Harry Redknapp has claimed that a "disastrous" transfer policy has held Tottenham Hotspur back this season.
Spurs added Ben Davies, Michel Vorm, Eric Dier, Federico Fazio and Benjamin Stambouli to their ranks in the summer, and came in for criticism for spending £26m and £17m on Roberto Soldado and Paulinho respectively in the summer of 2013.
Redknapp, who left Spurs in 2012, thinks that the club have been "rescued" by academy graduates such as 30-goal Harry Kane this term.
"Spurs have been rescued by the youngsters this season, the Harry Kanes, the Nabil Bentalebs and Andros Townsend too," Redknapp told Sky Sports News. The recruitment has been poor and the signings have been disastrous.
"Finishing sixth or seventh is not great is it, but [Mauricio Pochettino] needs another season and next year [they will push on]. They've brought players in and they haven't spent wisely but that's not down to him.
"I like the manager, I think the side looks excellent and he's a great guy as well, but they've not pulled up any trees, let's be honest."
Spurs travel to Newcastle United on Sunday.