SENTINELCELTS

Unfortunately there’s no game tonight, so instead of the team producing the three points as does tend to happen these days, I’ll give you all three points of my own.
 
1,,,I recall hearing obscure stats about certain managers out there who just never seemed to settle on a first eleven, for instance Rafa Benitez and Claudio Ranieri.
The latter was known as the Tinkerman, but the former was the true ‘master’ having failed to select the same starting eleven for an incredible 51 games while Liverpool manager. I used to say to myself that would kill me if that were my club.
 
As a Celtic supporter this concept was alien to me, as there tended to be such a big drop-off in quality between first team players and squad fillers.
We were used to a first eleven growing together with incremental change occuring, the highlight of such a system was always watching players mature into the role over the course of seasons, Henrik and even Stan Petrov being prime examples.
 
Obviously times have changed at Parkhead and there’s a quality squad with the line between first team player and squad player now blurred. Recently Matt O’Riley was in, then out, given another try after a brief respite only to be benched again.
Kobayashi got the nod twice and has overlooked twice, while the very talented Haksabanovic (I really rate him) was an automatic selectee but can’t get a start. Liel Abada is another who has yo-yoed in and out of contention as has Forrest.
 
To a certain extent it seems we have recruited our very own Tinkerman as manager.
However, unlike before, I’m happy with the situation.
Success always helps vindicate the managers decisions and so it has proven in my case. This ‘uncharted territory’ is actually proving very exciting, every team sheet a mystery, and it’s probably good for morale around the camp, after all no player will be frozen out until their opposite number gets injured, and they must all realize by now that training very well might bring about an appearance to stake a claim.
 
Sure I’d like Iwata, Mooy, and Yuki to get an extended run together starting this weekend, but given our domestic dominance and exciting players producing the goods I’m forced to simply hold my hands up and eat humble pie, and admire our very Tinkerman from afar, words I never thought I’d type.
 
2,,,my second point almost ties into the first. It was our esteemed poster Jobo who pointed out the 5 subs rule has been a game changer for our club.
It’s an excellent point. The clubs who can afford to have sixteen first team quality players have a clear advantage over lesser clubs with a starting eleven then lesser squad players.
The lesson available to those lesser clubs is slim the squad to close the quality gap, aim for the sixteen players of equal standard as a rule, and build from there. Quality over quantity, it’s hardly rocket science.
 
From a supporters perspective it has enhanced the viewing experience by way of half the players on the pitch switching, making the final third of games much more interesting given the fresh legs and impetus injected.
 
I’ve rarely a good word to say about those who run the game we all love, so on this innovative and positive change I must credit the suits. They managed to make the sport more interesting in a way everyone can agree with, job done for once.
 
3,,,my third and final point regards that great footballing phrase which seems a remnant from Roman times, the proverbial poisoned chalice, which has somehow become synonymous with very tough nay impossible football manager jobs (I wonder did the Chalice makers see that coming?).
 
I had admired Ten Hags Ajax team from afar, knew he was a special youngish manager, but my heart sank when he accepted the Man United job.
Career wrecker I though, too much of an adventure playground than a true football club these days, not setup properly behind the scenes with little bankroll,,,wrong choice at the wrong time Eric.
How wrong I was.
 
He’s turned them into title challengers in less than a season, especially if City get a points reduction, collected many a big scalp including their rivals, dealt with the biggest ego in football decisively (hell of a striker though) and reached a cup final to boot.
All on a tighter than usual budget and despite being new.
I expect Dyche to do a good job at Everton despite many labeling that club the proverbial poison chalice.
Villa are another that had the tag hanging around its neck but a good managerial appointment has improved the situation enough that they look up instead of down.
 
My point here is that because a club looks and is talked about as a Poisoned Chalice, the label is often incorrect.
 
The obvious example is across the city. Celtic have the edge in most departments (merchandise sales, attendance, average income, match day revenue etc) but there’s only one department that really counts,,on the park of course.
 
That club can spend a couple million on players, and that’s all some managers need, Ange will find you a diamond for that. Clued in others would also.
Their bigger names will soon depart freeing up funds and as we recently witnessed by being forced to come from behind to draw the game they aren’t walkovers especially with the current standard of officiating.
 
One man’s poisoned chalice is another man’s opportunity, and some men grab opportunity with both hands. One day that will happen across the way.
We are strong right now, but must build to be strong then.
Over to you custodians.
 
By Mahe
sentinelcelts@gmail.com