What makes a great football manager?

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Tonight sees one of the biggest games of the season in world football. Manchester United host Real Madrid in England and both teams will be competing for a place in the final eight of this season's Champions League.

Future manager of Manchester United one day perhaps?
I took a seat on the Man Utd bench during a tour of Old
Trafford last summer.

But its not really about what's happening on the pitch that is going to fascinate me. This match will be won or lost on the touchline. Tonight will see two of the world's best managers in Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho outwit each other. Who will utilise tactics effectively enough to win? Who will keep calm and carry on to victory? And who will be able to take the initiative to win?

Although the players are in control of the ball during 90 minutes, a manager's decisions make the difference in the end. In both the Scottish and Portuguese managers, we have two gentlemen who are precise in detail when it comes to outlining how to win and two managers who take mental attitude equally as seriously as physical ability. 

Let's also remember that a game can also be won in the media suite. The role of the media is vital and both managers have mastered the art in talking a good game, in order to win a game. But they have also mastered the art in producing a thought provoking performance in front of the cameras and microphones and Mourinho especially has proven this before tonight's tie and on many other previous occasions.

But Sir Alex's experience counts for everything and he's been at this stage of the Champions League many, many times. That doesn't mean Manchester United will prevail by default later on but its certainly an advantage.

Whatever the strengths and weaknesses of both men, it is clear that tonight's match will not necessarily be won on the pitch. It'll be won on the touchline.

Why Celtic must win tonight for Scottish football's sake

Despite the problems off the Scottish football pitch, there is a lot to celebrate in recent times like the arrival of a much more enthusiastic and passionate national football team manager with a proven track record of success.

And then there's a certain football club in the east end of Glasgow who have a major responsibility on their shoulders tonight. Not just for the sake of their club, but for the sake of the country and the national game.

Celtic will be pitting their wits against Juventus in just under an hour's time in front of 60,000 roared up fans and millions of viewers across these islands and beyond. I have every confidence in Neil Lennon and his men and believe they will run out as clear winners by the end of the game tonight. They've done it before and will do it again.

After news yesterday regarding Celtic's excellent financial figures for the final half of 2012, the fruits of success in Europe's top footballing competition have been well and truly known. And a win in the last 16 isn't just beneficial for the finances at Parkhead. Lets also remember that the whole game in Scotland benefits too if Celtic put Juventus out of the Champions League, because Scotland will rise in the UEFA coefficient league, hence more places will be made available for entry into UEFA competitions such as the Champions League and Europa League to Scottish clubs.

I wish Juventus every success in the world. But, without apology, Celtic have my support and further progress in this competition is nothing more than welcome.

Glasgow Celtic have proven that money doesn't buy you success

Tonight, my tartan bonnet is going to be taken off to Glasgow Celtic football club after yet another sweet result in the Champions League which has now seen the Scottish champions advance to the final sixteen of the competition.

Whilst the majority decided to laugh off any possibility of Neil Lennon's side making it anywhere near the 3rd place Europa League spot, let alone qualification for the last 16 of the tournament, I, on the other hand, was optimistic that this was the best Celtic side in nearly ten years and had more than enough of a chance to pull off qualification to the knock out stages of the competition. And my goodness I was right.

Celtic proved that you do not need to spend millions upon millions of pounds on new players to make your way through European competition. And unlike certain clubs down south where their football minds are clouded with banknotes and nothing else, Celtic have not just done Scotland proud. They have done the whole world of football proud. It is so reassuring to see that you can still be a success in the world's most prestigious football club competition despite not having anywhere near the financial muscle that other football clubs have.

After what has been the worst year for Scottish football since the formation of the Scottish Football Association in 1873, Celtic have done this nation proud. And make no doubt about anything. This victory is a lesson for anybody, no matter what their career is or who they are. Flashing banknotes in people's eyes will never guarantee you success. Only a special characteristic called humility will.

Tonight Celtic triumphed. Tonight Scotland have become victorious. Tonight real success prevailed.

And tonight, football well and truly is the winner.