BBC, Premier Sports and Scottish Sun pundit Michael Stewart has hailed Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, after Eddie Howe’s refusal to take the job at Parkhead.
Not only that, he predicted a far different title race in 21-22.
Last season, the Bhoys finished 25 points behind their rivals south of the Clyde. In so many ways, the 20-21 campaign was a dreadful experience; no fans were allowed to matches, the on-pitch displays were grim, we crashed out of Europe and fan protests soared.
However, it’s all looking far rosier this time. Pundits across Scottish football are lining up to give Postecoglou his dues ahead of today’s meeting with St Mirren.
Reflecting on Celtic missing out on Howe, and Postecoglou’s start, Stewart wrote [Scottish Sun]:
“I was never convinced about Howe. I didn’t understand why they wanted to give him so much time.
“And I look at it now and I would love to know what he’s thinking about it all. He doesn’t strike me as a strong leader. I’m not sure Celtic was ever the right role for him.
And where is he going to end up now? The Celtic job would have been a huge gamble, I get that. But Postecoglou clearly backs himself and his stock is rising accordingly.
“And all of a sudden things look a lot more interesting than they did on opening night.
“Rangers aren’t going to win the title by 20-odd points this season, that’s for sure.
“For me it’s still theirs to lose but even that could change in the next couple of weeks.”
Pundits, including Michael Stewart, are lining up to praise Celtic boss Postecoglou
In fairness to Michael Stewart, he’s been pretty consistent. It would be hard to argue he hasn’t latched on to what Postecoglou has been doing.
But it’s interesting to think about Eddie Howe, these days. Collectively, there was enormous excitement about the ex-Bournemouth boss. For all intents and purposes, he had the experience, wherewithal and style to be a successful Celtic manager.
There was the possibility of using his Premier League contacts to snare top talents. The job he’d done recruiting in Bournemouth was, generally speaking, pretty exciting.
And when we heard about Postecoglou, before researching him properly, it wouldn’t be unfair to say there was puzzlement and shock in the Celtic support. Yet, instead of relying on England to find talent, we’ve gone with a J-League winner, who has revitalised the squad with fantastic signings, like Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada.
It feels like Postecoglou is building towards something special. Howe might’ve been a fantastic Celtic manager; we’ll never know, and frankly, few are at pains to consider it.
It hasn’t been the summer we expected, to say the least. But Stewart is right; the title race is going to be very different this season, due to a manager who backs himself, believes in his way, and has got an enthusiastic squad to carry out his instructions.
Read more: “I’m alright mate”; Celtic boss speaks on his rapid start to life in Glasgow
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