Fraught preseason, instinct ruling head

Really pleased Leigh Griffiths is back in the Scotland squad, it’s just reward for his work this season, although the prospect of having so many Celtic players on international duty in June is an unwelcome one, considering we’ve Champions League qualifiers to prepare for in July.  Preseason is already looking fraught.

I’d convinced myself I wasn’t too bother if newco are promoted this season or not, all the big battles have been won and lost.  I realised differently when I received a text yesterday saying Queens were a goal up.  Your instinct can tell you things your head can’t.

Another season of lower league football will drain them of an additional £10m, which I don’t think they have, but I don’t think they have enough money to complete a season in the top flight either.  It doesn’t matter if the boat sinks in 50m of water or 50km, there would be a deficit in either league.  Viability remains the subject of undocumented fantasy, cannon fodder-dom awaits in the top flight, ignominious avoidance in the lower leagues.

If Mike Ashley cuts them some slack, they will eventually be a top 12 club.  When they are, Celtic will earn an extra £4m from ticket sales and indirect incremental income, enough to make a difference on the field.  Similar income will go to Ibrox, but this isn’t enough to fund a turnaround.  My preference would be to have both Hibs and Hearts back next season but I’m chilled either way.

Very last call for the Ben Nevis Huddle, which takes place on Saturday 13 June in aid of the Celtic Foundation.  If you’re up for it, sign up here…..