09 Feb 2014 19:51:48
Looking ahead to next season it hard to see too many pluses to keep fans turning up regularly. Season ticket holders aren't turning up in large numbers just now so it will be fair to assume they are unlikely to all renew next season. Our management team is struggling to get consistent performances, our scouting team are finding players who don't appear good enough to make a big impact . It's also fair to assume that the champions route won't be as easy as we were handed this season (on paper)Ni, Sweden +Kazakhstan . With Forster likely to go and now seeing efe talking about playing in epl and izzy playing at World Cup our back line is looking weaker with massive matches being played in edinburgh not at home. Our midfield is lacking a playmaker or two, johansen was decent vs st mirren and rank vs aberdeen so only time will tell on him . Our wide players are rarely fit and need to find better end products. Our biggest problem is up front our main striker stokes is the butt of most peoples anger (samaras exc) but he isn't a main striker he is a 2nd striker balde pukki have been poor signing that haven't offered much to the team. Mcgregor and watt have been put on loan and other teams/managers seems to be getting the best out of them just now why couldn't our coaches?
I think we need a new coaching set up as currently our tactics, fitness, style and basic ball retention against good opposition is poor to say the least . Neil said the January window was about getting ready for cl qualifiers well if he is still the coach come June I reckon we still need 4 players and current players given extended runs pukki balde Biton and derk to see if they can transform their celtic careers.
Celtic Banter Archive February 09 2014
Use our rumours form to send us celtic transfer rumours.
09 Feb 2014 18:39:43
I see sevco have Albion Rovers in the cup at Ibrokes, a little sporting engineering going on possibly.
09 Feb 2014 19:15:34
@Lost Bhoy 50 and they wonder why we Celtic fans are paranoid.
I actually told my ex bear pals the draw LAST NIGHT, wee Albion Rovers at Ibrox, to give them the lowest ranked team left in cup and to give them the best chance to reach at least semi final and earn extra money.
Only good thing is wee rovers will earn at least £100k from cup (IF the dead club actually PAY their share) this cup run will keep Albion afloat for some time.
I was just surprised Aberdeen didn't get Dundee Utd as well.
Aright troops? Back again! Was on a sabbatical. It's ok Tim, the Law man will ensure they will always be our subordinates. this is our time, a sustained period of superiority!
HH x
{Ed007's Note - Hi Miko, it's good to see you back posting. HH.}
Hello, old bean. Hope you're well! Good to see you're still the Ed, you'll be due a testimonial soon, eh?
Hehe, hope I don't give you too much grief - I'll try and be good! :)
x
{Ed007's Note - All good here mate, I'm sure you will be a good Bhoy.}
09 Feb 2014 22:26:38
Hey Miko good to have my "Alter Ego" back lol
You and wee Pat have been missed recently.
One word of advice, no point trying to wind up the Govan mob, it is heavily censored these days and no wind up posts get put up, totally boring.
09 Feb 2014 17:55:21
i think the time has come for the manager to go, this season has been a disgrace we are out both cups ok we will win the league but anyone of us could do that with the quality of teams we are up against over the course of the season, however our season was never going to be judged on us winning the league and looking at the picture now our season is finished.Lennon has done a good job over his time as manager but in my opinion he hs took the team as far as he can and a new fresh approach is needed
09 Feb 2014 17:06:23
what about Ronald koeman for manager if nl goes,, wealth of experience in eredivisie and out of contract this summer.
09 Feb 2014 16:38:09
All this talk of has lennon got it to take this team forward, is he getting adequate backing from the board, x, why and z player doesn't have it and do they bring anything to the team. yet no one is questioning what hoopy the huddlehound brings to the team! Nothing. I say get rid of that deadwood and watch the team flourish :)
{Ed007's Note - Have you had a haircut yet, you long haired lout!}
I think Hoopy is in a comfort zone.No competition from any younger mascots and a permanent hangdog expression sends the wrong message.
Mr Jhedi completely agree! nothing pushing him on and seeing that dour face when you come out onto the field will certainly not be any help motivationally.
Ed cannae chop it off, I've just signed a lucrative deal with tim 'otay which is perfect as it symbolises both the club I adore and references my birthplace so expect to see me shaking my locks under a waterfall or emerging playfully from a pool of water and sloshing my hair back on the telly real soon, it will put sammys ad to shame!
{Ed007's Note - I'll be sure to keep an eye out for that!}
09 Feb 2014 16:24:20
I must say that I am surprised, and disappointed, to see that the Fans Against Criminalisation group has launched a campaign to get Roll Of Honour to #1 in the music charts. I can't see what they hope to achieve with this except the chance to play the victim card if radio stations refuse to play it,
I've no doubts that we will see station after station accused of anti-Irish racism and bigotry by the lowest form of Sevco obsessed bloggers whose mood seems to be set at "permanently outraged", I'm sure you all know who I mean.
Don't get me wrong I agree with the principle of FAC but they should be trying to unite fans of other clubs rather than ostricise them. One final point, we have all read the stories of overzealousness and heavy-handedness by Police Scotland and by stewards towards fellow Celtic fans but some of the songs and chants from the Aberdeen fans yesterday about our club, our manager and our players hadn't been heard at Celtic Park since we were blessed with Rangers death, you all know the kind of stuff I'm talking about, now I don't know if the rumours of Sevco fans in amongst Aberdeen are true but they had a very similar songbook yesterday. Do you think any Aberdeen fans will have the police appearing at their home or workplace to arrest them?
The OBF should be applicable to ALL supporters but it seems to be Celtic fans that are being singled out in the media over it, getting Roll of Honour into the charts is not going to help with that and it looks like the FAC trying to create nothing but more controversy.
The whole police campaign was orchestrated to cause disruption to organised demonstrations from legit fans groups and antagonise the ultras groups. By doing this they knew fans would play right into it, which then gave them even more ridiculous powers from spineless populist politicians.
The fans groups should have been much more aware and stayed firmly inside the scope of the new rules.Then any slip up by the powers that be could have been jumped on and publicized in courts.
I totally agre GJ and much as it pains me to say it, with Che as well.
It seems to be some of these groups are only peddling their own agenda, they have played into the hands of the authorities almost everytime.
If Aberdeen fans broke the law then the will be arrested I'd imagine. Look at the Partick Thistle fan from a few weeks ago - he was singing a song about the Queen and the Pope. However, yet again, no conviction under this Act.
The Act itself was rushed through with concerns from Human Rights organisations and the Policing of it is a disgrace in this day and age.
Agreed, play by the rules and don't give anyone an opporchancity to get you. Then watch and wait, they will screw it up and that's when we raise concerns and arguments. The whole thing was rushed through and not thought out. How much training for the implementation of this act was given to the people who have to apply the rules. he haw I would imagine.
09 Feb 2014 13:45:47
ED007 looks like most fans now disenchanted with Lennon, how about a poll along lines of.
Does Neil Lennon still have Celtic fans backing?
{Ed007's Note - Here it is Tim:
www.celticrumours.co.uk/poll36.html
09 Feb 2014 14:40:09
Afternoon everyone,
Spoke to u for a while on twatter ed about my opinion on the game, nothing has changed after a sleep.
No one performed very flat performance, no player stood out for me the reliable commons had an average game and everyone else didn't get pass marks, and against aberdeen you can't play like that at all.
The bigger issue with the team yesterday was sorry to say and I have forever defended him but it was LENNON, he played Sami who shouldn't have got near the bench never mind starting 11, he's going to we can't make money from him why play him play the youth, Forrest was out on the wing and only there, aberdeen pounded our two midfielders the out of position johansson and brown. Lennon has no plan B apart from bring on the players who should have started instead.
There is no flair in the team we are playing and have playing poor football for to long for a celtic team, Lennon is to interested in chasing records which is shocking, he beat a cracking record yesterday by becoming the only manager to be beat in the scottish cup at home after taking the lead since the early 90's so there's a record for you Lennon.
Might be harsh but I have defended him and now I think with nothing to play for in the season as the league is won but not mathematical and no cups to go for I think he must go at the end of the season.
This is my opinion and I think a lot more true celtic supporters will feel like this now too
Cumby Bhoy
They all played crap yesterday!
It was atrocious and beyond a joke. I'd give most of them their P45 for gross misconduct.
We'll have to wait and see what happens in the Summer.
09 Feb 2014 14:23:56
I think the time has come for lenny to hold his hands up and admit he isn't up to the job I have always defended him but yesterday was the last straw. I think back to the old days of the entertaining football that made us famous and to tell the truth we haven't played that style since the late tommy burns was in charge. and to think he got the sack crazy. if were to go forward as a club we need to bring in a manager who will return to that style of football, the fans are being shortchanged they will have to realize that when all is said and done football should be entertaining when was the last time outwith the barca game were we exited watching the current team,,
Proudcelt I was excited at the Karagandy game, Motherwell game, Hearts game, Hibs game, we were beaten by the better team yesterday, yes Lenny has to stop playing his favourite's and yes he should have realised we were being overrun in the middle of the park, yes he should have seen after 10 mins Sammi was not interested but take nothing away from Aberdeen they deserved to win by a country mile because Mc Innes got his tactic's right, stop Common's and stop Brown you stop Celtic playing.
Tambhoy
The motherwell and hearts game were ok but against hibs we were toiling till late in the game as for karagandy over the two legs we were mince . you point out all the things he should have seen and done well if you me and every other celtic fan can see it why can't lenny or his sidekicks. or has he become too pigheaded to admit his selections are wrong . let's face it playing with sammi is like being a man down
09 Feb 2014 14:04:40
'There was a flatness about our play today, we gave the players all the preparation needed for today' On it's own a pretty throwaway comment from a Manager after a defeat. The problem for me is it sounds very like a sorry excuse to move the blame to the players who, a couple of them apart, were bloody awful.
On the flatness aspect, should Lennon have picked up on this as it has happened in far too many games, most notably cup games.If as a professional person earning ridiculous sums of money, doing a job you love, you cannot motivate yourself for certain occasions, then you would seek other employment.Or would you go through the motions till your contract run down and you move on, in these instances in football nowadays usually for a million pound signing on fee at least.
Do we have too many players who are in a comfort zone? Have certain players picked up on the fact that Neil does not trust youth too much? Yesterday had the perfect example of this, dropping Fisher for Matthews. Matthews is a fine player but has been blighted by injury.With him and Lustig out young Fisher was drafted in and has been solid, in some games even a stand out.Yet Neil drops him and we never looked comfortable on that side. He also, and this is still amazing to me, picked Sammi. Surely Biton should have been in for him to cope with the problems we all knew Aberdeen would cause, mainly breaking fast from defence? Stokes is another who has been poor recently, and we leave a new striker signing on the bench when he would have been bursting to start.There would have been no flatness in him Neil.
I will not comment on Forrest as the regulars will know my thoughts.At the end of the season I fully expect an exodus of players to be leaving Celtic.Prime movers for me are Forster, Effie, VVD and possibly Matthews. Young Fisher might well be sickened after yesterday and may move on also. We need youth brought in as a priority.Forget this unbeaten league run, it is an accolade that is in effect worthless.As soon as this title is won we need to start the overhaul in time for next season.I would think CL qualifiers may well be too much for us but we need to move on as a club. We need a forward thinking coach who trusts young players.We also need to support this.As supporters we demand, in some cases rightly, to be heard.Well it's a two way street for me.I would support any young players, regardless of results, if we were progressing as a club. This means free flowing fast football.This is playing 'the Glasgow Celtic way'.
Can Lennon do it? Can he mould a side with young players right through it for next season? More importantly does he deserve the chance? This season has been very ordinary, the team shape and lack if directness has been average. I think Lennon probably has worked hard enough, and there has been a few highs as well to be fair, to warrant another go.But it's a big job.Will it be too much for him in his own mind? Will the off field problems that have sadly resurfaced be the catalyst for him to move on?What if he does go, just who is out there? More importantly who would want the job? He has brought a lot pf players to the club, time to give them a chance.It is also time for us too stand up as a support and back them.
GJ I understand your frustration's the only part of your post I will question is " you would support any young player's REGARDLESS of the result" believe me there are many supporter's out there who would disagree with you on that. I agree once the league is won give the youngster's a start but as I have said in another post he has to stop picking people who appear not to be interested,
Tambhoy
NLs comments about yesterday were baffling . He singled out Stokes and Forest for his "spark"? as his only pluses . What does Gary Parker and Johan Mjallby actually do to earn a wage? Why is Peter Houston taking a wage and what exactly does he contribute? Why can't any players apart from Mulgrew cross a ball? . It also seems that when Commons is below par it affects the team as he is the only creativity in the team . This is not a knee jerk reaction to yesterday this has been coming, this was the biggest game domestically at home for a few years and we failed miserably . We were bullied on our home park by a more streetwise team and manager, when is the last time we have been knocked out both cups at home so early in each tournament . I honestly don't know how we are going to attract crowds now especially with tickets starting at £26 and a 12:45 kick off on a Sunday next week . Sorry to be so negative but it irritates me that we should be leaving every team in our wake in Scotland but by our own standards we are very ordinary . DH
@ Tambhoy: maybe it's a generational thing mate. my Dad always told me that the way we played was always the most important thing in supporting Celtic. Of course a club plays for trophies, but surely the entertainment factor must have relevance?
As a kid I remember walking out of Celtic Park hearing, after a defeat, guys saying 'ah but we played really well', this was always the difference between us and the fans of a now deceased club. It was a Celtic thing, a style and a passion we all had.
We now have to get that feeling back.If we had maybe four or even five younger players I think they would thrive in Scotland right now.It would also inject a level of urgency into our play, and that is sadly lacking most weeks.It's all about using them properly.A good solid spine and fit the best around them.If a first pick is injured get a youngster in his place, don't shuffle players around to prevent it.
@3 I hear were your coming from GJ, big Jock used to say if they score 3 we will score 4 and this happened on numerous occaision's, I feel Lenny has to trust the people he has brought to the club, ie Balde, Pukki, Griffiths, Biton because we have too many player's who don't give there all, you know who they are, Lenny must realise or one of his backroom should be saying to him, if we the supporter's can see it why can't they, we can't continually play with 2 men short, I would love us o play with flair and score lot's of goal's but feel we do not have the player's to do this.
Tambhoy
@Tambhoy: That's what worries me mate, I think we have the players to play like this. Away v Milan we looked like we had learned lessons v Barca and Juve.Good possession and moving up the park well.So where did that shape and attitude go?
We saw glimpses v motherwell and hertz but then Lenny changed the shape and players.It has never been as good since.The jaunt to Turkey showed some of these boys are ready for at least a chance.
09 Feb 2014 14:01:58
@L7 My sentiments to a tee, Shocked at Sammy being in, he's mince in these conditions, taking off Kris when we need to score? crazy!
Leigh Griffiths champing at the bit to show what he can do should have started. I never doubted before this game the Dons would score. Everyone knew this was going to be our toughest game outwith the CL. We had time to prepare mentally and be up for the challenge. What a major disappointment. Essentially we need another real winner in our midfield, a leader, not guys who need to be led. Totally scunnered at our shocking performance and on the day the Dons got the result. It was clear at half time we would need to get HUGELY better but we just did the same old stuff with the same outcome. Zilch.
09 Feb 2014 19:27:47
Thought barry robson ran the show yesterday and the dons deserved there win. It makes me sick at the lack of heart/spirit in this celtic team whenever we play in domestic cup games. The buck stops with the manager and at the end of the day we should be winning more trophys than we are at present.
09 Feb 2014 13:56:31
I see Watt got another 2 goals last night. that's 9 in 8 starts. I think Lennon made a mistake sending him back to Belgium last month he should have kept him, in saying that he would probably have stuck him out on the wing instead of playing him up front.
09 Feb 2014 13:00:28
looking at the current celtic team I think that
big Frazer and Virgil are the only players that
would get into Martin oneils team?
09 Feb 2014 12:12:59
John Hartson on Goals on Sunday now. Coming across as a very humble man who is truly thankful to come through his life threatening illness and keen to help others now. How I wish we had his type at Celtic Park now . he loved his 5 years in Glasgow and says Henrik Larsson was the best player he ever played with ., I wish we could get those days back . Hail Hail Vinciebhoy.
I wish I was 3 stone lighter and had a different bird every weekend but that's in the past and we need to be looking at the future. Lenny has been around the club for years as a player and manager but for me his time is up and we need a fresh start. I wouldn't like to see him sacked but would hope he realises he's had enough and moves on.
There's a few good managers on the dole at the moment.
BigRab Name me one that a) who would come b)we could afford, please don't say Coyle, his time at Wigan enough for me
Tambhoy
09 Feb 2014 11:02:59
A lot of comments on changing manager but who would people suggest we change him with not a lot of candidates out there and am sure not a lot would be interested in the current climate.
What are are the thoughts on realistic targets if Lennon does go?
Malkey! Or anyone who can play midfielders in a midfield roll, as I'm starting to think Lennon knows less about tactics than my wife!
@1 Joshmo explain that one to me, midfielder's in midfield?
Tambhoy
Mulgrew is not a midfielder, Sammie is not a midfielder, Ambrose is not a midfielder, Commons is better up front, yet all these. and more have played midfield this year whilst the likes of Rogic and Biton have sat on the bench
Malky MacKay, Steve Clarke, Martin Jol or Michael Laudrup.
@3 Doe's Sammi not play in midfield? Doe's Ambrose not play at the back? in fact many poster's on here would like him to be in the midfield, Doe's common's not play behind main striker?
Biton should get a chance but I think he dive's into tackle's and give's the ball away too easily, Rogic sorry not for me, seem's to blow out his erse after 20 min's.The one I will agree with is Mulgrew, I don't think he is a midfielder but better than other 2 you mentioned, think we missed him in middle yesterday
Tambhoy
@4 Do you really think we could get one of them HB? and do you think they would be better than what we have.Have my suspicion's mate
Tambhoy
I think they are four very realistic targets Tam. After this Faux Pas of a season the board owe us a big signing, and if Lenny does go they should be pushing the boat out when it comes to bringing in a new manager.
09 Feb 2014 10:54:44
Been watching big Tom Rogic over here for the past couple of weeks, stand out both weeks.
His creativity and crossing are something Celtic have really been lacking all season.
Surely Lennon must be wishing he had players of this calibre at his disposal, oh my mistake he did have it and did not know how to use it.
The bhoy is going to be a great just hope we get to enjoy him in the hoops.
Frewbhoy.
09 Feb 2014 10:26:29
Always been a NL fan but yesterday was the last straw for me. He once said sammy is the type of guy to get you the sack. Why play him when you get 1 game in 10 out the guy?
As soon as I heard he was playing my heart sank he was never one to put in a shift on a cold wet windy day. Taking off our top goalscorer (even though he was rank) when we needed a goal was nuts. The double should be the least we should be winning every season. His cup record is a joke. Two cup finals at paradise and we are nowhere to be seen.
09 Feb 2014 10:18:44
Had 24 hours to calm down, then I read Lennon comments in the paper.
He is puzzled by the flatness, sorry Lennon " I am puzzled about your team selection and inability to win games that matter for this club "
You picked this squad, you have led our team to various embarrassing defeats in the cups and its time you realised your next challenge is to find another club.
09 Feb 2014 08:53:20
Neil Lennon should do the honourable
thing and stand down. For too long now we
have been subjected to his poor tactics and
steadfast refusal to alter the team set up.
Why do Glasgow celtic play with only one
striker? Yet we have a bench full of them.
As a fan that actually bothers to attend the
games, the atmosphere within the ground is
shockingly bad. Further more I have it in good
authority that the sack the board movement
will be brought back to life shortly.
Hopefully a new manager and owner will be
brought in shortly .
09 Feb 2014 08:25:12
Still very sore one to take from yesterday and I really don't want to jump on the bandwagon of just slagging off the Club.
I'm far from happy with the way this season has went or Neil Lennon's record in Cup games, it's horrific!
His positives - signings of Ledley, Wanyama, Matthews, Wilson, Hooper, Forster, Kayal and Izzy. Maybe Virgil (jury still out). He basically had to rebuild after Mowbray.
His first season seen him in the 2 Cup finals - winning the Scottish Cup and losing League Cup in extra time, SPL went to the last day with Walter Smith in charge at Rangers. Last 16 of the Champions league and overturning a 15 point deficit season 2011/12 have been highlights.
Negatives - Feel free to comment but yesterday was a low point for me.
Your right to point out all the signings brought in during his time at parkhead but was it really him? How much of a role did John Park / scouting team / coaching team have in that decision. Guys like hooper & wanyama would have been signed by an half decent manager.
Reoch,, maybe they signed all the duds? and if any good manager could have signed hooper wanyama how did we get them?, I/we don't know so its got to be collective good and bad. mrs e,, nl has done good but even people who defend his good work (myself include) also point out his failings that he never seems to address and cost us again yesterday
09 Feb 2014 13:43:04
Mrs E like yourself I am trying to find some positives to cling on to.
As regards recent Lennon signings I think Van Dijk, Biton and Johansen look to be better than most, Balde, Pukki and Boerrighter have something to prove but look to have a bit more to offer. Hearing nothing but good things about Fridjonsen and Griffiths will score in Scotland but has to prove he can do it in Europe.
Celtic must now only play the players who are here long term, so Samaras must not even be on the bench. Also Forrest and Stokes have a lot to prove also.
We must now get players and system ready for Champions League qualifiers in July.
Deep River Bhoy, I've defended him as well but like yourself and other posters have constantly pointed out the complacency in the team. It's unbelievable it's not been addressed in a squad of professional sportsmen!
We all knew Neil Lennon was inexperienced and the cheap option yet here we are 4 seasons later.
Tim, here's hoping for a productive transfer window and maybe finally the boot up the backside needed, bit late though.
09 Feb 2014 07:58:11
an observation. both lennon and mccoist are rookie(ish) managers. both managing their respective teams in unique situations for their respective clubs. both at their first club. reading both our and the sevco pages comments over the last few weeks, realistically you could just copy and paste the comments and just insert name were applicable. the point being, fans of both clubs are being fed equal levels of pish on equal levels but for some reason we seem to be taking a wee bit longer to realise this (champs league blindness?). with every week that passes, I struggle to see the difference in a footballing sense between the two clubs situations. our poor relations across the city HAVE to accept their lot as they have no choice but I can't understand our boards reasons for basically the same structure? struggling to get my point across but roughly its that why are we still effectively mirroring the other half of glasgow even though they should be a dot to us? dissapointing
09 Feb 2014 05:33:55
GUYS, I don't post often and I really hope that when I do I come across as quite an articulate, well educated, Celtic minded drop dead gorgeous kinda ghuy. all joking aside. it's time for change. I have no gripe with NL. The boy has taken stick NO ONE should ever have to put up with. however, we have actually got rid of better managers (the late, great Tommy Burns being a case in point) for less. I must admit I was shocked at ed's stat earlier today that Neil has won 5 out of 15 domestic trophies. I honestly didn't know that. I know that people will now say that if we are to have a new manager then we should go abroad etc, etc, etc. cut to the chase. Owen Coyle is available. No compo. Give a new man time to bed in for the CL qualifiers.DO IT PETER!
Dave,, after posting those players I went searching for others I couldn't remember,,, but seen something that I never realised at the time,, tb spent approx. 15 million on players in 3 seasons john barnes spent approx 13 in one
09 Feb 2014 01:08:00
We can paint over the cracks as much as we like but the fact remains, Neil is not a great manager. He has shown on various occasions, a tactical naivety and an inability to change a game. In my opinion, he gives far to much game time to ineffectual players ( Samaras, Stokes and Forrest to name but a few) and his unwillingness to play our up and coming young players, is stifling our team. Let's be honest about it, if the cross city mob hadn't f*cked it up, Lenny would be struggling. It annoys me to think how Tommy Burns had to compete with Murrays Millions, but still matched what was a multi million pound team.
I think it's just a simple case of being found out, you're only as good as you're last result, and that was a hard one to take today. You (grudgingly) have to give it to Aberdeen today, they came with a plan and it worked because after they went 2-1 up, we never even lookex like scoring, but they did.
Tommy burns problem was he focused too much on attacking players, some of the defenders /gk we had then where shocking/very average,, muggleton marshall McNally, annoni, oneill, malky McKay, yogi, Gillespie
The players I mention where meant to be posted to daveblantrebhoys post