Celtic fans must not entertain lazy stories about Ange to Everton

The stories linking Ange Postecoglou with Everton are both lazy and fanciful in equal measure. The Australian’s stock is high after an impressive 18 months in Glasgow’s East End but he appears to be committed to building something at the club.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon said that Postecoglou is the ‘favoured’ candidate should Frank Lampard be relieved. However, a cursory check through Nixon’s Twitter is enough to say that his strike rate isn’t as high as he may think it is.

Of course Postecoglou will be sought after but stories suggesting that the interest is substantial is misleading. Whilst Lampard is under pressure to improve results, the ex-Chelsea manager will be afforded time to pull them out of the slump of the last few weeks. It is telling that Rangers’ managerial chaos has sparked an attempt in the media to destabilise Celtic by linking the manager with any door that may be ajar in England. So far this season, he has been linked with Wolves, Brighton, Leicester and now Everton.

For Postecoglou, he is well on his way to
more success in his second season with the Glasgow Giants. Celtic moved nine points clear at the top of the Cinch Premiership at the weekend.

Earlier, Rangers dropped points in Paisley as a James Tavernier penalty salvaged a point against St Mirren. This meant that the Scottish Champions went into their 3pm kick-off knowing that a win would take them nine points clear of Giovanni Van Bronkhorst’s team.

The afternoon didn’t go all to plan as Malky Mackay’s side frustrated Celtic. They took the lead through David Cancola early into the second half. David Munro pointed to the spot after Matt O’Riley was adjudged to have handled the ball, Euan Anderson on VAR duty saw nothing wrong with the fact that the Dane was helpless in the situation and County scored.

Goals from David Turnbull and Sead Haksabanovic turned the game on its head and Celtic recorded all three points. In truth, Celtic weren’t at their fluid best but once again, they found the means to win and that is a testament to what Ange is building.

While Gio fights for his job, Celtic are thriving under Ange. Attempts to sow discontent in the support are obvious but fans must resist the temptation of buying into it. Ange’s stock is high and it’ll likely get higher if he continues impressing but he appears aware of the opportunities afforded to him at Celtic and is unlikely to trade that in.