What a difference a few months can make in a footballers life. Just at the end of last season, Anthony Ralston was offered a one-year deal which everyone thought was out of necessity as we were desperately short in the full-back position.
Now though, Ralston has just been given a new contract keeping him at Celtic until 2025. Speaking to Celtic TV, Ralston was delighted to have signed an extension with his boyhood club, after coming into his own under new manager, Ange Postecoglou. He said: “It feels amazing to see that my hard work has paid off to be offered a new deal,” he said. “I’ve been here as a young boy and it’s always been my dream to play for Celtic.”
“I was coming to the end of my contract last season and it was down to me to take my opportunity to be able to stay at the club. When you’re not involved for the period that I was last season, it was important that I kept myself right and worked hard away from the pitch. When the opportunity came round, I was ready to take it because I put the work in. It wasn’t easy to do, but I’m glad I’m here now and I’m ready to kick on.”
The right-back is well aware of the implications of going through the academy set-up to become a first team starter. He added: “It’s every fan’s dream to be in the position that I’m in today and I’m very grateful for it. And it’s important to believe you can one day come through the ranks and play for Celtic.”
Ralston also stated that his fellow teammates served as a shining example to younger players. He continued: “The prime examples have been Callum McGregor and James Forrest for what can be achieved through hard work and dedicating yourself and one day it could be you. My family, who are here today, have been with me since day one, supporting me through all of the ups and downs of being a footballer.”
“My little girl is a massive part of my life and she’s able to be here on a special day as well. What I do now moving forward is for her. It gives you the extra motivation. To have this moment with them is special.”
Admittedly, most of us would never have seen Tony develop this well under Ange Postecoglou. It just goes to show what confidence and decent coaching can do for a player on the fringes of the first team squad.
Paul Gillespie
📝 #Ralston2025 🧱
Brilliant news, Celts – Anthony Ralston has signed a new #CelticFC contract until at least the summer of 2025! 🆕🍀
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Absolutely delighted for him
Plus always good to have a few dyed in the wool tims in the dressing room.