Robert Snodgrass has revealed that he came close to joining Celtic on three separate occasions, but the dream move from the English Premier League never materialised. The former Scotland international, who grew up near Celtic Park, admitted he would have loved to play for his boyhood club.
Three Near-Moves to Celtic
Speaking to Record Sport in association with William Hill Final One Standing, Snodgrass said: "It came close a couple of times. It was probably more just conversations but it did come around a few times. It came down to a few different reasons, sometimes the club I was at didn't want to lose me."
The 38-year-old, who retired after a stint at Hearts, revealed that approaches from former Celtic managers Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers never resulted in a transfer. "The love and attachment to Celtic always drove me to play a part in those talks but it never materialised for whatever political factors," he added.
Snodgrass described the missed opportunity as a "tragedy" but stressed he has no regrets. "I think there were three times when it was really close and two of those times I really tried. One was maybe a bit early after I'd moved. I sometimes felt, 'if this never happens then it would be a tragedy!' It just never came off. But I can't have any regrets or complaints as I look back now as a retired pro after a good career."
A Stellar Career
Snodgrass enjoyed a successful career that took him from Livingston to Leeds, Norwich, Hull City, West Ham, and finally Hearts. Despite not playing for Celtic, he remains a fan and praised the club's Double-winning season under Martin O'Neill.
"They found a way – and that is the mark of champions. They won the Double. People say it was a bad season but I don't think there is anywhere in the world where you can win a Double and it's a bad season," Snodgrass said.
Praise for Celtic and Scottish Football
Snodgrass hailed the work of Martin O'Neill, Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, and Gavin Strachan. "They played a massive part. There was a lot of disconnect at the club through the season and it always feeds onto the pitch."
He also praised the competitive nature of the Scottish Premiership, noting that Rangers, Hearts, Motherwell, and Falkirk all had strong campaigns. "It was a really exciting campaign. I think it will be tremendous again. Rangers will come strong with Derek McInnes in there now, Hearts are already doing incredible business, despite losing their manager and captain. I'm excited for the new season."
Robert Snodgrass was speaking to Record Sport in association with William Hill – Final One Standing.
