Ange Postecoglou is the perfect fit for Celtic and now has title to prove it

Had Celtic appointed Mark Lawwell as head of recruitment 12 months ago, with Rangers in the midst of title celebrations, the cacophony from an irate supporter base would have punctured eardrums. As the son of Celtic’s former and longtime chief executive Peter Lawwell, there would have been guilt by association in the eyes of paying customers. Seeking a 10th title in succession, Celtic had not so much meekly surrendered to their city rivals as imploded.

Mark Lawwell was indeed hired by Celtic, days ago and to barely a murmur. Ange Postecoglou endorsed the choice. Postecoglou’s photograph was used in the club media story that confirmed the move. The manager’s status in the eyes of Celtic’s following is such that he could add Ally McCoist to his coaching staff and supporters would find a reason to nod in agreement. Celtic, from such a weak position at the point of Postecoglou’s arrival, are the champions of Scotland once more. Postecoglou can do no wrong.

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All things Lawwell are pertinent here, with the Celtic regime of recent times deserving to be treated by history far more fairly than was once the case. Dermot Desmond, the principal shareholder, is another who was vilified as Celtic toiled on the field. Desmond’s pursuit of Eddie Howe was ultimately a failure but football has a habit of throwing up unorthodox tales of glory. Celtic hit upon Postecoglou, who has proven the perfect fit.

This has been a period of concerted domestic success for Glasgow’s green half, with the Premiership campaign of 2020-21 the clear exception. Rangers will point to their off-field meltdown of 2012 as mitigation for playing clear second-best