AFTER a sparkling career at Chelsea, Gus Poyet left Stamford Bridge under a cloud, Russell Greaves.

Some Chelsea fans have never forgiven him for joining Spurs, but the bitterness is definitely not mutual.

Now assistant manager to Juande Ramos at White Hart Lane, last month he enjoyed success over his former employers in the Carling Cup Final and is determined to help Spurs secure just their second ever Premier League victory over the Blues in thirty-two attempts when the sides meet tonight.

Poyet experienced trophy-winning joy on two occassions during his four-years at Chelsea after Ruud Gullit signed him from Real Zaragoza - lifting the European Cup Winners' Cup and FA Cup - and he wouldn't begrudge seeing the west London club secure further silverware this time around.

"I still have a strong feeling for them," said the former Uruguay midfielder.

"I played in a very good Chelsea team and for most of the time we were in control of games.

"We won very good trophies in England and in Europe and it was one of the best times in my career.

"They still have the quality to win the Premier League and the Champions League this season."

That Poyet was sorely missed by Chelsea in the aftmermath of his departure is testament to the ability he possessed as a player, often leaving opponents bemused with his beguiling skill and propensity for spectacular goals.

He notched up over 100 goals in a career that spanned fifteen-years in four different countries.

He has also made swift progress in his coaching career, earning praise and ever-increasing respect on the way.

First he was assistant to former Chelsea team-mate Dennis Wise at Swindon Town, newly relegated to League Two, where the pair transformed the club's fortunes and turned them into promotion candidates.

A move to Leeds United, still in tandem with Wise, curtailed that effort, though Swindon went on to gain promotion.

At Elland Road, Poyet's stock continued to rise as he helped to chart a path to the top six despite the club starting the season with a 15-point deficit for financial irregularities.

In October he was persuaded to part company with Leeds - and Wise - as Ramos, newly arrived from Sevilla, sought an assistant to help him with the task of rejuvinating a faltering Tottenham side.

Speculation at the time suggested that the 40-year-old had been appointed primarily as an interpeter to the Spanish-speaking Ramos, but Poyet has taken a leading role in the coaching set-up at White Hart Lane and is also well known for his ability to boost morale.

Meanwhile, and perhaps not entirely coincidentally, Leeds endured a loss of form.

Marcos Alvarez, fitness coach at Spurs, is certainly in no doubt as to the importance of Poyet's input, saying: "I think Gus was very important for us.

"He knows the mentality of the English players, English clubs and the mentality of a Spanish coach."

Poyet has stated that he is enjoying his role and the Carling Cup success in February was one of the highlights of his long career.

Another victory tonight will only add to his joy and will certainly do no harm to his growing reputation.

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