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Postecoglou 'deserves another year' - Armstrong

Ange Postecoglou celebrates Tottenham's Europa League win over Manchester UnitedGetty Images

Nicola McCarthy

BBC Sport NI

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Gerry Armstrong says boss Ange Postecoglou should be given more time in charge after winning the club's first trophy in 17 years.

Spurs beat Manchester United 1-0 in Thursday's Europa League final in Bilbao to secure Champions League football for next season.

Armstrong, who spent five years playing at the north London club between 1975 and 1980, making 84 league appearances and scoring 10 goals, says European success should be enough for the club to put their faith in the Australian, who has two years left on his deal.

"I'm backing Ange for next season," former Northern Ireland international Armstrong told BBC Sport NI.

"I think he deserves another year, after what he has done and I'm hoping that winning the Europa League is going to make a difference.

"It's a huge lift for Tottenham and Postecoglou to win the trophy and gain some silverware. Forty one years since they have won a European trophy."

Gerry ArmstrongGetty Images

Armstrong added: "I think it could be a turning point for them for next season and I think they will make around £100m.

"With that in mind, I think they can now get themselves into the top six or seven in the table for next season and the fans will be looking forward to that and obviously playing Champions League football."

While he admitted it was not a match that will be remembered for its outstanding football, he felt Spurs produced a solid team effort at San Mames Stadium.

"The back four looked really solid. I was a little bit worried about the goalkeeper, but he made three or four great saves. On the night it was a good team performance, everybody worked hard.

"I didn't expect them to defend that deep for that long. I thought they would maybe have staged a few more counter attacks and pushed forward a bit more.

"What a crazy season it's been for both sides though. It's the lowest I can remember them [Spurs] finishing, apart from the year they were relegated back in 1976-77. United have obviously struggled hugely in the league too.

"But this win will certainly give them confidence and belief. I'm pleased for so many of the players too, who will maybe never get an opportunity like that again, to play in Europe and to win a final."