football.london recently caught up with long-serving Tottenham goalkeeper Brandon Austin to discuss his future after signing a significant new contract with the club.
Conversations with Postecoglou Key to Commitment
Brandon Austin credits his conversations with Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou as instrumental in his decision to commit his future to Tottenham Hotspur. The 25-year-old, who has been at the club for nine years, has been highly rated as a shot-stopper but has yet to make a competitive appearance.
Despite loan spells in Denmark at Viborg and in the USA at Orlando City, Austin’s first-team chances have been limited, often finding himself as an unused substitute following injuries to Hugo Lloris and Fraser Forster.
Deciding to Stay at Spurs
With his contract set to expire this summer, there was speculation about whether Austin would seek opportunities as a number one elsewhere or extend his stay at Spurs. Ultimately, the club demonstrated their faith in him by offering a substantial five-year deal. When asked if it was a difficult decision to commit to a club where he has yet to make a competitive appearance, Austin said, “I think a career for a goalkeeper is different.
I’m still fairly young, and with what we’re building here at the club, conversations with the manager, and what we do daily at the training ground, it’s really exciting and positive. I really see myself fitting in here and helping to bring success to the club.”
Preparing for the Season Ahead
As the new season approaches, the status of Fraser Forster remains uncertain following his foot fracture in February. Austin’s new long-term deal suggests he might step up as the official number two to Vicario.
However, Austin remains focused on his training and preparation. “I think we just have to see what the manager chooses to do. All I can do is focus on myself and work hard in training and take any opportunities that I do get,” he said.
Impressing in Pre-Season
Austin has taken his chances in pre-season, making a series of remarkable reaction saves both before and during the tour to Japan and South Korea.
Speaking in Seoul at a session with children from Make-A-Wish Korea, Austin reflected on his performances, saying, “It’s great to make those saves and show what I can do. I hope to continue that and show that I’m ready to step in whenever called upon.”
Embracing the Postecoglou System
Under Postecoglou’s system, goalkeepers are required to be as proficient with their feet as with their hands, playing a crucial role in building attacks from the back. Austin enjoys this aspect of the game, stating, “I like to be involved in the possession phase.
It helps set our attack and set the team up. The manager wants the goalkeepers to be involved, and it’s something we work on in training every day.”
Learning from Top Goalkeepers
Austin has had the opportunity to work with top goalkeepers like Vicario and Lloris. When asked to compare the two, he said, “Both are amazing goalkeepers, and there’s a lot I’ve been able to learn from both of them. They’re both top professionals and bring positive elements to the group in terms of their performances and leadership.”
Facing Top Finishers in Training
In training, Austin is regularly tested by some of the best finishers at the club. When asked who stands out, he laughed and said, “Everyone.
The quality is so high in training, but obviously, you’ve got the likes of Sonny and Madders who are top, top finishers. All of the forward players are good, but the youngsters like Dane Scarlett, Mikey Moore, and Jamie Donley also have a really nice ball strike.”
Community Engagement
Austin, along with Jamie Donley and Luca Gunter, recently attended a session hosted by Tottenham Hotspur’s Global Football Development Coaches for children from Make-A-Wish Korea. The session was a part of Spurs’ ongoing community engagement efforts, reflecting the club’s commitment to making a positive impact off the pitch.
With a new contract in hand and a clear vision for his future, Brandon Austin is ready to contribute to Tottenham Hotspur’s success both on and off the field.
