Celtic goalkeeper, Joe Hart, has acknowledged the unmistakable message from the supporters, particularly the Green Brigade’s vociferous banner criticising the club’s board.
Yet, the seasoned goalkeeper asserts that he and his teammates remain undeterred by the tumult swirling off the pitch. The echoes of dissent reverberated through Pittodrie, with fans showing their discontent towards the club’s leadership after a January transfer window that left many angry and frustrated.
Brendan Rodgers conceded that the champions might have shown greater bravery in their dealings, a sentiment echoed by the supporters with a banner that declared, “Celtic board – on your heads be it,” amidst chants for structural changes at the helm.
Hart, at 36, not only embodies experience but also serves as the vice-captain within the squad. He understand the supporters’ frustrations, yet emphasises the team’s commitment to their craft on the field. “It’s not a distraction for the players, not at all.” He told Football Scotland. “We see it, there is no getting away from it – it was a decent-sized banner! But that’s for the support and that’s what they need to work out. As players, we stay focused and the management team and staff have a job to do. And we’re fully focused on that,” Hart stated, underlining the squad’s professional ethos amidst external pressures.
The Aberdeen game saw Celtic drop more points surrendering the slender advantage they had in the title race. Despite a dominant first half that promised more, Celtic couldn’t clinch the victory, a narrative Hart candidly shares. Yet, the support from the stands, from Glasgow and beyond, fuels the team’s resolve. “We feel that and appreciate it and put our heart and soul out onto the pitch,” Hart expressed.
Hart’s reflections reveal a squad striving for perfection, cognisant of their responsibility to a club with huge expectations.
As this season unfolds, it’s apparent that Celtic’s supporters harbour resentment to an over cautious and stale Celtic board, a stance they believe curtails the club’s potential. A more outward looking approach in the transfer market, they argue, could position Celtic not just for success but for continued dominance.
Many believe Celtic’s direction will not change until some of the major board members over the last two decades move aside. However, they show no signs of leaving their positions, comfortable with the club’s bank balance and the domestic success we’ve enjoyed while our rivals toiled. We’re coming up to nearly the 20th anniversary of Celtic’s last knockout stage victory in Europe over two legs. How does that sit with the board?
