Ange Postecoglou said there was no animosity towards doubters and non-believers as he claimed the award for Scottish football’s manager of the year.
“It’s not what drives or motivates me,” the Aussie told reporters.
“I’m not too harsh on people – the jury was out on me, I understand that there wasn’t a great recognition of what I had done. When you come from the other side of the world, that’s understandable.”
NRL TEAMS: Raiders skipper makes nine-month comeback
READ MORE: ‘Complete garbage’ that NRL must stamp out
READ MORE: Veteran in firing line amid Bombers’ struggles
READ MORE: The big problem emerging for NRL’s new club
Celtic are having a brilliant season and after a 1-1 draw in the Old Firm Derby on Sunday, have one hand on the premiership trophy.
It would be the Hoops’ 10th title in 11 years, having been denied the chance to win 10 in a row by Steven Gerrard’s side last year.
When the former Socceroos boss was first sounded out for the job, the news was met with plenty of skepticism from the UK press, who scoffed at the idea of the Australian landing one of the most prestigious jobs in football.
Socceroos striker Tom Rogic was also honoured at the end-of-season awards, his solo effort for Celtic against Dundee United being named goal of the season.
Another Australian, Jacynta Galabadaarachchi, won the Scottish league’s young female player of the year.
“I was really surprised, I didn’t think I was going to win,” she said afterwards.
“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and all the staff members, so I’m really grateful.”
The 20-year-old, who has played for Australia at under-18 and under-20 level, moved to Europe from the A-League to sign with West Ham in 2019, before playing for Napoli last season and then moving on to Celtic last year.
“I started off a bit slow, but I think I got into the rhythm of things and I’m really proud of myself, how far I’ve come since the start of the season.
Galabadaarachchi, who was also named her club’s player of the year, revealed that she’s known Postecoglou since her days in Victoria as a child.
“He coached my brother when my brother was quite young. I always knew he was a great coach, amazing coach,” she said.
“I knew when he came here he was going to do really well, so hats off to him for winning the award as well.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!