talkSPORT

Jacques Santini holds the unwanted Tottenham record of managing the fewest games after stepping down in 2004.

But it's what he did after his resignation that infuriated club chairman Daniel Levy, sparking a heated war-of-words.

Santini arrived in June 2004 with big expectations having impressed in his native France.

He guided Lyon to the Ligue 1 title in 2002, before he was appointed to take charge of the French national team - where he won 22 of his 28 fixtures.

One of his victories came against England at Euro 2004, where Les Bleus were knocked out by eventual champions Greece in the quarter-finals.

Prior to the tournament, he had already agreed to become Spurs' second permanent manager since Levy became chairman in 2001 - succeeding Glenn Hoddle who boldly set his sights on Premier League glory.

But Santini ended up quitting in November 2004 on the eve of a London derby with Charlton.

In total, he oversaw 13 matches in all competitions, with Spurs winning just three of their opening 11 top-flight games.

His time at the club remains the shortest managerial spell in terms of games coached in their 143-year history.

In a candid statement, Santini cited personal issues as the reason for his departure - though that was the furthest thing from the truth.

A message to fans read: "My time at Tottenham has been memorable and it is with deep regret that I take my leave.

"Private issues in my personal life have arisen which caused my decision. I have therefore requested to return to France. I very much hope that the wonderful fans will respect my decision.

"I should like to thank Frank Arnesen [sporting director] and Daniel Levy for their understanding. I wish the club and the supporters all the best for the season."

Though just a week later, he revealed issues with the club hierarchy - while expressing his frustration about the transfer policy which saw Spurs sign Michael Carrick.

He told French television station TPS: "I can confirm I have no major family problems and I don't really mind too much what has been said about me.

"Right from the off there was a problem with who was in charge at Tottenham. I was told I was in charge of first-team matters, but things were not clearly defined.

"Perhaps we should have spoken more when I signed, but when I arrived it became clear that I was only in charge of coaching the team and not buying players.

"We never found a way of agreeing how to prepare the season and how to buy new players. It is true that I did not want to sign Michael Carrick.

"Michael is a good player, and is showing that now, but I didn't need another midfielder.

"What I really wanted was another centre-forward to provide more options and put pressure on other players.

"Jan Koller [from Borussia Dortmund] was one player I wanted to bring to the club, unfortunately there was not enough money to buy him.

"I reminded people before the Portsmouth match [October 18] of what I wanted, but they said they weren't that bothered about a new centre-forward.

"This was frustrating for me, because I was just starting to get my message through and I was not getting any support."

His comments instantly forced Levy into making a statement, where he accused him of betrayal in lying about family issues.

He raged: "Firstly, I find it totally incomprehensible that Jacques claims not to have understood the role he took at this club or, indeed, his contract, which spelt it out.

"He himself was both coach and technical director at Lyon.

"Secondly, at no time during our discussions did he say or suggest that he had any problems working with Frank Arnesen.

"Jacques asked to leave for personal reasons, he resigned on this basis and that's what he told the players when he left.

"If this is not the case then he has clearly been less than honest with us.

"I'm deeply disappointed and personally let down that he has chosen to make these comments late in the day.

"And I am absolutely flabbergasted that he should say he has 'family problems'.

"I cannot help but feel that, given all the events of today, this club, both on and off the pitch, is now better equipped to move forward."

Arnesen then came out to deny a rift with the ex-Lille boss, as he told the Evening Standard: "If he has a problem, it's his problem. I've no problems with Mr Santini.

"He is the one in this situation and it is up to him how he handles it, so you will have to ask him why he has said these things."

Before adding: "The issues are his. The chairman has made his announcement and that is enough for the club.

"I want to concentrate on the future and working for the benefit of Tottenham."

Even Martin Jol, who was Santini's assistant before replacing him in the dugout, hit out at the Frenchman, declaring his tactics were unsustainable in achieving long-term success.

Commenting on the club's defensive style, Jol remarked: "That gave us some results in the first five or six weeks and we were fully behind it then.

"We had to be as he was the head coach and we were his assistants! As we had an unsettled group, with a lot of new players, this was a good choice.

"But that was a dead-end street if you want to play football and to improve your football and want to attack. It leads to nowhere."

It wasn't long before Santini was again at loggerheads with Spurs as he accused them of failing to deliver on promises - and an apartment that suited his requirements.

He told L'Equipe in February 2005: "They promised me a big apartment on the beach and I found myself 200m from the sea with a view of my neighbours."

Before stating: "My only regret is having signed too early [for Tottenham].

"I should have waited until after Euro 2004 even if that means I might have missed my chance."

Folowing Santini's departure, Spurs lost their next three league matches under Jol - conceding nine goals in the process.

But their fortunes improves as they ended up in ninth spot in the Premier League, before Jol guided them to back-to-back fifth-placed finishes in the next two seasons.

As for Santini, he returned to management at Auxerre in 2005, but was sacked the following year in what remains the last club he has coached.

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn are unlikely to be able to run back their grudge match on September 27 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Organisers were eyeing the autumn date for a second fight at the same location as the Brits' epic inaugural encounter.

However, it was announced on Wednesday morning that Spurs will host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League that day, throwing a spanner in the works.

It won't come as too much of an inconvenience for both parties, though, with several back-up dates understood to be up for consideration.

One of those in the mix is September 20, when Tottenham play Brighton away in the league.

Eubank Jr defeatedBennvia unanimous decision two months ago in a barnburning 12-round war at Tottenham's 62,000 seater.

Both men signed contracts for a two-fight deal, and talks are progressing towards tying up the sequel in the coming weeks.

Providing an update last month, Benn's promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: "I know September 27, back at Spurs, is a date that he [Turki Alalshikh] has put forward and proposed.

"We're ready, really. We signed the contract for two fights.

"Conor's just desperate to run it back. He feels like he's going to improve a lot going into that fight.

"[It was] his first fight in 14, 15 months, at 160lbs.

"Look, they provided us with just a night we'll never forget in so many ways.

"And both fighters deserve so much credit. We'd love to run it back."

Benn moved up two weight classes to box Eubank Jr at middleweight in a continuation of their fathers' bitter rivalry.

The pair laid it all on the line in one of the best fights ever seen on British soil.

Benn's stock increased tenfold in defeat, and many pundits believe he should move back down to welterweight to mount a title charge.

But 'The Destroyer' is intent upon exacting his revenge.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has insisted the decision to sack Ange Postecoglou did not squarely rest on his shoulders.

Instead, it was a 'collective decision' and Levy has no regrets over appointing the Australian manager.

In a rare interview uploaded onto Tottenham's YouTube channel, Levy opened up on the 'emotional' call to axe Postecoglou just 16 days after he ended the club's 17-year wait for a trophy.

"I'm very grateful to Ange," Levy said. "I don't regret appointing Ange.

"In his first season we finished fifth and in the second season we were over the moon to win a trophy but we need to compete in all competitions. We felt that we needed a change.

“I have got an excellent relationship with him and told him he will always be a part of our history. Himself and his family are always welcome back.

"It was a collective decision. It wasn’t my decision. We do everything together.

"Emotionally it was difficult but we believe we have made the right decision for the club.”

Although Postecoglou led Tottenham to a much-needed trophy, he also oversaw a dismal Premier League season in which the club finished 17th and lost 22 games.

An injury crisis played a significant role in the alarming form, but for Levy and Tottenham's decision-makers, it was not enough of a mitigating reason.

Thomas Frank has since been announced as Postecoglou's replacement following nearly seven years in charge of Brentford.

In that time, the Dane got the Bees promoted from the Championship and has overseen two top-half finishes in the English top flight.

But it wasn't just Frank's vast football knowledge that made him a stand-out candidate for Levy.

"Whenever you have a new coach it is always a fresh start," Levy said.

"You have different ideas. We want to build on the success of winning a trophy last season.

"One of the things that stood out to me with Thomas - clearly highly intelligent, great communicator, super human being plus all of the other technical aspects that are important."

Newly-appointed CEO Vinai Venkatesham added that Frank was the number one candidate from a shortlist of 30 after the club identified ten key traits they believed 'are important to be a successful manager at Tottenham'.

A key characteristic mentioned by Venkatesham is developing young players, which Frank has an 'outstanding' track record of.

One of those young players Frank will be expected to improve is Mathys Tel, who the club signed on a permanent deal for approximately £30million.

The 20-year-old initially joined Tottenham on loan in February from Bayern Munich and helped them win the Europa League.

Tel scored three goals in his 20 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Tottenham will get their new Premier League season underway on Saturday, August 16 with a home game against newly-promomted Burnley.

They then make the trip to Manchester City in Gameweek 2 before hosting Bournemouth at the end of August.

The Premier League fixture list for the 2025/26 season has been released.

Liverpool host Bournemouth in a Friday night fixture on August 15.

However, the standout tie of the opening weekend sees Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted sides Leeds welcome Everton to Elland Road, Burnley travel to Tottenham Hotspur as Sunderland host West Ham.

But what does the season look like for the best 20 teams in England?

talkSPORT gives you every fixture for every club in the top-flight ahead of the upcoming season.

You can also follow our Match Centre to keep up to date with your team's fixtures and results throughout the new campaign.

August 2025

Matchweek 1

Liverpool vs Bournemouth - August 15 - 8pm

Aston Villa vs Newcastle - August 16 - 12.30pm

Brighton vs Fulham - August 16 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford - August 16 - 3pm

Sunderland vs West Ham - August 16 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Burnley - August 16 - 3pm

Wolves vs Manchester City - August 16 - 5.30pm

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace - August 17 - 2pm

Manchester United vs Arsenal - August 17 - 4.30pm

Leeds vs Everton - August 18 - 8pm

Matchweek 2

Bournemouth vs Wolves - August 23 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Leeds - August 23 - 3pm

Brentford vs Aston Villa - August 23 - 3pm

Burnley vs Sunderland - August 23 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest - August 23 - 3pm

Everton vs Brighton - August 23 - 3pm

Fulham vs Manchester United - August 23 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Tottenham - August 23 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Liverpool - August 23 - 3pm

West Ham vs Chelsea - August 23 - 3pm

Matchweek 3

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace - August 30 - 3pm

Brighton vs Manchester City - August 30 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Fulham - August 30 - 3pm

Leeds vs Newcastle - August 30 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Arsenal - August 30 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Burnley - August 30 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs West Ham - August 30 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Brentford - August 30 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Bournemouth - August 30 - 3pm

Wolves vs Everton - August 30 - 3pm

September 2025

Matchweek 4

Bournemouth vs Brighton - September 13 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest- September 13 - 3pm

Brentford vs Chelsea - September 13 - 3pm

Burnley vs Liverpool - September 13 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Sunderland - September 13 - 3pm

Everton vs Aston Villa - September 13 - 3pm

Fulham vs Leeds - September 13 - 3pm

Manchester City v Manchester United - September 13 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Wolverhampton - September 13 - 3pm

West Ham vs Tottenham - September 13 - 3pm

Matchweek 5

Bournemouth vs Newcastle - September 20 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Manchester City - September 20 - 3pm

Brighton vs Tottenham - September 20 - 3pm

Burnley vs Nottingham Forest - September 20 - 3pm

Fulham vs Brentford - September 20 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Everton - September 20 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Chelsea - September 20 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Aston Villa - September 20 - 3pm

West Ham vs Crystal Palace - September 20 - 3pm

Wolves vs Leeds - September 20 - 3pm

Matchweek 6

Aston Villa vs Fulham - September 27 - 3pm

Brentford vs Manchester United - September 27 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Brighton - September 27 - 3pm

Crystal Palace v Liverpool - September 27 - 3pm

Everton vs West Ham - September 27 - 3pm

Leeds vs Bournemouth - September 27 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Burnley - September 27 - 3pm

Newcastle United vs Arsenal - September 27 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland - September 27 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Wolverhampton - September 27 - 3pm

October 2025

Matchweek 7

Bournemouth vs Fulham - October 4 - 3pm

Arsenal vs West Ham - October 4 - 3pm

Aston Villa vs Burnley - October 4 - 3pm

Brentford vs Manchester City - October 4 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Liverpool - October 4 - 3pm

Everton vs Crystal Palace - October 4 - 3pm

Leeds vs Tottenham - October 4 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Sunderland - October 4 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest - October 4 - 3pm

Wolves vs Brighton - October 4 - 3pm

Matchweek 8

Brighton vs Newcastle - October 18 - 3pm

Burnley vs Leeds - October 18 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Bournemouth - October 18 - 3pm

Fulham vs Arsenal - October 18 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Manchester United - October 18 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Everton - October 18 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea - October 18 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Wolves - October 18 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Aston Villa - October 18 - 3pm

West Ham vs Brentford - October 18 - 3pm

Matchweek 9

Bournemouth vs Nottingham Forest - October 25 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace - October 25 - 3pm

Aston Villa vs Manchester City - October 25 - 3pm

Brentford vs Liverpool - October 25 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Sunderland - October 25 - 3pm

Everton vs Tottenham - October 25 - 3pm

Leeds vs West Ham - October 25 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Brighton - October 25 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Fulham - October 25 - 3pm

Wolves vs Burnley - October 25 - 3pm

November 2025

Matchweek 10

Brighton vs Leeds - November 1 - 3pm

Burnley vs Arsenal - November 1 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Brentford - November 1 - 3pm

Fulham vs Wolves - November 1 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Aston Villa - November 1 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Bournemouth - November 1 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester United - November 1 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Everton - November 1 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Chelsea - November 1 - 3pm

West Ham vs Newcastle - November 1 - 3pm

Matchweek 11

Aston Villa vs Bournemouth - November 8 - 3pm

Brentford vs Newcastle - November 8 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Wolves - November 8 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Brighton - November 8 - 3pm

Everton vs Fulham - November 8 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Liverpool - November 8 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Leeds United - November 8 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Arsenal - November 8 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Manchester United - November 8 - 3pm

West Ham vs Burnley - November 8 - 3pm

Matchweek 12

Bournemouth vs West Ham - November 22 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Tottenham - November 22 - 3pm

Brighton vs Brentford - November 22 - 3pm

Burnley vs Chelsea - November 22 - 3pm

Fulham vs Sunderland - November 22 - 3pm

Leeds vs Aston Villa - November 22 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest - November 22 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Everton - November 22 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Manchester City - November 22 - 3pm

Wolves vs Crystal Palace - November 22 - 3pm

Matchweek 13

Aston Villa vs Wolves - November 29 - 3pm

Brentford vs Burnley - November 29 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Arsenal - November 29 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Manchester United - November 29 - 3pm

Everton vs Newcastle - November 29 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Leeds - November 29 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Brighton - November 29 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Bournemouth - November 29 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Fulham - November 29 - 3pm

West Ham vs Liverpool - November 29 - 3pm

December 2025

Matchweek 14

Bournemouth vs Everton - December 3 - 8pm

Arsenal vs Brentford - December 3 - 8pm

Brighton vs Aston Villa - December 3 - 8pm

Burnley vs Crystal Palace - December 3 - 8pm

Fulham vs Manchester City - December 3 - 8pm

Leeds vs Chelsea - December 3 - 8pm

Liverpool vs Sunderland - December 3 - 8pm

Manchester United vs West Ham - December 3 - 8pm

Newcastle vs Tottenham - December 3 - 8pm

Wolves vs Nottingham Forest - December 3 - 8pm

Matchweek 15

Bournemouth vs Chelsea - December 6 - 3pm

Aston Villa vs Arsenal - December 6 - 3pm

Brighton vs West Ham - December 6 - 3pm

Everton vs Nottingham Forest - December 6 - 3pm

Fulham vs Crystal Palace - December 6 - 3pm

Leeds United vs Liverpool - December 6 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Sunderland - December 6 - 3pm

Newcastle United vs Burnley - December 6 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Brentford - December 6 - 3pm

Wolves vs Manchester United - December 6 - 3pm

Matchweek 16

Arsenal v Wolverhampton - December 13 - 3pm

Brentford vs Leeds United - December 13 - 3pm

Burnley vs Fulham - December 13 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Everton - December 13 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City - December 13 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Brighton - December 13 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Bournemouth - December 13 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham - December 13 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Newcastle United

Matchweek 17

West Ham vs Aston Villa - December 20 - 3pm

Bournemouth vs Burnley - December 20 - 3pm

Aston Villa vs Manchester United - December 20 - 3pm

Brighton vs Sunderland - December 20 - 3pm

Everton vs Arsenal - December 20 - 3pm

Fulham vs Nottingham Forest - December 20 - 3pm

Leeds vs Crystal Palace - December 20 - 3pm

Manchester City vs West Ham - December 20 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Chelsea - December 20 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Liverpool - December 20 - 3pm

Wolves vs Brentford - December 20 - 3pm

Matchweek 18

Arsenal vs Brighton - December 27 - 3pm

Brentford vs Bournemouth - December 27 - 3pm

Burnley vs Everton - December 27 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Aston Villa - December 27 - 3pm

Crystal Palace v Tottenham - December 27 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Wolves - December 27 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Newcastle - December 27 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City - December 27 - 3pm

Sunderland v Leeds - December 27 - 3pm

West Ham vs Fulham - December 27 - 3pm

Matchweek 19

Arsenal vs Aston Villa - December 30 - 8pm

Brentford vs Tottenham - December 30 - 8pm

Burnley vs Newcastle - December 30 - 8pm

Chelsea vs Bournemouth - December 30 - 8pm

Crystal Palace vs Fulham - December 30 - 8pm

Liverpool vs Leeds - December 30 - 8pm

Manchester United vs Wolves - December 30 - 8pm

Nottingham Forest vs Everton - December 30 - 8pm

Sunderland vs Manchester City - December 30 - 8pm

West Ham vs Brighton - December 30 - 8pm

January 2026

Matchweek 20

Bournemouth vs Arsenal - January 3 - 3pm

Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest - January 3 - 3pm

Brighton vs Burnley - January 3 - 3pm

Everton vs Brentford - January 3 - 3pm

Fulham vs Liverpool - January 3 - 3pm

Leeds vs Manchester United - January 3 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Chelsea - January 3 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Crystal Palace - January 3 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Sunderland - January 3 - 3pm

Wolves vs West Ham - January 3 - 3pm

Matchweek 21

Bournemouth vs Tottenham - January 7 - 8pm

Arsenal vs Liverpool - January 7 - 8pm

Brentford vs Sunderland - January 7 - 8pm

Burnley vs Manchester United - January 7 - 8pm

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa - January 7 - 8pm

Everton vs Wolves - January 7 - 8pm

Fulham vs Chelsea - January 7 - 8pm

Manchester City vs Brighton - January 7 - 8pm

Newcastle vs Leeds - January 7 - 8pm

West Ham vs Nottingham Forest - January 7 - 8pm

Matchweek 22

Aston Villa vs Everton - January 17 - 3pm

Brighton vs Bournemouth - January 17 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Brentford - January 17 - 3pm

Leeds vs Fulham - January 17 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Burnley - January 17 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Manchester City - January 17 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal - January 17 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Crystal Palace - January 17 - 3pm

Tottenham vs West Ham - January 17 - 3pm

Wolves vs Newcastle - January 17 - 3pm

Matchweek 23

Bournemouth vs Liverpool - January 24 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Manchester United - January 24 - 3pm

Brentford vs Nottingham Forest - January 24 - 3pm

Burnley vs Tottenham - January 24 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea - January 24 - 3pm

Everton vs Leeds United - January 24 - 3pm

Fulham vs Brighton - January 24 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Wolves - January 24 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Aston Villa - January 24 - 3pm

West Ham vs Sunderland - January 24 - 3pm

Matchweek 24

Aston Villa vs Brentford - January 31 - 3pm

Brighton vs Everton - January 31 - 3pm

Chelsea vs West Ham - January 31 - 3pm

Leeds vs Arsenal - January 31 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Newcastle - January 31 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Fulham - January 31 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace - January 31 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Burnley - January 31 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Manchester City - January 31 - 3pm

Wolves vs Bournemouth - January 31 - 3pm

February 2026

Matchweek 25

Bournemouth vs Aston Villa - February 7 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Sunderland - February 7 - 3pm

Brighton vs Crystal Palace - February 7 - 3pm

Burnley vs West Ham United - February 7 - 3pm

Fulham vs Everton - February 7 - 3pm

Leeds vs Nottingham Forest - February 7 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Manchester City - February 7 - 3pm

Manchester United v Tottenham - February 7 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Brentford - February 7 - 3pm

Wolves vs Chelsea - February 7 - 3pm

Matchweek 26

Aston Villa vs Brighton - February 11 - 8pm

Brentford vs Arsenal - February 11 - 8pm

Chelsea vs Leeds - February 11 - 8pm

Crystal Palace vs Burnley - February 11 - 8pm

Everton vs Bournemouth - February 11 - 8pm

Manchester City vs Fulham - February 11 - 8pm

Nottingham Forest vs Wolves - February 11 - 8pm

Sunderland vs Liverpool - February 11 - 8pm

Tottenham vs Newcastle - February 11 - 8pm

West Ham vs Manchester United - February 11 - 8pm

Matchweek 27

Aston Villa vs Leeds - February 21 - 3pm

Brentford vs Brighton - February 21 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Burnley - February 21 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Wolves - February 21 - 3pm

Everton vs Manchester United - February 21 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Newcastle - February 21 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool - February 21 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Fulham - February 21 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Arsenal - February 21 - 3pm

West Ham vs Bournemouth - February 21 - 3pm

Matchweek 28

Bournemouth vs Sunderland - February 28 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Chelsea - February 28 - 3pm

Brighton vs Nottingham Forest - February 28 - 3pm

Burnley vs Brentford - February 28 - 3pm

Fulham vs Tottenham - February 28 - 3pm

Leeds vs Manchester City - February 28 - 3pm

Liverpool vs West Ham - February 28 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace - February 28 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Everton - February 28 - 3pm

Wolves vs Aston Villa - February 28 - 3pm

March 2026

Matchweek 29

Bournemouth vs Brentford - March 4 - 8pm

Aston Villa vs Chelsea - March 4 - 8pm

Brighton vs Arsenal - March 4 - 8pm

Everton vs Burnley - March 4 - 8pm

Fulham vs West Ham - March 4 - 8pm

Leeds vs Sunderland - March 4 - 8pm

Manchester City vs Nottingham Forest - March 4 - 8pm

Newcastle United vs Manchester United - March 4 - 8pm

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace - March 4 - 8pm

Wolves vs v Liverpool - March 4 - 8pm

Matchweek 30

Arsenal vs Everton - March 14 - 3pm

Brentford vs Wolves - March 14 - 3pm

Burnley vs Bournemouth - March 14 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Newcastle United - March 14 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Leeds - March 14 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Tottenham - March 14 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Aston Villa - March 14 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Fulham - March 14 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Brighton - March 14 - 3pm

West Ham vs Manchester City - March 14 - 3pm

Matchweek 31

Bournemouth vs Manchester United - March 21 - 3pm

Aston Villa vs West Ham - March 21 - 3pm

Brighton vs Liverpool - March 21 - 3pm

Everton vs Chelsea - March 21 - 3pm

Fulham vs Burnley - March 21 - 3pm

Leeds vs Brentford - March 21 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace - March 21 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Sunderland - March 21 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest - March 21 - 3pm

Wolves vs Arsenal - March 21 - 3pm

April 2026

Matchweek 32

Arsenal vs Bournemouth - April 11 - 3pm

Brentford vs Everton - April 11 - 3pm

Burnley vs Brighton - April 11 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Manchester City - April 11 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Newcastle - April 11 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Fulham - April 11 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Leeds - April 11 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa - April 11 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Tottenham - April 11 - 3pm

West Ham vs Wolves - April 11 - 3pm

Matchweek 33

Aston Villa vs Sunderland - April 18 - 3pm

Brentford vs Fulham - April 18 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Manchester United - April 18 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs West Ham - April 18 - 3pm

Everton vs Liverpool - April 18 - 3pm

Leeds v Wolves - April 18 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Arsenal - April 18 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Bournemouth - April 18 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Burnley - April 18 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Brighton - April 18 - 3pm

Matchweek 34

Bournemouth vs Leeds - April 25 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Newcastle - April 25 - 3pm

Brighton vs Chelsea - April 25 - 3pm

Burnley vs Manchester City - April 25 - 3pm

Fulham vs Aston Villa - April 25 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Crystal Palace - April 25 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Brentford - April 25 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest - April 25 - 3pm

West Ham vs Everton - April 25 - 3pm

Wolves vs Tottenham - April 25 - 3pm

May 2026

Matchweek 35

Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace - May 2 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Fulham - May 2 - 3pm

Aston Villa vs Tottenham - May 2 - 3pm

Brentford vs West Ham - May 2 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest - May 2 - 3pm

Everton vs Manchester City - May 2 - 3pm

Leeds vs Burnley - May 2 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Liverpool - May 2 - 3pm

Newcastle vs Brighton - May 2 - 3pm

Wolves vs Sunderland - May 2 - 3pm

Matchweek 36

Brighton vs Wolves - May 9 - 3pm

Burnley vs Aston Villa - May 9 - 3pm

Crystal Palace vs Everton - May 9 - 3pm

Fulham vs Bournemouth - May 9 - 3pm

Liverpool vs Chelsea - May 9 - 3pm

Manchester City vs Brentford - May 9 - 3pm

Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle - May 9 - 3pm

Sunderland vs Manchester United - May 9 - 3pm

Tottenham vs Leeds - May 9 - 3pm

West Ham vs Arsenal - May 9 - 3pm

Matchweek 37

Bournemouth vs Manchester City - May 17 - 3pm

Arsenal vs Burnley - May 17 - 3pm

Aston Villa vs Liverpool - May 17 - 3pm

Brentford vs Crystal Palace - May 17 - 3pm

Chelsea vs Tottenham - May 17 - 3pm

Everton vs Sunderland - May 17 - 3pm

Leeds vs Brighton - May 17 - 3pm

Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest - May 17 - 3pm

Newcastle vs West Ham - May 17 - 3pm

Wolves vs Fulham - May 17 - 3pm

Matchweek 38

Brighton vs Manchester United - May 24 - 4pm

Burnley vs Wolves - May 24 - 4pm

Crystal Palace vs Arsenal - May 24 - 4pm

Fulham vs Newcastle - May 24 - 4pm

Liverpool vs Brentford - May 24 - 4pm

Manchester City vs Aston Villa - May 24 - 4pm

Nottingham Forest vs Bournemouth - May 24 - 4pm

Sunderland vs Chelsea - May 24 - 4pm

Tottenham vs Everton - May 24 - 4pm

West Ham vs Leeds - May 24 - 4pm

*Dates and kick-off times are subject to change due to broadcasting allocations.

Premier League Winners 2025/26

Odds Courtesy of talkSPORT BET

Liverpool - 2/1

Man City - 9/4

Arsenal - 9/4

Newcastle - 14/1

Chelsea - 16/1

Man Utd - 33/1

Aston Villa - 33/1

Tottenham - 66/1

Visit talkSPORT BET to see all Premier League betting odds

Offer of the Week

talkSPORT BET - Bet on £10 and get £30 in football free bets* CLAIM HERE

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy insisted the decision to sack Ange Postecoglou did not squarely rest on his shoulders.

Instead, it was a 'collective decision'.

In a rare interview uploaded onto Tottenham's YouTube channel, Levy opened up on the 'emotional' call to axe the Australian just 16 days after he ended the club's 17-year wait for a trophy.

"I'm very grateful to Ange," Levy said.

"I don't regret appointing Ange. In his first season we finished fifth and in the second season we were over the moon to win a trophy but we need to compete in all competitions. We felt that we needed a change.

“I have got an excellent relationship with him and told him he will always be a part of our history. Himself and his family are always welcome back.

"It was a collective decision. It wasn’t my decision. We do everything together.

"Emotionally it was difficult but we believe we have made the right decision for the club.”

Although Postecoglou led Tottenham to a much-needed trophy, he also oversaw a dismal Premier League season in which the club finished 17th and lost 22 games.

An injury crisis played a significant role in the alarming form, but for Levy and Tottenham's decision-makers, it was not enough of a mitigating reason.

Thomas Frank has since been announced as Postecoglou's replacement following nearly seven years in charge of Brentford.

In that time, the Dane got the Bees promoted from the Championship and has overseen two top-half finishes in the English top flight.

But it wasn't just Frank's vast football knowledge that made him a stand-out candidate for Levy.

"Whenever you have a new coach it is always a fresh start," Levy said.

"You have different ideas. We want to build on the success of winning a trophy last season.

"One of the things that stood out to me with Thomas - clearly highly intelligent, great communicator, super human being plus all of the other technical aspects that are important."

Newly-appointed CEO Vinai Venkatesham added that Frank was the number one candidate from a shortlist of 30 after the club identified ten key traits they believed 'are important to be a successful manager at Tottenham'.

A key characteristic mentioned by Venkatesham is developing young players, which Frank has an 'outstanding' track record of.

One of those young players Frank will be expected to improve is Mathys Tel, who the club signed on a permanent deal for approximately £30million.

The 20-year-old initially joined Tottenham on loan in February from Bayern Munich and helped them win the Europa League.

Tel scored three goals in his 20 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Early exit

Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has left the club with immediate effect, according to the Daily Mail.

It was announced last month that Mitchell, who has been in his role for less than a year, would be departing on June 30.

But reports now claim that the 43-year-old has 'overseen a handover' and will leave early, without having made a first-team signing.

talkSPORT reported at the start of this month that Mitchell was a candidate for the sporting director role at Al Hilal.

He is understood to have made a three-person shortlist.

Nottingham Forest's Ross Wilson and ex-Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto are said to be contenders to replace him.

Liverpool technical director Julian Ward is another candidate and interviews are set to take place soon.

Difficult

talkSPORT understands that Leeds United's proposed move for Habib Diarra is looking unlikely.

The newly promoted Premier League side have lodged a bid for the midfielder and have been in talks for a few weeks.

However, there are difficulties negotiating on the player's side that are proving hard.

Diarra is a 21-year-old central midfielder, and Strasbourg's president has already confirmed that he is free to leave this summer.

End of an era?

Heung-min Son will discuss his Tottenham future with the club during pre-season with a summer exit possible, talkSPORT understands.

Son’s Tottenham future remains unclear despite the club triggering an option to extend his contract. This was viewed at the time by Spurs chair Daniel Levy as a means of protecting the South Korean international’s value rather than a definitive move to rule out a summer departure.

Saudi interest in Son remains. 2023 and 2024 approaches were made to the player, but Son made it clear back then he didn’t wish to move to the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah are three clubs to have expressed interest this summer.

Saudi dealmakers are prepared to offer Son around €30m per season, and view his potential arrival as important since should he agree to a move it is believed a lucrative TV rights deal with a South Korean broadcaster will follow this summer, providing an instant return on investment.

Son also has options in MLS and Turkey, while Bayer Leverkusen discussed a return internally back in May but are yet to make an approach and it’s thought the German club have other priorities.

Tottenham's pre-season tour of South Korea, in which Son is contractually obliged to play against Newcastle United on August 3 in the Coupang Play Series, complicates matters. It may mean Son’s future is only resolved in the final few weeks of the window.

Sources indicate it will be a surprise if Son doesn’t travel for that fixture, but is expected to hold talks with new head coach Thomas Frank beforehand.

Things you love to see

Michail Antonio made his return from injury last night for Jamaica.

The striker suffered a horrendous car crash in December 2024, leading to a broken leg and months of rehabilitation.

But despite his West Ham future not being clear, with his contract set to expire at the end of the month, he came off the bench for his national team.

It was only a short appearance for Antoino, but given what he has been through, it's brilliant to see him back on the pitch.

Sonny boy

Tottenham are willing to sell Heung-min Son this summer, but they can't yet.

This is because The Times are reporting that Spurs have a contractual obligation for the South Korean star to play a match in his home country.

Spurs are currently scheduled to face Newcastle United on August 3 in Seoul.

This is part of the captain's contract, and it must be fulfilled.

However, once he's played in that match, he could be sold as Thomas Frank looks to revamp the squad ahead of taking over.

Done

Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Diego Coppola.

The defender has penned a five-year deal with the Seagulls, and he joins from Hellas Verona.

Brighton are paying 11 million Euros with no add-ons for the Italian.

Speaking to the club's website, head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: “Diego is an exciting addition for the club.

“Although he is still young, he is tall, strong and mobile and he will give us a real physical presence.

“He has made impressive progress in Serie A and deserved his call-up to the Italian national team. We look forward to helping him develop even more.”

'Held talks'

talkSPORT's Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook reports that Manchester United have talked to Hugo Ekitike's agents.

The Red Devils are in the hunt for a striker this summer with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling for goals last year.

Viktor Gyokeres is a top target for Man United, but discussions have been held with Ekitike.

The striker nearly joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2022 but opted to go to Paris Saint-Germain instead, where it didn't work out.

But a transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt has seen everything change for the forward, and he could end up at Old Trafford.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Crook said: "There were a lot of reports coming out of Portugal over the weekend that Gyokeres has made Arsenal his preference. Then there was talk that he might join an overseas club.

"So I think a lot of games are being played when it comes to Viktor Gyokeres. Neither United or Arsenal, as I understand it, have made a formal offer yet.

"He's made it pretty clear that he wants to come to England, and he's going to push for that move.

"If United do miss out, they have held talks with the agent of Hugo Ekitike, a young striker at Frankfurt.

"But this is a big money deal for United to try and do. They want 100 million euros, Frankfurt.

"I'm not entirely convinced United will pay that. Certainly not without selling players first."

One that got away

Former Arsenal man Perry Groves believes his old club should have made a move for Liam Delap after watching his Chelsea debut at the Club World Cup.

The striker joined from Ipswich earlier this summer after the Tractor Boys were relegated.

Delap had a £30 million release clause, and despite interest from Manchester United, Newcastle United and Everton, he chose a move to Stamford Bridge.

The forward provided an assist off the bench against LAFC last night, and Groves can't believe the Gunners weren't in for him.

Speaking on The Sports Bar, he said: "The big talking point is about Liam Delap.

"His movement for Enzo Fernandez's goal was outstanding, and the cross into the six-yard-box was perfect, and he's put swazz on it.

"I think he's going to make a massive difference to Chelsea, and I said Arsenal should have bought him in January for £40m."

Ready for more

Liam Delap is excited to get his Chelsea career going after making his debut for the club this evening.

The ex-Ipswich man provided an assist and looked like a real danger running in behind during his short cameo.

Speaking to Channel 5 post-match, Delap said: "It's a really happy feeling for me.

"I'm so excited to be here and to play my first game, and be able to contribute is a good feeling.

"The team have welcomed me really well. I have only had a few sessions here, but I am excited for more."

On his battle for a starting spot with Nicolas Jackson, he added: "It is always good to have competition, this is football.

"It is an incredible club and it is always going to be incredibly hard but you have to thrive off the competition."

'A very good result'

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was pleased with his team's performance in their opening Club World Cup win.

He told Channel 5: "A very good result. At this stage of the season, it is also normal that you have to manage different kinds of things.

"Overall the performance has been good."

Maresca then added: "We have to recover.

"We have a game in three days so we will see. We are going to prepare in the best way and for sure try to win."

On handing out debuts, he said: "The good thing about Liam [Delap] is he knows the way we want to play, so the process is quite quick.

"Also, we gave a chance to Dario Essugo, who is another player we have, so it's good for both of them."

Delap debut

Liam Delap is on for Chelsea.

The £30million summer signing will play his first minutes in a Blues shirt, replacing Nicolas Jackson.

There is a nice cheer from the fans as he runs onto the pitch.

Delap is wearing the No.9 shirt and will be looking to make the striker position his own in his first season.

Noni Madueke has come off too, with Tyrique George on.

We've got just over 20 minutes to go in Atlanta.

Olivier delay

Here we go then, the second half is finally underway.

Ex-Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud comes on for LAFC.

But it comes after a delay to his introduction as he had forgotten his shirt and had to wait for a staff member to fetch it!

The Blues players were raging on the pitch and Cole Palmer even resorted to sitting down on the ball.

However, eventually, Giroud's shirt was found and he came on.

Meanwhile, for Chelsea, Romeo Lavia and Reece James have been replaced by Enzo Fernandez and Malo Gusto.

Half-time handbags

There was a small clash between Chelsea and LAFC as both teams made their way towards the tunnel.

It seemed to stem from Denis Bouanga and Pedro Neto having some words, with others joining after.

Reece James didn't look happy and got right in there.

The players don't seem to be lacking passion at the Club World Cup, even after their very long season.

We might end up seeing a feisty second half now...

Dominant

Chelsea have been all over LAFC for the opening half hour.

It's wave after wave of Blues attack as they look to open the scoring against their American opponents.

They've had almost 70 per cent of the ball and six shots.

One of the best of those came from Reece James from the edge of the box, with the captain unleashing a powerful effort.

Cole Palmer has had a chance too, forcing Hugo Lloris into a tipped save which put the ball onto the roof of the net.

New number

It's a debut wearing No.10 for Cole Palmer tonight.

He changed from his usual No.20 at the start of this month.

The Chelsea star took the digits from Mykhailo Mudryk, who was stripped of his shirt number in the process.

After a few minutes, Palmer had already made an impact, receiving the ball on the edge and picking out Noni Madueke.

Madueke was unable to get a shot away in the box though.

Nicolas Jackson has had the best chance of the game so far, falling over as he fired a close-range shot away.

Kick-off!

We're underway in Atlanta!

Every player was just introduced to the pitch individually in a very different approach to the start of this game.

Cole Palmer got the biggest cheer from the fans.

Speaking of fans, there aren't too many in the stadium at all as we kick off, with plenty of seats left empty.

You can follow live coverage of the game on talkSPORT.

Commentary is coming from Joe Shennan and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Heung-min Son will discuss his Tottenham Hotspur future with the club during pre-season with a summer exit possible, talkSPORT understands.

Son’s Tottenham future remains unclear despite the club triggering an option to extend his contract.

This was viewed at the time by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy as a means of protecting the South Korea international’s value rather than a definitive move to rule out a summer departure.

Saudi interest in Son remains after 2023 and 2024 approaches were made to the player, but Son made it clear back then he didn’t wish to move to the Saudi Pro League.

Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah are three clubs to have expressed interest this summer and the trio are prepared to shell out €40million [£34m] for the South Korean.

Al Ahli are seeking a marquee name and still looking to strengthen on the left with another versatile attacker despite the arrival of winger Galeno from Porto in January.

Senior Saudi Pro League executives want give Al Ahli priority to sign a star, especially after they won the AFC Champions League title last season.

Vinicius Jr is another ambitious name on their list.

Saudi dealmakers are prepared to offer Son around €30m [£25.6m]-per-season, and view his potential arrival as important since should he agree to a move it is believed a lucrative TV rights deal with a South Korean broadcaster will follow this summer, providing an instant return on investment.

Son also has options in MLS and Turkey, while Bayer Leverkusen discussed a return internally back in May, but are yet to make an approach and it’s thought the German club have other priorities.

Tottenham's pre-season tour of South Korea, in which Son is contractually obliged to play against Newcastle United on August 3 in the Coupang Play Series, complicates matters.

It may mean Son’s future is only resolved in the final few weeks of the window.

Sources indicate it will be a surprise if Son doesn’t travel for that fixture, but is expected to hold talks with new head coach Thomas Frank beforehand.

Spurs are still looking at versatile left-side attackers, even though Mathys Tel has now joined permanently from Bayern, and another arrival could push Son further down the pecking order.

The is huge respect between Son and Spurs, and the club captain will have a lot of control over his situation.

This includes asking to see out his contract or reassessing in January to first see how much game time he gets under Frank.

Son, who has made 454 appearances for Tottenham since joining from Leverkusen for £22m in 2015 - scoring 173 times - recently lifted the Europa League trophy as Spurs beat Manchester United in Bilbao.

Spurs are yet to receive any offers from Saudi, or any other club, and won’t force Son out even if a lucrative bid arrives, meaning a lot will come down to the 32-year-old and whether he has changed his mind on Saudi Arabia.

Simon Jordan has named the candidate he would have chosen to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

The Australian was dismissed by Spurs earlier this month despite ending the club's trophy drought.

Postecoglou's exit came just over two weeks after winning the Europa League, Spurs' first silverware for 17 years.

He has since been replaced in the dugout by Thomas Frank on a three-year deal.

The former Brentford boss will officially take charge on July 1 after seven years as the Bees' manager.

However, Jordan believes Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner would have been a better upgrade on Postecoglou in the role.

Discussing the appointment on White & Jordan, the talkSPORT co-host explained: "I would have gone in the Glasner direction.

"I'm sorry Crystal Palace fans but I would have gone that way. It's a difficult one to contextualise about the upgrade because they've won something but Brentford have finished above them in the league and it becomes by which metric do you measure this upgrade?

"Clearly they think it's an upgrade otherwise Ange Postecoglou would still be in the job and this fellow wouldn't be. It's a very easy answer to give and both of us are giving it and we'll find out.

"Again it's by what metric. If you want your team at the upper end of the Premier League at all costs, then the answer probably is yes.

"If you want them to win something again, I don't know. I don't know."

Glasner is fresh from winning the FA Cup with Palace, their first major trophy.

The triumph also secured a maiden European campaign for the Eagles.

Although he is set to enter the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park, Palace are confident of finalising a new contract for Glasner.

The Austrian has been in charge since succeeding Roy Hodgson in February 2024.

Meanwhile, Martin O'Neill admits time will tell whether Frank is an upgrade on Postecoglou.

The former Aston Villa manager added: "Only time will tell, like everything else. I can't read into the future.

"If you're asking me if Thomas Frank deserved the opportunity to manage a bigger club than Brentford, if that's the case, what he's done at Brentford, I would suggest yes, he has earned that right.

"If he goes and wins a big competition for Tottenham Hotspur and has better results in the Premier League, then you would have to say that's right but that's in the future."

Frank secured promotion to the Premier League with the Bees in 2021 before securing five consecutive seasons of top-flight football.

The club's current spell at the highest level is their longest since relegation in 1947.

Meanwhile, they came close to qualifying for Europe for the first time during Frank's final season at the helm.

Linked with a return to international management, Ange Postecoglou certainly won’t be doing so with Australia after a controversial exit in 2017.

The 59-year-old, who was sacked by Tottenham after winning the Europa League, went out on his own terms when managing his national side, but not everyone was pleased.

Postecoglou had coached two top division A-League sides before the promotion to lead his country in 2013 which began with a short run-up to the 2014 World Cup.

In Brazil the Socceroos finished pointless at the bottom of their group, and Postecoglou’s rebuild began shortly after with a Gold Cup win in 2015.

The fourth year of his five-year contract saw him return Australia to the World Cup, but just two weeks after that feat he announced his farewell in a rare emotional press conference in November 2017.

“After a great deal of thought and soul-searching, the journey for me ends as Socceroos coach,” he said in front of the media.

“It has been a privilege for me to coach my country’s national team. To lead them at the 2014 World Cup, to win the Asian Cup in 2015 and now to have qualified for the World Cup next year. I said we would do it and we have done it.”

Things then took an emotional turn as Postecoglou repeatedly stopped to wipe his nose and take deep breaths while discussing the impact the job had on his family.

“All this, however, has taken a toll on me both personally and professionally,” he continued.

“I have invested all I can knowing how important a period it was for Australian football. It is with a heavy heart that I must now end the journey. I loved this job but it has been all encompassing.”

He went on to pay tribute to his three boys ‘who make him smile every day’ and his ‘beautiful wife’ seeming to regret missing the birth of one of their children due to his football commitments.

The former Celtic manager also said he didn’t want to be unemployed for too long, and that turned out to be very much the case when just a month later he was named the new manager of Japanese J League side Yokohama F. Marinos.

Postecoglou had warned that may be the case, but the speediness of his return to football didn’t exactly go down well back home.

Leading Australian outlet Fox Sports said ‘One month ago, he was emotional and exhausted’ and that it ‘hasn’t taken long to get over his rest period’.

They added: “Now, what will ultimately most confound and disappoint Socceroos fans, is he is back at work as they continue to wait, somewhat anxiously, for a coach to helm a team for the big dance, in just six months’ time.”

The outlet went on to theorise that Postecoglou’s choice of Yokohama was down to the club’s owners The City Group.

The Manchester City consortium still have a 20 per cent stake in the team, and success in Japan may have drawn their attention.

The success came with the J League title in 2019 and two years later Postecoglou became a key figure in Europe with Scottish giants Celtic, before joining the Premier League with Spurs.

His plan did the trick, and it’s one that he never regretted even with a lack of empathy back home.

"People in Australia have struggled with it, but it's just the way I am," he said while coaching in Japan.

"It's just me as a person and my journey in life. When I feel the time's right, I feel the time's right.

"No regrets. I had a fantastic four years. It was obviously a tough decision but it was something that I'd thought about for a very long time.

“When the World Cup is on there will be a little part of me that has a little bit of angst towards not being there, but I'm certainly hoping that they will do well there and I've got a real belief that they can."

Postecoglou went further too, saying it wasn’t just about his career, but the fact Australia had no interest in growing football in a country where other sports take priority.

“I walked away from a World Cup. We qualified and I walked away," he said. “The reason I walked away was I just didn’t enjoy what I was doing.

“I think I’ve said all along, it’s not just doing the job and winning games of football. It’s got to be a higher purpose and my higher purpose in Australia was to change the game. I just don’t think that will happen.

“One of my major drivers for doing what I did was to do that – to change football in Australia. And that’s the reason I left. I felt I hadn’t made an impact at all.

“That’s easier for me to deal with than to think maybe I still can now with what I’m doing. I just think I’d be disappointed, so I’d prefer to think it’s not going to happen.”

“If I can compare [Australia] to a country like Japan who also have the tyranny of distance and baseball’s pretty strong, they plant a lot of resources into football and you can see that that’s making an impact. I don’t see Australia down that road.

“When you look at what the Matildas did at the [Women’s] World Cup, unbelievable… but you still won’t see an influx of resources to the game. You won’t. I guarantee it.

“They’ll build stadiums and other teams will use them. I just don’t think the nation as a whole has that inside them to understand you can make an impact on the world of football but it requires a kind of nationalistic approach that I just don’t think Australians at their core are really interested in.”

talkSPORT host Ally McCoist wants to see Postecoglou managing Scotland - a long shot, but not as long as Australia with those bridges still burning.

With Thomas Frank's appointment now official, attention shifts towards how his Tottenham team may look.

His 312 games in charge of Brentford presented some clues when it comes to what formations he likes to use and the style of play the Dane plans to implement.

But the reality for Frank is that the stakes are higher than ever before, especially with a Champions League campaign on the horizon.

He's also dealing with players of a collectively higher - and more expensive - calibre at Tottenham than at Brentford.

So, what can fans expect of Frank's Spurs?

And, perhaps more intriguingly, how might the team line up?

For starters, Brentford under Frank shared a number of similar traits to Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou.

They were attack-minded, with the Bees scoring the fifth-most goals in the Premier League last season with an impressive tally of 66.

Goalscoring was a consistent theme of Frank's tenure at Brentford as the club scored 56 and 58 goals in the two preceding top flight campaigns.

Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa were central to the club's goalscoring efforts in the 2024/25 season as the duo netted a staggering 20 and 19 goals respectively.

But it's not just with the ball Brentford were a force to be reckoned with under Frank.

They were like a rabid junkyard dog without it.

According to Opta, Brentford completed a staggering 319 high turnovers in the league last term.

It was the sixth-most in the league and only one behind Tottenham, highlighting a common link between Frank and Postecoglou's styles.

In addition to their high turnovers, Statmuse ranked Brentford as the team with the fourth-most ball recoveries completed in the final third.

The Bees won the ball an impressive 1,928 times in the final third, which was 53 more recoveries than Tottenham, who were ranked seventh, made.

In a way, Tottenham fans should expect more of the same when it comes to watching their players be incredibly aggressive out of possession under Frank.

When it comes to how Brentford liked to attack, the Bees had a tendency to bombard the opposition box with crosses.

Most successful crosses in 24/25 Premier League

Last season, the Bees completed 113 crosses, the fifth-most in the Premier League, per Opta.

Tottenham were only one place behind in the rankings, with 108 successful crosses.

Those statistics point towards Frank wanting his team to play in wide areas before getting the ball in, so plenty will be expected from his wingers while his full-backs will be expected to join in on attacks.

Although Frank proved to be a more pragmatic manager than Postecoglou, even if the Australian tweaked his gung-ho approach towards the end of his tenure, the Dane's core principles are there to see.

Highly aggressive without the ball and a bombardment into the box from wide spaces.

Now, how might Frank go about his line-up?

Throughout his time at Brentford, Frank often used a 3-5-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formation.

Given he finished the 2024/25 campaign using the 4-2-3-1 line-up it seems logical to continue that theme, although there's every chance Frank looks to switch things up once the new season rolls around.

In goal, Guglielmo Vicario remains the number one choice and there has been little reporting about a potential replacement.

Therefore, it's safe to expect the Italian will retain his place.

At left-back, Frank's arrival could unlock Destiny Udogie.

Under Postecoglou, Udogie often had to invert into a midfield role rather than stay as a conventional left-back.

Thomas Frank's most-used formations in the Premier League

But given Frank's propensity for getting his players to cross the ball often, it could be the perfect tonic for Udogie to remind fans of his attacking qualities.

Similar goes for Pedro Porro, who made the third-most successful crosses in the league last term (34) from 133 attempted.

At centre-back, Micky van de Ven is the logical choice but his partner is of greater intrigue.

Ordinarily it would be Cristian Romero, but given reports have linked him with a move away and the fact he curiously timed his farewell post to Postecoglou less than an hour after Frank's arrival, the World Cup winner is no guarantee to remain in a Tottenham shirt going into next season.

It's why Kevin Danso is the safer pick to line up alongside Van de Ven, although there may be scope for Frank to bring in a right centre-back of his choice.

For the midfield pivots, Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray could prove to be a formidable pairing.

Gray was linked with a move to Brentford before he joined Tottenham, so Frank will be acutely aware of the quality he brings.

He now has key Premier League experience under his belt having been thrown into the deep end out of necessity by Postecoglou amid the club's injury crisis last term.

As for Bentancur, he offers a calming presence in the midfield and can keep the ball circulating while also offering some needed bite in challenges.

The attacking three in front of them is where things get a little interesting.

Following Frank's appointment, talkSPORT understands the club has stepped up their interest in Mbeumo, who played the best football of his career under the Dane.

Although Manchester United are also in for his signature, the fact he already enjoyed a working relationship with Frank could give Tottenham a major boost in the Mbeumo sweepstakes.

Dejan Kulusevski would operate as the attacking midfielder, with his industry and guile the exact profile Frank wants from his players in the final third.

As for the left-winger, talkSPORT understands Tottenham hold genuine interest in Manchester City outcast Jack Grealish.

The 29-year-old would offer something completely different to anyone in the Tottenham squad.

Given City had the longest sequence time out of anyone in the Premier League (15.54 seconds, per Opta), with a sequence being a passage of play for a team that ends in a defensive action, stoppage in play or a shot, Grealish's best abilities were shackled.

But given Brentford had the sixth-shortest sequence time (9.31 seconds), it shows Frank wants things to happen quickly and that suits Grealish, who became a £100million star in 2021 thanks to his brilliant dribbling skills that propelled Aston Villa up the field and into the final third.

Up top, expect Dominic Solanke to retain his spot as he will relish the countless crosses coming his way.

Tottenham fans won't have to wait terribly long to see the seeds of Frank's tactical plan in action.

The club's first pre-season fixture takes place on July 26 against Luton Town before they travel to Asia for games against Arsenal and Newcastle on July 31 and August 3 respectively.

They will wrap up preparations for the new campaign on August 7 with a friendly against Bayern Munich.