Jonny Hayes has recently been appointed as a coach with the Celtic B Team following his retirement from professional football.
The 37-year-old was a trusted figure during Brendan Rodgers’ first tenure at the club and under Neil Lennon, registering two goals and seven assists in 68 appearances [Transfermarkt].
Ending his playing days, Hayes has now taken on the mission of helping Celtic’s next generation thrive in the academy set-up, serving as assistant manager to lead coach Stephen McManus with the B team.
Having taken his UEFA Pro License alongside Scott Brown and Charlie Mulgrew, the former Aberdeen man is in esteemed company and will look to impart his wisdom on the current crop of Lennoxtown talent.
Admired for his selflessness as a player, Hayes has received an abundance of well-wishes from former teammates as he takes the next step in his football career after retiring.
Scott Brown and Kieran Tierney lead Jonny Hayes messages
Taking to Instagram, Hayes posted an emotional message after retiring from football, with his next challenge now set in stone at Celtic.
Accompanying two pictures where Hayes said a hefty farewell to his playing days, the Irishman wrote:” Treat every single training session like it’s your last, because one day it will be. Thank you.”
In a senior career spanning 20 years, he featured for the likes of Reading, Leicester City, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Celtic and Aberdeen, earning a reputation as a hard-working teammate on the left-hand side.
Leading tributes, former Hoops captain Brown replied, stating: “What a man. What a career and now enjoy retirement and the new chapter.
Kieran Tierney responded with two love hearts, black and green in colour. In addition, Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison commented: “Pleasure to share the pitch & a changing room with you mate! Top guy who helped me when I was basically still a kid! All the best with next chapter brother.”
Scott Sinclair, Mikael Lustig, Greg Taylor and Mikey Johnston also moved to acknowledge his longevity, among others, signifying how highly thought of Hayes was in the Celtic dressing room.
Positively, he is now back in the building to continue his influence in a different capacity, helping young stars on the path to first-team stardom.
