Albert Kidd is a name known to Celtic fans across generations and upon his return to Scotland the former Dundee striker was given an access all areas tour of Lennoxtown.
Kidd famously wrote his name into the history books when he scored two goals on the final day of the season in 1986 against Hearts for Dundee to help Celtic secure the title at Love Street with a thumping 5-0 victory over the Buddies.
He would go on to spend the final five years of his playing career in Australia as he played for West Adelaide SC.
Upon finishing his playing career Kidd would then go on to study for his coaching badges along with a certain Ange Postecoglou whose paths would once again meet.
Football can be a funny old game with both men having played a part in Celtic title wins, Kidd has praised the influence the boss is having on other Australian coaches with Ange about to become the first Aussie to manage in the Champions League.
“I always thought Ange had a different style of management from a lot of people. He knows what he wants,” said Albert Kidd speaking to SunSport.
“Looking at the year he’s had at Celtic, it’s been so good. He likes quick passing from his players. He doesn’t want people holding on to the ball for too long.
“It’s two-touch and get rid of the ball and get into the final third. He likes ball players, good football players and he has done well.
“It’s been like that at every club he’s been at. Look at Japan, where he won the title.
“The teams in Australia that he coached, Brisbane Roar, for example, were really good sides too. He has the knack of getting his players playing for him.”
To many Celtic fans, Postecoglou was a bit of an unknown quantity before his arrival in Glasgow but Kidd knew all about his attributes and knew he would be a success at Celtic.
“It’s good we can promote the game in Australia with an Australian coach doing so well overseas.
“Not only that but Ange actually geared up Kevin Muscat to go to Japan after he left there. A good mate of mine, Ross Aloisi, is over there assisting Kevin.
“And it looks like they have a right good chance of winning the championship again with Yokohama.
“That would be another Australian coach with a bit of pedigree.
“Ange is also still involved with the Institute of Sport. Every time I went there, it was Ange who had written the programmes and they took them on.
“When you’re in Australia, potential coaches need an A League badge and, when you’re doing that, it’s Ange’s methodology you’re studying.”
Postecoglou is not the only Australian connection at the club with coach Harry Kewell being the most recent addition to Ange’s backroom staff along with Australian international Aaron Mooy.
“I met Harry on Monday. What a great appointment that is, he’s just an Australian legend
“It will be great for the players to be coached by Harry. Ange inherited the coaches there and didn’t bring in his own guys.
“It’s unusual because you do want your own people working for you. Now he’s got Harry with John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan.
“Harry will have an impact on what Celtic do. He’s a household name and one of the best, if not the best player, Australia has produced.”
