In a world where the digital age has us anticipating the ping of a notification for every minor occurrence, it’s a bit peculiar that there’s been radio silence on the departure of Nat Phillips from Celtic. The defender, initially hailed as a potential bulwark for the backline, quietly faded into the backdrop of Celtic’s season, his six-month stint culminating without so much as a digital nod from the club.
Phillips, brought in to fortify the heart of defence, found himself eclipsed by the rise of Liam Scales, a development few could have predicted. With only 8 appearances across all competitions, it’s fair to say his tenure was far from the impactful saga many had hoped for. His final bow in the green and white was a less-than-memorable own goal in a 2-0 humbling by Hearts at Parkhead, a curtain call no player wishes for.
It’s usually common courtesy for clubs to acknowledge the end of a player’s tenure. Yet, as Phillips’s loan spell reached its end, and he headed back to Liverpool, the silence from the club was interesting. No tweet, no post, no fond farewell. It’s an unusual step, or lack thereof, from a club that’s typically prompt in its updates.
As the bhoys are currently enjoying a well-earned respite during the SPFL winter break, the chatter among the support isn’t about Phillips’s silent exit but about what lies ahead. Eyes are already firmly on the January window, with hopes pinned on fresh talents joining the ranks.
Phillips’s quiet departure might be a small thread, but it’s a curious one. While his time at the club wasn’t the roaring success many had envisioned, the lack of acknowledgement feels oddly out of step. Perhaps the Celtic media team hasn’t recovered from the Glasgow Derby celebrations.
