Celtic have pulled off the summer transfer window's most eye-catching move yet – and it's not about a new face on the pitch. No, the Hoops have swooped for highly-rated set-piece coach Ross Grant from Hearts, sending shockwaves of excitement through Parkhead.
Grant, a lifelong Celtic devotee who joins from four years with Dundee United, has got the magic touch – 23 league goals from set-plays in his previous stint at Tynecastle is no mean feat. And with his expertise now at their disposal, the Bhoys' faithful are salivating at the prospect of seeing the likes of Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren wreak havoc on opposition defences.
The numbers don't lie – last season's Premiership campaign highlighted Grant's potential impact. While Celtic slumped mid-table for set-piece goals, Hearts topped the charts with 23 from dead-balls, including a league-high 16 corners netted. And it wasn't just about goalscoring; they also led the way in successful corners delivered, aerial duels won, and chances created from set-plays – where Celtic ranked eighth.
But Grant's appointment is more than just a numbers game. It signals a growing recognition within football that every marginal gain counts, and this summer, Celtic have opted for shrewd recruitment over splashy signings. With players like Engels and Maeda reportedly on the move, his expertise could be the difference between Champions League qualification and another season of European competition.
And it's not just about the short-term gains – Grant's tactical nous will influence future player recruitment, ensuring that Celtic bring in signings who fit seamlessly into his set-piece strategy. This calculated approach is a masterstroke from Martin O'Neill, who's already acknowledged the new coach's 'highly rated' status.
So as the summer transfer window hits its climax, one thing's for sure – Ross Grant has got Celtic fans rubbing their hands in anticipation of what's to come. With his set-piece wizardry at the helm, a top-four finish is now firmly within reach, and who knows? Maybe even more.
One thing's certain, though – Grant's appointment will have Hearts fans worried. Will they be able to keep up with their former coach's new employers, or will Celtic's dominance in set-piece situations prove too much for them to handle?