Manager deflects credit despite award shout

ANGE POSTECOGLOU has praised his Celtic back-room team after being nominated for the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year award. Postecoglou was one member of a four-man shortlist announced for the award yesterday, alongside Ross County’s Malky Mackay, Arbroath’s Dick Campbell and Paul Hartley of Cove Rangers.

The winner will be announced tomorrow night after Celtic’s game against Rangers, and while he does not yet know if he will ultimately receive the honour, he is delighted for his staff that they have been given this recognition.

“Every manager would say the same, it’s more reflective of the off-field staff and all their contributions,” Postecoglou said.

“We’re just the front men for it and spokesmen, but for anyone who gets nominated, they are part of a bigger organisational structure that helps the players.

“I’m pleased for the whole coaching group and football staff as my nomination is reflective of their work.”

Postecoglou was also full of praise for Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic, who have been nominated for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award, and Liel Abada, who has been shortlisted for Young Player of the Year.

He admits he is a little surprised though that Celtic received so many nominations, as with the emphasis he places on the collective, he expected votes to be spread around his team.

“Everyone who looks at our season and the way it has gone from the origins of it, we have to say it really has been a collective effort,” he said.

“We’ve had players out at significant times and different players have had to step up. If you ask what has been the most significant contribution, it’s been the collective.

“Just about everyone in our group has made a contribution or an impact at some point and we’ve had to have that due to the disruptions we’ve had.

“To be honest, I am a bit surprised we got any nominations because I assume we’d have players all taking votes off each other.”