Celtic made last-ditch attempt to retain Scott Brown while he was in Aberdeen finalising move

By John McGinley

April 16, 2021

New Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass has told reporters that Celtic were still trying to sign Scott Brown up to a new contract while he was up north finalising his big summer move.

The veteran captain has committed to a two-year player/coach deal at Pittodrie on a pre-contract basis, leaving the Bhoys at the end of the season.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to get some hands-on first-team coaching under his belt as he considers a career after hanging up his boots.

Brown hasn’t gone into detail on the circumstances around his exit, but Glass has put a bit of meat on the bones this week.

He told The Daily Record of Celtic’s last-ditch attempt to keep the veteran captain: “When I got offered the job, the next step was to get Scott Brown done. What Mr (Peter) Lawwell came out and said showed how important Scott is to us and to Celtic.

“The fact that Mr Lawwell said they tried desperately to keep Scott Brown says everything about Scott Brown.

“I know for a fact they did on the last day he was up here signing his pre-contract. They were desperate to keep him and there were people trying to convince him not to come.

“I believe I had provided everything that I could. He’s not here for the money. He’s here for the opportunity, for trust and the environment he’s going to be working in.”

Celtic could have used Scott Brown next season

With a massive upheaval on the way at Celtic, Brown could have played a crucial part in the transition. It seems the club knew this better than anyone, or they wouldn’t have tried so hard to sign him up when they knew he was already at Pittodrie.

Only Scott Brown will know how tempting an offer that was. He clearly thinks letting Celtic move on into a new era without him is the best thing for his own career.

Celtic midfielder Scott brown with Peter Lawwell / (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Celtic need leadership in that dressing room now more than ever, so it’ll be interesting to see who steps up with the big voice now that the iconic captain is heading elsewhere.

His presence at Aberdeen could prove to be an unwelcome narrative for Celtic next season.

In other news, former Celtic stopper Fraser Forster speaks about his most recent loan spell.