The number seven jersey has long been a symbol of excellence for fans of Celtic Football Club. This honour is largely in part to the legendary players who have adorned it in the past, such as Jimmy Johnstone and Henrik Larsson.
It‘s no surprise then, that the number seven is held in such high regard by the club‘s supporters. However, the time has come for the adoration of this digit to be reigned in and for the pressure it puts on its wearers be addressed. It‘s time for Celtic fans to stop obsessing over the number seven.
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith
Some absolute legends have worn the number in its time; by the same token, it’s also been worn by some real honking signings. Check the list going back to the late great Jimmy Johnstone.
- Giorgos Giakoumakis (21/22 – 22/23),
- Patrick Roberts (17/18),
- Nadir Ciftci (15/16 – 17/18),
- Miku Fedor (12/13),
- Freddie Ljungberg (10/11),
- Robbie Keane (09/10)
- Scott McDonald (08/09 – 09/10)
- Maciej Zurawski (05/06 – 07/08)
- Juninho Paulista (04/05)
- Henrik Larsson (97/98 – 03/04)
- Paolo Di Canio (96/97)
- Simon Donnelly (94/95)
- Paul Byrne (93/94)
- Pat McGinlay (93/94)
- Stuart Slater (92/93)
- Brian O’Neil (92/93)
- Joe Miller (91/92)
- Tony Cascarino (91/92)
- Billy Stark (87/88)
- Davie Provan (85/86)
- Johnny Doyle (76/77)
- Jimmy Johnstone (66/67 – 70/71)
The number seven is a source of needless pressure for any player who dons it. The prestige it holds can be a curse if it’s pointed out or fans have called for the number to be given to one particular player. This can lead to unfair criticism and unrealistic expectations. I remember the last big clamour to give a player the number seven jersey was Patrick Roberts. When he returned on loan the second time, he became PR7, and the jersey felt heavy on him.
The way Giakoumakis was handed the number was very low-key, and I remember at the time being surprised there wasn’t much discussion around him getting the number. Thinking that fans had moved on from that particular discussion after Patrick Roberts.
Since Giakoumakis officially left, I’ve watched the conversation creep back into existence. Who should get the number seven now the greek striker is gone? What player is most worthy of it? etc, etc.
Re-numbering a player at the start of a new season almost tempts fate in the wrong direction. The number seven should be given to the next attacking player who comes into the club, whether that be in the summer or further down the line, just like the way Giakoumakis was handed it.
I know some of you will be thinking, ‘who cares’ either way, and I suppose it’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I’m just a fan of putting no undue pressure on any player. Turning out for Celtic already comes with immense responsibility.
While the number seven will forever be associated with some of our greatest players, I think most will agree the days of it holding the gravitas it once did under Henrik and Jimmy are over.
