Rangers rematch could prove untimely for Ange Postecoglou and his flaky Spurs – but Celtic gifts still bearing fruit

It may say more about them than him, but Ange Postecoglou has been told many times by chirpy English pundits that he’s not in Scotland anymore. Well, now he is, although it can’t be bringing him much comfort.

 

The 59-year-old is back and fighting for his managerial life at Tottenham Hotspur. Ironically, he might be considering ditching those perceived naive tactics he is accused of bringing with him from Celtic. “This isn’t Kilmarnock or St Mirren!” bleated former Arsenal star Paul Merson after Spurs’ threw away a two-goal lead to lose 4-3 at home to Chelsea on Sunday. Next it’s Rangers at Ibrox. Failure is not to be borne.

Postecoglou’s fraying ties to the manager’s position contrasts with Spurs’ strong Scottish links. Almost 60 years to the day since they secured something of great worth from Scotland, the London club aim to mount another productive raid. Postecoglou’s position might depend on a successful outcome.

His chances of success might be somewhat greater were he able to call on the services of Alan Gilzean, whose signature was finally captured following months of speculation on 16 December 1964 for a Scottish record fee. Gillie went on strike from Dundee as he tried to force through a move elsewhere.

Postecoglou may well be invited to stay away from work should he come to grief in a stadium where he knows he can expect little sympathy. Nevertheless, a trip into a lion’s den with all the attendant strands of intrigue could be just what he needs to reignite his tenure in north London.

While many teams are currently rubbing their hands at the thought of meeting flaky Spurs, the Australian knows there is one team in British football over which he holds a psychological edge: Rangers. They were sick of the sight of him by the time his two-year sojourn in Scotland came to an end, having collected five of six domestic trophies on offer. He has, though, won just once at Ibrox in four attempts, something mentioned more than once as Scottish and English journalists mingled before Wednesday night’s pre-match press conference. Postecoglou arrived at just after 5.45pm. Welcome back Ange. “Cheers mate,” was the inevitable reply.