Ange Postecoglou hasn’t even been appointed at Celtic but already he’s been bestowed a list of nicknames by Hotline callers.
Whether ‘Big Ange’ or the ‘Wizard of Oz’ is one for monikers is another matter but he was in no doubt himself earlier this week that he is a big name in world football.
Does he have the clout required for Celtic though? Callers remain split.
Starting on a positive note, Aldo Curran emailed: “ Ange Postecoglou wouldn't be my first choice as manager but because we don't know who he is doesn't mean he can't do the job. I remember people asking ‘who is Wim Jansen, Henrik Larsson and Lubo Moravcik?’ And they became legends. So give the guy a chance and get behind the team.”
Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “We will not know what Ange has got to offer until he's in the job. It’s the Scottish league so he has a 50 per cent chance off success. So let's get behind him and keep the faith.”
John Robertson emailed: “The most worrying thing for me is not that Big Ange hasn’t any experience in management in Europe it’s that since the season ended there has been nothing coming out from Celtic regarding the future of John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan. And that’s a huge problem. Especially if they stay.”
On that note, Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, said: “The one sure thing to happen at Parkhead is that the club’s favourite hanger on, John Kennedy, will be given his ninth job. For some reason he seems to be unsackable. He is definitely not going to walk even though he is a proven failure. A failed defence coach. A failed interim manager. A failed assistant. Why is he anywhere near the club?”
Jake Curley chipped in with his best Aussie accent: “Celtic need to tie Ange down, sport, before he sees what’s left of the squad.”
John Bruce isn’t convinced the 55-year-old can get a tune out of the Hoops though.
He said: “Ange Postecoglou is the second-choice ‘Wizard from from Oz' that Celtic have targeted to work his magic and who most Celtic fans knew little of until a few days ago. But now they are desperately talking him up as an inspired appointment, claiming that they dodged a bullet with Eddie Howe despite him being their Messiah last week. Now who will the inspired, and cheap, assistant to their latest Messiah be that's never worked in European football? Crocodile Dundee?”
And David Bryce, Troon, said: “The Postecoglou appointment reeks of a panic decision from a third rate board of directors. I would give the man six months before he is out the door. It is clear we have to get behind him because none of this shambles is his doing, however it’s a hugely underwhelming appointment.”
Kenneth Wilson emailed: “As the circus at Celtic continues and becomes more farcical by the day and not one single name being linked to the job that is worthy of managing the U17’s never mind the first team. Is it only a matter of time before they turn to Neil Lennon to talk the helm?”
We like a bit of controversy on the Hotline so step up Kevin Duffy who produced one Eck of a suggestion.
Kevin said: “You may think I'm a bit daft as a Rangers supporter to suggest this but Celtic should look at appointing Alex McLeish as their new manager. You can’t take away from the fact that he is a great first year manager for working with underperforming players. Just look at his history. Don’t let him buy players though!”
Finally on playing matters at Parkhead and Newcastle are closing in on a bumper deal for defender Kris Ajer.
Stevie Delaney, St Andrews , said: “If Celtic can fleece Newcastle out of £8million for Kris Ajer it'll be a wonderful piece of business. I've never known a 6ft 4in centre half who can't and won't header a ball!”
