Celtic are going to need all the help they can get if they are to secure the Premiership title.
All season long, whether it’s Wilfried Nancy in the dugout, or Martin O’Neill in his second spell, Celtic have trailed, trailed and trailed in the Premiership title race.
For large parts of the season, the Green Brigade have been absent from Celtic Park, and it has been a huge talking point.
But when the chaotic post-split fixtures were confirmed, Celtic also announced the return of the Green Brigade and Ally McCoist thinks it’s a ‘tactical’ move from the powers that be at Parkhead.
“It has to be (tactical),” said McCoist. “It’s very smart. You can argue about the rights and wrongs. The pros and cons. All clubs have a section of supporters that don’t appease everybody.
“But in terms of a move to get a forward-thinking, positive vibe on the pitch, and off the pitch. It’s a no-brainer.”
How much of a difference did the Green Brigade make to the Celtic Park atmosphere?
Let us know in the comments if you were at the game.
Ally McCoist thinks Green Brigade’s return at Celtic is ‘forward-thinking’
Make no bones about it, the Celtic fans are still against the board, and the Green Brigade are still calling for there to be a clearout at the top.
But Celtic need a boost in this absorbing three-way Scottish Premiership title race, and if GB being in attendance adds just 10% to the atmosphere, then so be it.
Of course, Celtic beat St Mirren at the weekend, in what was GB’s first match back in months, and now it’s a trip to Hampden for the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Given the crazy nature of what is unfolding in the title race, there seems to be less noise for this Scottish Cup tie, but make no bones about it, this is huge.
Either way, speaking on talkSPORT, Charlie Mulgrew and McCoist were in the same camp regarding the Green Brigade.
You can love them or loathe them. But when it comes to making an atmosphere and adding spice to proceedings, then GB more than helps.
Charlie Mulgrew: “Celtic Park on matchday without the Green Brigade can be a bit quiet. If it’s not a Champions League night or a European night.
“To have the Green Brigade there. Add an atmosphere. All the fans would agree with that. Whether you like them or not. They bring an atmosphere to the stadium, so it can only help.”
Shebahn Aherne: “Is that tactical, from the board at Celtic, to make sure it’s a lift for this stage?”
McCoist: “It has to be. It’s very smart. You can argue about the rights and wrongs. The pros and cons. All clubs have a section of supporters that don’t appease everybody.
“But in terms of a move to get a forward-thinking, positive vibe on the pitch, and off the pitch. It’s a no-brainer.”
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