Ryan Christie did not have the best 2020/21 campaign, like the rest of the Celtic squad. But at the start of this season, he had looked like a player transformed in Ange Postecoglou’s system. He was believed to be in the last six months of his contract then but his displays under the new manager had raised hopes that he could end up extending his deal with the Hoops. That was not to be though and the Scottish international ended up joining Bournemouth.
Then many eyebrows were raised at the decision to depart Celtic and move to the English Championship, but now Bournemouth look like one of the favourites to get promoted to the Premier League.
One of the advantages that Christie has heading into the business end of the season is that he is used to competing under the pressure of winning big games and titles, from his time at Celtic.
While speaking with The Times, and has reported by 67 Hail Hail, the Bournemouth star said:
"“I’ve spoken to Kris Ajer, who I’m still friends with, and some of the other boys about this.“One thing about playing for Celtic is that, once you’ve been there and played for the club, and you’ve known the pressure to win Old Firm games and cup finals, that sets you up so well for anything new you are walking into. The truth is, you’d do well to face a game of any more pressure than what you’d known at Celtic.“That experience at Celtic was invaluable. It set me in good stead moving forward to this new challenge. In fact, it was something I wanted to bring with me to Bournemouth: the desperation to do well and win the league. I’ve hoped that my experience of doing that with Celtic would show.”"
Christie makes admission about life at Celtic
While winning the Championship will be tough for Bournemouth, with Fulham enjoying a comfortable lead at the top of the table, The Cherries are pretty well placed to finish in the second spot and gain promotion to the Premier League.
Let’s see if Christie does end up playing Premier League football from next season. It must be said though that even if his exit was disappointing, The Hoops have done quite well since then.
They have brought in players like Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley in midfield, who are making their own mark at Parkhead. On the other hand, the team as a whole, have shown tremendous progress. And they are still in the running to win a treble this season. Not many would have predicted that at the start of the campaign.