[FONT=&quot]It was the summer of 2010.[/FONT][FONT=&quot] Celtic were once again in the rebuilding process following an insipid campaign. Despite an encouraging turnaround following Neil’s late and temporary appointment, the 2009 team were incapable of wresting the title from Rangers grasp. Fans were impressed with what they had seen, nonetheless, and were excited at the prospect of the Irishmen in charge of their team. Much damage had been done under Tony Mowbray’s tenure, but the Lurgan man was determined to not allow it to continue.

Weeks following Neil’s full time appointment as manager, the club secured the signing of Joe Ledley on a free transfer. It was to prove to be a masterstroke by the new manager. The player would arrive from Cardiff City, who were experiencing an unusual high, backed by youth talents such as Aaron Ramsey, and eventual Celt, Adam Matthews. The Welsh Wizard was an integral figure for the Bluebirds, guiding them to the ’08 F.A. Cup final.

The likes of N’Guemo and Crosas had proven to be poor fits for the demands of a Celtic midfielder, so it was key that the club acquired better and quickly. Performances such as the Ross County cup defeat would not be tolerated by anyone in association with the club, especially not someone with the hunger to win, like Neil Lennon.

Joe Ledley arrived with minimal fanfare, despite his exploits south of the border – taking Cardiff to the brink of Premier League promotion, and attracting the interest of no less than Italian greats, Roma. However, the Welshman decided to choose Celtic as his next step in his football journey. The Welsh international started his new career in the worst kind of way, being part of the Celtic team that lost 3-0 away in Portugal to Braga.

His efforts could not be faulted, as he was often played in a left back position, a role very unfamiliar to the man who had almost single-handedly taken Cardiff to the riches of England’s top division, scoring multiple times with his long bursting runs into the opponents half. The acquisition of Emilio Izaguirre was to prove to be a form of mercy for Joe, as he was freed up to return to midfield. It would soon see Ledley become an important figure in the new look Celtic team. The side were playing some of the best football fans had seen in years, and Joe was at the heart of some of the best play.

The league cup final against Rangers would not prove to be a day to remember for the young midfielder, despite getting on the score-sheet. Unfortunately, Neil Lennon’s team lost in Extra-time despite a brave and spirited effort in a difficult game, following Izaguirre’s dismissal.



Injury would cruelly rule him out for the rest of the season and rob him of a chance to appear in another final for the Celts. Happily, the team would prove to be victorious, but Joe’s day in the sun would have to wait. The following year would see Joe continue to assert himself as a key man at Scotland’s greatest club. Ledley proved to be influential in improving Celtic’s fortune away from home in Europe, emerging as a scorer in a tough game in France versus Rennes.



More highlights were to follow in the season, as Ledley became a hero in the December ’11 Old Firm derby. His solitary goal would see Celtic take command of the league for the first time that season and take a pivotal step towards reclaiming the title – their 43rd in total. As Neil Lennon had promised, “This isn’t the end, this is just the beginning.” 15 points off their rivals at one point, it did not appear likely that it would be their year, but Joe Ledley would have a big hand in preventing that from happening.



Goals in Old Firm games rightfully help cement a place in the hearts of the fans, and Joe Ledley definitely secured his place as a Celtic hero that season. The team were unsuccessful once again in a second successive league cup final, but the title was theirs, as they sealed victory by demolishing Kilmarnock 6-0. It was the perfect finish to an electric season and the club’s first championship in four years.

The following season would prove to have as many highlights, as the Celts were on the European road to conquer. The team took a lot of confidence from their efforts the previous season, and relished the challenge of rising to the occasion in Europe’s biggest stage. Joe was a key figure, once again, in a tough campaign, helping to lead Celtic to the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.


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[FONT=&quot]The Welsh wizard’s place alongside Victor Wanyama in the heart of Celtic’s midfield was well deserved, as he helped Celtic combine and hold precious possession. Joe’s anticipation and positional sense, as well as his eye for a pass, made him an important player in keeping hold of possession – a priceless commodity in the Champions League.



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Whether Joe Ledley decides to renew his Celtic contract, or seek newer horizons, most Celtic fans will continue to hold him close to their hearts. Since joining the club he has given nothing but 100% for the club, been versatile, and a constant professional. If any player deserves a new contract, Ledley is that man.

Fans may never view Joe as a truly exceptional talent, as we have had the great fortune to see the likes of the Three Amigos, Moravcik, and Larsson in recent years, but the Welshman remains a Celtic Hero.


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