Spurs captain Son says Postecoglou a club ‘legend’

Tottenham skipper Son Heung-min hailed Ange Postecoglou as a “legend” after the 59-year-old was dismissed just weeks after leading the club to a European trophy.

Postecoglou’s tenure came to an end on Friday, shortly after Spurs lifted the Europa League title—ending a 17-year wait for silverware. The Australian paid the price for a dismal Premier League campaign that saw the North London side lose 22 out of 38 games, finishing 17th.

In a heartfelt tribute posted on Instagram, Son said: “Gaffer. You’ve changed the trajectory of this club. You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did. You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it’s had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

“You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It’s been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close. I am a better player and a better person because of you.

“Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate.”

Playmaker James Maddison, who joined the club the same summer Postecoglou arrived, also thanked the outgoing manager for showing belief early on.

“Your instant belief in me to not only sign me but make me the club’s vice-captain and part of the leadership group from the get-go is something I’ll always be thankful for,” Maddison wrote.

“You led us to victory and we’re European champions, and in this club’s history books, because of you and your winning mentality.

“Lastly and most importantly, is how you are as a man and a person. Your unwavering self-belief and strong mindset is infectious and a massive reason in why you were the man to end this club’s 17-year drought for a trophy.

“A family man with great morals and I have honestly learnt so much from you. More than you will probably ever know.”

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also posted his gratitude: “Boss, I just want to say a massive thank you for everything you have done for me and for all of us. From that very first call, right from the beginning, you always showed so much belief in me.

“Giving me the opportunity to be part of the leadership group… those moments, and many others, will stay with me forever.

“You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to.

“What we achieved TOGETHER will stay in the history books.

“Thank you, Boss. Forever grateful, Vic.”

Micky van de Ven underlined his gratitude too: “Gaffer, Thank you for everything! Believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club. Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us and kept pushing us. Big part of the success from the club this year, and forever grateful that u made me part of it. All the best.”

Dominic Solanke, who joined Spurs under Postecoglou’s leadership, praised the role the manager played in his transfer and trophy win: “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.”

Fans also weighed in on the situation. The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust released a statement saying the “vast majority” of supporters would “love Ange forever” for delivering long-awaited glory, even as league form fell well below expectations. The Trust urged the board to back his successor properly to build on the “cup success that Ange has lain”.

Brentford’s Thomas Frank is among those being discussed as possible replacements, with other names including Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, and former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.