Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has reportedly put any immediate plans to return to management on hold following a bruising spell at Nottingham Forest.
That claim comes from Steven Caulker, who has revealed behind the scenes discussions that offer a clue about the Australian’s next move. Postecoglou is currently among the names being linked with a possible return to Celtic once Martin O’Neill steps aside at the end of the season.
The 60 year old endured a torrid time at the City Ground and was dismissed after just eight matches in charge, with Forest deep in a Premier League relegation battle. Things have not improved since his departure, with successor Sean Dyche also struggling to turn results around.
Postecoglou’s reputation was built on success in Europe, particularly during his spell at Celtic after arriving in 2021. He left Parkhead for Tottenham following two trophy laden seasons, capped by a Treble in his final year.
After guiding Spurs to a fifth place finish in his first Premier League campaign, he went on to win the Europa League the following season and end the club’s long wait for silverware. Despite that achievement, a poor domestic run led to his dismissal last summer.
His brief and unhappy stint at Forest meant Postecoglou was sacked twice within the space of three months. However, former Hibernian boss Nick Montgomery, who worked closely with him at both Spurs and Forest, has shared insight into his current mindset.
Montgomery, now employed by Chinese Super League side BJ Guoan, recently spoke to Caulker and addressed the situation on talkSPORT. He said: “I think Ange is just taking a break at the moment.
“When they went into Forest, there was an expectation that they were joining a club playing European football and that they would be given time.
“That time never came and it didn’t work out. It hasn’t worked for Forest either because they are still struggling near the bottom under Dyche.
“I think he is having a breather and thinking about what comes next. I have taken a role over here in Asia.
“It is good to see British coaches going abroad and making a name for themselves.”
Back in Glasgow, O’Neill has made it clear he does not intend to remain in the Celtic job beyond the current campaign. That has sparked debate over who should take over, with club legend Frank McAvennie offering a surprise suggestion.
Speaking on his Let Me Be Frank podcast, McAvennie threw his support behind Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou. He said: “Who would I love right now? The Motherwell manager.
“The way they are playing football is impressive. Imagine what he could do with a club like Celtic. It could take us to another level.
“Martin is doing a great job, but it’s one of those situations. It is what it is. At the moment, Martin is being Martin and he is getting through it.”