Two key next Celtic manager issues remain over Ange Postecoglou as road to Parkhead return hurdles detailed
The former Celtic boss has already been linked with a Parkhead return following Wilfried Nancy's dismissal.
Following the sacking of Wilfried Nancy just 33 days into his Celtic tenure, the Hoops board must now tread very carefully while choosing his successor.
After losing six out of his first eight games, the Frenchman was given his marching orders on Monday afternoon, alongside the man who appointed him, head of football operations Paul Tisdale. The 3-1 Old Firm defeat to Rangers last weekend appears to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Not for the first time this season, Martin O’Neill has been named boss but this time it’s until the end of the season, with player-pathway boss Shaun Maloney called upon to help take training sessions alongside Stephen McManus. In the background, it’s back to the drawing board for the Hoops hierarchy as they search for a new permanent manager for the second time in as many months.
O’Neill is a bookies favourite while Aussie fan favourite former boss Ange Postecoglou has also been linked with a Parkhead homecoming. The 60-year old has been out work since he was sacked by Nottingham Forest after just 39 days in charge, and has won the Europa League at Tottenham since leaving Parkhead in 2023. According to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, there are some key hurdles Celtic would need to clear to get Postecoglou back in Glasgow.
Postecoglou ‘the obvious choice’
Speaking on talkSPORT, Jacobs claims that ‘big Ange’ would be the supporters choice to take over from Nancy, but he isn’t sure whether the former Hoops boss would want to return. He said: “I mean Ange Postecoglou would perhaps be the obvious choice and an easy way of winning the fan base over.
“Yet prior to Nancy, Postecoglou was a contender and wasn't that keen on diving into the role and returning to Celtic so something would have to change there and wage is another factor as well. He's getting very big money now.
“Yeah I mean he might obviously make a concession because he knows he's not going to get Premier League money and a Premier League job imminently so that's a consideration. But I’m sure Postecoglou will be spoken of.”
Why has Martin O’Neill returned to Celtic
Speaking on coming back to Celtic, O’Neill said: : “I am really pleased, in fact, very honoured to be asked back to manage the team again and I am looking forward to getting back to work again with the players.
“I know we would all have hoped for things to have worked out differently under Wilfried and I personally want to wish him good luck with everything he does in the game. He is a fine man and I am sure he will go on and achieve success again, I have no doubt of that.
“For me, I've been asked to take this great job on again and my focus will be to try and get us back to winning ways if we can. We will need everyone right behind us. We still have a lot to look forward to and a lot to try and achieve, and myself, Shaun and the coaching staff and, of course, the players will be giving everything to achieve all the success we can for the club.”