Ryan Mason has told the Tottenham Hotspur first team that he does not expect them to address him as gaffer or boss while he is in charge.
The former midfielder who was forced to retire from playing in 2018 has stepped up from his role as head of player development at the club to fill the vacancy of interim head coach until the end of the season following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal.
Mason wants to keep the relationship with the players informal, along with those behind the scenes but does demand that he is given the respect he expects.
The 29-year-old won his first game in charge having beaten Southampton but experienced a much tougher test on Sunday having been second best in all departments against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
Mason will be looking for his players to put in a significantly better performance tomorrow evening when they host relegated Sheffield United.
He told the Daily Star: “One of the first things I said to them was that I do not expect to be called ‘gaffer’ or ‘boss’,
“Call me what you have been calling me for the last five or ten years — or however long I have known you.
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“The most important thing for me is respect. You can call me what you want but if you don’t respect me then it is not good. The respect is there from everyone.
“Not just the players but the groundsman, the kitmen, everyone. I have a good relationship with everyone.”
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