02 May 2025 09:53:08
A bit controversial here, but with KT on his way back could he not be utilised as a left-sided centre back? Or will BR be looking for another central defender. I've been reading that Dane Murray will be getting his chance next season.
So, in defence, that's Johnston and Ralston - Murray, Nawrocki and CCV - Trusty and Scales - KT, Taylor and Schlupp.
If BR is looking at two players to one position then it could be that Nawrocki and Taylor would be making way in the summer with Schlupp possibly having his contract extended.
02 May 2025 10:42:48
What a coincidence, I was just thinking a very similar thought and had just posted and your post appeared.
I personally would move him to left centre back. My CBs for next season would be CCV, Murray on the right, Tierney, Scales and Trusty on the left. I would keep 5 CBs in the squad. That means moving Welsh, Nawrocki and Lagierbielke on in the summer.
Would be happy to keep left back as Schlupp and Taylor and think they give us different options as I prefer Taylor when we are attacking but prefer Schlupp for when we are defending.
02 May 2025 10:50:12
I get the vibes KT lacks the physicality for a CB.
02 May 2025 11:40:05
Re. the physicality of CBs - looking back at some of the CBs over time John Clark (Lisbon Lion) wasn't a big physical CB. Baresi, Puyol, Mascherano, Bobby Moore weren't either but they could read a game. Big bean poles such as Gary Gillespie, Simunovic, Benkovic, Compper usually always have hamstring problems.
Celtic just now aren't big and physical but are mobile and can read games. Compare them to MON's team who had monsters but what is better? A big, physical CB who exists on domination/ intimidation or a smaller CB who can react or read a game and be there when and when it matters.
{Ed007's Note - Isn't the ideal partnership having one of each type, a ball playing CB who can build from the back alongside a big physical, strong in the air type?}
02 May 2025 13:01:19
Tierney playing as a CB for Celtic actually makes a lot of sense in the current setup. Even though he's naturally a left-back, his pace, aggression, and reading of the game give him the tools to play centrally—especially on the left side of a pairing. Celtic dominate possession most games, so they don’t need two towering stoppers at the back. Tierney's composure on the ball, ability to step into midfield, and quick recovery pace fit perfectly with the way Celtic build from the back and press high. He also brings leadership and a real understanding of the club's style and expectations.
02 May 2025 13:10:17
Ed, accept your point. We had McNeil and Clark, opposites back in the mid to late 60s - CCV isn't that tall for a tall and intimidating CB but him and Scales would probably fit your question. Trusty doesn't put the fear of Christ into forwards and to an extent neither does CCV, but he can read the game. Having Simunovic and Benkovic together wasn't the profile I'd be happy with although the few games they played together weren't out of place until Benkovic went out injured.
If others in the team were tall and strong in the air - forwards particularly, they could be used at set pieces to sit besides the smaller but mobile CBs.
02 May 2025 18:31:42
I hope we are not tempting fate with so many posters, including myself, posting about next season when we haven’t got all the business out of the way for this season, a small matter of Rangers2012, in what some may call a meaningless game and a cup final against Aberdeen, who on their day are no mugs .
I think we should discuss the h. ns match, even though we have proved ourselves far better over the season and have won SpL 17 points ahead 4 matches left . We have lost the last 2 matches against them and our fans were certainly far from happy . We are always at our best when whole club takes each game one game at a time . Let us plan to get feel good feeling all round our club, wish our 2,000 fans at match an enjoyable and safe experience and eventually arrive home happy, safe and sound.
03 May 2025 00:51:51
The Mc Neill and Clarke partnership was one of the first twin Centre Backs that formed a partnership . Before that centre backs rarely had the luxury of a sweeper or partner .
I remember older Celtic supporters In the late ‘60’s early ‘70’s faulting big Billie as he had to have a player playing alongside him to help him out.