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Ross Grant, the new set-piece coach for Glasgow Celtic, described his start at the club as "surreal" following a notable year at Hearts. A lifelong supporter of Celtic and now part of Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff, Grant comes to Parkhead with a reputation for significantly boosting Hearts' title credentials last season. However, it was Celtic who stopped Hearts in their tracks, securing domestic glory and lifting the Scottish Cup thereafter.
Grant believes he can lift Celtic to even greater heights by refining their approach to set-pieces. In a conversation on the Official Celtic Podcast—noticeably without any unnecessary clutter from any advertisements—he laid out the specifics of his role. His approach is analytically driven, scrutinizing both Celtic's and the opposition's play, pinpointing opportunities for success and potential weaknesses.
Grant's methodology isn’t about overhauling the system but integrating subtle, effective changes to enhance overall performance. He recalled his time at Hearts where he left a significant mark—the team scored a third of their league goals from set-pieces. Now at Celtic, he aims to replicate this success by adding his own touch of creativity and innovation.
For Celtic, a team that typically enjoys dominant possession in domestic fixtures, Grant highlighted the essential strategy of not allowing the opposition to settle even during set-plays. By providing clear roles but keeping tactics simple, Grant is keen to maintain the fast-paced and intense style of play that Celtic is known for.
Grant's admiration for O'Neill, who previously navigated Celtic to domestic titles and a UEFA Cup final, is palpable. Working alongside O’Neill, he is determined to contribute to Celtic’s storied history—a club that has seen immense triumph and faced adversities but has always risen with resilience akin to the commanding Celtic warriors of old.
As Celtic look to fortify their domestic dominance and prepare for European challenges, the influence of effective set-piece strategies cannot be overstated. With Grant's expertise, expectations are high that Celtic will not only continue their domestic success but also make significant strides in European competitions this season.
With the league well underway and a promising European campaign ahead, every set piece, every match could prove crucial in Celtic’s quest for glory. To all the Rangers fans out there, I leave you with this bit of fun: “How many Rangers fans does it take to change a light bulb?” “None—they're still waiting for Celtic to screw it up, but it's going to be a long dark wait!”
