2014 saw Celtic win their third consecutive league title, but we didn’t reach either cup final. A period of significant change got underway during the summer when we said farewell to Neil Lennon.
Neil took over from Tony Mowbray, his first managerial appointment after working with the Youths at Lennoxtown. His first season was the one that got away. Defeat at Inverness with the title within their grasp, Walter Smith’s Rangers took their third successive title against the third difference Celtic manager.
Three months into the next season, Celtic were 10 points behind a Whyte-McCoist inspired Rangers, but that was overcome, with interest, by Christmas. Celtic went on to win the league by 20 points, although 10 of them were as a penalty for Rangers incurring an insolvency event.
Thereafter it was plan sailing for Neil. He never looked back in the league and reached the Champions League group stage twice, progressing to the knock-out stage on the first occasion. He learned the managerial ropes at Celtic and did enough in his four years here to establish himself as a European-class manager. He was our third unqualified success in four appointments.
By this summer it was evidence to all, including Neil, that significant rebuilding was needed. The job was handed to Ronny Deila.
Ronny’s first challenge came in the Champions League qualifiers in the form of Legia Warsaw. Despite the record books showing Celtic progressed after a 3-0 default home win, Legia wiped the floor with Celtic home and away. Celtic looked like a team of strangers, unfamiliar with the system they were asked to play.
That was, of course, true, the system was unfamiliar, but it’s execution was miscalculated, the on-field results were deserved. The Champions League playoff round against Maribor was unusual inasmuch as Celtic dominated the away first leg and deserved more than the 1-1 draw, but the Slovenians arrived in Glasgow with their game face on. Celtic were outplayed and out of the Champions League.
Things slowly got better, although home performances against Motherwell (by my measure the worst) and Hamilton Accies (who were impressive), and latterly Ross County indicated there is still a long way to go.
Ronny’s Celtic found their feet in the Europa League, where they finished second behind a very accomplished Salzburg. The away performances against Salzburg and Astra gave an insight into how things could be for this Celtic team.
It was, to say the least, disappointing not to qualify for the Champions League. It denied the club millions of pounds and shaded our trump card in to be used in attracting players, but in reality we’re not a Champions League team this season. The Europa’ gave us an opportunity to play European football on our level, pick up coefficient points and extended interest after Christmas (if you’re young this won’t mean much, if you’re my age, you’ll recall this being our Holy Grail).
Inter Milan await in the next round. They are also going through a rebuilding exercise and are as vulnerable to lesser-resourced teams as Celtic – so unlike Juventus two years ago – we have a sporting chance.
The tactical direction of the club is visibly distinct from what went before Ronny. Is this a good thing? Probably. Neil Lennon and his players over-achieved in their first Champions League season on a scale it’s difficult to measure. That squad had no right to reach the levels they did; theirs was a herculean effort. Play Matthews at left back, alongside a central pair of Wilson and Ambrose. Put Miku up front, with Mulgrew and Ledley in the middle – then go beat Barcelona. It was beyond impossible.
Barca, Ajax and Milan were prepared for Celtic last season; we finished bottom, out of ideas and direction on that stage. We needed to change, same again wasn’t going to wash.
Ronny’s played a high-pressing game, mostly with players who are unaccustomed to the demands of this game-plan. This has been a mistake on several occasions, most notably against Legia and Maribor. He’s working on player fitness, but in all likelihood it will take the next two transfer windows before he can craft the squad into the shape he wants it to be.
We’re halfway through the season and, with Aberdeen playing before us tomorrow, there’s a chance they could go top of the table, for a couple of hours, anyway. That’s not good enough, by any measure. Notwithstanding the revamp, we should have done better in the Champions League qualifiers and we should be further ahead in the league, but the fundamentals remain intact:
We needed to start post-Neil Lennon with a new tactical strategy.
Trying hard not to be disrespectful to Aberdeen, but we’re going to win the league.
We’re in both cup competitions.
We remain in the Europa League.
I was happy with the direction we took in appointing Ronny Deila and remain so. The problems of the last six months could be classified as First World Problems. We’ll get over them, while others watch on from the Other Worlds.
Have a Happy Celtic New Year, strap in and enjoy the ride, I promise it’ll be a great one.
Sale on at CQNBookstore, fill your stockings.
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….PFayr supports WeeOscar
Got all the questions correct so far
Love
WeefratheTim will do :-))
winning captains I can only speak for myself but whatever the issues that are making you feel like you do at the minute I hope they are resolved very quickly , I and I’m sure the majority on the blog appreciate your efforts for and on behalf of the blog Dont let the minority get you down
KTF
SOAL
It’s finished ….
Nearly
To all of the celtic family on CQN may you have a happy, healthy and safe new year.
#Hailhail&godbless
Winning Captains.
I have great admiration for what you, Celtfish, BRTH and of course Paul67 do on the blog.
I know what has been done for the Legends who have graced our club, by CQN and the blog should be admired and lauded for this, the publishing arm as well as Paul67’s leaders.
I spoke to AG’s wife, she told me of the circumstances in which they did this, specifically when some posters were dubious. So I can reiterate, all of the Celtic Legends who have answered questions on the blog have been present, and the answers are their own.
As you know I have been present at a couple, great fun they were too, and am grateful for that opportunity.
It’s been a busy year for the blog, and as I have previously said, I am willing to lend a hand, if and when needed in organising CQ11n.
I wasn’t complaining in asking, I hope you got that, just curious.
As one esteemed poster says:
Keep the Faith.
OldTim67, knew you had both on your mind:-)
All the best to all CQNers for 2015.
Now Ronny make mine a treble…….!!!
HH
Nags
You can get your 2015 away to a losing start tomorrow by investing in Smart Ruler at musselburgh:-) . 7/1 as I write. Seriously , the Horse is well, and should run a nice race.
Gl if you back it.
Happy new year to you all when it comes.
Truly, a club like no other!
….PFayr supports WeeOscar
20:51 on
31 December, 2014
Mention for CFC on University Challenge …
lawwellsacountant fell out the top tier? :-)
I would like to wish all the posters & lurkers plus those who have contributed to CQN a very Happy & Healthy New Year
winning captains
I don’t know all you do but what I am aware of I’m hugely grateful for.
Don’t let a bassa get you down.
HH jamesgang
TNT
Just got it at 8s
Hopefully a good start to the New Year
HH
Twists, good to see you back on. Hope Christmas was good and all family are well. Happy new year.
To
Blantyretim , sannabhoy , gordan 64 , morrisey , brth , winning captains ,
Hamiltontim , Crc , lionsroar , thebhoyfromoz , jeezi,t,b,w,p’s , paddybhoy , elharto , (john, brian, kev, glen, ALAN !! ;)), ) sftb, mwd, leftclictic, embramike, eddieincarmichael, delany’s dunky, tinytim, ger57, Petec, Roy Croppie an tearmann, the Roasters Doc and Cowiebhoy, hod it and dod it ” Weefra and Jamesgang”, Sipsini, Acgr,bmcuwp’s Dena29, Vp, poalo’sboots
FRANNY ;)) , and last but not least
Lennybhoy thanks for giving me a chance mate ;))
All of the above have made an impact on me wether it be a fleeting moment or post or suffering me in person , i thank you all and bid you all a………
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Take care and god bless
C’mon the hoops
Pt 1- Celtic 3 ;))
MarsPapa, only one Roaster on that list mhate:-)
All the Best.
Channel 11 Pick Digital TV 10 Pm Cockneys v Zombies I wonder is this a friendly to get some ready cash and TV money.
L57
Marsapa.
That was very clique ish.
-)))))))
marspapa
Nae worries there buddy, from one nutter to another, right back at ye.
HAPPY NEW YEAR. The pleasure has been all mine. Cheers.
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
Well off out now to raise a glass to my wee maw ‘Bridget Gallagher’ from Bundoran Donegal. 11/11/14. Magical feisty wee woman and a great friend. RIP Biddy.
Saint Stivs
Think that was a full list of the Roasters mate :-)
marspapa :-)))))
YES I got on a list
only joking
HH
Anyone seen or heard from Delaneys Dunky recently ?
Before I have a drink and head out to a friend’s party I’d like to wish you all a fantastic new year and may it bring you all your heart desires.
Next year the struggle against the continual harassment and criminalisation of the Celtic support will continue.
The desire and will to ensure that all Celtic employees receive the living wage will go on.
The fight for justice for those arrested in Amsterdam will hopefully reach the correct outcome.
But one thing makes it all worthwhile and that’s to stand every week amongst the Celtic support like the men and women that I’ve met from CQN.
GOD BLESS AND HAIL HAIL.
UTLR
lurgan57
I wonder have we met?
HH
Where you thinking Dena29?
L57
It was on a dreary New Year’s Eve as the shades of night fell down
He you I’m looking in :-)
I’m originally from the shankill area .you?
HH
Doc you’ve never a good word to say aboot him ;))
Is it because your jelous of his tactical snd football nous ;))
St stivs it may well be ;)) but i bet i would’nt get a menny on their list hahaha
Add Soal , charliebhoy and Bcw too , sorry if i dont respond away to my daughters , again take care xxx
Hamiltontim
Have a good one and give Minx a hug from me
HH
Marspapa, must be that, it ain’t his good looks:-)
marspapa
Me and my wingman Weefra say hail hail to you!
Don’t we, big stuff!
HT
Enjoy your night. Expect to start 2015 seeing yar gorgeous coupon all over ma telly cheerleading a Tic goal!!!
And on that subject…..I may have to tape the game and watch it back. So please no posts giving away the score!!!!
HH jamesgang
Aw naw
Cheers
marspapa
Have a good one
HH
kilwilke long time ago, are you still about Lurgan.
L57
H.T.
Happy New year to you and minx when it comes.
Have enjoyed your company this year.
Paddy wants to know what outfit are you wearing tonight lol.
Hail Hail my friend.
Oops, and then, just like Mr abenn he appears:-)
Evening Handsome.
The Huddle
re Scott Allan
Fair point about him failing down south.
However going by reports from people who see him every week the young guy is doing the business for Hibs. Whether he could make the step up we may never know.
btw Just seen on wikipedia who is idol was – Paul Gascoigne!! Next!!!
Thanks for reminding me who Ally Crawford was.
HH
NS