Mason in lead role at Spurs after Stellini exit

TOTTENHAM have sacked acting head coach Cristian Stellini after less than a month in charge as chairman Daniel Levy labelled Sunday’s thrashing at Newcastle as “wholly unacceptable”.

The 48-year-old was part of Antonio Conte’s backroom staff at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and stepped into the top job on a temporary basis when his fellow Italian was sacked last month.

He lasted just four games, however, with former Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason once again appointed on a temporary basis after a 6-1 loss at Newcastle ended Stellini’s short reign.

Spurs are now outsiders in the race for a Champions League place and sit six points adrift of Manchester United, who they host on Thursday night, having played two more games.

Stellini, in his first managerial role, had overseen just one win in his four games in charge – a 2-1 victory over Brighton.

“Sunday’s performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable. It was devastating to see,” he said in a statement.

“We can look at many reasons why it happened and whilst myself, the board, the coaches and players must all take collective responsibility, ultimately the responsibility is mine.

“Cristian stepped in at a difficult point and I want to thank him for the professional manner in which he and his coaching staff have conducted themselves. We wish him and his staff well.”

Mason, 31, moved to Hull from Spurs in 2016 but retired from playing two years later after suffering a serious head injury.

He previously took over as coach at Spurs when Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2021, winning four of seven games, including a 1-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

He became the youngest manager in Premier League history and has once again been tasked with steadying the ship.