Battle in Brum
Who woulda thunk it?
Here we are on matchday 8 already going through, string of big results in the bag, ready to go to battle in Brum,,,with a single striker.
Of course Maeda can slot in, but he’s unavailable. I don’t even know if Kenny can play, either through registration or Cup tied. Kuhn might be an option but with no Boy Wonder (he returns!) in the squad nor Jamsie fit, the German is needed on the right more than ever because the left will need respite.
Decisions, decisions.
Adam is in for a very tough, long and tiring night, and now Jota is officially signed it’s clear either or both of Yang and Palma shall depart, but ironically they’ll probably play tonight having been deemed lacking. Jota is a big step up from either, and now he shall have a big Baptism of fire in the knockouts.
The managers team talk should be straightforward, put any thoughts of already qualified away, you’re representing the badge and Calmac will preach the same message.
I would say Celtic don’t play for draws, but apparently we have in this competition. A forward planner might opt for using this tough away game as a dressed rehearsal for the knockout phase away game we shall play. With that in mind, plus the players unavailable I just see the usual approach, I think the occasion calls for a very workmanlike performance, nonstop pressing and running trying to match them or make an option. I’m thinking Bernardo over Reo and getting Luke on the pitch at some stage. Engels needs the experience.
Very tough position for Greg to be in,,certain to be targeted with his personal Samurai bodyguard missing in action,,,there’s no point playing Valle as he’s off soon and there’s still a chance GT could sign the new improved offer that’s widely rumored to be on the table.
I recall absolutely biting my fingernails going down to Old Trafford under Fergie, who later asked Van Der Saar ‘Are you buying that wee Japs DVD, because you’re f#$king in it twice!’ (another reason hes never Jocks peer, he couldnt/wouldnt acknowledge a fantastic from range free kick but ironically later cheered when his own CR7 scored a bucketload). Similarly when the much applauded Pep came to Parkhead with his soon to conquer Europe galatians of Mancessity.
I recall a Bambi on Ice striker called Amido Balde putting a Brendan Rodgers Liverpool side away, I recall Arsenal needed to cheat to best the Bhoys under the much vaunted Arsene Wenger who is an alleged football purist but he never seen it when it came to the unsavoury nature of his team.
Although I often fear the worst, our record against the EPL is respectable, in my opinion.
But here’s the rub, the EPL (and I’m an avid watcher) has changed a lot, it’s a different kettle of fish that’s moved from a 4-4-2 physical setup into a rapid technical game.
Any side in that league would cause us problems, the best young talented athletes that would outperform our lot in sports science tests.
If the group pulls anything out of this, they are better than I thought, and I’ll gladly eat humble pie plus hand out praise.
By Mahe sentinelcelts@gmail.com
BAD same as MCAFF hope all is well with you and yours👍❤
BP
just booked Seamus for his annual physical. Never less than 400! Vet is very good, but f****ing expensive.
My pal is a doctor. He says some of the doctors he knows get human meds for their pets. Some (not all but some) of the pet meds are identical as the human stuff, (just sold under different names), but the human ones are much cheaper!
BAD…just had a wee conversation with one of my suppliers, a guy who’s played a wee bit and also coached youth cup-winning teams. I would say he knows a bit about fitba. He said he’s concentrated on Taylor for a couple of months now, due to the abuse and criticism he’s been getting. His take, and one I agree with, is that Taylor does some amount of work off the ball that goes unnoticed and gives so much for the team – but as soon as he makes any kind of error the support are on him. He highlighted the positions he takes up ie midfield, supporting the attack, moving to the right side of attacking mid to support the play, all done at the manager’s instructions. But as soon as that ba’ hits the left back area and he’s missing it’s because he’s shit! My take in this conversation, fitba is a game of percentages, even in Brendan’s controlled possession game, and the gaffer is prepared to allow that space in the left back area because in real percentage terms (and I don’t have stats to back this up) we are not punished for leaving it exposed as often as you’d think. He has seen off a lot of challengers for the position, and has played under a few managers so he must have something.
Lawyers, Doctors, Dentists, Accountants! They don’t do irony do they!!! How are you Mike? 🤣🤣🤣
now dont repeat this as you all know mcaff is a govan lad well jimthetim53 told me he has a room in his house, called the blue room, where he has pictures of jimmy Millar ralph brand wullie henderson wullie johnston, the list is endless, but as jim doesnt post on here anymore, thought id share it with you😎😎😎😎😎😎
BP,
things could worse, Packy.
hope you and the good lady are cool, buddy 💚
MIKE yes heard about that, fecking 5 teeth out 900 quid ,luckily we are insured, what about all the animal lovers who are not Insured ????
I thought I posted this earlier but can’t see it on page 1. Hmmmm.
Anyway, short and sweet – transfer window deadline is 11pm next Monday, 3rd February. Bags of time left!
BAD❤❤
McCaff
January 29, 2025 3:53 pm
That professional analysis of GT sums it up.
Supporters who know sfa about the professional game throw rattles out the pram to support their core understanding which is lacking in the first instance.
It explains BR’s willingness to try and retain GT.
But what do we know?
Auldheid
January 29, 2025 3:22 pm
IQV
Arsenal are in the driving seat when it comes to KT transfer. It’s all about who loses on a transfer fee and Arteta is not a loser.
That is circumstances in the real world that Celtic have no control over.
————————————
Hi Auldheid:
I hope all is well and that your health is on a steady upward trajectory.
I agree that Arsenal are in the driving seat over KT and that Celtic have no control over the situation.
But Celtic have control over pertinent matters. We have just transferred Bernabei, a left back who is not registered for the CL. We somehow contrived to lose Valle, a left back who is registered, 3 days before our last Cl qualifying game. This leaves us with Taylor, an inadequate player with no speed, power, physicality, heading or crossing ability as our sole left back for Villa and the remainder of the season. What if he gets injured early tonight?
I worked in strategic planning most of my working life, always asking the question ‘“What if….?” and having a solution ready for possible future scenarios. Now you are absolutely correct that fans do not know what us happening in the background, but we have powers of observation, and can connect the dots, and make some logical deductions on what evidence we do have.
For example, the Norwich – Idah situation last window. I have a lifelong friend who spent his career in Norwich and is a big fan. He has told me that the prevailing opinion among Norwich fans was astonishment at receiving £9.5M for Adam, because we left it to the very last minute. The question now is – how does this differ from our current situation vis-a-vis a striker today? I can’t see any. Other teams know we have money, that we have lost Kyogo, that we need a striker, and that time is short. We have voluntarily placed ourselves in a weak negotiating position while other Champions League teams have already bedded in new signings in preparation for registration of players for the next phase of the competition. That is poor planning.
I hope that the following things happen: We conclude a loan signing for KT, we buy a striker, we register both of them next week, along with Jota, and we give a resolute performance tonight. I can’t see any way we will not pay a pretty penny for the first 2 of these. If we had signed another left back, say Penrice, the KT loan would not be as critical. Similarly, if we had signed a striker weeks ago as we knew months ago that Kyogo wanted away.
I think our issues are self inflicted. We simply do not plan for possible future scenarios.
Cheers,
HH
Iniquitous IV😊
McCaff,
Unfortunately for Greg he does appear to be a bit of an outlet for a lot of the supports groans, that’s a shame.
But I’d just be lying if I said I was happy with him …I want better than Greg.
I have a feeling we’ll be playing against him in a couple of years.
Ever wonder why the manager and club didn’t push the boat out a little to make Greg feel wanted enough to sign right away?
I’m still amazed he was lucky enough to play 200 games for us!
Btw, I played football my whole life, have been a youth coach (SFA qualified) for a dozen years and I’m telling you he’s pish! 😉😂
HH 🍀
There is a video on BR and latest transfer explanation but best link is to a DR report yesterday.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/sad-celtic-exit-new-striker-34570814
True or false?
Stevie G out of work. If only Belgium had tried harder to woo PC away from Ibroke, the dream team could have been brought back to their spiritual home
McCaff
Hi McCaff
Agree with your supplier. GT gives his all, has some engine on him, and does what Brendan wants. He also has a very likable personality.
My response, sadly, is “So what?” And that goes back at least 3 years watching Bodo/Glimt’s Solbakken, who hadn’t played in weeks, running past him repeatedly as if he didn’t exist, leaping high above him, and simply brushing him aside.
For years, we have needed a left back who can do all the things Greg can do, simply a lot better, and be far more of an athlete. If he can stay injury free, we may have one in the summer.
HH
Iniquitous IV😊
BAD…don’t get all Billy Big Baws on here wi’ yer coaching badges…been there, done it, got the t-shirt!
Do I want better – absolutely! But that’s not what’s being discussed! What’s being discussed is whether Taylor a) is good enough to play for us and b) does he fit in Brendan’s system. The answer can only be reflected in his 200 appearances for us. Somebody, that is somebody with more badges than me and you combined, thinks he can and decides he plays. He’s then put into the team to play probably the shittest position on the park, asked to cover so many different areas of the pitch, and guess what? He does it, because he’s asked to and can. I’m with you, he’s not good enough to take us to the next level and if course if KT was here he’d be relegated to back-up but none of that says he’s a shit fitba player! And that’s where I always think the criticism is unfair.
IQ4…you cannot simply say “So what”! That in itself doesn’t answer any of the issues. He’s here and it’s been his jersey to lose for as long as he’s been here – and he’s held onto it. So, this guy you want to do everything he does but better – where is he? As said earlier, all of the managers he’s played under have known the %age game is how the game is played and have sacrificed what he does bring in favour of what he can’t.
IQ4…and you were one of my Gang of 4, from my earlier comment, but you probablyknew that!!! 🤣🤣🤣
2 game ban for Maeda
ffs
Maeda 2 match ban,misses first leg of next round
McCaff
“So, this guy you want to do everything he does but better – where is he?”
——————————-
Hi McCaff:
You obviously didn’t read the last line of my post.😊
“If he can stay injury free, we may have him in the summer. (KT of course )
HH
Iniquitous IV😊
Should have appealed the Maeda red, I said at the time, never a red, no force in the challenge, another aspect of disorganised f.c. would have cost little enough to try.
McCaff
January 29, 2025 4:45 pm
IQ4…and you were one of my Gang of 4
————————————-
Moi?
I’m deeply honoured.🤣
im not worried, as long as wee jinky has got over his calf strain, and bobby murdoch has got over his thigh strain, we will beat this mob,,another true story❤❤👍😎
A few angry Tims posting.
IQ4..I did read it but doubt the system, as far as left back is concerned, will be the same next year. If KT signs I think the defence will be strengthened with more of a reliance on him dropping in tight to Trusty when required. When we’re in possession and attacking I see him more as an attacking full back, using the wing to overlap rather than supplementing the centre midfield area.
HI TIM how are you mate, not seen you posting for a while, hope all is well with you and yours👍👍❤❤
Big Jim Packy…wrong blog mate, you should be on this – https://thelionswouldbe6upbynoo 🤪🤣🤣🤣
MCAFF comes up as cant reach this page, is it a rainjurs site😎😎😎😎😎😎
@DiocesePaisley
Diocese of Paisley Podcast – EXCLUSIVE STORY!
In this episode, Patrick O’Hara looks at the possible opening of a Cause for Canonisation of Scottish football legend Tommy Burns.
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McCaff,
That’s one thing we can agree on – It’s not a very glamorous position ..
As fans we can only be honest about what we like and don’t.
Believe me, it gives me no pleasure to dislike his ability.
I wish him all the best every time he puts that strip on though.
I also would never dream of booing a Celtic player, I’m just not a big fan.
BAD…no hard feelings mate, I’ll reserve them for IQ4 and his ilk! 🤣🤣🤣
Just kidding ‘IQ4! 🤣🤣🤣
Big Jim Packy…it wasfake news, read the http address!! 🤪😁
Right guys, need to get on, doing a bit of diy painting before the fitba starts!
McCaff,
Don’t let that IQ4 suck all your positive energy mate!
He’s the kinds guy that only comes to your house party to tell you your niblets are all shit! 😂
BAD…mine’s usually are, but the cocktails are alcohol-heavy and delicious!! 😁👍
McCaff,
While me and you are in the living room getting pissed and stoned, Ini can sit in the kitchen with the wummin and moan till his heart’s content! 😊😉
Arsenal bid £60 million for Watkins…should probably still start
Poor IQ4! 😁
Absolutely buzzing for the game.
Celtic scarf, Bottle of red wine, couple of cans, and a wee dram .
Only thing is,
I will not see over the back of the Sofa 😂😂😂
COYBIG 🍀🍀🍀🍀
StrangerthingshavehappenedCSC💚💚💚
if it was the lions id be confident of a victory, if it was Martin’s team id be nearly confident of a victory, if it was ronnies team im undecided😎😎😎😎😎
BP
I’m doing ok one day at a time.
TIM god bless pal👍❤🙏
Tim Horton,
Hey, Tim, all the very best, buddy.
ODAAT 👍
🍀🍀🍀
BP,
If it was the lions that were playing tonight, every single English football fan would have to rethink their opinion about Scottish football.
The lions beat much better English teams than Villa!
The lions changed the way modern European football is played! Many teams can say that!?
BAD cant argue with any of that👍👍👍❤
Craig76
St Thomas of Calton.🙏
I’ve just read a tweet that says:
If we win tonight we’ll get either Man City, PSG, Sporting Lisbon, Benfica or PSV. If we lose its either Brest, Lille, Feyenoord or Monaco!
So, let me be the first on here to say “M’on the Villa!!”.
Auldheid
Great to see you posting and hope your health is on the mend.
Prefer to look upon transfer strategy, moreso than condemning players as not been good enough to represent our club.
Can accept that the chances of getting a full quality 25man CL squad in place for ourselves, as a near impossible task due to the 8 homegrown quota requirements in operation, and such a lack of producing young talent within Scottish football.
Can even overlook the failure within CL for so long, with trying to get a good player trading model in place, to help compensate the lack of TV revenue within Scottish football still.
So haven’t to many complaints with the strategy taken, in order to get ourselves into the current financial position our club find itself in.
However, I have got growing concerns as to whether we actually have got any intentions of wanting to get to the higher level, or are we actually at that point in the here and now?
To get ourselves to the higher level, does involve a proper transfer strategy.
But in 2 years, and 5 transfer windows close to completion, with numerous players added, and a spend of over 70M in existence, then the level of failure remains way to high within the quality of our squad at present imo?
I know if I was in the position of power within our club, I would be seeking serious answers to an ongoing issue, from all responsible.
But more importantly, looking for the solutions to an ongoing problem, that’s been in existence for way too long for my liking.
The common problem, as I see it, and remains in existence, is this policy of getting a manager expected to work with existing coaching staff?
The board backing a manager with funds within the price bracket we operate within, is always going to be a hit and miss process.
We still are in a position of to many misses and not enough hits, much the same as being displayed upon the field of play also, within our own game presently.
However, I do draw a line of total unacceptably at picking and choosing what games are important to ourselves?
This has been in operation during this month and none to impressed with what I am currently seeing.
Some of our players tonight are potentially going to be fed to the wolves, unless they preform to a far higher standard that is expected from them.
Every player is capable of producing better than expected, along with the worse than hoping for, such are the margins within the game.
So consistency remains key, and to many signs of that consistency missing throughout to many areas within our club imo?
So is settling for mediocrity going to remain our new normal within our club?
Still a very long way to go before ever getting achieved imo?
Opposition managers don’t seem to rate Greg Taylor’s defensive abilities. Game after game we see our left back area targeted for counter attacks.
Just an observation 🤔