Everything Tottenham fans need to know about ex-Aston Villa boss John Gregory as he’s tipped for Spurs job
Former Aston Villa manager John Gregory has been backed for a shock return to Premier League management.
Up until now, a lot of the focus has been on Unai Emery’s future at Aston Villa, with the Spaniard having been linked with the Real Madrid job.
However, that has changed entirely this week after Thomas Frank was sacked as Tottenham manager, following a run of eight games without a win for the North Londoners.
With relegation concerns looming, they now must make a swift move for their next manager, and a former Villa employee believes that Gregory is worth a shout.
Bryan King backs John Gregory for Tottenham job
Speaking to Tottenham News, Bryan King has claimed that John Gregory would fix the mess that is currently setting in at North London, and for Tottenham fans who know nothing about him, there’s plenty that you should know.
Gregory’s time at Aston Villa between 1998 and 2002 was easily the most notable throughout his time in management, having qualified for Europe in his first season.
Gregory’s record at Aston Villa
- 187 games
- 83 wins
- 49 draws
- 55 losses
- 1.59 points per game
Two years later, he led the Villans to an FA Cup final, where they went on to lose 1-0 to Chelsea, but it was still a huge achievement at the time.
Victory in the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2001 was his biggest feat achieved as Aston Villa boss.
Gregory was known for his ability to steady the ship at the clubs he went to, and while English football has changed since his most recent stint with Crawley Town, he has the experience to captivate a side, which is something Tottenham need more than anything.
However, having spent time in various countries, he has also shown an ability to adapt to the different expectations wherever he has been.
With that said, for all of the good things that he achieved at Villa and could take to Tottenham, the reason for his exit from the club is something that will be familiar.
Why did Gregory leave Aston Villa?
In January of 2002, Gregory resigned from his position as Aston Villa boss, with the club claiming it was due to the “pressures of the job.”
However, one of the big reasons was the board’s refusal to back him with the players he wanted to bring to the club.
Muzzy Izzet and Andy Cole were just two of the players Gregory wanted to add to his squad, but the board refused to provide the finances needed.
And for Tottenham, that could be a problem having had managers ina similar situation before, most notably throughout Daniel Levy’s reign.
However, given that it would almost certainly be a short-term stint until the end of the campaign, he would require very little, if any, say in transfers.