TBR Football

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as their new manager, following his Tottenham Hotspur exit.

The first managerial exit of the new Premier League has already arrived, just over a week into September.

International breaks are rife for managerial changes, and Nottingham Forest have, rather unsurprisingly, announced Nuno Espirito Santo’s exit.

Nuno’s Forest job came under scrutiny in August as he admitted difficulties in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Marinakis is a big fan of Ange Postecoglou and has now moved to appoint the Australian as Nuno’s successor.

Nick Montgomery set to join Ange Postecoglou at Nottingham Forest

On the one hand, the Greek connections between Postecoglou and Marinakis mean this move to Forest makes some sense.

On the other, Postecoglou’s style of play is the polar opposite of Nuno’s, and implementing that new approach during the season will be tricky.

Postecoglou needs effective coaching to aid Forest’s transition, and two familiar faces look set to join him at the City Ground.

The Telegraph report that both Mile Jedinak and Nick Montgomery are poised to follow Postecoglou to Nottingham.

Both Jedinak and Montgomery were brought to Tottenham by Postecoglou and left the club after his sacking in June.

Jedinak and Montgomery have both started the season out of work, but will return to the Premier League by joining forces with Postecoglou once more.

Mile Jedinak and Nick Montgomery profiled ahead of Nottingham Forest moves

Jedinak was a Premier League regular for Crystal Palace in his playing days, captaining the side until his 2016 move to Aston Villa.

The 41-year-old played under Postecoglou in the Australian national team and joined forces at Tottenham after cutting his teeth in coaching with Villa.

Montgomery was also a Premier League midfielder during his playing career, featuring for Sheffield United in the 2006-07 season.

A Blades hero with almost 400 appearances to his name, Montgomery ended his playing days in Australia with Central Coast Mariners and Wollongong Wolves.

Montgomery caught the eye in charge of Central Coast Mariners, winning the A-League Championship in 2023.

A spell in charge of Hibernian didn’t work out, but Postecoglou was impressed enough with his work in Australia to bring him to Spurs.

Both Jedinak and Montgomery know Postecoglou’s demands and methods perfectly, and will now look to help Postecoglou get off to a fast start at Forest.

Tottenham have several elite players talented enough to represent their country.

Hotspur Way is often devoid of seniority during international breaks nowadays, as the likes of Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Richarlison and others are regularly called up for their respective nations.

Micky van de Ven is another who often jets off – accumulating 14 caps for the Netherlands so far – although the Tottenham No.37 has now been criticised by Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen.

Micky van de Ven told he is a “problem” for Ronald Koeman

Given the fact Virgil van Dijk likes to play as a left-sided central defender, the Tottenham star is usually forced to play at left-back by Ronald Koeman.

However, Driessen believes the Netherlands can do better than Van de Ven in this area, criticising the Dutchman and naming Burnley No.3 Quilindschy Hartman as a more suitable option.

The respected journalist told De Telegraaf’s Kick-off podcast: “The ultimate left-back plays at Burnley. That’s Hartman. He’s the best left-back (for the Netherlands) but he’ll need a few months to get back to his old level.

“Then I think he’s the best left-back on the Dutch national team… Van de Ven has a lot of energy, speed, and strength. He can run really fast to the byline, and then he doesn’t know what to do. That’s a problem.”

Fortunately for Thomas Frank, there is unlikely to be a need for the 24-year-old on the left at Tottenham, with Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence able to play in that role, as well as Ben Davies.

Therefore, Van de Ven, who Jean-Phillipe Mateta hates facing, is only a “problem” for Koeman, and remains one of the best players at Tottenham regardless of his struggles on international duty.

Thomas Frank has reason to ignore Valentijn Driessen and encourage Micky van de Ven

We cannot admit to watching many Netherlands games, but this verdict from Driessen is a surprise considering what Van de Ven has previously displayed in the final third at Spurs.

The Netherlands international memorably ran the entire length of the pitch at Old Trafford to assist Brennan Johnson last season, putting the ball on a plate for the Wales international.

Van de Ven, who Glenn Hoddle admires, also netted a stunning finish to seal a 2-1 win over Burnley back in May 2024, proving he is more than capable of hurting opponents with his technical ability and decision making, rather than just inflicting fear with his impressive physical attributes.

Hopefully, the comments from Driessen do not have a negative impact on the 24-year-old back at Tottenham.

Mathys Tel responds to being dropped from Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League squad with an incredible brace for France U-21.

France U-21 defeated Serbia 3-0 in a friendly, with the Tottenham Hotspur youngster netting twice, including one spectacular strike.

Tel was omitted from Tottenham’s Champions League squad last week in what will have been a tough decision for him to take, having just signed for the North London club.

TBR Football understands that Thomas Frank spoke to Tel about the decision and made it clear that it was not a reflection of his ability.

The Frenchman was believed to be understandably disappointed, but the 20-year-old was quick to respond with two goals for France.

Tottenham fans hail Mathys Tel’s brace for France U-21

Tottenham supporters have been full of praise for Mathys Tel after he netted twice in France U-21’s win over Serbia on Monday evening.

The week prior was a tough one for the youngster after he was left out of Spurs’ Champions League squad, but he didn’t let it get to him in action for France U-21.

Plenty of Spurs fans are adamant that the French youth international will fulfil his potential and have called for him to be given time.

Tottenham paid £30m to sign Tel permanently from Bayern Munich over the summer, so the decision to leave him out of the European squad was a shock.

Jermain Defoe really likes Tel, having watched him in action at the U-21 European Championships over the summer, which says a lot about his ability.

After the game, fans took to X to share their admiration for the striker and are backing him to turn his fortunes around this season.

One fan said: “Tel’s too talented and has a really good head on his shoulders not to succeed. He’ll replace Johnson in the Champions League squad in January and he’s still got a big future for us.

“I’m hoping him and Odobert get a good crack at the left wing spot until January instead of Brennan hogging minutes.”

“I swear, if we give up on this kid, he’s got world-class potential,” claimed another fan.

There was yet more praise for Tel, with another fan stating: “His goal catalogue has multiple goals like this in it, and people are convinced there’s no player there. He just needs games.”

Finally, another added: “Been seeing Spurs fans on here write him off completely in the last few weeks. He’s so talented and was such a coup for them to get him permanently.”

Tel only has to look at Djed Spence’s turnaround at Tottenham to see what is possible in the space of a year.

This time last year, the defender had just been left out of Spurs’ Europa League squad, but on Tuesday evening, he could earn his first England cap.

Mathys Tel on being dropped from Tottenham’s Champions League squad

Tel has admitted that he is disappointed about being dropped from Tottenham’s Champions League squad, but respects Frank’s decision.

The forward said that he plans to work hard to get back into the manager’s thinking and to be reconsidered for the knockout stages.

Tel told Le Telegramme: “It’s clear that when you’re not on a list, it definitely hurts, but I’m someone who stays pretty positive, no matter the situation, because I think I’ve worked a lot on the mental aspect, so today it’s definitely a disappointment.

“I would have liked to be there. But the coach’s choice is the coach’s choice, we can only respect it and we’re going to work to come back in the best possible way.”

After a chaotic transfer window, Tottenham have made yet more changes in the boardroom as Daniel Levy left his post as chairman.

The businessman had been in his post since 2001, helping to transform the club for the better across some key areas.

That included the building of Tottenham’s stadium, moving them on from their old home, White Hart Lane.

Perhaps the greatest legacy of Daniel Levy’s tenure will be the way he moved Spurs into being one of the “big six” in the Premier League.

However, it was far from plain sailing all the time, not least as fans were left frustrated at the football side of things.

A lack of trophies, frustration at a lack of clear direction at times, confusion over transfer business and constant changes on the managerial front all made for a bit of a recipe for disaster.

It’s why many feel more relieved that Levy has left Tottenham, with former Arsenal star Theo Walcott chipping in on the conversation surrounding his exit.

Theo Walcott claims Tottenham fans won’t care about Tottenham business under Daniel Levy with trophies claim

The footballing world is still digesting the news of Daniel Levy’s departure from Tottenham, having been such a leading figurehead for the club over many years.

His early legacy comes with a mixed reception, with uncertainty surrounding all that came under his tenure.

With that in mind, former Arsenal ace Theo Walcott thinks he knows what Tottenham fans will make of his time.

Speaking on The Overlap US, he said: “I think everyone needs to forget separating the football and the business and the ownership and everything.

“What Daniel Levy created with that stadium and the multi-purpose of the stadium itself and everything it’s attracted in that sense of some sponsors and you know some great events. I’ve been to some great events there as well. He’s done his job in that sense. But like you just said there, no one cares about that.

“The fans care about winning things and buying the best player, the most expensive players. I understand and getting the best manager, which they’ve they got a potentially a very good one.

“So I just felt like he was the face to the problems that was going on. I think he kind of took it on the chin and I think it takes a brave man to do that. It really does.”

It’s unclear exactly how Tottenham could look in a post-Levy era, as plenty of changes are likely to be put in place now.

But it seems as though the Lewis family are ready to take that next step with Spurs at an incredibly important time.

Tottenham have the foundations for success after Daniel Levy exit

If there is one thing that Levy did well at Tottenham, it was the setting of the foundations.

Spurs now have an excellent stadium, healthy revenues and facilities that many other teams would be jealous of.

However, those aren’t the things that win you trophies.

They simply provide the foundations for attracting top players to the club, which then takes it to the very next level.

With Levy now out of the picture, there is now hope that this new-look Tottenham could push on and land the players they need to be competitive.

An increase in spending over recent seasons certainly suggests a willingness to do just that.

Micky van de Ven has been speaking about his early moments at Tottenham Hotspur and the Ange Postecoglou decision, which shocked him.

The former Spurs boss was sacked back in June, but is set for a swift return to Premier League action with Nottingham Forest.

TBR Football exclusively revealed on Tuesday morning that Postecoglou was ready to accept Forest’s offer to replace Nuno Espirito Santo.

One of Postecoglou’s best signings during his time in North London, Micky van de Ven, has opened up on his time under the Australian manager.

Micky van de Ven on his Tottenham debut under Ange Postecoglou

Van de Ven has admitted that Ange Postecoglou shocked him when he thrust him straight into Tottenham Hotspur’s line-up against Brentford just days after signing.

Tottenham signed Van de Ven for £34m back in August 2023, and he has proved to be an exceptional addition for the Lilywhites.

The Dutch defender had two or three days of training at Hotspur Way before making his first Premier League start.

The 24-year-old said it came as a surprise to him that Postecoglou was so willing to put him in the team so soon after his arrival.

Van de Ven told SpursOfficial: “I think when I joined, we played Brentford at the weekend for the first Premier League game, I’ve been training two/three days, and the gaffer put me straight into the 11.

“Even I was like, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect this’ he just threw me straight away into the team. I just needed to adapt straight away, and my teammates and everyone at the club welcomed me with open arms, saying, ‘You’re one of us now’.”

Van de Ven quickly clicked at Tottenham and produced a strong performance against the Bees in his Premier League opener, despite the team being held to a 2-2 draw.

Micky van de Ven has been so impressed by Thomas Frank

Van de Ven says he has been blown away by Thomas Frank’s attention to detail in training and his passion for the sport.

The former Bundesliga star claims that the coach has quickly got his ideas across to the group and he already has a great respect from the squad.

Van de Ven said: “You can really see he lives the game, he loves it, every time he speaks about it, he’s on everything.

“Even in pre-season, his vision of football and plan, his tactical play in training, you have to do the drill every time, over and over and over, every day, every second he is on it.

“Even at this point, everybody knows what the gaffer expects and everybody just does it, I have the feeling that he has his way of playing and he’s translated quite quickly to the group.”

Ange Postecoglou could look to his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, in the future for potential transfer targets.

TBR Football exclusively revealed on Tuesday morning that Postecoglou was ready to accept Forest’s offer to replace Nuno Espirito Santo.

The former Spurs boss has now arrived at Forest’s training ground ahead of his official appointment as manager of the football club.

Postecoglou will have to wait to put his own stamp on the team with transfers, but it would come as no surprise if he were to target one of his former Tottenham stars.

Ange Postecoglou would surely love to bring Brennan Johnson back to Nottingham Forest

Ange Postecoglou would surely jump at the opportunity to bring Brennan Johnson back to Nottingham Forest should it come about.

The 24-year-old became a key player under the Australian head coach, as he managed 41 goal contributions in 85 appearances working with him.

But despite his impressive number of goals, Johnson’s performances have been questioned by Tottenham fans, and his future at the club is far from certain.

Thomas Frank’s team were looking at left-wing targets over the summer, with Tottenham trying to sign Savinho from Man City.

Spurs were unable to land one of their targets this summer, but come January or the summer of 2026, they are likely to revisit the situation.

Therefore, that could leave Johnson’s role in the team in some doubt and open the door to his potential departure next summer.

Postecoglou signed Johnson for £47m back in the summer of 2023 and the chance of bringing him back to the City Ground must appeal to him.

Ange Postecoglou hails Brennan Johnson as a ‘constant goal threat’

Postecoglou made it very clear that he was a big fan of Johnson and labelled him as a ‘constant goal threat’ just a few months ago.

The Welsh international proved that during his time under Postecoglou and has already scored two goals in three games under Frank.

Speaking back in April, Postecoglou told the media: “I think that whenever Brennan plays, he’s always a goal threat and he’s been really good for us in terms of goals and assists.

“He’s really important for us in the way we play. I don’t think he’s been inconsistent this year, I just think the general disruptions we’ve had in the team and the inability to get some cohesion within the group have disrupted everyone’s season.

“He’s important for us because as a wide player, there aren’t many around who are a constant goal threat like he is, and I’m really pleased for him today.”

Ange Postecoglou will return to Premier League management after his harsh sacking from Tottenham in the summer, with a move to Nottingham Forest expected.

Forest parted company with popular boss Nuno Espirito Santo on Monday night, and TBR Football understand that Postecoglou is the leading choice to replace him at the City Ground.

Postecoglou struggled to manage the levels of expectation at Tottenham, and despite bringing them a long-awaited trophy last season, former chairman Daniel Levy ruthlessly sacked him.

Levy has since left Spurs, and now Postecoglou has a quick return to the Premier League at Forest, under the unpredictable ownership of Evangelos Marinakis.

Ange Postecoglou has experience of working with demanding owner, spoke of working with Daniel Levy in the past

Postecoglou’s downfall at Tottenham came due to his 17th-placed finish in the Premier League last season, forcing Levy to sack him despite beating Manchester United in Bilbao to win the Europa League and secure a Champions League place.

The Australian has previously been asked about his relationship with Levy, insisting that he was always given the power to match his ambitions at Spurs.

Speaking in November 2024, Postecoglou said: “My dealings with Daniel anyway at the club… I haven’t changed from the moment I took on this task.

“I know what ambitions I have for this football club and there’s been nothing here that I feel has curtailed me achieving what I want to for this football club.

“A lot of that is in my own power, I control a lot of that. The rest of it is trying to get people along for the ride and to believe in what we’re trying to do.”

Ange Postecoglou must now work with Evangelos Marinakis after Nuno Espirito Santo relationship soured

Postecoglou brings Europa League and Premier League experience to Nottingham Forest, but there will be scrutiny from the start on his relationship with outspoken owner Evangelos Marinakis.

Known for public outbursts and a high turnover of managers, Marinakis last season stormed onto the pitch at the City Ground to confront Espirito Santo following a draw against Leicester, later clarifying that he was unhappy at the medical procedure following an injury to striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

Santo defended Marinakis, but would reveal at the start of this season that their relationship had ‘changed’ and they were ‘not that close’.

He added: “Everybody at the club should be together, but this is not the reality.” So if Postecoglou wants to be successful, he will have to ensure he keeps Marinakis happy, learning from his time working with Daniel Levy at Tottenham.

Harry Kane came under fire last week after Michael Owen questioned some of his career decisions.

Indeed, Owen questioned Kane’s decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur to join Bayern Munich, claiming that the striker was ‘nuts’ to make such a call.

Speaking to the BBC, Harry Kane has now responded to those comments.

The striker says that he disagrees with Owen’s statement, claiming that it was definitely the right decision to leave Spurs when he did.

Meanwhile, he also noted that he has improved as a player since joining Bayern Munich.

Kane was seen as ‘underrated’ when he was at Spurs by some, but now, he’s seen as a genuine superstar of the game after winning his first trophy last season.

Harry Kane says he was right to leave Tottenham

Kane responded after his move to Bayern Munich was questioned by Michael Owen.

The striker says that he has respect for Owen, but he does disagree with the idea that he shouldn’t have signed for Bayern Munich.

“Yeah, no, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I have nothing but respect for Michael, he had a fantastic career for both club and England,” Kane said.

“For me at that period it was to go and improve, do better and play for a club challenging in the Champions League and the league.

“That’s what I’ve done, I’ve loved every second of my time at Bayern, it has progressed me on as a player and I’m really happy there.

“I’m sure he didn’t mean it the way it has gone out there in the media, but I make decisions for myself and it was definitely the right one.”

Harry Kane’s record for Bayern Munich

Kane says that his decision to join Bayern Munich was the correct call, and it’s hard to disagree.

As Kane says, he has improved since joining Bayern, and he has tasted silverware success for the first time in his career.

Kane is scoring at a greater rate since leaving Tottenham, and he has that first piece of silverware to his name.

Of course, Tottenham won a trophy last season, but, historically, Bayern Munich are more set up for top-level success than Spurs.

Regardless of what Michael Owen thinks, Kane clearly doesn’t regret his decision to leave Spurs.

Ange Postecoglou looks set to take the Nottingham Forest job, which means he will be facing his former club, Tottenham Hotspur.

TBR Football exclusively revealed on Tuesday morning that Postecoglou was ready to accept Forest’s offer to replace Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nuno clashed with Forest’s board over transfers, and there was also a slight disappointment about performances, with the club having ambitions of playing Champions League football.

Now, the Australian manager is expected to replace Nuno at the City Ground, and that means he will face the club which sacked him just three months ago.

When do Nottingham Forest play Tottenham away?

Ange Postecoglou will make his return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 13 in what could be a fascinating clash.

After winning the Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur, Postecoglou is seen as a bit of an icon in North London, although Premier League results marred that status somewhat.

The 60-year-old is likely to receive a warm reception from the home supporters in mid-December when he does return to his former home.

Postecoglou’s style of play could be fascinating at Forest and will be a rather extreme change from the way Nuno set up the team.

Spurs fans will know well the demands Postecoglou asks of his players, and going from such a defensive set-up to an attacking one will be an interesting transition.

Tottenham tried to sign Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, and the midfielder will now face the team he could have joined with their former manager.

When do Nottingham Forest play Tottenham at home?

Tottenham are due to make the trip to the City Ground on March 21, where they could once again face their former manager at his new home.

Spurs have won two of their three trips to the City Ground in the Premier League since Forest returned to the Premier League back in 2022.

Postecoglou’s Tottenham won 2-0 against Forest back in December 2023, whilst an Antonio Conte team also beat them 2-0, with Harry Kane scoring that afternoon.

James Maddison has given his honest verdict on one of Tottenham Hotspur’s legends who could be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

Since joining over two years ago, Maddison has been quick to embrace the culture of the North London club and has been sticking up for one of Spurs’ legends.

The 28-year-old has already written his own history at Tottenham Hotspur, having been part of the team which won the Europa League back in May.

The midfielder is currently recovering from knee surgery, which is set to sideline him for the majority of the 2025/26 season.

Maddison has now taken to social media to express his admiration for a former Spurs star, whose finishing ability was one of the best the Premier League has ever seen.

James Maddison hails Jermain Defoe

James Maddison has hailed the ability of Tottenham legend Jermain Defoe after he was nominated for the Premier League Hall of Fame.

The former Leicester City star admitted he is a big fan of the England international’s finishing ability, claiming he was one of the best the Premier League has ever seen.

The midfielder wrote on his Instagram story: “One of the best natural finishers the league’s ever seen, in my honest opinion.”

Defoe is the Premier League’s 10th-highest scorer, having netted 162 goals in 496 matches for Spurs, Bournemouth, Portsmouth, West Ham United and Sunderland.

The 42-year-old really established himself in North London as he scored 91 Premier League goals for Spurs in 276 matches.

The striker had three spells at Spurs in 2004-2008, 2009-2014, before briefly returning on loan from Toronto in 2014.

Harry Kane also hailed Defoe as ‘one of the best finishers’ he’s seen, showing just how highly rated the former Premier League attacker is by his fellow pros.

Eden Hazard, Gary Neville, and Michael Owen also nominated for Premier League Hall of Fame

The striker is one of 15 players who have been nominated to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

Just two from the list of nominees will join Rio Ferdinand, Petr Cech, Andrew Cole, Ashley Cole and John Terry in the hall of fame.

Defoe faces stiff competition to land a spot in the Hall of Fame, with many elite names on the list of nominees.

Eden Hazard, Gary Neville, and Michael Owen are likely to be among the strong favourites to be selected as the inductees.