Former Socceroos Boss Ange Postecoglou 'Verbally Agrees' To Become New Celtic Manager

Ange Postecoglou is on the brink of a huge move to Scotland.

According to Sky Sports, the former Socceroos head coach has "verbally agreed personal terms" to become the new manager of Scottish giants Celtic.

The Aussie would replace Hoops legend Neil Lennon at the helm with club officials hoping to have his contract signed by early July in time for the team's pre-season camp in Wales.

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Celtic fell behind local rivals Rangers this season, missing out on the Scottish league title for the first time in over 10 years.

The arrival of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard at Rangers saw a resurgence at the trophy-starved club as he guided them to glory in just his third season as manager.

Now pressure is beginning to mount on Celtic, who now need to bring in a coach who can "restore order" in the fans' eyes and challenge bitter rivals Rangers for the title.

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Enter Ange Postecoglou, but not everyone is convinced just yet.

Former Australia, Manchester United and Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Bosnich described the appointment as a "big risk" for a club of Celtic's size.

"He did have a fantastic time here at a club called Brisbane Roar, where he pretty much revolutionised the way football was played over here. And he's won the title in his first foray into Asia," Bozza told Sky Sports.

"I can understand the angst from Celtic supporters because winning the title here in Australia and winning the title in Japan is not managing in the Scottish Premiership, and nor is it managing a club the size of Celtic, whose worldwide support is right up there, and they're an absolutely massive club.

"If he does get appointed, he does deserve a chance, but it is a big risk - there's no doubt about that."

55-year-old Postecoglou has been in charge of Yokohama F. Marinos since 2018 and has well and truly revolutionised Japanese football since his arrival.

His attacking style of play has seen him earn plenty of plaudits over in Japan, but it seems his football isn't just pretty on the eye - it's effective too.

It took Postecoglou just one season to win a J-League title with Yokohama, an achievement that grabbed the attention of some pretty big clubs on European shores.

Prior to his stint in Japan, he was also Socceroos head coach, overseeing the team during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before guiding the side to AFC Asian Cup glory just a year later.

A-League fans are also well aware of Postecoglou thanks to his successful three years with the Brisbane Roar where he clinched two A-League titles.

Topics: Celtic, Scottish Football, Ange Postecoglou, Transfer news, Australia, Japan, Rangers

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry