Ange Postecoglou has etched his name into Tottenham Hotspur folklore, guiding the North London side to a dramatic Europa League triumph over Manchester United. The former Celtic boss, who famously declared he wins trophies in his second season, made good on that claim in Bilbao on Wednesday night, clinching a 1-0 victory and ending Spurs’ 17-year wait for silverware.
The Australian has faced no shortage of scepticism in England, from media jibes to internal unrest among sections of the Spurs support. Despite the noise, he stayed the course. On Wednesday, those same fans who once called for his head were chanting his name with pride as he held the trophy aloft.
Postecoglou’s win was more than a personal victory – it sparked a wave of celebration among Celtic fans who still revere the man who led them to back-to-back titles and a domestic treble before departing for London. Social media lit up with tributes, and many within the Celtic community expressed their pride at seeing one of their own conquer Europe.
One of the more unexpected scenes unfolded post-match on the San Mamés pitch. Ally McCoist – a pundit often accused of lacking neutrality when it comes to Celtic matters – embraced Ange warmly. The pair, once on opposite ends of the Glasgow football divide, shared a hug and conversation that hinted at mutual respect built during Postecoglou’s time in Scottish football. It was a moment of sporting humanity, far removed from the fiery touchline exchanges McCoist once had with Neil Lennon.
While McCoist may not have enjoyed Ange’s domestic dominance in Scotland, including that memorable treble-winning campaign in 2022/23, the Aussie’s style and substance appear to have won him over. Postecoglou’s brand of football and measured leadership continue to convert doubters, with this latest triumph only adding to his growing legend.
Ally and Ange 🫂 pic.twitter.com/uBZZ3HdBNC
— Scotland Football Kits II🏴 (@scottishkits2) May 21, 2025
