Arnesen (right) will help Spurs find a new manager

Arnesen's appointment on a three-year deal triggered the resignation of David Pleat as director of football.

Arnesen, 47, who was technical director of football at PSV Eindhoven, will take up his post from 1 July.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: "He has a proven track record of working successfully alongside some of the world's top managers."

For many years this club has failed to achieve a league position commensurate with the investment that has been made in the team Spurs chairman Daniel Levy Jol linked with Spurs

Tottenham are yet to appoint a first-team coach and Levy stressed Arnesen's role will be part of a continental-style coaching set-up at White Hart Lane.

Arnesen will play a role in the appointment of Spurs' new first-team coach.

Levy said: "We are operating in an international market and it's vital we put in place an appropriate management infrastructure and expeprtise to achieve our aspirations.

"It's important we have stability and a consistent strategy for first-team and youth development.

"I firmly believe this can be best served under a new continental structure and that Frank Arnesen is immensely qualified to oversee this for us."

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Arnesen is a former Denmark international who has been with PSV for more than 10 years, during which time the club won 12 major domestic honours.

As a player he won 52 caps and was part of the Denmark team that reached the last 16 of the World Cup.

He is fluent in five languages and has worked with coaches such as Dick Advocaat, Sir Bobby Robson and Guus Hiddink.

Arnesen's appointment is part of a major revamp at Spurs who finished 14th this season and flirted with relegation.

Levy said: "For many years now, not just for the time I have been here, this club has failed to achieve a league position commensurate with the financial investment that has been made in the team."

"I am delighted to get the opportunity to work for a big club like Tottenham and in the most exciting league in the world," said Arnesen.

"A club of this stature should be competing regularly for honours and that is what we shall strive to achieve," he added.

Pleat 'disappointed'

Spurs will be hoping Arnesen will reproduce the success of his role at PSV where he is credited with bringing through players such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo, Jaap Stam, Arjen Robben, Philip Cocu and Boudewijn Zenden.

The chairman has had a major review and feels we need to go in a slightly different direction. I respect that decision Former Spurs director of football David Pleat

Meanwhile, Pleat admitted he was "disappointed" at losing his job at White Hart Lane.

Pleat was appointed caretaker manager following Glenn Hoddle's exit last September, and hopes to make a return to the game.

"The chairman has had a major review and feels we need to go in a slightly different direction. I respect that decision and wish them well," Pleat told BBC Radio Four.

"I'm not going to say I will be smelling the roses. I've been a workaholic for years and I believe I have something to offer.

"I hope it will be taken up in time. This has given me the chance to take a breather which is maybe something I need and some may say it's something I've earned."