Time is right for Stephen Welsh to further his career by leaving Celtic | OneFootball

Sometimes, footballers arrive at a crossroads, and when they do, it’s often the ones who have worn the jersey like it matters that deserve our honestly felt gratitude and sincerest good wishes…

Stephen Welsh at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Stephen Welsh is one of those footballers…

News emerging that Welsh may well be on the verge of making his loan to Mechelen a permanent move should surprise no one. The young central defender spent the second half of last season with the Belgian club and by all accounts, he impressed both on and off the park.

It’s not difficult to reach the conclusion that this was a deal that suited everyone involved. A quiet success story, without much fanfare, but one that could end up being an important step for a player still with his best years ahead.

Mechelen’s Stephen Welsh during a match between KV Mechelen and KAA Gent, Friday 07 February 2025 in Mechelen in the Jupiler Pro League first division of the Belgian championship. Photo BRUNO FAHY

Let’s be honest—Stephen Welsh has been a bit-part player at Celtic for some time now. But not all bit-part players are created equal. Some drift in and out, never quite grabbing the moment, while others—like Welsh—embrace it fully, knowing they carry the weight of a support who see them not just as a player, but as one of their own.

A product of the Academy, born in Coatbridge, raised in Celtic, Welsh never hid the fact that playing for Celtic meant everything to him and his family. And for the support, that counted for plenty.

Celtic FC’s Stephen Welsh suffers an injury during the Sydney Super Cup football match between Celtic FC and Sydney FC at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney on November 17, 2022( (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)

Whether it was stepping into a makeshift defence in a European tie, or partnering a raw centre-half in a domestic cup, he rarely let himself or the shirt down. He might not have had the raw talent of a Carter-Vickers, but he had a Celtic heart and a defender’s instinct. Sometimes, that was enough. Sometimes, especially in the days when injuries or rotation forced our hand, it was more than enough.

But the truth is, there’s a ceiling at Celtic for certain players—and Stephen Welsh might have just bumped his head against it.

Stephen Welsh signed a four year contract extension in August 2023 under Brendan Rodgers and there was talk of him pushing for more minutes. Injuries played their part, and then came the reality of the depth chart – Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt, then Auston Trusty and Liam Scales rising up high in the manager’s estimation. There’s only so long a player can linger in the background without losing vital momentum in their career.

29th July 2023 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland: Pre Season Football Friendly, Celtic versus Wolverhampton Wanderers Stephen Welsh of Celtic FC on the ball. Photo ActionPlus Peter Fitzpatrick

Welsh is 25 now. The days of being a promising young defender are behind him. It’s time to play. Not bit parts. Not cup cameos. Real, regular football.

That’s why a move to Mechelen makes perfect sense. Belgian football is respected, technical, and competitive. It’s also a league where defenders are developed and spotted. If Welsh wants to kick-start his career and start building toward future Scotland squads, this is the kind of move he has to make.

Sitting on the bench at Celtic Park, even with Champions League nights and a full house behind you, won’t be enough anymore—not for him, and not for a Scotland setup that now expects its internationals to be playing regularly, wherever they are.

Greg Taylor and Stephen Welsh, Celtic against Aberdeen. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

So, what should we make of his time at Celtic? In truth, Stephen Welsh may never go down in the annals with the greats. But his time here mattered. He was dependable when called upon, always gave his best, and wore the jersey with pride. In an era when big money signings come and go, there’s something to be said for the local lad who stuck it out, took his chance when it came, and never moaned when it didn’t.

If this is the end of the road for Welsh at Celtic, then he leaves with our thanks and best wishes. Not every player gets to live the dream. Fewer still do it with humility and quiet dignity. Stephen Welsh did.

Celtic v Heart of Midlothian – Premier Sports Cup – Celtic Park Celtic s Stephen Welsh scores Celtic’s second goal of the game during the Premier Sports Cup match at Celtic Park, on Sunday August 15, 2021. Photo Steve Welsh

He’ll go to Belgium a better player, a more mature one, and he’ll know he can look back with pride on his time in Glasgow’s East End. For those of us in the stands, he was the supporter on the pitch and that will always count for something.

Good luck, Stephen. You did yourself—and us—proud and Hail, Hail son.

Niall J

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