Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou named Scottish Football Writers' manager of the year

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has been named as the Scottish Football Writers’ manager of the year.

The Australian won the award over Ross County’s Malky Mackay, Hearts’ Robbie Neilson, Arbroath boss Dick Campbell and Scotland men’s national team manager Steve Clarke.

Postecoglou has led his Celtic side to the brink of the Scottish Premiership title, with the trophy all but assured.

Earlier this season, his team also lifted the Scottish League Cup after a 2-1 win over Hibernian.

Having been named as manager of the year, Postecoglou praised the contributions made by his players.

And he singled out Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada for starting brightly in Celtic’s campaign, having joined last summer.

“I was always going to be judged on the players I brought in because that’s where you put your words into practice. We brought in Kyogo and Liel Abada and they hit the ground running,” he said.

“Am I surprised at how successful our strike rate has been? No. I don’t say that dismissively. It’s not an exact science and it’s not all about money.

“There are plenty of clubs around the world who spend a hell of a lot and don’t get it right. The reason I was confident was because it has been part of my whole career.”

Postecoglou has favoured an attacking style of play since joining Celtic and outlined his process for bringing in the right personnel to fit.

“I had a clear idea of the kind of football we wanted to play and I’m pretty good at identifying the players who will fit into my system,” he said.

“That means I can eliminate a lot of players. I’ve always backed myself and more often than not – not always – I will get it right.

“I was confident, for example, that Kyogo would make a hell of an impact. I knew he’d fit into my style and the type of player he is.

“So there was a good chance of success and that would then buy me the faith and trust of people to continue.”