They maintained their strong form in Europe, securing fourth place in the league phase of the Champions League, before a domestic downturn resulted in Frank’s dismissal in February. Igor Tudor replaced the Dane on a contract until the end of the campaign but has suffered defeat in his opening three matches, leaving the side one point above the drop zone. Speaking ahead of the third of those losses – which arrived against Crystal Palace on Thursday – Sherwood contended the significant error occurred when Postecoglou departed North London. “I’ve said many times I wouldn’t have got rid of Ange Postecoglou,” Sherwood told No Tippy Tappy Football.

“There’s a reason why they finished 17th in the league – because he (Postecoglou) prioritised the Europa League and he won it. They sacked a winner.”

Sherwood also indicated he wouldn’t have sacked Frank. However, he acknowledged the on-pitch performances and what he termed “the toxic nature of the fans” rendered the decision unavoidable.

He suggested the hierarchy were reluctant to make that change. There has also been concerning atmosphere since Tudor assumed control, at least as Sherwood sees it.

“Igor Tudor’s come in, when he first comes in the door, he does his first press conference [and] I listened to it carefully, he’s 100 per cent guaranteeing we’ll stay in the Premier League. Now, a week, two games on, he’s making some negative vibes coming out,” the 57-year-old added.

“I don’t like it. I don’t like the vibes because everyone listens to that. It breeds anxiety towards the fans, I know a lot of Tottenham fans and they’re getting nervous by the man’s voice at the moment, because he’s obviously gone in there, he’s looked at what he’s got – at the heart, the ability, the options, what he has – and he’s decided it’s going to be the hardest job he’s ever had. That’s what he’s said.”

Tudor’s opening three fixtures were all London derbies, with Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace all claiming maximum points. Sherwood maintained injuries couldn’t be used as an excuse for everything, even prior to kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday.

Spurs briefly went in front against Palace when Dominic Solanke netted his fifth goal in all competitions since his January return from injury. However, their advantage dissipated when Micky van de Ven was sent off conceding a penalty which Ismaila Sarr converted, with Palace taking the lead through Jorgen Strand Larsen before Sarr doubled his tally in first-half stoppage time.

“It was two games. After the red card, it was a second game,” Tudor told TNT Sports following the latest defeat. “The second half we tried and I saw interesting things but I’m very disappointed like the fans.

“We need to work hard and believe. After this game, I believe more than I did before. I know that sounds strange but I saw something in the team. Even in the dressing room after the game. When we are complete, and choose the right guys, I believe it will be good.”