How well do we handle succession? Mostly very well. Back in the 90s Celtic stumbled from one manager to another, picking up whoever was available and prepared to pick up the inevitable poisoned chalice, without any perceivable strategy.
Wim Jansen came from nowhere, or Japan, to be geographically accurate, and was a success, but despite a legendary respect for Fergus McCann, this appointment looked like a stab in the dark. After Wim left, we had the seminal reign of John Barnes. Millions were spent, and wasted, before King Kenny held fort for the final few months of season 1999-2000.
The changes introduced by Martin O’Neill are still being felt. We had been rubbish for decades in Europe, hadn’t knocked out a team from the ‘big five leagues’ since Leeds United in 1970. We were conditioned to expect and accept defeat, but after Martin, the world would never be the same again.
Martin’s strategy was not without its flaws, for a start, it wasn’t sustainable. Celtic lost millions every season, despite competing in Champions League football for the first time, and the momentous matter………. Seville.
Gordon Strachan came with a remit to change the problems the club faced immediately before his arrival – bring spending down to meet income, win the league and make progress in the Champions League. Despite starting with one of the worst weeks in the clubs history, Gordon delivered.
There was a problem, though. A disconnect opened up that first week when Artmedia smacked five goals past David Marshall, which was never fully resolved. When we went back into the market, fixing this disconnect was high on the agenda. Who better than a popular former player who ‘invented’ the Celtic huddle.
Tony Mowbray ticked the boxes which Gordon Strachan showed little appetite for but he was miles off plan for Celtic. The first week in the job he asked to sign Marc-Antoine Fortune for close to £4m. I’m sure the proposition was a bolt out of the blue to the club. Expensive 28-year-old strikers with a low- scoring record was not on strategy. Having appointed Mowbray, the club had little choice but to back his maiden request, but I bet there was a raft of people at Lennoxtown who knew how this chapter in our story would end.
Neil Lennon was working as a coach at Celtic during the Mowbray era. He was close to the scouts, sports science people, fitness experts and chief executive. In other words, he was on plan. After the John Barnes ‘tried and tested rookie manager’ strategy, I didn’t want Neil, or any other debutant, but he was intelligent, tactically aware and experienced inside the Celtic system. Within no time, Neil was making headlines as a Champions League manager. The shine will quite rightly never fade from Martin’s halo, but I could make a case that Neil Lennon has been our best manager since the guy from Burnbank.
Notice the pattern?
We have a habit of appointing a manager to address the perceived deficiencies of the previous incumbent. Right now, the need for someone to connect with fans will be less pronounced than it was when Gordon Strachan left, the need for someone to work within budget is fundamental, but will not stress anyone.
Neil’s most glaring faults are a whole lot less glaring than any of his predecessors. This time, we should be looking for someone just like the previous guy:
A student of the game, who understands the tactical trends in the world game.
Intelligent.
On plan with club scouts, nutritionists, sports scientists, coaches, player trading policy and budget.
Order your SIGNED copy of Tommy Gemmell’s All the best from the (fabulous new) CQN Bookstore.
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The shorter Coyle’s odds get the more I’m coming round to the idea that Henrik might not be that bad after all (especially with an experienced assistant)
Uly
On what do the board measure success
Finance or fitba ??
Owen “Barclays Premier League” Coyle.
Please, no….
To a certain extent Kojo I agree, but reading btween the lines in P67s article, if its not Henrik, sounds like it could be J Collins, which wouldnt be too bad either, imho.
Gary67
15:20 on
23 May, 2014
The shorter Coyle’s odds get the more I’m coming round to the idea that Henrik might not be that bad after all (especially with an experienced assistant)
Ditto-ABC-Anyone But Coyle
Short odds favourites have lost before…and on a regular basis.
Billy Bhoy 05
15:14 on
23 May, 2014
That would be miraculous given that it started in the basement and flames were coming out the front, the back and the roof.
My friend who was outside the building reckons the interior is destroyed.
My mate was at a fundraiser for a school in Clarkston last year,Coyle was there when he was Bolton Manager (Legend remember ,12 goals in 54 games ).He asked him if he would ever take the Celtic job,”not for all the money in the world” ,was his answer.Let’s hope he sticks to his guns……
Awe Naw defo a Tim (well so his sister maggy says and you wouldny want to argue with Maggie)
Neganon defo a Tim (I am positive about that)
Ernie is media.
MWD says Aye
If the story about Henrik is true about being sounded out by an unnamed club (ahem) and he has given his promise to stay on at his present club, this intimates to me that he does not feel ready to take on the job,particularly given the quotes attributed to him about managing us some day. Could be he is a manager in waiting and the next appointment is short term which would point towards Houston. just a theory on my part although I do hope it’s a load of s@&£
wgs
I’m not apathetic towards Coyle. I definitely don’t want him.
Coistey spotted outside Celtic Park
He was admiring what a beautiful park and frontage that we have.
Moonbeams WD. Wee Oscar’s our Bhoy and Kano’s our mhan.
15:27 on 23 May, 2014
‘Ernie is media.’
###
But do I live in Croydon, that’s the big question?
MWD
I’ve met Awe Naw and Neganon…correct with both
Ernie …no idea
Gretnabhoy
Burger vans reporting a sharp increase in sales
Celtic: Henrik Larsson return ‘would be like Johan Cruyff at Ajax’
Henrik Larsson being appointed Celtic manager would be he equivalent of Johan Cruyff’s return to Ajax and Barcelona, says Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
The Dutchman was talking the day after Neil Lennon stood down after four years as the Scottish champions’ boss.
Vennegoor of Hesselink is not surprised to see fellow former Celtic striker Larsson emerge as favourite to succeed.
“He would be the fans’ favourite to be the manager. It would be the perfect match,” he told BBC Scotland.
“I think it needs to be someone with a Celtic background because it’s a club on its own”
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink
“Of course everybody would like to see Henrik back at Celtic and it would be a great love affair and he said also that he maybe wants to come back here in the future.
“With the backing he would get from the club and fans, it would be a great role for him and he is still young too.
“It would be like Cruyff going back to Ajax or to Barcelona – one of the biggest and most successful players going back to Celtic.”
Former Sweden striker Larsson, who spent seven years with Celtic, is presently head coach of Falkenbergs, who lie 11th in his homeland’s top flight.
However, the 42-year-old is not the only former Celtic player to have emerged in the betting to succeed Lennon.
David Moyes, recently sacked by Manchester United, Malky Mackay, dismissed by Cardiff City earlier in the season, Paul Lambert, whose future with Aston Villa has been questioned, and Jackie McNamara, whose work at Dundee United has earned praise, are among those being linked with the role.
Larsson and Moyes are among those being linked with the Celtic vacancy
Owen Coyle, a self-confessed Celtic fan, has been without a club since exiting Wigan Athletic in December.
“A lot of people will be interested in having the job – a lot of big names,” said Vennegoor of Hesselink
“I think it needs to be someone with a Celtic background because it’s a club on its own.
“If you come from outside, you need to adapt first and that can be difficult as you don’t get time as a Celtic manager.
“It is always a big task as a Celtic manager, because you always have to have success.”
Vennegoor of Hesselink was surprised at the timing of Lennon’s departure.
“I would have thought he would go for his fourth or fifth championship,” he said.
“On the other hand, if you look at all that happened, it was just a good time to say goodbye and focus on something new and I think he made a good decision.
“He did a very good job. He bought players for not a lot of money and sold them for loads of money, so he did a great job as a manager.
“If you look at Holland, the last club to reach the last 16 in the Champions League was a long time ago yet Lenny did it a couple of times.”
David Luiz to PSG for £50million.
See they’ve taken the slap on the wrist from UEFA seriously.
McBhoy..
Henryk..fits the Template.. Aweright..
Ah wid Hiv NAE objections tae that Appointment..
But.. Ah Believe that Henryk is jist No Interested.. Ah hope Ah am wrang..
Collins..SOITENLY.. DIZ NOT. Fit the Template..in Ma Opinion..
He is No Rookie.. n.. He is A FAILED MANAGER..
NA.. His Resum-Ay..is A Dull As..Ma Auntie Matt’s .. Brass Miniatures.. (So Ah Noticed… The Last time.. Ah paid Her A visit. that is)
Collins,is Not Fur Me..
As Fur Coyne.. ?
Don’t Mak Me Frown!
Nice Chattin’ ,pal . as Alwiz
Kojo
Still,Laughin’
….PFayr supports WeeOscar
15:31 on 23 May, 2014
‘MWD
I’ve met Awe Naw and Neganon…correct with both
Ernie …no idea’
####
You sure?
I always found Houston to fairly anti CFC / fawning towards the Huns when he was the DU manager
A PR disaster ….but cheap ….
Ernie
Defo never met you
Ulysses McGhee
Who is going to turn up for interview for the Celtic managers’ post with a plan to do worse than the last guy? :-)
A plan is just a dreamer’s wish list until it is acted upon successfully.
Let’s get someone with a track record for doing that as opposed to a guy who can talk big.
Is it Coyle or Coyne.. ?
Ah Dinna Know..
But, Ah dae know This…
Ah Widnae give a Continental Fur .. Eethur wan!
Kojo
Still,Laughin’
If Henrik was approached today it doesn’t sound planned
……Gordon Durie anyone?
I hear he”s a bit of a goer
….pfayr supports weeoscar
15:35 on 23 May, 2014
I always found Houston to fairly anti CFC / fawning towards the Huns when he was the DU manager
A PR disaster ….but cheap ….
pfayr
I am with you, he is supposedly a Tim but never ever gave me that impression, was always ready with a barbed comment against our players and/or manager
Gretnabhoy
15:30 on
23 May, 2014
Coistey spotted outside Celtic Park
He was admiring what a beautiful park and frontage that we have.
—————————————————————-
Coistey’s gardener thought the same about mrs mcoist!
Aiden Bhoy
15:32 on
23 May, 2014
David Luiz to PSG for £50million.
See they’ve taken the slap on the wrist from UEFA seriously.
—————————
Never mind a slap on the wrist – anyone who pays 50m for Luis must have suffered a concussive blow to the head…
bankiebhoy 1
Right let’s head for the csr park with our placards!
Haw Lawell yer on yer Owen! Coyle must go!
Jonny the tim, if your lurking, your bhoy is busy putting the house back together, my bhoy has just went over with two dishwasher tablets…I wonder why he needed two :))
Weeminger
It looks bad on Twitter but first reports said it was mostly smoke damage but looks now as if we have lost it. A major tragedy and irreplaceable
Be amazed if that’s just smoke damage to the mac building. The fire went through five floors and was coming out of the roof…
Owened Coyle is probably a back up
quincy adams wagstaff,
Oh, you are awful :)
ItaliaBhoy
15:45 on 23 May, 2014
Nats are optimists.
A quick wipe over with a duster and some Pledge and it’ll be as good as new.
sipsini
had to my friend, it was gimmee :)
PF
I was being arch.
If the funds keep dropping… Deary deary me – although in counterpoint – the Etims piece is as lazy as I’ve seen in a long time.
If Neil Lennon is surprised he’s out of a job, then why is it I could introduce you to two people he had told he was leaving, weeks ago?
My gut feeling is, this is a crucial appointment
Many months ago – after the debacle (And for me that isn’t too strong a word for it) of signing Tony Mowbray (Anton Mor – God give me strength the guff posted on here then) – we had Neil Lennon in charge and someone I respect very much on this site posted something along these lines in regards to Peter Lawell & NFL’s signing…
If he’s successful – you asked for him and I gave him to you
If he’s unsuccessful – you asked for him and I gave him to you
I wonder who we’re asking for now?
Hopefully not ex-players who are clued up on dietary science…
I’d prefer a proven tactical winner who expects someone else to be paid to deal with dietary science.
U
Ole Martin Luther King should have said’ I have a plan…’
margaret mcgill
15:45 on 23 May, 2014
Owened Coyle is probably a back up
He gets my back up. ‘Barclays premier league, greatest league in the world’.