Andros Townsend told talkSPORT that he was in ‘a lot shock’ when Daniel Levy handed Tottenham’s managerial reigns to Ryan Mason.
Both Mason and Townsend came through Tottenham’s ranks as youngsters and the Crystal Palace winger shared how he has known him since he was just eight years old.
And whilst Levy is now hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons, in regards to the European Super League, in between, he sacked Mourinho and appointed the Premier League’s youngster ever manager until the end of the season.
Townsend is hoping things go well for his childhood friend and former Spurs teammate.
“I was in a lot of shock,” said Townsend. “I have known Ryan since the age of eight, so I don’t really see him in that way.
“But fully deserved. He has obviously had a traumatic experience at having to retire at 26 and deal with all the emotions that go with that.
“He dabbled in the media a bit. He felt that path wasn’t for him. Started doing his coaching badges, went back to Spurs to work with the young boys.
“His dream came true as a player. His dream has come true as a manager. I am proud of him and I am delighted for him.”
In truth, from Mason’s perspective, he doesn’t have much to lose but a lot to gain during this spell.
But the man making Tottenham’s calls has a lot to lose.
Mourinho is now gone and that blame game will be transferred over to Levy and it’s going to be 10x worse given what happened with the European Super League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
