I learned today of a recent conclave of the Sevco High Command.
The dignified sit-down had been called to discuss one item only:
The likely size of the bill that would land after the conclusion of the Ashley court case.
Firstly, I think that it was a perfectly sensible reason to have a meeting given the possible quantum and Sevco’s difficulty in paying it.
However, the criminal chairman south of the Limpopo was having none of it.
He angrily slammed his colleagues for taking their eye off the prize.
I’m told that King berated them for wasting time on a bill that did not even yet exist when Celtic were clearly in disarray.
It was one of those rare occasions when the Convict Chairman was being entirely truthful.
For the avoidance of doubt, Celtic ARE in disarray.
For the avoidance of doubt, it is entirely self-inflicted.
Mr King expressed the belief that the tantalising prize was within their grasp
If they could stop Celtic’s match towards the Ten that would put all of them in the Blue Room into the Ibrox firmament for all time.
Dave was thinking of his legacy.
Therefore, he is throwing everything at this season.
My information is that Liverpool were not impressed with a payment plan for Ryan Kent that would cover EIGHT transfer windows.
At this stage, Mr King has adopted a “whatever it takes” approach to this season with the consequences being for another day.
Celtic’s main guy is probably considering the other side of that equation.
If he is steering the ship when it sails straight into a light blue iceberg then the season ticket holders in steerage will not forgive him or his chief executive.
I’m told that the smartest guy in the room was rather taken aback by the failure of the “circle the wagons” message that was put out through an obedient conduit.
Put simply Celtic have less than two weeks to put things right with the squad.
If my information is correct and Celtic are haggling with Rosenborg over Birger Meling for the sum of around €500k then that just seems nuts.
The financial issues have not gone away at Sevco, but what the champions have done is to give belief to the basket of assets that this could be their year.
If they are correct in that belief then I know who they should give thanks to.
One way or another come next May either Dave or Dermot will have their place in history.
Millsy, you wouldn’t be having a go a our old friends, the Tribute Huns…if so, a tad unfair on the Ibrox white-hoods. They are, after all, more to be pitied than ridiculed. Careful now!
I was as angry, let down and upset as any other Bhoy last week. In work I can’t react to hysteria but Celtic is not my work. I expect those paid to make decisions at Celtic don’t either. That said they must review their failures in organisation and planning specifically in the Recruitment dept. Their scenario planning is shameful, 4 failed transfer windows will be forgiven if he gets this next year or two right but no amount of influencing and persuasion in power circles (an obvious skill) will salvage a legacy of utter failure if Rangers recover to claim a title within just a year or two of getting there act together. Allowing such a scenario is the definition of gross mismanagement surely DD and PL aren’t so detached to appreciate that.
Phil you have just conceded the pre season cup. I thought more of you. We have been here on many occasions and the reaction by reknowned bloggers has been way over the score. To the extent of slating the commercial side of the club in their advert for the chrismas parties….crazy.
The club grows as a businees every year and I suppose the frustration is we dont seem to Flex the finacial muscles and give Sevco some faint hope, who in turn go over their heads in debt.
I would love 3-4 major signings either before september or 2 now and 2 in january to send out a message.
But we should stop short of slating the business and even more so the players and manager who has delivered 3 league titles.
Phil you are creating hysteria, we have the right to criticize and that we should do. I said to my fellow Tims before the season started that we will go the season unbeaten and I still believe it. Yes the board seem more obsessed with the till roll than the staffing level but sevco have hired a group of chancers and if you really believe they are a threat, then you haven’t been watching. What the media has done is give them hope but then they have done that for the last three seasons. Hail Hail 9 in a row
If only Dermot cared about winning the league as much as dodgy dave does!
Anyone fancy a 4 ball?
Lawwell has it within his grasp to easily put TRFC down – and get the Celtic fans buzzing.
A one-off deal which doesn’t conform to Lawwell’s ‘buy cheap / sell high strategy’.
In any business strategy you have to continuously review, tweak, and evolve.
Lawwell could sanction a proper ‘marquee’ signing.
Being realistic, a big name player who is well over 30 with maybe one more good season in him.
Maybe a token transfer fee but crazy high wages would be involved.
But, for only a year – with maybe an option for another season.
Like the Defoe capture for TRFC – but an even higher profile name.
Securing a globally recognised name would immediately put TRFC in their place – and would produce gaping mouths all round at Ibrox.
At Celtic, everyone would get a boost and the fans would be buzzing – and they might even give Lawwell a break?
Maybe.
We have quite cash pile.
Use a bit of it to ensure we focus on 9 and 10 – immediately!
So Bob what you are suggesting is we sign a player purely on the basis of him being a big name?
Juninho
Gravesen
Keane
Ljungberg
I would prefer we get Meling Castagne or Gumny in before wasting cash on another washed out name looking for a pension boost or a last pay day.
Seriously who cares what the Tribute Act are up tae?
I vote for Ronaldo ! If not him , then that wee guy Messi – heard good things about him .
Unfortunately , both guys have had their troubles with the taxman . Does that rule them out ?