Former Celtic man Provan reveals backlash from Ryan Christie comments

By Euan Davidson

September 9, 2021

Former Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie has been backed by his Dad after Davie Proven questioned his ambition.

Christie moved to Bournemouth late in the transfer window. That lead to some supporters and pundits questioning Christie’s motives, with the Scotland star joining an English Championship side.

Davie Provan was one of those. He even called the standard “village green stuff” on Go Radio.

Provan says that caused a bit of a stir in the Christie household. Charlie Christie, Provan’s former teammate at Celtic, wasn’t best pleased with Provan’s comments.

Provan relayed the story on Go Radio, saying:

“I got a message after the comments I made on the programme last week where I said it demonstrated a lack of ambition from Ryan Christie.

“His dad Charlie, who I played with at Celtic and was a teammate of mine, messaged me this week and was very unhappy that I suggested Ryan’s ambition was in question.

“Basically he was just trying to point out that he sees Bournemouth as a stepping stone and a chance to kick on.

“Obviously he sees himself in the English Premier League at some stage. I just think he could have got a better club and, to put it simply, I think he’s a better player than Bournemouth. I think he can get a much better club than Bournemouth.”

It seems pointless to draw out Ryan Christie saga; he’s already left Celtic

Provan is quite right to share his exchanges with Christie, from a media perspective. It’s interesting.

However, on a personal level, this could probably have been left unsaid. Of course Charlie Christie is going to back his boy against the slings and arrows of the media.

In fairness to the ex-Celtic midfielder, he left the club with grace. His message to supporters following his Parkhead exit was considered and thoughtful, and he has every right to try something new if he wants to.

Yes, you could question the move. Christie was courted by Burnley, and reportedly also had a Serie A option with Sampdoria.

However, he’s picked the option that works best for him. We could’ve lost him for absolutely nothing in the winter, and so he’s arranged a move that will see the club at least pick up some cash in exchange.

Hopefully, this is the last word on Christie’s departure from Celtic. Both parties are moving into exciting new eras. A very public slanging match doesn’t really benefit anyone.

In other news: Massimo Donati congratulated by Hoops fans