The sun may have finally popped out after a long winter but Ange Postecoglou isn’t ready to stick the big jacket up the loft just yet.
Which is a neat insight in to Celtic boss.
The forecast looks bright around Parkhead after Postecoglou managed to come out of the bleak months on a 30 match unbeaten run and the second best domestic record of the last 29 years.
But typically, the Hoops boss is eyeing the best one.
It’ll take some doing catching the Brendan Rodgers inspired British record of 69 without loss but he’s closing in on the Rangers total of 36 achieved under Walter Smith in 1993.
Postecoglou won’t rest until the honours are wrapped up though and even though spring hit Lennoxtown yesterday but the manager quipped: “I’m not convinced just yet mate. I’ll need a few days more evidence before the big coat goes away.”
Postecoglou has put together plenty of recent evidence to support a title claim but it’s more about having pride in how his side have constructed this 30 match unbeaten streak.
The championship is far from wrapped up though, and there’s no point in settling for second best when you can shoot for the out of this world Rodgers tally.
Postecoglou is out to keep it going against Ross County today and said: “There’s nothing bad about that (Rodgers record) – it gives you something to aim for.
“I think what’s more important is we have to continue to improve as a team. We are taking our first steps and it’s only been nine months.
“But this has given us a good platform to improve. I’m sure there are more challenges ahead and we need to tackle them in the same way we have so far.”
Postecoglou always aims big but he’s not dismissive of the run that’s got his side to the top of the table and in to the last four of the Scottish Cup.
Rodgers, Martin O’Neill and Neil Lennon put together huge spells of form – but they didn't have to cope with what has been thrown Postecoglou’s way this term.
The Hoops gaffer’s jacket was on a shoogly peg according to some back in August and September and there’s been no margin or error despite a savage injury list at times.
Postecoglou said: “I don’t discount it. That’s why I am so proud of everyone’s efforts. I don’t know which teams have been on these runs but I’d bet they were a lot more settled than we’ve been.
“You have got to add in the fact this is a brand new team that’s had some major disruptions.
“To put together a run like that in those circumstances is every more credit to the players.
“You kind of focus on the game by game stuff but I was well aware after the start we had – when we lost three of the first six – that we’ve have to be pretty good from then on if we were going to challenge this year.
“Potentially you can only lose four of five games a season if you want to be competing for a title.
“We knew we had to be very consistent and credit to the players. We haven’t done it easy.
“We’ve had significant injuries and a fair few disruptions along the way. So for the players to consistently deal with that twice weekly challenge in the league and the cups has been outstanding.
“It’s important for us to reflect on what’s got us to this point is that we haven’t looked too far ahead.
“We haven’t worried too much about where we are, we’ve tackled each game on its merits.
“It’ll be the same against Ross County.”
It’s not the first time Postecoglou has gone off on a huge run. He set an Australian record – for any sports team – when he led his Brisbane Roar outfit to a 36 game charge on their way to consecutive A League titles.
The manager can see echoes of the Aussie exploits at Parkhead, as well as a few lessons.
He said: “That was decent. That was a challenge as well because you have the salary cap down there, which is meant to equalise the competition.
“That’s why teams don’t go on long unbeaten runs, as you can’t outspend the opposition.
“That was a great run and if I reflect on it, it was a similar scenario where we didn’t look too far ahead.
“We embraced each challenge that came our way and we had success that followed.”
Naturally, Postecoglou won’t look beyond Ross County.
It’s fair to say Postecoglou is an admirer of the Dingwall side and their manager, Malky Mackay.
County looked a stick on for a relegation struggle earlier this season but the results started to match the performances and now there is top six talk in the Highlands.
And it seems Malkyball is pretty similar to Angeball.
Mackay has got the Staggies attacking football and one of the top scorers in a division packed with teams who prefer to park the bus.
Postecoglou said: “I think Malky has done a great job. If you look at the way they started the season, most people would have written them off.
“He’s built a really strong stable unit and he’s got some threats up front who score goals. They are in good form and I’m sure they are eyeing a top six berth now.
“They are a good challenge for us. It was similar for us against Livingston. When you face teams on a good run of form it’s important we bring our own sort of energy and tempo to the game.
“When we’ve done that we’ve managed to overcome the challenges.
“We’ve on the back of a couple of tough away games where we did well and we’re home again and the boys are looking forward to it.”
