My friends in Celtic, you and I have often said that losers get the chance to rip everything up and start again. Winners can be burdened with the belief that sticking with a successful plan is the best bet. As we gather in the afterglow of the most improbable title win of the modern era, it is our responsibility to acknowledge a few truths.
The Celtic team who won the SPFL title last season was the weakest side to take the trophy in the 21st century. I do not say that without appreciating that they found something when it mattered most. But we were eliminated from the Champions League by a side weaker than any of the several weak teams who have done so across the last 20 years. Our Europa League campaign fell short of the previous season’s results in the Champions League. And we were pushed to the last week of the campaign by a Newco side who were nine points behind and out of the race, having sacked their manager in October.
The transfer window of summer 2025 will go down in history as an abysmal wasted opportunity. Brendan Rodgers pursued Kasper Dolberg, then 27, for £10m. The player kept Celtic on the hook before opting for Ajax, where he scored three league goals in 22 league appearances since. Rodgers was unable to solicit a payoff and eventually walked in October. The club then made a remarkably wise decision to bring Martin O’Neill back after a 20-year absence. That wisdom was short-lived, as Martin was replaced by a man destined to be remembered as the worst manager in our history. So far.
I was slower than some to lose faith in Wilfried Nancy. I wanted the outside-the-box appointment to work. But even I could see after four games, the defeat at Dundee United, that he had to go. Celtic held on for another four games before deploying the hook. Martin returned again to produce a miracle, again.
The drama of those final weeks will live long. The 97th-minute Scottish Cup equaliser against Dundee came seven days before the 96th-minute league winner at Kilmarnock. Two goals down at Ibrox and playing truly terrible football, the players got off the canvas to secure a point in the 92nd minute. It felt like a win and proved to be crucial.
Late victories over Dundee and Hibs kept us on the coattails of those ahead. Then the final week of the season produced three unbelievable games. Behind against Newco, Motherwell and Hearts, Celtic rallied to score fantastic goals, win all three, and take the most dramatic title in world football last term. We gathered at Hampden a week later to decompress with some more silverware.
Paul Tisdale was escorted off the premises with his protégé Wilfried. He was not the worst Head of Football Operations Celtic have had, but he has a decent claim to the title. We currently do not have a Head of Football Operations. Recruitment is being done nonetheless, but this is a worrying sign.
Nor do we have a permanent chairman. Brian Wilson acts in an interim capacity, without the authority or knowledge to impose the oversight I would like. At least he stepped forward when no one else wanted the job. We are also short of non-executive directors. I am aware that approaches have been made, but the lack of appointment reflects how unattractive the role has become to anyone suitably qualified to be offered it.
Non-executives should be hands-off. They are there to decide strategy and hold executive directors to account. If the executives fail, or a significant event happens — and this includes the replacement of a manager — they step in. None should be involved in day-to-day operations or contract negotiations with coaching staff. Then there is the toxicity of being a Celtic director in recent years. We are never going to win more than we do. God knows how this sentiment changes, but it needs to, or we will fail to attract top talent.
Martin O’Neill is about to undertake an enormous physical and emotional challenge for a 74-year-old. He is more intelligent, experienced and probably fitter than you or me, but do not underestimate the enormity of what lies ahead. There were points dropped during his time last season, but all had mitigating factors apart from a single defeat at Tannadice. He never faced conflict among coaching staff, squad or supporters. It would be miraculous if that state continued for another 10 months.
He has also never recruited in the modern game. Martin watched players and bought them. The data model is not how he operated. He goes into a new way of working short of people whose job it is to prepare options for him. I hope we have signed well and continue to do so, but to paraphrase the old joke, if you want to have a great transfer window, I would not start from here.
My greatest concern about our board is their last two permanent managerial appointments, both of whom were disastrous. The Nancy appointment was (I believe) an attempt to find another Ange Postecoglou. Ange was a serial winner, Nancy won one Covid-era cup. The re-appointment of Brendan Rodgers defies belief. I know people at every level of the club who had to work with or deal with him during his first stay. It was unfathomable that he talked his way back into the job.
We are now in a process not just trying to recruit board members, but bring in new recruitment people to work on a shortlist for a permanent manager, to be appointed by largely the same people who brought you the Brendan and Wilfried Show.
The 21st century has been ours. We have enjoyed enormous privilege, watched our side win more trophies than anyone else in the world. This drove our oldest rivals into liquidation and has reset many facets of Scottish life. As a Celtic fan walking through the streets of Glasgow or Lanarkshire in the 1990s, you felt like you were living in a foreign land, we were so marginalised.
Never underestimate what has been achieved or fail to appreciate this privilege. We now have fans who did not walk those streets in the 90s, or did and no longer remember. The squad, which Martin got over the line in May with, requires a complete rebuild and we do not have a fully constituted recruitment team. I don’t want to bang on forever about the bringing Brendan back in 2023, but it was the most disturbing decision I have known Celtic to make this century. The bitterness of its ending was predicted on these pages and should have been predictable by all inside Celtic Park.
At halftime during the aforementioned draw at Ibrox I thought it was over. I expected Newco to win the league, income to fall, Celtic to respond by splurging ill-considered money on poorly-scouted players, our fans to turn inwards while Newco fans to unify behind the club. Celtic’s privileged position would have ended right there.
We have won five titles in a row, 14 out of 15, but all dominant empires fall for the same reason. A succession of poor decisions, are masked by times of plenty until it’s too late to stop the rot. I can see this happening in real time.
I think we will struggle to appoint the non-execs we need. Our recruitment reputation will take years to rebuild and will only happen through rare and exceptional performance. Fans will absolutely turn inwards at any and every trophy loss; it is counter-productive, but try telling people that! We will spent plenty this window, but the trading model that has supported our success for so long has to be established again.
I am very pleased that Newco took a manager and two players from Hearts. They weakened the side who finished second to us last term, but brought in players with no developmental roadmap and a manager who is no more than a good SPFL boss. This is not the data-first response I expected from US sports investors.
Had Danny Rohl left sooner, they would surely have gone for Jens Berthel Askou, the prospect of which would have concerned me. Why we did not move for him is an inexplicable worry.
So, I expect us to win the league this season and make it six-in-a-row. If we do, I will celebrate as much as any of you. But, I have enjoyed being a Celtic fan this century too much, and disliked aspects of living in Scotland during the 90s enough, to let the big picture slip. I want the next 26 years to look like the last. We have work to do.
Enjoy the season. Paul67.
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Going with hope not expectation or entitlement tonight. Any win will do right now.
Hopefully positive news on incomings for team restructure today. We need it moving soon but I respect it isn’t something we control if we want to get best value for ins and outs. This is the challenge not just impacting this year but for the next few. Patience will be key I fear.
Hopefully a decent draw at home second leg for CL play off tie. Ideally Levski or Celje.
Hopefully the team (champions) get support from the crowd and not Tennis Balls etc. They will need it until things settle down.
If things align we could see us with clear water domestically by end of September and in good fettle for CL. If they don’t it could be Covid season and a field day for negative bloggers and our pal Chairbhoy.
Just saw an advertisement for Scottish football on Sky. Lots of goals and celebrations. Hard to see, from that, that Celtic are playing in Scotland 😮
Looking like Ralston or Donovan for right back and this represents progress in what way ? If Johnston leaves like this I don’t think the support will take this the way they did with Diazen zero loyalty from him after missing most of last season with plenty time left on his contract, moving there will enrich him financially he is going to a club where the support are very divided on Moyes.
Being in a weak league proximate to the richest league is a blessing and a curse. You can attract players like AJ and Engels because off it, but you can’t keep them when the EPL comes calling. It’s now a true test of the club’s preparedness given the foreseeability of this scenario. Those two will go and so will Hatate and possibly Nygren. Duran and Hogh can’t carry such a hollowed out team.
Hopefully Baur arrives soon and maybe Araujo on loan. Let’s press home our early advantage tonight over the Huns and the minis.
Seem to have been waiting forever for match day. A scandal that flag day wasn’t the first fixture.
The two signings are big positives but we need more in the areas we’ve all talked about, and hopefully the Ox can up his fitness and shows good attitude (rather than end of career pay day). If we lose other first team players – which looks almost certain – they need to be replaced with first team capable replacements.
I see that Callum had a sit down with MN and seems to be happy. CalMac is not daft and I am sure he got assurances about strengthening the squad. Thank God we have him. I never think we’re going to lose when he plays. For me, our greatest ever player (I don’t expect agreement from many on that last point!).
Just watching news and saw Messi played yesterday in a league game just 13 days after the final.
FIFA and player unions established a strict baseline guideline guaranteeing players at least 21 days of vacation following major tournaments. They are then supposed to have a restraining period before being played. So, all in all, probably around 5-6 weeks after leaving the tournament.
Guess there is a Messi exception clause.
“Hopefully the team (champions) get support from the crowd and not Tennis Balls etc. They will need it until things settle down”
would be a pisser of the celtic supporting season ticket holders who roared the team to the double last season didnt behave….meanwhile back in the comfy seats…
until things settle down…until the transfer window has slammed shut and the ins and outs looks like ????
At 27, I think Johnston will see this as too good an opportunity to turn down. He’ll have a career in the media, potentially, after he retires and playing in England will only enhance that. If he goes, I wish him well. He’s been a very good player for us, on and off the park. Not quite the best right back, since Danny. That honour goes to Lustig.
Gerrintaethum Celtic!!!!
Wee Pat,hibs fan and a chap who pays his expenses to appear on Chelsea tv.
Wee pat has form if you remember him and rod at halftime in the Sc Cup final “did you hear that”yes its sectarian singing’
So many months after yet another wee vent
Pat apologizes deep into a radio show
https://x.com/i/status/2083824321441501291
HH
Heroes are now few and far between, but, Calmac, The Brickie, and Wee Jamsie are up there for sure, por cierto
Burnley,
” We need to get best value for ins and outs”
Maybe if that gormless clown of a CEO would stop letting the Tabloids decide the value of our prize assets,we could actually get into the real world of the Transfer Window.
AJ,just who decided his value to be £ 15 million?.Some clowns in the media?
A star at the WC.A terrific performer for us domestically,and in Europe,consistently.One of our prized assets.£ 15 million !!!!.To the EPL.!!!!
ARE YOU HAVING A FEKIN LAUGH.£8 milion for Maeda,another joke.£ 2 million down there.AJ,in the £ 25 million bracket to the EPL.You are a clown.
Giving away our playerswell below market value,then wheedling with clubs,who actually know how to make a deal to get them to drop their prices.asking price,sorry,you are not the man for that job.
I said earlier “They are then supposed to have a restraining period before being played.” Obviously meant to sat retraining period but my auto correct realised I was talking about an Argentinian player.
On the subject of AJ.
He wants to go,no problem.
We wait until the qualifiers are over.Still plenty of time to sell.Anybody trust this imbecile to get a suitable replacement in in time?
How hard is it too wait?. We are not sitting potless.
Match day and I’m still not on an airplane. The joys of afternoon flights and lie ins. 🍀🍀
Are we facing an imminent cash flow crisis ?
Because I’ve no idea why we’d agree to seek AJ for a reported £14-15 million.
That’s is simply fucking awful business.
We’re in some state right enough. What is going on ?!
Cold light of day……
From the players that got picked (starting 11 and subs) for the last 5 games of last season
Out Maeda
In Hogh Duran
Plus we now have CCV (not sure of his first team ready fitness)
But we have 2 big players Engles and Johnston who will be under instruction from their agent to not commit
And Scales is suspended
From the team that played against Hearts (unforgettable) to the team that plays tonight
Back 4 without Scales and probably Johnston but with a yet to be tested CCV – so weaker
Midfield probably without Engles – so weaker
Up front without Maeda -but with Duran and Hogh – so stronger
Not great – but lets not panic yet – we have a month to go. (before we panic)
67ECW
While we won’t sign a Wanyama-like midfielder anytime soon, we were happy with Captain Broony.
For me, thon Kilian Phillips has a bit about him that could flourish under Martin, Mick, Shaun and Fozzy.
Raw, bags of dig and a good physical presence that would be welcome, esp for domestic games.
Irish national team fringes, a Dubliner and would be more than a match for the Devlins and Diomandes.
Swap deal with likeable Luke going in the ole Love St direction ?
Celtic v LASK Austria
67ECW
Again, a well reasoned and articulated post
I’d extend that slightly to show not only the first XI players who have left but the first XVI or so
I couldn’t even guess the last time we made no subs in a game
With that in mind, I’d suggest we are slightly weaker than we finished last season. This could be amplified by losing the likes of Engels, AJ etc
Still work to be done, though I’m pleased with the 2 new strikers and I’m keen to see how a full season OX performs
Celtic v LASK from Austria. Home tie first. About as tough as we could get. But nothing easy. Let’s blow them away in Glasgow and take in the sights of Linz…
LASK’s last European campaign seen them beat in the Europa league play off by FCSB, dropping into the conference, where they finished 35th.
That’s what stands in our way. No excuses.
Scottish double winners vs Austrian double winners. Looks like a very difficult tie even at full strength.
Lask – and you shall be given.
PasMal CSC
An Dun – just for reference, there is always another way to look at these things, I chose their domestic record record and I assume the Austrian Bundesliga is more competitive than the SPFL as it is ranked several places above. I prefer your stats, that they are not great in Europe.
Tricky tie and a more challenging opponent versus last year. I’d also have preferred the away leg first.
It is what it is so we just need to get on with it.
Nice town, Linz, very clean. Bit a pain to get to, though. Flight them train for them interested.
Sticky tie, but.
LASK’s European failure was earlier in the season. They showed exit velocity for the season by winning the double, including a 3-0 away win v Austria Vienna to clinch the title. They are no Hearts or Sevco. Strong reinforcements needed in midfield if we are to beat them methinks.
Dietmar Kühbauer has managed 543 total career matches, securing 269 wins, 104 draws, and 170 losses across his various managerial stints in Austrian football.
This is his 2nd go at Lask, his present record below
LASK (Stint 2: 2025–Present) Pld 27. won 19. Drawn 6 lost 2
Domestic Double Winner: During his second stint with LASK, he engineered a historic turnaround in the 2025–26 season, guiding them from 10th place up to the Austrian Bundesliga title. He also won the 2026 Austrian Cup, completing a historic domestic double
Tactical Preference: He heavily relies on a balanced 4-4-2 formation as his primary tactical setup.2026/27 Campaign: He has started the fresh 2026/27 Austrian Bundesliga season perfectly, winning his first two matches with a 10:0 goal differential.
Tough draw to say the least, puts extra pressure on”The Owner” to back MO’N in this transfer window with quality, and please ASAP, quicker players in the quicker they settle
Both teams will have played 3 competitive games by the time we meet. They won 3-0 at the weekend in their opening league game against Grazer AK.
Their CF could be a major problem for us. Saša Kalajdžić is 6 feet 7 inches (2.00 meters) tall. He scored at the world Cup against Algeria.
On the plus side, we don’t have to fly to the extremities of Europe – and our manager hasn’t slagged of our players yet.
We are not best prepared for a difficult draw with Austrias double winners .
Especially with the away leg 2nd .
Abysmal planning of our transfer needs ,yet again .
THPT
AN TEARMANN on 3RD AUGUST 2026 9:46 AM
Wee Pat,hibs fan and a chap who pays his expenses to appear on Chelsea tv.
Wee pat has form if you remember him and rod at halftime in the Sc Cup final “did you hear that”yes its sectarian singing’
So many months after yet another wee vent
Pat apologizes deep into a radio show
https://x.com/i/status/2083824321441501291
HH
———————————————————
An Tearmann
That’s not an apology. It was a mad, chaotic end to the game but that doesn’t explain how he ‘saw’ a Hearts player getting assaulted. He lied and now he expects us all to laugh it off like he did there?
Apology not accepted.
Spend money now to help qualification probability or assume that we are not likely to qualify therefore don’t spend ? I know what I expect.
DENIABHOY on 3RD AUGUST 2026 11:18 AM
I wouldn’t be sure if the Austrian league is ranked above the SPFL – we’ve utter dross in our league.
We beat the Austrian champions in Sturm Graz last season and LASK have done nothing in Europe.
RB Salzburg have lost that red bull magic formula. They’re a big standard football team nowadays.
We should be beating LASK comfortably but if see AJ and play Ralston, sell Engels and play Chamberlain then all bets are off.
* I wouldn’t be surprised
MCPHAIL BHOY on 3RD AUGUST 2026 11:36 AM
Agree 100%
His credibility gets lower every time he opens his mouth.
Normally , I’d be reasonably confident about seeing Linz off reasonably easily but not after last year’s debacle.