Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham 'big club' jibe rings true as fans 'expect the very best'

The Europa League-winning manager spoke out after Thomas Frank was sacked

Ange Postecoglou has spoken out about his time at Tottenham Hotspur in the wake of Thomas Frank's sacking, saying that the club does not spend enough money to back its ambitions in the Premier League and beyond - and some fans in the football.london comments sections say that they see the truth of his words.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Ange went into his experience of managing Spurs, who in danger of a relegation battle following Frank's departure. In particular, he complained about the levels of investment, saying: "I still felt like, you know, Tottenham as a club was saying, 'We're one of the big boys.'

"And the reality is, I don't think they are in terms of my experience over those last two years, of how they act. And you know, when Arsenal need players, they'll spend a hundred million on Declan Rice. I don't see Tottenham doing that."

He added: "It's a real curiosity in terms of understanding what are they trying to build? Obviously, they've built an unbelievable stadium, unbelievable training facilities. But when you look at the expenditure, particularly, you know, their wages structure, they're not a big club. I saw that because when we were trying to sign players, we weren't in the market for those players.

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"Not a big club in terms of the wages that they pay. You know, I was looking at Pedro Neto and [Bryan] Mbeumo and [Antoine] Semenyo at the time, Marc Guehi, because I said; 'If we're going to go from fifth to there, that's what other big clubs would do in that moment.'"

Some fans say that Postecoglou is laying out a persistent problem at Spurs. On our Facebook page, Terry Fowkes says: "They didn't back Poch when needed, no transfers when they needed it. Poch did incredibly well getting them to the Champions League final."

Tony Russell writes: "Well done Ange. It’s the absolute truth, and the sentiment's shared I’m sure by the many managers that came before you."

Keith Evans says: "I think Big Ange is absolutely spot on. We are definitely not a big club as regards to buying top players and wages. There lies the problem."

Olly Cole writes: "That's the story of every Spurs manager. We never buy the players the manager wants. We buy the players that our directors have identified that are much cheaper. And cheaper for a reason."

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David Wright adds: "As an outsider looking in, Spurs has always felt like a football stadium that sometimes has a game called football that takes place there. It doesn’t give the impression that football comes first."

With regards to the transfers that never happened, Michael McGann says: "Imagine where we would be if Ange had gotten those players? We most definitely wouldn’t be looking behind us, but forward, and comfortable. He wasn’t the greatest Manager but he did get us a trophy and I would have loved to see how we would have gone had he been given a little more time.

"Yes we finished 17th but he put all his eggs in one basket to win us a trophy so I respect him for doing that and no matter what anyone’s says he got us a European trophy for our cabinet in our new stadium. Well done the Ange."

Garry Burns writes: "You know the job when you sign up for it. I'm not slating Ange or backing the board but if they weren't prepared to back serial winners in Jose and Conte, why would they back Ange? That said, Ange gave me the best night in supporting Spurs ever. For that I'll be eternally grateful. Up the Spurs."

Terry Lowrie says: "Ange has nailed it there. Just imagine where we could have been with those signings? If Poch does return, let's hope he bloody well puts his foot down this time about some decent signings/wages. After all, we are paying the highest ticket prices, we should expect the very best. If the current board can't grasp that they should go forth and multiply."

Using the comments section below, tell us what the next Tottenham Hotspur manager should demand from the board before they sign.