Celts Are Here

Ange Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham ended not quietly, but with a clear sign the board weren’t convinced. Even though he won the club their first trophy in almost 20 years, and their first European honour since the 1980s, he was still sacked. His exit has sparked fresh debate about what really counts as success in football today, and whether some managers are given a fair chance.

The former Celtic boss , who won a Treble and five trophies in two years at the Hoops, took that same belief with him to Spurs. Not long after arriving, Postecoglou boldly said, “I always win a trophy in my second season.” He kept his word, but it still didn’t change how the people in charge at the club saw things.

Postecoglou’s career has followed a familiar pattern, often a slow start that makes people question him, followed by results that prove them wrong. It was the case in Australia, where he built a winning team. It happened again in Japan, where he turned things around at Yokohama F. Marinos. And it was the same in Scotland, where many weren’t sure about him when he first joined Celtic. But every time, he made people sit up and take notice.

Just a few days before it was confirmed that Postecoglou was leaving Spurs, ABC released a detailed programme about his life and career. On the show, British broadcaster and talkSPORT presenter Max Rushden spoke about how people doubted Ange when he first took the Celtic job.

He said: “Success in Japan means nothing to people in Scotland. When he arrived, I think most of the reaction was ‘who is this guy?’.

“At Celtic, he was incredibly successful. The football that he played was classic ‘Ange ball’. Very exciting. Very dynamic. Very attacking.

“I think he won five out of six trophies. If you have real success in Scotland, then Premier League clubs do look at you. And, in 2023, Ange gets the Spurs job.”

Rushden’s comments got to the real issue: in top-level football, how things look can matter more than what actually gets done. At Celtic, Postecoglou didn’t just win games, he brought an exciting, attacking style that lifted the team. That’s what made him appealing to Spurs to begin with, even if that respect didn’t last long.

The big question now is what’s next for Postecoglou. At 59, he’s shown he can succeed in different countries and under serious pressure. What he achieved at Celtic, in particular, still stands out, not just for the trophies, but for the style and strength he brought during tough times.

His spell at Tottenham might have been cut short, but it followed a familiar theme in his career, he wins trophies and gives teams a clear identity, yet still has to fight to be fully recognised. If anything, this latest chapter only adds to the legacy he started building at Celtic.

Roy Keane believes Ange Postecoglou won’t be out of work for long after Tottenham Hotspur’s shock decision to sack the former Celtic manager, despite him ending the club’s 41-year wait for a European trophy.

Postecoglou was officially dismissed this week following a brutal end to a turbulent campaign in North London. While he delivered the Europa League title with a win over Manchester United in Bilbao, a dismal Premier League campaign that ended with a 17th-place finish ultimately cost him his job.

Speaking on ITV, Keane offered his take on the sacking:

“Winning a trophy for the club was a great day for the club and obviously the big plus was getting back in the Champions League. But they’ve felt the league form, not just this season but at the end of last season wasn’t good enough.

“It’s always sad to see a manager losing his job but you’d like to think Ange will be fixed up pretty quickly because he won a trophy. The league form hasn’t been good enough but you’d think the trophy would have given him an opportunity to stay a bit longer.”

Postecoglou’s departure has stunned many, including Spurs players who have been posting supportive messages on social media. For all the challenges of the Premier League, the Australian leaves the club with his reputation enhanced and a European medal in his pocket.

His departure may yet prove a blessing in disguise. Having transformed Celtic and now delivered silverware in England, Postecoglou exits a notoriously demanding Spurs setup with his stock high, and suitors almost certain to be watching closely.

What happens next will be an interesting watch. Will he remain in England or look elsewhere in Europe for his next move? I doubt he’ll want to remain jobless for too long.

Celtic are once again facing the prospect of losing one of their brightest young prospects to the lure of the English Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur poised to snap up teenager Conall Glancy.

According to journalist Mark Hendry, the Hoops are bracing themselves for renewed interest from down south, with several top-flight English clubs keeping tabs on emerging talent at Lennoxtown. The latest in a growing list, Glancy looks set to follow the well-trodden path south of the border.

The move will come as yet another blow to Celtic, who have seen a number of academy graduates slip through their fingers in recent years. Ben Doak’s high-profile switch to Liverpool in 2022 was the most prominent, while both Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly eventually moved on after limited first-team opportunities.

Glancy’s development has not gone unnoticed, with Spurs now leading the chase to secure his signature. The highly-rated youngster is being lined up for a professional contract, with Celtic unable to compete with the financial muscle.

This trend of youth departures has been a concern for some time now for those at the club who are keen to see Celtic’s youth system not just produce talent, but retain it.

The lowland league experiment has failed for the Celtic B side and the club are now exploring other options to help prepare young players for the first team and show them the pathway is there. Talks with Queens Park could see a mutually beneficial relationship where Celtic loan out top prospects on a regular basis to the Glasgow side. But how you ward off attention from down south is another fight altogether.

Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has spoken publicly for the first time since his departure from Tottenham Hotspur, delivering a dignified and emotional statement that highlights the values which defined both his time in North London and Glasgow.

The Australian, who led Celtic to five trophies in two seasons before joining Spurs in 2023, expressed pride in his achievements and gratitude for the relationships built during his two-year spell in charge. His farewell message struck a balance between reflection, acknowledgment of challenges, and optimism for the future.

Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham saw the club mastermind a brilliant 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao. That landmark achievement brought Spurs their first major European silverware in decades, capping a campaign that will live long in the memory for supporters.

The former Celtic manager’s statement is likely to resonate with Hoops fans who remember his humility and brilliance in communication. It also highlights exactly why he remained a respected figure long after leaving Celtic.

He said: (Tottenham Tiers), “When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.

“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.

“Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.

“There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.

We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 7 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.

“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 that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.

“It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.

“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 and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.

“We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”

For Celtic fans, the message is a familiar one, delivered in the same calm, resolute tone that marked his time in Glasgow. His focus on unity, belief, and a collective progress is exactly what he often preached during his time at Lennoxtown and Celtic Park.

Postecoglou’s European triumph with Spurs is a significant achievement, and a crowning moment for a manager who made a habit of delivering against the odds. That final in Bilbao, secured through organisation, spirit, and belief, felt like the end of the journey he started at Celtic.

While there is speculation over what comes next for the 58-year-old, his composed exit shows a manager who remains grounded and connected to the people behind the badge, be it in North London or the East End of Glasgow.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has criticised Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to sack Ange Postecoglou, despite delivering the club’s first major trophy in 17 years.

Postecoglou led Spurs to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao, securing their first European title since 1984 and a spot in next season’s Champions League.

However, Tottenham’s domestic form was dismal, finishing 17th in the Premier League with their lowest-ever points tally of 38, narrowly avoiding relegation.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Sutton wrote: “Spurs wanted a manager who could win them a major trophy… they get one and then sack him…”

The decision has sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning the thinking behind sacking a manager who achieved European success.

Postecoglou’s time at Tottenham was marked by an attacking style of play and a commitment to building a long-term project, despite facing significant injury challenges throughout the season.

As Tottenham begin the search for a new manager, the club faces scrutiny over its decision-making and the direction it intends to take moving forward. Having not won a trophy for so long and being desperate to get back into the Champions League, Ange achieved both — and was still sacked.

Former Celtic striker John Hartson has hit out at Tottenham Hotspur following their decision to sack Ange Postecoglou, despite the Australian guiding the club to their first trophy in 17 years.

Postecoglou led Spurs to a 1-0 win over Manchester United in last month’s Europa League final in Bilbao and secured a return to the Champions League. However, the club’s dreadful league form — finishing 17th — proved his undoing.

Reacting to the news on social media, Hartson didn’t hold back. Posting on X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: “That’s Spurs back to winning f*** all .. my word.”

Hartson, who enjoyed huge success at Celtic and has remained close to the club since retiring, was a vocal supporter of Postecoglou during his time in Glasgow. The 59-year-old left Parkhead in June 2023 after delivering two league titles, a Scottish Cup and two League Cups.

Postecoglou’s spell at Spurs started brightly and ultimately ended in European success, but ultimately crumbled under the weight of poor league results. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy made the call to cut ties just weeks after the club’s finest moment in nearly two decades.

Ange Postecoglou’s future at Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly hanging in the balance, with reports suggesting a decision is expected imminently from chairman Daniel Levy.

Despite guiding Spurs to their first major silverware in 17 years by winning the Europa League, the former Celtic manager could be facing the sack. The Australian has not yet been given clarity on his position, though the cost of parting ways with him and his staff has been reported at around £5 million. Additionally, Postecoglou is due a £2 million bonus for delivering European glory.

The club’s hierarchy are said to be weighing up alternatives, with Brentford’s Thomas Frank emerging as the frontrunner. However, landing the Danish coach won’t come cheap. The Mirror report that it would cost Spurs around £10 million to take Frank away from the Bees, where he remains under contract for another two years.

Frank has impressed with his work at Brentford, building a competitive side on a modest budget and earning widespread praise for his tactics and man-management skills. He’s been on the radar of several Premier League clubs, but the hefty compensation package could give Spurs pause for thought.

Postecoglou, who enjoyed two successful seasons at Celtic, including a domestic treble in his final year, made a strong early impression in North London. Yet, questions have lingered over Spurs’ domestic inconsistency and failure to challenge seriously in the league.

Daizen Maeda is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Fenerbahce, but the Japanese forward appears focused on continuing his journey with Celtic into next season. [Sozcu]

The 27-year-old, who has scored 33 goals for the club this season, has been a key figure under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. His relentless work rate and eye for goal have made him a fan favourite, and his recent comments suggest he’s far from finished in Glasgow.

Speaking recently, Maeda said: “I was in great form this season, both personally and so were the team. So I’d like to keep it going next season. I am who I am because of my team, Celtic. I’d like to thank my teammates and, above all, my family for supporting me so far. I’d be happy if I could score more goals next season. I hope the number of goals will continue to increase.”

Despite his clear commitment, speculation around his future continues to grow. Reports from Turkey claim Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, are preparing a bid in excess of €10 million (£8.5 million). However, that falls well short of Celtic’s valuation, believed to be in the region of £25 million. [Sozcu]

The reliability of Turkish media reports has been questioned in the past, and any report of a move from Fenerbahce should be taken cautiously at this stage, as should his price tag.

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs have also been credited with an interest. The Australian knows Maeda well, having signed him twice already. First at Yokohama and then again at Celtic. Should Postecoglou remain in charge at Spurs, it’s not unthinkable that he could look to make it a hat-trick.

Unless a club meets the Hoops’ valuation, there’s little suggestion that a move is imminent. Still, with suitors circling and the transfer window edging closer, Celtic may have a decision to make before the summer is out.

Tottenham Hotspur would have to shell out around £4 million if they decide to part ways with Ange Postecoglou, according to a report in The Telegraph.

Despite guiding Spurs to their first European trophy in over 40 years with a dramatic Europa League win over Manchester United, Postecoglou’s future remains in limbo following a dire domestic season that saw the North London club finish 17th in the Premier League.

The Australian is still waiting to learn his fate, with club chiefs, including chairman Daniel Levy, yet to hold post-season talks.

Postecoglou has spoken recently about the shift in mindset that winning a trophy brings, something he believes will be pivotal in helping Spurs push on next season, particularly with Champions League football now back on the agenda.

However, should Levy decide to make a change, it won’t come cheap. The Telegraph claims sacking Postecoglou would cost around £4 million in compensation. That figure is before factoring in a £2 million bonus due for delivering European silverware.

For a club trying to rebuild and move forward, the financial and footballing gamble of sacking the former Celtic boss who delivered success in the form of a trophy in his second season – after finishing fifth in his first.

Ally McCoist has leapt to the defence of Ange Postecoglou amid mounting speculation that the former Celtic boss could be sacked by Tottenham Hotspur—despite delivering European silverware.

Postecoglou’s second season in North London brought a mixed bag. Spurs slumped to a dismal 17th-place finish in the Premier League, but crucially, they lifted the Europa League title—ending a 17-year wait for a major trophy and sealing a return to the Champions League.

Reports in England have suggested that might not be enough to spare Postecoglou, with Daniel Levy said to be weighing up the Australian’s future. But McCoist, never shy about his Rangers loyalties, set those aside as he launched a scathing defence of the man who dominated Scottish football during his two-year spell at Celtic.

He said: (talkSPORT),”It’s probably the only profession on the planet where we sit and talk about someone new coming into a job, when the current person is still in a job, and has been incredibly successful in that job over the past three or four weeks.

“The irony isn’t lost on me. I think it would be remarkably harsh. You’re talking about someone who’s got the club Champions League football and their first trophy in 17-odd years.

“Yes, we all know the league position was shocking, but you could almost see him throw all his eggs in one basket towards the end of the season.

“I don’t care what anyone says; if someone had said ‘We’ll give you the Europa League and Champions League football’ to any Spurs fan at the start of the season, they are biting your hand off. And that’s it.

“So for me, if he loses the job – and by the way, knowing that club, and knowing the way it’s run, that’s absolutely possible – then that’s just the world we live in. It’s just the world Tottenham live in, to tell you the truth.”

Postecoglou is still held in high regard by Celtic fans after winning five trophies in two seasons, including a treble.

McCoist famously joked he’d carry Ange down south himself if it meant him leaving Celtic. But now, with Postecoglou under pressure, the Ibrox icon has shown genuine respect for his former rival.