Player charged A-League betting scandal
Football: The Western United have put out a statement, admitting they are aware that a player has been charged in relation to a sports betting breach.
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ABC News
22 minutes ago
- ABC News
Glory for Tottenham Hotspur on one front left Ange Postecoglou vulnerable on every other
The silence had become deafening. The absence of any news out of north London creating rumour and intrigue. With Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy both on holiday, the vacuum created its own ominous void. And yet the longer the gap between that heady night in Spain that ended Spurs' lengthy trophy drought and any news one way or another from the club about the Australian's coaching future, the more it seemed as though Postecoglou's time would be up. How can Spurs get rid of a man who has delivered exactly what he said he would? The end of Tottenham's trophy drought could and perhaps should have been Postecoglou's ticket to a third season at the helm. However, in the cold light of day, Postecoglou was always going to be hard pressed to keep his job. Yes, the euphoric scenes in Bilbao painted a picture of a team that had suddenly achieved something few thought they would. And yes, the backing of his players in recent weeks had created a deafening roar of ascent amidst the screaming void of nothingness from the boardroom. But the facts don't lie. Things at Spurs started so well for Postecoglou. Unbeaten in their first 10 league games of the 2023/24 season, they were five points clear at the top of the Premier League table before a chaotic defeat to Chelsea scuppered their progress. That was the best start to a Premier League season by any new manager in the league's history (since 1992) and was Tottenham's best start in the top flight since 1960/61. Then, Spurs managed just one draw in their next five matches, the worst form of any team in the top division, bringing Postecoglou back down to earth with a bump. That Chelsea defeat was more than just the start of a slide though; it epitomised everything that pundits have since claimed has been Postecoglou's problem all along, the stick with which he has been beaten into submission. "It is just who we are mate," Postecoglou said after his nine-man team was overwhelmed, its high defensive line mercilessly and repeatedly exposed by Chelsea's pacy forwards. His stubborn rigidity to his tactical ideals, despite the disruption caused by one of (note, one of, not the) worst injury tolls in the league, saw Spurs tumble back down to earth with an almighty thud. Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League this season, suffering a whopping 22 defeats, their worst top-flight season since 1976/77. With a sizeable playing budget at his disposal — estimated as being the seventh highest in the Premier League — that is simply not good enough. Over the course of his two-year tenure though, the picture is far rosier. If we combine the last two seasons into one 76-match campaign, Spurs would sit eighth. The devil though, is in the detail. After the first 19 Premier League games of his time in charge, Spurs were sitting in fifth spot on the Premier League ladder with 11 wins. The following 19 games saw Tottenham drop to eighth on the form guide with nine wins. The next 19 games, at the start of the 2024/25 season, saw Spurs win just seven games, just good enough for 11th. The 19 after that saw just four wins. "Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League (PL) season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games," a Spurs statement read, the appalling numbers laid bare. If Postecoglou's first 10 games were among the best in Premier League history, that stands all the more glaringly against his final 10 games in charge where he won just a single game, with one draw. That run of four points over the 10-game period was second only to Southampton as the worst in the league. This inexorable slide has not gone unnoticed and, despite enjoying the backing of the players, shifting that momentum is always going to be tough and, in the cut and thrust world of the Premier League, there is little room for error. "At times there were extenuating circumstances — injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign," Spurs said in its statement. "It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond." Postecoglou said he had thrown everything he had at the Europa League to the detriment of the league. But finishing so low is an appalling reflection of where the club is at. Spurs managed just 11 wins in the Premier League this season, all but four of those coming against clubs in the bottom half of the table. Of teams that finished in the top half of the table, only Brentford twice (10th), Aston Villa (sixth) and Manchester City (3rd) were beaten by Spurs, with other victories coming against relegated Southampton (twice) and Ipswich, as well as Everton (13th), Manchester United twice (15th) and West Ham United (14th). Even digging into these fixtures highlights issues. Everton were a basket case at the start of the year, which is when Spurs played them, while the away victory over Manchester City came slap bang in the middle of the defending champions' dire run of form where they lost seven games in a row in across competitions. In the cups, things were only slightly better. Non-league Tamworth were the only team Spurs managed to beat in the FA Cup and even that victory required extra time. While in the League Cup, lower league Coventry, both Manchester clubs and Liverpool were beaten in one-off matches. Even the Europa League triumph, as giddy and joyous as it appeared in Seville, when looked at in the cold light of day was hardly something to scream at. Since the restructure of the Champions League, there is no doubt that it has become easier in Europe's second-tier competition. No longer are the teams that finish in third place in the Champions League group phase parachuted into the competition, making the overall standard that much lower. Wins over Qarabağ, Ferencváros, AZ, Elfsborg and Hoffenheim should have, in truth, been expected given Tottenham's far superior resources. Victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, which finished in third place in the Bundesliga, over two legs in the quarterfinal was impressive. But Bodø/Glimt? As tough as it is to play on an artificial pitch north of the Arctic Circle, the budget disparity between the two clubs makes David's biblical contest against Goliath look like a reasonable piece of matchmaking. "Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the Club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph," Spurs said, revealing its cold-hearted pragmatism. "This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude. "We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision." It should not and cannot be understated how impressive it is that Postecoglou won a trophy. To boldly state that you always win something in your second season and then deliver on that promise is the ultimate mic drop. Banishing Spurs' recent history of choking in the biggest moments has been a feat incapable of some of Europe's biggest-name managers. Ange has, undoubtedly, helped make Spurs less Spursy. "[Tottenham is] a club that is trying to break free … [of] this mindset of thinking themselves of as a big club but being the team that everyone else takes the piss out of," Sydney Morning Herald football journalist Vince Rugari told ABC's Offsiders last month. "They're a joke in England. "They've got a manager that 100 per cent recognises what is going on there [at Spurs] and is doing everything he can to break it as well. "He's made comments in press conferences, he challenges the narratives that are around about Tottenham Hotspur." Given the strides Spurs were making, should Postecoglou have been given more time? Should he have been given that chance to test himself against the best in the Champions League? The answer to both those questions is probably yes. And that Spurs have thrown away the only manager that has managed to break their trophyless curse to the wayside might well be the most Spursy thing that they could have done after all. Sacking Postecoglou fits with Tottenham's recent reputation of throwing away promising situations and making life uncomfortable — or even torturous — for its supporters. Postecoglou, as he said repeatedly in his post-match press conference after the Europa League triumph, will be "fine". He has shown himself to be a winner in every league he has had an extended run in, be it Scotland, Australia, Japan and now England. Postecoglou's self-confident bullishness counted against him as Tottenham's season descended into the mire, but it is not unfounded. Any other club will see Postecoglou's availability as a chance for them to pounce on a proven winner.
News.com.au
32 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Where will Ange Postecoglou coach next after Tottenham sacking?
So what now for Ange? The football world is still reeling from Tottenham's brutal decision to sack Ange Postecoglou just weeks after he broke the club's 17-year trophy drought by leading Spurs to the Europa League title. After weeks of speculation, Tottenham confirmed on Saturday morning (AEST) it had opted to relieve Postecoglou of his duties — the harsh sacking has prompted outrage from Spurs fans and former players. Watch every game of The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The Aussie manager had two years left on his contract but Tottenham's dire Premier League campaign — finishing 17th with a record low 38 points — was enough for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to move on from Postecoglou. Tottenham lost 22 of their 38 Premier League games to finish 17th in the table, above only relegated trio Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton. He becomes the fifth manager sacked by Levy in the past six years. Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Fulham manager Marco Silva, Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are reportedly the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou. Where will Ange Postecoglou coach next? Attention will quickly turn to which club Postecoglou will coach next, and while there are no shortage of options, his next move is unclear. Postecoglou described himself as 'unemployable' during a hiatus from coaching in the late 2000s after he lost his job as coach of the Young Socceroos and a brutal TV interview with Craig Foster. But with the Europa League trophy as a feather in his cap, that won't be the case now and Postecoglou is bound to land on his feet one way or another with a new coaching job. It remains to be seen where that will be, but he will likely wish to remain in Europe and prove his critics wrong in the Premier League at another club. Timing could be an issue for Postecoglou, with Socceroos great Robbie Slater telling Code Sports it might be tough for the 59-year-old to secure a new job before the new season starts in August. 'He put himself in that top echelon by being at a big club and winning a big trophy,' Slater said. 'The way he plays football, I don't think a lower club in the Premier League will look at him and go we can take that risk. 'And 22 Premier League games lost, I can't see one of the big ones again, at least not just yet. 'He might get that opportunity in Europe, maybe Spain or France. I don't know. 'He's gonna get a job. I can't see him not. He will be in demand. 'I think he's done well enough at Celtic to show League success and by lifting this trophy he will stay in one of the top five leagues which is in Italy, France, Germany, Spain or England. 'He won't have a job to start next season but as we know in football it won't take long.' Football expert Daniel Garb told the ABC: 'I think he holds his reputation from when he came to Spurs from Celtic, and to be honest, considering he's been relieved of his duties, that's not necessarily a bad situation to be in.' The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare wrote on X: 'An element of this I've found really interesting throughout is what's Ange's next job? He's such a hard manager to place in the footballing ecosystem 'Can sort of imagine a historic club like Ajax where he talks in his first presser about watching Cruyff as a kid with his old man.' Champions League runners-up Inter Milan are looking for a manager after Simone Inzaghi moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. But top European clubs would be eager to assess Postecoglou further before appointing him as coach, he could coach a club in Turkey or Greece to further enhance his coaching CV. Another option is becoming coach of a national team ahead of next year's FIFA World Cup, where 48 teams will compete in an expanded competition. Tony Popovic is leading the Socceroos to a sixth consecutive World Cup, while ex-Socceroos boss Graham Arnold is now the coach of Iraq. Postecoglou coached third division Greek side Panachaiki in 2008 before his A-League success with the Brisbane Roar helped land him the Socceroos coaching job. 'Wrong decision': Aussie greats react Robbie Slater said Tottenham had 'made a big mistake' by sacking Postecoglou. Writing for Code Sport s, Slater said: 'Levy has left himself in a really, really difficult position now. He's already not liked by the Spurs fans and now he's taking a massive gamble here. 'Ange had promised 'season three is always better than season two.' Good luck with that Spurs.' Craig Foster wrote on X: 'Wrong decision. 'I agree that outside of the Champions league, a trophy doesn't necessarily guarantee tenure. The progression of the play, team and likelihood of reaching the aim of competing for the title next season and beyond, which guarantees Champions League competitiveness, is paramount. 'Which is why Ange should have stayed even had Spurs lost the Europa Final. Given the massive injury list, any team would have struggled. 'When at, or near full strength, the team was proven to be competitive, had invested in young players for the next few years, and with additional funds next season, could strengthen.' Postecoglou's statement after Tottenham sacking 'When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride,' Postecoglou said in a classy statement. 'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. 'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. 'We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.' Ange Postecoglou's coaching record South Melbourne (1996–2000) Postecoglou began his managerial career at South Melbourne, leading the club to multiple National Soccer League titles. Australia U-20 (2000–2004) He managed the Australian U-20 team, gaining experience in international youth football. Australia U-23 (2007–2009) Postecoglou took charge of the U-23 team, preparing them for Olympic qualifiers and tournaments. Brisbane Roar (2009–2012) At Brisbane Roar, he achieved significant success, including winning the A-League Championship and Premiership. Melbourne Victory (2012-2013) Signed a three-year deal with Melbourne Victory but only had a season in charge before being appointed coach of the Socceroos. Australia National Team (2013–2017) As head coach, Postecoglou led the Socceroos to victory in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and managed the team during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Celtic (2019–2023) In Scotland, Postecoglou won five major trophies, including back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles and League Cups. Postecoglou became the first Australian to manage a Premier League club. He led Spurs to a UEFA Europa League title in 2025, ending a 17-year trophy drought.
The Australian
39 minutes ago
- The Australian
Newcastle preview: Home track has Nathan Doyle's gelding set to Attack
Connections of Rush Attack are putting his last start failure down to not handling the Hawkesbury track and expect to see him return to form back on home turf. Rush Attack settled midfield on the fence bit failed to run on and beat just three home behind Enter The Dragon on April 9. Prior to that run, he won a Benchmark 72 Midway at Rosehill before a nose second in another Midway at Randwick behind Pocketing. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! 'There are some horses who go to Hawkesbury but just don't handle it,' said David Dyson, racing manager for Nathan Doyle. 'His previous form was very good in town which holds him in very good stead here.' The gelding drops back to a Benchmark 58 and gets in well with 59kg on his back after the claim of Mollie Fitzgerald. 'He is one of the most consistent horses in the stable,' Dyson said 'He has had a little gap between run hence why we trialled him on Monday just to get him ready. 'There's a bit speed in this race and he has drawn to get a beautiful run just behind them. 'One thing this horse does is try and he will put himself in the finish. That's just what he does.' Queen's Rhapsody kicked off her campaign on a bright note with a length win at Hawkesbury on May 15. While she won comfortable in the end, feedback from jockey William Stanley was that she floated once she hit the front. Doyle has put visors on the three-year-old this week to help her focus and she looks extremely hard to beat in the Class 1 Handicap (1250m). 'We have put the visors on this week to help he concentrate a little bit more,' Dyson said. 'She worked in them about 10 days ago and was really good. She was very sharp. They seemed to have taken her to the next level. 'Once again, we have opted to claim again. Mitch Stapleford takes three kilos off which gets her into the race beautifully.' Bohemian Art looked to have the race won at the 200m on debut when she hit but just didn't know how to put them away and Impressionism kicked back to narrowly beat her. She then went to Kembla where she was a well beaten fifth to Monte Veebee but was found to have bled from one nostril. Having galloped to stewards satisfaction since then, the stable expects her to bounce back in the Maiden Plate (1400m) for fillies and mares. 'Put a line through that run,' Dyson said. 'She galloped for the stewards here last Friday over 1000m to clear that embargo and she worked very strongly. 'We are very happy with her we think she is back to where she was at her first-up run.' Doyle also has two youngsters making their debut in the 2YO Maiden Handicap (1200m). Divo is a grandson of Makybe Diva by Capitalist who has shown plenty of ability winning his two trials this preparation. Just Response is by Justify and like his stablemate, has won both his trials. 'Divo has got a lot of speed. My one query with him is the long time between his last trial on April 24 and his race debut,' said Dyson. 'It would be great if it could get back to somewhere near a soft because the drier the better for him. 'Just Response isn't as sharp as Divo but he has got the fitness edge on his side. He trialled on the Beaumont on Monday and went very well. 'The wet track was absolutely no issue to him so he is one horse we know will get through it.'
