Daily Mail

So we will never know now if Ange Postecoglou was right about his theory that his third season at Tottenham Hotspur, like the third season of a great television series, would have been better than his second.

We will never know if Big Ange had a later-series masterpiece in him like Ozymandias in Breaking Bad. Instead, it turns out that an episode called 'Bilbao' was Postecoglou's magnum opus. Because on Friday afternoon, Season 3 was cancelled.

Just for the shortest time, Postecoglou was the king of kings in a corner of north London, leading Spurs to their first trophy for 17 years when they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final that night in late May in the Basque Country.

What a night that was, a night when it felt as if Spurs had finally shed their cursed identity as a team of nearly men, a team that always found a way to ruin things, a team expert in self-sabotage and under-achievement.

It was a personal triumph for Postecoglou, too. As Spurs' Premier League season lurched from one low to another — they lost 22 of their 38 games — he was lampooned as a big Aussie out of his depth in a big league but victory in Spain bracketed him with Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw as the only Spurs bosses to have won a European trophy.

To be there that evening in the San Mames was to share in the wondrous and joyous disbelief of a long-suffering fan base that had finally silenced all those jokes about what 'Spursy' meant and had walked through a door into another land.

'The only thing that was going to change this football club,' Postecoglou said that night after the match, 'was us winning something.' And in that moment, it felt as if maybe he might have been reprieved after a terrible season when Spurs had finished 17th in the league.

But 16 days have elapsed since then. Days of silence and doubt and rumour and counter-rumour before the statement on Friday from Daniel Levy and theSpurs board that shattered Postecoglou's hopes of being able to build on what he achieved in Bilbao. 'Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club's greatest moments,' the statement announcing Postecoglou's departure read, '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.'

Talk of the succession, of course, is already rife. Thomas Frank, who has done such a consistently brilliant job at Brentford and is one of the best man-managers in the game, is the favourite to take over. Andoni Iraola, the Bournemouth boss, has been mentioned. Others favour a return for former manager Mauricio Pochettino, now the coach of the USA men's national team.

It was a logical, cogent statement that took all the emotionof Bilbao out of the equation and in some ways it is easy to sympathise with the decision. After all, when Manchester United abandoned their plan to fire Erik ten Hag after he had led the club to an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, it backfired on them spectacularly and they were lambasted for the naivety of their decision.

This feels different, though. For one thing, United are a team used to winning things. Even in the context of the hard times they have fallen upon since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, the FA Cup is a relative trifle compared to the bigger prizes they once chased.

But for Spurs, winning the Europa League in Bilbao felt like a game-changer. I have rarely felt energy like that in a stadium before, the energy of redemption, the energy of renewal and the energy of hope. It should have been the start of something, not the end of something.

Now that Postecoglou has been fired, it feels as if all that momentum and all that magic has been lost. Suddenly, the club have invited ridicule upon themselves again: they hired a manager who won them their first European trophy for 41 years and then they sacked him. It feels, I hate to say it, a little Spursy.

It feels, again, like plucking a defeat from the jaws of victory. Because Postecoglou had done the hard part. Victory in Bilbao proved that he was not the impostor some had painted him as. Had Spurs kept faith with him, winning the Europa League would have given Postecoglou added authority next season, not to mention added funds.

United are hardly a model that one should aspire to but they did, at least, keep faith with Ruben Amorim after a league season almost as dire as Tottenham's. They believe in his plan and they are sticking with him. Spurs should have done the same with Big Ange.

Postecoglou had a plan, too. In the early months of his tenure, his team played football that was breathtaking to watch. That was derailed by injuries and it was not until last season's European adventure that Postecoglou proved he could adapt and play more pragmatically.

But he did prove that. He won a trophy to prove it. And next season he would have felt the benefits of all the hardships his side endured last season. He would have reaped the rewards of the experience he gave fine young players such as Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. He had a system, a plan. He should have been given a dividend from Spurs' participation in the Champions League to develop his ideas.

Instead, however good the manager is that Spurs appoint — and Frank, in particular, is a man who has earned a shot at managing in the Champions League — Spurs are heading back to that place they know so well called Square One with a new boss who has the unenviable task of trying to follow that success in Bilbao.

What the future holds for Postecoglou, nobody yet knows. For now, like the statue of Ozymandias that Percy Shelley described, he lies like a 'colossal wreck' in the desert of his hopes of building on that one beautiful night in northern Spain.

Those who back this decision will point to the shocking Premier League finish (17th) and startling number of defeats (22) Tottenham suffered last season.

They will point to two years of kamikaze defending and the injuries that may or may not have occurred as a result of Ange Postecoglou’s tactics.

And they will point to home defeats by Leicester and Ipswich and needing extra-time to see off non-League Tamworth in the FA Cup.

All fair, all valid.

But none of that matters to me because I was in Bilbao. I was at the San Mames with lifelong friends to see Tottenham do something we thought they might never do again.

They won a trophy after 17 long years without one — by far the club’s longest post-War drought.

The scenes at full-time and the memories of that magical night will stay with me forever as they will every other fan.cAnd it was all thanks to Postecoglou. Sacking him 16 days after the club’s greatest night in decades feels wrong.

He did what Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte failed to do and gave a long-suffering fanbase a moment they will always cherish.

Isn’t that what football’s all about? Well, it doesn’t seem to matter at Tottenham. Trophies? Who needs them when you can make plenty of money simply by finishing in a respectable position in the Premier League.

When asked last season for his top three moments in his 24 years in charge, Daniel Levy, tellingly, did not evenmention the 2008 League Cup, the one trophy the club had won up to that point.

And now Spurs roll the dice again on yet another new manager — the 12th of the Levy era. A dark cloud now hangs over the joy, emotion and pride of winning a major trophy.

Thomas Frank, or whoever is mad enough to want a job where Champions League football is seemingly demanded on a Europa League budget, faces an uphill task to unite a divided fanbase.

But I will always believe Postecoglou deserved another crack at it. He deserved the chance to see if season three really was better than season two. And he deserved better from a club that tries to act with class but so rarely does.

Postecoglou was sacked on Friday, two years to the day since his appointment

A number of players penned emotional social media messages in tribute to him

LISTEN: Was 'Fergie Time' real? Veteran Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals all on the first episode of the Mail's brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers

Tottenham players have been left furious by the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, according to a report.

The Australian was ruthlessly let go on the second anniversary of his appointment and 16 days after he led the club to its first European trophy for 41 years. Thomas Frank of Brentford is the leading candidate to replace him.

Postecoglou returned from a holiday in Greece to learn his fate and Spurs issued a statement to explain the decision had been taken after a review of performances and 'significant reflection'.

Chairman Daniel Levy held a meeting into the night after the final game of the Premier League season, a 4-1 home defeat by Brighton, just five days after the euphoria of beating Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao.

Levy later visited the Bahamas where he met with members of the Lewis family, the club's majority shareholders.

After, he made the decision to relieve Postecoglou of his duties, but Levy, according to the Telegraph, could face a potential revolt from the players.

The report suggests that some of Tottenham's players will be looking to leave the club as a result of the decision.

A source told the Telegraph: '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.'

A number of stars took to social media on Friday night to pay tribute to their former boss.

Spurs right back Pedro Porro took to Instagram and posted three photos of himself and Postecoglou along with a heartfelt message. It read: 'Thank you for everything, boss,' Porro's message began. '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'.

Striker Richarlison added: 'Mister, massive thanks for helping me out and believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my career 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'.

Fellow forward Dominic Solanke later wrote: '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'.

Postecoglou had earlier issued a statement of his own. In it, he spoke of his pride at having delivered European glory to 'one of England's historic football clubs'.

The statement read: '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 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.'

Multiple Tottenham Hotspur players have posted emotional tributes to Ange Postecoglou after his sacking on Friday afternoon.

Postecoglou's time as Spurs manager was ruthlessly ended by the board just 16 days after he had led his team to victory in the UEFA Europa League final.

That 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao ended Tottenham's 17-year wait for a major trophy and also earned a place in next season's Champions League.

However, the season concluded with a 4-1 home defeat by Brighton. That was Tottenham's 22nd loss of a dismal Premier League campaign, which saw them finish just one place above the relegation zone.

Tottenham published a 368-word club statement on Friday, thanking Postecoglou for his work but also claiming that the board had voted 'unanimously' that a change of manager was the best way forward.

Later on Friday, Spurs right back Pedro Porro took to Instagram and posted three photos of himself and Postecoglou along with a heartfelt message.

'Thank you for everything, boss,' Porro's message began. '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'.

Striker Richarlison added: 'Mister, massive thanks for helping me out and believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my career 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'.

Fellow forward Dominic Solanke later wrote: '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'.

Postecoglou had earlier issued a statement of his own. In it, he spoke of his pride at having delivered European glory to 'one of England's historic football clubs'.

The statement read: '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 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.'

Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur on Friday afternoon

His departure was announced just 16 days after Spurs won the Europa League

LISTEN: Was 'Fergie Time' real? Veteran Premier League referee reveals all on the first episode of the Mail's brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers

Tottenham Hotspur have issued a 368-word club statement in a bid to justify the sacking of manager Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs confirmed on Friday afternoon that Postecoglou would not be returning for a third campaign in charge following his post-season holiday.

His dismissal was announced just 16 days after he oversaw a famous victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final.

That win sealed a place in next season's Champions League and also ended Tottenham's 17-year wait for a major trophy.

However, as mentioned in Friday's statement, Postecoglou also oversaw the club's worst ever Premier League season, which resulted in a 17th-place finish after 22 defeats.

'Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,' the statement began.

'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.'

Tottenham's statement explaining the sacking of Postecoglou was significantly longer than those granted to his predecessors.

Spurs used just 111 words in their official statement when Antonio Conte left the club, having published a 122-word message to signal the end of the Jose Mourinho era.

Even Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham's longest-serving manager of the Premier League era, only got 210 words in his official statement.

Soon after news of his departure broke on Friday, Postecoglou issued a statement of his own. In it, he spoke of his pride at having delivered European glory to 'one of England's historic football clubs'.

The statement read: '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 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.'

Postecoglou leaves Spurs having won 46.53 per cent of his 101 games in charge. As well as winning 47 matches, he oversaw 39 defeats and 15 draws.

Tottenham's three previous permanent managers all won more than half of their games. Pochettino delivered victories in 54.27 per cent of his 293 matches, while Conte and Mourinho oversaw win-rates of 53.95% and 51.16% respectively.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is widely seen as the leading contender to replace Postecoglou at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, Marco Silva, Michael Carrick, Oliver Glasner, Carlos Corberan, Scott Parker and Xavi Hernandez have also been touted as possible candidates.

Tottenham's chief football officer is set to follow Ange Postecoglou out of the door after the Australian was sacked by the club.

Postecoglou was fired on Friday despite leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years with Europa League glory last month.

The Australian boss has been relieved of his duties by chairman Daniel Levy and the board exactly two years to the day he was hired.

Despite ending Tottenham's long trophy drought and lifting their first European trophy since 1984, Postecoglou endured a miserable domestic campaign.

The north Londoners qualified for the Champions League through European success but finished in 17th, their lowest Premier League finish in history, and picked up just 38 points.

Spurs announced his departure on Friday, just 16 days after he oversaw their victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.

And the 59-year-old is not the only Australian to be leaving Spurs after two seasons.

Scott Munn, the chief football officer, is also set to be sacked.

Munn arrived from the City Football Group's Chinese branch in 2023, the same year as Postecoglou.

He was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of City Football Group in China back in 2019 and had previously worked for nine years with A-League side Melbourne City FC as their Chief Executive Officer.

The Australian also had extensive experience working outside of football, starting his career within the Sydney Organising Committee for the 2000 Olympic Games, before moving to work with the National Rugby League and the Australian Football League.

The 51-year-old has been a background figure, charged with shaking up and streamlining various departments, which has included several people losing jobs and seldom made him very popular.

He led the review that ended with the exit of long-serving head of medicine Geoff Scott last year, but Tottenham's injuries only worsened this year.

Postecoglou had been forced to make do without many of his first team regulars after an unprecedented injury crisis which has particularly hit his defensive line.

First choice centre backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were sidelined for significant spells of the season, as were Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison.

In April, Levy launched his latest reshuffle of Tottenham's executive tier with Vinai Venkatesham announced as the new chief executive, set to start in the summer.

Tottenham will now need to search for a replacement for Munn as well as a new manager.

Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to replace Postecoglou.

Other alternatives have been sounded out by Tottenham, including Fulham boss Marco Silva, but Frank is emerging as perhaps the strongest contender.

Tottenham Hotspur fans have paid emotional tributes to Ange Postecoglou after the Australian was sacked by the club.

Spurs supporters rushed to social media to express their gratitude to Postecoglou for giving them the 'best night of their lives' after he guided the north Londoners to Europa League victory last month - their first piece of silverware since 2008.

Brennan Johnson scored the only goal of the game against Manchester United in Bilbao as Spurs lifted their first European trophy in 41 years.

The victory means that despite enduring a miserable domestic campaign, with the club finishing in 17th place, they will compete in next season's Champions League.

Pressure was building on the 59-year-old throughout the season but he silenced critics by ending Tottenham's trophy drought.

He hinted at remaining at the club next season, jubilantly telling fans 'season three is better than season two' at their Europa League victory parade.

But chairman Daniel Levy and the board have moved to dismiss Postecoglou, exactly two years to the day he was hired.

Supporters have since taken to social media to pay their 'eternal thanks' for delivering one of Spurs' 'greatest nights'.

'Thank you Ange Postecoglou for the best night of my life following this football club. A man who dared to do... and did. You have a fan in me for life, mate,' one fan wrote on X.

Another added: 'We were getting rejected by Feyenoord managers when Ange came in. He saw us sell Kane weeks after.

'Still he defended the club in every press conference and delivered our greatest night in 41 years, despite a summer window of only one senior player.

'I will be eternally thankful.'

One fan wrote: 'To dare is to do - and Ange Postecoglou did just that.

'Ended Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought and gave us the greatest night in 41 years.

'Eternally grateful, Ange.'

'Thank you for giving us one of the best nights of our lives, Ange,' another added.

The former Celtic boss made a promising start to his Tottenham career but his side's form dipped towards the end of his first season and they missed out on Champions League qualification.

Last season, the Australian had been forced to make do without many of his first team regulars this season after an unprecedented injury crisis which particularly hit his defensive line.

First choice centre backs Cristian Romero and Micky van De Ven were sidelined for significant spells of the season, as were Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison.

He had also clashed with the Spurs supporter based throughout his time in charge, before winning them over with the historic trophy win.

He said he would 'never understand' fans who wanted Spurs to lose to City - a result which would prevent arch-rivals Arsenal from taking the lead in the Premier League title race, last May.

Postecoglou also came in for abuse after appearing to taunt fans in the stands after Tottenham scored a goal - which was later ruled out - against Chelsea in their March Premier League meeting.

The head coach was booed loudly by travelling supporters in Stamford Bridge, but remained adamant in the aftermath that he had only been trying to gee up the crowd as he cupped his hand to his ear.

The mood in north London had grown increasingly sour, with Postecoglou hitting out at the board in a recent press conference, implying that he was taking the lion's share of the blame for Tottenham's failings.

But he leaves with a heroic status, as the man who ended Tottenham's long trophy drought.

Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to replace him. Other alternatives have been sounded out by Tottenham, including Fulham boss Marco Silva, but Frank is emerging as perhaps the strongest contender.

Ange Postecoglou has broken his silence on his sacking by Tottenham after he was relieved as boss on Friday.

The Australian was relieved of his duties two years to the day since his appointment was announced, despite winning the club's first trophy in 17 years just a matter of days ago.

He sacrificed their league campaign to focus on Europa League success, and delivered just that, with Spurs beating fellow English side Manchester United 1-0 in the final in Bilbao.

Fans were split on if his sacrificing of the Premier League was worth it, with Spurs finishing 17th in the league table - one place above relegation.

Success in Europe was the club's final lifeline for silverware - and a place in next season's Champions League draw was achieved with the victory.

The club have, though, made the decision to move onto their next boss, with Brentford's Thomas Frank the heavy favourite to replace him. And, just minutes after his departure was confirmed, Postecoglou released a statement of his own.

'When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride,' the Australian wrote in a statement shared by his representatives.

'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 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.'

A Tottenham statement thanked Postecoglou, but read: 'The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place.'

It added that they had to consider: '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.

'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.'

The Australian has been forced to make do without many of his first team regulars this season after an unprecedented injury crisis which has particularly hit his defensive line.

BREAKING NEWS Tottenham SACK Ange Postecoglou despite ending their 17-year trophy drought with Europa League win - and fellow Premier League boss leads race to replace him

READ: How a mole in the camp and his squad's fatal flaw helped bring down Ange Postecoglou: Inside why trophy-winner was sacked by Tottenham

LISTEN: Was 'Fergie Time' real? Veteran Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg reveals all on the first episode of the Mail's brand-new football podcast Whistleblowers

Tottenham have sacked Ange Postecoglou despite the head coach ending the club's 17-year trophy drought with Spurs' Europa League win in May.

Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to replace him. Other alternatives have been sounded out by Tottenham, including Fulham boss Marco Silva, but Frank is emerging as perhaps the strongest contender.

Success in Europe was the club's final lifeline for silverware - and a place in next season's Champions League draw - amid a woeful season that saw them finish a dismal 17th in the league.

But despite a scrappy showing against fellow domestic strugglers Manchester United in Bilbao, Tottenham were able to get over the line with a 1-0 win in the Basque region and silence Postecoglou's critics.

Postecoglou was then feted as part of the club's raucous trophy parade, but with a view to improving the side ahead of the next campaign, chairman Daniel Levy and the Tottenham board have opted to move on the manager after just two seasons.

The axe falls exactly two years to the day since his appointment was first announced.

A Tottenham statement thanked Postecoglou, but read: 'The Board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the Club for a change to take place.'

It added that they had to consider: 'our worst-ever PL finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign.

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'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.

'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.'

Postecoglou immediately released his own statement reading: 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.

'We are forever connected. Audere est Facere (To dare is to do).'

The Australian has been forced to make do without many of his first team regulars this season after an unprecedented injury crisis which has particularly hit his defensive line.

This includes first choice centre backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, while stars such as Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison have also missed large chunks of action.

Postecoglou had also struggled to connect with the Spurs faithful before his historic trophy win, with the former manager coming in for abuse after appearing to taunt fans in the stands after Tottenham scored a goal - which was later ruled out - against Chelsea in their March Premier League meeting.

The head coach was booed loudly by travelling supporters in Stamford Bridge, but remained adamant in the aftermath that he had only been trying to gee up the crowd as he cupped his hand to his ear.

The mood in north London had grown increasingly sour, with Postecoglou hitting out at the board in a recent press conference, implying that he was taking the lion's share of the blame for Tottenham's failings.

'The only voice you hear is me,' Postecoglou said. 'When we're talking about the bigger clubs, there seem to be a lot more voices. And not always defending. You need scrutiny and constructive criticism as well. We definitely get enough of that but never get any of the other stuff.'

Postecoglou also raised concerns over a suspected leak within his Spurs set-up as recent injury news appeared to hit social media before his formal announcement.

But on the heels of their triumph in Bilbao, Postecoglou had been more bullish about his suitability for the task at hand in north London.

'In all the best television series, season three is better than season two,' Postecoglou told a whipped-up crowd at the conclusion of Spurs' trophy parade.

Postecoglou was also interviewed by an Australian outlet during his family holiday in Greece, stressing that lifting the Europa League trophy was merely the beginning of his aspirations, rather than the peak.

'I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment,' he said. 'I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know, don't settle for this.

'We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again.'

Despite this, Postecoglou had admitted before leaving for his vacation that he was unsure whether he would remain in charge for the 2025-26 campaign.

While no manager has yet been announced as his successor, the start of June saw the club linked with a number of candidates, including Brentford head coach Frank.

Tottenham are also in the throes of undergoing change behind the scenes as well as pitchside, with long-serving executive director Donna-Maria Cullen announcing her departure of the beginning of June.

Seen as Levy's 'right-hand woman', Cullen had served on Tottenham's board of directors for over three decades.

Thomas Frank is shaping up as a leading candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham sacked the head coach who brought home their first trophy for 17 years.

Spurs and Brentford boss Frank have held talks through intermediaries to explore the idea.

Postecoglou, after two years in the job, has now been sacked despite winning the Europa League and clinching a place in next season's Champions League.

The 59-year-old Australian is back from a post-season holiday in Greece to find speculation still swirling.

Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy launched his succession plan before the end of a terrible Premier League campaign, in which his team finished 17th with 38 points.

Many Spurs fans who wanted Postecoglou out as they clocked up a record 22 league defeats have relented since the Europa League glory but there has been no clarity from inside the boardroom.

Levy has visited the Bahamas since the season ended, where he was thought to have met with members of the Lewis family, the club's majority shareholders.

Other alternatives have been sounded out by Tottenham, including Fulham boss Marco Silva, but Frank is emerging as perhaps the strongest contender.

He has worked for nine years at Brentford and been in charge since Dean Smith left for Aston Villa in October 2018 and there are two years remaining on his contract.