John Sutton has only reinforced what many Celtic supporters already knew about Mark Fotheringham. Celtic were right to keep him, and Sutton has explained exactly why.
Celtic’s decision to keep Fotheringham alongside Martin O’Neill was welcomed by many supporters
Sutton knows Fotheringham well, and his verdict backs up what Celtic have already shown by keeping him.
Fotheringham’s energy became a real talking point among Celtic fans last season. Others outside of Parkhead have questioned whether the touchline celebrations were over the top. Sutton sees it very differently.
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Celtic fans have watched Mark Fotheringham earn this reputation
Sutton described Fotheringham as having played “a massive role” for Celtic last season and said that contribution “shouldn’t be underestimated”.
He insisted the enthusiasm Celtic fans see every matchday is simply who Fotheringham is.
Sutton told The Sunday Post, “Fozzy played a massive role for Celtic last season. That shouldn’t be underestimated.
“Sometimes people put things on in football and I’m sure Celtic fans have seen Fozzy high-fiving people and being very bubbly at the end of matches. But that’s not a show with him just because he’s at Celtic Park in front of over 60,000 fans.
“Fozzy is like that every day. That’s just his nature and it’s a brilliant thing to have around any club. Other people might not like it, but that’s what makes Fozzy the man he is. His enthusiasm is infectious.
“Personally, I really like Fozzy, but I know some people might have a slightly different opinion.
“He speaks his mind. As a player, I always liked to have enthusiastic people around the dressing-room. I’m sure the Celtic players feel the same.
“He’s a lively character. Sometimes when you’re like Fozzy – with that natural buzz and energy – everyone has an opinion of you, and you almost make yourself a target because you have that character.
“Fozzy will have an opinion about almost anything, but I think that is a really good thing to have as a coach – and he is perfect for Celtic.”
This will not surprise many Celtic supporters. Supporters only see a small part of Fotheringham’s job. Sutton’s comments explain why those inside Lennoxtown rate him so highly.
Martin O’Neill has already shown Sutton is right
Fotheringham’s future looked uncertain only a few weeks ago before Celtic agreed a deal to keep him as part of O’Neill’s coaching staff.
O’Neill wanted him to stay. Sutton says he played a massive role. That is not a coincidence.
Supporters only ever see the matchday version of Mark Fotheringham. The people inside Lennoxtown see the rest. Sutton has now explained why Celtic were so keen to keep him, and that says more than any touchline celebration ever could.
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