BBC

ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked 16 days after winning the Europa League – and now a theory has emerged as to why Spurs waited til then.Spurs chief Daniel Levy axed the boss last night – just over two weeks after that glorious night in Bilbao.Ange Postecoglou was sacked after exactly two years at SpursCredit: GettyDaniel Levy held fire for 16 days after the finalCredit: GettyVictory over Manchester United in Spain ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy.But after leaving Postecoglou in the dark over his future, Spurs finally announced he was relieved of his duties on Friday afternoon.It marked exactly two years to the day from when the Australian landed the job in North London.BBC senior football reporters Ian Dennis and Sami Mokbel discussed the sacking on the Football Daily Podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth were adamant that the move to get rid of Postecoglou was made before the final.They said league form was seen as the “true barometer” and Europa League success was just a “bump in the road” to their ultimate decision.Dennis shared a theory that explained the over two-week wait for the confirmation.He tweeted: “Interesting his departure was timed after he had completed two years and on the first day of his third year. Significant in any settlement?”Most read in Europa LeaguePostecoglou has reportedly pocketed £4m after being shown the exit door by Levy.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe already collected a £2m bonus for getting the club into the Champions League.Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over and he has a £10m release clause in his contract.Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager?Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola remains in contention.On Postecoglou’s departure, Dennis said: “It was such an inevitability that it was going to happen.”They got off to an absolutely flying start when he first arrived and it’s funny how perceptions can change through results.”If they had started slowly and finished well, you would not be referring to the 78 points from the last 66 games.”It seems there has not been an improvement in their league form.”Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”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 the foundations that means 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. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More