Parkhead pitch issues not a problem for Lennon; Celtic boss says it won't affect their football

By David Walton

December 30, 2020

Celtic Park looked to have cut up pretty badly over the winter period during our 2-0 win against Ross County.

It was one of the more noticeable aspects of the game last midweek. The Hoops strolled to success against the Staggies in what would prove to be a routine home encounter.

However, the hybrid pitch Celtic currently have installed is proving to be a touch disappointing. It hasn’t led to an increase in our tempo in any case, but the way it’s cutting up during what’s been a fairly timid Winter is frustrating to see.

Even so, Lennon doesn’t feel it will hold Celtic back in the coming weeks. He was happy to acknowledge that the turf isn’t in great shape, but said it will have no affect on our football.

As quoted by the Scotsman, Lennon said: “It’s just this time of year. The weather’s inclement. But it’s not stopping us from playing the type of football we want to play. It’s maybe no different from other years. I’ve played on worse, put it that way.”

Celtic set for regular Parkhead fixtures in the next two months

After tonight’s home clash with Dundee United, Celtic will have six more games at home over the course of January and February. We’ll be making regular appearances at home, and that automatically leads to concerns over the pitch state.

Lennon says it’s to do with the time of year. However, in all seriousness, we’ve hardly had a hectic Christmas period in terms of weather. You would still expect the worst is still to come in that regard.

Irrespective of that, of course, Celtic did look comfortable vs County. There were no real opportunities for the visitors outside of headed chances. You also didn’t notice much in terms of sloppiness on our part either.

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths celebrates vs Ross County (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

That’s something we’ll be looking to see continue today against United. Another convincing win whilst managing to ensure that the pitch doesn’t become an issue. There’s no telling how it will affect the players if it cuts up further over the course of January and February.

Even so, personally, as a supporter, I’ve hardly noticed a difference since the hybrid pitch was installed in 2019. It’s done nothing for our performance levels there, and it certainly doesn’t look impressive when the harsher weather comes in.

Hopefully, it continues to not be a factor in performances and results. We don’t need any internal problems given the perilous state our season is in.

In other news, Lennon has admitted that Celtic could sign a couple of players in January after all.