Spurs have made their worst-ever Premiership start

Hoddle had been under pressure after a miserable start to the season which saw his side pick up just four points from their first six games.

Director of football David Pleat will take over as caretaker manager and Chris Hughton will serve as first-team coach while a new manager is sought.

Club chairman Daniel Levy said in a statement on the club's website that he had told Hoddle of the decision to release him on Sunday evening.

"Following two seasons of disappointing results, there was a significant investment in the team during the summer, in order to give us the best possible chance of success this season," the statement said.

It is critical that I and the board have absolute confidence in the manager to deliver success - regrettably we do not Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy

"Unfortunately, the start to this season has been our worst since the Premiership was formed.

"Coupled with the extremely poor second half to last season, the current lack of progress and any visible sign of improvement are unacceptable.

"It is critical that I, and the board, have absolute confidence in the manager to deliver success to the club.

"Regrettably we do not. It is not a decision we have taken lightly. However, we are determined to see this Club succeed and we must now move forward.

POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS Alex McLeish - Rangers Martin O'Neill - Celtic Harry Redknapp - Portsmouth Alan Curbishley - Charlton Graeme Souness - Blackburn

"Glenn occupies a special place at this club. Today's decision in no way detracts from the fact that he was one of our greatest players.

"He will always be welcome at White Hart Lane. I should like to personally thank him for his determination and commitment and wish him well.

"We shall be thorough in our search for a new manager. It is a crucial appointment and we shall take the time necessary to make the best choice."

Hoddle spent about �11m this summer on strikers Helder Postiga, Frederic Kanoute and Bobby Zamora after Spurs could only finish 10th in the league.

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He is the first Premiership manager to lose his job this season.

Rangers manager Alex McLeish, Celtic's Martin O'Neill, Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp and Charlton's Alan Curbishley have all been linked with the White Hart Lane job.