Ange Postecoglou reminds English media about his first season Celtic success | OneFootball

Ange Postecoglou took the opportunity during his first Nottingham Forest press conference to remind his doubters of the accomplishments he achieved at Celtic…

Ange Postecoglou speaks during a press conference as he unveiled as Nottingham Forest head coach at City Ground on September 11, 2025. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

The ex-Celtic manager who was appointed as new boss at the City Ground earlier this week was introduced to the media for the first time yesterday ahead of this weekend’s clash with Arsenal.

Scottish media and supporters are familiar with the fiery style Ange can display in press conferences, while those in England saw similar moments during his two-year stint at Tottenham. And, a reporter found themselves on the receiving end of one of Ange’s pointed responses when asked about whether he will deliver a trophy in his second season at his new club.

Ange faced widespread criticism for promising a trophy in his second season at Spurs. Despite delivering the North London club silverware for the first time in 17 years, he was dismissed two weeks later by Daniel Levy.

At yesterday’s presser shown below, the reporter said: “We know you win trophies in your second season,” to which Ange jumped in and replied: “I have won a couple in my first as well. At Celtic I won a double in my first year, so there you go.”

When questioned about repeating the feat, Ange replied, “Absolutely I can. Might need a second season here, though!”

For supporters across the globe, it’s great to see Ange back in football. He waited for the right opportunity after being offered roles in MLS, Saudi, Turkey and Germany but chose to stay in the English Premier League at an historic club.

Ange Postecoglou speaks during a press conference as he unveiled as Nottingham Forest head coach at City Ground on September 11, 2025. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Of course, Forest fans will have to be patient but as Ange has exemplified throughout his stellar managerial career, he will deliver. And he may be right; success might come in his first season. Forest will become one of the favourites to win the Europa League now that he has been appointed.

Meanwhile a trip to Celtic Park to face Brendan Rodgers could possibly await should both sides progress into the latter stages of Europe’s second tier club competition next year.

Remembered fondly by Celtic fans, hopefully Ange delivers success at the City Ground. If his record is anything to go by, I’m sure he will.

“I realised I was experiencing something unique,” Joos Valgaeren – read this on the next page…

“I realised I was experiencing something unique,” Joos Valgaeren…

Celtic players Chris Sutton, Joos Valgaeren, John Hartson, Henrik Larsson, Alan Thompson and Jackie McNamara line up in a defensive wall during the Scottish Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic held on April 27, 2003 at the Ibrox. Celtic won the match 2-1. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Former Celtic defender Joos Valgaeren has admitted that life took an unexpected turn after hanging up his boots – he’s since swapped football for a career in sewage management…

Photo imago/Miguelez Sports Foto Celtic Glasgow v. Porto Bobo Balde, Neil Lennon, Alan Thompson, Chris Sutton, Joos Valgaeren, Johan Mjällby, Didier Agathe, Stilian Petrov, Henrik Larsson, Robert Douglas

The ex-Belgian international – who earned 19 caps for his country – joined Celtic from Roda in a £4 million transfer under the stewardship of Martin O’Neill 25 years ago.

During his time at Celtic, he collected three league championships, three Scottish Cup triumphs, a League Cup medal, and featured in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final loss to Porto.

Valgaeren chose not to remain involved in football after hanging up his boots

Valgaeren will celebrate his 50th birthday next year, but unlike many of his old Celtic teammates and manager, he chose not to remain involved in football. He has disclosed that he has built a career as a specialist in sewage management.

27 August 2000: (L to R) Stilian Petrov of Celtic battles with Barry Ferguson and Billy Dodds of Rangers and Joos Valgaeren and Johan Mjallby of Celtic during the Celtic v Rangers Premier League match at Celtic Park which. Celtic won 6-2. Photo: Stu Forster/ALLSPORT

Speaking via Daily Record, Valgaeren said: “After I quit football, I studied to get a diploma as a certified land surveyor and I got a job at a company responsible for water purification.”

“It was a fantastic job that I did for 11 years, but I recently retrained as a sewer disconnection expert. We visit private individuals or organisations to see how we can improve their sewer systems.”

However, the former Celtic, Club Brugge and Mechelen defender – who hung up his boots at 34 – says he looks back on his Celtic days with fond memories.

“My wife and I loved living in Glasgow”

He said: “My wife and I loved living in Glasgow. It certainly helped that the club was flourishing at that time. Eighty per cent of your well-being is determined by sporting success. We lived in a beautiful flat in a great neighbourhood. My wife preferred to go south initially, but after her first visit to a Celtic home game, she was sold.”

Joos Valgaeren scores the opening goal for Celtic at Stranraer in the Scottish Cup in 2001. Photo The Celtic Wiki.

“During those Champions League campaigns with Celtic, I realised I was experiencing something unique”

“Lionel Messi once said he’d never experienced a better atmosphere than Celtic, although he didn’t really like the football itself! It was a dream, especially when you’re always winning, like at Celtic. Or playing memorable matches against Barcelona or Juventus. During those Champions League campaigns with Celtic, I realised I was experiencing something unique.”

Valgaeren added: “And I get that same feeling now when I find an Andres Iniesta or Xavier shirt in the attic. I’m still incredibly proud of playing for Belgium, but I did reach my limit there. When Luc Nilis kicked a ball, I saw a difference. With the national team, I had to be on my toes.”

Michael Owen of Liverpool tries to lift the ball over the head of Joos Valgaeren of Celtic during the UEFA Cup Quarter-Final second leg match held on March 20, 2003 at Anfield, in Celtic won the match 2-0, winning the tie 3-1 on aggregate. (Photo by Gary M. Prior/Getty Images)

“Celtic weren’t exactly eager for me to be selected either”

“I wasn’t Vincent Kompany or Jan Vertonghen. Besides, at a certain point, the national team became more of a mission. Celtic weren’t exactly eager for me to be selected either,” he said.

“You’re always dealing with a lingering injury. And then you have to fly to Belgium on a Monday and from there travel to Bulgaria for an international match. And then back again later in the week.”

Damien Duff of Blackburn Rovers uses his pace to go past Joos Valgaeren of Celtic during the UEFA Cup second round second leg match held on November 14, 2002 at Ewood Park, in Blackburn, England. Celtic won the match 2-0, winning the tie 3-0 on aggregate. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Eighties – Out Now!…

Celtic in the Eighties by the late, great David Potter is out now on Celtic Star Books. Celtic in the Eighties is now available in the Celtic superstore and all other club shops. And don’t forget that you can still purchase your copy directly from Celticstarbooks.com for same day postage.

Order Celtic in the Eighties today, you’ll be glad you did, it’s a fabulous read!

OUT NOW! Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

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