Today, Rodgers spoke to Sky Sports at Lennoxtown, in a short segment which should not be confused for the much more in-depth interview he will give to the media on Friday in preparation for the big game on Sunday, a game we are now certainly going into with a weaker squad than the one which finished the last campaign, as incredible as that is for some of us.
He was asked about transfers. He said that he thought Bernardo might sign “within hours.” Hours later the board hasn’t quite got that one over the line.
By the time you read this, maybe it will be.
He danced around Idah, and nothing he said on that front encouraged me in the least. It’s crystal clear that in spite of our much touted “scouting system” that we’ve got one key target and we’re willing to go to the wire. The thing is, once you’re up against that wire there’s no room to pivot to a new target if it’s that late in the day.
We’re inviting disaster here. I can’t put it more bluntly than that.
But on the subject of Matt O’Riley he was so on point that I wanted to give him a standing ovation. Once again, Rodgers proves to be an outstanding advocate not only for Celtic but for the game here. He told Matt’s suitors two things; first, that they should stop insulting the club and the player because we come from Scotland and secondly that Celtic is not under pressure to sell and that he will not permit any deal which does not meet our valuation.
There is a lot of issue dodging and vague talk in this game. I understand, for example, his reluctance to talk about Idah, who is contracted to another team right now. But I love it when someone can cut through the BS on an issue and get to the nuts of something in a way that leaves no room for ambiguity or doubt, which is exactly what he did here.
Just the other day, I listened to Anthony Joseph on a fan media podcast and I thought he was excellent, and he made a lot of good points.
My ears pricked up at the point though where he suggested that as we get closer to the window that Celtic might be willing to let O’Riley go for under the valuation we’ve placed on him … to me it sounded a lot like he was saying that our board wants to see this deal done and are willing to write off some initial money to see it settled this summer.
And maybe it’s just that this window has steadily worn down any optimism I initially had, but I find it easy to believe that they are so obsessed with piling up more cash that they would sell us short here simply to bank another £15 million immediately. I don’t know whether rumours that this club is being fattened up for a sale is true or not, but that’s a scenario in which that would make sense and so yes, I would not be in the least bit surprised if it happened.
Rodgers today put that issue to bed, firmly and without equivocation. He has slammed the door on the idea, and he has bolted it shut. But he did so in such a classy way, and with such a passionate defence of the player, and to an extent this league, that I loved it for more than just the content and more than just that he cut that idea down dead.
Judge the player, not where he plays, he said and that is great to hear for every club in this country which has a talented player on their books who might want to move on. (Ibrox does not count. I said ever club which has a talented player). Because it is about time clubs in other countries paid the teams here, and the footballers here, that sort of respect.
Once again, it is the boss who has gotten right to the guts of it. We are lucky to have him.
Hi James,
Great article, as always.
Just a thought though. Do you not think there was a double meaning in what BR was saying? I think the hidden message was to Norwich. They’re valuing Idah based on the league he plays in, not his actual worth (at this time). Perhaps I’m over thinking it though! Hard to say for sure.
Yes, it would seem that the only logical reason for our club hoarding cash
in recent seasons in particular – and at the expense of any progress in Europe –
is that the major shareholder[s] plan to sell their shares.
…or PL just likes amassing a huge cash pile, for no particular reason?! 🙁
[I’m assuming that any CFC liabilities related to the historic Boys Club cases are
covered by relevant insurances?]
A stable, profitable club / plc, which also has the potential for
further, significant growth in the business both home and abroad,
should look attractive to a wide range of investors.
They would be selling that growth potential to the next major shareholder[s],
and it will be their job to deliver.
And taking that view, it does make sense:
PL and the Board – and the major shareholder[s] – have absolutely no intention in
spending any cash if they can get away with it.
‘Progress in Europe’ is just not happening under their stewardship and ownership:
the required level of player investment is simply not part of their financial planning.
…and DD won’t give a monkey’s who he sells to: it’s just business.
a load of crap mate
This Idah debacle has the look of the Eddie Howe or John McGinn disasters. Has this board learned absolutely nothing from those horror shows?? They constantly play out this whole brinkmanship scenario, when in truth they’ve fekd up more often than not when they’ve played that game. You’d think they’d have learned by now.?
I don’t think O’Riley wants to go. I think he knows he can take his time and enjoy his success at Celtic.
Celtic should know the same we would get as much for him next season if not more.
I’d hate Celtic to be going through many clubs in England now in takeovers.
Money will ruin football I am sure I am not first to say that.
James we have all said it we have a top level manager, but he needs to be backed
BRENDAN – IS – CLASS !
And top of the class here in Scottish Footy Thankfully !!!
I said same thing other day that pl was going to panic and let mor go for 15 mill if he doesnt get the 25 he wants he will let a great player go for a mere pittance and insult to our player its always same when pl is in charge makes sure he always gets his 1mill bonus.
James is such a bore with his negative ill informed nonsense, like keevens without the career …
Okay, let’s have the chat.
“Ill informed”? Where did I ever claim to be “informed” on the transfer window? Have I claimed sources in the club?
No, but I obviously have a longer memory than you do, because I’ve seen these windows over and over again. I’ve seen us drag our feet for two whole months instead of getting business done.
As to being negative, where’s the good news here? Fans have paid their money, the manager has identified what his needs are, he deserves the backing, we deserve to be see better players, the season is abbout to kick off and we are weaker than we were at the end of the last one.
So you’re content with that are you? You think that’s okay?
James that was a good reply to Fraser,he must be the only Celtic fan that doesn’t feel any negativity in all of this transfer shambles.
Fraser another happy clapper likes holding up balance sheet.
I made comments about James Forrest relating to Celtic being back to (SQUARE ONE) and here’s another example of it. Again the board and Brenden Rogers made another half hearted effort to land a player Owen Beck and guess what on loan. But Southampton boss said they lack numbers in that position and in the squad so he’s not for sale. Can you imagine the Celtic board thinking like that!?!? Not a chance, if Athletico Madrid come in with an offer of 20 million for Matt O’Rielly, the board will rub their hands, pat one another on the back and open a bottle of Champagne (a cheap one. The only thing that this board will weigh up is, how to literally get over the line with minimal expense. They rolled the dice in the last transfer window and got away with it only because Servco stumbled on the finishing straight and their doing it again