We’re less than 24 hours away from Celtic’s first pre-season match of the summer, ending what has felt like a long break without them.
In reality, the celebratory scenes at Hampden after beating Rangers to a league and cup double are not that far in our past. However, the weeks have dragged on without having the Bhoys to cheer.
That will all change on Friday night with thousands of fans expected to make the short trip to Somerset Park to watch Brendan Rodgers’ side take on Scott Brown’s Ayr United.
It will be far from a full-strength Celtic side with plenty of top stars still on holiday or participating in international matches.
Nonetheless, it’s the first building block on the road to 2024/25 success and will pique the interest of supporters eager to see the Hoops back in action.
Brendan Rodgers ‘excited’ about what’s ahead for Celtic fans
Asked if he had a message for supporters as the pre-season campaign begins, Rodgers told Celtic TV: “We’re just going to work very, very hard of the course of this pre-season. We look forward to seeing you again in the games locally or if you’re in America, we look forward to seeing you then.
“It feels a much different place compared to 12 months ago, coming back. I’m really excited about this season and producing a team and a level of football that they can be really proud of.
“We look forward to seeing them on the pre-season journey and then we all get ready to unite and go forward together for what will be a really exciting season with the new format of the Champions League and everyone being together.”
Rodgers latched on to the unity between team and supporters in the second half of last season so it’s no surprise to see him continue with that messaging this summer.
He knows the fans have to be on board or things can quickly become a slog for Celtic on and off the pitch.
The manager will be keen to carry the momentum of good feeling into the new season. That could partly depend on what kind of signings the club makes in the transfer market, but a few morale-boosting pre-season results won’t hurt at all.
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