A familiar name could be set for a Premier League return, with former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho now emerging as a leading contender for a high-profile job.
Given Tottenham Hotspur’s knack for hiring and firing managers, it is no surprise that a few of their former bosses have gone on to manage other clubs in the Premier League.
Ange Postecoglou’s departure after his Europa League triumph last season made him the 15th to be axed by the famously ruthless Daniel Levy in his 20-plus years as Spurs chairman.
Unsurprisingly, in less than a year, two more managers have been added to that list, with Thomas Frank, Postecoglou’s successor, axed earlier this season, while Frank’s successor, Igor Tudor, followed suit after both failed to make an impact in N17.
Ex-Tottenham Jose Mourinho emerges for Newcastle job after Eddie Howe struggles
TalkSport is now reporting that yet another former Tottenham manager could become a Premier League boss at a different club next season.
It is claimed that Jose Mourinho has emerged as a “genuine contender” for a sensational return to the Premier League, with the former Spurs manager reportedly identified as the leading candidate to replace Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
Howe has had an impressive spell at Tyneside, but a poor run of form this season, which has left the Magpies in 14th, has led the club’s hierarchy to consider a change ahead of next season, with Mourinho earmarked as their preferred target.
However, nothing is certain, as Mourinho is also a contender for the Portugal job should Roberto Martinez step down from the role following the World Cup.
Should Mourinho return to the Premier League, he will become the seventh manager to have been sacked by Spurs and then gone on to manage another team in the Premier League.
| Manager | Date sacked by Spurs | Next Premier League club (after Spurs) |
|---|---|---|
| Glenn Hoddle | 21 September 2003 | Wolverhampton Wanderers (2004–2006) |
| Harry Redknapp | 13 June 2012 | Queens Park Rangers (2012–2015) |
| Tim Sherwood | 13 May 2014 | Aston Villa (2015) |
| Mauricio Pochettino | 19 November 2019 | Chelsea (2023–2024) |
| Nuno Espirito Santo | 1 November 2021 | Nottingham Forest (2023– ) |
| Ange Postecoglou | 6 June 2025 | Nottingham Forest (2025) |
Spurs exits continue to shape Premier League managerial landscape
That number could increase further by next season, as it is understood that Thomas Frank could also return to management following his departure from Spurs.
The former Brentford manager is understood to be on the radar of Crystal Palace, who see him as the ideal replacement for Oliver Glasner, who is set to depart this summer.
However, while we wait to see if a deal will materialise, Frank’s agent has since revealed what Thomas has been up to following his sacking, explaining that his client has pulled the plug as he unwinds.
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