90% of data analysis is cribbing good ideas from others, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! In that spirit! This tweet from @eduinlatimer caught my eye this morning not just for the excellent topic and analysis but for the reaction amongst other data analysts. Ostensibly it is noting a potential trend whereby Graham Potter … [continue reading]
The Deep End
Last night’s friendly for James Forrest’s testimonial was another useful work out against high calibre opponents. All Celtic’s preseason opponents are of a higher standard than most SPFL clubs as the ELO ratings would indicate. Given the mix of higher-level opponent, multiple lineup changes, integration of new players and injury disruption, it is not surprising … [continue reading]
James Forrest
James Forrest rightly gets his moment in the limelight, something I am not sure he would entirely be comfortable with, as Celtic complete preseason duties against Athletic Club of Bilbao ostensibly in his honour as a testimonial. Once formalities are concluded, it will be serious business as Celtic start league action on Saturday, and many … [continue reading]
New Season, Same SFA Generated Risks
I have had it confirmed this morning that the Yorkshire Whistler has agreed to adjudicate on contentious major decisions affecting SPFL matches for the 2023-24 season. My thanks to him for his time, patience, and ability to explain using language a golden retriever would understand, the nuances of the laws of football and their application. … [continue reading]
Rodgers’ Celtic Transfer Record
Another discussion point on the excellent Huddle Breakdown chat with Leicester City fan and data analyst Dominic Wells was Brendan Rodgers mixed recruitment record. There are very few if any managers who get every deal right, and these days, with Directors of Football (official and unofficial) and global scouting networks, and databases galore, it is … [continue reading]
Taylor, Rodgers and Inverting
On the most recent episode of the Huddle Breakdown podcast we had an excellent guest Dominic Wells. Dominic is a data analyst and supporter of Leicester City. He was highly knowledgeable and balanced about Brendan Rodgers time at the club. Dominic revealed that in the last season under Rodgers in 2022-23, the manager had introduced … [continue reading]
Injury Trends and Red Flags
On the latest Huddle Breakdown podcast we were asked about the pros and cons should Brendan Rodgers be appointed next Celtic manager. @jucojames discussed the injury profile and attitudes to risk prevalent at Celtic with reference to Kieran Tierney and playing through pain. It reminded me that since July 2019 I had be highlighting the … [continue reading]
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]
Workload Imbalance and Squad Management Challenges
Thanks to @cjs80 on Twitter for stating the opinion that stimulated this piece. I thought I better check that out. In 2021/22 Ange Postecoglou was still shaping the squad and in essence finished the season with a core of 17 players to win the league and League Cup. He even “sacrificed” the Europa Conference League … [continue reading]
The Midfield Minefield
This analysis lark is much about pilfering and refining the fine work of others. It’s all fair game so long as you attribute! So, props and shout outs to @CannonStats on Twitter. You might want to follow them if your schadenfreude extents to giving support to Ange Postecoglou’s new big rivals. In this tweet, the … [continue reading]