Fran Alonso says he will be a Celtic fan until he dies after his exit from the club was officially announced this afternoon.
Alonso had been in charge of Celtic FC Women for four years but has now left to join Houston Dash in the United States, an experience he’s always yearned for throughout his career.
The Spaniard won three trophies with Celtic and took them so close to a title win last season, also overseeing the club’s first entries into the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
He’s struck up a rapport with supporters over the years and last term’s title race caught the imagination of fans, with thousands showing up at Celtic Park to cheer on the team. The coach has now issued an emotional goodbye.
Fran Alonso on his Celtic exit
Alonso said in a statement this afternoon: “I was not born a Celtic supporter but I will definitely die as one and I will support Celtic for the rest of my life. The Club, the team, the people and the Celtic community has been everything to me during the past four years and has lit up my life. It has been a wonderful adventure.
“The values, the spirit and the ethos of the Club has been everything to me and I am so proud to have held the position of Celtic manager.
“I am very sad to leave Celtic and it was a really hard decision to make. However, the new opportunity in America is one that I dreamt about since I started coaching in the women’s game and I know our Celtic supporters will understand.
“During the last four years I have given absolutely everything to Celtic, on and off the field and I am delighted that we have made history in so many occasions – our very first UEFA Champions League qualification, our very first Scottish Cup, our first win in the UEFA Champions League, three trophies won, and managed to be just minutes away from winning our very first league title
“I would like to thank everyone at Celtic who has given me such brilliant support. How you all make us feel is indescribable.
“I would like to thank all the players over this four years who have given everything for me and for the badge, and also thank you to my backroom team who have always walked the extra mile to help the team, on and off the field.
“Thanks to the directors and management at Celtic who gave me the opportunity of coming here and, of course, thank you to the best fans, who have really supported us in the hard times, have been behind us no matter what, and created atmospheres that will stay in our memories for the rest of our lives.
“I leave knowing that the Celtic women’s team is in a much better place than when I first joined, and I am sure, with this terrific squad we have built, it will go from strength to strength. I wish the Club and the team all the success, I will always be supporting you from abroad. C’mon the Hoops!”
Chief Executive Michael Nicholson has confirmed a search is underway for his successor and the aim will be finally delivering that coveted SWPL title.
Alonso won two Scottish Cups and a League Cup during his time at the club, which is a trophy return that will be difficult to live up to with Glasgow City and Rangers so competitive.
Many Celtic fans are excited to see where Celtic Women go from here and hopefully the club have a good appointment lined up to take things forward and build on the progress made over the last few years.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers comes to “very frank” conclusion with Celtic squad after recent Lennoxtown debrief.
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