In this episode of The Lab, we welcome Dan Kilpatrick, former Chief Football Correspondent at the Evening Standard and now newly of The Athletic, for a candid conversation about his career move and a dramatic week in the world of Tottenham Hotspur.

As Spurs celebrate a historic Europa League triumph, Dan reflects on his final articles for the Standard, and one piece that drew a sharp public rebuke from manager Ange Postecoglou. We explore the fine line journalists walk when balancing honest critique with the inevitable reaction from those they cover, and ask: was the line between "hero and clown" fair, and why did it provoke such a response?

We also dive into the wider questions now facing Spurs. Does European success outweigh domestic underachievement? What does Daniel Levy’s silence say about leadership at the club? And will Postecoglou finally get the backing he needs to build a lasting legacy, or is this yet another pivot point destined to end in short-term thinking?

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