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Ryan Christie’s time at Celtic has to be considered a successful one, as he helped the Hoops win a number of honours.
At one stage it looked as if he would never be a first-team regular at Celtic, so he should be given credit for managing to play his way into the Celtic side.
Christie spent much of his first few seasons at Celtic on loan. He spent around 18 months on loan at Aberdeen, making himself a key part of the Pittodrie first-team.
He finally became a regular at Celtic in season 2018/19, making a name for himself with a fine goal in a League Cup semi-final win over Hearts.
YouTube: Hearts 0-3 Celtic | Ryan Christie comes on to guide Celtic to Cup final | Betfred Cup
That was then followed up with the winner in the final against Aberdeen. Christie became a regular for the Hoops that season until he suffered an injury in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
YouTube: Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen | Ryan Christie Fires Celtic to Cup Victory | Betfred Cup
Thankfully Christie was fit and raring to go for the start of the next season, 2019/20, Neil Lennon’s first in charge since returning as Hoops manager. The season got off to the best possible start for the player, as he scored a hat-trick in the Premiership opener against St Johnstone.
YouTube: Celtic 7-0 St. Johnstone | Christie Nets Hat-Trick In Thumping Win | Ladbrokes Premiership
That set the tone for the rest of the season, as he chipped in with a number of important goals for the Bhoys. By the time the season was ended early due to the Covid epidemic, Christie had scored 20 goals and contributed 16 assists as the Bhoys were declared champions for the ninth season in a row.
Unfortunately, no one at Celtic had a good season 2020/21 campaign. The Hoops failed to mount a challenge to win the Premiership title, and manager Neil Lennon was dismissed before the end of the season.
Christie didn’t enjoy the best of seasons, but he did contribute in the delayed Scottish Cup campaign.
Christie scored two identical – and very good – goals in the semi-final win against Aberdeen and the final win over Hearts, which ensured that the Hoops clinched a fourth successive domestic treble.
YouTube: HIGHLIGHTS | Celtic 3-3 Hearts | Celtic win 4-3 on Penalties | 2019-20 Scottish Cup Final
Sadly, Christie and the rest of the Celtic team weren’t able to push on from that cup success, and the season petered out, with doubts about the player’s future as his contract was set to expire before the end of the 2021/22 season.
With Christie’s contract issue it seemed inevitable that he would leave Celtic before his deal expired and the Hoops lost him for nothing.
Despite featuring on a fairly regular basis for Ange Postecoglou’s side, Christie departed the Hoops on transfer deadline day, signing for English Championship side Bournemouth. It was unfortunate that such a talented player left the club, but on the other hand Celtic couldn’t allow Christie to leave on a free transfer.
Christie’s time at Celtic was relatively short, but he left the club after winning three domestic trebles, so overall it was good for both the player and the club. It is just a pity that he didn’t stay at the club a bit longer, but these things happen in football.
