Last game: Aberdeen 4 – 4 Celtic

Celtic form after 5 games:  WLWWD

By Séan Walsh

Celtic fans slept on Friday night in anticipation of seeing Mowbray’s Bhoys to continue some of the form they showed against Hearts mid-week. They awoke, perhaps nursing a hangover, ready to enjoy watching the Hoops hopefully catch up the other Glasgow team whilst munching down a square sausage sandwich and a nice cuppa, or something stronger. For myself, and many Celtic fans, this game was going to be exciting and one many were really up for – but Celtic, in true Mowbray fashion, managed to absolutely ruin the day with one of the most inept performances in several years. To say Celtic fans will be disappointed is easily an understatement. Celtic had to win in order to get anywhere near recovering the SPL title, there could be no more losses or fruitless draws – the pressure had to be put on the blue side of Scotland. Everyone knew this – apart from the Celtic team.

Yes, Celtic scored 4 goals and created more chances. Yes, Iain Brines continued to put in another historically horrific performance applying rules to one team but not the other. And yes, Aberdeen showed great character and put up a good fight. But none of this matters. Any team that consistently hands the game back to the opposition on four occasions (When they have to absolutely win) – does not deserve to win. The Celtic manager and his “team” are only kicking themselves slowly into quick sand.

So, where did it go wrong? Where do you start?

Artur Boruc’s continued slow reactions maybe weren’t as influential in their goals but surely he should be commanding and organising the defence considering his personality and obvious lack of partnership in defence. The two centre-backs looked completely out of place and lost, Josh Thompson, 18 years old, managed to perhaps avoid heavy criticism considering he has had more partners than Katie Price, but former interim-Captain Darren O’Dea delivered a master class in McManus/Caldwell defending whilst also getting himself bizarrely sent off in the dying minutes. The real culprits however were the Celtic wing backs – Caddis and Braafheid, who provided a brutally comical performance on the wings. Paul Caddis struggled in his passing, tackling and positioning all game and his usual aggressive runs and crosses were meagre. Bayern Munich loanee Edson Braafheid would have looked more comfortable having a picnic on the Celtic six yard box – consistently caught out of position, incapable of making a tackle and ultimately a baffling decision to hand ball in the box provided Aberdeen with a way in two goals down.

In midfield, Celtic fans groaned to see the incompatible duo of Brown and N’Guemo who have regularly shown they cannot play together. Brown, apart from the build up to the second goal, did little but staring at players and misplacing the ball, whilst Landry N’Guemo had an uncharacteristically anonymous performance. Oh, and Brown is club captain – who would have known that? On the wings, all our play went through McGeady who bagged a great goal and provided some signs of life for Celtic. Though he dwelt on the ball for too long, he did look interested in the game. Likewise new singing Kamara held up the ball scored and provided some great play in the final third. However, the striker-made-winger only added to Celtics problems on the left wing. Kamara hopelessly had to keep tracking back to sorting out the left back position, the left wing and the inside striker spot. Meanwhile Braafheid was often found sat inside the Celtic box when Kamara was being double teamed. It’s no coincidence that most of Aberdeen’s threat and goals came from attacking our defenceless left wing. Similarly, Mowbray’s insistence on having McGeady cut in forced Paul Caddis to be everywhere down the right. Tactically, our defence was hemmed to deep and too narrow to be able to survive the onslaught from Aberdeen in the final 15 minutes.

Celtics attack performed their job in scoring 4 goals, but our failure on the wings combined with an already shaky central spine was our downfall. Lack of leadership in the team and from the manager, even when crisis is staring us straight in the face and the opposition so meek and weak that Farsley Celtic wouldn’t be troubled to challenge for the top – all the ingredients of a quickly dying and miserable season for Glasgow Celtic. The SPL title is in the hands of a team of pensioners and inexperience youth nobodies. And we sit 10 points behind. Tragic.

Last game: Killie 1 – 0 Celtic

Celtic form after 5 games:  WWLWL

By Séan Walsh

60,000 seater stadium, worldwide fan base, rich history, European football annually and the prospect of becoming adored by millions of fanatical supporters – the Celtic job looks like a dream move for any manager. On the other hand, that 60,000 stadium can become a torrent of abuse, that fan base can be calling for your head after one game and gradually, the gulf between the SPL and European football is growing – and I haven’t even got started on the media hacks, SFA incompetence and the inherited hatred from the rest of Scotland! Under fire manager Tony Mowbray only stated less than a month ago that he did not enjoy the job and argued that the likes of experienced Ferguson and Wenger would struggle to compete in the Glasgow goldfish bowl. Ask any Celtic supporter and they will tell you that there are three important teams in Scotland – Celtic, Celtic reserves (although non-existent in name) and Celtic U19’s.

From day one, a new manager can expect his managerial career to be sat on a knife edge of extremity. Celtic fans want everything all at once. The next game should be won, the league should be won, the domestic trophies won, a satisfactory performance in Europe at least and young blood should be nurtured through whilst protecting any older player who is a fans favourite (See Lennon, Hartson, Thompson, Balde and Nakamura for players who were guaranteed spots in their final season despite their obvious decline through seniority). Failure to succeed will only enrage the cohorts of internet football managers, the phone ins and sadly those who come to Parkhead only to whinge. Oh, and this can all happen within a week.

Yet, the other side of the coin is that any successful manager who can win over the fans and understand their mentality can be instantly ascended to hero status. A winning Celtic side often gathers momentum and the Celtic fans rise to the occasion to support their team more and more. In Europe, it used to be the case that I, and 59,999 other fans, feared no one at Parkhead. The likes of European conquerors AC Milan, Manchester United and Barcelona didn’t scare me in the slightest, even if we were a goal down – at Parkhead, we were unstoppable. Any ex-Celtic player or manager who achieved success at the club (though undoubtedly Strachan massively divided opinion and is contrary to my analysis) will tell you that the fans loved them, did anything for them and truly made the experience a special experience they will never forget. At Celtic, there is no room for middle ground – you either understand that or you don’t.

So, the current gaffer at Parkhead is currently undergoing his trial of competence. Granted, he has (most of the time albeit) got the team playing good football, and signings like Keane, NGuemo and Hooiveld have all accredited the above with fan favouritism. But, and crucially, last night’s result at Kilmarnock was the nail in the very posh coffin of Tony Mowbray’s Celtic career – for some anyway. I don’t want to get bogged down into the argument “should he stay or should he go” just yet, but I do worry that if he did leave – who is out there that could take Celtic to the next echelon of football. Since the departure of Martin O’Neill we have definitely lost prestige and “our way” – who can take us back to the dizzy heights of Seville or 6-2 against ‘them’? Here are a few suggestions currently without a job – and do note – currently available:

The Long Shots:

Bernd Schuster – the German manager most well known for securing a record highest points tally in La Liga whilst winning a championship title and Spanish Super Cup. Schuster guided Shakhtar Donetsk to a domestic cup victory and also managed Getafe to their first and second best seasons in club history, as well as passage to the UEFA cup stages and the Copa del Rey final. However, it’s likely Schuster will opt to stay in mainland sunny Europe rather than chug it out on Rugby Park in the cold.

Jürgen Klinsmann – another German who despite a relatively young age has shown signs of promise. The ex-Spurs man led Germany to a third spot finish in the 2006 World cup, playing attractive football with a young side. This led Klinsmann onto manage Bayern Munich where he failed to produce trophies, but managed the side to the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League. Again, it is unlikely he will want to swap his home in California for a house in Newton Mearns.

Fatih Terim – lauded the greatest Turkish player and manager of his time, Terim is regarded as a hard-line motivator whose no-nonsense approach was honed during 11 years as a rugged defender with Galatasaray. In a survey conducted by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics in 80 countries, Fatih Terim was placed among the best eight managers in the world. Terim has made his name as manager with Turkey, Galatasaray, Fiorentina and AC Milan. Highly recommended by the late Sir Bobby Robson, Terim is however unlucky to want to work in Scotland with a host of Spanish and Italian clubs chasing at his heels.

Juande Ramos – the journeyman Spaniard has managed a huge list of Spanish sides – Betis, Espanyol, Malaga, Sevilla and Real Madrid most prominent, along with a short spurt in the EPL with Spurs and most recently a Russian campaign with CSKA Moscow. Although criticised for some of his tactics and signings, Ramos holds two UEFA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, a Copa del Rey and an English League Cup in his trophy cabinet. It’s unlikely that Ramos would be enticed to Celtic without guaranteed Champions League and a massive sack of cash to spend at his own will.

The Celtic PLC shoestring-budget likely choices:

Alan Curbishley – the former West Ham and Charlton man was once touted as the next England manager, losing out to Steve McLaren. He is best known for his time at Charlton, where he revived the team with two promotions to the EPL and kept them there for a bit. However, uninspiring football and really nothing brag about from a league one trophy isn’t exactly what we need to excel.

Ricky Sbragia – born in Lennoxtown, he’d at least feel at home at our training facility, but his record at his one club – Sunderland makes you want to gauge your eyes out. However, he did beat Mowbray’s West Brom 4-0 and managed to keep them in the Premiership after relegation fears. Please don’t do it Celtic.

Anyone ex-player affiliated with Celtic currently in management – Paul Lambert, Neil Lennon, Chris Sutton, Henrik Larsson, experience – no, anything to show for themselves in terms of real tangible managerial success – no. Risky – incredibly. Cheap – very.

The European Risks:

Marco van Basten – one of The Netherlands greatest players, van Basten surprised many with some really credible results as Netherlands and Ajax manager. A Philosopher of quick and slick football, van Basten guided Holland to the group stages of the 2006 World Cup after a string of no-defeats through qualification. He isn’t scared to drop big name players and a man of principal. His win record with the Netherlands was 67% and 62% at Ajax – yet, what does he have to show for it?

Henk ten Cate – another Dutchman, the assistant slash manager slash assistant is on and off the verge of becoming a top class manager in Europe. Assistant to Rijkaard at Barcelona, he helped them win the Champions League and two La Liga titles. He won several domestic cups with Ajax and failed to win the league by a single goal in goal difference with PSV. After a brief spell as Chelsea assistant, he went on to manage Panathinaikos, where he led them to the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time.

Michael Laudrup – the better brother is a worldwide name as a player, less so as a manager. A believer in fast and free flowing attacking football, Laudrup has won several trophies for Brondby, and was praised for his improvements to Getafe. However, his most recently job at Spartak Moscow finished miserably with only a 27% win record.

Ronald Koeman – the big Dutch defender has an impressive CV when it comes to clubs managed – Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia and AZ – all big European names that would be on par with the same status as Celtic near enough. He has won 3 Dutch championships, numerous domestic titles and both a Portuguese and Spanish domestic cup. However, all Koemans teams seem to have an inherent inconsistency that blemishes his managerial record.

Slaven Bilic – the rock ban ear ring wearing Croat has come to the attention of many clubs through his European Championship exploits. His introduction of U-21 talents Eduardo, Modric and Corluka formed the core of his successful team that defeated England home and away. Croatia went on winning all three group stages of the 2008 competition, beating eventual finalist Germany, until a shock defeat against Turkey. The charismatic young manager famously stated he would “walk to Glasgow” if offered the position at Celtic. Only his lack of league football experience hinders his application.

Last game: Killie 1 – 0 Celtic

Celtic form after 5 games:  WWLWL

By Séan Walsh

Celtics crushing defeat at Kilmarnock marked a considerable black spot on Tony Mowbray’s record. Celtic entered the match full of hope, vision and for the first time in a while satisfaction with the recent transfer window. Celtic PLC’s last day signings in Kamara and Braafheid seemed to have settled the angering mob of Celtic fans ready to call for Mowbray’s head, but the sensational loan signing, inspired by the board to inspire the fans, was nothing less than a major coup. The Irish hit man’s inclusion to the squad on a six month loan was hailed as genius and seen nationwide as an incredible move for Celtic. Within a week, the Celtic board had turned villain to shrewd in 7 hours of obsessive Sky Sports News viewing. Furthermore, Celtic had shipped out (and made a considerable profit) the driftwood left by Gordon Strachan – Killen, Flood, Brown, Robson, McManus, Caldwell and McDonald all moving to new pastures (most following Strachan to M’Boro). The pre-match banner at Kilmarnock read “It’s always darkest before the dawn”, but for Celtic – insomnia set in.

Celtic headed to a scrappy Kilmarnock with euphoria and the backing of the fans, but even with this, Celtic failed to deliver and yet again this season desperately let the fans down. Mowbray’s selection raised many eyebrows with formless Lee Naylor claiming left back, striker Kamara relocated to left wing and Glenn “Caldwell Mk. 2” Loovens appointed captain and defender. Mowbray’s critics will only be supported by his shocking decision to not only add Scott Brown to the fray lacking 4 months match fitness but also the Captaincy handed to the eyeballing champion whilst playing in the odd left back decision.

Although Celtic were unlucky to lose the very consistent assist contributor Hinkel and iconic Hooiveld through injury seriously harmed Mowbray’s ability to use all three substitutions to change the game after going a goal down. However, major blame must be directed at a massively ineffective midfield. The mysterious absence of Marc Crosas saw shirt seller Ki Sung-Yong field a completely anonymous and lazy appearance in the centre of midfield. Elsewhere, Aiden McGeady did little to endear himself to the growing mob of fans calling for the dribbling midfielders head. McGeady looked completely without the luck of the green, dwelling on the ball too much, taking too many touches and miserably attempting crosses from far too deep a position. As a midfielder who doesn’t score many goals, it’s crucial he contributes with assists – but this season he has failed to delivery this, with Andy Hinkel often papering up the cracks for the right side of midfield (His absence through injury demonstrated this tonight).

Ultimately, tonight saw Celtics attack undermined by a poor midfield performance that failed to create chances combined with some very poor tactical decisions by Mowbray. The Hoops now sit 10 points behind the penniless league leaders and maybe fans will undoubtedly hand the title to Ranges with one hand, and reach for the head of Mogga with the other, more than ever – they might be justified in doing so.

So, where do the Celts go from here? For this poster, the partnership of NGuemo/Crosas must be reinstalled, Aiden McGeady dropped until he can contribute anything to the squad, Glenn Loovens dropped for the preferred Thompson/Hooiveld duo (Playing on merit should be the mentality of our manager) and above all, we have to create and score goals at the same time. The time for experimentation is over.

Last game: Celtic 1 – 2 Hibs

Celtic form after 5 games: DDWWL

By Séan Walsh

For Celtic fans, this evening’s result only added to the ongoing enigma and uncertainty surrounding Parkhead. Mowbray’s team sit now 10 points behind an injury weakened and uninspiring Rangers side whilst recording their 5^th home defeat (Along with 5 home draws) in all competitions at a once impregnable Parkhead. Celtic have so far have fared poorly in all domestic competitions, whilst drastically suffering in Europe, the paradise all Celtic fans aspire to see their side succeed in.  In short, Celtic look potentially to have failed this season losing out to a poor and financially crippled Rangers side as well many unsatisfactory results against technically lesser teams.

However, whilst Mowbray’s success in the record books is dreary, on the park Celtic have improved on many aspects of their game that they were heavily criticised for last season. None more so has been as evident as the style of play between the current gaffer and former manager – Gordon Strachan. Many, including myself, heavily criticised Strachan’s desperately dull and “snorefest” football that Celtic played. When Celtic grounded out results with last minute winners and fortuitous goals, the fans remained happy, but any loss only furthered to add to our anger. In comparison, Mowbray has developed his team to adapt a fast tempo and slick passing game in order to win over the crowds. Though he has achieved in getting Celtic to “play the Celtic way” – his desire for flair and ability has lead to the team focussing on creating chances rather than grabbing them. The last Glasgow derby was clear evidence of this, as Celtic pummelled an ineffective Rangers squad with chance after chance but only converted one into a goal. Where does the balance lie for admittedly the greedy Celtic fan base – good football or good results?

It is here that the dilemma lies. Mowbray has ruthlessly shipped out deadwood that had weighed down Celtic under Strachan. Whilst players like Caldwell, Robson, Flood and Killen had some successes in the SPL, their type of style was simply not conducive to the European standard of play all Celtic fans yearn for. Mowbray has worked to bring in new players to areas that underperformed last season – see Marc-Antoine Fortune showing up the “lazy strikers” of McDonald, Hesselink, Killen and to some extent Samaras. Landry N’Guemo, the Cameroonian dynamo fits perfectly with the calculated and cool Catalan – Marc Crosas, a centre midfield problem for nearly two seasons that saw Scott Brown being paired with everyone from centre backs to strikers. New Bhoys, Hooiveld and Rasmussen will hopefully bring to the table two things Celtic currently are badly missing – leadership and goals respectively. However, the radical overhaul of players this season, from 19 players leaving to nearly £10 million pounds worth consisting of 11 players is a difficult prospect for any manager to control, especially when most of the activity is mid-season at one of Europe’s most fanatical clubs. Celtic fans may see the deadwood shipped, they may see the team playing better football, and they may even see that the club financially has sailed through the recession unlike those who share the same postcode. But, and crucially “but”, Celtic fans expect league championships, we can only see one season ahead and ultimately the term “team in transition” is one completely lost on us.

So the question is, does Celtic FC look to the short term and try rescuing their reputation against a severely poor Rangers side, thereby giving some of the support what they want but basically dismissing a man they have handed £10 million to? Or do they take a large risk (In that millions more could be spent on a team incapable of ever ‘stepping up’) on Mowbray and hope that the Yorkshire man’s long term plan of young players and entertaining football will begin to reap rewards soon enough to start hammering out opposition?

Welcome to our new blog here at thecelticway.net. At the moment we are currently in the process of reorganising and upgrading the entire site so that we can bring you the very best. We aim to use this blog to bring you formal features, comment and match reports for and from everything about Celtic. If you might be interested in submitting articles or reports please PM ‘Sean’ on the forum.
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