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Tottenham Hotspur fans go wild for Aussie manager Ange Postecoglou at trophy parade

When Australia’s Ange Postecoglou told Tottenham fans he always wins in his second season, they chuckled. But at the Spurs’ victory parade they believed, and chanted his name. SEE THE VIDEO

Spurs fans go wild for Ange and team at victory parade

Ange Postecoglou is Tottenham’s newest hero.

Ecstatic football fans waited 17 years for a piece of major silverware and on the picture perfect Friday afternoon (Saturday morning AEST) in north London, their time had finally come.

Emotional fans chanted “Oh, Ange Postecoglou” as the rock songs pumped out in front of an enormous crowd, many of whom had skipped work or school to make sure they would not miss the club’s moment of glory.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou on the open-top team bus during the Europa League winners parade in North London. Picture: AP Photo
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou on the open-top team bus during the Europa League winners parade in North London. Picture: AP Photo
Fans go wild at the Tottenham Spurs victory parade in London. Picture Sophie Elsworth
Fans go wild at the Tottenham Spurs victory parade in London. Picture Sophie Elsworth
Tottenham fans celebrate the Spur’s victory. Picture: Leon Neal / Getty Images
Tottenham fans celebrate the Spur’s victory. Picture: Leon Neal / Getty Images

And there’s no doubt Postecoglou was lapping up every single moment in front of an estimated 150,000 sporting fans who celebrated during the giant street party that ran for hours.

And Postecoglou had one message for his doubters when he took to the stage – particularly those who didn’t believe him when he said he always wins in his second season.

“I told them and they laughed,” he said.

“I told them and they didn’t believe and here they are”.

The smile could not be wiped off the Australian manager’s face as he was given the endless applause any champion coach deserves after the team’s Europa League victory on Wednesday.

Tottenham fans line the parade route during the team's open-top bus parade through the streets of north London. Picture: AFP
Tottenham fans line the parade route during the team's open-top bus parade through the streets of north London. Picture: AFP
Fans celebrate Tottenham Hotspur’s victory over Manchester United to win their first major trophy in 17 years. Picture: Leon Neal / Getty Images
Fans celebrate Tottenham Hotspur’s victory over Manchester United to win their first major trophy in 17 years. Picture: Leon Neal / Getty Images

Raucous supporters lined the streets for hours in London’s working class northern suburbs, waiting patiently for the Spurs’ players and Postecoglou to make their way through the cordoned off streets, heavily manned by hundreds of security and police.

Dedicated fans did anything they could do secure a prime viewing positions, climbing onto the rooves top of fish and chip eateries and vape shops to ensure they didn’t miss a beat.

Hotspur’s Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur lifts the UEFA Europa League trophy. Picture: Harry Murphy / Getty Images
Hotspur’s Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur lifts the UEFA Europa League trophy. Picture: Harry Murphy / Getty Images
Fans crowd the Tottenham Hotspur victory bus during the UEFA Europa League trophy parade. Picture: Peter Nicholls / Getty Images
Fans crowd the Tottenham Hotspur victory bus during the UEFA Europa League trophy parade. Picture: Peter Nicholls / Getty Images

The players and Postecoglou arrived in two giant white open-top buses and soaked up every moment.

Tottenham’s High Road was a sea of navy blue and white flags, fans wearing their scarfs, holding banners and some even letting off blue and white flares.

The players, perched on top of the open top bus, alongside Postecoglou, were enjoying every moment.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou waves to the fans from the victory bus. Picture: Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou waves to the fans from the victory bus. Picture: Getty Images

Postecoglou told Tottenham Hotspur’s YouTube channel that he was “super pleased” that his team delivered the goods after a 17-year hiatus after the 1-0 victory against Manchester United in Bilbao, Spain.

“All good things come from hard work, toil, perseverance and belief, and the team’s had it in spades,” he said.

“What the history books say is we’re the Europa Cup winners and it doesn’t say how we did it”.

The sound was deafening as the victorious team were given a hometown welcome as they meandered their way down Tottenham’s suburban streets as blue and white flares were left off.

Many supporters hugged while some shed tears as the team slowly made its way past the crowd that was in some places 20-people deep, waiting to catch their glimpse of the Spurs’ heroes.

The parade, which featured a DJ and live music, was followed by players presenting the winning trophy to crowds who gathered in a staging area adjacent to Tottenham’s stadium, the most lavish football venue in the UK.

Ecstatic fans celebrate at the Tottenham Hotspur UEFA Europa League trophy parade. Picture: Leon Neal / Getty Images
Ecstatic fans celebrate at the Tottenham Hotspur UEFA Europa League trophy parade. Picture: Leon Neal / Getty Images
Fans release the Hotspurs’ colours to celebrate Tottenham’s first victory in 17 years. Picture: Leon Neal / Getty Images
Fans release the Hotspurs’ colours to celebrate Tottenham’s first victory in 17 years. Picture: Leon Neal / Getty Images

Tottenham supporter Andy Hannon, 43, from Dorset said it was special to celebrate the victory with his 13-year-old daughter Lizzie who had never experienced the club win a trophy.

“It’s been 17 years waiting for this, it’s been really good, first time in my daughter’s lifetime that we’ve been actually able to come and celebrate,” he said.

As for Postecoglou’s future, Mr Hannon said he should stay at the club.

“He’s bringing success to the club that no-one else has in 17 years so good on him, I think he should be given a chance,” he said.

The team celebrates with fans and show off the first victory trophy the Tottenham Hotspurs have won in 17 years. Picture: Peter Nicholls / Getty Images
The team celebrates with fans and show off the first victory trophy the Tottenham Hotspurs have won in 17 years. Picture: Peter Nicholls / Getty Images
Manager Ange Postecoglou waves to the fans from the victory buss. Picture: Harry Murphy / Getty Images
Manager Ange Postecoglou waves to the fans from the victory buss. Picture: Harry Murphy / Getty Images

Simon Greenway, 45, and son Luca, 17, from Dorset, travelled 240km to London to attend the parade.

“It’s everything to me, there was no debate we had to be, missed work, missed college,” he said.

He too believes Postecoglou should stay at the club.

“He’s the most successful manager we’ve had in 17 years.” Mr Greenway said.

Originally published as Tottenham Hotspur fans go wild for Aussie manager Ange Postecoglou at trophy parade

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/world/europe/aussie-soccer-manager-hailed-a-hero-at-tottenham-parade/news-story/929833ea028e0c3a8cb6987cc79c49c2