Brad Friedel has moved to quash rumours that Andre Villas-Boas had lost the support of the Tottenham Hotspur dressing room prior to his sacking at White Hart Lane.

The Portuguese was removed from his post as manager on Monday following a poor run of results, with some reports claiming that he no longer had the backing of his playing squad.

"I think all the players in the changing room really wanted things to work out for Andre," Friedel told FOX Soccer Daily. "From day one that he came to the club, [he had an] open door policy, very good communication with the players. None of us were happy to see him go.

"We still have to continue to have a very good team spirit, which I know we will. We have a lot of quality in the changing room.

"I'm sure the board are going to be hiring a very good manager to take us forward, who the players will all be behind again, because, at the end of the day, we are employed by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, not by the manager they're bringing in. We just have to try to adhere to all of his ideas and try to get results for the football club."

Tim Sherwood has been placed in temporary charge ahead of their Capital One Cup last-eight clash with West Ham United on Wednesday night.