Tottenham miss out on key Ange Postecoglou addition as John Kennedy stays at Celtic | OneFootball

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ottenham have missed out on the signing of Celtic coach John Kennedy after he was confirmed as a member of new manager Brendan Rodgers’ backroom staff.

The 39-year-old has been a staple at Parkhead for his entire career and moved behind the scenes after his retirement from playing, going on to work with both Postecoglou and Rodgers.

With the Northern Irishman’s return to Celtic confirmed on Monday, it was also announced that Kennedy was staying put following reported interest from Spurs.

“I wanted John to be with me as we move forward,” Rodgers told the club website.

“He is a very talented coach, someone I know well and respect and he will be very important to myself and our players.”

Rodgers, 50, begins his second spell as Celtic boss having left Leicester in the spring, before the Foxes were relegated from the Premier League.

Tottenham had been linked with hiring him as their next manager but he returns to Glasgow to succeed Postecoglou, at a club where he won two Scottish Premiership titles in his initial three-year spell.

He stated: “I am really delighted to return to Celtic and I am hugely excited by this great opportunity. When I was given the privilege of being asked to join the club again, it was a very simple decision for me and my family.

“We have enjoyed some great times at Celtic before and this will be my goal again, to deliver good football, ensure we have a team we all love to watch and ultimately bring more success to our fans.

“Ange has done some brilliant work across the last two years and I will be doing all I can to maintain Celtic’s momentum as we face into all our domestic and European challenges.”