ANGE POSTECOGLOU took a final bow in the sunshine of Hampden yesterday.
Or was it just a celebratory bow after the success of a Scottish Cup Final victory?
The question of the Celtic manager’s future at the record-breaking eighth treble winners was not answered after the 3-1 triumph over Inverness Caley Thistle.
It was asked on several occasions – and every time it was batted away by the 57-year-old Greek-Australian gaffer who is only six days away from the second anniversary of agreeing to become Neil Lennon’s successor.
THE FINAL BOW…Ange Postecoglou parades the Scottish Cup.
Unless there is a startling U-turn in the thinking of Postecoglou, it looks as though his time is up in Glasgow and North London and Spurs now beckon for the popular manager.
The uncertainty may have tinged some of the celebrations, but it could not remove the emotion of the occasion in the perfect setting of a sun-kissed national stadium.
Postecoglou took to the club website to deliver a heartfelt message to the magnificent Celtic support.
Here is every word from that bulletin.
“Congratulations on winning the Treble! This is your success as much as it is the players and coaching staff, and every single member of the Celtic Family deserves to celebrate this incredible moment for the club.
“We know that the history of Celtic is littered with success, and this season’s Treble now takes its place alongside everything that has come before us.
“It is also a significant moment for the club, given that it sets a new world record of winning eight domestic Trebles.
“The aim of every Celtic team at the start of a season is to do as well as they possibly can in every competition they take part in, and that was the same for us when the campaign kicked off back in July last year.
EYES ON THE PRIZE…Ange Postecoglou with his medal at the ceremony.
“We achieved our first objective in winning the League Cup, retaining the trophy we won last season, with an impressive derby victory at Hampden which was a great occasion for everyone to celebrate.
“We followed that up by winning the Premiership title for the second season in a row, confirming our status as the best team in Scotland and that, in turn, has once again delivered UEFA Champions League football to the club.
“The level of consistency the squad showed through the season, winning 32 of the 38 games, drawing three and losing just three, is great credit to the players. We also scored 114 league goals and conceded just 34 which, again, is a testament to our style of football which has entertained our supporters throughout the season.
“Having won both of those competitions, we could then focus on the Scottish Cup Final and the opportunity to win that trophy and so secure the Treble.
IN THE FRAME…Ange Postecoglou acknowledges the Celtic support.
“I know that the Scottish Cup final is always a special occasion for supporters and one that everyone looks forward to, and so to win this famous old trophy in the sun at Hampden is an occasion to celebrate.
“This Treble now sits alongside the seven previous Trebles that the club has won under Jock Stein, Martin O’Neill, Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon, and it’s an achievement that everyone at the club is rightly very proud of.
“It was also special to be able to celebrate today’s success alongside so many of our supporters in Hampden, and given that every single fan plays their part in what we do through the incredible backing they give the team week in, week out, it’s something that we can all share and enjoy together.
“Thank you Again!”
It is signed off Ange Postecoglou
