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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Hard not to be reflective at this time of year.
No need for me to share on here as , at times, I feel so lucky with the cards I have been dealt.
I can be melancholic also ,however I have learned that it is always better to look forward and to think about what we can achieve
Suffice to say that I hope 2018 brings all of us what we wish for. All the best and Hail! Hail!
CLOGHERCELT
I hope he has a good one. I know I did when I was his age,everyone told me about it for days!!!
MACJAY is smashin’ fine and dandy,though unable to attend Cheers last night for the match. To be fair,it was nearly midnight over there and he’s not getting any younger(‘)
He’s another fine fella whose opinions I heartily disagree with,but who I very much like as a person. Maybe I should have been born a Gemini,maybe I just enjoy “a good animated discussion”
Goooood Evening CQN
Where as I am a delighted Celtic supporter, particularly with Brendan as our Manager,
1 defeat domestically in 75 games, treble winners, and on target for double treble winners, I hope.
8pts clear going into 2018
We still need to recognise areas that we could improve, yesterday included.
And Paul 67, I take exception to the comment on the just ended phenomelly successful scouting era of John Park – let’s forget some of the dross we signed under his guidance and in my view a very poor success rate, per ratio of players we went through in his time, at huge cost.
The club was on the wrong strategy
I hope and Pray, Brendan gets his way, less squad players, and a squad of higher quality
I wish you all, all the best tomorrow when new year arrives
Hail Hail
Is the Celtic supporters doing enough to hold our PLC to account to take action against proven cheating and corruption?
I admire the work of the Res 12 guys but feel the Celtic Trust, Green Brigade and the majority of the Celtic support have been sadly lacking.
BOBBY MURDO
CH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 31ST DECEMBER 2017 8:25 PM
meant to tell you i was working BOXING DAY at racing with a guy from SWINDON.says the GUINNESS is exactly as you say and dirt cheap with it.i gave him a half bottle of MALT to see in new year i’m aff tae bed never could stand the hype.
Why is all the focus on Res 12?
This is the battle they want us to fight.
Where is tje campaign to question the lack of action against the Ajax hooligans who were allowed carte blanche in Glasgow?
This is the battle we need to fight.
Who made the decisions?
Why were they made?
When were they made?
What were the reasons?
Cowiebhoy 8.40pm
Moussa or Leigh ?
Miss GFTB is giving me grief because she thinks she “won” :-)
Leigh every day of the week
RIESDORFER on31ST DECEMBER 2017 7:15 PM
Cork Celt
Excellent post, thank you. All the best for 2018. HH
Bobby,
thanks, always been a big Dylan fan. Ian Bell, he of the James Connolly lineage, wrote a cracking biography of him – like most talented folk, not sure he’s a person I’d get on with, but a great song writer no doubt
Dena, thanks also – I’m not a great fan of hogmanay, but it is reflective and does tend to feed the ole melancholic tendency (now there would be a crap name for a political movement)
As I reflect on another, as her maj would put it, horrible anus (ok she did it in Latin but I knew what she meant), the only way is forward… there are many people worse off, and thats where the focus should be.
Hope 2018 is a belter for all of you and your families
Allahu Ahkbar infidels
Neganon
“As for corkcelts recent posts they are reminiscent of the move on and don’t rake over old coals approach that Scotland wants to take. ”
You must be able to read words in between the words that appear on my screen.
I have read most of Corkcelt’s contribution and I have never heard him support the “move on” line.
Considering his history, I suspect it is not even in his nature.
Evening all.
Martin42, sorry to hear of your problem. Hope you get rid of the crutches soon.
I must be getting on because I don’t think I will make the bells tonight.
So, here’s thanking Celtic for one of the best years in my supporting life (and that goes back to sitting on the wall at the back of the Jungle from about 1958).
And here’s wishing each and every one who contributes to/lurks on CQN a guid new year and many o them.
jmccormick, reposted before I saw yours – sentiment shared
Reflective ???
Ma Da psssed on 2/1/1995… me and my dad fought a bit only because I could run and hide behind my mum Lol
Reflective is apt
My father loved George Connolly I loved Paul McStay …. my father made sure his youngest loved the Hoops, cheers Da ☘️
Evening all
Just me and the eldest grandson here(7) he wants to stay up for the bells ,he is lying on the bed already :)))
Interesting that in any CEO / Board friendly analysis of the club and its future the ghost of the EPL and it’s free money media deal always gets a mention — I wonder why?
Big question to answer — where is our future?
EPL and its media deal vs the CL and its footballing challenge?
I think I know the answer of the DD faction.
Free money it is then.
GARY67 @ 7.00
The report that Burnley want Jozo is based on a Daily Mail report. The Croatian report states that Brendan thinks €8m is the right price for him.
The Daily mail report also says that West Ham,Southampton and Everton want Moussa.
Madmitch 9.17pm
You up for a wee trip to Lyon May’18
FAVOURITEUNCLE
A coupla years back,I picked up AYRSHIRETIM from his hotel on Saturday morning,dropped him off at the pub and told him I’d be back in twenty minutes or so. Had to take the van home,we were on a mission to Bath.
He was so looking forward to this amazingly cheap and virtually perfect pint that I’d frequently waxed lyrical about,but was frankly sceptical.
Twenty minutes later,I walked back in. He’s had about two sips from his glass.
WTF,bud? Twenty minutes and two sips?
Are you kidding,he replied. It’s £2 a pint. This is my third!!!
Good day,that…
Leftclicktic
Miss GFTB is adamant she is staying up, she now has her quilt in
Go to sleep my weary daughter :-)
LEFTCLICKTIC
Give wee S a cyberhug from me. And save one for your latest wee addition,DG.
Oh,and you and R can have one anaw.
TTT- sorry to hear about your bad news.
Cheers bud they are all away(youngest is at home wae the weemhan) to bring the bells in a my bro in laws ,planning for party to finnish at 1 :)))))))
Whit day I said
LEFTCLICKTIC and GERRYFAETHEBRIG
let them sleep and give them a big hug at 12 bells
HH
Watched first half in real time and felt we would make the breakthrough in the second half.
Left youngest son to airport and returned just as game ended with smiling Soft Loans Co. players and complimentary commentary for the huns on Sky. I thought they won.
I watched the second half later. The huns definitely got back into the game but by no means deserved a win. The draw was probably a fair result.
Most disappointing for me was our often appalling passing. Too many times players had to check their runs to retrieve the ball or concede play to the opposition. Throw-ins continue to be a problem. At free kicks, huns blocked a forward kick by being very close and free taker kicked the ball back towards our goal.
Drawing against them is hardly a disaster but our standard of play has definitely deteriorated since last season.
I’m not sure that physical tiredness is the problem but mental fatigue is playing a part imo. Neither the players nor the coaching staff have had sufficient time between a hectic playing schedule to practice new tactics/ideas and implement the effectively.
I’m looking forward to the winter break. Refreshed players and new signings should see us through to 7-in-a-row and another successful CL qualifying campaign.
HH and enjoy the NYE celebrations.
dena29
That’s the plan though when he crashes I don’t think I will be long behind him.
we are drawing pictures, I drew a house with a chimney (whats a chimney he asked me).
Deba29 :-)
A bit emotional this time of year
Got me and Mrs GFTBs wedding song on …. Coldplay – Chasing Cars ???
You give your daughter a big hug fae ML5
Deba29 – Dena29 !!!!!
TTT
Thoughts with you and yours at this time.
LEFTCLICKTIC
That’s my kinda party!
Of course I’m far too old and sensible for such nonsense nowadays.
Or I should be…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtU-9EMSYu0
Tim Buckley – Dolphins – Whistle Test (May ’74)
had never heard of him till I heard him on here
MADMITCH, yes or maybe no, whatever.
GERRYFAETHEBRIG
Was it no Snow Patrol that sang that.
I could be wrong cos I wisnae at your wedding but if i’m right you better no let the mrs know you got it wrong.
KEEP THE FAITH
Off to pub now for new year piss up. Best wishes to all true Celtic supporters here on CQN for 2018.
BIG PACKY on 31ST DECEMBER 2017 7:45 PM
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.
###############
HH fella, a wee bit of advice……..
Don’t answer my posts, put the booot intae them, but, ye can silently agree, and then you’ll get awe the attention ye deserve mate ;
HH, all the best for the new year.
#######
MADMITCH
#########
HH mhan.
Ye know, I think that you could be onto sumthin there, why is it Res:12 is the fight to be fought ?
It would try the patience of a saint, and, I’ve not heard of many fights being won by saints!
What happens when the clock stops ticking on Res:12 ?
For me, the PLC laid a trap last year when they agreed to the Old Firm Same Club Lie pricing structure of, £49, the same price as, Celtic v Rangers tickets. When Celtic supporters didn’t bat an eye lid, well, the complicit PLC knew that they could pull down the Celtic supporters pants, whenever they feel like it.
Its like, Brian Dempsey’s famous “statement” on the steps of, Celtic Park, where he said,……..
…”The Game, The Game Is Over,….The Rebels Have Won!”
…its now like,…..
…”The Game, The Game Is Over,….The Rebels Have Gone!”
The Celtic supporters of today, a huge chunk of them at least, are more interested in the upkeep of their own wee uber Tim statuses, rather than empty the park, until the PLC deal wi the proven 25 years of Murray Mibbery, and keep their resolve that, Celtic supporters will not contribute to a conflicted PLC, who’ll pull every dirty trick in the book to, avoid dealing with proven corruption, collusion, which saw thousands of innocent Celtic supporters being cheated for decades.
HH…all the best when it comes.
#################
WEEBAWBABBITY – That’s the guy, one of the best. I’m married to his sister, Patricia, I don’t know what I would do without her.
All the best when it comes Ed.
You’ll Never Walk Alone In The Jungle ;
#########
NEGANON2 – If folk like you where running Celtic, we would sit at the back of nobodies bus, the Rainjurs / Sevco would still not be in any football league, they would still be in limbo awaiting the outcomes of the investigations of their, cheating and collusion with the SFA, and then, Celtic FC would, in all likelihood, be waiting for the green light to start in another league. But, our Old Firm Fuelled PLC Board, don’t have the cojones or, the beating rebellious heart, to take our cheated fans out of, Orange Masonic Jurassic West Of Scoatlind.
Anywye,….HH and all the best fella.
##########
THOMTHETIM – Sad news about Seamus, thoughts and prayers for all who loved him.
All the best for the new year fella, HH
###########
THE EXILED TIM – Belated Hoopy birthday fella, all the best for the new year. HH
Anywye,……
…..Jingle all the way in the Jungle ;
…….oot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GemKqzILV4w
Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
TONYROME
COLDPLAY probably did it anaw. Not much of their stuff is original.
About ten years ago,my flatmate’s girlfriend put on one of their albums,canny mind which one. I went upstairs,rummaged through my vinyl and found my copy of LC-DURUTTI COLUMN.
C1982
I can’t find the full album on YouTube,but here’s a track from it,hopefully you’ll get my drift.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lmQ_e7LEh40
Spooky,innit?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmUG1ffgKFw
Bruce Springsteen – If I Should Fall Behind
KEVJ
So sorry to her of your and Patricia’s loss.
I hope 2018 is a step forward for you,bud.
HH.