Former Celtic defender and coach Kolo Toure was at Celtic Park today to watch the Bhoys draw 2-2 with St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.
The 118-cap Ivory Coast international could be seen stopping to take photos with supporters outside the ground, and even current players inside the stadium, as Ange Postecoglou’s side couldn’t quite find the win against the Buddies.
Curtis Main was the terror of the Celtic defence, netting a first-half double. Kyogo Furuhashi scored a rocket to keep the Bhoys in the game at the interval but the home side could only manage a late Callum McGregor equaliser. While no harm has really been done to the champions, it was still a frustrating afternoon.
Kolo Toure enjoyed his Celtic spell
Toure was all smiles regardless and no doubt enjoyed his return to Glasgow, having become something of a cult favourite with fans during his spell under Brendan Rodgers.
He played just 17 times for the club, at the end of a long and distinguished career elsewhere, but was a symbol of success during the incredible Invincibles campaign before going on to serve as part of Rodgers’ coaching staff.
The 42-year-old followed the former Celtic boss to Leicester City but has since struck out on his own in the coaching game, even taking charge of Wigan Athletic earlier this season. That didn’t end too well but it’ll be interesting to see where his career takes him now.
When he was unveiled as a boss in his own right at Wigan, Toure made sure to thank Celtic for giving him opportunities, making it clear he valued his time at the Bhoys.
He said [Daily Record]: “I want to take this opportunity to thank Brendan Rodgers because he is my mentor really. I have been working and learning from him, and I want to thank him and his assistant Chris Davies and all the people from Leicester City and Celtic because that’s where I really started my coaching career.
“I finished my career as a football player and never had time off. I went straight to coaching with Brendan Rodgers. I’ve been with him for nearly five years now and it was a process for me. I knew being a good footballer doesn’t guarantee you will be a good coach or manager.”
It’s unclear whether his trip to Glasgow is part of a wider visit to Lennoxtown. Postecoglou has welcomed many coaches to the training centre over the last couple of years to share knowledge and processes.
Regardless, it’s nice to see Kolo keep in touch and hopefully it’s not too long before he’s back in town!
In other news, Celtic take part in German youth tournament with St Pauli and PAOK.
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