Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that assistant manager Ryan Mason has left the club to take on the role of head coach at West Bromwich Albion.
The 33-year-old's exit brings the curtain down on a seven-year spell as a Tottenham coach, having returned to coach the Lilywhites' youngsters in 2018 after his premature retirement as a player.
Mason worked his way up the coaching ladder and was appointed caretaker manager of Spurs in the 2020-21 season following Jose Mourinho's exit; his second game was a 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.
The Englishman stayed on as part of Antonio Conte's backroom staff, and when the Italian and his right-hand man Cristian Stellini left the club, he subsequently took the reins again on an interim basis in the closing stages of the 2022-23 season.
Postecoglou's arrival saw Mason once again drop back down to the role of assistant manager, helping the Australian end Spurs' 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the 2024-25 Europa League final.
Daniel Levy speaks out on Mason's Tottenham exit
© Imago
Now seeking to launch his own head coach career, Mason has departed Spurs to become West Brom's new first-team manager, and Daniel Levy expressed his gratitude to Mason upon confirmation of his exit.
"Ryan has been an integral part of Tottenham Hotspur for a number of years, both as a player and a coach," Levy told the official Spurs website. "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Ryan for all his dedication and hard work over the years, and we wish him every success for the future."
Mason has agreed a three-year contract with West Brom, who had four different managers in the 2024-25 season; Carlos Corberan, Tony Mowbray, Chris Brunt and James Morrison, the latter two of whom worked on an interim basis.
Speaking to wba.co.uk for the first time after his arrival, Mason said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have been appointed Head Coach of West Bromwich Albion. This is a huge club with a fantastic infrastructure and an incredible fan base and I am excited about what we can achieve together.
"Having spoken at length to the board and those at the club I am convinced that Albion is the perfect place for me to be and I can't wait to get started. I will bring with me a huge amount of enthusiasm, dedication and ambition and look forward to a positive future together at such a fantastic club."
The Baggies finished ninth in the Championship table last season, missing out on a spot in the playoffs by just four points after drawing the second-most games out of all teams (19).
What about Postecoglou's future?
© Imago
Few would have batted an eyelid if they were told a Tottenham first-team coach would go this summer, but while Mason has moved on to pastures new, Postecoglou is still employed.
The ex-Celtic boss is anxiously awaiting to learn whether Levy will stick or twist, although it has been claimed that the Tottenham chairman has decided to sack the manager.
However, other outlets have reported that Levy is yet to make a final decision, and as far as Postecoglou is concerned, he is simply trying to enjoy his family holiday and will plan for next season as if he will be in charge unless he hears otherwise.
The Australian still has two years left to run on his Tottenham contract, meaning that he would be in line for a sizeable compensation package if he is fired this summer.
Ben Knapton
