POSTECOGLOU FACES NEW DELAY

CELTIC have agreed a six-figure compensation fee to release top managerial target Ange Postecoglou from his Yokohama F Marinos contract.

But the Hoops could now face a delay of “several weeks” in the 55-year-old former Australia international boss being allowed to take charge of matches.

As CQN reported, Postecoglou will have to undergo a fortnight’s isolation period if he is named the long-term successor to Neil Lennon who departed the club in February as the fallen champions edged to the conclusion of a disastrous campaign.

However, there could be further frustration in getting in the new man due to a lack of relevant qualifications, according to media reports.

A UEFA spokesperson has been quoted as saying Postecoglou doesn’t hold a UEFA Pro Licence and will only be given approval to take charge at Parkhead if granted an exemption.

It was stated: “A recognition of competence procedure has been initiated.

“In general terms, the duration of the whole process depends on the requesting party, meaning if they provide all required documents in due course – the process could take several weeks.”

NUMBER ONE TARGET…Ange Postecoglou is touchline gesture during his days as Australia international boss.

Under UEFA rules, a manager in the top flight of a European league must hold A and B licences and at least embarked upon the most advanced course, the UEFA Pro licence.

That means the Athens-born boss could be named the Parkhead club’s new manager, but be unable to take charge of training or matches until an exemption is granted.

Former Aussie international midfielder Kevin Muscat, who had a brief spell at Ibrox during Alex McLeish’s reign in season 2002/03, encountered the same problem when he left Oz for a stint at Belgian club Sint-Truiden last year. Ironically, he was only at the second-tier club for six months before being sacked after just two wins in 15 games.

Despite guiding Melbourne Victory to two A-League championships, Muscat’s Asian Football Confederation Pro-Licence was deemed insufficient under UEFA regulations.

Postecoglou, though, is expected to have a solid case to be granted an exemption having coached Australia at the highest international level, the 2014 World Cup Finals.

The Hoops are due to start pre-season training at Lennoxtown in a fortnight’s time and the first leg of the second round Champions League qualifier is scheduled for July 20/21.