Coaching, Brendan’s open canvass

Apologies for recent radio silence.  Lots going on with some weighty matters which will soon be of interest to you, unfortunately didn’t have time to blog for a few days.

So much going on simultaneously but I can’t really focus on anything with the daunting evening ahead tomorrow. Season Two of the Brendan Rodgers era will be considerably influenced by the events in Trondheim. Rosenborg are a shadow of their former glory, but Celtic must patch a team together and win (or secure a score draw) in Norway to reach the Champions League group stage.

Most Celtic fans I speak to expect us to win the game, but we’re an optimistic lot (cough). Let’s hope that’s based on sound reason.

I was surprised to hear Shaun Maloney has been speaking to Brendan Rodgers about a youth coaching role at Celtic. Shaun was a rare graduate of the Celtic youth system under Martin O’Neill, breaking through as an 18-year-old in 2001. He will also know more about Lennoxtown than practically any player, as he gorged on gym time there during lengthy periods of injury, while others were resting.

Does he have what it takes to be a good youth coach? This is a difficult one to answer. Look east. Ian Cathro had an exemplary record as youth and assistant coach under some talented managers, assisting at Valencia and Newcastle. But Cathro’s success was down to the management structure he flourished under. On his own, at Hearts, he perished. Sacked four days before the league kicks off.

If Shaun joins the Celtic coaching setup he will begin a new tutelage under Brendan Rodgers. The manager may be looking for an intelligent, open, canvass, to work with.

Directors’ Box Hospitality for 4, this Saturday, 5 August

Those great people at Celtic sponsor, Intelligent Car Leasing, have offered us an incredible hospitality package for Flag Day at Celtic Park on Saturday, to raise funds for Mary’s Meals. You can win a seat for yourself and three friends at the Walfrid Lounge and in the Directors’ Box, with full hospitality.

This is an incredible prize worth many hundreds of pounds. You can win it by making a minimum £10 donation directly to Mary’s Meals here. To confirm your entry please email me celticquicknews@gmail.com your donation confirmation email from MyDonate.

Competition closes at 11:59 tomorrow (Wednesday) night.  It’s running for little over one day, so your chances have to be good.  Make sure your have contact details on the email you send me- wouldn’t be the first time someone didn’t check his email until the Monday after a game.

Many thanks and good luck!

The Kano Foundation

The Kano Foundation are holding their annual bucket collection at outside Celtic Park before kick off on Saturday. This is a once-a-year event for TKF, who do tremendous work, brining young people into the Celtic family.

If you would like to participate at a ‘bucketeer’, please email bucketcollection@thekanofoundation.com . You will only need to be there two hours and you’ll get in to see the flag being raised!

Even if you cannot shake a bucket on the day, please bring cash to support them.

Meanwhile listen to the new CQN Podcast below…