Ange Postecoglou stresses Jock Stein Celtic distance but Aussie's team not too far away in some fans' eyes

Ange Postecoglou wouldn’t even dream of being likened to Jock Stein.

The Celtic manager is crystal clear that he’s not even in the same postcode as the legend when comparisons of any nature are merely considered. However, when it comes to a connection with the supporters, there are some older fans who believe the bond between the stands and the boss is, at the very least, in the same sort of area.

Postecoglou hasn’t just lifted a team since he’s taken charge. He’s lifted an entire fanbase with him. Postecoglou gets the punters. And with his straight talking, stylish team and trophy successes, they most certainly get him. Firstly, any notions of a comparison with Stein in that regard are dealt with swiftly as he said: “Firstly, I’m not in that ball-park, mate. I’m not even in that suburb, that estate and I’m well on the far outskirts of big Jock’s standing.”

But he is determined to have such a unity with the fans. He took his time on the park to joyously celebrate last Sunday’s win over Rangers at Hampden with them as he continued: “I don’t take that for granted either, the way the supporters have got behind this team, and by extension got behind me.

“Not just this year, but from the beginning of last year has been truly special. I felt they have embraced me and willed me to have the success we have had.

“They want me to be successful because it means their football club is successful. Not just me, the way this football club has embraced my whole family, particularly the supporters, it is truly special.

“Days like last Sunday, you want to capture it as much as possible. It is the reason, apart from being slow, I take my time going around the field.

“I don’t want to miss that, miss that moment, because one day it will be