‘My time at Celtic did not finish in a nice way’ – Former Hoops Star Set for Emotional Return

It’s going to be an emotional return of sorts this Sunday as Alan Thompson makes his return to Celtic Park after years away.

Alan was a standout player during the famous Martin O’Neill era in the early 00s. The midfielder then came back as a coach for Neil Lennon during the Irishman’s first stint in charge of the club.

Thompson was dismissed by the club during that time in a bitter breakup during the 11/12 season and the Geordie hasn’t been back to the club since.

Bringing out a book and reconnecting with many of his old pals at Celtic has put Alan back in a good place and in a better head space to return to the stadium for the first time in a decade.

The former player and coach has been invited by the club and he’s graciously accepted a return.

Speaking to RecordSport, he said: “Everyone’s asking me why it’s taken so long – well, for starters, it’s the first official invite I’ve had in all that time. Chris Trainer contacted me and I was delighted to take up his offer.

“For a long time, I wasn’t ready to return. I didn’t want to go back. It didn’t feel right. My time at Celtic did not finish in a nice way and while I never lost my love for the club, it hit me hard.

“I feel I can face up to it now. Writing the book, bumping into old friends at functions and COVID restrictions easing, everything sort of fell into place. And let’s face it, ten years is a long time.”

Celtic take on Dundee hoping to keep their status at the top of the league when Alan is visiting.

It will be good to see Thommo back where he belongs and hopefully he sees Celtic picking up three points.

It’s a chance for Celtic to immediately rebound after a disappointing defeat in Europe on Thursday.