Chris Waddle drops Tottenham relegation verdict that will boost West Ham and Nottingham Forest spirits

Tottenham Hotspur legend Chris Waddle has given a worrying verdict over the predicament at his former club, in words that will be music to the ears of Premier League rivals West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Spurs supporters have been provided some welcome respite from poor league results with the international break but won’t have forgotten about the relegation fight at hand. The London outfit sit 17th in the division, just one point above the drop zone.

West Ham and Nottingham Forest are the other two candidates to join Burnley and Wolves in dropping down to the second tier. However, where the Hammers and Forest have begun to pick up points under Nuno Espirito Santo and Vitor Pereira, Spurs are in freefall.

Tottenham have now parted ways with interim boss Igor Tudor and Roberto De Zerbi is expected to be the next head coach to take the hotseat in North London. The former Marseille and Brighton boss will be tasked with keeping the club in the league, but Waddle fears it could be a tricky task.

Chris Waddle: Tottenham Hotspur a ‘real mess’ as Championship looms

Speaking to 10bet, he said: “Where do Tottenham go from here? It’s looking like The Championship. I’m really concerned and worried about what is happening at the football club.

“I cannot believe a club of that size are in the position that they’re in. West Ham might be saying the same. Nottingham Forest might be saying the same.

“After the result against Forest, Tottenham Hotspur are basically the favourites for that third relegation spot. Hopefully three or four players will come back (after the international break), but are they good enough? Will it be enough? That’s the big question for Tottenham: Are the players good enough and do they have the bottle for a relegation fight? Can they roll up their sleeves.”

Waddle, who made 170 appearances for Spurs and scored 41 goals, went on to answer that question himself. Looking back to the fatal 2-0 defeat to Forest prior to the break, the former midfielder slammed the ‘real mess’ at the club.

He said: “I’m not convinced that this group of players have got enough about them to stop the rot. Tottenham are miles off the pace. I thought they’ve turned a corner after improved performances against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. Then they go back to zero with the Forest performance.

“No confidence on the ball. They didn't really cause Forest any problems. Tel had a decent first half, but that was it. Yes, they’ve had some bad luck with injuries, but Tottenham have been sliding for years now.

“The Europa League win papered over a few cracks – this group of players simply aren’t good enough to be challenging in the Premier League. The players need to take some responsibility, but the main culprit are the board and leadership of the club. They haven’t invested money in players; they’re always buying for the future, but Tottenham need better players for the now. The club is in a real mess. They’re miles away from being a top club in the Premier League.”

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