Lisbon Lion Pays Ange Postecoglou Ultimate Tribute

Lisbon Lion Willie Wallace has given his thoughts on Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou ahead of the Hoops matches in the Sydney Super Cup.

When the former Socceroos manager arrived in Glasgow last summer there were many people who weren’t too familiar with Ange Postecoglou but Wispy knew all about him as the Celtic legend has lived down under for over 40 years.

He believes that legendary boss Jock Stein would have been approving of Postecoglou’s Celtic side having played under Stein during the Hoops golden years.

Wallace has been an ever present figure for the club in Australia having most recently attended the Sydney City CSC 40th anniversary celebrations along with former Celts Paul McStay, Alan Thompson and Scott McDonald and is looking forward to seeing the Scottish champions this coming week.

Knowing Stein’s style of football well, he delivered Postecoglou a huge compliment recognising similar traits between both managers with them having a clear way of playing the game and instilling belief in their players.

Wallace will be in attendance at both matches which Celtic will compete in against Sydney FC and Everton with the Lisbon Lion jetting in from his home in Brisbane.

“Ange is held in great regard down here. Make no mistake, he’ll get a great welcome back,” said Wallace speaking to the Scottish Sun. 

“I’ve known him for a very long time. I had a business in Melbourne where he was raised and Ange will know a lot of the guys I knew.

“I remember him as a little Greek lad playing for a Greek team. I thought he was a good player in the years that followed.

“Ange achieved so much in Australia at club level and for the international team. He delivered in Japan too.

“The football he’s got Celtic playing now is excellent. He’s doing a fantastic job.

“Ange has brought in players carefully, guys he’s convinced will suit the way he wants the team to play.

“I don’t think you can fault Ange since he’s become manager. They’re playing great, attacking football and scoring plenty of goals — just like Celtic of my day. I enjoy watching them.

“I believe Jock would have approved. He would have appreciated Ange’s way of going about things.

“Jock always wanted us having a go at the opposition, especially in Europe.

“Look at the way we beat Inter Milan. We were relentless and they couldn’t cope with us.

“We also weren’t crazy at the back. I often feel our back four, led by Billy McNeill, never got the credit they deserved.

“But with the likes of Jimmy Johnstone, Bobby Lennox and Stevie Chalmers we were such a strong attacking force.

“Jock always told us we couldn’t stop in a game. It didn’t matter if we were ahead. As soon you ease off you lose something.

“Ange established the same way of thinking as soon as got the Celtic job — be relentless.”

That relentlessness has taken the Hoops to the top of the table once again as they head into the break with a nine point advantage in the league with Wallace excited to see his former club live once again.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the team play live.

“I was actually in Sydney recently for a Celtic supporters’ 40th anniversary event. It was a terrific week.

“There was Alan Thompson, Paul McStay and Scotty McDonald.

“No one should ever under-estimate the size of the Celtic support here in Australia.

“It’s always emotional for me to go to functions like that as one of the Lisbon Lions.

“The cherished team-mates who are no longer with us never leave my mind and I always think they’re still with me when I attend these events.

“I keep most of my medals in an old leather shaving bag which has my initials on it. Some are also at Celtic Park.

“I’m in my 80s now, but I still intend to go to as many events as I physically can.”