Ange Postecoglou sacked: Tottenham statement in full as Spurs 'identify three replacements'

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly sacked head coach Ange Postecoglou after two years in charge.

The former Celtic boss guided the Lilywhites to their first piece of silverware in 17 years in last season's Europa League, albeit while also overseeing Spurs' worst-ever finish in the Premier League.

Only the relegated trio of Leicester City, Southampton and Ipswich Town performed worse than Tottenham, who lost 22 top-flight games, the most ever for a Premier League side without being demoted.

Tottenham released a lengthy statement confirming the Australian's departure, stating that they could not make their call purely based on "emotions" from the Lilywhites' success in the Europa League as they highlighted the club's terrible top-flight performance.

"Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties," Spurs said. "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.

Tottenham board 'unanimously' decide to sack Postecoglou

"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."

Postecoglou leaves Tottenham with a record of 47 wins, 14 draws and 40 losses from 101 games in charge of the Lilywhites, who will apparently have to fork out around £4m to sever him from the final two years of his contract.

Brentford's Thomas Frank is said to be the main candidate to take over, while Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and Fulham's Marco Silva are also in contention, but the latter two are expected to remain at their current clubs.

Postecoglou reflects on "overriding pride" of managing Tottenham

Shortly after Spurs' official statement, Postecoglou himself - who memorably said that "season three" would be better than "season two" in their Europa League victory parade - released an emotional statement.

"When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride," he said. "The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.

"Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

"There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 7 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."

While the 59-year-old may never see how season three pans out, he can clear out his locker with beaming pride after fulfilling his bold second-year trophy promise..

Written by
Ben Knapton