CRAIG GORDON won SFWA Player of the Year, beating Callum McGregor to the prize – voted on by journalists in Scotland.
The former Celtic treble star has been enjoying his return to Hearts over the past two seasons. Helping the Tynecastle club gain promotion and this season has been part of the team that landed third place and a European spot.
Speaking about the end of his Celtic tenure, he spoke about the last year of his deal not being enjoyable for him. It was the season Fraser Forster came in on loan and played the season of his life for the Bhoys in green.
Gordon was more and more marginalised at the club and when Fraser told Celtic he would come back on loan last season before reneging, Craig was let go by the Hoops who believed they had cover. Fraser walked away from a deal and Gordon moved on to Hearts.
The goalkeeper was tasked with trying to stop Celtic’s bid for a quadruple treble in the end, at the same stadium he once famously fell to his knees in a Celtic jersey as the Hoops captured an invincible treble. Celtic beat Hearts on penalties that day.
“The motivation was to come back and show everybody I could still do it. I had spent a year on the bench [last year at Celtic], I didn’t particularly enjoy it and wanted to finish my career playing games” Gordon told Edinburgh Evening News.
“You never know if you will get the chance to come back here. Somebody could have been in possession of the jersey and doing well. It just so happened I was coming out of contract so it was a great opportunity for me to come back and get playing.
“At the back of my mind, what I wanted to do was get back playing for Scotland and put pressure on that No.1 position, also get promoted and try to get Hearts into Europe. That was everything that was discussed when I came back. That was the plan. I’m backed by players and management and it feels good being here. It’s nice to be loved by the fans and have that respect, knowing they will be behind you no matter what.”
“You never know if you will get the chance to come back here. Somebody could have been in possession of the jersey and doing well. It just so happened I was coming out of contract so it was a great opportunity for me to come back and get playing.
“At the back of my mind, what I wanted to do was get back playing for Scotland and put pressure on that No.1 position, also get promoted and try to get Hearts into Europe. That was everything that was discussed when I came back. That was the plan. I’m backed by players and management and it feels good being here. It’s nice to be loved by the fans and have that respect, knowing they will be behind you no matter what.”
Craig can be an example to many who think they might not be able to continue in the game. He has worked hard and done well to be a winner throughout his career.
He will face the Hoops again this weekend. His job will be to try and delay Celtic’s title party just a little bit longer.
Why I have to admit to being shocked by this. A guy who was first choice not being happy about being demoted to second choice.
Who’s have seen that coming.