5 Moments that Defined Celtic FC in 2016

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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 19: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers consoles Erik Sviatchenko of Celtic FC reacts at the final whistle as Celtic are beaten 2-0 by VfL Borussia Moenchengladbach during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and VfL Borussia Moenchengladbach at Celtic Park on October 19, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

1. Brendan Rodgers’ Hire

There are moments in time you’ll always remember, and given results so far, it is likely most Celtic supporters are going to remember where they were when they heard that Brendan Rodgers was really the hire to replace Ronny Deila as manager of the club.

It was a bold move for a name manager, as Celtic put some serious cash behind hiring Rodgers. It also opened the purse strings, as we’ve talked about above and Rodgers has proven shrewd in his spending and targeting of specific players.

He came in with a game plan in mind and the club has allowed him to execute it to near perfection so far. Rodgers also had the backing of Celtic legends like John Hartson.

“He’s got a reputation for being a great coach, bringing on young talent and Celtic have several good young players,” said Hartson in the Scottish Daily Record.

“I think they’ve got themselves a proper manager of the highest regard.

“I think he’ll do very, very well there, I really do. It’s a great opportunity for Brendan and I think the fans will embrace his appointment. ”

Few managers change the overall course of a club, but for most of those alive to be Celtic supporters today there are two such moments. Along with the hire of Martin O’Neill in 2000, this may go down as one of the brightest moments in recent Celtic history.

With Celtic adding some serious firepower in the summer, it has been an amazing ride so far in 2016. The Bhoys’ undefeated streak in Scottish football heading in to the New Year’s Eve clash at Ibrox has been amazing, and it likely wouldn’t’ have happened without Rodgers here.

2016 will forever be looked back upon fondly, rather than with heartbreak and disdain thanks to the turnaround that has quickly happened under Rodgers. If this is just the start, it will be very interesting to see what the future (near and long-term) holds for Celtic FC.

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