29 Dec 2020 08:11:33
Whatever happens this season we are in for a major rebuilding job in the summer. In defence Duffy will be gone with Ajer also likely to be off. That leaves us with Julien who is bang average, Welsh and Bitton. I know he maybe ain't everyone's cup of tea but Declan Gallacher is low risk and better than we have at present. Id also try and get Benkovic who has lost his way but is without question better than our current CH's if fit. If we get a result against the Mob I'd push for both in this window. Thougts?
29 Dec 2020 10:05:33
I would take Gallagher over Duffy any day of the week, while I like Benkovic he is a bit injury prone.
29 Dec 2020 10:48:57
If the deficit is 14 points or less after Ibrox the league is there to be won this season and I would expect as a minimum the manager is backed with reliable SPFL players and a proper keeper to get us over the line. Gallagher would be a solid addition to help us get the 10. In the same vein, Paul McGinn is playing very well at the moment and would be a good short-term replacement for Elhamed if the board aren't keen on making big signings with the manager's future uncertain. If we don't have a goalkeeper lined up to sign ahead of the window opening however I will not be happy.
I expect we'll see some loan signings from England, but if we don't claw back any points before mid-January then the rebuild job for next season should begin. Welsh and Hazard are two I'd like to see get a run in the team if the league is gone.
29 Dec 2020 11:58:12
Eff me lads he's hardly kicked a ball in 3 years. and can't get in a mince Cardiff team oh and he's always injured. agree when fit and playing he's a player but we can't afford another sitting in the stand.
29 Dec 2020 12:23:49
Agreed Mally the only way he should be back at Celtic Park if it’s via Lourdes.
29 Dec 2020 13:29:00
I wouldn't be against bringing Gallagher in but I didn't realise he was 30 so we'd be better off with a long term signing.
29 Dec 2020 15:32:39
A fit Benkovic is a PLAYER (better than Sumonovic) , the obvious issue is keeping him fit, BR has said as much recently which is why he's available for loan in January.
I was looking forward to Duffy signing but unfortunately he's struggled big time. There's been talk of personal issues that have affected him, unsure if this is the fact his family are in Derry or its something else. I still believe, lack of pace aside, he can do a job for us if we set up correctly and I'd love him to turn this around.
Do we play him against the current buns, I'm not so sure as if it goes wrong the season is done.
As has been said, come the summer there will likely be several players leaving either because they want away or are crap.
Our transfer policy needs to be overhauled, priority should be investing in youth and bringing them through, adding 3 or 4 quality players in the summer (not half a dozen or more at 2M or 3M.
{Ed007's Note - Duffy's "personal issues" stem from his dad passing away suddenly in May at the age of only 53.}
29 Dec 2020 15:38:41
JAW as Gallagher is relatively low cost signing due to being out of contract soon makes it a no brainer, get him in and send Duffy back.
Would free up funds into the bargain, for me it's a no brainer.
29 Dec 2020 16:42:08
Ed 007 that would explain a lot losing your old man is a hard one especially at that age and don’t think he got up to speed before his confidence took a beating. I’d like to see him given an chance and think he can do a job for us. Martin O’Neil didn’t rubbish him but I think alluded to just wanting him to do what he does best as a no nonsense centre half.
{Ed007's Note - It took me years and rehab for my drinking to get over my dad - who was only 58 - dying mate (do you ever really get over it or just handle it better?) and as I said about young Jack Aitchison I'd never attack anyone who lost their way after losing one of their parents.
Have a wee read at THIS JFP.}
29 Dec 2020 19:00:37
Hi Ed, I had no idea about the big man's Dad. Like you and I'm sure some of the bhoys on here, unfortunately, I also know only too well what that's like and although I was very young at the time, it's a hole you cannot fill.
We all try to deal with what life throws at us in the best way we can and I'm sure Shane can do that but it will take time.
29 Dec 2020 19:17:25
Ed 007 that article was a hard read. The answer to your question is no - you don’t get over it - and yes you just learn to handle it better. Some holes in life just can’t be filled. It will be 20 years ago for me in 2021 and I think about him every day. I can very much identify with big Duffy’s comments. His da was a young man at 53 and he’s lost him at 28 before seeing him play at Celtic Park where he took him as a laddie. It must have ripped the heart out of him running on to that park. He’s got trying too hard written all over him. I’d love to see him getting a chance and coming good.
I don’t know if you’ve heard this song by the Fureys - My Old Man - but it says it all for me Ed.
{Ed007's Note - Yeah that's a lovely song mate ðŸ‘
29 Dec 2020 20:28:18
FFS JFP, what are you trying to do to us? There's no a dry in in my house! A song I know but haven't heard in years, beautiful with lyrics that resonate oh so much.
29 Dec 2020 20:53:25
Sorry Pedro - if it’s any consolation I was bubbling like a big wean listening to it again too. God Bless . ðŸ™â˜˜ï¸ jfp.
29 Dec 2020 21:40:53
No bother JFP. Their memories live on until we meet again.
29 Dec 2020 21:51:39
Pedro, goodnight and God Bless ma good friend. and may God hold you. may God hold you. may God hold you in the palm of His hand. jfp.
29 Dec 2020 21:56:55
God Bless JFP and Hail Hail.