Injuries are all part of the realities of managing a football club. I rely on the club through official pressers and site write-ups for injury information. Clubs are not always open and transparent about such things. So, health warning regarding injury data! This season has not been particularly onerous thus far. Celtic, on average, are … [continue reading]
Squad Management
Two Tier Squad
A feature of this season that I believe has had a dramatically positive impact on Celtic team performances is the five-substitute rule. Initially introduced to allow teams more flexibility through the COVID-19 disruption, the nine-man substitute bench with allowance to chance five from that bench is now embedded in most competitions. It would also be … [continue reading]
Squad Depth Issues Never Stop
Last season’s improbable title win (beating the world champion Europa League finalists!!!!) was largely achieved by 16 players once the January transfer window had closed. 2021/22 Only 16 players completed over 500 minutes on the pitch in the 24 league and cup matches after that window. 40 players appeared for at least one minute during … [continue reading]
Injury Burden Eases for Run In
In his latest Celtic TV interview, Postecoglou makes it clear this is the final run in, and there is a mixed approach to players’ fitness regimes before the next match. Some are on international duty, some remaining at Celtic have been granted some down time and family time, and some are hard at it on … [continue reading]
Managing Risk on the Postecoglou Rollercoaster
Celtic started the latest transfer window with an array of first team players returned to their host clubs, wanting to leave, running down contracts and potentially not required by a new manager. Eight senior pros left. Ten first team squad members have been purchased since. Has an enormous level of change provided Postecoglou with the … [continue reading]
Crisis Presents Opportunity for Youth
As Celtic start to move on experienced squad members like Hayes and Simunovic, and with the long term impacts of the current health crisis on Celtic’s finances unknown but likely detrimental, is the silver lining more opportunities for youth? Opportunity from Threat With future income streams uncertain, the transfer market has yet to take shape … [continue reading]
The Ghost of Willo Flood
It is now over 10 years since Strachan’s final season saw an aging, unbalanced Celtic squad limp to 2nd place in the SPL bringing down the curtain on 3 titles in a row. The parallels cannot be ignored. Warning Signs In 2008/09 manager Strachan had, on a wave of post Tommy Burns emotion, abandoned his … [continue reading]