Ange Postecoglou and the Celtic Godfather as boss opens up on 'great' Dermot Desmond relationship

Two years ago Ange Postecoglou met Dermot Desmond for the first time. Over a zoom call.

Well, it was a very different world back then. So when the pair caught up again in person last week, almost everything had changed. That initial contact came at a time when Desmond needed to headhunt a new Celtic manager – and quickly – having just been left hanging by Eddie Howe. In Postecoglou’s own words, he was simply the next cab on Desmond’s rank.

The journey they’ve been on since has been nothing short of tumultuous. A top-flight title was secured at the first attempt – against all expectations – and has now been successfully defended. A potential domestic treble lies in wait at Hampden in 10 days’ time. And the Champions League is starting to feel like home again rather than some distant memory from better times. Postecoglou said: “It’s been quite a two years since that first talk with Dermot. We’ve accomplished so much in that time.

“It was a lot different when I walked in but we have done a lot, from the success we have had on the field to the players we have brought in. The way we play our football and the general feeling around the club, the connection with supporters, has been a credit to everyone.

“From my perspective I couldn’t be happier with the support I have received to try to get this club back to where it’s been before, and was for a long time. The fact we could do it really quickly is a credit to everyone. Dermot was the first person I spoke to with regards to the club. He’s very influential and has been very supportive, personally and within the club - particularly when we didn’t have the smoothest of starts.

“It didn’t last very long but was still a difficult beginning. During that time, he was immensely