LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 25: Stephen Welsh in action for Celtic during a UEFA Europa League match between Bayer Leverkusen and Celtic at BayArena, on November 25, 2021, in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Stephen Welsh has highlighted the backing of the Green Brigade and Bhoys after agreeing a move to Swansea City.
The defender joined Celtic as a seven-year-old, playing in 71 matches.
Welsh made his first team debut in 2020 under Neil Lennon then played under Ange Postecoglou, Brendan Rodgers and Martin O’Neill.
Last season, bar appearances against Auchinlech Talbot and Falkirk he was on loan at Motherwell.
At Fir Park he enjoyed his best ever season. Motherwell shocked Scottish football with their brand of football under Jens Berthel Askou.
Surprisingly, with Celtic holding an option to extend his contract by a year the club has agreed to release one of the best central defenders in Scotland.
Whether it is a goodwill gesture, a mutual consent or something else it seems strange that Welsh is being allowed to leave.
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A special mention to Green Brigade and Bhoys. You’re there and you’re always there. Although sometimes things can be tough on and off the pitch you stick by the team through it all.
When he wasn’t playing for Motherwell last season Welsh was regularly watching Celtic. In with the fans rather than enjoying hospitality.
STEPHEN WELSH- CELTIC PLAYER AND FAN
Twice at the start of March he was with the away fans at Ibrox.
At the end of April he was in the Motherwell side that delivered a serious blow to Danny Rohl’s title hopes in a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Welsh will have at least one familiar face in the Swansea dressing room with Adam Idah joining the Championship side last summer.
Swansea finished last season in 11th place in the Championship. Hull City who earned promotion through the Play Offs were nine points ahead.
With a massive rebuild anticipated at Celtic it is surprising that the club has agreed to release Welsh.
Four Academy trained players are required for UEFA squad backed up by four trained and developed in Scotland.
Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney, Tony Ralston and Dane Murray satisfy the first category.
Luke McCowan and Ross Doohan cover the second category which leaves Celtic two short in their 25 man UEFA squad.
Good luck Stephen, thank you
HH to a successful career in Swansea Stephen & The Swansea Jacks
We are with you all the way Stephen.
You have been an absolute credit to yourself, your family and to us fans.
Always one of us. I wish you every success and enjoyment for the future.
Proud of you.
Does Colby Donovan not count?
There should be no place for racist antisemitism within Celtic Park.
Editor: And there will soon be no place for you on this site, stick to Thick News if you want to criticise Celtic supporters.
Just WTAF is that comment doing on a post about Stephen Welsh?
You half-witted moron. Maccabi are looking for trash with your simplistic views.
Good luck Stephen, for the rest of your career. We may even see you back one day. HH, Pal.
Thank you Stephen Walsh…
Most of all for the goal that set Sevco on the road to ruin !