Hughton waits on Spurs future

David Pleat says he wants Tottenham to pick the best man to become the next manager but, on the evidence of their victory over Everton, some would say they already have.

Pleat and first-team coach Chris Hughton have returned the feelgood factor to White Hart Lane and that has not gone unnoticed by the board.

The caretaker manager is adamant that he will not disclose his personal ambitions but Spurs could do much worse than give him the job, at least until the end of the season.

Even if Spurs do appoint one of the names on their alleged shortlist, Pleat's future is not under threat. He will almost certainly ease seamlessly back into his position as director of football.

The same cannot be said for Hughton. He combines his role with the task of being assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland and his growing stature as a coach cannot be underestimated.

While all the talk has surrounded Pleat and his ambitions since Glenn Hoddle was sacked, Hughton has simply got on with the job in the same way he's done under five previous managers.

Yet despite his unquestionable loyalty to the club, he admits that his own future is now very much out of his hands. Hughton is well aware that he could be swept aside as the new manager surrounds himself with his own tried and trusted backroom staff. After helping Pleat to plot Everton's downfall, Hughton said: "I am more involved than ever now because while David is caretaker manager he is still director of football as well.

"I've been here for a long time and worked with five different managers. It certainly doesn't get any easier and it is not something that you are particularly proud of.

"I was very close to Glenn so it is a difficult one for me. I've known him since I was about 16. It was a pleasure working with him but I have got to be able to adapt and work under different circumstances.

"I am always aware that a new manager might want to make changes but I can't afford to go home and drive myself mad about it. Whatever happens, my situation is out of my hands. I've enjoyed working with each and every manager and if that continues, I will be delighted.