The 2020/21 season was a difficult campaign for the entire Celtic squad.
Very rarely do the Hoops finish a season without a trophy, but that was the fate which fell upon them last term.
On the chalkboard
Few players epitomised Celtic’s wretched 12 months more than Ryan Christie. In 2019/20 the attacking midfielder was in magnificent form, scoring 20 goals and registering 16 assists in all competitions.
However, the 2020/21 season was particularly unkind to the Scot, who has been named in Steve Clarke’s squad for the European Championship but could find himself rather fortunate to make the cut.
Christie netted just seven times this season, played in an unfamiliar position on the flanks and was relentlessly hounded by supporters on social media.
His shooting was extremely wayward, often choosing to have an attempt at goal rather than playing an intelligent pass or laying the ball off to a teammate. At one stage, the 26-year-old had scored just one goal from 51 shots outside the area.
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Speaking about Christie earlier this season, former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie was scathing in his assessment. He raged: “He’s stopped chasing the ball, he looked so eager at the start of his career. Now he doesn’t look bothered.
“He’s lost his hunger, his appetite. That said, he was playing out of position last season. He became a bit of a laughing stock, he was just picking the ball up and shooting but he deserved some slack.”
Fortunately for the Hoops, they could lose the £12,000-per-week earner this summer. Christie’s contract expires in January 2022 and they will have to cash in during the next few months if they want to secure a fee for his services.
Ange Postecoglou may only have been at Celtic for a day but he should take the decision to axe the 26-year-old from his plans.
The Australian favours swashbuckling attacking football, which could suit Christie, but finding a place for him in his favoured role will be difficult.
With much of the Celtic fan base failing to get behind the Scotland international, it would be a masterstroke from the new manager to get rid of him and get the supporters onside early doors.
Christie is a fabulous player on his day but the inconsistency he showed in recent months was alarming. In his final 16 league outings, he only beat the goalkeeper on two occasions. That will not suit Postecoglou’s style of football.