I watched Hull batter Leicester City on TV last night without putting the ball in the net. The sheer volume and quality of chances entitled Hull fans to some consolation in the valid football adage, ‘these days happen’. Those absent from Celtic Park on Saturday are likely to assume we similarly battered Ross County, but they would be wrong. County defended throughout but were never under anything close to intense pressure.
This is one of the right times of the season to have a performance like that, they are of little use in the first week in February, when the transfer window is closed. Clues abound as to where we need to strengthen, most pointing to the forward line. John Guidetti’s drop in form over the last month has dropped like a stone, but he’s still comfortably holding onto the striker position. Neither Stokes, Griffiths nor Scepovic are putting pressure on a young off-form player.
There is also the playmaker position, which appears to be on the bench. Kris Commons has been dropped before in his Celtic career, often for important games in Europe, where more industrious, but less talented, players were chosen. I spent most of Saturday’s game waiting on Kris coming on, but if his general level of fitness counts against him for a starting position, his lack of 90 minute outings since his injury earlier in the season means that his late-game cameos look even less industrious.
As I’ve been saying since July, we only have one playmaker and if he’s not playing or off form, we’ll struggle. With a match-fit Commons on from the start yesterday, we would have won comfortably. I’m happy to accept we need a playmaker who’ll cover 15k in 90 minutes, so sign one, but if we’re going to let Commons go, or wither on the bench, sign two, before we end up dependent on one man again.
1,634 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- »
Neustadtbraw
Sorry to hear bout your loss
Happy for you on the birth of grandaughter.
You need your rest after what sounds like a rollercoaster.best wishes mhate.
Eddie will do :-)
HT that same rd closed due to snow,came round via torridon stunnin mhate
JG it certainly is stunning bro.hope xmas went well and ny too.
HH to yi all
:-)
RE Guidetti
Surely a 4 year deal on say 25k a week (1.25M a year), then punt him after two years for hopefully more than 2.5M. These are the gambles we have to be prepared to take if we want to build anything better than mediocrity.
the glorious balance sheet
11:16 on 31 December, 2014
________________________
Foreign agents – rackets – Celtic executives….the words that ye missed out in yer post.
HH
Bada
By ‘current’ I assume you mean the game to game performance of Ronny Deila’s team, which isn’t entirely a fair analysis.
A settled Celtic team drawing upon the resources of the club would have no difficulty in the Championship. It’s up to Ronny to put that team together, and we’ll be in a better position to judge him come March and April.
The transition from Lenny to Ronny was handled poorly, such that the new man had to assess what he had before understanding what he needed. IT didn’t help materd that his scouting portfolio would be drawn from players interesting to Stromsgodset in the Tippeligaen rather than Celtic in the Champions League.
Celtic’s players database on the other hand, while full of interesting prospects, featured players Ronny would not have seen in the flesh, and otherwise be unfamiliar with.
It’s no surprise that he went for the likes of Berget in the first instance, a player he knew well, then tapped into the Man City reserves, again a place he was familiar with.
I can’t imagine he ever saw Scepovic play a game, the only player we bought this summer. Likewise, Wakaso and Tonev would have been recommended from the Scouting team rather than identified or verified by Ronny.
I’d say he’s 2 transfer windows off having a Deila team on the park, but January at least should allow him to bring in players he has identified himself, rather than recommendations, and the team should start to shape up come the spring. By October we’ll know if Ronny is up to snuff – assuming there is no catastrophic meltdown in the interim.
So, I agree that the ‘current’ Celtic team would have quite a challenge on their hands in the Championship, but a settled Celtic playing under a settled manager using the resources of the club would not struggle.
BadaBing
I have watched a few Championship games this season. It’s choc full of teams that play at a similar level to each other – and I suspect play at a similar level to Celtic. We would certainly compete well but wouldn’t be running away with it by any means in my opinion.
I enjoy watching Championship games far more than EPL – it’s competitive without being encumbered by the circus of overpaid “stars”, cheats and headcases…
Proudbhoy
I was there last year. Dusseldorf’s very impressive, a wee bit better than Cologne which is also good.
There’s not a lot wrong with the strikers that we bring in, it’s the pish manager/puppets that are brought in by Liewwell that canny get the best out of them coz, they play systems were, Celtic strikers don’t get enough chances to be judged on.
Pukki proves my point.
TGBS
Very good post sir. The only conclusion that one can come too is that bonuses for non playing staff are increased.
HH
Bmcuw/ PedroC
I replied to Kevj to let him know that he wasn’t alone in spotting ‘contentious’ language, nor in observing that reactions to posts,in which similar contentious language has been used,at times seem to depend on the poster, rather than the content of the post.
Kevj didn’t seem to want to be any more specific than that, and I’ll respect that for the moment.
I put the time of his post up, Bobby you were on round about then.
However, if neither you nor Pedro saw anything to worry about, that’s probably why Kevj used the word ‘contentious’.
Sorry, if there’s any reply, it’ll have to wait for a response. Stuff to do for a while for tonight.
Hail Hail.
the long wait is over
What is it with us and strikers?
Genuine question.
When was the last time we signed a striker who turned out to be , or was improved to become, a better striker than we thought ? Henrik?
—-
When was the last time we signed a striker that has to play against 10 defenders week in week out. I think that is the problem… Don’t have a solution though..
beatbhoy
11:26 on 31 December, 2014
________________________
Let the liar-dogs sleep….
HH
NATKNOW
I only remembered him because with a name like that,he must be a figment of someone’s imagination.
VIZCSC
Turns out,real enough,and some story to him.
Lurked for a while yesterday and really enjoyed some of the debate and some welcome good news on the blog too. HH
re Sky/EPL
I do subscribe because I love watching football. However I like others enjoy the Championship now in preference to the over hyped EPL. It’s much harder to predict and more entertaining in my eyes. The EPL though is marketed superbly and they are all on message about the so called ‘greatest league in the world’. It suits them all as the gravy train will remain on track but what a contrast to the media and pundits north of the border who continually knock our game…you’d think they had an agenda !
BRTH- Thanks for the nod for the Dave Allen documentary, great viewing.
HH
I could acres with frustration at some of the opinions expressed on here.
I suppose it is just an example of ” each to their own.”
I am close to throwing my I-phone in the fire when I read that Aberdeen and Dundee Utd have previously won the league.
Not a big problem if they do it again.
It’s good to have competition.
Without perspective these are reasonable points of view.
When you apply perspective it is mind numbing.
The Aberdeen side that we lost the league to was managed arguably the worlds greatest ever football manager.
They beat Real Madrid to win The ECWC, then went on to win the European super cup.
The Dundee Utd team was managed by another tremendous football manager in Jim McLean.
They reached a European cup semi final and were beaten finalists in a UEFA CUP final.
These were exceptional sides , not only in a Scottish but European perspective .
The current Aberdeen and Dundee Utd sides finished behind Motherwell in last season title race.
A Motherwell side which was humped in the preliminary rounds of the EL qualifiers.
The standards of the other Scottish sides are not rising .
Celtics standards are falling through the floor.
We should be upping our game , not watching it’s demise.
TT
I don’t know what I find more laughable; the fact that Celtic cannot find £500,000 from their biscuit tin to sign a proven talent like John Spencer, or the fact that they then spent £300,000 on one of Dr. Jo’s old pals, the unknown Lubomir Moravcik!”
Hugh Keevins Sunday Mail; Nov 1998 ,,,,,,,,,,,so shug says celtic wont buy anyone in january,well that will be that then!
I’m really hoping for a reaction from Celtic tomorrow, one we didn’t see on Saturday after the previous week’s disappointment. There will be a large ‘fired up’ crowd expecting a performance. Time to deliver.
HH
TBB/TM-Thanks for replies, we don’t have enough fit quality players to withstand a Saturday/Wednesday campaign. I watched Derby last night, and thought they looked a good side, who moved the ball well.They are a better team than we currently are IMO, we have dropped alarmingly in 18 months, as I said it’s only my opinion bhoys.HH
The Battered Bunnet
11:22 on
31 December, 2014
Bada
By ‘current’ I assume you mean the game to game performance of Ronny Deila’s team, which isn’t entirely a fair analysis.
A settled Celtic team drawing upon the resources of the club would have no difficulty in the Championship. It’s up to Ronny to put that team together, and we’ll be in a better position to judge him come March and April.
The transition from Lenny to Ronny was handled poorly, such that the new man had to assess what he had before understanding what he needed. IT didn’t help materd that his scouting portfolio would be drawn from players interesting to Stromsgodset in the Tippeligaen rather than Celtic in the Champions League.
Celtic’s players database on the other hand, while full of interesting prospects, featured players Ronny would not have seen in the flesh, and otherwise be unfamiliar with.
It’s no surprise that he went for the likes of Berget in the first instance, a player he knew well, then tapped into the Man City reserves, again a place he was familiar with.
I can’t imagine he ever saw Scepovic play a game, the only player we bought this summer. Likewise, Wakaso and Tonev would have been recommended from the Scouting team rather than identified or verified by Ronny.
I’d say he’s 2 transfer windows off having a Deila team on the park, but January at least should allow him to bring in players he has identified himself, rather than recommendations, and the team should start to shape up come the spring. By October we’ll know if Ronny is up to snuff – assuming there is no catastrophic meltdown in the interim.
So, I agree that the ‘current’ Celtic team would have quite a challenge on their hands in the Championship, but a settled Celtic playing under a settled manager using the resources of the club would not struggle.
————————————————————
I wouldn’t disagree with your argument that this isn’t RDs team and that it will take some time before we see such a team (if he is allowed the time!!) However, when reading through that my thoughts were
1. What exactly are we paying for a scouting department for if not to identify prospects the coach might want to look at.
2. If we do have a good scouting department, why would we abandon their assessment and simply go with what the coach has 1st hand experience of (e.g. Berget & Man City reserves). Loans still cost money – though admittedly less than purchases.
If that’s what happened then it sounds like we either don’t have a scouting strategy or we don’t trust it. Mind you, given some of our purchases, the latter wouldn’t surprise me.
Overall, I get the impression that the control asserted from senior management is the biggest problem here. We are trying to reduce risk – fair enough. But from what I can see we are far too risk averse. This is a common problem now in business and has been since the accountancy geeks got to rule the roost in the boardroom. Risk aversion strangles innovation.
awe_naw_no_annoni_oan_anaw_noo
11:01 on 31 December, 2014
–
Cheers for reply
Is anywhere in that area perfect then or is there certain streets we should aim for.
roy croppie
11:34 on 31 December, 2014
Totally agree, The Championship down South is far more entertaining to watch than the over hyped EPL. Hardly watch EPL games anymore. Same with CL group games, hardly watched any this season, partly because we’re not in it but mainly because we know who will qualify.
the glorious balance sheet
11:16 on 31 December, 2014
Outstanding post.
Tiny Tim
I believe I just agreed with you previously in less eloquent language.
In fact my language was pretty mutton compared to your finest lamb.
MWD said AYE
!!bada bing!!
11:38 on 31 December, 2014
We’ve gone from mid table EPL to play offs challenging Championship standard team over last two years. IMO.
BEATBHOY 1126
Indeed you did-
~~~~~~~~~~++~~~~~~~~~~
beatbhoy
10:08 on 31 December, 2014
Kevjungle@05.35
Good point.
Not unique either, it’s happened before, though rarely. Either an offensive post is ignored, or generous benefits of the doubt are granted, depending on the poster, apparently.
Or maybe they just agree when Nigel Farage says it’s ok.
~~~~~~~~~~++~~~~~~~~~~
But you failed to say which posts caused such a case of the vapours.
As did KEVJ. Just a generalisation,no names no pack drill.
marrakesh express
11:24 on 31 December, 2014
—
Happy days.. ì’ll pass info onto the mate. I love germany so delighted he’s aiming for there.
Portugal was fist choice but too expensive.. few boys not working etc.
When I was in berlin and hamburg the digs were all pretty decent and cheap
Gary67
–
Spot on.. always argued with epl mates we would survive in their over rated league but I dont think ae would anymore.
the glorious balance sheet
11:16 on 31 December, 2014
100% correct. The ‘strategy’ is deeply flawed, as is who are implementing it.
Tiny Tim
have you looked at Celtic website under hospitality section?
They seem to be using your quote to assist when flogging tickets..
(changed phone and lost your mob number)
Horrid Henry
My recollection is that NL was only about 6 weeks ( not 6 months) into the job when beaten by Ross County in the cup. I think he may have won around 7 league games on the trot in this time.
He also took over a failing team. Deila took over a team that won the SPL easily. His tactics make decent players look bad. He ignores our best young player from last season and is destroying the confidence of another young player by playing him out of position and continuing to play him when his self belief is gone. He continues to play a lone striker who isn’t given enough support.
He has a defence that are disorganised and do not seem to have any understanding of each other.
Celtic play an average Inter Milan team in a few weeks time. They will beat us easily.
Horrid Henry
10:33 on
31 December, 2014
Conspiracy theorist? You started the Ne’er Day festivities already?
I’m not saying I’m pro or con, I’m just saying.
Still, don’t let that get in the way……
Roy Croppie
With regards to the EPL, any league where the two most important positions are fourth from top and fourth from bottom is fundamentally flawed in my opinion – obscene money has killed any spirit of real competition and ambition.
Wish I had an answer.
But come the revolution when I am finally running the show, people subscribing to SKY had better watch themselves….
Proudbhoy
anywhere in that area, micro breweries, pubs,clubs,restaurants,take aways mate. If you cant do it all in a weekend. It took me six months.
If you like dark beer. The German equivalent of heavy …your in paradise
TIMMALONEWILLTELL
Why?
You gonna start a new channel-Youview?
On occasion the loan market has worked for us but most of the deals I feel haven’t and this has had a negative impact on the squad and performance. I get all the ‘try before you buy’ arguments but how many do we actually sign up on deals. This for me dilutes the Celtic jersey and if our previously much vaunted scouting department continue recommending very average foreign imports it must be time for a change.
The fans are desperate to connect with the team and the club and to continue to meander along at our current pace as we await the hun (who might not appear) is ‘criminal’ in my eyes.
HH
Kevjungle-I have had ongoing issues with PL, as well as a few others on here, but using his surname the same way hun blogs do, isn’t required IMO HH
Tim Malone Will Tell
In our eyes it is flawed but it appears to have a licence to print money as the hype is swallowed world wide.
A club like Arsenal now appear to be happy to be in the ‘magical top four’ and your season is seen as a success if you achieve this and don’t win anything.
Mind give me a shout for the revolution :)
HH
BMCUW
My comment was tongue in cheek obviously – but I do believe that SKY has been the most significant factor in killing competition.
People are fed an inferior product to the one we watched 30 or 40 years ago and yet willingly pay for the privilege. Does my nut in to think of the likes of Murdoch pulling a stunt like that…
!!Bada Bing!!
11:51 on 31 December, 2014
________________________
Tough!
Peter Lawwell is a – liar.
Are you trying to say thats not true?