Appointing a manager is an incredible gamble but the risks can be mitigated, especially at a club which is successful or even pointing in the right direction. In this case, clubs should look to build upon whatever platform they have. Bringing in a new guy with a team development strategy which is completely different from the existing plan accentuates the risks.
This is why the boot room strategy is successful over any extended period. Build on what you have, sign players needed by the squad and who have been scouted extensively. The new man may or may not prove to be the world’s best coach but at least he’ll have a successful infrastructure to insulate the club from lurching into oblivion.
When Gordon Strachan succeeded Martin O’Neill, Gordon picked up a scouting folder, flew to Poland and got on with the development project, much as Martin would have, had he stayed. Celtic were technically no less successful when Tony Mowbray took over in 2009 but the team, and strategy, were tired. A change of direction was appealing, we couldn’t continue to sign Hibs players, although the execution of the new strategy was flawed. The writing was on the wall from the moment we signed £3.9m Marc-Antoine Fortune.
Neil Lennon was an enormous gamble when he was appointed in 2010. He was a rookie, had never signed a player, won a trophy (as manager), or deployed a game plan in anger. There were a few facts in his favour. He’d worked with the other coaches at the club, as well as chief scout, John Park, and Peter Lawwell. For years, they shared a development vision. Celtic retreated into a strategy closely aligned to the vision of the remaining technical staff.
Despite the Scottish Cup semi-final debacle against Ross County Neil got the job, spent much of the next year learning a few painful lessons and hasn’t looked back since. The club gambled on the guy with ultimate responsibility, but they knew he was not about the step out on a ledge.
The time to have a root-and-branch clear-out is following a John Barnes-type season. The manager was wrong, as was tactics, scouting and team development plan. Martin O’Neill brought with him radical and necessary change. This worked at Celtic but, if anything, it is even more risky than appointing a rookie. The lower leagues of England are full of clubs who have gambled unsustainable money on a manager only to come a cropper.
There are gems out there, Pochettino and Simeone, for example, but finding them is a challenge. Pochettino pitched up at Southampton after being sacked by a hugely underperforming Espanyol, and Simeone got the Atletico Madrid job after several years of average-to-poor returns.
Big Davie Moyes was a good manager at Everton but watching him at Manchester United was a bit like watching him 30 years ago in a Celtic shirt. He started by dismantling whatever platforms were in place and served notice he would be following a Haphazard and Wasteful player recruitment policy on the final day of last summer’s transfer window by blowing all his pocket money on a guy he didn’t need and refused to sign for less money a few weeks earlier. He had to go.
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We’re gonna with the league AGAIN !!!!
Portadown 0 Cliftonville 1
Linfield 0 Glentoran 1
20 minutes left
live on BBC Radio Occupied 6 counties
MWD
And on that,we must agree.
Your decision not to renew may make them think about their actions,assuming there are more like you.
And there are.
The decision of those who renew is taken as agreement with the board’s actions regardless of the reasons for that renewal.
Whatever,we will still be Celtic fans after the present incumbents have gone. We’ve seen a few of them come and go.
MWD
I see on reading back that there is a reference to you (?) re. psoriaisis. I started to suffer from the same about 10 years ago and my big sis, who worked in alternative medicine, persuaded me to start taking Evening Primrose Oil every day. She insisted I take it for three months before I would see an impact. Result? I have had one outbreak in ten years, the result of a longish holiday in North America when I neglected to take the tablets with me. The rest of the time, totally clear. Won’t work for everyone I’m sure but sure as eggs is eggs worked for me.
Shieldmuir Celtic 15:57 on 22 April, 2014
There were five Hibs fans clearly singing the song, they are right in front of the camera phone.
But no one is calling for any action on them or trying to identify them.
It’s just Leigh Griffiths and Celtic, and what Neil Lennon said about racism in the past.
And some people on here fall for the media agenda.
BMCUWP
Roll on that day. Or preferably ‘Let Them See The Ligth’ :-)
MWD says Aye Aye
Does anyone want to buy a 67 replica shirt? Size is large, never worn apart to try it on, as its just a bit too small for me. Don’t want it going to waste sitting in a drawer forever more… malcolm dot hutcheon at gmail dot com for more details and pic.
setting free the bears supports res. 12 & oscar knox
15:51 on 22 April, 2014
………….
Brian Clough was the greatest football manager England never had, he had a nack of fielding a team who played for each other and IMO was every bit as good as our Mhan Jock Stein.
When we win in Europe again, it won’t be because we have the richest or best players, it’ll be because we are brilliant as a team!
SFTB HH
steinreignedsupreme
15:29 on 22 April, 2014
How is Police Scotland’s investigation into five Hibernian fans singing a racist song about Rudy Skacel coming along?
I’d imagine this falls under the OB Act.
Polis Scotland believe they have a positive ID on one of them……
STEINREIGNEDSUPREME
Correct.
Leigh Griffiths fae Embra is being done for being Leigh Griffiths of Celtic FC.
He should have known better,and I hope he knows now.
Working tonight so will miss this game
Frail: This is our biggest game of the season
By: Kenny McKay on 22 Apr, 2014 14:35
STEVIE Frail believes Celtic-U20s are facing their most important game of the league campaign so far when they welcome Falkirk to Cappielow this evening.
The Young Hoops have it all to do in the league after two disappointing, back-to-back defeats to Hibernian and Hearts have left them four points off the top of the SPFL U20 table.
Now, Frail says every game is a “must-win” for his team, admitting that both he and John Kennedy have asked their young charges to prove they have the character to see out the season as champions, starting with tonight’s clash with Falkirk.
He said: “It’s a game we’re looking forward to and one that we need to win. We know that every result counts, if we are to have any chance of winning our league. Obviously we are disappointed with our last two results but we’ll be going into the coming games with a positive frame of mind.
“There is an added pressure there because of the way the last two performances have gone, but the most positive thing is that it is in our hands. We’ve got four big games coming up and we want to bounce back.
“We’ll see tonight how the players respond but the indication from training is that they know what is in front of them and we predict them to respond accordingly.
“They certainly have the ability and the character to see the season out. I think it’s the biggest game of the season tonight because it’s the first of many that we need to win.”
While looking ahead to the crunch tie with the Bairns, Frail also reflected on what has been a positive season overall for the young players coming through at Paradise.
Three U20s’ players in the shape of Darnell Fisher, Eoghan O’Connell and Liam Henderson have all made their competitive debuts in the first-team, with Henderson scoring an important goal against Partick Thistle at Firhill on a night when Celtic were crowned league champions for a third successive season.
This was followed by an appearance at right-back by John Herron on Saturday as the Bhoys recorded a 3-3 draw with Motherwell, with Neil Lennon praising the 20-year-old for his composed performance.
And with the likes of Herron, Henderson and O’Connell all expected to take to the field this evening, Frail explained how the whole U20s’ squad has benefited from their experience in an increasingly competitive league.
He said: “The league allows a provision for over-age players and I think it’s made the league more competitive. We’ve tended not to use that facility with first-team players on a regular basis, although Beram Kayal, Derk Boerrigter and Amido Balde have been the exceptions.
“Usually we have either Patrik or Filip Twardzik who are only one year over the age group, so we’ve been a relatively young squad compared to last year so that does make the games harder to win.
“But having some of our younger players in the first-team has been great for us. That’s the ultimate goal of the job to provide players for the first team and the manager has shown faith in a number of our boys this season.
“We don’t just want to see players getting a debut for the sake of it and those he has put in have performed well. Of course it’s nice for us to win leagues and cups but ultimately the goal for us is to find players who are ready to step up into our first-team.
“John Herron has had to play right back for the U20s in the last few weeks and he’s performed very well for us. Luckily it’s worked for him because he’s got a wee opportunity to step up into the first team in this position.
“I was at the game on Saturday and I thought he did well during a difficult game. It’s not easy to step up and I think showed just how good a player he is.
“You can also see the hunger in the likes of Liam who has played in the first-team and then played for us again. That follows on from training with the first team, and that brings them on leaps and bounds too, probably more than we can do.
“You’re training with internationalists day in and day out and they are learning all these good habits which they then pass on to our younger players so it’s like a circle in the way that everyone is learning.”
Celtic Under-20s take on Falkirk tonight (Tuesday) at Cappielow at 7pm. Entry is FREE so get along there and cheer the Bhoys on.
!BADA BING!
!
Brilliant,mate.
Danny stop bumping yir gums about yes, nobody’s changing their minds, in fact if he keep it up then………
Smiley
HH
How do we know if the alleged film of LG,wasn’t taken before he signed for Celtic? Doesn’t make it right but makes a difference .
lionroars
Pleased to have the reassurance and insight as to how we are doing things now.
MWD
I thought the poster was a bit short with Billy Bhoy. It’s taken us ages to persuade him to make his points punchier and shorter and then, when he does this, he still got the grief.
Still, I would not underestimate the seeming shambles of the Better Together Campaign. There may be a lot of appreciation of their failure to relentlessly punch home their message. I think the cybernats have been hugely energetic but they risk annoying people and discouraging a Yes vote by being relentless and a tedious, at times.
It’s gonna get even more intense over the next few months.
MWD.
Are the SNP not forcing you to make a decision to damage them with their cult like behaviour in bringing in the OB act, giving police political powers, promoting carnival atmospheres that all harm your fellow fans?
What other football clubs supporters feel that renewing their season ticket for the club they support, tacitly supports injustice?
JustAskingLike CSC
SFTB – I have to disagree with you about including Cloughie in with Harry R as a spendthrift manager. His 1979 European Cup winning side had two superstar signings – Peter Shilton and Trevor Francis. The rest of the team such as Kenny Burns, John McGovern etc. were journeymen players who he was able to mould into a winning side.
Jamesgang
I’m sure you’ll help to keep your dear mum strong through this trial. I’m not a man of faith but it is so important to keep a positive and optimistic mindset. Diet is also very influential. I wish your mum and family strength.
HH
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………Praying for our WEE HERO! 16:06 on 22 April, 2014
Aye. LG has to avoid situations that can be manipulated by our enemies.
As we speak, some new Police Scotland recruit is working through the archives and dusting off ancient Scottish laws to see if there are any grounds for charging a man for standing on a barstool.
I’m sure plod will be trying to trace all those singing in the pub, and will charge everyone against whom there is a prima face case.
Does anyone know if Griffiths ever played against Skakel?
I always assumed there was some kind of camaraderie amongst most professional footballers.
Over the years talking in relative privacy to a number of Celtic players from a former era I’ve never heard them say anything offensive about their opponents.
The Honest Mistake
I am not voting for the SNP? It’s not an election.
SFTB – AYe Aye or YES YES or Jist vote how I say BecauseIndy. :-)
MWD says YES but likes a windup tae in a jocular fashion
ernie lynch
I believe Rudi is a wind up merchant to Hibees.
The Hearts fans love him because he is constantly goading Hibs supporters and appealing to the Jambos at every turn. Even at Dundee United he wore jersey 51 in honour of their cup win scoreline.
I would be surprised if he socialised with any Hibs players. He is milking all he can out of Hearts and their fans. He has served pints in every Hearts boozer this season and been flown over by FOH many times to fundraise.
LB
MWD.
You’re not approving the celtic board’s behaviour, just buying a season ticket.
The Honest Mistake
IMO I would be.
MWD says YES
!!Bada Bing!! 16:08 on 22 April, 2014
“How do we know if the alleged film of LG,wasn’t taken before he signed for Celtic? Doesn’t make it right but makes a difference .”
The evidence against LG is inconclusive at best.
If the issue was really about racism there would be an effort to identify the Hibs fans who are clearly singing about Skacel.
But racism is not the issue here, the issue is simply printing negative headlines about Celtic.
The Honest Mistake loves being first
16:11 on
22 April, 2014
It is an indefensible bad piece of legislation promoted and demanded by Police Scotland, i would suggest there are many and greater issues which should be considered before you vote
I am middle aged and since my teens i have been aware of of terrible injustices between Police forces in Scotland and Celtic fans, it is not a new phenomenon since Salmond and the SNP came to government in 2007
jamesgang
16:00 on 22 April, 2014
Vmhan
it’s on p1 at 13.01 pal.
HH jamesgang
..,,,,,,,
Thank you!
steinreignedsupreme- it always will be mate.HH
Cork Celt
Please pop me in your box.I ceased believing some time ago but see prayers as a wayof harnessing positive thought. If I, m wrong and your right your good intentions will be heard and I may get a little fillip to extend my time to complete unfinished business.
Good on you for your good intentions.
He had to go. Bit of a harsh judgement Paul.
Like Busby thirty years ago Ferguson was always going to be a hard act to follow.
Manchester could find themselves in a post Busby scenario where a few could come and go before the problem is solved.
Personally I would have given Moyes another year.
Jamesgang
Fingers and toes crossed for your mum.
HH
Mick
If the Hun vanguard is removed from the equation ploddites of plod won’t plod their ploddiness any longer. Trust me. It’s the way plodders think.
James
I’ve crossed my fingers, hands and said a wee prayer for your mammy.
Vinny
You will never walk alone
Portadown 0 Cliftonville 2
Linfield 0 Glentoran 2
Cliftonville are champions – Can’t wait to get of of work !!!!!!!
Steinreignedsupreme
16:20 on
22 April, 2014
!!Bada Bing!! 16:08 on 22 April, 2014
“How do we know if the alleged film of LG,wasn’t taken before he signed for Celtic? Doesn’t make it right but makes a difference .”
The evidence against LG is inconclusive at best.
If the issue was really about racism there would be an effort to identify the Hibs fans who are clearly singing about Skacel.
But racism is not the issue here, the issue is simply printing negative headlines about Celtic.
We all know that they love writing negative headlines about Celtic.
This then begs the question why, given LG had a record, did Celtic sign him and give them their negative headlines on a plate?
Lionsroar67.
‘Twas 100% supported by SNP. 0% by other parties. SNP gave the police political powers.
Guess who will be your leader in an independent Scotland.
MWD’s reality could be a Scotland run by Alex Salmond without Celtic.
margaret mcgill
16:25 on 22 April, 2014
……..
Aye Margaret, I think we need to change things plod wise, a letter to plod do yea think?
Plod_csc
got a batch made up for the Hoooootenannny
http://www.masterofmalt.com/spirit/few-spirits/few-white-whiskey/