Just back from Perth and was happy with the result. Thought the performance was ok in a game I wasn't confident about beforehand. Thought we passed it ok and defended well without putting great pressure on their goal. Was happy with Craig Gordon, the defence, Biton and Forrest. We are obviously lacking up front and that needs to be rectified with the signing of a striker. Though ST Johnstone should have had a penalty and ours definitely was also with a clear push on Boeriggter. Overall happy withy the result and a good start for Delia who needs time to put his mark on the team.
As said in another thread, I thought our passing was fine for the most part, it was more the fact the end product was lacking. We are in dire need of a couple of quality strikers who will fit into our style of play. I do have concerns about the midfield not imposing themselves enough and when we come up against sides who get stuck in we may well be found wanting. Decent footballers but I think we need more than just that. A 3-0 win at a fairly tough venue is a good start and as said above, Deila needs time to put his stamp on things and get his own men in if that's possible. Anybody know what's happening with Griffiths?
Plenty rumours surrounding Griffiths. As PVM say's he was ill but rumours of him having a go at Celtic fans both in Warsaw and at Murrayfield. He took to twitter last night half an hour before the game to argue with a fan who was less than complimentary about him and retweet any abuse he was taking. I think if he doesn't screw the nut shortly he'll be away which is a waste because he has something to offer footballing wise.
Was told about Van Djiks interview after the game last night. When asked what his future he answered 'I want to play Champions league football' Reading between the lines he wants to go if we don't qualify.
Cant really blame him to be fair, I may be off the mark but it seem he may not be one to leave to just go to a Stoke or Crystal Palace just to play in England, we may be able to keep hold of him unless a real big gun or European side comes in for him.
Thought there was a clear push on him that broke his stride and caused him to fall. He was through on goal. All guesswork but I think he'll jump at the chance of the Premiership if we go out the CL. What foreigner wouldn't if faced wit a season of Scottish football as the alternative. Heard Commons is asking for 25k a week and a three year contract. . .if he doesn't budge from that (and if it's even true) he'll be next down the road to England.
Seen it a few times and still cant see definite contact, glad we got it but if that's a penalty football as a contact sport is ****ed. If that's true he can leave, I know I have been shouting for us to spend more money but as much as I think Commons is a good player for us he isn't worth that much and I think McGregor can come in and do the role aswel.
Not only that but fitness wise I don't think he's got three years left at his peak. Again though it's only what I've been told and might be totally wrong.
It's been doing the rounds for a few days now. There is no way we'll give him a 3 year deal and I highly doubt we'll give him anywhere near £25k.
This isn't meant as a dig at Scott Brown, but if he is on that sort of money (and it has been said in the past he is) then I can understand Commons asking for that as well seeing as he is by far our most creative player. Perhaps this is why we are seeing our better players shipped out (aside from the hefty transfer fees of course). The club may well be thinking that over the next season or two, there will be a levelling off on the wages for the majority of the squad with little or no players on far higher wages than the rest which may reduce the risk of disharmony in the ranks about some earning more than others etc. I see the logic in it but it's not going to stop fans wanting us to pay a bit more for higher quality.
I'm surprised that Brown has survived the cull. Though imo its more likely that no one is really that interested in him. I would maybe give him it for a year after this season but thats it. As you said earlier, its highly unlikely that he will maintain last seasons level for 3 years. Then we'd be saddled with a high earner who would probably be in and out the team more.
What a difference three days make. Outstanding performance today from Celtic and every player played their part. The boy from Man City had a couple of dodgy touches early on but grew into the game and looks really strong on and off the ball, hopefully VVD now has a partner who has the vision he does. The three behind the striker were excellent and Berget showed glimpses that he has some good touch and movements, and knows how to find the net. Obviously its only one game but it was encouraging after what we have witnessed in the last three. I hope Forest is okay, the bhoy cant seem to catch a break, looks like he will miss the Maribor game.
I expected a really tight game yesterday but it coudn't have turned out more different. It could have been 2-1 after three minutes but as soon as we got the first we were rampant, although it has to be said that better sides would have punished a few lapses we had at the back. Regardless of the scorelines at the moment I am looking for noticeable changes in the way we are going about our business and it's clear even at this early stage that there is more energy from middle to front and we are constantly trying more of the quick intricate passing and linking up play. Whenever someone receives the ball they are being presented with at least a couple of passing options which is encouraging. I thought this was the case on Wednesday also but the difference this time was that we were far more penetrating in the final third to the extent that we could have hit double figures. Ambrose did a far better job at right back than he ever does in the centre although wherever he plays he will always give the opposition at least one chance of a break in a game due to sloppy or erratic play. Really liking young McGregor's energy. Always looking for the ball and isn't shy about having a pop at goal either. I think there are encouraging signs for us under Deila but as we all know, this can change quickly if we lose heavily to Maribor. He doesn't have a magic wand though and this is far from a vintage Celtic team so if he can get this team playing as they did yesterday then that perhaps augurs well if is he is allowed to bring in a better quality of player.
We were superb yesterday and the movement off the ball was noticeable. In saying that I won't be getting carried away as nothing has really changed in so much as Delia deserves the time to get his own men in and get the team playing his way. One huge plus is the form of Craig Gordon who is playing as if he's never been away. AQs much as I like big Fraser i'm certainly not missing him and if it continues it has the potential to be a fantastic bit of business by the club.
That's the promising thing. He hasn't got his own men in yet and is working with what isn't a great Celtic team but already seems to have made his mark on the side. If/when he can bring in a better quality of player then he could do really well with us and build something decent no matter what happens in the Maribor tie. My main concerns about him have been the same since day one in that he must realise that he has to get results as well as performances but also that he has to have a plan b depending on how a game is panning out or what tactics certain teams put up against us. Simply attacking regardless is not always going to be the answer and hopefully he is not too stubborn to realise that there is more than one way to skin a cat.
