JOSE Mourinho has been appointed as the new manager of Tottenham following the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss has signed three-and-a-half-year contract with the London club.

The appointment comes less than 12 hours after Spurs parted company with Pochettino on Tuesday evening.

The 56-year-old Portuguese said: "I am excited to be joining a club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters.

"The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me."

Mourinho, who won three Premier League titles in two spells with Chelsea, had been out of management since leaving United in December last year.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: "In Jose we have one of the most successful managers in football.

"He has a wealth of experience, can inspire teams and is a great tactician. He has won honours at every club he has coached. We believe he will bring energy and belief to the dressing room."

Cherries boss Eddie Howe had been listed in the betting for the position with Spurs, with his price dropping to as short as 3-1 with some major bookmakers behind the odds-on Mourinho.

Howe and Mourinho are set to do battle when the sides meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, November 30.