By Frank McAvennie

29th May, 2023 | 11:25am

Tottenham told to U-turn on appointing Ryan Mason after source's reveal

Frank McAvennie has claimed Ryan Mason won’t be able to handle the permanent manager’s job at Tottenham.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker insisted Spurs need a “big” manager who is used to handling big players.

The Lilywhites are still in search of a permanent replacement for Antonio Conte who was sacked earlier this year.

The London club had been closing in on an agreement for Dutch manager Arne Slot who has ultimately decided to stay at Feyenoord.

Last week (25 May), this site revealed that Tottenham have shifted their focus to new targets Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.

Mason took over as caretaker boss in place of Cristian Stellini after a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Newcastle back in April and took the club to an eighth place finish in the English top flight.

As quoted by the Daily Mail (13 May), Mason expressed his willingness to take on the job on a permanent basis.

When asked if Mason is cut out to be the next boss at Spurs, McAvennie told Football Insider: “No.

“I think the players like him but they need big players coming in. Ryan Mason is not going to be able to handle that in the changing room.

“No disrespect to Ryan but he has been backroom staff for most of his managerial career and there is a big difference between taking over temporarily and taking over full time. You have got all the weight on you, every decision is on you.

“I am not saying he can’t do it but I have not seen anything to suggest that he could.

“Tottenham need to buy big players and Ryan has not proven himself to anybody. Tottenham should have a big name manager.“

In other news, Tottenham willing to listen to defender offers amid £15m reveal.