It’s not very often Ange has had players knock him back since he came to Celtic.
In fact, the complete opposite is true. Players like Joe Hart and Matt O’Riley have been at pains to state that as soon as they spoke to the Celtic gaffer they wanted to sign for the club due to his playing philosophy and how he made them feel during those conversations.
But one that did slip through the net (can we call it that?) or chose a different path was Riley McGree.
McGree was all but confirmed a Celtic player by the Scottish media in the January window, and whilst nothing had come from the club, in hindsight, the media did jump the gun on announcing the ‘signing’.
McGree was asked about the move by Optus Sport [via Football Scotland] and the Aussie midfielder still holds no regrets about choosing Middlesbrough over the Hoops, “You come to these decisions in moments in your career when you have to make decisions.
“I truly believe I made the right one. All respect to Celtic and Ange, but I am a Middlesbrough player.
But did Ange actually speak to McGree at all during the negotiations? The midfielder said, “Yes, he did.
“And it wasn’t easy, of course.
“But I did what I thought was right and I will stand by that until the day I die.”
At the time of signing, McGree clearly thought the Championship side had a shot at promotion and I am sure they were sitting second in the league so I can understand his head being turned.
They eventually finished 7th and now need another crack at England’s second tier to try and make it into the EPL next season.
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Is late night transfer update the real deal or just another false dawn?
Sounds to me like we have a guy trying very hard to convince himself.
He isn’t convincing anyone else, that’s for sure! But as it happens, we dodged a bullet. He clearly lacks what it takes to be a successful Celtic player and we got a better player in Matt O’ Riley.
McGree went to Boro for financial reasons everyone knows Scottish clubs cannot compete with English clubs ,even Championship clubs, because of the TV money down there.
It’s very clear where his priorities lye.
Instead of moving for football reasons he moved for money, I think Celtic dodged a bullet there and we have imo a better player in Matt O’Riley ,who wants to play in the Champions League and a side challenging for trophies
He might be full of Bravado now, but McGree will live to regret his decision.