The false Celtic narrative regarding Giorgos Giakoumakis

The false narrative regarding Giakoumakis getting boring…

Giorgos Giakoumakis celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Celtic and Shakhtar Donetsk, at the Celtic Park on October 25, 2022. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)

Numerous Celtic supporters, especially in the world of Twitter like to spout a false narrative when it comes to former hoops striker Giorgos Giakoumakis. I’m not having a go at Giorgos far from it, he was a superb player for us and I wish he was still here, but the fact it he isn’t. He’s been gone for nearly a year now.

Certain supporters like to have a pop at Oh now and again, with comments like ‘Giakoumakis would’ve scored that’ and they could be right. But they are wrong regarding the details surrounding the Greek strikers departure.

Giorgis Giakoumakis reacts during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on October 11, 2022 (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

They seem to think he was sold on because he wasn’t wanted and nothing could be further from the truth. Giorgos wanted to move in search of regular first team football, something that he wasn’t guaranteed at Celtic.

Kyogo was and still is the number one striker at the club, that’s a fact. No-one in their right mind would drop the Japanese striker. Giorgos wanted to leave and the club granted his wish when they could have easily refused. He is now doing well in the MLS with Atlanta United FC. We should all be glad he’s doing well for himself.

Atlanta defender Brooks Lennon 11 reacts after teammate Giorgos Giakoumakis 7 scored a goal during the MLS, Fussball Herren, USA match between D.C. United and Atlanta United FC on June 10th, 2023 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: JUN 10 MLS – Atlanta United FC vs D.C. United

These supporters should stop pining about his departure and stop spreading false narratives in order to have a good whine and a pop at big Oh. It’s getting boring.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Join The Celtic Star at the Kerrydale on Thursday 19 October when we celebrate the launch of Matt Corr’s new book Majic, Stan and the King of Japan which tells the story of Gordon Strachan’s first season as Celtic manager. We’ll have the trophies that the Celtic team won that season plus well delighted welcome our special guests John Hartson and Stephen McManus, both stars of that Celtic team.

And we have other guests to be announced later this week plus there’s live music from the wonderful Boolavogue. Tickets are selling fast for what is sure to be a wonderful night of Celtic conversation and music and you can order below…

About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

4 Comments

  1. Isn`t it amazing how, after players leave, they suddenly become world beaters in the eyes of some. GG wasnt our best striker and it was best for him and the club to leave. In saying that i dont think Oh is what we need despite his best efforts. HH

  2. Would still say the situation with GG, along with JJ was purely down to wages.
    Both were at an age where that last big contract was starting to become available to them and we weren’t going to match the wages being offered elsewhere imo.
    Potentially the knock on affect meant that the older more experienced player becomes more of a shorter term player than possibly the younger version/replacement.
    Debatable if that’s the right approach taken by the club, if a certain amount of stability had to be formed also within the playing squad.
    Still think that was the approach decided upon during the summer, which in turn allows for a manager to be more specific upon the type of player he wants to bring into the club in the future?
    Also allows for the more established player to gain and earn that improved contract also.
    JJ and GG may well have jumped ship a little bit to soon before the practice could actually come into play within the club imo.

  3. Come off it. Think everone knows Gio wanted more money & was 2nd choice to Kyogo so good luck to him. However, he was definitely a better striker than Oh who works hard but lacks Gio’s instincts. Overall, our composure on goal opportunities is sadly lacking so what are our coaches doing about it? Chances missed & decision making in the last third are a problem with which Rodgers needs to get to grips – the end product from the likes of Yang, Maeda, O’Riley and even Kyogo at times, needs addressed

  4. Whatever his reason for leaving, GG was a far more effective striker than Oh.

    Agree with Blacksox we have real problem with finishing. Oh and Maeda are not good enough. It is unbelievable that Maeda was a top scorer in Japan. He definitely left his shooting boots over there.