Has there been a bigger transformation from hugely frustrating to devastatingly effective than James Forrest? His pace was always lethal but the end product was more reminiscent of Didier Agathe when he broke though.
As much as he completely ruined his legacy, Brendan Rodgers does deserve some credit for helping transform Forrest into the player he is now. You could maybe argue he could still score and assist more than he does, but he looks decisive and knows what he wants to do with the ball.
The official club Twitter confirmed today that Jamesy has signed a new contract which sees him stay at Celtic until 2023 at least, but it’s tough to see him moving anywhere else after this:
✍️ #Forrest2023#CelticFC is delighted to announce that James Forrest has signed a new four-year deal that will see him remain at the club until at least the summer of 2023!
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 30, 2019
That deal ties him down until he turns 32, so we will get to see the rest of his best years in Glasgow. Neil Lennon has even spoken about seeing him transitioning to play as a number 10 as he gets older, so there’s still a clear place in the team for him even after his pace starts to go..
It seems he’s actually been signed to the club in some way since 2002, but his first team debut came in 2010. That means he will be entering a testimonial year next season which is a great achievement. We often see younger players break into the team, but it’s rare for anyone to stay their whole career anywhere in the modern era.
He should reach 100 first team goals at some point soon, again that may come next year. He currently sits at 81 in 366 games, so unless he absolutely tears it up this season then next season looks more likely.
📺 “I'm absolutely delighted to get another contract. Now that it's done, I want to focus on playing and helping the team.”
James Forrest speaking exclusively after agreeing a new four-year deal with #CelticFC! 🍀⚪️
Full interview on https://t.co/hiI9BAztU9 pic.twitter.com/IyS1AulzS8
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 30, 2019
Obviously there are still some fans who get a bit frustrated with him, but one look at Twitter after the news broke shows almost everybody is delighted to see him commit his long term future again. Here’s a selection:
A Bhoy for life, great example of a player dedication in today’s game 🍀
— Fitba Mad (@MadFitba) October 30, 2019
One in an absolute million🙌🏽💚
— ᴄʜʟᴏᴇ🍀. (@ceedeexo) October 30, 2019
Announce his testimonial!!!!
— cat (@1888cat) October 30, 2019
Brilliant, if only a few others where as loyal as the wee man 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
— Peter foley (@peterfoley881) October 30, 2019
Jamesy Forrest is here for 12 in a row
— Don (@DonBhoyTrucker) October 30, 2019
He starts tonight against St Mirren as Lenny and his team look to continue their run at the top of the table, a few goals and an emphatic victory would be the perfect way to celebrate.
