I’m pretty sure Players’ Player of the Year rules oblige nominees to come from more than one club, allowing players the opportunity to vote for at least one opponent, instead of a team-mate. That being the case, we will probably see a token Aberdeen player on the list alongside the Celtic nominees.
This award, voted by the professionals, has been dominated by Celtic players for a lot longer than the league title itself. Di Canio, McNamara, Larsson (twice), Viduka, Sutton, Hartson, Maloney, Namakura, McGeady, Brown, Izaguirre, Mulgrew, Commons, Johansen and Griffiths make an incredible 16 Celtic winners in the last 20 years.
The current holder missed the chance of defending his title after an early season injury kept him out of the team, then the irrepressible form of Moussa Dembele made Leigh’s chances of a sustained run unlikely.
Moussa, alongside Kieran Tierney, are likely to be nominated for both Player and Young Player of the Year. Stuart Armstrong’s late season form may see him nominated, while Tom Rogic’s early season form deserves a shout, but all electorates have notoriously short memories, so Stuart stands a better chance than Tom.
Scott Sinclair has been the transformational element in Scottish football this season. His speed of thought and control are exceptional. He was the player who Celtic battered defences into submission early in the season as Celtic picked up from some nervy European qualification performances, and transformed into a well-oiled machine.
Scott’s performances in his debut season in Scottish football reminds me of a former PotY winner’s debut season. Both arrived as support forwards in their mid 20s. They share the same speed of thought. This instant the ball arrives(d) in their vicinity, the next phase is already underway.
I remember commenting during the season that stopped the 10 that Henrik Larsson was “precious” to Celtic. It was clear he was having a huge impact on the team, but Jackie McNamara and Craig Burley outshone him for many as they picked up the Players’ and Writers’ trophies respectively that season. Henrik’s true talent was still unfolding.
Scott Sinclair’s impact this season has been no less precious. For me he is the stand out Player of the Year. Oh, and the nomination from Aberdeen, I suppose it has to be Ryan Christie, who steadied a stuttering Dons team and helped secure what will surely be second place.
Join prodigious Celtic writer, Paul John Dykes, at the launch of Tom Campbell’s new book, Bobby Evans, Celtic’s forgotten hero, at the Admiral Bar, this Thursday, 6 April, at 7pm. You get register and find all details here.
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Just say that YOU BELIEVE CHRIST DIED to take away EVERY Sin.
It Brings Peace to the Nightmare.
If we played Man Ure over 2 legs just now, we would beat them
Sheep win 1-0
CRC: Can you text me please? I seem to have deleted your number.
It surely isn’t the case that Lee McCulloch has been lined up as number 3 to the new Rangers manager. But has been told to stay in charge of Kilmarnock until after tomorrow’s game against Rangers to ensure a favourable result for the Ibrox club.
Tomorrow’s result and the subsequent appointment of an ex Rangers player as assistant will let us know. . .
TCC- guess work?
What has Brendan been saying about our relationship with Sevco?
Is he saying that they are “the benchmark”? Surely no’!
Scrolling back it sounds as if Ernie has honoured me with an abusive post, can’t find it so I assume it has fallen foul of the Moderators.
A pity that as I don’t know what he said I can’t respond, anyway to more important matters glad to see the Sheep win tonight, they are on a bloody good run,
The Huns now have 2 gaps to worry about.
The_ Huddle
Was it your good self at the weekend who highlighted Manure’s abysmal home league record and tipped the draw tonight?
If so….Thanks! Handy with Aintree looming!
The most expensively assembled squad in football history has scored less home league goals than relegation-threatened Hull this season.
No way, Jose!
BOGNORBHOY on 4TH APRIL 2017 7:49 PM
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my Bhoy, Wee BGFC. He’ll chase that up in the morning again – he’s been on to the CFC ticket office, and the box office, on a daily basis, but no joy yet.
We’ll be up in Dingwall whether or not we get tickets in advance – we always put our faith in the Big Man to deliver two tickets in to our hands [ although he seems to take the day off when we go to Hertz :-) ].
HH pal.
And Hail Hail to Favourite Uncle of you are looking in – just read back and saw the offer of breakfast if me and the gang are down in York again – very kind offer, and much appreciated.
HH
BGFC
if=of
BLACKBERRY SMOKE
Rock & Roll Again – nice ;-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OXaiILmvYE
HH
BGFC
Tom Rogic back tomorrow night
The poor will be sacrificed.
That’s the plan.
It’s working.
MWD
TOM ROGIC will return Celtic tonight after almost four months out with injury with Brendan Rodgers claiming his player could be one of the best midfielders in Europe.
The Australian has not played since December 17 because of an ankle injury which required an operation but he will start on the bench for this evening’s Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match against Partick Thistle at Parkhead.
Rogic, 24, was playing the best football of his career before awkwardly catching his ankle in a match with Dundee.
Despite Celtic’s continued cruise to their sixth title in a row, which was achieved at Tynecastle on Sunday, he has been a miss and Rodgers is delighted one of his favourites is available again.
“The magic man is back – what a player. What an amazing player,” said the Celtic manager. “I think he can grow into one of the top midfielders in Europe.
“You saw him grow in the Champions League. You saw him against Manchester City and just purred at his quality. There was a big disappointment when he got injured because the week building up to it he was amazing.
“Top players know where there space is and he’s as good as any I’ve seen at finding space. What he needed to do was gain intensity and strength, and gain more end product and he did all of that up until he got injured. He’s a great boost for us in this last ten games.
“I really mean it when I say he can be one of the top players in Europe. That’s what he can develop into – there’s no doubt he’s top class.
“He’s a good boy too and devoted to his profession. He’s a key player for us.”
Kolo Toure, the veteran defender, might stay on at Celtic after the end of this season as a coach.
The 35-year-old’s family is settled in Scotland and while he hasn’t played so much this season, his influence in the dressing room and on the training pitch has been huge.
Rodgers revealed the centre-half has been heavily involved with the coaching and the two will hold talks about what the future holds.
“Kolo and I will sit down and see what he’s thinking,” said Rodgers. “He’s still on the winning teams every day in training and looks after his body as you saw with his chest on Sunday. He’s in good nick.
“It maybe took him a bit longer to warm-up than he used to but you can’t underestimate his influence. He’s highly respected because of his achievements but also because of how he handles himself. He’s a great role model.
“I brought him in to get us through the Champions league group phase and then help out with others. He gives Scott Brown some support and he loves it up here. His family have settled into life in Scotland.
“We’ll discuss the next phase of his career soon but I know he’s very keen on the coaching side. He sits in on all our meetings and is gaining experience. In terms of all the planning we do he’s in on that and getting an idea how you plan and prepare your work.
“That’s invaluable for him and he’s been great for me.”
Have the meek inherited the earth yet?
MWD
Any news on who will be Stupid FC’s new 3rd couch?
MWD
Gary67 on 4th April 2017 11:06 pm
Tom Rogic back tomorrow night.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Fingers crossed.
He is one of the most unique Talents. Just a shame he was kicked out of the game – only Scotland.
BIG JIMMY on 4TH APRIL 2017 1:20 PM
My dear Sir.
That is one hell of a powerful argument.
Stuart and Tom in the same midfield.
Quality.
Congrats to the diddy Ronny Deila on his 100% winning record on his return to Norwegian football :-)
BGFC
You will get a couple of Ross County home tickets no problem. The RC fans will give you and the wee man no hassle. Friendly mob when I watched us and celebrated our win in their main stand next to their directors. :)
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 4TH APRIL 2017 11:45 PM
Congrats to the diddy Ronny Deila on his 100% winning record on his return to Norwegian football :-)
=======================================================
Delighted for Ronny that he has found his level.
SFTB
I like the sound of Master Bates and Master Beerman in the hun defence.
A brewer and a winker?
Macjay
“Delighted for Ronny that he has found his level.”
How much differnce is there between UEFA’s rating of the SPFL and their rating of the Tippelega?
No googling now
Did anyone tell Summa that wee Sheena is coming to the London West End Stage soon?
He could be her new Prince :-)
Macjay
Get yer claws in.
The bulk of this squad were RD signings.
Maybe he had an eye for a player but couldnae coach them effectivley like Brendan obviously can. I will always be fond of Ronny for his success at Celtic. He deserves respect I feel.
HH
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 5TH APRIL 2017 12:07 AM
Dinnae ken.
Google?
You mean wiki ?
:-)
GARY67
Rogic, 24, was playing the best football of his career before awkwardly catching his ankle in a match with Dundee.
Who wrote that report?
O’Dea crocked him.
DELANEYS DUNKY on 5TH APRIL 2017 12:11 AM
I responded to SFTB , mate.
I didn`t initiate.
And I virtually quoted Ronny.
I found it painful to watch someone who was patently not up to the job.
He did his best but it was unkind to allow him to continue for two years.
Very expensive years. To our club and our ambitions.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/15181633.EXCLUSIVE__Ronny_Deila_on_his_new_normal_in_Norway_and_the_fear_of_failure_which_afflicted_his_time_at_Celtic/?ref=rss
Vale Bhoy
D O’Dea did crock TR.
I would sign Darren again for Celtic.
We need a no nonsense enforcer to help protect our fitba players on the pitch.
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 5TH APRIL 2017 12:08 AM
Did anyone tell Summa that wee Sheena is coming to the London West End Stage soon?
He could be her new Prince :-)
———————————————————————————————————-
I think that at one stage they were winchin`.
:-)
C`mon , Summa.
Fess up.
MacJay
I feel Ronny deserves more respect for his achievements than brickbats for his failures.
It is close mind you. :))
DELANEYS DUNKY on 5TH APRIL 2017 12:23 AM
I think that is the role planned for Kouassi Eboue .
But he`ll have to learn some subtlety.
DELANEYS DUNKY on 5TH APRIL 2017 12:26 AM
Mate.
I spent two years feeling sorry for the guy.
Honestly.
And two years being annoyed that the Board couldn`t see the bleeding obvious.
Square go embdy?
MacJay
How many Lisbon Lions could handle themselves in a square go?
The game has changed, but we need more dig and fight among our beautiful, technically superb fitba players that Brendan encourages. Refs don’t protect our skill on the ball, so we must fight back with one or two Bertie Auld, Tommy Gemmell types. :))