My friends in Celtic, on Sunday we will gather to watch the league flag fly high above Celtic Park, the Scottish Cup is on display in the boardroom and in six weeks we will be among the first fans to watch the new Champions League format get underway.
Financially, things have literally never been better. A year ago, our net cash position was £72m, aided by the ridiculously inflated price achieved for Jota (love him lots but never a £25m player). Since then, we have banked Champions League money and the bounty from the best commercial deals in the land. We have known worse.
Despite the welcome permanent signing of Paulo Bernardo yesterday, at this stage of the transfer window, we are weaker than we were at the end of the season. There is a substitute striker shaped hole in the squad, which Adam Idah is doing his best to fill. For the (very) hard of thinking, let’s remind ourselves:
You can sign any old rubbish early in the window (with a few exceptions), but clubs who own players in demand do not sell until late August. If you are in doubt, think of Matt O’Riley, who is clearly wanted by clubs in England and Italy, but there is no amount of money Celtic would be prepared to accept until late in the window AND they have backfill. This is how transfer windows work, the whole world knows it, so let’s not pretend we are new to the game.
One year ago, Celtic were hot favourites to win the league. They had just successfully retained their title, had money in the bank with no Champions League qualification worries. After three years which saw a league title, a Europa League final and Champions League participation, our only challengers, Newco, were back in crisis mode.
Michael Beale was sacked in October as their season fell apart. What should have been a procession to Celtic’s third successive title, turned into a mishandled campaign. Our disintegration on the park was so evident, by February I was convinced we would lose the league (don’t think I mentioned that here at the time).
History is the tale of fine margins. Philippe Clement steadied Newco and overturned Celtic’s lead in the table, but the steam escaped from his engine on a field in Dingwall in April. It was a stupid result the like of which Celtic endured earlier in the campaign, but Clement’s ability to push his squad had expired. For Celtic, this was an enormous break.
That campaign is a lesson for anyone who believes we are a shoo-in for four-in-a-row. A few injuries (you can bet we will get them) and a failure to successfully develop supporting players (you can bet……), and we could be plunged into trouble again.
It is popular to poke fun at Clement, but he is a far better manager than Beale, Gerrard or McCoist (who was hopeless). If he stays in Glasgow, he will build his own team and put proper pressure on Brendan, even with a budget which is likely to be significantly below ours.
Our budget and development strategy was easy to ascertain for a long time; not so much now. That £72m net cash position we reported a year ago is likely to be dwarfed when the figures for the year to June 2024 are released; I expect at least £10m on top of that.
When our old pal Peter Lawwell was in charge, he lived to the motto, “Every penny that comes in will be spent over any business cycle you care to mention” – and they still complained! Peter lived at the sharp end of football and once told me, “When people give you money, there is an expectation you will spend it.”
Let’s be clear, having lots of money in the bank is a great thing for a football club; if the tables were turned, you and I would be distraught at the comparison across the city. But that expectation Peter Lawwell talked about remains. Celtic are a football club who have a duty to invest appropriately in football stock.
How we invest is also important. The model which found and developed Matt O’Riley and which works for so many aspiring clubs in Europe, is without question the way forward. Alternative models, where clubs buy players at their peak, earning big wages and without scope to appreciate in value, is full of short-term gain but has zero strategic benefit.
We should also acknowledge a harsh fact. Great managers, though Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rogers were for us, the last Celtic boss who achieved anything in Europe was Neil Lennon. Celtic are in the Champions League again this season because our coefficient monkeys across the city did very well in Europe for three successive seasons.
I expect we are now at the end of that cycle and Scotland’s coefficient will drop for a period. This will make Champions League income less likely, irrespective of what money we spend or signing strategy we follow.
Our board can expect a peak cash position next summer. Their challenge is to take what is unquestionably an embarrassment of riches, and develop the team and facilities in a manner which grows the top line.
If you think that’s easy, I suggest there is a peak on the Dunning Kruger chart for you. Players competitively valued in the £10m bracket (i.e. by others in the market, not just by Norwich City), tend to have lots of options, usually a few better than the Scottish Premiership. They also have pay offers which would blow apart Celtic’s wage structure. Having all that cash guarantees you nothing.
There are other calls on our resources. Celtic Park is a 20th century stadium and we are already a quarter of the way through the 21st century. Football fans tolerance has changed over the generations. Consumer expectations in the middle of this century will be miles ahead of what we currently call home.
I would like to see a 20-year plan to redevelop Celtic Park. Turnstiles should be at the edge of the footprint, not at the stadium. Fans arrive at the ground early as it is, even without anything to do, but we should get them through the gates and into restaurants, cafes, shops and bars. Not just merchandise shops either.
The South and North stands are poor. Hundreds of office staff work in the South Stand, all office business should be relocated to Barrowfield or another area of the footprint. We are a football club which is short of premium seating area. There is a huge space which can be used for premium seating area right beside where the fans sit. Make it happen, or at the very least, tell us why such a move does not offer a return on investment.
I am more familiar with the North Stand. The top deck has fewer facilities than anywhere else in the stadium. It is also the highest part of the ground and on a warm day like Sunday, the wind will cut you in two. The premium seating area is too small to walk around, never mind properly dispense food.
This stand overhangs the Eastern Necropolis and Janefield St. Before Celtic Park was redeveloped in 1994, Janefield St was a mixed residential and commercial road. Celtic were required to keep it open for traffic. Now Celtic Park is the only property on the street and the road is a local rat-run outside of match days. The whole area should be redeveloped.
I have no idea what it is possible to do in or over the cemetery, but if there is nothing more can be done, we have to acknowledge that the North Stand Upper is under-provided for and price it accordingly. We need more premium seats (South Stand) but we will always need cheap seats. Celtic have to cater for those who cannot afford expensive days out.
If we struggle to attract players to Scotland, I am sure the support would get behind a plan to upgrade our facilities and prepare Celtic Park for the next generation. The next two years could be our last opportunity to consider this action for a very long time.
Right now, I give Celtic a 70% chance of winning the league this season (3% higher than a year ago). There is work to do, even if Matt O’Riley stays, I am not convinced with midfield, defence or attack options. Clement has his hands full but expect him to make the most of what is available to him.
There is no reason to expect anything substantial from the Champions League; the successful Gordon Strachan era is now a distant memory. What we do have, is abundant options, hard earned over decades.
Celtic Quick News started 20-years ago last week. A few months in, when we were losing on the park and letting the league slip away, I noted we were in the early years of a Generation of Domination. It was totally obvious. One large club in Scotland had a plan to pay its bills, the other was playing casino football and would inevitably crash and burn.
20 years on and nothing has changed. Celtic continue to act strategically, Newco act without a thought for tomorrow, despite John Bennett’s words. Until Newco tell their fans they need to spend less on wages and transfers, and live with coming second to Celtic for a period of years in the hope of an improvement in the medium term, nothing will change. We will lose the odd league and cup, but goodness, this Generation thing is outlasting anything we dared dream of.
Celtic is a great gift to us, enjoy every minute of the season, win, lose or draw.
412 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- »
DAVID66 on
Good evening, have we signed any new players yet.
Now didn’t think so.
Onto Sunday and the start of our TREBLE.
Another year of pistol peter the liar and his hun loving criminal board Lackies.
………………………………..
What does that say about the x 60,000 empty heads who finance these
“ hun loving criminal board Lackies” ?
Get pints of heavy on sale in the sports bar.
Should be top priority. Never mind a left back.
Philipe Clement has vowed to stay at IBrokes till the stadium is finished
Evening all.
BSR
For some reason the huns have extended his current contract, barking mad woof woof 🐕
Good night you absolute shower.
Superbru Update
We reached 67 members with Raplochbus joining
Still waiting on McCaff & Tirconnell to make their picks.
I think it’s time Brendan Rogers told Dermot Desmond that he needs a director of football ASAP,Brendan is a coach not a scout ,listening to him on Celtic T V you can see the man is fed up answering the same old questions, especially about new players, he needs to be replaced on answering to the media,
TIMBHOY163 on 2ND AUGUST 2024 10:22 PM
Brendan is a coach not a scout ,listening to him on Celtic T V you can see the man is fed up answering the same old questions, especially about new players, he needs to be replaced on answering to the media
*or mibbees he’s fed up listening tae the kid on journalists talkin a lot of raphael.
Was surprised when they gave him a new contract , seems like they must have some belief in him …..
Just don’t understand why they didn’t leave it till the end of the season and measure his performance then with the possibility of a new contract ?
Could cost them ultimately….shame !!
ONIL,
“Tories do as Tories do”. Indeed they do.
Labour takes Cold Weather Payments from 8.5 million pensioners.
Better Together !!. Better cuddle together.
I ain’t giving this Labour shower of chancers a free ice,as much as I hate Tories.
No way Brendan wants a Director of football. Brendan wants to be the main man.
Ride .Ice ????? Aff its heid this laptop.
Prestonpans
Nobody does fake news like Sevco. I’d imagine the new contract will include less of a pay off than his original deal.
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 2ND AUGUST 2024 7:36 PM
—————
Sorry pal. Just noticed the invite to meet at the Bahaus. Am back down south just now, but will be back up the road in the next few weeks and will try to get through and meet a few of you if possible.
Will keep an eye on here for any meet-ups and see if I can get along.
Appreciate the invite though. 😃👍🏆🍷🍻🇮🇪
Apologies Melvin
I got you mixed up with scullybhoy who will be in the Bauhaus tomorrow.
Just a senior moment
Decent article Paul.
Thank you for it and for 20 years of CQN.
Question to those who come on here routinely with (IMHO, repetitive) negative comments.
What would your plan for Celtic be, please?
SFTB
Bauhaus? Well i suppose they will be In Parties😎
Good appraisal P67.
You make the point that Clement will amass a shoestring budget team capable of giving us – even as a much richer club – the odd run for our money; sneaking a trophy win or two.
Surely Celtic should be aiming and equipped to give Euro sides – some smaller and others better-resourced than us – similar bloody noses, rather than just being the continent’s whipping bhoys?
Doing this is as much a priority as futuristic fan facilities is for me.
We’re lucky to have a truly top level coach who in his presser repeated – yet again – that he wants proper quality added to the squad, while appearing relaxed and professionally mindful not to stir up any unnecessary – toxic – angst among club supporters or club suits. No words minced, no body language decoding needed: He said it again and probably expects that it will be delivered.
Well done on two decades of blog hosting Paul.
BRRB
We are on the road to Paradise!
See you at 1:30 ish. Look out for a white zip up jacket.
Good morning all from Govanhill.
Scullybhoy
Look out for an old geezer with red face and eyes.
Turkeybhoy on 2nd August 2024 10:41 pm
ONIL,
“Tories do as Tories do”. Indeed they do.
Labour takes Cold Weather Payments from 8.5 million pensioners.
Better Together !!. Better cuddle together
————‘
Very disappointing by Labour. Even the Tories never stooped so low.
However you do know that that benefit is devolved in Scotland this year. They could use some of the £300m underspend from 2023.
The SG could prioritise it and continue with the payment, protect the oldies and embarras Labour.
But will they ?
Bauhaus in Partick has pulled its last pint. It is a deceased venue i think.
Rumour has it there were many rich Russians at Glasgow Uni who used it.
They introduced Gulager thinking it would go down a treat.
The Russians hated it.and bailed out.
Wi fi form update on Sunday night ( Maybe ) or Monday morning.
After all that cable installation will we be frequenting the promised LAN.
https://x.com/bhoysviews/status/1819315613552005512?t=EtgqulW1JIF7zzfW2D6YQQ&s=19
https://x.com/bhoysviews/status/1819493644161917401?t=dxN8nDfGWye67dKwP8-oDw&s=19
BRRB and SCULLYBHOY
Good morning and go easy on the wobbly water.Getting ready for 9:30 mass at Clonard Monastery.
Good morning Joe. I shall be my usual disciplined, charming self.
Morning all. Looks like I can use my desktop again after months fighting adverts on my laptop.
BRBB
👍☘️🇮🇪
I was in the company of the girlfriend of a Hamilton Academical player last night — my mate’s niece — she told us the players did not get paid this week.
Sounds like there’s trouble ahead.
Heading for Lisbon today.
Will I be able to visit the stadium tomorrow?
Any advice/suggestions about getting there/getting access will be appreciated.
Will check for answers later so thanks in advance.
HH.
ValeBoy – re getting to Estadio Nacional…
Not sure how it is now but we came over from Oz for the 2017 stadium celebrations and it was an easy to find and board a train from a fairly central Lisbon station to the Estadio.
When you get there, there’s mibby a 15min walk uphill thru a park to the gates. Piece of pish really.
Hope you get in and enjoy.
Turkeybhoy on 2nd August 2024 10:41 pm
Only in it for themselves like the present board of our great club.
I’ll tell you what is a disgrace, that some pensioners need a handout to pay their fuel bills and chose between food or warmth.
But that’s what 45 years of Thatcherism does for you…
All pensioners got the fuel allowance
Do you know in the leafy Chilterns how many pensioners, with their pension pots topped up from the 1960s
And final salary pension schemes
And have seen their house value soar from 7,500 pound to 750,000 pound
Are “paper” millionaires.!?
As many well off Tory pensioners got the heating allowance
As poor labour voters did
It’s the Tory way dontcha kno’
Hail Hail
GREENPINATA @ 8:43 AM,
‘”Wi fi form update on Sunday night ( Maybe ) or Monday morning.
After all that cable installation will we be frequenting the promised LAN.
Only if they access the chosen WAN
Hail Hail
We’re in great shape. Credit to the commercial guts for their deals. Great manager, many excellent players and poised to become (cough) the most successful club in the world.
I’ll reserve judgement on the transfer window until it’s over. Some goid work so far to get rid of Lawwell Jr’s dross and hopefully more of that to come. Schmeical is an inspired signing….. by Brendan.
My big fear is we lose both MO’R and Reo this window. Unlikely but possible.
Would be impossible to sustain our midfield levels in the short to medium term and ECL in particular would be a chore again.
I’ll see if any of those quality player that become available at the end of the window materialise. More likely is the rehearsed line here about the league being a barrier and a couple of crap loan deals from England.
Aid it can be afforded some of the stadium changes proposed here would seem to be no-brainers. Would pay for themselves in time, particularly if it increased our. Capacity , even modestly.
The tribute to Lawwell Sr’s track record though? Dearie, dearie me. Meddled too much in domains he had no qualification to and and serially made a roaring erchie of it. Megalomania much?
The sooner Lawwell and his like are chased from Celtic the better.