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Tim Sherwood has hailed Harry Redknapp for turning Tottenham from relegation candidates into Champions League hopefuls after just a year in charge.
Despite the absence of key players, Redknapp's side will be full of confidence ahead of Saturday's derby at Arsenal after climbing to fourth in the Premier League after 10 matches.
When these sides drew 4-4 at Emirates Stadium this time last year, Spurs had only five points from nine matches, and their former midfielder Sherwood believes the change in fortunes proves Redknapp's class as a top-flight manager.
"Everyone was very low when we arrived," said Sherwood, who was brought to White Hart Lane as a coach by Redknapp shortly after the 62-year-old arrived from Portsmouth.
"The confidence was really down, but we managed to hit the ground running and get a few early results.
"Harry has proved again here that he is one of the best managers around, and one of his greatest assets is his honesty.
"That honesty with his players means they know exactly where they stand. He tells them what is expected of them, and if they don't produce it, they will not play.
"A lot of managers in the game appear untouchable, but Harry is human. He speaks to the staff in the offices in exactly the same way he speaks to Jermain Defoe. He is approachable, and you can't say that of everyone."
Sherwood is currently taking his coaching qualifications and aspires to be a manager.
He added: "I've stepped it up this season, I'm enjoying it and I'm learning every day from Harry."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes claims Arsenal have a new respect for Spurs following their strong start to the campaign.
The Gunners have had the upper hand throughout the Premier League era, but Spurs' excellent opening has given their players confidence that things may be about to change.
Gomes said: "I think we can finish above them this season. We know Arsenal are a great team, but confidence is high and we go there to win.
"We respect Arsenal, of course, but they respect us as well. That is very important."
Reader views (5)
Celia, two points:-
1. Tottenham are a far richer club than any of the 4 mentioned.
2. The smaller the club, the greater the control of finances a manager will have, ergo, at Spurs he won't be allowed to put the club in financial peril.
I am not afraid in the least. When Irving Scholar held the financial reins, fair enough, but Spurs have learnt their lesson well from that time. After all, supporters of other clubs regularly sask where do we get the money from each year; a form of implicit criticism. Surprise, surprise, we seem to be a very well run club!
- Ramalamadingdong, Broxbourne, 29/10/2009 17:43
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Bournemouth, Southampton, West Ham & Portsmouth... All have 2 things in common - firstly Harry Rednapp & secondly all in a financial mess. Watch Tottenhams accounts over the next 2 or 3 seasons. Be scared, very scared.
- Celia Farquar, Tootenham, 29/10/2009 16:25
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England manager??
Are you quite sane?
- Stu, Beckton, 29/10/2009 16:09
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Ex-footballer in sucking up to new boss shocker.
- Roynaldo, Elm Park, 29/10/2009 14:19
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He should have been England Manager years ago.
But the FA are snobs.
- Mickinlondon, london, 29/10/2009 14:09
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