Deila makes emotional farewell to Stromgodset

Ronny Deila said an emotional farewell to Stromsgodset last night and promised fans that he would be forever blue- the club colours.

Five days after first being linked to Celtic the 38-year-old Marienlyst Stadium in Drammen as the former Stromsgodset manager.

After eight years Deila had decided to move on handing his successor David Nielsen the current Norwegian champions and a 44 match unbeaten home run.

“I have almost no words,” he said speaking on the pitch. “But I would like to say that I am incredibly thankful for the nine wonderful years we had together. 

“The support I’ve had here in Drammen, the people I have met and the confidence I have gained is the reason I have been given this chance. Thank you.”

After leaving the pitch Deila added: “It is very emotional, and lots of thoughts are going through my head right now, but first and foremost I feel incredible gratitude for having been allowed to be chief of Strømsgodset football for nine years. 

“This has been a tremendous time. I have grown as a person and coach in those years. I’m leaving but wish everyone well, I’m going to be blue forever, and I will always feel a sense of belonging to Drammen.”

Deila will to Glasgow today with one of his first tasks to put together a new backroom team. Only Danny McGrain remains of last season’s management team with Willie McStay, John Kennedy and John Collins all in contention for the job of assistant manager.