Celtic finally announced today after several weeks of speculation that the team will be making a tour of Japan – and possibly South Korea – this summer in preparation for the new season.
It’s not yet been announced who we are playing, but it’s expected two games in each country at a minimum. Regardless of the opposition it’s not only going to be great way to prepare for the coming season, but also a nice little earner.
With our limited earning potential domestically, this like the tour of Oz at the start of the year is a brilliant opportunity to boost our already steady finances. Throw in our champions league bounty and things are looking very rosey indeed.
Let’s be honest this tour is down to one man and one man only, Ange Postecoglou. Yes we have successful Asian players in our side and that bumps up our profile in the far east, but the foresight of the Aussie boss has allowed us to pick the best talent in the Asian market. If Ange wasn’t hired, these guys wouldn’t be here, it’s that simple.
In his time in Japan he seen the talent to be had and swooped in to sign a group of players and gel them into his winning side. He has a real eye for a player and we are reaping the benefits. To get Kyogo, Hatate, Maeda, Iwata and Kobayashi for under £8 million is terrific business. New boy Hyeongyu Oh also looks a steal and he will only enhance our profile in South Korea.
Those who mocked the arrival of Ange will now be wiping the egg and tears off their faces. Two years in the job and he is on course for 5/6 trophies. Two consecutive campaigns of Champions league group stage football and two money spinning tours on the other side of the world.
He’s made us successful, a joy to watch and he’s raised our profile around the globe. Not bad for an unknown Aussie without a licence to coach in Europe.
Watch this…
JustAnOrdinaryBhoy – follow on Twitter @ordinarybhoy
