The 55-year-old joins from Yokohama F. Marinos and signs a 12-month rolling contract, replacing the permanent void left by Neil Lennon's resignation in late February.
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Celtic announced on Thursday that former Australia national coach Ange Postecoglou has been named as the club’s new manager. The 55-year-old Australian was hired on a 12-month rolling contract to replace the permanent void left by Neil Lennon’s resignation in late February. Postecoglou, 55, joins the club after leading Yokohama F. Marinos to the J League victory in 2019. Before taking command of the Socceroos in 2013, the Greek-born manager won two A-League titles with Brisbane Roar. During his four-year term, he qualified the national team for the 2014 World Cup and famously won the 2015 Asia Cup.
“Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce that it has appointed Ange Postecoglou to the position of Football Manager,” read a club statement. “Ange joins Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos, where he has delivered the J League title. Previously he has also won Premiership and Championship Titles in Australia’s A League.”
Celtic had been led by interim manager John Kennedy since Lennon’s resignation in February, with the team finishing the season 25 points behind Scottish Premiership champions Rangers. His appointment brings an end to a long saga for Celtic, who were reported to be interested in former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe. However, in late May, it was reported that talks with the Englishman had broken down.
Celtic Football Club is delighted to announce that it has appointed Ange Postecoglou to the position of Football Manager.
Welcome to #CelticFC ??#WelcomeAnge?#OneClubSince1888
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 10, 2021
Postecoglou, on his part, said he was delighted with his appointment. “The opportunity that has been given to me is one of the greatest honours in football and the responsibility to lead our magnificent football club into the future is one that I will cherish dearly,” he said. “Celtic is one of THE names in world football, of that there is no doubt – a giant of a club, a proper footballing institution and so much more – real history, real substance, real authenticity and real soul.
“I know Celtic is a true way of life for so many people and I know the demands which come with this position – I am ready to do all I can to meet those demands. I will be doing everything I can to get our great club back on top and, at the same time, deliver the kind of football which our fans appreciate. We want to entertain our fans and we want to win, these are the objectives which I always set myself and which I now begin work on.”
Postecoglou also hoped to see their fans flooding the stadium soon and supporting them. “When you think of Celtic, you think of supporters and my dream is to see our fans back at Celtic Park with us as soon as possible. We all hope things are changing for the better and can see our fans soon as they are vital to everything I want to do. We need our supporters back by our side and I can’t wait to be with them back in a packed Paradise.
“I have already had great discussions with (chief executive officer) Peter (Lawwell), (chief executive) Dom (McKay) and the board about their ideas and strategy for the future of the club. I know the club’s new modern vision aligns very much with mine and we now look to go and deliver on this. In everything we do we aim to give our fans a successful team of real quality, which they are excited about and can be proud of.”
He also sounded confident about incoming transfers in the upcoming window. “We have already begun work on our plans for adding to the squad – we aim to bring players of quality to Celtic to enhance the existing core of great talent. I very much look forward to meeting with the players on their return from the close season break and I can’t wait to get started as Celtic manager.”
