Few dismissals in Premier League history have been more cut-throat than Harry Redknapp’s from Tottenham.

The popular manager was given his marching orders by chairman Daniel Levy at the end of the 2011/12 season, having just guided Spurs to a second fourth-place finish in three years.

Harry Redknapp took charge of 198 games at White Hart Lane between 2008 and 2012Credit: Getty

Redknapp’s departure brought to an end a progressive four-year spell at White Hart Lane, having transformed the club into regular contenders for European football during this time.

Harsh sackings seem to have become a recurrent theme in north London, with several managers since finding themselves in similar situations.

In 2019, Mauricio Pochettino was relieved of his duties just months after leading Spurs to the Champions League final.

Meanwhile Antonio Conte was shown the door in 2023 with his side sitting in the top four following his infamous public criticism of his players after a draw with Southampton.

And Ange Postecoglou could soon become the next name included in this conversation, with his future in charge very much up in the air.

Despite the Australian guiding Spurs to a first major trophy in 17 years with Europa League glory, talkSPORT understands Levy is still mulling over whether to proceed with his plans to sack him.

An historically bad domestic campaign is the reason behind this, with Tottenham recording a lowest-ever Premier League finish of 17th.

Should Postecoglou ultimately make way for someone new at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, his cold-blooded departure would bear some striking similarities to Redknapp’s 13 years ago.

In May 2012, the former West Ham and Portsmouth boss had overseen what was widely regarded as another successful season.

Spurs finished fourth, only missing out on Champions League football due to Chelsea claiming the last available qualification spot after winning the European competition.

Ange Postecoglou guided Spurs to a first European trophy since 1984, but is still unsure of his futureCredit: Getty

Harry Redknapp oversaw the development of some huge players at Spurs, including future Real Madrid icons Gareth Bale and Luka ModricCredit: Getty

Despite his side being cruelly denied a spot among Europe’s elite, few could deny the impressive job Redknapp had done at the club.

Having left his role in charge of Portsmouth for Tottenham in October 2008 with his new side bottom of the Premier League, he successfully turned the tide to finish eighth.

The following season, Redknapp guided Spurs to Champions League qualification for the first time in 2010.

Their maiden campaign in the competition was a memorable one, with the Lilywhites reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by a star-studded Real Madrid side which included Cristiano Ronaldo.

And while Redknapp narrowly missed out on delivering Champions League football in 2011 with a fifth-place finish, his team bounced back impressively a year later to once again make the top four.

In fact, the Englishman’s exploits at White Hart Lane were so widely respected that he emerged as the favourite to become the new England manager when Fabio Capello resigned in February 2012.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has appointed seven permanent managers at Tottenham since dismissing Redknapp in 2012Credit: AFP

But to the surprise of many, Redknapp’s achievements weren’t enough to keep him in the job, as he was brutally dismissed by Levy in June 2012 after failing to agree on a new contract.

Reacting at the time, the then 65-year-old said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Spurs and am proud of my achievements.

“I have had a fantastic four years with the club, at times the football has been breathtaking.

“I am sad to be leaving but wish to thank the players, staff and fans for their terrific support during my time there.”

And Redknapp has since revealed he was unaware of the club’s decision to sack him beforehand, admitting he had felt blindsided.

Discussing managers being dismissed without their prior knowledge on The Rest is Football podcast in January, he opened up on the end of his time at Spurs.

Redknapp spoke about his shock Spurs exit earlier this yearCredit: Credit: YouTube: @therestisfootball

The 78-year-old said: “It is disrespectful. I had it at Tottenham at the end. I never had a clue, it [his sacking] was completely out of the blue to me.

“It was going great, we finished fourth and we were in the Champions League, but Chelsea got to the final of the Champions League that year and finished sixth.

“When they won it was a disaster. I’d gone from qualifying for the Champions League, and when I got home I was told that Daniel had a meeting with one or two managers at the time.

He added: “It was quite a shock, but yeah, sadly that was it.”