Ardiles urges unity as Spurs face ‘big, big trouble’ in relegation battle

• Tottenham four points above drop zone after Fulham defeat
• Ardiles calls for everyone at club to get behind the team
• Spurs legends attend milestone for mental health charity

Former Tottenham Hotspur player and manager Ossie Ardiles has called for unity at his old club, warning they could be in “big, big trouble” if results do not improve.

Spurs’ Premier League status is under serious threat for the first time in nearly 30 years after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham left them just four points above the relegation zone.

A run of two wins in 19 league matches, including a record-equalling 10-game stretch without victory, has heightened concerns among supporters about whether an injury-hit squad can halt the slide.

Ahead of Thursday’s visit from Crystal Palace, Ardiles told the Press Association that everyone connected with the club must rally behind the team.

“Our job, everybody at the club, my job and the job of everybody in Tottenham is to go behind the team,” he said.

“We are OK right now but we could be in big, big trouble.

“So, everybody has to be together to achieve what we want to achieve.

“Survive this season and then we’ll see what happens next.”

Ardiles was speaking during a milestone moment for former teammate Micky Hazard, who alongside his sister Michelle runs the mental health charity Legend On The Bench.

The charity unveiled its 100th park bench last Thursday at Water Gardens in Harlow, with several Spurs greats in attendance. Former England goalkeeper Pat Jennings and ex-Tottenham captain Gary Mabbutt were also present for the landmark occasion.

Legend On The Bench was founded after Hazard’s nephew Jay died by suicide in 2019, and Ardiles paid tribute to his former colleague’s work.

“Yes, it is a wonderful, wonderful achievement. I was with him when he started to do this and he started very small, but it is amazing how it has grown,” Ardiles said.

“Micky is the driving force. I come, take pictures and talk a lot of rubbish, but the proper job and the hard work is all down to him.

“His goal was quite small but it grew and grew and he works harder and harder. Now we are where we are right now. It’s an incredible achievement.”