Auchinleck Talbot are a sixth-tier club, so I didn’t want to mention this after Sunday’s game, but the passing at Kilmarnock was so much crisper than I have seen from Celtic this season. The observation was discarded as I assumed it was because the opposition were unable to press Celtic players out of their comfort zone.
We started the same way last night. The minutes before the opening goal were characterised by pass-and-move routines from Celtic that we scarcely saw throughout 2025. Bologna pressed but the man in possession was always comfortable and had options. That panicked feeling when we were pressed that the ball would inevitably go all the way back to Kasper Schmeichel, then possession would be lost, never materialised.
The calamitous opening goal Bologna conceded resulted in Celtic pressing an Italian home side out of their comfort zone. Cheaply given but thoroughly appreciated.
Racial stereotypes are best avoided, but is it safe to say Japanese players are just too honourable? A minute after Reo Hatate’s opener, Daizen Maeda was clean through 40 yards out when he was bundled from behind. Daizen is made of sturdy stuff, so was able to continue; if it was me, I’d have collapsed like a proverbial sack of potatoes. Had Daizen fallen, a red card would have followed.
Daizen stayed on his feet, Yang latched onto his pass and came close to adding a second goal with a shot the keeper only just got a hand to. A goalscoring chance was not denied, so the referee was unable to act.
Small incidents can change the flow of football games. On receiving a ball out of defence, Reo Hatate tried to hold the ball in, but it ran through him, allowing Bologna to open an attack and put Celtic under sustained pressure for the first time. The same thing happened 10 minutes later, when Reo was bundled to the ground, again Bologna were able to press Celtic for several minutes.
The two yellow cards Reo received soon thereafter were inexplicable for an experienced player. They should be a learning experience for the whole squad.
With Bologna still trying to figure out how to react to their one man advantage, Daizen forced a corner from a long ball into the right channel. Kieran Tierney has been written off by a few of us. His return has not delivered the same form he last enjoyed in green and white. Perhaps another appraisal is due.
A decision at Lennoxtown to have Kieran take corners from the Celtic right proved inspired. KT’s delivery was excellent and Arne Engels proved he can get on the end of deliveries. Auston Trusty was dominant throughout the game but no more so five minutes from the break, when he knocked this set-piece over the line.
The second half is so difficult to assess from a tactical point of view. Celtic had a two goal lead to defend, away in Italy, with 10 men, so doing so as deeply as they did was understandable. Martin pulled the full backs inside, Out of possession, Daizen dropped into the traditional left back spot.
There was a six-man back line with Yang, Engels and McGregor 10-15 yards in front. The relentless series of crosses and passing in front of the Celtic box inevitably led to a goal. Whatever the plan was at halftime, an early change in shape may have been more effective.
I have seen chat that Kasper Schmeichel could have done better at each Bologna goal, but I disagree. The first was from point-blank range and he was unsighted at the second. More than that, he pulled off saves I have yet to see from Viljami Sinisalo. The big Dane still has a part to play.
The match stats tell one story: Bologna 36 attempts, Celtic 8. Not all attempts are equal, though. All of Celtic’s were from inside the penalty box and four of those were inside the six-yard box. Bologna were hitting shots from 30 yards. Their two goals only slightly under-delivered on an expected goals of 2.46.
The prospect of playing 18 minutes plus added time after the equaliser was daunting, but Bologna had fired their bolt. Celtic’s defenders dominated the game from that moment on.
I don’t want to touch on a negative after such a good performance, but Colby Donovan, Anthony Ralston, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and Kieran Tiernay have all looked poor this season. Each betrayed by a system which left them exposed. See what happens when a management team who can structure a midfield and defence are in charge? They were all excellent, Liam and Auston in particular. Even the recently maligned Anthony, who was calm personified in possession. Honda Civics they are not. It’s all about the system.
This remains Celtic’s worst season in five, but the club which wins more games and trophies than any other in world football is edging back on track. That will confound those who spend their emotional energy trying to convince friends, readers and media colleagues that Celtic are a badly run football club. God help them if the result on Sunday goes against their world view. It’s so much easier just to complain than to self-reflect.
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Andy Robertson to Spurs seemingly
Celtic are not a well run football club this is now an undeniable fact, Paul.
Got help some Celtic fans should we win on Sunday ?
You need help, Paul.
CELTIC MAC on 22ND JANUARY 2026 10:46 PM
Not the easiest EL section to be drawn, three of our opponents are currently in the top eight and another two will qualify for the play-offs. Celtic too if we win next week at home. Never expected us to finish in the top eight back when the draw was made, so we’ll have done well to progress if we beat Utrecht, or rather Martin & Co will have done well if we are still playing Euro Football next month.
Of course what is also really sweet about our earlier result is the absolute foregone certainty that a defeat would have been used by the haters and the graters on here to continue their campaign to individually and collectively attack every Celtic supporting member of the Board. And yet some still did, animus prevailing over the joy to be had. And as fir aw the ithers, not your day wis it?
Onwards tae Embra….
…………
You’re the type of Celtic supporter who can’t simply enjoy a great Celtic result away from home in Italy without having a go at fellow Celtic fans whose views don’t align with your own. Irony bypass.
It was going so well until the last para… but let’s not quibble. I felt particularly for Ralston under Nancy’s systeme diabolique. Talk about hanging someone out to dry.
Looking further ahead, watched an interview earlier where Keith Wyness suggested the smart move at the end of the season would be Martin as DoF and Maloney as Head Coach. That should be a shoo-in if they can salvage the league from this season. Qualifying for the EL knockouts would also be an excellent recommendation for retaining this team. If it ain’t broke…
The Nancy Redemption,
Every single Celtic player plays better under Martin O’Neill, ironic that there was indecent haste to give Celtic supporters the antithesis, of what we had in BR. Change is good, but the appointment of WN ( and who done it? ) becomes more ridiculous, in every Celtic ‘performance,’ with the very same reshuffled, reinvigorated players.
Players in position literally playing out of their skins in Europe, MON repeated the Feyenoord trick and pulled off a minor miracle. Outstanding performances where we caught a glimpse of the real Celtic, who have been sandwiched this season between two proper Celtic managers.
Previous ‘escaped goats’ included not a single failure on the pitch, better selection, use of players and subbing paid off in spades for MON and Maloney. Back four was a unit, and when benched Tony Ralston came on, he made two outstanding tackles to save the day, Johnny Kenny was a decent outball. running down the clock. Trusty and Scales returned to being regular CB’s, Donovan and Tierney were inspired, the latter having maybe his best game, since his return.
Celtic benefit from playing attacking sides, and beating locally parked buses is a different art form, suddenly and potentially a lot less unlikely. Arne Engels at last showing ‘good value’ takes time. CalMac has carried the midfield so long, he has a permanent sore back, and needs a new partner, not in the squad.
Fancy a Nancy scoreline with 10 men and a back three? – more loan with buy option signings, and keep them coming, the Celtic are coming.
MOM Auston Trusty
Dermot Desmond runs Celtic.
He makes the decisions.
In the recent past , he’s made a few poor decisions that have cost the club, in many ways.
If Dermot hired the proper people to run the football side of Celtic and trusted them to do so , it would help.
Until he does , we won’t be a well run football club, unless you judge being well run by the glorious balance sheet .
PLB – Wouldn’t be too surprised if it is Martinez and Maloney. In the dugout.
Good observations on last night Mr67. I agree that we were looking comfortable in possession at the back in the first half. Trusty and Scales were immense. I thought Nygren should have done better and got a block on their second goal. Scales or Trusty for example would have thrown himself in to block the shot. Surprised that goal was not scrutinized for off-side as a Bologna player was obstructing Kasper’s view from an off-side position.
Their coach did us a favour moving the winger that scored into the centre of the pitch during the second half. He was causing us a lot of problems out wide.
All in all a very good result. Feeling a lot more positive about things now that MON has once again steadied the ship. At least two more players needed for the season run-in, but there’s enough in the door today to take care of Sunday.
A well run club would never even consider Nancy for an interview , nevermind offering him a position 🫣
” trying to convince… that Celtic are a badly run football club.”
Celtic have been a badly run football club for two years, perhaps more. The crisis train we are attempting to retrack is objective evidence of that.
We have concurrent vacancies in the most critical of posts throughout the organisation.
Our squad is depleted, talent sold and not replaced.
We have a Champions League payroll that has delivered Conference performance.
We will lose a lot of money this year.
Whether we win or not on Sunday changes none of that. Whether we win the league or not does not diminish our predicament or absolve the leadership.
Sometimes it’s so much easier to self-delude than self-reflect.
Well run football club 😂😂😂😂😂😂.
The gaslighting continues.
Kyogo – Sold 365 days ago, replacement a 5 month loan deal.
Idah – Sold 5 months ago, still awaiting a replacement.
Kuhn – Sold 6 months ago, still awaiting a replacement.
Wilfried Nancy – Lasted 33 days, win rate 25%. Cost approx £2m allegedly to release him from his CC contract and whatever else to pay up his contract.
But yes, we are a well run club.
That soup must taste nice.
How different the view looks from that ivory tower.
Ridiculous end to an article that couldn’t help but dig out Rodgers and indulge the usual blind hatred towards Celtic fans who hold a different opinion.
You really come across as a right dick sometimes Paul.
Paul 67,
Excellent summary.
Factually, the Honda Civic in the right hands can be a reliable. efficient and practical vehicle.
That has been amply demonstrated
HH.
A well run football club, would depend on how one defines ‘Well run”
Paul67,
A previous poster asked you this, correct me if I’m wrong, I don’t believe you replied to him.
Do you make money from this blog? You seem to antagonise for clicks. No-one can be that delusional.
Celtics version of Ewan Cameron.
The football department at Celtic is not well run, it is a shambles exemplified by the lack ot options in the squad that required BR to bring in an injury prone CF to provide us with a CF as the options were Kenny and Shin, yes last night was gutsy but against pace Ralston cannot defend, he stood off and got skinned several times by the winger, we didnt conceed so all good, we need more good players this window, lets hope the Manager who would have at least the League Cup in our cabinet and much closer in the League or ahead gets backed, Nancy was another disaster of a footballing decision by this Board.
Now, BRRB asked me to do something, what the heck was it?
Oh aye, i remember …
Next meeting of the Shipwrecks in the Shipbank at noon on Friday 30/01.
Be there or be square 🤪
An insightful piece Paul, too intelligent of course for the semi-literate who set up blogs (presumably because they can’t get a job) and then dance to the SMSM anti-Celtic tune because that gets you clicks and pennies don’t ya know.
A red should have been given, irrespective or wether Maeda falls or not, if warranted. I think we need to analyse whoever will ref our games prior to playing. Some refs let some things go and some don’t. The guy last night was eager to hand out yellows. A few changes for Sunday. Despite being really good last night, I think Donovan will be on the bench. Likewise Reo, probably. Maybe Maeda moving to the left, if we start with big Tam or Iheanacho.
Dessybhoy
Congratulations on winning the Hugh McIlvanney Award for prolixty with that stonking single sentence post 🏆😂
“The minutes before the opening goal were characterised by pass-and-move routines from Celtic that we scarcely saw throughout 2025. “
Truth Or Confirmation Bias!?
“Celtic FC achieved a new world record for completed passes in a 90-minute professional match, recording 1,020 successful passes in their 5-1 win over Kilmarnock in April 2025. This surpassed the previous record of 1,018 set by Spain, and broke the UK record of 992 also held by Celtic.
Key Details of the Record-Breaking Performance:
Match: Celtic FC vs Kilmarnock (April 2025).
Total Passes: 1,020 successful passes (official record).
Significance: It was the first time the 1,000-pass barrier was broken in SPFL history, with nearly 70% of passes made in a dominant first half.
Context: The performance was driven by an “imperious” display from Reo Hatate and marked a new high in passing accuracy for a 90-minute game since records began in 1966.
This performance broke the previous record held by Spain (Xavi/Iniesta era) and demonstrated extreme, sustained possession and control.
Hail Hail
So what are we then – a WELL run club with no ambition beyond the old firm, who never strengthens from a position of strength, who doesn’t develop our youth players to first team level, has bizarre recruitment, four managers in a season and no obvious vision for the future?
Ziggydoc
Iheanacho wasn’t on the bench last night so it’s doubtful he’ll be seen on Sunday. It’s not yet 6 weeks since he pulled a hammy and returning too early will likely put him out for the rest of the season – see AJ frinstance.
Sack The Board
Latterly, in the previous blog, the previous blog there was some discussion of BBC bias against us. I enjoy a sense of injustice as much as any Celtic supporter. So, here are one or two more random instances:
1. What happened to the 7-1 BBC video-tapes? It is alleged that Peter Thompson personally oversaw their destruction.
2. Doesn’t really fit into the injustice category but who can forget David Francey’s sobbing commentary when George Connolly scored Celtic’s third against the blue men in the 1969 Scottish Cup Final – ‘It’s yet another blunder. Celtic have scored.’
3. When rfc won their Covid title, the pundit, analyst and seer, Tom English predicted solemnly that ‘It will take Celtic at least four or five years before before they even begin to catch up with R2ngers.’ There’s insight for you.
Outstanding point all thongs considered. Europe is eons better than the domestic version. It’s where genuine repurations are made.
MON was a hero to me, now he’s almost a deity. I love that mhan.
Team’s effort was inspiring. We’ll beat the minis.
We’re well ran if your ambition is Old Firmism
Happy St. Ildephonsus Day! Ave Ave
Petition:
One Celtic. Back our Board, our Players, and Martin O’Neill.
https://c.org/Z2h9XxwJyx
BHOYS TOWN on 23RD JANUARY 2026 12:44 PM
An insightful piece Paul, too intelligent of course for the semi-literate who set up blogs (presumably because they can’t get a job) and then dance to the SMSM anti-Celtic tune because that gets you clicks and pennies don’t ya know.
———————————————————————-
An accusation that sounds like a confession 😘
The App Store opened in 2008 – Celtic’s official App opened this week 👍
WellRunClubAnecdotes CSC
TBB
Nobody asks you to read it, scroll on.
Welcome To Celtic Tomas Cvancara
Loan to buy…
TC is 1888 mm (c) BSR:)
Hail Hail
What TBB said☝️
I don’t remember ever commenting on one of P67s articles but that last paragraph is quite frankly a heap of pish. Totally delusional. Point out the Celtic fans who want us to lose, go on I dare you.
Are you a member of b78s crack team?
Dreadful.
Austin Trusty was immense last night. So was Engels. Engels has played in practically every game since he signed. Trusty the majority. He has won us points in Europe.
Now imagine we had a recruitment policy which didn’t focus mainly on potential resale values. Imagine we had a recruitment policy that focussed on the needs of the team. Where contribution and usage were just as, if not more, important than making a profit on a player.
If that was the case we wouldn’t have the board lackeys moaning at what a waste of money trusty and Engels were while simultaneously lauding what a great piece business Bernabei was cos we made a couple of hundred grand profit.
Team contribution wins trophies, drives tickets and merchandising sales and attracts sponsorship. I would rather pay 6m and 11m for players who contribute vastly over the next two seasons to the first team. Well done both. Value for money.
Any word of new signings or is MN still in hospital after that bhoy #accosted’ him in the street?
CHAIRBHOY
Now we’ve got nothing Toulouse v Utrecht 👍?
Barkas is a goalkeeper for Utrecht.