Ange Postecoglou and Jonny Hayes have been reunited—this time in a very different setting.
The former Celtic boss, who left Nottingham Forest in October, has kept himself busy as a Technical Observer for UEFA. His new role sees him analysing matches across Europe, identifying tactical trends, and delivering coaching masterclasses—and he recently crossed paths with Hayes.
Hayes, currently interim manager of Celtic B, shared a photo on his Instagram story from UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The auditorium was packed with coaches as Postecoglou appeared in his element, clearly buzzing to be back in a footballing environment.
Celtic B face crucial fixture after Tranent loss
After a 3-1 defeat to Tranent Juniors last time out, Hayes’ side are back in action on Saturday against league leaders Bonnyrigg Rose. The young Hoops sit seventh in the Lowland League, 19 points off the top spot that leads to a promotion play-off semi-final against the Highland League champions. The winner then faces the bottom side in Scottish League Two.
Hayes’ own journey at Celtic began in 2017, when he reunited with Brendan Rodgers after working together at Reading as a teenager. The winger, who spent five years at Aberdeen and scored in the Scottish Cup final against Celtic in his final Dons appearance, became a reliable squad member at Parkhead. While primarily a winger, he was occasionally deployed at left-back.
One of the standout moments of his Celtic career came in September 2019 at Ibrox, when he scored to seal a 2-0 win for a Celtic side labelled underdogs before the match.
Postecoglou rules out Celtic return
With Martin O’Neill expected to leave this summer, Postecoglou was naturally linked to the permanent Celtic job. But the Australian has closed that door, telling The Overlap:
“In terms of going back, I don’t go back. I don’t think that’s been my career.
“Whatever the next step is, it’ll be something new. Something I can make an impact in. Somewhere I can win things.”
Postecoglou, 60, has also been linked with a return to Tottenham, where the post-sacking landscape has been far from smooth. For now, though, he appears focused on shaping the next generation of football minds—and Hayes is right there in the room learning from one of the best.