Former England international Rio Ferdinand has expressed his surprise at Ange Postecoglou winning the Manager of the Year trophy at the London Football Awards. While acknowledging the outstanding work done by the Tottenham Hotspur boss, Ferdinand believes that West Ham’s David Moyes, who led his team to victory in the Europa Conference League, should have received the accolade.
Postecoglou’s Unusual Win
Ange Postecoglou, appointed as Antonio Conte’s successor at Tottenham, received the Manager of the Year award, beating strong contenders like Mikel Arteta, David Moyes, Emma Hayes, and Richie Wellens. Ferdinand, in a discussion on his YouTube channel, admitted his confusion about Postecoglou winning the award.
“Yeah, I don’t know [how he won it],” Ferdinand remarked when discussing Postecoglou’s victory. However, he quickly agreed when it was suggested that Moyes should have been recognized, particularly after West Ham’s success in the Europa Conference League.
“It’s a great shout. I reckon Ange has sent it to David Moyes, because that’s the type of guy he is,” Ferdinand added, implying that Postecoglou might share the sentiment that Moyes deserved the honor more.
Postecoglou’s Humble Reaction
Ange Postecoglou himself expressed his surprise and admitted that receiving the award felt “bizarre.” Considering he had only taken charge in the summer, the Tottenham boss seemed unprepared for such recognition. Despite the early-season success and the attractive style of play introduced by Postecoglou, there was an acknowledgment that other managers had achieved remarkable feats throughout the season.
Contenders for the Title
The Manager of the Year award had several strong contenders, each with their own impressive achievements. Emma Hayes secured a league and cup double with Chelsea in 2023, showcasing her managerial prowess. Mikel Arteta’s transformative impact on Arsenal was notable, while West Ham’s historic victory in the Europa Conference League final added to the significance of David Moyes’ achievements.
Postecoglou’s Peculiar Choice
While acknowledging Postecoglou’s contributions to Tottenham’s positive play, the decision to award him Manager of the Year raised eyebrows. Ferdinand’s candid remarks on his YouTube channel reflect the sentiment that Moyes, with West Ham’s European success, may have been a more fitting recipient. Ultimately, the debate surrounding the award underscores the subjectivity and diversity of managerial achievements in the footballing landscape.
