ANGE POSTECOGLOU has been inducted into Australia’s Football Hall of Fame.
It’s the latest honour for the 57-year-old Celtic manager who will be in his adopted country next week for the club’s involvement in the Sydney Super Cup along with the local side and Everton.
Postecoglou, who was born in the Greek capital of Athens and who moved to Australia at the age of five when his family emigrated, was nominated for a place among the elite via a public process and then considered by a panel of the nation’s football historians.
YOU’RE IN MY HEART…Ange Postecoglou’s message to the Celtic fans after the 2-1 midweek win at Motherwell.
The Hoops gaffer guided the Socceroos to the World Cup in 2014 and is regarded as one of their most accomplished coaches who made history this season by being the first Australian to manage a club in the Champions League.
The organisation’s chairman Chris Nikou said: “The Football Australia Hall of Fame is the highest honour bestowed upon players and participants who have served the game – either on or off the field – with distinction, with no better demonstration of this than our Class of 2022.”
Postecoglou was one of six sporting personalities to have the honour bestowed upon them, along with Moya Dodd, Collette Gardiner, Brendan Schwab, Walter Pless and Ted Smith.
Nikou continued: “These six highly-regarded figures of the Australian football community have not only made significant contributions at a local and national level.
“But in the case of Moya, Ange and Brendan, their impact and influence has been felt on the global stage.”
I DID IT MY WAY…Ange Postecoglou addresses the Celtic support at a club function.
Chief executive James Johnson added: “The Football Australia Hall of Fame is an exclusive club featuring members of our community who have represented Australia with the highest of distinction.
“They have influenced the corridors of power to drive our sport forward, or given tirelessly to support the growth of the game.
“The six newest inductees are outstanding ambassadors for Australian football and I would like to provide our warmest of congratulations on their richly deserved recognition and thank them for their important contribution to our great game.”
Postecoglou’s Hoops face Sydney FC on Thursday to get the inaugural tournament underway and then take on Frank Lampard’s Goodison outfit three days later.
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Ross County this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
