Ange Postecoglou’s return to Celtic hits new hurdle as ‘major concern’ emerges
Ange Postecoglou has been heavily tipped to make a sensational return to Celtic at the end of the season when Martin O’Neill steps down.
The nightmare of Wilfried Nancy‘s spell has forced the Hoops to look at new managers, with a return for the former boss likely to be well received.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic‘s squad is currently facing a downward turn which could put managers off.
That is believed to be a “major concern” for Postecoglou, who is reluctant to take over a struggling side after his spells with Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
This, combined with a lack of recent investment from the board which led to Brendan Rodgers walking away, could put the 60-year-old off of a return.
Ange Postecoglou has doubts over Celtic return
Brown told Football Insider on 27 January that Postecoglou is a front-runner for the Celtic job and would be interested in making a return to Parkhead.
However, concerns about the current transfer policy as well as what is becoming an ageing and less competitive squad could put him off the role.
“I don’t think it’s that straightforward with Postecoglou,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They’ve lost a few quality players since he was last there, the squad isn’t anywhere near as strong as it was, they’re not as competitive.
“They’re falling behind Hearts in the league at the moment and even Rangers after their poor start, they’re not in a good position at the moment.
“Some of their top players are ageing now, others are likely to move on, and they’re not showing the type of ambition you’d want to see in the transfer market.
“That’s why Brendan Rodgers left, because they weren’t matching where he wanted to go.
“I expect that will be a major concern for Postecoglou, because after everything that happened at Tottenham and Forest, it’s like going out of the frying pan and into the fire.
“The way he plays, he will need to bring some players in and he will need to be backed, because what they’ve got at the moment isn’t good enough.”
Martin O’Neill frustrated with Celtic’s transfer plan
Celtic’s recent activity in the transfer market has been a major concern for multiple managers, and was a large part of the reason Rodgers left his role.
Now, Brown has told Football Insider that O’Neill is frustrated with Celtic’s plans and had hoped to be backed more during the mid-season window.
Julian Araujo arrived under Nancy’s leadership, with Tomas Cvancara the only signing made under O’Neill, leading to questions about the board’s backing.
Football Insider revealed on 9 January that O’Neill hoped to be backed by Celtic in the January window with at least two major additions on his radar.
However, the interim boss is set to walk away at the end of the season, and has been left frustrated by their lack of activity as he had hoped to strengthen his squad.
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