Arnesen in Spurs clear-out

It is 11 months since Arnesen arrived at the club and he has now had ample opportunity to assess both playing and coaching standards. One of his key tasks, when appointed by chairman Daniel Levy, was to take overall responsibility for youth development.

A big success in nurturing talent at former club PSV Eindhoven, the Dane has clearly decided a new first lieutenant is required in order to fulfil his ambitions.

Even so, staff members were still surprised by the sudden departure of Suddaby, especially given the club's success in producing talent such as King, Stephen Kelly and Phil Ifill.

Holland and Neighbour's Under-18 team are also showing promise, having reached the semi-finals of this year's FA Youth Cup.

McDermott, 37, started his coaching career in 1991 under former Spurs captain Steve Perryman at Watford. He then worked for the Football Association before returning to Vicarage Road as academy director in 1999. After the downfall of Gianluca Vialli, he went back to the FA where he graduated to become Peter Taylor's assistant with the England Under-21 side.

Spurs face Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on Sunday with head coach Martin Jol targeting two victories from their last three games to secure a UEFA Cup spot.

The Dutchman said: "Six points would put us in with a good chance. We still have both our main challengers still to play, so it's exciting times."

Villa are just a point behind Spurs in ninth while Middlesbrough, their opponents next week, hold a two-point advantage in seventh, the final UEFA Cup place.

Spurs will be missing midfielders Michael Brown (foot) and Pedro Mendes (toe) who have both been ruled out for the rest of the season with fractures.

Strikers Robbie Keane and Mido are in contention to start while Michael Dawson is expected to continue in central defence.