The Scottish Sun

BOOKMAKERS reckon Ange Postecoglou's hostile welcome back to Ibrox could be SILENCED.

His Tottenham side were drawn to meet Rangers in the League phase of the new-look Europa League in December.

And the former Celtic boss laughed he was "sure to get a warm reception at Ibrox and they'll look forward to seeing me."

But betting markets say the Aussie rival's return could be OFF - with another shocking twist for Celtic too.

The Spurs gaffer has come under scrutiny since the start of the season, and was interrogated over a quip about delivering a trophy this term.

After losing Sunday's north London derby to Arsenal he'd said : "I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed."

And he defended himself midweek, adding: "I just stated a fact. Am I supposed to just lie or just say it never happened? Do you really think it's me sort of boasting?

"It's just confusing to me. I've just said something that's true, and it seems like it's upset a lot of people for some reason."

Postecoglou landed the treble in his second season at Celtic - but bookies don't reckon he'll be given the campaign to get things right.

Infact they reckon he's odds-on to be axed by Christmas and ever shorter to go before the end of the current campaign.

And that's a worry for Celtic fans currently flying high after seeing Slovan Bratislava put to the sword so convincingly on Wednesday.

Gambling site sportscasting.com/uk reckon he's 8/11 likely to go before Christmas - placing his Ibrox trip on December 12 in serious doubt.

They price Postecoglou at just 2/5 to be sacked before the summer.

The worry for Celtic is however, that the man tipped to replace him and make a similar move south that Postecoglou did last year - is current boss Brendan Rodgers.

The Hoops support were left reeling when he upped sticks and joined Leicester in 2019 and the bookies think he could do it again.

He's 5/1 favourite to take over and spokesman Andy Newton said: “The new Premier League season is only a handful of games in but already there is mounting pressure on Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou after a very average start.

“Postecoglou had promised big things over his second season at the North London club, but he’s already on the back foot with just one league win so far and with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy no stranger to culling his managers.

"I’m not surprised to see Ange odds-on to be gone by Christmas.

"If so, there has been a lot of talk about Brendan Rodgers joining Spurs in the past and they could finally get their man - if, of course, the compensation to Celtic is enough to let their highest ever paid manager leave the Scottish giants.”

BLINK and you'd have missed the Rangers career of Ludwig Norbert.

It's a pretty similar story for his early days at Spurs too.

Infact, despite making his debut in an under-21 Old Firm derby, he failed to make a single senior appearance for either team outside of France.

His arrival, on a short term deal from Lorient, was announced as a bolt-on to news Alex McLeish was interested in rising star Samuel Eto'o - then 21 and at Real Mallorca.

That was 2003.

It goes without saying, but a lot has changed since then.

Alex McLeish never got the £6m-rated Eto'o who went on to worldwide fame with Barcelona the following year.

The unheralded 18-year-old right midfielder who pitched up at Ibrox is now a 40-year-old property developer, and he's kicked off his biggest project yet.

He's renovating the imposing Post Office building in the town where he used to play - using money he saved up from his playing career and spells at Spurs, Ibrox and Angers.

After ploughing the cash into four high-end luxury homes he's built his business from the ground up - while maintaining an interest in the youth football scene.

Norbert came through the ranks at Tottenham - where he was a youth. Brother Guillharme was across north London at Arsenal.

Neither made an appearance for either side, though the latter did play at Lorient when they were both on the books.

He's now in charge of Racing Club de France. Ex-Ger Ludwig is in charge of the €15m renovation of an 'imposing building in the centre of town'.

It's his biggest project yet and says costs have spiralled.

He told Ouest-France it's cost "around 15 million euros, including three for land.

"It's a project I've been working on for four years, during which time the cost of construction has increased by 20%.

"It is certainly the biggest, and among the most beautiful, yes.

"The first was four homes in Larmor-Plage built with my football savings.

"Today, I have been working in real estate development for 15 years. Favouring operations on a human scale, I have been able to build a network, be patient, prudent and responsive."

Norbert has remained in touch with football though - at US Goelands where there's a partnership with FC Lorient.

Meanwhile he's continuing to grow 'Horizon Grand Large' including builds at Lamor Beach and the city of Sceaux just outside Paris.

It's an impressive and permanent legacy built in his name - one that eclipses his football career even with big names like Rangers and Spurs on his CV.

RANGERS will be among the top seeds for the Europa League group phase - but it WON'T make their draw any easier.

And they could be paired with Manchester United or Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham in mouthwatering Battles of Britain.

Philippe Clement's side crashed out of the Champions League with a 3-1 aggregate loss to Dynamo Kyiv.

They fall straight into the new-look group stages of the Europa League and don't have to feature in this month's play-off round.

Due to the club's high coefficient - which was boosted by reaching the 2022 Europa League final in Seville - they'll be in the first pot of nine seeds.

But unlike in previous seasons, this won't guarantee they miss the other big hitters in the competition.

Like the Champions League, this season's Europa League group stage will feature 36 teams for the first time.

All 36 teams will play eight matches against different opponents in a single league.

For the purpose of the draw, the clubs are divided into four pots according to the club ranking.

Each club will be drawn against two opponents from EACH of the four pots, playing one match at home and one match away against them.

Clubs from the same country will not be drawn against each other in the league phase - meaning Gers couldn't face Hearts if they reached the group phase.

Each team plays at most against a maximum of two opponents from any other country.

Gers could even face Dynamo Kyiv again if the Ukrainians fail to get past Salzburg in the Champions League play-off round.

The provisional pots - ahead of the conclusion of Europa League qualifying this month - stands as follows:

Pot One: Roma, Manchester United, Porto, Ajax, Rangers, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lazio, Tottenham, Real Sociedad.

Pot Two: Alkmaar, Braga, Olympiakos, Lille, Lyon, PAOK Salonika, LASK Linz, Fenerbahce, Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

Pot Three: Ferencvaros, Qarabag, Galatasaray, Molde, Viktoria Plzen, Bodo/Glimt, Union SG, Dynamo Kyiv, Ludogorets

Pot Four: Midtjylland, Partizan Belgrade, Malmo, Athletic Bilbao, Hoffenheim, Nice, APOEL Nicosia, Anderlecht, FC Twente.

THERE aren't many players left from Rangers' title-winning 2020/21 campaign.

And one of those Ibrox heroes is now on the lookout for his next career opportunity.

A few members of Rangers' Premiership championship-winning side are still at Ibrox.

Leon Balogun has just signed a new deal, while James Tavernier, Connor Goldson and Scott Wright are all still there too.

Although, there are question marks surrounding the futures of all three of those players as Philippe Clement looks to overhaul his squad.

One of the squad's most popular players was Jermain Defoe.

The legendary English striker moved to the Gers, initially on loan, in January 2019 and was a huge hit.

Although he was 36 at the time, the former West Ham and Tottenham frontman was still as deadly as ever in front of goal.

He went on to score 32 times in 74 appearances across all competitions and played a big role in the Light Blues' title triumph under Steven Gerrard.

After signing a new one-year deal in the summer of 2021, Defoe also took on coaching responsibilities at Ibrox.

When Gerrard left for Aston Villa, Defoe was one of the Gers' caretaker bosses prior to Giovanni van Bronckhorst's appointment.

After three years at the club, Defoe left Rangers in January 2022 after revealing he had felt 'forced' into the player/coach role.

He made a brief return to another of his former clubs, Sunderland, before retiring from football in March, just two months after his Gers departure.

Defoe quickly moved into coaching and returned to Tottenham, where he'd enjoyed two spells as a player, as an academy coach.

He's never been shy about his ambitions to become a manager either, and declared his interest in the Sunderland job earlier this year.

And his managerial career has been on his mind as he revealed he's LEAVING Spurs.

In an emotional statement, the 41-year old revealed he's moving on after two years in the coaching role.

In a social media post, Defoe said: "For the past two seasons I have thoroughly enjoyed my coaching time at Tottenham Hotspur FC.

"Today, I leave this incredible club and I want to say thank you to all the amazing people in the building who have helped me learn and grow.

"Special thanks go to Donna Cullen who brought me back to the club and in particular, Paul Bracewell, Stuart Lewis, Nigel Gibbs, Wayne Burnett and Bradley Allen, who have all been paramount in helping me evolve into the coach I am today.

"It has been a pleasure to achieve so much at Spurs, including reaching Uefa A coaching status, which was always an ambition of mine following my playing career.

"Spurs will always hold a special place in my heart and the fans already know how much the club means to me.

"However, now is the right time for me to move on and shape the rest of my coaching and managerial career. Nevertheless, I will forever remember my time at Spurs fondly.

"All great journeys eventually come to an end and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the coming season and the future.

"Until next time."

What next for Defoe?

Well, many Rangers fans are begging him to make a return to the club!

One Rangers fan wrote: "Get up the road son."

A second added: "Best of luck with your next adventure. Hope to see you back."

A third told Defoe: "Come home."

A fourth commented: "Rangers FC 👀 striker coach?"

Others wondered if he could be an outside contender for a big job vacancy!

Gareth Southgate, of course, left his role as England manager yesterday following the Euro 2024 Final defeat to Spain.

One fan said: "JD for the England job."

Another added: "Defoe for England?"

EX-CELTIC boss Ange Postecoglou is set to offer a former Scottish Premiership manager the chance to be his No2 at Tottenham Hotspur, reports suggest.

The position became available when Chris Davies, who like Postecoglou left Celtic for the Premier League (with Brendan Rodgers in 2019), was appointed manager at Birmingham City.

Postecoglou lured Davies to Spurs last year but now that he's on the hunt for a new assistant, he has his eyes on a fellow Aussie with ties to the SPFL.

According to FTBL, the 58-year-old is ready to give the job to ex-Hibs boss Nick Montgomery.

Montgomery, 42, was sacked by Hibs at the end of the last season after failing to secure a top six finish in the league.

Prior to his eight-month spell at Easter Road, Montgomery had a stellar record over in Australia's A-League, winning the championship with Central Coast Mariners.

His playing career is most associated with Sheffield United, for whom he was captain and played almost 400 games for.

The former midfielder was lined up for a potential return to management a month ago with Western Sydney Wanderers but they brought in Perth Glory's Alen Stajcic instead.

Montgomery is believed to be excited by the opportunity to work alongside Postecoglou, who already has former Australia international Miles Jedinak among his coaching staff.

And Montgomery could be joined by his own No2 from Hibs and Mariners, Sergio Raimundo.

He said after his dismissal from Hibs: "It was an honour to be appointed manager of Hibernian Football Club and to become part of a club with so much history.

"After arriving with my Assistant Manager Sergio (Raimundo) and Goalkeeping Coach Miguel (Miranda), at a time when the club had been through a difficult start to the season, I was confident that we could lift the club and help to challenge for both cups and the top six positions.

“Whilst I am proud we made the semi-final of the League Cup and the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup, I am disappointed that we narrowly missed out of the top six in the last minute of the final game.

“I am immensely proud to have given a debut to the youngest player in the club's history, as well as four other academy graduates, and I hope they will continue their development to become first team regulars in the near future.

"I depart having met some wonderful people and witnessed the passionate fan base who showed support throughout all of the challenges the club faced during the season.

"I would like to thank all of the players and staff for their efforts during my time as manager.

“I’m sure with the secured investment from the Black Knight group and the partnerships within the group, the club can continue to grow and reach its expectations in the near future.

"I would like to thank the Gordon family for the opportunity, as well as Ben Kensell, Brian McDermott and the board of directors, and I wish the club well moving forward."

EX-CELTIC boss Ange Postecoglou is set to offer a former Scottish Premiership manager the chance to be his No2 at Tottenham Hotspur, reports suggest.

The position became available when Chris Davies, who like Postecoglou left Celtic for the Premier League (with Brendan Rodgers in 2019), was appointed manager at Birmingham City.

Postecoglou lured Davies to Spurs last year but now that he's on the hunt for a new assistant, he has his eyes on a fellow Aussie with ties to the SPFL.

According to FTBL, the 58-year-old is ready to give the job to ex-Hibs boss Nick Montgomery.

Montgomery, 42, was sacked by Hibs at the end of the last season after failing to secure a top six finish in the league.

Prior to his eight-month spell at Easter Road, Montgomery had a stellar record over in Australia's A-League, winning the championship with Central Coast Mariners.

His playing career is most associated with Sheffield United, for whom he was captain and played almost 400 games for.

The former midfielder was lined up for a potential return to management a month ago with Western Sydney Wanderers but they brought in Perth Glory's Alen Stajcic instead.

Montgomery is believed to be excited by the opportunity to work alongside Postecoglou, who already has former Australia international Miles Jedinak among his coaching staff.

And Montgomery could be joined by his own No2 from Hibs and Mariners, Sergio Raimundo.

He said after his dismissal from Hibs: "It was an honour to be appointed manager of Hibernian Football Club and to become part of a club with so much history.

"After arriving with my Assistant Manager Sergio (Raimundo) and Goalkeeping Coach Miguel (Miranda), at a time when the club had been through a difficult start to the season, I was confident that we could lift the club and help to challenge for both cups and the top six positions.

“Whilst I am proud we made the semi-final of the League Cup and the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup, I am disappointed that we narrowly missed out of the top six in the last minute of the final game.

“I am immensely proud to have given a debut to the youngest player in the club's history, as well as four other academy graduates, and I hope they will continue their development to become first team regulars in the near future.

"I depart having met some wonderful people and witnessed the passionate fan base who showed support throughout all of the challenges the club faced during the season.

"I would like to thank all of the players and staff for their efforts during my time as manager.

“I’m sure with the secured investment from the Black Knight group and the partnerships within the group, the club can continue to grow and reach its expectations in the near future.

"I would like to thank the Gordon family for the opportunity, as well as Ben Kensell, Brian McDermott and the board of directors, and I wish the club well moving forward."

ANGE POSTECOGLOU could be back in Scotland sooner than anybody thought… But not so fast, it’s not for a shock new management gig. Instead, the former Celtic boss looks set to bring his …