The wisdom of Hearts owner Ann Budge’s comments to the BBC that “Borrowing money for a particular capital programme you can understand, but running up debts that are prevalent in football is beyond my understanding really” is now, in 2014, surely beyond dispute.
Clubs are at liberty to borrow for infrastructure, or in exceptional circumstances, but in the normal course of business, borrowing for football costs should limited to covering the short-term fluctuations in cash-flow.
This thinking was orthodoxy until Sir David Murray led Scottish football by the nose into a spiral of debt accumulation. The Murray Gospel found many converts among us, those who spoke against it were hounded as heretics. Debt accumulation was the new crusade, the promised land could be reached with just one more brave act, apparently.
Suggesting this was self-harming nonsense to adherents who had supported a debt-fuelled battle for years attacked a fundamental pillar of their belief system. Reactions were seldom considered.
It’s in this light we should consider the real lunatics. Those who encouraged a business model which ended in liquidation, only to come back to the table demanding a fledgling incorporation ‘act like a big club’. There’s a fair amount of research suggesting humans are hard-wired for religiosity. We search for something to believe in, then stick with it as best we can. If you have grown to believe that one more outrageous act will deliver European glory, a good harvest or a rain cloud, part of you will buy into it.
Stewart Regan’s “concern for the Scottish game” at newco Rangers financial position will be genuine, although the “Armageddon” merchant from the SFL has long left the scene. He notes, “Rangers have got a strong economic impact, not just for Glasgow, but for Scotland generally”. Well, oldco sure had an economic impact, on the public purse and several hundred creditors. Mr Regan’s words should be a warning.
This morning Rangers International served notice that their AGM would take place on 22 December, just days within the permitted time period. Accounts are normally issued with this notice, but for some reason, they were not on this occasion. They are required 21 days before the meeting (i.e. within days); I’ve no idea what to expect, but it’s sure to be a quintessential Rangers document.
Some great offers on Celtic books and DVDs at CQNBookstore, a name already telling only part of the story!
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Huns peddling the myth that the old club got to the champions league semi final in 92/93 ? haha canny remember that HH
SFTB- Mark Wilson said Gauld is better than McGeady at same age,as i said i remain to be convinced but worth looking at.Portuguese top league miles better than SPFL.
Wouldn’t sign anybody from any scottish side, our own youth players are better than any young players in Scotland, we’ve won the leagues from reserves/ development down to the 12/13s for years.
Given enough game time our own youth players would flourish HH
I think we can sometimes be over cautious about players in Scotland. We had Paul Lambert as our play of the year when he was manager of Livingston and I done some research on him.
When he signed for Dortmund I spoke to my mate who is a Motherwell fan and asked him how that came about because Lambert had never really overly impressed me. He said that Lambert would do well out there and get a game. I thought he was nuts.
Paul Lambert was 17 when he helped St Mirren win the Scottish Cup. Iain Ferguson got the plaudits not for his awful died hair but for the cracking goal he scored but Lambert was composed and controlled long parts of the game in the midfield. He was at St Mirren a long time. Probably a lot longer than his ability deserved. We were blinkered at the time and I suppose looking at the 90’s again we were trying to compete with a bloated cheque book with blank cheques across the city signing glamour players from all over the world for crazy transfer fees. We could probably have picked up Lambert for a few hundred grand replaced Peter Grant with him in the midfield and put another 3 years on the career of Paul McStay. Instead Paul went to Motherwell. I believe Motherwell finished above us in each of the seasons he was part of their side.
He then obviously got the big move to Dortmund which raised loads of eyebrows. I think the question we were all asking was what does Hitzfeld see that the whole of Scotland outwith Fir Park is missing. Putting Paul in a holding role and then marking Zidane out of the European Cup final a year or so later would give everyone the answer to the question most people were asking. Paul was developed into one of the finest midfielders in Europe. The ability and football brain was always there though. He had served his time and got a lot of games under his belt. We know how important Paul was to Celtic. Probably one of the most important signings in the year we stopped the 10. Reiper, Lambert & Henrik was the signing of a spine by Jansen that had both experience at the highest level in Europe and internationally and that steely determination to win big matches. Probably Craig Burley was another of the vital variety and he was that season but I tend to air brush him at times from my memory but that season Paul and Craig dove tailed perfectly.
I guess it is looking at a player and thinking right I know what he can do in that team but what can he do for me. Where would I play him? How does he fit in? What is his football brain like? How does he cope under pressure? Is he a good trainer?
There are always gems out there. It’s about picking them up and getting them in and getting them to do what you want them to do. An average player elsewhere can be a star in your team. Barry Robson was another decent example. For me when he was signed I thought squad player. Scored with his first touch from a free kick from the bench. Smashed Rangers players all over the pitch in his first game against them. Took a high pressure penalty against Rangers to give us a vital win. Scored against Barcelona in the UCL.
These players are in our league and we need to identify them and get them snapped up because if nothing else they can win you matches in the league anything over and above is a bonus. A steady nucleus of players who are happy like Scott Brown to spend 90% of their career at Celtic allow you to year on year buy quality additions rather than 5 or 6 players which year on year we require and the more you buy the more chance you get a few bingers in there.
Hopefully Ronny assissted by John Colins can identify one or two gems and get them in. What they can do with better players around them is undoubtedly better than what you are seeing at their current club. Remember Paul Lambert and whether you would have signed him or not before he went to Borussia Dortmund before you totally write off some of the players in the SPFL.
LB
Paul
Even in the midst of a sabbatical your articles are always worth the visit.
The warning about Regan’s words is valid and timely.
It’s what he doesn’t say that should worry everyone.
Sevco supporting acquaintance, replete with “R****** Till I Die” wristband, seriously said to me “It’s just so complicated” by way of explanation as to why he was a willing party to being duped.
I replied “Not complicated at all, you bought players with money you couldn’t afford and your owner sold the whole business for a pound to a liquidation expert/asset stripper. You were readmitted courtesy of the secret arrangement with the SFA/SPL and you are once again paying players you can’t afford with money you don’t have. Your club has and continues to be a vanity project for Murray, Whyte, Green, Easdale, Ashley with others waiting in the wings.”
His eyes blanked me, but he said nothing.
Blue Bull today and Red Bull tomorrow…
COYBIG
HH Paul
Justafan
As I have posted before,I was at Tannadice on Saturday.Stuart Armstrong IMO was outstanding.If RD is going to look at Scottish talent in our leagues Stuart Armstrong should be top of the list.HH
Whenever it is it should be FFin’ amusing:
“AGM Behaviour and Questions”
——
“NO shouting.
No barrages of abuse”
——
“I won’t be sitting silently if being forcefed horsesh*t. This mob deserve hunting. There should be at least 20 minutes of solid booing from the minute they take the stage”
——
“It’s past the stage of putting your hand up and politely asking a question like a 14 year old in school.
The top table should be set on fire…or something that lands on the lawful side of things if that’s not allowed.”
——
“their could be riots and frankly that may not be a bad thing.”
——
“I’d like to run down there and shove a custard pie right in Somers bloated coupon.”
——
“I see nothing wrong with booing and shouts of resign when the board are introduced – certainly no clapping like a seal.”
——
“Behaviour as always I hope, will be gentlemanly.
Questions have to be to the point and aggressively intelligent.
And by that I mean, get right into the b*st*rds from the off”
justafan
Matthews is way too injury prone for me. If Celtic got offered £1m plus for him I would punt him on.
LB
Livibhoy
How hard is it to be so sensible in every post you make:o)
And I always referred to them as Lambert and Butler.
Burley was a very good player for us that year when we stopped the 10.
ElDiegoBhoy
Burley was a great player that season. He lost the place the following season due to his own stubborn and bitterness.
If he had knuckled down he could have played his career out at Celtic. Watching him on TV in latter years was a painful experience. Probably the most bitter ex player we have. Glad he is off the box now. Quite enjoy listening to Gary McCallister. Very fair imo and also very positive about the game in general. Craig Burley sounded like he was being punished by watching Scottish matches.
LB
Livi…..
Fully understand your view but what if his run of injury was at an end. He had no history of injury prior to his signing nor his first 18 months with us. He has been unlucky, especially with the shoulder injury.
His contribution to JGs goal last week is a reminder of how athletic and dynamic he can be.
I appreciate its a bit of a punt that he’s just been unlucky but he’s a player we know and has great qualities. The new players we bring in are but unknown punts. I know what I’d prefer.
HH
Livibhoy,
I remember the story about Lambert not long after he joined Dortmund, which highlighted the change from where he had been at Motherwell.
He went in on a Monday morning and his boss asked him how he had spent his day off on the Sunday.
“Not much”, said Lambert, “I spent most of it decorating the flat”
His manager went ballistic.
“You are here to play football not to paint”
A painter and decorator (not Ian Black) was sent round to finish the flat to Mrs Lambert’s liking.
And Paul Lambert was left in no doubt that hanging off a ladder to reach the bit round the light fitting (and potentially falling off and breaking his leg) was not on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YSTeJOxiaw
A great tune from the Sevco jukebox
Davidopoulos
As Geordie Munro said rather more elegantly, we only remember the winners we failed to bet but we suppress the memory of the hundred other losers that we were equally convinced by.
That is why McCarthy and Fletcher are thrown up as examples but no-one mentions David Goodwillie, Adam Rooney, David Clarkson, John Sutton, Gary O’Connor, Nick Blackman, Esmael Goncalves, Darren Randolph, Jordan Rhodes, Craig Mackail-Smith, Jamie Mackie, Barry Bannan or Paul Dixon. We don’t even hear much of Alfred Finbogasson, still scoreless at Sociedad.
P.S. I think James McArthur is just about as good a player as Don Cowie or Mark Fotheringham- not for me.
“As Geordie Munro said rather more elegantly”
And Wednesdays award for sarcasm goes to………sftb
;)
justafan
Maybe a tad harsh on Matthews but it is frustrating that we have two very good RB’s and at times none of them are fit. It’s been that way for over a year. We drafted in the excellent Darnel Fisher who I would play in their absence in the future or sign another RB and let one of them go. Celtic can’t afford to have two £2m+ rated right back’s out injured. Fisher appears to be out of the picture. So far out of the picture that we have smashed all of Efe’s remaining confidence by playing him at RB when neither Matthews or Lustig are available.
Paterson for me is a solid bet. He can play up front and scores goals. He can play midfield and is a very able RB. RB is his best position and he will only get better. I guess like in my previous comment we will moan about it when he is playing in the EPL and has a £5m value on his head. He could do with a shave though.
LB
Livibhoy,
Imo, Paul Lambert is the exception that proves the rule. There haven’t been too many Scots players of his caliber who have been signed for any of the major leagues and we have missed.
Livibhoy,
Isn’t the lhad Fisher also injured?
hun skelper
16:23 on
26 November, 2014
==========================
100% Mate. The best young players in Scotland play at Celtic Park.
I went to Goodison Park last night to watch the kids V Everton, although we only drew, we were, by a distance, a better set of players.
We had 5-6 of the bhoys who have had extended runs in the 1st team over the past couple of seasons, simply oozing with the confidence that has brought them.
They have the talent, we need to get them game time to see how far they can go.
Lamberts faither is a Painter & Decorator I think.
everyone sould have a hobby,
what do the germans know.
Livibhoy
You didn’t listen to McAllister Saturday when he was trying to defend the orcs at every opportunity..
Went way down the hurting hun route with all guns blazing. .
Bada Bing
“Portuguese top league miles better than SPFL.”
Sure is but Ryan Gauld does not and never has played in it. He plays for a team at a lesser level than the one Amido Balde stood out for.
I am not saying he is poor, just that he has done nothing great yet.
I am aware of the Paul Lambert example but it is rarer than you think. Robson and Hartley were not at that level but they did a job without excelling. Craig Burley was a Callum McGregor type, scored goals from midfield but not much else.
Parkheadcumsalford
16:43 on
26 November, 2014
Livibhoy,
Isn’t the lhad Fisher also injured?
===========================
He played last night……….very well I may add.
Livi…
Understood but puzzled why you’d take £1m for a “£2m+” RB. ;-)
HH
Parkheadcumsalford
He may have been an exception. What it proved though is that an average Scottish player in the right environment with coaching and guidance can become a great player. That points at where we are going wrong in this country.
We have the best young players in Scotland but we seldom see them come into the first team.
I still think there are players currently playing in this country who could make our team better. If I were a scout at Celtic and I could not find one player at another club in Scotland who could do better than Tonev, Boerritger, Wakaso, Pukki & Balde I would expect to be looking for a job elsewhere.
LB
bawsman
16:44 on 26 November, 2014
Exactly mate, it seems if your young scottish and play 2 decent games in 10 you suddenly become a superstar and our support want to sign them from these shite clubs.
Play our own before wasting money on these players
Darnell Fisher was out for a long spell with injury too. He is back playing now.
Squad injuries are part of the modern game. Every club has to live with it. We can’t go punting good players cheaply just because they had a run of injuries. Different matter if they are deemed to be unlikely ever to recover fitness and form.
justafan
How much do you reckon he would fetch at the moment? I think he is a £2m player but currently we would be lucky to get £1m for him. Guidetti was unwanted in August. Now the press are quoting £5m+ for him.
blantyretim is praying for the Knox family
Certainly did not. I was at a weans softplay party with LB Jr. In my experience though he has been very decent on TV. Just my thoughts though. It’s very rare you get any of these guys in the job without a leaning for Rangers/Sevco.
LB
LiviBhoy
“If I were a scout at Celtic and I could not find one player at another club in Scotland who could do better than Tonev, Boerritger, Wakaso, Pukki & Balde I would expect to be looking for a job elsewhere.”
Tonev is an internationalist who won a contract at Villa against stiff opposition. Bo Derek Rigter played for Ajax, Wakaso played for Villareal, Espanyol and Rubin Kazan, Pukki is banging them in again with Brondby. Even Balde managed to score a wonder goal and persuade his Belgian club supporters temporarily, that they had won a watch. Lots of pro scouts have seen quality in these players but many did not and many will not work out at Celtic.
Jiri Jarosik and Ki Sung Yung also failed to shine here but they were clearly good players.
The solution to our player development challenge, bearing in mind Paul Lambert’s experience, is simple:
Hire Ottmar Hitzfeld as Head of Player Development.
He’s available btw :¬)
Sftb,
Brozek has a better than a goal every 2 games average after his return to Poland.
SFTBs
I met Paul Dykes today – author of Quality Street Gang and a CQNer too. He was able to confirm my claim that Souness did indeed trial at Celtic!
Imagine that!
setting free the bears for Res. 12 & Oscar Knox
I accept what you are saying there. The advantage of signing a player from your own league though is that you know they will settle quickly. They know the grounds, they know the players in your team, they know the other players in the league and they know what is required. Of all the players I mentioned the application required to make it work didn’t appear to be there.
It’s all about opinions though. I appreciate yours is slightly different from mine.
I also fail to see what everyone sees in Bitton/Biton. Not a week goes by that people are punting him to play. He played one good match v Hearts last year and has barely been near the team since.
Why we sign players for decent money and never give them a run in the team (6 starts in a trot) is beyond me. Don;t get that at all. We signed Pukki for around £2m and should have given him about 10 starts in a row. He was a big signing for us at that sort of money and he didn;t start many games.
LB
The Battered Bunnet
Decent shout.
Geordie Munro
I think that is a very good point. He knows the league and can work in that environment. I don;t think we should flood the team with SPFL players but the core of our squad should be from the SPFL and our youth system. A few foreign gems like Guidetti can make up the rest of the team and hopefully add something a bit different. Obvious quality too from a player like Guidetti.
LB
LiviBhoy
You do wonder about the amount of game time these signings are given. Perhaps, maybe, they were not what Lennon wanted, but took as last gasp, and he therefore was making a point por cierto.
livibhoy
16:24 on 26 November, 2014
I think we can sometimes be over cautious about players in Scotland. We had Paul Lambert as our play of the year when he was manager of Livingston and I done some research on him.
……………………
Aye & you would have also discovered Big Feck his boss told hom he was daft going to a team like them
A set of Dortmund strips later ( that Motherhell wore) and eh voila
Big Feck
Brill
The young Sottish player development is more to do with culture than coaching por cierto.
Hun hordes prepare for their AGM:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XazOmi4yIbU