 Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Balde signs new 4 year deal
Bobo Balde has this evening signed a new contract which keeps him at Celtic until summer 2009, when he will be 33 years old.
Bobo has not had the easiest of seasons, however, securing a ‘headline act’ is always better than losing one on a Bosman. Financially a good bit of long term business.
Well done again Celtic.
78 Comments:
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MON and the Board are playing a blinder
James
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Hi Lhads,
This may be a bit of good long term business for Celtic but I bet it's even a better bit of business for big Bobo - This man (or his agent) must be very shrewd indeed - he seems to have taken Celtic as far as he possibly could to get that special deal - does anyone know the financial breakdown?
As for mordor what are the financial implications of more "credit card" spending - anybody work for HBOS tell us when they will call in the debts of MIM Rangers?
Cheers
Freddiebhoy
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Happy to hear about Bobo because he always gives his all, which, unfortunately, isn't enough on occasion. Still, Paul, while I wasn't too bothered with that particular piece of business, I would like to hear how you think Murray's cohorts are going to pay for Ferguson's return to the nether world. Surely, their bank are going to be calling time on their overdraught?
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Fantastic news.
Hopefully we didn't lay down to all his wage demands.
For all his faults, Bobo has been an intregal part of our recent dominance.
Yes he has let us down occasionally - show me a player that hasn't. More often a rock, than not for us.
If we can tie Petrov down to the same point in his career, I'll be over the Moon.
Looking forward to the Double and the CL.
Thanks for this great site Paul.
All the Best,
HF
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Excellent news. Bobo has been suspect of late, but is steadily regaining form and, let's face it, IS a fan's favourite.
I only hope this heralds the resurgance of a 3-5-2 once favoured by MON.
I have my doubts on who would slot in to left wing-back, as Thommo may not be the answer defensively. Right wing goes to Agathe, naturally.
Midfield; well MON will not drop BBJ so Sutty will drop back. Where does this leave Juninho? Petrov surely deserves to be played in the 'hole' which is his best position and Lennon is essential. in midfield as the only true holder we have.
Hmmm - A head scratcher, but one that MON is paid the mega bucks to solve.
It's a fine time to be a Celtic fan.
Great bit of business. Three powerful, giant centre backs, flair midfield, awesome firepower up front, great arial prowess all over the field and the added spice of a nippy, proven goal scorer in Bellamy.
Come on the Hoops!
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I think Bobo has been fairly poor this season, though the whole defence has looked better since the two OF defeats. much as part of me says to bin him if he was holding us to ransom, I think its a bosst to keep someone who has served the club well
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While most of me is glad to see the big man sign on again at Parkhead, part of me was previously pleased when I thought (like most folk) that Balde was moving on...Purely due to Balde's generally accepted limited distribution and the fact that I felt he would be fairly easy to replace. Despite what some will write about O’Neill’s success in the transfer market, one thing MON does seem able to spot is a half decent big centre half…
However, I know that in a couple of weeks when I watch Bobo thunder a header 50 yards upfield and take out Prso at the same time I'll be cheering with the rest of us. I would also miss his occasional mazy runs upfield that fill me with excitement and laughter in equal measure!
As for were we are now, well, it will be interesting to see if Henchoz gets a game and at who's expense (Looks a definite that Joos should be on the phone to his agent tonight to find a new job come the summer)
As long as we got Balde top re-sign at the right money, then I am sure it is a good deal – but with the wages outlay for Bellamy’s swap with Camara (net £25K a week?) Henchoz (who will be on a premiership wage) + Balde’s increase (wouldn’t be surprised if it is another £10K a week or more on his existing deal) what cash will be left for the big spree in the summer? Offloading the benchwarmers in the summer is now an absolute must.
I suppose the gamble on giving Bobo a big contract can be balance by 2 positive factors.
1. We have secured a player we all know can do a job and is capable of putting in a blinder.
2. We have secured a sellable asset should we want to punt him in the summer to Middlesbrough for 10 times the 600K that was supposedly on offer yesterday.
So all in all another good day at the office for MON.
Hail Hail
JPM
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Once Henchoz regains match fitness, a back three with Bobo as the 'spare' man, would be a good option for us - Never the distributor.
Hopefully we will also see more variation in attack, that comes with strikers of complementary qualities.
Recently it has seemed that the team has become like Old 1-0 Arsenal/Wimbledon/Cliff Thorburn stylistically in terms of long stretches of our play (A McG excluded). It's hard to appreciate a grinding long game, especially in the dead of winter.
A couple of open, flowing 3,4,5-nil gubbings will help demoralise the dross and get that GD acting as an extra point.
HF
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Hi Paul and other Tims,
Great news about the Big Man! My work mates were like most Tims in their views of Bobo - been a great servant, done the business, scared US sh**less at times, but NEVER shirked anything. Only times he let us down were through over exuberence, a fault, but much better than the disdain you saw across in Mordor last year. Must be a great, long term signing, strengthening the team for the future, the right age profile, the right attitude, someone who is happy in Paradise.
Now for Lenny and Jackie - then the Kids can start being brought in. Hoopy days!
By the way, if anyone is in any doubt about Bellers, you should have seen the short interview tonight (Tuesday) with the Beastmeister down in Newcastle - he was TOTALLY brassed off, he could hardly talk about it. Conclusion? The last place he wanted Bellers to end up was in Paradise! His 'special friendship with David' has been a bit dented, it would seem.
Yup, though the Blessed Martin put us through it again, this time it worked and we are undoubtedly better and stronger than we were on the 1st. of January.
No harm to Klos, the nearest thing you could get to a decent Ranker, but it was long overdue that the Orcs should be put to the test of playing without their most inspirational player. The 20th. Feb is now the REALLY big one.
Wonder if Bazza will bawl if things don't go their way?
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As one who would have said take the money Martin I'm surprised to find that I'm more than pleased that Bobo has re-signed most probably because for me it has sent out all the right signals regarding the club's ambitions and I'm prepared as of now to cease the doubting. Oh and of course it has that other added bonus of making that other lot even sicker than they were before the Bellamy signing.They must have been breathing a collective sigh of relief at the thought of not seeing Bobo's large presence in their penalty box after the summer. Lord whatever next - not football on the ground surely? I'm off into a quiet corner to recover.
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By the way for all the Fargo fans I would point out that Dianne's interpretation of Fargo's signing predictions did include "the flea" Will Craig Bellamy take that as simply being vertically challenged or that he's regarded as a pest:>)?
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Hi Bhoys and Ghirls,
Quick second post of the night, now I've got my breath back.
Anyone know an update on Wee Shaun? Last seen trotting out for the Reserves a few weeks ago (or was it the Under-19's?), but since disappeared - anyone know waht's happening? The Club are very quiet.
Also, what about yer man Beattie - anyone know how he's progressing?
Players like them coming back into the reckoning as we head into spring would be an extra boost ('cos we need one, don't we?!)
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It must be a dream. God next minute Kylie is going to knock at my door and profess her undying love for me, get down on her knees and.... I am getting too excited!!
Can this really be happening!!
Not getting carried away but the smug smiles of the Daily Rangers and the Orcs have been locked firmly in the closet.
The signing of Bellamy is a masterstroke for three reasons.
1) pace-he has it, we did not (we have now!)
2) he will be a good addition and will score goals and make assists aplenty
3) the signing firmly undermined the signing of Baz completely. What a mastermind (MON)! To think we would have heard how with the signing of the heid bammer would once again see the power swinging across the city once again. NOT! Remember the last time for a whole six days.
Of the gloating, it is so painful!!!
Great news for Bobo (despite his limitations). Henchoz once fit will be a shrewd addition.
Nect stop Jackie and Lennon.
Onwards to the league and the double
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Hail hail,
Bobo resigning another boost. I also thought if he's going, thanks for a good job although a few major gaffes over the years but relatively easy to find another big bloke who's good at jumping, heading and not afraid to get hurt. However, resigning means stability and concentrate on strengthening other areas.
I thought Laursen had another good game on Sunday by the way.I always thought he looked good at Hibs and was glad when he signed, played well when he got a run in the Seville team, around about the Blackburn ties.Became the forgotton man when he was injured and had personal problems, (who hasn't!) but a bit unfair to lump him in with the 'benchwarmers,' (Sylla, Fernandez rarely,) but credit where it's due lately.
Anyone else think he deserves some time to establish himself? Maybe hes the reason MON didn't address the 'problem left back spot.'
Anyway, looking good for the double and everyone seems to be on a high.
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Two players to benefit from our new signings could be Juninho and Balde.
Now I know Juninho is probably less likely to get a game now with Sutty going into midfield but when he does get a game i think our style of football will suit him better with Bellamy in the team.
Another to benefit could be Balde as I've always said that he would be a better player if he had an organizer beside him. Now I'm not an expert on Henchoz but if he is an organizer then this could be just what Balde needs. He isn't the quickest but Balde can make up for that.
Maybe 3 at the back is on it's way back and another player to benefit from that if it does would be McGeady. A good lesson was learned by playing games on either wing but his best position is behind the front two and a back 3 would allow that. I know similar to Juninho above these signings might limit his games but to the effect when he gets a game it is in a better position for him.
In fact the more I think about it the more I think MON might very well be thinking of a 3-5-2 formation. Given his reluctance to let Juninho go when there was interest and he was wanting to go and it would have got him off the payroll you never know.
Juninho is a good player but he can really only play in one position. Behind the front two which means a 3-5-2 formation or something other than the current 4-4-2. Playing wide is not his position and he isn't good enough to play as a striker or even off the main striker so you never know.
Tonybhoy
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A HUGE well done to MON and the board for the recent signings and re-signings. A fantatsic piece of business completed. The buzz is back amongst the fans, I can't wait for East End on Sunday. Someone is due a gubbing so can we hold back until 20th ??
I don't know where this leaves the big spending spree in the summer with Henchoz and Bellamy on a promise.
Neg Anon said anything to put a dampner on things yet ??
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And - I've been dancing like that Muller Lite advert with the Nina Simone song 'I've got life' all day !!
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The Bobo re-signing, is quite simply sensational, given all the indications of last week. Martin & The Board must be given full credit.
Bobo's not without his faults, but as I debated on a recent thread, give me a centre half whose primary objective is to defend and clear his lines over a ball playing centre half - anyday. Remember the goals we used to lose pre-MON because centre half's often opted to let the ball bounce once (to control and pass) rather than heading clear? Not with Big Bobo! The big man would rather run 20 yards to head a ball first time, and that'll do me. He has lost us very very few goals in his 4 years at Paradise, even though his form has sometimes been indifferent this year.
What is often overshadowed by his strength & heading ability is his pace, followed by excellent timing in the tackle, and that would have been a big miss for us had he departed.
Oh aye - and the huns always sh1te it, every time he even looks at them. them. Bobo's gonnae get ye. He'll do me. All the best big man.
Another point about this (re) signing. The big sticking point with Bobo last year was the term of contract, Bobo wanting a long one, the club (presumably on financial grounds) a shorter one. Bobo got his way, but probably because there is now a higher level of finance available for players. Bobo is on around £30k per week for 4.5 years. That's £6.75m of an investment. Add to this the Bellamy scenario. The club has a option in the loan contract to buy him for £5.5m in the summer. I think it's fair to assume that the boeard are serious about this - they had a similar clause in the Camara loan deal - and even the most anti-board blogger would have to agree that it's unlikely the board would set themselves up for a scenario where 1) We win the league and Bellamy is a sensation. 2) Bellamy wants to stay 3) We have the option to buy but board refuse due to lack of funds.
So.....if he signs say, a 3 year deal at same wages (£45k per week), plus £500k to NUFC, plus 6 months wages during loan deal - I make that an investment of £8.3m.
That's serious dosh - on 2 players alone. Could be that Paul67 has been spot on with next Summer's budget?
It's been a great couple of days to be a Celt.
We Shall Not Be Moved.
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What does a negative anon say at a time like this.......
Well I say - a huge well done to MON and indeed the board on a brilliant piece of opportunism. More than that - well done to MON on Bobo - the loyalty he engenders in players is remarkable. I know many of you were a bit sceptical about Bobo - but I'm very happy yo retain him - his best is yet to come.
Where does this leave my view - well I always said I'd be delighted to be wrong - I just hope I continue to be wrong. My theory remains intact - no value will appear on balance sheets etc. The share game is still afoot.
The real test of the board's ambition comes in the summer. It is no co-incidence that both Henchoz and Bellamy are on short contracts. Summer 05 will tell us all we need to know. My jury remains out. But as stated I hope Paul is right in his views
This was a piece of opportunism and the planets seem to have aligned in Celtic's favour. To all the malcontents out there I say - take some credit - the pressure exerted has had some impact here. Negative Anons also have the right to be pleased here - without it the board would certainly ignore. We face ridicule - but everyone benefits from the eternal vigilence.
In summary - for the rest of this season the chess board is set, the pieces are ready and the game is now well and truely afoot. No more can be done and the board has done enough (just) to allow us all to get behind the cause without feeling they are taking the mickey - lets all take the lead in reinvigorating that special Celtic Park atmosphere.
We Shall not be moved.....
Hail Hail to all - let summer wait and the fight for this season truelly begin.
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Bobo is an enigma, on form he is an awesome sight, off form, we lose major domestic & European finals & fail to progress in the CL!! To get the best of Bobo we need defenders of real composure either side of him, this accentuates the need for a quality left back in the summer. On balance, I am satisfied, yet not thrilled with the contract extension.
Rangers spending as usual seems excessive, even if you accept £8,000,000 for Boumsong ( at this point you are witnessing fat pink things hovering above you) & £100,000 for Hughes, the combined fees of Bazza, £5,000,000 Buffel £2,300,000, Kyrgiakos, £1,750,000 & Waterreus £100,000, seem to me to be , well excessive! Even if you factor in down payments & the like, the gross spend suggests they have more elasticity on their overdraft than Michelle McManus has on her breeks!! Can you shed some light on this one Paul??
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Gregbhoy posting
For a negative anon, you're sounding pretty chipper tonight, beneath that sceptical exterior there's clearly a positive, glass-half-full sort of anon struggling to get out. I thought you put it most eloquently tonight (though I think the board have done more than just enough over the past few weeks, from Hartson's re-signing up until today) - its all set up nicely for the summer, which is when the true test will come. My instinct is that Paul is close to the truth, the investment which the board are making now does not make sense in the context of a 4 month make sure of the league plan. I suspect that more is to come. But like you say, there's no excuses for not getting behind the team and making our new signings, our re-signings, and our not-going anywhere's feel that there is no better place to play football than Celtic Park.
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Must say, despite still having doubts over his composure, I am delighted with Big Bobo's decision to stay with us. Just ask any forward in Scotland if they would have liked to have seen the back of him. He is the most physically imposing and powerful player I have ever seen in Scottish football. Replacing him would have cost a good few million.
However, I have to disagree with those who assume we will now revert to three big 'uns at the back. Three players to fill two vitally-important positions is hardly an extravagance, especially as Bobo and BIG Stan have had to play through injuries this season. I reckon Henchoz will get a game in the next couple of weeks to give Varga and Balde well-deserved rests. Then there will no doubt be one or t'other either injured or suspended.
Laursen has left back sewn up for now with McManus pushing hard for a place. McNamara will do fine at right back until Agathe recovers. McGeady will get a rest as MON plumps for Petrov, Sutton, Lennon and Thompson across midfield. And the two Bhoyos up front will run riot.
Especially against Julie Andrews and that Greek geek.
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The comments make great reading tonight guys, a real pleasure.
Negative Anon, your words of praise to our board lends real gravitas to the situation. I know you tried to water it down a bit further down your comment, but we can all tell how pleased and surprised you are.
Keep it up my friend, support the direction Celtic are moving in, we will need all voices to drown out the inevitable sniping which will come our way soon enough.
Morethanjustaclub
I don’t know how Rangers will be financing this one, but I am pretty sure that Murray was going to lose a manager and as a result have the mother of all bad publicity if he didn’t.
However the deal has been made, the important point is that they have used every last ounce of finance for some time to come. Losing four out of five leagues will only be the start of their problems.
I see another summer of blood letting coming up at Ibrox.
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Morning Paul,and fellow tims
Negative Anon,I would just like to say well done on your last posting.It takes a good man to change his mind and admit that he even might be wrong,particularly
where feelings for the 'tic are concerned.Nothing personal , but I hope you have to change your mind in the summer too.
P.S re post on last thread.I never thought Bobo would go.Most of the players who get a game seem to be immensely happy where they are.Just like most of us.
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Hi Paul,
Savour the moment, as the website hasn't been as unified in a while. I'm sure it is representative of the fans at large and we will get the lift we need at the games. Let's hear it at CP, lets lift the team for the run-in and be the 12th man again. (No offence ladies).
YNWA
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I know it is maybe early days to suggest this,but is the lure of the Premiership also-rans maybe starting to fade?
Bellamy and Captain Disloyal swapping England for Scotland and Balde rejecting the chance of more cash at Boro to stay at our beloved Hoops.
It wasn't so long ago that ant player with a decent season behind him was looking for a move to England,but events of the last few days would suggest that although this has not exactly gone full circle,players are starting to think twice about making the move to low quality Premiership sides.
If the fans are starting to turn off to these teams and players are starting to question their moves,this must surely lend weight to the "EPL 2007" debate.
Totally unrelated,saw Big Feck stating that he was interested in Bellamy too,but already had his quota of loan players.I thought Kyrgiakos was signed for nearly £2 million?
Another untruth from our beloved tabloids!!!
Anyway,roll on Sunday,I can hardly wait.
BankieBhoy
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“ Bobo’s gona staaaaaay ”
That’s 1 headline I didn’t think I would be reading today.
Well done the big man.
Well done MON.
Well done CELTIC.
Well done the board.
Hail Hail!!!!
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Another great piece of business by the board and MON, I genuinely thought the big man was away. I suppose it shows what a united dressing room MON has created, that our players are more than happy to stay despite interest from EPL clubs. There's certainly a lot of competition for places now, and doesnt that make a welcome change. As things stand at the minute, I'd opt for a 3-5-2 of:
--------Marshall
---Henchoz Sutton Bobo
Jackie------------Thompson
------Petrov Lennon
---------McGeady
----Bellamy Hartson
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Paul, what do you think about this?
Peter Kenyon.....
Kenyon said:'They would bring with them very big support but whether that adds to the economic enhancement of English football I still think has not been proven.
'I know they'd like to find a way into the Premiership or into English football. I think it is fraught with dangers and difficulties and if there is a solution at all it won't happen quickly.
Do you think he is unaware of any moves for 2007 integration as you have predicted?
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Paul,
Negative Anon raises a very valid point with regards to Balde signing a new contract. How will this be portrayed on the balance sheets of Celtic?
Will they be left at very little or will his book value increase short term with him only being 29, and an asset at the moment. If this were the case then will, in his case, long term amorisation take place?
I am not from an accounting background, but would appreciate the views of guys who know their stuff.
Cheers
Newarthill John
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I totally echo the sentiments from everyone else. It's a great time to be a Tim. November seems like such a long time ago and the doom and gloom has been replaced with a very welcome feeling of anticipation and excitement. Long may it continue.
Bellamy's signing is one which excites me. Is he available to play on Sunday (can you be cup-tied if you played in the FA Cup?)? The anticipation of seeing his debut on Sunday makes me draw comparisons with another debut I witnessed at Tynecastle about 10 years ago. We made the massive outlay of £350k to sign Willie Falconer. I only mention this as it is important to remember how far we have come. This IS a top signing. This IS progress.
I am also pleased to see Balde stay. Like a lot of others, I would have taken the money for him, as he has frustrated me on many occassions. But the big man is a hard worker, he clears his lines as a priority (although he needs to cut out the occassions when he tries to be fancy), and he WANTS to stay with Celtic. On reflection, I think the plusses outweigh the minuses with Bobo and I am glad he is staying. Would be interested to know what the deal was though, as I wouldn't be happy if he was on the 40k a week that the meeja quoted. Any news on the contract he signed?
Another heartening point for me, is that the huns really don't seem to have learnt the lesson of poor financial management. They have spent all of the Boumsong money (and more) and have increased their wage bill as a result. Have they forgotten that they are skint? There will be tremendous pressure on them to qualify for the CL next season, and with 2 qualifying games, they could be up against it. Failure to qualify may see them facing up to even more financial hardship. This transfer window has re-affirmed to me that they really don't have a clue how to run a business or a football club.
Happy days.
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Anon
I heard the Peter Kenyon interview, he stuck to the party line. It is not his place to start whipping up news about Celtic and Rangers. Nothing that is said on the record will vary from this for the time being.
I am working on another big piece about the move to the EPL which should help further clarify things, hope to publish next week.
Newarthill John
As Balde was a free transfer he was never represented on the balance sheet and will still not be. The loan signing of Bellamy will not impact on the balance sheet either, although if he signs for £5million in the summer this amount will be added to our intangible fixed asset value on the balance sheet (though there will be a corresponding draw down on cash).
Brian74
The best thing about Bobo signing is that we do not lose him for nothing. There is every chance that we will sell him in 18 months for a couple of million.
Spot in with your assessment about Rangers. They are now living with that ‘loser’ tag that we knew so well. It is hard to do business from this position.
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BankieBhoy,
The Greek Kneetrembler was signed for six months, until June, to see how his knee stands up to the rigours of the SPL. The Orcs then have an OPTION for a further two years, IF they think he is worth the risk.
You're right, it wasn't widely nor loudly reported in what passes for our media.
What happens if HE doesn't want to take up the offer I don't know - could you see him using the next few months to get fit then organise a move to the continent? Surely not!
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These indeed are the happiest of times, & I join in the congratulations to MON & the board. I do think though, that the turn of events on Monday was down more to good fortune than to preparation % planning.We always welcome a bit of good luck, but the God's were indeed smiling on Paradise on this occasion, or as Neg. Anon has already said, the planets did seem to align in favour of the Chosen People.
We went into the final day of the transfer window with only the signing of Henchoz secured.The 2 players brought in on trial had not impressed & were being moved on. We looked like being forced into paying more than our valuation for Hartley & Bobo was on his way south.Who could have guessed that our old nemesis, Graeme Souness, & his infamous temper would have changed everything?
Suddenly, we had secured the flair player that we all craved.
Bobo, no doubt seeing the evidence of Celtic's ambition, changes his mind & decides that he wants to stay, & the Hartley move can be put on the back burner.
All in all, one of the best days in recent Celtic history.
Tommy Burns would tell us that it's better to be a lucky manager than a good manager, but it's a bonus that the Blessed Martin appears to be both.
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Would like to echo Bbankie bhoy's comment on the relative "attractiveness" of mid table EPL teams....
I have never understood the claim that the EPL is the best league in the owrld....at present it is at best a two team race.....it could possibly be a three horse race..and that assumes that Chelsea don't continue with their unlimited spending...
it contains world renowned giants like West Brom...Crystal Palace...Norwich.....
At long last it seems that some players have actually understood that no matter what league you play in, there can only be a resticted number of "big " teams....Celtic and Rangers are "big" teams....the decisions made by Bobo and indeed Bazza illustrate that playing here has its attractions...even Bellamy realised that joining Birmingham was a downward step from where he was....hopefully he will realise over the next 4 months that he has joined a truly "big" team....we have started to rebuild a reputation in Europe....hopefully the lst few days have shown that our board and manager can see that further progress is possible....and that the necessary investment can be made...
Finally I really enjoyed Souness' petted lip.....Bellamy has only averaged 9 goals a season...not good enough for Newcastle....etc..
......could that average be linked to the fact that he has had fairly lengthy spells out injured and that a ceratin mananger kept playing him on the wing???
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Has Souness not just shot himself in the foot? How can he claim Bellamy is not a top class striker blah, blah, and hope to sell him for £5/£6m in the summer. I'm sure old Freddie Shephard's none too pleased.
All the best.
GM
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First time poster, excellent web site, your playing a blinder Paul, blah blah blah - whats that? - your having a go at me? - right that’s it - I'm off - and I wont be back.
GORAF
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Right thinking caps on lhads and lhassies, the talk of the town at the mo is all about this summers money and how it should be spent... this 5 year cycle and all.
Well I believe there are several key issues that should be looked at.... this involves various combo's of MON,teh Board, an sfa/uefa delegare and maybe sky sitting around and discussing these...
1) EPL - some views are that well be playing there within 3 years, this surely would greatly affect the 5 year plan and maybe make it a 2-3 year plan
2) Our means of revenue - e.g. stadium name / sponsor...bring on the Hula Hoops / heinze spaghetti hoops stadium.. maybe even Parker Head (the pens)
3) Squad size make-up - there is a lot off talk of limited squad size, youth players (who may not need be from scotland) and scottish players, if it was (AHEM) British/Irish playersat the mo i think were alright..but scots... might hsave to look at naysmith again. Why else are ourselves, arsenal and manure scouting all over for youth players.
4)Squad age - by the end of this 5 year plan how many current players will be about Marshall? Kennedy (pray)? Pearo??? Petrov? Bobo?? Bellers?? McGeady? with a few other youth players. Sutty,Lenny,lambo,bbj,TWF,THOMMO, joos,jinky would all be gone or atleast in Lambo coaching mode. So this money needs to by players that over next 2 years would be capable of gradually talking over from the core.
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Andy C
Havnt been able to post for a while but a point about formations etc
- All those suggesting MON now reverts to 3-5-2 - have you considered who you would leave out? i.e
Presuming you played the 3 big lads(balde, henchoz,varga) where would this leave Laursen(who I think is a good player) and mcnamara(agathe would surely be given right wing back pos given his pace and previous exploits).
Taking this formation u could have several permutations:
1) Keeper(marshal or douglas)
(new keeper in summer, rid of hedman)
henchoz balde varga
Agathe Lennon Petrov Thompson
sutton
Bellamy Hartson
2) henchoz balde varga
Mcgeady Lennon Petrov Thompson
Sutton
Bellamy Hartson
3) sutton balde varga(henchoz when fit)
Mcgeady Lennon Petrov Thompson
(or agathe)
Juninho(or mcgeady)
Bellamy Hartson
There are other options for 3-5-2 but I think MON will stick with 4-4-2.
The problem then is who plays right and left back:-
When agathe is fit, does he go 2 right back and jackie go to left back(laursen would drop out).
then who plays right wing? -think Mcgeady should but will petrov continue to be played out of position there?!
and then if 4-4-2 were played where would sutton fit in presuming hartson and bellamy upfront, although id rather see Sutton and bellamy together in 4-4-2.
My team would be:
Keeper (undecided
Agathe Balde Varga Laursen
Mcgeady Lennon Petrov Thompson
Sutton Bellamy
This leaves out Mcnamara and Hartson but then how to accomodate all your best players in 11 places eh?!
Your thoughts people.
Andy C
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Well the good news iss that for once we have options... anyone else fell that aginast a fair few spl clubs we could get away with the 3 upfront (subs)
Marshall (Dougie)
Didi Bobo Vara
McGeady Jinky Petrov Thommo (Lenny, twf, wallace)
Hartson,bellers,sutton (Beattie or maloney on fitness)
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Belfast Bhoy, you raise a good point which I had not considered, we should be working on a two year budget with 2007 looming.
This would limit how much we give MON this summer, but would be the correct thing to do.
Name the stadium anything short of the Britannia Insurance Stadium. I know that commercialism is not wanted by many, but the alternative is to charge Celtic fans more money or to do without.
The Uefa proposal on youth players does not consider their nationality, so we can scout anywhere, and older Scots who we have not developed are no use for this purpose.
The core of the squad has actually whittled away over the last year; Larsson, Mjalby, Valgaeren, Lambert have all gone. I expect Lennon to be used more sparingly this coming season.
Andy, I agree that I would prefer a 4-4-2. How about:
New Keeper
McNamara, Henchoz, Varga, New-Left-Back
New-Right-Winger, Sutton, Petrov, Thompson
Hartson, Bellamy
McNamara is better with the ball at his feet than Agathe, and this is what I am looking for in all my defenders. I have given Henchoz the nod over Bobo totally unseen, though I am hoping that he is a footballer.
If I exclude Lennon and McNamara (as they will not be going anywhere) Bobo was left until last to get a new contract offer. I suspect that this indicates that we want to keep him, but are not dependant on him. I expect Bobo to be sold in 18 months for a couple of million once we have adequate cover.
I think McGeady will be rested soon, and have to accept that he needs it. Juninho will be parting company with us as soon as someone asks for him.
Three players, as well as the two on trial working out, are all that I think we need. Given the correct circumstances that might not cost too much either. No need for £20million.
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Paul
A question following on from your reply re Balde and the balance sheet. Am I correct in assuming that accounting rules allow for the plc to choose whether or not it reflects the value of assets (players) brought in through free transfers or via the development scheme in the balance sheet since there was no acquisition cost and it is simply Celtic's accounting policy which means that no value will be attached to Balde who would obviously now be worth ?m on the open market having re-signed?
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Derbyshirebhoy
No. All UK clubs use the same accounting policies when it comes to balance sheet values of players. Although there are not actual hard and fast rules on these things, for anyone to step outside the accepted norm would take a significant reason. Their auditor would also be held to account for allowing it.
All UK auditors only allow clubs to value a player if that value has been proven in the market. If you get a player for free, develop a player, receive an offer of £20million for a player, these issues have no bearing on a players balance sheet value, which only reflects transfer fees paid.
Also, all clubs amortise the initial value over the period of the contract.
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Paul,
I am indeed pleased and suprised - you say I am watering it down a bit - but the truth will out in the summer and I repeat that I really do hope you are correct.
One question (and something you never addressed) - do you think that the board would have agreed to Belamy if they hadn't been under pressure from the support (and it has been 3 and a half years since we made a major signing)?
As for resignings and balance sheets - as Paul says no value is written to the balance sheet - the value is simply too intangible to count. Hence, according to my theory of devaluation, re-signings are fine by the board - they keep us happy and they don't commit us to adding any value to the balance sheet.
Signing new players of any significant value is simply not part of the game plan.
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Greetings, Paul67 et al,
Well my dear friend Paul67, I am enraptured("There goes that word again".....)now that you have confounded your Critics and achieved a well earned Vindication of your Prognostications.("Where have I heard that one, before,Boss??"..... mused Vito.
I have said it once and I liked the sound of it, so I will say it again.......'Paul67, You are right on track to become the Best Celtic Family Blog,in Cyberspace!'
You have gathered around you, a whole eager Covey of Celtic Happy Bhoys.It was very satisfying to read all of the Gleeful Comments made, lately, regarding Mr. O'Neill's totally unforeseen("To some,Boss..." ......." I know ,Vito... to some.) But Kudo's must go to Mademoiselle Diane. She interpreted, Fargo's last predictions, very well. Even as far as the new Player of Diminutive Stature and of being totally unexpected,by many. Of course, her Father thought that Fargo was referring the Legendary "flea"..... but Fargo was not. He was describing his own thoughts on the irritating and uncomfortable personality and the waif-like and frail stature, of the unheralded Newcomer. Never the less Diane, ma chere, Fargo gives you a Tip of the Hat for your yeogirl effort . I give you a 9.99999.
Before I leave, I must warn you, one and all.
There is a whole multitude of unexpected events scheduled to take place, this year.........("Hold onto your,Hats,Guys......... You ain't seen nuttin' yet!!!....."Vito....... That will be enough!!}
Must be off and running, things are getting so Equestrian lately.
Must be something that I ate. (I am sure that you know exactly from where I am coming, Paul67, but so far I have all parties on the run.)
Pip,Pip... And....Toodle OOOOOOOh!( Little Anglo ....for a Change!)
Fargo, Longchamp.
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Negative Anon
There seems to be a schizophrenic nature to your arguments about the Celtic board.
On one hand you say they will not listen to the fans and that they have no intention of spending any money and they treat us with contempt.
You then suggest the only reason they have signed Bellamy is to keep the fans quiet.
You can't have it both ways.They are in a no-win situation with you.They are either showing us complete contempt by spending no money or they are a weak board making signings as a means of appeasing the fans.
Your contempt for the present board is obvious and is there for all to see.But I fail to see what good your comtempt and negativity ever achieves.
BankieBhoy
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I concur.
ANON - Stand up and be counted, will you?
Get a user name and join the debate.
Ta!
B
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Greetings all
Sorry to repeat those who have posted previously but I must pass on my congratulations to the Board for finally realising that MON needs a little bit of financial backing to build a team that all the fans hope for and deserve. They can now say that the squad has been maintained and improved.
The team is for the first time in a few seasons going forward.
Congratulations must also go to Paul for sort of predicting that we might get two big transfers in ....thankfully one of them wasn't Liam Miller- I will forget this minor indiscretion...
The Jury is still out on the £20m in the summer....one concern I have is that Craig Bellamy will totally break the wage structure at the club and may not accept a decrease in wages....
All we need now is a left back, and a back up for Lennon....
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Well done BoBo, you know when you've been adopted !!!
Been browsing SJP type sites recently, just to get their feeling about the Bellamy/Beast thing.
My interpretation is that a lot of them want 666 out (he's destroying everyhing that Sir Bobby put in place), they feel that their squad is being depleted (although Boumsong gets a good mention even tho' he's hamstrung most of the time) plus they're dreading getting huumped by Chelsea - FA cup? -
BUT a LOT of THEM want BELLAMY back (fair enough you might think) BUT with MON & Co in tow as well !!!
OK, we may be in a CRAP league, but a lot of these clubs should get a grip. If it wasn't for their TV money, theirs wouldn't be much better.
In the great scheme of things you get dizzy looking down at the likes of Newcastle, Birmingham, Middlesboro, ...
I might be wrong but the last time NU won anything, Ronnie Simpson was a nipper in goal for them...
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Hello fellow tims.
I know that this goes against the grain, really against the grain, but I think that we should all hope that Newcastle have a meteoric rise up the table from now until the rest of the season if we are harbouring any hopes of keeping Craig Bellamy beyond his loan deal.
Be in no doubt, Souness has went out on a limb over "Bellamygate" and he certainly wont have to look far to see that the writing will be on the wall for him should his course of action not bring success.
I dont think that he was the choice of many in Tyneside to replace Sir Bobby and unless he starts to turn it around I think it will be "bring Bellamy back and sack Souness" come the end of the season. Lets hope not.
Negative Anon:
Have a word with yourself man. No, really.
On the one hand you come on here on a regular basis to pan the board for not investing in the team and now that we have made a fantastic signing that will definitely improve the team you come on to pan them once again......... change the record.
Incidently Paul,I dont think that we can count on Mr Gold endorsing our move to the EPL , he was quite scathing about Celtic pinching Bellamy, " big team in a crap league" type of thing.
I think that we have made an enemy there and hopefully this doesn't come back to haunt us.
On the other hand, Craig has opened many peoples eyes down south, people who would never have believed that a top player in the EPL would EVER prefer to play in the SPL with Celtic when there were premiership clubs willing to take him.
It says a lot for MON and the Celtic board that we have pulled off THE signing of the transfer window and I take my hat off to all concerned, well done.
Hail, hail from sunny Craigneuk.
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Neg Anon, lets not spoil the entente cordial with what the board might have done due to fans being unhappy. Unless they are made of Teflon they will not be immune to fan pressure, however, I maintain that they have always spent money when they have had it. You have mistaken the boards strategy. Lets look forward, back your board.
Fargo, thanks for your hearty support again. I look forward to a whole range of unexpexted events this year. I have a wee post up my sleeve for next week which is designed to mix-it a bit.
Rumoid, thanks for your credit. I suspect that the summer spend will be less than the £20million which will be financially possible. As I said above, they are not made of Teflon and may well give the fans what they want; a spend every year, not a big splash at the start.
Craigneukbhoy, Bellamy has fallen foul of the board at Newcastle as well. He will not go back there.
What teams are likely to be able to attract him? When he has knocked back the likes of Birmingham (don’t worry about Gold) there are only a few teams that would be candidates and I am not sure that he would prefer Villa or Middlesbrough to Celtic.
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I find responses to what I have said very odd.
My position is certainly not schizophrenic. I am delighted at the signing of Belamy - all i have pointed out is that my overall view of what is going on remains intact (i.e. the club won't actually buy anyone - loan deals and re-signings fit the bill for the board - actually buying anyone doesn't.
All I am pointing out is that the board felt under considerable pressure in that they had to do something significant (fans are bored, restless etc) - and I congratulated them for taking the opportunity which presented itself. This is understandable and reflects well on a support which refuses to be gullible.
How on earth is this a criticism of the board being weak and appeassing the supporters???
BLennon - my name is Hamish McHamish and I live at The Mound, Edinburgh - there - you now know me as well as you know anyone on this site - grow up! We all post under assumed names here - at least you know you are discussing the same points with the same person when there is a name attached.
As for negativity achieving something - thats exactly the point I am making - pressure does achieve results - just ask all the charities, pressure groups, lobbyists, marchers, protesters etc around the world.
How the hell am I panning the board when I am simply being consistent and actually praising them for doing something right.
The problem with some of the "board apologists" on this site is that their minds are so closed to any alternative view. I WANT to be wrong. I was DELIGHTED to be wrong during this transfer window. I will be the HAPPIEST supporter at CP if the predictions of Paul in the summer come true. Some of you simply peddle the same stuff - come hail, rain or shine. Thats your choice. If I was really being inconsistent then you can criticise - but I'm not an I'm not panning the board (on this occasion).
If you really want to have a wee club were you all agree and you are all the same then go for it - but it'll be a sad loss of a good site for most.
I repeat - how on earth do you interpret I am panning the board here - they have a strategy and they are sticking to it - but at least they have made the effort to keep us happy.
I see Fargo is telling us who is about to invest in the forthcoming share issue - interesting times indeed.
As a footnote - I'm sitting and listening to Rangers TV (otherwise known as the BBC) - with Dougie Donnelly, Watty Smith and Gordon Smith as the "impartial" panel. They are gleeful and its a sad reflection on the society we live in.
Instead of attacking me perhaps you should focus on them.
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Thanks Paul & Neg. Anon for your comment re balance sheet treatment. It does tend to confirm for me the idea that any club possessing players of the right age and length of contract might well be undervalued and attractive to someone who chose to acquire the club with a view to asset stripping.
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Neg Anon I see your viewpoint as being entirely logical and consistent. You simply credit the board’s motivation in recent events as being down to supporter disenchantment and pressure whilst being pleased with the result. Paul sees it differently. It'd be a pretty boring site if we all felt the same about everything.
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I thought that Bellamy had been incredibly clear about being mad about Newcastle & wishing that he didn't need to leave there. I'd imagine that if he gets his way then he'll be back at Newcastle as soon as Souness gets the sack.
Not so sure that any board tantrums would prevent this - as long as they player's happy with the (new) manager, surely the board can take a back seat and not be too vocal about previous disagreements??
Just to get back on track, unless Bobo improves or at least gets back to the good form he's previously shown, I'd accept any reasonable bid for him. Even this summer. Still, I am delighted that he's signed again - that on top of the Bellamy signing had me dancing round the room!
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Neg Anon, Fargo dropped a wee hint for anyone tuned in there. If the move comes in the next five months all your Christmas’s will come in August, and I promise you, there will be no looking back.
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Congrats to the board and MON for an excellent month of squad consolidation and improvement. Can't wait for the Dunfermline game now.
However, contrary to some opinion on this site the double is not yet won. Remember how eurphoric most of us were when Juninho signed? Bellamy still has to pull on the shirt and do the business for us. Henchoz is apparently far from match fit.
Perhaps I am just reacting to some of the silly comments from posters to what Neg Annon has to say.
May I suggest he is only keeping a broad perspective. We are not at summer 2005 yet, nor have we spent what we all hope will be substantial millions, though I am quietly optimistic it will happen...Damn!
I blame you Paul and your infectious upbeat CQN. Why, if it wasn't for CQN and those pesky posters, why, I'd be only quietly realistic..an' I'd h've gotten away with it to.
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Negative Anon, I apologise for my rant.
Paul, as someone not so clued up with Fargo's cryptic clues could you please drop us mere mortals a hint?
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Negative Anon
It would seem to me that we are all very much the same.We all want the best for Celtic,that is certain.However,we don't necessarily agree on how it is to be,or is being, achieved.
One thing I would say is that as a would be "board apologist" please do not assume that I do not think there could be ulterior motives for the boards signing policy,for example.I am a realist not a fantasist.
I welcome your opinions on matters such as these.The difference between us is that until provided with damning evidence to the contrary,I will back them 100%.You take a more sceptical approach.Because of the person that I am I find this difficult to comprehend but I respect your stance nonetheless.
BankieBhoy
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Craigneukbhoy, the equestrian fixation. Now who do we know that likes horses?
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Just seen a superb goal on sky there, Striker takes it on the run at pace forced slighty wide but lashes a left foot screamer into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Now either there are TWO Henri Camara's or the English Premiership is as bad as we thought.The sooner we get down to that one horse town the better.
Brian G
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Paul - must admit the prospect of what could happen is rather fantastic.
Craigneukbhoy - no bother - as you know I am prone to the odd rant (or 10) myself!!!
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Never really one to comment on Fargo's posts, but surely he doesn't mean The Coolmore Mafia ?
That seems a little to easy to me, for fargo to make such an obvious clue or maybe he trying to win over the ones with an IQ no where near 190 :)
Pretty score line for them tonight, but still nothing to worry about, although the red tops will sing their praises tomorrow, the result looked a lot to do with a very very poor DUFC back line, to me anyway.
Nice to see the away game is sold out this week, maybe the signings have got the interest back into the fans.
Now the Balde has his future sorted lets hope the big man gets back to his best, roll on the huns game.
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I was looking again at Fargo's post and find it strange that he was saying that as predicted "the flea" had arrived at Celtic Park.
However,am I right in saying that particular post was weeks ago,therefore how could anyone have known that Bellamy would fall out with Souness,get transfer-listed and then come on loan to the Hoops!!
The Lord God is truly moving in mysterious ways?
There are definitely things happening in Timdom,not sure this is related but it has got me puzzled.
Bellshill Tim
Watched bits of the game.Without wishing to sound too dismissive of the Huns,I don't think i've ever been less impressed by a team winning 7-1!!
Roll on the 20th February.
The new investors would seem to be obvious.Lets wait and see what transpires.
BankieBhoy
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First of all, can I assure readers of this site they don't know how lucky they are. During the Bellamy-Ferguson nailbiting finish I was tempted to try out some other messageboards for up-to-date info, including one from the other side. Those linked to Celtic contained plenty that was embarassing and cringe-worthy. The one linked to TFOD was pure bile. If you think Scotland has freed itself from the poison of sectarianism, just log on. You all know which one I mean.
Anyway, back to tonight's thoughtful discussions on this site, I feel like dancing a wee jig at seeing Negative Anon and Fargo back in situ and as entertaining as ever. They are mainstays of this intelligent debate, where the Devil's Advocate is balanced by the Rhyming Mystic, with poor Paul sitting as umpire in between.
Negative Anon, I lo |
