“He hadn’t pulled up any trees” – John Hartson’s brilliant Postecoglou praise and hammering of Newcastle’s Eddie Howe
Ange Postecoglou has been getting all the platitudes over the last 48 hours.
And rightly so.
The job the Australian gaffer has done, so far, at Celtic has been simply stunning.
From losing Scott Brown to Odsonne Edouard, to the hiring and (possibly) firing of a new CEO and having no recognised right backs or genuine strikers at the club, Postecoglou has been a miracle worker to get the club anywhere near the top of the league.
And this was recognised by former Celtic striker John Hartson.
The big Welshman was lavishly praising the Hoops gaffer and whilst doing so, reminded the supporters of what could have been had Eddie Howe took the mantle, “The challenge that faced Celtic, he [Postecoglou] didn’t stutter at all, he took it straight away”,he told the Go Radio Football Show.
“He came in, no backroom staff, no director of football, came in pretty blind to the job but from day one, boy has he made an impression, with his knowledge, his humility, he tells the truth, and his style of play.
“It’s difficult sometimes for the players to keep up that 4-3-3 but he hasn’t wilted.
“He’s kept with that system against all the criticism that people were saying at the start of the season, myself included.
“He’s improved the team, his signings have been magnificent but I think if Celtic fans are being totally honest, there will be thousands upon thousands of the fans worldwide that will say, ‘we didn’t know, we were shocked, we wanted Eddie Howe, he was the big one.
“Why we all wanted Eddie Howe, he’s probably the next best thing, the biggest name I think, but he hadn’t pulled up any trees.
“He got relegated at Bournemouth, he only really managed Bournemouth – didn’t cut it at Burnley.
“Bournemouth have been relegated, put them down to the Championship, played good football but in terms of bringing Ange in, nobody knew who he was so the job he’s done has been brilliant.”
All I can say is thank God for small mercies. Thank God that Eddie Howe got cold feet.
And thank God for Ange Postecoglou.
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