Pat Bonner explains why 'different level' Celtic man is a shoo-in for big award

By John McGinley

April 28, 2022

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner is expecting Ange Postecoglou to be named the Scottish Football Writers’ manager of the year award after being nominated earlier this week.

Journalists have put the Australian’s name forward for the honour alongside Scotland boss Steve Clarke, Arbroath legend Dick Campbell, Hearts manager Robbie Neilson and Ross County’s Malky Mackay.

There’s no doubting that all of those names have had an impressive 12 months in Scotland but Postecoglou’s name stands above them all considering the work he’s done at Celtic.

Bonner thinks so too and responded to The Scottish Daily Mail [27/04 print edition, page 76] when asked whether he’d be a worthy winner: “Oh, I think so. From that position at the start to where they are now is night and day. And there is a really good brand of football as well when they get to top form with the group he has assembled.

“When you put all of those things together, you would have to say he’s done a marvellous job. I know there are other managers who have done really well. Just look at the job Dick Campbell has done with Arbroath.

“But this is a different level in the Premiership and, as I said, when you look at where they were to where they are now, you have to give him great credit.”

Postecoglou has confounded initial expectations at Celtic and brought the club to the doorstep of winning the title. One last push will get the Bhoys over the line.

It’d be silly to deny him this honour for me, despite the work of others. He replaced half a team of crucial Celtic players and has improved those who remained in the squad.

This has been a year in Scottish football that the Australian has dominated and those voting for this reward should reflect that.

In other news, Why Celtic supporters should be really encouraged by summer reports.