As the search for a manager enters a crucial stage, the club continues to allay the fears of the support by assuring us that they will get the right man. Reminds me of the old Peanuts cartoons…
Perhaps it will turn out okay, but the signs aren’t good. Lawwell told Sky Sports this morning that he had spoken to some quality candidates, and would let us know when he could, which is what he said last week.
When the interviewer asked if the Roy Keane rejection had been a disappointment, I though Peter was going to punch him, which may tell a story in itself…
Watch it if you can, its actually a tremendous display of self control from Lawwell, which has to be admired. At the time of writing , I can’t find a link, but I’ll keep an eye out and maybe include it tomorrow.
However, captain Scott Brown isn’t worried, and neither should we be.
“The club will definitely get it right.
“They will find the man they want for the job.
“I know it seems to be dragging on in some people’s eyes but these things take time when you are looking for the right man. I’ve tried to concentrate on doing my own work but the lads have been telling me Roy Keane did not want to be considered. “
Keane was actually rejected by the club when they got a draft of his speech to the press , which included his answer to the old chestnut about looking forward to facing the Ibrox club;
“To be fair, he could have been a great manager but the club know exactly what they are doing and I’m positive they will get it right, continued Brown, not noticing that someone had stuck a photo in between his comments.
“The club always takes their time to get it right and that is why, as players, we have full trust in them.”
“We’ll be coming back for pre-season and the Champions League qualifiers fit and ready to go.
“Celtic need to be in the Champions League group stages and the squad knows what is required.”
I only wish I had his faith. If it was just a manager we needed, then perhaps the nagging fear-alright, screaming heebie jeebies- at the back of my mind would go away. But its a whole coaching team we are missing. not only do we have to pick the main man, he has to then get his team in place, and those European qualifiers are creeping closer…
And, of course, we don’t need to stress the importance of those.
One criticism levelled by the diary in recent weeks has been the inability of the SPFL to sell itself. It seems that Celtic, the name of whose PR chief escapes me again for the moment, also have a little problem when it comes to marketing their own brand. Alright, so maybe Roy Keane had his reasons for turning the job down, loyalty to Ireland perhaps paramount, along with the Irish Examiner story on the lack of spending money, but surely there are managers out there ambitious and realistic enough to realise that at worst Celtic is an opportunity to test themselves, with an experienced squad, at Champions League level ?
Not many managers get that chance, and yet here, for someone, is a ready made opportunity to step up a level.
Surely thats the way to sell it ?
Then when you throw in one of the largest and most passionate supports in the game, alongside all the modern facilities befitting a big club, they should be banging the door to get in.
Or maybe I’m overselling it.
The club need to find the proverbial “eye of the tiger ” , and maybe there is method in what seems to be their current madness , maybe there are “secret ” negotiations taking place with Europes next big thing…
Failing that, put an advert in the paper and hope for the best.
Speaking of the papers, the Irish Examiner article yesterday was reproduced and commented on, because as yet it is the only piece which actually got something right in the whole affair. It predicted Keanes knockback, and added that he was considering a move to England.
It was worth mentioning because it had got one bit right, and thus it seemed reasonable enough to pontificate on the rest of the articles accuracy.
Anyhoo, enough of that. I await a pleasant surprise from the club when they announce the new man.
Celtic supporters are by and large a grand wee bunch. The charitable foundations of the club mean a lot to us, and the Diary is always pleased to mention any fundraising activity if its for a good cause.
Heres one, fom reader Joe Barratt
On the 22nd June I will be Swimming (3.8K’s), Cycling (180K’s) and Running(42.2K’s) this is my first and last “Iron Man”.
Please take a minute to watch the video on the attached link.
Young Daniels father is a long term friend of mine and It would be great if you could help with a contribution towards the cost of this much needed operation. My fund raising page is below;
for those who want to laugh at me more info about the dreaded event is available at http://www.racenewforest.co.uk/the-forestman-22nd-june-2014/
I am aiming to help raise some money towards this much needed operation. Thank you in advance!
Anything you can spare would be appreciated.
Have you picked your team for the World Cup yet ?
Someone wants to ask you something…an old pal…
“I loved my time at Celtic but no offer came and it was not my decision to leave.
“It is always sad to leave such a great club but I was happy to leave on a high as we won another title. The only memories I have of Celtic are good ones.
“They will always be a club that is in my heart. They are so passionate about football and, of course, unfortunately, Scotland are not going to be in Brazil.
“It would mean a lot to me if Celtic fans chose Greece as their adopted nation this summer as they would be supporting me.”
By the way, the government have issued a warning to fans about pickpockets during the World Cup, especially if you are watching the games in a pub in Liverpool.
Georgios Samaras, the man who has the potential to be the star of the show in Brazil gave me a wee lump in my throat with that one….it seems his head has left the club, but not his heart.
In a cryptic tweet, sports lawyer Gregory Ioannadis hinted that he might still be around next season, but failed to elaborate…. At least, thats how I read it, which probably means its nonsense.
I’ve started taking an interest in that Twitter thing, mainly for the photos such as those we’ve put in the Diary, but also for the journalists who seem to tie themselves up in knots when they say something silly and expose just how much they depend on their editors to achieve clarity.
And the occasional blast from the past. How about this as a reminder of the fawning press given to the now defunct Rangers, who used to be our rivals ? :
Thats from Clancy 06. Note the use of the phrase ” as a replacement for Brazilian superstar Ronaldo ” , implying that the forward had indeed once graced the grass at Ibrox.
Anyway, they got Tore Andre Flo instead, thus meaning they couldn’t buy John Hartson, who thought he was to be Ronaldos replacement ( there is a sort of physical resemblance in their rotundity ) and the rest is history.
One of the more pleasant chapters in history, to be more precise.
Hartson may have upset a few people with his column in one of the rags, but that day at Ibrox allows for a lot of forgiveness. Anyway, players should be remembered for what they did on the pitch, not what they write -or have written for them-in the papers. I’m in that photo by the way.
And no, I’m not the one in the high viz jacket. My parents are married, to each other.
That step back in time to when Rangers signed expensive duds should serve as a warning to the management of the tribute act, and it seems they haven’t learned.
Second Rangers have to step up the pace next season, as they will be facing full time teams, and they have already made a splurge into the transfer market. Admittedly, they may have been shopping at one of the dodgy stalls at the back, but they are in the market nonetheless;
But is he the same player he was ?
Time will tell, but theres no doubt the signing of the orange tinted forward will make up for them not releasing an orange tinted top, and the support will lap it up.
You see, no matter how pessimistic we may feel about anything going on at Celtic, the comedy roadshow based at Ibrox will always give us a wee smile.
And we don’t have to laugh at those less fortunate than ourselves, after all they are more to be pitied than scorned.
No, we have more than enough in our own history to put that smile on our faces. Lisbon Lion on twitter reminded us of that, with this, a photo that guarantees you ain’t gonna get no work done today;
I don’t think any other club anywhere else in the world boast such a collection of talent-either current or future-as those on display here.
And if that doesn’t make you feel better, nothing will.
Now, who are these four guys, engrossed in the game ?
I don’t share your pessimism that a lack of appointment just now means that we’re unable to sell the club. It could be that we have a few really good candidates who really want the job and we’re taking our time (quite rightly) to pick the right one.
Celtic have a history over the last 20 years, with the odd exception, of appointing good managers who have done a good job for us but aren’t flashy or sexy names (Jansen, MON, Strachan, Lennon). Venglos was a good appointment in my opinion, he coached well and signed good players but just couldn’t beat a £100M team coached by Advocaat.
Barnes and Mowbray were our only disasters.
So we’ve got a good track record with appointing coaches…have a bit of faith and don’t expect a glamorous contintenal name. All we should expect or want is a coach with a bit of experience and a hunger for the job. To be honest, right now I think Clarke, McKay or even Jackie Mac fit the bill.
Word on the street is that Ronny Delia could be offered the job.
Today.
Never heard of him…
I’ve just found out.
Word emergering of Ronny Delia been interviewed its getting interesting. Glasgow express have this story have to admit didn’t know who he was. It’s just media hype I’d say
I know our player strategy / philosophy is to buy young to then sell on.Have PL and the board now came up with this same
process for our future managers ?
Deila who ? How much compo will we get for him in a few
years ? The only Delia I would phone is at Norwich,and ask her how much for Snodgrass.
Mochan, Rooney, Stein and Fallon.
Maybe, just maybe Celtic told Keane(after the interview) that they would be in touch as they had other (better) candidates to interview.
We even have the herald saying in one article that we are waiting to November for Larsson and then another article saying we’re after Delia Smith (ok Ronny Deila but if you believe the diary on occasions you might think PL would go for her as he is only concerned about his wages – unlike Sammy (above) who truly loves Celtic and wasn’t the slightest bit interested in money.
Rooney, Steele, Stein & Fallon!
Martin ticks all the boxes for me regarding our next manager with one exception.Jackie is doing a fine job and should stay and progress as much as he has settles in at DU just MHO HH.
To Martin,
Lest we forget?!:
Macari, Brady
Jesus…..the diary update has become such a dreary, negative, grim affair.
Things are a LOT more positive than the author is making out.
Flo was a very good player, the problem was he was bought for mega bucks to compete with Larsson and no-one could do that.
Mochan, Steele, Stein and Fallon
As Gordon Strachan said, ‘You should,nt need to think! about managing a club like Celtic’ Personally I doubt if Keane went as far as an official interview,he probably thought HE should have been ‘offered the job’,like his present mentor the blessed Martin!
Danny McGrain,3rd in from the right in the bottom row.King kenny 5 in from the right same row and is that Lou Macari between bertie Auld and Bobby lennox also in the front row.
What ever happened to Ian Young,back row 2nd from left.Jim Craig took his place at right back and he disapeared of the face of the earth?
With a full name of Ronny William Boyne Deila, somebody’s having a laugh! I would back
an appointment of Steve Clarke assisted by John Kennedy. This would also ensure continuity when John eventually takes over.He could become a managerial star of the future.
Mochan, Rooney, Stien and Fallon, God bless each and every one of them’
Brian-of.-K wash your mouth out with soapy water, the Diary is never been dreary, negative or poor. Ralph is the man, we all love the Diary, keep up the good work Ralph.
HH
Ralph
I agree about our marketing. We simply have never had the ability, or perhaps the people with the ability, to sell the global product that is and always has been Celtic. We have enough potential to solve the national debt if only someone had the noose to market it. Our history alone would have been a world best seller in the hands of certain other cubs. Instead we have bristled with pride when it is mentioned but failed to squeak a single trumpet note in making good use of it.
However, I am not convinced our lack of marketing skills means the right managers are not attracted to the club. I think there are deeper rooted causes like salary, player spending, freedom to manage and above all the personal whim of Mr. Desmond. I would think Celtic would be as attractive a challenge as could be found in European football today. Ok, the club wallows in a league recovering from an almost fatal disease while being nursed back by the very “doctors” who created the illness in the first place, who should have been struck off long ago and who are as corruptly inept now as then. The lack of solid competition – the current opposition is only a threat because Celtic is second rate in comparison to its potential – means our regular play is relatively sub-standard. In addition, the club seems to be resigned to being undervalued. It has almost conceded its glory is all in the past, continuously harping back to The Lions.
So what Celtic needs is a man who can restore the thunder to the club and not just to the terraces. That is what Stein did in the 60s. He took a club pretty much on its knees and transformed it into the greatest show on earth reaching its pinnacle in Lisbon.
Now if potential managers do not see the same sleeping giant of today that Stein saw in 1965, then they are not of the calibre Celtic needs. And if a manger is not attracted to a club that could be the talk of the world – as it was in 67/68 – then he is not the man needed or wanted at Parkhead.
So, in the final analysis, there are very good reason why Celtic should take its time choosing a manager viz. to make sure he is the right man to transform the club. On the other hand, Celtic must recognise that transformation comes at a high price. But, if it is true to itself, the board should not see a problem because, as claimed, we are worth it.
H H
Well said,PB.
Pensionerbhoy for Chief Executive,move over Mr. Lawwell.
Probably the wisest words ever said on here. Not up against much mind.
If its the one about the milan game its in the lennon csv newsletter. I emailed a copy to you. Possibly.
Er. Thats the reply to the next comment
yeah, we love Ralph, even if he never did send along the article I wrote and he edited that he promised to ; ) Of course the diary is negative, we re paranoid Celtic fans after all!
I follow West ham as an EPL side, and Steve Clarke did a great job there as no 2, he is very good at gettign a defence sorted. Maybe not so important in SPFL but very good for Europe. He, Malky or Jackie Mac would be good IMO, I was quite anxious about Keane and hsi personality, it could only have ended in tears.
Poor poor 2nd Rangers and Fat Salary Mc Costly…most ex players talk abut thier all time 11 team mates for a wee trip down memory lane, Salary uses it as his signing target list..let a talented kid in Chalrie Telfer leave, sign up “legends” whose best days are long behind them. What a great, sustainable strategy for long term growth and success, thank God I ma a Celtic fan!
elcormaco
I don’t think Ralph is responsible for posting articles. But hey, that shouldn’t stop us getting tore into him 🙂
H H
aye he is, he is the only one who can remember his password 🙂
NO WAY NORWAY STOP THE BLOODY WHALING
Is Dermott Desmond is any different from any other Billionaire Football owner, I guess he wants success and is disinclined to throw money at the team, why should he.
He has bailed it out a few times over the years.
I believe Keans pulled out of the process, not the job because he was not offered the job, when he realised the job was not being handed to him he was only being considered, he didn’t want to rock the boat in case there was a future chance but I understand he was even behind Owen Coyle among the preferred choices. I suspect David Moyes was the one they wanted but it is unlikely he will come.
The plane that flew to Sweden to talk with Henrik flew onto Portugal, I understand, surly not AVB!
I guess Malky and Steve Clarke remain the favourites but no rush, certainly no jumping to the media drumbeat,in fact at this time of year no drums at all!
AVB is at Zenit I believe.
Sorry Ralph. I did start by saying we love you! And I’ve had a very shit couple of days, car stolen, niece in hospital, car recovered in a.state, and as a final point,I checked there and err you never did send it!
Right, you and me, square go, m6 services! ( joking. I’ve no car for a start!)
And we do love you really, you provide a daily laugh and make me smile, more than most of the women in my life do!
My bad. I’ll keep a copy for the next trip.
Meant to add earlier.Might sound far-fetched,but nothing
would surprise me,with our board.Could Deila be a temporary
caretaker manager for one season ?
Then when Lenny comes out his cream puff,after a year’s
sabbatical,he returns like the Prodigal Son,to a fanfare of
trumpets ( I don’t mean Lawwell )
What’s missing from the below statement regarding Ronny;
‘The 38-year-old’s growing reputation as a young, intelligent, contemporary and resourceful coach has impressed Celtic.’
………….And cheap as f*ck!!
Hail,Hail
You do know Advocatt had Ronaldo at PSV? I think thats when he wanted Flo, to replace him at PSV.
Please stop reading the rumours and pish from all agencies, the fans have their choice, the men in charge have a future plan for the ‘ tic’ if you don’t go with them then bow out. Hh
Sky sports showed footage of Deila going into CP. They also had a quick interview with Peter Lawell who insisted they have interviewed several candidates over the past 2 weeks.
I don’t think Keane was offered the job – I think he was interviewed along with a good few others. I reckon MON spoke out of turn with regards Keane & Celtic and the media went into overdrive.
I don’t know Deila – read a few things about him today – but he sounds like the kind of manager we should be looking at – young, hungry and looking to progress. I have no problem with people (players & managers) using CP as a stepping stone as long as we get our moneys worth out of them whilst they are here.
Kenny “The Weasel” Miller looks like he is on the Fat Salary McCoist diet plan …