ALISTAIR Johnston has recently spoken out about the management transition at Celtic and the often-overlooked challenges that can accompany a transfer to the Scottish Professional Football League.
Having made a remarkable impression at Celtic within a short span of six months, Johnston’s achievements are noteworthy, picking up three major pieces of silverware already.
Johnston’s seamless transition from Canada to Celtic may have appeared straightforward from an external perspective, but he revealed insights into his journey that suggest otherwise.
Although Johnstone does believe that he was lucky, growing up in an English-speaking household with some British family members, it wasn’t too hard for the fan favourite to adapt to the way of life in Scotland.
He said: [The Herald]
“Tony, Greg, all these guys, have shown me the ropes. They’ve helped make the transition as easy as possible.
“Coming to a country where I don’t feel out of place also has helped. The year before they’d said the Japanese guys had come over in a similar situation, having played a full season and then coming to the SPFL it was difficult. They had to learn a whole new language and culture. But for me, growing up in a British household speaks English, it really wasn’t that big a transition.”
Former Celtic manager, now Spurs coach, Ange Postecoglou, had warned Johnston of potential struggles during his initial six months at Celtic. He predicted that Johnston would find his stride after completing a full pre-season with the club.
“He [Postecoglou] told me the first six months would be difficult, a new system and a completely different way to play the position.
“But he felt once I got a pre-season under my belt I would be feeling a lot more comfortable. And I am feeling that.
“As well as people in the outside world think it’s gone, there have still been difficulties and struggles in the system. But I’m lucky, I’ve got a really got a good group of guys and coaching staff to help me.”
With Brendan Rodgers now at the helm, Johnston may face some different adjustments. However, given his track record and determination, it is expected that he will continue to make significant strides in his career at Celtic.
