Treble talk, farewell Big Mike

Talk of trebles can disappear over the space of 90 minutes, and Ronny Deila will be forced to learn new patter if his team cannot regain the edge which was lost on Wednesday night at Celtic Park.  The challenge will be all the greater for the absence of cup-tied Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven, with others, including Kris Commons and Emilio Izaguirre.

Dundee United have fallen apart in the last few weeks, the departure of Armstrong and Mack-Steven has probably had something to do with this, which means they will be hurting.  Make no mistake, Celtic harmed their season by signing their best two players five weeks ago.  United will have an edge to them.

Just loving the celebrations that one of the world’s richest 400 people no longer controls a Scottish football club.  He still controls pretty much all profitable revenue streams, and holds security over assets, but he’ll no longer be asked to provide loan players, or loan cash.  They have swapped an ‘off the radar’ wealthy man for a glib and shameless liar.

Ashley repulsed many.  He was the archetypal fox let into the Ibrox hen house.  The juxtaposition of Celtic announcing a £29m shirt deal with New Balance, rights Ashley bartered for £1 at Ibrox, gives you an idea of how impaired newco are.  But allowing him to walk off with all those revenue streams, without the responsibility of running football operations, which will always lose money, is inexplicable.

I know people in the game who were concerned about having an opponent with the resources of Ashley.  That blocking SFA decision was crucial.  I don’t know anyone concerned about King, in fact, there is quiet delight at how things transpired.

Farewell Big Mike, thanks for all your work.