Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane recently shared his experiences and the culture shock he faced upon joining Celtic. Despite a brief stint lasting only six months, Keane’s time at the iconic Scottish club left a lasting impression on him and the team.
A Different World After Manchester United
Keane, a legend at Manchester United, was taken aback by the differences he encountered at Celtic. “You talk about getting a shock,” Keane told The Stick to football podcast, reflecting on his move. “Celtic Park is amazing, but the training facilities at that time were a far cry from what I was used to at United.” Players would often change at Celtic Park and drive to the training ground in their gear, a practice that was starkly different from his experiences in Manchester.
Embracing the Celtic Way
Despite the initial surprise, Keane grew to appreciate the simplicity and camaraderie at Celtic. “I really enjoyed my time at Celtic, particularly the different dressing room atmosphere,” he admitted. Keane highlighted the strong bonds and great character among most of the Celtic players, despite admitting there were “one or two idiots.”
Insights into Gordon Strachan’s Management
The Sky Sports pundit also shed light on Gordon Strachan’s tenure as the Celtic manager. Strachan, who won three titles with Celtic, eventually stepped back from player recruitment. “He admitted to not being too good at spotting players,” Keane revealed, noting Strachan’s self-awareness and evolution in his management approach.
For Roy Keane, playing for Celtic was more than just another career move; it was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. As a boyhood fan, Keane was honored in his debut at Celtic Park, where one stand featured a tri-color with his name. His final appearance in a Celtic shirt was during a testimonial match at Old Trafford, where he represented both Celtic and Manchester United, a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.
Strachan’s Legacy at Celtic
Gordon Strachan’s four years at the helm of Celtic were marked by significant success, with three titles and a near miss for a fourth. His tenure was a strange but successful period. There was an element of the fanbase who never took to Strachan after the heady days of Martin O’Neill. The one season he didn’t deliver the title was enough to see him sacked.
