WITHOUT a first-team appearance since December, Steven Pressley has long since come to terms with the end of his Celtic career. He is not, however, ready to accept his playing career has reached its conclusion, despite many having expected the defender's next step to be into management.
This theory was based on sound reason, with Pressley having been recruited to Scotland manager George Burley's backroom staff. While he has enjoyed the experience and is looking forward to the start of competitive fixtures, against Macedonia in Septe
mber, he is eager to get back where he feels he still belongs – the centre of defence.
The tricks learnt from a career spent under men like Gordon Strachan and Walter Smith will be employed later, he hopes. But for now he simply wants to feel the thrill of playing again, something which he has lately been denied at Parkhead. His contract ends on the last day of this month and by the time he turns 35 in October he wants to be deep into the 17th campaign of his career.
"During the last two or three months, when I have had no game-time at all, I think that was a clear indication that I would need to move on," he said this week, during a promotional event with Puma and Greaves Sports. "Even if Celtic – which I know they won't do – were to offer me a new contract I don't think it would be right for myself, because I do want to continue playing. (Celtic] don't need to say too much. I am aware of the situation and I appreciate the situation."
He has only been stripped on four occasions since the turn of the year, while his last taste of competitive action came in the 1-1 draw with Hibernian in December. This weekend's game against the same opponents will likely see Pressley in his usual position – in the stand. He joked that it hasn't been a completely futile existence since he has been presented with the unexpected chance to run the rule over Scotland players, but the humour shields a certain disappointment, though not bitterness, at the way things have turned out for him at Celtic.
There are no hard feelings between him and Strachan, and while it is easy to attribute Derek Riordan's exclusion from first-team football to an attitude problem there is no such question mark over Pressley's behaviour. The 34-year-old is a model professional and has continued to be one even when delivered a knock-back such as last weekend at Motherwell. Despite Stephen McManus's injury, Pressley was not called-up, with fellow outcast Bobo Balde preferred in the centre of defence. Pressley was not even named on the bench.
"I can honestly say the last three or four months I have been as good a professional as I could possibly be to Celtic," he explained. "I have tried to maintain my focus because you never know, a couple of injuries and you could find yourself back in the side. But unfortunately it's not been the case and I have just had to watch from the sidelines. I suppose, given my position with the national team, it's allowed me to watch more players than I might have anticipated."
Pressley does not regret making the move to Parkhead, where he picked up a league title winning medal last season and another Scottish Cup one. Even this season he has played in the Nou Camp against Barcelona. Strachan, too, has always spoken highly of the player, even if it has been made abundantly clear he no longer features in his plans.
"I have a great relationship with Gordon," confirmed Pressley. "I respect him a great deal and I think he is a first-class coach. I can honestly say the club have treated me exceptionally well, and although I haven't played enough I have thoroughly enjoyed my time."
He has also gained valuable insight from seeing an Old Firm manager operate at close quarters, particularly one who has been under as much pressure as Strachan this season. He described the conduct of both Strachan and Smith – who he played under for Rangers in the early Nineties – as "impeccable".
Exposure to their methods may prove helpful in years to come for Pressley but he is determined to continue doing what he thinks he still does best, which is leading a back-line. He will consider a coaching job that is accompanied by a playing role, and is even contemplating a move to Europe. Interest from Mo Johnston's FC Toronto has been politely turned down on the grounds that he does want to uproot his family quite so dramatically, but all options closer to home will be considered.
"If the truth be told I quite fancy trying something a little bit different with my career," he said. "I am just short of 35 now and have played the vast majority of my career here in Scotland. If the opportunity arose where I could try abroad or even down south then I would consider it.
"During the summer I will weigh up any options which come my way and discuss them with my family and then make the decision I think is right not just football-wise, but long term," he added. "I am quite excited about that. I would consider a player-coach position, but when you talk about player-management roles I would not consider that at this stage. First and foremost I want to continue playing. I genuinely feel good, and feel I can still play to a high standard."
The full article contains 947 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
