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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An Tearmann
03:15 on
2 January, 2015
Auldheid
Do you think NDs statement is any reflection of how the spfl/sfa view FFP?
This statement appears to augment the same debt financing that started this in the first place.just nervy as ffp is not yet implemented here.
Happy new year to you
GlovesRaffcsc
=================
I’d be amazed if a) Celtic knew it was coming and b) were happy that it was made.
Now they have to deal with all the complaints. My sympathy is with the SLO who will get them.
On a deeper level though I think its not the same club point that causes the emotions, it is the perception of what they have got away in terms of titles won by illicit means and (in my case based on actual evidence) how it was all done and the silence surrounding that aspect by all who now know serious wrong doing took place that rankles.
The true nature if the wrong doing has been minimised, in my opinion deliberately and fraudulently, using the same method that enabled ebts to go undetected, simply by hiding the evidence.
I think that the more who become aware of the true narrative the more unacceptable doing nothing will become.
That will make doing something essentail, and I’m advocating adoption of Article 12 of UEFA FFP and tailoring the break even requirement of FFP to the domestic game (along with removal of Ogilvie and Regan and now Doncaster for incompetence) as the conditions I would wish to set on purchase of an ST next season. That gives the SPFL 5 months to act.
lilys grandpa @ 03:34
FFM – I’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village)
The point I was making was you know tho rules, now the rules have changed, so you adapt
—-
I don’t think that answers the question I asked amigo. Why are the Celtic board breaking the data protection act by giving the rozzers information on young Celtic supporters so that they can harass them? What are your thoughts on that?
Even if you don’t want to answer that question, can you not at least lend some moral support here in your next answer for the young bhoys who are being terrorised and intimidated by a bent polis force? Do you not think this might be affecting the attendances?
FFM – I’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village)
Can I answer that in two goes?
lilys
aye but
does anyone know a handsome hun ?
FFM – I’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village)
I do not know, how the Celtic board work,ffs, Im an unemployed floorlayer, get the picture.
lilys
Q2,, I ll give, more than moral support to anyone,race ,creed or colour. Listen to me me, my boy goes everywhere, hes not a not a dafty, like me. He knows what goes diwn
lilys
reading back,
a lot of old pish on the blog tonight, all that matters is that we,
ourselves alone,
feel like this
moraVCIK67, GRATEFUL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2ZKQfp7D6U
http://itsanewclub.blogspot.co.uk
FFM – I’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village)
03:41 on
2 January, 2015
lilys grandpa @ 03:34
Listen,Im a Fhhckn tim, been there, done it, n so have you!
Never Turned my back yet!
lilys
lilys grandpa
03:56 on 2 January, 2015
FFM – I’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village)
I do not know, how the Celtic board work,ffs, Im an unemployed floorlayer, get the picture.
—-
Lily’s – you’re saying you’re not worthy of questioning what the Celtic Board do. In that case you shouldn’t be so quick to defend them against those who are questioning them, firstly, because to do so suggests that you think such supporters have less right than you to speak up in defence of the Celtic Support, and secondly, because you are claiming an inability to think about these things.
I’m not trying to harass you, discredit you or question anything about your loyalty to the club.
For me it’s simple. The support come before the board, always.
Don’t you agree?
just cos its brilliant
tomas mackems four green fields .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d30rpdvtiA
FFM,
A lot more people have tried to d,
Bigg FFm, can i ask you a fav?l
lilys
Big Grandpa :)
Anything.
Saint Stivs
Moravcic67’s video is still the best Celtic video in existence.
Made by a Celtic supporter in his own time no less.
FFM – I’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village)
04:37 on
2 January, 2015
Saint Stivs
i wish i knew who he was , its brilliant.
FFM – I’m the only cFFM – I’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village)onspiracy theorist in the village
you got styllle bhoy,
No fck it lets go shes away to bed
a song about salford
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSDzOKPvedc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzA4i27tIW4
Saint Stivs @ 04:41
Aye, anonymous. If it narrows it down, I think he/ she might be a fan of Lubo :))
lilys,
I’m just an addict to discussion.
Must be a socialist thing:)
Hope you have great 2015. HH sir.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTo6DL6qGw8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZfihpjPUF0
Im back ffs
lilys
lilys,
Welcome back ffs.
Are you calm and happy big fella? :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPDJSblJeMc
Good Morning Timland.
The transfer window is open,what business will we do in the
coming weeks?….we have a very moderate squad and we may
well have a serious title challenge,time to flex our financial muscle
me thinks…..when I say financial muscle I mean in a Scottish fitba
context.
Had a wee read back, deary deary me!!!
Neil Doncaster,which one is he?I always get him mixed up
with that Ronald Reagan fella.
It seems some posters will never darken Scottish fitba’s
door again,they have came to the conclusion that it’s bent,
well it’s always been bent ffs,what you didnae know that,bless
yees,ya wee precious souls.
BCW/ awe naw……..you call that a fight.
Have a great day cqn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3qxat5qM0U
Nye Bevans’ rebel soldier,
“It seems some posters will never darken Scottish fitba’s
door again,they have came to the conclusion that it’s bent,
well it’s always been bent ffs,what you didnae know that,bless
yees,ya wee precious souls.”
—
Never quite understood where you’re coming from pal. You’re always quick to put the boot into fellow Celtic supporters voicing valid concerns, and trying to imply that such folk are stupid while you are the blessed messiah, with such flippant comments as “ya wee precious souls”.
Do you think your opinions are more relevant and have more depth than those of the posters you try to ridicule without addressing their points directly?
Can you not address a point to the poster you have the issue with?
I remember you did this a few weeks; I responded to you, in the hope that we could discuss in more detail, but you chose to disregard it, and then continue with the same approach the next day.
What does being a Celtic supporter mean to you if you don’t mind me asking?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5iqidjXC7A
I’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village)
04:54 on
2 January, 2015
Go for it, Know what my dad told me? read, learn, debate,talk. Gospel truth.
If you can read, you can educate youself,and others, Thats what fucks them up most, We, are the Children, now we got ladies, and gentlemen In high places, our mums and dads ,granpmas etc showed th whole fucking lot! we shall not be moved !!!!!!
Happy new year to all
lilys
Lilys,
You’ll enjoy the song in this video. HH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5iqidjXC7A
FFM – I’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village
Hi, well if i get away with this fine.. I never ever agreed with one word you ever said, but, coulld debate wit you all night! You up for it? same time, same place?
give me a break Lilys nanas tjhere?
lilys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9hvDFmfQOY
lilys grandpa,
Sorry you’re being hampered by Lily’s nana, but it’s a poor excuse for procrastinating discussion you know :) The internet might have been blown up by terrorists before we get the chance to continue again ….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8XEebRviKo
Morning all
Oh what a sleekit horrible beastie,
Lurks in yer bellie efter a feastie,
Just as ye sit doon among yer kin
There starts to stir an enormous wind.
The neeps and tatties and mushy peas
Start working like a gentle breeze
But soon the pudding wi’ the sauncie face
Will hae ye blawin’ a’ ower the place
Nae matter whit the hell ye dae
a’body’s gonnae hae tae pay
Even if ye try tae stifle
it’s like a bullet oot a rifle
Hawd yer bum ticht tae the chair
Tae try tae stop the leakin’ air
Shift yersel fae cheek tae cheek
Pray tae god it disnae reek
But a’ the efforts go asunder
Oot it comes like a clap o’ thunder
Ricochets arrond the room
Michty me! a sonic boom
God almighty it fairly reeks
A’ hope a’ huvnae shit ma breeks
Tae the bog a’ better scurry
Whit the hell, it’s no ma worry
A’body roon aboot me choakin’
One or two are nearly boakin’
I’ll feel better for a while
Cannae help but raise a smile
It wis him! I shout and glower
Alas too late, he’s just keeled ower
Ye dirty bugger! They shout and stare
I’m no that welcome any mair
Where e’re ye go let yer wind gang free
That sounds jist the joab fir me
Whit a fuss at Rabbie’s party
Ower the sake o’ one wee farty.
HH
FFm,
F&&k You, my best pal, is, Matt McGinn nephew, …………………………. hey WTF can I say, you just get better n better, See, up till 10 nmins ago, Id never it!
lilys
Who is this Darren McGregor…?
Anybody got a picture….?
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/rangers/darren-mcgregor-reveals-the-rangers-players-are-hurting-over-rocky-193127n.115413437
Ah well, it seems the harrassment of our young Celtic supporters is still “non est disputandum” on CQN.
I find that worrying, but I’m clearly outnumbered by some experts on what is best for Celtic, and even the idea of discussing it is offensive now. This place is becoming more hun like by the day.
Lilys Grandpa,
My best wishes to you. Thanks for discussing your points of view (whatever they might be) in a civil fashion. That’s sarcasm by the way. I give up. If you read back when you’ve sobered up, I was asking simple questions in relation to something that I find very important to the club. In your half-witted urgency, where you trip over your own feet in defence of the Celtic board, you don’t even take the time to register anything that anyone is saying to you. So okay, in your decades of unquestionable loyal support, you take offence at anyone doesn’t fawn over authority and wealth in the way that you’ve chosen to. Your enthusiasm for declaring a personal connection to Matt McGinn hasn’t quite done his nephew or his memory any justice, has it? If you’re incapable of discussion or even civil chat, why on earth are you posting your comments here? And I tell you what, you muppet, who gives you the right to claim moral superiority because you know someone related to MM? Normally, I’d laugh such stupidity off, but tonight, I’ve had enough of morons.
I don’t even feel the urge to read these pages any more let alone comment or contribute. The love of authority and lack of concern for fellow supporters is very troubling to me, but I must just be a “precious soul”.
This place is now being dominated by half-wits, egotists and psychos. And they might all be the one person……..
Great start to 2015. Lilys Grandpa and Nye Bevans – thanks for your inane contributions. Idiots like you two are the future. Woopy do.
You piss where you are
BCW
indulge me …which reply ?
HH
HNY all *kisses n hugs*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOl4oeHZnBk
(Pauls, anthem for 2015)