Tottenham defender Ben Davies has emerged as a leading option to become interim player-manager.
Following the sacking of Spurs’ manager for the second time this season, the Telegraph reports that Spurs bosses are considering the veteran Welshman as one of a list of seven candidates to lead the club through a relegation battle.
Tottenham currently sit in 17th place, one point out of the relegation zone, and are the only team in the Premier League without a win in 2026.
The club are without a win in 13 league games and the board could reportedly accept a new short-term appointment if manager Roberto De Zerbi cannot be persuaded to join immediately.
Tottenham defender Ben Davies considered for interim role
The idea of a current player taking the reins in a relegation battle is unusual, but Davies is uniquely preparing for the transition.
The 32-year-old, who has been a fixture at the club since 2014, has been quietly preparing for a career in the dugout over the years.
In March 2024, Davies was officially awarded his UEFA A License and Elite Youth A License after balancing his coaching and playing duties at the Tottenham Hotspur Academy.
Despite currently being sidelined with a broken ankle in January, Davies remains the longest-serving player in the squad and is seen as a unifying figure who understands the club.
If Davies is appointed, he will join an elite list of players who have both played and managed in the Premier League.
Famous examples include Sir Kenny Dalglish, who is famous for leading Liverpool to double titles as player-manager, and Ryan Giggs, who continued to play despite being appointed interim manager of Manchester United in 2014.
But the stakes are probably higher for Davies than for anyone else, with Premier League survival at stake.
With Spurs facing their lowest points record since 1915, the board is also considering experienced ‘firefighters’ such as Sean Dyche and former managers Harry Redknapp and Glenn Hoddle.
