Ange Postecoglou has been named as the new manager of Celtic.
Postecoglou, 55, has signed a 12-month rolling contract to become Neil Lennon’s permanent successor at Parkhead.
The Greek-Australian finalised his move after Celtic secured his release from Japanese J-League side Yokohama F Marinos.
Postecoglou, who had a four-year spell as manager of the Australian national team, will take charge immediately, but will have to quarantine after arriving in the UK.
He said plans were underway to add new players to Celtic’s squad. The club’s Champions League qualifying campaign begins in just over a month’s time.
‘I will cherish the responsibility’
In a statement on the Celtic website, Postecoglou said: “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.
“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.”
SNS GroupThe manager – an Asian Cup winner with Australia in 2015 – will also need UEFA approval to take control, with the governing body requiring top-flight managers to hold their Pro coaching licence.
An application has been made for UEFA to confirm Postecoglou as someone who holds the relevant expertise and experience to take charge.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
‘Dream to see fans back’
The new manager added: “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.
“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.”
Howe’s change of heart
Celtic have been looking to fill the manager’s position since Lennon’s departure in February and had been close to appointing former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe.
The Englishman had a late change of hearts after being unable to bring his preferred backroom team to Glasgow.
The club swiftly turned their attention to Postecoglou, who had enjoyed success as a club manager in Australia before taking charge of the Socceroos and winning a trophy at international level.
Postecoglou then made the switch to the J-League, where he took Yokohama to the league title in 2019.
The new Celtic manager will be tasked with restoring the club’s fortunes after a period of domestic dominance ended last season.
Rangers ran away with the Premiership, while St Johnstone won the two cup competitions.
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