Ange Postecoglou has been tipped to make a comeback to Celtic following Brendan Rodgers’ shock departure as head coach of the Scottish giants. Celtic announced late on Monday night that Rodgers, 52, had quit his role just two years into his second stint at Celtic Park. The Northern Irishman had commenced his latest tenure in June 2023, four years following his original exit from the club.
Rodgers guided Celtic to four Scottish Premiership crowns but departs with the Bhoys sitting eight points adrift of league-topping Hearts following nine matches this campaign. Celtic suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat to Hearts on Sunday. A club statement revealed: “Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation. It has been accepted by the club and Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect.
“The club appreciates Brendan’s contribution to Celtic during his two very successful periods at the club. Brendan leaves Celtic with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the club and we wish him further success in the future.”
“The process to appoint a new permanent manager is underway and the club will update supporters further on this as soon as possible. We are pleased that during this interim period former Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill and former Celtic player, Shaun Maloney have agreed to take charge of Celtic first-team matters. Further details will be confirmed shortly.”
Former Tottenham boss Postecoglou is already being touted for a return to the club. Just last week, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton hinted at the possibility on BBC Radio 5 Live as pressure mounted on Brendan Rodgers.
Sutton stated: “It could happen, I mean, would I like to see him back? Yeah, eventually, why not? I really enjoyed Angeball.”
He added: “Well, I think Brendan will leave at the end of the season – if [Postecoglou] just slots in next season, I would love to see Big Ange back.
“He’s respected at Celtic, the job he did. Brilliant, Angeball, what a brand of football.”
Postecoglou finds himself without a club after a brutal dismissal by Nottingham Forest earlier this month, having only been in charge for 40 days. The Australian was only able to manage eight matches before his tenure was abruptly ended.
The 60-year-old, who guided Spurs to an astonishing Europa League victory in May, secured two Premiership titles during his stint at Celtic, along with two Scottish League Cups and a Scottish Cup.