Celtic’s major shareholder Dermot Desmond was reportedly gutted when Ange Postecoglou swapped the Scottish Champions for Tottenham Hotspur. Desmond was influential in Ange coming to the club in the summer of 2021 and was like many in the support when the news filtered through following the Treble success against Inverness CT that the Australian was likely away.
Former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp revealed in his Sun Sport column that Desmond loved the 58-year-old and his approach but was left ‘choked’ by his departure to North London.
“When I was manager of Jordan for a short time, we played Ange’s Australia side — and lost 5-1.
“One of his senior players, Tim Cahill, was so bullish about him that I kept a close eye on how things developed.
“During Ange’s time at Celtic, I remember speaking to majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, a very clever man who absolutely loved him. They were choked when he left.
“But I thought he would be right for Tottenham and so far, so good.”
Dermot Desmond is seen prior to the Celtic vs St Mirren Cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on May 20, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Earlier today, Postecoglou ended Spurs’ run of defeats against Arsenal by drawing the match 2-2 at The Emirates. Spurs came from behind twice and were good value for the point as Mikel Arteta’s team were challenged by Angeball.
Postecoglou was nominated for the FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year Award for 2023, the manager was given the Manager of the Month award for August with Spurs. In two years, Ange won five trophies with Celtic including a Treble before departing for Tottenham. The 2022-23 season has resulted in his nomination for the FIFA prize and Big Ange was quick to praise Celtic, the staff, players and fans for the recognition that this award brings.