Rule The Roost - A Tottenham Hotspur Podcast

Note: In classic Tottenham fashion, they've announced two new staff hires immediately after we stopped recording. Jack is joined by the Athletic's James Maw to discuss the signing of Conor Gallagher. While some fans remain unconvinced, we discuss the definite positives he brings to the midfield and why he might be exactly what this side needs. Conversation moves to the ownership's wider strategy. Does the decision to shift Brennan Johnson, combined with paying the necessary fee to land Gallagher, signal a genuine change in how the club conducts itself? We also acknowledge the departure of Fabio Paratici and discuss Aston Villa’s strange desperation to carve out a rivalry with Tottenham. James then answers your listener questions, including whether he would take Xabi Alonso as manager, and if a return for Mauricio Pochettino would actually be good for the club. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Charlie Parrish to react to the FA Cup exit at the hands of Aston Villa. We start with the grim realisation that, once again, Tottenham's vague hopes of silverware have been all but extinguished in January. We discuss the apathy of facing the next five months playing for nothing but league position, and why this specific failure feels like the final straw for many. Conversation turns to the toxic atmosphere inside the stadium, specifically the moment Spurs fans joined the away end in singing "You're getting sacked in the morning" at Thomas Frank. Is the relationship now terminally broken? We then analyse the performance itself: a shambolic first half followed by a spirited second. We discuss the theory that Xavi Simons and the squad looked significantly better only when they seemingly stopped following the manager's rigid instructions and started playing with freedom. Finally, we react to the news confirmed by David Ornstein that Fabio Paratici is set to leave the club for Fiorentina, and what that means for the structure of the club moving forward. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs are out of the FA Cup - a spirited fightback in the second half, likely against the manger's wishes, wasn't enough to see us overcome a Villa side now rapidly overtaking us. What a miserable affair. Time to go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Paul O Keefe to pick through the debris of the current Tottenham Hotspur debacle. We break down exactly what Thomas Frank is getting wrong, tactically and emotionally, but ask if he is merely one piece in a much larger puzzle of failure, with all roads ultimately leading back to the ownership. Discussion turns to the January window: with the club seemingly obsessed with "prospects" and "possibles" for the future, will we actually see any first-team action to help us in the here and now? Paul also fields your questions, so buckle up and enjoy. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham lose again - and of course Semenyo completes his hero's farewell narrative. Spurs look like they're in terminal decline... is relegation just catastrophising or do we need to start seriously shaping up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices