Ange Postecoglou delivers definitive Celtic return message

Cameron Smith

• 19 Feb 2026 05:30 CST
• 4 min read

Nieuws

Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted that he will not return to the club this summer, despite rumours he could be appointed as the Hoops’ next permanent boss.

The Australian enjoyed a hugely successful two-year spell at Celtic Park before his move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, winning five trophies, and he has been tipped to replace Martin O’Neill at the helm this summer.

O’Neill was reinstated as interim boss following Wilfried Nancy’s ill-fated 33-day stint in charge, however he has already confirmed that he has no intention of taking the job on a permanent basis despite the club’s immense form under his tenure.

The likes of Jose Mourinho, Roberto Martinez and Robbie Keane have all been linked with a Celtic Park move, although Postecoglou has widely been considered as the frontrunner for the role after he was sacked by Nottingham Forest in October.

However, the 60-year-old has now emphatically ruled out a return to Celtic during his latest appearance on The Overlap.

“What a football club”

Ange Postecoglou reflecting on his unforgettable time at Celtic and why he won’t return.

“If I was younger, I probably would’ve stayed there longer” pic.twitter.com/jg0pgLDfHw

— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) February 19, 2026

Ange Postecoglou rules out Celtic return

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Postecoglou admitted: “I loved Celtic, mate, what a football club.

“If I was younger, I would have stayed there longer, probably three or four years. I think I could have made progress with them in Europe, you know.

“But at the time, it had taken me a long time to get to this space, and the opportunity to join Tottenham was too good.”

Postecoglou won 83 of his 113 matches in charge of Celtic and despite his reputation dipping following his second season at Tottenham and his torrid stint at Nottingham Forest, he has no intention of returning to Glasgow.

“In terms of going back, I don’t go back. I just don’t think that’s kind of been my career,” he added.

“Whatever the next step is, it will be something new, something I can make an impact in, and somewhere I can win things. But it doesn’t diminish the affection I have.

“It was a great experience for two years to be within a community that is just so passionate, I mean it’s crazy how passionate they are about their football club.

“Obviously I was fortunate that we had success so it’s a positive experience.

“I loved every minute and look back on it fondly. But I won't go back, I don’t think that’s how my career has played out.”

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