GIVE ANGE A CHANCE LIKE YOU GAVE ME
MARTIN O’NEILL has urged Celtic fans to stick with Ange Postecoglou as he embarks on his Parkhead journey.
The 69-year-old former Hoops gaffer was a guest on Australian TV as he reacted to the the former Yokohama F Marinos boss’ appointment in Glasgow.
O’Neill was quick to admit it was a step up but believes Postecoglou is capable of rising to the challenge at Celtic.
The Northern Irishman knows what it takes to hit the ground at Parkhead and his brilliant team secured a Treble in his first season as Henrik Larsson hit 53 goals in 50 games.
And the club icon insists Postecoglou’s lack of box-office recognition won’t matter in the slightest if he becomes a smash-hit in Glasgow.
Speaking to Optus Sport, he said: “He will obviously be judged on his results.
“It will be a major step for him I must admit. I genuinely believe the crowd will be with him, they have to stay with him as well too.
“He has to get his own design on the team. It’s a big move for him, and it’s a great move for him too.
“The challenge is there and it’s a nice challenge in many aspects. They were disappointing last season, and it’s a fresh start for him. He knows the challenge ahead because of what Rangers have done.
“He may in many aspects have come on the radar, but it’s a big chance for him.
“There probably is a divide of opinion. There will be a lot of Celtic fans, very fair-minded people, saying ‘give him a chance’ now. There will be others who have thought about a bigger name in the game.
“Does it really matter at the end of it all if you get the results and turn things round? There’s no guarantee of anything and a big name in the game may not guarantee success.”