Over the next few days, I expect to read stories in the media saying Celtic are now “stepping up” their search for new players. As if we’ve been doing nothing at all this time. Which for all any of us knows is exactly what we have been doing.
The reason I know this is that we got it at the start of this week, and it went exactly nowhere.
Someone inside the club decided to issue some strategic leaks. We were on the brink of bringing in Bernardo. We were on the brink of signing two keepers. We were on the brink of a deal for a superb young player from Antwerp and we thought surely Idah would be along soon.
Since then we’ve signed the keepers. One for free and the other for a whole £1 million. The Antwerp story died as quickly as it appeared. Idah is no closer to signing than he’s been all these months and this is no longer the only Celtic site wondering if we should just move the Hell on.
Bernardo? Who knows? Rumours continue to circulate about us being miles off it in terms of getting him to agree with our wage structure, and Benfica are now publishing pictures of him in training.
In short, all the talk was for nought.
But as I said in a piece I wrote a few weeks ago, on The Dilbert Principle, one of the best insights I ever read in those cartoons was this one; real work plus the appearance of work equals actual work.
I was a council worker and when I worked in the Parks, I was part of a squad once which elevated that equation to a form of art.
I am not joking. We were magnificent at blurring those lines.
There is a wonderful moment in The Shield, the greatest TV show that has ever existed, where a fed up cop who fails to win a settlement from the department which will allow him to retire on poor health grounds is ordered back to work and makes it clear how little he intends to do; he coins another glorious term which he names after himself;
“I don’t know what’s between zero and the city mandated minimum,” he says. “But from now on let’s just call that The Billings.”
And that’s what our board has been like this summer. In terms of their efforts here they appear to have done whatever is between zero and that which is just enough to keep most of the fans off their backs. I recognise it. I’ve been there, seen it and done it.
That’s why talk doesn’t impress me. That’s why I won’t be fobbed off with stuff about how much is going on behind the scenes anymore. None of that does us the least amount of good where it matters most; with talent in the hands of the manager.
That’s what these people are for after all. Their job is to run the business that funds the football department.
The football department is what it’s all about, it’s the core, it’s the centre, and their first priority, always, should be giving that department what it needs and they aren’t doing it. Bottom line. Right now, they’re failing and we should no longer accept bluster.
All we care about is results. All we care about is seeing food on the plate. Meat on the table. Players in the door. When that happens, everyone will feel better about this coming campaign.
People think a black gloom has descended over this site. It’s not an unreasonable complaint. But I assure you, this is not my preferred mood, as regular readers know well. When this club is on it, nobody gives them greater praise.
Those who say I just have a permanent downer against the board conveniently forget the number of times I have wholeheartedly backed them, including over the Green Brigade standoff when it would have been easier to assume a neutral position.
When this club is right, I will defend it to the death, and I have done that many, many, many times and will again.
If the Celtic Twitter feed starts blasting out the good news days after day, when the signings are being announced with such frequency that I can barely post one article without having to immediately start the next one you will see the mood of this blog improve dramatically, and I guarantee it.
But right now, it’s just talk, and talk is cheap.
Maybe that’s why the board likes it so much.
James Forrest
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0 comments
Pat says:
July 20, 2024 at 8:13 am
See AlsoWhat is the Kamala Harris Coconut Tree meme? Story behind viral trend explored amid Joe Biden's endorsem*nt40 Best Stops Between Angers and BerlinTrimethoprim use prior to pregnancy and the risk of congenital malformation: a register-based nationwide cohort study.[PDF] AWERIGÄDING. Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra Volume 16, Nomor 1, April Balai Bahasa Ujung ang Pusat Bahasa Kementerian Pendidikan Nasi ISSN - Free Download PDFI’ve sensed your disillusionment grow darker by the day James. Same here mate, same here.
Reply
Roonsa says:
July 20, 2024 at 8:24 am
“All we care about is results”. You said it yourself, mate. Your increasing anger and frustration over the last week or so is just words based on what has happened thus far. I am still saying let’s see where we are in September. Only then can we cast judgement. That is when the result becomes apparent.
The Celtic board acknowledged at the end of last season that they could hear what we were saying. They did this in the best way possible by using humour to get their dig back us. The Santa gag was pretty funny, I have to admit. But they know the fans have set down a marker.
The board also knows that the manager will not tolerate being shafted again. This is it, it’s time to put up or face the wrath of thousands.
I admit that they are taking their bloody time but there ain’t nothing we can do, old bean. Not until the die has been cast. If this goes tit* up, woe betide those fckers because I won’t be the only one who will say f*ck this.
There are only so many ways you can say it, James. And, credit to you, you’ve used them all. But I am urging patience.
Reply
Alex N. says:
July 20, 2024 at 9:23 am
We might also be trying to improve the players we have now such as Holm, Yang, etc and so we probably won’t buy too many players this summer anyway
Reply
Gordon Raeburn says:
July 20, 2024 at 10:06 am
I absolutely hate the board. I just wish they would do one en masses.
Reply
Tommy Reid says:
July 20, 2024 at 10:15 am
The board as yet in this transfer window hasn’t done anything to earn any praise , it’s looking like they aim to do the bare minimum to get by in domestic football only. I completely agree with everything you say!
Reply
Walter Chinstrap says:
July 20, 2024 at 10:45 am
The Shield? You’ve obviously never seen Falcon Crest.
Reply
Henry McDade says:
July 20, 2024 at 11:13 am
Or a French Village, or the Godfather of Harlem. As to the wider point, we should be putting the finishing touches to our squad. Instead, we have signed a goalkeeper. This is nowhere near good enough. Personally, I would have had the lad at Aberdeen top of the list – but if the club prefer Idah, fine. Go and get him! It is not an exaggeration to say we will start the season in a worse condition than we ended the last one and that would be unforgivable.
Reply
Roddybhoy says:
July 20, 2024 at 11:15 am
Nail on head James. I honestly think at best we will be the same level as last season. Possibly poorer if O’Reilly leaves. I’ve said it time and time again the boards only ambition is to be a little better than the rangers. It’s Just crazy that the Idah deal is dragging on as long. If u r trying to get him on the cheap and Norwich ain’t wearing it just move on. You majorly boobed Celtic when u brought him here without dibs on a signing on clause. That in itself tells me it was a signing made out of desperation because the fans were up in arms over last summer’s window and another poor window at new year. Yes Idah came good but boy we rode our luck last season.They are just taking the piss . I wonder how many fans will decide not to buy the champions league package if we ain’t added any quality in this window. There is no fun watching Celtic being humiliated year after year in Europe.
Reply
Dan Dwan says:
July 20, 2024 at 11:18 am
Spot on James. Really disheartening to date our transfer business, here we are on the cusp of a new season and only the 2 keepers in the door. So that’s cover for Hart & possibly Siegrist departures ok. Further out the park we have lost Oh & Vata plus Haksabanovic. O Riley is a banker to move on because that’s the Celtic model and the board are not going to turn down 25 million plus. Idah of course has returned to Norwich & resumed training & pre season with them the Bernardo “deal”is still dragging along and both pursuits are now becoming tiresome. So last seasons double winning squad which everyone knew needed strengthening is being trimmed to the bone!
Our starting eleven for the first game will be most likely:
Schmeichel: Johnston: CCV: Scales:Taylor: Calmac: Hatate: Iwata, Palma, Kyogo, Maeda, Subs:Forrest,Nawrocki,
Raltson,Johnston M, Welsh,Holm, Bain.
I think 7 is the maximum subs that can be named so
Lagerbielke, McCarhy Koboyashi, Kwon Yang miss out assuming we have no injuries .
So that’s as it stands the squad that will start the new season. We need to strengthen this squad by adding at least 4-5 players ASAP Left Back, Centre Half, Central Midfielder, Centre Forward plus we need top players at that, not projects but proven seasoned players that are immediately vying for starting positions.
Reply
Bob (original) says:
July 20, 2024 at 11:24 am
After 2 poor transfer windows,
a!l the club had to do was present a new
signing on Day 1 of this transfer window.
That would have kept most fans happy that
things were happening in the background with
other targets.
But, the Board couldn’t – or just didn’t want to do that.
Why should we expect anything different…? 🙁
Reply
James White says:
July 20, 2024 at 1:02 pm
It’s an absolute disgrace, the same type of bargain signings, year in, year out, get used to the same pumpings in the Champions League, while the board sits on a fortune
Reply
Jeem says:
July 20, 2024 at 1:16 pm
I’d also like to know what exactly the scouting department does during the season? I thought the way it was supposed to work was, you scout through the season and try to bring them in as soon as the window opens to bed them in. It feels, at celtic, as if we don’t actually start looking for players until the window opens, so what do they do for the 9 months the windows are closed? It’s really not complicated. Make a list of targets and work on it so you know who will likely be joining asap and get them through the door in the first couple weeks of the window. Look at deadline day, deals can literally happen in the space of an hour, but we take MONTHS to get the most obvious and basic deals done. I don’t particularly want Bernardo as he couldn’t really get in the team last season, if we are gonna spend over 4m on him then I’d rather Iwata just got some more game time and save ourselves 4m to invest on a LB and/or a striker. The Idah situation is just ridiculous. Either pay what Norwich want as it was out own fault for not inserting a buy out clause, or move on. But I’m starting to think we were so confident of landing Idah that we don’t actually have any other striking targets hence why it is taking so long. We still clearly need a strong CB too to partner CCV but we haven’t even been linked with anyone. It’s a sad state of affairs and I truly think it’s because Rankers are in such turmoil that our board are becoming extremely complacent. We’ve made that mistake before.
Reply
Tony says:
July 20, 2024 at 1:34 pm
Personally I have faith in the board, euros were on and the rangers signings have been about getting free agents etc before anyone else. We operate in a different market with better players, we have to plan on selling and replacing our big players and face actual co.petitio for the players we want as they are players with options. I would look at certain players earning a fortune from their boyhood club and advise the caution the board show…..
Reply
Michael Gallagher says:
July 20, 2024 at 2:07 pm
Fed up every year then same season ticket purchased champions League package coming soon just can’t understand it obviously we don’t want ripped off but we are weaker than last year but fingers crossed it sorted soon
Reply
Yada Ya says:
July 20, 2024 at 2:33 pm
Well the Board won’t be able to use the old excuse about not having enough money to match transfer demands. We are always lumbered with inherent conservatives and misers when it come to spending.
They have very limited ambition in making Celtic a strong side in Scotland or Europe.
Reply
Ger says:
July 20, 2024 at 2:41 pm
These people do not care about the fans,they only care that,when they go to co*cktails,they can boast about share prices and how much THEY have in the bank,this is the reason I gave up going,I grew tired of their attitude to the fans,im not a customer! Sick of their money grabbing,sick off the way all merchandise is over priced,sick off three strips and most importantly,the lack of investment in teams
Reply
Taj says:
July 20, 2024 at 4:23 pm
Great article! Couldn’t agree more James. There’s a difference between negative and pragmatic. Right now I think you’re just the latter and with good reason. Two weeks to the start of the season and only two goalies? The club really do need to give us more action and less talk. HH
Reply
Martin macgregor says:
July 20, 2024 at 4:35 pm
Absolutely bang on
Reply
Fun time Frankie says:
July 20, 2024 at 8:09 pm
I roonsa let’s just wait till September,when even if we buy players very late in August no bedding in time ,the first game against the scum is over and we then buy new yes New players what a fantastic board we have ,JUST A BUNCH OF TORY MONEY GRABBING BASTARDS,how many times must I repeat this on James blog.
Reply
Leave a comment
Pat says:
July 20, 2024 at 8:13 am
I’ve sensed your disillusionment grow darker by the day James. Same here mate, same here.
Reply
Roonsa says:
July 20, 2024 at 8:24 am
“All we care about is results”. You said it yourself, mate. Your increasing anger and frustration over the last week or so is just words based on what has happened thus far. I am still saying let’s see where we are in September. Only then can we cast judgement. That is when the result becomes apparent.
The Celtic board acknowledged at the end of last season that they could hear what we were saying. They did this in the best way possible by using humour to get their dig back us. The Santa gag was pretty funny, I have to admit. But they know the fans have set down a marker.
The board also knows that the manager will not tolerate being shafted again. This is it, it’s time to put up or face the wrath of thousands.
I admit that they are taking their bloody time but there ain’t nothing we can do, old bean. Not until the die has been cast. If this goes tit* up, woe betide those fckers because I won’t be the only one who will say f*ck this.
There are only so many ways you can say it, James. And, credit to you, you’ve used them all. But I am urging patience.
Reply
Alex N. says:
July 20, 2024 at 9:23 am
We might also be trying to improve the players we have now such as Holm, Yang, etc and so we probably won’t buy too many players this summer anyway
Reply
Gordon Raeburn says:
July 20, 2024 at 10:06 am
I absolutely hate the board. I just wish they would do one en masses.
Reply
Tommy Reid says:
July 20, 2024 at 10:15 am
The board as yet in this transfer window hasn’t done anything to earn any praise , it’s looking like they aim to do the bare minimum to get by in domestic football only. I completely agree with everything you say!
Reply
Walter Chinstrap says:
July 20, 2024 at 10:45 am
The Shield? You’ve obviously never seen Falcon Crest.
Reply
- Henry McDade says:
July 20, 2024 at 11:13 am
Or a French Village, or the Godfather of Harlem. As to the wider point, we should be putting the finishing touches to our squad. Instead, we have signed a goalkeeper. This is nowhere near good enough. Personally, I would have had the lad at Aberdeen top of the list – but if the club prefer Idah, fine. Go and get him! It is not an exaggeration to say we will start the season in a worse condition than we ended the last one and that would be unforgivable.
Reply
Henry McDade 
Roddybhoy says:
July 20, 2024 at 11:15 am
Nail on head James. I honestly think at best we will be the same level as last season. Possibly poorer if O’Reilly leaves. I’ve said it time and time again the boards only ambition is to be a little better than the rangers. It’s Just crazy that the Idah deal is dragging on as long. If u r trying to get him on the cheap and Norwich ain’t wearing it just move on. You majorly boobed Celtic when u brought him here without dibs on a signing on clause. That in itself tells me it was a signing made out of desperation because the fans were up in arms over last summer’s window and another poor window at new year. Yes Idah came good but boy we rode our luck last season.They are just taking the piss . I wonder how many fans will decide not to buy the champions league package if we ain’t added any quality in this window. There is no fun watching Celtic being humiliated year after year in Europe.
Reply
Dan Dwan says:
July 20, 2024 at 11:18 am
Spot on James. Really disheartening to date our transfer business, here we are on the cusp of a new season and only the 2 keepers in the door. So that’s cover for Hart & possibly Siegrist departures ok. Further out the park we have lost Oh & Vata plus Haksabanovic. O Riley is a banker to move on because that’s the Celtic model and the board are not going to turn down 25 million plus. Idah of course has returned to Norwich & resumed training & pre season with them the Bernardo “deal”is still dragging along and both pursuits are now becoming tiresome. So last seasons double winning squad which everyone knew needed strengthening is being trimmed to the bone!
Our starting eleven for the first game will be most likely:
Schmeichel: Johnston: CCV: Scales:Taylor: Calmac: Hatate: Iwata, Palma, Kyogo, Maeda, Subs:Forrest,Nawrocki,
Raltson,Johnston M, Welsh,Holm, Bain.
I think 7 is the maximum subs that can be named so
Lagerbielke, McCarhy Koboyashi, Kwon Yang miss out assuming we have no injuries .
So that’s as it stands the squad that will start the new season. We need to strengthen this squad by adding at least 4-5 players ASAP Left Back, Centre Half, Central Midfielder, Centre Forward plus we need top players at that, not projects but proven seasoned players that are immediately vying for starting positions.
Reply
Bob (original) says:
July 20, 2024 at 11:24 am
After 2 poor transfer windows,
a!l the club had to do was present a new
signing on Day 1 of this transfer window.
That would have kept most fans happy that
things were happening in the background with
other targets.
But, the Board couldn’t – or just didn’t want to do that.
Why should we expect anything different…? 🙁
Reply
James White says:
July 20, 2024 at 1:02 pm
It’s an absolute disgrace, the same type of bargain signings, year in, year out, get used to the same pumpings in the Champions League, while the board sits on a fortune
Reply
Jeem says:
July 20, 2024 at 1:16 pm
I’d also like to know what exactly the scouting department does during the season? I thought the way it was supposed to work was, you scout through the season and try to bring them in as soon as the window opens to bed them in. It feels, at celtic, as if we don’t actually start looking for players until the window opens, so what do they do for the 9 months the windows are closed? It’s really not complicated. Make a list of targets and work on it so you know who will likely be joining asap and get them through the door in the first couple weeks of the window. Look at deadline day, deals can literally happen in the space of an hour, but we take MONTHS to get the most obvious and basic deals done. I don’t particularly want Bernardo as he couldn’t really get in the team last season, if we are gonna spend over 4m on him then I’d rather Iwata just got some more game time and save ourselves 4m to invest on a LB and/or a striker. The Idah situation is just ridiculous. Either pay what Norwich want as it was out own fault for not inserting a buy out clause, or move on. But I’m starting to think we were so confident of landing Idah that we don’t actually have any other striking targets hence why it is taking so long. We still clearly need a strong CB too to partner CCV but we haven’t even been linked with anyone. It’s a sad state of affairs and I truly think it’s because Rankers are in such turmoil that our board are becoming extremely complacent. We’ve made that mistake before.
Reply
Tony says:
July 20, 2024 at 1:34 pm
Personally I have faith in the board, euros were on and the rangers signings have been about getting free agents etc before anyone else. We operate in a different market with better players, we have to plan on selling and replacing our big players and face actual co.petitio for the players we want as they are players with options. I would look at certain players earning a fortune from their boyhood club and advise the caution the board show…..
Reply
Michael Gallagher says:
July 20, 2024 at 2:07 pm
Fed up every year then same season ticket purchased champions League package coming soon just can’t understand it obviously we don’t want ripped off but we are weaker than last year but fingers crossed it sorted soon
Reply
Yada Ya says:
July 20, 2024 at 2:33 pm
Well the Board won’t be able to use the old excuse about not having enough money to match transfer demands. We are always lumbered with inherent conservatives and misers when it come to spending.
They have very limited ambition in making Celtic a strong side in Scotland or Europe.
Reply
Ger says:
July 20, 2024 at 2:41 pm
These people do not care about the fans,they only care that,when they go to co*cktails,they can boast about share prices and how much THEY have in the bank,this is the reason I gave up going,I grew tired of their attitude to the fans,im not a customer! Sick of their money grabbing,sick off the way all merchandise is over priced,sick off three strips and most importantly,the lack of investment in teams
Reply
Taj says:
July 20, 2024 at 4:23 pm
Great article! Couldn’t agree more James. There’s a difference between negative and pragmatic. Right now I think you’re just the latter and with good reason. Two weeks to the start of the season and only two goalies? The club really do need to give us more action and less talk. HH
Reply
Martin macgregor says:
July 20, 2024 at 4:35 pm
Absolutely bang on
Reply
Fun time Frankie says:
July 20, 2024 at 8:09 pm
I roonsa let’s just wait till September,when even if we buy players very late in August no bedding in time ,the first game against the scum is over and we then buy new yes New players what a fantastic board we have ,JUST A BUNCH OF TORY MONEY GRABBING BASTARDS,how many times must I repeat this on James blog.
Reply
