Important takeaways from Uefa comment on Postecoglou

Today’s news cycle is dominated by comments from a Uefa spokesperson who confirmed Celtic have applied for an exemption for Ange Postecoglou from holding a Uefa Pro Licence.  There are important takeaways from this.

Ange’s signature must be on this application.  This could only happen if he had permission from Yokohama, his current employer, and contract terms had been agreed.

Exemption will be granted, this facility is there to provide for candidates like Ange.  The Pro Licence requirement is there to ensure standards in the European game, not to act as a closed shop.  Celtic are pursuing a similar Work Permit application to allow him to take up employment in this country.  This will occupy another day’s news cycle, but Ange will meet this requirement too.

Yes, Ange will not be able to take charge of a Celtic game for weeks, but our June schedule has been kind in this respect.  There is nothing to stop him planning a squad or backroom team for next season, I expect he is at least a week into this process.  If he’s good enough, the hassle getting him here is worth it.

Pretty gutted at the booing when England players took the knee at the Riverside Stadium last night.  Must be horrible for the players.  Hard to believe we are in 2021.