Former Tottenham player could return for a third time if Igor Tudor is dismissed.
Tottenham Hotspur is struggling badly, without a win in the Premier League in 2026 and currently on an 11-game winless streak. They are placed 16th in the league, just one point above the relegation zone, with nine games left in the season.
After losing 3-1 to Crystal Palace, the gap to the bottom three has narrowed to just one point. While Tottenham has been unable to secure positive results, their relegation rivals, West Ham and Nottingham Forest, are managing to gain points. This has increased the pressure on interim manager Igor Tudor after just three matches in charge.
Calls for Tudor’s dismissal have intensified following the disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace. Tottenham has chosen to keep the Croat for the time being. However, if he cannot improve the team’s performance and suffers more losses, the club may seek a new manager sooner than expected.
Ryan Mason is a strong candidate to replace Tudor at Tottenham
If the club decides to part ways with Tudor, they may look for another short-term manager. An exclusive report from Football Insider suggests that Ryan Mason could be the top choice to succeed Tudor until the end of the season.
Mason is considered a “good fit” due to his past experience as caretaker manager at Tottenham. He held the interim role twice, in 2021 and 2023, with a record of six wins and six losses in 13 games, including a defeat in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City following José Mourinho’s sacking.
The 34-year-old ended his long-term association with his childhood club last summer to take on the managerial role at West Brom in the Championship. It was his first permanent position, which he felt he couldn’t turn down. However, after a promising start to the season, a poor run of four losses in five games led to his dismissal from West Brom in early January.
Despite his recent sacking, Mason is among those considered to potentially save the club from relegation. Other experienced names like Harry Redknapp, Glenn Hoddle, and Tim Sherwood are also reportedly in contention.
Mason would present another risk for Tottenham
Mason is well-acquainted with the club, respected by the players, and has previously led the team as caretaker. During his past roles, the team was not in a relegation fight; rather, he was brought in to stabilize the situation and boost morale. He achieved those goals successfully.
However, the current circumstances at White Hart Lane are more serious. Spurs made a significant error in hiring Tudor as a replacement for Frank, and the management cannot afford another misstep. While Mason’s familiarity with the club is a plus, the N17 leadership should opt for an experienced manager with a proven track record of keeping clubs in the Premier League.