SENTINELCELTS

Several song titles present themselves to sum up how I’m feeling after the trip to Paisley.
‘I ain’t missing you at all’
‘Get in the groove and let the good times roll’
‘It’s getting better man’,but the old Blue Swede classic provided the perfect line.

I am getting hooked on this feeling, the feeling of something special happening everytime the leather belts take to the park, the sense that this team emerges from the tunnel and put in good performance after good performance ultimately delivering a high scoring win. Yesterday was no different, despite the weather, despite the opponents being big strong men, despite the blow of losing Matt.

We kicked ass, a feat that’s happening too often to be coincidence, and have reached the stage of wondering not where the points shall head, but rather how many goals shall the Hoops score. Mark of a good team. So is sharing the goals around and yesterday it was the midfielders efforts that won the game with a defenders strike to wrap it up. The middle of the park produced another masterclass display, all three can hold their head high, the Danes departure did result in disruption and his immediate replacement was not our Achilles heel, far from it, this wisdom of having a player already upto speed was clearly evident. As a known ‘skelper, Big Paolo got vital minutes under his belt to put him in good stead for a game he usually enjoys that’s only 6 days away and counting.
The other two are already purring like kittens, I think this is the best beginning to a season they’ve ever delivered if truth be told.

If James is undergoing an Indian summer, then Calmac must be also. I’m used to seeing him quite ‘leggy’ come the first few games, it looks as though he had the entire summer off and maybe the knowledge of only club football from now on has really put him at ease these days. Two screamer long range goals tells me he’s enjoying his football, and that he shall continue with those types of efforts given the success rate. Ten for the season should be his immediate target.

As for his Japanese sidekick, maybe Brighton bought the wrong midfielder. He’s producing his best ever form in my book, has discovered a new level under this new playing system, and goal is just rewards for the effort he’s putting in.
And what about that smile!?
He’s usually a bit nonplussed or dour, yesterday he was beaming after converting, he’s clearly happy and going nowhere else this window full-stop.

To round off another fine display our right back slams one in, after an assist from the man who either scores or assists every meaningful game this season. Kuhn and Johnson are the new Jackie and Simon terrorizing the right flank, and it’s a joy to behold when they often combine.

But yesterday’s game wasn’t only about our three goals.
I could mention the whistler and VAR being either incompetent or bent this early in the season. I know Robinson signs big guys but he could also instruct them to play fair, so my admiration for the job he’s doing at The Saints decreases, my despise for the officials couldn’t go any lower.

I could mention the message sent to Greg Taylor by the boss, that’s not good enough so you’re hooked even if we can’t replace you like for like.

I could mention the fact Holm is making the bench and getting a few minutes over Iwata, which indicates he’s more higher thought of.

I will definitely mention a Celtic debut, not least because he’s from my home city and already looks a specimen at such a young age. I believe I can confidently predict that’s not his only appearance of the season. Well done Francis Turley. Do us proud.

Perhaps the day’s most important events came outside of the 90 minutes, both before and after.
Beforehand the dignitaries of the Celtic board found themselves face to face with a bunch of regular Tims, and to nobodies surprise they let rip at the suits. They were told by Peter to calm down!

Maybe it’s just me, but those are two words you say to diffuse a potential physical altercation, they certainly are not the correct words to diffuse discontent, two things poles apart. The suits were never going to be harmed, it was the ideal moment to give some type of reasonable answer to those growing exasperated at our lack of signings whilst being minted. Poor show, and not from the Tims who have every right to voice their dissatisfaction.
Maybe the broken umbrella sapped their last vestige of competence.

It’s been a dream start, the squad is slimmer, the players look really fired up, and we’ve got the biggest club competition in the world to look forward to. But after the match saw the other side of the coin, the manager issuing his final and biggest plea, this time resorting to pointing out what the supporters deserve to those in the boardroom who control the incomings and outgoing. It was a serious shot across the bow from Brendan. He fully and publically handed over responsibility to where it belongs, the burden is not his yet he must weekly be faced with questions he himself cannot answer. It finally looked like it was taking a toll, his words were strong and to the point.

Apologies for repeating myself, but this week’s events shall shape the next several years at our club of choice. Buy well and blossom, tread water and struggle, that’s the simple choice for the board before Friday night, and I dare say there’s a lot riding on their answer, not least the commitment of the man responsible for making us a special team to watch again.
By next Sunday evening I want smiles all around, the current first choice eleven having won the game allowing a ‘cheeky’ derby debut to several new signings, who are afforded the chance to make it a dream debut by shining in the glorious atmosphere of derby victory.
Likewise the weeks events have the potential to bring negativity into the stadium via serious board dissatisfaction and undoubtedly disenfranchising the man holding it all together. A group of death, a result from hell, an unpopular departure alongside inadequate replacements,,the upcoming week is either the beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning. The team kicks on, or the fans kick up hell,,,it’s a massive week and there’s massive decisions to be made which shall have repercussions for years.

By Mahe
sentinelcelts@gmail.com