Squander the Bale booty and be condemned for an eternity, seemingly.
Tottenham Hotspur today confirmed the departure of technical director Franco Baldini by mutual consent, with Spurs fans reacting to the news with a combination of glee and uncontrollable rage.
Fabio Capello’s number two during his time as England head coach joined the Londoners from Roma in June, just in time to help spend the £86million windfall received from the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.
It is fair to say Baldini’s £110.5m supermarket sweep was not universally successful. Erik Lamela followed Baldini to North London from Roma but Spurs are only now seeing the best of the Argentine winger.
While Nacer Chadli and Christian Eriksen have established themselves, Roberto Soldado, Etienne Capoue, Paulinho and Vlad Chiriches all left the club after failing to impress.
Managers Andre Villas Boas and Tim Sherwood have both left the club during Baldini’s time at the club, which came to an end today.
“We can confirm that Franco Baldini has left the Club by mutual consent. Franco joined us as Technical Director in June 2013 from AS Roma where he was General Director,” said a club statement. “He leaves us now to spend time outside of club football. We wish him all the best for the future.”
It says a lot for a technical director when his departure can inspire this level of glee among fans and neutral observers.
Parting words for Franco Baldini pic.twitter.com/LEVZZh8ISr
— ☢Atomicflix☢ (@Atomicflix) September 28, 2015
Franco Baldini's real world remake of Brewsters Millions is now sadly over.
— Stuart Turner (@OnlyOneT) September 28, 2015
Franco Baldini leaves White Hart Lane. His work there is done. pic.twitter.com/QbDdWpfm1T
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 28, 2015
Thank God Franco Baldini is gone!
— Joe Sullivan (@J_A_Sullivan) September 28, 2015
There was one (isolated) voice of support.
Am I the only sad person who will miss Mr Franco Baldini?? 🙁 Goodbye my Dear friend, you will always be a Spurs man!
— THFC Fang 🟣 🟡 (@flash_maan) September 28, 2015
We reckon naming the “Baldini Seven” signed with Bale money will be a firm favourite in table quizzes for years to come.
