John Kennedy today opened up on the injury nightmare that ruined his promising football career…
Speaking on the Celtic FC podcast the Celtic coach and assistant manager told of his anguish in dealing with the devastating injury that eventually led to him calling it a day on his career.
The injury which was the result of a cowardly thuggish assault by Romanian player Ionel Ganea during an international ‘friendly’ clash at Hampden which was John’s first and as it turned out only international cap.
John explained how world renowned orthopaedic surgeon Richard Steadman said the injury to his knee resembled that of a car crash victim.
John of course fought back and played again for the club playing in the famous league clincher at Rugby Park and taking part in the Champions League the following season. Then despite a loan stint at Norwich to help with his fitness, he finally succumbed to the injury and retired in 2009 at the age of just 26.
That was a horrible way for a player with so much potential to bow out of the game. John of course made his debut under Kenny Dalglish in 1999 at the age of just 16, becoming the youngest player to appear in the history of Celtic at that time.
He would go on to appear under Martin O’Neill, starring at the Nou Camp on a famous night putting in a tremendous display against the might of Barcelona that was perhaps only bettered by the display of the heroic David Marshall in the Celtic goals. A few days later he would help the side win at Ibrox in a pressure filled game proving the stature he had for one so young.
A fine career beckoned for young John Kennedy, holding his own in a side were he faced competition from the likes of Johan Mjallby, Stan Varga Bobo Balde and Joos Valgaeren.
John would have been a great player for Celtic, that is in no doubt. He could have earned legendary status at the club, or maybe even went on to earn a big money transfer.
He is now a coach at the club and also Assistant Manager, a role he has performed for over a decade and worked under many successful managers including Neil Lennon, Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou – who tried and failed to take him to Tottenham in the summer. Brendan Rodgers had previous tried the same thing but Kennedy chose to remain at Celtic rather than move to Leicester City.
Who knows but one day John Kennedy might just be named as the Celtic manager himself. But he could and should have happened was that he had a fantastic playing career at the club, something that was cruelly snatched away from him by an absolute thug. It’s a case of what might have been but John Kennedy’s Celtic story is still extra-special and is nowhere near its conclusion. Long may it continue.
Some of the comments to this brilliant Celtic FC podcast below…
“Guy deserves nothing but respect, a true Celtic man, has had many chances to leave and hasn’t. His love for the club has always shined through.”
“When Ryan read about the circumstance and the injury I actually nearly cried , seriously. Can’t even imagine how much strength it took for this guy to still be working at the top in football. Even so often since then when he was getting blamed for poor Celtic defences as a coach it would have been easy to walk but he didn’t. I have no problem with this guy having a job for life at Celtic in some area. The respect I have for his strength of mind is unreal.”
“Have to say here how well has young Ryan done , he’s imo a really amazing presenter and seems like he’s been at it for many years , keep at it young man.”
“I love a true Celtic man and big John is a true Celtic man. Total respect for staying at Celtic and giving so much back to the club we all love.”
“What a man, thanks for everything you’ve done for us.”
“John Kennedy is worth his weight in gold for Celtic, his loyalty is massive, his foresight is massive,also we are very lucky to have him here at this club. John you’re doing great….The well will never run dry just as-long as your still doing a wonderful job.I would put John in the same category (a class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared characteristics.) as George Connolly…Celtic FC missed 2 fantastic players, not even in their prime.”
“Excellent interview. John Kennedy epitomises all that is good about Celtic. Not surprised Paul McStay was his idol, he was heading in the same direction. Well done Ryan.”
“Interesting guest and Q&A. I recall all the talk around John Kennedy and the tackle which cut short a promising playing career.”
“Well done John and Family for Walking thru the storm . I’m grateful all the time that the big man is in our dressing room wi John Clark looking after and coaching our players . I watched JK play at the top, beat Barca , defeat the real Rangers and win the League .”
“That tackle in the camp nou against Ronaldinho!!! Immense, the look of disbelief on Ronaldinhos face was priceless! John had huge potentially!”
“Incredible Interview, I remember big Kendo breaking into the side and he had everything as a young player, strong, smart, technically good. I want to hear more from the big fellla.”
“Proper Celtic man. Had no idea about his injury and his youthful promise. If it goes well under Rodgers he deserves a shot as manager. Probably why he stayed this time. Has learned from Rodgers and Ange though losing the 10 under Lennon is a huge blot on his CV.”
“Future Celtic manager in the making no doubt; he’s got all the necessary qualities.”
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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While I absolutely agree 100% about how JK was robbed of what was going to be a truly world class playing career either in Paradise or beyond, there is always something at the back of my mind with him that I genuinely do not trust.
I always get the feeling he is a mole for the board. Nothing ever sticks to him. He is a teflon guy!