I remember one of the Q&A evenings in Blantyre when it was suggested from the floor that Celtic pay whatever money necessary to retain John Park as chief scout. John out-performed his peers for several years, but, as you know, there are no gurus in football. A fallow period followed the recruitment of Mikael Lustig in January 2012; many players arrived in the years since then but few were able to enhance the team (with the odd outstanding exception).
Football scouting at this level isn’t really about being able to spot a player, it is as much about contacts. Your network keeps you. With many of these guys, their networks diminish over time. They fall out with each other regularly – trust is a precious commodity in football transfer negociations. Your value as a scout to an agent is largely dependent on your club. Since 2012 Celtic’s financial position relative to the English leagues has diminished. We will spend less than they will on any given player, and we will buy fewer players.
Perhaps for these reasons Brendan Rodgers decided a change was needed and has now secured his former colleague at Chelsea, Lee Congerton. Congerton has had recent spells at two highly dysfunctional clubs: Hamburg and Sunderland, but rejected a pretty spectacular offer to join Brendan’s revolution at Celtic. We have recruited a known quantity who will fit with the manager’s plans as closely as Chris Davies does. He will also bring a fresh batch of scouts and agents to the table. I hear they are working on plans for the summer already.
Amid the gloating at the hubris of English football amid another humbling in Europe last night, my Dad made the point that unlike Arsenal, or Manchester United, Manchester City didn’t try to cheat us by scamming a penalty in our Champions League encounters. They played with a straight bat.
We have also established a beneficial relationship with them. A year with Jason Denayer, the purchase of Dedryck Boyata and 18 months with Patrick Roberts. So far.
Roberts’ situation at his parent club should be easier to fathom after City’s exit. 10 points adrift in the Premier League and the only team to be eliminated from the Champions League last 16 by a lesser- moneyed side, what chance Pep Guardiola decides what his team needs for next season is a player City shipped out to Celtic in January 2016?
It is not going to happen. Patrick is caught in an impossible situation in Manchester. The Manchester City football model harvests innumerable players, but precious few young English players will make it onto the roster in any decade. None will do so in a season when there is a perceived need for them to up their game. Pep will spend big this summer, Roberts’ opportunity to breakthrough in Manchester next season have diminished.
My first reaction at full time last night? Our chances of getting to keep Patrick increased. Which would be a very good thing, for both club and player.
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Top Ten?
Now I’ll read blog
HH
It’s a really fine line Celtic walk, I do think youg Paddy is a ‘keep’ though, what a prospect.
Good Afternoon.
Busy day in Clumpany Towers yesterday!
One about Dave King coming to town for a BIG SUMMIT with the new manager.
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/03/15/when-dave-king-comes-to-town/
One about final proof that Sevco IS the same club as Rangers.
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/03/15/legal-proof-that-its-the-same-club/
And one about the Big Tax Case finally making it to the highest court in the land!
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/03/15/the-supreme-court-things-to-remember/
Many thanks for your continuing interest!
Seems like scoring 6 goals over 2 legs cannot guarantee advancement in the Champions League.
Hope Paddy R stays
HH
Clumps
please continue with your site, joyful reading.
I like Roberts. I like him a lot. However my liking of him is conditional on his cost to Celtic. I do t think he should be our highest paid player… So no boats need be pushed out to secure his services. That would change if we didn’t have Forest.
I do think he deserves a run and wonder if there is a reason he doesn’t get one?
Totally agree regarding Paddy Roberts Paul.
I have said since the beginning of the season we should bid for Roberts; not £10M or £12M; I think it will be less than £7M and that would suit all parties; at 20 with a 5 year contract and Man City having a buy-back option would be the logical choice.
He loves it here; he will get regular football, improve his overall game and get the (hopefully) regular opportunity to play in the Champions League. He will win trophies and medals; what’s not to like?
He also has a bro-mance with young KT so I’m sure that they would both appreciate it!
KTF
The died(LOL) huns under 20’s coach, found the key that unlock’s the Brendan philosophy last Sunday, be interesting to see if our opponents from this point forward, use the same tactics / formation’s as, Jack Ross(83 mins with Alloa / 60 mins with St Mirren) and Graham Murty. Brendan usually improvises and overcomes all the obstacles that are put in front of his team, like he did with St Mirren, be interesting to see if the Pedro goes with the Murty-philosophy or, will he be more hunlike and copy the Walter approach ?
Anyway,…….
Cellic announcing a season ticket waiting list is fantastic news for the club in this day and age.
On the other hand…..it might mean that
CultsBhoy – Believes in Brendan on 16th March 2017 12:12 pm
IMHO he is behind james Forrest primarily because he isn’t a player who is guaranteed to be here next season. If that changes I would expect that we could see more of him.
Forrest has, again IMHO, shown his true potential for thse first time this season; his progress has been remarkable.
Having said that, I think Roberts has far more potential and can go on to be a truly world class player. Next season we could have 3 20 year old players who will al be world class within a couple of years: Roberts, Tierney and Dembele. Possibly Kouassi could be in the same mould.
We have some fantastic prospects on our hands!
KTF
Paddy must stay – our one winger of genuine Champions Leagu class.
The PLC can look the other way from all the hun chicanery ?
Thoughts and Prayers for all Celts in need.
Sorry for double post – gremlins
………..oot.
This summer we will need to recruit another striker, that must be no1 priority as Moussa will leave at the latest in 2018. I would sign Roberts if the deal is right, if not sign another winger capable of playing on both wings, easier said than done! Some folks on here suggesting Jozo wants to leave, first I’ve heard. I would like to keep him and sign another centre halve. Personally i would transfer Sviatchenko to fund the new centre halve.
In – 1 or 2 Strikers, Winger, Centre halve
Out – Sviatchenko, Commons & Efe, Bailly, Bitton, Ciftci, Fasan
Cant see us spending any significant money on someone who has been a back up to James Forrest this season. We need a right winger who will make James the back up.
In addition we need a centre half (left sided) and an attacking midfielder. Three players to go straight into the first team as first picks, guys who will start CL games. We have an abundance of players good enough domestically but not good enough to step up for Europe.
Would like to see Roberts staying, but not sure if he would become a regular.
With Sinclair nailed on on the left, we need an “outside” winger on the right. That favours Forrest, although Roberts is mixing things up a bit more than when he first came on the scene.
May be more suited to the central position, but then do you leave out Rogic?
I don’t think the S C Appeal is an open and shut win for HMRC.
Too many ” high ups” involved and too much money involved.
Paddy is miles ahead of James – particularly in European terms. Been ridiculous his lack of game time this season. Well ahead in assists,
JohnJames’ latest. He expects that Court of Appeal might give its verdict sometime after the Easter Furlough which is a shorter timeframe than many had predicted. He also suggests that dodgy deals had been in place during the entire period of Murray’s reign. HH
I’m probably a lone voice but Griffiths is still my preferred striker. I’d be starting Dembele for 20mins on his Todd.. Bringing LG on after 20..play both for 50mins them letting Leighton finish last 20 on his own.
That way you keep both happy you try partnership and you try lone striker. You also develop a bit of resilience should either decide to depart.
LG has better Instinct. MD has better physicality.
Centre half is still a very unsatisfactory position in my book. Any European team could walk through them. Simonovic, Erik and Boyata are all no2 material.
VFR800 IS NOW A MONSTER 821:
non football related, random question but I notice you have a Ducati.
Did you buy it at Ducati Glasgow and do you use them for servicing etc?
If so what is their after sales service like?
Was just wondering because I’m considering a Ducati myself but I don’t live near the Glasgow area and the after sales service is a major consideration for me.
Have heard mixed reports about them so an opinion with someone who actually has current dealings with them would be great if possible.
Cheers.
Without any legal knowledge , the appellant case appears to being well presented with plenty dates times clauses and sections witha big emphasis on the original decision of the FTTT which lasted for 17 days. Getting worried a bit as the bench are listening and asking questions.
Just on so I dont know if this story has been commented on.
Unbelievable,well maybe not.
number 10:31 AM on 16/03/2017 Toxic FC supporter found not guilty of racial abuse. John MacPherson was acquitted of the charge of racially abusing two women in Airdrie High Street on the 31st December 2016. John admitted that he called the women “Irish c..nts” but his defence lawyer Robert Laird successfully argued that “Irish” is not a race unlike being Black or Jewish. The court reluctantly agreed and criticised the Procurator Fiscal’s office for not formulating the correct charge. Temporary Judge Linsay Moorcroft said “It is unfortunate that the crown office failed to deliver a properly enabled charge which would allow me to impose a custodial penalty on you for what was a prolonged torrid of disgusting abuse” Both women had been seen by MacPherson as they left what he claimed to be “A feni*n pub” Leaving court John MacPherson shouted to bystanders “We are the people”
Just what charge should the PF have brought?.Anyone know?.
BEATBHOY on 16TH MARCH 2017 11:19 AM
Macjay
No, it appeared to me to last night that you responded poorly to Neganon, without addressing him directly, because he disagrees with the prevailing mood of CQN, as he sees it.
==========================================================
In response to his comment , without addressing me directly , about a post I had made.
Or did that escape your antennae ?
” I reserve the right to criticise anyone calling Sevco ‘Rangers’. ”
Who said you couldn`t ?
Self delusion is a choice which everyone has the right to make.
Young Patrick’s the type of player I enjoy watching,what I would call an old style footballer,rather than today’s athletes,bags of skill and good touch.He blows hot and cold but that’s how it is with wingers.
Personally I would start him every week he’s fit but Brendan knows more than me and if he chooses not to pick him then so be it.I reckon we’d see more of him if he was our player though,and the more games he played the better he’d become.We have to remember he’s still young.
All that being said,there’s a limit to what we could and should afford to pay and that,I feel,will be the main factor in whether we sign Paddy or not.I don’t think he’d be too hard to deal with himself,he knows what we’re about and what we can offer.The majority of opinion seems to think he’ll be surplus at Man City next season and so a move that provides him with more regular game time is likely to appeal.Throw in the fact he likes us and has built up friendships (bromance sounds too Yank for me) off the park and there should be enough to attract him to sign permanently.
I’d love it if he did.Getting to watch him develop in the hoops is an appetising thought.Sign the bhoy.
And Henry too.
HH
On yer bike……:)
Interesting that on the JJ SC update, that if he is correct when he says that the Tommy McLean EBT was for 1996-98, then those were the years that McLean was manager of a rival SPL team, Dundee United.
I see now in the comments section that he says those years weren’t stated, so were he got them from who knows
The Paddy Roberts debate.Wether he would stay or not is not known,but I think this kid will only get better and better.He will get stronger,more game wise,and under BR,I think he would enhance the skills he already possesses.He is nowhere near the finished article,if he was we would not get near him.Chances to get someone with that potential dont come very often,so I think it would be a mistake to at least not try.
Not too shabby to have an in form Jamesy available if he does go though.
Cultsbhoy
I’m not surprised you’re own your own with that :)
I’m pleased to have them both but MD is head and shoulders the player LG is and I dread when he goes – pace, strength, two footed, powerful in the air, hold up play, linking play, etc. A real template for the modern forward a la Drogba.
Actually I wouldn’t be surprised to see LG go in the summer if we can hold on to MD and maybe get the young guy languising at Chelsea Solanke, who looks excellent…(and in the MD mode)…
All opinions eh…..
TURKEYBHOY
After his departure from court, perhaps he could be sectioned under the mental health act. :)
O.G.RAFFERTY
Did someone not post yesterday he was a coach at orc central training but this century:))
Bada maybe??
SP- i think McLean was a youth coach at Minty Park around 2001
Big Wavy
All valid re MD.. Except last Sunday :-)
LG goal ratio since age of 16 at pro level stands comparison with most Strikers. I believe the ratio would be maintained at most levels. He’s uncountable but has great Instinct.
Five years after Rangers was washed away, arguments still rage about the tax scam they were running. That’s as it should be; that stuff, and the final verdict, is still important.
Please share folks.
http://thecelticblog.com/2017/03/blogs/five-years-on-the-tax-case-still-matters-and-its-still-deadly-to-ibrox/
Wiki has Mclean
Manager of United 1996 98
Head of Youth development Ipox 2001
My court link has gone down and can’t get back in. Has Gazza turned up with a hatchet and cut the cables?
Turkeybhoy on 16th March 2017 12:48 pm
Just on so I dont know if this story has been commented on.
Unbelievable,well maybe not.
number 10:31 AM on 16/03/2017 Toxic FC supporter found not guilty of racial abuse. John MacPherson was acquitted of the charge of racially abusing two women in Airdrie High Street on the 31st December 2016. John admitted that he called the women “Irish c..nts” but his defence lawyer Robert Laird successfully argued that “Irish” is not a race unlike being Black or Jewish. The court reluctantly agreed and criticised the Procurator Fiscal’s office for not formulating the correct charge. Temporary Judge Linsay Moorcroft said “It is unfortunate that the crown office failed to deliver a properly enabled charge which would allow me to impose a custodial penalty on you for what was a prolonged torrid of disgusting abuse” Both women had been seen by MacPherson as they left what he claimed to be “A feni*n pub” Leaving court John MacPherson shouted to bystanders “We are the people”
Just what charge should the PF have brought?.Anyone know?.
——————————————————————
Firstly, I’m not a lawyer, however I had thought that the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 had been amended so that the definition of racial groups (in relation to racially aggravated offence) included race, colour, nationality/national origin, citizenship, ethnicity.
Maybe that doesn’t apply in Scotland?
I haven’t seen this story, where did you spot it?
Some derogatory quotes on our central defenders today.Personally I think that our 1st pick will be Simunovic.Hopefully back on Sunday.Eric has performed very well up until very recently,but a wee loss of form affects everyone,apart it seems from Broony.Boyatta has improved at a great rate,but the wee lapse against Waghorn seems to have jolted everyones new found confidence in him.He is still a wean,with not a great deal of games under his belt,so I would let BR work on him.For us to try and buy a CH,ready for CL duties,it would cost a fortune.To take on an up and coming player would still be a gamble.The addition of Eboue ,playing in front of the back 4 could be the key.As always,we have to wait and see.
Last night we saw a 50 million CH,John Stones,lose 6 goals over two games.The panel saying he still has a lot to learn.Thats the market.