Celtic fans were as puzzled as Chris Sutton with news that Jonny Hayes had signed a two year contract for Aberdeen.
The Irishman was a regular substitute in the season just ended while also being called on to start a number of critical matches including the 2019 Scottish Cup Final and the December League Cup Final.
A 12 month extension would have suited all parties with Hayes reliable anywhere along the left with doubts over Moi Elyounoussi’s future on the back of Scott Sinclair and Lewis Morgan leaving during the January window.
Hayes spent three seasons at Celtic with his first campaign brought to a halt at the halfway point after he suffered a broken leg away to Dundee.
Greg Taylor and Boli Bolingoli will compete for a place on the left of the defence but compared to Hayes neither has the sort of experience or know how that the Irishman has gained.
Celtic’s loss looks like being Aberdeen’s gain with Hayes likely to slot straight into Derek McInnes’ side, playing in any position down the left-hand side.
With so many unknows in the season ahead the soon-to-be 33-year-old provides a degree of certainty at Pittodrie that will be closely watched by all Celtic fans.
Surprised Celtic didn’t hold on to him but good luck to Johnny Hayes on his return to Aberdeen… always gave his all in a Celtic jersey and never let the team down. Decent business for Aberdeen.
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) June 22, 2020
Wasn’t happy when we signed him but I’m gutted he’s gone. Lad could play anywhere and knocked his pan in every game…..big loss in my opinion
— littlebiggarboy (@littlebiggarboy) June 22, 2020
Unfortunately the current health crisis didn’t help his cause, was always reliable when called upon. Although he would never be a first choice on the team sheet he never let them down. I’m sure he will come back to haunt us in the future
— paul ewing (@dirtycars) June 22, 2020
Deserved a contract extension. Good squad member.
— ShaneMacGowan’sTeeth (@ShanemacgowanS) June 22, 2020
Johnny Bhoy always put in a shift ?
— Matt (@Matthew42767390) June 22, 2020
Definitely, he’ll score double figures for the dons
— Matt (@Matthew42767390) June 22, 2020
Celtic should have def held on to him
— Steven (@stevensim1888) June 22, 2020
Happy for him , get back to playing regularly … sure he loved his time at the club but a guy that good deserves to be a different clubs star
— Who Is The Editor (@WhoEditor) June 22, 2020
All you want is an honest player and that earns his wages whoever he plays for. Johhny will be a great addition to Aberdeen sad to see him go.
— buggerlugs? (@deeznads789) June 22, 2020
Jonny Hayes gets a new club before Andy Halliday. Shock horror ?? never saw that coming
— Martybhoy (@Martybhoy15) June 22, 2020
Definitely, there’s still a few seasons left in him. Celtic should have gave a 1 year rolling contract. Great signing for Aberdeen
— Fran Devereaux (@Fran_Devereaux) June 22, 2020