Tottenham chief steps down as Ange Postecoglou sends defiant message on Spurs future

 Tottenham have confirmed that Donna-Maria Cullen has stepped down from her role as a non-executive director. The news comes at the start of a week where the club are expected to make a decision on whether to sack Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs supremo Daniel Levy will make the final call on Postecoglou. Fans want the 59-year-old to stay after winning the club's first major trophy in 17 years in last month's Europa League final, but the former Celtic chief could yet pay the price for an abysmal Premier League campaign, with Spurs finishing 17th

An official announcement on Postecoglou's future is expected soon. But Cullen's departure was officially announced by the club on Monday morning.

She said in a statement: “This has been such a hard decision to make. The Club has been my life for the past three decades. I have had the privilege of working with Daniel, whose vision and energy has driven the Club forward, and so many talented and wonderful colleagues.

“It has been quite some journey, starting at White Hart Lane, with a brief stay at Wembley and finally our new home - amazing memories home and away. Ending this season with the Europa League Trophy was a dream come true.

“The time is now right for me to gather more time for myself and my family, whom I thank for all their support over the years. I shall spend the coming months ensuring there is a smooth handover with my staff. Thank you all. I wish everyone at the Club all the success in the world.”

Levy thanked Cullen for her "immense contribution" to Tottenham over such a significant period and paid tribute to the work she had done in terms of the environment and diversity.

He added: “Donna has pushed the conscience of the Club to be at the forefront of environmental and diversity initiatives. She also played a crucial role in supporting the amateur part-time Spurs Ladies, enabling the development of our professional women’s team.

“Her daily input will be greatly missed, however she fully deserves to take time for herself, and I know that we shall be able to call upon her advice when needed. We wish her well for the future.”

Tottenham fans are expecting to hear from Levy again shortly with some reports claiming that he has already made the decision to sack Postecoglou. Knowledge of contact with Thomas Frank, the Brentford manager, has already done the rounds over the weekend.

Postecoglou, though, stressed once again that he is planning for the future - and more success - with Spurs in a new documentary which hit the airwaves in Australia on Sunday.

“I didn't want us to just enjoy the moment,” he revealed to the Australian Story when he was asked about his tease over 'season three' at Spurs' Europa League victory parade.

“I also wanted us to think about what's next, you know - don't settle for this. We've got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club's got a taste for it. Well, let's make sure we're back here again