Celtic’s procuring of a new Head of Sports Science is just as welcome as a new midfielder. With news of a new addition to Ange Postecoglou’s backroom team, in the form of highly regarded Head of Sports Science, Anton McElhone, it really is like a new signing for Celtic.
McElhone will be facing an ardous task when he takes over the reigns of his new department at Parkhead. Celtic have been without this key figure since Jack Nayler left for pastures new – flitting to the beautiful Germanic city of Leipzig in the summer just past. The void left with such a departure cannot be overstated in the modern game; which is why I believe that McElhone will be necessary, if not crucial to “Angeball”.
We all know how Ange likes to play, and it is breathtaking at times (as much as it can be stroke-inducing). However, what we also ascertained – particularly this past weekend – is that there are very limited options available to Ange if we hit an injury trough.The loss of James Forrest, Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor has been hard reading for Celtic fans of late, on the back of a humbling defeat once again on the road in domestic competition.
The loss of such key figures decimated the squad during what was forewarned as a tricky fixture in West Lothian. Compounded to this was the release of Olivier Ntcham (who by the way was sensational on his Swansea debut) and the sale of Ryan Christie. Although it can be argued that neither were going to enjoy a full renaissance in Celtic colours, it cannot be contested that both should have been adequately replaced.
So here we are. A threadbare squad and a pang of ‘what if’ resonating around the support at the previous transfer window. Whilst hindsight is a wonderful thing and there isn’t a whole lot we can do about the lack of depth now, one must look at the things we CAN have control over. This begins with our new Head of Sports Science. McElhone should be tasked firstly with putting an end to the fortnightly injury crisis that has engulfed our Club like the Spanish Flu for some time now. No more niggling knocks for James Forrest, who is a vital adrenaline to the philosophy of the Australian coach.
A proper reconsideration of all aspects of the players health should be on the table. Downtime should be balanced accordingly to help players like Jamesy, Cal and Kyogo; ensuring they remain fit and healthy to carry the fight to the opposition. McElhone is an essential tool in Postecoglou’s armoury, and one that can be the difference between winning and losing this year. Postecoglou’s football is energy sapping to the core, which can easily cause burnout if the same players are asked to go to the well continually. We must shield against this possibly derailing fact.
Anton McElhone has one hell of a job on his hands to prevent such a scenario at Celtic this season. But I have no doubt in reading his past achievements that he is more than capable of helping Celtic regain our title again.
He could just turn out to be our shrewdest signing yet.
Paul Gillespie
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