Regular readers will know I don’t subscribe to one of the worst Celtic fan conspiracy theories—the notion that our board is bent on ensuring a healthy competitor across the city at Ibrox. While there have been moments when the board’s actions seemed so baffling that they lent credence to this idea, I’ve never believed it to be true.
Today’s events underline why this theory doesn’t hold water. Even if we wanted to ensure the financial health of our so-called rivals, we couldn’t. They are a mess, with the shambles now extending to the stands and the divisions which have been created by the Union Brats and their ludicrous “protest.”
The only way to make that club viable would be to write a very large cheque on their behalf. Even then, UEFA wouldn’t allow them to use the funds as they pleased. It’s a farcical notion that falls apart under scrutiny.
It doesn’t matter what we do—our rivals are perfectly capable of imploding without any help from us. They are experts in self-destruction, and we have no control over their ability to make a mess of things.
Everything we do as a club is about us, not them.
We’re 13 days into the January transfer window, right in the middle of a tough run of games. The squad clearly needs reinforcements, and it’s up to the board to back the manager and deliver what he needs. Paul Tisdale’s appointment has been a positive step, and I hope he and Rodgers are pushing for the changes required.
Ultimately, though, this will come down to someone signing off on the cheques and making the calls. Our dithering over Adam Idah in the summer was a perfect example of what not to do. We delayed, paid more than necessary, and dragged our heels when urgency was required.
The lack of urgency in the summer was infuriating. We had a lot to accomplish and didn’t act swiftly enough. While things might feel calmer now—thanks to the team’s strong performances—that’s no excuse to dawdle.
It’s tempting to look at the chaos across the city and feel complacent, but that’s the last thing this club should be allowed to do.
My concern isn’t with them; it’s with what we have in front of us on the European front. We have two massive ties coming up and, hopefully, more to follow if we qualify. The manager deserves the tools to give us the best chance of success in those matches.
Getting transfer business done quickly is crucial. The sooner players arrive, the sooner they can be integrated into the team. Waiting until the final days of the window is a bad habit that serves no one. Ange didn’t wait during his first January, when we made pivotal signings early. Everything we did in that window was a model of planning down to the quick pivot to Matt O’Riley after missing out on Riley McGree.
This is about willpower—nothing else. If the will exists, the deals will get done. I’m heartened by some of the news filtering through. While I don’t think a move for Kieran Tierney is wise, if Rodgers wants him, it’s good to know discussions are happening. Similarly, I’m encouraged by the links to a young winger with the right profile.
I’m sure other deals are in the works, and I’d be surprised if we aren’t looking at Bosman signings. It would be foolish to ignore opportunities to secure quality players on pre-contract agreements for the summer.
Some signs of life in the market would be welcome—a new face or two to freshen up the squad. It would boost the team, energize the manager, and send a strong message. The turmoil at Ibrox offers the perfect opportunity to show strength.
Anyone with a basic understanding of strategy knows now is the time to strike. You don’t give an opponent time to regroup. You overwhelm them, exploit their weaknesses, and consolidate your position.
So, come on, Celtic—let this be the week we make our first January signing. Let’s show our intent, not for their benefit, but for ours.
I don’t believe we’re basing our strategy on maintaining a domestic challenger. I believe the club is focused on Europe, as evidenced by the summer’s spending and the calibre of players we’ve targeted.
If that’s our direction, it’s where most fans want us to be. Now is the time to press the advantage and put our best foot forward. Everything else will take care of itself.
Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images
Historically we don’t have a great record of strengthening from a position of power, but maybe this time …
Expect the same old. No real ambition for Europe and stash the cash. Can’t see that changing to any degree
I’ll leave the forward planning on the player side to Rodgers and Tisdale, and on the financial side to Nicolson and McKay. We’ve also got to accept that Desmond and Lawell will have some input but hopefully not in a negative way.
Celtic are where we are in Scottish football because we have been Financially smart, [except for an odd blip or two] since Fergus and his group took the reins in the mid nineties.
We’ve just got to improve our position in Europe a bit and the new format gives us that chance. Since the Bosman ruling and the giant TV contracts to the top five Leagues, especially to the EPL, teams from the smaller Leagues have struggled in so many ways,
Like most supporters I would love some big signings but we’ve got to be realistic and look for good value for money, I think the club is in good hands at the moment and I’m prepared to let those in charge get on with the job.
Celtic under Brendan has always seemed to have a more cautious approach in the market with some late business the norm.
I’d hope with 3 or 4 going out we see a couple come in but maybe Johnny Kenny is counted as one.
I don’t think the buns will move on many (well not for any great deal of money). Big deal contracts will always keep the players around.
They may see a freebie or loanee in. Any player doing their homework would steer well clear of the ibrox klub.
So what are the ‘Today’s events’ that James is alluding to?
I don’t read the SMSM or watch / listen to the conflicted and biased output from the Unionist Broadcaster. I rely on the Celtic blogs to keep me aware of events happening in Scottish Football. So what are these oblique references to ‘ events’ about.
SFA, I’d think that James would be alluding to the UB walkout yesterday and the subsequent fallout from it…but don’t quote me on that lol!
Don’t think so as the Bratz Banter is just par for the course over there.
We’ll see.
January is tough to get good players as clubs don’t want to give up their best players but we need a winger, it looks like Palma will go on loan so we need a guy better than Palma, that might not be easy. If the club are prepared to let Palma go, then you’d think they have targets in mind and confidence of being able to get them in.
Hopefully a winger, maybe another tough holding midfielder and imo, another proven striker. Know the jury’s still out on Idah and although he’s a strong player, he needs tae get in amongst the goals more. Again imo, although he’s scored a few important goals, he’s no done enough yet. Havin a strong bench is every bit as important as a strong 1st team. Especially for Europe.