Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has addressed the surprising appointment of Gordon Strachan as a senior advisor to the football club.
The Hoops announced the news yesterday as they defined the role Strachan will carry out in Glasgow. It was said by Celtic that the former manager will provide recommendations on the development of the academy, women, and B teams at the club.
Strachan will carry on in his role as Dundee Technical Director. His new role at Parkhead will be a three-month project, with seemingly no extended partnership beyond that.
And Postecoglou appeared to be relaxed as he hinted the project doesn’t appear to have much influence on his own role moving forward.
Speaking via Celtic TV, Postecoglou said: “Yeah I reckon that falls into the remit of not in my world right now. I’ve met Gordona nd he’s a very passionate football person which I kind of like.
“The information I’ve had is that we’re keen to tap into his knowledge as a club in terms of some of the structures around the club. Particularly the academy, women’s football – stuff that’s really important infrastructure-wise.
“But again, how much that comes onto my radar at the moment? You’ve asked me the question, I’ve answered it, and it’s probably the first time I’ve thought about it.”
Celtic boss didn’t appear to have much influence in Gordon Strachan appointment
From Postecoglou’s comments here, it’s clear the Strachan decision came from above him. Whilst that’s hardly a surprise given the relationship the club has with the former Hoops boss, it’s led to some concerns from supporters.
The move has the look of a club giving jobs to its pals. This idea that key jobs are going to people we know instead of the best man for the job. The fact that the Scottish Sun reported that Dermot Desmond was behind the move was also a touch alarming.
The manager certainly didn’t have much involvement in the process anyway. If Postecoglou was going to select someone to come in and make suggestions on infrastructure, would he have chosen Strachan?
In fact, shouldn’t this role be given to the manager in any case? Surely you would be looking to the man who’s being given the job of running the football side of things to analyse the coaching of the academy and B teams.
Regardless, it’s something the boss appears fine with. So long as it doesn’t interfere with first-team affairs, there won’t be too many complaints.
Let’s see what comes of it over the next few months.
In other news, Celtic boss provides update on Odsonne Edouard fitness after post-Dundee scare
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