top of page


Ange Postecoglou may have emerged from Thursday night’s high-stakes showdown with a vital win and a much-needed sense of relief, but the pressure hasn’t vanished — it’s only paused.


Tottenham’s gritty victory in Germany may well be the most important result of the Australian’s tenure so far. In a campaign that’s unravelled alarmingly in recent weeks, this performance offered something Spurs fans have been desperately craving: resilience, structure, and a hint of belief.


Would defeat have cost him his job? We’ll likely never know. But make no mistake — Postecoglou was walking a tightrope before kick-off, and failure to progress would have cranked the pressure to near-unmanageable levels.


The win temporarily silences the doubters, and it’s difficult to envision the club parting ways with him before the semi-finals. Yet, while the wolves may have been held at bay for now, the forest is still thick and unforgiving.


Because let’s be honest: it’s not just about Europe.


Tottenham’s domestic form has been deeply concerning. A limp run of results, coupled with a lack of identity on the pitch, has left supporters frustrated and disillusioned. The attacking flair Ange promised has too often been undone by defensive fragility, and performances have lacked the fire and fight needed to drag this team over the line in tight contests.


Postecoglou’s connection with the fanbase — once promising — now feels more uncertain. There’s admiration for his honesty and principles, but also a growing sense that this squad is drifting, and that Ange, for all his conviction, may be struggling to steer it back on course.

The Europa League now becomes more than a distraction — it’s a lifeline. A chance to salvage pride. A route to silverware. But it's not the sole factor in determining whether Postecoglou leads this club into next season.


League performances will carry weight. Player development, squad unity, tactical evolution — all of these are under scrutiny. And ultimately, whether Ange still has the dressing room, and whether fans still believe in his project, will be decisive.


Thursday’s win has given him breathing room. But as the season enters its final stretch, the margin for error continues to shrink.


Spurs may have won the battle — but the war is far from over.


Steve Halls is an FA and UEFA-qualified football coach, currently focused on grassroots youth development. A passionate Tottenham Hotspur supporter and dedicated football writer, he shares his insights from the touchline to the terraces.



Note: The images shown are AI-generated for illustrative purposes.



By Steve Halls | NexxtGen Football Founder & Spurs Supporter


As someone who’s lived and breathed Tottenham Hotspur for as long as I can remember, it’s not easy to admit — but right now, we feel lost. Completely lost.


I’ve supported this club through the highs and the painful lows, but what we’re watching unfold right now isn’t just a dip in form — it’s a complete lack of identity, hunger, and cohesion. And while the manager, Ange Postecoglou, rightly shoulders some of the blame, it goes much deeper than that.


💢 Where’s the Fight?


Let’s be real: our Premier League season is done. Top four? Gone. Pride? In question. And yet, you’d expect a team like Tottenham to still turn up and show some fight — even when there’s not much left to play for. But instead, we’re watching players stroll through games. Where’s the grit? Where’s the response?


On the pitch, we look rudderless. Off the pitch, there’s an eerie silence. It's as if the lights are still on at Hotspur Way, but no one’s home. And for a club of our size, that’s not just frustrating — it’s unacceptable.


⚠️ Have the Players Stopped Playing for Ange?


It’s a valid question now. Just months ago, Ange was being hailed as the answer — bold, charismatic, and committed to attacking football. And to be fair, his start was excellent. We all bought in. The fans sang his name. The atmosphere was electric.


But football is a results business, and it feels like the honeymoon is well and truly over. The players don’t seem to be responding. The intensity, the structure, even the belief — it’s all faded. Has the message gone stale already? Or has the squad simply downed tools?


If we fail to get past Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night in Europe, you’d have to think Ange’s future will be under serious scrutiny. Whether that’s fair or not is up for debate, but the reality is that this fanbase is growing tired. Fast.


🧱 This Squad Is Not Good Enough


Let’s not sugarcoat it — the quality of our squad is nowhere near the level we aspire to be. We’re relying too heavily on individuals rather than a cohesive unit. Too many signings haven’t worked. Too many players have gone missing when it matters most.


We’ve failed to replace key leaders. Our midfield lacks bite. Our defence is brittle. And as much as I want to back every single player who pulls on the lilywhite shirt, the truth is many of them aren’t up to the standard this club demands.


💭 What’s Next?


The Europa Conference League tie against Frankfurt has become more than just a European night — it’s now symbolic. Progress, and Ange might just cling onto something to build upon. Crash out, and the questions get louder. The pressure mounts. And the trust starts to unravel.

But again — this isn’t just about the manager. This is about recruitment. It’s about leadership. It’s about having a vision. A philosophy. A club identity that goes deeper than just a press conference or a passing quote.


The fans deserve more. The badge deserves more. And above all, Tottenham Hotspur deserves more.


Come on you Spurs. Prove us wrong.


Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach, player representative, and founder of NexxtGen Football. A lifelong Spurs fan, Steve also works closely with local clubs in Hertfordshire to develop young footballers and grassroots coaches alike.


---




Hello NexxtGen Football community,


It's been a while since my last update, and I'm excited to share some recent developments both personally and within the broader football landscape.


Coaching Endeavors with CHARS Youth U12 Blues


I'm thrilled to announce that I've been co-coaching the CHARS Youth U12 Blues alongside Brett Cartlidge. The team's progress has been remarkable, showcasing impressive skills and teamwork on the pitch. A special mention to my son, Archie, who is part of this talented squad. We're gearing up for a challenging away match against PST Pro this Sunday and are optimistic about our performance.


Lillie's Outstanding Achievements with Wormley Rovers U8 Girls Red


My daughter, Lillie, has been making waves with the Wormley Rovers U8 Girls Red team. In just 15 games, she's netted an astonishing 66 goals! Her dedication and passion are truly commendable. Tomorrow, Lillie and her teammates have the honour of participating in the Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Development NextGen Festival at the Spurs Training Ground. While parents aren't permitted to watch, I'm confident they'll shine brightly.


Freddie's New Journey with Elite Ballers


My son, Freddie, has recently joined the U10 training sessions at Elite Ballers. After a brief hiatus from Wormley Rovers, he's continued his development with Bows Soccer Academy on Monday nights and now adds Elite Ballers to his Friday routine. It's heartening to see his enthusiasm and commitment to the sport.


Gratitude to Bows Soccer Academy


Both Lillie and Freddie benefit immensely from their sessions at Bows Soccer Academy. A huge thank you to Ben Bowditch and his team for their unwavering support and excellent coaching. Their dedication to nurturing young talent is truly making a difference.


Grassroots Football: Embracing Inclusivity


In the broader context of grassroots football, there's a significant push towards inclusivity. The FA has launched the "Enough is Enough" campaign, aiming to raise awareness of discriminatory behaviour in grassroots football and highlight the consequences for perpetrators of hate.


Additionally, the "Her Game Too" campaign continues to combat sexism in football, striving to create a more welcoming environment for female players and fans.


Reflecting on Tottenham's Recent Form


As a devoted Tottenham supporter, it's been a challenging period. Our recent exit from the Carabao Cup after a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool was disappointing. Manager Ange Postecoglou acknowledged that Liverpool were "too good for us" in that match.


Injuries have plagued the squad, further complicating our campaign. Despite these setbacks, players like Dejan Kulusevski have expressed unwavering support for Postecoglou's vision, emphasising the need for resilience during these times.


Looking ahead, it's crucial for the team to regroup, address these challenges, and focus on finishing the season strong.


Thank you all for your continued support and passion for the beautiful game. Let's keep pushing forward, both on and off the pitch.


Best regards,


Steve Halls


---

bottom of page