Former Socceroos boss turned Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou reveals his love for cricket at Lord’s

Incoming Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed his passion for cricket – as he watched his fellow Aussies dominate England in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s on day three. 

Postecoglou, 57, stated ‘nothing beats the G’ – a reference to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground – before detailing how his enthusiasm for the sport dates back to his childhood.

‘I’m a big fan, I loved it growing up,’ he said.

‘I have many great memories from playing in the front and backyard, I love the game.

‘I grew up in the era of [Dennis] Lillee, [Jeff] Thomson, [Rod] Marsh and [Allan] Border…and I also remember staying up late watching the Ashes when it was played in England.’

The hosts threw away a number of their wickets at the crease, and now face a mountain to climb as Australia enjoy a lead of 221 runs heading into day four (pictured, English paceman Jimmy Anderson)

It was the first trip to the home of cricket for ‘Aussie Ange’ – and it proved to be a memorable one.

The tourists dominated day three, carving out a lead of 221 runs at stumps.

England threw away a host of wickets – in particular Harry Brook after posting a half century – to hand Pat Cummins’ men the ascendency.

When it comes to football matters, Postecoglou has already begun laying the foundations in north London.

The club announced the signing of James Maddison on Thursday, and the former Leicester midfielder revealed how a phone call with the Aussie persuaded him to join the project.

‘I feel a hunger about the place,’ Maddison said in his first interview with the club. 

Postecoglou recently convinced former Leicester star James Maddison to join Spurs

‘You come here, and you get a feel for the club and the people, everything about it, and it feels brilliant. Like I said, I’m very happy and can’t wait to get going.

‘I spoke to the manager, spoke to [chairman] Daniel [Levy] and they both spoke very highly of everything about the club and of me. 

Speaking to the manager was very important, how he’s going to be, with that little bit of the unknown, so to have a decent chat with him and to get his thoughts on things, how he sees Spurs going this season.

‘He said one thing to me on the call, I hope he won’t mind me saying this, but he said, ‘whether you come or not, you’re going to see a completely different Spurs team under me’, and that kind of stuck with me that he said that. I thought ‘wow there’s that same self belief that I’ve got in myself’.

Postecoglou has also confirmed his backroom staff, with his former Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak on board as an assistant coach.