Upheaval for Celtic youngster Afolabi as Hopkin set to leave Ayr United

By Euan Davidson

September 9, 2021

Celtic youngster Jonathan Afolabi finds himself at a manager-less club after David Hopkin handed in a shock resignation from Ayr United.

Afolabi was sent off in a loss to Raith Rovers at the weekend. Even at this early stage of the season, it proved to be Hopkin’s final game at Ayr United, sensationally leave his post today [Daily Record].

The Honest Men have stumbled out the blocks this season. They’ve garnered just 1 point from 4 matches. Clearly, that was enough to make Hopkin’s mind up regarding his future at the club.

After a busy summer of recruitment, it’s a strange decision to say the least. Afolabi was joined at Ayr United by Hibs youngster Steven Bradley, and Rangers man James Maxwell.

However, form has been hard to come by thus far. The raft of new players have failed to gel, not least Afolabi. The ex-Southampton Academy player hasn’t found the net thus far.

That’s despite fairly decent spells with both Dundee and Dunfermline Athletic at the same level.

Further disruption for Celtic youngster Afolabi at Ayr United

Again, it’s not been a great start for Afolabi thus far. He has the talent to shine at Scottish Championship level, as well we’ve seen.

Admittedly, his scoring rate in isn’t overwhelming [Transfermarkt], but his overall performances have generally been of a decent standard. However, given how close Neil Lennon said Afolabi was to the first-team just two years ago, we could’ve reasonably expected more [Sun].

It’s another unfortunate twist in what has been a tough time for the Dublin-born striker. Whether a new manager takes to him, given his patchy form thus far, is a question in its own right.

Here’s hoping Ayr United find someone who can get the best out of Afolabi. For now though, they’re in dire straits.

In other news: What former Celtic manager told Dundee bosses