The Celtic Star

Daniel Levy revealed that former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou put him in a no-win situation which ultimately led to his sacking…

Tottenham’s owner and chairman decided to part ways with the ex-Hoops manager, even though he had just secured the Europa League and fulfilled his vow to claim silverware in his second year in charge.

Yet the Premier League club ended the season in 17th place, avoiding relegation and falling way short of their high expectations of aiming to finish in a top four position.

Levy explained the reasoning behind the sacking of Ange Postecoglou

Levy chose to cut ties with Ange Postecoglou, whose stint in North London lasted just two years following his move from the Scottish champions. The businessman has since addressed the dismissal, outlining the reasoning behind his controversial decision.

“He’s always going to be in our history”

Speaking on Gary Neville’s show The Overlap, Levy said: “Ultimately, the decision sits with me, but it’s always a collective decision.”

“We have a board of directors, but under the board, we have a group of technical staff, and they advise. We had to explain the decision to part ways with Ange. Ange just won us a trophy – a European trophy – highly significant and he’s always going to be in our history.”

“We couldn’t lose sight of the fact that we finished 17th in the league”

Levy added: “However, we couldn’t lose sight of the fact that we finished 17th in the league, we lost 22 Premier League games, and it’s impossible for Tottenham to be in that position.”

“And so we had to take the emotion out of it and we had to give some data points as to why we decided to do what we did.”

Ange has attracted interest from across Europe and America since departing Tottenham and is currently enjoying a break from football. It remains to be seen whether he will return to top-level management this season or if he waits for any jobs that might come up in the near future that appeals to him.

Conor Spence

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Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has earned a reputation for being a winner, proving that in English football with seemingly cursed Tottenham Hotspur. However, upon his move to Celtic, it became clear that the Australian manager was a powerful orator as well as a talented manager.

In a social media post, Postecoglou’s comments to the Spurs team were revealed. In an inspiring speech, Ange urged his players to seize the opportunity before them.

🚨🎙️ REVEALED: Ange Postecoglou’s pre-match speech to the players ahead of the UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao.

This is special. 🤍🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/A8Bev6tNF3

— Spurs Army (@SpursArmyTweets) June 24, 2025

Ange was ended a 17-year run without silverware for the North London club with the 1-0 win over Man Utd. This prompted joyous scenes but, ultimately, the success didn’t save Ange as Spurs decided to sack him.

Celtic took Ange from Yokohama F Marinos where he was tasked with rebuilding after the disastrous COVID-19 season. The former Australian manager forged together a team that managed to secure a double in his first campaign before then bringing a Treble in his second club.

Brendan’s deal expires at the end of the new season, which has prompted suggestions that Ange could return for a second spell. However, that seems far fetched with Ange in demand from a number of teams.

Tottenham Hotspur have announced Thomas Frank as the new head coach following former Celtic boss’ Ange Postecoglou’s departure…

The ex-Celtic manager was dismissed by the Premier League club last week, even after guiding them to success in the Europa League.

Last night, it was revealed that Frank will be joining Spurs, arriving from fellow Premier League team Brentford. He has signed a contract for three years with the North London club.

A Spurs statement on their official website stated:: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Thomas Frank as our new Head Coach on a contract that runs until 2028.”

“Thomas has extensive experience in English football having joined Brentford in 2016 – since becoming one of the longest-serving current managers in the Premier League. During his time at Brentford he transformed the Club, moving them up from the Championship to an established Premier League side, consistently and significantly outperforming expectations for an extended period of time.”

“In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.”

“Thomas will be joined from Brentford by Justin Cochrane (First Team Assistant Coach), Chris Haslam (Head of Performance & First Team Assistant Coach) and Joe Newton (First Team Coach Analyst), with Andreas Georgson (First Team Assistant Coach) arriving from Manchester United.”

The sacking of Ange after guiding Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years and becoming only the third Spurs boss to win a European trophy in their history remains a completely baffling decision by Daniel Levy.

Sought-after this summer, there are not many managers who can boast a Europa League title on their CV, therefore the Australian could most likely (if he wanted to) jump into an elite role by the start of next season.

Best of luck to Thomas Frank in his new job, he’s going to need it.

Conor Spence

Reports suggest that early in his time at Tottenham Hotspur, former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou sensed he would not be able to implement the major overhaul he had envisioned at the Premier League club…

The Australian took charge of the North London side in summer 2023, following a highly successful two-year spell at Celtic where he claimed five domestic trophies including two Scottish Premiership title wins which meant that the club were back in the Champions League.

Postecoglou guided Spurs to a fifth-place finish in his debut Premier League season, but the team dropped significantly to 17th in his second campaign, amid a terrible run of injuries to just about all of his top players.

Nevertheless, their recent Europa League victory – ending a 17-year wait for silverware – was a moment of major celebration for the club.

However, just a little over two weeks after the historic triumph against Manchester United in Bilbao, Postecoglou was dismissed from his role by Tottenham’s trigger happy CEO Daniel Levy, the little man who makes the big call every couple of years to sack his manager.

Football.london has now reported that soon after starting at Spurs, Postecoglou ‘privately felt’ that despite his attempts to bring change, it was unlikely to fully materialise. At 59 years-old, the ex-Celtic boss is currently unemployed for the first time since 2018, prior to his move to J. League club Yokohama F. Marinos. Only time will tell where Ange will take his next job.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are nearing the appointment of Brentford manager Thomas Frank as their new head coach, with a deal expected to be completed by the weekend. Discussions between the two clubs are continuing and moving forward well, with anticipation rising that Frank may be officially announced as Postecoglou’s replacement within the next two days.

Brentford will receive compensation for 51-year-old Frank, who took charge in 2016 following a period at Brondby, with reports suggesting Tottenham will pay around £10 million to secure his release.

In the 2024-25 Premier League campaign, Brentford secured 10th place, finishing seven spots and 18 points ahead of Postecoglou’s Tottenham, who languished in 17th with only 11 wins from 38 matches.

Ramon Vega, the former Celtic and Tottenham defender, earlier this week discussed the possibility of Ange returning to Celtic one day but for now he believes that the Europa League winner will be in big demand south of the border and will end up at another Premier League club next season.

Conor Spence

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Former Celtic treble winner Ramon Vega believes Ange Postecoglou’s work at Celtic is not yet complete…

The ex-Celtic and Tottenham defender expressed his frustration after Spurs chairman Daniel Levy dismissed Ange last week, despite the Australian leading the club to their first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has not yet agreed to a contract extension with the Scottish champions, meaning this season could turn out to be his final one in Glasgow.

The Irishman plans to discuss his future with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond this summer, but if he decides against renewing his contract, Vega doubts Postecoglou – who secured five of six trophies in two years in Scotland – will remain unemployed a year from now.

Vega believes Postecoglou’s stock is extremely high, making him a sought-after coach this summer

Vega believes Postecoglou’s stock is extremely high, making him a sought-after coach this summer. Having managed teams in Australia, Greece, Japan, Scotland, and England, he might have to put his hopes of returning to Celtic on hold until the right opportunity arises down the line.

The 53-year-old, who secured a treble with Martin O’Neill’s team during an impressive six-month loan stint in Scottish football in 2001, told the Daily Record: “Listen, from my point of view, some very, very top teams will go for him.

“In one way, it’s good for him, because the toxicity we had at Spurs”

“Once you understand the difficulty of managing a team like Spurs, and winning a Cup after 17 years, you realise this man is a winner and can create something special. He just needs to be supported in the right way.

“In one way, it’s good for him, because the toxicity we had at Spurs – I don’t think that would be good for him anyway. He deserves much better than this, and much bigger as well. Mark my words, he will go to a bigger level. If he can go to Celtic, it’s always nice because he’s been there already.

. “I think he’ll stay in the Premier League – there’s no doubt at all”

“Will he go there in one year? I think he might be snapped up beforehand by somebody. I think he’ll stay in the Premier League – there’s no doubt at all. I’ll be very surprised if he’s not landed a job in the Premier League by the beginning of the new season or even a position at a top European team.”

Vega added: “Again, I’d be very, very surprised if he’s not in the Premier League. I’d say the top eight or ten teams for certain – if not even higher. I can see a few who would take him instantly.”

“Celtic is a different ball game from Spurs”

“Has Postecoglou got more to achieve and unfinished business with Celtic? Yes, but don’t forget, Celtic is a different ball game from Spurs. He went into the Champions League – that’s a completely different tournament. At the same time, he’s put down a marker now.

“He did a good job for Celtic, and he’s done a remarkable job winning a trophy with Spurs. If he goes back, he’ll return with serious Premier League experience. That would bring massive added value to Celtic in Europe. Celtic and Champions League nights – they’re among the best in the world. It’s just that Celtic is Celtic.”

Despite Ramon’s dreams of an Ange Postecoglou return to Celtic it seems highly unlikely. Firstly Brendan Rodgers could well be here for the long term – much will depend on how he feels he’s being backed in the summer transfer market. Celtic seem to be coming out of the traps quickly this time around, maybe no coincidence?

Ange was extra-special for Celtic but there will be no going back

Secondly Ange has no track record of going back to a former job whether at club or international level and thirdly and most importantly, having got himself to the level of winning a European trophy for Tottenham he will be in demand and will not be short of offers this summer as the only manager who comes with a trophy guaranteed in his second season.

Ange was extra-special for Celtic but there will be no going back.

Conor Spence

Scotland slump to new depths. The only saving grace is the KT came through unscathed. Hopefully that’s the case after Liechtenstein. Also Ange Postecoglou is now being touted as a replacement for Steve Clarke…

Scotland plummeted to new depths as they fell to a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Iceland in an international friendly at Hampden last night.

Granted it was only a friendly, but you can see it’s clear the national side is crying out for a change of direction in the dug out, and that was obvious after that dreadful campaign at Euro 2024.

I’m as patriotic as any Tartan Army follower but even I must admit I didn’t know about last night’s fixture until the morning of the game, which kind of illustrates where we are as a national side at this moment in time.

I watched the game for my sins, but from a selfish perspective I was only tuned in for one reason and that was to monitor Kieran Tierney’s well-being.

Tierney as we know is returning to Celtic this month and it wasn’t his form I was thinking of, but more of his fitness as it was after all in an international that he received his last serious injury which was at last summer’s Euros. They say it’s a funny old game but that latest long-term injury may have been the straw that broke the camel’s back at Arsenal as the North London club subsequently decided NOT to take up their one year option on Tierney’s contract, thus allowing Celtic to step in an sign Kieran on a pre-contract agreement back in January.

KT fought back to fitness and finished the season at Arsenal in great shape and I along with every other Celtic supporter hoped that continues.

Last night the soon to be Celt came through the game unscathed and much to our relief he was replaced midway through the second half and that was the end of my interest in events at Hampden under Steve Clarke.

With another international approaching next week against Liechtenstein we can only pray that KT yet again comes through it safe and sound. That is our only concern over these needless international fixtures that inly serve to remind us that Scotland’s chances of reaching the World Cup finals next summer under Steve Clarke are remote to put it politely.

If only there was an alternative manager available who has experience of qualifying and leading his own nation at a World Cup Finals. If that actually was the case then you’d imagine that the Scottish FA would be all over it. No laughing at the back…

Ange Postecoglou for Scotland? No Chance Mate!

With Ange Postecoglou now out of work and Steve Clarke’s position as the national team manager on a shoogly peg, some Scottish supporters have got carried away and backed the Aussie as the man to rejuvenate our fortunes on the international front.

In theory it sounds great. Ange adopts an attractive style of football and more importantly is a serial winner at club level and has now also added European winner to his already impressive CV. At international level Ange is also proven having won his native Australia a trophy as well as leading them and managing them at the World Cup finals.

But in reality it’s a non starter and literally no chance of ever happening. One of those many voices campaigning for the former Celtic manager is The often ridiculed motormouth media figure Ewen Cameron who’s opinions on football matters are never to be taking seriously. Cameron has thrown his weight behind sacking Clarke and replacing him with the popular Aussie so that kinda tells you it ain’t going to happen. Not that it ever was.

Scotland need a chance of direction yes, but is that man Ange? No chance mate.

Dear @ScotlandNT & @ScottishFA

It’s time for change.

We’re all pig sick of the negative tactics and the 5-4-1 formation.

Save our World Cup hopes NOW! #Scotland #Ange #Clarke pic.twitter.com/QGW3V8Se2i

— Ewen Cameron (@EwenDCameron) June 6, 2025

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Tottenham Hotspur today sacked former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou despite him winning the Europa League final a few weeks ago, defeating Manchester United in the final in Bilbao to give Tottenham an unlikely spot in next season’s Champions League.

Tottenham had won nothing since the mid 1980s and had gone through a long list of high profile managers who tried and failed to deliver any sort of silverware for Daniel Levy, the trigger happy Spurs CEO.

Ange, after two successful seasons at Celtic where he won five major honours from the six available, stated that he always wins something in his second season – that being a factually correct point that was used mercilessly against him by the English hacks who thought that they could spell blood.

But Ange delivered. Tottenham fans parties – for a generation or two that was the first time they’d ever seen Spurs win anything – yet Levy still found fault and made the stupidest decision imaginable.

The new guy coming in better be good and better be successful or the Spurs fans are likely to chase Levy out of his comfort zone.

“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” Tottenham posted on X.

🏆 Thank you for giving us one of the greatest nights in our history, Ange Postecoglou.#THFC | #COYS | #TOTTENHAM | #SPURSpic.twitter.com/RbtBCDLkSP

— Last Word On Spurs (@LastWordOnSpurs) June 6, 2025

So his Europa League heroics weren’t enough to saveAnge Postecoglou, as Tottenham seeks a “new direction” after their worst-ever Premier League finish.

In a decision that has stunned fans and divided pundits, Tottenham Hotspur officially parted ways with the former Celtic manager — just over two weeks after the Australian coach guided the club to a historic UEFA Europa League title, their first piece of silverware in 17 years.

The news, confirmed by the club on Friday afternoon, ends Postecoglou’s two-year tenure in North London. Despite delivering European success and restoring an attacking identity to Spurs’ football, club leadership cited the need for a “change of approach” following a disappointing Premier League campaign.

Club Statement: Success, But Not Enough

“Ange joined us from Celtic in the summer of 2023 and oversaw a period of change on the pitch,” read the official club statement. “He returned us to the attacking brand of football that has traditionally been associated with the Club, while writing a new chapter in our history by leading us to UEFA Europa League glory in Bilbao last month — an achievement that will live with us all forever.”

Yet, the statement struck a notably pragmatic tone. Despite the jubilation in Bilbao, Tottenham’s board pointed to the club’s form in the Premier League as the key factor behind the decision.

“Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games. This culminated in our worst-ever PL finish last season,” the club noted, adding that while injuries and a strategic pivot toward European competition were mitigating factors, “we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.”

Describing the dismissal as “one of the toughest decisions we have had to make,” Spurs official stated that a change in leadership was necessary “to give us the best chance of success going forward.”

Ange Postecoglou: “Pride is My Overriding Emotion”

Ange Postecoglou responded with characteristic grace and dignity, issuing a heartfelt farewell via his representatives at CAA Base.

“When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride,” Ange stated. “The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”

He reflected on the significance of the club’s European triumph, calling it “the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”

With typical forward-thinking optimism, Postecoglou expressed confidence in the future of the team he leaves behind.

“We have laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.”

He reserved his most heartfelt thanks for the fans and players: “I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed… And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club.”

Concluding with the club’s Latin motto — Audere est Facere — Postecoglou signed off with dignity, leaving behind a legacy of both emotional and tactical revival.

What Comes Next for Spurs?

While the club has yet to name a successor, the search for a new head coach is underway. The statement assured fans that “news on the appointment of a new Head Coach will be announced in due course.”

Spurs face a crucial summer — one that must balance squad development with the expectations that follow European success. Whoever takes the reins will inherit a young, ambitious squad and a fanbase eager to see momentum sustained, not squandered.

As Tottenham turns the page on the Postecoglou era, one thing is certain: for many fans, his name will remain etched alongside Nicholson and Burkinshaw as one of the select few who brought continental glory to North London.

What Comes Next for Ange Postecoglou?

Four years managing in Britain, two league titles won, three domestic cups won and a European Trophy won. Europa League qualification secured going on win the competition, three Champions league qualifications secured in his time at in British football, north and south of the border – that’s why Ange won’t be short of offers.

Tragic Tottenham, you feel sorry for their supporters, the real losers in all of this.

Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou looks set to be sacked by Tottenham Hotspur. The 59-year-old led Spurs to their first piece of silverware, their first since 2008.

However, reports on Sunday suggest that Daniel Levy has decided to relieve Postecoglou of his duties just two years into his four year contract. As per The Telegraph, Ange will discover his fate in the coming days but there is an expectation that his job is under serious threat after the 22 league defeats sustained last season.

Despite the success in Bilbao, it appears that Levy is not willing to forgive the abysmal league position, even if it was clear that the manager had foregone the Premier League to focus on Europe.

If Ange does get sacked by Spurs, there will be a number of teams attracted to the straight-talking Australian, especially given his track record of success. It seemed as if Spurs might have turned the corner, especially with their success against Manchester United in the Europa League, but it was clear in the final months of the season that fans were not enjoying the continued domestic defeats.

The wait goes on for the former Celtic manager who last week won the Europa League for Spurs after a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao. No final decision regarding Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham Hotspur is expected to be made this week…

It remains uncertain if the ex-Celtic boss will continue at the Premier League club for next season following their historic Europa League triumph last Wednesday.

Postecoglou won the Europa League but finished 17th in Premier League

Postecoglou brought an end to Spurs’ 41-year European trophy drought by guiding them to a 1-0 victory against Manchester United in the final held in Bilbao. Despite the European success, doubts linger about his role in North London following an underperforming league season that saw the club finish 17th.

As per Football.london, a verdict on Postecoglou’s future is not expected to be reached this week. Reports have suggested there is a possibility Postecoglou could continue as manager next season following the club’s European success.

“I will be honest, I have been finding it really weird talking about my future when we have done something unprecedented,” Ange Postecoglou

With staff heading off on holiday after the Premier League season ended, it is believed that Daniel Levy has yet to conduct any meetings regarding the manager’s future.

“I will be honest, I have been finding it really weird talking about my future when we have done something unprecedented,” Ange Postecoglou said. “I have had to answer the questions because no-one else at the club is in the position to do so, I guess.

“I have got no doubt, though, that this could be a real defining moment for this club,” Ange Postecoglou

“I have got no doubt, though, that this could be a real defining moment for this club, because wherever I have been, I have made an impact where I have brought success to a club that hasn’t had it for a while.”

“You just have to look at those clubs’ trajectory even after I left, they are still competing for things. I really think this is a moment in time where this club could push on and be a real contender for honours on a yearly basis.”

It would be preposterous if Spurs were to sack Ange Postecoglou after winning a European trophy, but it is Daniel Levy, so nothing would surprise you.

Conor Spence

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Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou admits that despite leading Tottenham Hotspur to Europa League glory on Wednesday evening, his fate now lies beyond his control…

The North London side secured a 1-0 victory over Premier League rivals Manchester United, courtesy of a decisive first-half goal from Welsh international Brennan Johnson.

Following the match, Postecoglou recalled his earlier remarks from the season, where he claimed he “always” achieves success in his second year with clubs.

“I think people misinterpreted it,” he said speaking to TNT Sports. “It wasn’t me boasting, it was me making a declaration. I believed it. I just had this thing inside me.”

“When I said that, that was my intent. I believed it inside me, that was my ambition, I said that. I was prepared to wear it [if it didn’t happen].”

“I’m still trying to take it all in. I know what it means to this football club. I always felt comfortable that if we got ahead, we would win the game.”

Earlier reports suggested that Postecoglou’s future could remain uncertain, no matter the outcome of Wednesday night’s game. However, the Spurs manager has yet to give any thought to what his own future might hold: “Again, I’ve had such a laser focus on winning this thing. Whatever happens, happens. We’re still building this team. We need to add some experience to it.”

Ange Postecoglou's full speech, I am so beyond moved pic.twitter.com/eKa0SbT3r3

— Jake. (@YedIin) May 23, 2025

Postecoglou continued: “I’m the manager of the football club, that decision is not in my hands. “All I care about is this thing [medal]. I don’t feel like I’ve completed the job yet, we’re still building. The moment I took the job; I wanted to win something. We’ve done that.”

With Wednesday night’s historic victory, Tottenham have secured a spot in the UEFA Super Cup final, set to face the Champions League winner – either Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Milan – scheduled for next Saturday in Munich. The Super Cup final will take place on Wednesday, August 13, at Stadio Friuli, the home stadium of Serie A’s Udinese.

Following his side’s triumph, Postecoglou also made history as the first manager to win a European title after departing Celtic. During his two-year tenure in Glasgow’s east end, the 59-year-old secured five out of six major domestic trophies, highlighted by a Treble in his second season as manager.

With a Europa League victory now on his already impressive CV, Postecoglou has the chance to claim another European accolade – the Super Cup – within the next three months.

Conor Spence

Ange Postecoglou delivers, but is his future in doubt? 🤔

Despite the trophy clock being reset rumours remain…

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 22, 2025

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