THE LAST POSTE

Euro glory not enough to save Big Ange's job

- by JOHN CROSS

THE writing was on the wall long before Bilbao.

In fact, Ange Postecoglou knew in his heart of hearts that he was going to be sacked, no matter the outcome of the Europa League final.

And anyone who suggests differently is not in tune with the soap opera that has been Tottenham's bizarre season.

Postecoglou was a likeable sort, his sound bites nearly as entertaining as his football but ultimately the Tottenham hierarchy had no alternative but to pull the trigger.

Tottenham feared they would just be repeating the mistake that Manchester United made with Erik ten Hag by getting sucked in by the emotion of winning a cup final.

United were ready to sack Ten Hag, the Dutchman won the FA Cup and they stuck with him - only to then get rid of him a few months later.

They wasted time and money by allowing loyalty and sentiment to creep into what had to be a cold-hearted decision on the manager.