Ange Postecoglou’s relationship with the Scottish media has made news around the world, with his ‘listen mate,’ opening remarks the dumbest of questions that have come his way. It’s fair to say though that the Celtic manager has used these exchanges to build favour with the Celtic support whose admiration for Australian grows after just about every mainstream media press conference and obviously every performance like the one we watched in midweek at Easter Road.
Yet while Ange might think that he’s come in for what he calls condescending questioning because he’s from the other side of the world. In fact this is nothing new for Celtic’s small group of foreign managers. There’s a classic example this morning courtesy of SFM (Scottish Football Monitor) whose editor used to work at Celtic and attended a media conference in season 1997-98.
This week Wim Jansen has been in the news after revealing the sad news that he is now living with dementia. It was Wim’s birthday yesterday and Murdo MacLeod and his wife were over in Rotterdam for the birthday celebrations and for the launch of Wim’s book.
Back in his time as Celtic manager and ahead of a vital Old Firm match in that season when Rangers were going for Ten-in-a Row Wim Jansen was asked this – the dumbest of all questions…Here’s how SMF recalls what happened…
One of my most magic moments ever. My first Celtic presser ahead of a crucial OF match:
MSM Eejit: “Wim, is this the most important match you’ve ever been involved in?”
Wim: [Smiles] “I’ve played in two World Cup Finals. You tell me…”
One of my most magic moments ever. My first Celtic presser ahead of a crucial OF match:
MSM Eejit: Wim, is this the most important match you’ve ever been involved in?
Wim: [Smiles] I’ve played in two World Cup Finals. You tell me
— SFM (@TheSFMonitor) October 29, 2021
You can NEVER underestimate the stupidity of questions from the Scottish sports writers ( they are NOT journalists ! ).
Gordon Strachan , to his everlasting credit , frequently got right up their noses :
”’ Can I have a quick word , Gordon ?”
””Sure , velocity ! ”