The 2022/23 season hasn’t even concluded yet and Tottenham Hotspur fans are fearful their club is wasting too much time. The North London club has been without a permanent manager since Antonio Conte was sacked in March and the search for their next boss has stalled somewhat according to recent reports.

Julian Nagelsmann and Mauricio Pochettino were believed to be top of Spurs’ shortlist, but the former has been ruled out of the running while the latter is reportedly on his way to Chelsea. Then it seemed Tottenham had settled on Feyenoord’s Arne Slot as their first-choice, but he has since signed a new contract with the Dutch champions.

These latest developments have prompted fear among the Spurs support that the club is repeating the same mistakes that led to the ill-fated appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo in the summer of 2021. Back then, Tottenham also struggled to find a new manager and ultimately hired a man who was unsuited to the job.

Daniel Levy has used managerial appointments in recent times to highlight Tottenham’s standing in the English and European game. Spurs, it was reasoned, would never have been able to lure managers of the calibre of Conte or Jose Mourinho in times gone by. They were statement managerial appointments.

This time, though, Spurs don’t need a statement appointment. They need someone who can cultivate a healthy culture within the club and re-establish the connection with the supporters. They need someone who can implement a more modern, expansive style of play in line with what is now common at the elite level.

They also need a manager who wants to be there who is on an upward trajectory. Conte had to be persuaded to take the Tottenham job, rejecting it only a few months before he eventually took over. The Italian gave the impression of someone who never fully embraced the challenge of leading the North London outfit.

To find the right manager, Spurs might have to get creative. Luis Enrique might be the most recognisable name left on their shortlist, but the appointment of the Spaniard may not fulfil the criteria Tottenham have. Celtic’s Ange Postecoglou, on the other hand, might be the perfect candidate for the position.

Just because Tottenham might make a left-field appointment this summer doesn’t mean they are necessarily making a bad appointment. In fact, it might be worthwhile for the North London club to look beyond the top tier and find someone who will better reflect their values and the position they are currently in.