Use our rumours form to send us celtic transfer rumours.
14 Feb 2014 19:25:07
Cheers for sorting that Ed with the adverts, much apppreciated mate
{Ed007's Note - I don't know what that was all about mate, even when I was trying to post I couldn't see what you meant. As long as it's sorted out now though.}
14 Feb 2014 14:46:03
ED007 I was talking to a steward friend of mine at the Aberdeen game he always has good
knowledge of what is going on at the club.
Anyway he told me that Forster has a £7.5m buyout clause in his contract and that if met, he will be off. Have you any information on this clause?
Also he believes as well as Forster and Samaras, Stokes could be released also. My thoughts are at least it will release about £50k+ in weekly wages.
I would hope a decent replacement for Forster has already been scouted as well as another centre half.
{Ed007's Note - I've not heard of any clauses. I do know that when Forster was in talks to sign permanently his agent wanted a buy-out clause of £4 million in his contract, PL was having none of it, if you remember there was some dithering over whether he would sign or not, well that was the problem. I really can't see his agent agreeing to a £7.5 million buy-out clause either, what if a Man Utd or Chelsea wanted him but only were willing to pay £6.5m, do you think the player would be happy to stay here?
Buy-out clauses are not as straightforward as some people think Timbo, if you use the search function for "clauses" you should find an explanation of them.
If there is any clauses in his contract I would say it would be to do with him being allowed to talk to clubs at a certain level, e.g. a top half EPL side or a team who has qualified for the CL or EL.
If celtic got £7.5m for him, then that's good business as long as they find a suitable replacement. can't have another scenario with regards to finding a replacement for hooper.
We should go and get david Marshall home from Cardiff, cracking keeper
,
14 Feb 2014 10:28:50
All right Ed 007 mate; are you feeling as deflated and frustrated as I am this season?
I would like to hear opinions on where we are going?
It's all very well having a healthy bank balance going into a season, but some of the decisions of the Board and the manager have seriously backfired on us.
Selling our top players too soon plus inferior replacements? No European football since autumn and young players seeming to be using a 'revolving door' in and out of the club before they get their chance. Exiting both Cups prematurely AT HOME!
Rumours of tension and bad feeling between manager - Board - players and of course supporters relations.
It is understood we need Champions League group stage football to keep financially healthy, but the more corners we cut and standards are allowed to drop it will be even more difficult to qualify?
Add to this the Murrayfield factor (we even had a hard time using Hampden as a temp venue) and with the CL qualifiers being so soon in pre-season plus the possibility of the manager stepping down?
Are our priorities needing to be re-addressed?
By the way is the site easier to manage with the log in system?
JJ
{Ed007's Note - If I am honest JJ I am completely disillusioned with the club this year, from the board right down to sections of the support. The site is better since we moved over apart from a few hiccups of losing people's posts, what do you think of it?}
Agree with all the problems JJ lists. going to have to elaborate on that Ed. Always good to hear your views fella. Which sections of the support are you disillusioned with? Are you in the 'we should be reinvesting more into the side' camp? We need to start operating as a CL side not an SPFL side in my opinion. Do that, and domestic cups should largely take care of themselves. After all, we're football fans, not the pockets of major shareholders. We want to see money on the park and a better product. That said, we may be in need of a different playing style/coach too(?).
{Ed007's Note - It's the fans who are happy watching the club slowly decline into mediocrity who annoy me, then when anyone says anything against the board or manager all they can come out with is 'You must be missing Sevco' or 'Look what happened at Rangers', it's actually quite pathetic.
The board need to look at the wage structure and raise it to try and entice higher standards of players. The average wage in the EPL is £30k a week, we should be at least matching that for a couple of players to move the squad forwards. I would be quite happy with the board's spending if they were spending it on improving the team, far too many 3rd or 4th choice players are being signed, Leigh Griffiths' signing is a prime example of the decline in standards at the club, both on the pitch and off it. Remember NL said Griffiths wouldn't make his bench, did he really improve so much in half a season at Wolves that he is being championed as our big January signing?
Neil Lennon's time at the club is up, it's time he moved on and if he wasn't NL there would be a lot more fans calling for his head. His team selections are poor, he is tactically naive and his record in cup competitions is embarrassing. One result in Europe against Barca has blinkered fans to his overall failings and domestic loses to lower level teams. This unbeaten record thing is a joke, it's being used to try and keep fans interested in what has been a dire season at the club. It serves no purpose in the grand scheme of things, young players should be getting eased into the first-team picture rather than NL's favourite players playing in every match regardless of their form. Samaras starting last weekend is one of the strangest decisions I have ever seen from a CFC manager, who plays a player who is refusing to sign a new contract and could be talking to other clubs for all we know? The contract offer should be withdrawn and Samaras told he will never play for us again, if it was an amicable situation it would be different but Samaras is messing the club about, that is unforgivable.
That's a few things and without me mentioning the board splitting the support over the GB, their ignorance and general attitude towards supporters, NL having a merchandise line, the total dross style of football on the park affecting attendances (another point the 'Missing Sevco p!sh gets used against) etc.}
Shouldn't need to up the wage bill to win in the Scottish and League Cup though.
Neil Lennon should be able to motivate his players enough to win domestically. With a Club like Celtic the expectation is always there to win every game and this is not something new for season 2013/14, regardless of what other fans opinion is.
I dare say some do miss the buzz of the Rangers games and that's up to them and an opinion they are free to have. Lack of competition would maybe make the Scottish League less appealing to a neutral but to a professional football player at Celtic to get away with this complacent, arrogant attitude they have for 2 seasons now is ridiculous!
Feel like a broken record but cannot believe our season is more or less over in February.
I just want to see the players show a bit of passion!
Just another point, if Amido Balde is a 'work in progress' and a 'project' why aren't the likes of Adam Matthews and James Forrest? They are both younger than him and regular first team starts!
Think I've just reached the point I can't make any more excuses for what's been going on, fresh ideas and Managment does seem to be needed.
15 Feb 2014 15:09:51
It's all good saying lift the wage sign more expensive players and make us a CL team .
What players want to come and play say 10 CL games and the rest the dross of Scottish football.
Do you really think the whole of the celtic fans don't wish we could sign great players and properly compete in the CL every season.
We done well last season mostly through luck then got done by a team who can spend 20m on players and still don't get out this seasons group stage.
We are undoubtedly held back by our league and unless the real big picture changes we'll never do much better in the CL than we already do
{Ed007's Note - You'll never know what players would come until you try to sign them, we talked Forster and van Dijk into joining. There are plenty of players out there that would happily sign for CFC and improve the team but the club won't pay the fees required to sign them and end up signing players that are a worse standard than what we already have. There is no point scouring the world for talent if the board aren't willing to push the boat out occasionally, preferring to always go with cheaper options. It's a lot more to do with our board's failings than the league we play in, that's just another excuse that gets peddled.}
15 Feb 2014 16:28:15
Surely your examples of Forster and VVD wer cheap options.
The league we play in isn't a bad excuse it's the facts it's gash
{Ed007's Note - No they are perfect examples of the calibre of players that we can attract. Fraser Forster was always NLs first choice as GK so he was hardly a cheap option. Most footballers will go where they get paid the most irrespective of the league, from brand new clubs in the lowest level of Scotland to 'new money' clubs like Man City and PSG.
An increase in the wage structure would open up a whole new market for the club to shop in, even when it is Bosman signings. Next you will be saying that players won't move to Scotland because The Rangers/Sevco aren't in the league.}
15 Feb 2014 18:04:41
What your saying is that gems can be found in the 2m market, giving VVD and Forster as an example. Do why not keep trying .
Are you trying to tell me that the old firm derby was not a major factor in some players coming to Scotland?
Am 32 am not accepting mediocrity a haven't seen Celtic in a better position than what we are now
{Ed007's Note - I'm not talking about transfers fees, can't you read? I am talking about the wages we pay. MB you are nothing but an apologist for the board. If you haven't seen CFC in a better position then as I have said before, I would question your knowledge of football. All you ever seem to do is disagree with what anyone says against the club without backing it up. Surely at 32 you can remember MON being manager, are you seriously trying to say that the club is in a better position now? Absolute b*llocks!
So you are saying players would sign for us to play four against Rangers but won't now for six matches in the CL? You should start reading what you type before posting, you're embarrassing yourself here.}
15 Feb 2014 19:14:08
Go back read yours, the club won't pay the fees to get them is something what you said.
See when some1 starts using insults a think it shows plenty about them a don't insult you.
League 3 in a row CL last 16 financially sound can't see that being any worse than m Oneils time in charge. Not for a minute saying it was as good a team but we certainly ain't in a worse position
{Ed007's Note - I'm not insulting you, I'm saying you don't know what you're talking about. I was asked to give an opinion and I did but you have to pounce on it with the complete opposite. It's not an insult to think you're an idiot.}
How exactly are celtic in the best position am only 28 and have seen far better from celtic the football this season has been woeful bar a few games and we as fans have been let dwn again with the boards lack of ambition in the transfer market the fact Leigh griffiths is paraded as a big signing is embarrassing I go to every home game mb and believe me a have seen much much better football being played as ed says ru saying the team that got to Seville isn't a better side than what we have now come on
Thanks Ed. Totally on the same page with everything you've said. I hate people who have a go when I say we should be spending more or raising the wage bar. The 'look what happened to Rangers' line is pathetic. I think I'm of a stance now where the manager and board need changing, or just the attitude of the latter. What really narks me though are the lies, we can spend the money we recieve, we can go out and spend £6m on one player, break the wage structure, think outside the box bla bla bla. Leigh Griffiths.
{Ed007's Note - Don't get me started on signing Griffiths, there was no need to buy him when we have Watt and Atajic. The signing stinks of a signing for the sake of it and I expect he will let the club down with his off-field behaviour.}
14 Feb 2014 13:06:31
I think its time to start looking at youth in team. We should of brought watt back, loaned out balde, let samaras go, even loaned out puki and gave our youth strikers and midfielders a go. also hopefully we can get deal for fisher sorted out as we can't allow him to go for nothing as it will look stupid.rogic should have stayed and given a chance as he is playing well again in aus. hopefully watt and rogic get chance next year as this could save millions in transfer window. what does anyone else think.
14 Feb 2014 15:12:22
yea I agree mate although I am a massive fan of tony watt I feel this loan move has been great for him. would he of got his head sorted otherwise? i'm not to sure now in all honesty, but I would always of played him regardless as he's always a threat when he's played correctly and not to forget he's playing against better opposition now where he is at
rogic is another who always gave his all and looked good but I feel there will only be room for either mc gregor or rogic come the summer. tough choice but probably mc gregor will be more suited
henderson I think is one that should be giving the chance now and move johansen up to commons role as i'm sure he will get a rest next coming weeks
balde and griffiths should start up front with derk on the left and not mulgrew or samaras. they seemed to link up well last weekend and surely is worth a go
i would be happy with any two of our strikers playing together but please not stokes. he's had a long long run of games and shows too much on the left side of 18yard box and 9/10 times will try a shot not trying to pass to a supporting player
@Al bhoy I agree with you mate. that's both watt and rogic playing well away on loan, I doubt we will see them again to be honest which is a shame.
Theres no point signing these youngsters if they are not going to get chance. Atajic looks a good player aswell
@kieranbhoy the team selection is a total mess at moment. Samaras should be nowhere near starting 11 nor forrest. Stokes should be nowhere near Celtic full stop.
14 Feb 2014 13:05:17
'To the tune of Oh the Bluebells are blue'
Oh the Rangers are 2,
Be they old or be new
Will the Rangers see 3?
Don't look likely to me!
I am full of love on this day, so special. I love thinking back to that day 2 years ago, when my eyes first gazed at your. copy of the sun newspaper declaring that the people are dead! Oh yeah and you looked no bad either darling.
Happy Valentines day massacre Rangers, Sevco, Newco, The Rangers and coming to football grounds in the lower divisions soon.
Rangers 3 - This time, It's embarrassing!
HH
14 Feb 2014 10:36:41
I'd just like to take this opportunity to wish all my fellow Tim's a Happy Administration Day. Craigy, Craigy Whyte!
Nice to know I am appreciated by some hb thanks that train was always going to crash just a real pity I was driving it when it did but on a serious note bears I done it on this day so u didn't feel like you's where the only ones getting f*cked
The Wolf of LOL Street featuring Craig Whyte!
14 Feb 2014 10:19:28
lenny really needs to drop this unbeaten mince, who cares, play the youngsters, yes we want to win games, but see the bigger picture, and what happens when we lose a game, more pressure he does not need
14 Feb 2014 11:45:07
Not for me m8 a wantt us to win every game we play why wouldn't I . Don't care who we play . Just because there's youngsters in a team won't make it alright to lose
So you'd rather stick with the dross we're subjected to watch just now for a winning streak until the end of the season, rather than possibly finding the next young star and preparing for the future? Lol, I honestly don't know anymore!
I would like to see us preparing now for the summer. If NL's plan is to go with younger players then let's get them in, give them 10 games or so to get up to speed and they will then be ready for the qualifiers. let's see some of these great young kids we keep hearing about.
14 Feb 2014 15:09:01
" I honestly don't know anymore "
You really do think your something.
Why can't we win with the odd youth player played.
Your forever slagging about not spending big can't you see the more you spend the more chance youth doesn't get. Soon as we stop spending and giving youth more of a chance you'll be moaning about that aswell.
If you've got all the answers go offer your service to the club
Well said MonkeyBhoy, HB talks mince most of the time. His glass is always half empty. I want this run to continue and I think it will be an acheivement if we can get to the end of the season without a loss in the league. I understand were HB is coming from about the youth and they should be given a chance but not before Balde, Puki and Biton ect get a few games in a row. We will get a clearer picture in the coming weeks were our Team stands and the Bhoys who are on loan just now will benefit from the time on the park they are receiving, Hail Hail
Aye that's it, you got it in one mate. I think I'm something. That's the thing but, we don't spend big AND we don't give youth a chance. I want one or the other, not neither. While we fail to reinvest in the playing squad, and fail to give opportunity to the youth players - the club, post R*ngers, has buried it's head in the sand and went backwards rather than forward. This season's squad is on par with a Tony Mowbray Celtic team!
HB, You have took that too far, I am still trying to get over the Mowbray months, you just bought it all back and I was doing so well. Hail Hail
14 Feb 2014 16:31:44
13 million in one season for a Scottish club is massive.
Not when we brought in £12.5m for Wanyama, £5.5m for Hooper, £2.5m for Wilson and Ledley for £2.5m the past 6 months. And that's before even mentioning season ticket sales and prize money for the Champions League run.
14 Feb 2014 17:25:43
Very predictable answer .
We could bring in 100 million a year 13 million spent in Scotland is still a massive amount of money weather you chose to ignore that aswell is entirely up to you
£14.2m on 10 players is hardly breaking the bank in this day and age, is it?
15 Feb 2014 09:37:07
Never once said it was breaking the bank. What good to the club would the bank being broke do?
14.2m spent in Scotland isn't a lot of money?
Well who is next in the spending list in Scotland have they went buy the 1m mark even 0.5 mark. A would say most other teams don't spend anything.
It's about time you realised what league were in.
A would agree with you that we should buy quality rather than quantity, but say 4 players for 14.2m is still the same amount.
A lot in Scotland
But an average of £1.42m per player isn't exactly the spending standards you'd expect from a Champions League club with (minimum) 30k plus STH's who sold their two best midfielders, best striker and best defender for a total of £23m in 6 months. D'you not agree?
15 Feb 2014 15:17:48
No a don't, we're first and foremost an SPFL team and for that 14.2m is very large amount to spend .
Your good with all the stats and numbers. Our league winning money is 2.5m and TV prob less and we've spent 14.2 .
So work out the ratios and compare it with other teams.
Hope u understand that admittedly am not gr8 a explaining myself that well
14 Feb 2014 10:01:11
I think the time is now right for lennon to move on at the end of the season (maybe even let the fans know now) I don't think that he can take celtic any further be that by his own ability or the boards restrictions on him maybe a bit of both. He's had good times and bad times but in the main he's a good man and I have nothing but respect for him, but its time for a new man in charge to meet the challenges ahead in a season or so's time. M McKay for me. the L bhoy.
14 Feb 2014 11:54:22
LBhpy think that's how it should be put, if you no longer want Lennon fair enough but he still deserves our respect.
Don't see why anybody would want M Mckay but good championship manager was at bottom of the EPL or 2nd bottom when he got sacked, do we not think we deserve better than a manager who would most likely got his team relegated from the premiership at 1 attempt. Would anybody be happy with managers who can keep teams up like alerdyce, curbishely, houghton, pulis . Doubt it
14 Feb 2014 08:12:19
Sadly, I see Lennon defending Samaras for his recent poor performances, what it says to me is that he has not learned any lessons.
With the cup defeat it is now the perfect time to start planning for CL qualifiers and play all the fringe players and some young players.
That means no Samaras, not even on bench, we want to see more of Pukki, Balde, Griffiths, Biton, Johansen, Boerighter etc.
Also in the past Celtic have delayed signing anyone until they know they are in the group stages, well our own Mr Lawwell has stated we have money (£8m was mentioned) so we should be bringing in new players on first day of transfer window and not the last as in previous years.
Awryt ED wits Greek for "BEAT IT"?
Chris1888
14 Feb 2014 11:57:16
Timmaloy more chance better players would come to us if we were in the CL, catch 22.
Not many 5-6m players will come to us if no CL and a bottom EPL club wants them