Celtic is on the verge of welcoming back Jonny Hayes to the club, but this time in a coaching role. The 36-year-old, who earned four caps for the Republic of Ireland, has bid farewell to Aberdeen. According to reports from the Daily Record, Hayes is set to join Celtic to assist B team coach Stephen McManus and aid the under-18 squad alongside new arrival Adam Asghar from Southampton.
Hayes initially joined Celtic in 2017, spending three successful years at Celtic Park. During his time there, he featured in 67 matches across various competitions, contributing two goals to assist in Celtic’s three consecutive Scottish Premiership titles.
Expressing his gratitude upon departing Aberdeen, Hayes shared, “It has been an honor representing this incredible club. I’ve been privileged to partake in numerous significant matches and contribute to bringing joy to the fans through winning trophies. My commitment to Aberdeen FC, both on and off the pitch, has always been unwavering.”
He also took the chance to acknowledge the opportunities he was given to kickstart his coaching journey with the Youth Academy at Aberdeen. “It has been immensely fulfilling to witness the progress and success of the Academy as a whole in recent years. The emergence of talented players within the Under 16 and Under 18 squads demonstrates a promising future for the club.”
Hayes, who originally joined Aberdeen in 2012 from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, showcased his prowess on the field across 145 games, scoring a total of eight goals. Despite being offered a chance to extend his stay at Aberdeen, Hayes has opted to pursue new challenges.
Aberdeen’s Director of Football, Steven Gunn, acknowledged Hayes’s significant contributions to the club, particularly highlighting his leadership and professionalism both on and off the field. Gunn expressed admiration for Hayes’s coaching potential, emphasizing the bright prospects ahead as he embarks on this new chapter. While Aberdeen was keen on retaining Hayes, they respect his decision and extend well wishes for his future endeavors, both personally and professionally.