HARRY KEWELL has thanked Celtic for giving him the “opportunity to be part of one of the world’s great football clubs” as he leaves with the champions’ blessing to take up the managerial post at Yokohama F Marinos.
And as the Australian legend departed, Brendan Rodgers has welcomed replacement Adam Sadler as the new first-team coach.
The Hoops gaffer worked with the latest backroom recruit at Leicester City and is delighted with the backroom move.
As well as his time at the Midlands club from 2018 until this summer, Sadler has held a number of coaching positions with clubs in England, including roles with Manchester City, Newcastle, Plymouth Argyle and Norwich City.
REUNION…Adam Sadler is looking forward to teaming up again with Brendan Rodgers.
The new Bhoy said: “I am delighted to be joining Celtic. It is such an iconic club with such a brilliant history, a phenomenal fan base and tremendous record of success.
“I can’t wait to join up with the management team and get working with the players and, hopefully, play my part in bringing even more success.
“I am really looking forward to teaming up with Brendan again. We worked closely at Leicester City and enjoyed some good times.
“I know exactly the way Brendan likes to play and what he demands from his players and staff, so I am sure once again we can work together and achieve really positive results.”
Rodgers, speaking to Celtic website, said: “I am really pleased to welcome Adam to Celtic. He will be a fantastic addition to our coaching team and I know he will bring some great experience and ability to add to the club.
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“Having worked with Adam previously, we already have a great working relationship and understanding.
“He knows the way I work and I know his skills, so once again we will aim to work well again and every day look to develop our players further and improve the team as we take the club forward.
“I would also like to wish Harry all the very best for the future. I really enjoyed working with him, I thank him for all his work and I am sure he will enjoy the great opportunity has been given in Japan.”
Former Aussie international winger Kewell added: “I would like to thank Celtic for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to be part of one of the world’s great football clubs.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with Celtic with two great managers in Brendan and Ange. It has been an honour to be part of such a fantastic institution and it is a time in my career and life, which I will never forget.
“I have worked with great coaches, players and backroom staff and together we have enjoyed some brilliant moments together with the Celtic fans.
ON THE MOVE…Harry Kewell is heading for a new career with J-League outfit Yokohama F Marinos.
“I would like to thank everyone at the club and all the fans who have given me and the team such brilliant support.
“I would also like to thank Brendan for giving me such support in pursuing this new opportunity. It is a very difficult decision to leave Celtic, but I feel the management opportunity presented to me is one I would like to pursue.
“I will always be a Celtic supporter and I will always wish nothing but the very best for the club. I hope the club and our supporters can enjoy more and more success.”
One-time Liverpool and Leeds United star Kewell edged towards the Hoops exit when he missed the 3-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Boxing Day, as CQN reported.
He had been linked with a switch to Ange Postecoglou’s former J-League outfit and the Hoops hierarchy have acted speedily to get a replacement as the three-week winter break approaches.
Celtic travel to Paisley on Tuesday to take on St Mirren in the final Premiership outing of the first half of the campaign and are back in action again on Sunday January 21 with the 4pm start against Highland club Buckie Thistle.
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