Tony Mowbray's first month in charge could hardly be described as leisurely. From assessing the playing staff to bringing in 3 new recruits Mowbray has really hit the ground running.
Further to that the professional and respectful way he is going about his business are leading many Celtic fans to believe that he should have been the first choice ahead of Owen Coyle and that we could have really unearthed a gem capable of taking us to new heights.
Whether or not this will come to fruition or whether it is a case of ability after paucity is for fate to decide. However Mowbray has continued to impress me with every move he makes and every word that exits his mouth.
As we start the week that leads us to our first competitive match under the new man we do so with an air of optimism after our two victories in the Wembley cup were enough to see us leave London with the trophy.
Tony Mowbray was understandably happy that both his starting 11 and his reserve team were capable enough of seeing off the opposition. More than that however the boss must be happy that no goals were leaked ahead of the home game against Moscow.
"It gives us great encouragement and winning matches is important in the team's development.
"It won't mean anything if we don't get a result on Wednesday but I'd much rather go into the game in this position. It is good to get into a winning mentality."
You could have forgiven Tony for using the trip to London to take a bit of a breather after a whistle stop pre season that saw the Hoops head to the other side of the world for a one-off match, a trip that the manager publicly decried. However Mowbray used his down time at the weekend for a better use - to take in Dinamo Moscow's 1-1 draw with Lokomotiv. All I can say is Tony must really like peanuts!
When asked about his scouting trip the manager was succinct in his reply regarding the opposition, favouring to talk up his own side to the media who would have you believe that Dinamo are unbeatable.
"A very capable, very structured side with people who can hurt you in wide areas.
"I do know we have some very talented guys going the other way who can cause them problems," he added. "We have planned and prepared for the game and it's my job to ensure we are ready."
Tony stressed that the imbalance between preparations for the match should not cause us any undue cause for concern. Yes the Russians are half way through their season but we are fit, ready and able to use the Celtic Park atmosphere to our advantage.
"The fitness has been fine and I have seen encouraging performances for young players in many areas. The home game at Celtic Park, I am sure, will create an atmosphere that they are unaccustomed to, so let's hope we can take advantage."
Finally, as we have become accustomed to, Tony saved the final words of his interviews to heap praise on his players, stating that the team have met each and every one of his expectations in the run up to this match, and indeed the season.
"They are a very professional group of players who apply themselves in training every day and set themselves very high standards," he said.
"A manager wants to come in and get off on the right foot and from day one, it's a great credit to the previous regime, the standards are very high.
"The camaraderie and work ethic is good," he continued. "I have enjoyed the first month in charge and look forward to the rest of it."
So do we Tony, so do we.
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt