Celtic supporters have been clear in what they think of the board.
What has also been interesting to hear is the opinion of the former Celtic players and managers, especially those who have recently been inside the club.
Neil Lennon has defended the Celtic board recently, and it probably doesn’t sit well with the paying fan, because they think he is coming out to bat for those in charge.
Now, Joe Hart has spoken about the off-field issues and Celtic’s 2025 summer transfer window, including how past deals, when he was in Glasgow, probably prove that patience is needed.
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Joe Hart on Celtic’s ’nominal’ signings amid ‘fans unrest’
One of the standout purchases by Celtic in recent times was bringing in O’Riley from MK Dons in 2022 for £1.5 million.
Hart told TNT Sports that ‘nobody would have ever said’ that O’Riley would reach the levels he has, but his transfer, as well as the likes of Liel Abada, Jota and Nicolas Kuhn, proves that those in the boardroom have a ‘good eye’ for bringing in players.
It’s just a case of judging these players in the ‘coming months’, even though he ‘totally gets the fan unrest.’
“It’s always tough for Celtic after a transfer window,” said Hart. “Whether it’s a good or bad one, because often you will find people from around Europe and around the world, who aren’t necessarily proven.
“During my time, the likes of Liel Abada coming in, Jota, even Nicolas Kuhn. Matt O’Riley nobody would have ever said he was going to be the player he was going to be.
‘For the actual quality, that’s to be judged in the coming months. We know they have got a good eye for it when they sign players for these nominal fees, but I totally get the unrest.”
O’Riley’s record at Celtic
O’Riley joined when Ange Postecoglou was in charge, but it was under Brendan Rodgers that he went to the next level and produced one of the greatest seasons by an individual player in recent times.
Celtic got £25 million from Brighton for his talents, and now O’Riley is playing in the Champions League with Marseille, proving that he belongs on Europe’s biggest stage.
But his days in the famous green and white colours will never be forgotten.
- Games: 124
- Goals: 27
- Assists: 35
- Trophies: 8
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