At the start, with fellow Swedes Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjallby adored by the Celtic faithful, aspirations were high that Hedman would join his compatriots in the affection of the support. As a keeper in England and at international level (with Sweden) he had shown himself to be a solid and seemingly commanding stopper. Just the sort of guardian for the goals the Bhoys had been looking for. Add in that his wife was a Swedish adult film star, they were definitely a welcome couple (well she was definitely!). Joking aside, a fresh new goalkeeper was needed for the squad.

With Rab Douglas in less than convincing form Hedman was expected to make the starting spot his own but the former Sky Blue was himself less than impressive and notable blunders - including a costly mistake in a Champions League tie at Bayern Munich - saw the Swede make only limited first team appearances. The performance in Munich, sealed his fate for most of the support, with a notable flapping and indecision in a one-on-one situation. Appeared in his games to be poor with high balls, although he wasn't a bad shot stopper.

Ended with a reputation for being error prone and bottling it on the big occasion. Hedman was out of the first team picture by 2004 and a loan spell in Italy at Ancona followed. After 26 first team appearances at Parkhead Hedman was released from his contract at the start of season 2005/06. He would later move to Chelsea, being signed as cover during a goalkeeping injury crisis at the London club. But he would not make any senior appearances with them and in truth Hedman's career was all but already over following his departure from Parkhead. Some good opportunities came afterwards but never as a first pick.

We wish him the best.

Playing Career