Ange Postecoglou insists proving his Celtic cynics wrong has never really mattered to him.
The Parkhead boss was named the PFA Scotland Manager of the Year on Sunday night as he stands on the brink of delivering a domestic Double.
Celtic beat Hibs to win the Premier Sports Cup in December and are now just four points away from reclaiming the Premiership title from rivals Rangers.
Brought in after the club's very public pursuit of Eddie Howe collapsed, Postecoglou's credentials were questioned as he prepared to take his first major European coaching job.
The 56-year-old quickly won over Celtic fans with a high-octane brand of attacking football and now he's been recognised by his peers at the annual awards event.
Postecoglou told Sky Sports: "It's very humbling, and I'm proud. It's not just representative of my work but all the staff.
"It's been a big challenge for us and I think people have recognised that. It's great when it is voted by your peers because they understand what you're going through.
"It's not what drives or motivates me (proving people wrong). I'm not too harsh on people that said the jury was out on me. I understand that.
"There was no great recognition of what I have done, and when you come from the other side of the world that's always understandable.
"People have recognised the challenge I had, especially in a year that many thought would be a transition season. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we tick off the big one."
Where negotiations with Howe broke down over assembling a specific backroom team, Postecoglou made the long journey from Japan to Glasgow without any coaches or assistants.
The manager, instead, has worked with the likes of club stalwart John Kennedy, who he singled out for praise.
Postecoglou said: "It was my call not to bring anyone in - and just to assess the staff I had.
"The key to that was then getting them to believe in me. They've been outstanding.
"Led by John Kennedy who has been at the club a long time. He understands what success looks like but all the staff have been great.
"For us to be in the position we are has taken a massive collective effort."
