The story of Ryan Mason is one of tragedy and triumph.
Despite a playing career cut woefully short, the Englishman has managed to stay at the top level of football after jumping into management right away after retiring.
Now, it looks like the man that is Tottenham through and through is on his way out of Hotspur Way once again.
Ryan Mason in talks to become Anderlecht head coach
Ryan Mason, former Tottenham player and currently part of Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff at the club, is in talks to become the main man in the dugout for Belgian side Anderlecht.
Last season’s Belgian Pro League runners-up are currently fourth in the league table, five points off table-topping Genk.
Mason has been in management since April 2018, when he joined Tottenham’s academy coaching staff just after having to prematurely call time on his playing career after suffering a life-threatening head injury against Chelsea while playing for Hull in early 2017.
As a player, the 33-year-old made 70 appearances for the Lilywhites, registering four goals and assists each.
Mason has taken interim charge of Spurs on two separate occasions, having been handed the role after the dismissal of both José Mourinho in 2021 and Cristian Stellini in 2023, who himself was left in charge after Antonio Conte’s departure.
About time
Mason has proved by virtue of his assistant and interim stints at Spurs that he is ready for a shot at the permanent gig. Now is his chance.
Scott Parker found out the hard way few seasons ago that a player’s Premier League pedigree alone will not help him in management; one can only hope things work out better for Mason.
He definitely has the wherewithal and understanding of the game to help him along the way, and it will not be a surprise if he were to return to Spurs again somewhere down the line, regardless of how his time in Belgium goes.
