John Kennedy Explains Reasons Behind Celtic’s Pre-season Plans

After a lengthy summer, pre-season is finally upon us. The Celtic players returned to Lennoxtown yesterday and are beginning preparations ahead of the new season.

The Hoops are back in action next Friday when they Travel to face Scott Brown’s Ayr United. Somerset Park is the venue for the Bhoys’ maiden Game of the new campaign.

A few days later, Celtic then make the short jaunt across Glasgow to Lesser Hampden, where Queen’s Park are the opponents.

Following this, Brendan Rodgers and Co. will take the team out to the USA where friendlies versus DC United, Chelsea, and Manchester City lay in wait.

Compared to last season, the champions’ pre-season schedule is somewhat different, and John Kennedy has explained it.

“It’s a bit different for us this year”, he said (Celtic TV).

“We just thought we’ve got a great facility here. The way the players are filtering back in, it was probably best that we base ourselves here for a couple of weeks before we head off.

“With that, it gives us a chance to play more local Games here in Scotland, again the fans will get to see that.”

With five games in pre-season, everything is building towards Celtic’s Flag Day clash with Kilmarnock on August 4th.

A rather unusual kick-off time of 4.30 pm is set, but that won’t stop the Bhoys from wanting to get off to a flyer.