Dean Richards has praised the tactical change made by caretaker boss David Pleat and has taken a swipe at those used by former boss Glenn Hoddle. Richards, who was bought by Hoddle from Southampton stated that he is happier with the new 4-4-2 system enforced by Pleat and that the old 3-5-2 formation insisted upon by the ex-England boss caused problems. He told Sky Sports that ' A back four favours the players we've got... with a three it can leave you more exposed and you end up defending on the edge of your own box.' Robbie Keane also stated, in an interview after the victory over Everton, that he believes the players are much happier with the new system. Since Pleat took over, Spurs have not conceded a goal, comfortably beating Coventry three nil in the Carling Cup, riding their lack at times in a goalless draw at Manchester City and keeping their first clean sheet at home since November in Saturday's win. Under Hoddle's management, Spurs failed to keep three clean sheets in a row at any stage. With Leicester away next, many will be confident that Kasey Keller's net can stay redundant.