When I got up to the news that Harry Redknapp and Tottenham had reached an agreement to end their four year relationship, I was distraught. Under the man who closely resembles a fruit-stand worker at an open market, the North London side soared to new heights, reaching the quarterfinals of the Champions League and only narrowly missing Europe’s premier competition this past season. However, bureaucracy at the top and failure to qualify for the Champions League has led to a compensation decided for Redknapp by his good friend Daniel Levy. After taxes, the £3,000,000 agreed to buy out Redknapp’s contract should amount to about £3,000,000. That’s all the jokes I have for today. Except for this one: Jurgen Klinsmann is favorite to take over. I wouldn’t put my hard-earned cash on him, folks.

Anyway, the question remaining is a simple one every Tottenham fan must ask the administration. If not Klinsmann, a small-time hero at White Hart Lane, then who?

Candidates to Replace Redknapp:

Fabio Capello:

Although Harry Redknapp embraced an attractive brand of football last term, his side was criticized for being defensively unstable, prone to lapses in concentration at the back. Fabio Capello, who is currently unattached following his resignation from the England post, would certainly put an end to that. The Italian trainer has been known in the past for instilling a sense of defensive responsibility in his sides, and was famously sacked by Real Madrid, days after winning the league, because he was “too boring”. Another feat he is likely to be proud of is his record of winning the domestic championship at every single club he goes to, picking up national honors at Milan, Roma, Juventus, and Real Madrid. Such a CV would be difficult turn down if given the opportunity.

It remains to be seen, however, if Capello would be inclined to join Tottenham, without the prospect of Champions League football and the possible departures of key men Modric and Bale as a result. However, the former Milan midfielder has seen posts at Chelsea, Liverpool, Internazionale, and Roma recently secured after speculation linking him with every one of the recently-vacant jobs. At this point, it looks like Spurs is his best option. But at least he can speak English, am I right? Seriously, am I right? He seemed shaky last time I heard him speak. Regardless, expect Capello to be the man to take over this summer. Or at least a Spurs man can dream.

Andre Villas-Boas

The old “New Mourinho” had a turbulent 256 days, 2 hours, 17 minute, and 16 seconds at the helm of Chelsea football, before he found out he was never really at the helm. The old contingent of Lampard, Terry, and Drogba had a tough time warming up to their new boss, and as a result were alienated from the squad. For other senior players such as Alex and Nicolas Anelka, it was too late, as both left the club, taking it for a sinking ship, while Villas-Boas’ departure led to the best few months of Chelsea’s history. Drogba, Terry, and Lampard were all there to enjoy it, while the young Portuguese also probably enjoyed himself, but in a different manner. However, after taking a vacation to clear his mind using the rubles Abramovich told him to sod off with, AVB, as he is passionately referred to as, has made it known he wants to get back into football management. A club like Tottenham, where expectations are lower than that of Russia’s most famous oligarch, would be an ideal place for AVB to continue his career, having learned from his mistakes of the ill-fated spell at Chelsea. It could turn out that West London’s loss becomes North London’s gain. Though you can’t blame West London in this scenario, times were really dismal. Okay, not a perfect use of that saying, but you get the point. Villas-Boas deserves another chance.

Then again, there is the need to contradict myself. With the resources at his disposal, AVB did have a harshly lurid spell with Chelsea, where his side’s sixth place finish was largely of his doing. He refused to use Mata in his most influential role, tucked in behind the striker, instead stubbornly staying true to his 4-3-3. At times, a suicidal high line was played at Chelsea, even though Terry and David Luiz were nowhere near suited to the tactic. And Levy may not be able to afford him. We all know how tempting it is to say, “You can’t afford me”.

David Moyes

While touted as a replacement for Alex Ferguson at United and lauded for the brilliant consistency achieved at financially-mediocre Everton, David Moyes’s side is still in the middle of the Premier League table. Yet another season has gone by without a legitimate challenge for European football, no cup successes to be proud of, and the standout players linked with top clubs. With an approach by Tottenham, and the congenial relations the two clubs share, it is very likely that Moyes would have the opportunity to speak to Spurs. His knack for a good transfer, having never wasted a shilling of Everton’s money, should appeal greatly to Levy, the man looking for a replacement for Redknapp. In the comments section below, I dare you to name a bag signing made by Moyes.

An issue with Tottenham fans may be that Moyes is a defensive coach. His Everton side was never renowned for playing attractive football.Tim Cahill playing as an emergency lone forward at times this season can testify to that. He rarely deviates from a 4-4-2, and when he does, it is usually in favor of much similar 4-2-3-1.

However, with the imminent departures of Modric and possibly Bale, and van der Vaart continually linked with a move back to Germany, a 4-4-2 may be exactly what Tottenham need. Sandro and Scott Parker can form a strong partnership in midfield, with Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore waiting in the wings. Lennon, Spanish midfielder Iago Falque, Andros Townsend, Danny Rose, and Stephen Pienaar make up a collection of wingers David Moyes would relish working with. The utility and potential in each of those players is characteristic of a Moyes signing. The Scotsman helped Pienaar look like a world beater on his return to Everton on loan. Any manager who can do that deserves a shot at the top four.

Moyes is a personal preference of mine, and it has nothing to do with the fact that “You Belong With Me” just came on the radio. Well, maybe a little bit.

Rafa Benitez

After linking himself to the Liverpool job on a frequent basis, poor Rafa Benitez finds himself unemployed, and on his couch watching video highlights of Istanbul. His wife wants him to do work around the house, but he cannot bring himself to get up, while he can’t remember the last time he’s taken a shower. Reports have linked Daniel Levy to the man tasked with pausing the television set and getting Benitez back on his feet.

The Spaniard’s experience in English football, where he brought a Champions League trophy to Anfield, was a success. He made many intelligent signings from his native Spain, from where he brought in cult hero Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, and er, Josemi. With such a track record, it is entirely possible that he will make more signings than Redknapp. However, do not expect this deal to materialise, given the fact that Liverpool is the only job that has ever interested Benitez. Instead, a more likely option is another Spaniard.

Roberto Martinez

After performing miracles at Wigan, where we all knew that anything less would have resulted in relegation, Martinez has been linked with every vacant job in the country. Liverpool turned him down in favor of Brendan Rodgers, while Aston Villa preferred Paul Lambert to take over from Alex McLeish. But if there was one thing the managerial merry-go-round proved, it is that Martinez is more than willing to leave the DW Stadium this summer.

This suggestion is the most logical one in my opinion, and it would provide the most entertainment from a neutral perspective. Martinez, a young manager embodying an attractive style, and Tottenham, a side just lacking an extra spark these past few seasons, seem like a perfect match. Of course, things don’t always turn out the way they seem. How’s that for a generic statement? Anyway, if Martinez becomes the manager of Tottenham, expect nothing less than on-pitch entertainment. I haven’t even mentioned that he’s such a nice guy.

Some issues, though, of course. Despite leading Wigan to a 15th place finish, he was only linked with the Liverpool and Villa jobs. Is he quite good enough for Tottenham, considering the other managers touted for the job? In February, when Redknapp was flirting with England, the only two managers Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy found worth the job were Mourinho and Guardiola. Despite recent impressive results, this post may come too early for the talented tactician.

What do you think? Not what I just said, if human nature is anything to go by.