“Toughest decision,” Greg Taylor on ending his Celtic glory chapter

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The Celtic Star

·3 luglio 2025

“Toughest decision,” Greg Taylor on ending his Celtic glory chapter

After six trophy-filled years with the club, Greg Taylor has closed the chapter on his Celtic journey, sealing a move to Greek giants PAOK in what he’s described as “probably the toughest decision” of his career…

Greg Taylor, Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The full-back, who joined Celtic from Kilmarnock in 2019, leaves behind a legacy of consistency, commitment, and silverware—eleven trophies, no less, in a spell that saw him rack up over 200 appearances for the Scottish champions.

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Speaking to Sky Sports following confirmation of his move, Taylor opened up about the emotional weight behind his decision to leave Celtic Park.

🗣️ "The toughest decision I've had in my career... I wanted to play regularly, and that's probably the big factor." Greg Taylor speaks exclusively to Sky Sports about his Celtic exit after signing for Greek side PAOK ⤵️
– giovedì 3 luglio 2025

“It’s probably the toughest decision I have had in my career,” Taylor admitted. “When I left Kilmarnock in 2019 it was that bit easier. I was progressing and I wanted to go and play for the biggest team in Scotland. At that time, there probably weren’t many who believed I would play as many games as I did, but the one person who really did was myself.”

Celtic’s Greg Taylor in action during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park, on 8th January 2025 . (Picture by Mark Runnacles)

And believe in himself he did. Over the course of six seasons, Taylor cemented himself as a reliable and often underrated stalwart in Celtic’s backline—whether under Lennon, Postecoglou, or Rodgers. His departure now sees him head for a new challenge in Thessaloniki, joining PAOK in the club’s centenary season, a fresh challenge that clearly appealed to the 27-year-old.

“I was lucky to go and play 200 plus games for Celtic which was unbelievable,” he reflected. “So, it wasn’t easy—there was a million things to weigh up—but I just felt it was the right time to do it. I wanted to play regularly, and that is probably the big factor.”

Naturally, any high-profile exit is bound to spark rumours, and it didn’t take long for the rumour mill to start churning. Some have suggested that Taylor’s decision may have been influenced by the exciting return of Kieran Tierney, the player he effectively replaced back in 2019 when Tierney headed south to Arsenal.

Greg Taylor at the final whistle with Dundee United goalkeeper Jack Walton after the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park, on 8th January 2025. (Photo Mark Runnacles)

But Taylor, typically composed and respectful, batted away such speculation with maturity.

“I would certainly not say that is fair,” he responded. “There has been competition for my place at Celtic in the whole six years I was there, and it was not something I ever shirked from. I loved that. It drove me on and helped me find my best level. So, no, I wouldn’t say it was particularly Kieran coming back. It just felt like it was the right time for me to try something different.”

There speaks a man who gave everything to Celtic—and who walks away with his head held high and his name etched firmly in the club’s modern history.

Greg Taylor in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

As Taylor embarks on this exciting new chapter in Greece, Celtic fans will no doubt wish him all the best—and perhaps take a moment to reflect on just how vital he’s been in one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.

Niall J

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