What does the appointment of Ange Postecoglou mean for Tottenham?

While Ange Postecoglou's appointment as the new head coach at Tottenham Hotspur may have split opinions among fans, it certainly signals a change in direction for the club that has found itself floundering since Daniel Levy sacked Mauricio Pochettino in November 2019.

Change in Expectations

The level of expectation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium won’t be as high this year. After a rousing finish to the 2021/22 season, Conte’s Spurs team was expected to push on and challenge the top teams.

But it wasn’t to be, and most UK football odds currently have the Lilywhites priced at odds of around 40/1 to win the Premier League next season.

After failing to even progress under 'win-now' managers Conte and (before him) Jose Mourinho, the Australian head coach's tenure looks set to be one focused more on attacking football, reestablishing a connection with supporters and bringing through youth players

A head coach with three domestic trophies in two years at Celtic has led to a common football forecast that Spurs have a realistic chance of progressing in the FA Cup and EFL Cup next year

Impact on Loanees

So, what does this mean for returning loanees such as Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett, who are yet to be given a real opportunity to shine at Spurs?

Well, while the cup competitions are often seen by major clubs as an opportunity to give youngsters a run-out, an almost insatiable desire to go and win one of them might see Tottenham take a different approach.

And this could result in few opportunities for youngsters in those competitions during Postecoglou's first season in charge.

Speaking about the development of his young players at Celtic in 2021, the Aussie coach said: “Having players who were brought up with this club is important.” Adding that it’s motivational to see, “one of their own (go) from the terraces to…the pitch”.

Iconic Star to Leave?

And, of course, the Spurs have a major decision to make when it comes to one of their own.

Rumours of Harry Kane’s departure continue to grow, with both Real Madrid and Manchester United expressing an interest in the England striker. That would appear to be the biggest issue for Postecoglou to deal with.

Kane's future will, of course, determine Tottenham's future. If he stays, the team must be built around him. If he goes, the club will need a savvy manager like Postecoglou to invest the money wisely in players that will improve the squad.

With no European football and no realistic chance of challenging for the title, Spurs will struggle to attract top players to replace Kane or any other key players the club might lose this summer.

Of course, there are plenty of bigger-name returnees for the new boss to consider. Club record signing Tanguy Ndombele is due back from newly crowned Italian champions Napoli, and others returning to Hotspur Way include former academy graduate Harry Winks.

The appointment of an attacking manager who matches Spurs' DNA should be exciting for fans.

But while doubt remains over where their talisman will be playing his football next season, it's impossible to even try to predict how they might line up for the first game of the season.

What fans can look forward to next year, though, is a far more expansive and positive team than they've been used to in recent years.