When I read this [Football Fancast] I thought it was a strange take from a transfer that every Celtic fan agreed with.
Jack Hendry to KV Oostende on loan was a move that, at the time, was the correct move to help progress the now Scotland defender’s Celtic career.
Signed in January 2018 by Brendan Rodgers, Hendry was clearly earmarked as a kid that could in time, develop into a decent centre back for the Hoops.
Whilst Rodgers backed his ability, many players struggle with the mental demands that are required when playing for Celtic.
And that is clearly the case for Hendry.
Coming from Dundee where there are no expectations to win every game and the media spotlight is sporadic at best, players can make mistakes and have off games without the constant scrutiny from the media (ask Carl Starfelt) and the fans.
Look at it this way. Hendry only played eleven games after signing for the Hoops in his maiden half season.
The season after that, fifteen. Fifteen games in a year and then he was farmed out on loan.
The only reason he excelled in Belgium for Oostende? Limited expectations. The Belgian side are not expected to win every game never mind silverware.
They don’t have the constant expectation that Celtic players have on their shoulders.
Hendry found his level at that club and that earned him a move to Club Brugges.
And now he has flourished.
But to claim Peter Lawwell cost the club millions is disingenuous at best.
Some transfers just don’t work out. This is one of those times.
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There’s no doubt that Jack Hendry could have been at Celtic until he was fifty and still would never have what it took to become a valuable asset for us.
He clearly lacked the mentality to play for Scotland’s only really big club.
You only need to look at guys like Matt O’Riley, Josip Juranovic, Joe Hart to see what it neededto succeed in Paradise.
Greg Taylor and Carl Starfelt were in serious danger of going the same way as Hendry but somehow turned around.
Other players unfortunately, like Boli, even Mikey Johnston and Barkas don’t have that bit extra needed to succeed for us.
That’s a player issue which is most certainly not the fault of Peter Lawwell!