Ange Postecoglou makes his Premier League return today.
The former Celtic boss left Parkhead for Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, paving the way for Brendan Rodgers to make his return.
Registering a fifth-placed finish in his first season in North London, Postecoglou promised that his second season at the club would deliver silverware.
That promise was sensationally delivered with a Europa League final win in May – though it didn’t stop Spurs from sacking him amid a desperately poor 17th-placed league finish.
Now back in a job with Nottingham Forest, he makes his return in their fixture against Arsenal – and still found the time for a joke with one Rangers legend prior to the match.
Ange Postecoglou enjoys a laugh at Ally McCoist
Ally McCoist and TalkSPORT colleague Alan Brazil were two of Postecoglou’s biggest nay-sayers when his move to Celtic was confirmed.
But after it emerged that the Australian was a very capable appointment, McCoist was sure to apologise and show him the respect he deserved.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
They met again before the beginning of the match at the Emirates Stadium, speaking for TNT Sports’ live broadcast.
Speaking to McCoist and Peter Crouch, Postecoglou said: “Yeah, it’s good to be back. What a couple of strikers here, eh?
“What a partnership. Crouchy nodding them down for Coisty, scoring goals. I don’t know which one would run, but…
McCoist interjected: “Let me answer that – neither of us.”
One thing for sure is that neither of the pair would start for an Ange team, if they aren’t prepared to do any running…
Ange Postecoglou could face Celtic in this season’s Europa League
In taking over at Forest, Postecoglou has the opportunity to win the Europa League for the second year running, with a different club.
Should Celtic make it through, Forest are a possible opponent – but the Hoops have plenty to sort out before thinking about European knockout football.
An impending Celtic fan protest is likely to have an impact on attendances in the competition, in the league phase at least.
But should Rodgers guide his side through to the knockouts, the opportunity to win a European tie after Christmas for the first time since 2004 could change that.