SENTINELCELTS

Reviews of our manager and personnel start in earnest next week.
The club itself, the game as a whole, and especially the Scottish football season reviews must wait until all is said and done. A certain final may or may not play a large part in the proceedings, but over my dead body shall other events take shine away from what we’ve all just witnessed.

With that in mind I was wondering what I would like from this weekend’s season ending game?

Obviously, a victory. But just not a victory, an exhibition.
The leash is off, there’s no pressure, the players are clearly over the moon,,,throw in a party atmosphere and she has all the ingredients for a good time.
‘Hey you, we’re having a party!’ as the old song says.
Parkhead shall be a pleasant day out Saturday I’ve little doubt.

However part of me hopes Ange calls out a few characters, and actually uses the occasion to his advantage.

The man who was lost for words must say something for the occasion, to thank the support and players at the very least, but hopefully, whilst in a position of strength, he settles a few scores.
No sour grapes involved, best to speak out after a win, after a big win.

Hit the refs.
He’s held his tongue, and with no immediate games on the horizon for any whistler to exact vengeance, call them out now. Lay down next seasons market this season.

“Ange, obviously you’ve won the league but what’s been your overall experience of Scottish football so far?”
“Don’t expect competent refs for a start.”
“You don’t think our referees are good at their job?”
“Mate, I’ve managed teams on three continents now and to say they could with improvement is an understatement”

Play it cute, don’t get fined, but subtlety let them know, let everyone know, we are all onto their practices and/or ingrained bias against the green and white Hoops.

Next, when speaking to the media for the final time, have the last laugh.
As above, there’s never been a better time to needle them, smugly with the title in hand, giving them months to stew in their misgivings and mispredictions.

“Expectations for the summer Ange?”
“A lot of humble pie from you guys for a start. Sacked by Christmas I recall reading. How did that turn out?”
“You feel you’re owed an apology by the nation’s football writers?”
“I don’t want an apology but how about some introspection. If I was getting huge calls wrong, I would come under pressure and certainly have a long hard think about what Im actually doing or not doing”

You just know it shall be asked, Ange shall be prompted for his thoughts on the upcoming final for our city rivals.

“Do you wish Rangers success in the final Ange?”
“Mate, today’s about Celtic and it’s fans.”
“Surely you would like to see a major European Trophy in Glasgow?”
“Look at it everyday mate, and it helps me to strive for more success.”

If I was a gambling man, a small bet on Tam to score anytime would tickle my fancy.
A cert to see some game time, I remind you that Josip Juranovich netted on his final appearance before joining the Hoops, apparently players like to go out with a flourish. And let’s face it, what’s he got to lose by attacking the box more than usual or trying regular long range shots?
Up for every corner?
Penalty taker for his special occasion?
I expect the Australian to have a bee in his bonnet today.
It’s hard to get to play for Celtic, it must be very hard to leave.

The ultimate game also double as the body language reader’s finest hour.
Every gesture super analyzed, each twitch, smile, or scowl given mega meaning,,those on loan we wish to keep shall be scrutinized more than normal in order for some to predict their future.
It’s a footballing phenomenon not exclusive to Celtic, but the unwritten rule states you can tell if your loanee shall return based on their gestures after the final whistle of the final game.
A jersey into the crowd is a big no-no, that’s him away, even if he’s just celebrating.
Not throwing the jersey into the crowd means he wants to keep it for the private collection, a sure sign he’s not returning for another campaign.
Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t.

Finally, remember it, and savour it. Every bit of it.
Let the players know it’s appreciated.
Save a special roar for Ange.
And spare a thought for Garry (RIP).

God Bless the Famous Glasgow Celtic.
Champions of Scotland once again.

By Mahe