"Terrific manager"; Class remarks on Ange emerge from the Celtic dressing room

By David Walton

May 19, 2022

Anthony Ralston has opened up on his development under “terrific manager” Ange Postecoglou after a stunning breakthrough season for him.

Ralston looked set for the Parkhead exit door before Ange came in. At first, there was almost an outrage at the fact he was kept on for another campaign. However, he put in the hard work under Postecoglou and became one of our dependables as we scooped up a league and cup double.

The defender broke his way into the international setup whilst competing regularly with Josip Juranovic for the right-back spot. Anthony would even notch 5 goals and 9 assists as he wowed supporters with his sudden emergence [Transfermarkt].

And as he outlined his enjoyment regarding the campaign so far, Ralston couldn’t help but big up the role Ange has played. As quoted by the Daily Record, the right-back said: “It’s been a terrific season for all of us, but it will be good to recharge and get us refuelled to go again for another long season. I’ve loved it. I was always focused on working hard in training, so when the chance came I was ready to take it. That was always my mindset. So I made sure that happened.

“Obviously, though, the gaffer’s come in and given me my opportunity which I am very thankful for. He believed in me, gave me that confidence to go in and play and now I’m in the current position. And, obviously, the way he’s implemented the style of play on a full-back. He’s coached me to learn the new role, so a lot of credit needs to go his way.

“He’s a terrific manager and I’ve managed to benefit from that and work hard to get myself to this position. I’m happy where I’m at. There have been seasons gone by when special things have happened and I’ve been part of it. I guess this season I’ve certainly played more of a part and you do get that feeling you’ve really contributed to something special. For sure, it’s been immensely satisfying.”

Long-term Celtic players’ development just as impressive as new signings’ impact

So much of the discussion this season has been surrounding the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, and Cameron Carter-Vickers just to name a few. The new signings have, understandably, been the talk of the campaign.

You can see why that would be the case. This is a football club that craved something new this season. Something impactful that could come in and take us from the remnants of last season and turn us into a totally different outfit. The new signings have done that.

But Ange has managed to come in and ensure the likes of Ralston and Greg Taylor took their games to new heights too. Players who looked as though they had next to no future here before the Greek-Australian’s arrival. Even the likes of Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic (before the latter’s departure) lifted their performance levels.

We’re now in a position where we have a manager that is able to instill his philosophy on players that weren’t even his. Ange clearly gets a kick out of new players and coaching staff taking to his ideas.

Ralston has been one of those. It really can’t be understated just how big a job Ange has done with him. With all due respect to Tony, there were times when he was nowhere near the standard required. The manager has unlocked his full potential, and now the Scottish international is on a long-term contract at his boyhood club.

It’ll be intriguing to see whether he can take his game to new heights next season. There’s no reason to think he can’t.

In other news, Chris Sutton ridicules prospect of Cameron Carter-Vickers joining Newcastle over Celtic