Yesterday we looked at all the runners and riders for this year’s Celtic Star player of the year.
That of course was the easy bit. The difficult part is getting all those who contributed so much to the 9-in-a-row campaign down to a shortlist of just four. Then the impossible part lies with you, The Celtic Star readers who have to vote for just one.
Today we look at the views of the contributors to the Celtic Star as we whittle down those choices.
First up Celtic’s legendary historian David Potter didn’t find the task difficult at all, there was no agonising over shortlists, simply a hard and fast decision reached.
“Callum McGregor would be my choice,” the veteran Celtic supporter and Historian stated.
Next to decide, and once again there appeared little conflict in the mind of Celtic Star Editor David, who was absolutely certain in his decision.
“It’s Odsonne for me! Callum second and Jeremie Frimpong as the Young Player of the Year!”
Then step forward Lubo 98, representing the young crew, who had a shortlist of three to work with before whittling it down to Celtic’s metronome Callum McGregor: “It is a toss up between McGregor, Brown and Edouard for me. Each bring something different but I think it has to be Callum McGregor. He does the dirty work, he scores goals and he never stops running. He’s also becoming more of a leader on the park and has all the makings of a future Celtic captain.”
Next up is our American cousin, Larry Cafiero. Larry is regular contributor to The Celtic Star while also writing his blog ’67 in the heat of Felton’ where he brings the support a view of Celtic from the Central California coast.
“If you’re looking for a list for a poll, I’d include: Edouard, Griff, Broony, CalMac, Ntcham, Jamesy, Frimpong, Ajer, Jullien, Forster. I would pick Eddy, though I could easily go with The Wall or CalMac.”
Matt Corr was next to decide. Matt of course is the author of the recently published debut Celtic book and regular writer of those brilliant diary and historical articles, including the recent ‘Cesar and Celtic’ series. For Matt there is a standout performer this season and that man is Odsonne Edouard. “Some worthy names in there, however, only one for me,” he stated.
“This has been the Eddie season. He has taken his game to another level and given us some magical moments, unplayable at times. I would argue that his introduction at half-time was the main factor in our League Cup Final win – they were terrified of him – and his goals a major reason for our most-recent 9-in-a-row.
“He would get my vote as both Player and Young Player of the Year’
My own view is this was an even harder decision than last year, but when pushed I’d say Callum McGregor has performed even better that last season and that took some doing. The lad simply improves every season and rarely steps out of the firing line. Calmac keeps everything ticking over. He is responsible for the tempo Celtic play at and his ability to do it shouldn’t be overlooked. Add in some important goals and assists since Lenny’s change in formation and he’s the one I’d choose.
I’d include special mentions for the goals and all round upward trajectory of Edouard and the man keeping them out at the other end, Fraser Forster. I didn’t think we needed a goalkeeper this year with Gordon and Bain already fighting it out for the gloves. Forster has been brilliant however and shows having a man as capable as he is in keeping the ball out of our net is just as important as having a man like French Eddy who puts the ball in the opposition’s goal.
For the 4th choice for this year’s poll I’m going to include Scott Brown rather than young Jeremie Frimpong. The captain has earned his place at any rate but in a pressure laden campaign he has more than stepped up and there would be something amiss if there wasn’t a place for the skipper of the 9-in-a-row team when it comes to choosing the player of the year. Jeremie’s time will come I’m certain of that.
Therefore after painstaking deliberation we have the final four shortlist from which The Celtic Star readers can vote for The Celtic Star’s 2019-20 Player of the year.
1.Odsonne Edouard
2.Callum McGregor
3.Scott Brown
4.Fraser Forster
The winner will now come down to the choice of you, The Celtic Star readers. Will it be the goals of Edouard, the creativity of McGregor, the leader of the 9-in-a-row team Scott Brown or the man they call The Great Wall, Fraser Forster?
It is down to you to decide. There can be only one winner so PLEASE VOTE NOW!
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