Football Australia congratulates Ange Postecoglou on appointment as Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Manager

Football Australia is delighted to extend its heartfelt congratulations to renowned Australian manager, Ange Postecoglou, on his appointment as Manager of English Premier League giants, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

This notable milestone in an extraordinary career, follows Postecoglou’s recent success at Celtic FC in the Scottish Premiership, where he secured five trophies in just two years, including back-to-back Scottish Premiership Championships (2021/22 and 2022/23), two Scottish League Cups (2021/22 and 2022/23) and one Scottish Cup (2022/23).

Football Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, expressed his excitement about Postecoglou’s appointment.

“On behalf of Football Australia, we would like to congratulate Ange on his appointment to English Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. This appointment is a personal triumph for Ange and his family, and we are absolutely delighted for them,” said Johnson.

“Ange personifies the Australian football story: a proud Greek-Australian who immigrated to Australia at a young age and found his place in a new Australia through football. After making a name for himself domestically, from his playing days at South Melbourne Football Club to his success as Socceroos’ Head Coach leading the team to Asian Cup glory in 2015 on home soil, Ange has gone on to test himself successfully in the global football arena against the world’s best.

“This new chapter at Spurs for Ange is a testament to his enduring determination, skill, and vision as a leader. It is also a moment of great pride for Australian football and highlights this current golden age as we see more of our coaches making an impact on football around the globe and a steady presence of players across European leagues, particularly in Great Britain. Together with our co-hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ commencing next month, this is a clear indication that our country has emerged as a new power in global football and underlines the compelling legacy we are building for Australian football,” concluded Johnson.

Australian coaches such as Kevin Muscat (Yokohama F. Marinos, J-League, Japan), Paddy Kisnorbo (ES Troyes AC, France), Harry Kewell (Assistant Manager, Celtic FC, Scotland), Joe Montemurro (Manager Juventus Women, Italy), David Zdrilic (Assistant Coach Genoa FC, Italy), Michael Valkanis (appointed recently as Head Coach Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), John Hutchinson (Manager at El Paso Locomotive MLS USA), Tanya Oxtoby (Assistant Coach, Chelsea Women, UK), Belinda Wilson (Senior Technical Development Manager, FIFA) and Alen Stajcic (Manager, Philippines Women), are also excelling in prominent managerial roles worldwide, contributing to Australia’s growing influence and impact on global football.

This surge in Australian football prowess aligns with Lionel Scaloni’s (Argentinian Manager) recent acclaim for Graham Arnold and the Subway Socceroos following their historic performances at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, including the heroic performance against Argentina in the Round of 16, further validating the rise of Australia’s global standing.

Postecoglou, notably began his managerial career following a distinguished playing career as a defender with South Melbourne FC between 1984 and 1993, which included being capped for the Socceroos in 1986 (Cap # 336), and securing the Head Coach role at the same club in 1996 aged 30. He coached South Melbourne FC to two National Soccer League Championships (1997/98 and 1998/99) which ultimately secured a spot to the inaugural 2000 FIFA World Club Championship in Rio De Janeiro by winning the 1999 Oceania Club Championship.

Postecoglou would coach the Australian Under 17s and Australian Under 20s between 2000 and 2007, before taking the reins of Brisbane Roar FC and winning two A-League Championships in 2010/11 and 2011/12. Following a brief stint with A-League club Melbourne Victory FC in 2012 and 2013, Postecoglou became the manager of the Australian Men’s Senior National Team, the Socceroos, between 2013 and 2017 which included participation in the FIFA World Cup 2014™, winning the AFC Asian Cup 2015™ and qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2018™. His international club coaching career resumed in 2018 when he was appointed as Yokohama F. Marinos Manager in the J-League, Japan where he immediately had success winning the title in 2019. Postecoglou held that role until 2021 when he was appointed Manager at Celtic FC, in Scotland.

As Postecoglou’s new chapter begins, Football Australia is extremely proud of Ange Postecoglou’s success and wishes him the very best in his new role with Tottenham Hotspur FC. As an organisation, we continue to foster growth and investment in Australian football, emboldened by the global recognition our players and coaches are gaining.

The Ange Postecoglou Managerial Honour Roll