“This is Shocking… A RETURN to the FIELD…” – 39-year-old Celtic Legend SIGNS UP to return to playing, ready to play his first match after RETIREMENT this week.

Former Celtic captain and current Ayr United manager Scott Brown will be returning to the field in a special charity match, set to take place for a club in Scotland’s seventh tier. Brown, now 39, has agreed to lace up his boots once again to play for St. Roch’s, a club in the West of Scotland Football League (WoSFL) First Division. The match, which will be held in honor of Gerry Collins, a former player for St. Roch’s, Ayr United, Partick Thistle, and Hamilton, promises to draw plenty of attention with Brown’s participation.

A Return to the Field for Scott Brown

Although Brown officially retired from playing in 2022 after his stint at Aberdeen, where he played his last match in a 2-0 loss to Hearts, his reputation as a fierce competitor remains intact. Since retiring, Brown has transitioned into management, first with Fleetwood Town and now with Ayr United. Despite stepping off the pitch, his involvement in Scottish football has been unwavering. However, this charity match will see him return to his former role as a player for the first time in over two years.

St. Roch’s, often affectionately called “the Candy,” play at James McGrory Park in Glasgow’s north-east and share a strong connection with Celtic, given their green and white kits and historical ties to the Hoops. Brown will not be the only former Celtic player at the event, as fellow former Hoops stars Charlie Mulgrew and Simon Donnelly are also set to feature in the match.

The Charity Match: Honoring Gerry Collins

The charity match between a St. Roch’s legends XI and a Dukla select side is part of an effort to honor Gerry Collins, a well-respected figure in Scottish football who had strong ties to both St. Roch’s and Ayr United, among other clubs. The event aims to raise funds for three local charities and is expected to draw a considerable crowd, particularly with the announcement of Brown’s involvement.

The match will take place at James McGrory Park, with a 1 p.m. kickoff scheduled. Tickets will be available at the gate for £5, with proceeds going directly to the designated charities. A statement from St. Roch’s highlighted Brown’s return to the field as the final, exciting addition to the Dukla side, billing him as the “Captain. Leader. Legend. Serial Winner.”

Fans have expressed their excitement over Brown’s participation, with many eager to see their former captain in action one more time. One fan exclaimed, “Outstanding, looking forward to seeing Broony joining the Candy Legends,” while another said, “Quality announcement.”

Brown’s Legacy as a Player and Manager

Scott Brown’s career as a player is nothing short of legendary, especially during his time at Celtic, where he made over 600 appearances and won numerous trophies, including 10 Scottish Premiership titles. Known for his leadership, tenacity, and aggressive playing style, Brown was a central figure during Celtic’s domestic dominance in the 2010s. His retirement in 2022 marked the end of an era for Scottish football, but his transition to management has allowed him to remain an influential figure in the sport.

Since moving into management, Brown has faced his share of challenges but continues to build his career. His first managerial role came at Fleetwood Town, a League One club in England, where he began to adapt to life off the pitch. In 2024, he took the helm at Ayr United, returning to Scottish football with ambitions to guide the team to success in the Scottish Championship.

Brown’s involvement in this charity match is more than just a sentimental return; it’s a reflection of his commitment to giving back to the sport and to the local community. His presence will undoubtedly help boost the profile of the event and draw more fans to support the cause.

Fellow Hoops Legends to Join the Event

Brown won’t be the only familiar face from Celtic’s storied past to take part in the charity match. Charlie Mulgrew and Simon Donnelly, two other fan favorites, will also play for the St. Roch’s legends XI. Mulgrew, known for his versatility and ability to play both in defense and midfield, enjoyed a successful career at Celtic, where he won multiple league titles and domestic cups. Simon Donnelly, a former forward, was part of Celtic’s title-winning side in 1998 and remains a beloved figure among the Hoops faithful.

In addition to these Celtic legends, the match will feature other notable players and local personalities, including former Scottish politician and Celtic supporter Tommy Sheridan, who is set to play for the Dukla side. Sheridan expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “Big Gerry Collins will be cheering in heaven. Broony is a legend and a thoroughly decent guy. His presence in the Dukla team will improve our chances on the park and boost the attendance. Supporters will turn up to watch, honor big Gerry, and support three local charities.”

A Community Effort for a Good Cause

The match is more than just a footballing spectacle; it’s an opportunity for the community to come together in support of local causes. The funds raised from the game will go toward supporting three charities, all of which are integral to the local area. St. Roch’s has long been known for its community-oriented approach, and this event is a testament to the club’s commitment to giving back.

For fans of Scott Brown, Celtic, or Scottish football in general, this match represents a unique chance to see some of the game’s greats come together for a good cause. It’s a reminder that, while players may retire from the professional game, their love for football and their desire to contribute to the community never fades.

Conclusion

Scott Brown’s decision to return to the pitch for this charity match at St. Roch’s is a testament to his enduring love for football and his commitment to supporting worthy causes. Alongside other Celtic legends like Charlie Mulgrew and Simon Donnelly, Brown will undoubtedly draw a crowd eager to see their heroes in action one more time. The game, organized in honor of Gerry Collins, serves as a celebration of community, football, and charity, with all proceeds going to support local initiatives.

For Brown, this one-off match offers a chance to return to the field and remind fans of the leadership and spirit that defined his playing career. As fans gather at James McGrory Park to watch the match, the event will stand as a fitting tribute to both the legacy of Gerry Collins and the enduring bond between football and community.