Jonny Hayes bids emotional farewell to Aberdeen as Celtic becomes likely destination

Celtic are reportedly set to appoint former player Jonny Hayes in a coaching capacity following his retirement from playing at Aberdeen.

The Bhoys are set to make several appointments in youth development roles at the club; meanwhile, a new Under-18 coach is also on the radar amid Stuart McLaren’s departure earlier this year.

Darren O’Dea has been hired as Celtic’s Player Pathway Manager, signalling an internal shake-up at the club with the aim of providing prodigious talent with an opportunity to thrive at Parkhead.

Hayes has already been involved in coaching with Aberdeen’s Under-16s and Under-18s and is participating in a UEFA Pro-license course, so he isn’t short of the requisite qualifications to take up a vacancy at his old employers.

Now, he has posted an emotional farewell to Aberdeen amid rumours that Celtic could be the first stop of his post-retirement plans.

Jonny Hayes posts farewell message to Aberdeen on Instagram

Taking to Instagram, Hayes has posted a lengthy farewell message to Aberdeen, where he spent nine years across two separate spells at Pittodrie.

His official communication read: “Over 2 spells I have spent almost a quarter of my life and most of my playing career at Aberdeen, therefore i will always be grateful to the board for giving me the opportunity to play at Pittodrie and latterly coach in the academy. Even when things weren’t going to plan on the pitch, as a player you always knew you had the support of everybody associated with the club.

“Myself and my family have always felt extremely welcome in the north east over the course of nearly a decade so I want to thank every single person that has made us feel that way. I’ll never forget how people at AFC, at Westdyke and at the school helped the kids settle when we moved back here. Playing in the first team whilst my son plays in the academy is something I’m extremely proud of, and one of the many reasons I’ll always be a supporter of the club at every age group.

“I’ve made lifelong friends on and off the pitch whilst here, so I know how much the Football club means to the city. I’ve always tried to show 100% commitment in every aspect of representing the club and I hope people could see that.

“It’s always tough letting go of something you enjoy, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for Aberdeen, so I want to thank each and every person that has supported me during my time here.

“I wish Dave and the board, Jimmy and the players, and everyone associated with the club all the best going forward.”

Jonny Hayes enjoyed a distinguished spell at Celtic

If he is to return to Parkhead, Celtic fans will be enthusiastic about welcoming the former Republic of Ireland international, who was a valued asset at Parkhead from 2017 to 2020.

Per Transfermarkt, the 36-year-old registered two goals and seven assists in 68 appearances, featuring on either flank or in a left-back role in the latter part of his Parkhead spell.

Fundamentally, he would have some great figures to learn from in the coaching set-up at Celtic, with Stephen McManus, O’Dea and John Kennedy to feed off alongside Brendan Rodgers.

The Hoops are in the hunt for appointments, and Hayes appears to be moving closer to sealing an agreement to enter the fold.