Among the disappointment of the news of Ange Postecoglou’s sacking by Tottenham, one Spurs fan’s touching post-season interaction with the Australian manager has been revealed.
The Athletic’s Jack Brooke-Pitt provided incredible insight into the relationship Tottenham fans have with the manager who broke their 17-year trophy drought by sharing the story of lifelong Spurs supporter Jeremy Conrad.
The day after what it ended up being Postecoglou’s farewell to the home fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a 4-1 loss to Brighton on the Premier League season’s final day, Conrad was stunned to realise the Australian and his family were staying at the same hotel in Greece.
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When asked about his future at that final outing, Postecoglou stressed that he was going to escape and unwind in the country of his birth after a chaotic season.
But he had no issues when football followed him on holiday as Conrad took the chance to offer a heartfelt gesture.
On the final night of his stay, Conrad arranged a bottle of wine to be sent to Postecoglou’s villa, accompanied with a handwritten letter, as a thank you for the Europa League triumph in Bilbao.
He penned the words not just on his behalf, but for all his friends and family, who are passionate Tottenham people, after first verbally expressing his gratitude when the pair crossed paths at the hotel’s buffet.
Conrad wrote:
“Dear Ange,
“Apologies for the slightly impersonal nature of this note but I wanted to make sure I was able to adequately convey the appreciation, love and respect me and my Spurs supporting friends have for you and the work you have done and hopefully will continue to do at our club.
“Wednesday 21st May will forever be etched into our collective psyche. It’s made us smile wider, walk taller and laugh louder. You have orchestrated a generational shift in how we feel about our club and how others view us. Tropes have been put to bed and egg collectively smeared on naysayers’ faces. Most importantly you have helped reinstate an immense feeling of pride and connection in the team that we love.
“You often talk about “family” and the importance it plays in motivating and giving a sense of purpose. Well, from me and my Spurs family we would like to thank you from the bottom of our collective hearts. You never stopped believing, you fought hard to defend and elevate the reputation of our club and we are eternally grateful.
“At the buffet you said to me that a bottle of wine wasn’t necessary but I really hope you accept and enjoy this for what it is… A token of our appreciation.
“Much love,
“Jez (311), Matty, Steve, Mark, Beens, JB, Charlie, Jake, Jonny, Chris, Ollie, Toby, Guy + The COYS WhatsApp Group and The Where’s Ed WhatsApp Group.”
The following morning, Postecoglou tapped Conrad on the shoulder while he was having his breakfast.
The Australian thanked him for the wine and the letter, which he said “meant to so much”.
Postecoglou was not empty-handed, he had a Tottenham shirt for Conrad, signed “‘To Jez, Ange. COYS!”.
Only a week on from that unforgettable interaction, Postecoglou was shown the door by Tottenham chair Daniel Levy.
Conrad would no doubt be among the Spurs shattered by the news, but he will always be able to proudly tell the tale of his unique connection with the manager who delivered on his promise to win a trophy in his second season.