Latest news with #ex-Hoops
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
The Mathias Kvistgaarden journey to destination Celtic takes in sub snub and soaring £12m price tag
The Hoops are still in the fight to land the Danish sensation but the fee is rocketing after a stunning season in his homeland Danish rising star Mathias Kvistgaarden is making a name for himself for losing defenders in the box. But there was a time he even managed to evade the attention of his manager. Celtic are weighing up a blockbuster £12m bid for the Brondby superstar who is rated as one of the hottest properties in the Superliga. The 23-year-old is attracting attention from all over the continent with West Ham United the latest to keep tabs, along with the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt. But there was a time when the kid wasn't quite so noticeable – such as when he was subbed by his boss by MISTAKE. The frontman was still a teenager coming through the ranks when his gaffer Niels Fredericksen wanted to make some changes to his team. Kvistgaarden saw his number going up so trudged off and took his place on the bench – only for his manager to realise soon after they'd hooked the WRONG player. It was too late to sort out the mix up with the subs board but it wouldn't be long before the hitman started clocking up impressive numbers for the side – and plenty of teams started to notice. Kvistgaarden has long been on the radar of Hoops scouts, who made an initial approach last summer after a year of tracking. Back then the £9m fee seemed a bit steep for a youngster with a lot still to prove and it wasn't any cheaper when they were back sniffing in January after Kyogo headed to Rennes. But he's since kicked on again and enjoyed an even more prolific campaign in his homeland – blasting 23 goals in 38 games to earn a call up for the Denmark national side. Celts will be hoping keeper Kasper Schmeichel will be bending his ear in between the clashes between Northern Ireland and Lithuania, while ex-Hoops ace Matt O'Riley could also put in a word or two. Hoops fans have been hearing about this guy for about two years and they already have their heart set on the big striker heading to Scotland. It's little wonder. Kvistgaarden has been more of a slow burner than an overnight sensation in his homeland but he's now poised to secure his club a record return after seemingly saying his goodbyes to the fans at the end of the season. Former boss Fredricksen admitted he was caught off guard when the kid broke through to his first team four years ago. But he's no longer surprised there's huge interest in his former charge. When Kvistgaarden barged his way into the team in 2022, Fredericksen said: 'It was a big surprise for me. Kvistgaarden did significantly better than I would have dared to hope for. 'It was of course nice and fantastic, but that's what he has done. In the playoffs he proved to be our sharpest striker and will probably end up as our top scorer. 'I didn't see it coming, but hats off to Kvistgaarden. He's taken the Superliga by storm. He works really hard and is a tough striker to play against defenders. 'He has good finishing skills and a good head game, and we actually knew that. But he's taken the step very quickly and he's done it well. It's great.' Former Brondby star David Boysen had a trial at Celtic as a kid but didn't make the cut. But he's convinced Kvistgaarden has what it takes to reach the very top. He said: 'He has everything that is needed – hard work, deep running, determination and hunger. He keeps going and going, and he tops that off by scoring the goals that a striker should score. 'Now he is among the top scorers, and if he can continue with that, it will be top level, and he has so many skills." It's no surprise Celtic are in the hunt – but they will need to come up with the right number.
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Celtic's Scottish Cup loss to Aberdeen serves as ‘a reminder to younger fans' says former Hoops star
'There have always been the detractors' HOOPY TIMES Celtic's Scottish Cup loss to Aberdeen serves as 'a reminder to younger fans' says former Hoops star CELTIC's shock loss in the Scottish Cup final to Aberdeen will serve as a reality check for the younger generation of Hoops fans who have "never had it so good". That's the view of a former Celtic title-winner in the wake of Aberdeen's penalty shootout victory at Hampden on Sunday. 4 Aberdeen celebrate their Scottish Cup win over Celtic Credit: Alamy 4 The Celtic squad looking dejected as Aberdeen go wild Credit: PA 4 Former Celtic star Mark Wilson has called the defeat a 'reminder' to some fans Credit: CLYDE 1 The result ended the Dons' 35-year wait for a Scottish Cup victory. Hoops skipper Callum McGregor broke down in tears at the end of the match and no doubt there were some Celtic supporters feeling similarly emotional. But for ex-Hoops star Mark Wilson, the disappointment will serve as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in football. In particular, the former Celtic defender highlighted that the younger generation of fan has bore witness to dominance by the green half of Glasgow the likes of which has never been seen before. Speaking on Clyde 1's Superscoreboard about how losing the Scottish Cup final impacts the overall assessment of Celtic's season, Wilson said: 'It defines your season, doesn't it? 'That's why we are in the game for, to win it, at the end of the day. 'I would say, though, that if Celtic had still won on penalties, and the Treble. I still think you would have got the fans saying, 'is this squad as strong as it should be?'" Wilson, who was a member of four league title-winning squads with the Hoops and also lifted the Scottish Cup and League Cup during his career, expanded on his points by saying there is a section of the Celtic support who may have taken silverware for granted. He said: 'There have always been the detractors. Even when they won the League Cup against Rangers on penalties. 'Some of them just think they should turn up and win. But they can't, and Saturday was a great exercise in showing that. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has STRONGER transfer case after final defeat 'It's maybe a reminder for these younger Celtic fans, who think turning up at Hampden was just a procession to go back to Celtic Park, and see the trophy being paraded. It's never been so good for them. 'But it was a timely reminder that you need to be right on the day and hope a lot of things go your way to win silverware.' 4 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ian Crocker slams ‘utter nonsense' bias claims as he reacts to Rangers and Celtic fan accusations
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IAN CROCKER has been the voice of Scottish football for 30 years. And during that time the legendary commentator has grown used to getting pelters from fans - particularly Rangers and Celtic. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Ian Crocker handing Celtic winger Jota with the Goal of the Season award in 2023 Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 He gave the same gong to Rangers' Rabbi Matondo the following year Credit: Kenny Ramsay Rumours have swirled for many years over where his allegiances lie, with fans of both clubs convinced he supports the other side. But Crocker, 60, has once again rubbished those claims. Addressing his football loyalties in 2019, the Sky Sports commentator insisted he is in fact the most neutral man in Glasgow, despite suggestions he secretly cheers on one of Celtic or Rangers. Celtic-daft radio presenter Alan Brazil once branded him a "big blue nose" for his comments live on TV. Similar comments have been made by Rangers fans over the years but Crocker has slammed such accusations as "utter nonsense". He told The Herald: 'It does make me laugh when I see one tweet saying, 'ah he's a Rangers man' beside another saying, 'no, no, he's a big Celtic man'. 'A lot of the time you get people saying, 'you sounded more exciting for their goal than ours'. 'It's total and utter nonsense. Sometimes you might not go full pelt on a goal because you are wondering who scored it or it's an own goal. 'It's part of the territory, it will never change and you get used to it. I tell people I support my hometown of Weymouth or West Ham they look puzzled and say, 'yeah but what Scottish team do you support?…' Crocker once admitted he likes BOTH Rangers and Celtic when quizzed about his allegiances previously. Celtic icon Peter Grant lifts the lid on former teammate Mo Johnston's shocking move to Rangers and reveals whether he's forgiven him for it Gers supporters reckon his close ties with ex-Hoops stars Davie Provan and Andy Walker prove he has a soft spot for the Parkhead club. But Crocker has pointed to the fact he was also friends with Rangers legend Walter Smith until his death in 2021. He said: 'Me and Davie just got on from day one. I hate commentators who crush each other, which seems to be a more common theme these days. 'After Davie, Andy Walker took over and we just became good friends. 'Both of those guys are just very good at what they do. The actual analysis is harder than the commentary because I'm just shouting out names while they have to figure out what's right and what's wrong and why a goal was disallowed. 3 Crocker with his TV pal Andy Walker Credit: Kenny Ramsay 'Walter Smith used to say, 'ring me at 8.30am' and he would fill me in on injuries and why they were injured et cetera. 'I'd probably still be on the phone to him at 9am before saying, 'right I have to go to a game now'. 'Walter was different class to deal with and Craig Brown was the same with Scotland and Preston. 'The chats with Walter were fantastic. These days it's a bit harder to get managers to give you the team and I kind of get that with the pressure they're under these days. 'But I always felt if Walter could trust me that was a decent recommendation but, lovely a guy as he was, I wouldn't have wanted to cross him. 'I bumped into him at a game at Rangers a couple of years after he retired and I saw him in the tunnel where he said to me, 'one of the worst things about not being involved in the game anymore is that I f****** well have to listen to you on the telly now….' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Celtic star Kyogo breaks silence on nightmare Rennes move as he delivers hint on future
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DESPITE their Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen, it's been a successful season for Celtic, with two trophies added to the cabinet. But the fortunes of ex-Hoops ace Kyogo Furuhashi haven't gone the same way since his exit in January. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 3 Things haven't worked out for Celtic hero Kyogo Furuhashi since his January move to Rennes Credit: Alamy 3 He began his start to life in Ligue 1 on the bench as Rennes changed manager just three days after his signing Credit: Alamy 3 And he never managed to assert himself in the team, making just six appearances this season Credit: Alamy The 30-year-old made a bumper £10million switch to Ligue 1 side Rennes near the end of the winter transfer window. A combination of injuries and managerial changes meant the Japan international began his start to life in France on the bench. But he never recovered from that rocky start, and ended the season having played just SIX times for Rennes, and without having scored a single goal. In March, French reports suggested that the mid-table side were planning to REPLACE Kyogo already, with two summer targets lined up. And last month, Kyogo's axed former manager Jorge Sampaoli admitted that he DIDN'T have a say in the players bought in the January window, damning the striker's signing further. So despite his current boss Habib Beye insisting that Kyogo is an 'integral' part of his squad, all signs pointed to a summer exit for the Celtic hero. But his latest interview has offered an insight into Kyogo's immediate plans. He's currently on his post-season holidays back in Japan, and was spotted catching up with former Vissel Kobe teammate Hotaru Yamaguchi. Speaking to Japanese outlet Excite, he expressed his happiness at seeing his friend - as well as looking ahead to what the rest of the summer has in store for him. Kyogo said: "I was happy to get to meet someone I wanted to see while on the off-season and I was looking forward to seeing him play. Kyogo leaves Celtic fans heartbroken as he leads wild fan celebrations after new club debut "I'll do my best, too, when I am back playing in pre-season." Whilst it's possible that a summer move is still on the cards, it sounds as if the Japanese is still focused on being a success with Rennes. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Major update on Celtic hero Victor Wanyama's future as Neil Lennon makes decision on Dunfermline stars
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VICTOR WANYAMA is currently in talks with Dunfermline over extending his stay at East End Park beyond this season. The Celtic hero, 33, reunited with his former Hoops boss Neil Lennon when he joined the Scottish Championship side on a short-term deal in March. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 2 Victor Wanyama was a marquee signing for the Pars in March Credit: Willie Vass 2 He linked up with his old manager in Fife Credit: PA He agreed to help the manager who brought him to Scotland 14 years ago amid the Pars' looming threat of relegation to League One, before Hamilton Accies' shock deduction steered Lennon's new team clear of the red zone. It was a signing that rocked Scottish football and many fans considered the shock transfer as one of the biggest coups in recent years. That was until the midfield powerhouse saw red on his debut just 20 minutes after coming off the bench against Ayr United, managed by ex-Hoops team-mate Scott Brown. The nightmare start in Fife left him suspended for the following game against Livingston but manager Lennon insisted he still had a big role to play before the end of the season. Wanyama was given short cameos against Queen's Park and Partick Thistle and only started one game for the Pars in the last fixture of the campaign against Morton. However, he might not be finished in Scotland just yet. That's because Dunfermline are keen to agree new terms for the veteran to keep him at East End Park for at least another season. The club have confirmed Wanyama is one of six players Pars chiefs are hoping to tie down. Chris Hamilton, Josh Cooper, Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Jeremiah Chilokoa Mullen are the other five players currently in talks with the club. The Pars are set to undergo a major rebuild in the summer, with as many as 14 stars heading for the exit door when their contracts expire. Former Rangers winger Michael O'Halloran, and ex-Hibs and St Johnstone star David Wotherspoon will depart the Fife outfit in the coming weeks. As will Aaron Comrie, Joe Chalmers, Craig Wighton, Rhys Breen, Craig Clay and Omar Taylor-Clarke. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
