Tottenham have come a long way since May. Despite a 4-1 win over Leeds United on the final day of the 2022-23 season, Spurs finished eighth in the Premier League and missed out on a place in Europe for the first time since 2009-10.
They were also still on the lookout for a new permanent manager, having sacked Antonio Conte on the back of the Italian's explosive rant against the players and chairman Daniel Levy in March. The likes of Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann were reportedly among Spurs' top candidates for the role, but their options quickly dwindled.
In the end, Tottenham turned to Ange Postecoglou, who left Celtic after delivering back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles. It wasn't the big name Spurs supporters have been accustomed to in recent years, but Levy gave the Australian a glowing endorsement.
"Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said the Tottenhamp chief. "He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy - everything that is important to our club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."
Expectations were already low, but they plummeted even further when Harry Kane completed a long-awaited transfer to Bayern Munich two months after Postecoglou's arrival in north London. A huge job suddenly looked like an impossible one.
But Postecoglou has defied the odds in spectacular fashion. Spurs have picked up 13 points from a possible 15 at the start of the new season, and sit second in the table behind champions Manchester City.
The whole squad has got right behind the new manager, whose attacking style of play has been a breath of fresh air for a fanbase that was starved of entertainment under Conte, Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho.