Since inception in 1888, Celtic Football Club has undergone a constant succession of players and managers, leaving instability and doubt in the hearts and minds of the faithful supporters who, in Tommy speak, “are always there.”
Today, in 2023, we lost one of our most loved servants, Ange Postecoglou. He came, he saw, and he conquered Scotland with five out of six trophies in only two years.
When the Greek/Aussie titan arrived through Parkhead’s gates, it were not only the ‘succulent lamb’ media who probed and meddled in his appointment, but many of our own, bloggers and authors alike. Ange was not a popular choice, and with the advent of social media, the whole world knew where he stood in our ranking.
Makes me emotional that ☹️☘️ pic.twitter.com/VQiKMspUB6
— ジェームズ ☘️ (@MaedaMealOfThat) June 3, 2023
Now, having stolen our hearts with his teak-tough handling of the sidewinders which came his way at pressers, his natural ability to blend in with an adoring (over time) support and his free-flowing, adventurous style of play, Ange has now accepted the keys to the Kingdom of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
So, it is natural to open our laptops and phones today only be faced with a barrage of tears and tormented fans as our great leader has confirmed his desire to test himself at a higher level. That statement may rankle, and you may counter my argument with ‘we are in the Champions League!’, or ‘Spurs are not a bigger club than Celtic!’, and you would be right.
READ THIS…Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou – A leopard never changes its spots
Celtic ARE in the Champions League proper, and we ARE bigger than Spurs and with a finer pedigree, however, Celtic play in a tournament which, in financial terms, is miniscule in proportion to the EPL, and all it promises. We are a very big fish luxuriating in a fishbowl of mediocrity and plebeian competition. The Champions League is our only get-out, and we are constantly found out there when we arrive.
Our stadium is vast and, quite frankly, sublime. Our board is sagacious and prudent, hence our flourishing accountancy system which is head and shoulders above ANY of our domestic competitors. That’s why we’re Champions. Our support is vast and insatiable, hence the revelry around the three glittering trophies which adorn the Parkhead trophy room, with not a bicycle in sight.
However, week-to-week visits to grounds such as St. Mirren Park, Almondvale, Victoria Park or Rugby Park boasting artificial pitches and half-empty stands does not bode well for ambition, nor a good day out. The apathy around these grounds when Celtic, (or theRangers) come calling is quite simply, appalling. Back in the 60s, 70s or 80s, these grounds were mostly packed to the rim when either Glasgow club came to play, now you could park a double decker bus in three of the four stands, but not in the Celtic end!
READ THIS…Postecoglou to Spurs: “I think he’ll kill it. He is just totally obsessed with the game,” Socceroos boss
In the EPL you will struggle to acquire a ticket for even the most mundane club ground at any time of the season. Why? Because they have Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea etc, etc, lighting up their grounds, and there’s always a chance they might sneak a result on the day.
That’s rarely the case in Scotland! Such is the disparity of wealth, there are only two clubs who have the resources to waltz away with the Title, and the vast majority of Cups. It’s not a level playing ground and hasn’t been since the heady days of Alex Ferguson and Jim McLean. Since the demise of the Ibrox club in 2012, Celtic have cleaned up with almost every trophy on offer, barring the obvious.
Scotland is not a happy hunting ground for anyone seeking to further themselves in the greater footballing theatre, it is parochial and shallow minded in more ways than one. Rodgers saw this as did Postecoglou, so, who can blame them for having the willing to test themselves at a truly high level, enhancing their reputation and ensuring everlasting financial success for them and their families?
READ THIS…“Celtic is a phenomenal football club, and so much more – I will forever be a supporter,” Ange Postecoglou
Rodgers’ timing was abysmal, wrong in so many ways, but his intent and ambition was as it should be for anyone who wishes to test his mettle in the melting pot of the best league in the world (my opinion) rather than the mediocrity of Ross County, Livingston and Kilmarnock.
In conclusion, Ange Postecoglou came to Celtic a relative unknown to those who refused to Google his vast history of success with three different clubs and two World Cup qualifications: football writers, pundits and fans alike. He overcame the challenges of his doubters and steadied a floundering Parkhead ship to the degree that he rammed the surrounding battle ships and took all of their booty.
I, for one, am grateful for this humble giant who overcame all the odds, taking our Celtic back to the Scottish summit, and European Champions football. I thank him for Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Jota, O’Riley, Hatate, Kyogo and Maeda, greats who will become greater and have brought this mighty club the coveted Treble. I thank him for two fantastic years which brought pride back to Parkhead. We grieve because we love him and we’ll miss his infectious strength of character, but through his hard work, vision and diligence Celtic will continue to flourish. Go with our blessing and thank you for everything Ange.
Eddie Murray
He’s gone and that’s it, stabbed in the back once more by the scourge of football agents. I sincerely hope when the proverbial friendly takes place that we answer wit our feet.
The best summation I have seen across the entirety of Celtic fan media over the course of the last couple of days. Simply superb Eddie.
Perfectly summed up…Well done!
Superb article, I agree 100 percent.
I like bicycles.byebye best players.
“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts” Ange has let us down. Ok we have been successful at home, but really with that squad and the state of the opposition we should be. A let down in Europe under Ange, now if we do well he can take the credit, if not well he is not in charge. He should have at least had another crack at Europe.
Wish him success that’s like saying to your old girlfriend I hope your new fella and you have a great life after they were caught messing about behind your back fuck him 2 faced cunt end of
Wish him success that’s like saying to your old girlfriend I hope your new fella and you have a great life after they were caught messing about behind your back fuck him 2 faced cunt end of
The sooner he’s off the pages the better and we can get on with being Celtic.