AFTER nine years of pure Premiership dominance, Celtic had to finally settle for a second place finish in the 2020/21 campaign.
But after a summer of much change, former Australian international manager, Ange Postecoglou, proved all his doubters wrong by leading them into first place in the table and they simply did not look back, securing the title with a game to spare.
It was a great maiden year at Celtic Park for the 56-year-old Greek-born Aussie, as he also saw his side lift a double, having also picked up the League Cup. More importantly possibly, it now means Celtic are back in the Champions League group stages in the 2022/23 betting season with all the additional financial trappings that brings.
Former manager Neil Lennon believes the Board must back Postecoglu strongly in the summer transfer market so he can add much need ‘power’ and ‘more physicality’ to his first team group, given the additional challenges they will face when football returns after the summer break.
The current betting odds by William Hill and bet365 support that as per major British gambling sites.
Speaking recently to BBC Scotland Sportsound, Lennon assessed the squad and felt it was lacking in a few areas.
“They’ll need to spend,” said the Irishman who is now in charge of Cpytior side Omonia Nicosia. “They need a bit more power and another centre forward. They need a bit more physicality in the team. They’re small but quick, dynamic players and use the ball really well.
NEW BEGINNINGS…Neil Lennon took over as boss of Omonia Nicosia during the season.
“But when you take that huge step up from Scottish football to Europe, they will need more strength in depth for sure. Losing Tom Rogic is a blow because he’s a mercurial player so they might need a number 10 type to augment what they have in midfield. But they have the potential now to spend decent money because of the huge windfall from getting to the Champions League.”
Twenty-nine-year old Rogic will be a massive loss for the side moving forward. Although the Australian did not have it all his own way at the club following his arrival from Central Coast Mariners back in January 2013, his almost decade of service to The Hoops did see him make 170 starting appearances across all competitions, as well as a further 103 showings from the substitutes bench, chipping in with 46 goals and numerous assists.
Having announced he would be departing back in May, teaming up with Postecoglu for his final season was potentially the perfect swansong for Rogic, who explained when the news was confirmed.
END OF AN ERA…Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton bring down the curtain on their Celtic careers with the club’s tenth title success in 11 years.
“It has been a phenomenal journey, with some magical moments – it has been an honour to be a part of this experience. While I am so sad to leave, I feel so proud to be part of a team that has delivered the title again for our fans.
“The club is in a great position and I know the manager will take the club on and deliver more and more success.”
Postecoglu has certainly earned the faith of the fans in his first year at the club, and everyone will be hoping he can maintain consistency in his success moving forward, but Lennon is right in calling for the squad to be bolstered as a stronger European string of games will test the squad and it will impact on their domestic form – but having picked up the double, Postecoglu will undoubtedly be wanting to surpass that in 2022/23.
