Celtic’s first pre-season match of the summer is less than 24 hours away, bringing an end to what has felt like an extended absence.
In actuality, the celebrations at Hampden after beating Rangers to a league and cup double are not so distant memories. However, the weeks have passed without the Bhoys to cheer.
That will change on Friday night, when hundreds of fans are expected to travel to Somerset Park to watch Brendan Rodgers’ team face Scott Brown’s Ayr United.
It will be far from a full-strength Celtic team, with many top players currently on holiday or competing in international fixtures.
Nonetheless, it’s the first step towards 2024/25 triumph and will excite the interest of fans eager to see the Hoops back in action.
When asked whether he had a message for supporters as the pre-season campaign began, Rodgers told Celtic TV: “We’re just going to work very, very hard throughout the pre-season.” We hope to see you again at the games in your area, or in America.
āIt feels a much different place compared to 12 months ago, coming back. Iām really excited about this season and producing a team and a level of football that they can be really proud of.
āWe look forward to seeing them on the pre-season journey and then we all get ready to unite and go forward together for what will be a really exciting season with the new format of the Champions League and everyone being together.ā
It’s not surprising that Rodgers is sticking to the message of unity between the club and its supporters this summer, given he caught on to it in the second half of the previous campaign.
He is aware that without the support of the supporters, Celtic’s season could soon turn into a grind both on and off the pitch.
The manager is eager to continue the positive vibes throughout the upcoming season. That may somewhat rely on the type of additions the team makes in the transfer window, but a few encouraging preseason outcomes won’t go amiss.
For more related news click Here