Andre Villas-Boas confirmed as new Spurs head coach

Tottenham have ended weeks of speculation and announced Andre Villas-Boas as their new head coach following Harry Redknapp's sudden departure last month.

Andre Villas-Boas on his first day as Tottenham head coach (Picture: Action Images)

A club announcement confirming his role as head coach, rather than manager, suggests Villas-Boas will be working under a director of football.

It was a structure he was not keen on when he was considering the vacant manager job at Liverpool, which was subsequently filled by Brendan Rogers.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said the Portuguese boss shared the club’s aim of developing young players - but added that the first team would be strengthened over the summer.

‘Andre shares our long-term ambitions and ethos of developing players and nurturing young talent, and he will be able to do so now at a new world class Training Centre,’ said Levy.

‘It is important that we now look to develop the potential within the squads at all levels, whilst strengthening the first team in the summer in key positions with players who will become part of the future success of the club.’

The former Chelsea boss flew into London on Monday night and had already signed a three-year deal at White Hart Lane by Tuesday afternoon.

The 34-year-old Portuguese was chosen ahead of recently departed France manager Laurent Blanc, Wigan boss Roberto Martinez and Everton supremo David Moyes.

Andre Villas-Boas believes he can bring success to Spurs (Picture: Action Images)

‘This is a squad any coach would love to work with and together I believe we can bring success in the seasons ahead,’ he said.

‘This is one of the most exciting coaching positions in the Premier League.’

Villas-Boas is expected to make Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen his first signings at the club as he aims to get Spurs back into the Champions League.

Tottenham finished fourth last season but will only be playing in the Europa League in 2012/13 after Chelsea won the top-tier competition.

Sigurdsson, who impressed on loan for Swansea last season, could make a £8 million move from Hoffenheim, while Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen is expected to complete his protracted £9.5million transfer.

Other players linked to White Hart Lane are Brazil playmaker Oscar, who plays for Internacional, a club that has close ties with Tottenham, and Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge.