We dropped points at Pittodrie on Saturday but should have buried the home side in the first half and then our two January signings combined to produce a goal. There were enough positive signs to have me relaxed ahead of last night’s game against Hibs.
What’s more, we scored with a penalty kick awarded after four minutes. Hibs fans, who have watched two consecutive 0-3 home defeats, must have feared for the worst. Almost two hours later they left the ground feeling robbed.
Before the equaliser our play was poor. Forward passes were very low percentage efforts, often trying to find Daizen Maeda who was marked and could neither catch a long ball in front of him or find space to drop deep and control. “We need a second goal” was doubtlessly mumbled by each of us, despite the fact that Hibs had not made a single attempt at goal.
After they equalised from the second ball at a free kick, Celtic collapsed. Hibs piled forward through shredded lines and would have made the points safe if they were more competent in front of goal. Celtic also made chances but just like Hibs, each move was poorly executed and often ended without an actual attempt being made.
A defending block on Kyogo in the 90th minute failed to stop the shot, but caught the shin of our Japanese striker. VAR reviewed the incident and referred referee Nick Walsh to the monitor. I know what you would all have been saying had this happened elsewhere!
At the risk of jinxing him, Adam Idah has a 100% career conversion rate from 15 penalties, good enough to win Celtic three points last night. He’s worth a fortune to us for that quality alone. After the game Brendan Rodgers was able to point to various excuses for the performance: disruption in the team being the most valid.
Alexandro Bernabei had his best game for Celtic – the boy can tackle – but he and Maeda on the left looked like they had never met. Bar those opening four minutes, the defensive line had only one of our first choice starters, and was further disordered when Stephen Welsh went off.
Nicolas Kuhn and Tony Ralston may actually have said little more to each other than “Hello”, so our unstructured right wing was no surprise. When Luis Palma arrived on the left we were at least able to hold onto possession in an advanced position, a quality Maeda was unable to deliver before him. Again, Joe Hart did enough to add to our points tally. These reasons sounded plausible until I remembered that disruptive new arrivals at Ross County were an excuse for helping them at Celtic Park.
Brendan, any one of us reading this could have done as well in the dugout last night. You need to put a team on the field that can dominate and win against Premiership sides with 10% of your financial resources and who would be embarrassed by the money you spent.
Against Ross County, Aberdeen and now Hibs, teams on terrible runs of form, we are a soft touch. Enough with the self-fulfilling excuses for failure, you have the resources to comfortably win these games. It is your responsibility to get it right, or just own up if you can’t do the job without Chris Davies.
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Now it’s attack the role of John Kennedy?
b78
lead-post-lite in places but lead-post-8% volume in others but still the same message with absolutely no mention of the board/recruitment team…
just as well for us that big non-data scored the 2 pens.
an aside when former england stalwart big joe has a great game (again) hes the much maligned keeper having a good game
when butland, the reject from england has a great game hes worth 10-15m and will one day play for england
It’s understandable that Paul67 would defend his friend Peter. I’m sure he has done many fine things for the club. The club has also made him a multi-millionaire whilst he bathed in domestic success entirely expected with our financial advantages whilst failing spectacularly in Europe. And in isolation, I wouldn’t have a problem with anyone wanting a change of manager given the brutal performances this season. However, the motive is transparent, to wrap a bow around this shit show and hang it on Rodgers. And it would be laughable if the consequences weren’t so grim.
It is clear from the manager’s team selections and public statements that the club have not provided him with the players he wants to play his way.
They can sack Rodgers if they want and few tears will be shed, but under no circumstances can Lawwell and Jnr remain. If Snr is as irrelevant as this blog would have you believe all of 2 days ago, then why remain? He is hated and his presence is not only toxic to the support but has completely undermined the position of his son.
We still have a title to win and since Rodgers isn’t getting sacked anytime soon I believe the best option for this club would be:
1. The resignation of Peter Lawwell
2. A recognition of failings at all levels and an announcement of a review and overhaul of the football operations, with the intention to scour European football for the most qualified people for the job instead of jobs for the boys’ amateurism we have had for far too long.
3. That review to look at the most successful clubs in Europe operating within a similar budget to ourselves. Specifically looking for, but not exclusive to, a Director of Football consistent with an attacking style of play, and a Head of Youth Development with a proven track record.
4. A request for the support to unite behind those who remain until the end of the season.
The fans will not get behind this board. Not a chance. Lawwell is finished. He is the fall guy, deservedly or not. In the name of God, go.
NOTTHEBUS- I don’t think I can remember a poorer League than this one
just as well for us that big non-data scored the 2 pens.
who the fk is that??
I remember reading that the Spurs players were fully behind Mourinho even when results were bad.
Then he was asked why the team isn’t as tight defensively as other Mourinho teams in the past. “Same coach, different players” was the reply and this was the moment he lost the senior players in the dressing room.
I hope Rodgers knows what he’s doing with that comment.
First they came for Brendan Rodgers.
Then they came for Brendan again.
And again
Ah well, it gives the Communists a break
When did they first come for Brendan?
Good evening, friends.
Busy, busy just now so this is your one and only reminder to please vote on your best 3 performers from last night’s defeat of Hibs. By 9pm please so just over 3 hours till the polls close. Results out before 9.30. Thank you.
SENCELPOTY@GMAIL.COM
yup it’s fair to say BR’s days are numbered. I couldn’t guess at what’s going on behind closed doors but I know how to tell there’s beef. BR can’t polish a turd ; the board are intransigent. Plan for a new appointment in summer please and evaluate your own recruitment policy.
Lets get real here Peter Lawwell isnae going anywhere as long as DD is around as he is our man in Europe and did assist with the FFP or whatever its called.
JACKIEMAC on 8TH FEBRUARY 2024 5:48 PM
yup it’s fair to say BR’s days are numbered. I couldn’t guess at what’s going on behind closed doors but I know how to tell there’s beef. BR can’t polish a turd ; the board are intransigent. Plan for a new appointment in summer please and evaluate your own recruitment policy.
*and how many on here will shed a tear, wtf its only 5 year ago this moth that he walked out on us without even a by your leave as we approached 2 games that week, one at swinecastle and the other easter road, we won both courtesy of the team and tactics chosen by big JK, according tae Lenny that is.
We have been drawn in Group A1 in today’s Nations League draw.
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇵🇱 Poland
🏴 Scotland
Hankray
a lead post a few days ago went on about rogers not buying into data driven recruitment
rogers had went on about looking players in the eye, as opposed to looking at the data
he back idah
i can only assume that idah was not a data driven choice – but more than happy to be wrong
and btw – feckin delighted for the big mhan from Cork
prestonpans
that will be where we end up in the table too..
I have a plan.
Get rid of DD.
Get rid PL.
Get rid of the entire Board.
Get rid of John Kennedy.
Get rid of Gavin Strachan.
Get rid of Brendan.
Get rid of James Forrest, for a while it was Calmac.
Get rid of most of the current squad.
THEN
Install new owner (insert name)
Install new Board (insert names)
Install new manager (insert name)
Install new coaches (insert names)
Buy top quality players who want to play in the famous SPL (insert names)
Easy, I just need help to insert the names, any suggestions?
Yeah, thought so.
HH
Could it be that the board are choking most of the bank book to rebuild the Main stand?
Apart from the fact it’s thirty years out of date, the cost of rebuilding will almost certainly rise annually. When you add in loss of revenue by persisting in a dilapidated facility built in 1928 (reroofed and new seats installed 1971), it really astonishes me why we are not on the case, seemingly.
£80m will not be far off the price.
67k capacity
Extra 7k season tickets.
Corporate etc etc…
I see this as another example of a board lacking ambition and vision…..or maybe not.
PRESTONPANS BHOYS on 8TH FEBRUARY 2024 6:03 PM
We have been drawn in Group A1 in today’s Nations League draw.
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇵🇱 Poland
🏴 Scotland
*we have 3 out of the 4 in our wee family haha
Scully
you forgot to insert photos from past
the equiv of selling an orange away kit :)
!!BADA BING!! on 8TH FEBRUARY 2024 5:08 PM
Agreed.
I did watch the game the night before and the quality from our opponents was poor. We have given them a huge gulp of Oxygen from our stuttering form. They may go on to win the league and not record a victory over Celtic.
TT
could be worse, some of you could be scottish :)
Blakey
spurs have a lovely stadium – will win jack this year
This may go on a bit.
Feel free to scroll on by.
Kept powder dryish last night. Really just wanted to enjoy the outcome.
A win is a win. 3 points.
We’ve clearly got problems.
I think we missed a trick by not heading off to Dubai for 10 days.
Spilt milk.
I think injuries are significantly impacting the psychology of the group.
CCV (leadership) and Reo (speed of pass in midfield) in particular are big misses.
Last night’s performance?
I did not see a single outfield player who
– looked fit and sharp
– looked fired up
– appeared to be enjoying their work
– did not look jaded
– routinely made good decisions
– did not force the play when simply trying to speed it up
When you see so many players off it?
It’s not the player. It’s the system.
Before anyone thinks that is a dig at Brendan it is not.
Funny thing about Ange Postecoglou.
In his last few gigs before us .. the drop off from peak achievement & performance – sometimes after he left, sometimes when he was still there – is staggering.
He’s a hard act to follow … for ANYONE.
A genuine tour de force whose “we never stop” mantra is delivered with such conviction that overweight fans would sprint through brick walls for him let alone his players.
Brendan’s philosophy is different. Patience and calm.
I don’t like it much but, first time around, he brought levels of control and game management to us we hadn’t seen in a long time.
What we sometimes call muscle memory – applied to training philosophies – tends to wither after six to nine months.
It’s the reason Solksjaer, Barry Robson, and countless annual messiahs at Sevco don’t last.
Brilliant start … my new energy married to my predecessors philosophy.
When I then try to transition the team to my philosophy?
Whoopsie.
I suspect Brendan is stubbornly (compliment) forcing his philosophy onto the team.
While he does so, he knows we’ll struggle.
In terms of that struggle – we may have reached our nadir in the last three weeks at the precise point Ange’s way is gone and Brendan’s hasn’t fully taken.
Bit doom and gloom but there are positives.
Weather improves – so will pitches
Joe Hart’s contributions
Players back from injury (hopefully)
Lots of free midweeks – if Brendan is going to coach them to death, he now has the capacity … although I’d be tempted to give players three days rest when we play one game per week.
We do actually have a squad capable of winning the league
The unity and support of the fans (at the game and even on here) was magnificent. If we have a solidarity of purpose we are a powerful force
Sevco are allegedly at their best and we at our worst … and yet we are top of the league.
All of the above? Just what one guy sees.
Could be something in it. Could be cobblers.
Human beings often see things that ain’t there.
If they didn’t …. bookmakers and crypto currency salesmen would be out of business.
Hail Hail
Keep The Faith
Abada straight up the tunnel at FT,leave him out and sell in summer
TONTINE TIM on 8TH FEBRUARY 2024 5:49 PM
Lets get real here Peter Lawwell isnae going anywhere as long as DD is around as he is our man in Europe and did assist with the FFP or whatever its called.
That only affects club’s who spend a lot of money…..
Spikeysauldman……………Yes i remember Rodgers making that comment. Adam may have kept Celtic in the title race last night and hopefully he can add more to his data in the future.
TURKEYBHOY on 8TH FEBRUARY 2024 1:36 PM
RC,
“The players we brought in only worth about a tenth of what we paid”.Really?
What bloody markets are you shopping in.Absolute nonsense.
so what valuation would you put on the players that have came in this season.
Paul67,
I feel your pain and the rawness of your hatred of the Celtic manager.
Every transfer window has been a “6 pointer “ with a potential revenue swing between both clubs of £120M.
Our illustrious Board know this so they appointed the worlds leading recruitment guru. Success guaranteed with his previous achievements endless.
Unfortunately the manager who was appointed is a failure with no track record of success ( he could only dream of an invincible treble).
I am surprised you went so easy on the manager and at the same time no praise for the Chairman who appointed the guru.
Ps I hope you want Celtic to win at the weekend
BACK TO BASICS – GLASS HALF FULL on 8TH FEBRUARY 2024 6:14 PM
Spot on. Your comment about players enjoying themselves is an excellent bone. Under Ange ity was clear to see that these guys trusted each other and there was a real spirit amongst them. It is very clear to see that this has gone. A huge element of a successful team is spirit. We are in serious trouble and I am not sure we are going to change it.
I wonder if one of the summer signings had scored the winner if we would have had the same article…….?
One, not bone….
Spikeysauldman
Idah was definitely not on the list of potential signings and was definitely a Brendan hunch.
I really hope he turns out as good as it seems.
Brendan is weaker without Davies and Naylor in my opinion and my sons. That’s all. Maybe others !
Brendan has bottled it a few times in league run ins. That’s fact.
Brendan has resources on and off the park last night 10 x or more that of Hibs. That is fact.
The signings previously identified for the window were funded and could have been made but Brendan switched horses. That is strongly well informed opinion.
Our CEO, who actually should be and is paid to be, running the business and ensuring we are dealing with issues such as we have seems to be invisible allowing a non exec chair to take a lot of flak for really very little return. Fact.
The sack the board folks should actually ask themselves who or what they would replace the so called board they want to sack with ? I would love to know the answer to that ? Otherwise to me it is just another
‘We don’t know what we want but we deserve better’ childlike or even Hun like cry in the wilderness.
BB
agreed. – hes now in the wrong film
besides his data and stats are SPL good only
his first touch is hit or miss, his perfomances in europe have been pretty poor
he has had success in some big scottish games tho
the genocide will continue, so he wont feel loved..
Interesting to see the usual suspects turn up the heat on the manager.
Sorry guys this time your backstabbing isn’t going to work. Your tactic worked the last time so not surprising to see the same one used again. This time however it is destined to fail.
The support have got wise and 90% has their sights firmly set on the board and Lawells in particular. The evidence of decline started under Ange and all our best players were recruited under the previous way of working. A slam dunk case with 1 player at the required standard from 21 players.
My prediction is this will unravel at a fast pace, a trophy less season. This may be a blessing in disguise before season ticket renewal time because change is needed and change is coming. To recruit so badly with so little ambition won’t be forgiven when Sevco are strengthening their team with CL riches.
I’m backing the Celtic family and support who’ve simply had enough of being taken for granted, lied too and treated like fools.
Today proved my point, from years ago, Paul 67 is a Peter Lawwell supporter first and a Celtic supporter second. The board backers are getting desperate they know the end is nigh, with the backers reputations in tatters.
We want our Celtic back and we’ll get it.
TURKEYBHOY on 8TH FEBRUARY 2024 1:39 PM
RC on 8TH FEBRUARY 2024 12:24 PM
very poor defending at their goal last night , nobody marking the 2 or 3 hibs players just outside our box , all our players backed off into our box giving them a free hit, schoolboy stuff once again , who is coaching these guys.
Probably the same guys that coach every team in the world that loses a goal from outside the box.
so they are all tarred with the same brush , why would you coach players to all retreat and leave unmarked players a free hit.
b78
i’m no fan of BR at all
i’m a lesser fan of a board who have it for the manager.
“The signings previously identified for the window were funded and could have been made but Brendan switched horses. That is strongly well informed opinion”
who identified them ?
were they data driven identifications or quality, experienced players ?
did BR agree to them ?
why did BR think the board could have been braver ?
Not much adds up from one or other side.
RC
Lagerbielke and Nawrocki were a combined £8m. I’m not seeing £8m worth of quality there and it would seem Rodgers agrees.