Former Celtic figure praised by Ange joins ex-Rangers boss' inner circle in shock move as he makes big jump

The varied career of Anton McElhone has taken another turn - as he moves to Besiktas.

McElhone was in place as head of sport science at Celtic between 2021 and 2023, most recently with Queen’s Park in a different role as head of academy coaching. It has now been announced he has moved to Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas in a shock move, linking up with Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the former Rangers manager.

He moves into a role as part of their senior technical team. A statement from the Spiders reads: “Head of Academy Coaching Anton McElhone has left the club to join Turkish side Besiktas after both clubs reached a mutual agreement.

“The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Anton for his efforts during his short spell with the Spiders and wish him all the best for the future.”

McElhone’s CV is unique, having started as a youth coach at Queen’s Park and Hibs before 10 years at Tottenham across a couple of roles, including as fitness and reconditioning coach. He was also Millwall Lionesses FC assistant manager for a period.

He then moved to the MLS with New England Revolution as head of fitness and conditioning, then an assistant coach. 2018 had him step up to become assistant manager at EFL team Bradford City before taking a similar role alongside David Hopkin at Morton.

McElhone served as interim manager upon Hopkin’s sacking before moving to Celtic. Speaking at the time of his appointment, Ange Postecoglou said: “We brought in Anton as the Head of Sports Science and he has been brilliant since he came into Celtic FC, not just in terms of what he was able to input but also in helping the existing staff.

“It was not about me replacing people and it was certainly not about me bringing in people I had worked with in the past, I have always tried to bring in the best people possible, irrespective of their backgrounds or whether I had worked with them or not.”