SBOTOP: Chris Sutton Backs Ange Postecoglou as the ‘Obvious Choice’ to Succeed Brendan Rodgers Amid Dermot Desmond’s Celtic Statement

Celtic Football Club has once again found itself at the centre of intense managerial speculation following the uncertainty surrounding Brendan Rodgers’ future. As rumours swirl about potential changes in the Parkhead dugout, one name has emerged as a leading contender to take the reins — Ange Postecoglou. Former Celtic striker and current pundit Chris Sutton has made his stance clear, declaring Postecoglou as the “obvious choice” to succeed Rodgers should a managerial change occur. His statement aligns with the growing sentiment among fans and pundits who still hold fond memories of the Australian coach’s time in charge.

At the same time, Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond has broken his silence with a rare statement, attempting to quell speculation and reinforce stability within the club. Yet, despite Desmond’s attempts to provide clarity, the debate about Celtic’s direction, leadership, and footballing identity continues to dominate headlines.

This situation represents not only a discussion about managerial options but also a deeper conversation about what Celtic stands for — a club that has long balanced tradition with ambition, and identity with innovation.

Ange Postecoglou The Architect of Modern Celtic

When Ange Postecoglou first arrived at Celtic in the summer of 2021, few could have predicted the transformational impact he would have on the club. The Australian, previously managing Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, was initially met with skepticism. Many fans questioned whether he possessed the experience or pedigree to thrive in the unique pressure cooker of Scottish football.

However, Postecoglou quickly silenced doubters. Through his high-intensity, possession-based style of play — which came to be affectionately known as “Angeball” — Celtic became one of the most exhilarating sides in British football. His attacking philosophy, emphasis on quick transitions, and relentless pressing captivated supporters while bringing immediate results.

Under his leadership, Celtic reclaimed the Scottish Premiership title from rivals Rangers in his first season and went on to dominate domestic competitions, securing multiple trophies. More importantly, Postecoglou redefined Celtic’s playing identity, injecting confidence, creativity, and belief into a squad that had faltered in previous years.

Chris Sutton, who knows the club’s culture intimately from his playing days, was one of the first to publicly acknowledge the scale of Postecoglou’s achievement. In his words, “Ange didn’t just rebuild Celtic — he reinvented them. He gave the team purpose, a modern style, and a winning mentality.”

The Rodgers Conundrum

Brendan Rodgers’ return to Celtic in 2023 was seen as both a homecoming and a second chance. The Northern Irish manager, who had previously delivered back-to-back trebles during his first stint at the club, returned with the promise of maintaining Celtic’s domestic dominance and taking them to new heights in Europe.

However, his second tenure has been more complex. While results have generally remained positive, sections of the Celtic support have expressed frustration over tactical inconsistencies and what some perceive as a lack of the attacking flair that characterized Postecoglou’s era.

Reports of dressing room unrest and growing fan pressure have further fueled speculation about Rodgers’ position. In this volatile context, Sutton’s endorsement of Postecoglou as a potential replacement carries significant weight. He argued that should Rodgers depart, Celtic must look for a leader who understands both the expectations and the ethos of the club — and in his view, Postecoglou fits that profile better than anyone else.

Dermot Desmond’s Intervention

Amid the media frenzy, Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond released a statement intended to calm the waters. In his message, Desmond reaffirmed the club’s commitment to stability and long-term success, emphasizing that managerial changes are not being considered “at this time.”

Desmond praised Rodgers for his “professionalism, dedication, and understanding of Celtic’s traditions,” adding that the club remains united behind its current leadership. However, his remarks have done little to extinguish speculation. In fact, many supporters and pundits interpreted Desmond’s statement as a calculated attempt to buy time while the board assesses its options.

The underlying issue, according to many observers, is that Celtic must decide what kind of footballing future it wants to pursue. Do they continue down Rodgers’ pragmatic route, focusing on consistent domestic performance and measured European ambition? Or do they seek a return to the thrilling, attacking football that made Postecoglou’s Celtic so admired across the continent?

The Postecoglou Factor A Return Worth Considering

While Ange Postecoglou is currently managing in the Premier League, his name continues to resonate deeply at Celtic Park. The Australian coach’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has shown that his methods can succeed at the highest level. Despite facing challenges, he has maintained his commitment to attacking football and has earned respect from players, fans, and analysts alike.

Sutton believes that this makes Postecoglou not only the sentimental choice but also a logical one. “Ange understands what Celtic represents — the passion, the pressure, the philosophy. He’s not afraid to play the kind of football the fans love. If you’re looking for a leader who can inspire players and fans alike, he’s the man,” Sutton remarked in a recent interview.

Of course, a return to Celtic would be complicated. Postecoglou’s success in England means that luring him back would require significant financial investment and persuasive negotiations. Moreover, it’s uncertain whether he would be willing to revisit a chapter of his career that ended on such a high note.

Yet, as many Celtic fans would argue, football has a way of rekindling old flames — especially when the bond between a manager and a club runs as deep as Postecoglou’s with Celtic.

The Voice of the Fans

The reaction from Celtic supporters to the ongoing situation has been mixed. While many appreciate Rodgers’ professionalism and achievements, there is an unmistakable longing for the excitement that defined the Postecoglou era.

Social media has been awash with nostalgia, with fans sharing clips of Celtic’s free-flowing football from 2021 to 2023. The songs, the energy, the sense of unity between the stands and the pitch — all of these elements created an atmosphere that some feel has dimmed slightly since Postecoglou’s departure.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Rodgers brings results, but Ange brought joy. That’s the difference. Celtic was alive under him.”

Another added: “You can’t replicate the spirit Ange created. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about how we played and believed again.”

This emotional connection to Postecoglou underscores the broader cultural significance of his time at Celtic — a period that transcended mere statistics and trophies to touch the very heart of the club’s identity.