Adam Idah changed Celtic history. He arrived at the club on loan during Brendan Rodgers’ first season back in January 2024. Philippe Clement had not only stabilised the wreck Michael Beale left Newco in, he hunted Celtic down, went top of the league and made his side favourites for the title.
A week in the door Adam scored with two penalties against Hibs, to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 1-2 win in the 92nd minute. At Motherwell two weeks later and he again scored twice, his second to give Celtic the lead on 94 minutes.
He will be better remembered for his Scottish Cup Final winning goal against Newco in May 2024, and our third goal in a 3-3 draw at Ibrox the month earlier, but the goals at Hibs and Motherwell were just as crucial in picking a Celtic team off the canvas and making us champions again. We would have won neither without him.
The club spent £9m to take Adam permanently from the Norwich City bench to Glasgow. It was a decision based on a small sample size (the fee was due to Brendan Rodgers publicly naming Adam as his No. 1 target early in the window). A statistical error was made; always check the sample size.
I doubt anyone is motivated to explain why Nicolas Kuhn was allowed to leave without backfill secured. Signings are notoriously difficult for all clubs and all know not to make assumptions, which is why Kuhn’s sale is so unusual. A bit of bloody mindedness was involved. Contrast with Adam’s departure. Adam could have gone earlier in the window but was kept until backfill was secured.
Two weeks late, but Royal Antwerp eventually got their backfill for Michel-Ange Balikwisha (24), who joined Celtic last night. The right-footed (predominantly) left-winger has been at Antwerp for four years and I expect will see some action on Sunday. Celtic have scouted for a long time, so he will surely fit what we need.
Michel-Ange played the same role in Belgium as Jota played at Celtic, and Daizen Maeda has played in Jota’s absence. Brendan likes to swap out both wingers during games, so I can see scope for at least five in the squad.
Welcome to Celtic, Michel-Ange.
Our Europa League draw:
Roma (home), 5th in Italy last season
Feyenoord (away), 3rd in Netherlands last season
Braga (home), 4th in Portugal last season
Red Star (away), Serbia champions last season
Sturm Graz (home), Austria champions last season
Midtjylland (away), Denmark runners up last season
Utrecht (home), 4th in Netherlands last season
Bologna (away), 9th in Italy last season
There are easier games in the Champions League than any of them, but there’s lots we can achieve with that draw.
264 Comments- Pages:
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spikeysauldman:
I have no idea why they wouldn’t be.
Bhoy From The Boyne on 29th August 2025 10:15 pm
When things go wrong, in almost every investigative field, ie aeroplane crashes, Economy crashes, you name it…..
There is very rarely ONE cause. It’s easy, and often lazy, to grasp one thing and hold it up as ‘THE’ cause.
In the case of Celtic failing to qualify, I would suggest that there are many areas that were not working well.
These might include, Tactics, individual player errors, failure to replace players who have been sold, etc, etc….
A broader look can often provide a bit more truth…
Cheers,
Weeron
Fritzsong on 29th August 2025 8:27 pm
As others have said, you have provided a thoughtful post…..
You mention the role of Board Members. There are some that have specific skills, some that have no evident value, and senior staff. I know for a fact that PL doesn’t like having ‘outsiders’ in the Board and Committees. One can imagine that those who are staff or former staff are actually the ‘real’ board.
You also mention the apparent absence of a clear vision of the club’s future. I totally agree.
We keep hearing about ‘Strategy’. We don’t hear about ‘Objectives’, or ‘Goals’. These things are measurable and the Board should be accountable for their performance in relation to achieving Objectives or Goals.
So, when they talk about ‘Strategy’, they talk about something they do….not something that they have achieved. So the ‘Strategy’ gives us millions of pounds in the bank. That’s all. There is no info as to what we are going to do with this money.
You have provided a good starting point for Objectives/Goals.
Something along the lines of qualification to the UCL proper. At least 4 times out of 6.
If that isn’t achieved, there should an external performance audit that is ultimately shared with shareholders and season ticket holders.
Thanks for raising the issue, Fritzsong….
Weeron
JF
surely you jest ?
WEERON – yep. The confluence of factors you cite, colliding or acting together to create a disastrous outcome seems to be what we’re experiencing (sadly not for the first time either !).
It used to be called Murphy’s Law – describing all the things that could go wrong turning to custard esp at the most inconvenient times with the worst effects (ie getting papped out a 40mill prestigious prize pool comp by footballing minnows).
Look across the city, tho, and you’ll see a mob in comparable dissaray. The natives are revolting (as ever) the staff are in mutiny mode and the owners have backed a fella whose capabilities are falling short of their ambitions and off-siding the entire customer base (despite him seeming like an affable enuff type).
A draw is the most likely result on Sunday which – sadly – aint a bad outcome given the prevailing climate and table positions.
some read back
the guy who hates people who post on cqn
is on cqn
quadrophenian on 30th August 2025 12:27 am……
The other mob have massive structural (and emotional) issues.
They have had, since Walter Smith walked away in 2011…..
15 managers in 14 years.
This, I believe, will continue until their owners realize that the manager isn’t the biggest problem.
The ‘fans’ believe that the manager is the only problem. So they bay for his blood. Their board give in.
And it all starts again.
Let the circus continue….
Weeron.
WEERON
‘The other mob have massive structural (and emotional) issues. They have had, since Walter Smith walked away in 2011…..’
And we should be in another orbit to them in terms of how we practice – but we have some baked-in stuff too, which they’re guffawing at this very day.
I’m delighted with all the domestic trophies we’ve accumulated, the trebles and quaddies. I honestly felt BR was getting us somewhere in Europe – the holy grail – but I fear (and it is fear without granular knowledge) that Project BR2.0 is being mothballed for reasons I cannae fathom. HH
glendalystonsils on 29th August 2025 8:46 pm
Dolberg deal is far from certain according to Joe McHugh on videocelts . Might mean Idah on Sunday (and beyond ) since we cannot sell until replacements are in acording to Brendan
joe mchugh will not allow free speech on his blog. like forrest and eric. the tragedy tims
conform or be banned.
w
quadrophenian on 30th August 2025 12:49 am….
I can’t argue on any of your points. You are spot on.
Weeron
We can’t quite seem to lay a glove on Celtic PLC for anything that has happened this week or, more or less, for the same shit-show that has played out most August ends for the last 20 years since the O’Neill’s team hung up it’s punching-above-it’s-weight gloves. But times are changing, worry not; the end is nigh. As fans, the one thing we have on our side is time. Desmond’s legacy is already evident in the rust of the decaying stadium that he will definitely bail on before it becomes a financial burden to him and his co-investors. When Fergus McCann built the stadium it had a more-or-less 30 year lifespan. The newest parts of the stadium are 30 years old this year. We won’t have too long to wait till we’re shot of him and his multi-million profits and are instead left with the worrying dilemma of how to finance a very expensive stadium rebuild going forward.
The returnof weeron:
Excellent posts fella, and you’ve managed to make a very important distinction.
That’s something we should all think about; the difference between “strategy” – which as you point out can be rather vague – and “objective and goals” which can be measured.
Thought provoking mate. Very good.
PissStainedFlares:
You’ve made an interesting point there. I was thinking about it recently.
Needs more attention drawn to it. That should be part of the discussion about the “plan” they never let us get a glimpse of. Another area where we need some answers.
Spikeysauldman – Cheers. I hear you.
The contrast between domestic success and European competitiveness has probably never been greater.
Scottish football can’t compete. Not just us.
This month has proven it.
Was reflecting on game in Kazakhstan as I typed.
It was only 3 nights ago. Feels longer.
Still scunnered.
Back to Basics – Glass Half Full:
“Was reflecting on game in Kazakhstan as I typed. It was only 3 nights ago. Feels longer.”
Absolutely. A Glasgow derby tomorrow and I’ve barely thought about it.
Never has the gap between where we are and where we want to be seemed bigger. I’m sure there have been lower moments than this in the past ten years but I can’t remember feeling like this. When they won their Covid title we all had more to worry about … this is another level.
Never been this distant from the club.
Can’t get myself up for this game at all.
Reports Idah has been recalled having already completed his medical further illustrates the deep incompetence on show this window.
Why are Celtic executives only able to negotiate sales ?
So Idah has been recalled after completing his medical at Swansea. Those directors that “bleed Celtic” trying to sell our one established centre forward before a crucial game at Ibrox in the current climate tells you all you need to know about them.
Doubling down on the moolah to the exclusion of everything.
At the current rate our mute CEO will show up at on Sunday in one of those collapsing clown cars.
Mortifying incompetence. Stick to the conveyancing Mikey.
Good Morning Celts – Grand Day To Be A Tim…
Still enjoying my break by the Celtic Sea,
There has been some interesting leads over the past week or two.
My understanding is that this lead on Adam Idah is premature.
Adam has been asked to return from Wales as the Manager has publicly stated he can’t leave until a replacement is found.
Marcelo Saracchi stating that he has known that he’s coming to Celtic for some time, fourcweeks ago would have been good.
Can anyone remember the transfer windows between Peter Lawwell leaving as CEO and his return as Club Chairman!?
From Willo to Idah – the man’s talents have no beginings…
If doesn’t have to exude this level of incompetence you know.
SACK THE BOARD… indeed…
Off oot… to enjoy the Celtic Sea air
Hail Hail
Our club is a shit show .
We allow Idah to travel to Swansea .
Have a medical , then recall him .
Because we don’t have a replacement.
All before an important Derby .
We may now have to rely on a player in the Derby ,who knows that the manager doesn’t really rate or want him .
Absolutely mind boggling.
TT
29 hours to kick off
Can only hope the manager now knows which players he is likely to have available to him and can plan tactics accordingly.
Presume both Idah and Yang, if involved at any point, will be keen to avoid injury.
Embarrassing situation with Idah yesterday.
It’s clear now that there’s no cohesive recruitment strategy. Lots of different actors, lots of differing priorities.
Comms remains a joke and the CEO remains an empty coat.
It didn’t have to be this way.
This has probably been said on here before .
How does leaving transfers until the quicksand on the deadline is running out , and the pressure on you increases , not lead to you paying more ?
Especially when the player you want , may not be that attracted to the league that you play in or the lack of CL football.
Especially when the selling club knows that you are running out of options.
We have learned nothing from Ajeti, Idah, Engels , and many other deadlines deals.
The very definition of madness.
TT
Good morning ,
A depressing read back .
Regardless of what anyone thinks of Idah , to sell him before going to ibrox with no replacement secured is madness .
Then again , does anything this board gets up to ,really surprise us anymore .
We have apparently agreed to sell Adam. To tell him to return knowing we have accepted a bid is unfair and unacceptable. He should be allowed to leave now to continue his career with our thanks for some good moments. His head will be all over the place.
Celtic, no words
Nicholson and his low balling of bids over weeks (and months) means other teams naturally come in.
I have seen mixed reports on the Danish boy , however my feeling is his movement will help us if we have the wingers and a more penetrative midfield ( which unfortunately we are not addressing).
The prolonged nature of MN approach has allowed English clubs to enter fray. The window of opportunity we has after Anderlecht’s exit has maybe gone. If we were selling it would be a different matter the money would be in the bank and high 5’s in the board room. No wonder Rodgers say enough is enough.
Nicholson is the primary reason we miss the 40 mil CL money; his snails pace in closing the deal should see him removed.
Nobody will miss him —- nobody has seen him or heard from him.
Stephenbhoyboy
Yes. We’ve treated Idah very badly -which won’t go unnoticed by other players and agents. We’ve got ourselves into a position now where every club in Europe knows we’re a distressed buyer…
However, Adam simply can’t be allowed to leave like Kyogo. We’d have Yamada, Kenny and Osmond as striking options. If you play Maeda in the middle then you’re playing Yang or Forrest. These are not acceptable options and will leave us bleeding out for months in terms of performance.
Michael Nicholson has to be sacked on Tuesday.
Whilst recognising the contribution Adam Idah undoubtedly made to us winning the double in 23/24 ithought when the asking price went over £6M we should have walked away.I was happy when I read that Swansea were going to sign him as it was a good move for Adam and Celtic .To here that he has returned is unbelievable, pay the money for Dolberg and stop turning us into a laughing stock.
Hear even
Wonder what made BR say his esteemed board bleed Celtic? Bleed the fans dry more like.
I hear rumours like everyone else on here, however I do not claim to have extensive ” insider” knowledge.
But what I do know is, if we let Adam Idah travel to Swansea to complete a medical then recall him then it is an absolute s#itshow.
If f@cks with the players mind.
He will never be fully focused for us
It will remind him about downing tools at Norwich
It tells him he is not really wanted.
I have previously stated that I think it is better for both parties that Adam leaves.
It is frankly indefensible that we let the boy prepare for a medical , let him travel and speak to his prospective new club then announce to great fanfare that he will be going nowhere until we sign a replacement.
It reeks of no forward planning, unprofessionalism, and lack of decency and thought to the player himself.
All on the eve of a high profile game where we need to redeem ourselves ( In the eyes of the fans anyhow )
HH.
Loans it will be then, gross incompetence from the executive in getting transfers in done, pity we have a major shareholder who couldn’t care less, otherwise those responsible would be sacked, but they’ll be safe of that I’m certain.
Correct Dessybhoy , DD doesn’t really care, everything else is a shit show.
Big round of applause to Mike Nicholson who is probably working this weekend.. what a trouper!
Maestro
You can believe that if you like I don’t.
Regarding team selection tomorrow- I will be disheartened to see Nygren or Yang picked to start. Both were as poor as it gets in Almaty.
I presume there is some fallout with Bernardo. A guy who is rated by Portugal but who isn’t getting a sniff recently.
Calmac needs help in the middle of the park. So I really think Bernardo offers most protection.
However, BR will, I think go with Calmac, Hatate and Nygren/Engels.
Up top, our new Belgian winger might start on the left. Forrest will be selected cos we’ve no alternative. Maeda will play through middle.
If balikwisha doesn’t start it’ll be Maeda and Forrest with Kenny or Shin.
Hopefully come kick off another couple of signings will be confirmed. Ffs, PLC, stop messing about!!!
@Dessy 😋 tongue on cheek trying hard to cheer myself and others up.
We are a shambles and I am scunnered with the shower as I was with the last dynasty of clueless dinosaurs who left us to stump and and get a movement and then Fegrus and we all know the rest.
https://youtu.be/33joS9mlAhE?si=o_sWgHSoGd65_Blc
Sounds like the Board are trying to sell players from beneath the manager
When Paul of celtic fans tv ( over 40k subscribers) says he’s not buying a europa league package then trust me there is a mini revolution going on.
Paul 67 if you are reading this and you still have lawwells ear you better get on to him pronto because they will have seen nothing like this anger before it’ll make the covid season look like a kids party.
This absolute farce regarding idah really is the cherry on the cake, who possibly can stick up for this board now ??!!!…..I have occasionally in the past I thought the 3 big money signings gave everyone a lift team and support last season and probably propelled us to higher levels.
To have as much money floating about and still trying to squeeze every last £ makes me vomit
I DO NOT FOR ONE SECOND BELIEVE WE OFFERED 8 MILLION FOR THE DANISH STRIKER!!!!….
we will end up either with Idah. a loan or ANOTHER project in the 2-4 million category
I’ve argued with others that the board are doing fine in the past but this summer has been a shocker sn absolute shitshow of the highest order …can it get any worse …..yep defeat tomorrow at the hell hole will top it off