Tottenham expert reveals ‘criminal’ mistake Ange Postecoglou made over Spurs youth
Tottenham News is delighted to welcome John Wenham of Lilywhite Rose as our exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll be giving his expert insight on the biggest talking points at Spurs…
John Wenham believes Ange Postecoglou’s decision not to name a full Tottenham bench during the 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa was “criminal” and a “big kick in the teeth” for the academy.
Spurs were one player short in their matchday squad for the visit of Unai Emery’s high-flying Aston Villa on Sunday 26 November.
Postecoglou had an unprecedented number of players unavailable for the big clash due to either injury or suspension and chose not to offer the final place on his bench to one of Spurs’ high-flying academy players.
This angered Wenham, who expressed his immense frustration at the Australian’s decision.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I find It criminal not to fill the bench for a home fixture, especially when the academy teams haven’t got a game to play that weekend.
“Young players gain a lot from being involved in those scenarios. It’s good for their momentum and it gives them a buzz which can help to improve their performances for their respective teams.
“Not naming a full bench is completely unacceptable for a club of our size and I was really disappointed with that.
“It also doesn’t help the club when it comes to attracting the best young talent around because we are not providing any opportunities for those young players to play.
“Someone such as Jamie Donley should be getting a chance from the bench.
“He’s absolutely flying at the moment, scoring a bucket load of goals for Tottenham’s Under-21s and England’s Under-19s, so if he’s not going to come on when you’re losing at home to Aston Villa and you desperately need a bit of creativity, when is he going to come on?
“I just thought this weekend was a big kick in the teeth for the academy and that did frustrate me.”
In other Tottenham news, there is no need for the club’s women’s team to panic despite a humbling weekend in the WSL.