Those of us wanting to bury the memory of the January 2009 transfer window now have the opportunity. Summer 2018 eclipsed not paying £4m for an injury-prone Hibernian striker, while capturing Willo Flood in what appeared to be a reluctant afterthought, by some distance.
To wonder where it started to go wrong, we have to look back at this January’s window. Celtic knew Dedryck Boyata was about to enter the last year of his contract and had been unable to get him to sign a new deal. An acknowledgement was made that this summer was the right time to sell him, so the priority for January was to acquire a direct replacement.
To this end, Marvellous Marvin Compper (then 32) was recruited from Leipzig, where he had been completely out of the picture, having suffered an injury last summer. While Jack Hendry also joined the club in January, he was considered a player with development potential, it was believed Compper would slot straight into the role Boyata filled.
It took Brendan Rodgers 83 minutes to realise this was never going to be the case. The player made two 45 minute appearances in the previous six months, the most recent in September, and was well short of what was required at Celtic. Scouting opportunities must have been limited to reserve football, if that.
Having missed the target so badly in January we started this window playing catch-up. Dedryck was denied a transfer to Fulham, which would have been accepted if Marvin was up to the task. He is not the first Celtic central defender in recent years to declare himself unable to play because he wanted a move, but his agent threw the matter into the public domain. The goals we lost against AEK will hang over the player.
Hibs John McGinn joined Aston Villa when Celtic thought he was coming here. Brendan Rodgers made his displeasure known on the next three occasions he met the media, sparking a media feeding frenzy. Unlike Boyata, McGinn would not have made a difference to our Champions League qualification campaign, but we are short for backup in his central midfield space.
Deadline day started with nothing more than a training session planned at Celtic but Moussa Dembele threw a strop. Late the previous evening he used Twitter to imply he had been lied to, then liked a Tweet by Chris Sutton asserting he was having a go at the manager. Ironically, and before witnesses, a few hours later he told the manager no one had lied to him. We lost our best striker on deadline day without replacing him, and most fans were glad to see him off the premises.
Amid all of the angst, the almost forgotten fact is that this was the window we broke our transfer record fee for the first time in 18 years. Odsonne Eduard arrived for £9m from PSG, but as he was here on loan last season, so not an enhancement to the squad.
We lost Stuart Armstrong and Patrick Roberts ended his multi-year loan. Both played less prominent roles last season than earlier, so their departure will not weaken our first choice line-up, but limits options the manager has, when tactics, injuries and suspensions require a change.
Lewis Morgan arrived from St Mirren, while Daniel Arzani came in on a two year loan from Manchester City. Hopefully one or both can fit into the Roberts role. Youssouf Mulumbu was a player who begged the question, ‘How did he end up at Kilmarnock?’ last season. The player looks the genuine article, and at 31, is younger than others who have arrived late in their career and excelled, but it remains to be seen if he can deliver for Celtic.
With central defence looking as vulnerable as we have seen it in years, Filip Benkovic arrived on loan from Leicester City.
By any measure, this was not a good transfer window. Last season we were schooled in the Champions League, not just by PSG, but by Anderlecht, at home. Granted, we outplayed Anderlecht in Belgium, but when the Belgians replaced their manager, they looked streets ahead.
My hope was that we would do a fair amount of trading. Move on those who would produce high fees and acquire players who can immediately enhance the first team. This did not happen and players like John McGinn would make no difference.
Progress in football is never linear. We had two years of unparalleled domestic success and Champions League football, but are still largely playing with a squad Ronny Deila had. Only Ntcham and Edouard were added to Sunday’s team by Brendan Rodgers. In short, it is not only the last two windows we need to analyse critically, the squad stopped improving after Scott Sinclair arrived in 2016.
I am sure lessons have been learned at Celtic but doing something about it is not always straightforward. Our scouting and recruitment resources do not match our Champions League ambitions. My expectations are the wage bill will be eye-watering hits a new peak when we see the accounts, I don’t think we can safely overhaul the structure and, say, offer the £50k/week levels now standard in England, but there is money for transfer fees, as the accounts will also show.
Despite that critique of our scouting, we acquired Dembele, Edouard, Ntcham and Sinclair over a short period. We have a model that works for us, but not this time. It is perhaps a mercy that the Champions League music will be missing this season, as we are miles short of what is required.
Petrov v Milner
More positively, get along to see the Petrov Milner game on Saturday. You can indulge in watching many of the greatest who have worn Celtic shirts over the last two decades.
And you get to support your Foundation. Ticket’s here.
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Favourite Uncle
I have not been to BV or seen Richie in a fortnight. I understand from BT that you have left a generous gift for my mother. I thank you kindly for this very thoughtful gesture. Will see Richie soon.
Thanks again kind sir.
YNWA
Mon the Leeds ;))
DELANEYS DUNKY on 5TH SEPTEMBER 2018 6:32 PM
ok i promised you that a while ago but only just made it to GLASGOW at the weekend.
SKIBEREEN CSC.
Fanatic
There has to be more to that … let’s hear it.
There are a few Canadians that are not so nice …. But if had to have diner with a nasty Canadian, I would still probably choose Ms Evangelista over Stephen Harper or Doug Ford?
BRRB
Work not far from your Govanhill Paradise. Still get nosebleeds crossing the Clyde to the Sooside.
North West is the Best ;))
One bad transfer window…. lessons learned… don’t repeat the same mistakes next time round… we still have a great squad… last week-end showed the spirit in this team.. and club… onwards and upwards guys
MIKE IN TORONTO
I would rather not but if we ever meet i can tell you some situations i personally witnessed.
She may have once been pretty on the outside but was one of the ugliest human beings i’ve ever known.
MIT @ 6.41
Regarding the inhabitants of Canada — there you have it.
They are Pre-Trumpians of the worst kind — my thick colonial cousins.
The love affair with Rob Ford proved that
Come over all cuddly to the outside world while voting for any neo con reptile who will keep their taxes low and keep them in their 19th century mindset that they all want to wallow in.
MIT @ 6.41
Not every Canadian mind you — just enough to vote in a collection of political reptiles every decade or so.
Paul67 et al
Celtic FC were directly involved in the decision making process which led to chaos at Celtic Park on Sunday.
“Yesterday’s match was the first occasion which featured new segregation and access arrangements”, was a quote from Celtic’s second, not first, statement following the crushing in Janefield Street. However Celtic did not control London Road, or Springfield Road, PolceScotland did. Five supporters were injured but thousands were impacted, (…new segregation will impact on access especially at Lisbon Lions Stand, SLO release 1st September 2018). PoliceScotland claim that no gates were closed in Janefield Street before the match, and this at least is supported by some on here, but what about other gates, at the SE corner of the Lisbon Lions Stand? And what about the fact that the LL Stand does not just house the 7000 seats previously allocated to the opposition, but almost double that, everyone of which had their access restricted, and many of whom would have found themselves trapped in the North Stand tunnel. Thus far the response from both CFC and PoliceScotland have been totally inadequate but not to worry the truth is at hand;
“The Club and Police Scotland will advise of the outcome of this investigation once it is complete”
Looking for a wee bit of info guys.
Bought tickets today for the game on Saturday using the print at home choice.
Previously I’ve used it and the ticket download arrives just after the confirmation email, but today just the confirmation email arrived. Just wondered if anyone on here has had a similar experience? Cheers.
Paul67
I was hoping for a window into the stratagem behind Celtics scouting and transfer policy.
Let’s start with Comper.
Who initially suggested him as a target?
Who scouted him and watched him ? Was he watched in a live match?If so ,how often and against what standard of opposition?
Who did his medical? What importance was given to his recent injury record?
Who has the final say on signing him.
Who is working on replacements for the better players that we have that will attract interest?
What effect has the failed window had on PL & BR’s relationship?
What is going to change?
What does DD have to say about it all?
I suspect BR is for the off ,as soon as a decent offer falls on his lap.
He didn’t look very happy at the post match presser after Beautiful Sunday IMHO.
He was almost bristling.
TT
Madmitch
As much as Canada has changed, and not for the better, it’s international influence has waned dramatically such that we now are really just the flea on the tail of the dog….but, I agree that Canada has, like so many places, shifted to the right…
Justin’s father must be turning in his grave at the thought of it. He wouldn’t recognize the Liberals of today as being even similar to the party he led. I would opine that the Liberals Party of today is even more right wing than the Conservatives Pierre fought against.
Hell, if Sweden can vote in a right wing government (which could happen this week), anything can happen.
Scary.
Without dissecting the already maligned specifics, but with the insight of 30 years working within the constraints and structures of corporate strategies, the incompetence and failure of the last window would have seen sackings galore in my own industry. Shambolic doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Buy a season book, buy an overseas season ticket, buy merchandise, buy hospitality, buy, buy, buy. And yet we couldn’t see McGinn in the door, a player who Brendan repeatedly stated he wanted, an understudy for Broony and a future automatic first pick and vice-captain when Broony transitions into a coaching role. Arzani not fit for the EL? Our loan CB already stating he may be going back to his club in January? Rubs forehead in despair.
Well, I won’t be buying anymore till I see what comes out of the “enclave” to rectify the embarrassing executive malfeasance of the last year.
Happy clappers can kiss my outdated, last season’s merchandise.
Lurking huns GIRUYs
SCB
Great to see you on here again.
Have Celtic made a statement yet, on the Alan McGregor whitewash by the SFA/SPFL. It is ok to stud an opponent now. The money I spend on Celtic is about to decrease rapidly too.
Scunnered McScunnered fae Scunneredland.
YNWA
Hrvatski
How are you, my friend?
Seamus and I are enjoying a few days away at the cottage. Lovely and serene.
Magnus M-B is in TO in a few weeks for a talk/fundraiser. Quite looking forward to it.
southside
Received Confirmation first, sale details etc. followed some time after by Ticket email with attachments etc.
You should be ok!
Hail Hail
05/09
A Young lad named John Thomson,
From the west of Fife he came,
To play for Glasgow Celtic,
And to build himself a name.
On the fifth day of September,
‘gainst the Rangers club he played,
From defeat he saved the Celtic,
Ah but what a price he paid.
The ball rolled from the centre,
Young John ran out and dived,
The ball rolled by; young John lay still,
For his club this hero died.
I took a trip to Parkhead,
To the dear old Paradise,
And as the players came out,
Sure the tears fell from my eyes.
For a famous face was missing,
From the green and white brigade,
And they told me Johnny Thomson,
His last game he had played.
Farewell my darling Johnny,
Prince of players we must part,
No more we’ll stand and cheer you,
On the slopes of Celtic Park.
Now the fans they all are silent,
As they travel near and far,
No more they’ll cheer John Thomson,
Our bright and shining star.
So come all you Glasgow Celtic,
Stand up and play the game,
For between your posts there stands a ghost,
Johnny Thomson is his name.
CELTIC MAC
sure you’re right, it’s just that I’d rather avoid the life sapping experience that is dealing with the ticket office!
SINCITYB,,
Why don’t you offer your services to Celtic.
My grandad told me that the day John Thomson died, English career died.
He was at the fateful match.
Broony is my favourite Fifer apart from my son. John Thomson and George Connelly were two tragedies Fay Fife for different reasons.
YNWA
Ron Bacardi
Celtic could not afford Sin City Bhoys fee.
We are a cheapskate poorly run PLC now.
YNWA
Should add that Tiny Tim is one of my favourite Fifers too.
YNWA
MADMITCH,
Why dont you take over the blog.You are a fekin fount of knowledge on all things.Even CEO at Celtic seems well within your grasp.Your summing up of the squad,would even worry Brendan.CEO,MANAGER,they are all there just waiting for your expert touch.It amazes me,how such a hard ass ruthless business man like DD cannotsee that PL is a dud.Obviously has not heard of you.I am positive you could improve on,record turnover,record sponsorship deals,record share price,record transfer fee recieved,record transfer fee paid,record invincible season,record double treble season,around £80 million will have been brought into the club from European participation,from this,and past 2 seasons.
At least give PL a call and tell him where he is going wrong.
Well thats a strong statement regards the Mc Gregor kick.
“Just glad our player was not injured.Surprised at the decision.”
Disgraceful,if thats all we can muster,and let an assistant handle the question.Seeing as he is at whatever position he is holding at the SFA,a clear and scathing statement from PL would have been the least required.
Just WTF are we frightened off.
so happy. I am undoubtedly the happiest of clappers after Sunday. However I do feel we will look back at this window as a pivot. Which way it’ll go I don’t know, I do know BR is a very good manager.
BSR
Is it not from the Wellesley Fife he came.
Rangers admit they are “surprised” and “disappointed” following the outcome of Lee Wallace and Kenny Miller’s disciplinary appeal
Hi Mike
I had a bout of shingles but am just about over it now. Wasn’t a pleasant experience.
It affected my head,forehead and right eye. NATO and the World Health Organization declared my Glasgow Kisses as weapons of biological warfare for a week.
I missed a couple of games at Celtic Park as I was contagious.
Anyway,back to almost normal this week and looking forward to going to the Mary’s Meals event on Sunday
Seamus must be getting close to full size soon. Hope that he still has you well trained.
Catch up soon.
Ooooooh , Canada.
Garnering the international respect it deserves.
https://uwm.edu/lgbtrc/support/gender-pronouns/
Thank God for Jordan Peterson .
Internationally respected.
Turkeybhoy,
Ok put on your celtic pjs it’s time for your bed.
Celtic underground have a good article dissecting Lawwells failures over the years on transfers.
Lawwell is damaging the club and if he does not go Brendan walks.
It’s a no brainier to move a CEO well past his sell by date into a ( well deserved ) retirement.
It’s disappointing P67 cannot look beyond his Lawwell interests and take on an objective critique of Lawwell. It’s his blind spot.
Fool Time Whistle: Very good summary of what has happened within the Catholic Church ( but sadly, other parts of society also).
Despite the abusers and those who covered up for them, there were/are many good people who tried/try to live the faithful life they aspire(d) to.
If Ireland is anything to go by, the future of all faiths depends very much on accepting responsibility for the scandals of the past and returning to a true vision of Christian faith.
All in my humble opinion, of course.
A wee tune for tonight Shug Cornwall Mariachi style.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zy8Y3R4dXyc
Fanatic
Sorry. Missed your reply earlier. Always up for some good gossip about a supermodel. Hopefully we can meet up next time you are in TO.
Hrvatski
Sorry to hear you aren’t feeling well. But glad you were on the mend. At least if you had to miss a game, probably best to miss one against a rubbish new team.
Was in the hospital last week myself, which is why I took this week off to recharge. Bit of a cancer scare, but fortunately everything seems to be okay.
Mike
That must have been such a big worry for you. Glad that the news is good.
I am settling down for the night now as I am still recovering my full strength but will be in touch with you shortly.
Jim
Good Canadians : Terrence and Phillip
Bad Canadians : Justin Beiber
Why don’t those who have no time or respect for Paul67 go to another blog or create one of their own?
We had a day or two of peace after we won on Sunday despite the hopes of the mineshafters. Today we are back to what passes for normal on CQN these days. Sad.
Hrvatski/Big Packie
A recent picture of Seamus Larsson
https://ibb.co/kZBALK
CorkCelt
Nice to hear from you Tone.
Yes, absolutely Wellesley Fife he came
Was out and my friend reminded me of the date and the song came into my head, Google did the rest.
I’ve been to Cardenden cemetery a few times and the great mans graveside is a very humbling experience.
Hail Hail