Former Spurs Player Reveals he would have Kept Ange Postecoglou as Spurs Manager

Tottenham Hotspur legend Gerry Armstrong, famous for his 1982 World Cup-winning goal for Northern Ireland against Spain, has voiced strong support for former Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.

In an exclusive interview with Capital Football, Armstrong argued that Postecoglou deserved more time at Tottenham, citing his Europa League triumph as a key reason to retain him despite the club’s decision to sack him after a 17th-place Premier League finish last season.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tenure at Tottenham: A Case for Staying

Despite Tottenham’s struggles in the Premier League last term, Armstrong believes Postecoglou’s achievements, particularly winning the Europa League, warranted another chance.

“If I’d have sacked him? No, I thought he’d done enough!” Armstrong said. “He had all his players coming right, and he was getting all his big players back again. I’d have kept Ange along, but it’s what it is. Most clubs would have sacked him anyway. But because he won the Europa League, I thought he’s done enough to stay in charge.”

Armstrong, who played for Tottenham between 1975 and 1980, highlighted the impact of injuries on the squad last season. “They had a good squad, but they got so many bad injuries at the wrong time,” he explained. With key players returning and a successful European campaign, Armstrong felt Postecoglou was on the verge of turning things around.

Tottenham’s Transfer Window: Building a Competitive Squad

The Spurs legend also praised Tottenham’s transfer activity, which saw the arrivals of João Palhinha, Xavi Simons, and Randal Kolo Muani to strengthen a squad that had already claimed European silverware.

“They’ve done well, what they bought,” Armstrong noted. “I think they are solid at the back. They do really need to be lucky, though.” Comparing Tottenham to Premier League champions Liverpool, he added, “I’ve watched Liverpool playing. They were winning 2-0 against Newcastle, came back to 2-2, and they were lucky to win that match. Tottenham need to have a little bit of luck.”

Thomas Frank’s Promising Start and Areas for Improvement

Under new manager Thomas Frank, Tottenham have shown early promise with victories over Burnley and Manchester City in their opening two matches of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

However, a disappointing home defeat to Bournemouth in match-week three raised concerns for Armstrong. “They had like 60-odd percent possession, but they didn’t have enough shots on target,” he observed. “Bournemouth had less possession, more shots. They were better organized and better prepared.”

Despite the setback, Armstrong remains optimistic about Tottenham’s potential. “Tottenham have been impressive! They were very clinical against Manchester City. They pressed really well in the first half and won the match, which nobody expected,” he said. “They’ve had a good start, [but it’s] disappointing we couldn’t have more shots against Bournemouth.”

Tottenham’s Top-Four Ambitions

Looking ahead, Armstrong is confident that Tottenham can compete at the top of the Premier League. “They have a great side and should do well this year. I expect them to finish in the top four or five,” he predicted.

While he acknowledges the promising start under Frank, Armstrong’s unwavering support for Postecoglou suggests the managerial change was a tough call. For the Tottenham legend, Postecoglou’s European success and the return of key players were compelling reasons to give him another season to lead Spurs to greater heights.

Why Tottenham Fans Should Care

Armstrong’s comments highlight the fine margins in football management and the challenges of balancing short-term results with long-term potential. As Tottenham navigate the 2025/26 season under Thomas Frank, fans will be eager to see if the new signings and tactical approach can deliver the consistency needed for a top-four finish.

For now, Armstrong’s backing of Postecoglou serves as a reminder of the former manager’s achievements and the potential that might have been.