So a few facts are now in the public domain, the first of which is that our former manager was offered a new deal by the club – which would have protected us from a predatory approach and given us a real chance to recoup the fee a manager going to the English Premier League should be able to command. I’ll write more on what we did get later.
He turned that offer down. The club won’t elaborate on when that offer was made, but it’s my understanding that it was made well in advance of this weekend.
Still, Celtic wanted that information out there and they made sure the words didn’t just come out of Michael Nicholson’s mouth but out of Postecoglou’s as well.
It’s important to note that, because that confirms what a lot of us have been saying.
I barely glanced at Postecoglou’s statement, because frankly I couldn’t care less what he has to say at this point, for reasons I’ve made clear over the last couple of days.
Celtic always wishes managers well, even the ones we’ve sacked, so don’t read too much into what we’ve sent out in our official statement. It’s got the substance of wind and it’s about as real those letters that cabinet ministers trade with Downing Street after they’ve been axed.
Inside Celtic, there’s genuine anger about how this has all happened because we know it didn’t happen over a weekend.
We are well aware of the role in this played by Spurs, the agent and Ange Postecoglou himself.
If the reports from England yesterday are true, his agent was working to get him the move behind the scenes for many months, even as the man himself sat in at planning meetings, discussions about transfers, putting the finishing touches to the tour of Japan and that ghastly season ticket PR campaign “We’re All In”.
So don’t for a second believe that those in charge of our club aren’t mightily pissed off.
But they’ve obviously decided not to get into a public war of words with either the departing boss or the club which has basically tapped him. I’ll explain why I think we’ve done that a little later on, but part of the reason – and it should be obvious – is that it’s in our interests for this to look smooth and without rancour because we want this club to look strong and professional for the next guy.
And right now everyone at Celtic is thinking about nothing else other than hiring the next guy, which is where our focus needs to be. Frankly, there’s no time for anything else … but I am encouraged by the club stating that this process can’t and won’t be rushed.
It’s onward to the next step for Celtic, that’s what counts now, and it’s all that counts.
A retrospective on Ange’s time at the club is probably in order, but I am not going to write it.
There isn’t a single regular reader of this blog who does not know how I feel about Ange Postecoglou the manager; he is an outstanding, elite level boss and any club would be fortunate to have him in charge.
But I also believe that he’s gone to the wrong one, that his style of football, which has not worked for us in Europe, is going to be sorely tested in a league where Manchester City, Manchester Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and now Newcastle can all spend more money and are capable of beating the best teams in the world … and where he will not have the luxury of time to get it right.
He comes cheap. Relatively speaking.
Which is why Levy won’t necessarily feel that he has to give this guy too long to start showing results.
As one Guardian journalist put it yesterday; “If the worst comes to the worst, they can always usher him to the door and replace him with a more fashionable choice: a bald, middle-aged Dutchman or young German with a penchant for wearing BBC Two spectacles and controversial trousers.”
It matters not to us.
I won’t be keeping too close an eye on him any more than I do the players who’ve left. I think about Celtic 24/7/365, and anything not within this zip-code is a lesser consideration. The focus of all at Celtic now turns to our own future, and if we do this right and pick the right person that future is as bright as it ever was.
Go on Celtic, go and find us another winner.
However it came down, it is done and you are correct. Time to focus on the future. Time to focus on Celtic and find a new manager who takes us up a level and can guide us in the Champions league. Keep the squad we have and add to it for domestic and CL. Celtic first and Celtic always.
Echo your sentiments entirely.
I think a lot more will come out soon but right now a Professional outlook/output is what’s required right now as you say so eloquently James.
Celtic is never about one person. Celtic is bigger than that. Ange has made a massive mistake, he won’t get long in the nutbaw club, but like you say once someone leaves they aren’t in our thoughts, and that is the case with Ange
Thats it James, time to move on ,definitely learn from it.Get new guy in n realise if he is successful he wil also leg it.The more this unfolds their is nothing much different from his actions n those of BR
Ange has left Celtic FC in rude health ! He will be a very hard act to follow ! It’s about to be a tricky challenge !That’s the beauty of it all . Knowing that the foundation stone was laid 2 years ago with his brilliant appointment as head coach and culminating with a treble winning season means Celtic FC shall continually evolve and mature beyond all expectations ….All because of one man’s understanding of the demands .Let’s be thankful for the privilege of Ange as boss , knowing that Celtic’s best days yet, are in front of us !
Ange is done gone + I hope he loses every game + gets his jotters before Christmas, there I’ve said it …
Me to mhate hope he back in Melbourne for his Christmas ‘ Barbie” maybe bump into myself ha ha good riddance, no offence but once you go I don’t care what you do ! Don’t get this new ” love in” with people that pull the shit he has I include Tierney in that and I know his family weekly! Its all about The Celtic! Club like no other and if we ever play this lot we full their stadium for them!! Hail Hail I told a villa fan that once in Sydney they not got a clue!! Tho they know deep down there no fanbase comparable to ours as Mr Aussie will soon find out!
Ange is history.Move on get behind the new manager.And support the team.
His family well I meant
I’m not so sure the Asian contingent will respond the same to a new manager, that’s my main worry. There will definitely be challenges ahead for any new manager taking over and players that were bought purely to fit into Anges’ system might not adapt well to a change of circumstances. Fun and games ahead!
Like you JF am certain he was made an offer by the club, am also certain it was no where near 8million a yeàr plus performance.
They all come and go these days.
I have already moved on….
Biggest threat is not Ange leaving it is who he may tempt to do the same…
£5m for Ange moving is decent compo.
3 coaches, 1 backroom staff already mentioned which is fair enough as a new manager may bring in his own tried and trusted support staff. O’Dea, McManus could step up, Broony back too maybe??
If Kennedy and co get a 4 year deal they are made even if Ange bombs the first season.
More worryingly is the playing staff. Kyogo mentioned and if we get a huge sum for him then fine as he is 28 but CCV may be a big candidate for a move back, he has definitely improved with game time at Celtic past 2 seasons. We’d be daft to let him go for less than £25m.
I’d also worry about Hatate leaving, he has real star quality potential.
Looking forward to the next chapter at Celtic HH.
I think Kewell, Strachan and the video guys would be strong candidates to leave with Ange and hopefully with compensation. All 3 have worked in the English top flight before.
Totally negative article. Ange achieved everything that was asked of him and more. It was his right to choose to move on and best of luck to him. He couldn’t confirm he was ,or, could be going before a final. Also Desmond moved too late to tie him down. After all, a rolling contract appears to be Celtic’s preferred choice of contract.
Two years ago, the same Ange complainers were saying he was a mistake! Let’s stay positive HH
Nothing but facts. I’m sorry there’s no way to spin this except to pretend that I don’t know what went on and what our club thinks of it.
And I wasn’t prepared, and I’m not prepared, to do that.
Totally agree Andrew. Ange never led anyone on. He’s a professional and he’s doing what all professionals do – furthering his career, improving his income, testing himself against a bigger challenge. I don’t remember him once ever saying he was here for life or anything like that. I think every word he told us was sincere and he’ll probably tell the Spurs lot the same thing and he will be being sincere too. That’s how he is. I’m not sure how well he’ll do but I hope he does well and I’ll be taking an interest. I hope we choose a top level manager, not an ex-player and not anyone from the existing coaching staff. I don’t mind if he takes any of them with him and somehow I don’t think he’ll raid the club for players as he’ll have a lot ore to spend. Possibly he’ll go for Kyogo and Hatate but that’s it. I would wish them well too. Bottom line here: managers and players are professionals not fans. And the sooner fans accept this the sooner they’ll enjoy life again.
Away support spurs then , your talking nonsense! The men showed no loyalty tho living in Australia myself I knew he wouldn’t as anyone that has would told you total ” epllll” sychopants!!He be back home soon enough! He was disingenuous at best last 2 weeks and been whoring himself for months! He gone so that’s it no more this love in garbage !! We are Celtic go support the Aussie guy then in geez peace!
Didn’t read all your comment so maybe bit harsh but regards the Aussie guy I totally stand by my words Hail Hail
Twice when fans dared to have a bit of criticism towards Ange , that old muppet Kevin’s keep saying what about the Celtic family. We don’t need charlatans disguised as family. I’m with you and everything you’ve wrote up to now. Keep up the excellent work James, it’s much appreciated.
The whole truth is out there but we may never hear it.
Well said James, Celtic now need to appoint new manager asap to identify areas that need strengthening an players who are going to be on board with his tactics and how team sets out play his brand of football. Time to move on to next chapter for Celtic football club.
Me to mhate hope he back in Melbourne for his Christmas ‘ Barbie” maybe bump into myself ha ha good riddance, no offence but once you go I don’t care what you do ! Don’t get this new ” love in” with people that pull the shit he has I include Tierney in that and I know his family weekly! Its all about The Celtic! Club like no other and if we ever play this lot we full their stadium for them!! Hail Hail I told a villa fan that once in Sydney they not got a clue!! Tho they know deep down there no fanbase comparable to ours as Mr Aussie will soon find out!
To be honest James, I was actually dreading the summer with of only having to listen to all the turd polishing coming out of the scum within the reject bargain bucket.
Now thankfully the focus can remain solely upon ourselves and build upon the historic achievement gained last season.
Of course the new appointment will not be to everyone’s liking, but either was Ange, for which I was one myself.
Yet it didn’t take to long to get fully behind the new manager, and don’t believe nothing will change in that regards, unless god forbid lenny was to make a guest appearance.
Said many times now next season was going to be the big test for Ange as a manager, and so he’s choose to do that elsewhere than with ourselves, big deal?
Not for myself anyway, as wasn’t overly confident that Ange could actually take us further within CL, now we will never know.
A very decent squad is still available, yet not complete in term’s of numbers required imo.
Wouldn’t say our board will be to interested in selling our gems to spurs either, even if it remains a potential concern.
Of course we will be subjected to the usual bullshit within the Scottish media, so nothing new there either.
So when you break everything down, not to much has changed, only a different person to make the big decisions that were there before the departure of Ange.
The board have had a care free couple of seasons now, so time for them to step up and make the right decision.
Still looking forward to next season and remain very confident that it will remain green and white still.
It`s not all that long ago we were reading that Dermot Desmond had asked Postecoglou if he would be committed to Celtic, a commitment that would have been required to get the job in the first instance. He, in turn, didn`t want anyone at Celtic
that didn`t want to be a Celtic player. He had the five year plan which only lasted about 5 minutes after he got wind of a job in the promised land. Personally, I couldn`t care less about him. I am not being wise after the event but he was shrewd enough to see that even second rate managers were beginning to suss out his playing style. His “Angeball” didn`t even last a full game never mind a full season. He is totally unable to read a game, especially when the pressure is on. Beale was correct about
him: he is a lucky man. He is lucky that Howe never took the Celtic job. He is lucky he was in the City Group, otherwise nobody would have heard of him. He was lucky to get the Celtic
gig where most of the present day Scottish managers would be
a success and he was lucky on a couple of occasions against THEM which actually won the league for him. I have mentioned this before, I may be wrong though, but he never ever won a game outside of Scotland in the present season and that included friendlies. He was lucky there too that the game against Old Firm Sevco in Australia was cancelled, what a riddy
that could have been. OF Sevco has the record of being the worst CL team ever: he just missed that by the skin of his teeth.
In Europe. As third seed, there were at least 6 attainable points and he managed one. Even 4th seed got into the Europa League. Good-bye Postman, you won`t be miissed by me.
He can always tell the fans at Spurs that he understands their
history as he also came from a persecuted minority, blah, blah and blah again. I just wonder what sell-by date Levy has stamped on his chin.
Perhaps the Scottish journalists will help us land Beale – after all according to them he is the man who stopped Ange and won the more points than times when Celtic have won- just waiting for that story now
No harm to you, James – but, speaking for myself only, there’s more than a tad of ‘kettle calling the pot black’ going on here in your comments, your perspective..
I can WELL REMEMBER when Celtic demonstrated EXACTLY the same sort of behaviour when THEY wanted to recruit an older and very well-liked Parkhead favourite – namely, Tommy Burns, the club in question being, obviously, Kilmarnock, and ‘tapping up’ of TB was most certainly being practiced well prior to THAT appointment..
No, the events in question didn’t happen yesterday, or even in the last decade for that matter – but such is football; if you cannot take it when it goes AGAINST you, and your ultra-successful manager walks, be more ‘hesitant’, ‘reluctant’, to dish it out..
With regards..
Gordon G. Sprott
Rob Edwards ?
Respectfully moving on; the consequences on the squad that reptile built, their reaction to him leaving and a new manager coming in are as yet unknown. I’m hoping the one’s that remain will be professional. Some may move on or want to and like many, I’ve noticed a downward trend and staleness in our play, fitness and energy levels post Xmas. Kyogo has continued as per but will he be here.
Some that had injuries have not returned to those levels so that influences things too and without insider knowledge it’s difficult to understand. Hatate’s battery is not fully charged, he’s missing something and his passing’s been pretty wayward. Having now watched it on the telly the cup final was a fine example of that. It was pretty frustrating on the day. O’Riley, Mooy, Haksa and Maeda have declined too or MIA. Enough of course to win games and the league.
The right manager and signings are going to be essential. If the paper talk are of a £25 to £30m bid then it’ll be goodbye to Kyogo but another GG type would make up for that, he done well in Kyogo’s absence just a shame the fat bellied snake forced him out the door really. I’m hoping Abada stays as I think there’s a lot to come yet from that young man. Mikey J should be back too, what can he offer? So many question, so much to look forward too and little to regret. HH