Celtic start the 2017 Scottish Cup campaign against Albion Rovers at the Excelsior Stadium before a sell-out crowd. The last game against Albion Rovers was in the 1976 League Cup when Celtic won 5-0 aided by 2 assists from King Kenny Dalglish. Soccerbase provides a head-to-head search facility to retrieve historical matches between clubs. Contemporary … [continue reading]
Mikael, that’s a beach ball…..
Mikael Lustig has had his Celtic contract extended to the end of the 2019 season. He is seemingly at ease with his role at Celtic as a senior pro, and appears connected to the club and support. His fashion sense is impeccable, matching colour, style and accessories with flair. Currently 30 years old, this is … [continue reading]
Give Me Wings
Over the last few days following the Heralds claim that Forrest is reborn and with Celtic apparently looking at options to extend Roberts’ stay, I looked at Forrest having his best Celtic season and Roberts, dipping from a stellar start to his Celtic career, but showing tremendous potential. Here is a “quick and dirty” look … [continue reading]
Paddy’s Lament
Paddy Roberts signed on loan from Manchester City in Feb 16 for an unusual 18 month loan. The player was estimated to cost Manchester City a maximum of £11m and minimum of £5m, after 22 appearances for Fulham. Even for a cash rich team, it was a significant investment on an 18 year old. Appearance … [continue reading]
James The First – Redux
James Forrest recently signed a new deal to 2019 and today the Herald proclaims the second coming. Has Rodgers worked a miracle? (Note I look at the last 3 seasons for detailed performance data as this is what I have personally collected but some overall career summary data to start (source Transfermarkt)). Forrest Appearance Data … [continue reading]
Deila vs Rodgers, by numbers
Overall Records The Deila era yielded 2 (expected?) league titles, 1 League Cup and 1 post New Year European run in the Europa League. Those, like me, who have followed Celtic for 40+ years do not take European football after the Bells lightly (1 post New Year appearance in my 1st 27 years of support). … [continue reading]
The Renaissance Man?
Armstrong has been a standout for Celtic over the last few games. This has coincided with his move to a more central orthodox M(idfield)C(entre) position after being mainly used as an attacking wide midfielder. What does the performance data say about his contributions in different positions and will his current form last? Positional Changes – … [continue reading]
The Start of Something Beautiful?
Both Deila and Rodgers got their Celtic careers underway as winners with League Cup triumphs. CBN takes a comparative look at their respective campaigns. The 2014/15 and 2016/17 campaigns took place wholly in Glasgow for Celtic with 2 games at Paradise and 2 at Hampden. Celts played 3 Premier League teams and 1 lower league … [continue reading]