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Does anyone else think £2m is a tad high for a Pole? I know it's not a fair way of looking at it but I'd say we'd be looking for up to £2m for BBJ and he has a more recognisable pedigree and is more of a household name.
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Edgar Davids and Christian Vieri for Celtic anyone? No, didn't think so!
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His agent, Raymond Sparkes, is now saying that we face competition for his signature from Turkey and if a Spanish or Italian club comes in then he'll most likely go there. Hopefully just bluff and bluster to try and talk the wages up. Is Artur Boruc also in Glasgow on Monday for talks?
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Sounds like a pretty bad bluff to me, probably trying to push wages up. I suppose there may be truth in it, you never know. He seemed to have his heart set on a move to CP.
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Would I be right in saying Maciej Żurawski is the Wisla captain?
I feel like I'm talking to myself sometimes!
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Paul,
Was the letter sent first or second class?
I hope it was First Class as I am getting restless.
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I do apologise for multiple posting but is it also the case that Maciej Żurawskim is sponsored by Nike? He is wearing Nike boots in pictures on the Wisla website.
Hope we're not only going after Nikes sponsors if this is the case.
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Terrific player, I'm confident we'll get him and he excites me. And the only clubs wanting him are Tranzaponsbor and Austria Vienna. The agent did not say other clubs were in for him, but that Celtic must give a decent wage because another club could come in with more money. It's definetely agent talk, to get more money for the man. He is the Wisla captain, and regarded as a god in Poland...Scored against Wales, Northern Ireland, England. Club level he scored against Real Madrid, Parma (twice), Lazio and moe quality teams. Here's hoping this doesn't mean Bellers will leave!
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http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=zurawski
I'd pay £2m for this, he's been the top scorer in Poland 3 out of 5 seasons. He will be over for contract talks on Monday, so hopefully if Celtic are serious about this he will be the first of many signings this summer.
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Keith,
I think that it could mean the end of BBJ's stay at Celtic.
There is always a lot of excitement about signing players of an unknown quantity. Here's hoping he doesn't let us down. IF he signs.
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Him scoring against these team I would think (based on that they are better quality opponents) would indicate that he plays good counter-attacking football. This I would presume means he has a fair bit of pace and I look forward to seeing him at CP in the future if not attempting to pronunce his name.
TimOTay
I would have hoped that the board would have mastered the use of email or at least fax. But since mobiles are still a problem for them maybe they should stick to good old parchment or even morse-code.
Only kidding Board! Get a sense of humour!:P
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TimOTay
Trust me mate, this player will be a success, as long as we give him time to settle. He's caught my eye in many Wisla games before he was linked with us, and I can't see him failing for us, put it that way.
As for BBJ, TBH I won't be complaining if he leaves for a half decent price.
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This is excellent news.
A proven scorer and at international level too.
He will also want to prove his calibre in the "west", so lots of motivation for him.
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Good to see that we have put in an official bid for the pole. As far as i can see, any player who can score 24 goals in 25 games has to be of a decent standard....I may be wrong but i think poland are 24th in the world rankings (scotland in the 80s) so he cant be playing in that bad a league.
Its good to see that we have had a good clearout at celtic and we now look like we are making moves to bring fresh faces into the club.
I wonder where this will leave BBJ? If Bellamy does sign, then I would think celtic would be tempted to sell him and thus give more funds for GS. He has done a fine job for us over the last few years, but the time may be right for him to move on....and hence bring in some money for his transfer.
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My point on BBJ is that he has arguably more experience and had it not been for Larsson he would have been top scorer in Scotland for the last 3 years. I would prefer Zurawski over Hartson but don't think we should be paying the same price or possibly more than we would get for BBJ.
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Keith,
Hope you are right about him. I downloaded 100 goals that he has scored and he does look a class act.Also noticed that he hits a good penalty.
I don't think that we have had a natural penalty taker for a long while. Big Chris is good at them, but doesn't feel comfortable in taking them. Someone that does it as second nature would be a good acquisition.
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TimOTay
Where did you download the goals from? Do you have a link?
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Hmmm...Given the large number of bodies already out the door, it would appear that we need lots of defenders and a goalie. So, if we are to spend this much on a forward.....it might suggest that we won't have Bellamy. That would be bad. Real bad.
On the other hand, if it means BBJ moving on, I wouldn't see that as a disaster.
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See if this works.
https://s40.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2U3VLIYRDR6K22YF95CXHUR6EZ
This is where I got it from.
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The club will want 2 million we will offer 350,000 plus a bag of cand balls and some old oor wullie annuals tellin ye.
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TimOTay,
I'll give you a few intersting facts, this guy has never been injured in his career...and only ever missed 2 penalties in his career.
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Some how I don't think that Bellamy will be signing if Zura-what's-his-name comes. That would be £8m on signing fees alone never mind wages. Maybe our budget is much larger though? If we don't get Bellamy (and even if we do - if we have the money) I would like to see Riordan at the club. If we don't get him I can't see WGS moving Hartson on, we can't just have the one or two established forwards in the team. (Sutton, Magic and Riordan would do for me along with the backup in Maloney and Beattie).
Shame that Zurawski isn't a couple of years younger.
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Watching those clips of him, he certainly knows where the back of the net is.
I am just paranoid as Dziekanowski had tons of talent that he showed in the early games, but ended up not being bothered half the time.
Times have changed and I hope that this boy is a cracker.
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I had already copyrighted this release Paul....
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The two poles we had before were signed on a sham. Both of them were years older than claimed. This couldn't happen in this day and age, could it? Oops, forgot about Raphael::((
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The little info that I have read about him it seems that he is a good all round player....He plays up front with a small pacy striker at Wisla...(hopefully a sign of the future)....
His domestic record is very healthy...although the polish league isnt the greatest...
His international record isnt that remarkable..6 goals in 32 ( I think)...
His European record is ok but not remarkable..9 goals in the Uefa cup in 2002/03 was the highlight.....(although most of the 9 was scored in the early rounds- they were knocked out in the 4th round by Lazio)...
Big question is will www.sixtee7.com have a t-shirt with Majic on it or will it be Zura as he was known at Wisla?
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Malone19, £2million is a lot of money for a Pole. I am not saying that is what Celtic have bid, just that is what they have been asked for.
TimOTay, the letter was faxed.
Weeron, they are still hopeful of keeping Bellamy.
Well done rumoid (on being early with the news, not the shameless plug).
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I suppose it's a start but I would regard building a defensive unit, including a new goalie, as a greater priority.As things stand we have only 2 recognised defensive starters( unless we count in Sutton) plus the likes of Laursen and Mcmanus.I agree with various other posts that Marshall still has a lot to learn and an experienced GK is therefore required.
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Paul-- head hung in shame...rumbled again..
Heres the Press release from the official Wisla site for those who missed it on the last thread:
So far Celtic’s interest in Wisla striker, Maciej Zurawski, has been a kind of media speculations. It has changed today. – We have just received an official offer from the Scottish club. – says Janusz Basalaj.
- Celtic has presented their proposal and we have launched the negotiations - adds Wisla managing president.
Zurawski has been watched twice by the Scots and they must have liked what they have seen. Wisla demands 3,000,000 euro for the striker. If Celtic pays that amount, Zurawski will become their player very soon. If not, the talks are going to be held.
- We have not held any negotiations either with Austria Vienna or Trabzonspor these days. I do not know anything about Turkish plans to come to Krakow again to discuss Zurawski's transfer. - claims Janusz Basalaj.
Maciej Zurawski has talked to British media and said he would love to play for Celtic.
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I don't mean to be sceptical but surely we are getting ahead of ourselves? Nothing has been completed yet.
Does anyone know what kind of fee Laursen is looking for to terminate his contract?
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Just watched the 100 goals video, this is what I picked up from the clips: Zura has a lethal shot that could be almost described as laser guided, arguably more important he seems to know where to shoot (the ball more often than not slips in wrong-siding defenders who are running to clear off the line etc.), he doesn't seem to be exceptionally fast at all but does have a turn of pace which can beat defenders who are flat footed. I didn't pick up much from the clips on his skill on the ball but he does seem to have a fairly good first touch - what is really impressive is his composure on the ball and infront of goal. His ability for keeping cool when under pressure to me is world-class. Didn't see many headers but any I did were good quality although all seemed to be looping. His penalty taking is assured although I did notice out of the 10-15 shown he only put two to the left. What I would say is that the defences he was playing against looked average at best (and thats the polite version). Anyway thats my analysis for the day - I'm off to get a job with Sky.
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Sevillian, I cant get your clip to work. Any specific software required?
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Leabgarrow,
Try updating your Windows Media player - latest is version 10.0....I think. Its only an .avi file, should play ok.
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Downloading real player should work
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thanks lifebhoy - living up to your name!!
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I think that Zura is very similar to Larsson in that he wants to finish his career in a country with better weather! All joking aside, let's hope he's the real deal.
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Just heard that Artur Boruc is flying in on Monday and is set to sign later in the week.
Anybody else heard anything?
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According to Celtic Fan Zone:
"Polish international goalkeeper Artur Borec is due at Celtic Park this Monday to undergo a medical and agree terms on a move from Legia Warsaw to the Hoops."
I doubt we will pay a full £2m for Zura but would guess we'd offer something in the region of £2.5m for the two - possibly more based on performance, appearences etc.
If we do sign both players and they both take 3 year deals and if Bellamy also signs for 3 years that would be around £3m out the kitty before wages. Add three defenders to this list a left and right midfielder and a centre mid and that's your £10 well taken up.
Has nobody considered that although we need a left-mid as Thompson has slowed down dramatically; that we don't actually have a right-mid???
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£3m is per year for 3 years due to amortisation or whatever you call it, would that be about right Paul?
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Since you beat me to to the announcment Malone19 hears the full transcript:
"Polish international goalkeeper Artur Borec is due at Celtic Park this Monday to undergo a medical and agree terms on a move from Legia Warsaw to the Hoops.
According to agent Raymond Sparkes the groundwork has been done and all that's left is the personal side of things. The 25-year old comes with a big reputation and is tipped for a great future. We certainly hope so.
Borec may not be the only Polish player to pull on the Hoops next season as a fee of around £2m has been agreed with Wisla Krakow for their striker Zurawski. Even then, Gordon Strachan is still looking at a couple of other Polish players."
Come on the HOOPS!
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If we do get this guy then we're looking at potentially:
Sutton, Hartson, Bellamy, Beattie, Riordan, Zurawski. (I'll discount Maloney for now).
Personally I reckon that's two too many. By the look of previous comments people wouldn't be bothered if BJH left for some cash.
So which 4 is more likely?
Sutton, Bellamy, Beattie, Zurawski?
or
Sutton, Beattie, Riordan, Zurawski?
or
Sutton, Hartson, Beattie, Zurawski?
Any comments Paul67?
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Now i don't want to put a dampner on things BUT....
If we are to sign a few Polish Bhoys what happens when Poland are playin an international and we have an important game on. Are we down a few bodies?
Steady Steady! as someone already stated we haven't even signed anyone yet!
Just as a tit bit:-~
Why go to Wolves when Celtic offerd the Exact same deal?
(Other players or was it really the need for a signing on fee??)
Jackie of ALL the rags you had to go to the Daily Ranger... FFS!
Enjoy your move
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What this really underlines is just how much of what the papers report is pure fiction or speculation. Referring to our supposed "chase" for Niemi, Phillips, O'Brien etc.
Also is noone else put out by the light in which the Kyriagos (no I can't spell the big cheating Greeks name and can't be arsed lookin it up) affair has been painted. I'm positive all the noises Rangers made were that they had signed him on a 3 year deal and that the 6 month loan rumour was rubbish. Yet RFC are not given anything like the treatment Celtic recieved over the Balde affair.
That's the papers for you, morale of the story is they talk...you know what.
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If Riordan is only going to cost £500k then I'd say bloody well buy him... even if he's not going to play much (apart from him giving us more options for wide forwards) we will easily be able to get the money back an a couple of years. Think how much he would come on playing with world class strikers every day.
Has anyone got a link to clips of Zura/Boruc playing (particularly in Europe or for Poland)?
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thanks malone 19, also.
For anyone else struggling with the clips, I opened with real player which prompted a free download of dvix, now both clips visible.
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Reidy!
Huns with PCs what do you expect of them, don't buy the rags and expect no favours from them.
Leckie from the sun had the most vitriolic comments I've heard in a long time directed at MON.
Now IMO he must have known of the situation regarding his wife and yet he went on to slate Martin.
Donald Findlay,Andy Goram,Police that didn't turn up at court?
Sorry for the rant but it makes my blood boil!
COTH!!
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malone19 I say you are correct. If Riordan costs 500k lets hit da gamble.
I think Bellemy would be a horendous waste of our transfer budget. He is a good player, but not worth blowing all our cash on when we need practically a whole new first team.
I think if anyone offered us anything more than £1mill for BBJ I'll drive him to the airport.
After the cup final I watched the King of Kings video and was astounded at how much weight BBJ has put on since the seville season ! and we thought he was big then. He absolutely could not score the liverpool goal anymore, hes too slow and lazy.
I hope GS has him running up the sand dunes with the paracute on the back pre season.
Sutton, Beattie, Riordan, Zurawski sounds fine to me. and/or BBJ 2 stone lighter.
Hail Hail
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Just a question I would like to ask about the Polish striker.
I haven't seen a lot of clips but the ones I have seen have seen him scoring in a counter attack fashion.
Is there any clips of him dribbling/holding the ball up etc or even scoring from his own play 20 yards out with defenders around.
The goals I saw were very similar (although I must say better) to Harald Brattbakk's.
If we are going with Bellamy and Sutton up front next year and this guy is back up then excellent stuff but if he is the main striker alongside BBJ then god we are going backwards.
I'm glad to see we are scouting around Europe and he will come on relatively low wages so I'm happy with that but no-one can deny it is a risk and he is not a definite success. (Just like our manager)
But the good thing is our support always see the good things in people and are talking him up already.
Cheers
Tonybhoy
PS Any comments on the clips?
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Tonybhoy - I just watched the clips there. youz right. Crazy Harry lives.
Although he scores free kicks and takes penalties which is a good sign.
no signing is ever more less than 50% a gamble. Heres hoping he fits in. we do need someone like him to play off Sutty or BBJ.
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Fom the 100 clip of goals by Zurawski he looks like a very good finisher, a couple of the volleys were excellent especially one of them taken on the run at the end of the clip.
If we sign this guy he could possibly be the type of player we will need in europe when playing counter-attack. I would not think the SPL will cause him any problems.
Also seems to be able to use both feet!
Not a target man but def a predator, looks good IMO.
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Has anyone got clips of him with the ball at his feet? None of the clips I've seen so far have been anything other than running onto the ball and finishing (very good finishing at that). Does he get back to help the midfield? Can he pass? Can he dribble? How is he in the air? These are all questions still to be answered by anything so far.
He seems to be able to hold off defenders, although I don't think the Polish game is even half as physical as Scotland's.
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I must say i am impressed with the 100 clip.
He definitely looks a composed, penalty box predator - give him 1-2 chances and he'll score.
Also, think he is deceptively quick, similar to Agathe in that his legs aren't stomping away like mad, but a long gait eats up the ground (obviously not as fast as Agathe).
Is it just me or did it look like about 3 different guys scoring the goals?
Anyway, after John Barnes bought Rafael on the basis of an agents video, I am still a wee bit wary.
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All this talk about predatory Poles is great, but no-one seems to have posted about Lennon's new deal. That at least makes me smile since I think he is such an important player for us. He is not there to be creative, but he is always there - a role so important in CL football. What he needs is a creative outlet to play alongside. Short balls are not a problem if they are to somebody who can exploit them! I'll still be chanting his name next season!
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I noticed that too... there is someone with blonde spikey hair in the video, I would say he could have dyed it but his physique was completely different as well.
I'm sure there will be videos of full games available to GS and he has got to have watched him over the past few months. If not then why the sudden interest?
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Re Lennon,
What is going to happen next year if we buy a quality central midfield player. Playing a 4-4-2 you can't exactly drop Petrov can you? An alternative to this would obviously be the 3-5-2 and the 4-3-3 could be interesting; however it takes a certain type of player to be able to use a 4-3-3 effectively and at present we don't have that. The forwards have to support the mid as do the full backs. It's a risky formation IMO.
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First time contributor to this excellent site; well done everyone. Did anyone note that the wisla krakow homepage believe that GS was looking at Radoslaw Sobolewski as well as Maciej Zurawskim, rather than the other two defenders that have been quoted. He is also a polish int', 28 years old, although hardly a free-scoring player (ratio approx.1 goal per 10 games). Cannot find any more info regard role and type of player, only that he is a midfielder.
Concerning Maciej's video clip, while accepting that such a compliation of goals arguably does not allow an accurate assesment of his true ability, nonetheless he looks as though he would consistantly score goals, certainly looks like a natural goal scorer and could play well off CB (hopeing that CB will still be at CP for the start of the season).
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Malone 19
What sort of player do you need to exploit a 4-3-3? 3-5-2 workd very well for us up until this season dont you think? As long as you have the right players.
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TimeWillTell
We played a 4-4-2 for most of this season, IMO it did not produce good football. The 3-5-2 was good as the defence did not have to concentrate so much, the centre mid players had a good strangle-hold in the middle of the park which allowed the full backs to push forward (unless there were 3 pacey forwards in the opposition). This supplied good crosses and the defencive nature of 2 of the CM players allowed Petrov to push forward when needed. IMO 4-4-2 does not suit Celtic's style of play - 4-4-2 needs to consist of a good passing team, which mostly last season we were not. Although a 4-3-3 could be interesting I believe it can leave the team a bit short in midfield or if not, lacking in width. To counter this you need the full backs to be attacking but disciplined and the wide forwards to be able to move from midfield to up front for the whole game. Also I think our central defenders cause a problem as they are what I would call siege defenders but can lack in composure and positioning. This system could work if the right players are in place.
I would have:
Keeper
Agathe Balde Varga Signing (still a weak defence and not 100% confident in one of these players at high level)
Petrov McGeady Lennon (staggered with Lennon more defensive then stan then McGeady)
(Riordan/Beattie) (Sutton/Magic) Bellamy
I think Mcgeady could be used as a wide forward but is more effective in an attacking creative midfield position. This system would not allow him to be too attacking and would be more suited to a box to box type midfielder such as Petrov or Hartley.
Anyway that is just my opinion and I would prefer to go back to the 3-5-2 especially for the SPL. Insidently, can anyone remember whether it was a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 that took us to Seville?
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Also, I think Lennon is best suited to a anchor-man position. He plays fine in CM and does the same job but when you consider that leaves us with only one attacking midfielder our options are limited in the middle of the park. Two box to box midfielers who can pass well, defend and run all day are IMO what is needed to run an effective 4-4-2.
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I know it is only an opinion but Celtic will get ripped apart with that team that you depicted.
The defence has conceded more goals last season due to the fact that Balde and Vaga don't complement each other.
Midfield: When did McGeady set the heather on fire.HE's still young and needs backup from other players. Also too inconsistent. Would that mean Petrov being played out on the right? as Lennon can't play there. Even wee teams like hibs who may not have players with class have out gun our midfield.. younger legs & a bit of movement.
Forward line could work but Sutton can't palay up front all season (he's getting on now 32 I think;-~)
The other teams in the SPL have sussed out what we do. Your suggestion leaves us open.
Sorry
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We definitely wont play 4-3-3 under Strachan, he has slaughtered Man u for playing that fomation. He likes a 4-4-2.
Depending on the personnel available or opposition it will be mainly 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 to suit.
I would like to see at least one centre half arriving, preferably with composure and pace (anybody got a spare £20m!!), no matter the formation we play.
I think most fans will be glad Lenny is staying, but he should be rested more often (though i thought Lennon and Lambert would be roatated for the past 2 seasons to save their legs, still cant understand why that didn't happen).
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Mick
I don't think you read the full post: I said I am not confident in any of the Defenders at the moment (they are all we have). Also the 3 in midfield in a 4-3-3 are all central positions. I don't think McGeady is the finished article but he can do a job if played in behinf the strikers in a 3-5-2 which I said I would like to be played.
Keeper
Defender Defender Defender
Agathe Petrov Lennon (Left wing-back)
McGeady
Bellamy Sutton/Riordan/Beattie/Magic(any of)
That is how I would line it up... no idea who at the back or in goals.
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Zurawski hasn't only been the best striker, but also the best player in Polish football for the past 4-5 years. It's true to say that he is exceptionally clinical when he's killing opponents on the counter-attack, but that's only because he's such a natural and great finisher. In the 100 goals video you see a lot of his goals he has created for himself, such as taking the ball from around 25 yards from goal, dribbling past 2 Groclin defenders and ending with a great finish. His movement is also exceptional as is evident from a few of the goals you see.
The guy was born to play on a stage like Celtic park and if/when he signs for Celtic he'll be a smash-hit, that is inevitable.
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Malone19, it is a bit early for me to pull amortisation figures, but Bellamy and the Pole together will cost around £2million per year (transfer figures only).
Trig, as far as I am led to believe you can forget about Riordan, that one was a media wind-up. I expect BBJ to go if Bellamy stays, or a Bellamy replacement is found (which is the plan). Beattie will be a supporting player.
Reidy, totally agree. As Mick has said, the problem is not with the papers, though, the problem is with the people who buy them and take their bate.
Welcome Shanghaied Bhoy, thanks for the info on Sobolewski, I had not heard it.
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Paul67 Beattie is on his last year of his contract a squad player we might just have ah gem there. New contract asap. Then again we might not but the potential is there get him signed up.
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The problem with 3-5-2 was always our ventures into Europe.
While we could boss the midfield with the numbers in the SPL when we came up against a better class of winger (in the Porto game for example) they destroyed us down the flanks. To pull off 3-5-2 in Europe you need exceptionally quick centrehalfs who read the game, or very mobile wingmen who can defend (we only have Agathe in this respect).
In Europe you really do need four at the back to prosper, and utilise wingbacks supporting midfield. I believe we will play 4-4-2, as Strachan commented you need "good formation" to prevent goals but "special players" (or something similar) to score them.
However 4-3-3 could work at our club if we make a couple of additions, mainly at the back with players capable of supporting midfield. Because up front McGeady, Beattie, Bellamy (say we keep him) would all be well capable of playing the outside forward role very effectively.
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Let's hope that Sutton stays fit next year. If what Paul is saying turns out to be true then we will have one striker up and BBJ down. Sutton and whoever the new Bhoy is can't play all season as I'd imagine Sutton would tire at times. Hopefully Beattie will continue to improve and add more goals to his game.
Paul what are the chances of landing Bellamy and Zurawski? In fact, what are the chances of landing Bellamy? Do you have any further news regarding defenders? The way it's going just now we could find ourselves back in Barnes's 2-2-2-2 football fantasy. A lot has been said about Zurawski but not really anything on the defenders from Poland - does anyone know anything about them?
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Am I the only one that thinks we are already taking McGeady for granted?
This is a young guy that took Milan apart in a serious game. Playing out of position for most of the season - when he played. Whoever else comes in, whatever new players appear, we have some damned good players still at home.
Remember Maloney, when he was match fit before the injury? Was he just Livingston on loan class? Give him a chance to get fit now.
THere's a new manager - there will be new arrivals - we will bring out the best in who we are.
And WGS will start to understand what CELTIC and all it brings to its heart and soul is all about. And somehow it won't mattter who owns it or has bigger shares. It's only the fans - no not the fans-the people ,or who want or need or expect or just assume that there is something that says that's what affirms my identity; I smile when I see Celtic won: I don't know anything about football bu I know where I'm from _ and I hope to God Celtic win.
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malone19,"The way it's going just now we could find ourselves back in Barnes's 2-2-2-2 football fantasy."
The fantasy being we could win matches with just nine players on the field!!!
BankieBhoy
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Leabgarrow 9.32, Not sure if Barnes even saw a video of Raphael. Apparently, Vanderlei Luxembergo owned part of the agency representing Rafa. He gave him a couple of caps in meaningless internationals (Brazil play a lot it would seem). This resulted in the agency touting him to clubs by showing them that he had played for Brazil. Barnes must have figured, 'this guy must be good', and signed him up without even eatching him. This is not the only case as there are dozens of bad to average Brazilains playing across Europe who have been sold to other sucker clubs. Anybody else hear about this?
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Yeah there was a whole lad of players sold in a similar way to Rafael, it is widely believed Luxemburgo got a good pay out of and i'm sury many others did as well. That was a farse, hate even thinking about it.
It is safe to say you will get a 4-4-2 from Strachan. The way I see it is that magic is BBJ's replacement and Phillips is the back up plan in Bellars falls through. Whittaker was the back up plan for Jackie so we will now persue him, I am fairly confident he will sign. We bought Jackie for 650k and I think this boy will be a steal and not too dissimilar to Jackie at that age, possibly more athletic.
Chris agree about McGeady, I watched the Milan game the other day on Celtic TV - he was great!
So all that talk about forward planning and back-up plans has realy got me excited; it would seem Celtic are learning the error of their ways.
There has been no talk of a left sided defender, this would be my number one area and historically Strachan has started building from the back. I hope there is something going on there.
Riordan - definetaly no! Too small and slim, drifts in and out of games and could possibly struggle to handle the pressure. A couple of bad passes and you have 60,000 at you, not everyone can deal with that. Bellamy defo worth 5-6M.
We need to keep moving along slowly but surely, it looks as if it will be a long and eventful summer.
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The problem with McGeady, like every other wingers is that they bloa hot and cold.
I am not old enough to see Jimmy Johnstone, but my father assures me that he had many a bad game for Celtic.
I am not a McGeady fan as I feel than he does too much when he beats a man, however some of the things than he had done has proved that he is a touch of class.
Strachan is going to play a 4-4-2 for definite. However I feel that he will work this into our way of playing.
However I have major reservations about Neil Lennon in such a role. Neil is a fantastic holding player, but Strachan in the past has preferred box to box players like Petrov.
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What about playing Lennon as a sweeper as part of a 5-3-2 formation.
Goalkeeper
Lennon
Agathe Bobo Varga Thomson!(maybe)
McGeady(Maloney) Petrov Pearson(Wallace)
Magic/Beattie/Bellamy/Hartson/Sutton(choose any 2)
The 2 wingbacks pushing on with fast/tricky wingers in front of them and Lennon directing from the back, this system can be changed to a solid 4-4-2 by moving Lennon back into the midfield if required during games.
Maybe I play too much Football Manager for my own good ;)
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TimOTay
"The problem with McGeady, like every other wingers is that they bloa hot and cold."
I don't know about everyone else but I wouldn't class McGeady as an out and out winger. I would have him behind the strikers similar to where Juninho SHOULD have being playing. The difference was McGeady could do a job if not played in his favourite position.
BankkieBhoy
Must have missed out a 2 but you never know; Barnes would have fielded 9 players if it meant his could read the team-sheet all in the one breath.
Anyone know of any left or right midfilders/wingers who we could get... I've not heard of any speculation of this but feel they are clearly needed.
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coached properly and McGeady will become the best kid to come through the ranks since the Maestro.
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Paul can you tell us if Rafaels contract has just expired?
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Guys like McGeady are worth their weight in gold if they are developed properly.I sometimes wonder,if Ronaldinho had played in Scotland would he have been considered a winger too?
You want guys like that running at the centre of a defence,not taking on a full back.By all means play him there on short-term basis to allow him to develop,but if he starts to show that he is consistent enough,move him infield where he can do most damage.
To my mind it's not just his ability to beat people that he possesses,he also has a lovely weight of pass when he is in and around the box,remember his little reverse pass to Bellamy against Caley Thstle for the opening goal up there?
It remains to be seen whether WGS will give him the opportunity centrally this season but I can see a day not far from now,if he develops like we all hope he does, when he and Petrov will be our midfield partnership.
Incidentally,nice to see the positivity that was circulating here on Friday,including Negative Anon,has not disappeared.Amazing what a little activity in the transfer market can do for you.
BankieBhoy
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TimOTay
Strachan is a massive fan of Lennon. He described the role he plays as something very few people can do well (which is true.
He went on to say that he has always wanted a player like Lennon but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't get one so was left to have makeshift players try that role that wasn't familiar with them.
This should mean we are certainly going to be playing with a holding midfielder and i'm sure he will have Petrov next to him. I guess this means we should be expecting a proper 4-4-2. You know with two real wingers (not petrov) and a box to box midfielder and a holding midfielder.
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Call me paranoid if you like but no mention whatsoever on Radio Scotland's sports bulletins about Neil Lennon re-signing, despite the fact that it's on teletext. Could it be that a good news story about Celtic is not a priority? (And it is good news - can't believe some of the negativity towards oor Neil from some on this site. Anyone who watches the guy in the flesh as opposed to on the telly can see what a great job he does preventing the opposition from playing). Nope, Radio Scotland prefers to go large with Graham Roberts and his plans to bring the wife-beater back to Scotland to coach (suppresses giggle) and play for the mighty Clyde..
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Lennon just gets the same critism that all holding players receive. Fans wanting to see goals and attacking football so your Larsson Bellamy McGeady's are always going to be more popular. I would hope the vast majority appreciate Lennon still.
As for your paranoid, this atricle from sky sports news website(not the most reliable) may help ease your fears.
........
Neil Lennon has set his sights on lifting the SPL title with Celtic after becoming the club's new captain.
New boss Gordon Strachan will hand Lennon the skipper's armband when he signs his new 12-month deal at Parkhead - replacing Jackie McNamara as captain.
The 33-year-old was being tipped to leave The Bhoys, but he is now thrilled at being the new captain - and wants to lift the title next season.
"To take over as skipper is an absolute honour. I will do everything I can to be a successful Celtic captain," Lennon told the Sunday Mail.
"To follow guys like Billy McNeill, Danny McGrain and Paul McStay is a special feeling.
"I've also been lucky enough to play with Celtic captains such as Tom Boyd, Paul Lambert and Jackie McNamara.
"They all won titles as skipper and I want to do the same.
"The hurt is still there from how last season ended and we will be out to make amends. I am determined to win the league back."
Strachan is looking to re-shape his squad for next season, and was determined to keep Lennon in his side.
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Every day of the week someone will say "Lennon doesn't get enough credit, he's underestimated". This, in itself, is giving him the credit he's due and we all say it!
My problem with him is that he's a very limited player and for the amount of money that we spent on his transfer fee and even now, wages, he should be doing even more.
This is not to take away from what he does contribute but for that money, I'm after more.
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white smoke on monday I believe. Very encouraged about Magic, using his new hopefully appropriate moniker!
Shephard states that Bellamy's not back until 4th July - is this is case Paul?
If so doesn't fit in with our expected box office signing to guarantee maximum exposure on 1st July for Nike strip launch.
Perhaps a box office midfielder or centre half prior to CB or DD's private jet bringing back Bellamy?
Ridiculously positive
CW
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I agree that as McGeady progresses he will become one of our best players. I do however worry where he fits into a 4-4-2. I don't know about everyone else but I think the central players in a 4-4-2 need to be either one defensive type (Lennon) and one box-to-box type (Petrov). This is more of a defensive formation; on the other hand you could have two box-to-box types for a more attacking force. I don't think a playmaker like McGeady would provide enough bite in the middle of the park when the midfield needs to be bossed. Any battle in midfield I would think would be a problem if say McGeady and Petrov play. That's why I prefer him in a 3-5-2. Thoughts anyone? (Preferably positive critisism as I am aware that I may be talking rubbish).
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Well we have know the problems with getting stretched at the back with 3 defenders. Very few teams in Europe play with 3 at the back because of this.
But in saying that having the 5 in midfield and 2 up front offered Lubo the perfect chance to show exactly what he was capable of.
Alternatively we may see Celtic take up the 4-4-1-1 formation which is pretty popular in Europe. If we were to do that i think we need someone more mobile that Hartson up front but McGeady could sit off the striker. No doubt McGeady has the ability to because a Celtic great but time will tell if he is ready to live up to his destiny.
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Malone19, they are hopeful of landing both Zurawshi and Bellamy.
Chris, McGeady has a big season ahead of him. This will be his make or break season.
Francis, they bought out Rafaels contract two years ago.
CelticWully, I expect Bellamy will be settled before the end of this month.
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I have to say it frightens me to death to think that people seem to be expecting the team to be built round Lennon. He has been a great servant but anyone who saw him in the flesh last season, and especially in Europe, knows only too well that he was running about like a headless chicken much of the time.
He is NOT worth the money he is supposed to be signing on for. As someone else said earlier, why MON didn't play him and Lambert alternatively over the past 2 seasons beats me.
I for one will not be best pleased if he is made captain. Stan is our man.
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malone19,remember Strachan said there was scope for variation in his 4-4-2 depending on the opposition.He could play McGeady domestically in the advanced position but for CL away games might want to play a tighter midfield four.
I really have high hopes for McGeady but it is all down to him really.
I also hope Pearson gets his head down this year as I think he could be a long term successor to Lennon in the holding position.
I don't think he has the shooting power or the skill to play in the attacking areas of the field,but he is a ball winner,a good passer of the ball and can score the odd goal.Maybe WGS can do for him what Hitzfeld done for Lambert.
BankieBhoy
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In the defence of Lennon his role in the team does rely a certain level of stability in the team with players around him.
Last year would have been hard for Lennon when there was so many player changes around him. With the players around him running around like headless chickens and Juninho trying to cope playing out of position meant lennon would have been dragged from his roles to cover etc. It would have left him looking like a headless chicken at times.
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Paul, we now have big savings on our wage bill of last season, have you worked out any salary and transfer spend for the coming season as yet?
Even a rough draft?
p.s. apologies for my lack of netiquete and just appearing unannounced a couple of months back.
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I'm not sure about Pearson as a definsive mid. You never know. I would like Petrov to eventually play the role he does for Bulgaria. I know he is a good attacking outlook but if we had someone more apt at going forward than he does then I believe this would suit the team. Playing more defensive Petrov works away hard at breaking up attacks - the added bonus of Petrov in Lennons position is that he has the ability to go forward with the ball and is more creative than the little man. His eye for a pass IMO could be used to even better effect in this position as he would have more options in front of him. I know a lot of people will not agree with this and they have every right to - I think Petrov is an excellent player where he is just now but we do have options.
Who do you think will come into the 1st team squad this season from the reserves. My guess is Rocco Quinn and Paul Lawson with Finnborgson being given a few run-outs in cup games or when we are 4-0 up. Of course Beattie, Wallace and Maloney will also feature (if they are still here) and hopefully McGeady will play a lot of games this season again.
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According to Freddie Shepherd Celtic haven't been in contact about Bellamy since the end of his loan deal. I think if a deal was going to be done it'd be much further along by now and if he stays the chances are it will be a season long loan at the most.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=335748&cc=5739
"The suggestion has been that the Glasgow club cannot meet the financial package required, although Shepherd was reluctant to go that far.
'You will have to ask Celtic that one, if they have got the money or not, but at this moment, the option ran out and we have never heard any more from them,' he said."
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This could just be talk to try to get someone to come in for him or to put pressure on the board. Does anyone know how long it would be till he would be able to discuss a pre-contract? Getting him on loan for a season would be fine, especially if we are only paying his wages and there is a chance of getting him for free (or certainly on the cheap) next season.
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Telling people there's no competition for a player signature is hardly the way to get top dollar for your play so i'd say thats unlikely.
Bellamys contract doesn't end until the end of the 2006/2007 season so they'd need to wait another 18 months to get a pre-contract. A complete non-starter.
If they do get him on loan for the season there's no way Newcastle will let him go for nothing IMO. Celtic would need to pay at least the same sort of money the did for the Camara deal on top of his wages.
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Saying this may not get other teams interested but will put pressure on the Celtic board to put their hands in their pockets - Newcastle will know that the support want the board to fork out for Bellamy and that they don't want to be seen doing nothing to gain his signature.
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What are people's opinions on Lamberts approach for Maloney? Personally I'd be disapointed for the wee man to leave now before he has had a proper chance to get fit and return to form.
Maybe a loan deal would be good for him instead, get half a season of football in and give him the confidence to show what he can do?
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Loan deal seems like a good move to me, but I wouldn't send him away for to long - look how the Scott McDonald loan deal worked out for us. 3 months would be good enough to get him some solid first team football and show what he can do.
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If we take Shepherd's words as both truthful and accurately quoted (big assumptions I know), it is clear that Celtic don't intend to sign Bellamy at the fee Newcastle are asking.
Why? The 'option' Shepherd refers to was the ability to pay £6M for the player and have the £1M loan fee counted towards the fee. If we've let that option expire, it can only be because we don't intend to make a £6M bid any time soon.
So either the Shepherd quote is wrong/a lie, we have given up on signing Bellamy, or we plan to offer another loan deal if no-one else takes him off their hands.
I suppose we might also play chicken with Newcastle and offer less money for Bellamy in a few weeks time, but WGS can't be willing to sit on a big % of his transfer budget for that long. If he is, there are going to be a few choice comments on CQN by the first week in July!
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Leabgarrow, apology not necessary. Always pleased to hear a good contribution, don’t really worry about netiquete.
I have not done a budget yet as there is so much space available it would look ridiculous. Suffice to say the projections I have been banging on about since last autumn are extremely possible.
Reidy, I would loan out Maloney to Livingston. He is well down the pecking order at CP and needs regular football to bring him on.
NeilR, I think you are correct about Bellamy. There is no point in Celtic making a play early, wait until Newcastle have few options before making a bid.
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Paul, can we afford to wait on Bellamy and Newcastle? will our plan b still be available in a couple of weeks if Bellamy and Newcastle say no?
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It seems to me that we are getting to the business end of the post pre season period when the rumours stop and the cheque book comes out.
The draw for the CL qualifiers is next week and I would hope that we are not waiting to see who we get before splashing the cash so to speak. I got the impression last season that because we got a tough draw in the CL (only Milan and Barca and therefore no realistic chance of CL progression) we (the Board) held back a bit as it would have been wasted in their eyes.
Celtic, whether its the board or the WGS know that the fans are gagging for a barrowload of new signings and that they are in the firing line from all quarters as they try to do business. Agents, chairman of other clubs, potential targets and worst of all former embittered captains are all trying to maximise their positions while the club tries to act in a business like manner (get as much quality at the right price).
As I have said before once the cheque book has been returned to its rightful place in the biscuit tin beside the bonus that was saved by not winning the league, we will know precisely how well or not the new guy has done and also who has won the "a close friend who knows a friend told me that Celtic are about to sign X" award this close season.
I haven't got any sources that know anything (and no I'm not a journalist)but I would have Zurawski and Keane (total cost £4m) ahead of Bellamy (£6m) and use the difference to find a midfield player who can thread a pass to them (Steed Malbranque at £2m would be a good exchange for BBJ who could join up with his former Welsh teammate Chris Coleman). Still need a full defence come to think of it.
Another week of "keeping the faith"
Gerry
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NeilR.Esquire,
This is to acquaint you with the fact, that you are now officially ensconced in my Arch Enemies Ensemble.
Joining such illustrious names as,
Sir Paul of Carfin and the Mighty Fargo, Mick, dialupcelt(To some, known as Your Ladyship), CanajunBhoy, oregonbhoy, bankiebhoy, TheMadMurph, GM..........
Dear Oh Dear!
The List is getting rather extensive!
What to do? What to do?
Dinnae Fash!
I will take refuge, in what was the
proven dictum accredited,(Mistakenly, as the phrase was really coined by a Banker,named David Hannum....However, that is another story) to the admirable P.T.B.
"There's a Sucker Born Every Minute!"
Rory Invergordon,
Feeling Apprehensive?
Well, perhaps a modicum of such.
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Steed Malbranque would be an excellent signing. He is a very good player, but i think the maths of getting Keane and Zurawski for the same money as Bellamy is flawed. Keane will be earning even more than Bellemy i'd guess.
Let's hope we sign somebody this week, for the sake of our sanity if nothing else!
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Ready i'd sell wee Sean Maloney. He is a very nice player, but not good enough to be in the first 11. He's been on the fringes for too long now, and has not developed at all.
I also have big doubts over Beattie, though in an ideal world, i would prefer to see him given 15 games in a row from the start, too see what he's really made of.
Sadly this ain't gonna happen though, not unless we have a bundle of injuries.
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NeilR,the thought of us playing "chicken" with Freddie Shepherd for Bellamys' signature sounds a good one.
Brinkmanship is a major part of business is it not?Sounds to me like if true,Shepherd is trying to casually alert interested parties to Bellamys' availability.What if wee Craig doesn't want to go antwhere else?
I'd love to see us shaft him.If any of the board/DD haters think DD has shown contempt for our fans just look at this guy as an example of how bad things can really be.Caught on camera mocking them and telling how they were paying over the odds for jerseys they bought.Unbelievable.And he's still in charge!!!
BankieBhoy
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For Raymond Sparks (the Lawyer part of the team)read Gordon Smith same agents who screwed Celtic over Lamberts deal
If the board have a wage stick to it, if someone else comes in for the Polish player fine that's life, but Sparks is just trying to drive the wages up
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"If any of the board/DD haters think DD has shown contempt for our fans just look at this guy as an example of how bad things can really be.Caught on camera mocking them and telling how they were paying over the odds for jerseys they bought.Unbelievable.And he's still in charge!!!"
Yeah, I think we all know his track record, but he puts real money into Newcastle, not just money linked with share control (ie Desmond), remember he inherited the club from his dad, it is not a PLC
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empornium,and here was me thinking it was SKY TV's money he was spending to buy all these players.....
BankieBhoy
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my first registered post!
Great talk on possible formations here's my sugestion:
------Keeper(signed or DM)----
--newsignorBobo--Stan-Newsign--
---Lennon/hartley(Rotation)---
-agathe--Petrov--mcgeady/pearson-
-------belers---magic-----
with lennon sitting behind the mid breaking up play and hartley switching with hartley as he gets older.
In the mid McGeady and pearson switching on the left good partnership for the few games i saw last year. Agathe wide, Petrov no change.
And finally up front magic and bellers with back up from sutton Craig.B and hopefully maloney. No BBJ Sorry but i feel that its time for a move on id love to keep him but as other people have said hes more useful as part of the transfer kitty.
I think in defence the best we could hope for is some epl player who sits on the bench nothing special but can do the job hopefully.
BTW saw magic in a poland england game IN THE POLAND end he was fantastic let down by the team if you ask me.
Sorry my first post was so long and love the site paul!!
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@bankiebhoy
So why does Sky money not help Bolton?
SKY helps of course but without the Shepherd familay's money and the large support Newcastle would not be able to buy the way Souness likes to manage. Try looking at the figures for SKY money and Newcastles expenditure.
I like sarcasm like most people, but the SKY point does not wash
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We have talked a lot in the past of the need to change the style of the team. I was thinking about this again when watching the Germany game and how Klinsman has changed their style.
The modern game is moving to speed (Paul talked about Pace in a not too distant article).
Actually I see "acceleration" as the key aspect of speed/pace. When a good forward is taking on a very good defender (such as Pujol), what advantage does the forward need these days? "acceleration". This is what Bellamy has and where the game is going to. This will be a key differentiator between successful teams.My key reason why BBJ needs to make way for a pacier striker.
Now speed/pace/acceleration alone is not enough. Camara showed this with his rough edges on his first touch and his strike. Agathe shows his weakness in crossing, but is improving.
What do you think guys?
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I think... I'm off to the pub!
Hopefully we'll be having a press conference tomorrow - I'm getting a bit bored of the pre-season already.
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Canajunboy agree with you about needing pace all over the park.
I think we missed Agathe more than we realised when he was out.
He isn't the most composed player but he gives it everything, one thing I worry about is when I see him being closed down on his right side and he tries to move inside using his instep to move the ball on . It is so obvious and he has been disposessed a few times doing this.
If you have 3-4 quick players in the team it is a bonus.
I would ideally like to see a quick central defender and left back.
IMO the days of bludgeoning teams are gone and a smarter type of football is needed.
Last season we were unable to cope with Aberdeen, Hibs and Hearts hitting us on the break with balls played wide dragging players out of the centre which exposed Bobao and Varga.
Her's hoping for better .
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Spot on lostramblingbhoy.
Just watched the Magic Zura video clips of his goals.
Very impressed, strong, can dribble a bit and scores with both feet.
Sign him up.
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Is Boruc any good?
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Just read that Christian Fiedler is out of contract. Could he be a possible target? Apparently he has the best form (on paper) in German football. Only conceding 1 goal in every 102 minutes on average. (this isn't a great record to me but at Celtic I suppose you are expected to concede less than teams elsewhere in the World).
Found this trying to research on Boruc... he was being considered as a replacement for the German.
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Emjay, all options are still open to Celtic at the moment. Apart from returning to Celtic I am not sure of any other options which would appeal to both Newcastle and Bellamy. As such I would hope Celtic play it cagey.
1967….2006? What an excellent name/prediction, let’s hope. Thanks for you kind comments.
Empornium, I fear you are mis-informed about the monies going into Newcastle. Newcastle turnover approximately 50% more than Celtic, a result of more expensive season books and a whole bundle of money from Sky TV.
Newcastle does not trade on the back of money from Freddie. As for him putting money into the club “not just money linked to a share control”, alas no.
Canajunbhoy, pace/acceleration is what it is all about these days. Agree.
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No transfer action this week = Civil War.
Finger out please.....
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I'm surprised no one has commented on a masterstroke of man management by WGS in giving the captaincy to Neil Lennon.
If anyrhing can ensure we squeeze the last drop of effort from his aging limbs, this surely will.
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BankieBhoy
Yeah, Freddie really is no angel. It’s weird because I’m quite fond of Newcastle as a club, but with him in charge, not to mention Souness as manager and it’s hard to feel the love.
Ah well, maybe the pair of them will scare Hells Bells into signing for us.
Great site/blog/chatroom thing you’ve got here Paul!
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Paul
Quick post to pick your brains on how the club handles transfers?
Example, your note states a figure of £2mill for Mr Magic (wouldn't put it past the DR to have another go with "Zigi"?).
This figure, is it gross or net?
Net figure to WK, fees to be added on top? Or is it the gross figure to Celtic, how it is divided up by the other parties involved with the transfer is up to them?
Do the fees involved with a transfer, signing on and agents, are these paid up front or are they staged in a similar manner to the money going to the club? Interested in this as I think cashflow in this summer's deals will be important.
Any news on the share issue? The SH today seemed to be very specific with the figures, total is £15mill of which £10mill will be underwritten by DD. Are these the figures involved and has it been announced?
If/when the share issue goes ahead when will the club get the money? Any idea of the split between investing in the playing side and investing in bricks and mortar?
You mentioned in one of your replies that the player spend this time around (transfer window/year?) would be in line with earlier predictions (£16-£20mill?) Is this from existing resources or does it include money from the share issue?
Finally football:
Possibly a little hard on AM? I agree major progress is needed but I think two years would be more realistic. He will (80%) have a dip in form next season, how he copes will show how good he is.
WGS on 4-3-3
I take it the comments were made after ManU played Arsenal off the park? Consequently struggling to take such an attitude onboard. I would have thought he would play the system that best suits the players he inherits with a view to finding new players to fit his preferred system ASAP?
Any thoughts?
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1967...2006?
------Keeper(signed or DM)----
--newsignorBobo--Stan-Newsign--
---Lennon/hartley(Rotation)---
-agathe--Petrov--mcgeady/pearson-
-------belers---magic-----
interesting but no Sutton and Thompson. Bench at best for you Tommo I'm afraid. Sorry Paul. Sorry Tommo.
However I'm certain Sutton will play a big role next year. Probably off the front two or rotating with them.
If we pushed Agathe back to RB and focussed on recruiting a CL quality centre half and left back and why not a step up to a 352 to give a serious alternative to 442. How predictable had we become? Also find it difficult to see a 442 side with the likes of Malbranque fitting in, and a creative engine is mighty attractive if one should come along. Unless we can play 5 across the middle (which a good celtic side should be able to cope with) then its a non starter without sacrificing Sutton or another midfielder.
That means 5 quality signings (including Bellamy, Keeper) and that HAS to be achievable.
A balanced and positive 352 would be fantastic as entertainment and I belive help shake us out of the long ball mentality. Bellamy is happy to harass for the ball in midfield as run the channels and Majic seems to possess real potential as an pacey and direct goalscorer. Either Stan or Bobo (at least one will still be with us all at CP next year) can come in if needs be. Think we'll see stability first but then, well who knows eh?
Hail Hail
CW
------Keeper(signed or DM)----
--newsignorBobo--Stan-Newsign--
---Lennon/hartley(Rotation)---
-agathe--Petrov--mcgeady/pearson-
-------belers---magic-----
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Madmitch, I do not know what final transfer fee has been agreed. The headline figure a club will quote usually covers all their fees. Payment and signing-on fees are often staggered, with most of it up front.
No formal announcement on the share issue yet.
As I have been saying for some time, Celtic does not need a share issue to be able to spend circa £20million and still break even, though they might need some help with cashflow.
The share money is to fix the club up for the move to England.
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sorry, didn't mean to post your team again 1967...2006? Late night posting in The Twilght Zone.
CW
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Poles apart,
Reckin the raid on Poland is a commercial decison to targer migrant Polish market?
Realy hope we don't sign Bellamy - the cost would render us very vulnerable in the event of his next
injury or permanant transfer back to the EPL.
Will be great to see new signings this week, but I'm sattisfied with the clearout process so far -only wish Lenny had gone too. Great servant but not one for the future.
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CultsBhoy
I don't think so, if it were a commercial decision we would have been after an American or someone from the east or middle-east. Poland is hardly the most profitable market to throw ourselves at.
Looking forward till tomorrow (albeit with my hopes not build up too far).
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Paul
Thanks for the reply.
My issue here is how the club can afford the cash to support a £20mill spend?
Going on the figures in the public domain and a fair bit of guesswork I think we can only support a £7mill outflow for transfers/squad investment this year (05/06) without affecting our current level of borrowing, that includes extra strip money, one offs from last season and not repaying £2mill of the debt as we have done over the past two years.
However given the need for new blood it maybe that the board go on a charm offensive to convince the Co-op that the purse strings should be loosened so that more investment could be made. Don't have an issue with this, I think now is the time to do it as we need to regroup and rebuild after last season's disapointments.
However my big issue would be why wasn't this tried after Seville? My nightmare is that in a parallel universe not far away, for Porto read Celtic regarding what European success. We really were that close!
The scrabbling for new players at the start of the 2003/04 season did a lot to harm morale after the highs of Seville. Trying to get McFadden on a loan/HP deal at the last minute was just too much to bear. Selling Hartson on the basis he didn't play in Seville and putting in £2mill investment would have been the right thing to do.
Not a case of speculating to accumulate but just going for it. Hopefully a lesson has been learned. (IMHO) Stagnation only leads to eventual decline.
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Hello there,
Don't u worry a bit about Zurawski signing. "Zuraw, Zuraw wladca muraw" as we call him what means "the emperor of the football fields". He's been the best polish player over the past 6 years. He can dribble, hold the ball, score (1,5 out of 2 shots at his average) and he is also a skilled playmaker. He has a great will to play, and as well he likes to go back to help all the formations. That is the best signing you can get. It's a pity he can't stay in Krakow, and we will certainly miss him. Don'y you be worried about the few goals he scored for the national team. He scored them all recently as he got a great form. find out how many assists he gets in the national team and the polish league. He's your new penalty shooter and free kick shooter. He can score in the penalty area as well as from 25-30 metres and his strikes are always deadly with no chance for the keeper. In Poland when he gets to the ball and shoots we know it's always a goal.
Ahh... to clear one thing up, the trasnfer value is not 2m euro but 3m euro and it's already agreed. Trabzonspor wanted to give Wisla 2,8m for the player, and Austria Wien offered 2,5m. There were also signs of interest from the sides of Fiorentina and CSKA Moscow. And the last, but not least. Zurawski will not be a back-up player, because he will be your first team striker. I assure all of you.
Regards,
Wisla Krakow 1906 fan - Pure6
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Im just looking for a news about Artur Boruc, the goalkeeper of my club Legia Warsaw. I see you are afraid about Maciej Zurawski if he is enough good for Celtics.As a fan of Legia I can confirm that he is really good. Wherever he plays he is always dangerous. Im happy Zurawski will not play for Wisla next season.And I hope Boruc will stay with us. If he joins Celtics Im sure we will be proud of his performance, as we are proud of Darius Dziekanowski and Dariusz Wdowczyk performance. Do you remember them? They were Legia players.
Zbyszek Legia fan
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Pure6 and Zbyszek, very interesting contribution. There is now a new post.
I f you go to http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk you will find comments on your posts in the "Reason why Neil Lennon was made Celtic Captain" post.
Zbyszek, thanks for an opposing fans view of Zurawski. Pure6 can you provide such an opinion on Boruc on the new post above?
Thanks
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[b]Paul67[/b] Wrote:
{“Empornium, I fear you are mis-informed about the monies going into Newcastle. Newcastle turnover approximately 50% more than Celtic, a result of more expensive season books and a whole bundle of money from Sky TV.
Newcastle does not trade on the back of money from Freddie. As for him putting money into the club “not just money linked to a share control”, alas no.”}
Thank you Paul67 for your Daily Record style Company Accounts summary, without that I would never have understood the complexity of Newcastle’s Balance sheet :D.
I read your post but it seems to quote yourself “I fear you are mis-informed” I had already stated that the fans helped Newcastle out in a big way (SKY helps of course but without the Shepherd family’s money and the large support), the large support part referring to the fans not Fat Freddy.
My point was that he put actual money into the club not tied monies, this I did not expect you to agree with so I will leave this one as I do not wish to hear how I should be eternally grateful for Desmond etc etc…. Quoting yourself again “result of more expensive season books” I must have misread you as Celtic’s season books are much more expensive than Newcastle’s so I take it you meant Celtic’s book price although that would not make sense, or a point
Anyway this is a Celtic Webspace and it is your Webspace although I believe it is possible you are not always right, it is possible for others to have valid opinions even if they are not the same as your own. Company information can be explicit, but not always.
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Hi from Poland!
Dont be worry about zurawski. He will score lots of grat goal for Celtic. He has world class.
So all the best!
