Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are set to meet in a post-season friendly match in Melbourne, Australia, just three days after the Premier League season wraps up, as per Football London.
This fixture will see the gaffer Ange Postecoglou return to his homeland and a familiar stomping ground, where he enjoyed a successful playing and coaching career.
Over the weekend, Newcastle were eliminated from the FA Cup by defending champions Manchester City, freeing up space in their schedule for the trip to Australia in the week running up to the tournament’s showpiece event.
Spurs were also knocked out by Man City in the fourth round, falling to a late strike from Nathan Ake, although we were dominated by the Cityzens, boasting only a single shot throughout 90 minutes.
Postecoglou’s troops are set for a gruelling trip to Australia just days after our season-ending trip to Sheffield United. The scheduling also coincides with the announcement of squads for the upcoming European Championships.
Spurs’ game against Newcastle wouldn’t be the first in Australia. Postecoglou’s debut game in charge last summer came against bitter rivals West Ham United in Perth.
Melbourne is already gearing up for a touch of Lilywhite fever as Postecoglou and his troops prepare to journey Down Under for the post-season friendly.
The city, where Postecoglou spent his childhood after emigrating from Greece, is already a hotbed of Spurs fandom, with murals dedicated to the manager and a passionate fanbase that predates his arrival.
A decision will need to be made over whether those involved in the Euros and Copa America can travel with the team or begin their international break a few days early.
Once the international dust settles, players not participating in the major tournaments will return to Hotspur Way in July for pre-season training.
A friendly in Scotland is also on the cards for mid-July, followed by a planned Asian tour soon after.