
Where that old saying about the darkest nights that make the brightest stars come from, it is certainly not Tottenham.
But if you had to pin it at a Premier League club, it would be ange postecoglou every day of the week.
Ange would probably be happy, to be honest, because there is little else this season to illuminate the place.
Last summer was the idea that today's match against Manchester United would be a meeting of two mid-table teams, incredible. But that's exactly what it is.
I think Ruben Amorim is the right man to become united, but there is so much work that it will take years.
If I had the choice of who I would like to manage, it is every time Postecoglou has so many stars in his team.
But it doesn't count much if they are in the treatment room instead of the dressing room and loads.
Sometimes Postecoglou has been without a whole team of injured players, where that stuff comes over dark nights and clear stars.
And with so many important men who are missing, Ange has had to rely on some of his children at a time when he needs players and leaders.
But in Archie Gray he has a young man who checks both boxes, even though he only makes his entire Premier League debut in December. And if everyone was available, he may still wait.
Gray's father Andy had a long career, his grandfather Frank is a Leeds legend and his uncle Eddie is all time.
So although he is only 18, Archie has had more experience with football life than many senior players before he came to Spurs van Leeds last year.
And although all the boys who have been thrown well, Gray has been an absolute diamond – and I have to say that it is not surprising.
Everything I have seen about him has been positive from the first day, wherever he played, that is already three different defensive positions and midfield.
The way the teenager walks around the back reminds me of Franz Beckenbauer or Alan Hansen, which is a comparison.
I am not saying that of course he will ever be so good, because not much came within a mile of those two legends.
But there is a real style and elegance in everything he does.
There was a moment in Aston Villa last week when Marcus Rashford tried to run one on one, but Archie got his body, won the ball and ended the danger. It was class.
From what I hear, he is also a good talker, even though he is so young. He is confident, says the right things and is not afraid to convey his message in the dressing room.
So you can forget his age because he is already a natural leader – and Ange certainly needs one with his team in this position.
Closer to the lower three than the top six in the Prem – such as United – from both domestic cups and only the Europa League with just over three months of the campaign.
Spurs may have a team without an inspiring voice on the field, but Amorim has at least a few in Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.
Even with a full fit team, Ange does not have a clear choice for the bracelet. As much as I love son, who has it now, he never touched me as a captain.
There is more going on than just calling heads or tails, believe me. As a manager, the skipper is someone you can trust.
You choose his brain, he will be the link with the rest of the team and almost your right arm in many ways. It is therefore a crucial role.
I have said for centuries that Gray is a captain of the future – and perhaps even an England – but to the job at Tottenham already.
In my book, Ange must be brave and Archie now give the bracelet, because he does not give him back ten years if he does.
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