It is fair to say decision making when under pressure can cloud your judgement. We’ve seen enough by way of questionable squad rotation and in game management from the coaching team this season as evidence of just that.
Scott Brown’s brain freeze at the Tony Macaroni is evidence that judgement can be somewhat impaired on the field of play as well as the dugout, particularly when the pressure mounts.
There is little excuse bar a lack of clarity of thought for the Celtic captain’s sending off against Livingston on Wednesday night and I won’t pretend to have a defence for the incident itself. However, it would be easy to see that ordering off as a sign Brown may not only be due a lesser role, on the back of waning influence in first team proceedings, that much is probably fair, but also that his time may be coming to an end entirely – that would not only be premature, it would also unwarranted.
Ismaila Soro has at long last forced his way to first pick as Celtic’s midfield enforcer, performed superbly and as such Brown now finds himself marginalised. This is likely to take a little readjustment time for a proud man who has been captain, first pick and mainstay for the most successful Celtic side since the Lisbon Lions and I think he has deserved to be afforded the time for such a modification to squad player now.
Brown is also in danger, and rather unfairly so, of being tagged with guilt by association when it comes to this season’s unravelling. In truth there is little Brown himself could have done. The captain needed and deserved a managed succession, some time to protect a reputation and ensure his legacy. Celtic didn’t do that. As such week after week, despite being 35 years of age this season, Broony was called into the most competitive area of the football field three times a week and expected to maintain previous high standards. That is not sustainable.
How many 35-year-olds play almost every engagement across European and domestic football at football clubs who class themselves as elite? Is it any slight on Brown that he was asked, required and as such ensured he was available?
Having Scott Brown around the place is going to be imperative as Celtic move into a new era. The club is likely, at the end of the season if not before, to lose a manager, possibly the guts of the coaching team and perhaps even some in more senior positions – with a fair wind.
As such some form of a continuation of the club’s values will be needed and Scott Brown has to be retained to bridge the change.
There is of course a question to be asked of Celtic’s highest earner as to whether he would take a lesser salary, as was offered and declined by Craig Gordon and where we acted in haste and have repented at leisure. A substantial contract on similar terms you’d have to say that would be hard to justify. However, a deal encompassing a coaching role within the first team squad for any new manager arriving would be a wise move.
If a new man knows little of Scottish football, then having someone who knows the dark arts of the Scottish game would be beneficial. And on the field, there is also a continuing role to play.
Celtic by next season in particular will have a young squad and of those with experience few will have the knowledge of Scottish football that Scott Brown has, there will now be a changing of the guard.
On Wednesday Scott Brown came off the subs bench. Ideally such a role would be the experienced campaigner using his nous to see out a victory on opposition turf – or carpet of course. Instead, much like some other questionable substitutions on the night, Scott Brown was one chosen to enter the fray and win the game. That may be where the added pressure impacting on his decision making came into play.
Yet in the English Premier League there is an example to be had. West Ham have been using their own long-serving legend in defensive midfield, veteran Mark Noble, with a role from the bench to ensure the back door is locked in the last quarter of matches. A similar role would suit Scott Brown next season, if and when Celtic can get back to having a lead to defend that is.
Brown may not be suited to a high tempo start to games and Callum McGregor may be the metronome that ensures the rhythm. But at the close of play, where experience counts and confidence can fray, Scott Brown can have more than a bit part role to play. Added to this the young pretenders of Soro and the highly regarded Scott Robertson could well do with a guiding hand for the next 12 months at least.
There will be much debate as to Scott Brown’s future at Celtic – amongst many others. His contract expires in the summer and there appears the likelihood of many changes ahead. In terms of entering a new era and offering some continuity, a new contract for Scott Brown needs to be strongly considered.
His on-field judgement may have been questionable on Wednesday evening, what he offers in times of change shouldn’t be overlooked prematurely.
Niall J
