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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Of course there was always going to be some kind of a ‘Rangers’ entity.
Did we have to accept the current solution? Same Club? Going for 55? Supreme Court Judgement ignored?
Same shower running and feeding off the ‘swindle’…
What has been put in place to clean up the corruption in Scottish Football? What changes?
The SPFL Board…..
Elected to serve on the 2017/18 SPFL Board – alongside SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster, new SPFL Chairman Murdoch MacLennan (as of August 1) and independent non-executive director Karyn McCluskey – were:
Ladbrokes Premiership representatives: Ann Budge (Heart of Midlothian), Les Gray (Hamilton Academical) and Stewart Robertson (Rangers)
Ladbrokes Championship representatives: Martin Ritchie (Falkirk) and Warren Hawke (Morton)
Ladbrokes League 1 and League 2 representative: Iain Dougan (Stranraer)
THE SFA…..
The main Board consists of eight members: the Scottish FA Office Bearers (Alan McRae, President; Stewart Regan, Chief Executive; and Rod Petrie, Vice President), plus Ian Maxwell (SPFL), Michael Mulraney (SPFL), Thomas McKeown (Scottish Amateur FA) and independent non-executive directors, Barrie Jackson and Gary Hughes. Ana Stewart will replace Barrie Jackson in December 2017.
The SFA Professional Game Board
Chair: Rod Petrie (Scottish FA)
Members: Alan McRae (Scottish FA), Stewart Regan (Scottish FA), Andrew McKinlay (Scottish FA)*, Neil Doncaster (SPFL), Michael Nicolson (SPFL), Ian Maxwell (SPFL), Michael Mulraney (SPFL), Stewart Robertson (SPFL), Finlay Noble (SHFL) and Andrew Waddell (SLFL)
I just don’t accept the mindset that there was nothing that could be done. Celtic Plc took decisions that I believe are detrimental to the Club.
Too busy closing down the Standing Section during the CL Qualifiers or asking weans for ID. This is the same Plc that gave us the hapless project Ronny, downsizing and Moneyball
As a result of that we have blown an opportunity of a lifetime and our game is run by the above.
The Invincibles soundbite was a trade off while Sevco found their feet. Nothing changed,
And still some on here claim to be true Celts by coughing up for the great Plc- Cel – Oot:)
Wishing all Posters, Lurkers and Staff a Happy New Year.
HH
STEPHBHOY on 31ST DECEMBER 2017 6:29 PM
I agree with you, I believe that Brendan’s long term plan is to bring through our own talent from the academy e.g. young Ralston. He has, in my opinion got to balance this with more experienced and quality Players e.g. Commper.
You make a good point as well in my opinion that perhaps the experienced and quality we crave is just not interested in coming to play in the SPL due to the money on offer and the lack of competition. A view held by the late Eldiegobhoy.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
DENIABHOY on 31ST DECEMBER 2017 5:38 PM
You and your mate Billybhoy must be confused on the New Year drink !!!! As far as I know the January Transfer Window is not closed – in fact it’s not even open
Meaning we have no idea who we are looking to sign – so have some faith before ranting about lack of quality players coming in
If the situation is the same on the 1st of Feb I will apologies – in the meantime you owe the Blog an apology
Unless of course you are simply smashed with the drink – if so no apology necessary – but please stop posting !!
67ECW
Chairbhoy on 31st December 2017 6:13 pm
AULDHEID @ 3:26 PM,
Yes I thought it gives an idea of what the future will hold for both linear (broadcast by TV companies) and OTT (Streaming by anyone willing to do it)
I thought OTT meant Overseas Territory Tv or something of that nature but according to my lass who sent me the link (and she knows her stuff) it just means Over The Top (as in over the top of traditional TV broadcasting ie linear).
I envisage a future where we all pay the same to watch a game and crowds and grounds downsize.
Heck we might even pay folk to attend to provide the atmosphere for the players if the view price is right and large numbers buy in.
Just slip on your virtual reality goggles that you get from Celtic instead of an ST (and I had a wee shot of them on Christmas day – wow! ) and you are there. :)
MARTIN42
I can only wish you a good recovery,sir. Walking about on crutches canny be much fun.
One thing I’m always grateful for is my health-oh,and my two overworked Guardian Angels. And that’s not being facetious,btw.
Roll on the day you return the crutches.
HH
STEPHBHOY
I am not convinced the European money benefit is worth it considering the damage our woeful performances have done to our worldwide reputation.
There is no evidence to date that we are using the cash windfall to recruit a better quality of player (Ntcham excepted) to increase our competitiveness in Europe to reduce the chances of us being nothing more than cannon fodder to genuine European quality teams.
I understand it is always going to be difficult to compete in this financially doped landscape but i see no real effort to at least try.
The money is good but i honestly think our poor performances will diminish our appeal to advertisers and sponsors in the long term.
We may be a well run business but as football club we leave a lot to be desired.
Wee Big George
I will post it again
Yir Da is doing a grand job wee mhan and your my type of Celtic fan :-)
Hail Hail
Jozo to Burnley €8m?
https://t.co/0unliOeZuq
Wishing you all well for 2018.
2017 is ending sadly in our quarter.
We are in the middle of the Wake for my wife’s BiL, my friend of 50 years and my neighbour for the last 5.
He passed away peacefully last night after losing his three and a half year battle with cancer.
RIP, Seamus.
CLOGHERCELT
As you know,I think your criticism is in the right direction,though maybe a tad harsh and over the top. Which means we largely agree,and differ only the extent of that criticism.
What I don’t get is the suspicion of throwing them a lifeline. I’d rather be accused of throwing them an anchor.
Just had a thought (it happens) so did two and a half minutes of research (any hacks lurkin – it doesn’t happen).
Anyway, might give some here pause.
Guess which SPFL club is on 40 points after 22 league games this season?
Guess which SPFL club was on 42 points after 22 league games last season.
Progress?
Hail hail
THOMTHETHIM
Sad news,mate.
R I P,Seamus
An Appeal For Grace
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/an-appeal-for-grace/
And a Happy New Year to all CQN readers and posters!
THOMTHTIM
Very sad at any time of the year.
Prayers said for all your family at this time.
Rest in peace Seamus.
Thomthetim
Sad stuff, never a good time
Take care
G64- would he pass a medical? Need to sell at that price if it’s true HH
T3- condolences HH
67 ECW – stone cold sober. If Celtic buy 2-3 players capable of improving the first team rather than being unproven youth projects, our of favour journeymen wanting to redeem themselves or SPFL squad fillers I”‘ll happily apologise.
I do not post as a mineshafter or as a mate of BillyBhoy. I do think our board is in a position to match BR’s ambition for the team by actually giving him the funds to do so. However I do not think they will do so. This opinion is based on what pretty much happens in every transfer window regardless of who our manager is. We have a turnover approaching 100 million yet still buying players for the same money as we were spending when Tommy Burns was our manager.
THECLUMPANY
Aye,there’s some hurting huns out there,eh?
Could make me weep if I wisnae so busy laughing at them.
Keep up the good work next year,there’s a good lad!
HH
Tontime Tim ,
yes indeed age brings its own problems . I had a massive infection in my knee{Toxic Arthritis} which required an emergency operation and masses of antibiotics and ongoing blood tests. on the day of my op. the infection rate was 165 and the normal is 10, It had taken till now to get the rate down to 16 which is still too high for surgery. The medics will not consider surgery till the rate is down to or below 5 so a fair bit to go yet.
BMCW like you I have my own Guardian Angel and 2 great sons who take care of me. I count my blessing daily.
Martin42
Thanks, lads. There never is a good time.
Heading for the Rosary soon.
Perspective FC .
TTT
RIP Seamus.
DENIABHOY
I was speaking to my sister this morning on the same subject. I totally get that it is difficult to reward success by telling a player we have signed a new player in his position,but when did we ever build from strength?
A classic example is the last title won by Fergie at Man Utd. Personally I don’t know how they got over the line,but Moyes was only allowed to sign one player for the next season.
Result-they lost a year,maybe two,and had to approach it piecemeal,and at huge-c£500m!-cost. And they still haven’t recovered.
I’ve said often that we let certain players go too early,but only because we didn’t have an adequate replacement. Our problem isn’t in an admirable loyalty,it’s in mibbe going to the well once too often.
Celtic is top of League by 8 points after 2/3 of season
Celtic won league cup again
Celtic won treble
Celtic in Europe after xmas for only 7th time in 36 years
Celtic had an incredible coming together in May to celebrate the Lisbon and Invincible triumphs.
Celtic has rotated its squad to maximise value.
Celtic has assets 5 x that of all rivals put together in Scotland.
Celtic has an outstanding coach.
Celtic ‘fans’ in main stand still felt need to boo yesterday.
Celtic dominated all objective stats yesterday yet all newspapers showed our players worse than Sevco.
Celtic style invites physical and aggressive from competition. Similar to Man City today. We need to recognise that and back our team in my view.
Celtic fans need to do as Fr Heenan preached today in Dunfermline and ‘keep the faith’ when facing this. Similarly when the desperation gets deeper from our rivals this next few seasons.
Celtic’s worst enemy is the same sense of entitlement amongst our fans which put paid to the old Rangers.
My hopes for the new year are that Celtic reaches the last 8 or better and wins back to back trebles and that we keep our manager. That would be simply amazing. As good as anything since Lisbon.
Farewell to a year when Glasgow truly was green and white.
HH and Happy New Year to all.
Wow,brave lad.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/31/freemasons-blocking-reform-police-federation-leader
Martin42
Didn’t know you had a wee walking prob.
Hope you are feeling better soon and return to your upwardly mobile self.
MWD
Read the headline today on videocelts about a midfielder going on loan. That site doesn’t work on the ipad I saw it on.
Back home, pc tells me it’s Joe Thomson to QotS, again.
That’s good, this kid can play against grown-ups. Train well, get in the team and show’em. Take on the lessons you’ve been given.
———————————————————————————————————————
Everything behind the comment box is blacked out. Is CQN faking a moon landing?
That awkward moment when you come home from Mass and discover that, like RFC, you have your own tribute act. Not for the first time either.
It looks like we were both writing at the same time. Spooky!
If he writes as profusely as BB05 did during the Referendum it could get messy in here!
okay ghuys asked before is it worth my while watching the recording of this game, no response. thats okay if no one wants to speak to me thats fine hh.
Thomthethim
Sorry news.
May Seamus RIP amd may your fa,ily find solace in their memories.
Paul another thought provoking article.
However I would have to disagree with you about last season being second to the Lisbon Lions one.
Admittedly in 1969 and 200 we lost domestic games but that was against much, much stronger domestic opposition and not just the old deid Huns.
I’m not trying to decry the Invincibles but they had a much greater pool of resources vis a vis their opponents than any other CFC side in history.
We are in a great position to achieve another Treble but we need to strengthen the side now rather than wait for events to catch up with us.
IMHO we really need someone who can replace Scott Brown for some games and play alongside him in difficult ones, such as in Europe.
Both Armstrong and McGregor though fine for the majority of games in Scotland are too easily brushed aside in Europe and were very poor yesterday.
We need a backup for KT who is in danger of being over played.
Let’s hope that the board back their manager as far as they possibly can and allow him to shape his own team on the park!
Hope everyone has a good time when it comes to New Year!
HH
BILLYBHOY
BILLYBHOY05 is a very good friend of mine,and an even better friend of The Growler,aka my Uncle Jim. I’ve never once agreed with his politics,mind.
I met up with him and his wife again in Bristol earlier this month. Still as mouthy in real life as he was on here,and still never wrong!
He’s really a smashin’ fella. Impossible not to like-especially when you have earplugs in(!)
He can on occasion be found holding court in a certain shorefront bar in Ardrossan. There were six of them when I were a lad,just the one now.
Times may change but BILLYBHOY05 won’t. And all the better for it…
HH
ThomtheTim
Condolences. May your friend find eternal rest.
RIP Seamus
BIGPACKY
If yer gonna watch it,lock up the razor blades. Aw I’m saying.
Goals Galore my erchie…..that’s the last time I take legal advice on who to pick and when to play a joker…… :-)
A very Happy New Year to all CQN’ers in a time zone more than 4 and 1/2 hours ahead of N.E. Scotland,
One other thing……I’d drive Boyata to the airport for £5m irrespective of however much the transfer fee might be.
Off oot for a heat-up with some fireballs.
See yez next year ;-)
Big Packy
Get the game on
Don’t be too harsh on our Scot Sinclair he missed a few chances but who gives a flying fluck
Hope Rosie Webster is ok with our Scott’s wee yin
I know nothing will be done bu this is so sad.
Another sad story to end 2017