It is easy to forget, especially after the job that he has done, but Ange Postecoglou was not the first choice to be the Celtic manager last summer. Instead, for months, the club had tried to bring in Eddie Howe. Rumours had suggested that the move was close to happening as well but ultimately did not materialise as the Bournemouth legend could not bring his own coaching staff to Glasgow.
As a result, Celtic appointed Postecoglou instead. And while a lot of eyebrows might have been raised back then, it has proven to be a masterstroke over time.
Under the management of Postecoglou, Celtic have already won the Scottish League Cup, are leading the Premiership title race by six points and are in the Scottish Cup semi-finals as well. On top of that, he has built an incredible bond with the fans as well.
Even Howe seems to have been impressed with the job that Postecoglou has done at Celtic. As reported by Newcastle World, he said:
"“I think he’s done an incredible job.“I did actually watch the Old Firm game on Sunday. It was a very interesting game, the atmosphere is always electric and are very interesting games to watch from a coach’s point of view.“Full credit to him, his staff and players for what he’s done this season because it was a team in slight transition and I think he’s been excellent in recruitment.”"
Howe makes admission about the job Postecoglou has done at Celtic
It could have very easily been Howe in the managerial hot seat at Celtic right now. But it is hard to see many people doing a better job than what Postecoglou has done since coming in. He has almost been the perfect fit for the Hoops, both on and off the pitch.
On the other hand, Howe finds himself in one of the most interesting jobs in world football right now, at Newcastle United. And to be fair, he has done a solid job as well, helping The Magpies get out of the relegation zone.
Thus, while there might have been a lot of controversy surrounding the managerial appointment at Celtic in the summer, ultimately, it looks like it has worked out well for all parties involved in the saga.