Tottenham Hotspur Considers Ben Davies for Player-Manager Role Amid Seven-Candidate Interim Shortlist

Tottenham Hotspur considers Ben Davies and six others for an interim role to save their season. Read the latest on the Spurs managerial crisis and shortlist.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 6:49 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Search for Stability in North London

The managerial landscape at Tottenham Hotspur has entered a period of extreme volatility following the exit of Igor Tudor after only six weeks in charge. The club currently sits in 17th position, a mere point above the relegation zone, following a disastrous run that saw Tudor secure only one victory in seven matches. In a bid to arrest this decline, the board is reportedly considering an unconventional internal solution by elevating veteran defender Ben Davies to a player-manager capacity. This move would aim to leverage Davies’ deep understanding of the club’s culture and his standing among the playing staff during a critical competitive crisis.

A Diverse Shortlist of Interim Candidates

Beyond the internal consideration of Davies, the Tottenham hierarchy has reportedly compiled a diverse list of six other candidates to provide immediate "firefighting" capabilities. This list includes a significant contingent of former Spurs managers, such as Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle, and Tim Sherwood, each of whom possesses prior experience navigating the unique pressures of the North London environment. The inclusion of these familiar figures suggests a tactical shift toward psychological stability and emotional connection with the fan base, rather than purely long-term philosophical alignment.

Navigating Contractual and Global Commitments

The search for a permanent successor is complicated by the existing commitments of top-tier targets. While Mauricio Pochettino remains a sentimental favorite among the supporters, his current obligations with the United States Men’s National Team ahead of the World Cup preclude a return to club football this season. Similarly, Roberto De Zerbi has signaled an interest in a permanent tenure but has reportedly expressed reservations about entering a high-stakes relegation battle mid-season. These constraints have forced the board to prioritize short-term specialists who can secure the club’s Premier League status before a permanent appointment is made.