So why would Harry Redknapp want to leave, just as his work seems to be reaching completion? To take control of England and all the grief that entails?
The theory seems to be that Redknapp, 64, is the FA's preferred candidate to succeed Fabio Capello, who retires after next year's European Championship.
At Redknapp's age, he might want to take it easier, to escape the daily grind of his shared drive with right-hand man Kevin Bond up from the south coast, and a football club's relentless training-ground routine.
So widely held is this theory that even Spurs chairman Daniel Levy seems to accept it. How else can you explain why Spurs are yet to approach their manager about extending a contract which expires in 18 months? After all, Tottenham have never had it so good in the ENIC years.
There are greater tests ahead but they are looking strong and belief inside the camp is soaring.
Other than a Carling Cup penalty shoot-out defeat by Stoke, Redknapp's team are unbeaten in all competitions since the transfer window closed; a run which includes three Europa League games played with weakened teams.
They have dropped only two points in the Barclays Premier League since going down to the two Manchester teams by a combined 8-1 in the opening games of the season.
It is rich form and includes another victory over Arsenal, which reinforces suggestions we may be witnessing a power shift in North London.
Rafael van der Vaart, for one, is not expecting the Gunners to recover from a poor start to catch their neighbours, despite that 5-3 win at Chelsea last weekend.
'No chance,' said Van der Vaart. 'Why? Because we're better. We have the better squad. We have a bigger squad. I'm not afraid of Arsenal.'
This moving of plates in the neighbourhood is not purely Redknapp's doing but he has done what good managers do. He inherited world-class players in Gareth Bale and Luka Modric then improved them by tuning the side to suit their talents. Bale's career seemed to have hit a dead end three years ago but he has not looked back since.
Players love to play for Redknapp, it is often said. There are plenty frozen out by his ruthless streak who might disagree, and his mood after defeat can be foul, but he generally keeps a happy camp.
Those in favour are encouraged to express themselves. This has brought the best from Van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor, who said in an interview with The Independent at the weekend: 'He [Redknapp] said to me, "Adebayor, you know what you can do. Just go out there, have fun and bring me back the three points".
'When a manager has that kind of belief, you don't want to disappoint him.'
The simple game is not over- complicated under Redknapp, and his teams are always beautifully balanced, which makes them easy on the eye.
They are designed to attack, with pace and width. There is always room for luxury, but they rarely lack aggression.
This balance was knocked off kilter by the signing last year of Van der Vaart, who proved so influential that adjustments had to be made to satisfy his inclusion.
Key to solving this dilemma was a centre forward capable of leading the line on his own and a midfielder able to compensate for the Dutchman's defensive shortcomings. Step forward Adebayor and Scott Parker.
Adebayor arrived with his customary flurry of early goals and Parker settled without fuss. Brad Friedel, signed on a free, has added reliability, Kyle Walker has emerged at right back and Ledley King is squeezing out more games despite his ailing knees.
New recruits: Friedel and Parker have slotted seamlessly in to Harry's side
The fact Modric is still around is down to Levy's determination not to be bullied by Chelsea. His personal victory lifted spirits and, since the transfer window closed, Modric has applied himself well to maintain his very high standards.
The Croatia midfielder was one of only three who started against QPR on Sunday who had started Redknapp's first game, against Bolton in 2008. King and Benoit Assou-Ekotto were the others.
Bolton (26-10-08): Gomes; Hutton, Corluka, King, Assou-Ekotto; Bentley, Jenas, Modric, Huddlestone, O'Hara (Lennon); Pavlyuchenko (Bent).
QPR (30-10-11): Friedel; Walker, Kaboul, King, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Parker (Sandro), Modric, Bale; Van der Vaart, Adebayor.
Despite the reputation he has - but doesn't like - as a 'wheeler dealer', Redknapp has not ripped up the good work done before his arrival but finessed it.
Tensions rise between the manager and chairman when a transfer window opens. Redknapp's instinct leads him towards more experienced (expensive) players, ready to improve the team instantly, while Levy leans towards talented younger players with a sell-on value - and who can blame him after the success with players like Modric, Tom Huddlestone, Bale, Walker and Sandro?
Levy and Redknapp have had to make concessions but any friction eases once the market closes and the football takes precedence. Perhaps they are good for each other. Certainly something seems to be working at Spurs.
Thu Jan 21 2021, 20:01 by BazSpur
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