George Graham: Tottenham will stand by Andre Villas-Boas

George Graham believes Tottenham will continue to back Andre Villas-Boas – as long as Spurs can stay in the hunt for a top-four finish.

The Portuguese coach’s future has been a source of speculation in recent days after the north London side were thrashed 6-0 by Manchester City on Sunday to leave them eight points behind leaders Arsenal.

However, Spurs are still only two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, and former Tottenham boss Graham feels that Villas-Boas will be given the time needed to help the club climb the table.

“It is going to take time,” Graham told talkSPORT. “Bringing in half a team at the same time, it is going to take time for those players to settle in, and that is the problem they have got.

“I think they will stick by AVB. If they can pick up some points over the Christmas period and are still in touch with that fourth position, I think they will stay with him.”

Graham’s comments come after Villas-Boas insisted that he has the full backing of the Tottenham board.

“I’m immune right now to criticism,” said Villas-Boas. “I used to read into situations like this. I’m very indifferent now.

“I’m only under pressure from the press. The board and players are fully behind me. The only conversation [the board and I] had recently was two or three days ago.

“The board is of the same opinion that everything went wrong [against City] and we hope to get some response in the future.”