The Official Glasgow Celtic Thread

[salty]

Lenny' choice of subs has been poor in last two games. He needs to do better in this regard for the remaining games. No doubt we will have a good few runners and riders put forward in next few weeks for a permanent appointment.

 

KT's injury yesterday was only cramp apparently and it is being suggested he could be available for Wednesday. Hopefully not. No need to risk him with the title well within our grasp. 

 

The next big game is the semi against Aberdeen. They have excelled this season in Glasgow and will not be afraid of Celtic. Some game time for our returning wounded would be benefial in the next few league games.

[salty]

Another unconvincing performance from Celtic last night but 3 more points leaving 5 needed to get over the line. Weah scored early and a couple of terrific McGregor passes should have put the game to bed but Ajer and Burke both wasted good chances. Add a missed penalty by Ntcham and we should  have been out of sight.

 

With a 13 point lead it was hard to get very worked up about it and the atmosphere was muted compared to last Sunday. Good to see the return of Benkovic and a late sub for Christie who showed his colleagues how to do it with a clinching 2nd near the end taking a McGregor pass.

 

The satisfaction felt was quickly eroded when another clown felt the need  to throw a fire cracker which caused the Saints goalie a shock and cosiderable temporary discomfort. Christie also got a bit of a shock.

These morons seem to regard away games in particular to demonstrate their stupidity. Needless to say we are far from impressed by these halfwits and want to see them weeded out and banned.

 

Brown was in the news again being accused of stamping on a Saints player. It didn't look too good and the best case you could make it was careless. Ref was in close proximity and did not take any action. News today is he is facing a charge for Sunday's game. While I was not too impressed with him he seems to have done no more than a few in the previous Glasgow derby. It looks like the club are going to contest it.

[hackjam]

CMcG's passing was, indeed, a joy to watch.

Good to see Benko and RC back from lay off's, look so more dynamic with Christie in midfield, and he loves to get into the box, so many times we hit half decent crosses into the box and we had so few bodies on there.

Ollie did look a tad ring rusty, his penalty effort was pathetic. Burke tried hard as main striker but he is not a striker. Bain made a quality save but almost gifted a goal too.

 Weah done well and should get an extended run. Good to hear also he is open to staying next season.

Shocking behavior by bambpot in the crowd with that banger.

Also encouraging news that Ralston completed a comeback game for reserves a few days ago, looks like Boyata has played his last game. Still cant believe we had to turn down 9m for a bang average player in the summer, all because of recruitment failures for the center half position. 

 

[hackjam]

A change of formation saw Celtic go 3 at the back. First half, played well and created several good clear cut chances but went in level at HT.

Second half, just ran out of ideas, Livi parked bus and we just could not break them down. Our corner and free kick deliveries seem to be getting worse. Hayes made a difference when introduced. Then in injury time, big chance came to Burke, who took a good touch to make room for himself but somehow, blasted wide from 4 yards, the miss was nearly as bad as his miss midweek after Weah's header.

 

Honstly, could not pick a MOM. Lets hope we were keeping powder dry for Sunday.

So frustrating that we seem unable to break down teams that park bus.

[salty]

Another of those increasingly annoying games to watch after a decent 1st half. As so often this season build up too slow making life easy for packed defences. Very few decent chances carved out though  Kelly made good saves from Rogic and Forrest. 

 

Edouard  had a few powder puff attempts and struggled against a packed defence. Great chance blown by Burke  not a good week for him.

 

If Aberdeen go ahead next week I would fear our treble hopes. 

[salty]

Celtic moved a step closer to another treble with a very comfortable semi final win. Celtic played well but Aberdeen indiscipline made our task much easier. Celtic were right at it from the start. Considine made a good block on Forrest, and Jozo of all people forced a good save from Lewis after a mazy run from halfway. He then missed a good chance from the resulting corner. McGregor shot over after a clever dummy and the only danger came when Cosgrave volleyed wide. The game turned in Celtic's favour when Ball was sent off for clattering into Christie. He was already on a yellow for a trip when he made an unnecessary challenge on Christie who was winning a header. A 6 minute delay followed as Christie was taken off on a stretcher with possible cheek or eye damage. Celtic went ahead in the 3rd extra minute. Forrest made a good turn and from well outside the area fired a rocket into the corner for yet another superb strike.

 

With memories of the recent Glasgow derby one hoped Celtic would stay focused. Thankfully there was no sign of complacency and they continued to press. Naive Aberdeen defending saw Hayes arrived in the box unnoticed and was fouled for a clear cut penalty. Edouard's well taken kick beat Lewis who dived the right way but could not get to it. Celtic were now very comfortable and then Ferguson who had committed a series of fouls dived in on Rogic with his studs up. It was a extremely dangerous challenge and  Aberdeen were down to 9 men.  Lustig hit the free into the wall it rebounded to him he passed to Rogic who hit a beauty into the corner. 3-0 and at that stage it was time to concentrate all my attention on events in Augusta.

[hackjam]

Surprised to see both Joso and JH start but both played well as did Ajer, who kept a grip of that big cart horse. Ball definitely deserved first booking, a sly trip with no intention of playing the ball, so he can have no complaints. Looked a nasty one for Christie, hopefully back for final.

While Aberdeen shot themselves in the foot, I was not too impressed with Celtic play, lacking midfield dynamics, too many times Brown goes backwards and sideways with the ball. CMcG was quiet, Aussie Tam got some more game time and took goal well, Forrest is such an important player for us, should sweep POY awards.

[hackjam]

Another worrying display and 2 points dropped against a game Hibbs side, who did not park the bus and were willing to have a go. Still, we could not break them down.

NL made 2 changes, Izzy and Ollie starting-and both were rank rotten. Surely start Hayes at LB and then give Timo a start. And Aussie Tam should have started too, OK would not have lasted the 90min. The sight of Izzy trying to make a tackle is pathetic. Looking back, Ollie should have punted and McGinn brought in, and we would have been 10million up. Ollie seems to have his head turned by Porto, was never here for the long haul anyway and McGinn would have been Browns long term replacement, just another example of our piss poor recruitment.

Last week we scored 2 goals from outside the box and the penalty was a ball over the top but yesterday, we seemed to want to walk the ball into the net, overplaying. We did create a few chances near the end but unable to convert. Forrest had an off day too. Joso and Ayer solid at the back, Ajer spent most of his time covering for Izzy, Brown and CMcG worked hard trying to make things happen, as did Lustig but his pace is so lacking. SS was poor when introduced and recken he will be punted in the summer, should have been skinning that full back.

Worrying news that KTs season may be over. Christie also out for rest of season.

Just need to hold our nerve and get over the line but Lenny need to get team selection right from the start.

[CelticBhoy]

The first 10 or so minutes looked like we were going to be destroyed. Thank god Bain was on form.

Ntcham had a nightmare of a game. Hayes was no better.

The Hibs keeper was on fire. Full marks to him. But how we can't take a team like them out sharpish (with Lennon knowing them all) means we do need to look further than Neil as he's not the man to take us onwards and upwards.

8-in-a-row is a given, just want 9 then 10 to be a doddle!

[Jockstar]

30 minutes ago, CelticBhoy said:

The first 10 or so minutes looked like we were going to be destroyed. Thank god Bain was on form.

Ntcham had a nightmare of a game. Hayes was no better.

The Hibs keeper was on fire. Full marks to him. But how we can't take a team like them out sharpish (with Lennon knowing them all) means we do need to look further than Neil as he's not the man to take us onwards and upwards.

8-in-a-row is a given, just want 9 then 10 to be a doddle!

Please keep Neil Lennon ????

[salty]

 

Another maddening game watching Celtic as they were dreadful in the final 3rd. Sure Marciano had a blinder in the Hibs goal but so much over playing and bad decisions were extremely irritating to watch. 3 scoreless draws in recent games tells a tale. As usual the "quality" of corners and free kicks were abysmal apart form Edouards effort which produced an excellent save.                                         

 

Some of Lenny's selections and substitutions are not inspiring confidence. Izaguirre was too slow years ago and Ntcham has underwhelmed for nearly all the season. Giving Timo the last 7 minutes is ludicrous while SS continues to disappoint. Most of the names punted to take over are in the realms of fantasy. A possible realistic name punted was Davis Wagner the ex Huddersfield boss who did an excellent job in getting them up to the PL and keeping them there last season. 

 

I agree the failure to sign McGinn was a huge blunder mainly due to penny pinching. The guy is the type to get stuck in and scrap for everything and at this stage far more effective than Brown.

 

We could have lost the game yesterday only for Bain saving the bacon in the closing stages. He and the central defenders are the most reliable performers at present.

 

Hopefully our nerves and patience will get a respite next Saturday.

[salty]

A sad day for all Celtic followers everywhere. Billy McNeill the Lisbon Lions captain died last night aged 79. He suffered from Dementia in his latter years . He is the 5th I think of the Lions to die. Ronnie Simpson, Tommy Gemmell, Bobby Murdoch and Jimmy Johnstone have all passed away . 

 

May he and they rest in peace.

[Jockstar]

22 minutes ago, salty said:

A sad day for all Celtic followers everywhere. Billy McNeill the Lisbon Lions captain died last night aged 79. He suffered from Dementia in his latter years . He is the 5th I think of the Lions to die. Ronnie Simpson, Tommy Gemmell, Bobby Murdoch and Jimmy Johnstone have all passed away . 

 

May he and they rest in peace.

RIP. No matter who you support. He  was a legend and gentleman

[mrbojangles]

6 hours ago, Jockstar said:

RIP. No matter who you support. He  was a legend and gentleman

Absolutely. For those who don't know, he also managed Man City in the early 80's for about 3 years. R.I.P

[hackjam]

What would be good from new Manager:

 Don’t flogging players, 60 games a season is nonsense. Move ball quicker, quit this dicking about side to side. Continue to play out from the back but hoof it if pressure on. Get Griff back firing on all cylinders, he has not kicked a ball for BR-and that’s a 30 goal a season striker. Tighten up in Europe, park a bus if needed, no more 7 nil thumping’s. Continue development of young talent.  For F*** sake, sort out the corners and free kicks, oh yea, penalties too, think we miss more than we score. Quit trying to walk the ball into the net, more shots from outside the box.

Ship out all out of contract players- Gamboa, Izzy, Boyata, DeVries, Allan all out of contract so should free up a chunk on wages, try flog all players with a year left on contract, sign a couple of center half’s, a right back and left sided attacker to replace SS. Try get Weah on another loan and, try for Burke, if WBA willing to cut losses, reckon there is a player there. Build team around Bain, Ajer, KT, CMcG, RC, JF, TR and Eddie. We need to UPGRADE big-time, especially the likes of Bitton, Hendry, Commper etc.

There may be a case for Lustig getting extension, as he can fill in at Center back also and think he, like others, suffered from being played too much, but, as one of our top earners, would be expected to take a hefty pay cut, plus he is a leader also.  Hayes could do a backup job for KT/left winger.

Morgan not tearing it up down at Sunderland, so doubt if he could make an impact, but Ukrainian guy doing well, should be ideal to rotate him with Forrest.

 

[salty]

Another poor Celtic performance rescued by a superb header by Jozo which earned us a narrow victory and leaves us needing 1 more point to get over the line. Until the goal we were looking as another 0-0 as we faffed and buggered about as per usual. Indeed we were fortunate not  to be in arrears as Bain saved the jerseys again with a great block as Burke availed of a fortunate richochet to be one on one with the keeper. Brown rode his luck with a stupid shove in the area but got away with it. It would have been soft but they have been given. Steve Clarke had no doubt. Ajer lost possession leaving Brophy in on goal but fortunately he dithered allowing the Norwegian to rescue the situation. In contrast Celtic with most of the play were dreadful up front. 

 

Sinclair got plenty of the ball in space but achieved very little. On the few occasions he took on the full back he was easily hustled off the ball. Edouard and Forrest were both poor but given the usual slow build up they had little space created for them. Rogic saw plenty of the ball and drove forward on several occassion but all attempts to link up never worked and his shooting was terrible. 

 Izaguirre was decent enough today but Lustig was beaten for pace on several occasions. Bain and the 2 centre backs were easily our best performers.

 

Jozo in particular made a few menacing runs and it was refreshing to see someone display some urgency. The goal came after a McGregor corner was cleared, Rogic smartly returned to McGregor whose decent centre was headed home by Jozo with a terrific leap and a brilliant downward header into the corner. Number 5 scored after 67 minutes.  Big Billy would have  approved 

 

Killie did not lie down and Celtic were defending with some discomfort in the closing stages. Brown gave a dangerous ball away with a terrible pass and Hayes subbing gave away a stupid free. He did however make one or two decent runs to ease the pressure, Ntcham on as another sub confirmed he is too slow and lost a few tackles easily.  Burke would have been a better sub with his running power.

[hackjam]

We get the 3 points eventually but the game had 0-0 stamped all over it till Joso pops up with that header. Another dreadful performance against a depleted Killi side that will consider themselves unlucky not to have taken something from the game, on what was an emotional day at Celtic Park.

Baffled again by team selection, Izzy at LB, surely Trojan or Hayes a better option. And says it all that Izzy was one of our better performers on a day that Bain saved our bacon and Joso got pass marks also.

Team looks so jaded, Go to guys like Forrest, CMcG, Brown etc all looking leggy now, really needs freshening up. SS again poor, Lustig exposed...……….. Its worrying, that we are a few games away from treble treble and we are looking like a punch drunk boxer trying to stay on his feet till the bell.

So the scale of the rebuild job seems to be raising with every passing game.

 

[balo]

So how come Celtic are playing so poorly lately, does it got anything to do with the change of the manager? 

[hackjam]

Guess change of manager at crucial stage of season has not helped but been poor most of season. Just a failure to strengthen squad from a position of strength has caught up.

Good to see Celtic Player of year award going to CMcG and Ajer getting young POY las night.

[balo]

2 hours ago, hackjam said:

Ajer getting young POY las night.

Really, good to hear, let's hope he can avoid more injuries.

The next 2-3 years will be important for his development.  

[salty]

Another of the Lions has sadly passed away. Stevie Chalmers who scored the winning goal in Lisbon died this morning. He had not been well for some time. RIP Stevie.

[salty]

A red letter day for the Bhoys. 3-0 win in Pittrodie gets us finally over the line for 8 in a row and 50th title. 8th successive domestic trophy and hopefully another treble if we win the cup again.

 

A bit better today than some of the recent offering which were poor. Bain again to the rescue as he made a terrific block from a big Aberdeen chance and they missed the chance from the rebound as the keeper was helpless. Brown's lack of pace exposed again.  KT started but looked only a pale shadow of his normal self. Celtic looked for a long time as this was going to be another of these insipid displays but shortly before half time Lustig showed the front men the way by stealing into a good position far post and with a diving header guided Calmac's centre inside the post for the lead.

 

With a draw only needed for the title things looked fairly safe and then mirabile dictu a 2nd goal from a corner by Calmac. Jozo again with a terrific header into the top corner leaving Lewis helpless. Celtic were cruising after that and Edouard scored a third in the closing minutes. 

 

I am sure none of us think everything in the garden is rosy but this will do for the present. 

[salty]

Another dreadful Glasgow derby display at Ibrox saw us well beaten by The Rangers with the honours going to the home side. Celtic were awful and handed the initiative to the home side after a couple of minutes. Lustig far too slow to clear robbed by Kent who was fouled. An excellent free kick whipped in at speed by Tavanier went all the way to the net giving Bain little chance as the defence was almost on top of him. The Rangers swarmed all over Celtic and as in December we had very little response. Defoe made a theatrical dive in an attempt to win a penalty.  Given the number they have got this season I suppose we were fortunate one was not given. At HT we were  fortunate to be only one down

 

Toljan for a injured Lustig made no difference and we continued to play second fiddle. The only danger to the home side was when Flanagan was extremely fortunate not to add to their litany of red cards with a elbow into Brown's face as they jostled at a corner. It should have been a red but he got away with a booking. They continued to dominate and added a second insurance goal midway through the half. Kamara left Brown for dead and a clever dummy by Defoe saw Arfield react to poke past the helpless Bain. Ajer too slow to react to the danger. The keeper made a good save from Defoe who lobbed the rebound on to the bar. With 6 minutes to go good play by Edouard set up a good chance for Burke but his powder puff attempt was easily saved by Foderingham. Apart from that he had a very easy afternoon

 

Today was another example of the passengers we carry when the going gets tough. Hopefully we will be able to complete another treble but there is no doubt major surgery will be required in the close season.  

[hackjam]

A totally shambolic performance, highlighting the need for a major squad overhaul ASAP. How did we end up with such a bloated squad, players unable to come in a do a job? Writing has been on the wall all season. Certainly harmful for Lennys hopes of landing job fulltime. Even reliables like CMcG SB not showing up. Aussie Tam not kicked a ball this year. Ralston must be in poor condition if Trojan can get a game ahead.

Now news that our only fit forward is injured. Down to the bare bones and nobody to step in.

Read recently Izzy and Bitton both offered contract extensions-<deleted>.

Many linked with managers job, latest being ex Brighton manager, maybe not a bad fit??

[salty]

Last league game of the season and both sides going through the motions with piles of changes before the Cup Final.  FWIW a 2-1 win with Johnston the star but can he do it against more committed opposition. Young Dembele on for 2nd half. Good to have a look at him. Looked lively and one for the future. 

 

Very sloppy goal conceded and caused by Bain playing silly buggers at the back. Lesson learned one would hope.

 

The punters are betting on various runners and riders in the managerial stakes. No news likely until after the weekend. Whoever it is hopefully the club will be looking at reinforcements in the playing staff and moving on deadwood.

 

Chance of treble treble on Saturday. We need a focused Celtic.

[hackjam]

These games are always flat-unless its Motherwell. Dembele certainly livened up a dull game.

Was impressed with Johnston, looked lively and scored 2 good goals, was very direct. Would think that some of the fringe players would be bursting a gut to put themselves in the frame for a squad place in cup final or next seasons set up but no, most just going through the motions. Happy to just pick up weekly pay check, we so need a clear out, yesterday was a good barometer as to where some of our squad are at.

Whoever is manager next season has a lot of big calls to make before a ball is kicked, getting rid of the dead wood/freeloaders and upgrading.

Funny to hear biggest cheer of the day was when Commper got his medal.

Several injury concerns for cup final, Johnston may start, saying that, Aussie Tam normally comes up with the goods on cup final day. Maybe got with JF, Eddie and Johnston up front.

[salty]

Celtic achieved the treble treble with a narrow win over Hearts in the Cup Final today. As well as 9 domestic trophies on the bounce its also the first time to win the Cup in 3 successive years.

 

Despite all this the principal emotion at the end was relief as Celtic displayed plenty of the irritating aspects of many of their games during the season.  Especially in the first half they were far too slow and deliberate and made life easy for Hearts. Johnson looked to be the one player with a touch of imagination and he carried the main threat in the opening stages. But Hearts were doubling up on him to snuff out the threat and looked very comfortable and far from the rank outsiders they were supposed to be. They were pushing up on Celtic so that Bain was only fleetingly allowed to play from the back. He put several balls out of play. Rogic in particular had a terrible game and Edouard was unable to make any impression.

 

Early in the 2nd half Celtic were roused from their lethargy when Hearts took the lead. It followed a Hearts throw and the ball was played across goal where Celtic failed to deal with it and Edwards shot home through Bain's legs from close range. Going on the previous play a nightmare scenario was in the offing. At last Celtic began to up the tempo and when Hayes who had a good game in defence and attack played a forward pass Edouard raced on to it. The Hearts keeper sold himself and took him down. It was a pressure penalty and thankfully Eddy was equal to the task to equalize. Hearts were still well in the game and you felt a 2nd goal for them would be curtains. The paucity of Celtic's bench was displayed by the introduction of Ntcham for Johnson which surprised me and Sinclair for Hayes who was carrying an injury. Neither made much of a contribution. With 8 minutes to go Edouard scored again with superb anticipation. He stayed onside to run on to a Lustig header and beat the keeper with a composed finish.

 

Including injury time Celtic had to hang on for almost a quarter of an hour and it was torture to watch. Silly free kicks conceded, hustled off 50/50 balls, giving it away cheaply we had to defend desperately in the closing stages before the welcome full time whistle. Cue celebrations and blood pressure beginning to normalize.

 

Afterwards an official announcement that Lenny has been offered the job permanently. It is fair to say it has greeted with mixed reviews. I sincerely hope that we will see a fit Tierney and Christie  when the team returns for the new season. A much more proactive approach is needed in the transfer window than last year. At present we are carrying far too much dead wood and would not have a hope of getting through to the CL

[hackjam]

Pre season up and running, have managed to shift about half a dozen from bloated squad, Lustig, Boyata, Gamboa, Izzy, Allen, DDV & now Mulumbu, reckon that's close to 100k a week freed up. And a positive signing in the French C/B, Jullien, hearing he is a big powerful player, at a good age too, should be a big influence on Ajer. Also got Connell in from Bolton, read a few weeks ago Robbie Keane singing his praises, apparently he can play midfield and left back, at 18 should be a bit of a project. Need that elusive Right Back and we will be in reasonable shape. Still some deadwood to offload, will be challenging. Would like to see Benko come back from Leicester on a seasons loan, especially if NL goes with 3 at the back.

Actually the signings have me buzzing a little. Hopefully will see Griff back firing on all cylinders and slotting in alongside overworked Eddie, with Bayo also in the frame. Shved should be ready to back up Forrest, also hoping to see some of the exciting youngsters getting game time, especially Hendo & MJ. 

Not sure how the KT situation is going to pan out, basically we don't need/want to sell, player is happy at his boyhood club so it should take an offer we cannot refuse to pries him away.

So overall, happy enough so far.

[salty]

Things look a good bit more encouraging than the end of last season when we managed to complete another treble despite being miles off our best. Big Jullien and Connell seem to be very decent signings. We may even get an odd goal or two from corners. Hopefully a right back will follow. Unfortunate the way the Turnbull saga turned out. He seemed to have been an excellent prospect. Not beyond the bounds of possibility for the next transfer window. Griffiths seem to be finding his feet again after his depression problems.

 

The big concern is the KT situation. Good to see Celtic are prepared to play hardball when someone from the greed is good league come sniffing. Van Dyjk sold to the Saints for 13 million and then 76 million on to Liverpool no doubt has not escaped the memories. Have to wonder what KT's mindset on a possible transfer is. He still has a bit to go to regain full fitness after close season operation. There are also suggestions that BR would like to take Calmac to the King Power. Both scenarios worrying. Rogic definitely out for Sarajevo games. He has not been right since the micky mouse tournament Australia were involved in early in the year.

 

Overall it is encouraging that the club is spending money to improve the squad. With 8 hopefully CL qualifiers essential to have good quality back up to take the strain of so many matches in such a short time frame.  

[hackjam]

Belgium guy, L/B, in for 3M, another step in the upgrading process. Maybe an indication that KT is away???

Reckon this Belgium will be on a decent weekly wage but offset by the departure of that deadbeat Commper, so like for like on wages. BR did have a dreadful record on signing defenders......

5 days to go till our first game, squad now back in Glasgow. Apparently Johnston showed up well in pre season games, so should see some game time. Bayo out injured, reoccurrence of that hamstring injury that had him sidelined last season, fingers crossed, was looking forward to seeing his impact. Aussie Tam out too, has not been right since that tournament at beginning of year, said before that Celtic need to play hardball with releasing players for international duty that are not 100% fit.

By my reckoning, that's 8 out and 3 in, so not bad. And glad to see we are spending.

Just need that R/B next.