In perhaps one of the more bizarre moves from Celtic in quite some time, the club are introducing personalised pillows for the first-team squad.
According to Training Ground Guru, every Celtic player has been to a workshop to have their own pillows tailored to their needs and sleeping style.
The club are apparently working with Estonian firm SleepAngel. The idea is that the introduction of new pillows reduces the risk of infection and illness in the players. It will mean that the players arrive to all hotels next season with their own personalised pillow. It will have the players’ shirt number and initials.
Speaking to Training Ground Guru about it, Celtic Sports Scientist Scott Breddy said the following:
“Infection and illness is perhaps a forgotten area in football. We talk a lot about injuries, but you can lose a player for two or three days a season because of illness.
“This might come at a critical time of the season, which will really affect the team. There is good research showing there is an increased risk of illness during congested fixture periods, and SleepAngel might give us the ability to reduce that risk.
“Bedding is a real source of infection and transmission. Pillows and mattresses end up filled with pathogens, allergens, dust mites, dust mite droppings. Then I found out about the clinical trials that had been done on the filter and I could see the science behind the products. That’s very important for us.”
A smart move at face value
Yes we’re aware this is the kind of story that could get the club laughed at. If any other football club does it, it’s not exactly been highly reported or recognised. Therefore, Celtic are definitely likely to be subject of some jokes about this new move from within Scotland.
But it actually makes sense when you look at the studies. A study by The Barts and London NHS showed 30 different types of infection in samples of pillows taken from hospitals (Daily Mail). That’s an easy way to pick up an injury for footballers.
As Breddy says, it’s difficult to know when infection could hit and at what time of the season it could arrive. Taking any precautions to try and avoid it makes sense.
Celtic players will get the chance to try out their new products early on this season. The Champions League qualifiers will be the first matches Celtic play before the domestic campaign begins.
The club should see some benefits with this new idea. Anything to improve the health and safety of the first-team makes perfect sense to go along with.
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