Billy Dodds on Inverness comedown after Celtic showpiece as Ange Postecoglou contrast shows 'harsh reality'

Seven months and 19 days. That’s how long ago it was when Billy Dodds walked down the Hampden tunnel opposite Ange Postecoglou for the Scottish Cup Final.

But when you look at the fortunes of both managers since and where they’ve ended up, it feels like a lifetime ago. The Aussie, who secured a Treble for Celtic in June with victory over Dodds’ Inverness Caley Thistle, is now flying high in the Premier League with Spurs. And Dodds is out of work after being brutally fired by the Highlanders in September.

Given what he achieved at Inverness – reaching a play-off final in his first season then leading them to Hampden in his second – the former Scotland striker could be forgiven for feeling bitter. But Dodds has been in the game too long for that. Scottish Cup weekend could easily have triggered resentment in the 54-year-old. But instead he only feels a sense of pride in the work he did at the club.

And Dodds says for every manager taking a job in the dugout only one thing is guaranteed – the sack. As he reflected on his time at Inverness and taking on Postecoglou, he told MailSport : “This weekend I’ve definitely thought about the final. Look at where Ange is and where I’ve ended up!

“No, seriously, when I reflect it’s with a realisation of just what we achieved at Inverness. Everything was special about getting to that final.

“But you know what? Even when you’re walking out at Hampden for a game like that, deep down you know eventually you’ll be out of a job. When you become a manager you know you’re getting the sack at some point.

“That’s the harsh reality. As a manager it’s about having a structure in place at any club. That gives you the best chance of longevity in the job. I’m big on structure.

“From my time at Ross