Celtic hope to appoint Ange Postecoglou as their new manager within 48 hours.
Since being turned down by Eddie Howe attention has been focussed on the Yokohama Marinos boss as the search for Neil Lennon’s replacement extends beyond 100 days.
Postecoglou has taken charge of three Marinos matches since Celtic admitted that they had failed to attract Eddie Howe to the club.
There had been speculation that he would fly to Scotland following today’s Emperor Cup defeat on penalties from Honda but there has been nothing out of Japan suggesting that Postecoglou has quit Marinos.
Tonight, in The Sun, David Friel, who broke the news of Neil Lennon’s resignation, claimed:
Celtic have sorted compensation with the Japanese outfit, while personal terms have also been agreed with Postecoglou.
The experienced Aussie coach is now expected to begin the long journey, with a formal announcement imminent.
Celtic are liaising with Uefa in a bid to overcome issues with Postecoglou’s coaching badges, but a solution should be found.
However, with Hoops stars due to report for pre-season on June 17 — it’s clear the Australian gaffer won’t be there to take charge.
#Celtic in advanced talks with Ange Postecoglou and are tonight close to appointing him as manager. Postecoglou, 55, has been working in Japan with Yokohoma F. Marinos
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) May 28, 2021
Whoever takes over as Celtic manager faces a massive job rebuilding the first team squad with little infrastructure in place to identify and recruit new players.
Peter Lawwell formally retires in less than three weeks with the job of Head of Football Operations vacant since Nick Hammond left at the end of March.
This guy knows his stuff. ITKhttps://t.co/mVtaEw0QIP
— Joe McHugh (@videocelts) June 9, 2021