Brown deals a blow to foes with new contract
SCOTTISh football should be afraid, very afraid.
Scott Brown’s declaration this week he’s good to go for another two or three seasons will have the majority of his opponents ducking for cover.
The 33-year-old Celtic skipper announced he will sign a new deal at Parkhead imminently.
Brown has made an astonishing 478 appearances for the hoops, scoring 37 goals, since his £4.5million move from hibs in 2007 – the highest fee paid between two Scottish clubs.
he has won 16 trophies in a glittering 11 years at Parkhead – eight titles, four Scottish Cups and four League Cups. Plus he’s an Invincible Treble and double Treble winner.
And let’s not forget he represented his country on 55 occasions with four goals thrown in. Brendan Rodgers has got a fine tune out of Brown who was supposedly finished and ready for the knackers yard two years ago.
And yet, in another astonishing stat, Brown has made 123 appearances since the ex-Liverpool boss took over in 2016.
Even Rangers gaffer Steven Gerrard once labelled Brown one of his toughest opponents.
If the old adage is true that players, like fine wine, mature as they get older then Brown has sent out a clear message – he has no intention of slowing down despite his advancing years.
When Gerrard was appointed in the summer it was Brown who sent out an early warning shot across his bow.
And it was him alongside Olivier Ntcham who dominated the engine room in this month’s 1-0 win at Parkhead, the first Old Firm derby of the season.
That display handed Gerrard his first defeat as Ibrox boss but it was very much a case of business as usual for Brown.
Which is why his decision to sign a new deal must be a blow for those wishing he would ride off into the sunset.
Ex-Rangers duo El hadji Diouf and Joey Barton are testament to the fact many have tried and failed to kick the central midfield lynchpin off his pedestal.