Every year we hear that January is a difficult time to do transfer business. Clubs are reluctant to allow top performers to leave midseason, but we’ve had some creative January activity over the years. Objectives for this month are clear.
We need to better prepare for our Summer Cup Finals. Trying to build a defence, or strike force, while simultaneously qualify for the Champions League is, unsurprisingly, tricky. Summer transfer windows are really two periods, the last days of the month, after European qualification has been taken care of, and earlier in the window, when limited volumes of business will take place.
We’ve done some great business early in summer months, most notably Virgil van Dijk, but instances like this are rare.
The most interesting aspect of this window will be how Ronny Deila is backed. He’s 18 months in the job now, long enough to come to an assessment of the wider scouting infrastructure he inherited. We’ve been underperforming on recruitment since January 2012. Ronny needs to buck this trend, and Celtic need to give him the necessary lateral.
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Glasstwothirds
I agree but RD doesn’t look s if he going to change his playing style any time soon
I dont see how we can buck the underperforming recruitment trend without root and branch change.
The problem starts with our absentee landlord – who will insist on zero – low risk strategies until such time as we reach the cities of gold of the EPL when every £1 of his turns into £10 overnight.
The problem extends to the Debt specialist he employs as Chief Executive – who has convinced our absentee landlord of the necessity for zero – low risk strategies.
There is a problem with whoever is looking at players these days and how they are still employed due to the multiples of millions of pounds of our money they have wasted on pure duds.
The problem lands on the managers lap who cops the blame for what goes on above him.
Peter Lawwell coined a phrase that still make my stomach turn thinking about it.
“intellectual purchasing”.
In other words the board have determined that a players value is simply down to his purchase price and wages against his sale price.
Arguably one of the the most important characteristic’s in football is ‘leadership’.
Other clubs get it – thats why it generally costs a lot of money to buy.
The problem is leadership tends to grow with experience and age – which is in direct contrast to our boards strategy.
If we were offered a carbon copy Chris Sutton today for £6m and we would get the 4-5 years service we did but lose him for nothing (or sell him for £1m a year before the contract ends) we would turn it down.
There in lies your problem.
To be honest, it doesn’t matter how efficient your “recruitment policy” is if it becomes commonplace for players to suffer catastrophic loss of form.
Johansen, Armstrong, GMS have all declined alarmingly this season. Cifti has never reproduced anything like his DUtd form, and Allan appears to be out of the picture entirely.
I think the only answer to stemming our decline is a change of coach.
The mantra seems to be that everyone is entitled to their opinions but is anyone able to tell me why I should be influenced by his opinion more than I am by those of well informed professionals?
JJ
JJ
I never take my eye off the ball, if I don’t defend what I think is right, then it’s game over, if it only my posts then so be it, but to give into them? Not a chance in hell, then the crackpots who are being led will start thinking they’r right, naaaaa sorry JJ wrong guy, I know you mean well so please don’t take offence, it’s just me that’s all.
AWE_NAW_NO_ANNONI_OAN_ANAW_NOO on 4TH JANUARY 2016 1:44 PM
Cultsbhoy,
I am sure he has to fight Paul67 for the right to wrestle with Peter Lawwell first ;-)
HH
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/bucking-underperforming-recruitment-trend/comment-page-2/#comments
You the backup? How predictable, if you had an original thought in your mind, it would be very very lonely,
Right am off to the Monday Club the malcontents are revolting, then again……….. HH
Lurking Huns and malcontents GIRFUYs
Tony D
Definitely no offence taken.
Cheerio for now.
JJ
I got mum and dad to stop off at Stair Park yesterday, en route hame after visiting a pal in Portpatrick.
Dad reports the pitch is looking surprisingly good. Smooth, with nae divots, or pot holes.
So there you go. That the down low on the ground from Stranraer.
Also, he says make sure the bartenders in town fill your pint up properly.
BeerNotFrothCSC
Cults
You know cato is Mandarin Chinese for catchphrase ;-)
HH
Ho ho ho.Just laughing at the jolly jesters making up names for TD.Seems to be the way on here now.
We could change the motto of the FAC people,and make it,
Supporting Your Team Is A Crime.
I have never witnessed this kind of behaviour between Celtic fans in all my years of following the teambut then,we seem to have a new kind of “Spoilt brat”type of fan now.I used to think it was only Huns who had a sense of entitlement.I was wrong.
Jeezo, even the ole malcontents are getting the GIRFUYs treatment noo.
Blue Monday carnage innit guv?
TET
The policy of recruit develop and sell if necessary makes sense as a means to combat the cost of buying ready made, however it needs the right people in the process to work.
It also comes with the churn disadvantage that is exacerbated by the timing of our football season.
I’m not sure that the impact of the latter has been sufficiently factored in as it definitely contributes to the roller coaster “improvement” we see one week from the next through to one season to the next.
It must be disheartening to any coach to see what he has built in a season disintegrate in the close season, so I’m not sure if changing the coach will make any appreciable difference although that point is less sustainable on the recruitment front.
I think the churn factor is now recognised as an impediment hence quick signing of Boyota and relatively quick signing of Simunovic when VVD left although his injury after arrival did not help.
So where do we go? How do we still develop but improve enough not to have to sell? Sign players on 4 year contracts in the belief that in two years time they will have matured enough to compete in Europe without wanting to head south in year 3? Is that why there are more young Scots being signed ?
I’ve not written off any of those lads although Ciftci looks the least likely to hold down a place, but with Mulgrew and Brown missing an experienced older Scot might negate or at least level out a bit the roller coaster effect.
I’m talking a mobile fit strong aggressive midfielder like Robson was when we got him or even Hartley but struggle to identify any in Scotland or playing abroad, which means the English market where price including wages makes it difficult to attract a Snodgrass or McCarthy or Mac Arthur home.
THE EXILED TIM on 4th January 2016 1:29 pm
Like you Im not too negative on PL and our strategy
However I think 2 things are wrong with it
1)PL uses Park as his go to opinion on wether we should sign a player or not – Ive not got that much confidence in parks judgement – yes a few nuggets but a lot of rubbish as well
2) Possibly the reason PL goes to Park is because he does not trust RD BUT the go to person must be the manager not Park
Conclusion RD is not the man
67ECW
TURKEYBHOY
you made up your own name ya Turkey ;-)
HH
Some don’t see their own irony haha
Jeezo :)
It would appear that being described as a ‘groomer’ and ‘storm trooper’ on numerous occasions isn’t worthy of highlighting to some.
On other matters I’ve just seen that Blackett starts today for the development team. I thought he’d gone back to Man Utd.
Given the fact that RD will have limited funds in this window what position do we make a priority ? We have too many left footed midfielders (that doesn’t make me a hun btw TD), don’t have a settled defense and have only one reliable goalscorer. It’s a tough shout but I’d personally like to see a good solid centre half
HH
Italiabhoy
I was a reasonably good amateur player in my early 20s. Quick, good first touch with an eye for goal.
Then one season my form went when my first touch did. Dropped out the first team then the second (which was saying something) so that I could not get a game for a couple of months. Very frustrating but I kept asking and was asked along to cover in a game on black ash on a freezing Saturday afternoon.
In fact the game was called off by the ref but the daft brushes decided to play a friendly which meant I got a start.
A clearance was headed on to me and came off the rutted surface at a bad angle. It made no difference as I took the pace out the ball pushed it into the direction I was going which let me get in a shot that hit the post.
I never looked back after that, scoring regularly regaining my first team place, scoring in a semi final and playing in final winning team.
No coaches in sight is my point. If I knew what effects a players form I’d be a millionaire but based solely on my experience I think natural talent by definition cannot be coached.
Harnessing it can, but if that touch goes, it goes so I’m not blaming RD for players not being able to control a ball properly.
HT
I thought he had tweeted that he had returned, ?
BT
Hadn’t seen that mate. He’s definitely in the starting 11.
Awe naw
Whats ur prob with Starry Plough??
67 European Cup Winners on 4th January 2016 2:22 pm THE EXILED TIM on 4th January 2016 1:29 pm
Like you Im not too negative on PL and our strategy
However I think 2 things are wrong with it
1)PL uses Park as his go to opinion on wether we should sign a player or not – Ive not got that much confidence in parks judgement – yes a few nuggets but a lot of rubbish as well
2) Possibly the reason PL goes to Park is because he does not trust RD BUT the go to person must be the manager not Park
Conclusion RD is not the man
——————————————————–
How do you know that bud?
John Park has been at Celtic since 2007, so was it the same with WGS and Lenny?
Jude2005,
he hogs the podiums and speaks funny German
HH
Auldheid,
Interesting observation, thanks…. I accept form can come and go, and is one of those intangible things in life… but what worries me is simultaneous loss of form for several key players, which suggests to me a flaw in management as much as a naturally occurring thing…
Great to see Twisty, Big Joe and ole Kilbowie back contributing to this Dear Green Place
…also good to hear Lefty’s New Year news……….
…….In ither news…………..
……………. Boyd Tunnock an’ Fergus Loudon………………
“BOYD” Tunnock……..????
Belters!
bankiebhoy1 on 4th January 2016 2:48 pm
Great to see Twisty, Big Joe and ole Kilbowie back contributing to this Dear Green Place
…also good to hear Lefty’s New Year news……….
…….In ither news…………..
……………. Boyd Tunnock an’ Fergus Loudon………………
“BOYD” Tunnock……..????
Belters!
——————————————————
Cupla coaky nuts…
67 European Cup Winners.
I think there is confusion between cheque book managers and coaches.
I never liked Walter Smith’s style but what he was good at was spotting players who would fit into how he wanted the game played.
It’s easier to do that if you are watching a player with an established record. Smith spent heaven and earth to get Jelavic even when RFC were skint and he made a big contribution to the title RFC won but Jelavic had identifiable form. Cuellar was another.
Harry Redknapp is another CBM and there is enough TV money in the English game to cater for CBMS although both Smith and Redknapp no longer manage because their game carries liquidation risks.
But elsewhere the model is try to spot talent before they rise to the CBM level and Celtic are in that elsewhere.
There is no point hiring a CBM if there is no CB and RD was not hired to be a CBM so spotting players is not part of his brief although setting the criteria or attributes sought for the scouts should be his responsibility and I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.
auldheid
hope you had a great holiday.
Just read your post @2:38 … and this is not a dig, but a question to/discussion with a poster who I respect (I hate that I have to even say that, but there is so much side-taking/name calling on CQN of late…, I just want to make sure that you know I am not having a dig…)
Re: your comment:
“No coaches in sight is my point. If I knew what effects a players form I’d be a millionaire but based solely on my experience I think natural talent by definition cannot be coached.
Harnessing it can, but if that touch goes, it goes so I’m not blaming RD for players not being able to control a ball properly.”
Over the last few years, I have been shocked at the decline in basic ball skils (making and taking a pass) in the SPL, and in its highest paid players at Celtic. I get your point that confidence is a big part of the game today, particularly at the highest level.
But as for not blaming RD if players cant control a ball….. hhmmm?
I accept that many of the players coming in seem to lack this basic skill. It is shocking, but as you say, it seems to be the case. And as you say, it would be unfair to blame RD for the shape of players before he has even met them. However …. once the players are under his management, surely, as manager, it is his job to ensure that the 11 players that start for his team each week can do the basics (what are they working on during the week, otherwise?), or to bring in other players (even kids) who can, at a minimum perform the fundamentals? And if he does neither , then is that not his responsibility? (this is not to say it absolves the players of their responsibility….)
Where, I suspect (although I may be mistaken), you and I may part ways is that I feel that too many players are not improving under RD’s remit, and some seem to be getting worse.
For me, I dont measure success just by the number of leagues we win (particularly, in the current SPL), although it is a factor ….. but think we have to look at (i) how the manager is developing players (which isn’t great), and (ii) given that the CL is the holy grail, but is very different from the hurly burly of the SPL, how the manager is able to use the SPL games to prepare the players for the CL/EL (again, not great on the evidence so far).
Using those metrics, RD just doesn’t seem to be meeting his basic job targets.
If you feel up to it, your thoughs are always appreciated.
Auldheid~67ECW
I think the prob is the system is too rigid, I believe it’s the right way to go, but there has to be a bit of flexibilty.
As for JP, I think he has far too much say in things, just what I have heard and gleaned, just an opinion.
I keep harking back to the Ross Cty game when we were pumped out of the SC, Lenny kept asking Park for advice, now where in the world have you ever seen a coach asking the scout for advice during a game, he has far too much influence imo.
As was posted earlier, we wouldn’t sign Chris Sutton today, nor would we sign Lubo, a major flaw in the policy, again IMO, we should be looking to sign a few old timers, they wouldn’t need to play all the time, but their influence on the kids at training etc would be invaluable, again imo.
We need leadership on the park first and foremost, get that and we can work on the leadership off it.
Sign a been and gone and done it CB, Def Middy & a playmaker, that will ensure CL footy imo.
There is no chance of RD getting the sake, so start with bringing in what I suggest and see, for sure it won’t be any worse.
Tho I have ma doubts anything will change.
But if the suits are thinking about a change, they have to go for a Spanish type coach who is well versed in having players given to them, RD wasn’t, again the thinking in appointing him wasn’t the may west.
HH
Jude, how is Josh getting on at EKFC in the Lowland League?
Italiabhoy
As is the number of long term injuries to key players just at the wrong time.
Is there a reason or does s##t just happen from time to time? Is there a connection to injury/fitness and loss of form?
Thinking about Saturday there Leigh Griffiths returned after a short spell out injured. His match fitness was not tested as he did not play the whole game but what was tested and passed with flying colors was his touch and eye for goal. He took his chance perfectly (as did Ciftci btw although his goal was ruled out) placing the ball where the keeper had no chance of saving.
But Griffiths could always do that and RD cannot claim to have improved that aspect of Griffith’s game but from what I’ve seen Griffiths all round approach and work ethic has improved under RD.
I rest my case :)
Just a wee shout for a programme on BBC Alba tonight at 9:00 called” Mon the West ” for those of you interested in small community clubs it follows the adventures of Westside FC on the Isle of Lewis, really good craic. I mention this because it is Ms Hebcelts directorial debut. Would appreciate honest feedback, not necessarily to me but the station, hope you enjoy. H H Hebcelt
PS Sky 143
The Exiled Tim, I would love us to get a hold of a Esteban Cambiasso type of player for midfield but is unlikely to happen.
When we were losing one nil to Ajax in the second leg of the champions league qualfier in 2001, it was only when Lubo came on for the last twenty minutes of that game, did we manage to shut the game down. Lubo’s experience helped greatly.
It would be great if we could sign some midfield players and centre backs around thirty , thirty one years old with European experience , who I think, would help us greatly provided they don’t get injured.
Afternoon all.
Was chatting with my Dad about SAturday’s game. Mentioned how bad the MIB was and my Dad, while saying that we have had to contend with this throughout our history, added that he thought young players joining us should be told before they signed that they will be expected to play to a different set of rules to every other team. When we play, the MIB makes it up as he goes along and to our detriment.
Hire a proper Director of Football,with a football background,bin the Lawwell-Park recruitment model,they have zero qualifications between them.
DD
Experience is vital in europe, we just don’t have it, the sooner Pedro can see this the better.
And I believe we will make money from the change, we won’t be able to sell the old heads, but I’m convinced the CL money will come and make Pedro a happy bhoy.
And I don’t even think it’s a risk, wages would be all that’s required, these kinda players can be had for free, but the wages will cost.
HH