A-League title-winning coach and new Hibs boss Nick Montgomery pays tribute to Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou has set an example that new Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery wants to follow.

New Hibs manager Nick Montgomery says Ange Postecoglou inspires him. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

New Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery intends to prove the doubters wrong in the same style his “inspiration” Ange Postecoglou did with Celtic.

Montgomery, who guided the Central Coast Mariners to last season’s A-League title, has signed a three-year deal with Hibs, who are 10th on the Scottish Premiership ladder with just three points from four games.

“I really want to push this club forward, bring a real work ethic and a style of play supporters will enjoy watching,” Montgomery said.

“I’ll try to bring a new identity to the club, and that’s not easy to do, but with hard work on the training ground and the buy-in from the players, staff, and community, then it’s possible.

“Right now, we aren’t where we should be in terms of the league position at the start of the season, but that is my responsibility now to put the belief into the players and to create an environment where everybody wants to come into training, not just the players but the staff too.

“We need everyone to be together and to buy into the long-term vision of making Hibs successful.”

Ange Postecoglou has inspired new Hibs manager Nick Montgomery. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Montgomery, 41, said he had been stirred by the success of former Socceroos boss Postecoglou, who, after tasting title glory as a coach in Australia and Japan, led Scottish giants Celtic to five trophies in two seasons despite his appointment in June 2021 having been mocked by many.

“He is a real football man,” Montgomery told BBC Scotland when asked about Postecoglou, who has started well in his new job as manager of English Premier League club Tottenham.

“He is an inspiration to me and football coaches around the world.

“People doubted him, I enjoy people doubting me as well, so to be here today (at Hibs), I’m really proud and looking forward to the journey ahead.”

Montgomery’s first game in charge of Hibs is on Sunday morning (AEST) against Kilmarnock.

Originally published as A-League title-winning coach and new Hibs boss Nick Montgomery pays tribute to Ange Postecoglou