Ange Postecoglou did some excellent business bringing Stuart McLaren to Celtic this month.
The Australian-Scottish coach joined the club from the SFA, having started in coaching while still a player in Oz. Replacing Darren O’Dea, who’s moved up to the B Team, Ange Postecolgou has managed to finally land the coach, who he wanted at Brisbane Roar.
McLaren has expressed his excitement about working with the next generation of Celtic talents. And, with Ben Doak making his debut on Saturday, he’s emphatic about the chances available for young players. So far this season, 4 Celtic youngsters have made their debuts in the first-team.
Meanwhile, former Academy players include captain Callum McGregor, Anthony Ralston, Adam Montgomery and James Forrest.
Speaking on his past with Ange Postecoglou, and his near-miss before, McLaren said [FTBL]: “There’s been a connection there over the years.
“We crossed paths when Ange took over at Brisbane (in 2009). I’d left the club a few months earlier and was player-manager at Brisbane Strikers. We had a bit of a sit down together to discuss me coming and working with him then. Our paths went separate ways since but it’s very nice to get that chance now to be part of what he’s creating.
“He’s re-energised the whole place, the fans have taken to him and the sky is the limit right now.”
On creating a tactical thread between the first-team and the U18s, McLaren added [FTBL]: “We’ve had those discussions about a common thread running right through the club from the first team down.
“Another thing with Ange is he’s more than willing to play young players if he thinks they’re ready. There’s a pathway there – and it’s my job to maximise the chances of the youngsters I’m working with going as far as they possibly can.”
Not a marquee signing, but Ange has done well to land respected coach for important Celtic role
This really is the way it should be; staff coming in who are excited by the prospect of working with the Celtic manager.
McLaren is definitely of that number. With the joint experience of both Scottish and Australian football, he’s not only someone Ange Postecoglou can lean on at Celtic, but a talented coach in his own right. His work with the SFA was promising; there’s a genuinely talented crop of Scottish youngsters emerging.
The same is true at Celtic. And while so many times before we’ve seen talents squandered, or players not able to fulfil their potential, it feels different this time. Though injuries may have expedited the process somewhat, B Team talents are making themselves known to Hoops supporters this season.
That’s key. As Ange Postecoglou has said before, the club can’t spend megabucks on big name transfers – not realistically, anyway. Developing players from within is essential, and it feels as if Ange has brought characters in to make that a reality. Darren O’Dea’s promotion to the B Team under Tommy McIntyre was also a sign of the trust in the staff available, especially those who serve as an example to young players.
It’s no accident that O’Dea, Stephen McManus and John Kennedy – guys who all came through the Academy themselves – are still important figures at the club.
McLaren, for his part, sounds excited. He’s been able to rectify a near-miss from his earlier coaching career, and it sounds as if the atmosphere behind the scenes is fizzing with optimism.
These are good times. McLaren may not have been a marquee January transfer window signing, but he’ll prove as important as any of our new playing staff. Perhaps even more.
Read more: Stephen Glass explains why Aberdeen have signed Celtic man Adam Montgomery on loan
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