More quality combatants instead of Kolos

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As Brendan Rodgers mulls over additions to his coaching staff, one possibility, Kolo Toure, has taken a position with the Ivorian Olympic team.

Kolo’s role at the club in the early part of last season, when he steadied a shaky defence sufficiently to see us through the Champions League qualifiers, could be reprised this season. Due to injuries, we’re short in central defence, while running with only two strikers until January (at least) seems tight. A Kolo-type figure may help both positions.

Scratch deep enough, however, and it gets more complicated. Kolo did well at the start of last season but was soon erring consistently, before being retired by omission. This was someone playing at the top of the game the season before.

Bringing in another experienced addition to the squad to patch gaps in defence or attack works on paper when you look at Kolo’s early work, but there are significant downside risks. The match fitness of anyone out of contract right now is unlikely to make them suitable to undertake hugely important games in the coming weeks.

Then there is the question of attitude – Philippe Senderos once looked like a good idea, but Phil took a red card instead of jumping for a ball, when his team needed him most. The small matter of money also has to be considered: Kolo was paid a fortune for his time in Glasgow; straight from the football budget.

Opportunity cost is another issue. Kris Ajer will not see a great deal of first team action this season, but his development would be hampered more with a 35-year-old team-mate on £35k per week as first reserve. And surely we hope to promote a striker through the ranks?

The final issue to consider is what will happen to the squad in the final week of the month, if Champions League qualification is secured and the transfer window gets into full swing. We were scourged for so long by squad fillers.

Sign quality combatants, able to last a season in the first time and with years of development ahead. This is where strategy has to be.

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412 Comments

  1. Someone had their face slashed inside celtic park and no comment from Paul. An erroneous piece on old v young.

     

     

    The sanitiser is everywhere around this club.

  2. Hi folks,

     

     

    Whats the chances of getting tickets for the Astana game on Wednesday through the general sale? It doesn’t look too hopeful as season tickets holders can buy 4 extra.

     

     

    I was hoping to get 3 tickets, to come over from Ireland for the game.

  3. …ach, can’t be bothered re-posting that. I’ve got the “Lee Wallace” to cut………

     

     

    ;)

     

     

    HH.

  4. embramike supporting Res 12 on

    Dates and TV selections have been confirmed for the Betfred Cup quarter-finals, with three of the four matches to be shown live on BT Sport.

     

     

    Tuesday 19 September, 2017

     

    Hibernian v Livingston

     

    Partick Thistle v Rangers (Live on BT Sport)

     

     

    Wednesday 20 September, 2017

     

    Dundee v Celtic (Live on BT Sport)

     

     

    Thursday 21 September, 2017

     

    Motherwell v Aberdeen (Live on BT Sport)

     

     

    All kick-offs 7.45pm

  5. Cultsbhoy says Hail Hail to Hector and Brendan on

    Frambo11

     

     

    Unlikely to get comment on something that is highly likely to be a police then court matter. It may also be the case that there is very little to comment on as facts not yet emerged

     

     

    Other than condemning this wanton act of barbarity.

  6. As i posted , a cert the huns cup tie would be on Tuesday, as we play them on the Saturday

  7. Betfred Cup quarters…

     

     

    19 Sept

     

    Partick Thistle v Rangers

     

    Hibs v Livingston

     

     

    20 Sept

     

    Dundee v Celtic

     

     

    21 Sept

     

    Motherwell v Aberdeen

  8. I’ll happily buy CL tickets for CQNers

     

    Contact me if I can help.

     

     

    Ajer could and should see a good deal of pitch one this season. Looks like great potential. Blood him in the domestic league.

     

     

    HH jamesgang

  9. FRAMBO11 on 10TH AUGUST 2017 12:13 PM

     

     

    Someone had their face slashed inside celtic park and no comment from Paul. An erroneous piece on old v young.

     

     

    The sanitiser is everywhere around this club.

     

    ————————————————————————

     

    Like everyone who uses the blog, Paul67 can write on whatever he wants within the rules. The incident has been getting aired on the blog since it happened by many regular contributors. Sanitisation would be to delete any references to it. So I disagree.

     

     

    However, if you want to only read Celtic Baaaad stories – just read the Record, Sun, Mirror, Mail, Express, BBC, Sky, TalkSport – there’s plenty that already cater for you..

  10. Sorry to see Kolo go, but I’m more than delighted that Big Roy Aitken will be shoring up the defence.

     

    Maybe we can bring him on at Ibrox – Just as the Huns start their songbook.:-)

  11. The Green Jedi on

    Ajer has something about him as we’ve seen in the last few games where he’s been giving the chance. BR obviously rates him, higher than Eoghan O Connell who we sold. I would be disappointed if Ajer was sent out on loan again now that there is an opening in the centre back position with Boyata out injured till October at least.

     

     

    However I do think a decision will have to be made on Liam Henderson as he’s now fallen down the midfield picking order, an exit or loan deal is on the cards?

  12. Bhoyjoebelfast on

    TAL;

     

    Yes that moment,as their scarves held aloft,came down quicker than ‘yer man’ as Charlie mulgrew blew on him.

  13. Agree on Ajer, he looks ready to be in the 1st team squad, i think if Sviatchenko wasn’t injured he would have been punted.

  14. blantyretim is praying for the Knox family on

    CUCHULAINN on 10TH AUGUST 2017 12:31 PM

     

    Jamesgang,

     

     

     

    Would you be willing to get 3 for me I can drop you my email here?

     

     

    Email me at blantyretim1@aol.co.uk

     

     

    And I’ll pass your number onto Jamesgang

  15. CUCHULAINN

     

     

    Happy to do so.

     

    Either exchange emails via Paul or winning captains or just meet at cqn corner on the night?

     

     

    3 adults?

     

     

    HH jamesgang

  16. Afternoon intrincibles…

     

     

    Fact or Fiction…

     

    Irish whiskey with a 4℅ share of the world market was worth 2.5 billion € to the Irish exchequer…

     

    Scottish whisky with a 80℅ share was worth a mere 5 billion pounds Sterling…

     

     

    Braw.

     

     

    Who is telling big porkies thing !!!

  17. Jamesgang @ 12:48

     

     

    Great thanks. I have emailed Blantyre Tim with my number to pass on to you.

     

     

    Yeah 3 adults, but my da is over 65 if that makes any difference.

     

     

    If you can let me know if you secure the tickets I can book flights today then.

     

     

    Thanks a million

  18. 16 roads - Celtic über alles... on

    If in the event of a nuclear holocaust maybe save yerself by finding a shipyard to hide in.

     

     

    Might work, might not.

     

     

    Did the trick for lots of those monkeys in the 40’s anyway.

     

     

    During the war, during the war.

     

     

    UncleAlbertCSC

  19. FRAMBO11 on 10TH AUGUST 2017 12:39 PM

     

     

    Natknow/Cults

     

     

    At the very least I would say there is a debate to be had around security.

     

    —————————————

     

    Don’t disagree mate – but it doesn;t need to be Paul67 that starts that debate. It’s already being discussed ’cause we are all able to post comments on any subject. Except cats maybe. :-)

     

     

    What’s your view on the incident?

  20. If as Paul says Kolo was on this kind of money,then this frees up a massive wage for BR to use.