Why Ange Postecoglou could find it ‘hard’ to land another Premier League job as Scotland links gather pace

Former Celtic striker Tony Cascarino believes Ange Postecoglou will struggle to land another Premier League job following difficult spells at Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest, even as the Australian emerges as the bookmakers’ favourite to become Scotland’s next manager.

Postecoglou has been heavily linked with the Scotland vacancy after Steve Clarke stepped down following the nation’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup.

Postecoglou among leading contenders for Scotland role

Clarke’s resignation has left the Scottish Football Association searching for a new manager ahead of preparations for Euro 2028.

Several high-profile names have been linked with the position, including Everton boss David Moyes and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who is expected to leave his role after the World Cup.

However, Postecoglou has emerged as the early frontrunner thanks to his successful spell at Celtic, where he won five major trophies in just two seasons and transformed the club’s style of play.

Premier League setbacks have damaged his reputation

Despite his success in Scotland, Postecoglou’s stock has fallen following difficult spells in the Premier League.

He guided Tottenham to Europa League glory but was unable to prevent Spurs from finishing 17th in the league before being dismissed. His subsequent spell at Nottingham Forest proved even shorter, lasting just 39 days after an eight-match winless run.

Those setbacks, Cascarino believes, have significantly reduced the likelihood of another Premier League opportunity.

Cascarino: It will be “hard”

Speaking to GOAL on behalf of Tonybet’s World Cup Card Collection campaign, Cascarino admitted another job in England’s top flight will not come easily.

“I think it would be hard, because I think it’s hard getting a Premier League job,” he said.

“I did predict that Andoni Iraola would get the Liverpool job. I thought he absolutely earned the stripes to get that opportunity.”

“Is it hard? Yes, it will be.”

‘He got labelled one-dimensional’

Cascarino feels Postecoglou was often criticised unfairly for refusing to compromise his attacking philosophy, but believes modern club owners increasingly expect managers to adapt their tactics.

“I think he got unfairly criticised sometimes for just being fixated on, ‘that’s the way we play, that’s the way we do it,'” Cascarino explained.

“And I think there are now owners and people upstairs at football clubs who don’t like managers because of people like Ruben Amorim, who just refuse to change.”

“And that’s what I found weird, because if you do your coaching courses, you are told there are many ways to win football matches.”

“Whether it’s defensively, with low blocks, counter-attacking, or aggressive possession football, I feel Ange got labelled a bit one-dimensional.”

Adaptability now key for top clubs

Cascarino believes Premier League decision-makers now prioritise flexibility over rigid tactical principles when appointing managers.

“If you stick to it and just double down, I think the people upstairs don’t like it,” he added.

“They think, ‘We’re paying you to show you can work out what’s best suited for this team,’ rather than simply following one coaching philosophy.”

While another Premier League opportunity may not arrive anytime soon, Postecoglou’s proven success in Scottish football could make him an attractive option for a Scotland side looking to rebuild ahead of Euro 2028.