Ange Postecoglou is officially the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur, leaving Celtic after two years in charge of the club. The news was confirmed by both teams in statements this morning.
Speculation has been rife for a number of weeks about Postecoglou’s future. Spurs waited until after the Scottish Cup Final to make their approach and the now former Bhoys boss has gladly accepted the position.
Both Chief Executive Michael Nicholson and club chairman Peter Lawwell have offered reaction to the news, speaking to the official club website.
Nicholson said: “It has been a pleasure working with Ange, a great football manager and a good man. He has served the Club with such energy and determination and delivered a phenomenal level of success.
“I would like to thank him for all he has given us and I wish Ange and his family the very best for the future in everything they do.
“Of course, we wanted Ange to stay with us at Celtic and while there is real disappointment that we are losing him, he has decided he wants to look at a new challenge, which we respect.
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“As Treble-winning champions, the Club looks ahead with confidence to the future, with many exciting opportunities ahead. The Club appreciates the tremendous support from Celtic fans this season and we will continue to build from this position of unity and strength.”
Meanwhile, Lawwell said: “Against any measure, Ange has delivered a fantastic level of success to Celtic and we thank him for his brilliant contribution to the Club during the past two years.
“We were delighted to bring Ange to Celtic. He is a special manager who has had success wherever he has been and someone who brought to the club attacking, stylish and winning football in the best traditions of Celtic.
“Of course, we are disappointed that Ange has decided to leave the Club, and we did all we could to keep him with us well into the future, but he wanted to take this new opportunity and we wish Ange well in this and everything else he does.
“Now our focus is very much on ensuring we move forward positively and do all we can to ensure that we maintain our dominant position in Scottish football and also prepare for the exciting European challenges which lie ahead.”
The search is well underway for Postecoglou’s replacement. Names such as Enzo Maresca, Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter have been mentioned in conjunction with the post, but there is no clear frontrunner at this stage.
In other news, Celtic have competition for Enzo Maresca; Dermot Desmond impressions, UCL final wait.