In a remarkable revelation that bridges the worlds of rugby and football, former England rugby union coach Eddie Jones has disclosed the brutally honest text message he received from Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou following his shock dismissal from Nottingham Forest.
The Bond Between Sporting Titans
The two Australian coaches, despite operating in different sporting codes, have maintained a close friendship built on mutual respect and shared experiences in the high-pressure world of professional sports management.
Jones, who took charge of Nottingham Forest in a surprising career move earlier this year, found himself abruptly shown the door after just a brief stint with the Championship club. It was in this moment of professional disappointment that Postecoglou's character shone through.
'Welcome to the Club' - Postecoglou's Blunt Message
Speaking on his recent experiences, Jones revealed the straightforward text he received from the Tottenham boss: "Welcome to the club."
This characteristically direct message from Postecoglou carried significant weight, referencing the Australian manager's own experience of being sacked by Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos before his spectacular rise to the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.
A Testament to Resilience
The exchange between the two coaches highlights an important reality in modern football management - that dismissal is often an inevitable part of the journey rather than a final verdict on a coach's abilities.
Postecoglou's own career trajectory serves as the perfect example of this phenomenon. After his departure from Yokohama, he returned to management with Celtic, where he achieved tremendous success before earning his dream move to the English Premier League.
Shared Australian Spirit
Both Jones and Postecoglou represent the growing influence of Australian coaches in global sport, bringing their unique perspectives and resilient attitudes to some of the most demanding roles in world sport.
Their friendship demonstrates how coaches across different sports can provide crucial support during challenging professional moments, offering understanding that only fellow professionals can provide.
The revelation offers a rare glimpse into the personal relationships that exist between high-profile coaches and the solidarity that emerges in an industry known for its ruthless nature and constant pressure.
