Soccer · Scotland

Hartley reflects with move imminent

Paul Hartley is content he 'lived the dream' for two-and-a-half years as he prepares to move on from Celtic Park.

The 32-year-old is expected to sign for Bristol City on Monday after holding talks with Robins boss Gary Johnson last week.

Hartley signed for his boyhood idols in January 2007 after taking his hitherto journeyman career to new heights in an impressive spell at Hearts.

The Scotland midfielder was told by new Celtic boss Tony Mowbray he was surplus to requirements but there was no hint of bitterness on Hartley's part.

'I had a terrific spell there,' Hartley told BBC Scotland.

'I won every trophy that there was to play for. All good things come to an end.

'What most sticks in my memory is the game at Tannadice in the last game of season 2007-08 where we clinched the league.

'I think that's probably the highlight, but just being there for two-and-a-half years was a special time for me, to live the dream as they say.

'When you're growing up and you support a team, you always dream of playing for them.

'I was very fortunate that Gordon Strachan gave me the opportunity to live that dream and I just savoured every day I was at the club.

'I'll always keep my eye open for the results at Celtic and come back to watch the games when I can.'

 
RTÉ.ie Sport: Tony Mowbray is content to let Paul Hartley leave Celtic
Tony Mowbray is content to let Paul Hartley leave Celtic
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