THE LAST POST FOR BIG ANGE AT SPURS

Europa joy could not mask calamitous league season

- By John Cross

THE writing was on the wall long before Bilbao.

Ange Postecoglou knew in his heart of hearts that he was going to be sacked no matter the outcome of last month’s 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 likeable and his sound bites were nearly as entertaining as his football. But the hierarchy ultimately had no alternative.

Spurs feared they would be repeating the error made by Manchester United with Erik ten Hag last summer, when they were sucked in by the emotion of lifting a trophy.

United were set to axe Ten Hag after he won the FA Cup but they stuck with the Dutchman, only to get rid of him last October.

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