Former Celtic fan favourite Joe Ledley finds new club at long last

By Euan Davidson

March 18, 2021

Former Celtic man Joe Ledley has found a new club.

The ex-Bhoys midfielder, a fan-favourite during his three-year spell in Paradise, had been without a club since December 2020. The 77-time Welsh international had been training with Bristol Rovers as recently as last month. However, he’s found a new home in Newport County.

Ledley told his new club [Newport-County]:

“It’s a privilege to be here. I was here last January training with the team and the chairman and manager both welcomed me, so to come back and repay them for what they did for me is remarkable. It’s been great what the team have done so far and we want to can carry that on now.

“I’ve got a lot of experience and been towards the top end of tables a few times. It’s only a short contract but hopefully we can get over the finish line.”

At 34, Ledley has endured a tedious and confusing spell out of the game. Still with a lot to offer, the Welshman, who played 157 times for the Bhoys [Transfermarkt], will be looking to make an impact in League Two.

Joe Ledley: an absolute warrior for Celtic / (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Former Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley hoping to fire Newport to promotion

With Newport firmly in the play-off picture [EFL], Ledley brings experience, muscle and brains to the Welsh side’s midfield.

Not just an established international, Ledley has played UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Premiership and Premier League football. As recently at 16-17, he was starring for Crystal Palace in England’s top flight.

In many ways, it’s a shame Ledley left Celtic when he did. Part of a fearsome midfield which included the likes of Victor Wanyama and Ki Seung-Yeung, the Welsh hero was a particular favourite amongst the supporters. Not only a total workhorse, Ledley could pop up with important goals. His range of passing benefitted Celtic on a number of occasions too; combined, he contributed to 54 goals for the Bhoys.

So there’s a lot of goodwill towards Ledley, even still. For our part, we hope the midfielder can play a part in a promotion-winning side.

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