Ange Postecoglou takes on a 'director of football' style role within the Celtic academy, according to Darren O'Dea.
The former centre-back takes the club's Lowland League 'B' team alongside fellow ex-defender Stephen McManus and he has been buoyed by the input of their senior boss. Postecoglou wants their playing style in the youth ranks aligned with his high-tempo style, so that they are ready for when a senior Celtic call beckons.
O'Dea says it's been a Parkhead learning experience he will benefit massively from in years to come. Speaking to Off the Ball, he said: "It’s a joint role; the two of us lead the B team (with McManus). "Essentially it’s the reserve team, that’s the easiest way to explain it. But the difference is now that this year there’s been a restructuring it’s directly under the manager. He takes a massive say in it. It’s essentially trying to align our team into the first team in terms of style of play, culture, profile of player, recruitment – everything aligns into the first-team.
READ MORE: Tom Rogic's Celtic exit reasons explained by Ange Postecoglou as playmaker labelled Hoops 'legend'
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"Hopefully this alignment gives us a better chance to get more players through. He believes in what he does. Clearly everyone in the club takes strength from that, and I am learning a lot from it.
"I think the way he would describe it is myself and Stephen (McManus) would be kind of head coaches and he is the director of football. Ultimately everything will go through him, but he gives us a lot of autonomy to make decisions.
"That's a fantastic learning experience for me. He is someone you look at and think in 30 years time I will probably be repeating things he has said. That is gold dust. You know you are in the right place. I am very fortunate."
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