Guys I'm in totally awe of the precision football we're playing right now. It's a bit like playing on a console. It's fekn dynamite to watch regardless of opposition. We do it our way. Whether that works tomorrow I don't know. But it's the Celtic Way.
I'll be totally honest here, Stevie - having been a defensive player, my outlook on football has always been slightly 'risk averse' especially when playing in the defensive third.
There are times when I'm watching between the cracks in my fingers when the ball's being played along the back line, but from middle to front, I really do love the way that the team try to play a positive pass or make an equally positive movement to break teams down.
7/8 times out of 10, the move will eventually break down, but it is incredibly difficult for any defender to concentrate and retain shape for an entire game when you are being relentlessly tested, pursued and asked those types of questions. I believe that's why we have found that great habit of scoring early goals and late goals, as it is impossible to resist that pressure over the course of 90-minutes.
For two-years under Lenny, everything was played in front of packed defences and with no real pace or precision. It was efficient for a short period, but once opponents sussed it, then we were pretty easy to nullify.
This current squad can hit you from anywhere, at any time, but most importantly - in the blink of an eye. They try things and it doesn't always come off, but they don't let it shake them and they'll keep trying to be positive even when it doesn't always pay off.
I have to also praise the fans for their willingness to buy into what the team are trying to do. We've all been at games where passes aren't finding their targets, or it just isn't working out for a couple of lads and you hear the frustration and restlessness among the crowd. The fans haven't been doing that recently. They know the philosophy and they understand that it isn't always going to pay off, they are not slaughtering anyone though and keep encouraging the boys to play their football.
We've all seen how pressure can affect players and make them fearful of making mistakes, but this squad are being encouraged to try that risky through ball or wee flick and turn because the supporters know that when it does come off, then the dividends are huge.
The really interesting thing about this side though is, is that they are still not close to being the finished article and haven't hit top gear yet..........That is truly frightening when you consider how We've started the season and I can't wait to see what the outcome will be when the whole team are firing on all cylinders.
I'm trying to contain my excitement, as We've all seen plenty of false dawns, but this team are on the cusp of being something really special and I can't wait to see how far they can go.
Sure, we will take a humping or two in the process, but that's all part of that steep learning curve and even that will pay dividends in the long run.
It's other fans too, Stevie. I've had arabs and dee fans say how exciting it is to watch football like that in Scotland. You might never convert these fans in terms of who they support, but teams like this current Celtic side can influence a new generation of players to try and emulate what they're doing.
I mean, it's not just down to having incredibly talented players. It's in the coaching too. When you see what has happened wie Tony and Taylor, then you realise that Ange has turned two 'triers' into genuinely talented footballers who certainly don't look out of place in that side, yet only 18-months ago, I would have had them both out of the place altogether.
I agree entirely, Stevie........I've seen plenty of great Celtic sides throughout my half-century+, but I've never seen this type of Celtic side before and it's certainly got me interested.
