Exclusive: Pierre van Hooijdonk talks Celtic season, Scott Brown and more

Pierre van Hooijdonk might have only been at Celtic for a little over two years but even in that short span of time, he managed to show his goalscoring prowess in the Scottish game. He scored 56 goals in just 92 appearances for the club and was the Scottish Premier Division top scorer in his only full season with the Hoops.

We had the opportunity to talk to him about this season, Scott Brown leaving, what the club need to do moving forward and more, in an exclusive interview:

Having played for Celtic yourself, how do you feel the atmosphere will be around the club after the season that they have endured?

Pierre van Hooijdonk: I expect that the atmosphere after this season will be very down. This season was such a special one for the club but from the beginning Celtic couldn’t even give Rangers a real challenge. The captain is leaving the club too so I think that only some great signings would get the fans a bit excited.

What changes do you think the club need to make in order to challenge for the Premiership next season?

PvH: First of all they need to sign a manager, and then they need to refresh their squad cause they forget to do it before this season.

It is expected that a new manager will be brought in. What kind of a manager do you think the club needs to appoint and any particular ones that you feel would do well at Parkhead?

PvH: Hard to say but someone who has the hunger to develop the new squad/players.

Scott Brown is set to leave at the end of this season. What kind of an effect do you think his departure will have on the team and the club as a whole?

PvH: For the club it is sad cause the face of the last decade will be gone. But it opens also opportunities for other players to explore their leadership qualities.

We would like to thank Pierre van Hooijdonk for his time and giving us the opportunity to talk to him.