Yokohama F. Marinos manager Ange Postecoglou will leave the J. League club to take over the dugout at Celtic, ending a two-week courtship period that will see the Australian dropped into the middle of one of soccer's fiercest rivalries.

The highly anticipated move was announced Thursday morning by the famed Scottish club, whose quest for 10 straight Premiership titles ended bitterly when archenemy Rangers seized its 55th domestic crown early last month. Celtic has been without a permanent head coach since February, when former club great Neil Lennon resigned.

In a simultaneous release, Marinos said they would respect Postecoglou's wishes and had reached an agreement with Celtic regarding his departure. British media have reported Celtic will pay a six-figure compensation package to Marinos, who are currently in third place in the J. League first division with 22 games left in the 38-round season.