Manchester United legend Gary Neville has been impressed by the work of Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas this season.

Neville wrote in the Mail on Sunday: "... during what was clearly a very important win for Tottenham last Monday night against West Ham, there was a moment I thought summed up the level of acceptance there is for him among his players.

"It came when Gareth Bale scored that dramatic late winner and then ran to embrace his manager. I noticed it at the time but only later did I realise the significance of the current star player hugging his manager.

"I know Tottenham fans have been warming to Villas-Boas as they accumulate points this season, but seeing the outstanding performer of the moment embracing their manager is probably the biggest public demonstration you could have of the fact that this man is respected and accepted in the dressing room.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not a romantic. I know football is a cold-blooded game. But sometimes you need a break in the game. And Monday night might have been that for Villas-Boas and Tottenham."