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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Anyone on here that went on the Mullens bus from Partick in the early 90’s ?
marspapa-;)
Bada
Been asking for that for yonks.
HH
Auldheid
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.
Walter Cardigan certainly got more out of Kenny Miller than we did.It was nothing to do with playing for us as he said he loved his time at Celtic.
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
Ve are nihilists, ve believe in nuthink, I cut off your Johnson:))
Marmots CSC
TURKEYBHOY on 4TH JANUARY 2016 2:20 PM
Spot on, sir …… Disgusting behaviour from one or two cretins also…..
1-0 Celtic. Nesbitt the scorer.
TURKEYBHOY on 4TH JANUARY 2016 2:20 PM
Spot on, sir …… Disgusting behaviour from one or two cretins also…..
Fholks,
One of my friends advised me that the Daily Rotten has paraphrased Jo’s actual words this morning ……that newspaper ?? needs to receive a formal complaint from our Board today……..funny how they never once used that word in their subject title to describe sevco’s performances over the past 3 years……bless the little bigots..!!
Parkheadcum…
How ya doing?
I have to be honest and say that I wasn’t too upset by any of the three main calls/non-calls on the weekend …on the first penalty, I thought the guy played the ball, then followed through in Ciftci …. for me, it was 40-60/60-40 … at the time, I wasn’t sure… afterwards, probably more of a penatly than I initially thought…
the second one was, a bit like the first, one that – given for us, I would want, but if given against us, I would be pissed off about ….
so, for me, neither was clear cut ….
as for NB, the first booking was a booking … not the worst, but not a surprise … I was surprised that NB wasn’t sent off for his tackle a minute before he was sent off …. that tackle was a yellow all day long …. the tackle for which he was given his second yellow, I didn’t think was a booking …
but after the earlier let off (not being booked), I said to myself (and to RD ‘get him off …. he is going to do something, and the next foul, he will be booked …’) ….
as for the refs, it is up to the club to publicly comment on the problem … if not, you and I can discuss til the cows come home, and nothing will change, I”m afraid.
HH
The Exiled Tim, I agree . Experienced players who have played regularly in european football could help us no end especially where we need to make an impact, in uefa competitions.
The rewards, prestige and income wise, could help us greatly as a team.
1-1.
Just released folks.
Campaign News
4/1/16 2016 and the fight against the Offensive Behaviour Act goes on!
Fans Against Criminalisation notes the statement made today by MSP, James Kelly, promising to put forward a Members’ Bill to repeal the ‘Football Act’ (sic) should he be re-elected in May. We welcome all opposition to the Offensive Behaviour Act 2012 and note that the Act is condemned by all opposition parties without exception.
In a petition which will be heard by the Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament (chaired by Michael McMahon MSP) on Tuesday 12th January, we are requesting a Parliamentary review of the Act given that the promised Government review of the Act in June 2015 was, in all respects, a sham, with only one piece of evidence selectively used to support the Government’s views. We hope therefore that MSPs will have an opportunity to voice their continued opposition to the Act much sooner than the next session of Parliament.
HT-I hope you and yours have a better 2016 HH
Bada
You too my friend. Hail Hail.
Rafa out?
Warbs for the Bernebeau….?
2-1 Celtic. Nesbitt again!
Mike in Toronto
Why players lack the technical skill to control and pass to a level equal to the wages we pay could be turned on its head to ask why do supporters demand players of limited ability get paid what they do just because players of real ability command higher wages?
There is some relationship between wages and skill and experience to use it, but because of the huge sums players with skill and experience can command, players of less talent get paid way above their ability to deliver what we expect, but it is us who created the demand, players and agents just cash in on it.
I’ve an article on that aspect I’ll repost.
On the point about technical ability and again talking from experience, my touch was developed using the India rubber tanner baw on cobbled steers through plastic Fridos and Wembleys then the laced “bladder” on black ash with the occasional painful sting of the Mouldmaster through to the green and pleasant land of public parks in London. I’ll post a wee tale on that separately.
Added to the surface element is the time I spent playing on them. If I wasn’t playing football I was either eating or sleeping. I spent hours especially in the summer learning to control a ball (without realising it)
Nowadays that environment in terms of time on the ball has to be replicated in development complexes where schooling is integrated into development. I do wonder though if the surface aspect should be replicated too.
So I don’t see how RD can coach into players in say 30 hours a week less fitness training time over a season what took me on average 10 hours a week in winter and 30 hours in summer over 5 to 8 years to develop.
The first thing I look for in a player is his first touch no matter how the ball is delivered to him and nothing gets me out my seat more when watching than a poor touch, especially when under no pressure, on grass in good conditions.
I don’t know if that answers your question but in writing this I can see why I think Celtic have signed the Scots lads they have. When on form their touch is pretty good.
Hamiltontim, thanks for the updates from the Developement Team game.
I hope Aiden Nesbitt is on our bench , at least, for the Stranraer game. He deserves a chance.
One of the Hamilton subs,Conor Scullion, is a former team mate of my son’s. Cracking player and Celtic fan. One of the other Hamilton subs is Rico Quitongo. He’s the younger son of Jose Quitongo.
HT
“Fans Against Criminalisation notes the statement made today by MSP, James Kelly, promising to put forward a Members’ Bill to repeal the ‘Football Act’ (sic) should he be re-elected in May. We welcome all opposition to the Offensive Behaviour Act 2012 and note that the Act is condemned by all opposition parties without exception. ”
And yet, to our eternal shame, a major Celtic blogging site just last month actively urged Celtic-minded voters to oppose and vote against James Kelly at he next opportunity as he had the temerity to “back” Dave King’s pledge to introduce the Living Wage at Ibrox.
We have a constituency amongst us who favour the SNP above Celtic fans.
P.S. I am well aware that a Dave King pledge is next to worthless but the time to berate him for it is when he fails to follow through, not when he makes the right noises.
Dallas
No problem sir.
Your background knowledge is quite incredible and always worth a read.
Is Gordon out against Stranraer because of his red card in last year’s semi final?
Anyone have a schedule of this months trials and appeals re Sevco………TIA..HH
HT (half time)
2-1 Celtic.
Sftb
I wasn’t aware of that, thanks.
And yes, had it been any other club stating an intention to pay employees a LW, I’d have been delighted. However, somehow you just know it’ll never come to fruition.
Logan Bailly will make his Scottish Cup debut at Stranraer on Sunday.
The Belgian keeper made his first appearance for Celtic at Tannadice in August and will come in for the suspended Craig Gordon when Ronny Deila takes his side to Stair Park.
After signing from FC Leuven in July Bailly said: “It’s a great feeling, it’s big team with a big history and I’m very happy I’m here. When you see Celtic from the outside, you know it is a big team but when you are here you realise that it is a lot bigger.
‘My manager told me about the interest but when you hear that a club like Celtic is interested in you, at first you don’t believe it, it’s like a dream to pay for Celtic. When you play football you dream of playing on the big stage.”
Gordon is suspended after being sent off by Steven McLean during last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle.
Bailly has played a couple of matches in the Development League and is in action alongside Scott Allan, Gary Mackay Steven and Eoghan O’Connell this afternoon in the top of the table clash against Hamilton Accies.
Before joining Leuven Bailly had played for Borussia Moenchengladbach, Genk and Neuchatel Xamax.
At 30 of age he has experienced football at various levels and is unlikely to be fazed by the public park atmosphere at Stranraer on Saturday.
Having lost out of the Scottish Cup in controversial circumstances last season Deila will be determined to get hold of the only domestic trophy to elude him with a full strength Celtic side in action against the League One outfit.
Read more at http://videocelts.com/2016/01/blogs/latest-news/keeper-comes-in-from-the-cold#2zPAUXYTPLY0zcem.99
Bailly will be keeper V Stranraer HT
Starry
Could ye no just have said, “Aye!” :-)
Burgas
Thank you.
Auldheid
thanks for your reply. As I am at the office, I jump on and off CQN, so am not always able to respond right away.
I do look forward to reading the articles you mentioned, if you can find and post them.
as for more scottish players, I have my days where I can see where you are coming from…. going back, I thought players like Shaun Maloney had it all (except maybe size), and would take Celtic and Scotland to the next level …. but, then I look at Scotland’s form in Europe/WC qualifying … and scottish teams’ form in Europe … and we are plummeting ….. and I see a lot of US youths and south american second rate players in the MSL … and, to be honest, their touch is much better than what I see in the SPL ….
but, assuming you are right, and ‘when on form, their touch is pretty good’ …. I think we can likely agree that that is not often enough ….. so, if they have the skills, but we aren’t seeing it often enough ……. where does that lead the discussion?
I have said (sort of in a very broad sweeping sense) that the economics and sociology as they relate to football need looked at … but, that is a much larger endeavour, and wont help us score goals this weekend ….
so, if the players have the innate skill, but we aren’t seeing it often enough……. doesn’t that take us back to coaching in some measure? At least for Celtic, I think it might …
cheers..
Hamiltontim
It’s a long road for a short cut:))
Check the comments section of that article, widnae like tae get can the wrong side of that man!
HT you are so ungrateful!! Starry thanks for that especially for those “who don’t know the history” H H Hebcelt PS don’t forget that prog on BBC Alba tonight at 9!!!!
I see ole Hoops legend Amido Balde has been freed by Metz in the French Second Division.
Another one that lived the dream
Would love to see celtic sign a mark reiper no nonsense Type centre half . AND a tough guy midfielder . We have talent in Allan and Christie , who will play all the football . But IMHO these young bhoys need protecting , Broony won’t be there for ever , and I feel he is now picking up more injuries than previously . Defence at the moment is a bit insecure , a guiding influence would surely help our young defence . The team performance is not what we expect from a celtic team . Europe is where a club the size of celtic should be . At present celtic should be back heeling the hearts . Partick’s of this world . We have to be the best up here , even against the obstacles placed in our way , to reach our goal of CL FOOTBALL . UNFORTUNATELY AT THE MOMENT WE ARE WAY OFF WHATS REQUIRED TO ASSURE THAT LEVEL .
Just watched the “highlights” on Sportscene. No mention of a foul for the first penalty? Why not? It was obvious to everyone that the PT defender lunged in with his studs up on Ciftci. The commentator did wonder if there was a handball at the second but didn’t answer his own question. He also took it for granted that Ciftci was offside. There was no attempt to examine whether he really was or not. There was no mention, far less showing, of the PT player pulling back young Tierney not once but twice. They were only highlights, of course, but very “well” edited highlights for all that. Typical BBC Scotland.
By the bye, I wouldn’t even try and listen to Bonnar and Nevin. So, I have no idea what they said but I’m sure it wasn’t anything positive about Celtic.
Parkheadcumsalford on 4th January 2016 3:19 pm
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
*Funny you should write that as I just read the following after reading a piece about bit player Charlie McGillvary, incidentally this happened in the 1932/33 season:
He was involved in a strange decision in a match v rangers. Jimmy Smith of rangers collapsed exhausted in the penalty box only for Charlie who was pursuing him to fall on top of the man. What was next? The referee gave a penalty to rangers! It allowed them to equalize.
Twentyfirstofmay…..,
That bus now runs from the Dolphin, moved just before Mullens shut
Starry
Ha ha why ain’t I surprised :-)
Big J has a point though.
Hebcelt
Would you mind posting it again so I don’t forget!
3-1 Celtic!!!!
Yesterday, on the fiftieth anniversary of it, a few of us reminisced about the 1966 New Year 5-1 victory over TFOD.
Myself, not for the first time posted to the effect that for many of us, Big Jock’s return was our Celtic JFK moment.
Perhaps with some justification, younger Celtic fans would shake their heads at us ‘ Ould Wans’ living in the past’.
The following account by Tom Campbell and Pat Woods of events two short months after Jock’s return, sum up how it felt to be a Tim as the Seven Lean Years came to a spectacular end.
Not only was I there, but I was dead in line with Charlie Gallagher’s corner as it came across.
The minutes slipping past were filled with increasing tension. Celtic’s confidence was growing, and a roar from the terracing desperate in its yearning swelled in accompaniment; the feeling was growing that history was on Celtic’s side. The youngsters reviving Celtic’s proud tradition as cup-fighters had twice fought back to level terms and were pushing Dunfermline into frantic defence; it was now or never as Celtic forced corner after corner.
Another corner, this time on the left, to be taken by Gallagher, hurrying over to place the ball. Across it comes, a high floating ball and too far out for the keeper, but he has left his goal…somebody is there—McNeill…and his header rages into the net.
For two seconds Hampden’s vast bowl was still, stunned with the sudden shock of decision, and then erupted into bedlam; the roar continued, minute after minute, and its prevailing note changed; it was not merely the burst of joy that a goal produces, rather it was a tumultuous welcome to the future and the instinctive realisation by Celtic’s supporters that the young men had grown up and that nothing, now nor in the years to come, would withstand their collective spirit. McNeill, the young captain had emerged from nowhere to score the goal that history demanded. As a member of the team in the past he had delighted in the joy of victory and been despondent in the misery of defeat, but now in full maturity he stood revelling in the moment of triumph.
GMS the scorer.