Brendan Rodgers brought five players to the club this transfer window: Moussa Dembele, Kolo Toure, Scott Sinclair, Dorus de Vries and Cristian Gamboa, two defenders, a wide midfielder, a striker and a goalkeeper. Moussa has been used sparingly so far, but there’s a decent chance four out of the five will be first choice for our key games this season. Kristoffer Ajer also arrived but was signed up by Ronny Deila earlier this year.
The leavers over the summer were mostly deadwood, with honourable mentions to Charlie Mulgrew and Stefan Johansen, both former Player of the Year winners. Our best wishes go with them. We also saw Saidy Janko escape on loan to Barnsley, Scott Allan head to Rotherham for the season, while Aidan Nesbitt will continue his apprenticeship at Morton until next summer.
You would be hard pressed to identify a better transfer window than this since the ‘Robbie Keane window’, which looked good at the time but was ultimately unproductive. Try naming one. Peter Lawwell’s adage about coming out of the window stronger than we went into it, was unequivocally achieved.
We also managed to achieve something you and I have debated here for years: spend early in the window in enhance your chances of reaching the Champions League. No one should be in any doubt that the reason we were able to achieve this, this season, was down to the personal pull of Brendan Rodgers.
Kolo, Scott and Moussa would not be here for any other manager, and without them, we’d not be in the Champions League. It wasn’t a decision to spend early this year that we didn’t want to do in earlier years, we’ve simply not had the drawing power to get the targets we wanted. That included Teemu Pukki, who wasn’t prepared to walk among us until we’d delivered Champions League football for him to enjoy. This is the reality, even for everyday-jobbers like Teemu.
Those of us who like the scientific approach to football won’t like this. Success shouldn’t be about reputations, it should be finding good managers or players who are undervalued, and giving them a platform to shine.
What the last two years demonstrated more than anything else, is that a football dressing room is an incredibly difficult place to get scientific. Brendan’s reputation as a top manager helps him deliver success, which we’re all happy about.
I spoke to someone last night who felt “cheated” by the window. “Why?” I asked. “Because we were promised a major spend. Dermot was raging at that other lot after the semi-final and we were promised a big spend. A week ago we were promised James McCarthy.”
Honestly, some journalist writes a complete fantasy and we’re jumping off cliffs after one of the best July and Augusts we’ve had in years. Don’t confuse media output with actual reality. It’s mostly nonsense. Dermot left the game in question before the penalties, there was no overreaction from the other lot.
And Celtic told anyone who asked that they had no intention of signing James McCarthy. If a fan told you otherwise, his taxi driver-source was misinformed. It happens. If a media outlet told to this, they either wanted to run the story without checking, or didn’t care.
Did we want more from the window? Yes. We all did and we all always do. That’s why Celtic were still on the hunt for a deal or two yesterday, but the manager’s primary bases were all covered. Celtic will continue to do what they always have done financially – spend all the money that comes in over any business period you care to mention.
Enjoy this season, I think it’s going to be a memorable one.
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Paul67
‘Easily the best transfer window in the past six years ‘ – but sadly still not nearly good enough for the majority of Celtic fans elated to be back in the CL.
Different if BR had said he was content with his squad, he wasn’t, and it seems Cristian Gamboa was an afterthought signed in an emergency following the game in Israel. That ‘one more’ in definitely escaped Celtic, and whilst not crucial will have an impact on credibility, and champions league packages.
Celtic ‘trying’ to get players,but ultimately failing can only end one way .
Three windows forecast to get rid of players who can’t move because they were given Celtic contracts that can’t be matched for the level of player they were, and still are.
Yours Disappointed
As ever CSC
http://thecelticblog.com/2016/09/blogs/jozos-classy-open-letter-to-the-fans-calls-out-the-lying-hacks/
Well said big Jozo.
I know im moaning bhoys, i shouldnt really.
But the reality is, i cannot stand to see Celtic getting humped…..and thats what i fear in the CL.
Thats the root of it.
I want to see us hold our own, but at that level, it can be cruel.
Im being a realist…..i know people dont like it, but there you go.
HH
Betfair currently have us at 40/1 to beat Barcelona. Worth a wee fiver.
Desmond left the match before the penalties were taken .
Really?
I have been a huge promoter of DD over the years.
But this does make me question his emotional attachment to the club.
HTF ,COULD HE LEAVE AT SUCH A VITAL TIME?
Utterly dismayed by this.
Celtic supporters,don’t leave at such a vital time ,they stay and support the team.
TT
The use of the word grooming by Tony D was not meant in the way that huns use it as a comeback to us.
We are all aware what they are getting at.
It was the wrong term to use and TD probably realises this, although too stubborn to admit it.
Let it drop, it’s getting laborious now.
I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t get the midfielder in that we need but heyho look where we are now compared to lately.
James Forrest
….and that`s the kind of Celtic article I like to read. Well done,
JJ
BOURNESOUPRECIPE on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:35 PM
Brendan has probably learned to say nothing in future.
No matter what he says , it will be misconstrued or distorted.
His comment about having two hands on qualification for the group stages was also ill advised.
He`s had a lot to learn in two or so months.
Hr will.
* I feel BR has done excellent work so far. Some great progress.
* On the down side this was the opportunity to add a quality midfielder with the attraction of Champions
League football.
* In all likelihood we won’t have European football post Christmas so real quality unlikely to come.
* Next summer we’re back into the lottery of qualification.
* BR had stated that qualification for the CL would make signing real quality possible.
* The pre-season tournament fee would cover the net spend on fees of circa £3million so why have we not
used any of the other monies that have come our way?
Not a rant just an outline of my understanding/lack of understanding of what has gone on. HH
TinyTim
I left before the penalties, only because i couldn’t bare to watch. I wasn’t the only one going down the stairs.
oneofthe70percent on 1st September 2016 12:56 pm
“……….i think the dumbass that writes these articles is a board member or a celtic employee” ??????
I used to be a frequent poster, in the days when CQN was more enjoyable and more of a community.
That post at 12.56pm (the above is an extract) sums up why I only lurk now – ill-informed, ill-mannered and ill-timed.
To the guy that posted it – the “dumbass” is Paul, who created this site nearly 12 years ago and has poured thousands of hours of his time (and money) into CQN. It’s his site and he has created a wonderful thing – CQN has generated hundreds of thousands for charity and created friendships that will last a lifetime. To insult him so blatantly demonstrates an incredible lack of knowledge and awareness. You don’t belong here.
Back to lurking!
H! H!
DavieL
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:39 PM
I know im moaning bhoys, i shouldnt really.
But the reality is, i cannot stand to see Celtic getting humped…..and thats what i fear in the CL.
Thats the root of it.
I want to see us hold our own, but at that level, it can be cruel.
Im being a realist…..i know people dont like it, but there you go.
HH
____________________
LOL. Brilliant. You kill me man!
Yeah we might get a humping but we are there be glad for that.
KYF
TGM
” But the reality is, i cannot stand to see Celtic getting humped…..and thats what i fear in the CL.”
None of us can it but I console myself with the realisation that these other teams are only streets ahead because of ridiculous sums of money that were gifted rather than earned. On a level playing field, we would have no such worries. The `blame ` for the inequality lies miles away from Celtic Park.
Keep moaning but direct it to where it should be directed.
JJ
MacJay
We are just fanatical Celtic supporters.
We want the team to improve….thats all.
Im no different to anybody, but i just think our custodians could be backing the manager properly, after all the guff we have heard recently.
New start , New horizons etc….type of thing.
If that was down to me last night….you can bet i would have secured a proper centre mid.
How the fabulous suits on the PLC couldnt deliver……says a lot about their mythical status.
Top businessmen, who cant sign a player when required.
Id sack them…..but then you know that:)
HH
TINYTIM
The Great Desmondo didn’t leave before the penalties were taken.
Legend is that he was so disgusted at the SEVCO directors behaviour after the penalties that he changed his strategy going forward which resulted in Brendan Rodgers appointment.
So they say . .
VFR800A8 on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:00 PM
TD67
A couple of definitions of grooming:
prepare or train (someone) for a particular purpose or activity.
…..
You were either mischievous in using the term or ill-advised. Either way you try and cut it, the implication is there. Can you at least be up front and admit which it was and, in consideration of others in here, refrain from using the term again in acceptance of its vile implication?
…………
Was this in relation to TD’s comments re: the GB organisers?
Not my argument, but for what it’s worth, I didn’t personally see any implication other than the “training” interpretation – i.e. training youngsters in the organisers’ political beliefs.
HH
BGFC
SIPSINI on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:40 PM
The use of the word grooming by Tony D was not meant in the way that huns use it as a comeback to us.
============================================================
I expect Tony meant groomed in socialism .
Course , the bullies can always be relied upon to use a single meaning as a rod for his back.
Oooh Aaah
Blog simulation.
Sipsini
I’ll let it drop when he mans up and admits it was inappropriate.
Until then.
Never!
But thanks anyway for the suggestion.
MWD
VFR
I genuinely cannot stand to see Celtic get humped.
What is surprising about that?
HH
Sipsini @ 13.40hrs.
Exactly.
HH.
HOT SMOKED on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:41 PM
James Forrest
….and that`s the kind of Celtic article I like to read. Well done,
JJ
_______________________________
I think Brendan has mixed James Forrest up with wee Jaimsie and been coaching him on the blog; it’s been much better over the last few months ………..
KTF
so p67 are you basically saying phil was talking crap with the old dd offended at hampden story?
Macjay
Bullies?
Really?
Your poor we pal Tony eh?
Get over yourself Sheila.
MWD
Let’s be honest, in the champions league we will be playing with 5 defensive midfielders another one here or there wouldn’t really make much difference. Just a thought :)
P67 @ PL’s back pocket
You are not even trying anymore.
You are just phoning it in to keep the posts coming.
We did well with real first team signings.
We however crashed and burned getting the deadwood out the door.
Klingons at the back, on the wing and up front.
I do appreciate getting people in was the main effort but we are looking at £100K pw getting wasted on stiffs, projects and no hopers — will this waste come out of PL’s bonus?
Still lots of quality free transfers available.
Martin Caceres
Flamini to name but two
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:47 PM
MacJay
We are just fanatical Celtic supporters.
We want the team to improve….thats all.
==================================================
Exactly the same as me.
Like so many things , it`s a question of how to achieve that aim.
That`s where we differ.
The last road to success is the divided road..
” We`re on the one road……. ”
Oh, yeah ?
Do you really imagine that we CQN ers really have the slightest clue as to what goes on behind the scenes ?
I sincerely doubt it.
COOLMORE MAFIA on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:48 PM
‘so p67 are you basically saying phil was talking crap with the old dd offended at hampden story?’
###
Wasn’t that version of events confirmed separately by two posters on here?
BIG GEORGES FAN CLUB – HAIL, HAIL, WEE OSCAR on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:47 PM
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:48 PM
______________________________________
I don’t doubt Tony meant it as grooming for the flag waving BUT it has the implication of grooming children; so much so that it now has that meaning listed in an internationally renowned dictionary.
As I said, TD67 was either mischievous or ill-advised. He could defuse the whole issue by accepting and admitting that and declare he won’t use the terminology again. It’s a simple solution.
KTF
Hands up if you really really thought we would be in the CL this year ?
Hands up now that we are in the CL if you really really thought Brendan could make us a CL team in 90 days ??
Stop kidding yourselves on and enjoy the progress…
8 days and £20mill on its way and unaccounted for.
Two glaring deficiencies shown for all to see on TV.
Fixing on is good.
But nobody brought in to help shore up the MF is a huge missed opportunity.
Flogging or at least trying to flog last year’s CB “Great White Hope” shows how desperate things have become …
And yet still they clap.
Hot Smoked @ 1.45
I dont reckon its purely about how much a player costs.
We obviously cannot operate at a high level in terms of transfers, but we can be clever, and thats what seems to be lacking imo.
Like ive said….the top businessmen on the Celtic PLC, cant seem to do it when it matters.
We are not asking for Messi, or Ronaldo.
There are plenty of players to be had, but the desire to make it happen, doesnt seem to be there.
England isnt the answer….we need better scouts.
HH
BIGCHIPSUK – 10 IN A ROW (2001-2010) on 1ST SEPTEMBER 2016 1:09 PM
It mentions Innes Murray
Starry Plough
I dont think anybody thinks we can win the CL(apart from me:)
But i do want us to compete….thats all.
HH
Paul67
We have not invested the resources at our disposal as well as we could have .
To improve the team to it’s maximum.
We should be striving to make the optimum improvement ,not just a any improvement.
We are about to get humiliated in the CL .
I like many are disappointed that we have not fulfilled our potential.
Whether Brendan made a public statement or not is irrelevant .
He wanted to Sell Simunovic,and Ambrose.
He wanted to loan out GMS and Armstrong.
He wanted to sign a midfielder ,and I’m led to believe another striker.
None of this happened.
So public or private any utterances that he is delighted are folly.
When you have so many instances that you want to happen and they don’t ,no sane man can be delighted .
Content maybe,but delighted is a stretch too far.
TT
Green Man, I hate seeing us get humped as well. I’ve seen a few in the past and I’ll see some more in the future. the 4-1 against Thistle still rankles. That, IMHO, is worse than the 6-1 pumping we got in Camp Nou last time. But hey, ho onwards and upwards.
Glass half full amigo, glass half full.
KTF
Bloody hell, some real moaning gits on here at times, I widnae be wanting to eat a bag of crisps in the library when some of you lot are in ffs.
5 players in a few out, in the Champions league, top of the league, a top class manager in, season tickets all but gone, and the hawn wringers are apoplectic about not adding a 14th midfielder to the squad.
Thank f I have a powerful thumb to scroll by the malcys.
In Celtic I trust.
H.H