CELTIC manager Ange Postecoglou would like to see Scottish football follow the example of the Dutch league and scrap synthetic surfaces in the top flight. The Greek-Australian was cognisant of the financial need for their use within some clubs – in Holland Champions League money was redistributed to smaller clubs to rip up their plastic pitches - but would prefer that all games were played on grass.
Celtic will play on Rugby Park’s astroturf this afternoon as they head to Kilmarnock with the surface playing a part in not just how Celtic approach the game but also in which personnel can be deployed.
"I've experienced them in the past, I've experienced them at international level when I was national team boss - we had to go to certain countries where that was all they had,” said Postecoglou. “You understand the reasoning behind it, but do I like them? No. I think they change the game. Do I think the top league should have them? Preferably not, but I understand why there are there and while they are there you have just got to deal with them.
“There's enough evidence around the world that some nations went that way, the Dutch certainly did, and they are understanding and reverting back to grass pitches because it's just more of a natural game.
“As much the artificial pitches try to replicate what happens on a grass pitch, it's a different game. That's my preference, I don't like them, I don't think it's as good a spectacle for the supporters, which is really the ultimate business we are in, but I can understand why clubs have them. There are financial considerations that thankfully our club doesn't have to deal with. Others do, and that's why they make those decisions.”
Meanwhile, Postecoglou is expecting a busy finale to the last weeks of the transfer window as Celtic still look to strengthen further while also allowing players who have been on the periphery to go elsewhere.
There have been seven new signings this summer with permanent contracts given to Jota and Cameron Carter Vickers. Postecoglou is keen to add at least one more before the end of the month.
"In terms of incomings we are still active,” he said. “There's one or two areas that I would like to bring in but it has to be the right sort of players. We are definitely still active and looking at what options may be available. In general, I think this transfer window is going to be pretty hectic in the last couple of weeks. I suggest there could be some opportunities there for us and in terms of outgoings there are players who aren't getting a lot of opportunities.
Mikey Johnston and Albian Ajeti could be set for moves out of the club with first-team opportunities limited. Johnston had been linked with a link up with former Celtic manager Ronny Deila at Standard Liege as the 23-year-old looks for a loan move that would allow him to get necessary first-team exposure while Ajeti is significantly out of the first-team picture.
“I am not having discussions with anyone on a daily basis on what their future should be, that's really up to them,” said Postecoglou. “I am not one to try and convince people to stay and I am not going to persuade anyone to go but the reality is there that some people will get less opportunities and if that's not sufficient for them then they can explore other opportunities.”
