Thommo: I wasn’t ready before now
dismissed as Neil Lennon’s right-hand man at the end of the 2011-12 season.
But this weekend, the 48-year-old will take his seat in the directors’ box along with his partner Hayley to watch Ange Postecoglou’s side try to consolidate their lead at the top against Dundee.
Thompson’s presence will be warmly welcomed by Celtic fans who idolised the midfielder during seven trophy-laden years.
But for Thompson himself, it’s proof he’s in a good place again after some turbulent years.
The Geordie said: “Everyone’s asking me why it’s taken so long – well, for starters, it’s the first official invite I’ve had in all that time.
“Chris Trainer contacted me and I was delighted to take up his offer.”
Had the invitation arrived four or five years ago, Thompson would have politely declined.
He said: “For a long time, I wasn’t ready to return. I didn’t want to go back. It didn’t feel right.
“My time at Celtic did not finish in a nice way and while I never lost my love for the club, it hit me hard.”
Thompson has relocated to the Manchester area and is looking for a way back into football after spells working alongside Lee Clark at Blackpool and Bury.
Penning autobiography A Geordie Bhoy, published in November, was therapeutic.
He added: “I feel I can face up to it now. Writing the book, bumping into old friends at functions and Covid restrictions easing, everything fell into place.
“I was offered a ticket for the Old Firm derby but it came on the day of the game and I’d already made arrangements.
“But I still watched it on telly, which I do every Celtic game. Those opening 45 minutes were very special. Wish I’d been there.”