Former Celtic full back Jackie McNamara reveals the frustration he had playing under legendary Celtic boss Wim Jansen.
McNamara was part of the Celtic side that will always be remembered for stopping Rangers’ ten in row bid back in 1998 but, as he opened up to the boys at 67 Hail Hail, he did confess he found it frustrating playing the role he was asked to under the Dutchman. “I would have loved it. It was different, because when Wim Jansen came in, in 97-98, he didn’t want his full backs getting forward.
“So it was difficult for me to get into his [team], I started the first two games and found myself out.
“And then, I came back into the team further up the pitch. In front of Tom Boyd, or as a wing-back, an attacking wing-back, or a right midfielder. It was the only time I played that in my career, actually, under Wim.
“That was difficult for me, because everybody expects you to [get forward], and suddenly you’ve got the handcuffs on and the chains there to keep you back. People don’t obviously understand that.
“I would’ve loved to play in [Ange’s] team. Bombing forward, creating chances, even just having that freedom.
And what a player McNamara would have been under Postecoglou. Dynamic and attacking, the Celtic fans loved Jackie’s playing style.
And if Postecoglou can get Ralston playing the way he has, just imagine what McNamara could have done to opposing teams if he was given free reign to play the way Postecoglou wants. Frightening.
