Bedwetters better wear a nappy

“We weren’t as sharp as we usually are. A lot of my players looked tired, too many of them simply weren’t in this game,” said the Celtic manager after a 0-0 draw with Hibs, a result that would allow Rangers to close the gap at the top of the table to one point.

The manager in question was Wim Jansen after a game in April 1998, the “Rangers” in question was Oldco, not Newco.

Yesterday’s Celtic performance was miles better than the one 24 years ago and yesterday’s Hibs were superior to the Hibs team relegated back then.  Those of us who were there, use it as a counterbalance when red lights appear to go off.  You can win a difficult league even when you cannot win important games.

Wim, in his first (and last) season at the club, remained calm, despite the alarming performances at the most crucial of times for Celtic.  He knew he needed to lead the players and the entire club through a difficult period.

I see parallels between Wim and Ange, their softly spoken demeanours, tactical insight and determination to keep all eyes on the prize.  Yesterday’s result and performance is not what the manager or anyone wants to see, but bedwetters better wear a nappy, we are in capable hands.