One year ago, we dared hope for an invincible treble but it seemed impossible, even the greats never achieved it. The Lions lost home and away to Dundee United in season 1966-67, while we achieved the treble on only two other occasions. When Tom Rogic dinked a 90th minute winner in the Scottish Cup final you and I knew the level of achievement.
At that point, 2017 went down in our history as a year bettered only by 1967. 2003 came close, but season 2002-03 is remembered fondly for its endearing frailties. Celtic were simply peerless as they secured the club’s fourth treble.
With half of season 2017-18 complete, the first leg of what would be an unprecedented second successive treble is complete, but signs are clear that this team peaked some months ago, despite qualification for the Europa League knockout rounds.
Aware of the exceptional (from a Scottish perspective) demands on his players of completing in every round of cup competitions, a dozen European games and international football, Brendan Rodgers has rotated his squad this season more than any previous Celtic manager. While this was doubtlessly the correct action, performances inevitably took a hit when our two exceptional and experience strikers were watching from the side-lines. In football, you often need to take a backwards step to make long-term gains.
This didn’t really bothered me. I liked watching Odsonne Edouard, Anthony Ralston and Calvin Miller. Being able to win the league while developing talent in this manner is one of the few benefits of being stuck in a small league.
Ultimately, even our top performers struggled to raise their game. Defeat eventually arrived, a timely signpost for the club as they plan ahead.
You and I have studied the structure of the club for many years. We have never known it to be as stable. Income last season topped £90m, the first time it reached this level, and with a fair wind, it could reach nine figures this season.
These riches come with fresh risks. Wage levels have rocketed in line with performances. We can afford our current operating levels – and can even afford an occasional reversal in the Champions League qualifiers, but there is a misalignment at the heart of what we are doing.
In his opening transfer window, Brendan added Moussa Dembele (who was already on the Ronny Deila target list) and Scott Sinclair. Both made a phenomenal contribution to the success which followed. This season, with Scott struggling to recapture his earlier form and Moussa hampered by injury, the big contributions have come from players who were at the club under the Ronny regime. Indeed, of the Celtic team which ended the year, only Olivier Ntcham was a Brendan Rodgers signing.
What we have added since the summer of 2016 is management expertise. Brendan took Ronny’s squad to levels none of us thought possible, but only two of his signings are automatic first-choice.
This is not necessarily against plan. When you sign French youth internationals like Ntcham and Edouard you do not expect them to immediately displace more experienced players. Players do not mature at the same rate – Kieran Tierney got their earlier than Kenny Dalglish, so if the plan is to recruit the best French and Scottish youth talent, patience will be required.
Notwithstanding this, Brendan will want to have more of his own signings grabbing starting slots in the big games. The players who were there under Ronny have made Herculean progress, but that invincible treble was their high point.
On that front, Lee Congerton joined in March as chief scout, a few months after the phenomenally successful John Park era ended. Scouting is as much about relationships as judgement and the environment is not conducive to friendship-making. Park’s job became increasingly difficult, despite his encyclopaedic knowledge of players sound judgement. Over his tenure, the Celtic proposition became comparatively less attractive.
The mere fact that Brendan Rodgers is manager changed this. Moussa didn’t sign for Ronny in January 2016 but put pen to paper for Brendan six months later. It is the job of Lee Congerton to make the most of the Celtic proposition, Brendan Rodgers and Champions League football to deliver players that can push us further in the Champions League.
Nothing of significance has changed in our chances of escaping our playing environment. We will remain in Scotland until at least the bubble inflating football incomes elsewhere bursts, most significantly of all in England. Within months the next England and Wales Premier League TV rights auction will conclude.
Premier League audiences have dwindled since the last rights were issued but Sky TV’s entire existence is predicated on winning a significant portion of these rights. The Premier League is trying to attract bids from Amazon and Facebook, so it is possible rights values could increase despite falling audience figures. But we can hope.
Until then, our role in the world is to dominate the life out of our domestic rivals, qualify for the Champions League and continue to add to the unique story of Celtic.
I loved every minute of being a Celtic supporter in 2017. It was thrilling, captivating and inspiring. Whatever it brings, your club will be an exciting place over the next 12 months. Enjoy it.
Take care and thank you for all your support. I hope you each have a Happy New Year and healthy 2018.
NEW CQN PODCAST OUT NOW! CHRISTMAS JUMPERS FOR GOALPOSTS
Paul John Dykes and Kevin Graham are joined by Celtic authors, Stephen Sullivan and Stevie Murray for a special festive episode – Christmas Jumpers for Goal-Posts.
Stephen Sullivan is a former Celtic View reporter who wrote the much-lauded Sean Fallon biography, ‘Iron Man’. He is now the editor of FIFA.com.
Stevie Murray has now written two books on Celtic – ‘Ten Men Won The League’ and ‘Kenny of the Celtic’ – and he is a respected and authoritative voice on the club.
Treat yourself to a signed copy of Jim Craig – Right Back to 67 and you will receive a copy of That Season on Paradise signed by Bertie Auld, just order the Jim Craig book at CQNbookstore.co.uk and we’ll do the rest…
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GUTENBERG
Sometimes I think the club is at a tipping point with the SFA,other times I despair at our lack of action.
Thankfully,AULDHEID is around to keep us up to date.
But you know the old adage-I can live with the despair,it’s the hope that kills you.
TTR
The number of extra games we play is a real issue for us IMO and will potentially be even worse next season with four qualifying rounds to enter the fast becoming closed shop of the CL.
We could play the youth/non regulars in the league cup like most epl teams do. Would take some of the strain off the squad.
HH
BOBBY –
Sky are vermin……… I’m not sure BT will be any better, starting out well.
Sky are Sh1t. Exceptionally sh!t when it comes to Scottish Fitba.
Watched so much dumbing down television over the festive Season.
BMCUW
I only found out recently that I sit just in front of your gang in 106. Should really say hello sometime.
Like most people on this blog I have had an unconditional love for Celtic.
It’s now becoming just a little bit conditional.
that tube is proPAGANda.
Gutenberg 11.27pm
Never walk away, then the cheats win
Celtic is our enjoyment don’t let the Sfa even influence your enjoyment :-)
Dances with Wolves had the Red Hand.
Who knows Anything?
GUTENBERG
I’m sure they’d be delighted,mate. They don’t bite,really. Fully housetrained.
It’s me they keep on a leash!
Contacting the Spirit World…….
NEVER, Dinnae ever.
Please… for
petecs sake.
Please.
PETEC
SKY know they have a problem with their Scottish football,I reckon they’ve basically given up on it. The takeover by Disney might be interesting.
And I reckon BT might be close to giving up on football altogether.
I dinnae want ANYONE on CQN to ever try and Contact………..
Ever
Abs
GUTENBERG: Won’t be there for Brechin game(tho’ buying tkt) as Mrs CCB has booked us holidays then!
Both daughters will be there.Say hello to the ……………
Niteol.
BOBBY,
I know BSR has reservations about CS…….
He is just like us all.
Sky is beyond dire.
CCB,
Me neither for the Brechin game, got a corporate at Man Citeeh/Newcastle that day. One of my daughters will deputise. I’ll say hello at the Partick or Hibs games.
Gerry,
Not sure I’ll ever walk away but the thought shouldn’t be entering my head.
Just call the cheats out, it’s the why not that bothers me.
I Know Nothing, dinnae you ever forget that.
Jozo wants to get more cash. Understandable.
Stuart for some reason wants to Leave Celtic early. hmmmmmm (stop playing him Brendan)
Celtic playing so deep pisses me off.
A Tune for PADDY.
GFTB
Gerry, Leigh said “yer club’s deid ” not team, any chance of not mis quoting the great man.:D
If we are in the hunt for a keeper my friend’s nephew might be worth a punt.
Billy O’Brien now at Macclesfield due to a terrible ordeal with his girlfriend last summer.
Was on the bench for Man City last year when they played us in CL, then was out on loan at St Mirren.
Only 22 and a Welsh international.
Worth a punt me thinks.
last Tune was for BOBBY’s Da Patrick.
CELTIC
CELTIC
CELTIC
GLASGOW……….
CELTIC
GUTENBERG on 1ST JANUARY 2018 11:27 PM
Fellow CQNr’s,
……..The bigger issue for me is that we haven’t called out the cheats.
On my first post on this site I stated that if we didn’t then I would feel more cheated by my club than those at the ftSFA, copyright Cowiebhoy, and the old Huns.
That’s still my position and it might, with heavy heart, make me walk away.
My hope for this year is that I don’t need to even think about that prospect.
————————————————————————————————————————————
The club’s board has had countless opportunities to call out the cheats and singularly failed to do so.
They meekly stood by and allowed EBT cheat Campbell Ogilvie to retain his position as SFA Chairman.
They did not contest the continuity lie which is published daily on the SPL and SPFL websites listing Deidco’s honours and history under Sevco’s.
They did not welcome Sevco to their first ever match at Celtic Park in the time-honoured tradition by mentioning it in the club programme or handing their captain a club pennant to mark the occasion.
They refuse to challenge Sevco’s claim to be the most successful club in Scotland despite the fact they only been in existence since 2012.
Then there is KevJ’s favourite subject the £49 ticket price agreed by both clubs for visiting fans.
You say that you hope that 2018 will see the club call out the cheats. Sadly that just isn’t going to happen. Past behaviour is often a good predictor of future behaviour and based on the club’s record to date, the cheats will not be challenged at least not by those running the club.
Like you, I also feel cheated by our club. Unlike you, I have given up any hope that they will call out the cheats so my green pound has remained firmly in my wallet for almost two years now. It will remain there unless the board grow a set of balls and do actually take on the cheats.
M6BHOY,
I think you’re right but hope you’re wrong.
Go to the games with my old man who is 80 this month so regardless of ethics I’ll keep going because I love his company.
After that, as I said, I hope it’s an easy decision.
AULDHEID at 4:02
First class post, as always. You always use flawless logic and an intimate knowledge of the historic record to demolish the deceitful propaganda of the Goebbels like media. I am so glad, as should be all Hoops and football fans, that you are in our corner. More power to you. May this be the year your unstinting efforts be vindicated and rewarded with success.
IniquitousIV
In your Head Zombies.
Crannbery sauce.
If only I could, I’d make this World a Better place.
My Weeest Big Sister had way too much Make up on, Yesterday. I told her that Scooobbeeeee Doo 2 .
I ranted about 2018. Israel especially.
Respect to the Hun that flew the Israeli flag CONSTANTLY during our terrible performance.
Celtic is going to Fly in this year.
Israel is Dear to me.
Beer Sheva
The WORLD (UN) ( What is the UN?) goes hard aganst ISRAEL.
I Respect that wee dude in the Hun End waving the flag that says Man over God, Man over, Disney know kabbalism or worse.
Brendan gave Max Resp to our Israeli counterparts.
Can wwwe jhibber jabber the BOOK of REVS yet – Scarey.
………………………………………………..
Humblism is the Celtic I know.
KevJ is my kind of dude to sit and watch the CELTIC.
……………………………………………………………………………………..
The Israeli flag with its 2 triangles, Man over God…….. Really challenges me.
God Bless Israel.
Gut instinct.
So the First outdoor Event -The Prodgy Headlining.
First track not loud enough………. The Main event Shane Warned the dudes running the show.
Thankfully the DJ lineup was exceptional, the London and Bristol mixers were out of this World Especially Mr Groooverider and MC Lenny.
The Prodigy were making a STAND. In the only way they could. RESPECT. Max Max Max Respect noooooo.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahKaQZ15K1M"RESPECT – I hope this works
I knew it widnae…. Sorry
This is only a test
The CELTS came in their 10000s.
Jimmynotpaul on 1st January 2018 6:38 pm
….Im glad you ended up still in front yesterday.
the 1st horse Vvata Du Roc…jumped like a stag and won well.
The other runner Theinval ” was abit of a strange one as it was only 7/1 in the morning buy some time before the race it had drifted heavily in the betting to 16/1….so I wasn’t expecting too much from the horse, as the betting can be sometimes a good guide ?
However, two fences out it was still going pretty well and up with the leaders until ( like me) it ran out of puff.
No Henderson horses today due to meetings off…but tomorrow is another day…hey they could use that saying for a James Bond movie……oh wait ?
HH
BIGJIMMY
Watch out for a horse of his,novice hurdler,called Santini.
My friends in Celtic.
The vast majority of us love watching Celtic on the box, however I often feel we give it too much prominence and hang on every word the commentators say.
TV is not the great money spinner for us as it is down south. I believe most of our income comes from supporters.
Subsequently we should prioritise the match day experience for our fans and money should be invested to make it so. ( Diverted if necessary)
Look at the feasibility of pop up cafe’s , bars etc on the Celtic way. Cheaper and better food and drink in the Kerrydale, open existing facilities for the ordinary fan and debate the possibility of ST incentives with major companies. ( Travel, bars, accommodation etc.
Football without fans is nothing and high level focus should be on encouraging fans to attend.
Klippity Klopp stated that market forces dictated the fee for VVD: It will be the same market forces that will eventually grant our wish of a league move. Then TV may be king, but until that point we must spend wisely and entertaining the fans ( both on and off the park ) must be our number 1 priority
Hail Hail to all .
The football and whole
Good morning CQN from an overcast and dry East Devon.
Petec , I was in a kibbutz in the Negev, near beer Sheba. Sde boker is on the edge of the wilderness of zin, an awesome desert canyon. Lots of cool Nabatean ruin around too from the time when the Bedouin tribes lived in ancient Cities like Petra. Very cool place, enjoyed my time in the desert. Pity about the hate and war. Hail hail mate.
GREENPINATA
Most times I’m watching Celtic,it is in a bar. You can’t hear the commentary as a rule.
But your point is valid. We definitely need to invest more in our support. But a lot of that isn’t necessarily the club’s fault.
Think about how long it took to get our hands on the old school. Had we been allowed to buy that when we first tried,we could have saved the building and used it as,for instance,a museum,or alternatively as bar or restaurant.
Although Celtic Park is in a deprived area,there is no excuse for the local and national politicians to allow the area to fall into the disrepair that it did. As a result,business also neglected the area. Hence,we are left to paddle our own canoe and develop only what we could. While everyone throws rocks at us trying to sink us.
A pop-up bar or even cafe pre-match would never pass licensing authorities even now.
The Celtic support bring a lot of money into the local-deprived-economy about 30 times a year. You might think the council would show some gratitude and help us and The Emirates Arena improve that experience and squeeze out some more money along the way.
IANBHOY929
Morning,mate. And a Happy New Year.
Best batten down the hatches. Your report tomorrow morning is gonna read a little differently.
PETEC: Thanks for the ‘Toon’ , funnily enough my late Dad’s favourite singer!