Unsung Robbie Williams hit a clue to Ange’s Tottenham future

Ange Postecoglou has “90 per cent’’ of Tottenham Hotspur’s fan base hoping he avoids the sack but one sharp-eyed judge fears a song that was never played may contain a cryptic message about his future.

Ange Postecoglou has “90 per cent’’ of Tottenham Hotspurs’ fan base hoping he avoids the sack but one sharp-eyed judge fears a song that was never played may contain a cryptic message about his future.

Paul Newman, lifelong Tottenham fan and a respected journalist for The Daily Mail in London and now The Athletic, is adamant Postecoglou must be retained as Spurs coach after he broke a 17-year title drought with a Europa League title.

Renowned for his shrewd interpretation of subtle details during a lengthy career as a cricket writer, Newman’s radar is on high alert for pointers on Postecoglou’s future and he saw something that worried him after the Spurs final English Premier League match against Brighton.

Ange must stay. End of…..

— Paul Newman (@Paul_Newman66) May 21, 2025

“Even though we lost the players were celebrating and they paraded the Europa League Cup,’’ Newman said.

“Every player has a song and they played them all …. Micky van de Ven had KC and the Sunshine Band (Walking on Sunshine), Pape Sarr had David Bowie’s Star Man.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou lifts the UEFA Europa League trophy. Picture: Getty Images

“But they didn’t play Ange’s song Angels by Robbie Williams. I don’t think (club owner) Daniel Levy wanted fans to be singing about Ange in case he sacks him. That concerns me.

“The fans sang for Ange anyway. When Levy’s face came up on the screen they all booed.

Levy would kill for the type of popularity Ange has. I went to the street parade with my family with 225,000 people and it was extraordinary. ’’

Newman believes while Postecoglou’s future is hanging by a thread after a disastrous EPL season he should be retained for these reasons …

Tottenham Hotspur's favourite son, South Korean star Son Heung-Min. Picture: AFP

THE RIGHT TO DEFEND

Newman says the laws of fair play should dictate that having got the team to next season’s Champions League, Postecoglou should be given the right to contest it.

“It would be so Daniel Levy to say goodbye to the manager who has just brought us our first trophy in 17 years before he gets the chance to contest the League he got us in to. Ange came in with us at a really low ebb. We lost perhaps our greatest ever player, Harry Kane, the day before Ange’s first league game.

“He brought the good times back. Of course the club finished lower than Tottenham ever should in the Premier League but there are reasons for that. My worry is Levy will keep Ange but will be half baked and not give him the support he needs.’’

Tottenham players celebrate during the UEFA Europa League trophy parade. Picture: Getty Images

POOR CHOICES

There are no legends in waiting to replace Postecoglou and there, according to Newman, is the reason for keeping him.

“They have a list but no-one who could do any better than Ange,’’ he said. “Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth, Marco Silva of Fulham … they want Premier League experience but they won’t get anyone who has finished above mid-table which Ange has.’’

There is concern Tottenham will part ways with manager Ange Postecoglou. Picture: AFP

PLAYER POWER

Newman says the players’ affection for their coach should be a factor to his retention.

“The players love him – journalists closer to the team than I am say that. As a cricket writer I had a lot of tough moments covering Australia but Ange is now my favourite Australian.

“Christian Romero’s future could be tied in with Ange staying. He has indicated if Ange stays he will as well.’’

HE GETS IT

Newman feels unlike previous managers Postecoglou genuinely wants to coach at the club and “gets’’ its history and fans.

“He actually cares about the club and wants to coach it – which (Jose) Mourinho and (Antonio) Conte never did. It was almost as if we were beneath them.

“Of course he has had some spiky moments with fans and reporters but it is a very emotional business. He said to the players before the Europa final look at all the pictures on the walls of the teams glorious past. They are nearly all black and white but you now have the chance to have yours up there in colour.’’

Originally published as Unsung Robbie Williams hit a clue to Ange’s Tottenham future