Waddle Sounds Alarm Over Gallagher Deal as Tottenham Battle Relegation Scrap

Chris Waddle has sounded the alarm bells at Tottenham, warning that the club's problems run far deeper than managerial upheaval and questioning the wisdom of their midwinter recruitment drive.

With just seven Premier League games remaining, Spurs sit precariously just one point clear of the drop zone and face the very real prospect of Championship football next term. Igor Tudor's departure by mutual consent on Sunday has paved the way for Roberto De Zerbi's appointment on a long-term deal, but Waddle remains unconvinced that a fresh face in the dugout will reverse the club's alarming trajectory.

The former England winger's particular frustration centres on Tottenham's £35m investment in Conor Gallagher last January—a player Man Utd had also been monitoring. That Atletico Madrid were willing to offload the midfielder after just eighteen months, Waddle suggests, should have triggered serious questions at board level.

"Alarm bells should be ringing," Waddle declared. "No disrespect to Gallagher, but if Atletico were happy to let him go after a season and a half, then you have to wonder what that tells you."

Speaking to 10bet, Waddle pulled no punches when assessing Spurs' predicament. "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."

Following the defeat to Forest, Tottenham have effectively become the favourites for that third relegation berth. Yet Waddle insists the issue isn't one that a managerial change can swiftly remedy. "I don't think a new manager at Tottenham changes a thing. The players aren't good enough and that isn't going to change if a new manager comes in."

The ex-winger's withering assessment extended to the squad's mental fortitude. "I'm looking at the squad, looking at individuals that don't look like they've got the stomach or the ability to pull the club out of the hole it's in. I'm not convinced that this group of players have got enough about them to stop the rot. Tottenham are miles off the pace."

Even the prospect of reinforcements returning from international duty failed to lift Waddle's gloom. "Hopefully three or four players will come back after the break, but are they good enough? Will it be enough? That's the big question."

Where Waddle's criticism cuts deepest, however, is aimed squarely at boardroom decision-making. "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."

He continued: "Tottenham have the best stadium in the country and the best training facilities. They don't have the best players and until the board changes its recruitment policy, then the club will always struggle. They won't ever be able to challenge at the top end of the table."

Tudor's exit shouldn't shoulder the blame, Waddle stressed. "Don't blame the manager for Tottenham's problems. It isn't Igor Tudor's fault. The people that run the club must take responsibility."

With seven games to salvage their season, Waddle's final verdict offers little comfort. "Tottenham are in a fight. The only people that can save them now are the players. Am I confident they will do it? Nothing I've seen from this group of players convinces me that Tottenham will be playing Premier League football next season."