With an eye on the Champions League game tomorrow night, Brendan Rodgers chose to mix it up against Livingston on Saturday. The risk paid off with Benjamin Nygren lifting the champions to a comfortable 3-0 win. An added benefit was the gametime given to those who needed it, while we got a good look at Hayato Inamura and Shin Yamada.
Nygren has now played three league games for Celtic, scored three goals, hit the crossbar and has one assist to his name. You also get the feeling that he is only just beginning to get a feel for his teammates. When his passes do not reach their desired destination, it is because he expected a run which did not happen.
Arne Engels’ motivation is clear to see. The Belgium international was first choice last season, but has been left on the bench for key games this term. His response against Livi was as good as the manager would have hoped for.
Elsewhere the big result was Tony Bloom-inspired Hearts dropping two points at home to Motherwell. That allowed Celtic to open up a 2 point gap at the top of the table. Early days but you would rather be 2 points ahead than behind.
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Monday again.
Big week ahead.
COYBIG
Great last paragraph Paul67!
I liked Nygren from day one. He has what it takes.
I wonder if any of you bhoys on here would take a punt on the former Aberdeen striker .( his name evades me at the moment ) if my memory serves me he caused us a bit of bother when we played the dons , tall and can take the rough stuff ,I read he is wanting away from his present club . It’s a yes from me .
jimtim on 25th August 2025 12:13 pm
Bojan Miovski?
Allegedly a target for sevco, avaialble on loan.
I’d give him a go, loan with option to buy.
Before signing Idah there was debate on here re Muovski vs Shankland. Said I’d have BM over Shankland and Idah and remain of the same opinion though I’d like to see Kenny get more game time too, think he has something to offer.
QB
Thought I was seeing things towards the end of the Palace – Forrest game at the weekend when a substitute by the name of Odsonne Edouard arrived on the pitch. Now it may be with Eze sold to Arsenal Glazner has to keep Odsonne as a back up forward despite sending him out on loan last season. If so is he capable of applying himself to being a professional footballer?
Nygren is definitely not a right winger. He only came really into the game when he was moved into the middle.
I suspect we’ll see Maeda upfront for tomorrow night.
I agree with this “You also get the feeling that he is only just beginning to get a feel for his teammates” and it shows the importance of getting players bedded in as soon as we can.
No last minute panic buying and players getting used to each other through sept and October
What price a half million pound saving?
https://share.google/A1NXzp1dDWdV47Lqj
Linked with this guy not a great scoring record
Stephen McGowan ex Celtic in the Herald, called it a fortnight ago, when the train was already very late, though even he is optimistic in numbers, he couldn’t have foreseen us half way out of the CL, like the rest of us. For 18 months they knew a Kairat type qualifier was coming, with every interview by BR ( the one and only voice of Celtic ) the club silence becomes more deafening, Rodgers more ostracised from the man that gave him his contract – it’s as you were, just before he left the first time, the rubicon has been crossed.
It’s 3 years then “ Terminado, gone ”, Brendan’s ‘brave face’ will be seen often this season, he doesn’t do maintenance man, and whether you love him or loathe him he’s an elite ambitious coach, loved by the players at every club he’s managed. A chicken or egg came first with regard to any possibility of contract extension, doesn’t really matter anymore. Creating the illusion that he wouldn’t sign a contract that wasn’t there in the first place, is boardroom blame shifting, no matter what way you slice it, they weren’t for buying his players or the recruitment teams, unless they were different. We’ll never know, but we’ll have a good idea, the mantra is Brendan Rodgers signed Adam Idah but not Nicolas Kuhn or in other words
Brendan Bad versus the men with an “ eye for a player “ Good
The damage was done, we’ve sold best players (O’Riley Kyogo Kuhn) and not only have we not replaced them, we haven’t even tried, especially taking into account the unprecedented bank balance. Players have been identified and have been passed to CEO and CFD to broker deals, fix availability, suitability, contact agents, fix salaries, and agree prices – they haven’t done any of that? If you believe that our Chairman whose role whilst non executive, doesn’t have influence or give guidance over the offices of CEO or the CFD then, good luck with that. He might or might not have been directly involved in this window, who cares he’s at the very least the Celtic sage, by default . He appointed the CEO, who happened to be his legal secretary, he appointed the CFD who happened to be in the building, and he appointed, a subsequently removed Head of Football recruitment. All three have played musical chairs sat down in each others, or switched job roles at some point in recent years.
The major shareholder and the Chairman’s past quotes about our direction, are barely distinguishable from one another, over a period of many years, but always whilst together in situ. The bigger the bank balance the bigger the bonus, the CEO’s nearly doubled this year, the CFO’s we’re told is well above industry normal, why would you spend money when you can point to your stash and wink at Brendan Rodgers trophies, and say look at us, how good are we? Simply put, they’ve put up the barriers of silence and we’re not doing big money, unless of course it’s coming in.
Kairat in Parkhead was a calamity by the look on the faces for sure, we will sign the bare minimum to plug the gaps, that get bigger by the game. The big decisions have already been taken, they’re battening down the hatches to take on the 49ers ( no laughing at the back ) on an even keel. We’ve barely outspent Hibs so far, in cash or ambition, the self preservation society and their take will get bigger, during anticipated managed decline.
Ironic, after the Ronny Deila years where we’d lost 10,000 season ticket holders, the major shareholder’s lightbulb moment was Brendan Rodgers, whoosh we got 10,000 back again, hopefully it’s only the story presently ‘unraveling’. Selling assets is one thing , chasing them away, is another thing entirely. All is not lost, but whether we go through or not in the Champions League – “Alea iacta est”
Adidas CSC
Can’t say I ever pay any attention to points gaps at any stage of the season. Maybe more of an old firmy thing.
Good win and good squad rotation. All set now for the big job.
3 massive away games this week for us now.
Win these 3 and we take a huge leap forward in our hopes and dreams for the season.
2 are pre deadline.
Fail to win in any and I fear the shit hits the fan.
Let’s hope it’s the former. Not fooled by our 3 wins in a row league form but we are playing as well as anyone I would say and better than most of them. Given the transition that’s fine for me.
As for Europe I do agree this is still a ‘should win’ game but against a battle hardened fully energised and fit opponent it will not be easy. Their 2 DM Israelis really did step up on Wednesday. It will be interesting to see how they set up for the home time.
I reckon they will not be too sure themselves. They will fancy they really can win which brings its own pressures.
Not a big fan of Miovski ,but given what we currently have,a loan with an agreed fee to buy would make sense
Bournesouprecipe
Your bitterness knows no bounds.
Lies and innuendo.
Not defending the guy who I don’t even know but by what measure is our CFO paid above industry norm ?
Certainly not defending a CEO who for me is at best ‘not proven’ and clearly not a good communicator but you are not comparing like with like in saying his salary doubled. You know that though.
What evidence have you regarding any influence PL has in operations. Why would he even bother as he certainly is not rewarded for it as an NE Chair. Would you bother being close to the abuse some ignorants hurl for that level of financial reward ? Not in a million years I would fancy. Never mind suggest he does more than his role as Chair.
I agree with your point that his views and actions align with those of the largest shareholder. That is 100% the case and to be honest given the largest shareholder has wider control via other aligned investors it is not at all a surprise to anyone but the very hard of thinking.
As for increased bonuses bases on profits retained. I am not sure what you are smoking today but that is utterly ridiculous. I suggest you stick to the booze or something less hallucinogenic. No logic to that at all.
It’s a big week for Celtic. I seriously hope we win both games and are in a better place in terms of playing squad and harmony come next Monday. Regardless of who achieves what or gets credit.
Bada Bing
Agree re Miovski
Partly on basis it would keep him away from that lot. The old Jock Stein ploy. I maybe have higher regard for him than you. Also it’s been a while since I recall us having a left footed striker of note.
At worst it might ‘up the ante’ for the Huns a bit. Eg like their Fan Fan deal back in the day.
Peter Lawwell is as often out of the Country as much as here. He only goes to Celtic Park to watch games or for Board meetings. He doesn’t have an office at the park, he may not even have a desk. Recent DD meetings have had Brendan, Nicholson and McKay. No PL invite.
PL is also a Director of ECA and the joint UEFA/ECA company and spends a lot of time on their businesses. DD calls the shots at Celtic and always has done. We are told Brendan is now DD go to man. I think this may have changed given BR contract situation
PL has no involvement in transfers or day to day matters at the club. He is non-executive chairman. DD is also non-executive and doesn’t usually attend Board meetings but is in charge
Given he can barely last 60 minutes in a Celtic jersey I’ve no idea why KT has made himself available for “international duty”.
Shipbank Shipwrecks Friday 29th August. 12pm onwards.
Is it correct to state that Peter Lawwell appointed Nicholson as CEO? Did this appointment not take in the interim period after Lawwell had been CEO and before his appointment as Chairman?
The Blogger
I agree.
I’ve also no idea why Celtic would allow it.
I can’t even think about the huns game because tomorrow’s game is of such huge significance given the situation we have put ourselves in . Win it , and I’ll look forward to the huns game with relish as we’ll be in buoyant mood .
Unfortunately I’ll then have to start fretting all over again about our state of preparedness for much more serious examinations (not to mention the chance of excruciating pumpings) in the CL groups if the squad isn’t strengthened to meet the challenge .
Our expectations have been well and truly reset as we enter the last week and Miovski is the rumour.
Back to Basics – Glass Half Full on 25th August 2025 8:43 am
Tontine Tim earlier. Had to Google YYZ. Most airport codes have some kind of clue. This was a new one on me.
*this from google too, Toronto Pearson International Airport is coded YYZ because the code originates from the previous Morse code identifier for the town of Malton, the location of the airport, which was YZ. All Canadian airports were given codes starting with a “Y” to indicate they had a weather station, hence the prefix “Y” was added to the Malton code “YZ” to form YYZ.
Another FYI Malton where the airport is located is a village that was absorbed by the City of Mississauga, it had a huge bit population around 50 or so year ago of “Brits” due to the amount of aircraft manufacturing factories there and the demand for skilled engineers i.e. toolmakers etc, when I first arrived on these shores the current airport Toronto Pearson International was known as Malton International.
I always enjoy Mondays, full of hopes, dreams and expectations. The Tim in optimist I suppose.
Effective Nygren.
Like an advertising claim for a new headache or insomnia tablet.
Cmon bhoys; play nice.
PILLPOPPERS CSC
From previous article:
Back to Basics – Glass Half Full on 25th August 2025 11:48 am
Just saw a headline that got me worried.
“Brendan Rodgers could quit Celtic and join Nottingham Forest”
Very worried.
Very worried indeed.
%
Just think how worried the Forest fans feel after what Rodgers tippy tappy, run run run run, run faster, run longer, naivety, did to Leicester and their fans.
Oh dear!
From previous article:
An Tearmann on 25th August 2025 10:35 am
“Keel being paranoid bout Vax,see the grifter bout your lizard paranoia,he will kiss it better.
Your vax paranoid shows how confused you are.”
Go and say that to the families of your pals who ‘died suddenly’ and ask why the Lizard worshipping Westminster Gravytrain expenses fake Indy Snp all deleted their Social Media correspondence relating to their administration of the vaccine/midazolam/care home genocide????
Why were Police Scotland ‘ordered’ by the krankie red shoe Lizard to [FoI confirms that Police Scotland were directed to refuse any complaints from the public about covid]????
https://expose-news.com/2025/06/28/foi-confirms-that-police-scotland/
Folk like you, Teary Mann, who grassed and snitched your way through the plandemic, are the kind of sheep that guvernments adore.
Take care comrade.
Miovski, while at Aberdeen, was a decent player but he has literally done nothing of note in Spain, 18 appearances in LA Liga, 2 goals.
The fact they want him gone after one season should set the alarm bells ringing.
Miovski always appeared to me as a hit on the break merchant ( a la Vardy) , so don’t think he would be suitable.
Notsurewhodbesuitablecfc
Realistically, we are way too good , and should win tomorrow. Bring our A game, and all will be well.
I have a tiny concern re the hun game in that we might be a bit weary after all the travelling, but still, play the 11 we plaeyd Saturday, that should do us. They are a real poor outfit with no obvious plan of how to play..
kingLUBO
Can’t see much wrong w/ Jamie Vardy on some kind of pay-per-play basis.
I reckon it’d ship a ton of cult-like merch too.
Cost neutral kinda thing.
The only worry on the hun game is the wee Belgium rat, who can recklessly tackle with complete impunity!
Around £20 million pounds he’s taken out of a business our size? Ridiculous money
Prestonpans
Yeah, he’s a dirty wee niggling merde,
“Why would he even bother as he certainly is not rewarded for it as an NE Chair. Would you bother being close to the abuse some ignorants hurl for that level of financial reward ?”
I don’t think it’s about finances, I think it’s more about resentment…
Kevin Racist
That you being a confused Racist and good little unionist and weaponizing death .its what you cult unionists revel in.
Was your unelectable- Farage stage sharer not confined to skinning your disability benefits from his lavvy lols
Haha “grass and snitch” would have loved to have given you a tour of a covid ward at that time,I suppose it would not have been allowed….anyways you’d have to leave Blant’urr.
All you personify kevin is how you are a sap,
Internet educated and gullible sap
There is no learning,that’s why your amoebic brain fills quickly,trotting out your mantras of past ,ah jumpers for goalposts kevin lol,all gone
HH
bournesouprecipe on 25th August 2025 12:51 pm
Brilliant 100% every word
67ECW