In a piece to camera yesterday, manager Brendan Rodgers spoke to the fans…. weel, technically it was an interview, but it came across as a piece to camera.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1671968981408677889
Ticks all the boxes , doesn’t he?
In little more than a PR exercise he says he’s happy to be back, he loves it here, he wants to win and of course, he loves the fans.
Thankfully, he concluded with Hail Hail.
I was half expecting him to grab his sword and shout “Let’s go hunt some orcs ”
It was bland enough to turn your screen beige.
Today he faces the media, and no doubt there will be some tougher questions.
I’m sure someone will ask him something that is relevant. Something where we might even lean forward to make sure we don’t miss his answer.
For instance, will someone ask him what circumstances surrounded his previous exit ?
What happened then that made him feel his best option was to leave mid season for a job that can hardly be described as one of the top positions in the industry?
There is no need to apportion blame, just a clarification on what happened, and then we can move on to what sort of assurnaces have been given by the board, and to the board, that it won’t happen again.
There are no need for apologies, he had his reasons for leaving, it’s just that we, as shareholders and supporters, would like to know what they were, as well as the reasons he now feels he can pick up where he left off.
Only then, when the mistakes of the past have been seen to be dealt with, can we move forward with confidence.
It’s not enough to accept that players and managers will move simply for financial gain. It’s one reason, but to compare the move from Celtic by any one individual to any other is both irrelevant and unnecessary.
Each will have his own set of circumstances, and each will have acted in what they felt was the best thing in their own interest.
Equally, why some haven’t left cannot be used as a yardstick to beat those who have.
Everyone makes their own decisions in their own interests. That we can accept, it’s how life works.
But it’s difficult for me, at least, to be told to accept something without being told the detail.
As a support, we are always there, but there’s a fine line between being always there and respected, and being always there and taken for granted.
Today’s press conference will tell us a lot about where the club is going, especially if they don’t address the detail, and continue with the soundbites…..
The soundbites, such as a big transfer kitty and a desire to improve in Europe have been received quite well, but they aren;t really saying anything that any new manager wouldn’t be expected to say.
And the lack of detail is frightening.
On the transfer kitty, we’re told £30m is available. Well, we think we’ve been told that.
I can;t find anything official, and it wouldn’t be wise to let the rest of the game know that anyway, as player prices would be adjusted accordingly.
Is that money to come from players sales, or is it in addition to any player sales ?
Is it £30m over one year ? Two ? Three ?
Too much style and not enough substance, and that’s not alarming, but it is worrying.
For a new manager, Brendan Rodgers is in the almost unique position of inheriting a fully functioning and successful club.
He’s hardly likely to demand funds to rip it up and start again, so any progression will be gradual, which is fine as long as it is progress.
He probably needs a bit of time to assess what he has, which may also be , partly at least, an explanation for the squad rotation towards the end of last season.
It may well be he has been working away behind the scenes with the board and staff in preparation for the job, which would be a sign that the club is very well run.
The issue is that we don’t know, but we are expected to just swim along with the tide, and that’s worrying.
It’s almost as though our views aren’t important, and perhaps there is no reason why they should be.
After all, not many of us have experience in the day to day running of multi million pound operations.
But if they want our respect and support, there are some at the club who need to respect and respoind to our collective concerns, and surely it isn’t too much to ask for them to meet them head on and if not pacify us, then at least clarify the situation.
On Wednesday, we had this…
Caption; “Ohhhh Hampden in the sun……”
Today
Which supermarket is that? Get me a trolley…
“Did ye no notice the special offer?”
“Wit special offer?”
“The BOGOF offer yan eejit”
CAPTION: Hey mate, I got two for the price of one!
(Somebody, somewhere will no doubt tell me that with the implied selling of women, the above remark is politically incorrect……a feck it, am tae auld tae care noo! Shoulder shrug….)
Caption: Trolley Dolly the new supermarket that literally offers a bang for your buck
Sevco shopping for players al Aldi.
The new rangers* Uber up and running
footage emerges of Paul McStay heinously breaking the law and having some fun. (one for the oldies).
when asked about it Paul said, the front wheel was jammed, there was a buzz about the place.
Andrew Tate’s Supermarket Sweep.
‘ A novel pre season training routine at Ibrox.’
Brendan might be helped today by the media trying to exploit division within the club. We will not have the Rangers minded Scottish football media dictate the relationship between Celtic supporters and our manager or players. The Green Brigade has a big tactical decision to make too.
On the night before the official announcement of Rodgers as our manager I went to the internet
for any “news” after explaining to my wife how the media treat Celtic….and there the Daily Retcher
led with a regurgitated headline and article about child abuse at Celtic Boys Club.
They couldn’t be more obvious in their cheap attempts to get a back stab at Celtic and please their favourite audience. Of course they always champion the kids who are abused no matter what team
the abuser is connected with…I mean R.G. for example when Andy Roxborough raged about him…that was filed away quick as a flash and never mentioned again.
Aye, good old Richard Gough …
He was literally hours away from a full blown media storm but guess how he avoided it?
The auld Funny Handshakes routine.
I knew people on both sides of that fence and know pretty much exactly what happened.
So that’ll be me banned for another six months.
The idea that the MSSM will ‘ask tougher questions’ is laughable! If it’s not all about Beale and his Rangers* bandwagon and how is he going to stop it I’ll be surprised. I’m also not sure that telling the MSSM why he left and the detail behind it, for good or for bad is in any way desirable, it’s not, damned if you do and damned if you don’t. You’re going to be disappointed if for one second you think that is going to happen. What is important is that Celtic guard against it and have systems in place to mitigate against it, they can’t stop it, he’s an employee not a slave, we can all leave our employers whenever we want to. As to the ‘warchest’ what serious business in any field, let alone football publically states it’s transfer budget?
Somebody talking sense woohoo! Last point first, why on earth would you shout out to the avaricious football fraternity, particularly agents, that you have loadsa cash to spend? How much cash is available will perhaps become obvious over time but right now that is no ones business but those concerned with such matters inside the walls of Celtic Park. A reassuring comment that the manager will be supported in his efforts to strengthen the team will suffice.
As to the reasons why Brendan left Celtic last time in such an abrupt fashion- this shocked and hurt us all but let’s not pretend we don’t why it happened geez every man & his dug knows why it happened. We may not like the reasons but re-hashing them over & over is not going to make them more palatable. The younger heads in the North Curve, much as I love them, have yet to learn the importance of compromise & pragmaticism. We may not always get what we want in life but, in this instance, I will happily accept the reappointment of an elite manager to carry on the forward trajectory of our club and disregard any ill-feelings I may have harboured. We are an unstoppable force when we are all united from board to terraces.
Lastly, as Danny Bhoy says the SMSM will be more concerned with Brendan”s thoughts on Mickey B and his rag tag mob than on his plans for Celtic anyway!
Nicely put Christina.
Compromise & Pragmatism.
it’s a done deal so let’s get behind him and the team.
Acting like spoiled brats and immature Prima Doñas just
provides ammunition for our impartial (sic) ‘Meedgia’ to try and sow division.
The attacks will come anyway. They are genuinely terrified of what could happen going forward. The final stages of the Espanyolification of ‘Sevco’ could be about to unfold and that will shatter their delusions of Superiority and Kulturall Supremacy.
He chucked it for precisely the same reason I chucked it after sitting in the same seat in the North Stand since it was built – Lawwell! He’s no ambition beyond Celtic being a big fish in a wee pond and swapping league titles every other year with them. He surrendered 10 in a row and charged me £666 (how apt from the anti Christ) during that COVID season to be able to watch games on a screen. I hate that bastard.
Celtic’s women’s team has taken the ‘shopping in different markets’ idea too far!
I see Andrew Tate and his brother made bail.
On the way home from the plaza
Caption
The mole devises a new training method for his freebie signings.
Too early to say where we are heading with Brenda, in Scotland too good, but in Euroland a different proposition, see who goes and the incoming signings, looking forward to the next few months.
The media will wrapup their diarrohea to fling at Celtic, whilst praising the mole and the mound that is Ibrokes
Caption …
Single girl ” slow doon, slow doon stay behind him , when we get 100 yrds from the supermarket the wheels lock , we can watch them go arse over tit … “
You don’t know why he left the first time?!
Really?
Is that because Peter didn’t tell you it was because he was buying players he didn’t want behind his back and refused to fund those he did want?
Honestly, Ralph, there’s defending Peter Lawwell then there’s just stick up yer back cloth eared ness.
The start of this artice reads like it was written by Hyacinth Bucket or Hattie Jacques.
Snooty, up itself nonsense.
Get a grip of yourself, mate, 4 years is a long time in fitba.
If he’s asked that question he should tell those asking that it’s none of their damt business.
Because it’s none of their damt business.
Now grow up.
Your aff yer heed if you think your views are important, also so if Brendan doesn’t grovel and win a European cup in 3 yrs we won’t be happy? Nonsense.csc
Got a top manager in place with a top squad I don’t care about others feelings, noise and nonsense that others will use to divide us further.
KLV
Peter’s been a busy man with the bloggers since Dermot told him Brendan’s coming back whether he likes it or not.
I’nt that right, Ralph?
As a supporter & small shareholder, I don’t want to know details of why B R walked out on us. As with other successful clubs & companies, I think big personalities clashed & trust was lost . What is important is that time heals & club & BR were professional enough to explore BR return . Both sides are happy to work together for the success of Celtic. We can have no guarantee that there won’t be a breakdown in future, but at least we have elite manager managing team . My concern is to encourage our fellow supporters to encourage & build confidence in manager & his coaches & his players . A happy United club is a successful club
Final thought if Brendan hadn’t walked out in 2019 , we wouldn’t be looking forward to an enthusiastic & invigorated BR starting season 2023/ 2024
If the Green Brigade turn up with a ‘Welcome Home Brendan’ banner, the SMSM media would implode.
Surely the GB want the best for the club…
That would be the perfect response to their nonsense! 😀
It’s refreshing to see Brendan Rodgers returning to Celtic and embracing the challenge ahead, despite the backlash from some fans. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, it’s important to consider the bigger picture and the positive aspects of his return.
Rodgers’ decision to come back to Celtic shows his commitment and loyalty to the club. It takes courage to step into the hotseat again, especially considering the circumstances and the scrutiny he might face. His eagerness to take on this challenge early on demonstrates his dedication to the team and the desire to make a positive impact.
Criticism is a natural part of football, and it’s understandable that some fans may have reservations due to the circumstances of his departure. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that time has passed since then, and people can change and grow. Holding onto past grievances indefinitely doesn’t serve the best interests of the club or its supporters.
Instead, we should focus on the potential and excitement that Rodgers’ return brings. His previous tenure at Celtic was incredibly successful, and he played a pivotal role in achieving unprecedented domestic dominance. The prospect of him building upon that success and creating an exciting future for the club should be embraced.
Unity and support are crucial during a transition period like this.
Brendan Rodgers has shown his commitment, and it’s time for the fans to show theirs.
The green brigade can f.off.
brendan should tell yon zombies wae laptops ile answer questions oan fitba anything else is nain ae thur buisness COYBIG
Caption
First photos of People trafficking via Portobello Beach.
seems to me like true tims are onside, here is what Sutton has to say about the petulant ones…
“IT LOOKS LIKE NOT EVERYONE IS FULLY ON BOARD WITH BRENDAN RODGERS COMING BACK TO CELTIC WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE SNIPPY RESPONSE FROM THE GREEN BRIGADE.
“THEY ARE NOT SHY ABOUT COMING FORWARD AND VOICING THEIR OPINIONS AND REAPPOINTING THE FORMER MANAGER SEEMS TO HAVE GONE DOWN LIKE A LEAD BALLOON WITH SOME OF THEM. THEY’VE MADE THEIR FEELINGS KNOWN – AND THEY CAN DO WHAT THEY LIKE – BUT I WILL ASK THEM THIS: WHAT IS THE POINT?
“WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO ACHIEVE WITH NEGATIVITY AT A TIME WHEN THE CLUB WOULD BE PULLING TOGETHER AFTER ANGE POSTECOGLOU’S DEPARTURE?”
“I JUST DON’T GET THE POINT OF BACKLASH. IT WAS OKAY TO BE CRITICAL WHEN RODGERS DEPARTED LAST TIME. LISTEN, I WAS CRITICAL AS WELL AND STAND BY THAT CRITICISM.
“BUT WE ARE FOUR YEARS ON. IS RODGERS TO BE CASTIGATED FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF TIME? IS HE TO BE PUBLICLY FLOGGED FOREVER MORE? WHAT DO THESE FANS WANT?
“IT’S TAKEN HUGE BALLS TO COME BACK TO CELTIC THIS SOON. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FAR EASIER FOR HIM TO KEEP HIS DISTANCE AND IF HE REALLY WANTED ANOTHER SHOT IN THE HOTSEAT, DO IT YEARS DOWN THE LINE. INSTEAD, HE’S TAKEN THE CHALLENGE AND THE FANS SHOULD AT LEAST ACCEPT IT AND LOOK FORWARD TO AN EXCITING FUTURE.”
it wis brendan who brought jack hendry to celtic ////jist sayin
Marvin Compper
Compper was a Lawwell signing.
He was a Lawwell signing.
Whether Ralph likes it or not.
What, the Jack Hendry that’s the stunning standout for a sensational Scotland, that’s storming its way to an almost certain European Champions in 2024?
That Jack Hendry?
think hes on about the one that played for us and looked like a giraffe on roller skates. he also managed to tackle himself once. that jack hendry
The latest Sevco galacticos jet in
Respect is a two way street.
Ask yourself, in the grand scheme of things what was the man’s crime? Does he deserve the continuing and relentless criticism out there? A lot of it is nasty and super hypocritical. Most of it is just self righteous.
The board got slaughtered for not backing him, we were warned he’d walk! When he did walk, the overreaction was ridiculous.
I think it was compounded by the horror season with Lennon. If we had gone on to win the 10 the bitterness towards Rodgers wouldn’t have reached such high levels, it would have been drowned
out by the celebrations for the10 and while he wouldn’t have been loved he wouldn’t have been loathed and blamed as much.
If he wins the next three titles at least, we’ll be halfway to the Holy Grail 10 again and anything can happen after that, him continuing or a new manager of quality taking us forward.
Meanwhile the noisy, huffy neighbours are scrimping and scraping and dreading what may be coming right at them i.e. a totally dominant Celtic era.
In a novel money-saving exercise, the two latest star signings for the Huns Ladies’ team, are fast-tracked to Edmiston Drive from Glasgow Airport. Every little helps!!
Hail Hail.
Caption:
‘I’ve been used in the Cap Comp before’ declared the photo.
The deposit return campaign shows signs of being a great success.
The big presser’s over, now can we let the grown ups get on with the business of running the club?
Why don’t you write the story on Richard Gough abusing the heroin addicted teenagers round St Vincent St toilets in the 90s, Ralph?
Instead of bitching like a wee lassie about a manager that left us under extreme duress four fvckin years ago?
Which, to you, Ralph, is the more serious story:
Richard Gough sexually abusing teenagers over a number of years and it not making the papers, even though the entire West of Scotland knew it was just about to go to print, or a one time Celtic employee leaving for a better job?
If it is even you that’s writing this blog these days?
For this character currently bitching here certainly doesn’t come across as anything like the once funny, quirky, mature Ralph who was last seen round these parts a good six or eight weeks ago now.
So who got in your ear?
Can we have three guesses?
One will do.
He’s a narcissist. We should have plonked a scarf on his neck. Club photo. Signed off press release. Got him to work. He’s an employee. Not the wet dream he thinks he is.
All that and more, my friend.
They all are, he’s really no different from most of the rest.
We might not like it but its standard, perhaps necessary, for the job.
Also, the big sell PR is the way things are done these days.
And we do things the Celtic way. Which doesn’t involve barring the BBC because we don’t like what they say. Martin O’Neil had the right idea about media lies. Courts and winning. In saying that what lies have the BBC told?
The Celtic Way is paved with bricks.
I agree on not banning media, just show up their bias.
Hypocrisy is the greatest luxury, raise the double standard.
Weclome to Celtic FC Brendan.
You better watch out for
You better not cry
You better not pout
I
m telling you whyBrendan Rodgers will be making a list of the Officials inaccuracies.
Hopefully with the coverage of Scottish Premiership Football this season well hear from some 20yr old talented young pundits.
23/24 is going to be good!
Caption:
Yippy, with the refunds we can buy The Rangers and still be a pound up.
Michael Beale canny see his willy.
But Bennett can.
Caption:
Pat McStanton needs a pish.
Having the semblance of a journalist does not grant you the key to the front door.
A united Celtic will be a successful Celtic..
What happened four and a half years ago didn’t interest me much before BR’s re-appointment and interests me even less now. He should be getting judged solely on the impact he makes to our side over the next season or two. His fresh input and vast experience is likely to produce a positive initial effect as I’m sure he’ll already be well aware of the key areas that require strengthening. In addition to quality incorporations in the LB and CB positions I’d like to see another exciting young striker come in to provide something different and, porbably most importantly, a couple of new midfielders that can inject graft, power and pace into that area of the pitch to complement Calmac & Hatate’s ball-playing skills. In that department the recently signed Norwegian youngster ‘Thiago’ could turn out to be a real gem, maybe not straight away but I think his time will come. A dependable new goalie to provide serious competition to Joe Hart for the nº1 jersey, and hopefully become his successor at some stage, could also come into the frame.
Agree, that what he does next is important not what happened in the past.
I don’t know anything about our new young Norse god, Odin, or the equally young South Koreans we’ve been linked with.
This looks to be a continuation of our existing policy of buy em young and cheap, build em up and sell them on for a fat profit.
Its successful and helps our domestic dominance but not so much our European ambitions.
Usually, by the time they’re ready at that level, we flog them and replace them with younger versions that require time to develop and the successful (domestic), unsuccessful (Europe) cycle continues.
There’s been much talk of warchests and next level players to really kick on in Europe but there’s nothing on the horizon at the moment.
Early days but the great leap forward doesn’t look just around the corner.
re Goalkeepers, I’ve been disappointed that we didn’t invest in someone who’s most suited for our playing out from the back style and, with the Sacred Hart, seemingly in decline, hopefully that’s an area that’s addressed.
The likes of Bain and Siegrist are much of a muchness, SPFL level, good shotstoppers but not much else, not suited to our style and surely we can do much better.
The goalkeeping conundrum is interesting. Hart will definitely be around for at least another season, if nothing else for the positive influence he exerts on the other players. Totally agree that an upgrade is now necessary to help us compete well in Europe. The new Scott Bain contract came as a shock and makes me wonder if the UEFA rules re a minimum quota of home-grown players really did have a part to play here. Siegrist, on the other hand, seemed to get a bit of a raw deal last season as he didn’t put a foot wrong during those fleeting appearances he made early on only to be plagued by a serious injury and possibly other issues later on. I agree with you though, that he’s probably not quite up to European standards.
With regard to future recruitment in general, a vastly improved structure is already in place so I don’t expect to see a repeat of that desperate slap dash scratching about to bring in journeymen and second-rate loanees at the last minute of the last day of the window, something that sadly happened all too often in pre-Ange times. I’m optimistic that some serious money will be spent on at least a couple of eperienced quality pros to balance nicely with the younger signings but we’ll also have to brace ourselves for the almost inevitable sale of a couple of our top bhoys. Just hope it’s only going to be one or two of them and not any more.
Reply hooked Cha, should pop up one day when Ralph decides to do another diary.
Is that the script now Ralph? Criticise Lawwell and you’re barred? Thanks a bunch! And I still hate the bastard!!!
Looks like it, Stevie.
Though for me it might be the Richard Gough story, which I would never tell anywhere online, never have and never will, not even in the real world, as I knew someone caught up in it.
“Pampering to the peepul puts soup on my table.”
-Tom English.
He left in dubious circumstances after a very successful spell. He’s back and hopefully another successful spell. We can debate, speculate, gnash teeth or welcome with open arms. He’s back anyway despite the debate. Win the treble and be in Europe after Christmas. I’ll take that.
And at least he’s tied to us for 3 years minimum. So why not just
enjoy these years and que sera sera.
He’s under pressure now to get off to a flying start when the season begins, so let’s
sit back and support the team.