67 Hail Hail

Ange Postecoglou has released a statement via his agency after being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur.

The Celtic hero was dismissed by the North London club’s board after exactly two years at the helm, despite winning the Europa League in May.

Ange left Parkhead for Spurs having won five major trophies in Scotland, and enjoyed a successful first season as Tottenham boss.

They finished 5th in the Premier League and qualified for the Europa League league phase, which ultimately led them to lifting the trophy.

But Ange was responsible for Tottenham’s worst ever Premier League campaign as they finished just above the relegation zone last season with 22 losses from 38 games.

Postecoglou’s statement after Tottenham exit confirmed

Now, after Tottenham’s official confirmation regarding Ange’s sacking, the man himself has released a statement via his agents CAA Base.

It reads as follows: “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.

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“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.”

Sutton and Hartson react to Postecoglou sacking

It didn’t take long before former Celtic strikers Chris Sutton and John Hartson took to social media platform X to share their reactions.

Sutton wrote: “Spurs wanted a manager who could win them a major trophy… they get one and then sack him…”

Hartson also chimed in but posted an X-rated response to the former Celtic manager’s exit from the North London outfit.

He said: “That’s Spurs back to winning f*** all .. my word.”

Tottenham will now begin the process of hiring a new manager, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank emerging already as the frontrunner.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a decision over Ange Postecoglou’s future at the club.

Postecoglou was under severe pressure last season as results in the Premier League dwindled after a successful first campaign in charge.

Spurs ended up finishing 17th in England’s top-flight as they lost 22 games out of a possible 38, their worst ever term in the Premier League.

However, former Celtic boss Ange enjoyed success in the Europa League as Tottenham won the competition after beating Manchester United in the final.

But that hasn’t persuaded ruthless chairman Daniel Levy to keep Ange as manager.

Tottenham sack Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou

According to multiple reliable sources including Sky Sports, BBC Sport and Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have decided to sack Postecoglou.

It comes exactly two years to the day when he was announced as Tottenham’s new manager after leaving Celtic for North London.

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Postecoglou won five major trophies in two seasons at Celtic, which culminated in securing a world record eighth domestic Treble in the Scottish Cup final.

In his first season at Spurs, Ange led the club to 5th in the Premier League and qualification for the Europa League league phase.

His second domestic season, however, was an extremely poor one as Tottenham ended up in 17th, but he promised at the beginning of the campaign that he would win a trophy.

That promise was kept when Brennan Johnson’s goal sealed Europa League glory for Spurs, their first win in the competition since the 1980s.

Tottenham’s full statement confirming Postecoglou exit

After several journalists and news outlets broke the news Ange was to be sacked, Spurs issued official confirmation on their website.

Their statement reads as follows: “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.”

The transfer window officially opened on Sunday with Celtic now able to sign and register new players for the 2025/26 season and beyond.

The Hoops are in a strong financial position to spend on the targets Brendan Rodgers needs to mount another domestic Treble push after missing out in May.

Strikers such as David Strelec and Youssef El Kachati have been heavily linked, as well as wingers Oskar Fallenius and Tyrhys Dolan.

Two of those will require transfer fees, while the other half can be snapped up on free deals, as can a number of Premier League stars whose contracts are expiring.

Of course, many of the players leaving England’s top-flight this month command hefty wage packets, so they will be out of Celtic’s reach.

But there are some realistic deals to be struck, as 67 Hail Hail look at five below.

Jamie Vardy

Vardy has already been linked with Celtic, as well as arch-rivals Rangers. But it would make sense for the Leicester City legend to reunite with his old boss again.

Rodgers would be the key to convincing Vardy for a year in the Scottish Premiership as the 38-year-old’s incredible career begins to wind down.

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Vardy is still fit and firing despite his age, but Celtic may not be fond on delivering a huge pay packet for a striker who is very near retirement.

However, perhaps money means less to Vardy at the moment and the thrill of pulling on the green and white hoops for one of the biggest clubs in world could persuade him to take a wage cut.

Danny Ings

Unlike Vardy, Ings isn’t in the final years of his career and is someone who knows his way around the penalty box as evidenced by his impressive goal-scoring record.

West Ham United have just released Ings as the 32-year-old spent the last two years with the London Stadium outfit.

Ings scored just five goals in 69 games, but that shouldn’t put Celtic off a cheap deal for an experienced campaigner who used to play for Liverpool.

Even though Celtic are a bigger club than West Ham, the Premiership is a significant step down in quality – but that dynamic could suit Ings.

Carlos Vinicius

Carlos Vinicius hasn’t been getting the game time at Fulham that he signed for and the striker will leave the London outfit this summer.

The Brazilian striker spent the latter half of the season on loan at Galatasaray, but only scored two goals in 14 appearances.

However, he’s a talented player and still has plenty to offer aged just 30. Vinicius made a name for himself with Benfica during the 2019/20 campaign.

He scored 24 goals that season before loan spells at Tottenham Hotspur and PSV Eindhoven. Vinicius hasn’t been prolific for Fulham since joining in 2022, but has proven he can score at a good level.

Could Celtic offer him a new direction with newfound admiration and success?

Michael Keane

Former England international Keane has spent the last eight years at Everton, but his time there is likely to come to an end.

Celtic have cover at centre-back, so it’s not a priority position. But there’s a strong chance both Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki leave Parkhead this summer.

Keane is only 32 and could be a great experienced option. The only hindrance could be that he is primarily a right-sided defender and of course, Cameron Carter-Vickers firmly has the position nailed down.

Tom Cairney

Put simply, Tom Cairney is a Celtic fan and for that reason alone, this may not be a difficult deal to negotiate.

A central midfielder, Cairney was born in England but his Scottish dad, hailing from Uddingston, used to take him to Celtic games when he was a kid.

Cairney is a Fulham legend having spent the last decade at the club. But the two-time capped Scotland international will depart at the age of 34.

Celtic are well equipped in this area of the pitch, but Cairney could be a cheap replacement for the Udinese-linked Reo Hatate if the Japanese star is sold.

Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou does things very differently to others on the touchline and the training pitch.

The Europa League-winning manager at Tottenham Hotspur doesn’t like working with the same faces from one job to another.

Postecoglou did that when he left Celtic for Spurs during the summer of 2023 – changing his coaching staff – and now his magic seems to be paying off following that major trophy win.

A lot of clubs in the modern day like to go down the road of appointing young coaches, and English Championship side, West Bromwich Albion, have done just that, and there is a Celtic connection.

Ex-Celtic star Mikey Johnston to be managed by new West Bromwich Albion coach Ryan Mason

Mikey Johnston left Celtic 18 months ago, initially on a loan deal to West Brom, before securing a permanent transfer in the summer.

After West Brom lost their manager – Carlos Corberan to Valencia midway through the last campaign – it derailed their promotion push, and they missed out on a play-off spot.

Johnston was part of that side, and now the former Celtic player is going to be managed by 33-year-old Ryan Mason, one of the youngest coaches in English football.

But not younger than Brighton’s 32-year-old coach Fabian Hürzeler, who is working with Celtic hero Matt O’Riley at the Amex Stadium.

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How did Johnston fare in his debut season at West Brom?

One thing Johnston can’t argue with is the fact that he was given a lot of opportunities at Celtic, but he couldn’t find the suit that would fit.

That’s why it was the right call for Johnston to leave, and he will be hoping to be playing in England’s top-flight sooner rather than later.

The noise around Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou continues to rumble on at Tottenham Hotspur.

This is despite Postecoglou guiding Tottenham to trophy success when they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao last month.

When Postecoglou left Celtic for Tottenham during the summer of 2023, his task was pretty clear: to help the London club win a major trophy because they had been waiting for nearly two decades.

Everywhere the 59-year-old has gone, including winning the Treble at Celtic, he has proven that he can push his teams over the trophy line.

Bearing that in mind, you would think that Spurs would be lauding Postecoglou and looking forward to next season, but think again.

The man making the big calls at the top of Tottenham’s tree is Daniel Levy, and he is friends with talkSPORT pundit, Simon Jordan, who shared an insight into the situation.

Simon Jordan on Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham future

If Ange isn’t wanted at Spurs, then he is more than welcome back at Celtic, a place where he would be appreciated because he isn’t getting it at his current club.

Sacking Postecoglou would be disrespectful enough, given that he has just lifted a major trophy, but making him wait when teams are already planning for next season is pretty poor from the powers that be at Hotspur Way.

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Jordan explained that he hasn’t asked Levy about Postecoglou’s future for two reasons, including how the Spurs chairman is ‘basking in the reflective glory of his team winning something for a change’.

Before taking shots at Ange, including how ‘winning one trophy doesn’t change the culture of a football club’ –

But, of course, continually sacking trophy-winning managers does, right?

“I purposely haven’t asked him,” responded Jordan on if he has asked his friend Levy about Postecoglou’s future.

“A), I don’t think he would tell me. B), I think he should be allowed to bask in the reflective glory of his team winning something for a change, before he gets put behind the eight ball of who replaces the manager.

“The thing about this is that nobody knows the conversations that have been had between Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy.

“People will look at the fact that the team has finished 17th in the league, and say ‘it’s appalling. It can’t be tolerated. If somebody shows you what they are, you should believe them’.

“But other people will say, ‘we have got this monkey off our back’. If you believe what Ange is saying, then it changes the culture. I am not sure that’s right. Winning one trophy doesn’t change the culture of a football club.

“It just gives them an opportunity to reflect on the fact that maybe they could have done things better, and maybe they can do things better going forward.”

Would Celtic fans take Postecoglou back?

Celtic fans understood Postecoglou’s call to leave and try to make a name for himself on the billion-pound stage of the Premier League.

One thing you can’t argue is that he has done that, and some more!

But Postecoglou is better off walking away here, with the Europa League trophy in hand, and letting Tottenham continue in their ways next season.

Ange Postecoglou delivered on his promise, and what a promise it was!

The Celtic hero guided Tottenham to Europa League glory by beating Manchester United in Bilbao last month, and it’s a game the Spurs supporters will remember for a very long time.

Postecoglou managed to end the London club’s near two-decade wait for a trophy, as well as waiting over three decades to lift a European crown.

Yet, the man who won the Treble at Celtic, including winning over many fans with witty ways in the media, as well as his all-action style of play, doesn’t know if he will be in a job next season with the English Premier League side.

The 2024/25 domestic season has come to a close, Postecoglou is on his holidays, and rumours are flying around left, right and centre about his future.

And the latest bit of news isn’t going down well with either the Celtic or Tottenham supporters.

Celtic and Tottenham fans react to Ange Postecoglou’s future

The Celtic Park faithful have made it clear on social media that they would take Postecoglou back in a heartbeat – Brendan Rodgers’ current contract expires next season.

But, amid the news that Postecoglou will be sacked, the Spurs fans aren’t happy with how their former manager is being treated.

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Daniel Levy is the man calling the shots from Spurs’ boardroom, and it now looks like Postecoglou’s time could be up, despite winning a major trophy.

@DogOnDefense warned what will happen if Postecoglou goes: ‘Sack Ange and Cuti is off to Madrid. Bentancur won’t sign a new contract either. Likely sell Son on top of that which would just be depressing. Frank is a good manager but Levy is getting him because he will do things on the cheap first and foremost. The circus continues’.

This Celtic fan, @GuyIncognito21, would take Ange back if he goes: ‘I don’t care. Sack Rodgers and bring Ange back’.

@EL_padrino_78 was another one who raised the question about bringing Ange back: ‘hypothetical question. If you had too choose between Rodgers or Ange who would you want in the dugout for the season ahead’.

@aaryan123456782 used two words: ‘Massive mistake’.

@thfc_zoro thinks Spurs will become a ‘laughing stock’ again if Ange goes: ‘Back to another 20 years of being laughing stocks’.

Another Celtic fan who would welcome Ange back, as @joshxoii added: ‘you’re always welcome back at Glasgow goat 💚’.

@GlynnBusson wants Daniel Levy gone, if Ange is booted out: ‘Levy should be ousted if this is true’.

@TheBhoysPage can’t understand why Spurs are going to sack the Treble-winner at Celtic: ‘Yeah I agree, Ange had a tough run with injuries this season. Really unlucky. He just won a European trophy as well and that kind of thing lifts the whole dressing room. Sacking him now makes no sense at all’.

@Bhoy84Ok expected Ange to be given another chance: ‘I know the Europa is a small tournament for big teams but after winning the first cup in so many years I thought they would give ange another season or atleast let him start it’.

@THFC_fan7 is another unhappy Spurs fan: ‘I’m genuinely so done with this club if we sack ange’.

Postecoglou’s stats at Celtic and Tottenham

Yes, many will point towards Tottenham’s 17th-placed finish in the Premier League, and how that is unacceptable, but this isn’t a team used to winning a trophy or winning titles.

Spurs haven’t been champions of England since 1960, so whilst it isn’t great what happened in the league, you are surely willing to take such a hit because you have won such a trophy.

Either way, this is how Postecoglou’s record at Spurs and Celtic looks on paper.

Ange Postecoglou was a huge success in the colours of Celtic.

When he left Glasgow and joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, he was keen to remove this cloud over the club’s head and win them a major trophy for the first time since 2008.

For years and years, Spurs would get verbally battered and mocked by all, especially their inability to get over the line and secure any type of silverware.

Postecoglou won the Treble at Celtic, including being a success at every other team he managed, so he had the history and winner medals to back it up.

That’s why, after a troubling league campaign in north London, when Spurs won the Europa League final by beating Manchester United in Bilbao last month, there were many of the Celtic Park faithful delighted for their old boss.

Yet, talk of Postecoglou’s future wouldn’t go away, despite lifting some silverware.

Will Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou get sacked by Tottenham Hotspur?

It’s crazy to think that Spurs are even still considering sacking Postecoglou, especially given that he has achieved what no other modern-day manager has done at their club, and that’s win a European trophy.

But amid all this talk that the 59-year-old could be booted out, there are different noises now emerging from Italy, and from a very strong source.

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Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has suggested that the chances of Postecoglou staying have now increased.

You wonder how the Tottenham fans will react to this, but the Celtic supporters will be delighted for their former manager, that’s for sure.

Talking about the future of Fulham boss Marco Silva, who has been linked with Spurs, as well as clubs in Italy.

Di Marzio says Tottenham ‘made moves’ for Silva, but the chances of Postecoglou staying have now ‘increased’.

One of the great things Celtic fans loved about Postecoglou was, not just his all-action style of play, but how he handled himself in the media.

He would say things to lift you off your seat, and proved to be so quotable during his days in Scotland.

But Postecoglou took it to another level in the Premier League because, amid Spurs’ struggles at the start of the season, he reminded everyone that he ‘always wins’ a trophy in his second season.

Tottenham Hotspur fans weren’t the only ones with a big smile on their faces when they won the Europa League in Bilbao.

Given the hero status Ange Postecoglou has at Celtic, he was always going to get the backing and love from his old club during his difficult periods this season.

Yes, Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League table and produced a very poor league campaign, but Postecoglou lifted a trophy in his second season as manager, just as he promised, and now he has hero status at Hotspur Way, just like he does at Celtic Park.

Amid all the talk around Postecoglou’s future, yes, even after he has won a trophy, you still have to plan ahead, especially with the summer transfer market set to re-open.

One former Celtic player, who has worked with Postecoglou in north London, will now depart, and he is set to become available on the transfer market.

Celtic hero Fraser Forster to leave Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur

Fraser Forster is leaving Spurs at the end of June, and he is set to become a free agent.

On Thursday, Celtic announced that third-choice goalkeeper Scott Bain will leave the club, so it will be interesting to see who the club brings in to fill that void.

If Brendan Rodgers wants to sign someone the fans know very well, then look no further than Forster, especially given that he will cost nothing.

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Forster’s Celtic career in numbers

At the age of 37, there is no doubt that Forster can do a job in the background, and certainly help the next crop of talent come through.

Viljami Sinisalo has some great experience around him at Celtic Park, in the form of Kasper Schmeichel, so adding someone like Forster would just make things better.

And, at the end of the day, there aren’t many players out there who know Celtic better than the Englishman.

Ange Postecoglou has been under some serious pressure at Tottenham despite the Celtic hero’s recent trophy success.

Postecoglou won the Europa League last week and it appeared that the former Celtic boss had bought himself some time with the Spurs fans.

However, after Matt O’Riley helped to sink Spurs 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the former Celtic boss appears to be under even more pressure after Postecoglou ended the season in 17th place in the English Premier League.

And that has led to Roy Keane delivering a blistering defence of the ex-Celtic boss as Jamie Redknapp shares what he is ‘hearing’ about Postecoglou’s Tottenham future.

Roy Keane blasts ‘unfair’ media treatment of Celtic hero Ange Postecoglou at Spurs

Keane was perplexed at the lines of questioning Postecoglou faces every week, whether Tottenham’s results are favourable or not.

The former Man United legend has launched a furious defence of the former Celtic man after he was questioned once again about his Tottenham future.

Keane told Sky Sports, “I think it’s unfair to keep asking about the situation, because he’s under contract. I haven’t heard other managers getting asked constantly about whether they are going to be in the job next year.

“Why should he have to answer that? I understand he’ll be under pressure, yeah, but he’s under contract, so I’m fully expecting him to come back, unless, obviously he gets sacked.

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“But he’s obviously on the back of a big success during the week. But their league form, of course, has been shocking. You’d think the fact he’s won a trophy and they’ve got the Champions League to look forward to, he would probably get some sort of backing.

“Again, if he’s under contract why does he have to constantly answer questions on it? I don’t get it really.”

Many would argue that Tottenham’s league form is justification for the continued speculation over the Australian’s Spurs future but surely a European trophy should buy him some time?

Jamie Redknapp has ‘heard lots’ about Postecoglou’s Spurs future

Responding to Keane’s rant, Redknapp has shared what he has been hearing about Postecoglou’s Tottenham future and it doesn’t bode well for the former Celtic man.

Redknapp replied, “I’ve heard lots. I mean, I have said before, if he wins this week in Europe, I think he should keep his job. Forget what’s happened, because it has been such a disappointing campaign.

“It’s almost the most bizarre season, how you can finish so low but still win a European cup. So you have to credit him for that. And that was his brief.

“What he said in mid season was one of the great quotes of all time. You know, I always win something in my second season. It’s almost, you know, alongside, ‘I’d love it if we beat them’, you know, it’s up there, you know, ‘I’m the Special One’.

“To have the audacity to say it and then deliver it was almost blew my mind. But I’m not getting that vibe.

“When I hear him talking yesterday, he said sometimes they kill off the main character in season three. I’m getting that feeling, I’m hearing a few things, not necessarily going in his favour.

“I think he deserves another season.”

Whether Ange gets the time he requires to turn around Spurs’ fortunes is now in the hands of Daniel Levy.

With nothing official coming from the Premier League club yet, it looks like this could be a long summer for the former Celtic man.

Matt O’Riley was back in action once again as the former Celtic treble-winner made another cameo for Brighton against Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham.

O’Riley looks on his way back to full fitness after the former Celtic midfielder was injured in his Brighton debut at the beginning of the season.

The Denmark international has made 23 appearances this season for Brighton albeit mostly from the bench but he has still managed to score two goals and create three assists as the former Celtic midfielder proves he can mix it with the Premier League big boys.

And after having a big hand in Fabian Hurzeler’s side beating Liverpool last week, O’Riley has just made sure Ange Postecoglou’s season fizzles out after Brighton battered Spurs 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yesterday.

Brighton fans tell their board they cannot sell Celtic icon Matt O’Riley

Rumours surrounding O’Riley’s future at Brighton have been doing the rounds towards the end of this season after Roma have been linked with the former Celtic ace.

But it seems that his 14-minute cameo and his goal have urged the Brighton supporters to tell their club to rethink their plans for O’Riley.

@LemmyG10 said, “Really hope that goal can maybe quieten down the noise around Matt O’Riley.

He is a real, real player and no doubt he could be a top tier no.10.

“I don’t know why the club would be (maybe) considering selling him.”

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@MwepuMagic posted on X, “Refreshing to see Brighton are already prepared for the departure of Joao Pedro in the summer. Matt O’Riley’s penalty today suggest he’s the man to replace 75% of Pedro’s goals!”

@sportsponge03 labelled O’Riley as ‘world-class’ and said, “Another member of a deep midfield – will be interested to see how Matt will continue to enhance his creativity in the middle.

“Showed numerous signs, but with the injury and inconsistent form, hoping he can make a jump next season. Know he can be world class.”

O’Riley will look forward to next season where he will be hoping that he stays and helps Brighton kick on in Europe as well as the Premier League.

Matt O’Riley’s first season at Celtic vs Brighton

O’Riley joined Celtic in January 2022 for £1.5m from MK Dons and almost immediately set the heather on fire in his debut against Hearts.

The Danish midfielder made 20 appearances for Celtic for the remainder of that season and with 26 under his belt for Brighton, how do O’Riley’s stats at both clubs match up?

With plenty still to come from O’Riley it’s clear the Brighton supporters want him to hang around the club for a little bit longer.