Roy Keane, a former midfielder for Manchester United, recently talked about his experiences and the culture shock he had when he moved to Celtic. Even though Keane’s tenure at the storied Scottish club was only six months long, it had a profound effect on both him and the team.
After Manchester United, a Different World
The disparities he faced at Celtic surprised Keane, a legend at Manchester United. Keane reflected on his decision by saying, “You talk about getting a shock,” to the football podcast The Stick. “Although Celtic Park is incredible, the training facilities back then were nothing like what I was used to at United.” Unlike what he had experienced in Manchester, players would frequently change at Celtic Park and drive to the training ground in their gear.
Accepting the Celtic Path
Keane eventually learned to value the simplicity and companionship at Celtic despite his initial surprise. “I had a great time at Celtic, especially with the different atmosphere in the dressing room,” he said. Though he acknowledged there were “one or two idiots,” Keane emphasized the strong ties and admirable character among the majority of the Celtic players.
Perspectives on Gordon Strachan’s Leadership
The Sky Sports analyst also discussed Gordon Strachan’s time managing Celtic. After winning three titles with Celtic, Strachan eventually took a backseat in terms of player acquisition. “He acknowledged that he wasn’t very good at identifying players,” Keane disclosed, highlighting Strachan’s growth as a manager and his awareness of himself.
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.
