Joe’s Guide to Big Ange Coming Home

So one of our own is coming home this winter and Joe Fortune is here to give you a rundown on what you can expect when Ange Postecoglou’s EPL team, Tottenham Hotspurs play. 

After quitting as Celtic manager, Ange took over at Spurs in June last year and in doing so became the first Aussie to manage an EPL team. In what has been an eventful first season in charge of the North London team it should be with enormous pride that Big Ange leads his team out in this friendly back here in Australia. 

 

Spurs’ Season 

Since taking over at Spurs Big Ange was immediately thrown in at the deep end when it became clear that Harry Kane was going to leave the club and find a new challenge. The England captain decided to move to Bayern Munich so at least Ange wouldn’t have to worry about having to stop Spurs’ former talisman from tormenting him! 

Many were sceptical that an Aussie and someone with limited experience in the English game could not only manage in the EPL but also whether he had the character to lead a team that for many years has underachieved and is well known for having a sparse trophy cabinet over the last 25 years! 

Despite a few new signings including James Maddison from Leicester City, Postecoglou’s side weren’t expecting to go too well this season given how poorly things had ended in its last campaign when finishing 8th and missing out on European football. However, the Aussie coach wasn’t daunted and brought a freshness and positivity to the club and its fans. 

In what was a barely believable start to the campaign Ange’s team went unbeaten through its first 10 games playing some thrilling football. It was Spurs’ best start to a top-flight season since 1960/61 which was also the last time the North London side was crowned champions. 

With injuries, some questionable VAR decisions, and the surprising emergence of Aston Villa, the early season success and euphoria surrounding Spurs’ good form and exciting play quacking fell away. Leaking too many goals, especially away from home has started to get the infamous British tabloid press asking questions again about how far Ange can progress with the team playing his style of football.

This alarming drop in form late in the season ended Spurs’ chances of claiming a prized Champions League spot. Although with a refresh and investment in the squad there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic for Ange and Spurs fans ahead of the next EPL season. 

 

Who Are Spurs Playing In Melbourne?

Initially it was claimed that Chelsea were being lined up as potential opposition but with the West London team still in the FA Cup, it was announced their opponent would be Newcastle, who like Spurs had been knocked out of the Cup, were selected to play.

Newcastle’s Season

Newcastle United has been going through a sizeable transformation over the last 2 years since the previous owner Mike Ashley finally sold up and agreed a figure with the Saudi Public Investment Fund. With billions of bucks at their disposal, the side has seen an upturn in fortunes which saw them finish in the top 4 of the EPL last season and were competing in the European Champions League this time around. 

With English manager Eddie Howe making a very good impression since taking over at the club, the side overachieved last time around in the 2022/23 season as the likes of Liverpool failed to finish in the top 4. 

It was always going to be a challenge repeating that success especially with the pressures of European football, and like Spurs, the side has been hit with several high-profile injuries at crucial times. 

 

Controversy 

The timing of the game has not gone down too well with fans in the UK and eyebrows have been raised by some of the players too. Many players in both sides will be featuring in the Euros which gets underway in mid-June. So coaches from all the national teams who have players heading over to play in Melbourne will be putting pressure on Ange and Eddie to make sure their players don’t get injured or risk playing them at all, in what is just a friendly. 

It is hoped that star players from both sides including the likes of Son Heung-min, Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak and Richarlison will not only be on the plane but also feature for at least 45 minutes during the game. 

For those who don’t follow the EPL too closely the results from this season between the two sides saw Newcastle smash Spurs 4-0 at St James’ Park in mid-April whilst back in December it was Spurs who came out on top 4-1 in its home game. I don’t think anyone will mind if both teams score at least 4 goals in the next match and if those players heading to the Euros get home injury free, then I am sure Big Ange’s homecoming will have been a huge success.

Venue 

The game will be played just 3 days after the EPL finishes on Wednesday 22nd May at the MCG kick off is 7:45pm local time, if you’re looking to welcome back Big Ange and his Spurs’ team check for tickets. 

Whatever teams come to play, and no matter what the commitment of the players is during their off-season, I reckon you can be sure of one thing… you can bank on plenty of singing of the Robbie Williams hit ‘Angels’ which has been performed by Spurs fans across England, as they’re loving Big Ange instead!