Stuart Armstrong’s cautionary tale

193

On balance I am sure you would want Stuart Armstrong in the squad than not.  He has been a clear success since arriving from Dundee United three years ago, but injury did not do him any favour last season, as he was unable to win back his starting place when fit.

The appetite for either the club or player to sign another one-year extension to his contract, which is due to expire in 12 months, will be low.  Stuart will either sign a long-term deal on terms equivalent to those he currently earns, leave under freedom of contract next summer, or be sold in August.

West Brom were keen to take the player a year ago, but relegation may force them to reconsider (and may reduce their attractiveness to Stuart).  While that move would have earned Stuart a huge contract, the timing was not right for Celtic, who were reluctant to allow a then-first choice player to leave before a replacement could be found.

Celtic will be easier to deal with this summer, but whether Stuart’s agent can attract a comparable contract offer as a year ago remains to be seen.  What is clear is that Brendan Rodgers is looking to bring fresh talent into the squad, and someone will those already of the fringe of the team will not find it any easier to get game time next season.

The last time Stuart needs is a season on the bench as his contract runs down.  I hope he stays and signs a long-term deal, but getting a bumper fee for him, or allowing the rest of the squad to note a cautionary tale on what to do when Celtic offer you a contract, would not be the worst thing.

Click Here for Comments >
Share.

About Author

193 Comments
  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. 5
  7. 6

  1. Dallas Dallas where the heck is Dallas on

    Park Road , still all to play for for Girvan. I hope they do it.

     

     

    Jimmynotpaul’s son’s team , Cumberauld play Pollok in the Central League Cup final this Thursday at Shettleston. Both clubs were happy to play the game at Pollok’s Newandsfield ground but the SJFA said it had to be played at Shettleston .

     

     

    I cant get to to the final as my daughter’s dance show is on Thursday . Family duty calls but would rather be at the game.

  2. Hi Paul67,

     

     

    Gary Armstong is certainly a cautionary tale…

     

     

    In the wider scheme of things… Can Celtic depend on building a team with Scottish Talent?

     

     

    What does that mean?

     

     

    Firstly let me say that I’m sorry to see him go, he is an excellent footballer.

     

     

    But, here’s the deal, I can’t remember two January signings making such an impact as GA & GMS – two very talented individuals who made an immediate impact.

     

     

    It soon became obvious that despite his obvious talents that GMS was struggling with the pace at a top Club. No disrespect to the guy but that’s how I see it.

     

     

    Gary didn’t seem to take his pals departure too well, very noble in some respects but we are not playing U16 Schools football…

     

     

    We are trying to produce World Class athletes.

     

     

    His heart for me doesn’t seem to be at Celtic. We know that Kieran Tierney is the exception that proves the rule but if pulling on the hoops gives you cognitive dissonance then maybe pastures new is right for you.

     

     

    When you compare and contrast Callum McGregor and Stuart Armstrong.

     

     

    I see two young Scots with the world at their feet

     

     

    I see two exceptional talented footballers

     

     

    I see two consummate professionals

     

     

    I see a player that is prepared to go that extra mile; to learn, to bide their time in the wings while improving, to be there for the team, who delights in wearing the hoops

     

     

    I see a player that could “out of the green” be saluted in the top tier of world football, where he can more than hold his own.

     

     

    I hope Stuart stays, I hope he excells and if he goes elsewhere ‘awe the best’ but away from paradise the grass is never greener…

     

     

    Hail Hail

  3. Auldheid @ 2:04 pm,

     

     

    ”Yes who knows the veracity in that TRFC statement re end of March but the concerns it raises will one way or another find itself to the Compliance Officer.”

     

     

    Well of course as a wiser chhap than I pointed out – we are back to déjà vu all over again…

     

     

    As you have stated on numerous occasions the Stewart Regan’s draft e-mail in December 2011 he sent to Rangers to curb Media speculation surronding the 2011 liecnce gets Rangers so hyperventilated must hold the key.

     

     

    On the face of it, it states things as they were supposedly were – potential liability (at 31-03-2011) being the key words.

     

     

    Now I can see a number of reasons why Rangers would not have liked SR’s 07-12-2011 draft…

     

     

    1 – They knew the liability wasn’t “potential” on the 31-March-2011. It was very much OUTSTANDING

     

     

    Rangers had been blootering this particular can down the road since November 2010 but when Queen’s Counsel advises…

     

     

    “In this state of affairs, it would be sensible to seek a settlement. This appears to be HMRC’s wish. I would strongly recommend this course. – 03 March-2011

     

     

    I’m not a QC and they have a specific way of putting things but how i’d phrase it…

     

     

    . I would strongly recommend this course… if you don’t want to be struck off or go to prison

     

     

    Of course HMRC had given Rangers a deadline of the end of February to either accept the liability or take the case forward. Interestingly enough they don’t even get Counsel’s opinion, which ties exactly with the opinion of their FD in Nov 2010, until after yet another deadline has passed.

     

     

    2 – They didn’t want the Club or anyone else done for fraud – that statement in December 2011 would have been a red rag to a bull as far as HMRC is concerned – its way after the sheriffs had hit town.

     

     

    3 – They had no intention (STILL) of paying the outstanding Tax. They were as of December 2011 still trying to sell the “potential/on appeal” nonsense twelve months later.

     

     

    However the interesting thing is of course this reply from Ramsey Smith (07-12-11)…

     

     

    ”We should put pressure on the SFA from a high level…

     

     

    …If they persist they will only cause issues for themselves as much as Rangers.”

     

     

    Why would telling things as they were, or supposed to be cause issues for the SFA. Is Ramsey Smith suggesting that the SFA knew fine well that the Tax due from the WTC was an OUTSTANDING tax debt.

  4. Delaneys Dunky on

    Sipsini

     

     

    I was getting on well wi a gorgeous Irish Colleen in Cosgroves on Saturday night. Thought I was in. The Guinness decided otherwise. I blame Pat and his son Mick for leading me astray. Hahaha

  5. Delaneys Dunky on 11th June 2018 9:53 pm

     

     

    apart from trying to get seats in the bars :-)))

     

     

     

    HH

  6. Hi Bhoys

     

     

    Re Armstrong going to England. Just read some english clubs interested in James Maddison at Norwich. He was on loan at Aberdeen and wasn’t a patch on Armstrong. They are valuing Maddison at £25 million.

     

    What’s Big Wavy worth then?

     

     

    KEEP THE FAITH

  7. Delaneys Dunky on

    Chairbhoy

     

     

    You want great talent like Stuart Armstrong in a Celtic team. He is my favourite current Celtic player. I want him to sign for 12 in a row. Like Tom Rogic did.

     

    YNWA

  8. TONYROME @ 10:11 PM,

     

     

    To me young Maddison looked exceptional at Aberdeen.

     

     

    Think he was only 19 at the time and lacked a bit of stature, but always looked up for it and always looked a great talent…

     

     

    Mind you I might be blinded by his sublime last minute free kick against the Sevcovians to bag three points;)

     

     

    Hail Hail

  9. DD

     

     

    Have to disagree.

     

    A long service medal is exactly that.

     

     

    GC played for a number of seasons at a higher class than SB at his best.

     

    He is to me the better player and played at a much higher level.

  10. GreeninbingleyinOslo on

    GLENDALYSTONSILS on 11TH JUNE 2018 8:49 PM

     

     

     

    I totally agree.

     

     

    Only solution if the Quiff goes is to coax Carlos Valderrama out of retirement or persuade Broonie to wear a Donald Trump wig.

  11. Delaneys Dunky on

    Madmitch

     

     

    Sorry but I have to disagree back. Danny McGrain, Paul McStay and Scott Brown are my 3 favourite Scottish Celtic players. I like Celtic players who are long servers to the Celtic cause.

  12. DELANEYS DUNKY @ 10:17,

     

     

    Glad you enjoyed Belfast… Although most of my genetic make up is from Ulster I’ve never been there:(

     

     

    Agreed I like Armstrong a lot, potentially a great player.

     

     

    But the fact is he hasn’t kicked on the way McGregor and Forrest has…

     

     

    Why? Not sure…

     

     

    Hope he signs a deal and proves me wrong but we need to strengthen the midfield

     

     

    We already have

     

     

    Rogic

     

     

    McGregor

     

     

    Kouassi

     

     

    Bitton

     

     

    We have

     

     

    Benyu

     

     

    Christie

     

     

    Morgan

     

     

    Allan

     

     

    Coming in/back

     

     

    Looking at the central position it needs sorting and despite that talent, arguably for Europe we need to strengthen there.

     

     

    If we keep Dembele and sign Eduardo could we play both – utilising one or t’uther as an number ten?!

     

     

    It needs sorting this summer, I’m sure your pal;) Brendan has his ideas…

     

     

    Like you, I hope they include Stuart…

     

     

    Hail Hail

  13. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    As weekends go,I’ve had worse!!!

     

     

    Outstanding company all round,from our initial meet with ONEMALLOY and his lovely bride,and a long overdue intro to RAYMAC and friends,a catch-up with friends old and new in The Short Strand-smashing to meet Roy Croppie’s lad too!-and of course our slurping Queen DENA29.

     

     

    Et al,et al.

     

     

    Blinking raging about a few taxi drivers though refusing to take us to Falls Road. That could have put a dampener on things.

     

     

    Didnae quite.

     

     

    And-a different taxi driver recognised my Dad earlier today and gave us a lift for free!!!!

     

     

    Also,huge HH to THE BEAR,Iain from Johnstone. Professional lurker. And his bro David. Get yer arses on here,lads.

     

     

    And another huge HH to Almore,Gearoid1998 and The Emerald Prince,16 Roads.

     

     

    Loved every minute,folks. Didnae much enjoy missing the tour though. Sorry about that-see above.

  14. I really enjoyed meeting the CQNer’s at the weekend. I don’t even drink in the afternoons. Delaney’s Donkey looked in fine fettle.I expected Almore to be bigger, ditto BMCUWP and Friesdorfer. They were just ordinary guys,not Superheroes (except for drinking Guinness). Meeting Dena was a joy.

     

    A guy called Joe was full of praise and admiration for the crew.

     

    Turned out Joe was steeped in Short Strand history.

     

    I was explaining some of it to Almore, about the gun battle at St Matthew’s and Billy McKee getting shot. He identifed the UVF sharpshooter at the time. I had to leave after another pint with him. I think I would still be there only I had the looming shadow of Mrs Ghadaffi over my shoulder.

     

    Then to top it,Delaney’s meets BR on the plane.

     

    If Carlsberg did weekends——–

  15. Armstrong doesn’t have the enthusiasm for Celtic. Last seasons mess with a one year extension just kicked the can down the road.

     

     

    He wants to leave for England to the highest bidder and maximise his persona; fortune. We should sell him now. No new contract withdraw it. We don’t need him

  16. Delaneys Dunky on

    Raymac

     

     

    Pleasure to meet you. Only meeting Brendan Rodgers today could have topped it.

     

    YNWA

  17. Ebonies Kouassi off accordng to tomorrow’s sun. Doesn’t specify if it’s on loan or permanent deal but teams in Belgium and France interested.

  18. BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 11th June 2018 10:45 pm

     

     

    Glad the taxi driver didn’t ruin the week-end :-)))

     

     

     

    RAYMAC

     

     

    Pleasure was all mine :-))

     

     

     

    HH

  19. Delaneys Dunky on

    CT

     

    Has J calmed doon fae flying home on the same plane as Brendan Rodgers today. My Ryan said, “bet that is the first time you have been on a plane with a Celtic manager.”

     

    My reply was that it was the first time I have shook the hand and had a blether with a Celtic manager. It was magical.

     

    YNWA

  20. Delaneys Dunky on 11th June 2018 11:28 pm

     

     

    Had a message from a friend Brendan visited him when in Belfast this weekend and photographed him on his mobility scooter

     

     

    he is now an honorary member of the scooter brigade ……..made his day

     

     

    Our manager is something else

     

     

    HH

  21. SA,

     

    If he is not totally committed to the cause (which I am not sure he is) Get rid.

     

    Calmac has more passion and a good few important goals in him.

     

    Not really bothered if SA stays or goes.Probably can go for me.Naw,make that gtf or prove you want to help ffs.

     

    nomoreprimadonascelticfc.com.

     

    HH

  22. DELANEYS DUNKY on 11TH JUNE 2018 11:28 PM,

     

     

    She’s calmed down to a riot but, is working tomorrow ?

     

     

    Was nice to see Brendan and Family slumming it with us….?

     

     

    I told J he would be on our flight to Glasgow and she went into B(Rendan)eatlemania Mode :-)

     

     

    And, all of a sudden, take off, flying, landing is nae bother cos Brendan’s on…..

     

     

    At least I didn’t need to wear the obligatory boxing gloves for take off…:-)

  23. Delaneys Dunky on

    CT

     

    Oor plane was never gonnae crash wi the Celtic manager on board. Brendan calmed my flying fear too. Our manager has magical powers. ????????

  24. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    CALTONTONGUES

     

     

    Agreed. SA is a tremendous player,no way could we replace him for the money we are likely to get.

     

     

    We play over 60 games a season,we need depth in our squad. Whether it’s to cover injuries,suspensions,loss of form,a crew of 11 regulars will not do.

     

     

    And if he can get himself fit,he’d be a first pick anaw.

  25. BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 11TH JUNE 2018 11:49 PM,

     

     

    Agree, but see this stuff, GTF?

     

     

    Not me or any fans I know.

     

     

    If the boy leaves, good luck to him.

     

     

    If he stays same thing, good luck.

     

     

    HH

  26. Delaneys Dunky on

    CT

     

    Feck the huns. They have made themselves deid and their resurrection kiddy on act are shite.

     

    Scotland’s Shame

  27. CALTONTONGUES

     

    Great minds and all that.

     

    If his heads elsewhere get rid.

     

    We do not really need him.

     

    In fact if he does not man up and commit sell him to some no mark english team where he will earn more money and vanish into the never to be remembered midfield obscurity of meaningless games with not one shot at glory.

     

    There has been a few.

     

    We should not be held to ransom by a mediocre footballer who might improve at Celtic.

     

    HH

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. 5
  7. 6