Celtic look set to complete their second signing of the close season in the next day or two, with young Manchester United defender Saidy Janko in Glasgow for talks.
Janko’s who made the trip north this morning (as opposed to “jetting in, which only potential Sevco signings actually do) is a right back who was so highly rated when Manchester United signed him two years ago that they paid £750,000 for him.
I would think that this signing involves a transfer fee, although none has been mentioned in the reports.
This signing provides cover in an area where we badly need it and does not – as some of the more breathless hacks have suggested this morning – spell the end at Celtic Park for Adam Matthews, who was linked with a move to QPR earlier in the week for a sum of money so offensive and insulting I won’t even write it here.
Celtic are now back at pre-season training, and with European football just over a fortnight away it is important the club hits the ground running in the games which will give us our preparation.
The close season doesn’t seem as crowded, or ridiculous, as previous years have been, and that’s a positive which will hopefully give everyone a chance to get fit without over doing it, especially in jetting halfway around the world.
The squad looks in good shape, but there are still worries about our forward line and I think that Ronny’s comments about being happy with the central defence are quite frankly baffling, because if Van Dijk leaves or someone gets injured we’re going to be short there.
We also need a goalkeeper. I’m sure that’s not slipped anyone’s mind.
But progress – slower than we would like, frustrating in some ways – is being made all the same.
Janko is rated highly, and he is young enough that he fits the “profile” and can grow into the squad.
Celtic is fortunate that we do have a settled team, and a manager who knows the players well.
Not everyone can say the same.
The one bit of bad news that’s come out over the last few days was also pretty much an inevitable one; after much hype about the return of 3:00 Saturday football, our first home match of the season has already been moved to an earlier time to accommodate a TV audience.
In some ways I am sympathetic.
There’s not a lot Celtic can do if the football authorities continue to bend the knee to the whims of TV companies.
Indeed, as the other clubs need the money this decision was largely taken out of our club’s hands quite some time ago.
Europe also inevitably means Sunday games. The days of 3:00 pm on a Saturday are probably gone for good.
There’s one other story that I have to comment on, and it’s the press release the Celtic Trust has put out today about the shameless remarks of the Community Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, in Holyrood yesterday, where he suggested that Fans Against Criminalisation are supportive of a scheme he’s trailing to “divert” people from criminal behaviour vis-à-vis the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act.
Perhaps he’s missed, somewhere along the line, that this behaviour has only become criminal since that act was implemented, which is what Fans Against Criminalisation are opposed to.
Furthermore, what he seems to be suggesting is that Fans Against Criminalisation start telling its members and other supporters what they should and shouldn’t be singing.
He appears to be saying that there should be some sort of government scheme to “educate them” out of their political beliefs, which is an extraordinary position for him to have taken and if it’s reflective of the broad wishes of the Scottish Government then that should concern us all.
I voted for these guys. I didn’t vote for this, or anything like it, and I’m pretty angry if this is what they’re committed to.
The justice system isn’t there for social reorientation and woe betide any government which makes the mistake of trying to use it as such.
Bottom line; I keep on hearing how much support this Act has in the wider public, but it is abhorrent to those of us who believe in a free society and in the principles of free speech. This Act threatens both, and if you’re adding “political re-education” to it then it becomes something sinister.
This Act belongs in the bin. Pure and simple.
What’s more, if Wheelhouse actually did say that in Parliament, twisting the words of a community organisation to indicate support for a policy they don’t, he’s misled the Executive and the other members and if he’d done that in Westminster it would be a resignation issue.
I hope the FAC statement gets the widespread press attention it deserves, but I fear that won’t be the case.
But this story isn’t over. Not by a damned distance.
(Article amended as I’d originally thought the opening game had been moved to the Sunday. It’s been that kind of week!)
Totally agree with FAC comments ..total farce of a situation.
Don’t agree with your “mild” approach to transfers..or lack of them.
We DO need a goalie…and another centre-back…and a left back…and..arguably…another striker…
and we’re running out of time.
Someone needs their arse kicked.
Rant over.
HH
“I think that Ronny’s comments about being happy with the central defence are quite frankly baffling, because if Van Dijk leaves or someone gets injured we’re going to be short there.”
Yes I agree if all our defenders get injured or leave its baffling Ronny is happy with that.. err that is what you’re saying effectively ? One starter has left and a player bought to replace him ..no one else has left or been injured..so its the same situation as before or am I missing something? Of course you may not have been happy with the numbers in centre defence last season that’s a valid point but not one I share.
gerry
I believe Deila’s comment about being happy with the central defence is,in my view, for Media consumption only.
If he had said anything else, you would have had many follow up questions and speculation about targets and the usual Media negative slant about him being unhappy with the Team and there is panic at Parkhead.
I don’t believe Van Dijk will move before there is a replacement and Deila is well aware of the needs of the present squad.
Probably Lawwell wants rid of some of the dead weight before buying but they will be targets identified by Celtic not the lap top loyal .
Both new buys look to have excellent potential.
we dont really need another right back we have 3 or four already.
I also voted for this lot but they are becoming too heavy handed by far. I do not condone drink driving by any means but cutting the alcohol level so low, banning songs and generally interfering in people’s lives is too much
were does it all end, I will not be voting for them again
Stuns me how so many supporters of FAC blinded themselves to SNP’s arrogant and obstinate position on this. Still scunners me to the core.
Another great article by the way!
On the FAC point……To be fair……
If you ‘voted for these guys’, and did not know this (OBFA) was part of the plan, It’s your own fault.
Go tell your MSP and MP you voted for them and that you won’t do it again whilst they are purveying such horrible policies.
Good luck with that btw. I’ve being trying for months to make inroads with these idiots. . All you get is the same SNP party line., they are terrified to express sn opinion. These people are robots.
Meanwhile, police scotland fill the jails and criminalise the innocent.
Who said I didn’t know OBFA was part of the deal?
I wasn’t referring to OBFA. I was talking about this “political re-education” nonsense.
As for “filling the jails” … dear oh dear.
“Ronny’s comments about being happy with the central defence are quite frankly baffling”
not baffling to me, he does not want to give press a negative story plus VVD is our player!
If we get to ECL group stages he will want to stay and test himself, if we don’t we can sell him and replace, then win league or keep and win league.
Additionally Mulgrew, Ambrose, Lustig & Eoghan O’Connell plus VVD & D Boyata means we have six players vying for two places.
Saidy Janko would be a great signing, can play right midfield/winger or right back and also play at center back so that would be a great addition to the squad possible 7 CB’s.
OMG Give Ronny some credit, don’t you think he is aware of the goalkeeper situation.
Agree with all that has been said but why do we persist in buying these rags i have not purchased since newcastle crap get behind the team and support fac and GB we will overcome HH