As the champagne popped and fizzed at Tannadice, confirming Celtic’s first Premiership title of a bold new era, much of the post-match discussion centred on the remarkable turnaround Ange Postecoglou has presided over since replacing Neil Lennon on the green side of Glasgow.
A 29-point swing, a 31-game unbeaten run and some of the most exhilarating football seen north of the border in many a year.
But while much has been made of the way Postecoglou has managed to turn a motley crew of fresh-faces and new signings the most relentless of winning machines, almost overnight, do not underestimate the impact he’s had on the players who, under Lennon, appeared to be limping towards a rather sad end to their Celtic careers.
Ange’s Celtic story is one of revolution, as well as evolution.
Anthony Ralston’s transformation has been nothing short of incredible. Callum McGregor is in the form of his life. And, if both Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic had bid farewell 12 months ago, it’s safe to say mourners wouldn’t exactly have been lining the streets.
“While we are very sad to see both Tom and Nir leave the club,” Postecoglou tells the Daily Record on Friday, confirming that both Bitton and Rogic are heading for the exit, their Celtic careers ending with a flourish rather than a fumble.
“They have certainly made such a tremendous contribution to Celtic over such a long and successful period for the club and I understand that in their minds the time is right to move on.
‘It is fitting that they leave Celtic as champions.”
Tom Rogic is leaving Celtic; But who will replace him?
Finding a replacement for Rogic will be no easy feat. A player Brendan Rodgers once called his ‘Magic Man’ has rediscovered with penchant for fishing rabbits out of hats under his former Australia boss, and there’s arguably no midfielder in Scotland capable of matching his technical ability.
Then again, many of us probably said something similar about Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie, before Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota scribed their names into Celtic folklore.
Now, this is a rather rambling lead up to our eventual point; If Postecoglou succeeds in luring Mehdi Ghayedi to Parkhead, do not write him off because he’s an unknown. Or because of the talent of the man he’s replacing.
Kyogo, Jota and more are proof of the dangers of judging a book by it’s background.
Another bargain buy?
According to reports from the Middle East, Postecoglou is a huge fan of the diminutive playmaker. Celtic made a number of approaches in January, and even told his current employers – Dubai-based outfit Shabab Al Ahli – that they’d be willing to spend in excess of £3.5 million.
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Postecoglou’s recent comments about there being value in the Iranian transfer market certainly takes on a whole new meaning, when you consider Ghayedi has eight caps for the Iran national team (Optus Sport).
When the 23-year-old was first linked, back in January, it was difficult to see where he’d fit in. Especially once Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate arrived. Now, with confirmation over Rogic’s future at last, the mystery over man who contributed 18 goals and assists for Iranian outfit Esteghlal last season might just have been solved.
Goodbye ‘Magic Man’. But Ghayedi could prove to be just as spellbinding.
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