Unpopular as it may seem Chris Sutton has urged Michael Nicholson to start succession planning.
Ange Postecoglou isn’t likely to be pictured at Elland Road in Leeds kit this week but at some stage the Australian will leave Celtic for something new, not necessarily driven by money as some ‘experts’ suggest.
In 18 months Postecoglou has transformed Celtic from the shambles that he inherited, against St Mirren today there will be as much competition for a place on the bench as there is in the Starting XI.
With no grounding in Scottish or British football, and without even bringing in any new coaches the former Yokohama F Marinos boss quickly assessed his handover, the challenges ahead and turned an embarrassing 25 point title defeat around into a nine point lead.
Building on little more than Callum McGregor Postecoglou revived Greg Taylor, Tony Ralston and David Turnbull, drew on the experience of James Forrest and produced a winning side that filled the stadium with fans clamouring for tickets.
Whoever eventually replaces Postecoglou will be picking up the strongest squad this century but selecting the successor is the task that Nicholson has to prepare for.
In the Daily Record, Sutton writes:
Ange Postecoglou is going to leave Celtic at some point. That’s obvious.
I just don’t feel it’ll be happening that soon. Nonetheless, Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson and the hierarchy need to start succession planning right now and keeping tabs on potential new managers because the interest is growing in their Aussie and it is not going away. If Postecoglou keeps building up Celtic at his current rate, an offer may easily arrive that the manager feels is hugely tempting. There could be offers this summer.
It’s obvious Postecoglou likes a challenge, but for my money, it would need to be something that appeals hugely for him to go at this stage because he looks to be savouring life at Celtic and there appears an attachment with the club. I don’t know Postecoglou well. I’ve only met him a couple of times. But listening to him speak and watching how he goes about his business, he seems to really get the club.
A CEO has to prepare for the unexpected, next time around a phone call to Neil Lennon will be even less acceptable than it was in May 2019.
Europe, and in particular the Champions League will become the yardstick to fulfil Postecoglou’s ambitions, an arena that Celtic hasn’t been competitive in for over a decade.
Addressing that, Sutton adds:
Hopefully for Celtic, Postecoglou will get some success there and it won’t become an issue.
In turn, though, success in Europe for Celtic will just make their manager an even more attractive option to some big hitters in other countries. My feeling is that, when the time comes, it’ll be a natural thing.
But, whether they like it or not, Celtic have to be ready for the day when it happens.
It’s down to Desmond and Spineless Peter.
Rodgers seen them for what there worth 2 fly-by-night where money and oldfirm is king tiny minded for a club supporters players and Lisbon lions world renowned but the Judas brother’s Pete and des are happy to be gubbed of a european mediocre team as long as farquhar findlay and Crawford are all happy with their shares and dividends.
That’s why the player’s downed tools the following season because of the pair of jellyfish spineless can’ts
I don’t trust anyone up there there out to get as much money as they can no more will I give a penny to those Judas can’ts Mehmet can get mines.
I’m sure all Celtic fans would like to see some security in offering the manager an improved, extended contract, which he has deserved with his achievements.