Football.London

You've signed Yang Min-hyeok, could you tell us a little bit about the new signing?

We're delighted to have him as part of the club, somebody who was identified by our scouting department. A young talented player and we're looking always to not just for the present but for the future. He's shown great promise and we're looking forward to having him as part of the club. Once he's finished his commitments with his club. now.

What can you say to the Korean fans and Sonny is also very popular here, what you think of his popularity here?

We had a fantastic welcome. We know how admired Sonny is in his own country and it's a privilege to share that with him. We can see the love that the people have for him. I think it goes beyond what a player he is, it's the kind of person he is and as I said we're privileged to share that with him and it's a special occasion for everyone, the players, the staff and we're looking forward to training today in front of a big crowd and the game tomorrow. We owe it to that support to make sure we put on a good performance, because the love and admiration they show to Sonny flows through to the football club and we feel privileged in that.

You experienced a lot of Korean football, especially when you were in charge of Australian football, and you've just signed Yang, what are your thoughts on Korean football?

Obviously from when we first arrived I've stayed close to Sonny because I wasn't sure what reception I would get after beating him in the Asian Cup final. I've always had a positive outlook on Asian football. Obviously I had the experience in Japan, not just with the national team, playing in the Asian Champions League against Korean sides and I've always thought there was a lot of talent here. I think the league is strong and from my perspective, when I eventually got to Europe and managed there I always thought there was great possibilities of talented players from this side of the world, and Korea in particular, of making it here in Europe. That's already happened. You've already seen some fantastic Korean players making really significant impacts in European football, obviously led by Sonny, and I think there's more to come.

When I was at Celtic we ended up signing Hyeon-gyu Oh and there were other players we were looking at, so I've always had a really positive impression of Korean football and it was always a challenge, whether it was the national team or Champions League, I knew that when we played against a Korean side that it was a strong challenge and sometimes I didn't win, but I did win the big one and I was happy with that.

How can you compare the talents you coached in Japan with the ones in Korea, like working now with Sonny?

I don't look at it that way. To me they're all players. Where they come from is not as important to me. Always working with players, to me it's what kind of people they are, what sort of mindset they have. What I do know is that when you leave your home country and in particular you're going from Asia to Europe there's a big challenge there from a cultural perspective and a lifestyle perspective. It really needs a strong mentality. It doesn't matter where they come from, whether it's Japan or Korea or Australia where I'm from, you need to have a really strong mentality to go to Europe, especially in the top leagues, because sometimes it's not as welcoming as you think.

You're competing for spots and people are competitive of that. I think I've found, particularly over the past 10 or 15 years, that players over this side of the world, doesn't matter what country they're from, they prepare themselves for that. They learn the language, they understand it's going to be different culture and they're prepared to accept that. But once they get to me I just see footballers, not where they come from. I've been blessed to work in different countries and all around the world and it helps me develop as a person by meeting people from different countries and cultures and learning from them as much as they learn from me. That's the most important thing.

What's the latest team news and when will you get Richarlison and Destiny Udogie back?

From the other night, everyone is ok. Timo is available. Ben Davies got through the game ok so he's fine. Ash Phillips has pulled up a bit sore yesterday so I'm not sure on him tomorrow. Radu has joined us for this Korean leg and he's trained the past couple of days. Destiny will train today, he obviously won't play tomorrow but he's back in training, which is good. Richy is still a few days away. Really from the other night, really a similar sort of squad to select from.

You've coached a lot of young players and you've got Mikey Moore who's coming up, what kind of message do you give these young players to reach their high level?

In coaching terms and working with young players, the most important thing is the environment you set up for them and what they came into. That means the moment they come into the dressing room, the kind of dressing room you have with the senior players and the way we train and the way we talk. We try to teach them as much about life as we do about football because obviously for a lot of them and you mention Mikey Moore, he's only 16. He's got so much growth as a footballer but also as a person. We try to provide the environment which allows him to be the best that he can be and then it's up to the player. Once you provide that environment it's up to the player to keep driving on and not be satisfied.

You've just heard Sonny at 32-years-old and he's done just about everything in the game but they still think they can improve. You have to have that mindset, whether you're 16 or 32, or god forbid you're 58 like me, you can always improve. If you have that mindset, particularly in football, but in elite sport, it doesn't always guarantee you'll be successful but it guarantees you'll get the maximum out of your career.

The beauty for me is we have a lot of young players, but alongside Sonny, players like Ben Davies and other experienced players who set the right example every day. That's important.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley says 'it's possible' she could invest in another football club after leaving St. James' Park earlier this summer, but has kept her cards close to her chest. The 51-year-old Yorkshire-born business woman has been linked with a potential investment into Tottenham Hotspur this summer, buying a minority stake in the club.

A recent report from Bloomberg stated PCP Capital Partners - Staveley's investment fund company - has raised around £500million and has been looking at future investments in the sport. The former Magpies co-owner is involved in a number of other projects and she's set to continue working with the Saudi Arabian PIF, having played a key role in LIV Golf’s negotiations with the PGA Tour.

The recent Bloomberg report mentioned the possibility of an investment into Spurs, having held 'initial discussions' Rothschild & Co, an adviser to the North London club.

“Not much, I’m afraid," she told The Athletic when asked what she could say about the potential investment into Spurs. "My preference would have been to stay with Newcastle, but life doesn’t always work out exactly how you want it to.

"Nothing is going to replicate that. I fell in love with Newcastle, the club and the people and that can’t change, but I didn’t want to get in Newcastle’s way. It’s got to be about what’s best for Newcastle.

“Mehrdad and I are keen to be hands-on. We’re hard-working people, I love to be very busy and to engage and I love football.

"Very sadly, we have to move on to other projects and that might involve us taking a stake in another club or buying another club and that’s difficult. But it’s possible.

“I don’t know what my future holds, but you can never move on from the love I have for Newcastle and I would love to come back for matches. I’m a Geordie now. I’m a Yorkshire Geordie, but I will always have that chemistry and that love.”

Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley says 'it's possible' she could invest in another football club after leaving St. James' Park earlier this summer, but has kept her cards close to her chest. The 51-year-old Yorkshire-born business woman has been linked with a potential investment into Tottenham Hotspur this summer, buying a minority stake in the club.

A recent report from Bloomberg stated PCP Capital Partners - Staveley's investment fund company - has raised around £500million and has been looking at future investments in the sport. The former Magpies co-owner is involved in a number of other projects and she's set to continue working with the Saudi Arabian PIF, having played a key role in LIV Golf’s negotiations with the PGA Tour.

The recent Bloomberg report mentioned the possibility of an investment into Spurs, having held 'initial discussions' Rothschild & Co, an adviser to the North London club.

“Not much, I’m afraid," she told The Athletic when asked what she could say about the potential investment into Spurs. "My preference would have been to stay with Newcastle, but life doesn’t always work out exactly how you want it to.

"Nothing is going to replicate that. I fell in love with Newcastle, the club and the people and that can’t change, but I didn’t want to get in Newcastle’s way. It’s got to be about what’s best for Newcastle.

“Mehrdad and I are keen to be hands-on. We’re hard-working people, I love to be very busy and to engage and I love football.

"Very sadly, we have to move on to other projects and that might involve us taking a stake in another club or buying another club and that’s difficult. But it’s possible.

“I don’t know what my future holds, but you can never move on from the love I have for Newcastle and I would love to come back for matches. I’m a Geordie now. I’m a Yorkshire Geordie, but I will always have that chemistry and that love.”

Former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley says 'it's possible' she could invest in another football club after leaving St. James' Park earlier this summer, but has kept her cards close to her chest. The 51-year-old Yorkshire-born business woman has been linked with a potential investment into Tottenham Hotspur this summer, buying a minority stake in the club.

A recent report from Bloomberg stated PCP Capital Partners - Staveley's investment fund company - has raised around £500million and has been looking at future investments in the sport. The former Magpies co-owner is involved in a number of other projects and she's set to continue working with the Saudi Arabian PIF, having played a key role in LIV Golf’s negotiations with the PGA Tour.

The recent Bloomberg report mentioned the possibility of an investment into Spurs, having held 'initial discussions' Rothschild & Co, an adviser to the North London club.

“Not much, I’m afraid," she told The Athletic when asked what she could say about the potential investment into Spurs. "My preference would have been to stay with Newcastle, but life doesn’t always work out exactly how you want it to.

"Nothing is going to replicate that. I fell in love with Newcastle, the club and the people and that can’t change, but I didn’t want to get in Newcastle’s way. It’s got to be about what’s best for Newcastle.

“Mehrdad and I are keen to be hands-on. We’re hard-working people, I love to be very busy and to engage and I love football.

"Very sadly, we have to move on to other projects and that might involve us taking a stake in another club or buying another club and that’s difficult. But it’s possible.

“I don’t know what my future holds, but you can never move on from the love I have for Newcastle and I would love to come back for matches. I’m a Geordie now. I’m a Yorkshire Geordie, but I will always have that chemistry and that love.”

Ange Postecoglou and Son Heung-min are speaking to the media on Tuesday ahead of Tottenham's pre-season friendly against Team K League in Seoul on Wednesday.

Spurs have now moved on from Tokyo, Japan to return to Son's homeland, where they were welcomed by 2,000 fans at Incheon International Airport. Now they will face Team K League on Wednesday at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul before playing Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Postecoglou is set to face questions about the transfer window, the arrival of 18-yearold South Korean winger Yang Min-hyeok and the departure of Bryan Gil on loan, following on from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's exit from the club.

Son is also likely to speak about Yang, who has been making a big impact in the K League this season but is yet to make a senior appearance for the South Korea international side. The teenager will join Spurs in January from Gangwon as the most expensive player to move directly from Korea to Europe.

Our Tottenham reporter Alasdair Gold is out in Seoul and among those putting the questions to Postecoglou and Son at the World Cup Stadium. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference.

Tottenham should complete three more signings before the summer transfer window closes, according to former player Robbie Keane.

Spurs have brought in four players this summer with Timo Werner signing on a season-long loan following his half-year loan last season, Lucas Bergvall arriving after signing in February, Archie Gray joining from Leeds United in a £30million deal and Yang Min-Hyeok signing, although he will not arrive until January.

Tottenham are still in the market for reinforcements, with Ange Postecoglou looking to strengthen all areas of his squad before the new Premier League season begins. A new striker is a top priority, with only Richarlison as a recognised first-team frontman.

Son Heung-min has played there to varying degrees of success, while Postecoglou has also experimented with playing Dejan Kulusevski as the furthest man forward.

Keane, Tottenham's 12th all-time top scorer, believes there are two other players who should join the club too. Speaking to Betway, he said: "If you look around world football at the moment, you don’t see a lot of out-and-out No. 9s like Erling Haaland, or someone like Fernando Torres. I think Spurs still need a player like that.

"I hope Richarlison comes back fit and ready to go, but I think they need another one to keep their attacking players on their toes. Of course, it depends who is out there, and to get one they might have to start spending big money, given how the market it.

"Tottenham have also been linked with Pedro Neto, who I would sign straight away, and Eberechi Eze, who I said they should sign four years ago! I think he’s a real Tottenham player. They are both really exciting players and I think the fans would be very happy if they got both of them."

Keane also counts Leeds United among one of his former clubs and spoke about Gray, having been part of the coaching staff at Elland Road while Gray was there.

He added: "I’d like to see Tottenham up there with the leaders but they certainly need a few more players. I know Archie Gray very well, having coached him at Leeds, and I think he’s a great signing for Spurs. His potential is very, very high and he’s a lovely lad. Tottenham is a really good fit for him, and I think he’s got a great chance to go all the way.

"He played a lot at right-back for Leeds last season, but he is definitely a midfield player so I’m interested to see where Ange Postecoglou plays him."

Tottenham fans are getting used to the sight of Dejan Kulusevski operating in a central position for the team. Spending the vast majority of his time on the right wing for the Lilywhites ever since his move from Juventus, there were occasions last campaign when the Swede was brought infield due to James Maddison's absence through injury.

The Stockholm-born player did impress in his favourite No.10 role under Ange Postecoglou and also when he was utilised as a striker in the final game of the term away at Sheffield United. Kulusevski's performance at Bramall Lane did raise questions as to why he was not played in the position earlier at a time when Son Heung-min was getting very little joy as a striker and Richarlison was injured.

Having the strength and power to battle with centre-backs and also the ability to link up with his Tottenham teammates, Kulusevski starred in South Yorkshire and got two goals to his name. He again took on the role in the post-season friendly against Newcastle United in Melbourne and looked at home in the position.

Having played as part of a midfield three in Tottenham's friendlies against Hearts and QPR, Kulusevski was named as a striker in Tottenham's front three for last Saturday's 3-2 win over Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. Although he wasn't on the scoresheet during his pitch time, he did influence proceedings and teed up Pedro Porro for the opener with a lovely backheel into the path of the onrushing right-back.

His latest assist followed his key roles in Brennan Johnson's strike against Hearts and Yves Bissouma's goal away at QPR. The confidence does appear to be in his game at present and that only bodes well for Postecoglou's side going forward.

Tottenham are very much on the hunt for a new striker this summer but have so far failed to bring in a new frontman for Postecoglou. The head coach does have youthful options for the role in Will Lankshear, Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz at present but they may be a tad on the inexperienced side, with established first-team player Richarlison still yet to play in pre-season as he continues to work on his fitness levels after injury brought his 2023/24 campaign to an early end.

That has in turn resulted in Son playing as a striker in the first two friendlies and then Kulusevski playing centrally in the Vissel Kobe match. There is no doubting that Son can score goals as a striker for Postecoglou but the South Korean is far more effective when played in his natural role on the left.

Kulusevski, on the other hand, gives Spurs a bit more presence up front compared to Son and it is perhaps something the head coach should continue with until the new striker the team are crying out for finally arrives. Question marks over Richarlison's fitness and also his long-term future perhaps throw even more weight behind continuing to persist with Kulusevski as a potential striker option for the time being.

Tottenham still have three more games to go on their pre-season schedule, starting with Team K League on Wednesday before playing successive games against Bayern Munich, and there is every chance Kulusevski carries on his striker role over the next week or so. During the club's time in Tokyo, the Sweden international spoke to football.london about his central role and he admitted that he is happy to play anywhere for Postecoglou.

"I think last year was the first time I played as a number 10 in the Premier League, so people could see what I can do from that position," he said. "This upcoming season, I’ve been playing in the middle in training sessions and in the beginning of the games, but I also know that sometimes I will have to play other roles, and I will have to be prepared to do everything, because ultimately, the only goal is to win, so it doesn’t matter where you play, you just have to what’s best for the team always."

If he is to revert to his usual right-wing berth come the start of the season, Kulusevski admits that he will have to adapt to become a Postecoglou winger. The head coach wants his wide men to remain high up the pitch, get to the byline and hit balls across the face of goal or try to score from the crosses coming from the other side. That just is not Kulusevski's game.

"You have to do what the manager wants, because the team has a clear path in how they want to play," said the 24-year-old. "Of course, a winger, you see less of the ball, but you have to be ready all the time to go in the space and put early balls in to cross and always be ready to score goals – while in the middle, you’re much more involved, so I have to [adapt], of course, when I play.

"I have to look where I am on the pitch and what I can do for the team, but I have to stay aware of everything, because it can change within a game also. I maybe start as a midfielder, then you go out to be a winger, you know. Last year, I finished the last game as a striker, you've got to be ready for everything."

Maybe a Postecoglou experiment with Kulusevski playing as a striker at the end of last season, it could be something worth exploring further just to add to the head coach's options in that area of the pitch. All eyes will now be on Tottenham's remaining fixtures as it may indeed drop a big Kulusevski hint going into the new term.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Tottenham fans are getting used to the sight of Dejan Kulusevski operating in a central position for the team. Spending the vast majority of his time on the right wing for the Lilywhites ever since his move from Juventus, there were occasions last campaign when the Swede was brought infield due to James Maddison's absence through injury.

The Stockholm-born player did impress in his favourite No.10 role under Ange Postecoglou and also when he was utilised as a striker in the final game of the term away at Sheffield United. Kulusevski's performance at Bramall Lane did raise questions as to why he was not played in the position earlier at a time when Son Heung-min was getting very little joy as a striker and Richarlison was injured.

Having the strength and power to battle with centre-backs and also the ability to link up with his Tottenham teammates, Kulusevski starred in South Yorkshire and got two goals to his name. He again took on the role in the post-season friendly against Newcastle United in Melbourne and looked at home in the position.

Having played as part of a midfield three in Tottenham's friendlies against Hearts and QPR, Kulusevski was named as a striker in Tottenham's front three for last Saturday's 3-2 win over Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. Although he wasn't on the scoresheet during his pitch time, he did influence proceedings and teed up Pedro Porro for the opener with a lovely backheel into the path of the onrushing right-back.

His latest assist followed his key roles in Brennan Johnson's strike against Hearts and Yves Bissouma's goal away at QPR. The confidence does appear to be in his game at present and that only bodes well for Postecoglou's side going forward.

Tottenham are very much on the hunt for a new striker this summer but have so far failed to bring in a new frontman for Postecoglou. The head coach does have youthful options for the role in Will Lankshear, Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz at present but they may be a tad on the inexperienced side, with established first-team player Richarlison still yet to play in pre-season as he continues to work on his fitness levels after injury brought his 2023/24 campaign to an early end.

That has in turn resulted in Son playing as a striker in the first two friendlies and then Kulusevski playing centrally in the Vissel Kobe match. There is no doubting that Son can score goals as a striker for Postecoglou but the South Korean is far more effective when played in his natural role on the left.

Kulusevski, on the other hand, gives Spurs a bit more presence up front compared to Son and it is perhaps something the head coach should continue with until the new striker the team are crying out for finally arrives. Question marks over Richarlison's fitness and also his long-term future perhaps throw even more weight behind continuing to persist with Kulusevski as a potential striker option for the time being.

Tottenham still have three more games to go on their pre-season schedule, starting with Team K League on Wednesday before playing successive games against Bayern Munich, and there is every chance Kulusevski carries on his striker role over the next week or so. During the club's time in Tokyo, the Sweden international spoke to football.london about his central role and he admitted that he is happy to play anywhere for Postecoglou.

"I think last year was the first time I played as a number 10 in the Premier League, so people could see what I can do from that position," he said. "This upcoming season, I’ve been playing in the middle in training sessions and in the beginning of the games, but I also know that sometimes I will have to play other roles, and I will have to be prepared to do everything, because ultimately, the only goal is to win, so it doesn’t matter where you play, you just have to what’s best for the team always."

If he is to revert to his usual right-wing berth come the start of the season, Kulusevski admits that he will have to adapt to become a Postecoglou winger. The head coach wants his wide men to remain high up the pitch, get to the byline and hit balls across the face of goal or try to score from the crosses coming from the other side. That just is not Kulusevski's game.

"You have to do what the manager wants, because the team has a clear path in how they want to play," said the 24-year-old. "Of course, a winger, you see less of the ball, but you have to be ready all the time to go in the space and put early balls in to cross and always be ready to score goals – while in the middle, you’re much more involved, so I have to [adapt], of course, when I play.

"I have to look where I am on the pitch and what I can do for the team, but I have to stay aware of everything, because it can change within a game also. I maybe start as a midfielder, then you go out to be a winger, you know. Last year, I finished the last game as a striker, you've got to be ready for everything."

Maybe a Postecoglou experiment with Kulusevski playing as a striker at the end of last season, it could be something worth exploring further just to add to the head coach's options in that area of the pitch. All eyes will now be on Tottenham's remaining fixtures as it may indeed drop a big Kulusevski hint going into the new term.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Solihull Moors have confirmed the acquisition of former Tottenham and Crystal Palace midfielder John Bostock. The 32-year-old penned a two-year deal with the National League outfit, which became his 16th club, following his release from Notts County earlier this summer.

Bostock made 66 appearances over two seasons and played a key role in the Magpies' promotion to League Two in 2023. The former England under-17 skipper featured 37 times for the side in the 2023/24 season, helping them secure a 14th place finish, but was among six players let go. Location proved pivotal in deciding his next steps.

Bostock said: "I'm very pleased, it's been a process coming to this decision but one I'm very grateful for and I'm pleased to get the season underway. It was really important where the club was situated as a family man they're my priority.

"It came down to speaking to the gaffer. Wardy and the project about how they wanted to play and the plans for the club. The club have come quite far very quickly and last year they came so close to taking the next step."

Bostock holds the record for being the youngest player for both Crystal Palace and Tottenham after transferring from the Eagles across London. It is even rumoured that the player received a signed poster from Ronaldinho, such was Barcelona's desire to sign him.

Bostock's career saw him loaned out to several clubs, including Brentford, Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town and Toronto FC, before his time at Spurs came to an end. The midfielder then found a new home in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, followed by a successful stint at Leuven, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Belgian Pro League.

After 58 appearances, Bostock made the move to France's Ligue 2, joining Lens for two seasons. His performances were so impressive that he was named the division's player of the season before a brief spell with Bursaspor in 2017/18.

He returned to France with Toulouse for a season before being loaned out to Nottingham Forest. In October 2020, Bostock and Toulouse agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent. and it wasn't until January of the following year that he found a new club, signing an 18-month deal with Doncaster Rovers.

However, following their relegation from League One, he chose not to renew his contract. A successful move to Notts County followed, and Bostock turned out for more matches for the Midlands side than any of his other teams.

Solihull Moors have confirmed the acquisition of former Tottenham and Crystal Palace midfielder John Bostock. The 32-year-old penned a two-year deal with the National League outfit, which became his 16th club, following his release from Notts County earlier this summer.

Bostock made 66 appearances over two seasons and played a key role in the Magpies' promotion to League Two in 2023. The former England under-17 skipper featured 37 times for the side in the 2023/24 season, helping them secure a 14th place finish, but was among six players let go. Location proved pivotal in deciding his next steps.

Bostock said: "I'm very pleased, it's been a process coming to this decision but one I'm very grateful for and I'm pleased to get the season underway. It was really important where the club was situated as a family man they're my priority.

"It came down to speaking to the gaffer. Wardy and the project about how they wanted to play and the plans for the club. The club have come quite far very quickly and last year they came so close to taking the next step."

Bostock holds the record for being the youngest player for both Crystal Palace and Tottenham after transferring from the Eagles across London. It is even rumoured that the player received a signed poster from Ronaldinho, such was Barcelona's desire to sign him.

Bostock's career saw him loaned out to several clubs, including Brentford, Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town and Toronto FC, before his time at Spurs came to an end. The midfielder then found a new home in Belgium with Royal Antwerp, followed by a successful stint at Leuven, where he played a key role in their promotion to the Belgian Pro League.

After 58 appearances, Bostock made the move to France's Ligue 2, joining Lens for two seasons. His performances were so impressive that he was named the division's player of the season before a brief spell with Bursaspor in 2017/18.

He returned to France with Toulouse for a season before being loaned out to Nottingham Forest. In October 2020, Bostock and Toulouse agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent. and it wasn't until January of the following year that he found a new club, signing an 18-month deal with Doncaster Rovers.

However, following their relegation from League One, he chose not to renew his contract. A successful move to Notts County followed, and Bostock turned out for more matches for the Midlands side than any of his other teams.