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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BMCUWP
If JJ allows googling I can look it up.
Poor excuse though from you not to eat a burnt tea. :-)))
MWD
JIMBOB
History is littered with the failures who ignored their enemy.
BMCUWP
JJ will not be happy at you googling. :-))
MWD
JJ
I have another suggestion for the remaining 17 days.
We can post stories and links to the Z’s and see how long it takes Jimbob to flounce. :-))) Only kiddin jimbob.
Have any of you seen the fight at the crem.
https://twitter.com/pauarmst/status/948268908355768321
Been to a few crem’s at Craigton crem but this is probably the funniest. I’m hearing it was a Z funeral so my surprise is now unsurprised.
MWD
MOONBEAMSWD
I’d already answered the question just after he posed it.
Jimbob
Regards Morgan, I reckon you are probably right in your assumption that his level is probably below the standard required at this stage and there are probably kids in lennoxtown with similar potential.
I would perhaps suggest that this deal is a “cover all bases” purchase. Take John McGinn for example. Celtic didn’t take up the option of taking him when his St.Mirren contract ended leaving the door open for his move to Hibs. Should they now want him they could be looking at £3m + (plenty debate already about whether they should or not on here, that’s not my point) if Celtic choose again not to bid he will move onto to England and Hibs will make a tidy profit.
I would suggest that the Morgan deal which is buttons in money terms is probably to prevent Celtic “missing out” again. Should he not make the grade at Celtic Park I think there would be confidence that his talent is high enough that more than £300k would be re-couped in any future transfers.
I’ve never seen Lewis Morgan play. I doubt I ever will.
MWD
This is funny
https://twitter.com/benthetim/status/947891845056561152
MWD
BOOMsong! Magic moments indeed. Mr Souness.
https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/oh-god-what-have-we-done-10-worst-january-transfers
Reading about the wage increases at celtic park and concerns that we may become reliant on c/l income. i think we sometimes forget much of the turnover from c/l is swallowed up in bonus for football department and the added travelling etc which will cost a smaller fortune. Still think we are a break even e/l group team.
I dont have football knowledge that BR and co. have but if celtic are to improve quality of squad i dont see how we can possibly run with 2 quality players for easy positions. More likely we need 16 quality players and there after academy and/ or youth players. Signing such as CG and JH make no sense to me. Know we had a large cull in the summer but looks like there is still a good bit to go in our squad yet.
Its no surprise celtic want to develop the superstore/ museum/ hotel as an increase in even £3 million is the wages for 2 quality players. As a celtic supporter i want money spent on the team now, but off the field investment is very important to longer term success on the pitch and as i plan to be here for another 30 years at last ;-) i think maybe we should be more amenable infustructure.
The footballing landscape will change again and celtic should be working to make sure we are in fact at the forrest of those changes in every what.
That landscape may see television having a shrinking influence as it goes more global i.e european league (so less interest in domestic football) or more desire from the bigger clubs in smaller nations to move forward on their own due to bring financially marginalised by the big boys. Something is gonna give.
HH
JIMMYNOTPAUL,
Cheers mate. Yes I was at the Docs last week and I just finished my course of anti biotics yesterday. I went out for a few beers 9 first in 10 days) but I couldn’t finish the 2nd pint and left.
Thx for stats about Nicky Henderson….I hope the horses are aware of those excellent stats ?
………………..
BMCUPW
Yes BT texted me last night..he’s no well.
I’m feeling a wee bit better today so in the next 30 minutes I will be in one of my locals swallying some Belhaven Best !
My own private sesh has not been cancelled !
LOL
All the best Bhoys and Ghirls for 2018….I just love The Auld Leather Belts…I miss them already.
HH
JIMMYNOTPAUL
Aye a tough couple of draws for Cumbernauld in cup but you never know in a one off game , Girvan have got the Glens , Cumnock, Pollok and Talbot in the coming weeks !
BLANTYRETIM & DELANEYS
Get well soon !
STEPHBHOY
I think what’s gonna give is the willingness to pay for it. We’ve already seen that backlash starting.
But the appetite is still there from overseas markets,which rake in as much,if not more,than domestic ones for the clubs/leagues.
I think that is where the big clubs are hanging their hats-El Classico kicked off at noon GMT for that reason the other day.
But in the European sphere,I think the boom has stopped. Bubble not burst yet,but watch BT withdraw from the market.
Once that happens,the shockwaves will be interesting.
PARKROAD67
Blinkin’ flip,that’s a punishing schedule. Not just for the players,but for the ball.
new article posted.
Just a flying visit. 1st Place goes to BMCUW
( though how he would know that one is beyond me).
Cheerio for now.
JJ
I went to a Bankies match at Holm Park, a wee stroll from my home.
Took a couple of kids, a wee day out.
But we were playing Auchinleck Talbot.
Their fans are ferocious, and not even in our direction, just generally at mundane things.
Really interesting day for us soft Whitecrook lads.
BMCUW
Just found out we’ve got the Buffs after that run of games !! That was some adventure you had on Saturday pal !!
CQN Saturday Naps Competition : WEEK 19 results (Dec 9th)
WINNERS:
16 roads (Gas Line Boy) @9/2
Dim Sam (Blaklion) @7/4
Losers:
21-5-79 (Crest)
BMCUWP (Southfield Theatre)
Bull67 (Rogue Angel)
Cosy Corner Bhoy (Dancing Shadow)
Eurochamps67 (Exitas)
Fastbhoy (No Selection)
fleagle1888 (Crossed my Mind)
Gerryfaethebrig (No Selection)
Graffitionthewall (Trotter)
green T (Sametegal)
Gweedore Celt (The Last Samurai)
hashadenough (Shotgun Paddy)
leftclicktic (Rathlin Rose)
Nye Bevans RS (Terry the Fish)
Onemalloy (Arctic Gold)
RayMac (No Selection)
Rockon (Binge Drinker)
Som mes que un club (William H Bonney)
twists n turns (Topper Thornton)
voguepunter (Captain Redbeard)
Weet Weet Weet (No Selection)
Zihuatanejo (Highland Lodge)
Hyperlink to Week 19 selections:
https://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/stuck-in-a-league-without-competition-also-has-benefits/comment-page-14/#comments
Cheers, fleagle1888
CQN Saturday Naps Competition : WEEK 20 results (Dec 16th)
WINNER:
BMCUWP (Tropics) @11/4
Losers:
16 roads (Big Bad Brian)
21-5-79 (Jessie Allen)
Bull67 (Sego Success)
Cosy Corner Bhoy (No Selection)
Dim Sam (Ch’tibello)
Eurochamps67 (Sire de Grugy)
Fastbhoy (Act of Valour)
fleagle1888 (Melon)
Gerryfaethebrig (Andok)
Graffitionthewall (No Selection)
green T (Starchitect)
Gweedore Celt (Ballyalton)
hashadenough (Flying Tiger)
leftclicktic (Influent)
Nye Bevans RS (Starchitect)
Onemalloy (Foxtail Hill)
RayMac (No Selection)
Rockon (Jayotime)
Som mes que un club (Virgilio)
twists n turns (Rajar)
voguepunter (King Kevin)
Weet Weet Weet (No Selection)
Zihuatanejo (Perfect Cracker)
Hyperlink to Week 20 selections:
https://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/sinclair-no-one-has-worked-harder/comment-page-8/#comments
Cheers, fleagle1888
CQN Saturday Naps Competition : WEEK 21 results (Dec 23rd)
CHRISTMAS WINNERS:
21-5-79 (One of Us) @13/2
Fastbhoy (Roundabout Magic) @5/1
Cosy Corner Bhoy (Morning with Ivan) @9/2
Losers:
16 roads (Frodon)
BMCUWP (On Tour)
Bull67 (Veinard)
Dim Sam (Silva Eclipse)
Eurochamps67 (Frodon)
fleagle1888 (Culloden)
Gerryfaethebrig (Pougne Bobbi)
Graffitionthewall (Thomas Campbell)
green T (Three Faces West)
Gweedore Celt (No Selection)
hashadenough (Broadway Buffalo)
leftclicktic (Dieu Merci)
Nye Bevans RS (Walk in the Mill)
Onemalloy (Air Horse One)
RayMac (No Selection)
Rockon (Dubai Angel)
Som mes que un club (No Selection)
twists n turns (Reivers Lodge)
voguepunter (Yala Enki)
Weet Weet Weet (No Selection)
Zihuatanejo (Veinard)
Hyperlink to Week 21 selections:
https://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/promise-of-compper-crucial-to-how-celtic-play/comment-page-8/#comments
Cheers, fleagle1888
CQN Saturday Naps Competition : WEEK 22 results (Dec 30th)
WINNERS:
21-5-79 (Clan Legend) @15/2
fleagle1888 (Daklondike) @6/1
Som mes que un club (Camron de Chaillac) @3/1
Rockon (Poetic Rhythm) @15/8
Losers:
16 roads (Church Hall)
BMCUWP (West of the Edge)
Bull67 (No Selection)
Cosy Corner Bhoy (No Selection)
Dim Sam (Shades of Midnight)
Eurochamps67 (Dame Rose)
Fastbhoy (Dwaterside)
Gerryfaethebrig (Dame Rose)
Graffitionthewall (No Selection)
green T (Whisky Chaser)
Gweedore Celt (Irish Prince)
hashadenough (Thomas Patrick)
leftclicktic (No Selection)
Nye Bevans RS (Wuff)
Onemalloy (No Selection)
RayMac (No Selection)
twists n turns (No Selection)
voguepunter (No Selection)
Weet Weet Weet (No Selection)
Zihuatanejo (Scales)
Hyperlink to Week 22 selections:
https://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/few-in-the-world-match-celtics-transfer-success/comment-page-8/#comments
Cheers, fleagle1888
CQN Saturday Naps Competition : WEEK 22 standings (Dec 30th)
A huge Happy New Year to all the CQN Napsters… there have been lots of movers + shakers recently, with several decent priced winners over the last few weeks.
21-5-79 had back-to-back winners @13/2 & 15/2 in Wk 21 & 22
16 roads had back-to-back winners @9/2 twice in Wk 18 & 19
However, there’s no change at the top of the table, with leftclicktic just holding onto a slender advantage over hashadenough.
So… still all to play for in 2018!
+3.00 > leftclicktic (3)
+1.50 > hashadenough (3)
+0.50 > 16 roads (4)
-0.60 > Fastbhoy (6)
-3.00 > Cosy Corner Bhoy (4)
-6.00 > 21-5-79 (2)
-6.75 > twists n turns (3)
-7.13 > Rockon (3)
-7.38 > Nye Bevans RS (3)
-8.50 > Dim Sam (4)
-9.00 > voguepunter (2)
-11.00 > Som mes que un club (2)
-12.00 > Eurochamps67 (2)
-12.50 > Gerryfaethebrig (2)
-14.00 > Onemalloy (1)
-15.00 > fleagle1888 (1)
-16.50 > Bull67 (1)
-17.67 > Weet Weet Weet (2)
-18.25 > BMCUWP (1)
-18.25 > Graffitionthewall (1)
-19.90 > green T (1)
-22.00 > Gweedore Celt (0)
-22.00 > RayMac (0)
-22.00 > Zihuatanejo (0)
All the best for the coming year…
Cheers, fleagle1888