Sky have reported that Celtic have accepted a £5m bid from QPR for Gary Hooper. Gary is in the final year of his contract and has declined to sign a new deal which has been no offer for almost a year now.
It will surprise some, perhaps including the player, that an English Premier League club have not made a move, but QPR have the cash to compete with most in the top flight, so the financial rewards for the player will be comparable.
For Celtic the proposition is simple, if the player is not going to extend his stay beyond this season, and an offer matching valuation is received, it is better they know where they stand as early in the transfer window as possible. We’ll know soon enough if the player wants to move. As we said about Victor, it’s always hard to lose a good one, but I’ve yet to meet someone who would walk away from a deal north of £50k per week, so fair play to Gary, whatever he decides.
Neil Lennon had never hid his admiration for the player but the Celtic strategy is clear enough. If Gary decides to move it’s all about finding the right replacement, they days of slavishly watching players run down their contracts are over.
Have you done your thing for 1254125 yet? The supporters group working with Celtic Charity proposed we get as many as possible signed up to running a 10k, hoping each person can raise £125. We’ve teamed up with The Great Scottish Run on Sunday 6 October and extended the scope a bit, to include those who don’t quite have the legs for 10k.
On Saturday 5 October, The Great Scottish Run also organise supporting events you can enter and raise your £125:
100m Toddler Dask (0-5 yrs)
1.5k Mini Run (5-8 yrs)
2.5k Junior Run (9-15 yrs)
Family Mile (Adults and children from 3 yrs)
If you are particularly fit, you can enter the Half Marathon on the Sunday. It is going to be a great family weekend. If you know a kid who is keen to participate and get involved in 1254125, let them know.
If the legs won’t support you for 10k, you can gingerly make your way along the Family Mile.
To sign up you need to register with The Great Scottish Run first. Register here if you are participating in the 10k or Half Marathon, and here if you are participating in the Saturday events, then register here with Celtic Charity (scroll down the page until you see Great Scottish Run).
Just over 10 weeks to go, get your application in and get every Celtic fan you know with a pair of trainers to sign up. I’m doing the 10k, so will be out running tonight…….
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Just seeking clarification……has Gary Hooper left yet…….has Celtic confirmed the player is departing……has there been an announcement from any official source be that the player, Celtic or QPR…or is this just a SKY news headline ?
When McGinn was at Celtic he was one of the best finishers on the training ground..maybe he’s matured into taking that in to games. I watched him a dozen times last season..he looked good enough to me.
Exactly paul67
If we are being honest he’s the best goal scorer we’ve had since Henrik, but getting 5m quid for him now is better than nothing next summer.
And despite getting the Wanyama cash in already, I don’t expect Celtic to spend much more until champions league group stages is guaranteed.
Does anyone on here expect us to spend to make the champions league? Or do you agree we will play it safe and spend when champions league income is guaranteed?
There is no guarantee hooper’s replacement would go straight into the team and start scoring.
Hail hail.
THE EXILED TIM
16:29 on
24 July, 2013
What if we signed him on an increased wage and didn’t make it anyway? Result – costs up and income down.
It’s something that used to crop in the old speculate to accumulate debates. Our board will always take the path of least financial risk, the lowest financial risk here is taking the guaranteed £5M.
£5m for an SPL player in his final year is GREAT business..
Kevin Doyle and now Niall McGinn?
No disrespect to these ghuys, but do we honestly think that these are the type of players who will get us to the group stages of the CL – and beyond?
No.
Imo, of course.
HH!!
I don’t think McGinn will be back lads. Lennon and him did not see eye to eye.
We all know we need a top quality forward, a top quality centre half and a top quality midfielder. The pwers that be at Celtic know this too. Surely they have planned for this ?
Marti
Gene’s a Bhoy’s name
Thoughts and prayers with your family at this time.
I wouldn’t take him after his recent carry on but Leigh Griffiths would score more than Hooper.
SSN breaking news
Alice McGlumper’s cat Mojo is stuck up a tree, neighbours reported as hearing loud meeeeeowwwing as they read their Sunday Post’s…
Tallbhoy.
They show how the board has dumbed down our expectations. ..
I think the crux of Hooper replacement debate is what underpins your judgement/ambition ….
Personally I think Celtic are a CL participant team more likely than not to come 3rd and drop in to EUFA cup..therefore I don’t see any value in buying for more than that.
Weeminger
I think the strategy of weakening the team prior to the qualifying games is the wrong way to go.
I agree that giving increased wages ain’t the answer either, it’s a gamble whatever, but shooting yourself in the foot is just plain daft.
Blondesouprecipe- Tennents lager lovely?
Cultsbhoy
Hard to argue that. I’d guess most on here would be delighted with making the group stages again.
And then it’s the ‘luck of the draw’ for progression. A third place finish for knock out Europa is no bad place to be.
blantyretim
16:38 on 24 July, 2013
Tallbhoy.
They show how the board has dumbed down our expectations. ..
………………………………………………………………………………………….
Scottish football cannot compete with English football, not even in the good old days of the 60’s and 70’s, I still recall how I was devastated when Hay and then Dalglish left. The Board have performed miracles in keeping Celtic to the fore in European football considering the context the club is working in.
CultsBhoy loves being 1st forever & ever
16:36 on 24 July, 2013
£5m for an SPL player in his final year is GREAT business..
——-
100% agreed if Gary would have been allowed to run down his contract and never helped against Elfsborg, there would have been an uproar ,
If he goes he goes with my thanks and as a young man will be financially secure and nearer his family, but will he ever again get the feelings that he spoke about in the 3-0 slaying of the dead club and European nights,I doubt it.
lenny will know the importance of signing a replacement for hooper. no way he’ll leave it to stokes or watt to fill the void.
as for the timing of the sale? not much we can ddo about the reality of the situation. a replacement might well be ready and raring to go in the biggee – the play offs for champs league. Effenberg aren’t a gimmie granted, but if we can beat the fifth placed team in the Swedish league?
if it scuppers our chances of progress to champs league so be it. was never guaranteed with or without hooper/wanyama.
onwards and upwards.
Hail x 2
My dear,dear,dear,friend.. The Singing Detective
Let Me Notify You,and Ithers.. Before Ah make further Comment…
That I have,newly, Doffed…. My Usual.. Whimsical Head-Gear..
and hiv, now , Newly, Replaced it, with Ma Dead Serious . Go Tae Sunday Meeting.. Hat.
Aye..the Homburg.
and the Comment???
It appears tae me…
That Pierre,in his Wisdom, Widnae Be sae Daft,as tae Gie Gary the Hi-Sign ,tae tak Aff fur the Tall n Uncut.. at this Maist critical Juncture…
Withoot , us Hiving..
A Capable and Mair Sensible( Meaning.. Un- Tattooed) Replacement..
All .. Already Boxed.. Be – Ribboned.. and ready tae be opened.. By Thursday.
Kojo
Still, Laughin
THE EXILED TIM
16:41 on
24 July, 2013
It’s one of these discussions that can go round and round but no single player is a guarantee of success.
In terms of the team on the park, it’s not the most exciting strategy but you can’t accuse the board of inconsistency in this regard. As I say they’ll always choose the route of highest guaranteed income.
I’m sure Celtic have planned for this moment – but they are in perhaps a uniquely delicate situation compared to other clubs.
We have the money (for once) but we are walking a 3 game qualification tightrope which defines our whole season. We probably need to sell players at the right moment, qualify for the CL with a depleted squad, find a player at the right point in his contract who shows a bit of promise but not too much promise that any EPL, La Liga, or top half Serie A/Bundesliga or Zenit/Shakhthar et al team has decided to bite the bullet.
The player probably will have little European experience and wants a bigger stage and probably sees Celtic as a stepping stone. He has to be better than what we have and not smash our wage structure.. oh and we need a work permit so no Brazilian Wunderkinder.
There are a very limited pool of strikers in that bracket at any time…never mind our little window of opportunity.
Steinreignedsupreme
15:54 on
24 July, 2013
‘It amazes me that anyone on here would know what the DUP logo looks like.’
####
Are you suggesting that the Paddies on here are all of the plastic variety?
My Dear Kojo….
When We Are Considering Signing Forwards For Celtic…..
Our Main Consideration Should Be…
“Can This Player Form An Effective Partnership With MegaWattie..?”
MegaWattie IS The Future……
NFL….Unless He Wises-Up On This Issue PDQ…..
Is NOT…!
I Didn’t See Enough Of McGinn Last Season To Form An Opinion…..
He Seems Much Like Another Stokes/Andy Walker…..
But With Pace To BURN…..
I Have Lost Patience With Stokes….
Has Not PROGRESSED…..
And Some Residual ATTITUDE Problems…
He Does NOT Merit A Pay Award….
Squandering The Wanyama ‘Millions’
Ah’m Afraid His Time Has Come And Gone….
That’s Awe…..She Wrote !
Weeminger- without running the club like Ridsdale era Leeds Utd can we not hope to hear the ole Coronation theme of George II on a regular basis?
The core business of Celtic has to be putting a team on the park that is playing attractive and successful football; do that and the balance books will take care of themselves.
We are playing ELFSBORG next week.
They are based in the Swedish town of Boras which has a population of about 70,000.
– ))
HH!!
DBBIA
Prizes!!!!
Must have a player lined up to replace straight away for CL game if Hooper being allowed to leave just now.
Rudnevs or another
johann murdoch
Rudnevs – 6ft but plays a bit bigger. like Henrik, he is better in the air than most players of that height – he is very good indeed with his head.
Thank you all for your kind words of support , condolences and prayers for David.
As kj would say off oot
Steinreignedsupreme
The only fair comparison is SPL goals –
http://eurorivals.net/top-scorers/scotland.html
Population of 70,000 ?
About the same as Inverness.
They put up a bit of an annoying fight for a village.
Kojo
16:22 on
24 July, 2013
Papers today have Kenny Jackett of Wolves saying there have been no approaches for Kevin Doyle so rest easy ———-for now.
I am not saying Niall McGinn is good enough for Celtic,just drawing comparison to Mulgrew who some on here think is the bees knees,I don’t I think he is a weak link.Take away his dead ball contribution and you have little else.IMO.
Gene’s a boys name,
Condolences with you and yours.
oldtim – glad u got it sorted.
gene’s a boys name…condolences
fanadpatriot
Mulgrew’s biggest asset is his versatility. I said so when we signed him (2nd time) I correctly predicted that when fit he had more chance than most of playing. He can play centre Defence, LB, LM and I feel Centre mid. He is a good athlete. Also as you point out deadly from free kicks etc. Not the best player but a great utility player to have in the team.
Kenny Jackett at Wolves?
Didnae know that,but the job is a graveyard for managers.
Shoogly peg awaits.
Sorry…..
My Dear Kojo…..
You Could Be Right……
But It’s Not Ideal Having A Player Turn Up For The First Time…..
On The Eve Of A Crucial Qualifier……
In An Unfamiliar Country,Where They Don’t Speak Intelligible English….
And Possibly In A Different Time-Zone…
Having Left His Toothbrush Behind….
And Bringing Only One Change Of Y-Fronts….
Remember,Not All Individuals…..
Are As Resilient And Unflappable…
As The ‘Swindon Swinger’…..
Still….Laughin’