For loyal Spurs fans the sacking of Juande Ramos was as predictable as the appointment of Harry Redknapp was surprising. News of the dramatic managerial change swept through north london s pubs and clubs, first as rumour then as fact just before midnight.

For loyal Spurs fans the sacking of Juande Ramos was as predictable as the appointment of Harry Redknapp was surprising.

News of the dramatic managerial change swept through north london's pubs and clubs, first as rumour then as fact just before midnight.

Fans who were early to bed woke this morning to what so many hope will be a bright new era at White Hart Lane following the clubs most traumatic start to a season in its entire history. Initially when the departure of Ramos was confirmed, there was criticism of the timing so late on the eve of an important Premiership game.

But the mood soon changed with the news that a successor had already been found in Harry Redknapp.

Ironically both Ramos and Redknapp led their teams to Wembley glory last season, Ramos taking Spurs to a famous 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the Carling Cup final.

But it was all down hill from there, with Spurs' form dipping alarmingly for the rest of the season and the loss of strikers Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov - leaving Spurs fans wondering what the future held.

Redknapp's Portsmouth won the FA cup in May, numbering Manchester United among their conquests on their way to defeating Cardiff City 1-0 in the final.