Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has officially shut the door on a potential return to the east end of Glasgow, insisting that “going back” is not how he operates his career.
The Australian remains a legendary figure at Parkhead, having secured five trophies—including a domestic treble—during a transformative two-year spell. Since his departure for Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, fans have remained hopeful of a reunion, particularly with Postecoglou currently a free agent following a brief 39-day stint at Nottingham Forest earlier this season.
No Regrets Over Spurs Move
Appearing on the Stick to Football podcast via The Overlap, Postecoglou reflected fondly on his time in Scotland but defended his decision to move to the Premier League. Despite winning the Europa League with Tottenham in 2025, his tenure in North London ended abruptly after a disappointing 17th-place league finish.
“I loved Celtic, I really loved my time there,” Postecoglou told Gary Neville and the panel. “If I was younger, I would have liked to have stayed there longer, maybe another three or four years and I believe I could have made progress with them in Europe.”
However, he was firm on the prospect of a second stint: “In terms of going back, I do not go back. That has never been me and has not been my career. Whatever the next step is, it will be something new, something I can make an impact in, and somewhere I can win things.”
A Lasting Affection for the Hoops
Despite ruling out a return to the dugout, Postecoglou’s affection for the Celtic community remains undiminished. He described the passion of the supporters as something that “has to be seen to be believed.”
The 60-year-old manager, who also famously broke Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought with continental silverware before his dismissal last summer, is now looking for a fresh challenge. “I loved every minute and look back on it fondly,” he added. “But I will not go back. That is not how my career has played out.”
🗣️ THE BIG DEBATE: WOULD YOU HAVE TAKEN ANGE BACK?
The “Angeball” era was one of the most exciting in recent Celtic history. Now that a return is officially off the table, we want to hear from you:
- Are you disappointed that Ange won’t be returning to Parkhead?
- Who should Celtic target as their permanent long-term manager?
Join the conversation in the comments below! 👇
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
