“This season has seen Hearts capture the imagination of football fans, not only in Scotland, but the world over. We pay tribute to Derek McInnes, his staff, the first team and the supporters, who have done the club proud this season. None of them deserved the disgraceful scenes that unfolded.”
Celtic.
Have watched with a lot of interest the ongoing drama at Paradise.
Firstly, I played for MON and he ( Robbo, Seamus, Waller) reignited my love of football at Leicester, but I'll not be biased in my opinions on him out of loyalty.
It's a classic case of " this is all too fucking easy " which happens at all dominant clubs because there literally is no or almost no tension to work against.
For the amount of money taken in due to success ( and main historical rivals downfall due to HMRC issues) there should have been even more diligence done to find recruitment and staff who were known to be ruthless. Instead an air of " Ange worked, wild card, so Wilf will too " alongside almost criminally negligent recruitment meant that instead of building another 5 year dynasty, a team that even tonight could have been 5 to the good at half time are now a shadow of themselves.
Solution? Wilf has to go. I say that with a genuine sadness and wouldn't be surprised if he pops us in 5 years successful elsewhere. But Celtic Football Club is about winning then winning with style then a swagger on top. 4 games losing is accepted at almost every club bar a handful and Celtic is one.
So Wilf goes. MON? As a comforting rescue remedy until the end of the season, yes, but not beyond that. Why? Because the club need to find someone for 3-5 years who's going to reassert a winning DNA so any temporary manager is only delaying that absolutely necessary appointment, freshness and internal grabbing the club by the nuts. Martin can start a fire but he's not going to keep it going until he's 76-77.
All great Empires end. Usually down to laziness, decadence, not being accountable and losing the ruthlessness that got that success. The Celtic board are guilty as charged just like Liverpool's early 90's, Man United's last decade.
But....
Clubs of that size can turn around and dominate again very quickly.
Lawwell is a sacrificial lamb aimed to quell dissent, when the reality is there are probably half a dozen in the building from admin to sporting department who need to move on for younger, hungrier and proven ruthless winners.
Martin is capable enough, respected enough ( across all Scottish media) to navigate through choppy waters. But someone higher up has to do the same and set the tone by not rewarding average.
Move players in who aren't good enough today, regardless of status and build again with the next 5 years in mind.
Or muddle through, take zero responsibility on and off the pitch and allow a glimmer of light and hope to other clubs, especially clubs who'll be emboldened by the perceived circus that has overtaken their own.
Wilf gone tonight.
MON steady the ship.
A genuine appointment that raises eyebrows and expectations.
Board level changes, thank yous and goodbyes.
Beloved but no longer good enough players moved on with thanks.
That's what great, big, dominant and ruthless clubs do.
☘️
White smoke! The 133 Cardinal electors gathered in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel have elected the new Pope. He will appear soon at the central window of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Light hearted jokes, made about a big problem in Scottish football. Home fans allowed to bring extra fans for a tenner, away allocation cut and an extra tenner added? Shambles