James Maddison has become the latest Tottenham Hotspur player to pay tribute to Ange Postecoglou following the manager’s sacking, posting a heartfelt message nearly 24 hours after the news was confirmed.

Maddison took to social media shortly before 4pm on Saturday to thank Postecoglou for his faith and leadership during their time together at Spurs, describing the Australian as a man with ‘great morals’ and a winning mentality.

The creative midfielder, who was signed by Postecoglou in the summer of 2023 and almost immediately named as one of the club’s vice-captains, joined a growing list of team-mates who have publicly thanked the outgoing boss after he was ruthlessly dismissed by the club on Friday.

‘Secondly for the Europa league campaign that started in our stadium on gameweek one and finished perfectly with that special night in Bilbao. You led us to victory and we’re European champions and in this club’s history books because of you and your winning mentality.

‘Lastly and most importantly is how you are as a man and a person. Your unwavering self belief and strong mindset is infectious and a massive reason in why you were the man to end this club’s 17 year drought for a trophy.

James Maddison (right) pictured next to Ange Postecoglou (left) during Tottenham’s trophy parade last month following the club’s 1-0 win over Man United in the UEFA Europa League final

‘A family man with great morals & I have honestly learnt so much from you. More than you will probably ever know. ‘All the very best. Madders’.

Maddison’s tribute followed messages from several Spurs stars, including club captain Son Heung-min, who shared his own post around 8am on Saturday morning.

‘Gaffer. You’ve changed the trajectory of this club,’ Son wrote on Instagram. ‘You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did.

‘You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it’s had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

‘You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It’s been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close, I am a better player and a better person because of you.

‘Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate.’

The flood of tributes had begun soon after Tottenham confirmed Postecoglou’s dismissal on Friday afternoon, just 16 days after he led the club to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final — ending a 17-year wait for major silverware and securing Champions League qualification.

Tottenham issued a 368-word statement thanking Postecoglou for his service but claimed the board had ‘unanimously’ agreed that a change of manager was the best way forward following a dismal domestic campaign that saw Spurs finish 17th in the Premier League.

Among the first players to react was Pedro Porro, who posted: ‘Thank you for everything, boss… Above everything, you gave us one of the greatest moments in the club’s history and for that, you’ll always be celebrated.’

Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy (right) on Friday afternoon

Richarlison wrote: ‘Mister, massive thanks for helping me out and believing in me during one of the trickiest periods of my career and my life… We’ve made history!’

Dominic Solanke said: ‘Won’t ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream!’

Guglielmo Vicario — another member of the leadership group — added: ‘You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to.’

Centre-back Micky van de Ven summed up the general feeling as he wrote: ‘Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us… forever grateful.’

Postecoglou himself released a parting statement, reflecting on his two years at the club with pride.

The statement read: ‘When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.

‘The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.

‘That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

Spurs sacked Postecoglou just 16 days after he led them to victory in the Europa League final

Tottenham’s Europa League triumph ended a 17-year wait for a major trophy and also secured a place in next season’s Champions League

‘We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.

‘I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.

‘It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

‘And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

‘We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.’