Celtic have told supporters to bring the noise for the visit of Bodo/Glimt on the 17th of February.
Our first game in the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League, it’ll be the Bhoys against the Norwegian champions, who have sold several key players in the build-up to the two-legged clash.
For Celtic, it’s a major opportunity. There’s the obvious incentive of being the competition’s first ever winners, something that’s not beyond the realms of possibility.
But there’s also the momentum that comes from a long European run, regardless of the format or competition. The financial incentives, too, are a boost to the summer transfer budget. It’s win-win. To achieve any of these things though, it’s about having as many fans inside Celtic Park as possible.
With that in mind, the club have announced a General Sale for tickets to the Bodo/Glimt clash, priced at £35 for adults, £28 for concessions and £24 for Under-13s [Celtic FC]. Season ticket holders will be able to book their seat for the game, while General Sale tickets will go online from Monday, 31st January at 11am.
While the game doesn’t perhaps hold the same excitement as Bayer Leverkusen or Real Betis, Bodo/Glimt are still a very watchable team. They’re sure to bring a decent away support with them from the Arctic Circle, even though they’ve moved some big names like Patrick Berg and Erik Botheim.
The UEFA Europa Conference League is uncharted territory for Celtic, and Bodo/Glimt is a tasty tie
Having European football at all after Christmas is a real boost. For Ange Postecoglou, it’s another chance for him and his players to test themselves against good teams.
The Europa Conference League has some potentially great draws for Celtic if they can navigate past Bodo/Glimt. Fenerbahce, Marseille, Leicester, PSV and more big clubs join us at the play-off stage [UEFA]. A Brendan Rodgers return to Parkhead, or Marseille’s passionate supporters coming to Celtic would be quite an experience.
Ultimately, this is a European competition where Celtic genuinely have a shot at making it. To win the first ever iteration of a UEFA competition is something the club should be aiming for. It wouldn’t be Lisbon, maybe not even Seville, but it’d be a mark of us being competitive again in Europe.
To do that, colour, noise and atmosphere are essential. And though it feels like there’s less enthusiasm about these two ties against Bodo/Glimt, the tension and excitement will surely ramp up the closer we get to the 17th of February.
It’s a European night at Celtic Park after Christmas. The occasion speaks for itself.
Read more: Celtic summer signing Giakoumakis always had Ange’s backing; now he’s intent on making point
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