Former West Ham United striker Tony Cottee has expressed his fear over Tottenham Hotspur's future if Andre Villas-Boas is appointed manager.

The former Chelsea coach, who only lasted nine months at Stamford Bridge before getting sacked, is one of the favourites to land the job at White Hart Lane following the club's decision to sack Harry Redknapp.

"I can't believe that Andre Villas-Boas is going to get the Tottenham job," Cottee told talkSPORT. "Why have they got rid of Harry Redknapp? You should be careful what you wish for. That applies to the person who decided to get rid of Redknapp, because he did a magnificent job at Tottenham.

"Let's not forget where they were when he joined. Villas-Boas was totally out of his depth at Chelsea. It's a key time in Tottenham's history. They've got the likes of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale who want to leave. Are they going to want to stay if a manager comes in who they don't respect and don't want? I don't think so.

"Tottenham will be back to where they were before Redknapp took over. I fear for the club. I don't understand where they're going with this [Villas-Boas' appointment]."

France national coach Laurent Blanc has also been touted as a potential replacement for Redknapp.