I’m afraid that my last offering caused something of a disruption in a PR galaxy far far away.
Sadly, the tremor was felt by a young chap who is in Spain to…ahem…report on the cut-price Sevco training camp.
If there is a journalist out there in Malaga then they might want to arrange a sit down with the ex-England captain.
Just ask him these questions:
Mr Gerrard, are you happy with the training facilities at this camp?
Mr Gerrard, were you satisfied with the travel arrangements for you and your players to Spain?
Mr Gerrard, do you believe that you have been given the funds to re-build your squad that you thought you were going to receive?
I’m not holding out much hope that these questions will be asked.
After all, when the Hummel kit deal was announced my information is that the assembled chaps from the Fitba Fourth estate were told NOT to ask about the financial details.
Unsurprisingly they obeyed…
Of course, I’m sure that General Ashley will eventually give the basket of assets his answer about doing the retail thing for them.
Until then, they sweat in the Blue Room.
The reality is that Sevco’s convict chairman has doubled down on a coach who has one year at Under 18 level.
As the Resolution 12 issue has finally reached a stage of football governance it is worth noting that there are questions over the basket of assets this season.
For example, do they meet the UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) criteria?
After the bus story, someone in the Sevco High Command felt the need to spin a line that Celtic are in money trouble and are desperately trying to offload players.
As glib and shameless deflections go it was rather desperate.
As ever the enemy of Sevco is the truth.
Consider the following comparisons:
Private jet versus EasyJet
Made-to-measure training gear versus off the peg kit that turns up in instalments.
A secure dedicated training ground versus a publicly owned facility.
Millions in the bank versus a crippling wage bill.
What is extant at Ibrox now is the outworking of the Off Licence Putsch of March 2015.
Then the company was within three months of breaking even.
I’m told that the plan would then have been to level with the fans and set up something along the lines of the Foundation of Hearts.
Such a development would have finished the King project before he got up the marble staircase.
Therefore, they had to wrest boardroom power from “the spivs”.
I am not a gambling person.
However, I would be interested to know what the odds are on Mr Gerrard being gone from his current job by the end of season 2018-2019.
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Hi Phil, first time I’ve commented and your blog is a source of great comfort at this time when the Scottish media are in full frontal assault on the sensible people of this country. It’s hard to resist their pish that we’re going to be challenged this year by the peepil. I had a bet the Gerrard would not see the start of the SPL seasons seem I may have been 6 months out by your account(ing) of things.
P.S. I know you love to wax Lyrical but wtf does “What is extant at Ibrox now is the outworking of the Off Licence Putsch of March 2015” even mean. Tone it down a bit big man you’re losing your audience 🙂
Read this site is entirely volitional.
Sevco will be stronger in key areas next year. Midfield the most obvious one. It will be more competitive in my opinion and football wise I think a lot closer. We have funds , we can but quality. The inner workings of Sevco will undoubtedly have an effect on SG when the false promises fall flat . A certain Brendan Rodgers will no doubt be very focused on nailing the apprentice Manager from Liverpool to a post . We need tweaking to maintain superiority. No fear here .
I agree with this. The Sevco track record over past seasons, stamped by entirely baseless swagger and the customary sense of entitlement, of course invites cynicism and mockery. Even the previously likeable SG has been quickly infected with the Ibrox boasting virus, for which failure it seems is the only cure. Here we go again. Of course there is a high degree of likelihood that the whole project will fall apart once more in ignominy and derision. Add to this mix the seemingly permanent spectre of financial ruin that haunts this club, and which Phil documents so painstakingly, as well as SG’s inexperience atbthe top level, and there are good grounds for scorn.
All that said, I do think there is something different this time. Aside from the fact that Sevco’s finances seem always to be on the edge of collapse, but not quite, and certainly without deterring some significant spend, some of SG’s moves seem thoughtful and intelligent. With meagre resources, he has attracted a mix of ‘shrewd buys’ and loan deals that would be commended, I think, were a Celtic manager to be overseeing them. The field layout of players looks stronger and faster, the defence more physical and compact, and there are a couple of names that I think have real potential to hurt opposition teams. Whether that includes us remains to be seen.
I should also add that the naive fan part of me bridles a bit at our relative lack of transfer activity (& I retain a few wee doubts about Odsonne) and I hope we are taking developments at Sevco seriously, because we certainly should.
Phil
On another note
How much is a flight a to Macedonia these days … I wonder if it’s buy your own ticket and claim it back again .
AC Milan in capitals and Celtic without. Freudian slip? Maybe you were writing that comment while crying in to your cerveza in Malaga?
Why should Dave King be bothered? He is safely ensconced in South Africa. Any potential flak from Ibrox fans will be directed at the UK based directors.
The enemies of sevco are the main men running the show and the PR machine including media. I am sure most fans know this deep down but conveniently dismiss it when it’s jam today time.
I reckon Gerrard will be gone and McAllister the new boss pretty soon. Some might question if this was the real plan all along. Get rookie Gerrard off the wage bill and get a RRM at the helm.
It’s the hope that kills you.
With the ‘Front-loading’ that Sevco are doing to try to qualify for the Europa League, they are putting themselves into an increasingly precarious position. What the Shameless and Glib one hasn’t factored in is that they have an extra round to play in order to qualify for the group stages. The fact that Aberdeen have already been drawn against Burnley should demonstrate to them the calibre of the teams that they are going to have to play in order to qualify for the group stages. If they don’t qualify, they’ll be in Administration/Liquidation by Christmas.
Also, if we beat them by at least 4 goals Gerrard will be gone. If we are 10 points ahead of them, Gerrard will be gone.
Phil; any news on how the SFA investigation is going? For some reason I don’t seem to be able to find any coverage in the mainstream media.
And no league match day income top up to come…
This is Sevconian Poker and Dave is ‘all in’..,
It’s a big gamble on Europa league group stage as evenbtgen the money is not huge. He must be hoping for it to attract other income – perhaps increased player value to shift in January..
It’s all very very risky although those media guys seem to think all is rosy down Govan way.
There a very big difference between being ‘The ‘Tic’ and ….
…living ‘on the tic ‘
Night and day in fact !
Great blog. This is spiffingly good fun!
Any teacher of French,or even English, could use the Sevco story , over the past 6 years , as a living example, of that common French terminology DEJA VU.
As for our media. A shower of spineless ,untalented, cowardly ,sycophantic shitebags.
Thank you.
Hear hear,very well said ✅
I notice as things stand, Sevco will go into their first European game having played only one friendly match, against Bury. Maybe going to a country for a training camp in June where all the local teams don’t return for their pre season until mid July wasn’t the smartest piece of planning?
In comparison Celtic will have played 4 matches and Hibs 3 matches before their first European ties – as they have organised their pre season in places where local teams are also in pre season and looking for opposition to play against.
Surely Sevco don’t believe for a second season in a row Progres through European qualifiers is just a case of turning up?
You can only go where EasyJet takes you.
Quality ??
I am betting that he’ll resign before the end of February, after he gets nothing from the January transfer period….
Dan Brown would be hard pressed to write a fictional epic of this standard. One where the facts are shaped to suit the historical narrative, rationale and suspended belief are crucial for this blockbuster. Without both we have no conflict and as any good writer knows without conflict we have no drama.
May I postulate on such? Ok, thanks.
A young hero emerges from the background, his clothes hanging in shreds from the IED (Improvised Eduardo Device) that moments ago sent a rolling shockwave that split the serene scene, his beard burnt to a crisp leaving his face blackened and charred, eyes staring, shocked rumblings only just reach his ringing ears as he watches his assailant wheel away with a religious fervour toward his companions. The masses who only earlier had adorned themselves with gaudy orange garb had come to witness this gladatorial contest reel and sway as the reality of the situation suddenly dawned on their neaderthal like brows, furrowed and lined with shock. The hero was transfixed in a similar vein.
From the beginnings of this carefully laid assault, plans that on red top headed paper, the finest generals pored over and could find no fault suddenly turn into the unimagined nightmare, the dark night had fallen at 15:06
So soon, how soon was later to be dissected by the generals, winds of fortune had blown east. Like many generals of fallen armies in the annals of man the protagonists had failed to consider one question? How on earth did we end up here…….?
That’s all folks, I shall be publishing on Amazon my own version of this shite state of affairs, fully fictional of course and aided humbly by the journalists of our own humble press Corp in Glasgow.
The issue is not how bad the training ground or El Murray parca. If SG had went to a league one side or Scottish championship side to learn his trade, he wouldn’t expect top notch facilities or War-chests, The whole issue is sevco’s inability to accept their below humble status. They sold it to him as this big rich club, now realities are striking.
]
Cheers again Phil , top notch once more , appreciated .
I find the talk about our money and theirs uncomfortable.I know the difference in how our clubs are run is the crux of the point,but a huge part of our success was our drive,not our bank account.And Neil Lennon was our u19 manager when he took the job.
Have to agree, it’s coming off a bit ‘for every fiver’ and nothing is won yet. Doesn’t matter the money you have if you don’t replace quality you go back the way, I’d like to see us invest this money in the bank on some improvements in the squad.
As Pat Spillane said recently about the Dublin side,a huge part of a successful side is making sure they are constantly evolving.As it currently stands,we will have the exact same squad as last year,bar Stuart Armstrong.I love Phil’s blog but I’m only pointing out what I see as Celtic remaining stagnant on the pitch.
Lenny also knew the Scottish “scene” inside out and was familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the players he was inheriting. He also had eight ” dead rubbers” at the end of the season, all of which we won, to bed himself in. He also had the experience of playing in European qualifiers and was very aware of the potential pitfalls involved in them. Gerrard has no first hand knowledge of the Scottish game in general or how his inherited players will react to him and is, therefore, to a great extent going in cold. He also has no first hand knowledge of the risks involved in European qualifiers. Playing in the EPL pretty much guaranteed automatic group stage entry.
Oh aye. The Glasgow goldfish bowl. SG knows NOTHING about that.
What’s not to like about enjoying the benefits of long term planning and hard work?
Phil, “Complicit and Compliant”. That’s our Main Stream Scottish Media (MSSM). Whether it’s the BBC, STV or the usual suspects in the Printed world. It’s “all about the Newco” finding free transfer nuggets everywhere. Meanwhile Celtic have “missed out on this one or that one.”
We have the shocking “rehabilitation of Flanagan” a thug by any other name, but he’s free so let’s take him. We have the Newco “Easy Jet/Benidorm Mini bus” show case but all is well. We have everyone in the MSSM doing the usual for Newco before ball is kicked, shooting their mouths off “well take your ‘title etc.”
I’m particularly amazed that we have to give Flanagan a second chance for a brutal assault when a member of the SFA was hounded out by the “Lying King” and his MSSM lackeys over a humorous comment he made 12 years ago.
Meanwhile a so called 12,000 season ticket waiting list at Newco seems to have evaporated; there is no June Share issue; the TOPS seem to be gearing up for retribution on the “Lying King”; Directors want their money back on the 1st of July and will resign thereafter. Season ticket money in four payments is being “burned up” rapidly, yet not a question asked in the MSSM.
Good summer coming up Phil, keep safe, good luck with the book and HH.
I had a mini debate with said Level5 subservient on his Armstrong/Southampton/Celtic are imploding blog the other day.
All I can say is his left peg must be the one he uses for standing on.
Still waiting for 2 replies to pass muster but given the deal has gone through and Celtic look to be another £7m better off than when he wrote that guff I’m not going to hold my breath.
He ascertained we must be Southampton’s feeder Club?
Well I countered Man City must be ours given they’ve sent double the amount of players up our way than we have down Southampton way?
Must be an FFP hing for Citeh eh?
Zoomer.
Davys septic leg more like
Oh go on Phil – submit those questions to the ibrox press office for Mr G. He’ll hopefully get them on his return
I have submitted many questions to the Ibrox Press Office.
I have yet to receive an acknowledgement.
However, when I do put in questions they are usually forensically precise and I publish them here.
Philip, Philip, Philip…
Did no-one ever tell you that it’s cruel to prod defenceless animals with sharp sticks?
You naughty, naughty man!! ???
DON’T USE WORDS LIKE “PROD” FFS!!! King will have you hauled over the coals for…for….for some feckin thing!! “POKE”!! That would be better.
Have you seen them…
Comment edited to remove misogyny.
Yellow card.
No more.
It is easy to ban you.
Hey Phil
I see that AC Milan have been banned from European competition by UEFA, do u think that they will also be looking at Sevco’s application in the same light – albeit the figures involved are in a different stratosphere ?
Also should us celtic fans be worried about the distinct lack of investment in new players at our seemingly cash rich club ? Millions in the bank won’t help us qualify for the champions league with half of our somewhat already average defence on duty at the World Cup – surely signing a quality centre back should have been priority for the training camp we are currently at ? Also as we have sold Armstrong and sviatchenko we are in the black as far as transfers go this summer even with the somewhat inflated outlay on edouard – so why are we taking an injury prone never was on trial ? I am worried that all this money we have is being squirelled away into the proposed hotel development or something else – something which may cause Brendan Rogers to depart long before the inexperienced Gerrard – could u use ur contacts and journalistic expertise to find out what the plan is at celtic park ? Where is the ambition and investment on players that the fans crave so much ?
We have been here many times before where we fail to invest from a strong position
Many thanks.
Oh dear…
Average defenders at the World Cup !
Do you see the verbal paradox there?
Especially as Sweden won their group with one of ours featuring heavily, and Belgium …
…toiling aren’t they !?
You’ll also find that the big Bhoys do their transfer business later in the window – particularly in World Cup summers.
You sound like a very worried Celtic supporter.
I bet you think we’re in financial difficulties too!
You must stop buying the Daily Record … it’s not good for you!
Tbh I don’t read the daily ranger I find it full of laughable stories … I read most of my football stories on sites like this
And I’m sorry but Lustig was poor last season by his own high standards and boyata has never convinced … Most celtic fans will agree ???
More than most! The vast majority!
Unlesss that is all sarcasm, someone has taken a hun accountancy course. LOL.
I’ll restrict my post to your “never was” comment though there is a lot more I disagree with. The right back we are talking to was an absolute star at Leyton Orient and was a standout in his only injury free season at Hull. He was capped for England at several age levels and was tipped for stardom at a major Club. Sadly injury intervened and his career was derailed. If, and I concede it may be a big if, he can regain fitness he could be a star for us. At this stage it’s only talks so I really don’t know what your beef is. If you imagine this is the sum total of Celtic’s activity this close season or even indicative ether level then I suggest you watch this space.
The plan is not to panic buy and sell maybe a lesson other teams could learn , french eddy’s signing was significant was it not? Lewis Morgan looks a good prospect , would you rather we spent ££££ on anyone that’s available just to appease the support? In Brendan we trust and we do, so patients is the order of the day
Did the Rangers minibus make a detour to Liverpool so that Stevie G could hand the number 8 jersey to Keita?
Great blog Phil
The expectancy level from the the Sevco horde is running on overdrive
I look at Brendan’s team and changes tonite and I am confident for the new season
In your opinion are they in a worse situation than this time last year under Pedro?
You’ve mentioned buses. I told you not to mention buses! EVER! https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2018/06/25/dont-mention-the-bus/
However, it’s all academic as I think you will find that Sevco have a BIG plan to totally annihilate Celtic… No, really… https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2018/06/26/a-war-that-celtic-cannot-win/
Boyles quoted me 8/1 odds for Stephen Gerrard not being manager of the FOD on Christmas day next
I’d put a chunk on that, since my prediction has always been Staunch Stevie to be gone by the winter break.
I would never advocate gambling on any matter.
However, bookmakers are rather cold-blooded when it comes to calculating probabilities.
Id take odds on him being ‘walked away’ by Christmas.
When this ends , (and it will), it will end very badly for Sevco and King in particular.
Gerrard is not some puppy dog that will crawl into a corner with his head down and say nothing in the same way Warburton, Caixinha and Murty did when they were conveniently thrown under a bus.
Gerrards stock is significantly higher in the world of football than King’s or Rangers and he won’t want his reputation destroyed by a bunch of rank amateurs , promises built on lies and a shyster chairman. You can forget trying to silence him with a confidentiality clause pay-off as was done with the others.
When the end does come and Gerrard goes all guns blazing after King that will be the end of the GASL and the club. The fall-out will be epic.
Six weeks into the new season will tell us all but I think we could well be entering the end game.
Why was he so easily conned in taking the job in the first place. I really do not think he too smart. I do not think his common sense matches his football ability. I think he likes the adoration of the crowd. Look at me I’am Stevie G.
Meanwhile AC are banned for a year.
UEFA willing to impose FFP to a top club in Europe.
Why not a diddy team in Scotland??
Oh dear. Why oh why do we only read the truth on here? I don’t understand why no other journalists have the BALLS to tell it how it is.
Well done Phil. Keep it coming.
SkyBet has Steven Gerrard not to last the full season at 11/4
He’s 5/1 to be gone by Christmas.
So he’d be 1/6 to still be there?