Peter Lawwell says Celtic did all they could to keep Ange Postecoglou but is determined their dominance of Scottish football will continue.
The Australian has left the champions for Tottenham Hotspur just days after winning a domestic Treble and denying any talks with the London club had taken place. He’s penned a four-year deal to become Antonio Conte’s long-term replacement as Daniel Levy looks to turn his club’s fortunes around.
Lawwell and the rest of the Celtic board were desperate for their manager to remain in Glasgow and wanted him to extend his contract. But the lure of the English Premier League proved too strong for the 57-year-old. Now Lawwell is focused on the future and continuing the string of trophy success that has seen the Hoops claim five of the last six available to them in Scotland. “Against any measure, Ange has delivered a fantastic level of success to Celtic and we thank him for his brilliant contribution to the Club during the past two years,” he said.
“We were delighted to bring Ange to Celtic. He is a special manager who has had success wherever he has been and someone who brought to the club attacking, stylish and winning football in the best traditions of Celtic. Of course, we are disappointed that Ange has decided to leave the Club, and we did all we could to keep him with us well into the future, but he wanted to take this new opportunity and we wish Ange well in this and everything else he does. Now our focus is very much on ensuring we move forward positively and do all we can to ensure that we maintain our dominant position in Scottish football and also prepare for the exciting European challenges which lie ahead.”
Chief executive Michael Nicholson added: “It has been a pleasure working with Ange, a great football manager and a good man. He has served the Club with such energy and determination and delivered a phenomenal level of success.
“I would like to thank him for all he has given us and I wish Ange and his family the very best for the future in everything they do. Of course, we wanted Ange to stay with us at Celtic and while there is real disappointment that we are losing him, he has decided he wants to look at a new challenge, which we respect.
“As Treble-winning champions, the Club looks ahead with confidence to the future, with many exciting opportunities ahead. The Club appreciates the tremendous support from Celtic fans this season and we will continue to build from this position of unity and strength.”
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