Forrest being not wrong for a change

[SamTeàrlachH]

I have to say, I agree with James 'The Blogger' Forrest here to a large extent:

https://thecelticblog.com/2019/06/b...oses-well-know-who-really-cares-about-celtic/

Aside from me finding it funny that Mr Clickbait McAdRevenue calls himself a 'socialist' (look, I don't give a shit about how anyone makes their money, but don't claim to be a 'socialist' if your sole trade is revenue from pigdog capitalist advertising ), I have to say that a club literally can sell a player against his will. Aiden McGeady didn't actually want to leave Celtic. It's entirely true when he was finally told that he had to be sold, due to the transfer fees that were being offered, he went with the club offering him the most money (Russian clubs pay absolutely silly money - utterly mental, unofficial payments too that often double and even treble their declared wages, never mind win and performance bonuses), but you can't blame him for that. I've heard him state numerous times that it was made clear to him that he had to be sold. The club has the right to sell you. Forrest is being a bit absurd by implying that a player could refuse to be sold in this scenario - to do so would cause a huge problem that would negatively effect the entire club.

But here's where I do agree with him: we have absolutely no need now, as we did at the time of McGeady, to sell the likes of Callum McGregor, Kieran Tierney or anyone else. There's no financial necessity. So, if any of these players leave this season, as we stand on the shoulders of giants in securing 9-in-a-row for a second time in the history of our club, pushing on for a record-breaking 10, one can conclude that they have been entirely motivated by money.

Winning 10-in-a-row with Celtic, even 9, will put your name down in the history books forever. The team and squad that seal 9 and 10 will be legends in the Celtic pantheon second only to the Lions of Lisbon. I'm not going to assume that KT or CalMac want to go down to England and make shitloads more than the shitloads they already pull in, as it doesn't seem in the character of either of those players to do so, but if indeed they do go, leaving at this stage in Celtic's season will mean two things, whether you like it or not: 1) If we win 9 and 10, they will be remembered as those who ran out on us and the part they played in it will be at best sullied, or 2) If we, god forbid it, failed to get 9 or 10, these players would be rightfully seen as major reasons as why we failed to achieve this. They will be scapegoated. Their names will be mud on the tongues of a great majority of Celtic fans.

For the next two years, yes we need quality players. But we need something else: the players who have, as footballers, been born and bred at Celtic to be with us.

 

[Maria]

Now that was some rallying call our Sam.

An absolute pleasure to read.

A right wee braveheart you.

 

[berniebhoy]

The board should come out and release a statement that neither player is for sale. If they don't they are encouraging bids and they are up for sale which is a travesty due to what is stated above and it then calls into question Lawell. Is the only thing that matters to the man at the end of the day his bonus and selling every decent player we have when a big bid comes in to make it. It's just not right as the fans are paying for stagnation and Lenny has no chance.

 

[Maria]

The board should come out and release a statement that neither player is for sale. If they don't they are encouraging bids and they are up for sale which is a travesty due to what is stated above and it then calls into question Lawell. Is the only thing that matters to the man at the end of the day his bonus and selling every decent player we have when a big bid comes in to make it. It's just not right as the fans are paying for stagnation and Lenny has no chance.

So you don’t think Lawwell is doing a good job financially at the club?

 

[Niall J]

If the 2 players mentioned leave I'd be surprised.
If they left and the likes of Ntcham hadn't been sold first I'd be disappointed in the board.
But if they chose to go. Didn't agitate, but made it clear they'd like to go I'd understand.

What the article misses though is the money is important but it isn't everything, the challenge of playing elsewhere is not a mask for wanting the cash as per the article. Not for everyone.
In McGregor's case I think there is unlikely to be much to the career progression argument. First choice Celt and now Scotland regular as well as captain on occasion.

Tierney is slightly different both for player and for Celtic.
Tierney has international aspirations. The first choice left back and Captain is in his way. The longer he plays for Celtic while Robertson plies his trade at a Champions League winning side the less chance he has of an international career bar as a stand in for Robertson.

If Tierney believes in his ability as much as I do, he knows he's a better player than Robertson because he can defend better. However while Robertson performs every week in a top league and as a first pick for his national side what argument does he have for Scotland inclusion?
I played 8 qualifying games, got through a Europa league and got pumped by a Russian Oligarch 11?
As such that's the one that worries me. If he's playing for a Spurs, Arsenal or Man Utd he's levelling the field, without this it's hard to see his inclusion as a first choice as things stand.

And the same for Celtic. We can't lose McGregor due to both his midfield position being more expensive to replace and the fact he's as good in 2 to 3 of those midfield positions.
Despite his quality Tierney is a left full back. Nowhere near as vital a position as McGregor despite how good Tierney is in playing that role. As such it's a harder sell for Lennon to argue to the board he needs to keep Tierney and it's more understandable that the player may want to go given he needs to show he can perform consistently for a club in a similar environment as Robertson and be better than him, and he can be.

 

[Maria]

Ooft i can’t take the suspense anymore ??

 

[Niall J]

Ooft i can’t take the suspense anymore ??

Class!

 

[lcafiero]

Class!

No, Clash!

 

[Niall J]

No, Clash!

I actually knew as I pressed reply someone was coming back with that!

 

[SamTeàrlachH]

If the 2 players mentioned leave I'd be surprised.
If they left and the likes of Ntcham hadn't been sold first I'd be disappointed in the board.
But if they chose to go. Didn't agitate, but made it clear they'd like to go I'd understand.

What the article misses though is the money is important but it isn't everything, the challenge of playing elsewhere is not a mask for wanting the cash as per the article. Not for everyone.
In McGregor's case I think there is unlikely to be much to the career progression argument. First choice Celt and now Scotland regular as well as captain on occasion.

Tierney is slightly different both for player and for Celtic.
Tierney has international aspirations. The first choice left back and Captain is in his way. The longer he plays for Celtic while Robertson plies his trade at a Champions League winning side the less chance he has of an international career bar as a stand in for Robertson.

If Tierney believes in his ability as much as I do, he knows he's a better player than Robertson because he can defend better. However while Robertson performs every week in a top league and as a first pick for his national side what argument does he have for Scotland inclusion?
I played 8 qualifying games, got through a Europa league and got pumped by a Russian Oligarch 11?
As such that's the one that worries me. If he's playing for a Spurs, Arsenal or Man Utd he's levelling the field, without this it's hard to see his inclusion as a first choice as things stand.

And the same for Celtic. We can't lose McGregor due to both his midfield position being more expensive to replace and the fact he's as good in 2 to 3 of those midfield positions.
Despite his quality Tierney is a left full back. Nowhere near as vital a position as McGregor despite how good Tierney is in playing that role. As such it's a harder sell for Lennon to argue to the board he needs to keep Tierney and it's more understandable that the player may want to go given he needs to show he can perform consistently for a club in a similar environment as Robertson and be better than him, and he can be.

Agree with pretty much all of this. I would say, however, that Tierney's function in the defence is much beyond that of an average left-back. It's why I think it's so extraordinary. During a game last year, I was bored beyond belief, I think it was against the Sheepshaggers, so, as I often do, I decided to watch one player. I watched Tierney and he was functioning as a wing-back, full back and a kind of sweeper/cover for central defence when Boyata wanted to go forwards. He can do all of that. I think we're a much, much poorer side when Tierney isn't in it. I know you wouldn't disagree, but while I agree that we might feel the loss of CalMac more, I think there will be a gaping hole at LB if we lose KT. How do you replace him?

 

[michael duffy]

Agree with pretty much all of this. I would say, however, that Tierney's function in the defence is much beyond that of an average left-back. It's why I think it's so extraordinary. During a game last year, I was bored beyond belief, I think it was against the Sheepshaggers, so, as I often do, I decided to watch one player. I watched Tierney and he was functioning as a wing-back, full back and a kind of sweeper/cover for central defence when Boyata wanted to go forwards. He can do all of that. I think we're a much, much poorer side when Tierney isn't in it. I know you wouldn't disagree, but while I agree that we might feel the loss of CalMac more, I think there will be a gaping hole at LB if we lose KT. How do you replace him?

Spot on Sam HH

 

[Niall J]

Agree with pretty much all of this. I would say, however, that Tierney's function in the defence is much beyond that of an average left-back. It's why I think it's so extraordinary. During a game last year, I was bored beyond belief, I think it was against the Sheepshaggers, so, as I often do, I decided to watch one player. I watched Tierney and he was functioning as a wing-back, full back and a kind of sweeper/cover for central defence when Boyata wanted to go forwards. He can do all of that. I think we're a much, much poorer side when Tierney isn't in it. I know you wouldn't disagree, but while I agree that we might feel the loss of CalMac more, I think there will be a gaping hole at LB if we lose KT. How do you replace him?

The quality? We can't.
In a straightforward 1-11 a left back is generally replaceable. From our own experiences we've had few and far between of them though.
If I had to say who I'd take as a replacement the lad who played against us for Rosenberg Meling really impressed me. Full back or wing back he'd be adequate enough, but you are right Tierney is above and beyond. For me he's better than Robertson but from his own standpoint and as how the club would approach it, I'd say they'll plump for Tierney and he may be tempted just to show the world he's the best.
I'd actually prefer to sell Ntcham and even Rogic to avoid the need. My worry is the player himself may be tempted

 

[michael duffy]

The quality? We can't.
In a straightforward 1-11 a left back is generally replaceable. From our own experiences we've had few and far between of them though.
If I had to say who I'd take as a replacement the lad who played against us for Rosenberg Meling really impressed me. Full back or wing back he'd be adequate enough, but you are right Tierney is above and beyond. For me he's better than Robertson but from his own standpoint and as how the club would approach it, I'd say they'll plump for Tierney and he may be tempted just to show the world he's the best.
I'd actually prefer to sell Ntcham and even Rogic to avoid the need. My worry is the player himself may be tempted

nah! K.T'is a bona fide Celtic fan,unlike a certain manager!, he'll be here for 9,10 hopefully and as a Celtic legend i personally would'nt begrudge him a move,remember that alternative back 4 Niall!!!!

 

[Niall J]

nah! K.T'is a bona fide Celtic fan,unlike a certain manager!, he'll be here for 9,10 hopefully and as a Celtic legend i personally would'nt begrudge him a move,remember that alternative back 4 Niall!!!!

Aye he is but if you knew you were the best at your job and some other Celtic reject was raining on your parade you could see why you'd head off, prove a point and maybe even return once you'd proven you're the best.
Can you please stop with that back 4! I'm going to struggle to sleep.

"it's still 0-0 Hayes slips as the Saejevo right winger slings in the cross. Compper has the front post covered but no, he has collided with Hendry, Ralston is there however to mop mop up, he heads back to the keeper but it's gone over Bain's head. 1-0 Sarajevo in injury time"

Shudder!!

 

[michael duffy]

Aye he is but if you knew you were the best at your job and some other Celtic reject was raining on your parade you could see why you'd head off, prove a point and maybe even return once you'd proven you're the best.
Can you please stop with that back 4! I'm going to struggle to sleep.

"it's still 0-0 Hayes slips as the Saejevo right winger slings in the cross. Compper has the front post covered but no, he has collided with Hendry, Ralston is there however to mop mop up, he heads back to the keeper but it's gone over Bain's head. 1-0 Sarajevo in injury time"

Shudder!!

!

 

[berniebhoy]

So you don’t think Lawwell is doing a good job financially at the club?

No, he's done an excellent job. But the problem may be his bonus system clashes with keeping talent at the club. The club is financially secure with about £35~40 mill in the bank, we have reduced the overheads from wages due to staff turnover hence there is no need for Celtic to sell except to move on players who either want to move E.G. Ntcham or players surplus to Lenny's system. We have a crucial two years that will make history it doesn't make sense to sell our best assets at a crucial period.

 

[Maria]

No, he's done an excellent job. But the problem may be his bonus system clashes with keeping talent at the club. The club is financially secure with about £35~40 mill in the bank, we have reduced the overheads from wages due to staff turnover hence there is no need for Celtic to sell except to move on players who either want to move E.G. Ntcham or players surplus to Lenny's system. We have a crucial two years that will make history it doesn't make sense to sell our best assets at a crucial period.

I don’t think we will sell cal nor kt.