As the transfer incomings and outgoings finally begin to sink in, the Celtic supporters seem fairly happy with the business the club has conducted this summer.
With many fans getting their wish for another centre half in Carter-Vickers and a striker in Giakoumakis, they will also be delighted that the club have managed to offload players that clearly don’t want to be at the club and a certain player that has brought nothing but negativity to Paradise in the last two seasons.
Leigh Griffiths’ off field antics for the past two close seasons has caused a strained relationship with not only the club, but the fans.
Former Celtic striker John Hartson was speaking on Go Radio, when he was giving his reasons on why Griffiths was moved on, “He (Griffiths) wants to feel wanted. What he means by that is he wants to play. I think he will play at Dundee.
“I think they’ve invested heavily in him for Dundee in terms of the wages. Celtic would be paying the majority of his wages, but of course Dundee will have to add to that as well.”
Presenter Rob McLean then jumped in and seemed to partake in a bit of Celtic bashing when he said giving Griffiths another year was bad business for the club. Which is very strange seeing as his very own show and pundits were willing the club to offer him a deal for weeks.
McLean also claimed at the start of the show that Griffiths had signed the extension before Postecoglou came to Celtic when it was, in fact, Ange that sanctioned the deal, “I am really pleased to keep Leigh with us for another season at least. I have had very positive conversations with Leigh and he clearly understands my expectations and more importantly the club’s.”
The club were also lauded by the press and pundits alike for making a sensible move by tying up, what many on this particular radio station claimed, the best finisher in Scotland.
What happened after the contract extension was signed was something really out of Celtic’s control. So to claim “bad business” by the club is certainly disingenuous by McLean.
Now, if you listen (or read) to what Hartson says next, then you will find the REAL reason the club moved him on, “And I think he’ll score goals at Dundee. I think is a really good move for him. I don’t think he’ll play for Celtic again.”
“I don’t think he fits the system in terms of that high press and demands that Postecoglou puts on his players.
“I think it takes superb fitness levels. So in terms of his achievement, he’s scored goals all his career.
“He will continue to score goals. He’s only 31. And I actually think it’s a good thing for Leigh.
“I don’t think he was playing at Celtic and he was booed by a section of the crowd, a couple of weeks ago.
“I think from a personal point of view there can’t be anything worse than being booed by your own supporters, I think that would have hurt him mentally.
“So I think it’s a good move. And I think he’ll get goals this season at Dundee.”
He was moved on because the fans didn’t want him at the club. The fans sent the message when they booed him after his second preseason blunder in a row.
To claim he was moved on because he doesn’t fit the system is wrong.
One thing Hartson did get bang on the money was that Griffiths will not play for Celtic again. That you can be sure of.