Former Celtic duo Joe Hart and Ange Postecoglou reunited yesterday as Tottenham Hotspur lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle United.
Ravaged by injury, although Postecoglou’s side went 1-0 up through Dominic Solanke, goals from Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak put the Magpies, managed by Eddie Howe, ahead going into the break.
It stayed 2-1 throughout the second half as Spurs dropped to 12th in the English Premier League table.
Postecoglou was expectedly unhappy after the game, although pre-match, he was delighted to see his old Celtic player Hart.
The Englishman was his goalkeeper for two years in Glasgow’s east end, proving, on the whole, reliable between the sticks.
The duo won five domestic trophies together in green and white, and they linked up live on TNT Sports in the lead-up to yesterday’s match.
Postecoglou was visibly delighted to see the now-retired shot-stopper:
Known for his stern persona, the Aussie didn’t shy away from praising Hart: “Great human being,” he said (live on TNT Sports via RecordSport).
“An outstanding goalkeeper, but a great human being above all.
“A great person to share a dressing room with. It’s the kind of thing that you latch onto in your career. Achievements are great but it’s the people and he’s one of the best for sure.”
Postecoglou and Hart have gone their separate ways since their Celtic days.
The gaffer has taken his career to the Premier League, while the keeper has dipped his toe into the world of punditry, where he has excelled so far.
As a co-commentator on the Bhoys’ Champions League games this season, Hart has been a breath of fresh air, providing a genuine insight into the players and manager, which few others could offer.
An exciting future awaits him on TV and radio, while it remains to be seen how long Postecoglou will stick things out in North London.