talkSPORT

Tottenham fans will hope Thomas Frank shows as much ambition as Glenn Hoddle when he was appointed their manager in 2001.

Frank is set to replace Ange Postecoglou as Spurs manager despite the Australian winning the Europa League.

Huge expectation will come with joining the north London club, but he is not the first to swap Premier League clubs to take on the challenge at Tottenham.

Hoddle sealed an emotional to White Hart Lane in 2001 to become their new boss - 14 years after he left to link up with future Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger at Monaco.

One of the club's biggest legends, Hoddle scored 110 goals in 490 matches in all appearances after coming up through the club's academy.

A two-time FA Cup winner, Hoddle also scooped the UEFA Cup and the Charity Shield with Spurs after breaking into the team during the 1975/76 season.

After hanging up his boots in 1995 having been appointed as Chelsea's player-manager two years prior, Hoddle departed Stamford Bridge for England in 1996, before being dismissed in 1999.

He returned to the dugout at Southampton in January 2000, where he guided the south coast outfit to safety by finishing in 15th spot.

And he was on course to help Southampton seal a top ten finish the following campaign, but he shocked the board by resigning in March 2001.

His dream job in managing Tottenham had become available following the sacking of George Graham.

Southampton were in eighth spot after 29 games played, while Spurs were languishing in 11th spot - five points behind the Saints having played one extra match.

The Saints were also in the middle of a five-match winning run - leaving club chiefs fuming by his decision to stand down.

Spurs swiftly announced his appointment - the first manager since Daniel Levy became chairman - just four days after Hoddle departed Southampton, where he immediately set his sights on winning the league title.

Speaking at his press conference unveiling, he said: "The potential is there to do well and there's lots of hard work to be done.

"The fact that the contract is five years means the club are looking to the future.

"We want to win the Premiership, of course we do, and that is my ultimate goal, but it's early doors to be talking about that."

On his return, he remarked: "It's emotional and exciting. I've spent many years here and the supporters have given me a superb reception.

"I walked through the gates of this club at age eight as a supporter and left when I was 29. That's a huge part of my life."

And Hoddle was also unapologetic by leaving Saints midway through the season for their top-flight rivals.

He insisted: "I don't feel guilty. The timing was right to come back.

"It's a fantastic club. I'm very surprised to be here and when I was offered the chance to talk to Spurs it was something I wanted to pursue.

"There was only one club I would have left Southampton for and that was Tottenham Hotspur Football Club."

Before adding: "I have heard there is some bitterness and resentment towards me from the Southampton fans, but I have left them in a very strong position.

"I could understand it if they were at the bottom."

Hoddle's impact at Spurs was immediate - winning his opening two league matches.

As for Saints, they fell to three consecutive defeats, and would win just two of their remaining nine games.

But it was Southampton who had the last laugh come the end of the season, as they finished in tenth - two places ahead of Spurs.

The following campaign saw Spurs finish in ninth - two places ahead of Southampton - while also reaching the League Cup final, where they lost to Blackburn.

A stunning start to the 2002/03 term saw Tottenham end August top of the pile - earning Hoddle his second Manager of the Month award - as he looked to fulfil his goal of ending the club's 42-year wait for the league championship.

But they soon began to fall down the table, and having lost seven of their last ten fixtures, they ended in tenth spot, with pressure starting to build on the fan favourite.

And in a cruel twist of fate, Hoddle's time at Spurs came to an end just six games into the 2003/04 season following a 3-1 home defeat to Southampton, which left them in the relegation zone.

Hoddle dared to dream, but in the end, his time at his beloved club turned into a nightmare.

Spurs fans will be hoping Frank sets his stall out immediately and he can finally fire the club to more glory.

Great Scott

Manchester City have confirmed that Scott Carson will leave the club this summer as his contract expires.

Carson departs after six years at the Etihad, where he was a major part of City's successes despite not playing often.

Pep Guardiola had previously lauded the 39-year-old's impact in the dressing room on the rest of the team.

Incredibly, he won a trophy every 9.8 minutes he played for City.

The veteran goalkeeper only played 108 minutes since 2019, but leaves with four Premier League titles and a Champions League.

On top of that, he was also part of the squad that won the FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, a UEFA Super Cup and more.

A statement from Man City ended: "Everyone at Manchester City would like to thank Scott for his hard work and dedication and wish him the very best of luck for the future."

Sunderland latest

talkSPORT reported yesterday that Borussia Dortmund are closing in on the capture of Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland.

The deal is set to earn the Black Cats a club-record fee.

They have accepted an offer of a €33million (£27million) fixed fee, including €5million (£4.2million) add-ons.

The club also have a 15 per cent sell-on clause, should Jobe follow Jude's pathway in the years to come.

talkSPORT's chief football correspondent, Alex Crook, has given an update on Sunderland's situation this morning.

He said: "I know a lot of Sunderland fans are really disappointed that he won't be joining them on their Premier League adventure.

"But it is a club record sale for the club. There are some add-ons included as well, so that fee could well rise.

"The fear for Sunderland now is that we've seen how difficult it is for clubs coming up from the Championship to stay in the Premier League.

"They've lost Bellingham, they've lost their Wembley playoff hero Tommy Watson because, of course, he'd already secured a move to Brighton. Dan Neil, the captain, is out of contract.

"Normally, clubs coming up are thinking, how can we add to our squad? We need a bit of Premier League experience.

"Jordan Henderson is a potential target, but to be losing players of that calibre, particularly when you look at how recently promoted teams have fared, I think it's going to be a really tough season for Sunderland."

'I couldn't wait'

Imminent Manchester City signing Tijjani Reijnders has confirmed that he has completed his medical.

He has also revealed he will be joining before the Club World Cup, which gets underway this weekend.

Speaking to media in Italy, he said: "The medical? I couldn't wait to do it. The plan is to take part at the Club World Cup with City.

"I'm really excited about that. Doing that means I'll get to know my new teammates sooner."

Meanwhile, talkSPORT understands that Rayan Ait Nouri has signed a five-year contract at the Etihad over the weekend.

City and Wolves agreed a fee of around £36million including add-ons, and that deal will go through this week too.

Kane and unable

England captain Harry Kane has admitted that the Three Lions 'got away with it' in their 1-0 win against Andorra.

"It wasn't our greatest performance," said the Bayern Munich striker, whose matchwinner took his tally to 72 for his country.

"I don't think it's one many people are going to remember, that's for sure, but it's three points in the bag.

"But, yeah, for sure, we know we can play better in all aspects, both with and without the ball.

"It's down to us now to analyse it, look back and try and learn from it because condition-wise it's going to be very similar to next summer - dry pitch, warm weather, humid."

He added: "It [the goal] was probably our best move and we just didn't have enough of that, both with probably the runs and also the quality - a lot of balls kind of overhit, out of play, and it just kind of killed our momentum, especially there in the second half."

Germany 0-2 France FULL-TIME

Kylian Mbappe became just the third player to bring up 50 goals for France - and he's done it in record time.

The 26-year-old broke the deadlock in Les Bleus' Nations League third-place play-off clash against Germany on Sunday afternoon.

A late goal from substitute Michael Olise sealed the result, but his captain Mbappe stole the headlines.

The Real Madrid star, who made his France senior debut as an 18-year-old in 2017, has reached the milestone in just 90 caps.

He has followed in the footsteps of ex-Arsenal centre-forwards Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry in scoring at least 50 times for France.

Henry had been the record holder in reaching 50 goals for France in the quickest time.

The 1998 World Cup winner brought up the landmark strike on his 113th appearance against Serbia in September in 2009.

Marching on together

Leeds United defender Max Wober has revealed that the club has told him that he will be sold this summer.

The 27-year-old arrived at Elland Road two years ago in a £10million deal from Red Bull Salzburg under former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch.

However, Wober has made just 29 appearances in two and a half seasons with the Whites and has now been told he has no future in Yorkshire.

Currently away on international duty, he told Austrian media outlet Krone, Wober said: “Leeds has already made it clear to me that they want to sell me.

"I might have been able to send out a letter of application (with his performance for Austria.)

“I was extremely pleased that I was able to show other clubs that I’m fit, that I’m still a really good player, and that I don’t want to just rot away in England.”

No Maur to give

Mauricio Pochettino has ruled himself out of the running to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

The United States head coach enjoyed a five-year stay at Spurs before he was sacked in November 2019.

The Argentine, who was appointed US manager in October 2024, has long been linked with a return to north London but says he is happy in his new role.

"Today it's not realistic," said Pochettino. "Look where I am. Look where we (his backroom staff) are. The answer is so clear.

"I think, since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list [of rumours].

"I've seen the rumours, we are 100 coaches on the list. Don't be worried about that.

"If something happens [in the future], you for sure will see, but I am so happy in this moment and we cannot talk about this type of thing."

Sacked

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has revealed he has been sacked after their 3-0 defeat to Norway.

The Italians have made a disastrous start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

A swift decision has been made to axe Spalletti, but he will still take charge of their match against Moldova.

He said: "I spoke with Gravina last night and he told me that I will be relieved of my duties as coach of the national team. I was sorry: given the relationship we have, I had no intention of giving up.

"Especially when things aren't going well, I would have preferred to stay and do my job.

"However, it is a dismissal and I have to take note of it. I have always interpreted this role as a service to the country and I want to facilitate the future of the national team. I think it is right to seek the best."

Spalletti was then asked if he felt betrayed and walked out of his press conference.

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has agreed a deal to sign for Mexican side Club Universidad Nacional.

The former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder would become the first high-profile British player to play in the Mexican league should the formalities of the move be completed.

Ramsey was appointed Cardiff interim manager for the final three games of the Sky Bet Championship season after the club sacked Omer Riza.

The 34-year-old was unable to prevent Cardiff from being relegated to the third tier, but reports had linked him to taking over the Bluebirds on a full-time basis this summer.

Ramsey has made it clear he wants to continue his playing career and lead Wales at the World Cup next summer.

"There's a lot to play for and that World Cup is a massive carrot being dangled," Ramsey said in April.

Ramsey returned to his boyhood club Cardiff in 2023, but injuries have restricted his game time and he is currently recovering from hamstring surgery.

Club Universidad Nacional, known as Pumas UNAM, finished sixth in the 2024-25 Mexican standings and qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Looney Toons

Manchester City appear resigned to missing out on Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento, talkSPORT understands.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 season to help the Magpies lift the Carabao Cup and secure their Champions League return.

Livramento featured in 45 games in all competitions, where he operated on both sides of the defence.

His impressive form led to the ex-Chelsea academy star making his England senior debut in November.

And with Pep Guardiola keen on bolstering his backline, Livramento was identified as a player who could help City win back the Premier League title.

However, negotiations are believed to have reached a standstill between the two clubs.

City had been keen to bring in the youngster ahead of the Club World Cup, which starts next weekend.

But the Toon are unwilling to part ways with the defender, who has become a huge fan favourite since joining the club.

Player ratings

Jordan Henderson was rated 2/10 by talkSPORT's Adrian Durham - with nine England stars handed a 3/10 rating for their performances against Andorra.

Henderson was surprisingly named in Thomas Tuchel's starting XI - becoming England's oldest player to feature since Frank Lampard in 2014.

But his display was enough for Durham to never want to see Henderson in an England shirt again.

Having his say on the Ajax midfielder, Durham simply stated: "Just no."

Noni Madueke received the highest scoring with a 7/10 rating, with Jude Bellingham [4/10] and Harry Kane [5/10] the only other to players to receive more than a 3/10.

Even Tuchel was handed a 2/10, as Durham raged: "He isn’t getting the best out of the players.

"He promised to entertain and three games in we’ve definitely not been entertained.

"And imagine not bringing Morgan Gibbs-White on until injury time, what's that all about?

"Can’t wait to say it to his face at St Georges Park on talkSPORT on Wednesday afternoon..."

Player ratings

Jordan Henderson was rated 2/10 by talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham – with nine England stars handed a 3/10 rating for their performances against Andorra.

Henderson was surprisingly named in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI – becoming England’s oldest player to feature since Frank Lampard in 2014.

But his display was enough for Durham to never want to see Henderson in an England shirt again.

Having his say on the Ajax midfielder, Durham simply stated: “Just no.”

Noni Madueke received the highest scoring with a 7/10 rating, with Jude Bellingham [4/10] and Harry Kane [5/10] the only other to players to receive more than a 3/10.

Even Tuchel was handed a 2/10, as Durham raged: “He isn’t getting the best out of the players.

“He promised to entertain and three games in we’ve definitely not been entertained.

“And imagine not bringing Morgan Gibbs-White on until injury time, what’s that all about?

“Can’t wait to say it to his face at St Georges Park on talkSPORT on Wednesday afternoon…”

Adrian Durham's full England player ratings

Starting XI

Jordan Pickford – 3

Curtis Jones – 3

Ezri Konsa – 3

Dan Burn – 3

Reece James – 3

Jude Bellingham – 4

Jordan Henderson – 2

Mogan Rogers – 3

Cole Palmer – 3

Noni Madueke – 7

Harry Kane – 5

Substitutes

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 3

Eberechi Eze – 3

Declan Rice – N/A

Anthony Gordon – N/A

Morgan Gibbs-White – N/A

Ange Postecoglou had read the script before.

Despite leading Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years, the Australian was sacked on Friday.

Tottenham's 17th-place finish, the club's lowest-ever in the Premier League, was deemed to be the decisive factor in the divisive decision.

Given Postecoglou was the man who ended the club's trophy drought, some viewed the ruthless decision as harsh.

However, comments from the Australian made in the wake of Erik ten Hag's dismissal as Manchester United boss last October suggested he may have already known his fate.

Ten Hag won trophies in each of his first two seasons at the club, with victories over Newcastle United and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals respectively.

But the Red Devils' performances in the league had noticeably regressed from the Dutchman's first season in charge, when they came third in the Premier League.

United finished the 2023/24 season in eighth but qualified for the Europa League by virtue of their FA Cup upset over Manchester City.

The club sat an embarrassing 14th by the time Ten Hag left and ended the 2024/25 campaign one place below under his successor Ruben Amorim.

Speaking shortly after Ten Hag's dismissal, Postecoglou was 'not really shocked' at the news.

But he did question whether his two trophies in as many seasons amid faltering league form would be enough to keep his job had Ten Hag been in charge at Tottenham.

"Disappointing as it was, it was almost inevitable with the scrutiny he (Ten Hag) had," Postecoglou said last October.

"If you look at Erik, he was there for two-and-a-bit years. He won a trophy in each year. They finished third in his first year.

"If he was here with that record, would he have lost his job? I don't know.

"Would he be under the same scrutiny? I don't know, because everyone tells me all I have to do is win a trophy, but I have got a feeling it would be the same because, just the nature of the world today."

Postecoglou was evidently proven right, as silverware and a spot in next season's Champions League was not enough to retain his role.

"Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph," the club statement confirming Postecoglou's departure read.

Postecoglou's side lost 22 of their 38 league games in the 2024/25 Premier League season, the most by any team avoiding the drop in the competition's history.

After guiding Spurs to a fifth-placed finish in his first year in charge, the Aussie found his progress hampered by injuries to a number of key players this year.

However, it was the manner of their defeats saw him come in for plenty of criticism.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank remains the favourite to succeed Postecoglou and become Tottenham's fourth manager in as many years.

'Tis not the season to be a Tottenham Hotspur manager.

The north London club announced Tottenham women's coach Robert Vilahamn has been sacked, only two days after Ange Postecoglou was axed as the boss of their men's team.

Vilahamn departs after Tottenham finished the 2024/25 Women's Super League (WSL) campaign second from bottom having won just five times from 22 league fixtures.

“There have been some special moments during Robert’s tenure, including reaching the FA Cup final for the first time." Tottenham women managing director Andy Rogers said.

“However, results and performances this season have not been to the level we would expect and now is the right time to make a change.

“We should like to thank Robert for his professionalism and efforts over the past two seasons, and we wish him well for the future.”

Vilahamn, 42, took over Tottenham's women's side in July 2023 from Swedish club BK Hacken.

In his first season at the helm, Vilahamn led the north London club to a maiden FA Cup final appearance but were beaten 4-0 by Manchester United.

He also steered Tottenham to sixth place in the 2023/24 WSL, one place below their best-ever league finish.

The 42-year-old's impressive debut campaign earned him a fresh three-year extension last July.

However, Vilahamn failed to maintain the momentum as Tottenham slumped to 11th and shipped an alarming 44 goals, with relegated Crystal Palace the only team to have conceded more.

With Vilahamn and Postecoglou now gone, it promises to be a summer of upheaval for Tottenham as they look to find suitable replacements for the pair.

Postecoglou's axing proved incredibly divisive among the fanbase given he ended the club's agonising 17-year wait for a trophy when he led Tottenham to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Although the Australian delivered silverware, as he always does in his second season, Tottenham finished an embarrassing 17th, their lowest-ever in the Premier League.

"At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign," a Tottenham club statement read.

"Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph."

The statement added the call to axe Postecoglou was 'one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude.'

Postecoglou's dismissal leaves the club searching for a fourth new manager in as many years.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank remains the favourite to replace Postecoglou and talkSPORT understands the Dane has informed his employers he would like to join Tottenham.

The Dane guided the club to a tenth-place finish in 2024/25, and Spurs will have to shell out if they are to secure his services.

Frank has a hefty release clause in his current contract, believed to be in the region of £9million.

He also has a long-standing relationship with Spurs' technical director Johan Lange.

Tottenham great Teddy Sheringham thinks Thomas Frank will be facing a whole different challenge should he swap Brentford for Spurs.

talkSPORT understands that the Dane’s camp have held several conversations with the Europa League winners even before their decision to sack Ange Postecoglou.

Frank is now the huge favourite to become Spurs next manager, moving from Brentford where he’s spent the past seven years.

The 51-year-old took the Bees to the Premier League for the first time ever in 2021 and has not just kept them there but excelled, finishing ninth in 2022/23 and tenth in 2024/25.

Yet, according to Sheringham, there’s a big jump up from mid-table to being expected to qualify for Europe and win trophies.

Speaking to talkSPORT the former striker said: “Thomas Frank is okay. He's alright. He's doing well at Brentford.

“I know Tottenham hadn’t won anything for ages before the Europa League this season, but they're expected to win things, and managing Brentford and managing Tottenham are two different things.

“It would be interesting to see how Thomas Frank does because who knows, are they excited by him coming in?"

Comparing Frank to the recently sacked Postecoglou, he continued: “I love the way Ange plays football - a bit like Mauricio Pochettino.

“He takes the game to the opposition and he entertains, he wants to win the game. He's not there to win on the break and I've loved that about Ange.

“I know that the results haven't been great but he's put all his eggs in one basket.

"He knew that we weren't finishing in the top-eight to get in Europe, so who cares about that? Let's win the Europa League and he's done that.

“He's actually gone out there and he's done it. He made sure that all his best players were ready for the Europa League. Yeah people say it wasn't a great final, but they won it. Who cares?

“When you look back in years to come and remember the celebrations, I know boys that were out there and the celebrations for two days after were absolutely fantastic in Bilbao.

“That's what football is all about, remembering the good stuff, winning things and looking back on it.”

Postecoglou’s 1-0 Europa League final win over Manchester United secured Spurs’ first trophy since 2007.

However, in the league they finished just one place above the relegation zone with a Premier League low of 17th.

Sheringham is in the camp that such a finish didn’t really matter, with safety confirmed and the Europa League winnable.

On top of that, he loved the former Celtic manager’s brand of football, which makes the departure even harder to stomach.

“I’m absolutely devastated for Ange,” he added. “He had a real rough ride last season with losing players through injury and the biggest thing is losing your two centre-halves and your goalkeeper for long periods.

“I just think if he'd have been given a little bit of time next year they've got loads of money now from the Champions League, go out and buy one or two players and go, ‘Ange go and enjoy yourself’.

“You've just won us a trophy. Unbelievable. Go and enjoy yourself and show Tottenham fans how you love to play the game’.

“He attacks games. He goes for the throat.

"We could have been four or five or six nil up in certain games early in the season. It makes a massive difference. So I'm devastated for Ange.”

Tottenham players have sent message to Postecoglou as the announcement filters out.

Spanish right-back Pedro Porro - an almost ever-present despite the injuries blighting the team - took to Instagram to make his feelings known.

He said: "Thank you for everything, boss.

"For mentoring me early on, helping me settle into the club, and trusting me out on the pitch.

"I’ll always be grateful for the way you led us, defended us, and kept us going through all the highs and lows.

"Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated.

"Wishing you all the very best, boss."

Meanwhile, Richarlison added: "Mister, massive thanks for helping me out and believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my carreer and my life.

"Everyone who loves the Spurs will remember that Big Ange always bags trophies in his second season. We’ve made history!

"Cheers and good luck on your journey! I’ll always be rooting for you."

Ange Postecoglou emotionally thanked Tottenham fans and players after his sacking was announced on Friday.

Spurs have dismissed the Australian from his post exactly two years to the day since he was appointed in north London.

The decision has come after their worst ever Premier League season in which they finished 17th and lost 22 of their 38 fixtures.

Postecoglou ended Spurs' 17-year wait for a trophy with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final.

However, it wasn't enough to keep him in the job, and the 59-year-old has written an emotional statement in response.

"When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride," he said.

"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget,

"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

"We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.

"I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

"And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

"We are forever connected. Audere est Facere. Ange."

Reacting to the news live on talkSPORT, former Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said it was a tough outcome for Postecoglou.

"It's harsh... It's a difficult one, I mean, they were atrocious this year. The league form, fourth from bottom, they had a shocker."

"Great, they won the cup," he added. "But overall, I suppose Daniel [Levy, chairman] is looking at it and thinking, 'Hang on, [Erik] Ten Hag last year, Man United kept him on, went out and bought some players under his leadership, then suddenly they sack him off.'

"They've taken a chance with Ange, brought in three or four, five new players and suddenly things haven't improved in the league by Christmas. Then he's got to go, now they're stuck with players they may have brought in."

Redknapp also admitted: "I thought it was a certainty, doesn't shock me at all.

"Daniel has had two weeks or whatever since the cup final to have come out and just said, 'Look, he's our manager, why all this speculation? He's here for next season.'

"From day one, after they won that cup, he never came out and said a word. I knew then, for sure, he was finished."

England boss Thomas Tuchel responded during a press conference by saying: "I have the biggest respect for him. He’s a huge character.

"But we are responsible for the results. I feel for every manager, and have huge sympathy, especially in this spot [being sacked] I was in the same spot and it was horrible."

talkSPORT understands that Brentford boss Thomas Frank is a strong contender to replace Postecoglou.

The Dane has been hugely impressive appointment in west London but has a hefty release clause that's believed to be £9million.

Frank also has a long-standing relationship with Spurs' technical director Johan Lange.

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Tottenham have sacked Ange Postecoglou as head coach after exactly two years in charge.

Confirmation was announced on Friday after 'significant reflection' and a 'review of performances' from the club.

Spurs said: "We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club.

"Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.

"However, the Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place."

The Australian found himself under mounting pressure in his second season at Spurs, despite many fans believing he had secured his future with Europa League glory.

Victory over Manchester United in Bilbao saw the club clinch a first major trophy in 17 years as well as earning them Champions League qualification.

But it clearly wasn't enough to keep Postecoglou in a job with Spurs enduring a disastrous domestic campaign.

"This is not a massive shock, we’ve been reporting it on talkSPORT for a couple of weeks now," talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook said following the news.

"My understanding is several conversations have taken place between the Tottenham hierarchy and Thomas Frank's camp.

"There is a hefty release clause in his Brentford contract, I’m told that is in the region of £8m-£9m, and Postecoglou got himself a bonus for winning the Europa League trophy, while the club will obviously have to now pay up the rest of his contract, which has two years left to run.

"So this is a big financial undertaking from Tottenham, but ultimately despite the fact he delivered silverware that league form, finishing just one place above the relegation places, Daniel Levy has clearly looked at that and said,’ Thanks for the trophy, Ange, but we have to go in a different direction’.

"I’ll be fascinated to see how this goes down in the Spurs dressing room, because quite a few players since the win over Man United in Bilbao have publicly backed Postecoglou, so this is a decision Levy has to get right.

"His record for hiring and firming managers hasn’t been particularly successful, but I know he’s an admirer of Marco Silva as well, there was talk at one stage of Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth taking over, but it looks like he’s saying on the south coach.

"All roads at this stage I think very much lead to Thomas Frank."

The 2024/25 season was historically bad for them as they recorded a lowest-ever Premier League finish of 17th.

Postecoglou's side lost 22 of their 38 league games, themost by any team avoiding the drop in the competition's history.

After guiding Spurs to a fifth-placed finish in his first year in charge, the Aussie found his progress hampered by injuries to a number of key players this year.

However, it was the manner of their defeats saw him come in for plenty of criticism.

Postecoglou repeatedly came under fire for his refusal to switch from his all-out attacking philosophy throughout his tenure, with chairman Daniel Levy now opting to bring an end to this.

While the news may not come as a surprise to the 59-year-old, he had remained bullish when asked about his future after Spurs' 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton on the final day of the season.

When asked how he'd assess his team's season, he responded: "Outstanding.

"We won a trophy, which we have not done for 17 years, and we're in the Champions League.

"Ask any supporter at the start of the season if they'd take that and there wouldn't be a person in the house that wouldn't."

Postecoglou's dismissal leaves the club searching for a fourth new manager in as many years.

talkSPORT understands Brentford boss Thomas Frank is a strong contender to replace Postecoglou, who has impressed since taking the Bees up to the Premier League in 2021.

The Dane guided the club to a tenth-place finish in 2024/25, and Spurs will have to shell out if they are to secure his services.

Frank has a hefty release clause in his current contract, believed to be in the region of £9million.

He also has a long-standing relationship with Spurs' technical director Johan Lange.

Meanwhile, Fulham boss Marco Silva publicly stated he will remain at the club next year has further boosted Frank's position as favourite to take the reigns at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Not another one...

Bournemouth could be set to lose another of their defenders.

talkSPORT understands that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing centre-back Illia Zabarnyi.

PSG have made a formal enquiry, but the Cherries are reluctant to sell having already lost Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.

Milos Kerkez also looks likely to be departing too, with Liverpool expected to make a bid for the left-back.

It could mean Andoni Iraola loses three of his starting back four from last season in the opening weeks of the transfer window.

Charged

Sheffield Wednesday have been charged with multiple breaches of English Football League regulations.

It comes after the club failed to pay players and staff on time for the second time in three months last week.

An EFL statement reads: "Sheffield Wednesday Football Club has been charged with multiple breaches of EFL Regulations relating to payment obligations.

"The owner of Sheffield Wednesday, Dejphon Chansiri, has also been charged with causing the Club to be in breach of EFL Regulations despite his commitment to fund the cash requirements of the Club.

"All charges relate to both the Ultimate Beneficial Owner and the Club failing to meet their obligations to pay players’ wages on time and in full in March and May 2025.

"The Club and Mr Chansiri have 14 days to respond to the charges."

Le Fee checks in

Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League has triggered their obligation to buy Enzo Le Fee.

The Frenchman moved to the Black Cats in January on loan from Roma for the remainder of the campaign.

The deal contained a clause that would make the move permanent for around £20 million if the Black Cats made it to the Premier League.

They managed to beat Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship Play-Off Final to take their place in the top-flight.

As a result, Le Fee has penned a four-year contract with the Wearsiders.

Speaking to the club's website, he said: “I said before the Play-Off Final that my heart was in Sunderland – I wanted to stay, and this made it the most important game of my life.

"Together, we did it. From the moment I arrived, I have enjoyed my football, my team-mates, and our supporters.

"We shared an incredible experience, and now we get to take the next step. There are greater challenges ahead, but we must face them together, and I can’t wait to play for Sunderland in the Premier League.”

Wrapped up

Brentford have confirmed the signing of Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

talkSPORT understands it is around £18 million, and the Republic of Ireland international has signed a five-year deal.

He immediately replaces Mark Flekken and gets his wish to be a number one at a Premier League club.

Speaking to the club's website about it, Director of Football Phil Giles said: “I am very pleased to welcome Caoimhín to Brentford. We have scouted him in the past and were aware that he had a year to go on his contract with Liverpool this summer.

“When Mark Flekken had the opportunity to move to Bayer Leverkusen, we immediately thought about Caoimhín as his replacement.

“As well as being a very good goalkeeper, I’ve rarely met a player for whom everybody has such positive words to say about his personality and character. I’m therefore confident he’ll be an excellent addition to the squad.”

'I don't know'

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has appeared to cast doubt over a summer move to Arsenal.

But in a recent interview, he has revealed his future isn't set in stone.

He said: "Of course there are options, but it is true that it seems it will be a different, long summer and I don't know what it will end up in.

"I think right now it's not my priority to think about it, I'm here in the selection, which I think is quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will.

"It is an example of what surrounds football. Many times I get up in the morning and read things I didn't know I had done. That was a clear example.

"It's true that I don't take it very seriously, but well, I uploaded those photos to stress a little that it wasn't exactly the reality that was happening."

Done deal

Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the signing of Mark Flekken from Brentford.

The goalkeeper joins Erik ten Hag's side for an undisclosed fee after making 77 appearances for Brentford across two seasons.

The 31-year-old played every game, bar the final day of the season, but with Caiomhin Kelleher set to join from Liverpool, the Dutchman is moving on.

In a statement, the Bees thanked Flekken, and Director of Football said: “Mark has proven to be a seamless replacement for David Raya, who set an extremely high standard during his years with us.

“We were expecting Mark to be our goalkeeper for many more years, however when Bayer Leverkusen made it known that they wanted to do this transfer, and Mark made it clear that he was interested in moving closer to home and with a possibility of Champions League football, we turned our attention towards how all parties could make this happen.

“Mark has done a great job for us and leaves with our thanks and support.”

Maign-on

Chelsea have made an approach to AC Milan to sign goalkeeper Mike Maignan, talkSPORT understands.

The 29-year-old has just one year left on his current Milan deal and Chelsea see a window of opportunity to sign an elite goalkeeper knowing Milan may be reticent of losing Maignan on a free transfer in 12 months time.

It was thought Maignan was likely to agree new terms with Milan earlier in the season, but Milan’s failure to qualify for Europe has put his future in doubt and a burden on the club’s fincances.

Chelsea had planned to simply rank Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic and the highly-rated Mike Penders during the Club World Cup.

But if a deal for France international Maignan does emerge he will do so as a number one, calling into question the future of Robert Sanchez.

Petrovic is also hoping to be a number one, having been named Strasbourg’s Player of the Season for 2024/25. His return from a loan spell to Chelsea comes with a pay rise, but he is also believed to have a release clause as part of his new deal allowing him to exit.

Penders is viewed as Premier League ready but due to his age could still be loaned at first, while Jorgensen is expected to stay after the club invested £35m in him.

Chelsea are also alert to James Trafford’s situation although Newcastle remain frontrunners.

Judgement day

Crystal Palace are meeting UEFA today to see if they will be allowed to compete in the Europa League.

The Eagles quailified for the competition through winning the FA Cup in May, but due to their owner, they might not be allowed to compete.

John Textor is the majority stakeholder at Palace, but he also owns Lyon who are in the Europa League.

UEFA rules state that no owner can have two clubs in the same competition.

However, they wouldn't even be able to drop into the Europa Conference League because Textor owns Brondby as well.

The worst thing about all of this is that if Palace are kicked out, it will be bitter rivals Brighton who take their place.

Crunch talks

Crystal Palace will meet UEFA officials on Tuesday and plead their case to be allowed to compete in Europe next season, the PA news agency understands.

Palace qualified for the Europa League after they stunned Manchester City at Wembley to clinch FA Cup final success on May 17 and in the process secured the first major trophy in the club's history.

It booked Palace and their fans a ticket on a European tour, but the Premier League outfit must show UEFA's club financial control body (CFCB) on Tuesday that they do not fall foul of its multi-club ownership rules.

John Textor holds a 43 per cent stake in Palace through his company Eagle Football and he is also the owner of French club Lyon, who qualified for the Europa League with a sixth-placed finish in Ligue 1.

No individual is allowed to have a significant say in the running of two clubs competing in the same UEFA competition and the CFCB would have to make a ruling on any potential breach.

PA understands Palace are confident no rules have been breached owing to the fact that Textor - through Eagle Football - has only a 25 per cent share of voting rights alongside fellow principal owners Josh Harris, David Blitzer and chairman Steve Parish.

Parish is also responsible for the day-to-day running of the club, which has led to past tension with Textor, who had previously tried to sell his shares and take over Everton.

Given Palace believe they have no influence over Lyon and Eagle Football does not have decision-making powers at the Premier League outfit because of the voting structure, the club managed by Oliver Glasner are hopeful of being able to compete in Europe.

If Palace fail to convince the CFCB that no rules have been breached, Lyon would keep their Europa League spot due to a higher league finish. Meanwhile, Brondby, who Blitzer owns, qualified for the Europa Conference League.

This could prevent Palace from entering the Europa Conference League, which could open the door for Brighton to benefit.

Palace's failure to compete in the Europa League would see their spot transferred to seventh-placed Nottingham Forest.

It would mean Forest's previous Europa Conference League qualification berth would go to the next highest team in the Premier League, which is Brighton in eighth.

A UEFA spokesperson said: "Please be informed that decisions regarding multi-club ownership cases for the 2025-26 season will be announced in due course during June. We do not comment on individual club cases until an official decision has been made."

Last summer, the CFCB cleared Manchester City and Girona, owned by the City Football Group, to take part in the Champions League and INEOS-owned Manchester United and Nice to compete in the Europa League.

What could have been

New data from Ace Odds shows what the Premier League table would look like without any individual errors leading directly to goals.

The results are quite outstanding and crushing if you are a Brighton fan.

This is because the Seagulls would have finished in the Champions League spots.

Meanwhile, Southampton lost 11 points through individual errors and Manchester United eight.

Interestingly, Nottingham Forest would have ended up in the bottom half, and Arsenal would have been fourth.

Forest would have missed out on 13 points!

Bart Verbruggen made the most mistakes leading to goals with five.

'Don't want to hold him back'

Brentford are set to wrap up the signing of Caiomhin Kelleher in the coming days after agreeing an £18 million fee with Liverpool.

The fee is very low for a player who has almost always impressed in the Premier League.

talkSPORT understands the Reds were anticipating a bidding war that never materilaised.

Other top-flight clubs were linked, but they didn't make moves, leaving the Bees free to swoop in.

Liverpool also didn't want to stand in Kelleher's way, knowing he wanted to be a number one somewhere.

Tottenham made a cheeky reference to the club’s infamous lasagne saga during their home kit launch on Tuesday.

The Europa League winners dropped their new kit in a social media video package which featured players from both the men’s and women’s teams and fans of the club.

The video, narrated by former captain Ledley King, showed images of the smart new design, while Spurs first-team stars Archie Gray and Dejan Kulusevski modelled the shirt.

Tottenham’s theme for the kit launch was ‘take a vow’ in which King spoke about remaining loyal to the badge as a reminder for both the players and fans to remain united.

And in the message was a brilliant reference to one of the club’s most ill-famed moments on the final day of the 2005/06 season.

Much like a marriage, King spoke about the importance of sticking together in sickness and in health at which point they aired a picture of a plate of lasagne.

The reference refers to the final day of the 2005/06 season when ten Tottenham of Tottenham first-team squad were struck down by suspected food poisoning after eating a buffet dinner the night before a crunch clash against West Ham.

Stars such as Michael Carrick, Robbie Keane and Edgar Davids all fell foul to the lasagne after suffering from vomiting, while others reported symptoms of nausea.

A depleted side took to the pitch at Upton Park but went on to lose the match 2-1, missing out on Champions League qualification in the process.

And it was made all the worse as bitter rivals Arsenal claimed the last Champions League spot after winning their match against Wigan.

It appears that time has now healed the wounds of May 2006 with Spurs now able to make light of what was then described as "horrendous" by ex-Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

Fans were quick to spot the cheeky jibe in the video and it’s fair to say they enjoyed the humour in it.

One fan simply wrote: “Genius.”

Another replied: “This killed me.”

A third fan added: “Haha, good touch.”

A fourth wrote: “Did I just see the lasagne?”

As for the new kit, it dons a silky white backdrop with light grey and dark blue coloured sleeves.

The club’s crest has been centralised with the Nike logo underneath and shirt sponsor across the front in bold red text.

A club statement says: "The kit features a subtle tweak to the navy sleeves of last season, with a new grey and ashen slate pattern under the arm and the traditional lilywhite base forming the outer part of the sleeve."

The kit went on sale for the first time on Tuesday in the club store and on Tottenham’s official website.

The shirt could be worn for the first time in the friendly against north London rivals Arsenal when they face off in a friendly on July 31 in Hong Kong.