Yet another SPFL coach lauds Ange Postecoglou as Celtic's "real steal" in January earns praise

By John McGinley

March 10, 2022

Cove Rangers manager Paul Hartley is the latest coach in Scotland to praise Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, also talking up his work in the transfer market.

As we’ve discussed recently, former Dundee manager James McPake and Livingston assistant boss Marvin Bartley have both been left impressed by Postecoglou after personal meetings with him.

Hartley, currently seeking promotion from League One, has not yet come up against the Australian in competitive action but has still been left impressed with the way he carries himself.

The former Celtic midfielder also can’t help but admire the work Postecoglou has done in the transfer market, singling out Matt O’Riley in particular.

Speaking to The Daily Record, he said: “I like Ange. I like the way he speaks. He’s pretty honest and open when the team don’t play well. He has done an incredible job and the big thing for me is the recruitment side of it. That’s the key for any manager going into a club – you are judged on your signings.

“He has managed to bring in some good players. It’s good scouting, good recruitment.

“Matt O’Riley reminds me a bit of Tom Rogic the way he glides and moves. He’s a real steal at £1.5million because you don’t get many good players at that price these days. But it shows you there’s good talent out there if your recruitment is good.

“Same with his signings from Japan. You have to pick the good players and you have to get the right characters. All four look like they have settled into the country well. It’s about how you adapt and settle into the madness of Scottish football.”

Postecoglou has rapidly made his mark as the manager to look up to in Scottish football and it’s easy to see why.

His recruitment has been particularly good and I wouldn’t be surprised to see other clubs in the Premiership dip into the markets utilised this season. Signings from Poland, Japan and Eredivise have all made a contribution this year.

If it all pays off with title silverware then the praise for Postecoglou and his team is only going to ramp up to new levels.

In other news, Brendan Rodgers confirms he’s set for Scott Brown talks as Celtic option becomes clear.