We seem to have a lot of forwards. Stokes, Pukki, Balde, new recruit Fridjonsson, and on-loan, Atajic and Watt, while Georgios may yet stay beyond the summer. That’s six under contract for the Champions League qualifiers, not counting Sweden’s ‘next Henrik Larsson’, who is likely to move on soon.
Quantity is one thing but cost is just as important, only Samaras and Pukki are likely to be on wages competitive with some of the richer leagues in Europe, so the actual spend on forwards is likely to be considerably less than on defence or midfield. The manager is likely to be operating within budget for this area of the team.
What we’re missing is an on-form striker who is capable of embarrassing St Johnstone and Inverness’s finest with their goals-to-games ratio, not to mention our own free-wheeling creative-mid. Gone are the days Celtic strikers stats are dismissed as a mere by-product of the sheer volume of chances they are presented with. Without a class act up front, the squad is unbalanced.
There was a note of disappointment in Neil Lennon’s voice when he spoke of missing a potential signing last week. I’m almost certain we’ll sign a striker this week but if he’s more of a hunch than a certified target we’re wasting our money. Hunch signings are fine but you can only give space to so many in any one season. We’ve made our low-cost gambles up front, and there is never a time for a high-cost uncertified gamble.
Celtic have a bit of money burning a hole in their pocket earning 15% interest from the Co-op Bank at the moment. The desire to spend it, from chief exec, to manager, to scouts and all other influencers will be practically unstoppable, which is why I’m so sure we’ll sign someone. Time will tell if we experience buyers regret.
Reminder to everyone who booked tickets for the CQteN St Patrick’s Day Dinner that they have to be paid by 31 January. Let me know if you can’t find details, celticquicknews@gmail.com
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Burnley78
Perhaps club officials should be more careful with their words when it comes to talking about £6M player spends.
There in lies the problem!!!
Poor managemetn of supporter expectation and opening the club up to criticism from support.
Na. But let’s not blame the club for their part in that because that just wouldn’t be CQN!
MWD
macjay1 for Neil Lennon
08:26 on
28 January, 2014
From your postings you dont share many of the same principals that Pete Seeger believed in throughout his life
Moonbeams WD. Kano 2000 \o/ Supporting Neil Lennon 99.9%. Champions. C’mon Wee Oscar.
Just because we may be signing Leigh Griffiths it does not mean we may still be in the market for a £6m signing.
LB
LiviBhoy
I agree although possibly that is not what you meant :-)
MWD
When I heard Lenny say we could afford to spend £6m on a striker, when asked about speculation over Steven Fletcher, my take on it was it was a bit of bravado from the manager. He didn’t say we would be spending £6m on one player but my thoughts/expectations were we could be spending up to £6m in total during this window.
If Griffiths costs circa £1m, and Johansen was just under £2m, i’m still hopeful of an attacking midfielder, up to £3m, to help share the burden with KC.
lionroars67
08:37 on
28 January, 2014
macjay1 for Neil Lennon
08:26 on
28 January, 2014
From your postings you dont share many of the same principals that Pete Seeger believed in throughout his life
—————————————————————————————
You`re right.
He supported Stalin,until he revised his views publicly about 6 years ago.
http://www.nysun.com/arts/seeger-speaks-and-sings-against-stalin/61666/
macjay
Doesn`t really matter whether you believe in them or not; they exist.
MWD
There is none but there is wishful thinking on the the part of some CQNers. I am happier with `wishful` thinking than I am with the kind of posters so well dismissed by BURNLEY 78.
JJ
Moonbeams WD. Kano 2000 \o/ Supporting Neil Lennon 99.9%. Champions. C’mon Wee Oscar.
Just read my post back myself and even I can’t understand it! hahahaha
Let me try again. Just because we may sign LG it doesn’t mean we won’t sign a player for £6m. I have always found it hard to believe we would spend that amount on one player anyway unless it was someone like Pirlo. Fletcher at £6m is a total no go. I think Snodgrass is the one Lennon wants and I assume from the reaction from Norwich that deal is likely to be done in the summer. LG is a signing to freshen up the forward areas.
The more pressing matter this current window is getting Samaras and Ledley to either sign or get them out the door. How we have allowed this to drag to this stage is beyond me. Contracts should be withdrawn before the window closes and players should be made available for sale if they will not sign a new deal.
LB
moonbeams wd. kano 2000 \o/ supporting neil lennon 99.9%. champions. c’mon wee oscar.
08:31 on 28 January, 2014
Paul’s good news???
======================
Seems to be two distinct sets of hints being dropped.
1. Paul / Winning Captains seeming to hint that DD’s previously stated desire for Celtic to play in another league may be coming closer to reality.
2. Auldheid / Canalamar may be hinting at some significant movement on the Resolution 12 / SFA / Sevco issue.
HH
BGFC
Jungle Jim
08:49 on
28 January, 2014
macjay
Doesn`t really matter whether you believe in them or not; they exist.
You`re right.The terms do exist.But they are meaningless.
Hitler…national SOCIALIST workers party….Nazi….Right.
Stalin…..Union of Soviet SOCIALIST republics………Left.
The difference?The body count.
Parkhead;
Murphy’s Bar in Corralejo will have the game.
Next door to the Top of the Town and Penny Lane.
Good Celtic Bar
LIVIBHOY
I recall the old board stating around Christmas 86 that contracts would only be discussed after the season had finished.
As a result,we lost McClair,McInally,Johnston and McLeod.
And that was before players had the control that they have now!
Point being,it ain’t easy to play hardball with players nowadays.
BMCW
We lost those ‘loyal’ servants and went on to win the league too I recall.
Gig Georges fan Club
Cheers. Interesting!!!
Fingers crossed on both fronts although I think point 2 more likely than point 1.
MWD
MACJAY
It’s allowed to hold opinions which-on the face of it-seem contrary to each other. And it’s permissible to admire some actions by a party or individual which you otherwise detest.
Deal with each circumstance on its merits. To do otherwise is ideology.
Sometimes my opinions confuse even me!
Moonbeams
I get what you mean re managing expectations.
My son is at it right now with his prelim higher results.
I think the club said we could afford a £6m striker rather than would buy.
It is still and odd thing to say.
None would come for sure. I think we agree that is the BIG issue. We are in a poor league with no exposure or credibility.
BURNLEY78
Indeed we did;that was not the point I was making.
It is that the days of playing hardball with a footballer are largely a thing of the past.
There are other options available to him. Including picking up a wage from us for doing nothing while he runs down his contract. He then leaves for free and pockets a larger signing fee!
If we tell a player he is on the list a year before his contract is up,offers have been accepted,etc,there is still no onus on him to leave.
Or to perform,for that matter.
Ah I remember this posted a while back but I’m not paranoid honest.
Edinburgh’s “Speculative Society” – a splinter group of Canongate Kilwinning Masonic Lodge No2. On the list of members “admitted to extraordinary privileges” one William Austin Nimmo Smith.
HENR1K
Those “extraordinary privileges” doubtless include never having to buy a ticket for Ibrox again. Or even a drink on a night out.
If you ask an accountant-“what is 1+1?” His reply will be “whatever the client wishes it to be”
That should not be the case with the law.
Lennon said he was unaware that some Celtic fans on social media sites had questioned Griffiths’ ability to make an impact in Europe.
————————————————–
Lennon also has to remember that a lot of these so called Celtic social web sites are full of Huns, Sports Writers, and then just Lennon haters, what Lenny does in the transfare market is what most coaches do getting a player who will improve the team on the field, and there are many in here hopping to see Lenny falling flat on his face, the so called Celtic supporter who sais “I told you so” they have been here for the last 10 games waiting on that goal to go in, waiting on that team to beat us, it’s so obvious it’s heart breaking to read some of the posts in here, and it’s the same old suspects, the PL, NL , BOARD, haters, and now we have a new crew just came, the ” I just joined the Celtic Trust movement” and we all know what to expect from them right? On to victory Celtic, on to great goals, results, shutouts, a new face here and there, and another league, I’ll be partying this year big time, some in here will be trying to party but inside they won’t be happy, why? Because they just don’t get it, lurking Huns and SMSM GIRUYs.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………FC not PLC
09:02 on
28 January, 2014
Exactly.
Exactly the way I see it.
Each issue judged on its merits or otherwise.Uncontaminated by ideology.Based on principle.
Didn`t want to get into this.
Just because i posted a wee clog dance featuring the late Pete Seeger.
Playing the fiddle,not the hammer and …………
Macjay
“You`re right.The terms do exist.But they are meaningless.”
I am wondering if I agree with you or not 0:-)
On the one hand, interested people do have a reasonable idea of left and right politically and there is an obvious difference eg Left `people` believe in an equal distribution of wealth, `Right ` people` believe in Market Forces;
On the other hand, calling something Left or Right can prejudice us before we look at the issue.
Thinking as I typed, I have concluded that the terms are not meaningless. Your example is not typical of the ideologies normally associated with socialism. Possibly the word `National` is revealing.
Anyway, in spite of this post, it is not something I am genuinely interested in 0:-)
JJ Cheerio for now.
But Lennon said he had no fears about taking the player on board and said his performances on the pitch were all that mattered. ‘I know he has baggage off the field, but we all did,’ said the Celtic boss.
‘You can manage that. If he comes here, then he is here for the football not the controversy.
‘It is not a concern, not at all. If you look at him being back in Edinburgh last year, then he thrived. He didn’t seem to have a problem on the pitch. His goal record for a team that struggled was very impressive. His overall performances were very good.’
The prospect of Griffiths’ arrival has failed to find universal approval with fans, although Lennon insisted: ‘We haven’t got him in yet. He might change people’s perspectives. I’m not here to argue with supporters about who we are bringing in. We feel he is a good player. I think he’ll do very well here if he does come in.’
Lennon, who said talks between the two clubs were ‘ongoing’, was optimistic he would get his man before Friday’s transfer deadline.
‘I have no idea (how far apart the clubs are)’ he said. ‘All I know is a bid went in. So we have made our intentions clear and the talks will keep going for however length of time it takes to get a resolution. We will see if we can get a deal thrashed out.’
Lennon said the club had no others bids on the table for players but admitted the decisions of Joe Ledley and Georgios Samaras with regards to signing extensions would affect his ability to bring others in.
TONY DONNELLY
I watched the game on Sunday with around twenty Celtic fans,none of whom were particularly bothered-at the time-about keeping the record going. All any of us were interested in was that the team won.
I honestly cannot think of a single Celtic supporter who doesn’t want the team to win every match. For instance,I was never Gordon Strachan’s greatest fan,but I never wanted him to lose,nor did I want him sacked.
I just wanted him to change the style of play.
If you know of any Celtic fans who want us to lose a goal,much less a game-name and shame!
BMCUW/Burnley 78,
no we lost the league that season.
We wont it at Love St the previous season.
I can’t remember the contract situation, but suspect you do correctly BMCUW.
In which case it might suggest as to why we lost a 9 point lead that season allowing the beast, butcher and co to win their 1st league in many’s a season. 78 perhaps? sorry 1978 i mean, not you Burnley :-)
Anyway i digress.
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
Scottish FA Handbook 2011-2012
PUBLiSHed BY AUTHORiTY
Stewart m Regan
Chief executive/Company Secretary
COUNCIL
Patron — Her Majesty tHe Queen office Bearers
PRESIDENT
R. Campbell Ogilvie
FIRST VIcE-PRESIDENT
Alan McRae
SEcOND VIcE-PRESIDENT
Rod Petrie
Hon.Vice-Presidents
John C. McGinn John F. McBeth George W. Peat
league rePresentatiVes
SCOTTISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE James W. Ballantyne (Airdrie United FC) Ewen G. Cameron (Alloa Athletic FC) Frank Meade (Albion Rovers FC)
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Andrew Dickson (Rangers FC)
Michael Johnston (Kilmarnock FC) Stephen Thompson (Dundee United FC)
COMMITTEES
PROFESSIONAL GAME BOARD
(Chairman) Rod Petrie
(Members) Jim Ballantyne, Neil Doncaster, Peter Lawwell, David Longmuir,
Alan McRae, Campbell Ogilvie, Stewart Regan, Sandy Stables and RalphTopping
NON-PROFESSIONAL GAME BOARD
(Chairman) (Members)
Alan McRae
Donald Beaton, John Gold, Colin Holden, Tom Johnston, David Little, Maureen McGonigle, Campbell Ogilvie, Rod Petrie and Stewart Regan
Members to be advised:
East of Scotland Football League Scottish Amateur FA
LIcENSING cOMMITTEE
(Chairman) (Vice Chairman) (Members)
Michael Johnston
Ewen Cameron
Steven Brown,Andrew Dickson, Finlay Noble, Richard Shaw, Scott Struthers and Dr Andrew Waddell
Co-opted member to be advised
REFEREE cOMMITTEE
(Chairman) (Vice Chairman) (Members)
Alan McRae
David Reid
Alan Freeland, Ian Fyfe, Jim McCluskey, Donald McVicar, Sandy Roy and Willie Young
Just thought I would post this boys licence committee Mr Andrew Dickson.
I also notice EBT Ogilvie’s name pops up quite a few times.
BMCW
I understood your point but was just reminiscing about the good old days when Celtic fans were happy winning the league.
* we WON….
not..We wont…
ho hum!
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
Time Lenny told samaras and Ledley to sign or go in this window, if they dig there heals in and see out there contract drop both from 1st team duties and make them train with the 2nd team HH
bobby murdoch’s curled-up winklepickers ………fc not plc
09:10 on 28 January, 2014
HENR1K
Those “extraordinary privileges” doubtless include never having to buy a ticket for Ibrox again. Or even a drink on a night out.
If you ask an accountant-”what is 1+1?” His reply will be “whatever the client wishes it to be”
That should not be the case with the law.
What chance do we have in this country mate it’s corrupt from top to bottom.
Burnley78. Agree 100% on reason for £6M players sticking their fingers up at SPFL.
BMCUWP – Don’t be silly. i am dying to see Celtic lose a goal and will celebrate with aggusto when we get beat. That is why I support Celtic because I don’t care if we Win Lose or Draw, but prefer to lose.
MWD says YES YES YES
THE TOKEN TIM
BURNLEY78 and I were alluding to the season after they left. You are perfectly correct in us losing an overwhelming lead at Christmas that season.
I got transferred down South at the start of the year. We were miles in front,and miles behind when I got back in May. And I doubt that the contract situations helped.
What’s this I hear you canny make yer own dayooooot?
F… me,I’m shocked!
MOONBEAMS
Dinnae say that,even in jest!
bobby murdoch’s curled-up winklepickers ………fc not plc
09:10 on 28 January, 2014
HENR1K
Those “extraordinary privileges” doubtless include never having to buy a ticket for Ibrox again. Or even a drink on a night out.
If you ask an accountant-”what is 1+1?” His reply will be “whatever the client wishes it to be”
That should not be the case with the law.
I’m just glad all fans will unite to tackle the SFA, place stinks & needs a clear out.
Jungle Jim
09:14 on
28 January, 2014
See Bobby Murdoch 9.02
————————————————————————
You say.
`Right ` people` believe in Market Forces;
Mate.
This blog spends much of its time discussing market forces.
The value of players,McCoist,grog,P.L.,stock market valuations,profit and loss figures.
Are they left wing revisionists or have you just proved my point?
kayal33
08:43 on 28 January, 2014
I am hopeful that Johansen will be the attacking midfielder we yearn, but I am hopeful for every player we sign. Hope we sign a striker.
Hope CSC
BMCUW/Burnley 78,
my apologies, I should have realised that you 2 gents knew what you were on about!
My misunderstanding.
You were of course alluding to the fact that even though those names left in summer of 87, we did go onto to win the league during the extraordinary Centenary Season.
The following seasons not so extraordinary though….
As for my dayoooooooot……what can i say?
Much as enjoy my job, at times it fair pees me aff, as it, completely unfairly in my view, tends not to give a monkeys or even take into account my now becoming somewhat moribund social “life”
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
Sandman
“It’s been saddening to read some of the condemnation from the pious holier-than-thous who sadly masquerade as fellow Celtic supporters.
A daft boy who nobody knows save for what they’ve seen of him on a football pitch or – UN-FECKIN-BELIEVABLY – read in TABLOIDS! Yet judgement is scathing.”
—————————————————
See, this is one of the main reasons that I don’t tend to spend as much time on here as I have in the past.
Someone text me last night and said that he thought that CQN had become a ‘cesspit’ and that’s why he rarely posts anymore. I spoke to another CQNer last week who said that it was the lack of tolerance from other posters that had led to him spending long absences from the blog.
To talk about guys who express concern about a prospective Celtic signing, because they’re concerned that Celtic as an institution should be avoiding racists, as “holier than thou” and that we “masquarade as Celtic supporters” is as idiotic a comment as I’ve seen on these pages in a long while.
You then make the ridiculous point that we have based our judgements on Griffiths from what we have read in the press.
I couldn’t tell you the last time I bought a paper and I’ve certainly read nothing of the boy in the press.
The reason that I know about his racist tweet was because I saw it with my own eyes. The rest of the stuff concerning him I would describe as ‘baggage’ and it can be addressed with the hope that his behaviour will change with age and maturity.
I mean no harm to the guy personally I just think that Celtic should be steering well clear.
By the way the irony that you refer to those of us questioning this possible transfer as ‘pious and holier than thou’ whilst then calling us ‘judgemental’ is not lost on me anyway.
Finally, you then suggest that you would sign the guy almost as a ‘get it up ye’ to those Celtic supporters who are opposed to it going ahead.
Genius.
What a fantastically, brilliant transfer policy that would be!