How quickly things can change. Tottenham Hotspur might still be bottom of the Premier League, but surely not for much longer. A mood of optimism pervades a team that was in freefall last week and those thinking of placing one of the unlikeliest football bets of the season, Spurs to be relegated, will have to reconsider.

Harry Redknapp's appointment as manager is a shrewd choice by Chairman Daniel Levy, although it also represents a tacit admission of failure of the continental system the man in charge persisted with.

That is not to say that a sporting director and coach structure cannot work in England, just that such a system relies on the right personnel, and in Damien Comolli and Juande Ramos, Tottenham had the wrong combination.

Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane might still have wanted to leave with Redknapp in charge - although they would surely have received more persuasion to stay - but their departure would not have resulted in the club starting the season short of firepower. The transfer policy is now clear, with 'wheeler dealer' Redknapp ready to prove that he can make astute signings with a big transfer fund.

However, it is wrong to blame Tottenham's terrible start solely on the departure of their two main goalscorers. Ramos was drained of enthusiasm by the end of his tenure, failing to motivate downcast players and chopping and changing the starting line-up seemingly without a clear plan.

This lack of managerial nous came as a surprise. Ramos arrived with a reputation of professionalism, revolutionising diets and training methods, but he rapidly lost his way. Failing to give established first teamers squad numbers and neglecting to properly research opponents hints at why he stood accused of 'losing the dressing room.'

No such problems for Redknapp, enthusiasm personified. The dressing room is behind him and with the announcements of strong financial results - Levy is right to draw attention to this in today's economic climate - and new ground plans, happy Harry's optimism is quickly spreading.