Way surpassed any expectations- Sky Sports pundit stunned by Ange exploits

Andy Walker has admitted that Ange Postecoglou has surpassed all expectations in his first season as Celtic manager. 

A year ago Celtic quickly switched their focus to the J-League after finally admitting that Eddie Howe wouldn’t be taking over as manager. 

The odds on Postecoglou achieving success seemed overwhelming as he attempted to rebuild a squad that was demoralised after finishing the previous season trophy-less and 25 points adrift in the SPFL Premiership. 

Initially the rebuild was slow- just Liel Abada, Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide featured against Midtjylland in the Champions League- but towards the end of August the turnover increased with Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie replaced by Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota and Giorgos Giakoumakis. 

In January the pace was ramped up with three J-League imports announced on December 31. When Riley McGree looked elsewhere Matt O’Riley proved to be a very acceptable Plan B. 

Walker was in the Sky Sports commentary box when Celtic won the February Glasgow Derby to go top of the table, a position that they retained until the SPFL trophy was delivered. 

Discussing a remarkable 11 month revolution, the former Celtic striker told the Daily Record: 

Postecoglou has WAY surpassed any expectations. Domestically, winning the League Cup – and the Scottish Cup could have gone either way in extra time – but with the league form, fans are getting value for money watching this Celtic team under Postecoglou. 

They went 32 games unbeaten in the league. I never thought I’d be saying it about a Celtic manger, when you look at what he had to bring in and the turnover in the squad. You look at his success in the transfer market. It’s hard to find any of his signings who have not made an impact. 

The turnaround has been extraordinary. Celtic have been a great watch for a big part of the season and let’s see if they can keep that up. 

As Postecoglou says We Never Stop with fans looking forward to next month’s transfer activity as the hoops boss prepares for the added challenge of the Champions League.