My friends in Celtic, a year ago I wrote, “Right now our chances of winning the league are probably 30% – held back by so many unknowns.” The club had gone through a traumatic year in which we lost the league for the first time in a decade. A new manager and chief executive were in place, our captain retired, while several of our most important players were angling for a move.
Under any normal circumstances, 30% would seem ambitious, circumstances were not normal, however, well not normal for the football industry, anyway. Despite their year of trauma, Celtic were and are still run on a sustainable model, uniquely so, among clubs competing for the Scottish Premiership title.
A year ago I also wrote, “We can tip the balance in the weeks ahead”, a period which saw Carter-Vickers, Hart and Jota arrive, signings that would prove pivotal in the season’s outcome. Celtic won the league because they had the sustainable structure enabling it to rebuild quickly. It is that sustainability that brought Postecoglou, Kyogo and the other transformational figures to Glasgow.
No football club has a God given right to win. They will certainly not win everything if they are competing against a club perpetually gambling with their own viability. We lost our way in season 2020-21 and despite everything that went right last season, the title race was close, too close for comfort.
Newco looked dead on their feet (or hunkers, in one case), after they lost 3-0 at Celtic Park in February. That night we reached the top of the table for the first time in the season and appeared unstoppable. None of us saw the resilience Newco had to not only hang in there in the league, but cobble together an impressive run to the Europa League Final, and a sobering extra-time win over Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Despite the title going to Celtic, Newco are entitled to believe they finished the season the stronger; for many reasons, they will be confident for the season ahead.
It has been so long since we reached the Champions League group stage without the difficulties of the qualifying rounds, our biometric systems are probably missing a summer of anxiety. While everything was going well domestically last season, Europe was a blot on the copybook. We exited CL qualification cheaply (and before recruitment was effective), suffered a sobering home defeat to German opposition (cough), while finishing third in the Europa League group, before truly humbling home and away losses to Bodo/Glimt.
If you are confident that we are ready for a crack at the Champions League group stage, you are made of sterner stuff than me. Still, the golden goose resides on the Celtic Way. Income will be determined by several factors yet to be confirmed, including performance and if another club from Scotland reaches the group stage, but, including gate receipts, I estimate we will earn £40m from the Champions League this season.
The club’s commercial department continue to ‘knock it out the park’ with each new round of deals. Add in the Ange Homecoming Tour, and we know this season will produce Celtic’s highest ever income. Income determines long term success in football, it is the climate, whereas results are the weather.
In the same State of the Club article last year, I also wrote, “What happens in [Newco’s} qualification tie against Malmo and if they progress, in the subsequent play-off round, will go a long way to determine how competitive the league race is over the next decade. It is the sting in the tale of losing such a momentous title.”
You will probably not remember, so it is worth me going over the details of how that tie transpired. Malmo won the first leg 2-1. At halftime in the return at Ibrox, they were 1-0 down and had a man sent off. Despite this, Newco managed to grab defeat from the winner’s podium; they missed out on the Champions League and the income it assured.
Despite this, a new manager and a new approach, allowed them to flourish in the Europa League. As a consequence, the perceived value of their players increased exponentially. They sold their best player for £6m and their best prospect for £20m, money that will enable them to recruit better and be stronger next season.
That transfer income and the considerable money earned from Europe last season will make Newco less dependent on shareholder loans. It will allow the club to submit profitable accounts for the first time ever. Such is their structural cost overhang, though, it provides only temporary relief.
They also have another crack at Champions League qualification. If they get there, it is game on. They are a club that previously always gambled beyond the edge of profitability, I expect them to throw everything at this season, irrespective of the consequences, in the hope of winning the title and through this, reaching the Champions League group stage in 2023.
Celtic will not follow them off the cliff. We will continue to work on our own plans and in a sustainable manner. But as you and I know, when you compete against a gambler, anything can happen.
As things stand, I am confident for the season ahead. We retained all our important players, including those only loan, brought in a left back and a strong and experienced central mid. I hear very encouraging things about Moritz Jenz, who it is hoped will become a big player for the club.
Crucially, the absence of European qualifiers enabled the squad to undertake more strength and endurance training than they would be able to do if they had competitive games to play. Think back to all those tired players we watched last season. A plan to address this has been executed.
So far, I think we have improve more than Newco. Expectations of winning the title sit at 60%, which still leaves a black 40% waiting ominously.
I seldom look at the CQN reader numbers but at the end of the year I looked back and saw this enormous peak on 10 August, the highest number of 2021. Curious, I typed “Celtic 10 August 2021” into my search engine. Nothing. I varied the search for a few minutes before it dawned. That was the date Malmo won at Ibrox.
Some people will mock us for this, but you and I know better. Football in Glasgow is a zero-sum game. That Malmo win was hugely important in determining the outcome of the Scottish Premiership, season 2021-22. If you don’t realise this, you have not been paying attention.
If Newco had Champions League income while Celtic were limited to Europa League money, all the parameters change. This season’s qualification tournament will not be as critical, for Celtic, anyway, but it remains a key determinant in comparative competitiveness.
You are entitled to be proud at the way your club responded to the loss of our first title in a decade. We have players, a manager, and a commercial operation that we have confidence in. They cannot win everything and will make mistakes, but what an exciting time to be a Celtic supporter.
Take care and enjoy the season.
Paul67.
583 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- »
Neustadt Braw: well done to your daughter and her proud parents.
In sure the wee chap who manages Livingston will be very proud of his players.
Escobar can’t lose………..either way.
Don’t think we have anything to fear from the huns. The refs on the other hand…..🤔
No attempt to show the replay of the foul that led to Livi equaliser being ruled out
agree , no var to contest award of free kick , Dom very fast to blow for a free kick.
12 of our members got the Sevco result right including last season’s winner
As bad as they were it does show that the first competitive games against teams who have played a few is never easy. We should take heed tomorrow.
They won’t drop anything until they play us. Hibs away is their only tricky game.
We have Ross and Killie and Dundee U to go to plus tomorrow and Hearts. We need to win all these. No margin for error.
BURNLEY78 on 30TH JULY 2022 1:55 PM
Changed circumstances mean that I might be a wee bit later than 3:30pm at CQN Corner tomorrow but I will be there at some time.
PS Ask Paul67 for my email address and I will send you my mobile number.
I like Micheal Stewart also, but did you hear the contrast between his comments on Souttar compared to his comments on Starfelt at the start of last season?
I get his Hearts bias, but he obviously isn’t keen on Celtic. Was way over the top in his criticism of Starfelt. Kept it going until January too. Knob!
“SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 30TH JULY 2022 1:58 PM
12 of our members got the Sevco result right including last season’s winner”
Well done to them but I would guess that not a one of them is happy !
RC on 30th July 2022 1:55 pm
very noticeable Dom is desperate to award thems free kicks around the opposition box and wide areas and awards home team free kicks in thems half.
It’s called game management……
Away team manager being interviewed….not a sign of Cinch.Home team manager Cinch appears!
Good afternoon all from the Victoria Bar.
https://twitter.com/zeshankenzo/status/1553365030619553795?s=24&t=j6TIQTm4cuNSy8RgsHxOgg
No foul here,and no replay from Sky
Livi goal should never have been disallowed.
MIB cheating already.
Blow the sheep away manana and make a statement of intent.
Hunbeilavable
D :)
MM
What a brilliant story, thank you.
DAVID66
I’m surprised there was only one game changing incident in a match where Sevco are struggling . Penalties , red cards , offside goals for them given , onside goals for their opponents disallowed . A lot more to come this season .
Fanboy Martindale talking about ‘Tav’,a rat
Cannot see any reason that goal was disallowed..
Spartans 0-1 Celtic B
Lawal 23 min.
An enjoyable wee half hour as you watch us grow.,
Every goal last season.
Enjoy with a nice Chianti :-)
https://youtu.be/Yed9dpoM5_k
HH
HT Spartans 1-1 Celtic B
Sorry HT 1-0 Celtic B. Winning.
https://twitter.com/Colin88Watt/status/1553290340303511553?s=20&t=HnC4E7z1VQyBHqt7TgyO-Q 👍
Folks, first off, thanks for the welcome comments
As for the Livi goal that was disallowed…did it go in off the forward’s arm/elbow?
An Tearman@1:35pm
That is amazing Celticness(such a word?) It really is amazing the impact Jock Stein and yourselves had on the modern Celtic.
I am envious,born ’62,and hazy first memory of luggy coming back.68/9 first real memories ending with a sublime 4-0 cup final but Prati of AC broke my heart.
All my elder peers seen Celtic as ours,a cause as TommyB said,they followed.Thanks for reply,to me youz are the older crowd :-)
HH
………………………
I’ve been very lucky like many on here to support The Bhoys through mainly good times. The only prolonged bad spell was during THEM’s 9 in a row. Older Celtic fans had it really hard. Jock Stein saved the Club from mediocrity and created the modern Celtic.
When Jock took over, Rangers had 34 league wins to our 20.
They had 18 Scottish Cups to our 17, and
7 league cups to our 2.
Since that time Celtic have won the league 32 times to Rangers 21.
We have won 23 Scottish Cups to their 17, and
18 league cups to their 20.
ALERT: Perhaps I should have said “teams playing out of Ibrox”.
Anyway it shows a clear picture and a very clear trend of how Celtic have become the dominant team in Scottish Football since 1965.
I hope you have many more years watching Celtic playing great football and winning many more trophies.
Can’t wait for tomorrow:-))
Hail! Hail!
https://twitter.com/ImagesAlbum/status/1552966395821957129?s=20&t=c8m3vd9hRXk8aFHB2oIPXg
spooky.
TOSB,
In my formative years of watching Celtic, we won nothing of note. I will never ever forget the 65 Final. That was the first trophy I saw us lift. I had already been attending Celtic Park, both for the big team and the reserves, for a number of years.
Mr Stein’s management skills, Charlie Gallagher’s corner kick taking ability and Big Billy’s heading I will always treasure.
A wee bite out tonight tonight with a few CQN folk and partners then Rufus Wainright concert at Kelvingrove Bandstand.
Buzzing for the ko tomorrow. Really hoping we can hit the ground running and get the oxygen into our campaign from the first kick.
Spartans equalise 56 mins 1-1
Hot Smoked.
Will do. I will be seeing him so no problem.
No stress if you fcan’t make it this time. We can meet up next home game if it is easier.
Burnley78
Okay Dokey.
https://twitter.com/georgegalloway/status/1553046700767453187?s=20&t=c8m3vd9hRXk8aFHB2oIPXg
The good lady, Ms Audrey White, who handed sleekit, unstomachable, Sir Starmer his lying apartheid loving ass on a silver platter during the week, will be appearing on the biggest political show on earth tomorrow night, MOATS TV, where she’ll be allowed to speak freely, and without the usual MSM constantly interrupting what she attempts to say.
As far as I know she is also Jewish, a Corbyn loving jew, one of the many hundreds, or thousands, or maybe even tens of thousands, of Corbyn loving jewish people who’ve been expelled from the Labour Party, by the lying Sir Starmer regime, for one thing only…..for saying that Jeremy Corbyn is not now, never has been, and never will be, the racist person that 100% of UK MSM, and 95% of current Labour Party MP’s spent 5 disgustingly unbelievable years smearing this uniquely good human being.
Well done MOATS. 👍
Jonny Kenny scores a 20 yard screamer.
2-1 Celtic. 15 to play.
TOM MCLAUGHLIN on 30TH JULY 2022 4:35 PM
Jonny Kenny scores a 20 yard screamer.
2-1 Celtic. 15 to play.
“““““““““““““““““`
Any links Tom?
Ron- Robertson blew for a non foul, a nanosecond before it went in
Spartans equalise again.
2-2
442 PARK THE BUS
No mate. I’m at the game.