Former Celtic star Nir Bitton ready to step into management | OneFootball

Former Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton is preparing to step into management for the first time at the age of 34…

Callum McGregor of Celtic gets a hug from Nir Bitton after scoring to level the match at 1-1 Celtic v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Group B, Celtic Park – 31 October 2017.  Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

The Israeli international enjoyed a nine-year spell in Glasgow, making 245 appearances after being recruited by Neil Lennon following trial periods at Manchester City. Comfortable in both midfield and centre-back, Bitton became one of the club’s most decorated modern-era players, collecting 18 major honours.

His Celtic chapter closed in 2022 with a move to Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he worked under Robbie Keane, before returning home to his boyhood side FC Ashdod. It is at Ashdod that he is now poised to begin his coaching career.

Nir Bitton of Celtic looks on during the warm up prior to the Scottish Premiership match between St. Mirren FC and Celtic FC at on December 22, 2021 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Bitton has featured nine times for the club this season and will initially take on a player-manager role, allowing him to continue his playing career alongside his new responsibilities.

Ashdod parted company with head coach Haim Silvas earlier this week following a heavy 5–2 defeat to Hapoel Kiryat Shmona, a result that left the club fourth from bottom in the Israeli Premier League.

Former Israel boss Alon Hazan will work alongside Bitton on the touchline, with the ex-Celtic midfielder unable to be formally registered as manager until he completes his coaching qualifications.

19th December 2021; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish League Cup final, Hibernian versus Celtic: Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates with Nir Bitton of Celtic after putting Celtic level 1-1 in the 52nd minute. Photo Geo (The Celtic Star)

Ashdod previously sold Bitton to Celtic in 2013, one year after Efe Ambrose made the same move, with both players going on to make significant contributions at the Hoops.

Agent Dudu Dahan played a prominent role in facilitating those transfers, also helping bring Beram Kayal and Rami Gershon to the club during Lennon’s tenure.

In more recent years, Celtic have continued to recruit from Israel, adding Ismaila Soro and Hatem Elhamed, while this week has seen an unusual transfer saga unfold involving Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi, whom the Scottish champions were attempting to sign from Maccabi Netanya.

20th November 2021; Hampden Park, Scottish League Cup semi-final, Celtic versus St Johnstone; Nir Bitton of Celtic. Photo Geo (The Celtic Star)

Speaking previously about his anticipated move to Glasgow, Ta Bi said: “Playing for a club like Celtic is a dream come true for me. But without the support and love I received in Israel, I would not have reached these levels. The decision to come here and the trust I received from the club and my friends led me to progress.”

“I will not forget the period I have had on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva and the love and warmth that surrounded me. I am going to fulfil a big dream, at a famous club and in one of the best stadiums in the world.”

Ta Bi actually signed for Sunderland today in a deal with £3.5m probably to the astonishment of world class in everything we do FC…

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