Rogic, Tom

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Fullname: Tomas Petar Rogić
aka: Tom Rogic, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ , ‘Wizard of Aus’, Tam Rogic, Tomas Rogic
Born: 16 December 1992
Birthplace: Griffith, ACT, Australia
Signed: 17 January 2013 (for AUD700k, approx £500k)
Left: 14 May 2022 (free agent); 12 Sep 2022 (to West Bromwich Albion)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Debut: Inverness 1-3 Celtic (9 February 2013)
Squad No: 18
Internationals: Australia
International Caps: 53
International Goals: 10

Biog

“It’s amazing… when I signed for this club I obviously knew the expectations were high. I’ve won a lot of trophies here, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, injuries. There are so many memories… I’m speechless!”
(Tom Rogic 2022)

Arriving with some promising talent, Tom Rogic was another in an increasing line of antipodean players for Celtic. He was born in Australia to Serbian parents, and made a name for himself via Nike’s Academy scheme which earned him a place with the Australian league side Central Coast Mariners.

He had a fair reputation in his home country, but that was in a league which back then even old pro-journeymen from European leagues have had success in.

Much was expected of him (from his Australian backers as much as the Celtic fans) but that meant a big weight on his shoulders. If he was to succeed at Celtic then expectations were something that he had to handle.

As an attacking player, he played at the top end of the midfield, and behind the strikers, which enable him to assist the attackers or take a chance at goal himself. He had pace and height, and a good brain. He was excellent round the box, although initially not one for the high press game.

Not exactly very forthright in the challenges, it had often been a complaint over his lack of willingness to go in for a tackle, but that was not often a problem for someone in the positions he mostly played in.

Early Days at Celtic

Opportunities were to be few and far between in the early days. The midfield at Celtic was loaded with quality players, and from his appearances there were few moments in which he was involved in that stood out. Admittedly a skilled and talented footballer, but was lacking the last pieces that made him essential to the side.

Sympathisers to the young player argued that he was not being given a run of games as he required to develop, but he had to prove his worth like everyone else. Players like Forrest, McGregor and Watt proved their worth without any similar reputations or external support set-up, so Rogic had little to complain about here. If anything, he was given more games in the first team than if he hadn’t the external support team behind him pushing for his place.

Tom Rogic ended up joining Melbourne Victory on loan in 2014 as he bid to keep his World Cup dream alive, something that he was being warned about repeatedly by some former Australian players. Celtic’s concern is our first team not his Australian national side. He hadn’t even made a name at club level (not having played much either at Celtic or even in Australia), so this was mistaken priorities. He needed to learn to walk before he could run.

There was too great a gulf between the belief in his ability from his compatriots and what he had done so far on the pitch.

To some people’s surprise he was omitted from the Aussie world cup squad for Brazil 2014 (although not for the Celtic support). It was reported to be due to injury but he hadn’t been impressing in any case (many cynics were unconvinced of the injury reason).

The initial predictions for his career were now seeming to be foolish and a difficult burden on him. Australian football was dipping after a golden period, and expectations were unfairly raised. Rogic seemed to represent those misplaced hopes, and the responsibilities were to be a toll on him. For observers in Australia it was a humiliating blow, and comically blame was being apportioned to spurious targets by his then diminishing band of sympathisers.

When he returned to Celtic in early 2015, he arrived back unnoticed by the support and unreported by the media. It spoke volumes. He was given a token place on the bench in May 2015 for a league match but didn’t play with only kind words later from the manager about his future chances. A vote of confidence in this way can lead to the law of unintended consequences.

The re-boot
It was back to square one at the start of the 2015/16 season, and to the surprise of many supporters, Rogic was given a chance by manager Ronnie Deila to impress again. Rogic took this opportunity with both hands, and given his first start for aeons he scored a peach of a goal v Partick Thistle in a two nil win. The plaudits finally rang out for the man, and he was back in everyone’s plans, with the manger’s faith repaid (partially).

If one moment sealed his rebooted career it was the late winner in a 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock, where from outside the box he took a stab at the ball in open play through the defence and round the goalkeeper into the keeper’s right-hand corner. It was a magnificent goal, and showed his talent, and was the one that likely can be said to have won the league for Celtic.

From there, he kicked on and slowly won over the support with many fine performances finally showing the skills he had and paying off with goals and assists.

The man to thank the most was Ronny Deila who went against the grain and gave Rogic the further opportunities when all else had written him off (and were to he humbled by his recovery).

A disappointing point was missing a penalty in the shoot-out v Sevco in the Scottish Cup, which Sevco went on to win the match but thankfully not the Cup.

Ronny Deila’s reign may have ended ignominiously but the great form of Rogic and a few other youth players were signs of his strengths, and it was to be an invaluable reward for the club from his managerial spell. Rogic was to be in debt to him, without whom his whole career in senior football would likely have potentially ended stone cold dead otherwise.

Brendan Rodgers Era

The following season and the youth tag had to be finally discarded, and he was now a mainstay in the side as under new manager Brendan Rodgers he further excelled in the incredible treble winning side of 2016-17 which was undefeated at home. Rogic was a key man and provided number of fantastic goals and assists. One of those players who is an example of why you pay to watch the game.

It was to be a golden era, and Rogic was heralded amongst the best at the club as the club achieved under Rodgers a Treble-Treble of nine domestic trophies in a row.

A proud moment was scoring the opener for Celtic in the League Cup final in 2016/17, a goal that showed his talent, sweeping along the edge of the box before surprising all by shooting low a diagonal shot curling round the goalkeeper into the net, setting Celtic up for the 3-0 win. It was a trademark goal for the striker, he had a wonderful shot and often made a goal out of nothing.

His pace was fine, and his passing & link-up play was great, able to hold the ball and make a good run at the opposition putting them under pressure. A wonderfully skillful player whom the supporters in the stands love to watch. He was to some a luxury player, but he had a talent which you can’t fully coach into a player (either you have it or you don’t). He had managed to create and score goals from next to nothing, using his skill and patience on the field, some were long-range others were an intelligent attack on the goal with a well-placed goal.

Against Sevco he managed to combine those two elements brilliantly in a 3-2 victory in March 2018, taking the ball from just over the halfway line fighting off & getting past a couple of Sevco players and then from just outside the box taking a shot and curling the ball round the hapless oppositions keeper into the top corner, a “cultured goal” as the co-commentator for the goal exclaimed. Despite the pressure of the moment, Rogic calmly found a spot in the back of the net without the need to just kick & hope as all others would. Magical moment.

When you look back on this entire golden era, Rogic can rightly be regarded to be a key man in the highlights of the decade as Celtic pushed towards equalling the record nine-in-a-row league titles, for example:

As a barometer of his development and quality, when he was out injured in the latter half of season 2016/17, many bemoaned his absence despite the first team still doing very well, with an unexpected home draw with TheRangers put down partly by some due to the first team missing Rogic. It was for Rogic a welcome development to be in the forefront of the thoughts of the support after the travails of the early days. He’d proven as much to himself as to others.

Tom Rogic could often be derided for not lasting for the full 90mins of gametime. He was practically always subbed off, but partly this was reportedly due to a ‘Short Term Fatigue’ issue from which he suffered and ultimately held him back. Everyone commented on his inability to complete matches, but despite that handicap he was still highly valued for the time that he was on the field.

Regardless, he still played most of the pivotal Scottish Cup final (May 2017) and scored the vital goal at the death that sealed the treble & InVIncibles tag for an unbeaten Celtic side domestically. He took the ball just outside the box, drove on beating two defenders, but he was heading away from the goal, yet with just a yard of space left and only the goalkeeper to beat, he somehow found the impossible space to shoot and tuck the ball into the net and win the Scottish Cup & complete the treble for Celtic. It was a wonderful classic moment in football, and the terraces all rose up in an explosion of joy. He was now immortalised in Celtic football history for that goal, and worthy of all the praise that went with it. That moment has been oft-repeated across all social media with many getting goosebumps just watching & reliving that goal.

He was coming onto his own, and this was being acknowledged even further afield in his home country of Australia.

He became a constant thorn in the side for TheRangers, with it becoming near routine for him to score against them (and they were often sublime goals anyone would be proud of). He just knew how to carve out a goal when needed, and they were worth repeat viewings. He was given the honour by the support of a ‘hunskelper‘.

He continued this great form as Celtic dominated the scene in 2017/18, repeating the domestic treble (an historic achievement), and Rogic was a key player throughout. The team was admittedly not performing overall as highly as the previous season but he kept on a top level, and was always on the list of top picks for any supporter.

However, season 2018/19 was to be a frustrating one. Rogic was lost to international duty during mid-season and Celtic lost to Sevco for the first time in the league in part due to his absence which meant they were to leapfrog Celtic in the race to the league title. On this international duty away to some unnecessary tournament, worse was to happen as he got injured and it effectively ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The support and club were against his travel to these matches as well which didn’t help the situation, and Rogic should have pulled out and put his club first. His return late on was one of an insipid and unfit player, and by that time there was already a new manager in charge as Brendan Rodgers had left Celtic prematurely.

Neil Lennon Era

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Scottish League

• 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17,
• 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22

Scottish Cup

• 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
  

Scottish League Cup

• 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22
  

Quotes

“A little opening here… for TOM ROGIC!!! Celtic have done it!”
Commentary as Rogic scored at the death in Scottish Cup final 2017

“He’s just so cool and calm on the ball, his close control is insane. By far the best player I’ve ever coached.”
Bert van Marwijk, Australian National team coach on Tom Rogic (Fox Sports)

“He is maturing into one of the finest players in the UK in the role he plays just off the main striker.”
Kenny Dalglish on Tom Rogic (Nov 2018)

Pictures

• Player Pics

KDS

• Joined Celtic (Jan 2013)

Articles

Rogic’s Rise

Celtic’s New Golden boy
Feb 2013
Link: http://www.thesefootballtimes.net/#!rogics-remarkable-rise/c1pmu

We take a close look at Celtic’s gifted young midfielder, Tom Rogic. We chart his remarkable rise from amateur football to Celtic via the Socceroos and what his future holds. Can he live up to the tag of the ‘New Moravcik’?

He’s been compared to Lubomir Moravcik. Tony Vidmar has labeled him Australia’s best young player since Harry Kewell. Some praise indeed. Welcome to the world of new Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic.

After joining Celtic in early January during their winter training camp in Spain, the Australian international went home to decide on his future. It was apparent Celtic would be offering the youngster a full time contract. Negotiations with his A-League club, Central Coast Mariners, were straightforward; there would be no standing in his way. The decision was now Rogic’s – stay where he was comfortable, or try his hand under the pressured microscope of Parkhead?

The early signs are that he chose wisely.

The little, well big (1.88m) gem, has settled in well in Glasgow. It represents the latest step in his meteoric rise from amateur youth player to international superstar. Born in Griffith, a suburb of Australia’s capital Canberra, Rogic was immediately immersed in sports. He was by all accounts a natural athlete. He represented his school at cricket, rugby and football, excelling in each sport.

For Rogic and his family, it became apparent that a career in football would be a challenge indeed. Not necessarily because the youngster lack the relevant talent, but because finding opportunities was tough. The football scene in Canberra is in its infancy. Canberra is a rugby city. A devout rugby city.

His first, and most important, breakthrough came in the form of Nike’s competition ‘The Chance’. Officially dubbed as the opportunity for Nike to select the world’s most talented, unsigned eight players, it gave Rogic a platform to build a career. He beat 100,000 applicants to the final selection and with it, trials galore. He went to trials across Australia, eventually settling on a spot at Central Coast Mariners – known for their ability to nurture raw talent.

Make no mistake, Rogic was raw. The talent was apparent but without dedicated academy coaching of the highest quality, he was relying on natural talent above all else. Fortunately for midfielder, his attitude took care of the rest. He put the hours in. He listened when he needed to and challenged every other time. Crucially, he caught up. He made up for lost time and by 19 was ready to play professional football.

Looking back, it was perhaps a gamble for the Mariners to sign Rogic. The A-League isn’t blessed with endless resources so gambling is a risky business indeed. The short term contract the initially offered was repaid almost immediately as his elegance, intelligence and technique was instrumental in the resurgence of the Mariners. He was perhaps their player of the season, with 5 goals in 24 games.

It was only a matter of time before Europe called.

A move to Celtic is perhaps the ideal step. The club has an affinity with Australian players and the similar cultures will ensure a smooth adaptation. He’s also joined a club where player development and improvement is considered paramount. He won’t be allowed to rest; he’ll be expected to improve under the demanding and watchful eye of manager Neil Lennon.

Upon signing for Celtic, YouTube videos circulated on social media forums for Celtic fans. They were clearly impressed with his technique and eye for goal. He was more like Moravcik than they could’ve imagined. Where did this ability come from? Well, an answer may lie in another format of football.

Few realise that Rogic was an Australian international Futsal player. The game, based on small sided, indoor pitches, with an emphasis on controlling play in confined spaces and at speed, improved his all-round technique and speed of thought. It’s a South American phenomenon and the likes of Messi, Ronaldinho and Neymar have all grown up playing the game. Slowly it’s gathering pace as a training method globally with many professional academies including Sporting Lisbon, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool executing it on an almost daily basis.

The brilliance of Futsal comes in the form of the heavier ball. There’s no chance to play lofted passes or take powerful shots. It’s about finesse and precision. Watching Tom Rogic is much the same. He crafts chances. He executes finishes. He doesn’t bully the ball, he cares for it.

For Celtic the most impressive part of the deal was the fee; £400,000. In today’s game it represents a snip for a player who has the potential to command Celtic’s midfield for the next decade. Impressively, The Hoops beat off competition from Fulham, Reading, Celta Vigo and Club Brugge in luring him.

If the most impressive part of the deal is the fee, then surely the most important part is the position Rogic occupies. Celtic have been crying out for a creative playmaker for some time now. Rogic offers the physical presence that many of his peers have lacked as well as the necessary creativity. This balance between strength and technique should serve him well in both the rugged SPL and the more cultured European games.

Celtic fans will of course need to be patient. He has the talent, but he needs time to adjust. The difference between A-League football and the SPL is huge. Throw in European club games and it’s exaggerated yet further. He’s started brightly and looks composed and intelligent. His impressive attitude should also help in this regard.

Either way, the signs look positive for this talented youngster. If he turns out half as good as Moravcik was for Celtic, he’ll be a match winner and fans favourite. Parkhead is excited.

More steak, less sizzle needed from Tom Rogic in A-League at Melbourne Victory

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/more-steak-less-sizzle-needed-from-tom-rogic-in-aleague-at-melbourne-victory-20140318-hvjwo.html#ixzz2wMTC6OL0
It can’t be easy being charged with the responsibility of being your nation’s saviour, especially when you are not long out of your teens.
Its a burden borne for the past few years by on-loan Melbourne Victory midfielder Tom Rogic, and it seems to be weighing rather more than he can bear.
The hype around Rogic for the past couple of years has been enormous.
But on the evidence of his form since his arrival back in the A-League in January, the hype has been misplaced.

On what we have seen so far in his half a dozen games in navy blue, Rogic is a long way from being the player everyone in the country wants him to be; the player many believed, before his return, that he had already become.
It’s not his fault such expectations were shovelled on his slender back.
After all, with the fading of the golden generation, the Socceroos lack superstars.
Australia have only Mile Jedinak playing in the English Premier League, no one in Serie A or La Liga, and only bench warmer Mitch Langerak and the injured Robbie Kruse in the Bundesliga.
So it’s hardly surprising the football community has been searching, desperately, for someone to hang its hat on.
With his silky skills, his languid movement and his size and scope, Rogic, who moved to Scottish giants Celtic just over a year ago, seemed the obvious candidate.
He had, at times, dazzled in his 24 appearances for Central Coast, and also impressed in cameo displays as a substitute for the Socceroos.
But the reality is that the progress everyone expected and desired does not seem to have been made.
A player of Rogic’s quality should, after nearly two months in the A-League, be making a bigger impression than he has.
The 21-year-old has yet to dominate proceedings in the manner his admirers would have hoped, and he struggles to finish games. He has not scored a goal, nor contributed many assists.
There is no doubt he has a terrific touch, but there has been little end product.
When he gets on the ball, he often takes too many touches. When he loses possession, he does not always track back to help the defence – a trait, it must be acknowledged, many of Victory’s other forward players have shared this season.
He has also been rather injury prone and struggles for fitness, all factors which have impeded his progress and will be of concern to national team coach Ange Postecoglou.
Postecoglou is a great admirer of Rogic’s ability and it is widely expected he will be in the World Cup squad, having played a role in helping Australia qualify.
But on his current A-League form, it is hard to see Rogic having done enough to earn a starting spot in the Australian team.
In fact, there are some Victory fans not only wondering what all the fuss is about, but whether or not the club should have signed him in the first place on a loan deal.
Not because he doesn’t have talent, but because the logic of the deal was more about Rogic than Victory.
There was little likelihood he would stay beyond the period of his loan, so there would be no long-term benefit for Victory, and his presence there was chiefly for Rogic to play regular first-team football and gain fitness before the World Cup.
It would seem that Victory – or any A-League club he had signed for in the January window for that matter – would have been of secondary consideration to Rogic warming up for the World Cup.
You can’t blame the player for taking the opportunity, and if it works out for Victory and the Socceroos in the end, then all will be smiling.
To be fair to Rogic, he doesn’t write the headlines nor has he touted himself as the answer to all of Australia’s problems.
Fans here need to get a grip and not confuse potential with achievement.
When he left the Mariners last January, it didn’t stop Graham Arnold’s team from getting on with the job: three months later they had won their first A-League championship without him in the team.
And far from decrying Celtic and the Scottish Premier League, perhaps there should be a pause for reflection. Rogic has been in Glasgow for a year and had not established himself as a first-team player. When Mark Viduka went to the Glasgow giants, he overcame a shaky start to quickly become a top player in the league and a prolific goalscorer.
Scott McDonald, a forward who often attracts more criticism than is warranted in this country, went to Celtic and was a regular first-team player and regular scorer, netting against the likes of Manchester United in Champions League ties.
Given the nature of deadlines, this column, at least for the print editions of Fairfax publications, had to be written before Tuesday night’s Asian Champions League clash with Yokohama F Marinos, so it’s quite possible Rogic will hit form in the tie and show us what he is capable of.
For Victory’s sake, it is to be hoped that is the case. Postecoglou and every Australian with an eye on Brazil in three months will be hoping the talented young man can begin to fulfil the promise he has shown on a more regular basis.

Danger for Rangers will come from Celtic star Tom Rogic’s size 14s

by Danny Stewart

April 29, 2018, 7:00 am

https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/danger-for-rangers-will-come-from-celtic-star-tom-rogics-size-14s/

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BRENDAN RODGERS reckons Tom Rogic can add another chapter to his already illustrious Celtic career by shooting the Hoops to the title.

The Australian internationalist clinched the Treble for his team with his late winner against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final last season.

And the perfect indication of his well-being this year is the fact he has already scored against today’s opponents, Rangers, on three separate occasions during this campaign.

Small wonder, then, that his manager fancies his chances of making an impact once again this afternoon.

“Tom is a really special talent, and the mark of the big players is the significant contributions they make in the big games,” he said

“He gives you that, and for that reason he will always be in the history books here at Celtic.

“I think he is the best player we have got at understanding where the space is on the football pitch.

“And that vision allows him to receive the ball better than anyone.

“His reception skills are amazing. He has the brain to find space.

“We see it in training every day and in the games. That’s why he’s so elusive.

“He’s difficult to pin down because he can find the space and from there, technically, he can score.

“Plus, of course, he is a technically highly-gifted and a great finisher.”

It speaks volumes, too, of Rodgers’ regard for Rogic that he speaks about him in the same breath as Barcelona star, Philippe Coutinho.

“Tom had a Futsal background, and another Futsal player I worked with was Coutinho.

“For the young players at Liverpool, we did a split screen of Philippe, when he was 10 or 11, playing Futsal, and he was virtually exactly the same as a 19 or 20-year-old.

“That was his game – manipulating the ball, how you receive the ball and the confidence it gave him. The ball’s a bit softer in Futsal, so you can manipulate it and gain confidence with it.

“Tom has about size 14 feet, so how he works the ball around plates that size is even more incredible!

“That’s what people won’t recognise. He’s a size 14 or something, but his feet are soft and he’s got a great view of the game. And he likes to score goals

“What I really like about him, though, is that he’s got a real inward aggression.

“He’s not timid. I’ve seen him become stronger physically in his time here, more robust.

“He’s been unfortunate a couple of times when he’s been out injured but he has a real inward aggressive streak.

“We know his strength, as well as his technical ability, and that’s what you need if you’re going to perform.”

A perfectly timed goodbye

Posted bymatthew5590August 19, 2020

https://mattmcgrath4.wordpress.com/2020/08/19/a-perfectly-timed-goodbye/

Matthew McGrath

On the same day Celtic released their new “Love street 86” esque away kit, we were greeted with the news that one of the key men in Celtic’s success in recent years would be leaving the club.

Tom Rogic, Australian born to Serbian parents, a man who up until 9 years ago wasn’t even playing professional football. In 2011, he found himself in his native Canberra trialing out for Nike’s Academy scheme. The aim, to earn a professional contract for a top flight A League team. His technical ability shone through and saw the then 19 year old earn a place with Central Coast Mariners.

The contract was signed in early 2012 and Rogic, immediately, was the star of the show. Highly regarded down under, he was tipped to be the next big thing, with an ageing Tim Cahill not getting any younger. Many believed Rogic was showing what it took to be the new poster boy of Australian football.

In 2013, he earned his big money move abroad. Glasgow was calling. Despite struggling at first for game time, excitement brewed in the east end to capture a glimpse of what the magically gifted feet of the Australian could do. A loan spell back in Australia and a further two years passed before the 2015-16 season came around and Rogic showed us all what he could do as he cemented his place in the team. Kilmarnock away in a full 0-0 game saw the midfielder pick his moment in the spot light. A curling effort from 30 yards+ rattled into the top left corner of the goal and earned Celtic a 1-0 win.

Ronny Deila’s second and final year in charge would see Rogic score 8 goals in 30 apps, his longest spell in the team where he remained mostly injury free.

2016-17. Had it not been for his involvement in the Scottish Cup final then you wouldn’t be laughed at for thinking that the first treble may not have been secured. His 93rd minute winner along with 25,000 other celts inside Hampden that day all contributed to tumbling the wall of treble-winning doubt down to the ground with one deafening cheer on the south-side.

It’s this factor that will see Tom Rogic go down as one of the Celtic greats, not just for his own personal contribution but the fact that he was part of one of the greatest ever Celtic teams in existence. Eclipsed perhaps only by the lions and perhaps the team of the early 00s under Martin O’Neil.

Ultimately, however, there must always be an underlying reason as to why a player of this quality is not only sold but for so cheaply. If the rumours are true, then the Australian will be setting up shop in Qatar for the foreseeable future… and you thought the Scottish game was weak with quality! It’s clear Celtic could’ve held out for a larger fee, nonetheless, the Australian has offered very little in the past 12 months or so. Gifted he may be, but a lack of fitness is clearly what has plagued his career from day one and has hampered his ability, in my eyes, to be an English Premiership defenders worst nightmare.

The sale of Rogic is not only sad for supporters but is also a sad reality for the 27 year old, who is evidently never likely to reach the high level he was destined for. Nonetheless, it is a fitting time as ever to remember perhaps, the most technically gifted midfielder Celtic fans have seen since the “Gift from God”, Lubo Moravčík departed.

It remains to be seen who will replace the “Wizard of Oz” in that attacking midfield role. Having said that, I don’t think it would take a genius to work out it will probably be Motherwell’s David Turnbull once again stepping through the Parkhead threshold and perhaps this time actually signing on the dotted line or passing a medical or two. Is he the right man? Not to be Mr Negative but No. A great squad player? Yes. But no Rogic replacement. More quality and technical prowess in that role is crucial to even begin to consider it as a like for like replacement.

No better way to say thank you and goodbye than showcasing one of Tom Rogic’s best moments in a Celtic jersey.

‘No cuddles, mate’: Ange Postecoglou on Tom Rogic’s Celtic rejuvenation

It is tempting to reach assumptions over the spectacular rejuvenation of Tom Rogic at Celtic this season.

By Andrew Smith

Saturday, 21st August 2021, 10:30 pm

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/no-cuddles-mate-ange-postecoglou-on-tom-rogics-celtic-rejuvenation-3355186

The 28-year-old Australian has rediscovered his footballing joie de vivre just as he finds himself working under a fellow countryman and huge admirer of his talents under who he enjoyed his best spell at international level. The conclusion reached by many then, is the Rogic revival must come from Ange Postecoglou putting his arm around the playmaker and making him feel loved again. That would be to misunderstand the Celtic manager, though.

“I am not the cuddles type but I try and provide an environment where they feel comfortable and can be the best they can be,” said the 55-year-old. “That’s what I try and create every day for everybody – players and staff. Just remind them that we are all pretty blessed to do what we do and we’ve a limited time in it, all of us, no matter who we are, so let’s use every day to be the best we can be and remember why we started this whole journey when we were eight or nine years-old and picked up a ball and fell in love with the game.

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“Sometimes the professional game can sap that out of you, whether you are a player, coach or administrator, so I just try and provide an environment where you hope players enjoy their football, understand they have responsibilities and work hard but get a huge kick at the end of it because the rewards are some success and enjoying their football. That’s what’s happening at the moment with Tom. He’s enjoying the environment, the training and the way we play our football. So no cuddles, mate, just let’s get on with it.

“He’s only 28 and for every footballer your career is not a linear process. There are up and downs that players have to deal with at different times in their careers, whether that’s injuries or loss of form. Ultimately, Tom’s still got a great deal ahead of him and can be a really influential player and I am super pleased to have him in my team.”

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Celtic’s Tom Rogic hailed as ‘a little Messi’

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtics-tom-rogic-hailed-as-a-little-messi-3492009

Celtic right-back Josip Juranovic has described Tom Rogic as “a little Messi” after the Australian proved the matchwinner with another exquisite finish in the 1-0 victory over Motherwell.

By Andrew Smith

Sunday, 12th December 2021, 10:30 pm

“For me he is little Messi!” said the Croatian international. “He’s a bit taller than the original but there’s only one big Messi, he can be the little one! He’s so good. He’s one of the best players I have played with at club level. He’s in top form this season and that can only be good for us.

“We see it in training but I always make sure he’s in my team. He knows how to pick the sides. You look at his technique. He’s so tall but it’s unbelievable. He’s the main man for us. I didn’t know too much about him before I came here. I knew he’d been here a long time but I was wondering why because he was so good. He enjoys it here and he’s a legend.”

Meanwhile, Motherwell manager Graham Alexander has disputed the free-kick that allowed Rogic to bag a third crucial goal of the season, given by referee Euan Anderson for a foul by Callum Slattery on the goalscorer.

“I always get frustrated at bits and pieces but I thought the game-winning moment was the wrong decision,” said Alexander. “I didn’t think it was a free-kick. He set the bar early with what sort of challenge would be OK, which is fine, every ref interprets things differently, but then you take that as the bar. I didn’t think that should be given, due to other challenges that were going on early on. I thought it was a cheap free-kick to give but it’s a match-winning free-kick. They are a good team, they don’t need any favours. I’m not suggesting it was a favour but I just thought it was a cheap decision. Celtic showed their quality with the taking of it.”

Alexander was yellow-card for complaining about the foul, another decision that left him bemused. “I don’t know [why I was booked] it was hard to hear him from eight yards away when he showed me the yellow. I’ve got to fight for my team and I didn’t use any bad language. I remonstrated but I remonstrated from 50 yards away.”

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Celtic fans see different side of Tom Rogic – ‘wasn’t a decision I took lightly’

Andrew Smith
21 hrs ago

Such was affection with which the Celtic support showered Tom Rogic on his final appearance for the club, the ordinarily phlegmatic Australian admitted afterwards he could not help himself welling up.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/american-football/celtic-fans-see-different-side-of-tom-rogic-wasnt-a-decision-i-took-lightly/ar-AAXgfU1
© Tom Rogic could not hide his emotion in his last match for Celtic.

The playmaker is unquestionably one of the most naturally talented performers to grace the club in the past two decades. Since he pitched up from Central Coast Mariners in January 2013, his balletic ball control has led to him serving up some iconic moments as he had claimed 16 honours. Long-term injuries brought fallow periods but he is beloved by the club’s faithful for his winner that sealed the invincible treble success of 2016-17, a blunderbuss effort at Kilmarnock that sent the club on their way to title glory in 2015, and some glorious finishes against Rangers. As with fellow departee Nir Bitton, he is a quadruple treble winner and contributed to Celtic’s nine-in-a-row era.

Yet, the home faithful witnessed a side to the player they had not seen when he was brought off an hour into the 6-0 slaying of Motherwell. The ovation that ensued left him unable to prevent the tears flowing. So overcome, he was left burying his face into his strip as he was movingly embraced by all his team-mates and his manager.

“I couldn’t contain my emotion, it was hard,” Rogic said. “It’s a special club, it’s been an enormous part of my life. I came here when I was 20, now 29 I’ve experienced so many memories in that time. Hopefully this is the start under the new manager. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but I feel the timing is right. [This title win] is right up there. Off the back of last season, it’s enormous. It’s a special season to go out on.”

In terms of game-time, under his fellow Australian and former Socceroos manager Ange Postecoglou, this proved the most productive season of his Celtic career, no less. That isn’t true of Bitton, signed six months after his fellow heading-into-the-sunset comrade. But the Israeli proved an able support player for the midfield screening role undertaken by his captain Callum McGregor. Bitton has experienced the vagaries across his near-decade in Glasgow – as well as 18 trophies, he collected six red cards – but that was no impediment to the midfielder being given a deafening ovation when introduced five minutes from time. It made for a last, lasting memory to add the treasure trove he takes back to his homeland with him. “It’s amazing,” he said. “When I signed for this club I obviously knew the expectations were high. It’s about winning trophies, it’s about taking this club to the Champions League. I’m just happy to finish with this one.

“I’ve won a lot of trophies here, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, injuries. But this club is just about winning and after last season, the players who have been here knew how much it meant for the fans and everyone involved to bring this title home. I’m just happy we did for them.

“There are so many memories. My debut, I will never forget. The winning of the treble [in 2017], an amazing moment. And especially this one, to finish this journey on a high, the way I wanted to finish it. I’m speechless.”

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Tom Rogic retires at 30 but thanks Celtic after battle with ‘fertility issues’

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66992813
Last updated onLess than a minute agoLess than a minute ago.
From the sectionScottish
Tom Rogic and his wife celebrate with Celtic
Tom Rogic celebrated Celtic’s domestic treble with his wife and daughter in 2022
Former Celtic and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Tom Rogic has retired from football at the age of 30 citing his wife’s battle to bear children.

The couple had their first daughter in 2021 after “many failed rounds of IVF” and are expecting twins next year.

Rogic, capped 53 times for Australia, thanked Celtic owner Dermot Desmond and former chief executive Peter Lawwell for the successful treatment.

“Without their help, all of this would not have been possible,” he said.

“Through Peter and Dermot, I was put in direct contact with one of the world’s leading medical experts, which eventually led to my wife and I being placed at the clinic that would give us the best chance possible to start a family. I will be forever grateful.

Tuesday’s Scottish Gossip
“Given our past and how hard we have fought for this, along with the challenges that will come with having twins and two-year-old, now seems like the right time to give my focus and attention to what is the most important thing in my life – my family.”

Rogic joined Celtic from Central Coast Mariners in 2013, going on to play 273 times, but was released in 2022, with then manager Ange Postecoglou, his former Australia head coach, hinting at the player’s desire to move closer to home.

However, the midfielder was to subsequently join West Brom, making 23 appearances for the Championship side before exiting this summer.

Rogic explained on Instagram that, while usually preferring to keep his family life private, he thought it necessary to explain his decision and the “immensely challenging” seven-year battle he and his wife have had with “fertility issues”.

“I have loved every minute of being a dad and consider it my greatest achievement in life,” he said.

“After experiencing some more struggles and heartache with fertility treatment, we have recently received the amazing news that our family is growing and we will be expecting twins in 2024.

“After being away for so many years, my family and I have now returned home to Australia as we look ahead to next year.”

Rogic said he feels “very lucky” to have “spent the majority of my time playing at Celtic Football Club, one of the biggest clubs in the world, playing European football, winning many trophies and playing in front of 60,000 fans each week.

“I have also been lucky enough to represent my country with the Socceroos on over 50 occasions and experienced playing in major international tournaments.”

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Tom Rogic: Ex-Celtic midfielder retires aged 30 to give ‘focus and attention’ to family

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66992813
From the sectionScottish
Tom Rogic and his wife celebrate with Celtic
Tom Rogic celebrated Celtic’s domestic treble with his wife and daughter in 2022
Former Celtic and Australia midfielder Tom Rogic has retired from football at 30 as he revealed the “struggles and heartache” he and his wife have experienced in growing their family.

The couple had their first daughter in 2021 after “many failed rounds of IVF” and are expecting again next year.

Rogic highlighted support from Celtic owner Dermot Desmond and former chief executive Peter Lawwell.

“Without their help, all of this would not have been possible,” he said.

“Through Peter and Dermot, I was put in direct contact with one of the world’s leading medical experts, which eventually led to my wife and I being placed at the clinic that would give us the best chance possible to start a family. I will be forever grateful.

Tuesday’s Scottish Gossip
“Given our past and how hard we have fought for this, along with the challenges that will come with having twins and two-year-old, now seems like the right time to give my focus and attention to what is the most important thing in my life – my family.”

Rogic joined Celtic from Central Coast Mariners in 2013, going on to play 273 times, but was released in 2022, with then manager Ange Postecoglou, his former Australia head coach, hinting at the 53-cap player’s desire to move closer to home.

However, the midfielder was to subsequently join West Brom, making 23 appearances for the Championship side before exiting this summer.

Rogic explained on Instagram that, while usually preferring to keep his family life private, he thought it necessary to explain his decision and the “immensely challenging” seven-year battle he and his wife have had with “fertility issues”.

“I have loved every minute of being a dad and consider it my greatest achievement in life,” he said.

“After experiencing some more struggles and heartache with fertility treatment, we have recently received the amazing news that our family is growing and we will be expecting twins in 2024.

“After being away for so many years, my family and I have now returned home to Australia as we look ahead to next year.”

Rogic said he feels “very lucky” to have “spent the majority of my time playing at Celtic Football Club, one of the biggest clubs in the world, playing European football, winning many trophies and playing in front of 60,000 fans each week”.

He added: “I have also been lucky enough to represent my country with the Socceroos on over 50 occasions and experienced playing in major international tournaments.”

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Tom Rogic reveals major Celtic gesture that left him ‘forever grateful’ as midfielder retires aged 30 following IVF heartache

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/tom-rogic-reveals-major-celtic-gesture-that-left-him-forever-grateful-as-midfielder-retires-aged-30-following-ivf-heartache-4357253
Former Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic has announced his retirement at the age of 30 to focus on his family after revealing his wife is expecting twins following “struggles and heartache with fertility treatment”.
By Oliver Anderson
Published 3rd Oct 2023, 10:06 BST
Updated 3rd Oct 2023, 10:14 BST
1
Comment
The ex-Australia international, who earned 53 for his country, joined the Hoops in 2013 from Central Coast Mariners and spent nine trophy-laden years at Parkhead before moving to West Brom in 2022.

During his time with Celtic, Rogic made 271 appearances for the club and helped them win six Scottish Premiership titles, five Scottish Cups and five League Cups.

In calling time on his professional career in an emotional Instagram post, Rogic reflected on his achievements and also opened up on the fertility struggles he and his wife have faced over the last seven years and said he would be “forever grateful” for the support and help they received from Celtic.

“After careful consideration I have made the decision to retire from professional football,” said Rogic, who returned to Australia after being released by West Brom this summer.

“I have always been rather private with things in my personal life but I feel given the significance, I think it is important for people to understand why and how I have made my decision.

“Throughout the past seven years my wife and I have been on an immensely challenging journey with fertility issues. After years of trying and many failed rounds of IVF, my wife and I were fortunate enough to welcome the birth of our daughter in 2021.

“I have loved every minute of being a dad and consider it my greatest achievement in life.

“After experiencing some more struggles and heartache with fertility treatment, we have recently received the amazing news that our family is growing and we will be expecting twins in 2024.

“Given our past and how hard we have fought for this, along with the challenges that will come with having twins and a two-year-old now seems like the right time to give my focus and attention to what is the most important thing in my life – my family.

“I feel very lucky to have had a career where I spent the majority of my time playing at Celtic, one of the biggest clubs in the world, playing European football, winning many trophies and playing in front of 60,000 fans each week. I have also been lucky enough to represent my country with the Socceroos on over 50 occasions and experienced playing in major international tournaments.

“I feel very lucky to have formed some wonderful friendships through football and experienced so many special moments together. I would also like to thank Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond. Without their help all of this would not have been possible.

“Through Peter and Dermot, I was put in direct contact with one of the world’s leading medical experts, which eventually led to my wife and I being placed at the clinic that would give us the best chance possible to start a family. I will be forever grateful.

“To the managers who supported and guided me through some tough times, I’d like to say a big thank you to Brendan Rodgers, Neil Lennon, John Kennedy and Ange Postecoglou. Indeed I would like to thank everyone in football who has given me such great opportunity throughout my career to be part of the game I love.”

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