Yesterday was probably a turning point in a title race that shouldn’t even be extant in the first place.
The failure of Celtic to sign three out of four signing targets in the summer created a malaise in the squad.
The 11th hour departure of Moussa Dembélé only exacerbated matters.
Brendan was clearly unhappy with those tasked to execute the paperwork end of the transfers.
The Boyata business in Athens only added to the element of Greek tragedy that was surrounding Celtic at the time.
In a ridiculously short period, the champions had gone from open-top bus to open disharmony.
The final fixture of the calendar year will tell if Celtic are finally back in the groove.
The chap in the home dugout at Ibrox will experience severe pressure if his old gaffer prevails.
Then Mr Gerrard will have to see if his squad emerges from the January window largely intact.
Regular readers here will not be surprised that Alfredo José Morelos Aviléz is expecting offers for his services in the January window.
As previously reported here, folk in agent land have known for several months that some Sevco players are quietly up for sale in January if the price is right.
The Colombian striker is one of four Ibrox players that could help to balance the books if they were sold into the inflated English market.
When Mr Gerrard complained about this proposed course of action, he was told that with his contacts he could surely source promising young players from top English clubs on loan to replace them.
It was during this period that he stated that he would “fall out with people” over his star striker.
At that time an excellently placed source told me that James Tavernier, “one of the Croatians and one of the goalkeepers” completed the quartet.
Of course, players must want to move, but the very fact that these moves have been discussed shows the difference in perception between Mr Gerrard and the chaps in the Blue Room.
Across the city, Celtic cannot surely fail in three consecutive transfer windows.
This time last year the main acquisitions were Marvin Compper and Charly Musonda.
Just like yesterday at Pittodrie, if Celtic go about their business competently the opposition and the officials cannot halt eight in a row.
I hope that you’re having a great holiday.
I am…
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Interesting to see what value potential suitors put on Morelos and Tavernier.
The former has scored all his goals in Finland and Scotland. He has an attitude problem, allegedly hasn’t learned a word of English in 18 months and is easily wound up on the field of play…£10m max?
As for Tav, no doubt good going forward but he even divides his own fans because he can’t defend…..£3m max?
Could be a seminal moment in Stevie G’s managerial career.
One or both sold against his wishes with the majority of the transfer fees not available to add the quality he’s demanding, never mind replacing his 2 top players.
Kingco will be walking on eggs on this one. He can’t afford to let Gerrard walk away but neither can they afford to fund the quality that the manager needs to best Celtic.
Bearing in mind his attitude, discipline record AND the fact that he gets away with an awful lot up here just because of who he plays for, £10m seems unlikely to me. Buyers will also know that Sevco are desperate for cash. However, little shite that he is, if the right manager could sort out the above deficiencies he could be coached into one helluva striker.
Had a wee look at one of the newco forums earlier on. A lot of their fans calling for Gerrard to be sacked lol. Just picturing the headlines if we pump them on Saturday 😂😂😂
If? HH
Mid term report. Must improve in the transfer windows. I have a feeling of déjà vu regarding the upcoming Glasgow derby. Like a number of the recent meetings with the tribute act, the feeling is that if the Celtic we all know and love turn up and bring their A game with them, victory will be ours.
Gerrard has improved the new rangers, there’s no doubt about that, but it would be hard not to, given the shambles they were when he rode into town. Even with the mistakes made in the transfer windows, Brendan still has a squad of players far superior to anything Stevie G has across town.
No doubt officials will be doing their best to help the tribute act on Saturday but once again if celtic turn up with their A game, a giant step will be taken on the way to securing 8 in a row.
Allegedly Tim Weah (striker) from PSG is a done deal for loan and a £6m bid for Tim Castagne (right back) is apparently progressing but we STILL need another centre back and dare I say, another left winger is still needed for more strength in depth… whatever the case, four more players (and not all loans) are needed!!!
What another left winger to join Hayes,Morgan and Johnston on the bench?
As long as we can keep Benkovic until the summer, I’m not overly worried about bringing in anyone, other than maybe a striker in this window. I think we have more than enough to take care of anyone in Scotland. But if we don’t take anyone new on board, we MUST have guys signed, sealed and IN THE SQUAD for the first day of pre-season training. Otherwise CL football is likely to go ahead without us again next season.
Can’t think of a centre back called ‘Tim’ but I’m sure Brendan will have one lined up.
We can lay down a huge marker on Saturday. Not just for this season but for 10 in a row. If we can beat them comfortably, on their own park, in front of a crowd of around 50-1 in their favour they will be left wondering just where do they go from there. Their support will revert to type. Violence is their default setting. Their rage will initially be directed at the small number of Celtic fans present in the stadium AND the Celtic team. I really worry about the safety of ANYONE connected with Celtic in that stadium on Saturday if we give them a going over on the field. They will THEN turn their anger inwards, towards SG and the board. If we end this season further ahead of them than last they will really struggle to sell season tickets next year, especially if either Aberdeen or Killie, or even both finish above them. If they come out of the transfer window weakened in any way the above scenario is a real possibility.
I wonder how the SFA will react if my worst fears for Saturday come to pass. They would probably work out some way to blame Celtic. There are scary parallels with Linfield and Belfast Celtic. However, unlike 70 years ago in Belfast, the scenes on Saturday will be watched by millions world wide.
Wee can’t fail in January transfer market 3 or 4 player’s bearded in time for a Champion League qualifiers
Our performances at away games has been pretty dire this season but the bhoys will be right up for this match and can come at it as league leaders. The pressure is all on sevco and if they lose their star striker in the transfer window then they can kiss this season’s league goodbye no matter if they win, lose or draw on Saturday. HH