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Former Australia star Harry Kewell is set to join Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s backroom team.
Kewell, 43, has been unemployed since he was sacked by Barnet last year after being in charge of the National League side for just four months.
Postecoglou revealed he initially decided against expanding his coaching setup and was joined by John Kennedy, while Stephen McManus, Gavin Strachan and Stevie Woods made up the backroom team.
However, after winning the Scottish Premiership title and League Cup in his debut season, Postecoglou turned to the former Liverpool and Leeds attacker, who will join as a first-team manager.
Kewell narrowly missed working under Postecoglou for Australia national team and also Melbourne Victoria but before that divulged an important piece of advice from the 56-year-old.
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“The only thing Ange told me, and that’s stuck with me, is to go your own way,” he said.
“Once you start listening to other people, you’re in trouble.”
Postecoglou looks back on his first year at Celtic
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A year ago, Celtic turned to the relatively unknown Ange Postecoglou to revitalize a club in turmoil and he silenced doubters by winning the Scottish Premiership title and League Cup in his debut season.
Postecoglou’s start to life at Parkhead did not start well as he failed to win his first three games, resulting in a Champions League elimination and an opening day loss to Hearts in the league.
However, the Australian always insisted he would not give up his footballing philosophy of attacking, entertaining and relentless football and piece by piece rebuilt a struggling side that was blown aside by Rangers last season.
The title win came on a Wednesday night in May at Tannadice, with the manager promising it was just the beginning for him and his burgeoning talent at Celtic.
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“I’ve had a lot of success but this is definitely the toughest challenge and toughest year I’ve ever had,” said the former Australia manager, looking back on 365 days in charge.
“I did an interview after the game and I couldn’t put into words exactly what the strongest emotion was.
“I think looking back now and the way we finished the last game, I think part of me said, ‘No, I don’t want that to be the point.’
“This season has been about laying the first foundation for a team that I hope will compete and thrive in the Premier League for years to come.”
Postecoglou: We never stop
Thursday, June 16, 6:00 p.m
With Celtic winning the title comes qualification for the group stage of the Champions League and Postecoglou is looking for his team to grow on the biggest stage in European football.
“My job is to do better next year, we have to get better,” he said Sky Sports.
“The same goes for the Champions League, our role is to get there and make a difference.
“It’s not just about making a difference next year, it’s about building a team that will continue to make a difference, and that takes time.
“We had a process, we had success in the transfer market without massive expenses. That’s the club we are and that’s the area where we’re supposed to keep growing and that’s what we’re going to do.”