Ronny Deila leaves Celtic with his head held high - others should be in our sights

So, Ronny Deila has gone. And, typically of the man, he has gone – or at least announced his departure – with dignity intact.

Like many Celtic fans, I had come to the conclusion that he wasn't going to be able to turn around the foundering ship that is Celtic at the present time.

So, yes, all things considered, it seemed it had to be this way.

But Ronny leaves with the respect, gratitude and admiration of this Celtic fan and many thousands more – seemingly the overwhelming majority.

We know that he didn't ask the Celtic Board to break with all precedent and appoint someone to the most important position at the club, with only experience at small Norwegian clubs to draw on.

We can see that his role in developing players who were sold on at a profit, including Martin Ødegaard, was what attracted the great player traders, keen to cash in on transfer fees to the detriment of the team.

We remember that he said he didn't want loan signings as then “you're developing other people's players” – a job he was given with Jason Denayer, who then promptly left. And we remember that the same board sold Virgil van Dyke, the other half of our central defensive pairing, leaving us with Tyler Blackett and Dedryck Boyata for the new season.

We can see that he was never given the support that he needed from the boardroom, certain team members and maybe coaching staff.

We could see the people from outside the club undermining him, many with their own selfish agendas.

We remember the ideals, the dedication, the standards with which he conducted himself and the trophies – hopefully a second league title in two years, to boot.

This Celtic fan has as much gratitude, respect and admiration for Ronny Deila tonight as I ever have.

There are many others remaining at the club and outside it – with big Celtic reputations – who I cannot say that about. In fact, the conduct of some has been shameful.

I hope Ronny goes to a club with an adequate structure to allow him to develop fully as a coach. If he comes back to Celtic Park with another club on a European night and wins, I won't be happy.

But a part of me will see it as just reward for a man who gave us total commitment in keeping with the finest ideals of our club.

We should not miss our targets in identifying those who have made his tenure so difficult.

There should be “blood on the carpet” – and on the training ground grass – at Celtic Park in the coming weeks and months. But Ronny's hands are clean.

All the best, Ronny – and thanks.

Related link:

• A (respectful) open letter to Ronny Deila

--