With the close season approaching and the Premiership title safely back at Paradise, we can reflect on how impressive Ange’s debut season has been. The Australian came in and took Celtic from 25 points behind to winning a double (whilst rebuilding an impressive team).
With Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton leaving this summer, just Callum McGregor and James Forrest remain as players that were a big part of the 9IAR run which saw Celtic match their own record from 1974.
This series will look at players that were easily forgotten during the 9IAR run. The entry from the 2015/16 season is Colin Kazim-Richards.
Kazim-Richards (or the Big Z) was signed with little fanfare from Feyenoord on January 31 2016 as backup to Leigh Griffiths as other backup strikers Carlton Cole and Nadir Çiftçi.
The striker made his debut with Celtic 2-0 down at half-time against Aberdeen. The then 29-year-old had little contribution in his debut apart from receiving a yellow card. He got a goal in the Scottish Cup against East Kilbride; although his performances left an awful lot to be desired.
Kazim-Richards did score a brilliant goal at Tynecastle as Celtic all-but confirmed 5IAR. He took the ball down on his chest before thundering the half volley into the net to send Ronny Deila’s side on their way in the match.
Brendan Rodgers’ arrival meant Kazim-Richards was released but there were rumours of unrest caused by ‘The Big Z’ before his departure was confirmed. His goal return and general work rate placed him in the unwanted bracket of a poor signing. Although, Kazim-Richards did play his part in the club winning the league, albeit a small part.
