Aiden McGeady broke the Scottish transfer sale record when he left for Spartak Moscow in 2010. Neil Lennon had just taken over as permanent manager after the departure of Tony Mowbray and Celtic put the McGeady money to good use.
Over the next two years, they embarked on a purple patch of signing players. Kris Commons, Gary Hooper, Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk, Mikael Lustig, Victor Wanyama all joined the club in that period and went straight into the first team, but Neil had other ideas for Aiden’s direct replacement.
Two years earlier Gordon Strachan appointed Neil as part of his backroom team, where he held a couple of positions before getting the top job. During that time, he worked with James Forrest and learned enough to know the teenager’s potential.
From the off, James’ impact was marked. He had speed, delivery and a powerful shot. He created and scored goals. That explosive pace brought hamstring injuries, which he patiently nursed for years. In 13 seasons as a first team player, he has won 11 league titles, six Scottish Cups and five League Cups, an historic haul bettered only twice.
Contracted for another three years, until just shy of his 35th birthday, those hamstrings are likely to limit James to a supporting role at the club, there to act as an adjunct to the managerial team and captain.
Athletic Bilbao have a One Club Man tradition, marking greats who played only for one club, making them a natural opponent for James# testimonial this evening. Enjoy it. Enjoy basking in the remembered glory of all those trophy wins, cup final and European qualifier goals – what financial value the latter?
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MELVIN UDALL on 1ST AUGUST 2023 1:44 PM
According to Phil, we’re in for a keeper, a left back and a centre mid.
I’m hearing Kieran Tierney is a serious target and Brendan is very keen to get it over the line.
In a Scotsman article by Andrew Smith about the scarcity of penalties against Sevco in Scotland, he finished with this:
` It isn’t the case that Rangers don’t know what it is like to have referees point to their spot in more recent times. Across their sorties in the altogether more exacting European domain in the past 10 months, they conceded no fewer than six penalties.`
:-)))
“GFTB on 1ST AUGUST 2023 3:36 PM
Hot Smoked 3.30pm
I think he has his own personal lounge in many Glasgow establishments :-)”
So true :-))
“TOM MCLAUGHLIN on 1ST AUGUST 2023 3:42 PM
Happy to report I passed my fitness test. On my way to Leith. Can’t wait.”
Good to hear,Tom. Difficult to keep a good man down where Celtic are involved. Enjoy.
Not so sure I am keen on KT coming back. Also not sure why I feel like that !
A transfer would be very costly and a loan doesn`t make sense from Arsenal`s perspective.
Ziggydoc- the JF game would have been much better on a Saturday at 3pm
Like Pegasus, a horse called “rangers concede a penalty” must be a mythical creature.
Sports bar starting to fill up 🍀
Would take KT back in any shape or form of a deal in a heartbeat.
He’s made his generational health and we are home for him. He’d rather come here on reduced wages than some wee Newcastle club or similar.
Can’t see it happening financially wise for either party though.
That awkward moment when a supporter starts with “ I’m hearing …….”
what if Keiran came back and couldnt displace Greg.
GARYGILLESPIESHAMSTRING on 1ST AUGUST 2023 4:06 PM
Like Pegasus, a horse called “rangers concede a penalty” must be a mythical creature.
Flew to near to the taxman :-)
HH
You heading up tonight?
SAINT STIVS
and how would wee Greg react if he did?
Tierney? Injury prone, cost a fortune in wages and only for a year…what’s the point?
Click bait nonsense
Kieran is not injury prone.
That has been disproved,
him and Greg played same number of games over last 4 seasons.
Tierney’s injury record is shocking, if that’s not injury prone I don’t know what is.
How many games do you think Kieran has been “out injured” comapred to the rest of the arsenal team in the same time period ?
His problem last season was he was fit but not selected
Although would be happy to be proved wrong…….
How much time did he miss with Celtic due to various injurys?
Games missed at Celtic due to injury –
18/19 Groin Surgery – 3
18/19 Hip Injury – 2
18/19 Cals Sclerosis 5
18/19 Hip Injury 77 days 17
17/18 Calf Injury – 3
16/17 Ruptured ankle 15
After his debut season with 2 appearances Kiren then had 33, 40, 55 and 40 games.
Given how ‘careful’ the Celtic Board has been over…well, all my life, I no longer wonder ‘can we afford that?’
If we sign KT on any basis, it will be safe to say that, yes, we can afford him.
No idea if it will happen , but I will be relaxed either way.
And don’t worry about Taylor. He’ll be a welcome addition to our midfield.
Ronnie
AT
Unfortunately, no. Three line whip so I’m on airport taxi duty. Passed my ticket on to one of my mates.
!!BADA BING!! on 1ST AUGUST 2023 4:01 PM
Ziggydoc- the JF game would have been much better on a Saturday at 3pm
_____
Absolutely. I’ll be there tonight though and am hopeful of a big crowd and no rain😁.
I think we get caught up too much some times on what goes on behind the scenes. Can’t see KT being back here but it would be a huge boost on the pitch.
Just finished watching Jamesey’s 100 goals compilation…….. WOW, I know i/ve seen them all before but not all at once………richly deserved recognition by Celtic to him (forget the money aspect).
Being an ex wee winger type myself I appreciate how difficult that position is, constantly trying to get past players and then an end product………the ‘dae somethin’ player.
Just purely by chance the away top i’m wearing tonight is the same as the one when he scored those 4 goals up in Perth.
Buenasuerte csc
A random stat in praise of James.
For Celtic’s 2nd NINE IN A ROW, he played in 222 matches scoring 54 goals.
Second in appearances to Broonie.
Now I often thought JF was injury prone, but the sports scientist pal told me his running style and acceleration meant long long times to heel,
so i am a but suprised at the 222 number.
but there you are
hail the hero
St Stivs
Yes – wee James deserves a place in our hallowed hall. His whole career with us, some absolutely critical goals and excellent contributions to others. His entire career with Celtic – I salute you Jamesie.
St.Stivs
Aye,but,but how many wur full back? :-)
HH
GGH
Will get the o’donnell chat again sometime,they used to crown their leaders at Doon Rock, Termon.
Ps mind yi don’t get a ticket bout the airport :-))
HH
TOM MCLAUGHLIN on 1ST AUGUST 2023 3:49 PM
MELVIN UDALL on 1ST AUGUST 2023 1:44 PM
According to Phil, we’re in for a keeper, a left back and a centre mid.
I’m hearing Kieran Tierney is a serious target and Brendan is very keen to get it over the line.
—————
I’d pass on Kieran tbh.
A loan with no chance/option to buy is not what we need and would displace two current players.
Not saying we couldn’t do with another LB, just don’t think KT is the answer.
Tom,
Are you heading to the game on the Leith bus or, meeting someone from Leith for a lift?
Been on the Leith bud a few times. Good bunch of guys. 👍
Congratulations to wee James and a massive thank-you. Hopefully, Rocco Vata can follow your example.
Give Rocco a new contract CSC
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new article posted.
Heading off to see a fine match and pay tribute to one of my favourite players. He got a raw deal from many supporters but he has the perfect answer with his haul od medals, goals and assists.
Hope he gets another tonight.
See you there- looks like we will get a decent crowd