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Signing On!

In a recent Diary, one of the posters, Monti, hinted that 10 days had passed and not a proverbial signing had been made. I jokingly highlighted that he was incorrect and that Celtic have already made 3 signings no less and categorised them in football terms as

  • An ‘Oldie’ – 32 year old defender Martin Compper, who despite a decent pedigree involving German and an Italian club, found himself side-lined with a young teenage pairing staking their claims for centre back positions at Leipzig
  • A ‘Newbie’ – 21 year old Lewis Morgan – a winger from lower leagues signed and immediately loaned back to St Mirren for their promotion push.
  • A ‘Novice’ –  18 years Aussie Leo Mazis , a forward signed from Belconnen in Oz, where a certain Tom Rogic once plied his trade.

So that’s 3 in and the most important at this vital stage will of course be Compper who claims he is used to a passing game and after recent bombscares from Jozo and Dedryk, what Celtic fan would complain about a guy who can actually pass a ball 10 feet without giving us a heart attack?.

Will Compper go straight in and possibly team up to support with young Ajer,. The balance of old and young could work and despite our recent choice pairing having a great run, the Boyata Confidence factor isn’t too high with the fans and its likely Jozo will join Erik the Viking in the Parkhead Forge Taxi rank before February is upon us.

Could we be looking at an additional defender too perhaps..double down on a position that despite good results, has given us all a little worry alongside giving recent opposition renewed confidence to attack. We aren’t exactly spoiled for defenders so this could very well be in Brendans mind but then we must ask – A true quality centre half?..is one available in this window that is good enough to go straight in and isnt keeping an eye on a World cup place?

Is Stephen Caulker still available btw?

Elsewhere at the back, we have issues either side – how nice would it be to see us signing a back up left back, (Johnny Hayes was never the answer to that question regardless of his injury)? It would be a delight to give Kieran Tierney a rest, and also a healthy challenge, but the calamity we have with our back up right back Costa Rican Gamboa says it all when it comes to building a quality squad.

Mikel Lustig continues to play almost every second and with a World Cup looming, it would be good if young Anthony Ralston can get more time on the pitch and if not then a decent back up duly purchased and played during the next few months to save more groans about our lovable ‘Tache when under attack.

As for behind the defence, whilst Gordon makes plenty of ball at feet howlers and still impersonates a Hearts keeper with his slowness on the counter for me,  he easily secures his place with those close range shot-stops on a regular basis. Brendan may dream of the perfect sweeper keeper but that wont be this season, I would like to see Dora the Explorer get another chance but cant see it happening and his Łukasz Załuska Tribute act looks good to continue.

In the middle, well its Broony and who else, depending on the weather it seems. Armstrong  is back in the same place we were last time when he signed a short term extension. Will he stay?, will he go to Palace or elsewhere. We should soon know but if any midfield players exit, then other quality signings could be needed to fill in the gaps as Benyu (Oldham bound) and Kouassi wont make it just yet. Either way, the signing of Lewis Morgan wont be a factor.

The signing of Morgan is seen as good business buts its far to early to say whether he will be an Armstrong or a Mackay Stevens. At present I’m thinking he will be more likely another Ryan Christie. Lauded and laden with ability but then duly loaned out. It will likely be another year before we know the worth of Lewis Morgan and even then we may have to settle for him back at a promoted St Mirren on loan and getting more experience before he is considered a first team squad member.

The return from Dubai should see at least a few of the Celtic midfield ( and  the defence and possibly also the forward line!) move on and a change in first team personnel would help freshen things up at the very least for a side that seemed to have plateaued after that great run.

Callum MacGregor is struggling to influence games of late and its surely time for Olivier NtCham to grab that first team place by the scruff of the snooded neck. Out wide we have James Forrest who while more direct this season knows he is still under review and Scott Sinclair who is a shadow of last season but has had family issues to deal with which are hopefully in the past and all can kick on after recent winter break recharge. Realistically, A challenge to Sinclair’s place would be good to help spur him back on, but I cant see that happening either this window bar a sudden change of formation from the manager.

Is big S’Appening Biton still on that Turkish Airlines flight btw?

Squad wise we have Johnny Hayes out for the season but we still have Paddy and Rogic to come back up front and I think Edouard deserves game time if a striker, most likely Dembele, goes. The talk of Griff eyeing an exit is an interesting one and would really put pressure on Brendan and the Board to deliver quality replacements should our principal pair be allowed to depart Paradise  this month.

The time to strengthen has never presented itself so readily. Brendan needs to build his own team, The Profits, The CL and subsequent Europa League monies and of course the windfall VVD funds are there awaiting withdrawal. It is clear there are areas to strengthen and personnel to be shipped out as well as in.  Its interesting times indeed and all eyes on Peter and his chequebook no doubt.

We have a few weeks left and in an ideal world, we will soon be watching Brendan unveiling a class act centre half and a wonderful Number 10 playmaker, a player who can immediately take the game to opponents, a trait which sadly Sinclair doesn’t seem to have in his locker.

Sadly that’s just dreams I am afraid. Number 10 style players are like gold dust, in fact more than gold dust.See Coutinho to Barcelona and it might be the case we are better just giving Mikey Johnstone some more game time and experience for the rest of this season at least.

My gut feeling?

I hope we sign some peaches but the dark side inside of me fears I can see a few more wee “For the future really” players coming in with standard Peter promises of “But we are well ahead with our summer plans and all that” rhetoric.

Lets hope I’m so very wrong.

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Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

All in all D.Mond,it’s a shambles.No statements from Congerton about strategies,networks etc.We only get that smug git Davies telling us there won’t be many signings.Imagine if Griffiths,Armstrong,Dembele,Simunovic,Sviatchenko and any others leave? What a feckin second half of the season to look ” forward” to? We did have a good stand in for KT,at least in domestic football,great idea to get rid of him.As for “wisnae me” CG,when was the last time it was reported that his performance was world class? A regular feature of the Holy Goalie’s games…..oh well,could be worse,could have bought a ST and bought into the corruption/continuation theory/ awful standard of Scottish football……..

Rebus67
6 years ago

I cannot figure out all of the moves that BR intends this window but his temarks about keeping a strong Scottish core to his team tells me he is either keen on keeping Armstrong, or he is not.

Well, that’s cleared that up!

To clarify, or otherwise, if Armstrong goes, in comes McGinn. If He stays, no McGinn.

I am coming round to the view that there will be no incoming CB, unless both Simo and Boyata go. If only one goes, then the CB will come in the summer.

Boyata has 18 months left on his contract so this would be the ideal time to sell him, but who would be interested? Anderlecht? Maybe. Boyata plus cash for Hanni would be perfect for us, but for Anderlecht…?

The goal that Siggurdson(Everton) scored vs L’pool illustrates the type of player we need as an attacking mid but where do you find one? One answer is the Spanish league and BR speaks the language.

Thank goodness, I am not Lee Congerton.

Rebus

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Thanks Rebus,run that by us again…..we are all not Lee Congerton….money for nothing…..

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Davies has just come out with a statement extolling the virtues of Morgan,so why agree to him going back to St.Mirren? Even Jack Ross stated that the two footed player was ready for the first team now,with Paddy out and Sinclair looking as happy as the City regarding the crooked man,another strange decision……anyone for golf once Scotland defrosts?….

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Golf is pish!

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Depends if you are world class(DD,DT,BO) or not……I tend to find that it is a highly skilled game,sadly my best days are well behind me but you can still compete through the handicap system,so still enjoyable…..maybe Brechin would be tastier? Nope…..

Macca
6 years ago

Good summary Desi Mond, thank you. Priority must be a centre back and an established one who is available for Europe at that. Sadly, I feel we will keep our money in the tin and announce record profits to match the record drubbings in Europe.

Monti
6 years ago

For me the only area of the side that needs strengthening in this window, is the goalkeeper & defence.
We maybe can’t get all our wishes in this window, i would be happy with another goalkeeper & a Central defender to partner Compper.
If we have plans to play Ajer in defence, i would find that seriously flawed.

Gordon
Boyata
Simunovic
Sviatchenko out!

What about Brandon Mechele, Rivaldo Coetzee, Jason Denayer, Filip Benkovic?

The sole focus of attention should be on the defence.
Just a wee side note about Leigh Griffiths though…not sure i like this guys attitude off the park, and yes off the park does matter.

Danny Paton
6 years ago

Ralph
That was wonderful.
For a full 5 minutes I forgot the previous Debt reduction specialist Peter Lawwell was still CEO.

You had me reading about 1st team ready players how it should be.

Unfortunately after Dermot had fucked Lawwell out of it after the Deila catastrophe that saw Cifti handed our beloved no7 shirt, a 27 year old 1st team player in Scott Sinclair slipped through the net, he’s gradually regained the steering wheel.

And since it’s been projects or veterans.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Danny Paton

Danny,it’s D.Mond you should be thanking……Signed Ralph Caption Fixer and Puggy’s faither……

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

BR stated that Leigh has a bit of devilment about him and was a bit highly strung but didn’t seem to have a problem with that.He’s not the type of guy to be happy sitting on the bench especially when he’s watching a guy,worried about injury and underperforming getting a game ahead of him.Why not link him up with KT on the left instead of the guy with family problems? At least you get 100% effort…..

Tim Buffy
6 years ago

Monti. I don’t know about the rest of your suggested central defensive signings but I’ve seen Denayer (on TV) playing in both Turkey and England since he left us and he has gone backwards at a frightening rate of knots. Think Rafael Scheidt with dreadlocks.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Tim Buffy

Tim,
I’m not going to judge Denayer on how he did at Shiterland and in Turkey.
I judge him on how he did whilst he wore our great shirt…..and he was outstanding.

HH

Mike
6 years ago

Compper has played as a left back previously, so he will be cover for K.T. I still feel confidant that another centre-half will come in, in this window. I also feel that Griiffiths could play as an outside left, I also see him leaving before Moussa does.
I am not a big fan of McGregor and only see him as a periphery player.
I would have liked to see more of young Eboue Kouassi who does have the bit of dig you require for Scottish fitba.
We will be much stronger in the second part of the season, seeing Paddy and Rogic coming back will be like a completely new signings, they will be chaffing at the bit. The Europa tie against Zenit will be a difficult tie.
With only the other Scottish teams to play after the Europa, its hard to see why we should invest any large sums of monies in players who might as well play with the wrong footed boots on to make a game of it, its for next seasons qualifiers (four of them) That we need to make the signings for. The most fun we will get in the second part of the season will be the demise of the second coming and the sound of the rusty lid of the biscuit tin being gradually, ever so reluctantly squeezed and turned.

Iain in Alberta
6 years ago

Roberts and Rogic provide the creativity that we lacked in December and I also look forward to their return. I would love to see an established center back come in and the Boy/Jozo combo sold off. Erik has been frozen out of BR’s plans. BR has taken his time with these players and has given most of them a good run in the team. Did not know that Compper could play left back – good news. Calvin Miller is being converted from a left sided forward to a left back this past season in the Devel squad and he is very skillful indeed. Maybe he can cover for KT. Moving players on and through the squad is a slow process or so it would seem. BA (Bertie Auld)

Rebus67
6 years ago

Mike,

It is beginning to look like BR is getting fedup with the Grif. The noise is increasing about off field issues and his “troubles”. Mind you that kind of press discourages a lot of clubs. Some are desparate because they cannot score so there may be some interest in him. What I am sure about is that he will rue the day that he leaves Celtic. This is the club that can give him everything he needs….support, adulation, success, and the basis for an international career. I fear if he leaves, his career will stall very quickly. Riordan comes to mind.

I agree on McGregor. He should be a squad player, or if he wants more, he should move.

I have never bought into the enigma that is Rogic. His return, in my view, will add little over the second half of the season. We shall see occasional bursts of brilliance…maybe game winning contributions, but only now and again.

Roberts will be desparate to get back to show Celtic and other clubs that he is a force. I’d bet on him doing it.

Dembele needs to find his form by Feb 15 because without at least a two goal lead on Zenit, we shall not progress.
rapidly getting to the stage where any incoming players will not be bedded in for the Zenit games. I would say they will need at least three games prior to Feb 15. The first of these opportunities is Jan 20!!

Rebus
We are

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Griffiths just needs to keep his cock in his trousers & have a great career.
Plenty time for riding later on.

Mike
6 years ago

Rebus,

Its good to talk and to speculate, I do not expect to much with regards to the fixture against Zenit, if we succeed I will be delighted and will take great pleasure in “Progress” ing, if we can.
The thing for me is that its easy to see how the team can be improved,
by bringing in a couple of centre-backs, I will not expect to see a new goalkeeper come in, or any other midfielders, but would really look forward to watching young Ralston bed down into the team and getting more game time and seeing Paddy play and I agree with you that Rogic is more of an impact player, with those “Happy Feet” and also Compper, our dalliances with older players coming in like Reiper, Toure etc. have usually been successful and I hope that he performs well and one other centre-back joins him, that to me would be a successful window. I A. (Iain a kinsman, in Alberta).

Iain in Alberta
6 years ago

ha ha I am about to head to ‘The Kingsmen’ pub for a beer here in Alberta. You must be clairvoyant Mike.
Yes Ralston is a tank with the heart of a lion, can’t wait and signed up for the long term.
Why Why Why Delilia?

Mike
6 years ago

A great young prospect Iain, I am looking forward to seeing him play regularly in the team and I agree he is a robust player, loverly jubberly, enjoy your beer Iain, all the best to you and yours, enjoy your “Celtic Delights”. W.W. (Willie Wallace).
My My My Delila.

portpower
6 years ago

There is a betterment here.Not only to Celtic FC but to Scottish Football as a whole with Brendan Rodgers` involvement.

There`s a long term plan in place.The guide and development of young talented players takes patience.

Though we all know there`ll be an institutional hand that`ll try simply their best to scupper not only our future but Scottish Football as a whole.

We`ll be a challenge in European Football in 2 years.Anything ahead of this time is an effin bonus.

I for one am enjoying this time in my life.

9 mair sleeps.

Monti
6 years ago

Portpower,
There is a lot wrong, corrupt & frustration in Scottish football, it’s a dark & shadowy place m8.
We aren’t just battling opponents on the park, there are issues ( SFA governance/complicity) that is not being challenged by Celtic, the game is corrupt m8, from the very top, it’s utterly frustrating and disappointing that we can’t just enjoy the football, for football itself, the beautiful game.
The governing body exists for one club, it will not impliment it’s own fucking rules, it is a joke.
Cheating has gone unchallenged, they are allowed to perpetuate myths, same club, bought the history pish.

Chairmen of other clubs want to ‘ move on ‘ ?

It’s broken m8 & Celtic are dong fuck all about it……oh no wait a minute…..they have ” left it in the hands of the compliance officer ”

What?

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Monti,
have you heard the latest.
It`s because a man can wed a man that rangers liquidated.

sevco cups in the cupboard FC.

portpower
6 years ago

Monti,it`s world wide.

The natives King,Johnston and Murray that are back involved should`ve been barred for life from the SFA.

All these corrupt bastards within football should be ousted.
Though they`ll only start anew.That`s when the actual players should be shamed.

Corruption has become a humble home.

We`re looking at the concept of financial returns in infrastructure around the Park.

I know that maybe i`ll never make it there but I can say
“Have a look at that.That`s my Celtic Park.”

[…] The transfer window has closed and I thought I would look back at the piece I put up a few weeks – Jan 10th – ( you can read it here) […]

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