‘It’s special. For the first time this year, I’m lost for words’

United for the first time in ten years after a wonder strike from on-loan Dylan Levitt. However, the night belonged to Celtic after they took the lead through a 15th goal of the season from Giorgos Giakoumakis in the second half. ‘It’s pretty special,’ said Postecoglou. ‘For the first time this year, I’m lost for words. ‘I’ve done about ten terrible interviews and this won’t impress anyone either. It’s taken every ounce of me. ‘I’ve put everything into it because I knew how big a challenge it was. Now we’ve done it and the overriding emotion is one of relief and satisfaction and you feel drained because we’ve had to be really focused this year and not get distracted. ‘Fair to say it’s overwhelming — I’m just really proud of the players and staff. We started so far back in terms of a starting point, so to end up where we are is an unbelievable achievement.’ Fourteen months ago, a goalless draw at Tannadice gift-wrapped the title to Rangers and sealed a trophyless season for Celtic. Despite the doubts which accompanied his unheralded appointment, the Parkhead side will end the season with a League Cup and a league title to show for their efforts. ‘The club had a difficult year without success,’ added Postecoglou. ‘I knew this year would be a pretty important year. As much as steadying the ship we had to put down a marker for the fans and make an impact. The fact we’ve ended up champions is pretty amazing. ‘It feels like two seasons in one. We’ve jammed in a rebuild season and season of success. I’m a pretty ambitious guy but I knew it would be a tough ask because of our starting point and the opposition. ‘After round seven, you look where we were and now to be 31 games undefeated has been unbelievable. ‘I wanted the players to enjoy it. It’s not easy to do what they’ve done and perform. We never shy away or make excuses or allowances for anything. ‘It’s their moment, they’re the ones who accomplished this task. I wanted them to enjoy it and understand what they’d achieved.’ The first Australian coach to win a significant European league, Postecoglou stood back from his players as they soaked up the applause of 5,000 travelling fans at the final whistle. Eventually accepting the plaudits as fans chanted his name, he was moved by the adulation. ‘It’s hard for me to comprehend,’ he said. ‘I’ve had this lifelong dream to manage a world-famous club, trying to make an impact. ‘I’m in this spot now of achieving something I’ve always wanted to achieve. It’s a weird feeling.’ Tam Courts’ United secured fifth place — at least — and European football in his first season as manager. Victory over Ross County in the final round of games on Saturday could still claim fourth in the Premiership and Courts was delighted with the performance of his team after Celtic won their last two visits to Tannadice 3-0. ‘At half-time it was more a challenge to be an attacking threat. On another night we’d have taken three points,’ he said. ‘It’s great to secure European football and the incentive now is to get fourth. ‘It means everything. We give everything to this club. It’s a club I have a strong affinity with and I have a great relationship with the staff, the players, sporting director and owner. ‘The job isn’t done — there’s an opportunity to pick up a further three points. But I’m pleased we’ve stepped forward on a big night and the players showcased the club really well. ‘Credit to Celtic but we wanted tonight to be about Dundee United. Yes, the champions-elect were coming but we’re not here to play a supporting role.’

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