Celtic Rumours Archive February 17 2013

17 Feb 2013 23:31:49
Just saw that Wilson might get a call into the England squad, it's funny because I have been wondering if he would get a shot because he seem like a good leader and solid player (after his shaky start but like always in Lennon we should trust cause he never gave up on him) liked all along. Nice to see Celtic could have 3 England squad members on the team with ff almost already on and hooper hopefully and now Wilson, once again show just how good Lennon is because for a spl club to supply 3 players maybe says something cause I don't think in the past players were that close coming from the spl.

There's not a snowballs chance in hell of Kelvin Wilson getting into the England squad mate. I can think of a half a dozen english championship defenders who are better players. This is a wind up and if someone is writing this in they're newspaper they deserve a slap for trying to get the big mans hopes up. There's not a single chance of this happening, not one. End of story

Let us know these half a dozen championship centre halfs names then? The big mans been consistent and turned himself into a major part of our squad this season! Have you been at Celtic Park or watched Champions league games this season?

Garry

I think Wilson is far too inconsistent and still makes basic mistakes in a lot of games.
He can be very good, but I don't think he is on a par with International defenders.

Jungle Jim

Compared to when he came, he has improved a lot, but he doesn`t read the game, and his positional sense is non-existant at times. Two examples v Juve, first goal, as was pointed out by tv pundits. But worse still, in second half, they were driving in from the left wing, Ambose is 1 v 1 on the penalty spot but Wilson is 15 yards behind him looking at a Juve player far wide on the right that our LB should be covering. He has been doing similar since he arrived. Have waited to post this so as not to be accused of over-reacting to the Juve result. He can be good (at times), and is quick but don`t think he is better than Rogne, who just needs a run in the team, WITH A SETTLED PARTNER. Just my opinion.

chasaboy

Compared to when he came, he has improved a lot, but he doesn`t read the game, and his positional sense is non-existant at times. Two examples v Juve, first goal, as was pointed out by tv pundits. But worse still, in second half, they were driving in from the left wing, Ambose is 1 v 1 on the penalty spot but Wilson is 15 yards behind him looking at a Juve player far wide on the right that our LB should be covering. He has been doing similar since he arrived. Have waited to post this so as not to be accused of over-reacting to the Juve result. He can be good (at times), and is quick but don`t think he is better than Rogne, who just needs a run in the team, WITH A SETTLED PARTNER. Just my opinion.

chasaboy

I would also be interested to know the half a dozen english championship centre backs who've been better than wilson all season. don't even try and mention matt mills. that being said I was very surprised when I read that this morning and wouldn't expect to see him get a call up any time soon.

Ive been to all the games Garry. Was in Barca, Helsinki and Benfica aswell.

Here's half a dozen better english Championship Centre halfs for you.

Curtis Davies-Birrmingham (Arguably the form defender in the Championship this season. 2 Prem bids turned down for him in January)

Scott Dann-Blackburn

Roger Johnson-Wolves

Jonathan Woodgate-Middlesborough (Still only just turned 33 in january and is finally looking injury free and playing well)

Matt Mills-Bolton

Wes Morgan-Leicester (Solid and was rated higher than Wilson when they were both at Nottm For. Consistently picked ahead of big Kelvin)

Luke Chambers-Ipswich (A 7th just for good measure)

Listen mate Kelvin Wilson has done well to recover from the shocking start he had at Celtic, selling the jersey against dead Rangers. Nightmare against Kilmarnock in league cup final defeat, Shocker against Hearts in Scottish cup semi-final defeat. He is a very limited defender. I swear if you took away his pace he would be playing in league 2. Doesn't pass the ball with any great confidence or ability, Not a great header of the ball, not a great reader of the game and instead of instilling confidence in his fellow defenders he does the opposite. He has had 2 or 3 good games this season but has been a hinderance in too many other games. St. Mirren cup semi-final was another one to forget at Hampden. No one else seems to flag it up but am I the only one who notices K. Wilson has played badly in all 3 of our Hampden fiasco's? Big guy is apparently an absolute gent and gives his all, but we need better if we are to improve our squad. And the centre of our defence is still the weakest part of the team. We need to spend some money in the summer and bring in a quality Centre half.

Kelvin Wilson just isn't good enough for an England call up Garry, sorry mate. Possibly letting your heart rule your head.

Why are yous that bothered about it? I couldn't give a fk about england if he gets a shot then fair play 2 him if he doesn't then its bad luck but why is he getting slated here just because its england? lustig had made mistakes but he's still a sweden international, ambrose has made mistakes but he's stil a nigerian international, matthews and ledley have made mistakes and still play with wales and none of them have been said theyr not good enough for theyr squads so why is it suddenly different because its england getting mentioned? can't stand the talk, the hype that surrounds whenever a player gets mentioned for an england call up theyr a rotten team who under achieve time after time with a load of ordinary players with a few exceptions so why is wilson getting slated now because he's suddenly in with a shot, just be happy for the guy if it did happen would think sum people are england fans on here by the sum of the comments

gunniebhoy {Ed007's Note - I'm totally with you Gunnie, as you know I am no fan of international football but I would like our players to get called up for 3 reasons, 1) It puts up their value, 2) It boosts the players' morale and 3) It shows other players that playing for us won't hinder their international chances. Apart from that anytime there is an international break all I worry about is our players getting injured.}

If you don't fancy Matt Mills even though he is in fact a better defender than Kelvin Wilson I'll take him out and replace him with Zat Knight (Already has 2 caps for England) and also a better defender than Wilson.

You've named some good players but I wouldn't say any of them are much better than wilson.

mills could be a decent player but he's injured a lot and has hardly set the world alight with his performances since picking bolton over us. morgan is very good at bullying strikers, I wouldn't mind us signing him to be honest but does he really look capable of putting a shift in like wilson did against barca? davies was awful at villa although I wouldn't completely write him off. johnson and dann were both solid as a rock at birmingham when they first got promoted but haven't been anywhere near that level since - I do think dann should be playing at a higher level though. woodgate on his day is absolutely world class but this idea you have of him being injury free is incorrect. my dad is a boro season ticket holder and he says they're a much better team with him in it but he can't train all week and basically he plays with a constant injury. chambers is having a great season but I wouldn't say he was streets ahead of wilson either.

as I said earlier i'd be very surprised if wilson got an england call up, mainly because there are plenty of defenders in the premier league who are better and younger than him, but after a shaky start with us I think he's turned things right around. i'd like us to sign another centre half at some point, out of the 4 main ones we have I get more nervous when rogne plays than any of the rest.

@8) Fair enough mate. I suppose your right about slating big Kelvin, although I have to say the stick isn't ever aimed at Mathews, Ledley or Lustig because they have performed well for us. I couldn't give a flying duck about England either tbh but I just know the notion of Kelvin Wilson getting a chance for England is laughable. Even more so when you consider 2 fair superior players in Hooper and Forster are finding it hard enough to get recognition. The fact remains the same, as far as Celtic are concerned Kelvin Wilson isn't good enough and we need to invest in a replacement. Bit harsh but the correct assessment.

I'm not feeling well but that has made me laugh, thanks. Wilson has absolutely no chance of ever pulling on an England jersey, he's average at best on a good day.

I was surprised when I herd this. It won't hurt his confidence either good luck to him wether he gets the nod or not. He's having a great season and a bit part of an uninportant international friendly at the end of the season could be watching three hoops players playing for the same engerlund team. Now wouldn't that be strange

17 Feb 2013 20:35:17
Hail Hail Bhoys and Ghirls.

Heard Lenny say he's preparing to rebuild in the summer as some may move on. Was just wondering who everyone thinks could be on the move and who people would like to see come in.

Personally I think Hooper will leave, although part of me for some reason still believes he will sign a new deal and will be here next season. He's never been quoted saying he wants to leave the club.

Wanyama is the same but there is no rush for him to go or for us to sell and I think he may know that plus he's really happy here. But hay, money talks.

The players I think may move are Kayal, Rogne, Bangura, Murphy and McCourt. Kayal I feel will only be here next season if Wanyama moves on, obviously I hope I'm wrong because I think he's one hell of a player and has shown it every time he's played.

Rogne and McCourt I don't think have a future at the club and Bangura and Murphy certainly don't.

One player I don't think will leave but think we may have bids for is Joe Ledley. He said he wants to open negotiations about a new contract and wants to stay for a long time but with Cardiff looking good for promotion and him being a "bluebird" at heart I have a sneaky feeling they may bid to bring him back if they make it to the EPL. Hope I am wrong though.

Now the players I would like to see us bring in.

Danny Rose.
He has been excellent since he joined Sunderland on loan and I believe he could provide good cover for Izzy. Provides cover all down the left side. Loan deal may be an option.

Johnny Russell.
Can't remember if he has a year to go on his contract or if he's a free agent but he is a fantastic talent who I believe will be a big player for us and I'm sure many Celtic fans think the same.

Charlie Austin.
Should have signed this guy when he was at Swindon. Knows where the goal is, still young, possible Hooper replacement although think we could be priced out for him.

Adam Le Fondre.
Again I think we should have signed him when he was at Rotherham. Apparently had the chance to sign him after we signed Hooper (Imagine). Could be priced out again but if Reading go down may be worth sticking a bid in.

Winston Reid.
6ft3 strong defender apparently out of contract at West Ham this summer. Fits our signing policy and I think he will be a great CB in the not to distant future.

What's everyone else's thoughts.

MikeyBhoy88

Out of the players you have mentioned I think the only one we will probably sign is Russell, he defo has a bit of class, really like the look of him. The chances are the guys we sign in the summer youve probably never heard of them, cost 1m - 2m one or two years down the line youve got a Hooper & Wanyama mark (2) Think they will be offski in the summer. Ian L

I think we should go for gary mackay-stephen. the guy is going to be a class player and if we let him get away like stephen fletcher I think we will regret it

mk bhoy

Russell or Austin, need a target man though

I don't see the need for us to bring in 3 strikers. the most we'll need is 2 if hooper leaves (i'm assuming we won't keep miku either) - I think russell will be one of them and then we'll end up deciding on somebody like le fondre, austin etc but all 3 would be a bit of a waste if stokes can find form again. for a wanyama replacement I sent a post the other week which i'm unsure if it got on to the site, but how about wilson palacios? having a terrible time at stoke and the fact that izzy is his international team mate could maybe sway it. there's a great article to read about him here:

www.eplindex.com/21727/the-curious-case-of-wilson-palacios-stats-analysis.html

statistically one of their best midfielders and they still ignore him!

i think danny rose will sign permanently with the mackems to be honest, it's been mentioned. I do rate winston reid but i'd like to see if gershon works out well first and see if he can earn a permanent move.

Macdonald mariga to replace vic and rhodes to replace hooper. Noel

17 Feb 2013 18:01:30
Been catching up on the related Green Brigade stories out there. It would seem that the police are filming them at games, watching the tapes back, then arresting those selected at the next game. The GB are claiming it is a "freedom of speech" issue. I have posted before that, personally, I don't think Celtic Park or any away ground is the place for any songs that involve singing about the IRA. While I agree with freedom of speech, this is where we are at just now. We live in a society full of people waiting to be offended, sadly these people are pandered to, with us the obvious target. Not for one minute would I agree with our club pushing our Irish heritage to one side, but there are plenty songs without the offensive lyrics. We really don't want to lose these guys from the ground, let's face it at the moment they are the ground, so I would hope this can be sorted. Get a sit down with them, air the grievances and move on. Having said that, I wonder what a sharp lawyer would make of this police tactic? Filming people without there permission, looking over tapes with no representation, then arresting them as they go to a social gathering? Seems a bit Orwellian to me. . green jhedi

Agree 100% about getting a good lawyer, this is a disgrace,. ,. kbarry

No place at Celtic park for these songs & it's not the place to boycott either, plenty of folk come on here & post about the walking dead over at piebrox boycott this picket that so on & so forth. I watch the police filming from were I sit in 113 particularly when the green brigade start chanting lyrics we all know rightly or wrongly shouldn't be sung. They also note the lyrics being sung & the exact time the offence in there eyes took place. If our fans were not doing anything I would be up in arms about it but this is not the case, I do not need the IRA to set me free! I support Glasgow Celtic & take great pride spreading the word about our club it's history our fantastic supporters & have done so all over the world. Leave politics out of paradise. AbS

Whilst acknowledging the heavy handed (and let's face it financially wasteful) attitude of Police in relation to the GB and fto ootball fans in general I feel that rather than crying foul over "free speech" or claiming we're singled out as Celtic fans, supporters both in and out of the GB need to look at why Police, not to mention the club, have taken action in recent weeks and months. The narrative goes that the GB are simply a group of Celtic fans who want to sing and support their club.

Truth is though they continually and deliberately ignore requests from both the club and fellow supporters to refrain from singing banned songs, break seats from "lateral movement" gather in greater numbers than is permitted in area 111 (putting their own safety and stadium licence at risk) let off smoke bombs (despite requests from fellow supporters not to) and as an exclusive organisation bring politics to Celtic which others would rather was left at home.

The GB often do this in childish defiance because they believe they are entitled to behave this way & that anything else is against their rights and dimishes the clubs traditons. The truth is some in the group could do with a lesson in these. The GB bring great colour and noise to the ground and at their best are a great asset. I will never forget the display at the Barcelona game and they are to be comended for their time, expense and dedication. Sadly, at their worst they are an embarassment and unfortunately they refuse to change. Much as I remember the pride at Barcelona I will also never forget the shame brought on Celtic by national news coverage of the poppy banner. Regardless of your views on the issue this was akin to a protest at a funeral - like everything, there's a time and a place.

Area 111 was originally designated as a singing section in reposnse to requests from supporters. It is now occupied by an exclusive semi political organisation open to few Celtic fans. It is one which believes it should hold influence over the way the club is run and one which appears to believe it is of greater importance than other fans. According to the group the club doesn't show the GB respect by refusing meetings. It betrays something of their attitude that they feel they are worthy of one. you don't need a meeting to be told the rules. How many fans are ever granted a meeting with PL or NL? Very few I guess. Equally, how many groups of fans have ever been given a single section for few hundred mates, and despite frequently breaking the conditons are allowed to remain, even having the manager pop over to plant the league trophy in front of them. The truth is the GB have had plent patience, respect and praise from a club which has tried to accomodate them and smooth their rought edges.

Repect however works both ways and at times the GB show scant respect for the clubs' reputation, its fellow supporters, or its custodians. Their actions are childish and their statements smack of their own self importance. There is and always have been gleeful Police just itching to arrest our fans (and yes, those of Rangers too), it will always be the same. Question is, how many excuses do you need to give them? There are genuine questions to the effectiveness and ecency of football policing, not to mentoin the cost. Of greater concern to me however is Celtic, it's fans as a whole and its reputation as a club.

We really need to ask is it time to end the notion of an organisation within a support and get back to simply have a support!

Imo your post is spot on & I have feared the GB would become more like the ultras in Italy, what next there own gate? AbS

I have to agree with @3) aswell lads. Of course there are elements of GJ's post I agree with also, the entrapment issue especially but you can't get away from some of the facts that post writes about.

No green brigade member has ever been convicted jhedi, not a single one. The guys have been arrested from family homes, work etc on trumped up charges then charges laughed outta court.

This suggests that it's an attack in freedom of speech. If no law has been broken there is obviously no offence and therefore the songs etc being sung are fine in respect of the law

A big disappointment to me is the actions of the club-perfectly happy to sell just can't get enough and glasgows green and white merch not to mention how many images if the 125 year display they have sold.

To then block swipe cards and issue bans with no reasoning is low down and sneaky, after the last boycott the gb were promised a meeting with the club- this never materialised- shame on celtic. They appear to be colluding with focus and their intimidation of celtic fans.

Out of interest- how many celtic fans were arrested during the dens riot? Exactly- this was stage one of the ante upping added in a little divide and conquer.

Interesting how not a word has been mentioned about the THE rangers fans causing all sorts o bother at the weekend forcing restaurants, shops etc to stop their days trade early.

Support the green brigade- they are not criminals and do not deserve the abhorrent treatment they are getting.

Jamie mac

Having said that, I wonder what a sharp lawyer would make of this police tactic? Filming people without there permission, looking over tapes with no representation, then arresting them as they go to a social gathering? Seems a bit Orwellian to me

I am no lawyer but even I know that as long as there are signs up saying that CCTV is taking place then you don't have a leg to stand on as it is a public area.

As for looking over tapes just think back to Manchester and the Rangers sorry chelsea fans and look at the arrests that they made after the event due to video evidence.

Also well said to 3 good post and excellant comments.

Ian

I agree that politics should be left out of football - there are plenty of social clubs you can join if you want to sing those kind of songs. I just wish that Strathclyde Police were equally zealous in rooting out the fenian-blood waders across the city.

TomTheTim

Support the team leave the poltics and the pro IRA stuff to a more appropriate venue. don't undermine the good work done bring atmosphere and colur to the stadium with petty and childish behaviour. We are Celtic fans not poltical activists remeber we are there to watch football and support the team no more no less

No green brigade member has ever been convicted jhedi, not a single one. The guys have been arrested from family homes, work etc on trumped up charges then charges laughed outta court.

This suggests that it's an attack in freedom of speech. If no law has been broken there is obviously no offence and therefore the songs etc being sung are fine in respect of the law

A big disappointment to me is the actions of the club-perfectly happy to sell just can't get enough and glasgows green and white merch not to mention how many images if the 125 year display they have sold.

To then block swipe cards and issue bans with no reasoning is low down and sneaky, after the last boycott the gb were promised a meeting with the club- this never materialised- shame on celtic. They appear to be colluding with focus and their intimidation of celtic fans.

Out of interest- how many celtic fans were arrested during the dens riot? Exactly- this was stage one of the ante upping added in a little divide and conquer.

Interesting how not a word has been mentioned about the THE rangers fans causing all sorts o bother at the weekend forcing restaurants, shops etc to stop their days trade early.

Support the green brigade- they are not criminals and do not deserve the abhorrent treatment they are getting.

Jamie mac

I am a forest fan and completely neutral but can say that this is part of the kick racism out of football. There is always and has always been rivalry that can spill over into violence without the need to bring in politics into sport. Remember when South Africa way boycotted because of politics really led to some graet sports people not being able to compete. Though I am not a human rights activist and don't like pandering this racism thing they are pushing is gathering momentum and I would hate to see any British team stopped from competing and let's face it those at FIFA will start in the UK if they want to ban Bless Platini and Blatter
Cyprus Red

Re: @3
That was as well thought out and structured a post as I've read on here. I agree 100%.
But also, why don't the cops just arrest them in the stadium - surely problem nipped in the bud? Or does that equal Celtic PLC embarrassed?
Pity you never tagged your post, it's always good to read intelligent 'arguments' on the site - I for one would have looked out for any future contributions. kbt1978

@3 what are the banned songs and why no punishment to the club?

I think the "banned" songs you speak of ate actually frowned upon ones. No law being broken so please stop saying they're doing this or that.

The whole reason for this and lawwells statement of "give them enough rope" stems from the poppy protest. He was told to back down from dd and allow the fans their right to protest.

Lawwell is a man with an ego and a grudge to go with it, he's divulging fans details to police who cannot secure any convictions.

So it's not the gb or the songs they sing ( which were around decades before them) that's the embarrassment- it's our power mad, egotistical chief exec.

If its to be believed he pointed out a gb member and said "he's got to go" without so much as a reason.

Lawwell is turning our support against one another- it's time we let him know its not on. Otherwise we risk the problems the zombies have with their supporters assoc.

The very fact the our supporters association has backed the gb should be enough for us to believe the gbs version.

It's football fans civil liberties we are talking about.

Does anyone know why the gb have stated that they can no longer work with the fans against criminalisation organisation? If you find that out you'll be closer to the truth.

Support the green brigade!

Jamie mac

Civil liberties?.
'I had a dream'. and it was not Martin Luther but Jamie Mac leading the Green Brigade against the 'tyrannical despot' and megalomaniac, the power mad dictator Peter Lawell!.
Aw naw. wait a minute.
It was a F^*$ING NIGHTMARE!

Was that an attempt at a witticism mate? cue tumbleweed and canned laughter.

Yes civil liberties- guys being targeted because of which gate they enter a football match through.

You're attempt to ridicule me shows nothing other than the fact you are RIDICULOUS. It's not just me saying these things son, whole load of celtic fans concerned about our fellow fans being arrested from homes, workplaces etc all on charges unjust in the eyes of the court.

You have a grudge against me from other exchanges but to let that cloud ANYTHING I say is not only naive, pitiful and pathetic, it also shows you to be arrogant, ignorant and most of all, totally clueless.

You're having a go at me for saying things echoed on various celtic forums etc- any info posted is also available online and has been posted by people who ARE NOT me.

Take your blind grudge, re think it, read others viewpoints and think carefully before you attempt to ridicule me through an attempt at humour (still not sure as no one could be do humourless whilst trying to be funny/smart surely?)

People being oppressed is NOT something I stand for, nor does a huge section of our support so to ridicule me for this is nothing more than pathetic.

So again just for your benefit kbt-

STAND UP FOR THE GREEN BRIGADE AGAINST THE OPPRESSION BY LAWWELL AND THE POLICE.

Enjoy- I await your next semi-legible, definetly not funny, ill informed retort.

Jamie mac (will stand up for fellow fans at ANY personal cost, you clearly wouldn't)

My money's on kbt being a kerrydale street warrior denouncing all that is wrong with our support- nothing but an apologist, well don't apologise on my/our behalf as we have the fortitude to have strength on our convictions.

Of my hole post only two words responded too and even then it's through a pre-pubescent attempt at hour.

You are the joke- all spineless people usually are.

Jamie mac

" sold subject to CELTIC FC ground regulations " is printed on the back of every ticket for every game! Regardless of gate of entry. No individual player, manager, custodian or chief executive is ever bigger than the club, nor will a section of support ever be. all the support together are the club! andybhoy

I couldn't help myself - knew you would bite.
Correct, I only commented on 2 words.
"Civil Liberties" and football matches don't mix for me. This is the 21st century.
If you believe the Green brigade are the rightful custodians of freedom of speech, and are the rightful representatives of the oppressed minorities of Scotland then good luck to you pal. I'll look forward to their manifesto on the independence referendum.
If the Police methods being reported are true then they are excessive.
The Green Brigade at Barca were incredible. They should remember though, that they are fans and paying customers like the rest of us - but it seems that they are already getting 'preferential' treatment.
No Celtic fan is better at supporting the club than another - me and you included Jamie - we surely both have the clubs best interests at heart.
The same should apply to the GB.

Jamie Mac you seem to be an angry man. There is only a handfull of posts on this thread and everyone apart from you have condemed the GB for their political stance and singing of certain songs.

Cant you see that attitudes towards those songs and political points are changing.

We don't need to live in the past like that lot over the road.

The GB need to keep their political views and inappropriate songs out of CP and the sooner they see this the sooner people will stop pointing fingers.

Kbt attending any social/ entertainment event is a civil liberty, course it is so you contradict your own argument there. The songs are not illegal, have been deemed inoffensive by many courts all over Scotland. People may wish not to hear these songs but being that they aren't outlawed then there can be no real complaint.

Ian heresAn illustration of why I am angry, I know a lad who was ejected and barred for two years from cp for a song he sang. The police picked this matter up at a later date, they had no original involvement (blows the we aren't colluding argument out the water)

The lad needed several days off of work for pleading diet, intermediate hearing and, of course, the actual trial. This rumbled on for months at both a financial and emotional cost to the lad.

The case was fling out in a matter of minutes by the presiding judge who branded it a gross waste of time and resources. So the lad was told no law had been broken.

This obviously had an effect on the lad, he had been stigmatised as a bigot, bitter and sectarian in the local area on account of the sing he sang. The JUDGE (clue is in the name) said this wasn't the case.

In times when employers are becoming increasingly likely to research potential employees online- the damage this fraudulent charge could have done, not only to his current but future employment also is horrendous.

Going by the they bring it on themselves etc etc argument can you really say this charge was ever about right and wrong and fairness?

Did the boy himself deserve all of this hassle for a song deemed inoffensive? Did he deserve it for being a member of the gb?

This guy, and he's not alone believe me, has had a whole load of stress for nothing. That's not to mention that he is now viewed as a bigot, regardless of outcome of trial, and this potentially COULD affect his whole life.

How would we all feel if one of these trumped up charges resulted in a conviction and the "guilty" party had to list this on application forms etc?

If joe soap does something wrong he gets told about it and punished- when the police do something wrong there is no real comeback for the aggrieved party. And by simply saying "they bring attention to themselves or shouldn't sing political songs etc" we are giving ra polis the green card to carry on. This does not sit well with me.

Balanced? Ma arse

Jamie mac

I'll need to own up to being the author of @3. Seems to have caused much debate. Paul

17 Feb 2013 13:57:13
ED007 read articles today in Herald and Scotsman about Lennon realising he has to strengthen the squad. Neil also talking about 2 possibly 3 big players leaving. Hooper/Wanyama/Forster?
If those 3 leave we will have about £20m/£25m in kitty, not counting CL money.
How much will board give Lennon? I suspect no more than £10m to replace these top players, a tough ask.
I would hope we would go for Jordan Rhodes who not only has the ability, but has the desired work ethic, he plays for the team. Blackburn paid £5m plus add ons and a £20k+ weekly wage. I read they were in debt and need to get to at least play offs.
But for Celtic to sign him we will need to at least equal that £5m paid plus increase his wages, will Lawwel sanction this?
Going on £10m budget that leaves only £5m to replace Wanyama and Forster. I hope our scouts have possible replacements lined up.
I know other players will leave to free up wages, like Miku/Bangura/McCourt.
In SPL what about signing Cammy Bell for cover, won't cost much as he is a free in summer. Then spend £2m on an up and coming goalie.
Until a replacement for Wanyama is found, what about playing Mulgrew as defensive midfielder?
Let's hear all your views. Timalloy

Cammy Bell! Have you lost it Timalloy? Ok keeper but let's say his "social background" might be a problem in him signing for us. . . green jhedi

Wanyama replacement? Look no further than his brother macdonald mariga who can't get a game with inter milan. Noel

Lets be honest, we all know this is our business model now, buy young talent, give those players experience and sell on at a profit. I expect Forster, Wanyama and Hooper all to leave in the summer. I have no idea for how much and I've never really figured out how people come up with those figures.
Replacing Forster will be tough, young goalies with his talent are very rare and I think we might break our buy young and sell on policy for this position. I am not saying we’ll spend a lot, but we’ll probably go for someone a bit older than we would for an outfield player. Zaluska is a great backup but not a starter, for me.
Wanyama is a fantastic player but I think Kayal can play in the role and suits him a lot better than the more advanced positioning that he has been trying out this season. He is a natural at breaking up the play and should go back to that position.
I don’t think we will get as much as some expect for Hooper and I expect our starting strikers next season to be Watt and Stokes. I think we will get another striker in but I don't think it will be a definite starter. I am fine with this though, as I can see us adapting the formation to go with multiple attacking midfielders, Commons, Rogic, Forrest and Sammy sitting behind a single striker. If Stokes can finally learn some positional discipline he would be perfect for the role.
With the league getting more of a procession, I'm looking forward to the next Watt, or Forrest coming into the team from the youth squad and getting some games. Atajic (spelling?) has a great scoring record but I don't really see much of the youth / development team games throw some names out there with any real knowledge behind it. This is a massive factor because we would be in such a different place without the play of Forrest and Watt.
All in all, everything is ticking over nicely. Let’s not go crazy with spending in the summer, there’s no guarantee of Champions League football next season, Europa League is a definite possibility and that means a lot less cash and attention.

Never mind rhodes get charlie austin for half the price! Kieren westwood do a job fur us for very little muni aswell and kayal and ledley can play in the middle in place of wanyama!!

17 Feb 2013 16:27:02
@GJ "social background" you mean he supports TRFC, I have no problem with that ala McGrain, Dalglish etc.
GJ we cannot condemn others if we hold the same prejudices (not saying you do) but I think Bell is a good SPL keeper who could do us a turn. But I have no doubt Lennon and the scouts have looked at other keepers.
By the way, I was asked why name Forster? Well most papers carrying story he like Hooper wants to break into England team and stay there and also wants EPL team.
I hope Forster at least stays one more season, but time will tell. Timalloy

The Cammy Bell reeks of trying to get one over on the deady bears if you ask me.

He is average.

We must aim higher.

Rhodes of course is who most of us would like should Hooper leave.

Id say give kayal a good run out if wanyama leaves, I think he has not been given the chance after his injury but you can't really keep out wanyama at the moment, kayal still got the skill and class too cover that position easy

@ Timalloy; Never would I condemn a player to the bin because he followed trfc. The rumours I have heard are much more ulster and orange man based. Just gossip I know, but I have heard it from a few people. Remember we were linked with him a couple of years ago and it seems he made it clear he was not interested. . . green jhedi

Did cammy bell not sign a pre contract with the new co DH2707

Why has everyone, including NL, got a blind spot for Charlie? He is average at best. He sho shuld not be in the team for dead ball scenarios. Commons can hit a ball just as well on top of his extraordinary contribution from open play.

There is no way he should ever start ahead of ledley like against juventus. He is being played anywhere to accommodate him and that that should not be the case.

Armagh Bhoy

17 Feb 2013 21:50:32
@ Green Jhedi, did not know about Bell's "colourful" preferences.
If he signed, room him with Stokes and we would have the full spectrum Green, White and Orange.
They could even go long walks together to keep fit.
Then have a healthy drink Lime juice with a dash of Orange, then Orange juice with a dash of Lime. lol Timalloy