Ange preparing Celtic fans for inevitable exit

ANGE POSTECOGLOU refusing to pledge undying lifelong allegiance to the cause may not quite be what Celtic fans wish to hear, but fair play to the

Parkhead manager for refusing to lie through his teeth like others in his position might.

Why should he shoot down talk of a move to the English Premier League? What’s in it for him to promise that he’s going nowhere when he doesn’t know what kind of life-changing offer — professionally and financially — might be waiting around the corner?

Any kind of proposition from Spurs would certainly fit that bill. And no matter the problems they face at the moment, he would be mad to turn that opportunity down should it present itself.

Postecoglou has done so well in building Celtic back into Scotland’s dominant club after inheriting a train wreck of a squad. He has been genuinely appreciative of the gateway they offered him into European football and was never likely to leave during the course of a season.

Finishing this term with a Treble by winning next weekend’s Scottish Cup final with Inverness would, however, give him the ideal platform upon which to take the next step in his career.

Postecoglou is 57 years old. He is undoubtedly on the radar of English clubs looking for a manager or considering a change. Who could grudge him having a go at a bigger league rather than hanging around to lead Celtic into a Champions League competition in which financial disparities mean they can only expect a handful of beatings?

Celtic fans, when that day comes, should wish him well. Indeed, it sounds very much like he is already preparing them for the inevitable.