SENTINELCELTS

With the second half of the season almost upon us it might seem correct to launch into a State of Nation address but the ongoing transfer window could render it obsolete at any time.
Once the window closes is the proper time to analyse where we stand.

On the eve of battle commencement we have one in, one out. Allied to that there looks to be imminently the same happening again, another one in, one out.
Lewis Morgan should leave shortly and our midfield target Ismaila Soro looks to be inbound within days.
These added to the outgoing Sinky and incoming Paddy Klimala.

We all wanted a new striker, Lord knows we are crying out for someone else with a bit of quality up top who can actually be relied upon.
And a half hour of a Cup game at lower league opponents could well be the beginning of our new Polish strikers career.
Speaking of Polish strikers I always felt Magic Zurawski had more in his locker than we got to see but for our number chap some type of appearance seems likely no matter what in my book.
Team strolling it, throw him on.
Need a goal, get the striker on.
Wanna start a partnership, perfect timing.
Not only that but perhaps another almost new bhoy in Shved might be seen after impressing in training allied with a gap in his position. If he turned it on because he sensed a chance then fair play to the lad, it worked and the gaffer bit.
But now if given chance he must show up to back up that training form. It works both ways.

7 of our next 9 games are away from home. It’s the traditional potato patch time also.
5 of those are league games, and those games will be deciding where silverware goes.
If there’s a time when Lenny is going to dip into the squad, surely it’s now.
Young Taylor perhaps, as one who is at home in the elements and the arenas, may fancy his chances at a run out, and seem a sensible option to turn to in the absence of anyone clearly nailing the left back slot down.
It’s questionable if Boli or Hayes are the answer.

While we all know by now at home against the champions teams raise their game there are some stand out ties coming up in the next month or so that will go a long way to define the season.
Killie away for a start.
At third placed Motherwell for a midweek evening game has banana skin wrote all over it.
Pittodrie and a trip to Copenhagen both in the middle of freezing February will separate the wheat from the chaff.
Knowing we have a true title scrap on our hands for the first time in what seems like ages will surely focus all to the task at hand.
Europe has it’s own pressures with being slight favourites plus the bigger club yet we all know it’s a tough tie.
Getting the league form right going into that game would be sensible. Carrying some momentum can be huge.

The break will have dragged for some, flown by for others. But it’s in the past starting tomorrow.
Grab the rest of the season by the scruff of the neck and show everyone why we are Champions.
Unleash Hell !

The above is by Mahe. The mailbox address is sentinelcelts@gmail.com