Jonny Hayes all but confirms Celtic exit with emotional post

Jonny Hayes looks to have played his last game for Celtic based on his Instagram post reflecting on his great time at the club.

We still wait to see official confirmation from the club. But it looks like Jonny Hayes’ time at Parkhead is up.

The BBC are one of several media outlets reporting his departure based on Hayes messaging via his Instagram account where he says:

"“Football at times brings tough decisions,”“From breaking a leg to the highs of winning a treble, the last three years have been an enjoyable journey, in which I’ve worked under some terrific staff and shared a dressing room with some unbelievable guys.“I’d like to thank you for all the support received along the way.”"

Which does sound like a man hitting the road and moving on, but having had a great time along the way. He’s been at Celtic now for 3 years and his contract ends on Sunday. Much has been made of an assumed club policy where players over 30 tend only to be offered 1 year deals. With Jonny approaching 34 that may be why we see him moving on. Other clubs in Scotland or maybe the English championship may well offer a longer deal to secure his experience and skills.

So will we miss him and is this a big problem for Celtic? His ex colleagues have been adding to his Instagram post and clearly he was a very popular member of the squad based on those. Mikael Lustig added his own view on there.

"“Honestly the best teammate u can have ! Top player and decent stories:) was a pleasure to sit next to you during our years together 🙏 all the best in the future my friend”"

The fans views are kind but slightly mixed. Hayes was always a star player and real danger when he played against the Hoops while at Aberdeen. He rarely hit those heights in his time at Celtic but equally,  didn’t always get a long run in the team taking that leg break into account he ended up with just 67 appearances.  What is clear is that he gave his all when picked or brought on as a sub. In his last season he left us with two vivid memories we cheered at the time and will never forget.

THAT tackle against Rennes to clear the danger of a runaway break.

And his great goal at In September securing a 0-2 win for Celtic away at the Rangers. Jonny waltzed  through the Rangers defence and calmly passed his 2nd shot into the net. That one move caused the fastest evacuation of people seen at Ibrox in many years!

Those are great memories, farewell Jonny Hayes, thank you for your commitment at Celtic and your part in the trebles.