Football London

Pop sensation Robbie Williams aimed a trademark cheeky dig at Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night during the first night of his stay in London.

Williams was performing on the pitch at the Emirates Stadium on the second night of his European tour that shall also visit the homes of Ajax, RB Leipzig and Espanyol. The 51-year-old, who supports newly promoted League One club Port Vale, took the opportunity on stage for some football-related audience participation.

The Take That member began by asking Arsenal supporters in the crowd to cheer if they supported the Gunners. He then asked those who don't support Arsenal to boo.

Following this, Williams rhetorically asked the crowd: "How far away are Arsenal from a European trophy," to which he replied: "Four f****** miles," which gained a cheer from the audience as the singer waved that off to suggest he was only joking.

Williams' comment was of course referencing Arsenal's fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur who won the Europa League last month against Manchester United. The Gunners meanwhile finished the campaign empty-handed but did finish 34 points above Spurs and qualified for the Champions League.

Despite his dig at Arsenal, it appears that Williams enjoyed his gig at the Emirates Stadium, taking to X to write: "London, that was a phenomenal show last night… See you again tonight for BRITPOP round 2. Rob x."

The singer will complete his residency at the Emirates Stadium tonight before his tour moves on to Manchester's Co-op Live Arena on Tuesday night. Williams' next appearance at a football stadium will be on Thursday, June 19 when he plays FC Copenhagen's Parken in Denmark.

Lucas Bergvall held Ange Postecoglou like a father. He wrapped his arm around this manager and turned towards him, beaming. On Postecoglou's left shoulder, Bergvall's hand rested for support. They are on the platform ready to lift the Europa League, Tottenham's first piece of competitive silverware for 17 years.

It is Postecoglou who has trusted Bergvall more and more throughout the season, taking him from Premier League newbie to emerging star. This is how the teenager repaid that love and faith.

Postecoglou is not, quite ironically, an arm-around-the-shoulder manager. He can be distant and blunt. This feels in contrast to the rousing speeches he gave to the Spurs players and brutal honesty he showed with the media.

The 59-year-old is so expressive and has such strong uncle vibes that it can be hard to imagine him not giving back to those who he spends so much time with. That is not how he prefers to operate, though.

Bergvall's youthful response is one way the players showed their thanks to Postecoglou. Others had different methods. James Maddison, for example, was there with the banner of his coach. "I don't usually win things, I ALWAYS win things in my second year," it said.

Quoting Postecoglou's now etched in folklore statement to Sky Sports, it is the sort of thing seen on social media rather than by professional players. Postecoglou was edited into a pair of cartoon glasses as he smiled with the Europa League trophy.

This display was clearly made before the final. Pedro Porro's decision to jump on his manager's back, a la Bobby Moore winning the World Cup, as he punched the air in celebration, was quite the image as well. Many will ask where this devotion and outpouring of emotion had been throughout the start of the Premier League season. No matter the results, though, Postecoglou never lost the changing room.

He constantly defended them in press conferences. He took the headlines, shielding his players and staff from the scrutiny. That trust paid off with Spurs always holding a belief that their European season would end in glory even if it meant essentially throwing away league matches in the process.

It was a call by Postecglou, as he rotated the team to keep things fresh for the more important midweek commitments, which paid. Not everyone was on board with it in north London but the players did not waver.

Postecoglou stood by the youngsters as he fielded midfielders Archie Gray and Bergvall in defence. He was staunchly behind Mathys Tel after his loan move, and Guglielmo Vicario was consistently praised for having such a caring soul.

The tactical side to his game, which was daring, entertaining, and brave, may have been widely panned, but Postecoglou's man management cannot be doubted. No matter what happened in this season for Tottenham on the negative side, there was reciprocal support from the pitch to the dugout.

Postecoglou was there to take the daggers and accept blame when it came. Now he has been sacked, Daniel Levy will have questions to answer because the Tottenham players have come out loudly to thank Postecoglou.

The wave of fan dissatisfaction at the decision to move on from Postecoglou was scarcely believable even two months ago. Many will have gone into the final in Bilbao expecting to still be Postecoglou Out with victory only to be turned by the sheer emotion of it.

As mentioned, the players managed to ignore the noise and delivered a strong defensive display. They showed heart and solidity in the run to the final and then more.

It shines through in the way that almost every first-team player has already written about Postecoglou online. Porro was the first to speak out.

"Thank you for everything, boss," he posted on Instagram alongside images of the pair hugging and celebrating throughout the season. "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 [white heart emoji]".

Club captain Son Heung-Min also went before long. He had started to be phased out by Postecoglou after dropping in form and hitting patches of injury, but it did not mean his words were diluted.

"Gaffer," Son started, "You’ve changed the trajectory of this club. You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did.

"You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it’s had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

"You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It’s been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you."

Notably, Son closed out: "Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate. [white heart emoji]"

James Maddison, who was one of the biggest success stories under Postecoglou in the first few months of his tenure, wrote even more. "Gaffer, where to start," he posted on Saturday afternoon, almost a whole day on from the news that Postecoglou was being dismissed.

"Firstly, thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club that I now call my home. Your instant belief in me to not only sign me but make me the clubs vice captain & part of the leadership group from the get go is something I’ll always be thankful for.

"Secondly for the Europa league campaign that started in our stadium on gameweek one and finished perfectly with that special night in Bilbao. You led us to victory and we’re European champions and in this clubs history books because of you and your winning mentality.

"Lastly and most importantly is how you are as a man and a person. Your unwavering self belief and strong mindset is infectious and a massive reason in why you were the man to end this clubs 17 year drought for a trophy.

"A family man with great morales & I have honestly learnt so much from you. More than you will probably ever know. All the very best.

Madders [white heart emoji]".

This is far from the end of the messages. Listed below is a roundup of how the Tottenham players responded on Instagram to the news.

*Editors note: These have been taken directly over from Instagram. The occasional spelling and grammar mistake are as written by the player*

Lucas Bergvall: "Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for bringing this club a European trophy and memories to last a lifetime for us and every Spurs fan around the world. Wishing you all the best [white heart emoji]".

Micky van de Ven: "Gaffer, Thankyou for everything! Believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club. Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us and kept pushing us.

"Big part of the success from the club this year, and forever grateful that u made me part of it. All the best [white heart emoji]".

Richarlison: "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 [prayer hands and clapping emojis]".

Guglielmo Vicario: "Boss, I just want to say a massive thank you for everything you have done for me and for all of us. From that very first call, right from the beginning, you always showed so much belief in me.

"Giving me the opportunity to be part of the leadership group… those moments, and many others, will stay with me forever. You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to.

"What we achieved TOGETHER will stay in the history books. Wishing you nothing but success as I know you will go on to achieve more and more. Thank you, Boss. Forever grateful, Vic."

Dominic Solanke: "Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy, Won’t ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure [prayer hands and white heart emojis]".

Brennan Johnson: [Posted to his story] "Thank you for everything gaffer. [white and blue heart emojis]

Destiny Udogie: [Posted to his story] "A lot needs to be said, but I just want to thank you for the work you did and for believing in me over this past 2 years. I wish you the vert best for everything that's coming your way [prayer hands emoji]"

Mikey Moore: [Posted to his story] "Thank you for everything boss [white heart emoji]"

Pape Matar Sarr: "To the boss, thank you for being a part of my journey. You have made me a better player, a better man and most of all you made history with every single one of us. For that, I will always be grateful. Wish you all the best gaffer [prayer hands and white heart emojis]"

Kevin Danso: "Thank you for everything, Gaffer. We’ve accomplished something special [trophy emoji]. Wishing you nothing but the best for your future [prayer hands emoji]".

Archie Gray: [Posted to his story] "Thank you for everything gaffer [white heart emoji]"

Radu Dragusin: [Posted to his story] "Thank you for everything,Gaffer"

Ange Postecoglou has been sacked and Tottenham once again start the all-too familiar search for a new head coach.

Whoever comes in will be chairman Daniel Levy's fifth permanent manager in the last six years, following plenty of tumult since Mauricio Pochettino's removal from the role in 2019.

Postecoglou was well liked in the Tottenham dressing room and there has been a huge outpouring of support for him in the aftermath of the decision made on Friday evening.

Pedro Porro, Son Heung-min, Micky van de Ven, Lucas Bergvall, Richarlison, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke, Mikey Moore, Kevin Danso, Pape Matar Sarr and Brennan Johnson have all taken to social media to give their thanks to the Australian.

Others may have posted and more may well do so in the coming hours and days, such was Postecoglou's popularity.

And it is his popularity - and ultimate sacking - that may well lead to certain players deciding to follow him out of the exit door and leave the club too.

One of those is Cristian Romero. He has been linked with an exit from Spurs a number of times already, with Real Madrid linked with making a move for him, while rivals Atletico Madrid have also shown an interest recently.

Romero enjoyed working with Postecoglou, who made him vice-captain in N17, and the Argentinian had looked set to stay at the club, but that position may change now.

And he has already hinted at a transfer decision in what he said after the Europa League final win over Manchester United.

Romero said: "I have no doubt that staying together led us to success. We must continue; this is the path."

That is no longer the path, because Postecoglou has been sacked and Romero may well think his time in north London is up now too.

Daniel Levy has a big decision to make at Tottenham.

Having sacked Ange Postecoglou on Friday evening, the Tottenham chairman is now on the lookout for his fifth permanent manager in six years.

Postecoglou spent exactly two years in the job in N17, becoming only the third manager in Spurs history to win a European trophy, having guided the team to Europa League success over Manchester United in Bilbao.

There are plenty of names in the frame to replace Postecoglou in north London, with Thomas Frank and Marco Silva the top contenders for the job, according to the bookmakers.

But there is one name that will always be synonymous with a Tottenham managerial search - Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino spent five years with Spurs, from 2014 to 2019, and was one of the most successful managers in recent times, without winning a trophy.

The Argentinian was much loved in N17 and hugely popular with those behind the scenes at the club and the supporters.

He has openly admitted that he still has huge affection for the Lilywhites, and has said he has unfinished business at Spurs. Speaking in an interview earlier this year, Pochettino said: "I remember one interview I said I would like to come back to Tottenham. Still after six years or five years, I still feel in my heart that one day I would like to come back, we will see with timing.

"I would like one day to come back. Not because of my ego, it is because my feeling is I would like one day to win with Tottenham. We were so close and it was so painful."

Pochettino is as low as 10/1 and as high as 25/1 to replace Postecoglou at the helm. Given his current job with the USA men's national team, and a World Cup in 2026 taking place in the USA, Canada and Mexico, any move to bring Pochettino back is highly unlikely.

But that will not stop the links.

Pochettino wants to return, as long as the timing is right and it is clear the timing is not right currently. But links will not go away all the while Spurs need a new head coach.

Levy will not like admitting he has made a mistake and bringing Pochettino back will signal that he may have made a mistake in letting him go in the first place.

Pochettino would be a hugely popular appointment and Spurs were in talks to bring him back to the club in 2021, just two years after he was sacked, when Spurs eventually moved to bring Nuno Espirito Santo to the club.

There is no indication that Levy will make the phonecall to Pochettino to see if he wants to return this summer, but what is clear is that the Argentine will continue to be linked with a return to N17 every time the managerial position is vacant. And that will only end when he finally agrees to take the hotseat in the home dugout at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium once more.

Tottenham are now looking for a new head coach after Ange Postecoglou was brutally sacked on Friday.

Winning the Europa League was not enough for the Australian and ultimately it was Spurs' atrocious Premier League form that cost him his job. "The board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place," Tottenham said in a statement.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is the favourite to take over from Postecoglou, although the likes of Marco Silva, Xavi and Andoni Iraola are also reportedly in the running. Chairman Daniel Levy and new Spurs chief executive Vinai Venkatesham are set to lead the search for a new boss, with the club confirming any news of an appointment "will be announced in due course".

Spurs would have to pay a fee to obtain Frank's services, although it's said Tottenham chiefs have already met with intermediaries to discuss a potential move for the Brentford boss. So, should the Lilywhites make their move for Frank? Is the Dane the right man? football.london's writers have their say, below.

Sam Truelove

I do like Thomas Frank. My only concern is whether the 51-year-old can make the jump from mid-table Premier League to the Champions League.

The Danish coach has done a spectacular job at Brentford since becoming their head coach in 2018, taking them from the Championship and turning them into European contenders in the Premier League. Tottenham would be a totally different job, though, and the pressure would ramp up significantly.

There are not many names out there that excite me at the minute and Frank probably deserves his shot. He needs time and a few transfer windows though, which he has been given at Brentford, to mould the team how he would like. Postecoglou was given two years and won the club's first trophy in 17 years and it still wasn't enough. Good luck, Thomas.

Verdict: Appoint Thomas Frank

Lee Wilmot

The problem I have with sacking Ange Postecoglou is that many of the names to replace him at Tottenham are pretty underwhelming. Daniel Levy's message was that he wants someone capable of challenging on all fronts, something Postecoglou openly failed to do this season when prioritising - rightly in the end - the Europa League.

Thomas Frank has barely had any experience of European football, but, anyone out there always need to be given their first opportunity by someone and that looks like it could be Spurs.

Frank certainly plays the kind of football that will get the Tottenham fans on board, it's high intensity, possession-based and it's clear to see he's done an incredible job with Brentford.

If he brings Bryan Mbeumo with him, I'm all for it! Frank certainly looks like the best candidate out there if Andoni Iraola is staying at Bournemouth, as it appears, and with Mauricio Pochettino never likely to leave the USA job before the World Cup.

Verdict: Appoint Thomas Frank - reluctantly

Amie Wilson

The job that Thomas Frank has done at Brentford is brilliant, and, as much as I hate this as a fan of one of the ‘smaller’ clubs, he does deserve the chance to take the step up and prove himself at one of the ‘big six’.

I rate him as a manager and he always comes across brilliantly in interviews that I’ve seen. My one reservation is that he’s been at Brentford for so long that the club is pretty much built around the way he works, which wouldn’t necessarily be the case at Spurs.

Sometimes a manager just fits a club and a club fits the manager, who then struggles when moving on to other clubs. Could that be the case with Frank?

It’s a risk that I think Tottenham will however have to take, the manager has done a brilliant job in his time at Brentford. He deserves the chance to show he can now do it elsewhere too.

Verdict: Appoint Thomas Frank

Tom Coley

Frank is a wonderful manager. He has had the time to build at Brentford and it really feels like his club. There is a lot to like, and without insulting Tottenham, this feels like the step up without being a leap right to the very, very top that he deserves.

Let us not forget that Frank had an attacking Brentford side in the Championship before adapting to life in the Premier League. In terms of his flexibility, he is the complete opposite of Postecoglou.

The worry is, can anyone actually achieve at Tottenham in this state? And by achieve, this means in the league. There was such unrest throughout the season at Postecoglou and Levy. The anger directed towards the board and the chairman is not going to die down.

Frank is the sort of character who looks able to deal with this but whether or not he can steer the club forward is another question. It feels like a hard job for anyone. Tottenham could do a lot worse than Frank, though.

Verdict: Appoint Thomas Frank

Hannah Pinnock

It may be a somewhat underwhelming pool of candidates, but Thomas Frank easily stands out. His record at Brentford speaks for itself, especially considering they’re a club consistently punching above their weight.

Frank is, at the very least, a Premier League-proven manager, and reports have often highlighted his man-management as a particular strength. It also speaks volumes that he was reportedly under consideration at Manchester United before they eventually appointed Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement last year.

The Dane has previously suggested that managing one of England’s top clubs could be the kind of challenge he needs - and what better challenge than guiding Spurs back into the Champions League? It’s also worth noting that Brentford suffered significantly fewer injuries than Tottenham last season, according to PhysioRoom, which is something to consider given the sheer number of issues Postecoglou had to navigate throughout the campaign.

Tottenham are in the market for a new manager after chairman Daniel Levy made the ruthless decision to sack Ange Postecoglou on Friday evening.

Little more than two weeks on from Spurs' incredible UEFA Europa League triumph in Bilbao, Spain, Postecoglou was sent packing and attention immediately turns to who will take over in N17.

Thomas Frank is the overwhelming favourite, with Spurs reportedly in talks with the Brentford boss even before the news of the Australian's sacking on Friday night.

But there are more names in the frame to replace Postecoglou, and reports in Portugal actually suggest another boss is "very close" to taking over - Marco Silva.

Silva has been the Fulham manager for the past four seasons, turning the Whites into an established Premier League club. Prior to that he enjoyed spells at Everton, Watford and Hull in England.

The Portuguese has been linked with a number of bigger jobs in the past few years, given his work at Craven Cottage and could now be on track to take over in north London.

Record in Portugal, via Sport Witness, state: "Marco Silva is set to swap Fulham for Tottenham. Marco Silva is very close to taking over as Tottenham coach.

"Record knows that the agreement between the parties is close to being reached and everything suggests that the Portuguese coach will succeed Ange Postecoglou, who was fired yesterday.

"Everything points to Marco Silva being the chosen one."

Postecoglou prioritised the Europa League this season when there was no chance of finishing in the European places in the Premier League nor getting relegated from the top flight.

And it is clear in the Tottenham statement that challenging on multiple fronts is key for the new manager.

The Spurs statement read: "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."

Tottenham will once again head to Asia as they prepare for the 2025/26 campaign. After visiting Japan and South Korea 12 months ago, this year the Lilywhites, who will have a new man at the helm following Ange Postecoglou's dismissal on Friday evening, will return to South Korea but also play a match in Hong Kong.

Fierce rivals Arsenal will be Tottenham's opponents at Kai Tak Stadium on Thursday, July 31 in what is set to be the first North London Derby played outside of the UK. Tottenham then have a friendly against Newcastle United to come in South Korea, with a date still needing to be confirmed for the match.

Prior to their UEFA Super Cup final clash with Champions League winners PSG in Udine, Italy, Tottenham will once again face Harry Kane's Bayern Munich after playing them twice last summer. This time the match takes place at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Thursday, August 7.

As ever, a number of the club's youngsters will make the pre-season tour squad and game time could potentially be there for them as they look to force their way into the 2025/26 season plans. But who exactly could be given a chance in the friendly games? football.london takes a look at each position below.

Goalkeepers

Unless he has already secured a loan move elsewhere, Josh Keeley should be in a good position to make the squad for the pre-season tour. The shot-stopper was outstanding during his season with Leyton Orient and Tottenham fans are desperate to see him in action.

The issue for Keeley, though, is the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin are ahead of him in the pecking order right now. The Irishman will be keeping his fingers crossed that he gets an opportunity to play.

Defenders

George Abbott got a decent amount of minutes to his name last summer and impressed when he was on the pitch for Postecoglou. Subsequently joining Notts County on a season-long loan deal in August, the academy star will return a much better player after making a real impression for the League Two club.

Abbott should be in a strong position to feature again in pre-season due to his versatility. Alfie Dorrington unfortunately missed out Tottenham's 2024 pre-season schedule but he did go on to make his senior bow off the bench in the win over Southampton in December.

Spending the second half of the campaign on loan with Aberdeen, the 20-year-old will be desperate to get an opportunity on the tour of Asia after his absence 12 months ago. Ashley Phillips is also in the same boat as Dorrington as he is still waiting for his Tottenham chance and he could quite easily head out on loan next season.

Even in the first couple of friendlies at Hearts and QPR when Postecoglou had no senior centre-backs at his disposal, Phillips had to settle for a place on the bench before coming on. It really is a big pre-season for the ex-Blackburn Rovers man as his Tottenham career has failed to get off the ground so far.

This summer may also give fans their first glimpse of Luka Vuskovic in a Tottenham shirt. The young Croat was excellent during his season-loan loan spell with Westerlo in Belgium and he appears to have a huge future ahead of him.

Tottenham pulled off quite the transfer coup when they confirmed his arrival in September 2023 and just why they wanted to quickly tie a deal up for him may become clear for all to see in pre-season.

Midfielders

Jamie Donley delivered some sensational performances for Leyton Orient during his year on loan and an opportunity in the Tottenham XI will likely come his way. Given the injuries Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison sustained at the end of the season, Donley could even be handed a starting berth in an attacking midfield role.

He just needs a sustained run of games to show that he can play a part for Tottenham next season. Alfie Devine is someone who has wowed over the past couple of summers but has always headed out on loan rather than remaining in N17.

Donley's recent development could potentially impact Devine but all will become clear in pre-season. It is a big summer for the ex-Port Vale loanee as he bids to make his name at Tottenham.

Callum Olusesi was a regular in the Tottenham squad at times last season due to the amount of injuries the team had to contend with. He did go on to make his senior debut in the Europa League win away at Hoffenheim but he was never introduced from the bench after that.

Olusesi will be hoping that opportunities do come his way across pre-season as it is the game time he requires right now to show that he can be a part of Tottenham's future.

Attackers

Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear were shining lights on Tottenham's pre-season tour last summer. The former really caught the eye and contributed with goals against Hearts and Vissel Kobe, with the latter finding the net against the Scottish side and Team K League.

Lankshear did in fact move ahead of Alejo Veliz and Dane Scarlett during the pre-season campaign and got a good amount of minutes to his name. Scarlett really needs everything to come together for him in the summer.

The striker underwent groin surgery towards the end of the season to ensure that he is ready to make his mark in pre-season. Scarlett, who scored in the Europa League win over Elfsborg, did have an impact in his game time during the second half of the campaign and he could be a good third-choice striker option for the team next term.

Damola Ajayi also scored in the Elfsborg game and minutes could potentially follow this summer. Finally, Yang Min-hyeok could prove to be a very popular figure in South Korea as he returns to his homeland following his move to Tottenham from Gangwon FC.

The winger did not feature for Spurs prior to going on loan to QPR, where he went on to impress in what remained of the Championship season. It remains to be seen what Spurs have planned for Yang going into next term but they will want to take a good look at him before making their final decision.

Harry Redknapp believes the writing was on the wall for Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham as soon as Daniel Levy refused to back him publicly after the Europa League final last month. On Friday, Spurs confirmed that the Australian had been sacked.

Despite winning the club's first trophy in 17 years, Postecoglou was dismissed following a 17th-place Premier League finish. In a statement, Tottenham explained that "the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place."

Tottenham added: "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."

They are now searching for yet another new head coach after appointing Postecoglou during a roller coaster summer in 2023 when Arne Slot was initially targeted. For Redknapp, there was only one decision coming.

"I thought it was a certainty," he told talkSPORT. "[It] doesn't shock me at all because Daniel has had two weeks since the cup final to have come out and say, 'look, he's our manager. Why all this speculation? He's here for next season.' From day one, after that cup, he never came out, Daniel, and said a word, Daniel Levy. I knew then, for sure, he was finished. It was a certainty. It is not a shock in any shape or form to me."

The reaction to the sacking has been split. On one hand, Postecoglou ended Tottenham's wait for major silverware and delivered a night of immense joy that cannot be rivalled in recent times.

He had grown to be an unpopular figure throughout the season, though, with increasingly abject domestic performances culminating in 22 defeats from 38 league games. It was Levy who felt the brunt of the protests from supporters due to his running of the club.

For Redknapp, the Europa League was not enough. "It's harsh," he started, before adding, "Well, it's a difficult one. They were atrocious this year, Tottenham, let's be honest. The league form, fourth from bottom, they've had a shocker. And great, they won the cup, you can win a cup.

"I read Graeme Souness' article the other day, I won a cup. Sometimes you get the luck of the draw and you can do this or do that. They beat Man United. It could have gone either way in the final. But great, they won the cup.

"Look, overall, I suppose Daniel is looking at it and thinking, hang on, [Erik] Ten Hag last year, Man United kept him and they went out and bought some players under his leadership and then suddenly they sack him.

"Now, are they going to take a chance with Ange? Bringing three or four or five new players and then suddenly things haven't improved in the league by Christmas. Then he's got to go and you're stuck with players that he may have brought in.

"Daniel will be looking at all those things. It's harsh. I like him. He looks a good guy. I'd have liked to see him given more chance this year but it was never going to happen once Daniel didn't come out and support him."

What does Redknapp think Levy is after, ultimately? "He's going to want to be up there in that top four, challenging." For many, Tottenham may well be back to square one.

Thomas Frank looks set to be the man to replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham head coach.

Postecoglou was relieved of his duties in N17 on Friday evening after a crazy season in north London. Tottenham lifted their first piece of silverware in 17 years when they won the UEFA Europa League by beating Manchester United in Bilbao.

But Spurs finished the Premier League season just one place above the relegation zone after a record-worst 22 defeats. Postecoglou had made the decision, midway through the season, with no threat of relegation and no hope of finishing in the European places, to focus on the Europa League, and it paid off.

There was consternation among many behind the scenes at the club with that decision to prioritise Europe and that was one of the overlying reasons why he was sacked.

Frank will now be tasked with taking the reins - if he is the one to get the nod as he is the overwhelming favourite with the bookmakers to arrive in N17.

Tottenham officials have reportedly held talks with the Dane, who has spent the last seven years with Brentford, turning the Bees into an established Premier League outfit.

In a statement on Postecoglou's sacking, the Spurs board sent a clear 12-word message to the new manager before he has even started.

In a nod to that Postecoglou decision to prioritise the Europa League campaign, the statement read: "It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts."

The statement went on that the club "believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond".

It is clear that, with Spurs in the UEFA Champions League next season, as a result of that Europa League success, challenging for one trophy - and even winning it - is not enough. Expectations are much higher.

Tottenham's players are "angry" about how the situation surrounding Ange Postecoglou's eventual sacking was handled by the club's board, it has been claimed.

Spurs confirmed in a statement on Friday afternoon that Postecoglou had been relieved of his duties "following a review of performances and after significant reflection".

They added: "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."

Postecoglou's dismissal comes just 16 days after he led Tottenham to their first piece of major silverware in 17 years. Spurs beat Manchester United to win the Europa League in Bilbao.

However, Tottenham's form in the Premier League was dismal. In fact, Spurs finished 17th in the top flight, their lowest finish since the 1976/77 season, having lost 22 of their 38 fixtures.

Despite this, The Telegraph has reported that Postecoglou's departure has angered a number of Tottenham players, with some now wanting to leave. It's added that his replacement will face a huge task to repair a broken dressing room. Thomas Frank has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Postecoglou.

A source told the newspaper: "The players are so angry about what has happened and how it has been handled. The next manager is going to inherit a difficult situation."

As well as Postecoglou, chief football officer Scott Munn has been sacked by Daniel Levy, the club chairman. Former managing director of football Fabio Paratici, who could return to Tottenham in a full-time role and has remained a consultant to Levy, is anticipated to have a significant impact in Postecoglou's replacement.

Postecoglou, who had been left in the dark for two weeks before he was informed of the decision, issued a heartfelt statement to the Tottenham fans after he was sacked.

Postecoglou said: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride. 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 the foundation 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 need 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."