Olivier Ntcham, 21, yesterday became the third most expensive signing in Celtic history, the initial payment was slightly north of the £4.5m quoted, and there are add-ons which are likely to take the total price above that which was paid for Chris Sutton and John Hartson.
The most striking element of the deal is that the player has played only 39 games in senior football. Compare this to van Dijk and Wanyama, who had played over 60 games before coming to Celtic, and you get an idea of how the transfer market has changed in a few years.
60 games is now too late. You need to be on the ground watching and ready to move inside 40 games. More than this and top talent will likely already be competitively priced out of reach.
A consequence of this trend will be an increase in one element of the transfer risk: any scout would prefer to see more than 39 senior games before making a recommendation. But this risk is mitigated by the fact that waiting on a player to increase in value, only introduces the risks associated with paying a higher price.
Then there is the risk of doing nothing at all………
What we do know is that everyone at Celtic, the management, scouts and board, are happy to have secured Olivier’s signature.
Welcome to Celtic, Olivier.
You know when the PSNI say, “The only way you can have the game in Belfast that week is if it’s on Friday and there are no away supporters”. Then Linfield insist on having the home game first due to TV money. Then someone else at the PSNI says they did not block Celtic fans from attending?
Well, that just happened.
Here is the new CQN Podcast…
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Belfast Celtic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpZBIW9I6Y4
Belfast Celtic – Return to Paradise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTfefCocJp8
Our first competitive game later today and I’m surprised at how low key we all are.
I expected to find some insights into how Linfield play, their strengths and weaknesses, their danger men and their ability to match up to our first choice players.
No speculation on how we will best beat them, who should be playing or even a team selection.
In other words we are in the dark.
I am sure Brendan and his coaches will be fully appraised of the Linfield squad and we will have far too much skill in the squad to be caught by surprise.
I can’t wait for High Noon tomorrow hoping the Linfield fans leave in disgust after half time.
Belfast Celtic Part 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5SvwubkPbY
Belfast Celtic Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOGXWqU-EZA
Belfast Celtic Part 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hioLR_v4ang
Belfast Celtic Part 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iK9MBXUWUc
INVINCIBLE ‘GG on 14TH JULY 2017 4:31 AM
You`re right.
I am supremely confident that we will give these people a gentle thrashing .
In a professional way , of course.
Basically remind them of their place.
I expect Brendan to continue speaking softly , but carrying a big stick.
Go to it , Celtic.
Make Brendan ( and the rest of us ) proud.
For anyone tuning in to Celtic TV or any other transmission.
Kick off is 5 PM Celtic Park Time
And it’s a good night from me.
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 14TH JULY 2017 4:48 AM
Your allies in the DUP will be given a tanking tonight. Not even a £1.5billion Tory bribe can save Linfield from that, mores your pity.
From Wiki. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linfield_F.C.
Sectarianism and Violence
Linfield are generally regarded as a ‘Protestant club'[66] and draw the vast majority of their support from one side of the community. However, the squad itself is one of the most diverse in the Irish League.[66] The club has also been regarded as sectarian in the past, both in respect of its alleged employment policy and of the behaviour of its fans.[67] This sectarian reputation is partly the result of the actions of fans who have a history of occasional anti-Catholic behaviour ranging from sectarian chanting on the terraces to outright violence.[68] Part of the problem has been attributed to Windsor Park’s location in a part of Belfast that is predominantly Protestant.[69] A relatively small number of local Catholics played for the club during the Troubles,[70] which led to an accusation that the club held a historical policy of not signing Catholic players.[71] However, the existence of such a policy has been disputed:
“Linfield’s following has historically been drawn from the Protestant loyalist community, particularly in the greater Belfast area. That is a fact of life which cannot be disputed and, although in the past there have been accusations of sectarian bias such as not signing Roman Catholic players, contrary to opinion and myth, no ban was ever imposed. That even applied in the early stages, during the Second World War and from then there has been a plethora of all creeds and classes wearing the Blue jersey.”
Malcolm Brodie[72]
Sectarian tensions have long been a cause of conflict at football matches in Northern Ireland, and crowd trouble occasionally marred games involving Linfield throughout the twentieth century.[73] In 1948, Belfast Celtic withdrew from the Irish League after years of sectarian crowd problems culminated in a Boxing Day match against Linfield at Windsor Park which ended in a pitch invasion and riot in which Belfast Celtic’s Protestant centre forward, Jimmy Jones, suffered a broken leg.[73]
In the 1979–80 European Cup, Linfield were drawn to face Dundalk from the Republic of Ireland. In the first leg, which was played in Dundalk and ended in a 1–1 draw, crowd disturbance prompted UEFA to switch the second leg to the Haarlem Stadion, Netherlands. Linfield were held almost entirely accountable for the events, and were forced to pay Dundalk’s costs to travel to the Netherlands as well as an additional £5,000 for damage sustained to Oriel Park. Dundalk were fined £870 for providing insufficient security at the match. Dundalk eventually won the match 2–0 to progress 3–1 on aggregate.[74] In the 1987–88 campaign, Linfield’s home game against Lillestrøm was marred by missile throwing, resulting in UEFA sanctions which meant that the club had to play their next two home games in European competitions at Welsh club Wrexham in 1988–89 and 1989–90.
A 1997 match against Coleraine was abandoned when Linfield fans hurled bottles onto the pitch after two Linfield players were sent off.[75] In May 2005 there were disturbances in Dublin at the Setanta Cup final between Linfield and Shelbourne.[76] In the same month, Linfield fans were banned from travelling to the Oval for a match against Glentoran, allegedly as a result of disturbances involving both sets of fans the previous month. However, Glentoran denied this was the reason behind the ban, citing health and safety regulations that forced them to close the away stand.[77] In 2008, three Linfield fans were charged in a Dublin court with public order offences at a Setanta Cup match against St Patrick’s Athletic,[78] but were released. In November of the same year, Linfield player Conor Hagan was struck by a rocket that was fired from Cliftonville supporters in the crowd following Linfield’s 2–1 defeat,[79] and the following month riot police were called into Glentoran supporters in the Boxing Day match after Linfield had taken a 2–0 lead.[80]
The management of Linfield has attempted to reverse the stigma of negative press attached to the club. The club has moved forward in co-operation with the Irish Football Association, which has launched a campaign called “Give sectarianism the boot.” It assisted a local Camogie team who needed space to train in 2005, and also built links with the Gaelic Athletic Association which has traditionally had little support from the Protestant community in Northern Ireland.[81] In 2006 FIFA President Sepp Blatter commended Linfield for their anti-racism.[82] A play dealing with the conflict between Linfield and Belfast Celtic, Lish and Gerry at the Shrine, was staged by the IFA at Windsor Park in October 2010, with the co-operation of the Linfield management.[83]
Since 2008, the number of incidents has decreased. However, in February 2014, Linfield were fined £3,000 and Cliftonville were fined £3,250 by the IFA following sectarian chanting from sections of both sets of supporters during a County Antrim Shield semi-final at Windsor Park in October 2013. Cliftonville’s fine of an extra £250 came as a result of their fans causing an explosion during the game.[84] Both clubs criticised the decision, and expressed their intent to appeal against the fines.[85] In April 2014, the punishments were rescinded on appeal.[86] There was also crowd trouble at a league fixture between the clubs at Windsor Park in March 2014, with reports of missiles being thrown after the game. The Northern Ireland Football League condemned the actions of a “small minority” of supporters.[87]
In May 2014, Linfield were fined £1,200 by the Irish Football Association over the singing of sectarian songs by supporters, ruling that Linfield fans had been guilty of breaching the code of conduct during a league game at Coleraine.[88]
INVINCIBLE ‘GG on 14TH JULY 2017 4:31 AM
I expected to find some insights into how Linfield play, their strengths and weaknesses, their danger men and their ability to match up to our first choice players.
No speculation on how we will best beat them, who should be playing or even a team selection.
In other words we are in the dark.
—————————————————-
Their tea’s oot.
INVINCIBLE ‘GG on 14TH JULY 2017 5:06 AM
God.
I hope Brendan`s minders are up to speed .
Good morning Linfield FC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_QSMTtUQYY
” more`s the pity ”
“more`s the pity ” ?
Ooops.
Hee Hee.
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 14TH JULY 2017 5:25 AM
Have the DUP given you Tory bitches permission to support Celtic tonight?
First post for years (felt a fraud as moved to Streatham – actuallyremarried and had another batch of kids more to the point). logging in always part of the daily routine though. Looking for some advice!.In Manhattan,NYC tomorrow, any advice on good place to watch match.
Linfield’s DUP Tories v Donegal Celtic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ks-ZWJ8rSA
I mentioned to someone the day after the draw was made:
Linfield 0 Bhoys 4
The game will be interrupted at least once with a pitch invasion by rabid Huns. Possibly abandoned.
Calls for Celtic to be eliminated for refusing to continue due to players safety concerns.
Conor Mc Gregor currently featuring on CQN.
Balham bhoy
Jack Dempseys bar West 33rd Street
If it’s still there of course!!
Balhambhoy
It is there. The Manhattan CSC meet there for all games.
http://www.jackdemseys.com/phone/index.html
What can we expect from the DUP/Tory Linfield fans next week?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9tatN3UTJk
TWISTS N TURNS on 14TH JULY 2017 5:46 AM
Sad to say.
Anything is possible.
In future , UEFA should absolutely ensure that Celtic and our supporters are never again placed in this ridiculous and perilous situation.
http://www.thecelticwiki.com/m/page/Manhattan+No.+1+CSC
Thanks Twists, nothing like an authoritative recommendation! I’ll check.
Ah thanks for follow up!
Macjay
I agree. ” football is nothing without fans”
The fact our supporters can’t attend is ridiculous.
I’ll be glad when this one is over.
All 16 Celtic Goals v Sevco • (2016-2017)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcsODPp4SEQ
Brendan said on BBC Newsline last night that….
BR – “I’m disappointed that, on my return here, to what is supposed to be, new northern Ireland, that the club couldn’t be given the guarantees that, our supporters would be safe, and that is what really troubles me.”
Ah smell a rat.
Ah think that, Celtic FC, will become more prone to these – tricky fixtures – in future….
Ah smell, Dallas…..
Where is Ogilvie BTW ?
Hmmmm….?
Canny shake it, but, spooky vibes are in evidence
so, so evident….
no prediction….
something is not right….
…..off-oot.
KEVJUNGLE on 14TH JULY 2017 6:04 AM
Where is Ogilvie BTW ?
=======================================
Bloody good point .
What is his job , if it`s not to speak up to ensure the safety of HIS Scottish representatives in the C.L. ?
And to put the authorities on notice in relation to same .
Best wishes to GMS.
STV
Gary Mackay-Steven says he had to end his time at Celtic early because he didn’t want another season on the fringes.
The winger had two years remaining on his Parkhead deal when he made the £150,000 move to Aberdeen earlier this week.
He went straight into the starting lineup for the Dons’ Europa League qualifier against Siroki Brijeg and lasted 63 minutes of the 1-1 draw.
Mackay-Steven found it difficult to work his way into Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten side last season and was keen to find a new club to get back to his best.
“I needed to get out and play games,” he said. “I was in and around the team and then out last year. I didn’t want another season of being on the fringes.
“I wanted to be training and looking forward to a game on a Saturday. Here the club are challenging for honours every season, it’s a massive club and they really showed their interest in me. I want to look forward to this season now.
“As much as I enjoyed it at Celtic ultimately every player wants to play. I wasn’t happy being on the bench, I don’t think any footballer would be. I want to come here and show what I can offer and get back on track.”
His manager Derek McInnes praised him for his debut despite him not having competitive game time under his belt since his 79th minute substitute appearance on April 2, the day Celtic clinched the title at Tynecastle.
“He’s going to be great for us,” he predicted. “He’s the type of player the fans are going to enjoy. He showed flashes of that tonight but it was clear when he came off he’d ran his race.
“He’s a threat for us and a ball carrier in those wider areas. He’s going to be an influential player for us.”
Morning all, looking forward to watching the Celtic invincibles putting 7 by this rancid hun trash tonight.
Brendan Rodgers revealed on Thursday night he has offered support to troubled defender Steven Caulker – but insists it’s premature to talk of a Celtic deal.
The 25-year-old centre-back – who played under Rodgers at Swansea – recently went public on his battles against depression, gambling and drinking. Caulker, capped once by England, even admitted he had considered suicide at his lowest ebb.
With Caulker likely to leave QPR, reports from south of the border claimed Rodgers could offer him a chance to rebuild his career in Glasgow.
While refusing to rule that out down the line, the Parkhead manager insisted his main concern was the well-being of a player whose talent he rates highly.
In a recent interview, Caulker insisted he hadn’t placed a bet since December or touched alcohol since March as he tries to turn his life around.
‘I spoke to him as a former manager,’ said Rodgers, ahead of tonight’s Champions League qualifying first leg against Linfield.
‘The kid messaged me. He has been suffering for the last period of time and he looked to me as someone who looked after him when he was 19. I was only too happy to reach out and help him.
‘We spoke at length about his life and his situation and just where he is at. He is a boy that, if he can get it together and find a peace, then he is an awesome talent.
‘He is 6ft 3ins, quick, strong, he can play. You would take him to war with you. He is unbelievable, both boxes, he is an incredible young footballer but he is suffering.
‘Having had experience in trying to help him, I was only too happy to do that. At this stage there is nothing more than that.’
Asked if the recent injury to Dedryck Boyata – out for three months with knee ligament damage – could influence his thinking, Rodgers added: ‘Not at this stage. He is a boy that I have spoken to.
‘It was only recently, the last few days. He is a big, talented player and he is only 25 but, bless him, we’ll see with that. Initially it is a cry for help.’
Rodgers did complete transfer business earlier this week with the £4.5million acquisition of midfielder Olivier Ntcham from Manchester City.
The 21-year-old is the most expensive Celtic signing in a decade, and his new manager is confident he will deliver.
Ntcham hasn’t travelled to Belfast as he is behind in terms of pre-season training but he should feature in Saturday’s friendly against Lyon.
‘For me, it is hopefully a signature that allows us to kick on over the next couple of seasons,’ said Rodgers.
‘I was asked to come here and help Celtic dominate Scottish football and qualify for the Champions League and European football and, for that, you need players.
‘Olivier, I have been looking for this type of player for about a year now. One of the key things I recognised when I came in was that I needed speed and power in the team. We got Moussa [Dembele] in and we got Scott [Sinclair] in and then I felt in midfield, especially at the highest level, it is very important to have a high level of technique with that speed and power.’
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“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Oscar Wilde
HOT SMOKED on 14TH JULY 2017 6:43 AM
Marvellous bon mots.
Keep `em coming .