ANGE POSTECOGLOU is a big believer in the power of collective effort. From his unveiling as Celtic manager to his first training session right on through to the present day, the Greek-Australian has been consistent in his demand for unity from everyone connected to the club.

There are no exceptions. Players must buy into his playing philosophy and display the work ethic he expects, supporters need to spur on the team and those that walk the corridors at power at Parkhead must play their part too. Whether it’s sanctioning new signings or simply throwing their weight behind Postecoglou’s ideas, the Celtic boss puts his faith in the power of everyone pulling in the same direction.

It's been like that since his first day on the job and it is a far cry from the factionalism that plagued the club for large spells of the previous campaign. It’s an ethos that permeates from the top down, as Postecoglou discovered during his first chat with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

“When the opportunity came to speak to Dermot - Peter Lawwell set it up for us - then I had a great chat with him,” Postecoglou recalled.

“It was not so much about football, he’d done his research. It was more about me as a person and to give him an idea of who I was and my values. We had a great conversation. He has been really supportive of me.

“I’ve said consistently that the one thing I’ve felt since I got this position is a real strong backing and support. The fans, players, staff have been unbelievable and that includes the management.

“Michael Nicholson, Chris McKay, Dermot and the board, even Peter Lawwell who is no longer involved but has been very supportive of me.

“I couldn’t start to achieve in terms of building a team and trying to get to this point without that sort of support.”

Celtic’s owner hinted at the influence Postecoglou wields in an interview given to the club’s in-house media channel yesterday. In the video, Desmond at one point refers to the former Yokohama F. Marinos manager as ‘chairman of the board as far is recruitment is concerned’, in response to claims that the high-heid yins at Parkhead have been having the final say on transfers.

Postecoglou refutes that allegation, insisting that not only could he not work in such circumstances but that he never has in his career.

“No because I wouldn’t accept that,” he said. “That’s my responsibility. I will not stand and say if something hasn’t gone right under my brief then someone else has made that decision.

“I could never accept that. If I’m the one sitting here answering questions then it’s only right I’m the one making the decisions. That doesn’t mean I’m doing everything on my own. I rely on a hell of a lot of good people to give me information, provide resources and allow me to make the best decisions.

“Yeah the recruitment has been great, yeah they were my choices. But I’m doing that on the back of people’s support and information and the good resources we have at this football club.

“I think there’s a recognition from the board that if you appoint someone and he has a responsibility then you should back him. When it comes to football matters then I’m the person responsible and will carry the can if things don’t go well.

“They appointed me because they believe in my vision and what I want to create. He [Desmond] is saying I have responsibility for those things. They support me, I can’t do it by myself whether that’s recruiting players or having resources. They have put me in this position and I’m responsible for it and they are backing me in my vision.”

Desmond used the interview to bullishly insist that he had no plans on selling his shares or stepping down from his role at Celtic anytime soon. Postecoglou’s future isn’t quite so secure – he was appointed on a rolling 12-month contract last summer – but he has no qualms about his future.

“The last thing I want to do is talk to chairmen or Dermot or anyone about my position,” he added. “As managers we just get on with it. Usually when you have to talk to people involved it’s because you’re worried about your position.

“I’m quite comfortable with the way things are going, I’m really happy and enjoying the role. I still have a helluva lot to accomplish as we are at the first stage of the rebuild.

“Until they tap me on the shoulder and tell me the road is going elsewhere then I will keep doing what I’m doing and be happy about it.”