In a busy transfer window, Celtic signed nine new players and sold four from the first team squad. Central defence saw two planned arrivals: Maik Nawrocki (22) and Gustaf Lagerbielke (23), and the departure of Carl Starfelt (28). Starfelt’s two-year partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers was remarkably successful. They only once experience defeat in a domestic game when paired together and that was after extra-time.
There are great hopes for Nawrocki and Lagerbielke but injuries to the former, as well as Carter-Vickers, saw emergency loanee Nat Phillips (26) arrive from Liverpool. Nat and Gustav will be at the heart of the defence when we open for Champions League duty next week, barring further drama!
The wings saw Jota (24) leave for Arabia for an eye-watering £25m, pushing through the ceiling established by Kieran Tierney. Sead Haksabanovic (24) went on load to Stoke. One was always first choice; one was always a late throw of the dice. Some of Jota’s goals were of a standard we have not seen at Celtic in many years, he scored in big games too and is a player you will talk about for decades.
Three wingers came in. Hyun-jun Yang (21) arrived from Korea and has made the biggest impact so far, which is remarkable for one so young and so far from home. It is clear he enjoys taking-on a defender and is someone who will make things happen.
Australian Marco Tilio (21) came in early in the window, but injury means he has still to make his debut. Like Yang, he mostly plays on the right. On the left, Ecuadorian Luis Palma (23) came in late August, too soon to be involved at the weekend, but he is fit and ready for action. The fee paid for Luis was a just a shade below the €5m top figure we paid this window for Nawrocki. An indication, perhaps, that he is most likely to fill the Jota shaped hole.
Central mid saw the retirement of Aaron Mooy (32). He was with us for only a season, during which he was injured for a lengthy period and benched for many games, he nonetheless left an important gap in the squad.
In came Norwegian Odin Thiago Holm (20), the youngest of the signings. At this age, Odin’s best position is still under review. I expect to see him tried in the box-to-box role as well as in a more advanced position, if not eventually moving back, as his captain did.
So far, the most apt observation I have for Odin is ‘attitude’. He is here to make an impact and wasted no time at Ibrox on Sunday. Moments after he arrived, he carried the ball 15 yards before getting a shot on target. The early signs are encouraging.
Can we do another ‘Jota’ on Benfica? Paulo Bernardo (21) came in on a loan-with-option-to-buy deal. Celtic were very keen to get this one over the line. Like Jota two years ago, the club sees a high upper potential here.
The one player who looks like a punt in the dark is Hyeok-kyu Kwon (22). The defensive mid joins after making an impact in the Korean second tier. Callum McGregor is perhaps the fittest player we have ever had at Celtic. Kwon may have a frustrating wait, alongside Tomoki Iwata, for gametime.
We are familiar seeing Celtic sub out both wingers during the game, with Maeda, Palma, Abada, Yang, Tilio and Forrest, this will continue. It is more common to swap out only one central mid. With Hatate, O’Riley, Turnbull, Holm, Bernado all available to fill the two slots in front of Callum McGregor, this is about to change.
Coaches are still getting their heads around how best to use their five substitute options. Throwing on two fresh wingers after an hour and a change of striker was the first iteration of change. Expect experimentation in the middle of the park this season.
By any measure, the success of this transfer window has yet to be determined – it is truly insane to suggest otherwise (apologies to the many who left a self-identifier to this effect). I hear very, very, good things about Nawrocki. Holm, Bernardo, Tilio, Yang, Palma and Lagerbielke were all top targets, which is preferable to sliding down the list in the final days.
We took in around £30m and spent an estimated £19m on transfer fees. Wage packets for the arrivals will be heavier than the leavers took home. This is your annual reminder that wages and transfer spend both come out of income, feel free to howl disagreement in the direction of the moon.
If we wanted to just compete with Newco, like them, we would have signed players in their mid-20s, less risky but with less potential. If, however, we want to make significant leaps forward in Europe, we need to follow another route.
Find, sign and develop players with high upper potential. Get them in the team, improve them and if you get it right, you have a chance. This is the only game in town for Celtic, we are wasting opportunity doing anything else.
It is clear what Celtic tried to achieve in this window. We have established a recruitment model that brought players from across the globe. We offer first-team domestic and Champions League football to players in their early 20s. Our pitch is that they get to earn well, win trophies and have a platform to hopefully build a great career.
There will be Kilmarnock-shaped bumps along the way. We need to be able to cope with them without self-indulgent flagellation. Football fans have been coping with defeats since the game began, don’t lose sight of this among all our silverware, it’s not a good look.
Neither is the invective expressed because we didn’t strengthen every position. This never happens – anywhere! One more thought. This is an easy article to write after Sunday, when pennies dropped across the country. The window would have been no less valid had the Roofe ‘goal’ been permitted and the result gone the other way.
Watch across the city as fans tear their club apart. Football is a more difficult business than any of the experts who have achieved nothing in the game believe. If you think spending money on a player is an absolutely obvious thing for Celtic to do, and you know we have the money, but that deal does not happen, it is not because you are wise, and Celtic are led by fools. It might just be that you are missing insight (I’m being very polite here).
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BURNLEY78 on 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023 10:48 PM
Bada Bing
Ref Kyogo and CCV leaving and needing replaced.
Before I was critical of those making any signings I would ensure I had a few alternative ideas I would think were better…..otherwise any critique from me would be vacuous. Especially if those players signed have not even been given the chance to show their capability.
A non answer from the Dispatch Box,you’re always challenging guys to name players,who we might need,when the Club have professional staff to do that.
MODERATOR67 on 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023 10:57 PM
Tontine Tim and various other posters, the post referred to has been noted
*Thanks and lets NOT give those creeps any more oxygen
https://youtu.be/S3BR_xPf830?feature=shared
This is brilliant.
The sound of the ball hitting the net?
Over and over?
Sweet.
Good night all
Hello again all you young rebels
From a beautiful sunny Melbourne.
Great result for our ghirls last night and another day of
depression for der hun 🤣
Think I’ll wear my wee princess,s pink Celtic top today
on my trip to the shopping mall.
Just in case there’s lurkin Huns in the crowd.
H H. Mick
All the best Ron.
Post should not just be noted.Deleted.He dipped his toe in the water,or in his case,probably sewage,then came in full tilt a bit later.GHTF,vermin.
Just reading back now, so best of luck Ron. 👍
H H. Mick
Fully fit and match fit Celtic have a more than decent squad of players for the challenges ahead. With Brendan et al at the helm, and the collective coaching ability that surrounds him we may well surprise not just ourselves but others at what we might be capable of achieving at home and even in Europe. Think about having CCV, Acker, Rocky, Nat and indeed Liam available as centre backs, four full backs counting Liam again, a midfield where Brendan is spoiled for choice, and Sunday’s front three, Liel’s confidence boosted, capable of putting defences on the back foot, Yang and Palma waiting in the wings, and the hope that a fully committed Oh will bring something different. And a very special influence in Joe Hart. Disappointed? Not this supporter.
all the best fellow Tradamus Lampadian
Oh, and this is the other oh I’m using here….
If a new poster wants to use the legal lingo…..
but he does not appear to use the lexicon which applies in our jurisdiction…
then, he or she, should be either ignored or treated with utmost circumspection
Circumspection? Now there’s a word that make even me circumspect….
Even if I wasn’t the er plaintiff
Moderator.
Noted,but still there.how they love success like that Mod.
Who is sycamore?
Who is Timforlife?
Who is hoophoophooray?
Who is cloud9
Well you did ask a few weeks back bout the switcheroo’s were? I take it that is folk you have email to that isnt a banger? ie old monikers with a wee refresh on their(prev) name.
=======
Anyways Mod sent you an e-mail 3 days ago,if you can drop an answer please👍
HH
Tontine Tim, re your post earlier regarding supporters of other teams having previously graced this site…there was one particular Rangers fan on here, and for the life of me I cannot recall his blog name…really nice guy, very engaging, would understandably drop off for a while before and after games v Rangers, maybe about 12-15 years ago now, always honest and up front but never nasty. Name maybe started with a U, but that could just be my memory playing tricks…
Anyone remember who I’m thinking of?
Got it…Edward Ursus…just came to me in a flash…weird how your memory can play mindgames with you…!
Interesting, if rather patronising, article on the transfer window. A few considerations are missing for me.
Requirements – we have listed and described those players signed. I’m not sure this is the correct angle, the correct starting point. I believe we should firstly consider what was needed. Did we fill the most crucial positions? Bit of a mixed bag for me. Some excellent signings, many in the positions we needed filled. There are still a few gaps. They have been well debated on here so I’ll stop there.
Timing – the transfer window opens and closes. When did we get the players needed? Did we lose any crucial games before the majority of our signings were completed? Has the squad had time to train together, to gel? Previously, European qualifiers have been our main consideration.
The window, in its entirety gets an 8 out of 10 for me. I like the loan deal from Liverpool.
It is my opinion that the team which started the season was weaker than that which finished last season.
Last seasons team won a treble, this included winning every league Cup game they played. This seasons team lost every league Cup game they played.
The ibrox game was brilliantly superb. Heroic performances and a game we’ll reference come May.
A lead article which sets out to insult other posters can only encourage more insults throughout the pages. Disappointing.
Good morning all from another fine, dry, sunny (soon to be 24 degrees) Garngad.
Ron B – Keep on fighting pal, I need you at these shipwreck meetings to control that BRRB.
See you soon buddy
D :)
BIGRAILROADBLUES on 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023 2:48 PM
Jimmy
https://youtu.be/4JIq8Zn0AJE?si=Hs38uhmdy6xPzyzp
……………..
GREAT Song….but the SINGER/DRUMMER could be RISHI SUNAKS ” STUNT DOUBLE” !
LOL
HH
RON BACARDI on 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023 8:02 PM
BRRB and AT
Many thanks for the well wishes, much appreciated.
I am as well as can be, still having pain which limits my mobility at the moment but the doctors are not giving up and I start a course of chemo next week which will take me into February next year.
I aim/hope to be able to travel and get to the Shipbank before the end of the year.
……………..
Yer some Man.
All the Bhoys from the SHIPBANK look forward to seeing you again.
All the best my friend B.
HH Mate.
BIGRAILROADBLUES on 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023 7:35 PM
I’ve been talking to myself for years. And I’m quite content.
………………
Who asked you anyway ?
LOL
HH
Edward Ursula was a gentleman. He left when some with their own problems started to abuse him. Not our finest moment, I hope he has found a mellow bluenose site and is getting used to being second best.
Ps loved the leader. Nit sure how taking the piss out of panty wetters and our own version of, I will be kind and say unrealistic, is patronising but it is fun. Hail hail
BACK TO BASICS – GLASS HALF FULL on 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023 11:28 PM
https://youtu.be/S3BR_xPf830?feature=shared
This is brilliant.
The sound of the ball hitting the net?
Over and over?
Sweet.
…………….
I think the Huns support were in the middle of their disgusting ” BOUNCY DITTY”, when Matt OOR headed the ball forward to Kyogo……and in an instant it was ” The Sound of Silence”…
MAGIC !
Watch oot for the KYOGO Man….He strikes like a VIPER……..Hes highly dangerous.
LOL
HH
MOR….Not OOR.
Good morning CQN.
Hope all on here have a great day.
This morning, officially, I am starting to get “international break antsy”.
Apparently a common complaint whereby ….
…. the normal rhythms in-between matches
– discussing previous game (3-4 days)
– mild diversion to bigger picture (1-2 days)
– getting excited for next game (2-3 days)
Get badly disrupted.
Edward Ursus: much missed contributor to this site. Hope he is happily contributing elsewhere.
Good morning all from Govanhill. Another lovely day in old Glasgow Town. And still celebrating……
Uncle jimmy 6.34
A lead article which sets out to insult other posters can only encourage more insults throughout the pages. Disappointing.
Sound observation Uncle Jimmy
Tauranga bhoy.
Edward Ursus was a gentleman,long gone of these pages.
HH
It really does help to talk to yourself when on CQN.
Especially when you need expert advice.😀😀😀
Morning hoops, after a wee bit of help. We have booked up to go to Rotterdam and now the issue of tickets!!! Has anyone looked in to it, even in with the home support etc. Any suggestions, much appreciated. Email address is kevcbhoy88@yahoo.co.uk if anyone wants to reach out this ways. Cheers
Greenpinata 9.04
I find it therapeutic. 😂
BIGRAILROADBLUES on 6TH SEPTEMBER 2023 2:48 PM
Jimmy
https://youtu.be/4JIq8Zn0AJE?si=Hs38uhmdy6xPzyzp
……………..
GREAT Song….but the SINGER/DRUMMER could be RISHI SUNAKS ” STUNT DOUBLE” !
……………….
CORRECTION…
NOT the singer/Drummer…
The SINGER/KEYBOARD PLAYER could be RISHI SUNAKS ” STUNT DOUBLE” !
Im a Chump sometimes.
VIAPLAY Tonight…
FRANCE v REP of IRELAND.
Likewise Tomorrow night…
CYPRUS v SCOTLAND.
RON BACARDI
Hope your treatment goes well!
Best wishes and God bless!
The issue facing Brendan when every player is available, which won’t be for a while yet, will be what is our best 11.
Rather him than me.
Edward Ursus was an excellent contributor to the site.
A very fair minded guy with a good knowledge of football.
I think he stopped posting after the liquidation?
Complete opposite of the types from the other side who have infested the site from time to time more recently.
Best wishes to Ron Bacardi.
Cloud9
There is a popular and recurring CQN meme shared by quite a number of posters, “what’s all this money in the bank for –
====
That is only 1 of at least 10 memes I mentioned on SC along with a suggestion for getting clarity from Celtic as to their accuracy using a process introduced prior to last AGM.
I wrote
Observing the debate during the window I was aware of a number of meme’s being used to support the comments made and I think a starting point would be identify them as a basis for putting questions to Celtic before the next AGM in a month or two, using the same process SC used last year to raise questions about refereeing.
https://sentinelcelts.com/2022/10/16/calling-out-the-refereeing-cabal/
(That question was not answered at the last AGM but it did reach The Company Secretary and one question would be asking for an answer at The next AGM.)
Back to meme’s and why I think it is important they be addressed using this definition that struck me as being at the heart of the misalignment (” Our aims clearly do not align.” ) between The Board and the support.
meme : an element of a culture or system of behaviour passed from one individual to another by imitation or other non-genetic means.
The key bit for me is that meme’s survive best in a culture and this other definition refers to the culture dish in which meme’s grow.
” an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically humorous in nature, that is copied and spread rapidly by internet users, often with slight variations.”
Off the top of my head and in no priority here are memes that fertilise the culture of misalignment and need questioning at AGM in order to begin a process to change what is an unhealthy division between The Board and the Support.
1. Celtic do nothing about referees.
2. Celtic want to keep RFC Ltd alive
3. Celtic have loads of money and will not spend enough to raise the standards of play.
4. The Profit arising goes into DD’s pocket
5 Peter Lawwell interferes in the recruitment process and is reason for 2 and 3.
6. Michael Nicholson is not his own man.
7. BR has no say in the recruitment of players.
8. The recruitment process does not take sufficient account of footballing requirements in assessing a player’s value to Celtic.
9. Anyone who suggests the Board are not totally blameless and seeks answers is a Happy Clapper, who ignores the memes the culture encourages.
10. What is the point of making the effort to change, resistance is futile.
If folk can think of more then please add them or improve my expression of the memes, with aim of formulating questions to be put to Celtic via Compushare to try and get answers. If nothing else making the effort should make Celtic think what they can do to change the unhealthy culture that stops Celtic being all the can be.
This is the announcement from last years AGM.
To AGM 4th November, 2022 (11:30)
(Items to be submitted 24 hours earlier.)
“Shareholders are reminded that they can contact the Company at any time during the year with questions or suggestions via http://www.investorcentre.co.uk/eproxy.
Further, shareholders are again welcome to submit questions in advance of the AGM via this email address, which the Board will endeavour to address at the AGM. “
Use it or lose it,
I should now add the Rangers reached a UEFA final meme that ignores the well made point it was the EL and my observation during that run to the final is not one team they played had a stand out player that would have caused them difficulty and if they did, they were injured.
EL is our level but it’s all change next season and there is a new realistic level to aspire to.
Auldheid – brilliant
Re Edward Ursus ….
I wonder if P67 has details for him and could persuade him back?
I enjoyed robust debates with Teddy Bear at that time.
A minority were abusive, a tiny minority were very abusive.
I hope I wasn’t one of them. Others can judge.
To GGH’s point about Edward Ursus being a gentleman …
… I agree completely and, frankly, I struggled to figure him out as a result.
Quite literally – I had never encountered a R@ngers supporter like him before.
My experience of even the respectable ones?
Strip away the veneer and the underlying heart of a supremacist is exposed.
Maybe that says something about them
Maybe it says something about me.
🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
BRRB yesterday at 7.20 pm .
Dotters ? 🤪