CELTIC have confirmed Harry Kewell will join Ange Postecoglou’s backroom staff as first-team coach.
Former Hoops skipper Stephen McManus will now move to the club’s B team as part of the restructure.
Postecoglou is delighted with the arrival of 43-year-old former Australia, Liverpool and Leeds United star Kewell who has had managerial stints at Crawley Town, Notts County and Oldham.
The Parkhead gaffer said: “I am really pleased that Harry has agreed to join my staff. He knows the game inside out at the highest level and wants to play football the way myself and my team see it.
“I know he is hugely excited about joining Celtic, he is well aware of the scale of the club, what our ambitions are and I know he will make a really positive difference to my team.
CUP THAT CHEERS…Ange Postecoglou and No.2 John Kennedy proudly hold aloft the newly-won Premiership title after the 6-0 win over Motherwell at Parkhead last month. Stevie Woods is in the background.
“I was keen to restructure our coaching set-up, a critical part of this was having a close link between the first team and B Team coaching structures – and Stephen’s role will also be hugely important for us as we look to get that conveyer belt of talent going between the B Team, directly up to the first team.”
Postecoglou, speaking to the club website, continued: “The B Team will again compete in the Lowland League, something which will be a crucial development opportunity for our young players as they aim to progress and advance further.
“I wanted a really strong connection to the development of our B Team and Stephen, with his knowledge of our current first-team philosophy and demands will be ideal in this role.”
Kewell, who was linked with the Hibs manager’s job before Jack Ross was appointed in November 2019, added: “It is a massive honour to join Celtic and team up with Ange. He and his backroom team and the players have done brilliantly in their first year together, producing winning football in a great style.
“To turn things around and become Champions so quickly is a huge testament to Ange and everyone else at the club.
KIDS’ STUFF…Stephen McManus with Celtic youth star Karamoko Dembele in 2019.
“The manager is synonymous with attacking, exciting football, something he delivered on last season and something I know Celtic fans have loved right across the generations. We will be aiming to give our fans more of the same going forward and I look forward to playing my part in bringing this to our supporters.
“Celtic is a club the whole world knows and admires and it will be a privilege to be part of such a fantastic footballing institution. I am well aware of the demands and responsibility which comes with the territory at such a massive club and this is something which excites me and I am sure everyone else lucky enough to be associated with Celtic.
“I can’t wait to join up with Ange, the coaching staff and players for the challenges ahead and hope to play my part in our future success.
“I’m ready to work and am really looking forward to getting started.”
Kewell, who made 58 appearances for his country, also had spells in Turkey with Galatasary and in his homeland with Melbourne Victory.
The former Aussie superstar has been out of work since departing National League outfit Barnet last year after only four months in charge.
John Kennedy, as No.2, Gavin Strachan and goalkeeping guru Stevie Woods remain in place.
