Looking back at the 2020/21 campaign, it is fair to say that several different aspects of Celtic’s season could simply be labelled ‘disastrous’.
Whether that be the Dubai saga, decision making over the managerial position, plus much more, it was undoubtedly a season to forget for all involved.
Another aspect that was handled poorly throughout the campaign was the goalkeeping position, with Neil Lennon and his coaching staff failing to settle on who their number one was.
The summer arrival of £5 million man Vasilias Barkas seemed like a statement of intent from the club in looking to find a replacement for the out-going Fraser Forster, who had returned to his parent club Southampton.
Barkas had several spells between the sticks but flattered to deceive, particularly with the price tag he was brought into the club for from Greek side AEK Athens.
This led to spells as number one for both Scott Bain and Conor Hazard, with the latter even being trusted for the Scottish Cup final tie against Hearts, in which Celtic would come away victorious via a penalty shootout.
The issue of Celtic’s number one has now been resolved, with Ange rectifying the problems by signing former Manchester City stopper Joe Hart. He has been a revelation and brilliant leader this season.
Speaking in his recent interview with PLZ Soccer, Lennon spoke in great admiration of Ange Postecoglou and the signings brought in during his first two transfer window, as reported yesterday.
The former Celtic midfielder also stated his wish of having Hart in his side last season, which may have helped solve his goalkeeping problems.
He said: “The recruitment wasn’t great but we felt that the players we were bringing in were good players but just couldn’t get to grips with what they were expected to do – and in totally unnatural circumstances.
“Players who wanted to leave couldn’t get away and then we were under really strict protocols in how the players lived their lives. And they found it difficult.
“The players who came in found it difficult because it wasn’t what they were expecting. We were all hoping that the lockdown would have ended and crowds would have been let back in around November/December time but obviously that wasn’t the case.”
On Ange’s signings, he then said: “Some of the players he’s brought in have been fantastic. I really like Kyogo Furuhashi, and I wish I’d had Joe Hart last season! Ange is on the cusp now of winning the title, which would be a remarkable achievement.”
Joe Hart has shown exactly why he is Celtic quality
During the recruitment process of signing Barkas last year, there was some talk before joining that Joe Hart was a potential option during the 2020 summer transfer window.
Many fans and pundits scoffed at the idea, as they did this summer. But Hart has gone on to prove everyone wrong, having a significant impact on the success of this Celtic side.
Of course, we will never know if the Englishman would have had as big an impact last season. But, surely it couldn’t have been as bad as it was, with the amount of rotation between the sticks.
With that all behind us now, Hart’s focus will be on helping this side in the final five games of the season as the Bhoys look to secure the Premiership title.
Alongside captain Callum McGregor, Hart will need to continue to show the leadership qualities we have seen all season, which are likely to be pivotal in the final run-in.
In other news, Neil Lennon lauds Celtic boss Ange; reveals personal inspiration after multiple chats
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