win%39.4
David Pleat
March 16 2001 - April 2 2001
P2 W1 D0 L1 Win%50
George Graham
October 1 1998 - March 16 2001
P126 W50 D35 L41 Win%39.7
Chris Hughton /Pleat
Sept 7 1998 - October 1 1998
P6 W3 D2 L1 Win%50
Christian Gross
Nov 19 1997 - Sept 5 1998
G30 W10 D8 L12 Win%33.3
Gerry Francis
Nov 15 1994 - Nov 19 1997
P142 W55 D42 L45 Win%38.7
Steve Perryman
Nov 1 1994 - Nov 15 1994
P1 W0 D0 L1 Win%0