PRESS the pause button and have a look at where we are with Neil Lennon in charge of Celtic. Earlier in the week we started this by looking at the first six league games this season and last and for any Ibrox supporting lurkers on here, it’s advisable to look away now…for everyone else, see HERE.
That kinda indicates that with Neil Lennon in charge we are well on course to win 9IAR and if he can pick up three points tomorrow at Easter Road – on a ground that Brendan Rodgers invariably struggled – then the season on season league stats will improve further.
David Potter was first to mention that Celtic smashed through the 50 goals scored for the season on Wednesday night, when he also had a rather unusual message for the Green Brigade about the importance of respecting Kenny Miller’s privacy…see HERE.
Over on Celtic Noise, there’s been an interesting thread about all of this and some reflection on the events of the past few months that have been eventful to say the least.
“After Wednesday night’s result and team selection against Patrick I began to think about the summer’s recruitment,” Weedocbhoy60 wrote.
“Considering we made eight changes and were very comfortable, I understand the Jags were not the sternest of challenges, it would appear to me that we are in a very comfortable place right now. Signings, permanent and loan along with ones for the future, leave us with competition all over the park.
“So, on reflection, I would consider the summer a success and think we a more complete squad in September than we were in May. Agree or disagree?” he asked.
“The most important area of the team, the defence has been improved no end. Think we have some quality future prospects and the rotation on Wednesday was a good indicator as to where we are,” The Galway Shawl replied.
“Thing is, and I am not a big fan of it, but we still have the financial means to strengthen even more in the January window if needs be. Credit to Lenny and the board. When this team hits top gear, I can’t see anyone coming close.”
“Agree…our board did seem to be making a bit of a mess of the tranfer window,”
Lubos left peg stated. “We all wanted better quality. Our board and manager went for youth and relatively unknown players…they are either better at their job than we believed or they are very very lucky.”
“Totally agree Weedoc, I like Elhamed, Jules and Boli, Bauer is also looking like being a good player. We can and should look to keep strengthening in the middle and another 4 wingers wouldn’t go amiss!” he joked.
“After all the whinging, bleating and accusatory behaviour from the fans, our cup runneth over with some really decent players and there’s enough strength and depth to make two good teams,” The Shamrock stated.
“We now have the opportunity to get the best out of our finest bhoys without running them into the ground. Have to say that I’m really impressed and can’t see us not winning the quadtreble.”
“Recruitment has worked out fine. The team looks settled and players seem to be enjoying playing Lenny’s system. There’s a good mixture of youth and experience adds to the continuity. I would have preferred not to have loanees but that seems the way nowadays ,plus we have an option to buy. January will be a telling month hope we don’t sell any players,” Kelly stated.
“The recruitment has been good, the only issue was the time taken. Had we got the players in earlier we would be in the Champions League. Having said that we look even better than we ever did under Rodgers,” Theverdict1 noted.
“The defence was something he was incapable of sorting. The main reason I was giving zero f*cks when he left. I love that for the first time in many years we have a defence. New territory, but loving it. I can’t wait to get the Rangers at Celtic Park. We are going to destroy them.”
“I’m gonna go out on a limb here, but I think Lenny is a better tactician and a better talent spotter than the Leicester serpent and I thought that prior to the slithering off,” Hoopy427 argued.
“Man management was the part where Lenny concerned me, but I think as he’s aged he’s improved at this. The snake’s big talent is making people feel good with his special brand of BS, he did it with our players, our fans, he’s now doing it with Leicester and that is good man management, but when it comes to buying talent or setting a team up for a difficult game, frankly he’s p*sh!”
Niall J, a regular columnist on The Celtic Star added: “The current squad is looking good. It is early days and I’m certainly not getting carried away but we have 2/3 players for every position and young players breathing down their necks.
“AndyBhoy said all summer and earlier even that we needed experienced footballers mixed in with the young ‘project’ talent. He was proven right. Now that we have that we are looking a genuine squad capable of performing over 4 trophies.
“I think what I like the most is not only do we have depth, within that depth a good few players can also shift position and fill in as and when required, especially evident in defence.
“Unfortunately it all happened too late with regards the Champions League qualifiers and as has been said, the scouting system looks like it also needed addressing. I still have limited faith we have genuine strategy in those areas.
“Gambling with Champions League qualification is becoming an annual occurrence and our Head of recruitment remains a temp post.
“I hope Lennon can keep this squad together, add Wanyama in January and relieve himself of those he deems surplus to requirements. I’d then like this sqaud to stay together as much as is possible and have a crack at Champions League football. Lenny is well capable of competing at that level.”
“The squad as it is has great balance and depth and for me Neil Lennon has always played good football and is a much more reasoned character,” Cowdenpix added.
“The main problems with the summer window for me was definitely the lack of urgency and ambition to have a go for the Champions League which raises another question…do we have the tools in place to stop the embarrassing 5 and 6-0 drubbings and get back to competing?
“The squad is definitely stronger and looks to be improving, so be it a lucky window or otherwise hopefully next year the club look a bit more organised and structured.”
You can join in the conversation by signing up to Celtic Noise, it is quick and easy and you’ll love the vibrant Celtic conversation.
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
Sutton’s Praise for ‘work in progress’ Bayo – ‘He’s powerful, and he is good in the air’…see HERE.
Boli’s Home Sweet Home – ‘It’s amazing to play in Paradise, so I feel more comfortable now’…see HERE.
Returning Hero Scotty Sinclair praises ‘unbelievable reception from the fans’…see HERE.
‘I’m very grateful that the manager gave me a chance,’ Debut Bhoy praises Lenny…see HERE.
Just how ‘Tangled Up’ were Celtic following Rangers FC liquidation? Asking for a (Res 12) Friend…see HERE.
‘Celtic should run their own streaming service and call it Caflix,’ reckons Chairman Lmao…see HERE.
‘The scoreline didn’t flatter Celtic,’ admits Jags boss McCall after five goal thrashing…see HERE.
‘What Kenny Miller does in the privacy is no business of the Green Brigade,’ David Potter…see HERE.
Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic 5 West End Thespians 0…see HERE.
‘Tom Rogic was simply breath-taking.Take a bow Olivier Ntcham. A masterclass,’ Niall J…see HERE.
Celtic’s five goal thrashing sets up semifinal against Hibs…see HERE.
‘Hail Hail, les Celts sont ici’ – Matt Corr’s Rennes Diary…see HERE.
