What does success look like in Postecoglou’s first season?

As (yet) another new era is ushered in at Tottenham, it is hard not to get distracted by all the noise surrounding the club at the minute; the Kane situation, Levy’s popularity rating, the general state of the club, the squad and the team. But let’s cut through that and fast forward 12 months. For Spurs fans, fhere are numerous complimentary betting offers available that can be used to wager on a Tottenham top four finish next season. But this might not be the most crucial aim for the club moving forward. So, what would a decent first season with Ange Postecoglou in charge actually look like?

Is Postecoglou the right man?

Time will tell, but there is a good chance, perhaps a very good chance, that Spurs have gone for exactly the right man. At least the right type of man. Postecoglou is someone who is stepping up to the next big challenge, in much the same way Pochettino did after leaving Southampton.

Since then, too many men in the Spurs dugout have been big names, their reputation in the game already sealed and set in stone. The Australian needs to make this work in a way that Conte and Mourinho didn’t. 

Postecoglou will also need to be not so set in his ways that he tries to shape the players and the team around the only way he is willing to play, regardless of all evidence pointing to the fact that the Spurs squad is just not equipped with the players to realize that style. The Australian comes with a reputation for playing football that is very good on the eye. Admittedly, that is considerably easier at Celtic than it will be in the Premier League, but it is a good starting point.

What needs to happen next season?

If this appointment is to be a success, and the team is to move forward, then the club needs to take a longer term view than football fans are often prone to.

Next season should be about two things. First of all, the new manager needs to find an identity for the club, a style of play, an attitude that every single player buys into and gets behind. It also needs to be a style that brings the best out in the players Spurs has and wants to keep hold of. That is not going to be achieved overnight, and two transfer windows may not be enough.

The second, which goes hand in hand with the first, is that the fans need to enjoy going to watch their team again and look forward to matches. Front foot football, carried by players who are giving their all for the shirt, is what most fans would be happy with. Add in steady progress and it is hard to argue against where the club is going.

Next season the league position is almost irrelevant. Top four would be great, top six fine. The most crucial thing, and what Postecoglou should be judged on, is whether he is able to tick those first two boxes. Time will tell.