Recruitment strategy shift

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“Backfill”, that’s the word used during January for practically every transfer.  “Yes, happy to sell at that price, but only if we get backfill”.  We sold out first choice striker without backfill.  That is a ballsy decision for Brendan Rodgers and Michael Nicholson to sign off on.

If we win the league and Scottish Cup, any perceived risk will not merit a footnote when the season is reviewed.  An injury, or two, to specific players and the footnote will grow into a paragraph.

“January is a difficult time to do business” is another mantra.  Except at Celtic recently.  Kuhn, Maeda, Hatate, O’Riley and Johnston all arrived since the Postecoglou era in January.  Four of these players are still first choice at Celtic, while O’Riley left for £25m.  You can sign quality players in January if you have the recruitment infrastructure in place and do not have a preference for players you have watched in person.

Brendan is a hugely successful and experienced boss.  He has managed against or worked with many of the top players in Europe and has an enviable relationship with agents across the UK.  He recently brought in David Pleat to add what he needs.  Maybe it will all work out fine, but make no mistake, recruitment strategy has shifted.

Jeffrey Schlupp (32) arrived from Crystal Palace, replacing Alex Valle (20) in the squad.  Jota (25) came home and has already shown us why.  Alexandro Bernabei (24) permanently moved to Internacional in Brazil for a small profit.  We will be talking about Kyogo 20 years from now, let’s hope the anecdotes do not include the consequences of allowing him to leave midseason.

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  1. I don’t think the outcome of this January window was anything to do with football!!!!

     

     

    Brendan won the day making the board pay big money for Idah & Engels , this window was payback .

     

     

    The board put their foot down and said it’s up to us and the answer is no.

     

     

    It’s telling in all Brendan’s recent interviews how much he’s mentioned strengthening the squad and also insisting on a striker after Kyogo left…..which was never in the plan or we would have sourced one first.

     

     

    It’s all EGO’s and internal politics ….because they know Brendan wants to win in football he’ll keep going The board are only interested in the profit margin . They obviously don’t care if theypiss Brendan off and can’t wait till he goes ….he doesn’t sing from their hymn sheet and loves spending money .

     

     

    Let’s see what he says and his demeanor in the next weeks.

  2. I don’t think the outcome of this January window was anything to do with football!!!!

     

     

    Brendan won the day making the board pay big money for Idah & Engels , this window was payback .

     

     

    The board put their foot down and said it’s up to us and the answer is no.

     

     

    It’s telling in all Brendan’s recent interviews how much he’s mentioned strengthening the squad and also insisting on a striker after Kyogo left…..which was never in the plan or we would have sourced one first.

     

     

    It’s all EGO’s and internal politics ….because they know Brendan wants to win in football he’ll keep going The board are only interested in the profit margin . They obviously don’t care if theypiss Brendan off and can’t wait till he goes ….he doesn’t sing from their hymn sheet and loves spending money .

     

     

    Let’s see what he says and his demeanor in the next weeks.

  3. the long wait is over on

    Some random thoughts:-

     

     

    1. Kyogo left because he wanted to – saying today it was to improve his chances for the Japanese National Team. If a player makes it perfectly clear that he absolutely wants to leave then you let them go. What is the point of an unhappy player who might disrupt the dressing room? It seems that would have been unlikely in Kyogo’s case but there are other Japanese players we rely on who might have been particularly affected.

     

     

    2. While we have done well in a few January transfer windows of late, that is generally not the norm and , it seems to me at least, the busier the transfer window is the better chance we have of landing someone. This one seems to have been quieter than usual.

     

     

    3. There can be numerous reasons why a player may not want to come to us , no matter how hard the Board and BR might try, including something as simple as not wanting to move to Scotland for footballing or personal reasons. What can you do about that?

  4. bournesouprecipe on

    This is what they said for 2023

     

     

    Celtic’s board shares fans’ frustration over the “less than anticipated activity in the recent transfer window”, says chairman Peter Lawwell.

     

     

    Manager Brendan Rodgers has also indicated he had been hoping to strengthen his squad further.

     

     

    Celtic’s half-yearly financial report to the end of 2023 revealed an increase in revenue and £67.3m in the bank.

     

     

    While “resources were available” in the January window, Lawwell cited the “unavailability of identified targets”.

     

     

    The chairman added: “This was disappointing to us all and never the intention.”

     

     

    Rinse and Repeat CSC

  5. the long wait is over on

    Andrena on 4th February 2025 1:22 pm

     

     

    “…Brendan won the day making the board pay big money for Idah & Engels , this window was payback .

     

     

    The board put their foot down and said it’s up to us and the answer is no…”

     

     

    Do you have a factual basis for these statements or are you assuming that to be the case?

  6. Back to Basics - Glass Half Full on

    For me the “Brendan thwarted by the nefarious suits” routine is wearing thin.

     

     

    I thought Brendan “had control”, “won the internal battle”, “had emerged more empowered from the summit with Dermott” ?

     

     

    Totally get this is largely vacuous nonsense the value of which doesn’t extend beyond here today, gone tomorrow headlines.

     

     

    FWIW ….

     

     

    1. I actually don’t care who owns this. Brendan, Michael, whoever. If you are going to own it, own it !

     

     

    2. If Brendan is the owner, IMHO, he has nothing to be ashamed of.

     

     

    This was not a perfect window. But it wasn’t a disaster either.

     

     

    Unfortunate consequence of the internet age.

     

     

    Many can only process simplistic superlatives.

     

     

    If it ain’t at one end of the extreme, it is automatically at the other end.

  7. boondock saint on

    Jeez Think its going to be one of those days were people are arguing back and forth. None of us know what happened/happens behind the scenes with our team trying to get players in. We hang on the words of a taxi driver, or someone stationed at an airport or hanging outside paradise. I would like to believe that we tried, but for many reasons, couldn’t get another striker over the line. Brondby, by what I read, increased the demand on their player to 14 million, Strelec’s club , reportedly, looking for over 9 million. We paid 9 million in the summer for a guy who is now finding the back of the net. he has a good supporting cast around him. Who knows, maybe Daizen will flourish in that role as well now that Kyogo has gone. Transfer windows in January are much harder than the summer. Look at Man City. They have shelled out over 180 million alone in this window, and they are struggling in every competition. Buying/bringing in players doesn’t automatically guarantee success. We have a fantastic group of players that form a solid backbone for our club. I love the rumours just like everyone else, but I also feel I would be confident in our manager bringing someone in that he has seen first hand, or worked with rather than what seems the norm today, looking at their stats, but maybe that is me just being old fashioned. We are in a brilliant position, fighting on 3 fronts this month, league cup in the bag. Brilliant tie against Bayern upcoming, and the chance to have a front 3 out of Daizen, Jota, Kuhn, and Idah, not bad from where I sit. If it goes arse over you know what by the end of the season, then the post mortem can begin. Lets enjoy this ride. A wee story about transfers before I go teach the future generations of America. I was in the stadium when Judas came back in 1989. It was on the night that we, the youth team, were travelling up to Tannadice, to play one of the best Youth teams ever assembled, Dundee Utd, in the BP Youth Cup Final. In walked the bold Maurice with that fecked up sweater and a girl who was too good for him, next to a smiling, beaming, Mr McNeil. We were so excited to see him and then he put the Jersey on, and, well there was a BUZZ about the place. The first team won their next 3 games in a terrible season, and lifted the Scottish Cup. Then things dramatically changed when he went to dark side, and I saw first hand, the effect that it had on a true Celtic man. Mr. McNeil was hurt, players were in disbelief. No one would have thought that was going to happen but it did, and times changed. I got my own back when he played for Kansas City against New England and me and my Scottish/Irish teammates at college managed to get the crowd to boo that person. Johnston wrote an article in Soccer America about being booed at that game and if we are so called Celtic supporters why were we not back in Glasgow supporting our team. I was so proud of meself and my friends when I read that article.

     

    Sorry for the rambling my friends, but OUR team needs our support and backing no matter who is on the field.

     

    Hail Hail.

     

    Sean

  8. I don’t have any facts .

     

     

    Listening to Brendan’s comments about does need to fall out with anyone etc….suggests he’s back to not being listened to or supported as in the John McGinn fiasco.

     

     

    I’ve worked at a Senior Level with international companies and seen decisions that harmed the company just because someone stamped their feet and had the power to say No.

     

     

    I am suggesting that there is a clash of egos here as to who is really in charge.

  9. “Kuhn, Maeda, Hatate, O’Riley and Johnston all arrived since the Postecoglou era in January.”

     

     

    As did a lot of lesser successful players. MOR only arrived as a 2nd choice to Riley iirc?

     

     

    “do not have a preference for players you have watched in person.”

     

     

    Surely we can do a mix of both – use the analytics and databases but let the manager cast his own eye and have final say rather than sign players that he wont ever play? Similarly, use the analytics on players the manager feeds into the list.

     

     

    “has an enviable relationship with agents across the UK.”

     

     

    Hmmm.

  10. We went down this road prior to Brendan- Ange had to play Abada as back up to Kyogo who duly got injured in December of his first season. We were saved somewhat when the winter break was moved forward that year but we got lucky given we were at that point 6 or so points behind the Huns and looked in real trouble with no back up striker.

     

     

    So this is sadly not an uncommon situation at Celtic.

  11. THE LONG WAIT IS OVER @ 1:25 PM,

     

     

    Andrena on 4th February 2025 1:22 PM,

     

     

    “Do you have a factual basis for these statements or are you assuming that to be the case?”

     

     

    Well it’s been an odd window in some ways that harks back to the bad aul days.

     

     

    The Sondre Orjasaeter lowball bid that BR didn’t know anything about had all the hallmarks of the old Board.

     

     

    BR&CO may have won the battle last January but the old Board obviously want to win the war.

     

     

    The quicker these people are shipped out the better – Directorship for over twenty years, nonsensical.

     

     

    Hail Hail

  12. C

     

     

    the long wait is over on 4th February 2025 1:25 pm

     

    Andrena on 4th February 1.22pm

     

    Do you have a factual basis for these statements or are you assuming that to be the case?

     

     

    TLWIO

     

    That is a troll your typin to

     

    More monikers than SB holders

     

    HH

  13. Back to Basics - Glass Half Full on

    This certainly won’t help some on here manage their self generated anguish from the transfer window but I’ll say it again if I may?

     

     

    You think this window was “terrible”?

     

     

    Get used to it.

     

     

    Decent shopping analogy used by a poster earlier (apologies – can’t recall who) … with one omission.

     

     

    We are shopping for human beings.

     

     

    And the shop is crowded with Europeans, Arabians, North Americans, South Americans.

     

     

    Most of whom can offer more dough, better weather, better working & living conditions and better prospects.

     

     

    It’ll only get harder.

     

     

    May be worth reflecting on that before pillorying our exploration of less attractive markets like China (tried and failed), South Korea (we’ll get out without losing money) and Australia (mixed bag).

  14. Cqn

     

    If a poster says BR said/done/referred to

     

    Or if a board member said same

     

    Regards players incoming

     

     

    Can i ask a favour to cite your source,here,papers,other blogs

     

     

    Thanks

     

     

    HH

  15. By my own admission, I am no master football tactician, but I was applying some lateral thinking to the subject and wondered if the following would work,

     

     

    3 — 3 4

     

     

    Kasper, Aj, CCV and Taylor

     

    McCowan CalMac and Rio

     

     

    Kuhn Daizen Idah and Jotta

     

    Just a though, would love your comments as to the viability

     

     

    KINGLuBO

  16. Perhaps that is the best transfer window we can hope for is the “moving on” of some on the current Board.

     

    To evolve the business must constantly look to bring in new talent.

     

    From the outside looking in it looks as if there are a few on the Board who treat the club as their own private fiefdom.

     

    I don’t think Dermot Desmond would have two or three of the same Directors for almost thirty years in any of his other companies.

  17. An Tearmann

     

     

    How I’ve missed your insightful ,comments.

     

     

    I am as entitled to an opinion as any Celtic fan and won’t be deterred by your bullying accusations.

  18. Sondre Orjasaeter

     

     

    “Sarpsborg 08 sporting chief Bjorge Oiestad has confirmed the club have rejected offers for winger Sondre Orjasaeter.

     

     

    Celtic reportedly submitted a bid for the 21-year-old which was swiftly thrown out ahead of the January transfer window closing at the start of next week.

     

     

    The Sarpsborg chief has opened up on approaches for both Orjasaeter and Franklin Tebo as he insisted he is confident the pair will remain at the Norwegian club…

     

     

    …In his press conference ahead of facing Aston Villa, Brendan Rodgers said of links to the winger: “I’m not aware of that at all. I don’t know.”

     

     

    https://www.thenational.scot/sport/24903204.sarpsborg-chief-rejected-orjasaeter-celtic-bid-caveat/

     

     

    Hail Hail

  19. The board need to protect their bonuses.

     

    League cup won, league in our hands. Even with another forward little chance of progressing in CL.

     

    So why spend money you don’t need to.

  20. from a business and then operational point of view how do you actually measure “a stronger squad ?”

  21. Gene on 4th February 2025 2:02 pm

     

    The board need to protect their bonuses.

     

     

     

     

    League cup won, league in our hands. Even with another forward little chance of progressing in CL.

     

     

     

     

    So why spend money you don’t need to.

     

     

     

    —————

     

     

    who on the board gets a bonus ? and is it paid out on cash in the bank ?

     

     

    no.

  22. KINGLUBO on 4th February 2025 1:47 pm

     

    “Kasper,

     

    AJ, CCV and Taylor

     

    McCowan CalMac and Rio

     

    Kuhn Daizen Idah and Jota”

     

     

    I’d have Trusty over Taylor in a back three for starters as it wouldn’t be an inverted role.

     

    Also not enough height or physicality in the team for me.

     

     

    I’ve often wondered about a 3-4-3 for us but I think it would need a better ball playing CB (Ajer/VVD?) and a new RM to make it work well.

     

     

    AJ, CCV, Trusty

     

    ???, Engels, CalMac, Maeda

     

    Kuhn, Idah, Jota

  23. My biggest surprise is that 1000s are surprised

     

    I went to bed reasonably early switched phone off and woke to we’ve go a loan deal in.

     

    I have now came to the conclusion that all and every window we need to make a profit, no iffs and buts. Could we have got kvistgaarden for 11 or 12 ? ..who knows ..is he worth it ??…who knows

     

    I actually think Barry from villa was our first choice with 5 million up front again would have made us a small profit in window.

     

    As for the lead article I think Paul has some sort of illness if he seriously thinks Rodgers was in agreement with the dealings in this January window!!!

  24. SS

     

    From the annual report

     

     

    Annual Performance Related Bonus Scheme The Group operates a bonus scheme for participating Executive Directors and some permanent employees. The scheme has the following key objectives: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Improving and sustaining the financial performance of the Group from year to year; Delivering and enhancing shareholder value; Enhancing the reputation and standing of Celtic; Delivering consistently high standards of service to Celtic and its customers; and Attracting, retaining and motivating talented individuals whose skills and services will enable Celtic to meet its strategic objectives.

  25. PeterLatchfordsBelly on

    Allowing Kyogo to leave mid season has the whiff of complacency, even arrogance.

     

     

    What’s unforgivable is the level of naïveté in respect of how it weakened our position re Kvistgaarden.

     

     

    There are upsides. I really like Idah and it’s good for him that he’s the main man. Maybe Johnny Kenny will get some chances to shine – if we don’t self harm again by loaning him out to Shamrock Rovers again.

     

     

    There are plenty of goals outwith our main striker, with Kuhn and Maeda on 32 goals between them and 20 assists. And we’ve just added Jota. Oodles of talent there.

     

     

    I would rather we didn’t spend money over the odds or on a panic loan. Particularly if the plan is to bring in KT and a Kvistgaarden level signing in the summer.

     

     

    The Palace boy we’ve brought in looks very decent too.

     

     

    All in all I’m okay with the window, but agree it was complacent to let Kyogo go without a replacement lined up.

  26. ANDRENA on 4TH FEBRUARY 2025 1:22 PM

     

     

    ….

     

     

    Apologies for biting everyone… utter childish drivel

     

     

    HH

  27. glendalystonsils on

    spikeysauldman on 4th February 2025 1:02 pm

     

     

    Gawd ! Totally forgot . Wish I hadn’t posted that now .

  28. Gene, only executive operational key employees get a performance related bonus.

     

    Non executives do not. peter lawell does not.

     

     

    and it is not based on soley cash in the bank, it is the balanced scorecard approach. you demonstrated that from the annual report.

     

     

    it is a myth put in timternet space that the cash is ring fenced to protect executives bonus.

  29. Director/Executive 2024 Salary/Fees (£) 2024 Bonus (£) 2024 Benefits (£) 2024 Pension (£) 2024 Total (£)

     

    Thomas Allison 40,000 – – – 40,000

     

    Dermot Desmond 40,000 – – – 40,000

     

    Christopher McKay 309,000 150,000 13,101 69,244 541,345

     

    Brian Wilson 40,000 – – – 40,000

     

    Sharon Brown 45,000 – – 1,350 46,350

     

    Michael Nicholson 489,250 237,500 12,022 97,553 836,325

     

    Peter Lawwell 120,000 – 2,874 – 122,874

     

    Brian Rose 38,065 – – – 38,065

  30. the long wait is over on

    Saint Stivs on 4th February 2025 2:02 pm

     

    from a business and then operational point of view how do you actually measure “a stronger squad ?”

     

     

    That’s a really pertinent question.

     

     

    I don’t claim to know the definitive answer but I’d take it to be:-

     

     

    1. Squad – not smaller (although utter deadwood ( James McCarthy..?) and disruptive influences that reduce the size might be better gone , and , preferably, one more valuable in the market.

     

     

    2. Operational – can presumably only be judged at the end of the season , or possibly , the end of the CL qualifiers if we need them and if they land before the next summer window.

  31. I know Kyogo will always have a place in our hearts but why, do you think, does the Japanese manager chose Daizen over him on a regular basis. Is Daizen good enough to be a centre forward for his country but not for Celtic. Forgive me if I am wrong, but that is the impression you would get on here

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