Jacques Santini holds the unwanted Tottenham record of managing the fewest games after stepping down in 2004.
But it's what he did after his resignation that infuriated club chairman Daniel Levy, sparking a heated war-of-words.
Santini arrived in June 2004 with big expectations having impressed in his native France.
He guided Lyon to the Ligue 1 title in 2002, before he was appointed to take charge of the French national team - where he won 22 of his 28 fixtures.
One of his victories came against England at Euro 2004, where Les Bleus were knocked out by eventual champions Greece in the quarter-finals.
Prior to the tournament, he had already agreed to become Spurs' second permanent manager since Levy became chairman in 2001 - succeeding Glenn Hoddle who boldly set his sights on Premier League glory.
But Santini ended up quitting in November 2004 on the eve of a London derby with Charlton.
In total, he oversaw 13 matches in all competitions, with Spurs winning just three of their opening 11 top-flight games.
His time at the club remains the shortest managerial spell in terms of games coached in their 143-year history.
In a candid statement, Santini cited personal issues as the reason for his departure - though that was the furthest thing from the truth.
A message to fans read: "My time at Tottenham has been memorable and it is with deep regret that I take my leave.
"Private issues in my personal life have arisen which caused my decision. I have therefore requested to return to France. I very much hope that the wonderful fans will respect my decision.
"I should like to thank Frank Arnesen [sporting director] and Daniel Levy for their understanding. I wish the club and the supporters all the best for the season."
Though just a week later, he revealed issues with the club hierarchy - while expressing his frustration about the transfer policy which saw Spurs sign Michael Carrick.
He told French television station TPS: "I can confirm I have no major family problems and I don't really mind too much what has been said about me.
"Right from the off there was a problem with who was in charge at Tottenham. I was told I was in charge of first-team matters, but things were not clearly defined.
"Perhaps we should have spoken more when I signed, but when I arrived it became clear that I was only in charge of coaching the team and not buying players.
"We never found a way of agreeing how to prepare the season and how to buy new players. It is true that I did not want to sign Michael Carrick.
"Michael is a good player, and is showing that now, but I didn't need another midfielder.
"What I really wanted was another centre-forward to provide more options and put pressure on other players.
"Jan Koller [from Borussia Dortmund] was one player I wanted to bring to the club, unfortunately there was not enough money to buy him.
"I reminded people before the Portsmouth match [October 18] of what I wanted, but they said they weren't that bothered about a new centre-forward.
"This was frustrating for me, because I was just starting to get my message through and I was not getting any support."
His comments instantly forced Levy into making a statement, where he accused him of betrayal in lying about family issues.
He raged: "Firstly, I find it totally incomprehensible that Jacques claims not to have understood the role he took at this club or, indeed, his contract, which spelt it out.
"He himself was both coach and technical director at Lyon.
"Secondly, at no time during our discussions did he say or suggest that he had any problems working with Frank Arnesen.
"Jacques asked to leave for personal reasons, he resigned on this basis and that's what he told the players when he left.
"If this is not the case then he has clearly been less than honest with us.
"I'm deeply disappointed and personally let down that he has chosen to make these comments late in the day.
"And I am absolutely flabbergasted that he should say he has 'family problems'.
"I cannot help but feel that, given all the events of today, this club, both on and off the pitch, is now better equipped to move forward."
Arnesen then came out to deny a rift with the ex-Lille boss, as he told the Evening Standard: "If he has a problem, it's his problem. I've no problems with Mr Santini.
"He is the one in this situation and it is up to him how he handles it, so you will have to ask him why he has said these things."
Before adding: "The issues are his. The chairman has made his announcement and that is enough for the club.
"I want to concentrate on the future and working for the benefit of Tottenham."
Even Martin Jol, who was Santini's assistant before replacing him in the dugout, hit out at the Frenchman, declaring his tactics were unsustainable in achieving long-term success.
Commenting on the club's defensive style, Jol remarked: "That gave us some results in the first five or six weeks and we were fully behind it then.
"We had to be as he was the head coach and we were his assistants! As we had an unsettled group, with a lot of new players, this was a good choice.
"But that was a dead-end street if you want to play football and to improve your football and want to attack. It leads to nowhere."
It wasn't long before Santini was again at loggerheads with Spurs as he accused them of failing to deliver on promises - and an apartment that suited his requirements.
He told L'Equipe in February 2005: "They promised me a big apartment on the beach and I found myself 200m from the sea with a view of my neighbours."
Before stating: "My only regret is having signed too early [for Tottenham].
"I should have waited until after Euro 2004 even if that means I might have missed my chance."
Folowing Santini's departure, Spurs lost their next three league matches under Jol - conceding nine goals in the process.
But their fortunes improves as they ended up in ninth spot in the Premier League, before Jol guided them to back-to-back fifth-placed finishes in the next two seasons.
As for Santini, he returned to management at Auxerre in 2005, but was sacked the following year in what remains the last club he has coached.
