Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy last night took a major gamble by giving Tim Sherwood the manager's job on a permanent basis.
Sherwood has been given an 18 month contract as Levy pulled off a surprise by giving the rookie boss a chance at White Hart Lane.
It comes despite Levy holding lengthy discussions with Holland boss Louis van Gaal about taking charge after the World Cup next summer.
But Sherwood held talks with Levy yesterday - and made it clear that he was not prepared to simply keep the seat warm for someone else.
Levy was impressed with Sherwood's plans, raw ambition and determination and has decided to give him an audition for the role.
It is believed that van Gaal is still in the frame but Sherwood has got Levy's full backing and support.
Levy said: "We were extremely reluctant to make a change mid-season, but felt we had to do so in the club's best interests.
"We have a great squad and we owe them a head coach who will bring out the best in them and allow them to flourish and enjoy a strong, exciting finish to the season.
"We are in the fortunate position of having within our club a talented coach in Tim Sherwood. "And we believe Tim has both the knowledge and the drive to take the squad forward."
Sherwood (left), who was Spurs' director of development, has only taken charge of one Premier League match - Sunday's 3-2 win at Southampton - since Andre Villas-Boas' sacking. But his confidence has won over Levy.
Levy had hoped Sherwood would then learn his trade under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich chief, before eventually taking over at Spurs full time.
Levy even flew out to Holland to hold talks with Van Gaal on Sunday, believing a deal was "90 per cent done".
Van Gaal, 62, wanted the job and has already confirmed his desire to manage in the Premier League.
But former Spurs midfielder Sherwood, 44, has won over Levy with his bold approach to the job, which included recalling exiled striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has scored three times in two games.
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