Joe Hart’s Arrival Marked the End of Vasilis Barkas’ Era at Celtic

The former England international became a key figure at the club, making 153 appearances, most of them during Ange Postecoglou’s transformative tenure.

When Ange Postecoglou arrived at Celtic in the summer of 2021, he wasted no time addressing the club’s goalkeeping woes by signing Joe Hart.

Vasilis Barkas’ error-prone spell had left Celtic needing a reliable, experienced presence between the posts, and Postecoglou identified Hart as the perfect solution.

Now, Hart has opened up about the candid conversation he had with Ange before committing to a three-year deal at Parkhead – and it wasn’t what fans might expect.

Joe Hart Reveals How He Was Written Off at Spurs Before Reviving His Career at Celtic

Speaking to Takes From The Terrace, Joe Hart opened up about his difficult time at Tottenham:

“I was at a point where the new manager had come in, I wasn’t playing, and he didn’t even think I was good enough to be on the bench. I thought, ‘I don’t need this anymore. I’ve had my fun in football.’”

But everything changed when Ange Postecoglou called: “Respectfully, I didn’t know who Ange was or what he’d done in football. But that conversation changed everything.”

Joe Hart on Ange Postecoglou: “From the Moment We Spoke, I Loved Everything About Him”

Recalling his first conversation with Ange Postecoglou, Joe Hart shared:

“I said, ‘Can we have a conversation, feel each other out?’ From the moment I spoke to him, I loved everything about him—his calmness, his understanding of what he wanted to do, what he believed in.”

The research he’d done on me and the conversations we had just clicked. It was exactly what I needed at that point in my career.”

What Joe Hart and Ange Postecoglou Really Discussed Before the Celtic Move

For Ange Postecoglou, signing players wasn’t just about talent—it was about character. And Joe Hart’s candid conversation with the then-Celtic manager sealed the deal for the club’s rebuild.

Revealing what they spoke about, Hart said:

“We spoke as two fathers more than anything else. I told him, ‘I’ve got a young family. I want my son to see me play. I want to represent.’”

It was this personal connection and mutual understanding that convinced Postecoglou to bring Hart to Parkhead.

Joe Hart on His Honest Chat With Ange Postecoglou: “We Could Both Help Each Other Out”

Before joining Celtic, Joe Hart made a heartfelt pitch to Ange Postecoglou about his role on and off the pitch:

“I said, ‘I feel like a father figure in the dressing room. If you need someone with quality, desire, and a willingness to help, I’m your guy. If not, I respect that.’”

Postecoglou’s response was direct: he didn’t need convincing of Hart’s ability but valued his leadership and experience. Hart added:

“He was honest—he’s not one to have close relationships with players, but we had a unique bond. We helped each other out, and I’m forever grateful for those special years playing crazy football under him.”

Joe Hart’s Special Connection With Celtic Fans: A Bond That Lasted Until the End

Joe Hart quickly became a fan favourite at Celtic, building a deep emotional connection with the Parkhead faithful.

This bond was evident during the heartfelt send-off he received in the final game of last season, as supporters showed their appreciation for the former Tottenham man’s contributions both on and off the pitch.

Joe Hart: From Celtic Hero to Passionate Advocate

Joe Hart remains a beloved figure among the Celtic faithful, thanks to his heartfelt praise for the club during his punditry duties.

With seven major Scottish honours and three unforgettable seasons at Parkhead, Hart’s time at Celtic stands out as arguably the most memorable chapter of his illustrious career.