The Mirror

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur despite leading the club to a first trophy in 17 years by winning last month's Europa League. The Australian, 59, has paid the price for Spurs' shocking domestic campaign with the Londoners finishing in 17th position despite having one of the world's richest squads.

Postecoglou had struck a defiant note after defeating Manchester United in Bilbao - bringing silverware back to north London for the first time since 2008 and guiding the club into next season's Champions League while fulfilling his promise that he always wins a trophy in his second season in charge.

He had also retained the backing of big name players with captain Son Heung-min and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario among those calling for Postecoglou to be kept on following the Bilbao victory.

However chairman Daniel Levy has now decided another change in the dugout is required - with Spurs set to welcome in a fifth permanent head coach already this decade. A statement from the North London club read: "Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties.

"Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch, returning us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month - an achievement that will live with us all forever.

"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. Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. 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.

"It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond. This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.

"We have a talented, young squad and Ange has given us a great platform to build upon. We should like to express our gratitude to him. We wish him well for the future - he will always be welcome back at our home. News on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course."

Is Spurs' decision to sack Postecoglou the right one? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Postecoglou won 47 of his 101 matches in charge of the club, drawing 15 and losing 39 after joining from Celtic two years ago. And he had recently said he was confident that the club could push on enjoy a period of success after putting an end to the long wait for a trophy.

Speaking after the Europa League final, the Australian said: "I don't feel like I've completed the job yet, we're still building. The moment I accepted the role I had one thing in my head, and that was to win something. More than anything else I had that in my head, and we've done that now so I want to build on it."

Spurs have already been linked with Fulham's head coach Marco Silva, who is yet to open talks over a new deal at Craven Cottage, along with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Brentford's Thomas Frank.

EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham have decided to sack Ange Postecoglou, with Brentford manager Thomas Frank now emerging as the leading contender to replace the Australian boss

Tottenham will face a staggering bill in excess of £10m to hire Thomas Frank. Brentford boss Frank is the leading contender to replace Ange Postecoglou, after his sacking on Friday, despite leading Tottenham to Europa League glory.

Frank has two years left on his contract and a big buy-out clause was written into the deal when he signed his last deal in December 2022. The Danish boss is one of the most highly-rated managers in the Premier League and Brentford clearly do not want to lose him and the buy-out reflects his value to the club.

There is also a belief that Frank gave a gentleman’s agreement to stay for one more year at Brentford, although that would clearly be tested if anyone meets the buy-out clause which would allow him to go.

Frank would have no shortage of offers not just from the Premier League if he decided to leave Brentford this summer but Tottenham would be a big opportunity. They won the Europa League, are back in the Champions League and have a world class stadium with money to spend.

Tottenham boss Daniel Levy reached a final decision on Postecoglou’s future with the choice to sack him and his staff costing around £5m plus there is also a £2m bonus for the Aussie after he won the Europa League.

The cost is mounting up for Tottenham amid a potentially big summer of change - and would grow even bigger if they decide to go for Frank. That may put off Levy as that would be a huge compensation and also a big “transfer fee” in managerial terms.

Tottenham are believed to have sounded out Frank while Fulham boss Marco Silva is also a candidate while Bournemouth are battling to keep Andoni Iraola. Postecoglou was appointed two years ago.

There is a feeling that Tottenham’s direction has been heavily influenced by his agent group Base. There has already been signs of a shake-up at the club with the departure of Levy’s long term ally and trusted director Donna Cullen.

Former Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham has also started work as Tottenham’s new chief executive and Fabio Paratici looks set to return after serving a ban from a punishment from his time at Juventus.

Last month, Frank appeared to brush off suggestions he could leave Brentford this summer. He said: “Right now, of course, I am committed. I just lost to Fulham, our local rivals, so [I am] fuming in every aspect. So yes, I am committed like I have always been.”

Postecoglou meanwhile had insisted that he was preparing to remain in his post for the start of the new season. He said: "I'll be honest, I've been finding it really weird talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented.

"I've had to answer the questions because no one else at the club is kind of in the position to do so, I guess. But I can't answer that question about me and my future, and part of me is kind of thinking, well, why have I been asked that question? But it is what it is.

"And I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while."

Ange Postecoglou's future at Tottenham remains unclear despite the Australian having led the club to their first major trophy for 17 years, with Daniel Levy expected to make a decision this week

It will cost Tottenham around £4million to sack Ange Postecoglou, having already handed the Australian a £2m bonus. Postecoglou led Spurs to their first major trophy for 17 years by winning the Europa League last month.

It was also their first piece of European silverware since 1984. But it did come at a cost, with Spurs finishing 17th in the Premier League table, the club's lowest finish since being relegated from the top-flight in 1977.

Postecoglou did have to deal with a succession of injury crises, but it was still a dreadful campaign on the domestic front for his side. That has seen the Australian's position as manager come under threat.

A decision is expected to be made this week on his future in North London. It comes as Spurs continue major changes behind the scenes, with long-serving executive director Donna-Maria Cullen leaving the club as Vinai Venkatesham prepares to arrive as CEO.

For now, the focus will remain on Postecoglou, though sacking him would likely prove to be an unpopular move among players and fans. It will also likely seriously hit the club's bank account.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Postecoglou would be due £4m in compensation if he was sacked. That fee was agreed ahead of his appointment two years ago, with another two years to run on his contract.

The payout would be on top of the £2m bonus already handed to him for winning the Europa League. Postecoglou has returned to England from his end-of-season holiday and is awaiting the verdict on his future.

The total cost of replacing him could also balloon above the £10m mark should Spurs look to bring in a replacement who is already in a job. Postecoglou has seen trusted assistant Ryan Mason depart to take over as West Brom boss.

But the Australian himself has insisted he is preparing to remain in his post for the start of the new season. He admitted that he felt it was ' weird ' to see the media openly discussing a potential sacking.

"I'll be honest, I've been finding it really weird talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented," Postecoglou said after the final day thrashing at the hands of Brighton.

"I've had to answer the questions because no one else at the club is kind of in the position to do so, I guess. But I can't answer that question about me and my future, and part of me is kind of thinking, well, why have I been asked that question? But it is what it is.

"And I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while.

"You just have to look at those clubs' trajectory even after I've left, they're still competing for things. I really think this is a moment in time where this club can really push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis."

Tottenham's Kevin Danso has only been in north London for a matter of months but believes they have the greater fanbase in the capital when compared to rivals Arsenal

Kevin Danso claimed there are more Tottenham fans in north London than Arsenal supporters after spending less than a season in that part of the capital.

Those in white are currently revelling in their Europa League triumph and believe they have the local bragging rights after the Gunners endured another trophyless campaign. Their Austrian defender has continued to stoke the fire, claiming the locals follow Tottenham - not Arsenal.

The 26-year-old joined Tottenham on loan from Lens in February and has since made his deal was made permanent this week. He's penned a five-year deal for a £21million fee.

Among his 15 appearances was the Europa League final in Bilbao. He came off the bench to help Tottenham win their first trophy in 17 years before the team paraded the trophy in front of an estimated 220,000 fans as they lined the streets from Edmonton up to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Danso believes, in one of English football's hotbeds, that Tottenham have the edge when it comes to supporters with his words likely to rattle those in red.

He told Austrian media outlet Krone : "[That night in Bilbao] was and still is incredible. I hadn't even realised it on the pitch. I slid down on my knees to the fans. I didn't realise it right away; right after the game it was like a dream. It wasn't until two days later that I truly realised I was a European cup winner.

"If you're not in London yourself, you don't really realise what a fan base we have. From outside, you think there are more Arsenal fans in North London, but in my opinion, there are more Tottenham fans."

Tottenham's European success covered for a dire Premier League campaign, which saw them lose more than twenty times. Throughout the tournament's history no team had ever lost 22 times and not been relegated, but Ange Postecoglou's side retained their top flight status.

Arsenal meanwhile endured another season of near misses as Mikel Arteta faces questions. For a third year on the bounce they were runners-up in the league whilst they had to deal with semi-final losses in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

Joe Cole urges Tottenham to appoint ex-England teammate as Ange Postecoglou replacement

If Tottenham decide to sack Ange Postecoglou despite his Europa League win, Joe Cole reckons Michael Carrick would be the ideal man to replace him in north London

Joe Cole is tipping former Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick to become the club's next manager if they decide to part ways with Ange Postecoglou in the coming weeks.

Big Ange still appears on the brink despite guiding Spurs to a first trophy since 2008 by landing last month's Europa League. That is because of a dire domestic campaign that saw them lose 22 matches and finish in 17th position.

And if chairman Daniel Levy decides to part ways with Postecoglou soon, Cole reckons current Middlesbrough boss Carrick would be the ideal candidate to take over because he already knows how the club works from his time as a player. Cole also would like to see Glenn Hoddle return to Spurs in an advisory capacity.

Cole told Paddy Power: “At Tottenham, Daniel Levy is running out of managerial candidates for the job. He’s gone big, he’s gone bold, and he’s gone off the beaten track, but none of them seem to have worked.

“Michael Carrick could be a good option for the manager’s job. An ex-Spurs player, who understands the club, would be quite nice.

“Also, I’d like to see Glenn Hoddle back at the club in some capacity. I know Tottenham fans would love to see him back and he’s got the best football brain I know.

“I’d love to see Glenn Hoddle back in the club in some capacity, maybe supporting Michael Carrick. The club needs bringing together because it was really torn at times last season.”

Postecoglou won 47 of his 101 matches in charge of the club, drawing 15 and losing 39. And he had recently said he was confident that the club could push on enjoy a period of success after putting an end to the long wait for a trophy.

"I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while, and you just have to look at those clubs' trajectory even after I've left, they're still competing for things," he told Australian media last week.

"I really think this is a moment in time where this club can really push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis."

Spurs have already been linked with Fulham's head coach Marco Silva, who is yet to open talks over a new deal at Craven Cottage, along with Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Brentford's Thomas Frank.

Tottenham may look to sell captain Son Heung-min in the summer transfer window in order to fund a squad rebuild. Son has been with Spurs for 10 years, making 454 appearances for the club, but there is a feeling his time could be coming to an end.

The Telegraph reports that, with one year left on his existing contract, Spurs feel the time is right to wave goodbye to a club legend. Son has attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs and this is the last transfer window in which he could generate a decent fee.

The 32-year-old forward has 173 goals and 101 assists for Tottenham since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. But while he returned 11 goals and 10 assists in 46 games, he showed obvious signs of regression in the 2024/25 season.

Spurs triggered a one-year extension in his deal in January to protect his transfer value and he could be targeted by a Saudi club this summer. The South Korean international is extremely famous in Asia and could still be an asset in the Pro League.

Tottenham ended a 17-year wait for silverware by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final last month, but are still planning a major overhaul. Manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to be sacked by chairman Daniel Levy and it seems Son could also be a high-profile victim of the changes.

He is currently away on international duty with South Korea, who face Iraq and Kuwait in World Cup qualifiers over the next week. But he is not expected to play in either match, with South Korea only needing a point from the two games to qualify.

Son missed the last Spurs game of the season with a foot injury and did not appear in the club's kit launch for the 2025/26 season.

Were he to leave this summer, Son would do so with his status as a club legend secure. He has been a reliable performer for 10 years and was able to lift the Europa League thanks to Brennan Johnson's goal in Bilbao.

"Let's say I'm a legend. Why not? Only today!" Son told TNT Sports. "17 years nobody has done it, so with such amazing players yeah today's the day. Probably today I will say I'm a legend of this club.

"I feel amazing. This is what I've always dreamed for and today is the day it happened. Dream came really, really true. I'm so so happy. I am the happiest man in the world."

After a short holiday, former England and Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason was given time to deliberate and has now decided to accept West Brom’s offer

Tottenham coach Ryan Mason is set to land his first managerial role after agreeing to take over at West Brom. West Brom have been on the hunt for a new manager since Tony Mowbray was dismissed on April 21.

Mason quickly emerged as a leading candidate, but Spurs’ roller-coaster 2024-25 campaign – in which they secured Europa League success – only ended on May 25. After a short holiday, the former England midfielder was given time to deliberate and has now decided to accept West Brom’s offer.

It brings a seven-year coaching career at Tottenham to an end for Mason, who progressed through the club’s academy to also play 70 times for his boyhood team. Mason was forced to cut short his playing career in 2018 at the age of 26 after he sustained a fractured skull in a Premier League match for Hull away to Chelsea a year earlier.

A decade on from earning his solitary England cap against Italy, the London-born coach will embark on his first managerial role in the Championship.

Highly-rated coach Mason held talks with Belgian club Anderlecht in October before a mutual decision was made to remain at Spurs, which enabled the 33-year-old to play his part in the club’s first trophy since 2008.

After two previous caretaker stints at Tottenham, including leading the club into the 2021 Carabao Cup final, Mason has long been tipped for a future in management.

Mason initially started coaching at youth level for Spurs upon his retirement in 2018 before being promoted to Antonio Conte ’s coaching staff three years later not long after a seven-game spell as interim boss.

Another caretaker role came in 2023 following Conte’s departure before Ange Postecoglou kept Mason as part of his backroom team.

After a further two years as Tottenham first-team coach, Mason will take over West Brom after they finished ninth in the Championship.

Mowbray was dismissed in April after their play-off hopes ended despite only being hired in January to replace Carlos Corberan, who left to take over at Valencia.

Mason, whose contract at Spurs was up this month, will be tasked with leading West Brom back into the top flight for the first time since 2021.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is expected to make a decision over whether to sack Ange Postecoglou this week but another key figure at the club has announced her exit

Tottenham have confirmed that Donna-Maria Cullen has stepped down from her role as a non-executive director. The news comes at the start of a week where the club are expected to make a decision on whether to sack Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs supremo Daniel Levy will make the final call on Postecoglou. Fans want the 59-year-old to stay after winning the club's first major trophy in 17 years in last month's Europa League final, but the former Celtic chief could yet pay the price for an abysmal Premier League campaign, with Spurs finishing 17th.

An official announcement on Postecoglou's future is expected soon. But Cullen's departure was officially announced by the club on Monday morning.

She said in a statement: “This has been such a hard decision to make. The Club has been my life for the past three decades. I have had the privilege of working with Daniel, whose vision and energy has driven the Club forward, and so many talented and wonderful colleagues.

“It has been quite some journey, starting at White Hart Lane, with a brief stay at Wembley and finally our new home - amazing memories home and away. Ending this season with the Europa League Trophy was a dream come true.

“The time is now right for me to gather more time for myself and my family, whom I thank for all their support over the years. I shall spend the coming months ensuring there is a smooth handover with my staff. Thank you all. I wish everyone at the Club all the success in the world.”

Levy thanked Cullen for her "immense contribution" to Tottenham over such a significant period and paid tribute to the work she had done in terms of the environment and diversity.

He added: “Donna has pushed the conscience of the Club to be at the forefront of environmental and diversity initiatives. She also played a crucial role in supporting the amateur part-time Spurs Ladies, enabling the development of our professional women’s team.

“Her daily input will be greatly missed, however she fully deserves to take time for herself, and I know that we shall be able to call upon her advice when needed. We wish her well for the future.”

Tottenham fans are expecting to hear from Levy again shortly with some reports claiming that he has already made the decision to sack Postecoglou. Knowledge of contact with Thomas Frank, the Brentford manager, has already done the rounds over the weekend.

Postecoglou, though, stressed once again that he is planning for the future - and more success - with Spurs in a new documentary which hit the airwaves in Australia on Sunday.

“I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment,” he revealed to the Australian Story when he was asked about his tease over 'season three' at Spurs' Europa League victory parade.

“I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again.”

Ange Postecoglou's future as Tottenham manager is yet to be confirmed but talks with another Premier League boss suggest that Daniel Levy has already made his decision

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou insists that he's planning for the future with Spurs, despite claims that Daniel Levy has decided to sack him. Postecoglou, 59, ended Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought earlier this month, as they beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final.

But it came off the back of a disastrous Premier League season. Spurs finished one place above the relegation zone, losing an astonishing 22 league games.

It was the most defeats any side has suffered in a 38-game Premier League campaign without being relegated and marked Tottenham's worst top-flight finish in 48 years. But Postecoglou is looking ahead to his third year in charge, even though it's been reported that chairman Levy is ready to wield the axe.

Spurs are said to have held talks with Brentford manager Thomas Frank over becoming their new boss. Fulham manager Marco Silva and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are also in contention.

It comes after Postecoglou told fans at Tottenham's Europa League victory parade that for all the best TV shows: "Season three is better than season two."

What did he mean by that? "I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment," he revealed to the Australian Story ahead of a new documentary which was televised on Sunday evening in Australia. "I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this.

"We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again."

Postecoglou has previously labelled media speculation over his future 'weird'. "I'll be honest, I've been finding it really weird talking about my future when we've done something unprecedented," the Aussie-Greek manager told reporters after Spurs lost 4-1 at home to Brighton on the final day.

Who should manage Tottenham next season? Give us your pick in the comments section.

"I've had to answer the questions because no one else at the club is kind of in the position to do so, I guess. But I can't answer that question about me and my future, and part of me is kind of thinking, well, why have I been asked that question? But it is what it is.

"And I've got no doubt, though, that this could be a real sort of defining moment for this club because wherever I've been, I've kind of made an impact where I've brought success to a club that hasn't had for a while, and you just have to look at those clubs' trajectory even after I've left, they're still competing for things.

"I really think this is a moment in time where this club can really push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis."

Ange Postecoglou remains under huge pressure at Tottenham despite guiding the club to their first trophy in 17 years, with the Australian at risk of the sack after losing 22 games across the Premier League season

Tottenham have reportedly held talks with Brentford boss Thomas Frank as they continue to weigh up the future of under-fire Ange Postecoglou. The Australian guided Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League, but is still under pressure after the team finished 17th in the Premier League.

It was Tottenham's worst league finish since they were relegated in 1976-77 and the team's 22 defeats are the most by a team in Premier League history without going down.

Speculation is rife that Tottenham could opt to axe Postecoglou in the wake of their woeful results, despite delivering the trophy the club desperately craved.

Reports from French outlet Foot Mercato are now claiming that Spurs have opened negotiations with Frank after his impressive work at Brentford.

It's reported that Frank has already discussed his vision for the club in talks and has even named some transfer targets he would like to sign.

The outlet claims Frank is "one of the favourites" to take over should Postecoglou be axed, but is not the only manager on the club's shortlist.

It adds that Postecoglou is in a "strange position" in north London ahead of holding formal talks over his position next week.

Football London has reported that chairman Daniel Levy is planning to implement huge changes at the club this summer in line with the arrival of new CEO Vinai Venkatesham.

Postecoglou was quizzed about his future after the club's final game of the season - a 4-1 home los to Brighton - and admitted it was " weird " he was being quizzed about it despite delivering a trophy.

"I will be honest, I have been finding it really weird talking about my future when we have done something unprecedented," he said. "I have had to answer the questions because no-one else at the club is in the position to do so, I guess.

"I have got no doubt, though, that this could be a real defining moment for this club, because wherever I have been, I have made an impact where I have brought success to a club that hasn’t had it for a while.

"You just have to look at those clubs’ trajectory even after I left, they are still competing for things. I really think this is a moment in time where this club could push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis.”