You can train to be a football player for years, hone your skills and work on your fitness, but there are situations you can never prepare for until you are in the spotlight. Yesterday Mark Wilson had to field questions about his team-mates’ performance and his manager’s position, after another abject performance which drew criticisms from Neil Lennon towards the players.
Mark gave a textbook response to the BBC, “I don’t like slagging my team-mates off but we have to do better.
“Football is a result-driven game but we don’t want that [Neil Lennon sacked]. We are firmly behind the manager and we love working with him and the coaching staff.”
We should be in no doubt that harsh words are being spoken in the dressing room and team spirit must be awful, but the outside world need to see stoic unity.
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Lennon added: “I am not happy with some of them at the minute. I don’t think they are giving enough in terms of the quality of their play or effort and I will speak to them individually and tell them what I think and I am looking for a response from them.
“But you ask them questions at times and you don’t get answers.”
paulr67,
that quote has got to be worrying since we are already one third in to the season.
Bourne, from previously,
It is a head scratcher in some respects. With the exception of Matthews for Izaguirre, yesterday’s team plus the subs won 92 points last season. (Although Commons made a huge impact in the 2nd half of last season).
Players who last season were winning plaudits for energy, imagination and strength of character are this year being (rightly) criticised for being absent all of these qualities.
The game yesterday was oh so pedestrian, and it rather felt as though the players were under the impression that pedestrian is good enough. From the reluctance of the keeper to distribute quickly, to the turn-back-again midfield, to the refusal of the forward to provide anything other than an obvious position.
I don’t get the absurdity of playing the ball on the deck along the back 4, into midfield, then back for the centre backs to belt up the park. Happens in every game repeatedly. Possession held for a couple of minutes to no effedt, then surrendered with a whoof up the park over the heads of the diminutive, pace lacking and work-shy Stokes and Hooper.
Personally, Celtic Park hasn’t been the same since they removed the gazebo.
Nevertheless, other than Forrest, no player at any time looked as though they had either the craft, the pace, or the imagination to create anything individually, and in the absence of any real work ethic, the points were lost long before the final whistle.
The decision to set up the club as an attempted breeding ground for young ‘Champions League’ players is undermined by the inexperience of the managment team. The raw talent of the management team is undermined by the absence of experience in the team. If you want a young team, you the need requisite knowledge to hold them together and develop them. If you want to develop an inexperienced management team, you need the knowledge on the pitch.
In writing this out I realise it’s actually quite simple: We don’t know what to do.
If Neil doesn’t recognise this, or refuses to accept the expedience of bringing in knowledge, his game is up. There are plenty of knowledgeable football men out there. Neil needs one badly.
How badly? His results this season are in line with Tony Mowbray’s. That’s where he and his management team are. They are dropping more than 1 point per game on average, a sequence that will see the team finish with 72 points from 38 games, 30 points fewer than last season.
I always viewed Lenny’s appointment as a 3 year project: Year 1 to stumble and find his feet; Year 2 to show that he was learning from experience; Year 3 to succeed. The odd thing is that last year looks more like a year three, while this year looks like a year 1. It’s baffling. How did Lenny turn around the squad from the fumbling nonsense of last December to the winners of January? Perhaps the adrenalin of last season simply has not been replaced.
Lenny’s problem is the opposition he is facing. Rangers are being managed by Ally McCoist. Losing to Walter’s Myth is one thing, but to McCoist? He’ll find that humiliating. That Rangers are about to be declared bust wraps humiliation in ignominy.
Lenny needs to make a significant move, and quickly. John Roberston wouldn’t be a bad choice as a No 2, but the move requires acknowledgement that it’s necessary in the first place. Over to Neil on that one.
TBB
There will be NO significant reinvestment until the situation with the huns is sorted out. The sensible reasons for that are many.
HH
Paul67
Yes, but there isn’t much stoic unity in these words from the manager:
The Celtic boss said: “I am really angry, they let the game drift away from them and that is not acceptable.”
He added: “I would like to make changes but the way the squad is stretched it is difficult to do that.
“There are a few who have been consistent like Ki and Joe Ledley but there are others at the minute who are happy to go along, riding on their backs and not really making the contribution that I want from them.
“I have to speak to them and out them, basically. I am not happy with some of them at the minute.
“I don’t think they are giving enough in terms of the quality of their play or effort and I will speak to them individually and tell them what I think and I am looking for a response from them. But you ask them questions at times and you don’t get answers.”
I’m tying to be positive, at least we kept a clean sheet. ;-O
Someone posted last week our win percentage with a Ki and Kayal in centre was 64%.
Not surprised when you have a pairing like that who lack the ability to make a forward pass.
Our strikers get the blame but what service do they actually get?
Hopeful crosses after a slow ponderous build up resulting in them constantly being outmanned by at least 2 to 1.
Opponents know there is no central threat and just wait for the punt in the box as they never have to adjust to any runs from the middle.
On the Marc Wilson issue no doubt he is a Celtic supporter but that’s all he should be.His inability to pass to a team mate and lack of pace defensively make him a liability yet he was captain.His inclusion diminished Forrest’s threat yesterday as he offered no assistance or movent to create space on that side.
Right,folks. Had a bit of time to cogitate after yesterday.
I think our best chance to overcome this situation is one that’s been widely suggested on here in the past,but I really cannot think of any other options.
With that lead-up,it will surprise no-one that it boils down to Martin O’Neill.
And co.
Martin holds Neil in high regard,so will surely want to rescue his managerial career. He,Robbo and Steve Walford come up till the end of the season,identify the problems and provide the answers.
Neil and his staff watch and learn,with increasing input as time goes on when they have shown they have,indeed,watched and learned.
The players get a double whammy of a boost to confidence and a boot up the jacksie. Along with improved coaching and motivation.
The fans get the hope we need to stop us hiding the razor-blades,and PL and DD get told to stick to their previously-defined roles in the background.
And that,frankly,is the only option which is likely to work for Neil & co,the current players,the fans and PL/DD.
Otherwise it’s meltdown,mass sackings,rebellion in the stands,and a number of players booted into obscurity.
An added bonus is that the meeja will faffin’ HATE it!
All the above in my learned opinion,of course,but I’m f….d if I can think of any other options,I’m afraid.
Yes,it’s THAT bad….
we need a manager that demands more from the board but i guess the board do not want someone like that.
Why do we need “stoic unity” at this time?
How about blunt honesty instead?
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS says:
30 October, 2011 at 15:21
Right,folks. Had a bit of time to cogitate after yesterday.
I think our best chance to overcome this situation is one that’s been widely suggested on here in the past,but I really cannot think of any other options.
With that lead-up,it will surprise no-one that it boils down to Martin O’Neill.
And co.
Martin holds Neil in high regard,so will surely want to rescue his managerial career. He,Robbo and Steve Walford come up till the end of the season,identify the problems and provide the answers.
Neil and his staff watch and learn,with increasing input as time goes on when they have shown they have,indeed,watched and learned.
The players get a double whammy of a boost to confidence and a boot up the jacksie. Along with improved coaching and motivation.
The fans get the hope we need to stop us hiding the razor-blades,and PL and DD get told to stick to their previously-defined roles in the background.
And that,frankly,is the only option which is likely to work for Neil & co,the current players,the fans and PL/DD.
Otherwise it’s meltdown,mass sackings,rebellion in the stands,and a number of players booted into obscurity.
An added bonus is that the meeja will faffin’ HATE it!
All the above in my learned opinion,of course,but I’m f….d if I can think of any other options,I’m afraid.
Yes,it’s THAT bad….
………………………………………………………………………
this is a great option, neil lennon can keep his job but take a back seat until next season and just watch and learn…
I reckon Naismiths long term abscence possibly permanent will be as significant as Izzys. We are about to find out.
HH
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about our current conundrum & here’s my tuppence worth. Lets look at the make up of 2 successful Celtic managers teams and why we need to copy that formula to give ourselves a chance:
MARTIN O’NEILLS CELTIC – O’Neill had the fortune of having a world class player in Henrik Larrson who could guarantee goals, link play, hold up play etc etc. The rest of his team were all competitors and the essence of the O’Neill style was to make it tight at the back by deploying physical aggressive players who contested every ball, physical aggressive players in midfield who could contribute goals & assists and forwards who were physical aggressive players that could hold up play and who knew they would get the required service to convert chances
GORDON STRACHANS CELTIC – Strachan had the fortune of having a world class player in Shunsuke Nakamura who could score free kicks, keep possession & carve openings in the final third for our strikers. He also had a world class goalkeeper in Artur Boruc. He had 2 dependable experienced full backs in Telfer & Naylor, physical aggressive players in midfield such as Hartley & Robson & with Scott McDonald in the team we always carried a goal threat
If we look at Neil Lennons Celtic he has made the fatal error of binning his only true creative player in Kris Commons. Over & above that we have no world class players. We don’t really have physical aggressive players in any position apart from possibly Joe Ledley who does not hold down a regular position. The rest of the team changes personnel every week with a combination of young players/projects learning the trade. The midfield don’t go beyond the play or give our strikers adequate goal scoring opportunities and our forwards cannot win 1st balls or speculative balls into the box
Whoever comes in as next Celtic manager needs to do 4 things:
1. Fill the team with experienced physical players
2. make us a hard team to beat
3. Create a midfield that win the ball then give our strikers chances to score
4. Have forwards who can keep the ball, contest speculative crosses & put the ball in the pokey
Fancy dress in Sharkeys the night. In a panic, haven’t got my costume. I do however have a bottle of Jacaranda Hill red Aussie wine, a co-op plastic bag, Scotland on Sunday (no Heralds left because they were all bought by Tims desperate to read about our scintillating skills) and a dish towel. What can I use these to dress up as? Btw – still in Sharkeys, feeling brilliant now. Hail hail Estadio
Neil knows what is needed and what was needed but was not supported by the Board. His requirement has always been experienced british players ( as Paul Lamber has done) but he has been provided with players to sell not win. His early movement for Campbell and Bullard are testament to that. His transfer requirement was hijacked. I still dont know who signed Bangurra as Neil was in Portygal at the tiime
Unless MON returns we have no viable alternatives other than to support him with the tools he needs
Targets for us should include
Carragher and Danny Wilson
JOCKCFC 1525
Cheers,bud. I never suggest taking a step back to move forward-usually-but I love Celtic and hate beards. And I can’t look at a razor blade at the moment without thinking dark thoughts.
Wstadio
Get half canned before you go and turn up as Oliver Reed.
Pinta, Carragher????? really???? he’s slower than a week in the jail. Not for me thanks.
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo
I reckon Naismiths long term abscence possibly permanent will be as significant as Izzys. We are about to find out.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Personally I don’t think it will matter a jot this season, the huns have in spades what we lack, team spirit, organisation and work ethic. they will miss him there is no doubt and will more than likely drop points as a result of his absence but we dont have enough about us to take advanatge
How can the other lot pick up decent centre halfs for fun and we bring in a string of Turkey’s, our best centre half at present is a converted full back and knowing that we are weak in that department why don’t we play a defensive midfielder to sit in front of them and give them some protection. Wanayama would look our best bet for that role. Why loan out O Dea and keep Big Dan & Glenda. Why give Sammi a new contract when he clearly didn’t deliver. Why have players like Hooper, Kayal & Commons all gone off the boil. Why can’t we take advantage of set pieces, why can’t we defend set pieces. Why do we play at half pace, why are we the supporters not holding a public rally outside Parkhead to tell the Board what we think of them.
GOALKEEPER
RIGHT BACK, CENTRE HALF, CENTRE HALF, IZAGUIRRE
KAYAL, WANYAMA, LEDLEY
COMMONS
HOOPER, CENTRE FORWARD
Right, I need to find some cause for hope. Yesterday I was for Lenny walking away. I still feel mostly the same. He is one more bad league result away from completely blowing it this season. Unless he can get a winning run going.
I would be resting players on Thursday if I were him. Forget Europe. We are not yet fit for it.
I was going to post that the looming 10 point deduction for the Orcs should be the catalyst for some renewed self belief in our Bhiys and give them something to get themselves roused for. But they seem incapable of rousing themselves and in any case Der Orcs seem to thrive on the siege (of Derry) mentality that must have been kicking in over there this last three years.
So, I came on to post something positive as is my way. But I have been able to find nothing.
If Lennon stays, and it looks like he will, then he really must get the team back to basics.
At teh moment we are relying on brilliant individual performances to win games. So, why not go the whole hog – get the team organised to be hard to beat and then hope someone is able to work their magic at the other end. It breeds confidence. Get compact. Make sure everyone knows their ‘zone’ and does not leave it without the knowledge that Ki, Ledley, Wanyama, Kayal or whoever is going to cover for you – I suppose I mean the full backs and the other central midfielders – keep the shape at all costs.
Fitness needs working on (hard to do with our schedule – all the more reason to treat UEFA games as friendlies and rest a few guys so they can do some focussed training and be fit for the meat and drink games.
I am sure Neil will be reading this and taking my advice. Makes me feel a little better. Awa fur a cuppa and a lie doon!
Hail Hail and Stay Celtic.
Pinta…already canned, tanned and about to be banned (again)
Estadio says:
30 October, 2011 at 15:27
Fancy dress in Sharkeys the night. In a panic, haven’t got my costume. I do however have a bottle of Jacaranda Hill red Aussie wine, a co-op plastic bag, Scotland on Sunday (no Heralds left because they were all bought by Tims desperate to read about our scintillating skills) and a dish towel. What can I use these to dress up as? Btw – still in Sharkeys, feeling brilliant now. Hail hail Estadio
——————————————————————————————-
Graham Spiers
TBB
I think you are right.
The sack Lennon brigade miss your point that “we don’t know what to do” also includes his appointees. Cliches a plenty, but this is a team in second season syndrome, they climbed all sorts of Everests last year, for both themselves and Neil Lennon, and fell near the summit.
They can’t motivate and NL doesn’t know what to try other than impassioned speeches he should’t have to make at at half time even if then they only sometimes work. The Kris Commons situation and other injuries, are a massive contributory factory, but players played out of position doesn’t help a struggling side.
Sadly we’ve not progressed from throwing on another winger, – there has to be someone at the club that can prevent the need for this type of futility,
with freshness of thought even with a jaded team and it’s supporters.
It’s very cold outside the gazebo, – will there even be a gazebo on Thursday?
Paul, I wonder if the management team have the players on the training ground today.
If not why not.
Just back fae the game :>)
St Stivs, I got hoopy from GL2 yesterday… Took loads o Photies of wee Shaedans hoopy at CP today, will upload them later.
V
HH
Neil says “he’ll have to speak to them and out them”. Dont feed the carnivore’s Neil thats what they are waiting for. They will finish you off and the vultures will decend and pick off whats left of you. Keep it in-house!!!.
Estadio says:
30 October, 2011 at 15:40
Pinta…already canned, tanned and about to be banned (again)
Phoned Sharkeys to see if they have access to Papal.
Wanted to buy you a drink. Landlord said “You pay, pal. Estadio gets a pint”
He was not convinced by my new found wealth.
Very ungracious chap.
Papal = paypal
Many a slip…..
PjDali says:
30 October, 2011 at 15:08
sandman – why not name who these hun posters are?
Seems on this fair blog if your not a Lenny loving, Green Brigade lovin’ poster with a badge on yir tit testifying to being in the ‘best supporter in the world’ club your a hun?
======================================
Did you not read? CAN you read?
Where did I come out with any of your second sentence?
Huns will out themselves, because they can’t help themselves.
Going by your post, shall I get the net and begin reeling in?
Martybhoy
We did last year. I think Izzys is very important to how we play. Player of the year last year. Commons was dynamite last year but his attitude sucks at the moment.
Naismith is their talishun. No very bright mind but he will walk through brick walls for the cause. Our players won’t do that and should not. Compare Kayals booking with the lack of a booking for Naismith from the same official who gifted the huns enough points at Celtic park alone to allow them to win the league.
We I admit have been playing all season like we did.against ICT last season.
I don’t know why and going by the summer recruitment the board dont think it is an issue.
I think they believe we are crippled by our association, officials, media., law enforcers, politicians and fellow SPL members and are only interested in playing the money game coupled closely with Old firm survival strategies.
The next few weeks should prove highly revealing on and off the pitch.
HH
P.s still Standing up for Neil Lennon
Springbhoy
They should be half way up the Campsies just now!! ps for the 3rd time too!!
few vids of u19s 5-1 yesterday
http://tinyurl.com/3j6fwpr
Udinese just beat Palermo 1-0
di Natale 7th goal of season
not lost a goal at home yet in Serie A
up to 2nd in league
Rennes on now
vipbox.tv
RT,
When was the last time we lost a game therefore why change it for us to be hard to beat. Please bear in mind the last action I saw was Commonsb red card at tynie.
I may well be wrong but who has given us a tanking recently ?
I thought it was a case of being boringly lacklustre rather than being under the cosh
HH
With respect bhoys, the same posts on here since pretty much the start of the season.We need a CB partnership,more from x player,play player y here and we wll start getting consistent results etc etc.Guys, it aint happening.Do we limp on waiting for the huns 10 point deduction, and re-start the season? If thats the case,we have a lame duck manager.
Estadio
As always I expect you to be sartorially elegant – so I propose, opening the wine, draping the dish towel over your forearm. Mingle throughtout the bar offering to top up people’s glasses with said wine. Instant waiter.
WARNING
At no point actually fill the patrons glasses – this will blur the lines between comedic effect and harsh minimum wage reality.
Hope this helps
U
Glad to see that Neil Lennon is being given the chance to rectify matters that was denied to Gordon Strachan even after 2 league wins. Stoic unity would be good from some supporters too! :)
Neil is in the position of having his players and his squad. He needs to get them playing for him. The worrying bits are – it is not clear that he knows his best eleven and his best formation, leaving aside significant injuries.
Celtic have dropped points at home to St Johnstone and Hibs while Rangers have dropped points to Hearts and St Mirren. The league is not over. the treble is still on !