CRAIG GORDON continued his return to football with Hearts this afternoon and it was an afternoon that proved Celtic’s decision to let the 37-year-old go was the right move. Despite making a good save in the first half versus Burnley, the goalie was at fault for a second half goal which allowed Sean Dyche’s side to go 4-1 up in the friendly match.
Gordon pulls off a great save then Hamilton blocks Rodriguez’s follow up but Richardson is there to slam home at the third time of asking. 3-0 to Burnley on the half hour mark.
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) September 5, 2020
Gordon’s pass out from the back lands at the feet of Gudmundsson, who chips the ball over the keeper’s head and into the net. 4-1.
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) September 5, 2020
Gordon’s footwork and distribution were his undoing and resulted in him being ousted as the club No.1. For Hearts, in what is their second pre-season outing, the goalkeeper cost his side a goal by passing to an opponent.
The ex-Sunderland keeper was replaced by Scott Bain and then Fraser Forster and didn’t want to settle for another season on the bench, albeit there is more of a chance he would’ve been first choice as Forster never made a return.
Craig Gordon being Craig Gordon pic.twitter.com/dTqj82zF8J
— Chairman Lmao ☭ (@BenTheTim) September 5, 2020
Gordon wanted improved terms instead of the back-up wages offered by Celtic but Neil Lennon and Peter Lawwell were unwilling to budge leaving him free to join boyhood club Hearts.
Needless to say, the moments of lapsed concentration from Gordon was a stick to beat him with by certain supporters but he did pull off some brilliant saves during his time at Celtic. He was a top professional and a brilliant goalkeeper during his time with the club, it is probably right though that he was allowed to leave when he did.
Gordon has spent six years at Celtic but following the expiry of his deal, no agreement was reached leaving the Invincible ‘keeper free to join any club. Hearts and swooped to sign the goalie who played just six games for Celtic since the beginning of 2019.
