When Ange Postecoglou joined Tottenham last summer, it was perhaps inevitable that at some stage the Lilywhites would take advantage of his popularity in his home country.
Though far from a household name in England when he pitched up at White Hart Lane, he had been well respected wherever he’d managed beforehand, and it only took him a few games to ensure that he had the Spurs faithful buying into the type of football he was trying to create.
Tottenham to play Newcastle in Australia
Indeed, his popularity has arguably soared because of the job he’s doing in North London.
Eddie Howe enjoys similar popularity up in the North East, with his Newcastle side playing a not too dissimilar brand of football to that which Tottenham fans are enjoying at present.
Both the Magpies and the North Londoners appear to be teams and clubs on the up, and the powers that be at both are clearly trying to tap into that appeal.
According to EPL Index, a friendly has been arranged between the two sides which, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t raise any eyebrows.
The fact that it will take place in Australia just three days after the 2023/24 campaign finishes is all that’s wrong with modern football.
Euro 2024 is on the horizon and God forbid that any players should get injured playing in a meaningless 90 minutes just to make a bit of extra cash and raise the profile