Ange Postecoglou's Celtic AGM words are already coming to fruition

By Hamish Carton

January 26, 2023

Back in November at Celtic’s AGM, Ange Postecoglou was asked by a supporter what steps the club needs to take to reach the highest level.

The Hoops had just finished their Champions League group stage campaign with a 5-1 loss against Real Madrid, yet supporters were looking to the future.

Postecoglou gave an very insightful answer, saying: “The first thing is I make the football vision clear and try to fit the business model around that.

“We can make gains by being aggressive and agile in the transfer market. Other clubs our size are very agile.

“Every couple of years they’re regenerating, and we need to maximise the greatest amount of revenue into the club.

“We need to push forward aggressively over the next 2 to 3 years.” (Daily Record)

Shortly afterwards, Postecoglou admitted that some fan heroes could be sold, but that it was necessary for Celtic to grow.

Two months later and Postecoglou’s words are already coming to fruition.

Fan favourite Josip Juranovic has already left this summer, while speculation surrounding Giorgos Giakoumakis is still intense. Moritz Jenz’s loan was also ended.

But in their shadows have come new stars for fans to get excited about. Alistair Johnston looks like a good replacement fro Juranovic on early showings, and is three years younger.

Yuki Kobayashi could well be an upgrade on Moritz Jenz, while Tomoki Iwata is likely to make more of an impression than compatriot Yosuke Ideguchi.

Finally, recent arrival Hyeongyu Oh is nearly seven years younger than Giakoumakis.

It is notable that all replacements have been signed before players were sold. Celtic were never left needlessly short like we have been in the past.

Postecoglou has a plan and he’s in it for the long haul at Celtic. This is how he believes we can make progress at the top level.

In other news, Celtic’s trip to Tannadice in one of two games being shown on Sky Sports on Sunday