Manager of English Premier League side Everton, Sean Dyche, has reacted to Celtic ‘keeper Joe Hart’s recent retirement announcement.
The Hoops’ number one revealed last Thursday that he would be hanging up his gloves at the end of the current season. It seemed inevitable that Hart was going to retire at some point shortly, and the news didn’t come as much of a surprise to supporters.
To Dyche, however, it did. The gaffer, who is a fellow compatriot of Hart, admitted his shock at the news as he wished him all the best.
Speaking before his Everton side’s 1-1 draw with Brighton at the weekend, he said (Football Scotland): “He is a really good professional, good guy as well and he adapted to everything we asked of him at Burnley.
“I think he has had an amazing career, and I am surprised that he is leaving.
“From what I know, I do not keep up endlessly with Scottish football. I think he has done well there; he has enjoyed his time there.
“He obviously felt that it was right. So, whatever comes for him next, I wish him well.”
Hart spent two years under the stewardship of Dyche at Burnley. He made 24 appearances for the Clarets in this period.
A move to Spurs in 2020 followed for Hart before he joined Celtic a year later. In Glasgow, he has flourished despite his age.
He has provided stability between the sticks and over the past few months, his contributions to the team have never been more critical. Some of the ‘keeper’s saves have been crucial recently; even yesterday, he pulled off an impressive stop in the second half when the scoreline was level.
Such a stop allowed the Celts to march on and find two late goals but it wasn’t the only save of such an ilk the 36-year-old has made over the past few games. At Pittodrie and Easter Road, he came to the fore and Hart is doing everything in his power to ensure his career ends on a high.
