Scott Brown has said that his decision to leave Celtic is “sinking in now”. The 35-year-old brought down the curtain on his illustrious 14-year career in the draw against Hibs at Easter Road and will join Aberdeen as a player-coach next season. The legendary Celtic captain told Go Radio Football show that it was the right decision, even if it was a tough one.
“It’s sinking in now. I had 14 fantastic seasons at the club and enjoyed every single moment of it. But I felt it was the right time and the right opportunity for me to move on.
“Aberdeen’s a fantastic club, and I know Stephen and Allan (Russell) really well. I’m looking forward to actually getting onto the training field and working with the lads, as well as playing.
“It’s the right time for me to move on. I feel like I can still play football and get through 90 minutes and still help out the lads on the park.”
Brown then went on to discuss the work that he is doing behind the scenes and it leaves you wondering if Celtic will be left behind given that no manager is in place. Glass, Russell and Brown are all preparing for the new season, preparing sessions and looking at players to bring in. Celtic are currently trying to get the manager in the door but this is proving difficult – not to mention rebuilding a playing side.
“It’s a huge challenge for myself but I’m enjoying the backroom bits and bobs we’re doing just now. Working on budgets, bringing in players, having to speak to players’ agents.
“I’m enjoying that part and seeing how the club works. Obviously, we are preparing for pre-season now as well.
“It’s different parts of the game that you maybe take a little bit for granted as a player because you just turn up and hope for the best. All the coaches have got all the sessions planned and now I am part of that – but also playing as well – so let’s hope the sessions are good.”
After 22 trophies with Celtic, Brown leaves Celtic to reunite with his former Hibernian teammate Stephen Glass at Aberdeen. The deal offers him some security as it is a two-year deal that encapsulates both playing and coaching, which for a soon-to-be 36-year-old is highly desirable. You would not rule out seeing the player return to Celtic in a managerial capacity at some point in the next few years.
It will be a totally bizarre experience seeing Brown pulling on another kit but he made a decision to prolong his playing career whilst Celtic opted to undergo an overhaul of the footballing department. From all that has been said about Ange Postecoglou, he sounds as if he wants very active, very fit players and Brown is probably thinking that this would have been the same from any manager coming into the club.
