I’ve watched a large number of insipid end of season efforts over the years. The one that stands out most is home to Falkirk in 1987. It was probably the first time it was clear to me the white flag had been raised on a campaign (had results gone our way, we could still have won the league that day). Only a year earlier the same squad delivered the most unlikely title in the final game.
There was no white flag yesterday, quite the opposite, the league is all-but won. Instead we looked like a team with a lot of players wondering if they had a future at the club. The next two games, away to Hearts and home to Aberdeen, should provide enough focus to allow the level of performance to rise, but I thought that about the semi-final too.
It’s the end of the road for a few players, and for a system clearly few still believe in.
On the way into the ground a few of us wondered how often Kris Commons would be used going forward. He will be 33 in the summer, ahead of the last year of his contract. Whatever the reason he didn’t make the starting line up yesterday (or last week), his 9 minute cameo demonstrated the directness, not to mention game intelligence and skill, that Celtic are badly lacking.
Despite the plethora of No. 10s and creative wide players we’ve recruited over the last two years, Commons remains by far our most effective creative player. Without him we look to be punching with an empty glove; I hope whoever takes over takes note.
720 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 19
- »
GEORDIEMUNRO
He’s some fella,eh?
Smashing lad his son,too.
You have the advantage over me,though-I’ve never met the youngest generation.
Phil, Stating DD at a board meeting on Friday, and Ronny got to put his views.
Interesting, if true.
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/heated-driveways-and-raised-temperatures/#more-7466
Dangerous stuff, that Cup-a-Soup…
I read that ETims post on res.12 some strange stuff being said on that, obviously someone’s telling porkies. Time will tell,.
BMCUW
“Lean” is not a synonym for “badly”.
Just sayin’…
HENR1K @ 1.03 pm
Thanks for posting article from e-Tim’s. Hits the nail truly on the head. HH
Too many players not “at it” now. Which amazes me given you’d think they are potentially playing for thier futures. Of the (inumerable) players currently at the club (or out on loan):
GK:
Gordon: Keep – for 1 more season as continuity;
Fasan: Keep as no 2 or loan to another SPL team where he will play – so probably keep;
Baiily: Keep if loan out Fasan; if promoting Fasan to No2, sell – probably sell – estimated fee: £100,000
Def:
Lustig: keep as a Centre back who can bring the ball into midfield – for 1 season; otherwise, sell as he hasn’t the legs for full back anymore;
Janko: who knows? If gets fit, keep, if doubts over injury record sell;
Fisher: Keep – I think the boy has potential, and definately has the legs for a full back role;
Tierney: KEEP, without doubt;
Izzy: I’d keep as back up left back/left mid, but I suspect he wants to move on, in which case I’d let him with our sincerest thanks for his service. Estimated fee: £500,000;
Erik: Keep;
Jozo: Keep – for 1 season to prove fitness;
Ambrose: sell. Estimated fee: £400,000
Boyata: sell. Estimated fee: £500,000 (a heck of a loss here);
Mulgrew: In two minds – tempted to keep as a “steady eddie” type who knows the club;
Blackett: Loan ends, and do not even think about renewing it.
Midfield:
Brown: I’d personally let him go, as I think his best days are behind him. Estimated fee: £1m
Bitton: I’d let him go, he doesn’t have the strength or heart for the SPL. Estimated fee: £3m;
Johanson: He’ll go now Ronny has. Estimated fee: £3m;
Henderson: Keep and see what he can do;
Ajer: Keep, but very much a squad player;
McGregor: Keep as a squad player for 1 more season;
Rogic: Keep if he signs a new deal. If not, let him go;
Commons: I’d personally let go, but doubt he will go until contract expires. Still, try to punt him. Estimated fee: £0;
Christie: Keep;
Roberts: Keep;
Forrest: Sell, he’s too inconsistent and doesn’t track back enough for me. Estimated fee: £500,000.
GMS: Keep. He’s tactically aware and works hard. Needs to kick on next season though. So keep for one more season.
Allan: As GMS – keep for 1 more season, but needs chances and to kick on.
Nesbit: Keep, but mainly a squad player.
Forwards:
Stokes: Sell. Estimated fee: £500,000;
Cole: Free him;
Cifti: Sell. Estmated fee: £500,000;
CKR: Keep (I can’t see anyone taking him off our hands anyway) and needs a run. I suspect he’s like Hartson in that he needs a run of games to find his touch/fitness. Anyway, he’s a different option, and the moment he pulled a steward off a fan makes me like his attitude.
Griff: Keep;
Scepovic: I like him, but think he’s like Bitton. Besides, he never really wanted to be here. Estimated fee: £1m.
So, out of 34 players, we are left with:
GK
Gordon and Fasan
Def:
Janko; Fisher;
Lustig; Erik: Jozo;
Tierney
Mid:
Henderson; McGregor; Allan: Christie; Roberts; GMS; Rogic;
Fwd:
Griff
CKR
17 players (plus 2 (Ajer and Nesbitt) who are strictly squad/development squad players). Plus income of c£10m from sales.
Priority signings:
Left back (again, sigh….)
dominant Centre half;
Defensive midfield;
LM;
Striker: as good as we can get.
First team of:
Gordon
Janko; New CH; Erik; Tierney;
New DM Allan/Henderson (Allan at home, Henderson away)
Roberts New LM
Griff New striker
And reserve team of:
Fasan
Fisher; Lustig; Jozo; New LB;
Allan/Henderson
McGregor Christie Rogic GMS
CKR
Relatively small turnover in Year 1 (though with the exception of the new LB as he would be reserve to Tierney, quality players in each position). Year 2 would see further changes, with the likes of Gordon; Janko; Allan; Henderson; Lustig; Jozo; McGregor; GMS; and CKR at risk, and Roberts definately for the off. I’d also be looking to transition away from 4-4-2 in year 2.
Free the Cole one.
What’s a golve? A golve is what lies between Peter Lawell and the Celtic support.
CKR’s weave is fair coming on.
Snowing in EK!
If Phil Mac Giolla Bhain’s sources are correct that a gang of senior players have undermined the team and refused to behave professionally as well-paid athletes, then the alleged troublemakers better hope that the next guy is not a Continental European with an emphasis on 24/7/365 holistic fitness and professionalism.
Though there again a new man with fire in his belly and beholden to no one would transfer list the marketers pdq. HH
Currently snowing over the Dechmont Massif.
Someone let Jobo know…
Snow in Lower East Kilbride……… Lord knows what it’s like up the hill
JINKS!
So the 3 players are?
Kris Commons1/3 fav plus 2 more.
Explosive stuff from Phil (assuming all true and his source in the Boardroom actually exists).
I’m not a big eater, but if Kris Commons was NOT one of the three players referenced, I’d eat my own walloper.
Also interesting that Paul and Phil seem to be travelling different roads these days.
SNAP
Brown has been woefully off-form since his injury. Desperately needs a rest. The guy looks out on his feet shortly after taking to the field. If Ronny wasn’t sh!t scared of him he wouldn’t be on the park.
Give him a rest Ronny. For Hertz: Midfield of Roberts Rogic Bitton Allan/Armstrong. CKR up top with Griff. NOT on the damn left wing!
I’m afraid Phil you could have got all that post you just made in here at the weekend, you’ve had a baron year and nothing has came out right for you yet, your kite flying and false accusations are that of a desperate man, is your play not doing to well, or is there a book coming out soon, your getting nothing on Sevco, so what to do eh? Awe here’s a great idea, let’s turn the guns on CFC, you’d think the heated driveway was just out, it’s been going on for ages ya nugget, do yourself a favour Phil, take a couple of months off, or why don’t you try journalism as a job? Oh here wait a minute!
I’m sure big Richards could be good addition, made some decent passes,and I thought he did OK,and I have to say,its time all of us Celtic supporters,give these new players a chance,not after a couple of games,many of us are to quick to critical, or is the site being infiltrated with hun supporters on here,which wouldn’t surprise me one bit,and for that twat Sutherland on sportcene last night,laughing at Richards being mention ed on the programme,stick to the football you twat,and not snidey smiles,oh and I would to know what team he actually supports.
GLASGOWDAVE on 25TH APRIL 2016 1:27 PM
Effectively, Phil is stating the same rumours that have floated around here forever
I find it incredibly hard to believe that Desmond doesn’t know who signs the players.
If Lawwell really does sign the players (I personally have heard different) then Desmond would be aware and sanctioned it.
Desmond runs the club through Lawwell.
Perhaps some of those with knowledge of the law could enlighten me on the following.
What, if any are the possible consequences of Celtic, when publishing match attendances, implying that thousands of SB holders were at Celtic Park, when in reality they were elsewhere?
Let’s go Fly a Kite
that would be a cold snap then
DBBIA/weeCarolKirkwoodCSC
Bobby,
He is indeed some guy. Much younger and more handsome than his grandad status would have you believe.
Not at all as bad as you had me believe ;p
A couple of pints with jungle Jim too. Non of which I paid for. Ha!
And a nod and a wink over to HT and his Mrs which actually turned out to be neither. Doh
Fkineejit csc
Tony, Suppose for one minute that the allegations re a gang of three senior players have been fomenting trouble. What should be done?
Now as you say, it might be a case of an old woman told an old woman who told another old woman…. But there are indications that the team is not bonding for whatever reason. If anyone, even the captain can be proved to be complicit then transfer list any troublemaker and in the meantime provide training facilities for him/them at some junior ground or public park. No one is bigger than the team. HH
….It’s Derk Campbell isn’t it……………?
;)
AN TEACH SOLAIS on 25TH APRIL 2016 1:38 PM
The rumours about those players have been floating around since Molde.
Particularly Stokes, Commons & Mulgrew.
Stokes has been shown the door, Commons dropped and Mulgrew hasn’t been offered a new deal.
——-
My Dear KevJ….
Interesting Photo Oor Host Hiz Chosen Tae Grace His Latest Article…
In The Backgroond…..
Philosopher-Poet Hunskelper Marco…
Looking Poised And Focused….
While ‘Woody’ Delia….
Is Lookin’ Just A Wee Bit Oot-O’-Focus..
Presumably Exasperated….
By His Continuing Failure To Locate The Gullane Sands…
Is Oor Host Tryin’ Tae Tell Us Somethin’…?
Hiz Ol’ Granny Coyle ‘Worked Her Mojo Oan Him’.
The Poor Clares Are Convinced….!
They’ve Emptied Their Bank Vault O’ Gold Kruggerands….
An’ The Securicor Vans Are Nudgin’ Ever Closer….
Tae Their Nearest Branch O’ William Hill.
[‘Ruby,Ruby,Ruby..! We Predict A Riot..! Ed ]
~~~~
The ole Gazebo pays hommage to CKR
Spidey100
The job’s yours…
Report to Lawwell in the morning who will rip up your excellent proposal and tell you what he needs done.
TIMALOY29 SLEEPS ON THE HEATED DRIVEWAY on 25TH APRIL 2016 1:50 PM
AN TEACH SOLAIS on 25TH APRIL 2016 1:38 PM
The rumours about those players have been floating around since Molde.
Particularly Stokes, Commons & Mulgrew.
Stokes has been shown the door, Commons dropped and Mulgrew hasn’t been offered a new deal.
I don’t pretend to know which, if any players have been undermining Ronny.
The most puzzling case is that of Commons. If as he claimed at the weekend, Ronny was responsible for signing players, we must assume that he had some say when the club caved in and gave Commons a two year deal.
Having done so,why was Ronny reluctant to play him?
It is time for truth on a number of Celtic related matters.
Keep Gordon, Janko, Lustig (one more year), Tierney, Sviatchenko, Simunvic, Mulgrew (offer one year deal), Brown (one more year), Henderson, Ajer, Armstrong, Allan, McGregor, GMS, Christie & Griffiths.
Get rid of the rest.
Sign Defensive Midfielder, Striker, Right Back, Winger and promote the best of the youngsters (Nesbitt, Thomson, Kelleher, Miller etc)
Talking of new Away strips, I think they should be White with a big Yellow stripe down the back would be most fitting for that mob!!!!!!
KINGLuBO
Quonno –
Celtic, like most clubs, will show the attendance as being the number of seats sold. Therefore season ticket holders are counted regardless of whether or not they attend. I don’t think we’re alone in doing that.
As a separate issue however, clubs DO have to know how many people are physically in the ground and I understand this relates to health and safety regulations in the event of some catastrophe happening. I believe that a Freedom of Information request to Police Scotland could be made to establish the actual attendance at any particular match (for any particular club). Pretty sure I remember this being on the ole Timternet a few seasons ago.
Back to work. And the snow’s aff…
Desmond runs a barrow in the marketplace
timaloy29 sleeps on the heated driveway
I would assume that DD has a arms length approach to Celtic, I cannot see him getting involved with the minutia. Hence , why all fingers are pointing at PL.
As Tony Donnelly stated above, It’s not been Phil’s best year, so I will take it with a pinch.
I took my 2.5 year old Granddaughter to her first game yesterday.
After an 70 mins she said, in Forrest Gump fashion ‘I want to go home now ‘ Even the wean knew we were cr*p
Time for big changes to be made, from the top down.
HH