BROONY: ‘IT’S SINKING IN NOW’

SCOTT BROWN has admitted it is “sinking in now” that his glittering 14-year Celtic career is over.

The former Hoops skipper won an extraordinary TWENTY-TWO honours following his £4.4million arrival in Glasgow from Hibs in 2007.

However, Brown, who will be 36 this month, decided to call it a day at the ed of the campaign to kick-start his player/coaching role at Aberdeen alongside his old Easter Road team-mate Stephen Glass who replaced Derek McInnes as Pittodrie manager earlier this year.

FAREWELL…Scott Brown waves goodbye after the goalless draw against Hibs in Edinburgh last month – his final appearance as a Celtic player.

The one-time onfield leader of the nine-in-a-row champions is emotional about what he has left behind at Parkhead and his special rapport with the support, but he acknowledged it was time to move on in his bid to take his focus in a different direction.

Brown, who will also link up with Glass’ No.2 Allan Russell in the revamped backroom team at the north east outfit, insists he can still contribute something on the pitch on match day after agreeing a two-year contract with the Dons.

The ex-Scotland international captain, speaking to the Go Radio Football Show, said: “It’s sinking in now. I had 14 fantastic seasons at the club and enjoyed every single moment of it.

“But I felt it was the right time and the right opportunity to move on.

PARADISE LOST…Scott Brown will swap Parkhead for Pittodrie in the new season.

“Aberdeen’s a fantastic club and I know Stephen and Allan really well. I’m looking forward to actually getting onto the training field with the lads, as well as playing.

“It’s the right time for me to move on. I feel like I can still play football and get through 90 minutes and help out the lads on the park.

“It’s a huge challenge, but I’m enjoying the backroom stuff we’re doing just now.

“Looking at budgets, bringing in players, having to speak to players’ agents.

“I’m enjoying that part and seeing how the club works. It’s different parts of the game that you maybe take a little bit for granted as a player.”