Tottenham have confirmed the appointment of Ange Postecoglou, with the Celtic boss becoming the first Australian to manage a Premier League club.
Spurs confirmed the news on Tuesday morning, tweeting: ‘We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as our new head coach on a four-year contract.’
Spurs have been searching for a new manager since sacking Antonio Conte in March, with Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason taking up roles as interim coaches in the meantime.
A move for Feyenoord boss Arne Slot fell through at the last hour, as the Dutchman committed himself to the Eredivisie side, and attention soon turned to Postecoglou, who has enjoyed a hugely successful two-year spell in Glasgow.
The 57-year-old’s move to the Scottish giants was widely mocked, given his lack of experience in European football having coached in Japan and Australia for much of his career.
Ange Postecoglou has been confirmed as the new manager of Premier League side Spurs
The Australian boss became the leading candidate for the job after Arne Slot snubbed the club
Postecoglou, 57, is tasked with turning the fortunes of the misfiring north Londoners around
But Postecoglou silenced those doubters by winning five out of the six domestic trophies on offer, while implementing an attractive style of football as well as flaunting a savvy knowledge of the transfer market with inspired signings.
The former Socceroos boss is now tasked with turning the fortunes of the north London club, who fell to a lowly eighth-place finish this year despite having aspirations for regular Champions League football.
He will also have the small matter of Harry Kane’s future to contend with. The Spurs talisman has one year remaining on his contract, with the north Londoners demanding £100million for their star man. Real Madrid and Manchester United have been linked with the England captain.
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Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: ‘Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play.
‘He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead.’
Celtic wished the Australian well in a statement on Tuesday morning, while Postecoglou thanked the Scottish club for giving him his opportunity.
The new Spurs manager said: ‘I would like to sincerely thank everyone at the Club for everything they have given me. In particular, Dermot, Peter and Michael and the Celtic Board have shown me tremendous support in every aspect of my time at Celtic and I will forever be grateful for this.
‘They brought me to the Club and I have worked so closely and so well with them for the past two years, I will always have a special relationship with them.
‘They wanted me to extend my time at Celtic and while I am so respectful and understanding of their position, a new opportunity has been presented to me and it is one which I wanted to explore.
‘It was an honour to be asked to be Celtic manager and during my two years I have given everything I have to deliver success to our supporters. Culminating in the Treble at the weekend, my players and backroom team have been brilliant for me on this journey.
‘They have given us all some fantastic moments through their energy and effort, creating real quality, winning football.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said Postecoglou has a good track record of improving players
The Australian has also proven himself to be a transfer market guru with Celtic
‘Our supporters have been magnificent to me and I thank them for the way they have embraced me during the past two years. My ambition was always to give our fans a team they could be proud of, a team people talked about and I think we have achieved that.
‘Celtic is a phenomenal football club, and so much more – and I will forever be a supporter of this great institution. I wish everyone connected with Celtic nothing but continued success.’
The Scottish club confirmed their search for the 57-year-old’s replacement is underway, with former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch linked with the post.
Meanwhile, Football Australia also extended their congratulations to Postecoglou, who is the first manager from his country to take a job in the Premier League.
‘Ange personifies the Australian football story: a proud Greek-Australian who immigrated to Australia at a young age and found his place in a new Australia through football,’ CEO James Johnson said.
‘This new chapter at Spurs for Ange is a testament to his enduring determination, skill, and vision as a leader.’
