Late last night Celtic got their goalkeeper, Scott Bain (26), on loan from Dundee, from where he had already been loaned to Hibs this month, while also landing Jack Hendry (22) on a permanent deal from Dundee.
The Hendry deal is intriguing. The player didn’t get much of a chance to shine before being released by Wigan in the summer. Two dozen games for Dundee later and he is a Celtic player. This is not a conventional career path, so what are Celtic doing here?
First of all, the player has the attributes Brendan Rodgers looks for in a central defender. He has pace and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. The jump from Dens Park to the Allianz Arena is eye-watering, but when you have just signed a four and a half year contract at Celtic, someone must think you are capable of reaching the required standard to play at the latter venue one day.
I don’t know if Jack will make it that far in the game, but I am pretty sure Brendan Rodgers will improve him as a player and craft him into a valuable professional – one we may sell at a profit one day.
Set alongside the signing of Lewis Morgan (21), you can see a strategy here. If a Scottish player in his early 20s raises his profile high enough, we’ll sign him. Only some will make the grade, but the aggregate financial consideration of having these players at the club will probably be profitable.
Alongside all investment in youth sits Marvin Compper (32), one time German international and by all accounts, the real deal. Marvin will have the responsibility of leading the younger defenders through their on-field development.
The other side of the transfer window equation passed without Celtic cashing in any of their premium chips. By the time Moussa took to the field against Hearts on Tuesday, he knew he was going nowhere, and his performance indicated that whatever was previously on his mind had passed. Kieran Tierney’s recent contract renewal seems to have convinced all that there is no business to be had there. I expect some movement out in the summer in the central mid and central def positions.
You and I have been through January transfer windows when the objective has been to make sure we win the league. Now it is all about player development and getting ready for the inevitable Champions League qualifiers. We have not measurably improved our chances against Zenit this month, but it is not clear how possible this is (or even if it is necessary).
The market in England took another step into the ridiculous this window, possibly in anticipation of the announcement of a bumper new TV deal later this month. The new deal will not come into effect until summer 2019, but previously we have seen player values inflate immediately after the deal is announced. Game Theory suggests this inflating possibility will have been anticipated.
What you and I have also pondered for over a decade is when the great English football bubble will burst. I’m not going to predict that date, but just as sure as we knew Rangers would crash and burn years before they did, so will the English Premier League. The model has inherent risks which cannot be safely accommodated. Let’s wait and see how much Sky TV are prepared to pay this time.
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TontineTim, further to your earlier post about Bobby Carroll.
My son used to pay in the same team and go to our games with one of Bobby’s grandsons.
When big Billy was up visting one of his daughters who lives in East Kilbride , he would often pop in to see Bobby.
Post BMcN CB strategy — 74/75 onwards.
Trying to work it all out out has brought back the memories.
PMcL — aka “Fat Pat” — true local hero for me.
GC
RMcD
JE
Plus a young RA waiting in the wings.
After all that we had to stick MC at CB for the 1980 SCF.
STARRY PLOUGH on 1ST FEBRUARY 2018 10:16 PM
SCULLYBHOY
I missed the first half the other night so thanks for posting the tackle, whit Latrine playing at there’s no foul there, Broony lands on top of the player and that looks like when he got injured but Scott played the ball cleanly no even a foul
*this seemingly resembles Jimmy Quinn and deidco player craig in the game I mentioned earlier, with no footage the SMSM and SFA had a field day over it. Similarly, the jambo captain absolves Broonie of any blame as did the deidco players with Jimmy as well as craig’s mother when Wullie Maley went over to their house, she in fact pointed out that there wasn’t a mark on her seemingly horrendously injured son. Now this was over 100 year ago but without the benefit of video Broonie would have been hung out to dry.
Is anyone surprised that the clickbait levein headlines are proliferate in our country?
Remember, we are the minority and that the media is trying to sell to the majority, ie the huns.
When you reconcile this, you will be able to read the scottish media and laugh.
Particularly when 8 million worth of prawn crackers.
And they have lapped it up so much that player wants to get more money!
Fooking idiots
I think it was in Martin’s first season , Didier Agathe was fouled by Andy Webster in the Hearts box with a knee high tackle. We were awarded a penalty , scoring from it , winning nil.
Faceache Levein was in the media saying Didier exaggerated the foul with him feigning injury after Webster caught him.
Didier was out for a number of weeks after that incident with an injured knee.
Loser Levein is a ( add your wn insult )
Horses
Dundalk tomorrow
Got word for tomorrow
Zaofu 5-00 def EW
Uncle Henry 5-30
Palace Guard 7-00
All Joseph O Brien trained.
Flood fancies Alcander in 5-30 as well
Best of luck
BMCUW
Levein the same guy who had the audacity to appeal Lafferty s assault on the Aberdeen player Shinnie I think.
Thomthetim
My apologies never noticed your reply to BHOYS3 till I posted mine.
If Celterella is gone will somebody let Big Jimmy know ,I miss his stories and humour.
I have no interest in horse racing ,but always looked up the results of the tips he and Wits put on here.HH
THOMTHETHIM FOR OSCAR OK on 1ST FEBRUARY 2018 10:10 PM
I guess the Cisco Kid and Pancho were before most people’s time.
*the trumpet would have probably had them deported and accused of being rapists, murderers and drug dealers lol
For those who believe Regan going is a good thing I fear you need to think again. He became part of the lie, the corruption and the cheating. His departure is to escape any consequence. The sfa will appoint another Hun, then claim there is no point in taking over coals.
Celtic will say nothing.
Imdeed it seems that Celtic will say and do nothing even if one of its players is publically vilified for a fair tackle.
To the Celtic board everyone is fair game. As long as the money is rolling in.
Mind the phrase every penny earned will be spent on the team
Then it became every penny earned will be spent on the club
Next it will be any penny earned will be spent on making more money (with some set aside for bonuses)
But still Paul will tell us that Celtic are overseeing how Lewis Morgan learns how to tie his laces.
Then there was TMcA who started out as JC’s understudy — possibly replacement — and ended up as a CB more often than not with RA as his partner.
Then there is the curve ball that is BFDJ — seemingly chose the dark side even though JS had spoken to him about a move to CP.
If only he had seen the light — SSB on RC would be half listenable.
Although if he had seen the light he would not have got a media gig in the first place.
BLANTYRETIM
Condolences on the loss of your uncle
FIELDOFDRAMS on 1ST FEBRUARY 2018 9:47 PM
I see people mentioning Leanne Dempster as Reagan’s replacement.
I think you’ll find Walter Smith is probably ahead of her in the line.
………………………………..
Wasn’t she a former season ticket holder at the Huns? I think she was
A mate of mine texted me to say that even that half wit zombie Gordon Dalziel said on snyde that levein was way out of order with those comments and that another caller pointed out how the mini huns are bottom of the fair play league and that the tic are top, how ironic eh Craig? Ya fud
Blantyre Tim , I’msorry to hear about your Uncle Neil passing away , may his soul rest in peace .
And Reammon Gormley’s soul alsorest in peace on this the anniversary of his murder.
don’t talk about reagan, and the cover ups,5 way agreement ,res 12 etc ,on cqn
but we must discuss bronco lane & cheyanne brodie,etc i’m hoping auldheid &
the res 12 guys keep up their fight for justice and fairness which i thank them for
and they keep us up to date with all these cover ups
gerry
Dallas- Agathe struggled to get back after that
SCULLYBHOY on 1ST FEBRUARY 2018 10:12 PM
http://www.punditarena.com/football/mquinn/watch-anger-over-scott-browns-crunching-tackle-on-teenager/
Craig Levin should be charged with bringing the game into disrepute because no matter how many times you watch the tackle, there simply is no foul play.
Nail on head
Craig Levine has a career 38% win ratio, he’s never won a trophy, even laughing boy Jim Jeffries was better than that!
Latrine The Loser sorry only in Scotland could this guy have any cred:))
Even the wee Mod was better than him!
Methinks something is about to drop. A pig will not leave the trough by choice.
No doubt a big severance package and a confidentially clause attached. We shall see
So I think overall we’ve had a pretty decent window. Musonda will be an excellent addition – a player bang in the Celtic tradition of pure, inventive football. Comper will hopefully bring canniness and experience to our young defence, Bain gives us good cover. Morgan and Lewis are ones for the future – which is a good strategy and important for the Scottish core of the team as well as the intention to buy and build for the future.
The Sevco Fiasco (no 1690). What can you say about this? A completely made-up story designed to do nothing more than make your die-hards feel like they’re supporting a Big Proper Team again, ends up unsettling your one decent player.
Truly, they are the most stupid club in world football.
As for Chris McLaughlin. Chris – you are a journalist. Please please please act like one. I recommend watching The Post, or reading All the President’s Men. Or anything by Victoria Guerin.
Craig Levin
players need protection against him and his backroom staff if
they try and go into their technical area to get a ball.
See Accies in December where Craig already had been sent to stand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK3QFj8mD1o
Still looking for Levin and Hibs player in recent Derby
Neganon2,
You are right in one respect. regan going only opens the door for a true believer to take over. Watch the campaign build for one of the following:
Smith, Walter
Smith, Gordon
Dallas, Hugh
Dickson, Andrew
Bain, Martin
Souness, Graeme
Findlay, Donald
JC2- check Laffatme’s assault v Sheep, which Levein appealed for shocking challenges
MADMITCH @ 10.54
That a quiz?
BMcN Billy McNeil
GC George Connelly
RMcD Roddy McDonald
JE Johannes Edvaldsson
RA Roy Aitken
MC Mike Conroy
Where’s my prize CSC
Good Evening.
Here is another new piece. This one is more light-hearted…
“An Important Geography Lesson”
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2018/02/01/an-important-geography-lesson/
As for Levein. He is so Edinburgh it hurts: unimaginative, boring, chippy, snobby, dour, and small.
ITALIABHOY
You got something against Edinburgh?
Italiabhoy I think the expression is fur coat and no knickers.
Totally classless and pompous to boot.
Really disappointed to hear an ex-Celtic on Snyde blame KT’s skill as the reason for the assaults he has suffered these last 2 years.
Too quick with his feet apparently.
“Most of the attacks come down his wing…”
Where do you even start with this pish Mr Wilson?
What next? “Brings it on himself.”
BTW Rarely listen to Snyder but every time I catch our ex-Celtic on it he does not back us.
While I’m still seething about that twat levein, I remembered that this is the guy who right hooked his team mate during a match in his playing days knocking him out, and here is today telling scottish football that it needs to be protected from Scott Brown, for winning the ball then landing on an opponent accidently, total a…hole!
IMATIM WANTS JUSTICE AND THE TITLES TO BE STRIPPED FROM THE CHEATS
Exactly my thoughts.
Why would he resign now when he brassed out all the other crap? (hun liquidation, crap sponsorship deals, national team performance etc etc etc)
Someone has dirt or a replacement, of a hun disposition, is already lined up.
I suspect a bit of both.
Never mind levein being so edinburgh, he is just so greetin faced hun, just like previous mini huns managers ie jeffries and locke to name but a few!
The hand cant hit
“I can’t begin to approach the “even if it is necessary” statement; that’s fair comment if it is Barca, Real, Bayern or PSG, but now Zenit falls into that category?”
Well, you showed some beginnings to your understanding of the statement. You accept that Barca, Real, Bayern or PSG would be strong favourites (even though we have actually beaten the 2 Spanish teams in European competition in our past).
You don’t have to put Zenit in that category to understand that we are still massive underdogs even though the massiveness is less gigantic than if it were Barca or Real.
Zenit are 8/15 to win this tie overall; we are available at 6/4. Nobody is saying that we cannot beat them, just that they are more likely to beat us than we are to beat them. That is the sober and neutral observation of the disinterested bookie fraternity. And Zenit, while highly rated, are only joint 12th favourites (with Marseilles) to win the Europa at 33/1. We are joint 20th at 100/1. Only 7 teams are rated at longer odds than Celtic ( Copenhagen, Astana, Red Star, Ostersund, Pizen, Partizan, and Ludogorets).
If we signed 2 players at £5m each, these odds would not change much, because £5m dbuys don’t get noticed by the bookies at this level.
If we, again, manage to punch above our weight and knock Zenit out, we will again be massive underdogs in the next round of 16, unless one of the 7 longer odds team has achieved an unlikely result and we get them in the open draw.
As fans, we view Celtic as a big and important team in this setting. The neutral does not share our perspective. They will rate Celtic as odds against in most ties at this level and that is an accurate reflection of where we are.
I will be at least as delighted as you if we beat them over 2 legs and the good news is that we are slight favourites to win our home match (7/4 against their 9/5). Even though I have a pessimistic forecast and, I believe, a realistic appreciation of both teams, I will, on th night, put my pessimism aside and be cheering the bhoys on to another (mid-large sized) giant-killing achievement.
There has been comment on the identities of Celtic forwards from the early to mid-sixties.
Here are one or two I rated: Neilly Mochan, Alex Byrne, Stephen Chalmers, John Hughes – a 27 year old veteran in 1970, Charlie Gallagher, Jimmy Johnstone, Bertie Auld and Frank Brogan.
Don’t let anyone tell you we didn’t have the players.
And here’s an interesting fact type thing: a few years back Yogi did a Q and A type thing at the Greenock Celtic club and he was quite emphatic that he had never received any personal coaching in over ten years with the club.
Neg Anon
“Mind the phrase every penny earned will be spent on the team
Then it became every penny earned will be spent on the club ”
Actually, I don’t remember that phrase or that transition of the phrase.
In fact, I have a slight recall that the last time you presernted it as such, I re-produced the original quote and showed you it was different.
It would be madness and delusional for any serious professional to ever say that every penny would be spent on the team. Who would pay the ground staff, the stadium upkeep, the equipment and training facilities, the transport and hotel costs etc; etc;
So why would you ever pretend that this ring-fencing was ever envisaged and that we have been betrayed and let down by someone abandoning this (mad) proposition?
BT, sincere condolences. It is never good to lose a relative or friend especially one you have a special relationship with. May your uncle Neilly rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Warning- hun statement on huns getting done over by huns , re fake tickets and some vermin not getting in…there is the answer but the polis and stewards will get the blame, it’s what they do….
!!BADA BING!! on 2ND FEBRUARY 2018 12:35 AM
Maybe add in Scott Brown for some blame also!
D66- disappointed in BR response to Levein’s crap….to be honest HH