It would be misleading to take the internet as the definitive view on anything but it’s hard to escape the negative views of Charlie Mulgrew expressed by Celtic fans online.
The 29-year-old seems to be the fall guy for many supporters of everything and anything that is wrong with the club. With his contract coming to an end in the summer there appears to be some glee about his likely departure.
Since becoming Neil Lennon’s first signing in 2010 the former Aberdeen left back has experienced almost every emotion possible while the playing pool has been transformed- playing alongside some modern greats and those that we’d rather forget.
Where the negativity comes from I just can’t fathom. Sure there has been dips in form, no different to any other player, but wherever he has been played- left midfield, holding midfield or centre half- Mulgrew has provided the club with sterling service- much more than ‘playing for the jersey’.
Having local players in the modern age is priceless. Mulgrew knows Celtic, lives among supporters, mixes with fans and when his playing days are finished is likely to be a regular watching games as a supporter.
There was no sympathy vote in extending his original contract, when Scott Brown has been missing Mulgrew has been a more than able deputy captain.
While his initial performances after returning were patchy like many others he came off age in the festive 2-0 win at Ibrox in 2010.
The previous month had been grim and painful but that day at Ibrox Mulgrew, Joe Ledley and Beram Kayal answered the call while Daniel Majstorivic and Tom Rogne formed an unexpectedly solid defensive partnership.
From that moment on through to reclaiming the title at Rugby Park 17 months later Mulgrew was as influential as any player in Neil Lennon’s squad.
While Victor Wanyama, Gary Hooper and Fraser Forster used the success to earn their desired moves to the land of milk and honey playing at Celtic suited Mulgrew down to the ground.
Earlier spells at Wolves and Swindon confirmed to the Kirky bhoy the benefits of playing on your own patch. During the 2011/12 season he picked up the Player’s Player of the Year award excelling at centre half with the added bonus of knowing his way around goal and delivering menace from set-pieces.
Like most players the last 18 months haven’t been the most rewarding of his career, other than Leigh Griffiths there are few players who have advanced their careers.
The arrivals of five or six players at each transfer window has created a higher than required level of turnover with the majority hoping to put in two good seasons as a stepping stone to the desired move south of the border.
This season alone Dedryck Boyata, Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviachenko have all been signed up to play in central defence with Mulgrew apparently overlooked for that role. Last season Virgil van Dijk and Jason Denayer had those positions nailed down.
It’s easy to dish out platitudes like being a good servant but the contribution of Mulgrew over previous seasons, and going forward shouldn’t be overlooked.
On Monday night at Lennoxtown against Dunfermline in the Development League the 29-year-old put in an exemplary performance.
If Ryan Christie, Scott Allan, Tom Rogic of Patrick Roberts need to know what Celtic is about, what the club expects and supporters demand they only had to look at Mulgrew. Behind him Sam Wardrop and Fiacre Kelleher were given a 90 minute workshop.
The coming weeks could well bring some nervy moments where matches are in the balance, where pressure is exerted by Aberdeen.
For his ability alone Mulgrew will be a welcome addition to the side, with his attitude and experience his return will be priceless.
A renewed contract won’t be a misplaced act of loyalty, getting him signed up on a three year deal will ensure some continuity, quality and go a long way in the drive for success and improvement for other players to emulate.