Ange Postecoglou is set for a return to Australia just days following the end of his maiden season in the Premier League as he brings his Tottenham side Down Under for the first time in his tenure.
Postecoglou’s Spurs, along with Newcastle United and Arsenal Women FC, are all set to participate in what will be an historic visit to Melbourne.
The three Premier League giants will be involved in three massive fixtures as part of a Global Football Week in May, with Postecoglou set to lead Spurs against fellow Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
The match marks Postecoglou’s first time ever leading Tottenham in a game in Australia, and the support will likely be overwhelming as he returns to Melbourne, the city he was raised in and where he developed as a footballer and then coach.
It promises to be a true spectacle with the game booked for the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, which can house up to 100,000 spectators at full capacity.
The match is just the beginning of an impressive event, announced by the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) and event partners TEG Sport and the Victorian Government on Tuesday, March 19, which will also include two games involving A-League All Stars sides.
It will be a moment of firsts on the women’s side as Arsenal, in their debut tour of Australia, will face off against the A-League All Stars Women’s team in what would be the first ever time such a time has been featured.
This match has plenty of Australian appeal on both sides as Arsenal boasts a wealth of Matildas talent in Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, will take on the A-League All Stars Men’s outfit in the second and final match of their trip down under (which is also their first time coming to Australia in a decade).
APL Independent Chair Stephen Conroy labelled this a “fantastic event for the A-Leagues, for our players to play against the best in the world and for our fans to see our best local talent up against some giants of English football”.
He remarked on the pleasure in having the stars of the A-League Women’s go up against a massive team in Arsenal, which themselves have among their squad some great Australian players.
“Arsenal Women and CommBank Matildas stars Foord, Catley and Cooney-Cross got their break in the Liberty A-League Women and it’s going to be fantastic to see them back on home soil playing against former teammates and the next generation of local stars,” he said.
Arsenal Sporting Director Edu remarked that the club is proud to be bringing the women’s team down under for the first time in its history, stating that:
“This special match against A-League All Stars Women will give our supporters in Australia a fantastic opportunity to see our players in action and give our players a chance to connect with everyone who loves the game there.”
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe described the event as a great opportunity to showcase the club in the country as it continues to grow its global presence.
“We are privileged to have so many incredible supporters around the world, and it’s a chance to be able to play in front of many in Australia who wouldn’t ordinarily get the chance to see the team,” Howe said.
“We look forward to engaging with our supporters in Melbourne and giving them the opportunity to feel closer to the club.”
The announcement included the likes of Spurs Assistant Coach and former Socceroos Captain, Mile Jedinak, as well as Tottenham Hotspur Chief Football Officer, Scott Munn, alongside Minister for Sport and Tourism, Steve Dimopoulos, former Arsenal Women and current Matilda and Melbourne Victory goalkeeper, Lydia Williams, Melbourne Victory winger Daniel Arzani and Mr Conroy.
Global Football Week Melbourne Fixtures
Wednesday 22 May, 2024
Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Newcastle United FC, 7:45pm AEST at the MCG
Friday 24 May, 2024
A-League All Stars Men vs Newcastle United FC, 5:15pm AEST at Marvel Stadium
A-League All Stars Women vs Arsenal Women FC, 8:05pm AEST at Marvel Stadium