The Last Dance? Greg Taylor’s Celtic Future Hangs in the Balance Amid Strong Finish
On a sunny Saturday at Celtic Park, Greg Taylor put in the kind of performance that has defined his best moments in the Hoops. Celtic’s emphatic 5-0 dismantling of Kilmarnock had all the signs of a title procession—goals flowing, fans in song, and Brendan Rodgers’ side playing with the swagger of champions-in-waiting. But for one man, it may have carried a deeper, more personal significance.
Taylor, restored to the starting lineup after a turbulent few months, delivered a Man of the Match display that was as much a response to his critics as it was a celebration of his enduring qualities. It was controlled, energetic, and full of intent. The kind of showing that makes you pause and wonder: are we witnessing the final chapter of Greg Taylor’s Celtic story?
A Career Built on Proving People Wrong
Taylor’s Celtic journey has been anything but straightforward. Signed from Kilmarnock in 2019 as a relatively low-key replacement for the departing Kieran Tierney, he was thrust into the spotlight almost immediately, and for years, he’s operated in the long shadow of his predecessor. Every misplaced pass, every lost duel, every run that didn’t come off—it all fed into the same narrative: Taylor wasn’t Tierney.
But the former Killie man didn’t shrink. Instead, he did what he’s always done—rolled up his sleeves and worked. Initially deployed as a more traditional full-back under Neil Lennon, Taylor found his real stride under Ange Postecoglou, who redefined his role entirely. As an inverted full-back, Taylor’s intelligence and ball retention became massive assets. He tucked inside to help build play, supported midfield rotations, and became one of the most tactically important players in a title-winning side that swept all before them domestically.
The 2022–23 season saw Taylor reach arguably the best form of his career. He was consistent, reliable, and—despite some remaining doubters—a trusted lieutenant in a treble-winning team. At just 5’9″, he often found himself physically tested, but more often than not, his positioning, energy, and commitment saw him through. He wasn’t just surviving at Celtic. He was thriving.
A Rocky Road Under Rodgers
The return of Brendan Rodgers was met with excitement but also uncertainty for several players, and Taylor has felt the full weight of that shift. Despite starting the season as the first-choice left-back, inconsistency in team performance and growing fan unrest meant Taylor became a frequent target of criticism.
There were questions about whether he had plateaued, whether his inverted role under Ange had masked deficiencies in his traditional full-back attributes. Fans grew restless, and when Jeffrey Schlupp arrived in January—a versatile, experienced international capable of filling multiple roles—many saw it as the beginning of the end for Taylor.
Rodgers, in turn, gave Schlupp opportunities. But the Ghanaian’s underwhelming performance against St Johnstone served as a reminder that replacing a player like Taylor isn’t as easy as it looks. It’s not just about raw attributes—Taylor brings structure, continuity, and familiarity to Celtic’s left side, and that’s difficult to replicate.
So when Taylor was handed a start against Kilmarnock, it was seen by many as a final audition. A chance to show that he still had a place in the squad—not just to fill a void, but to make a statement. And that’s exactly what he did.
The Tierney Effect
Complicating Taylor’s position further is the likely return of Kieran Tierney next season. The Arsenal defender, who has spent time on loan at Real Sociedad, is widely expected to come back to Celtic Park, either on loan or a permanent deal. It would be a homecoming that many fans would welcome with open arms. After all, Tierney is a generational talent, one of the club’s best academy graduates in recent memory, and a figure who embodies Celtic’s values.
But his return could spell the end for Taylor. The left-back spot is unlikely to be shared in a meaningful way when Tierney is fit, and Celtic are unlikely to rotate heavily in big domestic or European games. That leaves Taylor in limbo.
As things stand, Taylor would be the only natural deputy to Tierney in the squad. But the question remains: does Taylor want to be a backup? At 27, he’s entering what should be his peak years. He has over 200 career appearances, a full international cap collection, and a CV filled with silverware. He’s far from a fringe player. He could easily be a starting left-back at another Scottish Premiership club or even in England’s Championship.
Fan Sentiment: A Changing Tide
Perhaps the most surprising development of all has been the shift in how fans speak about Taylor. Earlier in the season, he was a scapegoat. But after his recent performance, the tone has changed.
Social media lit up with praise after the Kilmarnock win. “I know Greg Taylor gets some criticism but what a performance from him today,” one fan wrote. “If he does go in the summer I wish him all the best.” That sort of comment wasn’t isolated. It was widespread. It was heartfelt. And it hinted at a fanbase that may be starting to realise what Taylor has brought to the club—now that his presence is potentially fleeting.
It’s classic football psychology. A player becomes most appreciated in the moments before he departs. Taylor’s story echoes that of many unsung heroes who do the dirty work, who turn up every week, give their all, and become part of the furniture. Until one day, they’re gone—and their value suddenly becomes crystal clear.
What Next?
Brendan Rodgers now faces a crucial decision. If Tierney returns, does Taylor stay as a backup and mentor? Or is it more respectful—and perhaps beneficial—for both club and player to part ways?
From a squad-building perspective, retaining Taylor makes sense. He knows the system, the league, and the expectations. He’s Scottish, which helps with UEFA squad quotas. He’s also a steady presence in the dressing room, something that can’t be quantified on a stat sheet.
But from a personal standpoint, Taylor may feel like this summer is the right time for a new challenge. He’s won everything there is to win in Scotland. He’s experienced European football. He’s answered his critics time and time again. There’s nothing left to prove—except perhaps that he can do it elsewhere.
A Legacy Secured
No matter what happens next, Taylor’s place in Celtic’s modern history is secure. He arrived as an underdog, survived as a scapegoat, and flourished as a mainstay in a dominant side. If this is indeed his “last dance,” he’s doing it on his terms—with his boots laced, his head held high, and another winner’s medal likely dangling from his neck come May.
Players like Greg Taylor don’t always grab headlines, but they make up the backbone of successful clubs. They remind us that not every hero wears a cape—some just put in 7 or 8 out of 10 every week, regardless of the noise.
And when they finally walk away, you realise they mattered more than you ever gave them credit for.
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