English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are close to announcing Ange Postecoglou as their new manager - a moment Celtic fans will have been dreading.
The Australian immediately endeared himself to the green and white half of Glasgow when he first walked through the doors from Yokohama F. Marinos in the summer of 2021 but few would have expected the way he has managed to revolutionise the club from top to bottom in his two-year spell in charge.
Postecoglou’s side completed a world-record eighth domestic treble with a 3-1 victory over Inverness CT in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday - but talk instantly turned to speculation surrounding the 57-year-old’s future after he was unable to re-assure fans of his long-term commitment to the champions.
News that Tottenham are closing on in appointment him as Antonio Conte’s successor is expected to leave Celtic’s hierarchy facing another managerial search. The club deserve credit for their shrewd recruitment after plucking Postecoglou from relative J-League obscurity and within 24 months is set to land one of the biggest jobs in England.
However, that won’t be much consolation to supporters who are currently fearing the worst and questioning who the club will appoint next. The Hoops board are expected to have already drawn up a list of potential replacements and there are plenty of interesting names featured in the betting markets.
Here, GlasgowWorld takes a look at 20 possible candidates to replacement Ange Postecoglou:
5. Scott Brown - 12/1
The former Hoops captain and club legend would be a popular appointment among the Celtic fanbase but might this role come too soon in his fledgling managerial career? Currently manages EFL League One side Fleetwood Town. | Getty Images
6. Jesse Marsch - 14/1
Former Leeds United head coach is out of work after being sacked by the Elland Road club in February. Prior to his spell in England, he lifted silverware at RB Salzburg and had a short spell with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. Photo: Catherine Ivill
7. John Kennedy - 14/1
Celtic’s current assistant manager was linked with the vacant Hearts job last month. However, he could decide to leave the club and follow Postecoglou to North London. | SNS Group
8. Andoni Iraola - 16/1
Current Rayo Vallecano head coach, who played over 400 games for Spanish rivals Athletic Bilbao was approached by Leeds earlier this year. Out of work having turned down a contract renewal offer. | Getty Images