Aside from the falling-out between Gordon Strachan and Aiden McGeady, 2008 ended a little flat for Scottish football. With no clubs left in Europe, domestic competition is all the clubs have, but the SPL title race is more of a procession this season, and the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup isn't going all that well.
But the opening of the transfer window has thrown some much needed chaos into the mix. Suddenly, it seems there's no hiding place for clubs with debts to pay.
Extraordinarily for a club chasing in the championship race, Rangers have accepted a bid from Birmingham for top scorer Kris Boyd, and seem determined to get him off their books. Extraordinary, that is, unless you remember the transfer of Alan Hutton this time last year, when Rangers practically bribed their full-back to reluctantly accept a transfer to Spurs.
Boyd doesn't seem to want to go either, and the BBC is reporting that talks on personal terms have broken down. It does look as if this transfer has gone too far to fall down now, however.
It's clear that Rangers are skint and need the money... but still not at all clear as to why Walter Smith bought all those forwards in the summer - Kyle Lafferty, Kenny Miller and Andy Velicka - only to now sell Boyd. The lack of Champions League income is really hurting Rangers this season, and another trophy-light season is going to empty the coffers even more. If Ferguson is sold as well, expect the supporters to well and truly lose it.
It's possible that McGeady and Strachan may still kiss and make up, but there's a good chance the winger might still leave by the end of the month. With Rangers imploding and no European football til next season, Strachan will probably calculate that he can sell his most valued asset - and probably Boruc as well, if he wants - and still wrap up 4 in a row.
Meanwhile, tonight Motherwell beat Hearts 1-0, thanks to a goal from Chris Porter - the striker Hearts' boss Csaba Laszlo identified as a signing target. Sod's law, eh? Might teach him not to engage in grubby attempts to unsettle players before playing against them... it's not an attractive trait.
Showing posts with label gordon strachan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gordon strachan. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
McGeady exposes Celtic rift
Hmm... it's been a bad fornight for wee Gordy Strachan, eh? 1 point from 2 matches with the Edinburgh duo, a pointless victory over Villareal, and now a "bust-up" with Aiden McGeady has re-opened the perrenial debate about his future with the club.
This is Strachan's future we're talking about, by the way, not McGeady's. The winger's agent may be desperately trying to repair his client's relationship with the club (Aiden is 110% Celtic, apparently, if less than 50% Scottish), but the chatter seems to be that either he goes or Strachan goes in January. Of course, there are plenty of Celtic fans hoping it will be the latter, and that the manager will walk, Paul Le Guen-style, soon after the New Year.
However, the Celtic board seemingly remain committed to Strachan, and why not? He's brought the club consistent success and profits, which to the owners counts for more than the team's often turgid and uninspiring play.
There are seemingly a number of English Premiership sides tracking McGeady, so if Celtic can agree a fee (it seems impossible anyone will pay more than £5m in these financially troubled times) then he will be on his way.
Of course, with Sunderland rumoured to be interested in Strachan, this row could have come at very convenient time for the Celtic gaffer. Rather than leave in the manner of Paul Le Guen, Strachan could instead emulate John Collins, and announce his resignation with the words that he has taken the club "as far as it can go". After all, Celtic are out of Europe, and with 3 titles in a row in the bag, history will record Strachan's tenure at Parkhead as a massive success, no matter what happens now.
The fans who've never taken to Strachan want him out - especially if the alternative is watching McGeady, one of their favourites, head for the exit instead. But they should be careful what they wish for... the wee ginger man who has brought them so much silverware over the past few seasons may just throw in the towel.
ADDED: Celtic-watchers are seeing the announcement today of the signing of winger Niall McGinn from Derry City as anything but coincidental. He apparently can play on either flank and likes to "get at" defenders... which reads like Aiden McGeady's job description. McGinn is highly rated in Northern Ireland and reputedly cost Celtic £200k.
This is Strachan's future we're talking about, by the way, not McGeady's. The winger's agent may be desperately trying to repair his client's relationship with the club (Aiden is 110% Celtic, apparently, if less than 50% Scottish), but the chatter seems to be that either he goes or Strachan goes in January. Of course, there are plenty of Celtic fans hoping it will be the latter, and that the manager will walk, Paul Le Guen-style, soon after the New Year.
However, the Celtic board seemingly remain committed to Strachan, and why not? He's brought the club consistent success and profits, which to the owners counts for more than the team's often turgid and uninspiring play.
There are seemingly a number of English Premiership sides tracking McGeady, so if Celtic can agree a fee (it seems impossible anyone will pay more than £5m in these financially troubled times) then he will be on his way.
Of course, with Sunderland rumoured to be interested in Strachan, this row could have come at very convenient time for the Celtic gaffer. Rather than leave in the manner of Paul Le Guen, Strachan could instead emulate John Collins, and announce his resignation with the words that he has taken the club "as far as it can go". After all, Celtic are out of Europe, and with 3 titles in a row in the bag, history will record Strachan's tenure at Parkhead as a massive success, no matter what happens now.
The fans who've never taken to Strachan want him out - especially if the alternative is watching McGeady, one of their favourites, head for the exit instead. But they should be careful what they wish for... the wee ginger man who has brought them so much silverware over the past few seasons may just throw in the towel.
ADDED: Celtic-watchers are seeing the announcement today of the signing of winger Niall McGinn from Derry City as anything but coincidental. He apparently can play on either flank and likes to "get at" defenders... which reads like Aiden McGeady's job description. McGinn is highly rated in Northern Ireland and reputedly cost Celtic £200k.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Celtic's less than champion week
Celtic host Villareal in the Champions League tonight... but this is not destined to be one of those "legendary European nights" that the club are so fond of - as they are already out of the competition, it's more likely to be a damp squib. While the visitors hope to finish top of the group above Manchester Utd, Gordon Strachan was left talking about keeping Celtic's good home record going. In other words, they are playing for nothing more than pride.
After Sunday's 2-0 loss to Hibs, this has not been a great week for the champions. Most of the fall-out from that game has focused on the terrible blunder by Artur Boric which allowed Hibs to take the lead. While Strachan has backed his keeper in public, he'd have to be an exceptionally stubborn man in private not to accept that Boruc's stock has fallen like HBOS over the past year.
It would be churlish, though, not to give Hibs some credit for an excellent result. In the same way that Argentinians express bemusement that English people still go on about Maradona's "Hand of God", because his 2nd goal was the one that really decided the game, Hibs' 2nd was the result of a quality counter-attack that deserved to win the match. Celtic did have more possession, as Strachan somewhat desperately pointed out after the match, but they lacked the killer touch.
There's no need for them to panic, though. Still 4 points above a Rangers team who look desperately out of sorts themselves, Celtic are still in a strong position to claim their 4th title in a row. As they proved last season, Celtic have more than enough resourcefulness to come back from a trailing position, if required.
Still, their exit from Europe does add to the feeling that, after a couple of seasons where Scottish football's stock has risen, its reputation may well be on the slide again. We may now be reliant on the national team to do something special to rescue us - after all, they will be providing the only European action we'll see for the rest of this season.
After Sunday's 2-0 loss to Hibs, this has not been a great week for the champions. Most of the fall-out from that game has focused on the terrible blunder by Artur Boric which allowed Hibs to take the lead. While Strachan has backed his keeper in public, he'd have to be an exceptionally stubborn man in private not to accept that Boruc's stock has fallen like HBOS over the past year.
It would be churlish, though, not to give Hibs some credit for an excellent result. In the same way that Argentinians express bemusement that English people still go on about Maradona's "Hand of God", because his 2nd goal was the one that really decided the game, Hibs' 2nd was the result of a quality counter-attack that deserved to win the match. Celtic did have more possession, as Strachan somewhat desperately pointed out after the match, but they lacked the killer touch.
There's no need for them to panic, though. Still 4 points above a Rangers team who look desperately out of sorts themselves, Celtic are still in a strong position to claim their 4th title in a row. As they proved last season, Celtic have more than enough resourcefulness to come back from a trailing position, if required.
Still, their exit from Europe does add to the feeling that, after a couple of seasons where Scottish football's stock has risen, its reputation may well be on the slide again. We may now be reliant on the national team to do something special to rescue us - after all, they will be providing the only European action we'll see for the rest of this season.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Schadenfreude across Scotland as Celtic come home empty handed again
It's been nearly 4 years since Celtic picked up a point away from home in the Champions League (a draw against Barcelona in November 2004), and they'll have a wait still longer after the 1-0 defeat to Villareal on Tuesday night.
It's fair to say that the reaction across Scotland has been less than sympathetic. Of course the Huns are even more envious of their sister's success this season after being dumped out of Europe at the first hurdle.
For the rest of the SPL, angry at what they see as continued bias towards the Old Firm who always seem to get the decisions during matches, there was amusement to be had that Celtic were undone by a free kick that was very softly awarded to their opponents. Certain Celtic players - stand up Aiden McGeady and Shunsuke Nakamura, please stand up - are hardly shy about going to ground under the lightest of challenges.
Villareal were better overall, but Celtic played a decently, if not lethally. It may, however, already be too late to salvage this Champions League campaign.
It's fair to say that the reaction across Scotland has been less than sympathetic. Of course the Huns are even more envious of their sister's success this season after being dumped out of Europe at the first hurdle.
For the rest of the SPL, angry at what they see as continued bias towards the Old Firm who always seem to get the decisions during matches, there was amusement to be had that Celtic were undone by a free kick that was very softly awarded to their opponents. Certain Celtic players - stand up Aiden McGeady and Shunsuke Nakamura, please stand up - are hardly shy about going to ground under the lightest of challenges.
Villareal were better overall, but Celtic played a decently, if not lethally. It may, however, already be too late to salvage this Champions League campaign.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Rangers blow it again
Ah well, they've got the Scottish Cup final against Queen of the South on Saturday to look forward to. Surely they won't mess that one up... will they?
So, Celtic have got their 3 titles in a row, vindicating Gordon Strachan and catching out We Love Fitba, who called it for Rangers a month ago. Sorry about that...
In fact, this blog should have stayed with its predictions at the beginning of the season. Not totally accurate, but not wholly wrong either!
So, Celtic have got their 3 titles in a row, vindicating Gordon Strachan and catching out We Love Fitba, who called it for Rangers a month ago. Sorry about that...
In fact, this blog should have stayed with its predictions at the beginning of the season. Not totally accurate, but not wholly wrong either!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Rangers still hoping for a party
As things stand, Manchester Utd won't be allowed to parade the Champions League trophy from the top deck of a bus. The trouble in the streets following the UEFA Cup final has scuppered that idea. It would be ironic, no, if Rangers find themselves driving around Govan in the next few days, with potentially 3 domestic trophies to show off.
So to tonight's decider, with Rangers off to Aberdeen and Celtic at Tannadice. A helicopter will be hovering above the North East, ready to swoop down with the trophy as soon as the destination of the title is decided.
We love fitba declared for Rangers some weeks ago, back when they had a 7 point lead, 1 game in hand, and looked unassailable. This may have been premature. Their subsequent wobble (and Celtic's 6 wins in a row) has put the ugly sisters level on points, but Celtic's superior goal difference makes them favourites.
Of course, everyone's assuming Aberdeen and Dundee Utd will just roll over and get beat, but Craig Levein has been particularly outspoken on this issue. Jimmy Calderwood may struggle to motivate a squad he has publicly criticised more than once, but the Arabs are making all the right noises about putting up a fight.
If that happens, Celtic could find themselves with the trickier encounter this evening. And Rangers could still win the title. We've not got it wrong yet.
So to tonight's decider, with Rangers off to Aberdeen and Celtic at Tannadice. A helicopter will be hovering above the North East, ready to swoop down with the trophy as soon as the destination of the title is decided.
We love fitba declared for Rangers some weeks ago, back when they had a 7 point lead, 1 game in hand, and looked unassailable. This may have been premature. Their subsequent wobble (and Celtic's 6 wins in a row) has put the ugly sisters level on points, but Celtic's superior goal difference makes them favourites.
Of course, everyone's assuming Aberdeen and Dundee Utd will just roll over and get beat, but Craig Levein has been particularly outspoken on this issue. Jimmy Calderwood may struggle to motivate a squad he has publicly criticised more than once, but the Arabs are making all the right noises about putting up a fight.
If that happens, Celtic could find themselves with the trickier encounter this evening. And Rangers could still win the title. We've not got it wrong yet.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Celtic close the gap, but it's too late
It was a perfect night for Celtic - a first Old Firm win for 19 months (first for Gordon Strachan since the Uncle Watty n Super Ally show arrived back at Ibrox), an absolute belter from Nakamura and the last gasp goal from JvH closing the gap to just one point.
Strachan reckons the title isn't lost yet, and the equation's simple for Celtic now - win every remaining game in the SPL and they may, just may, win the title.
They won't, though. Rangers have got mounting problems with injuries, suspended players and a fair fixture backlog to negotiate, but they're not gonna mess it up now. Uncle Watty may claim he's not prioritising any competition over any other, but he knows without question it's the SPL title that Ibrox craves. Letting Celtic get 3-in-a-row would be simply unpalatable.
Katie Thomson and Bazza Ferguson are banned for the first leg against Fiorentina, making their selection in remaining league games a no-brainer. Rangers will have to cope without player of the year Carlos Cuellar after his sending off, and David Weir also misses a match for his handbags with Gary Caldwell at the end of last night's game (as does Caldwell). Injuries to Lee McCulloch, Charlie Adam and Allan McGregor don't help. But they've got a big enough squad... if Kris Boyd starts against St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup, it will be a clear indication that Uncle Watty is spreading resources in order to keep the League Title in sight.
So a thrilling match last night, full of competitive spice. But it doesn't really change anything.
If Celtic can win the next Old Firm game, though, then things really will get tight.
Strachan reckons the title isn't lost yet, and the equation's simple for Celtic now - win every remaining game in the SPL and they may, just may, win the title.
They won't, though. Rangers have got mounting problems with injuries, suspended players and a fair fixture backlog to negotiate, but they're not gonna mess it up now. Uncle Watty may claim he's not prioritising any competition over any other, but he knows without question it's the SPL title that Ibrox craves. Letting Celtic get 3-in-a-row would be simply unpalatable.
Katie Thomson and Bazza Ferguson are banned for the first leg against Fiorentina, making their selection in remaining league games a no-brainer. Rangers will have to cope without player of the year Carlos Cuellar after his sending off, and David Weir also misses a match for his handbags with Gary Caldwell at the end of last night's game (as does Caldwell). Injuries to Lee McCulloch, Charlie Adam and Allan McGregor don't help. But they've got a big enough squad... if Kris Boyd starts against St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup, it will be a clear indication that Uncle Watty is spreading resources in order to keep the League Title in sight.
So a thrilling match last night, full of competitive spice. But it doesn't really change anything.
If Celtic can win the next Old Firm game, though, then things really will get tight.
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