Ricketts hopes for regime change

Rohan Ricketts today admitted that the appointment of David Pleat as acting manager has hindered his first-team chances at Tottenham.

When Pleat took charge following the dismissal of Glenn Hoddle last September, Ricketts was a regular choice after an impressive start to the season in midfield. Since then, however, he has been largely ignored.

Indeed, the former Arsenal player was touted as the makeweight in moves to sign Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson and Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid. Ricketts, who has been recalled to the squad for the last two games, says the sacking of Hoddle has had a direct effect on his progress.

Speaking for the first time about his plight, Ricketts vowed to prove himself to the new manager when he is installed in the summer. He said: "When Glenn Hoddle was in charge, things seemed to be going well for me but fortunes can change very quickly in this game. You just have to keep working hard to turn things back in your favour. I'll just have to wait until next season and see what a fresh start brings."

Ricketts is likely to be on the bench for tomorrow's game at Bolton. Pleat has injury concerns over Mauricio Taricco (calf) and Christian Ziege (groin) while Stephen Carr is suspended. Darren Anderton and Dean Richards are still out.

Meanwhile, former Tottenham Trust member Anthony Green today called on chairman Daniel Levy to sack Pleat. The Trust, the only official link between fans and the boardroom, yesterday sent a scathing letter to Levy about the club's plight. Green, who left the Trust this year, said: "Pleat must have had some say in the £75million spent on players in the six years he has been director of football. He must carry some of the blame and go."

Bolton v Tottenham, Reebok Stadium, tomorrow, 3pm