If it wasn’t enough to digest the thought of Dimitar Berbatov leaving Spurs for Manchester United this summer - it could get even worse.

Yesterday derived fresh speculation assistant manager Gus Poyet could be heading for the White Hart Lane exit, with The Red Devils’ chiefs earmarking the Uruguayan as the replacement to Sir Alex Ferguson’s departed right-hand man Carlos Quieroz.

And with two of our most important benefactors in achieving future success, possibly in line for moves to Manchester, it begs a very serious question. Are we merely a stepping stone to the country’s ‘Big Four’.

Are we sending out the wrong message? Are we becoming a feeder club to the big boys, or more to the point, Manchester United?

Progression in football is marked by the building of a strong set of staff and players. And this is a process I believe Spurs have excelled in over the last few years, irrespective of our inability to break the stranglehold of the top four over the rest of the division.

The last three seasons in particular have seen Spurs gather on the whole a higher quality of player in its ranks, and acquire staff with a greater European pedigree as we continue to aim to the top.

And while many fans including myself have resigned to defeat in our quest to retain the services of Berbatov this summer, the thought of Ramos’ number two jumping in the Bulgarians passenger seat to Old Trafford, is a thought which terrifies me.

Because to lose two such important components in our search for finer achievement would simply be crushing.

In a period where building is essential, to surrender Dimitar and Gus to the English Champions would prove us to be no more than a ‘best of the rest’ team.

Of course it is flattering to see the finest club side in world football circling personnel from our club. But where does it stop?

Where do we realise our own ambition in achieving long-term success? Where is the line between players and coaches wanting to be at Spurs or the lure of Manchester United being too big of an opportunity to turn down?

I believe we can cope with the loss of Berbatov this season. Quite frankly we have to. But as crazy as it sounds losing Poyet would hit us more. If not only for its unexpectedness, then for its impact on life on and off of the White Hart Lane pitch.

While it is key we push on from last season by adding fresh players to the squad, surely the element of consistency in our management team is too important to neglect.

Under two years ago, Poyet was a coach at Swindon Town. Now he is at Spurs. And I am afraid his job is not done here yet.

So Manchester United - you can not have Poyet!