Here’s how it works. Celtic tell agents the profile of players they are looking for, who subsequently send their client’s CVs and DVDs back. If one fits the profile (for example: a central defender, with pace, wage budget £X, transfer budget £Y), then he is retained for consideration.
Some retained for consideration make it onto ‘the list’. Celtic actively pursue these players, usually more than one per requirement, as they know how deals can fall through. If players start to drop off the list, either because they have not performed to standard when scouted, or Celtic’s approach is declined, names are added to the list from those retained for consideration.
That ‘retained for consideration’ folder generates more advertising revenue than anything else in football. Lots of people are incentivised to link a name to Celtic (or many other clubs). The agent can legitimately tell a journalist he’s spoken to Celtic about a player, the journalist can then trail the transfer saga for weeks, its rise, climax and last minute hitch, will generate millions of hits. This is called Click Bait, you are the target.
Consider the near certainty of the reporting that Jelle Vossen was about to sign for Celtic. The Genk striker matches Celtic’s criteria in several areas: he’s a striker, they will be able to afford his wages and transfer fee, they have received information on him. Hundreds of articles have been written on this basis alone, generating thousands of pounds of advertising revenue.
The problem is, Jelle Vossen isn’t on ‘the list’. His CV is stuck in a folder somewhere at Lennoxtown, not currently under consideration. Celtic are not actively pursuing his services.
Danny Wilson? Never made it onto the list. His agent got a courteous response “months ago” when first asked if there was interest. Danny’s CV is in the same folder Jelle’s is in. When I spoke to a senior source at the club yesterday, the player is so far off radar, the source couldn’t even remember Wilson’s name when I asked about Celtic being rejected in favour of a newco.
The PR behind the message sent out with Wilson’s signing was inspired. Some of the reporting was shameful. The days of being able to twist a story against Celtic without consequence are gone. The BBC recanted one story (at the insistence of reporter Alasdair Lamont). Sky Sports News gave Neil McCann a stage for utter guff on Wilson rejecting Celtic, while much of the print and online media quickly moved on, not caring one way or the other.
The episode reminded me of the almost universal line the media took the day Neil Lennon resigned – unhappy at Celtic’s transfer budget, apparently. This message was never attributed but it was reported so widely, you could trace the manipulation. We even had the Usual Brigade of ex-Celts ready to express their disappointment at the club’s financial decisions. Economic illiterates, to a man. The story was nonsense and almost certainly came from the same source as Wilson’s rejection.
There are strikers on Celtic’s list, but if the agent’s talking to the media, chances are, he’s not talking to Celtic anymore.
Here’s a Bob Dylan singing Like a Rolling Stone, especially for Neil McCann. How does it feel………?
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Cowiebhoy
I ‘saw’ those contests exactly as you did.
Thought at the time – fair play youngster. You can handle yourself fine!
Much quieter than Broonie. Obviously. But he wouldn’t be the first quiet midfield assassin to come along the road from Paisley!
HH jamesgang
HH jamesgang
My friends in Celtic,
I wonder how long till we hear the first shouts / rumours about Alfred Finnbogason even although he only managed 2 goals in 23 games.
HH.
Why aren’t Celtic signing McGinn?
C’mon Ronny get on the ole blog!
Dontbrattbakkinanger
14:49 on
25 June, 2015
The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a Pointer man
too good :-))
HH
@Greenpinata
Apparently he is available on loan ;)
hrvatski jim
14:14 on 25 June, 2015
Balde, Pukki, Bangura, Rasmussen, Lassad
The 5 Sorrowful Mysteries
………………………
Beilliant! :-))
Brilliant! …….even.
Danny Wilson gets a fair pasting on here, and most of it totally justified given he said he was leaving Hearts for a new challenge then signed for a team in the Championship that finished miles behind them.
However, if we are trying to improve our squad we could have done worse than sign him to replace Ambrose in the squad. That guys poor concentration and general sloppy play has cost us before and is going to cost us again. Lets just hope its not in the CL.
HH
Saidy Janko …….. Hmmmmm? I’m not sure how I feel about signing him. I’m the SadiesBhoy in these here parts.
@traditionalist88
I like Efe.
I’m not actually sure Wilson is any better. Even then, there is an expense involved in releasing one player and re-signing another.
traditionalist88
15:29 on
25 June, 2015
Danny Wilson gets a fair pasting on here, and most of it totally justified given he said he was leaving Hearts for a new challenge then signed for a team in the Championship that finished miles behind them.
However, if we are trying to improve our squad we could have done worse than sign him to replace Ambrose in the squad. That guys poor concentration and general sloppy play has cost us before and is going to cost us again. Lets just hope its not in the CL.
HH
————————————————-
We could have done worse is fair comment – we could also do better though, yeah?
I see Cathro has joined Newcastle Utd as coach.
Cue the ‘Cathro snubs Gers’ headlines in the MSM? Maybe not.
Although maybe big Mike is already lining him up for the managers job at Ibrox?
If Wilson coodny cut it with a p*ss poor Liverpool how does he improve us ffs.
My take on Danny’s (from a Celtic supporting family) situation is his agent used Celtic, to get more money from Sevco. Great news and well played. NotTheNineO’ClockNewsCSC
traditionalist88
Efe is a seasoned internationalist. Efe has played at world cups. Efe has won the African cup of nations. Efe has played in the CL and up until the Juventus match looked to be a very, very good centre back.
Danny Wilson was a fine prospect at Rangers as a kid. Murray used the media to praise him beyond belief.
Murray’s pal signed him for Liverpool for crazy money.
Wilson had an average season at Hearts in the lower league in Scotland. I spoke to many Jambos about him and they were non plussed at him leaving.
Efe Ambrose may not be Maldini but if Ronny Deila thinks he is a better option at the minute than Danny Wilson that will do for me.
LB
timaloy29
15:42 on
25 June, 2015
@traditionalist88
I like Efe.
I’m not actually sure Wilson is any better. Even then, there is an expense involved in releasing one player and re-signing another.
=========
I’m sure we could find a buyer for Efe.
HH
Natknow
Of course we could do better – but if we are replacing Efe its not with a first choice CB…
HH
Livibhoy
What Efe has done and where he has been is irrelevant because it doesnt detract from the fact he is a proven ticking time bomb.
You can literally feel the atmosphere in CP tense up when he has the ball – more often than not that is proven to be justified.
When he was right back last season it got so bad people were laughing at his crosses.
The thought of one of our top quality centre halves being injured in a CL game and Efe lining up, well my nails just aint that long!
I agree with you that if Ronny thinks hes better than Wilson because I accept that too – however he should be actively seeking to punt Efe and target men on ‘the list’ and ‘in the folder’ to replace him – before I get to tell you I told you so!! :((
I would have been surprised if any of the coaching staff had seen Wilson as someone who could hold a candle to VVD or denayer. (Not that he’ll have to worry about candles where he’s gone).
And for Efe’s occasional (though sometimes exaggerated) lapses in concentration he too is a far better player than Wilson.
I’d have mulgrew, o’connell and probably an other from the youth team ahead of Wilson in my pecking order.
HH jamesgang
DYLAN MCGEOUGH is set to extend his stay at Celtic after Hibs boss Alan Stubbs admitted defeat in his bid to retain the midfielder.
McGeough spent last season on loan with Hibernian and helped Stubbs’ side to second place in the Championship before they lost in the play-off semi-finals to Rangers.
Hibs had hoped to keep him at Easter Road for another shot at promotion this term but boss Stubbs admits that is now unlikely.
He said “I think Celtic have taken his option up of another year, which I can see why,
“If there was an opportunity I could bring him here, I would like to do that, but he’s effectively on a one-year contract at Celtic now.
“They’ve obviously been impressed with his performances for us last season.
“He was great when he was here and I think everybody knows what I thought of him. He’s a really good player but he’s Celtic’s player.”
Celtic Football Club @celticfc 40s40 seconds ago
Fixture Update:
Celtic v Ross County: August 1, 2015 KO 12.45pm. (NM)
LiviBhoy
I am going on the evidence of watching Ambrose regularly for Celtic. His regular concentration lapses are never far away and WILL cost us again.
On a side note I’ve watched some African Nations cup matches and frankly the standard is pretty awful – some of the mistakes made you wouldn’t see in the Scottish Championship and the goalkeepers will try anything for a touch of the ball;)
Whatever the Jambos are saying to you Wilson was integral to their team last year, I think they are saving face a bit by pretending otherwise.
I liked Efe at first and thought we had a superstar in the making when he cruised his debut, think it was in the League Cup – but the harsh reality is we don’t have a superstar in the making and nor do we have a reliable defender who keeps basic errors to a minimum.
HH
lionroars67
16:06 on 25 June, 2015
And so it begins….
lionroars67
16:06 on 25 June, 2015
Celtic Football Club @celticfc 40s40 seconds ago
Fixture Update:
Celtic v Ross County: August 1, 2015 KO 12.45pm. (NM)
………………………….
.and so it begins!
Eyes Wide Open
I assume you were the only person I never spoke to prior to the Juve game a few years ago who wasn;t panicking at the lack of Efe in the starting line up that night.
I wish the big fella had had a few beers in Nigeria rather than flying all the way back to play for us and ruin a fairly decent reputation that was built up beforehand.
I think Efe has lost all confidence. I read up on him a fair bit. I like him. I admire the big man. He never hides. he would burst through brick walls for Celtic FC. I would never laugh at a Celtic player.
Efe is a holding midfield player to trade. He does however play where he is asked. The man loves the game and his commitment is admirable. Before the Juve game where he made less mistakes than Craig Gordon against Inter people were panicking at his omission. Now he is a figure of fun and a subject of ridicule. I feel sorry for Efe. I think there is a right good player in there. he is perhaps too adapable and eager to please but he is a very fine human being and also a very able player.
Not having a dig directly at yourself here just a rant in general regarding the treatment of big Efe the last couple of seasons.
LB
traditionalist88
It’s all about opinions. Efe was not a bad player in his first 6 months at the club. He was a very good player. Our manager probably believes he can make him even better. That’s what our gaffer does.
LB
Livibhoy
I agree regarding some of the treatment dished out and the howls of derision him and some other players occasonally have to put up with, but we are allowed to comment on here about the strengths and weaknesses of our team and the evidence is overwhelming that Efe’s lapses in concentration and sloppy play are just too frequent.
That they are not always punished or he is bailed out by someone else is not a reason to gloss over it.
HH
Good morning/afternoon from a lovely day in Ontario, Canada.
We’ll my match day/evening experience in downtown Toronto last night was different.
Toronto 3-1 winners over Montreal, not a bad game I’d say about Scottish championship level, things I noticed : linesman calling fouls, off sides, and throw ins (shys) without looking at the referees, instant replays on the big live screes on things that happened in the game, even refs. Mistakes (that would never catch on in our game) on entering the stadium my daughter says let’s get a beer Dad, she orders two pints of Bug Lite, $30 Canadian £14 our money, a nearly collapsed :( and it was pish water too, needless to say that was the first and the last one, on the crowd, a lot of them seemed to do more chatting and laughing at other things and did not seem interested in the game at all, but it was some thing different and I enjoyed the special time I had with my daughter, so all in all, in was a good night, more so after we got back to the local pub I go to here and battered several pints of strongbow doon make neck, :))
Hail hail
I’m seeing sammiesque whitchhunting going on, there is no overwhelming evidence simply because he has not started enough games last season to provide overwhelming evidence. Being short on games will cause most players to be rusty. There were plenty of players last season who made mistake
Bud Lite, lol.
Mistakes however we have those looking for scapegoats focusing on individuals they have now settled on as the newest whippingbhoy
on the Efe debate …
He does cause heart palpitations sometimes and has made a few clangers…. but he makes more than he messes up, and he never hides. For me, that last point counts for a lot.
Unlike some players, he isn’t afraid to bring the ball forward (even, sometimes, when he is the last man, and causes the aforesaid palpitations!) …. we need someone in the middle of the park (other than VVD andDenayer last season) who is willing and able to advance the ball through the middle of the park. NB started to do that, but otherwise, most of our play came through the wings, which made it too easy to defend.
He has become a bit of a whipping boy for some …. but I think there are others whose defensive problems have caused us more problems (e.g., Izzy), who dont get nearly the same grief as efe does.
I am not saying he is world class, but I think he gets more than his fair share of criticism, when a lot of other favoured players get off Scot(t) free.
Free the Efe1!!
My Neighbour Wullie Marshall who played in the European Youth Cup Final for Celtic Boys Club in 1974 where they beat Man Utd with a George McCluskey goal died last night in Wishaw General
He told everybody that met him about playing in that game and how great a player George McCluskey was – very proud about it even tho’ he wasn’t a Celtic fan
Despite that he regarded Bobby Murdoch as the best Scottish player he saw (couldn’t really argue even tho Jinky was my favourite)
The demon drink catches another
RIP Wullie
Let us assume everyone is fit. What will our Home games starting line up be?
I`ll start:
Gordon
Lustig; Boyata, van Djik Izaguirre.
Forrest Brown Biton Johansen Armstrong.
Griffiths.
GMS comes on for Forrest in the second half. Fisher or Efe come on for Lustig. Maybe then we will get more game time from those two excellent players.
JJ
@traditionalist88
Not sure we could get a buyer for Efe with his current reputation.
I like the guy. I do believe that there is a good player in there. Last season was pretty poor by his earlier standards and there is a clear lack of confidence.
I genuinely believe that with the right coaching he could find the great form he did under Neil Lennon.
—–
Anybody see that Deulofeu signed for Everton today? Bad news for McGeady. Deulofeu is a class act and I’d expect him to establish himself. Aiden will have to fight for a place with Pienaar and Mirrallas as things stand.
I live in the North West of England and Aiden’s reputation is pretty poor. He’s seen as a luxury player who doesn’t have an end product.
Canamalar
27 league appearances last year, granted not always as a starter. There is a reason for that though, isn’t there…
I think his versatility is the reason he is still at the club. I wouldn;t be averse to giving him a proper go at the holding role which some say is his natural position.
The problem is we don’t tend to need one in most of our matches.
HH
I’d agree other than GMS instead of Forrest. Fisher will be gone before the window closes, if the manager preferred Efe at RB ahead of him I don’t see a future for him at CP.
If Janko signs he will be back up to Lustig.
Ban that cretin McCann from CP
Tell Sky he’s not welcome