SPFL talent lifts lid on Ange Postecoglou's Scottish impact since Celtic move

By Euan Davidson

January 7, 2022

Hearts midfielder Cameron Devlin has claimed that everyone in Scotland likes Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou, of course, is a hero in both Australia and Japan. He led the Socceroos to an Asian Cup, revitalised the A League with his methodology at Brisbane Roar, and won a J League title with Yokohama F Marinos.

Before coming to Celtic, his legacy in Australian football was secured. But now, Hearts man Devlin claims that Ange is making a similar impact in Scotland already. Devlin has faced the Hoops three times already this season, but was particularly encouraged by a chat with Postecoglou after the recent 1-0 Celtic win over the Jambos.

Devlin told the Sydney Morning Herald’s Vince Rugari: “So good to see you doing so well, mate. There is another level in you. Keep working hard.

“I was hoping I’d get the chance to say hello to him after the game.

“Although I was knackered and gutted about the loss, it was nice to meet him and hear him say that to me, someone who has done so much for Australian football. He’s coaching fricken Celtic, man. It’s insane. The talk here, everyone likes him as well – even in Edinburgh, no one’s had a bad word to say. And everyone’s pretty opinionated over here.”

Everyone worth listening to in Scottish football has a good word to say about Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou

Devlin is just the latest Aussie to take to life in Scotland. Having joined Hearts in the summer from Newcastle Jets, it appears he’s got a handle on how things are in Scottish football.

Everyone has an opinion. Every single person. And we’re not afraid to express them, either.

But he’s right, to a degree; Ange Postecoglou is undoubtedly winning hearts and minds in Scotland. Celtic fans absolutely adore the guy, in general. Beyond Celtic, though, he’s been a refreshing addition to the Scottish top-flight.

Typically direct with the press, engaging, and with a story that will chime with much of the football loving crowd in Scotland, it’s no wonder folk like him. There are probably even Rangers supporters with at least a begrudging respect for the man, partisanship aside.

Of course, there are doubters. Plenty of them. Several journalists and pundits have done 180 degree turns on Ange, seeing where the wind of public opinion is blowing. It’s been a sight to behold.

You can’t really argue with the results, either. Fine, some early losses under Ange were painful, but you could tell there was something good progressing. Now, we’re will within reach of top spot, and have a trophy to our name, the Premier Sports Cup.

So, yes, it’s been a positive impact on Scottish Football for Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou. And given it’s a Hearts player saying that (and not an ex-chairman), with the battles the two sides have had this season? That holds weight.

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