The Offical Glasgow Celtic thread

[Angelo]

Is the truth here just simply that Scottish football is pretty poor? The squads are stocked with players who's baseline in England would be bottom third of the second tier. It is going to be exceptionally difficult, coming from that base to compete in Europe. Yes Celtic have more money that many of the sides they have come up short against. But that money is generated because an audience is prepared to follow a team dominating a poor quality league. So money yes but the key football facts don't change.

Against all of that nobody should be under any delusions on where Lennon sits as a manager. He was a free agent in the past after his first stint as Celtic manager. You could list the offers from England on the back of a postage stamp that was shrunk in the wash.

Not sure what reputation Stevie G thinks he is building in Scotland. He probably will get some English offers but I guess that will be based on his name as a player rather as a manager

Pretty much all of Celtic's starting XI would hold its own in the EPL.

None of Celtic's starting XI have proven themselves in the EPL so I don't know how you can believe that. Only Edouard is even been linked with a transfer to EPL or European side. Look at the teams who have knocked Celtic out of Europe in recent seasons: Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvaros. None of whom would be even close to European football heavyweights or contenders.

The new signing from West Ham was a flop and not good enough for the EPL so what does is say about Celtic/Scottish football if he's expected to be their new star striker?

The likes of Everton, Burnley, Southampton etc have all done appallingly in the Europa League in recent years.

The EPL is not the pinnacle of football no matter what you think.

Ajeti certainly looks like a donkey, he doesn't look good enough for Celtic from the little bits so far.

Copenhagen took Man Utd to extra time a couple of weeks back. Sevilla eeked past Cluj in the EL as well.

The main issue for Celtic right now is a manager who is not up to the job and a board who are trying to pinch pennies at every corner. I don't think the quality of the squad is too bad overall, they just need a better manager in who needs to be backed financially.

[dublin7]

Is the truth here just simply that Scottish football is pretty poor? The squads are stocked with players who's baseline in England would be bottom third of the second tier. It is going to be exceptionally difficult, coming from that base to compete in Europe. Yes Celtic have more money that many of the sides they have come up short against. But that money is generated because an audience is prepared to follow a team dominating a poor quality league. So money yes but the key football facts don't change.

Against all of that nobody should be under any delusions on where Lennon sits as a manager. He was a free agent in the past after his first stint as Celtic manager. You could list the offers from England on the back of a postage stamp that was shrunk in the wash.

Not sure what reputation Stevie G thinks he is building in Scotland. He probably will get some English offers but I guess that will be based on his name as a player rather as a manager

Pretty much all of Celtic's starting XI would hold its own in the EPL.

None of Celtic's starting XI have proven themselves in the EPL so I don't know how you can believe that. Only Edouard is even been linked with a transfer to EPL or European side. Look at the teams who have knocked Celtic out of Europe in recent seasons: Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvaros. None of whom would be even close to European football heavyweights or contenders.

The new signing from West Ham was a flop and not good enough for the EPL so what does is say about Celtic/Scottish football if he's expected to be their new star striker?

The likes of Everton, Burnley, Southampton etc have all done appallingly in the Europa League in recent years.

The EPL is not the pinnacle of football no matter what you think.

Ajeti certainly looks like a donkey, he doesn't look good enough for Celtic from the little bits so far.

Copenhagen took Man Utd to extra time a couple of weeks back. Sevilla eeked past Cluj in the EL as well.

The main issue for Celtic right now is a manager who is not up to the job and a board who are trying to pinch pennies at every corner. I don't think the quality of the squad is too bad overall, they just need a better manager in who needs to be backed financially.

You might not rate the EPL, but the standard is way above Scottish football. You still haven't replied to several of us why you think Celtic are an EPL standard team and their players are just as good as those in the EPL?

Only Edouard has shown anything resembling the ability an EPL footballer. Smashing 4/5 goals past St Mirren and Hamilton every week doesn't automatically qualify team/players as superstars.

[Angelo]

Is the truth here just simply that Scottish football is pretty poor? The squads are stocked with players who's baseline in England would be bottom third of the second tier. It is going to be exceptionally difficult, coming from that base to compete in Europe. Yes Celtic have more money that many of the sides they have come up short against. But that money is generated because an audience is prepared to follow a team dominating a poor quality league. So money yes but the key football facts don't change.

Against all of that nobody should be under any delusions on where Lennon sits as a manager. He was a free agent in the past after his first stint as Celtic manager. You could list the offers from England on the back of a postage stamp that was shrunk in the wash.

Not sure what reputation Stevie G thinks he is building in Scotland. He probably will get some English offers but I guess that will be based on his name as a player rather as a manager

Pretty much all of Celtic's starting XI would hold its own in the EPL.

None of Celtic's starting XI have proven themselves in the EPL so I don't know how you can believe that. Only Edouard is even been linked with a transfer to EPL or European side. Look at the teams who have knocked Celtic out of Europe in recent seasons: Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvaros. None of whom would be even close to European football heavyweights or contenders.

The new signing from West Ham was a flop and not good enough for the EPL so what does is say about Celtic/Scottish football if he's expected to be their new star striker?

The likes of Everton, Burnley, Southampton etc have all done appallingly in the Europa League in recent years.

The EPL is not the pinnacle of football no matter what you think.

Ajeti certainly looks like a donkey, he doesn't look good enough for Celtic from the little bits so far.

Copenhagen took Man Utd to extra time a couple of weeks back. Sevilla eeked past Cluj in the EL as well.

The main issue for Celtic right now is a manager who is not up to the job and a board who are trying to pinch pennies at every corner. I don't think the quality of the squad is too bad overall, they just need a better manager in who needs to be backed financially.

You might not rate the EPL, but the standard is way above Scottish football. You still haven't replied to several of us why you think Celtic are an EPL standard team and their players are just as good as those in the EPL?

Only Edouard has shown anything resembling the ability an EPL footballer. Smashing 4/5 goals past St Mirren and Hamilton every week doesn't automatically qualify team/players as superstars.

There's so much ignorance in that post you wouldn't know where to start.

Nobody is saying the SPL is of an equivalent standard to the EPL but I think Celtic would survive comfortably with a decent manager down there. You seem to vastly, vastly overstimate the quality of the EPL outside the top six teams.

What's the ability of an EPL footballer? A guy like Jamie Vardy who spends his career in the English lower leagues and non-league and comes to the EPL in the twilight of his career and hits a century of goals?

I've seen the EPL, there are plenty of Irish international players getting their game there that would get nowhere near a Celtic team - Stevens, Egan, Long, McGoldrick, Hourihane, Hendrick etc etc.

You seem to brainwashed into thinking the EPL is the be all and end all.

Edouard is good enough to play for a top 4 team down there. The rest of the Celtic first team starters and fringe players are more than capable of holding their own at that level when you look at some players clocking up regular appearances.

[Taylor]

Is the truth here just simply that Scottish football is pretty poor? The squads are stocked with players who's baseline in England would be bottom third of the second tier. It is going to be exceptionally difficult, coming from that base to compete in Europe. Yes Celtic have more money that many of the sides they have come up short against. But that money is generated because an audience is prepared to follow a team dominating a poor quality league. So money yes but the key football facts don't change.

Against all of that nobody should be under any delusions on where Lennon sits as a manager. He was a free agent in the past after his first stint as Celtic manager. You could list the offers from England on the back of a postage stamp that was shrunk in the wash.

Not sure what reputation Stevie G thinks he is building in Scotland. He probably will get some English offers but I guess that will be based on his name as a player rather as a manager

Pretty much all of Celtic's starting XI would hold its own in the EPL.

None of Celtic's starting XI have proven themselves in the EPL so I don't know how you can believe that. Only Edouard is even been linked with a transfer to EPL or European side. Look at the teams who have knocked Celtic out of Europe in recent seasons: Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvaros. None of whom would be even close to European football heavyweights or contenders.

The new signing from West Ham was a flop and not good enough for the EPL so what does is say about Celtic/Scottish football if he's expected to be their new star striker?

The likes of Everton, Burnley, Southampton etc have all done appallingly in the Europa League in recent years.

The EPL is not the pinnacle of football no matter what you think.

Ajeti certainly looks like a donkey, he doesn't look good enough for Celtic from the little bits so far.

Copenhagen took Man Utd to extra time a couple of weeks back. Sevilla eeked past Cluj in the EL as well.

The main issue for Celtic right now is a manager who is not up to the job and a board who are trying to pinch pennies at every corner. I don't think the quality of the squad is too bad overall, they just need a better manager in who needs to be backed financially.

You might not rate the EPL, but the standard is way above Scottish football. You still haven't replied to several of us why you think Celtic are an EPL standard team and their players are just as good as those in the EPL?

Only Edouard has shown anything resembling the ability an EPL footballer. Smashing 4/5 goals past St Mirren and Hamilton every week doesn't automatically qualify team/players as superstars.

There's so much ignorance in that post you wouldn't know where to start.

Nobody is saying the SPL is of an equivalent standard to the EPL but I think Celtic would survive comfortably with a decent manager down there. You seem to vastly, vastly overstimate the quality of the EPL outside the top six teams.

What's the ability of an EPL footballer? A guy like Jamie Vardy who spends his career in the English lower leagues and non-league and comes to the EPL in the twilight of his career and hits a century of goals?

I've seen the EPL, there are plenty of Irish international players getting their game there that would get nowhere near a Celtic team - Stevens, Egan, Long, McGoldrick, Hourihane, Hendrick etc etc.

You seem to brainwashed into thinking the EPL is the be all and end all.

Edouard is good enough to play for a top 4 team down there. The rest of the Celtic first team starters and fringe players are more than capable of holding their own at that level when you look at some players clocking up regular appearances.

Cmon Angelo.

You make some valid points however no need to make stuff up

[lenny]

Is the truth here just simply that Scottish football is pretty poor? The squads are stocked with players who's baseline in England would be bottom third of the second tier. It is going to be exceptionally difficult, coming from that base to compete in Europe. Yes Celtic have more money that many of the sides they have come up short against. But that money is generated because an audience is prepared to follow a team dominating a poor quality league. So money yes but the key football facts don't change.

Against all of that nobody should be under any delusions on where Lennon sits as a manager. He was a free agent in the past after his first stint as Celtic manager. You could list the offers from England on the back of a postage stamp that was shrunk in the wash.

Not sure what reputation Stevie G thinks he is building in Scotland. He probably will get some English offers but I guess that will be based on his name as a player rather as a manager

Pretty much all of Celtic's starting XI would hold its own in the EPL.

None of Celtic's starting XI have proven themselves in the EPL so I don't know how you can believe that. Only Edouard is even been linked with a transfer to EPL or European side. Look at the teams who have knocked Celtic out of Europe in recent seasons: Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvaros. None of whom would be even close to European football heavyweights or contenders.

The new signing from West Ham was a flop and not good enough for the EPL so what does is say about Celtic/Scottish football if he's expected to be their new star striker?

The likes of Everton, Burnley, Southampton etc have all done appallingly in the Europa League in recent years.

The EPL is not the pinnacle of football no matter what you think.

Ajeti certainly looks like a donkey, he doesn't look good enough for Celtic from the little bits so far.

Copenhagen took Man Utd to extra time a couple of weeks back. Sevilla eeked past Cluj in the EL as well.

The main issue for Celtic right now is a manager who is not up to the job and a board who are trying to pinch pennies at every corner. I don't think the quality of the squad is too bad overall, they just need a better manager in who needs to be backed financially.

You might not rate the EPL, but the standard is way above Scottish football. You still haven't replied to several of us why you think Celtic are an EPL standard team and their players are just as good as those in the EPL?

Only Edouard has shown anything resembling the ability an EPL footballer. Smashing 4/5 goals past St Mirren and Hamilton every week doesn't automatically qualify team/players as superstars.

Aberdeen were only put out of the europa league after extra time by their epl opponents 2 seasons ago. Both Celtic and Rangers went further in the europa league last season than some epl sides. When people compare the leagues they're usually comparing the likes of man city, liverpool, arsenal and teams in the top 6 with teams like hamilton and st mirren and there is no comparison. If however you compare the teams outside the top 6 in the epl like burnley, crystal palace, watford, bournemouth, huddersfield etc then Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen are at least around the same level and would easily be able to compete with those sides.

[oakleaflad]

Is the truth here just simply that Scottish football is pretty poor? The squads are stocked with players who’s baseline in England would be bottom third of the second tier. It is going to be exceptionally difficult, coming from that base to compete in Europe. Yes Celtic have more money that many of the sides they have come up short against. But that money is generated because an audience is prepared to follow a team dominating a poor quality league. So money yes but the key football facts don’t change.

Against all of that nobody should be under any delusions on where Lennon sits as a manager. He was a free agent in the past after his first stint as Celtic manager. You could list the offers from England on the back of a postage stamp that was shrunk in the wash.

Not sure what reputation Stevie G thinks he is building in Scotland. He probably will get some English offers but I guess that will be based on his name as a player rather as a manager

Pretty much all of Celtic's starting XI would hold its own in the EPL.

None of Celtic's starting XI have proven themselves in the EPL so I don't know how you can believe that. Only Edouard is even been linked with a transfer to EPL or European side. Look at the teams who have knocked Celtic out of Europe in recent seasons: Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvaros. None of whom would be even close to European football heavyweights or contenders.

The new signing from West Ham was a flop and not good enough for the EPL so what does is say about Celtic/Scottish football if he's expected to be their new star striker?

The likes of Everton, Burnley, Southampton etc have all done appallingly in the Europa League in recent years.

The EPL is not the pinnacle of football no matter what you think.

Ajeti certainly looks like a donkey, he doesn't look good enough for Celtic from the little bits so far.

Copenhagen took Man Utd to extra time a couple of weeks back. Sevilla eeked past Cluj in the EL as well.

The main issue for Celtic right now is a manager who is not up to the job and a board who are trying to pinch pennies at every corner. I don't think the quality of the squad is too bad overall, they just need a better manager in who needs to be backed financially.

You might not rate the EPL, but the standard is way above Scottish football. You still haven't replied to several of us why you think Celtic are an EPL standard team and their players are just as good as those in the EPL?

Only Edouard has shown anything resembling the ability an EPL footballer. Smashing 4/5 goals past St Mirren and Hamilton every week doesn't automatically qualify team/players as superstars.

There's so much ignorance in that post you wouldn't know where to start.

Nobody is saying the SPL is of an equivalent standard to the EPL but I think Celtic would survive comfortably with a decent manager down there. You seem to vastly, vastly overstimate the quality of the EPL outside the top six teams.

What's the ability of an EPL footballer? A guy like Jamie Vardy who spends his career in the English lower leagues and non-league and comes to the EPL in the twilight of his career and hits a century of goals?

I've seen the EPL, there are plenty of Irish international players getting their game there that would get nowhere near a Celtic team - Stevens, Egan, Long, McGoldrick, Hourihane, Hendrick etc etc.

You seem to brainwashed into thinking the EPL is the be all and end all.

Edouard is good enough to play for a top 4 team down there. The rest of the Celtic first team starters and fringe players are more than capable of holding their own at that level when you look at some players clocking up regular appearances.

Those highlighted would not only start for Celtic but would be amongst their best players. I like seeing Celtic do well as much as the next man but you're in absolute dreamland if you think their current team wouldn't be relegated from the Premier League.

[Angelo]

Is the truth here just simply that Scottish football is pretty poor? The squads are stocked with players who's baseline in England would be bottom third of the second tier. It is going to be exceptionally difficult, coming from that base to compete in Europe. Yes Celtic have more money that many of the sides they have come up short against. But that money is generated because an audience is prepared to follow a team dominating a poor quality league. So money yes but the key football facts don't change.

Against all of that nobody should be under any delusions on where Lennon sits as a manager. He was a free agent in the past after his first stint as Celtic manager. You could list the offers from England on the back of a postage stamp that was shrunk in the wash.

Not sure what reputation Stevie G thinks he is building in Scotland. He probably will get some English offers but I guess that will be based on his name as a player rather as a manager

Pretty much all of Celtic's starting XI would hold its own in the EPL.

None of Celtic's starting XI have proven themselves in the EPL so I don't know how you can believe that. Only Edouard is even been linked with a transfer to EPL or European side. Look at the teams who have knocked Celtic out of Europe in recent seasons: Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvaros. None of whom would be even close to European football heavyweights or contenders.

The new signing from West Ham was a flop and not good enough for the EPL so what does is say about Celtic/Scottish football if he's expected to be their new star striker?

The likes of Everton, Burnley, Southampton etc have all done appallingly in the Europa League in recent years.

The EPL is not the pinnacle of football no matter what you think.

Ajeti certainly looks like a donkey, he doesn't look good enough for Celtic from the little bits so far.

Copenhagen took Man Utd to extra time a couple of weeks back. Sevilla eeked past Cluj in the EL as well.

The main issue for Celtic right now is a manager who is not up to the job and a board who are trying to pinch pennies at every corner. I don't think the quality of the squad is too bad overall, they just need a better manager in who needs to be backed financially.

You might not rate the EPL, but the standard is way above Scottish football. You still haven't replied to several of us why you think Celtic are an EPL standard team and their players are just as good as those in the EPL?

Only Edouard has shown anything resembling the ability an EPL footballer. Smashing 4/5 goals past St Mirren and Hamilton every week doesn't automatically qualify team/players as superstars.

There's so much ignorance in that post you wouldn't know where to start.

Nobody is saying the SPL is of an equivalent standard to the EPL but I think Celtic would survive comfortably with a decent manager down there. You seem to vastly, vastly overstimate the quality of the EPL outside the top six teams.

What's the ability of an EPL footballer? A guy like Jamie Vardy who spends his career in the English lower leagues and non-league and comes to the EPL in the twilight of his career and hits a century of goals?

I've seen the EPL, there are plenty of Irish international players getting their game there that would get nowhere near a Celtic team - Stevens, Egan, Long, McGoldrick, Hourihane, Hendrick etc etc.

You seem to brainwashed into thinking the EPL is the be all and end all.

Edouard is good enough to play for a top 4 team down there. The rest of the Celtic first team starters and fringe players are more than capable of holding their own at that level when you look at some players clocking up regular appearances.

Those highlighted would not only start for Celtic but would be amongst their best players. I like seeing Celtic do well as much as the next man but you're in absolute dreamland if you think their current team wouldn't be relegated from the Premier League.

Come off it.

We have better players on the bench that some of those.

Rogic is more ability in his little toe than Hourihane or Henrick, when you see those lads at international level you know how poor they are. Likewise Stevens, Taylor looks a far better player than them. Long getting in ahead of Edouard? Give me a break, I'd have a fit Griffiths ahead of him any day of the week too.

For some of those guys however, they are playing in sides with a manager who has his side well drilled and organised where players know exactly what they are doing. Celtic currently have a pub manager running the team.

[From the Bunker]

Celtic are a Huge club hindered by lack of TV money, Lack of a main sponsor, Lack of major outside investment, receipts from away supporters, Location (weather wise) and a mediocre league. Their budget would improve ten fold if they were playing south of the border. But they are not playing south of the border and live off of scraps when it comes to surviving in the bigger world of Champions League qualification and Europa League competitiveness.


If they were playing south of the border all of the above would change. And change dramatically. But, the Man Utd's, Man Cities, Chelsea's, Liverpool's, Spurs, Arsenals would still be ahead of Celtic for a considerable amount of time.

[oakleaflad]

Is the truth here just simply that Scottish football is pretty poor? The squads are stocked with players who's baseline in England would be bottom third of the second tier. It is going to be exceptionally difficult, coming from that base to compete in Europe. Yes Celtic have more money that many of the sides they have come up short against. But that money is generated because an audience is prepared to follow a team dominating a poor quality league. So money yes but the key football facts don't change.

Against all of that nobody should be under any delusions on where Lennon sits as a manager. He was a free agent in the past after his first stint as Celtic manager. You could list the offers from England on the back of a postage stamp that was shrunk in the wash.

Not sure what reputation Stevie G thinks he is building in Scotland. He probably will get some English offers but I guess that will be based on his name as a player rather as a manager

Pretty much all of Celtic's starting XI would hold its own in the EPL.

None of Celtic's starting XI have proven themselves in the EPL so I don't know how you can believe that. Only Edouard is even been linked with a transfer to EPL or European side. Look at the teams who have knocked Celtic out of Europe in recent seasons: Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvaros. None of whom would be even close to European football heavyweights or contenders.

The new signing from West Ham was a flop and not good enough for the EPL so what does is say about Celtic/Scottish football if he's expected to be their new star striker?

The likes of Everton, Burnley, Southampton etc have all done appallingly in the Europa League in recent years.

The EPL is not the pinnacle of football no matter what you think.

Ajeti certainly looks like a donkey, he doesn't look good enough for Celtic from the little bits so far.

Copenhagen took Man Utd to extra time a couple of weeks back. Sevilla eeked past Cluj in the EL as well.

The main issue for Celtic right now is a manager who is not up to the job and a board who are trying to pinch pennies at every corner. I don't think the quality of the squad is too bad overall, they just need a better manager in who needs to be backed financially.

You might not rate the EPL, but the standard is way above Scottish football. You still haven't replied to several of us why you think Celtic are an EPL standard team and their players are just as good as those in the EPL?

Only Edouard has shown anything resembling the ability an EPL footballer. Smashing 4/5 goals past St Mirren and Hamilton every week doesn't automatically qualify team/players as superstars.

There's so much ignorance in that post you wouldn't know where to start.

Nobody is saying the SPL is of an equivalent standard to the EPL but I think Celtic would survive comfortably with a decent manager down there. You seem to vastly, vastly overstimate the quality of the EPL outside the top six teams.

What's the ability of an EPL footballer? A guy like Jamie Vardy who spends his career in the English lower leagues and non-league and comes to the EPL in the twilight of his career and hits a century of goals?

I've seen the EPL, there are plenty of Irish international players getting their game there that would get nowhere near a Celtic team - Stevens, Egan, Long, McGoldrick, Hourihane, Hendrick etc etc.

You seem to brainwashed into thinking the EPL is the be all and end all.

Edouard is good enough to play for a top 4 team down there. The rest of the Celtic first team starters and fringe players are more than capable of holding their own at that level when you look at some players clocking up regular appearances.

Those highlighted would not only start for Celtic but would be amongst their best players. I like seeing Celtic do well as much as the next man but you're in absolute dreamland if you think their current team wouldn't be relegated from the Premier League.

Come off it.

We have better players on the bench that some of those.

Rogic is more ability in his little toe than Hourihane or Henrick, when you see those lads at international level you know how poor they are. Likewise Stevens, Taylor looks a far better player than them. Long getting in ahead of Edouard? Give me a break, I'd have a fit Griffiths ahead of him any day of the week too.

For some of those guys however, they are playing in sides with a manager who has his side well drilled and organised where players know exactly what they are doing. Celtic currently have a pub manager running the team.

Come off what?

Firstly, I agree regarding Edouard. That's why I didn't highlight Long (or McGoldrick). I'm also not sold on Lennon tactically for what it's worth.

You saying Taylor is a far better than Stephens doesn't make it true. I'd rather Stephens but could maybe entertain an argument that they are on a similar level. I honestly don't know how you can make the assumption he is far better.
Likewise with Rogic (who I think has some ability but can't stay fit). Let's just say i'd disagree.

I think Egan would be Celtic's best Centre half, Stephens would start at left back and Hendrick and Hourihane would probably start too. I'd like to think i'm fairly reasonable and open minded but saying they would get nowhere near a Celtic team is just wrong.

[oakleaflad]

Celtic are a Huge club hindered by lack of TV money, Lack of a main sponsor, Lack of major outside investment, receipts from away supporters, Location (weather wise) and a mediocre league. Their budget would improve ten fold if they were playing south of the border. But they are not playing south of the border and live off of scraps when it comes to surviving in the bigger world of Champions League qualification and Europa League competitiveness.


If they were playing south of the border all of the above would change. And change dramatically. But, the Man Utd's, Man Cities, Chelsea's, Liverpool's, Spurs, Arsenals would still be ahead of Celtic for a considerable amount of time.

I actually agree with this. The current Celtic team of today however would be doing very very well to avoid relegation from the Premier league.

[Angelo]

Is the truth here just simply that Scottish football is pretty poor? The squads are stocked with players who's baseline in England would be bottom third of the second tier. It is going to be exceptionally difficult, coming from that base to compete in Europe. Yes Celtic have more money that many of the sides they have come up short against. But that money is generated because an audience is prepared to follow a team dominating a poor quality league. So money yes but the key football facts don't change.

Against all of that nobody should be under any delusions on where Lennon sits as a manager. He was a free agent in the past after his first stint as Celtic manager. You could list the offers from England on the back of a postage stamp that was shrunk in the wash.

Not sure what reputation Stevie G thinks he is building in Scotland. He probably will get some English offers but I guess that will be based on his name as a player rather as a manager

Pretty much all of Celtic's starting XI would hold its own in the EPL.

None of Celtic's starting XI have proven themselves in the EPL so I don't know how you can believe that. Only Edouard is even been linked with a transfer to EPL or European side. Look at the teams who have knocked Celtic out of Europe in recent seasons: Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvaros. None of whom would be even close to European football heavyweights or contenders.

The new signing from West Ham was a flop and not good enough for the EPL so what does is say about Celtic/Scottish football if he's expected to be their new star striker?

The likes of Everton, Burnley, Southampton etc have all done appallingly in the Europa League in recent years.

The EPL is not the pinnacle of football no matter what you think.

Ajeti certainly looks like a donkey, he doesn't look good enough for Celtic from the little bits so far.

Copenhagen took Man Utd to extra time a couple of weeks back. Sevilla eeked past Cluj in the EL as well.

The main issue for Celtic right now is a manager who is not up to the job and a board who are trying to pinch pennies at every corner. I don't think the quality of the squad is too bad overall, they just need a better manager in who needs to be backed financially.

You might not rate the EPL, but the standard is way above Scottish football. You still haven't replied to several of us why you think Celtic are an EPL standard team and their players are just as good as those in the EPL?

Only Edouard has shown anything resembling the ability an EPL footballer. Smashing 4/5 goals past St Mirren and Hamilton every week doesn't automatically qualify team/players as superstars.

There's so much ignorance in that post you wouldn't know where to start.

Nobody is saying the SPL is of an equivalent standard to the EPL but I think Celtic would survive comfortably with a decent manager down there. You seem to vastly, vastly overstimate the quality of the EPL outside the top six teams.

What's the ability of an EPL footballer? A guy like Jamie Vardy who spends his career in the English lower leagues and non-league and comes to the EPL in the twilight of his career and hits a century of goals?

I've seen the EPL, there are plenty of Irish international players getting their game there that would get nowhere near a Celtic team - Stevens, Egan, Long, McGoldrick, Hourihane, Hendrick etc etc.

You seem to brainwashed into thinking the EPL is the be all and end all.

Edouard is good enough to play for a top 4 team down there. The rest of the Celtic first team starters and fringe players are more than capable of holding their own at that level when you look at some players clocking up regular appearances.

Those highlighted would not only start for Celtic but would be amongst their best players. I like seeing Celtic do well as much as the next man but you're in absolute dreamland if you think their current team wouldn't be relegated from the Premier League.

Come off it.

We have better players on the bench that some of those.

Rogic is more ability in his little toe than Hourihane or Henrick, when you see those lads at international level you know how poor they are. Likewise Stevens, Taylor looks a far better player than them. Long getting in ahead of Edouard? Give me a break, I'd have a fit Griffiths ahead of him any day of the week too.

For some of those guys however, they are playing in sides with a manager who has his side well drilled and organised where players know exactly what they are doing. Celtic currently have a pub manager running the team.

Come off what?

Firstly, I agree regarding Edouard. That's why I didn't highlight Long (or McGoldrick). I'm also not sold on Lennon tactically for what it's worth.

You saying Taylor is a far better than Stephens doesn't make it true. I'd rather Stephens but could maybe entertain an argument that they are on a similar level. I honestly don't know how you can make the assumption he is far better.
Likewise with Rogic (who I think has some ability but can't stay fit). Let's just say i'd disagree.

I think Egan would be Celtic's best Centre half, Stephens would start at left back and Hendrick and Hourihane would probably start too. I'd like to think i'm fairly reasonable and open minded but saying they would get nowhere near a Celtic team is just wrong.

Egan is a carthorse, I don't think he makes the Celtic XI, Stephen is a player who has spent the vast majority of his career playing in the LOI and English lower leagues. He is 30 years of age and just after his first ever season in top flight football, he's a very average player and was playing in the 4th tier of English football 3 years ago. They happen to play for a very well coached and organised outfit though. When you see these lads in action for Ireland, you realise how poor they are. The only Irish player who I think would come in and improve the Celtic team right now is the guy they are after - Duffy. I think the rest of them would struggle to earn a spot. Coleman is finish, Doherty can't defend to save his life, they don't have a striker near the class of Edouard. Their midfield options available to Ireland are abysmal. McGregor, Christie, Rogic, Ntcham would all walk onto that Irish side.

Taylor has much more about him.

[dublin7]

Celtic are a Huge club hindered by lack of TV money, Lack of a main sponsor, Lack of major outside investment, receipts from away supporters, Location (weather wise) and a mediocre league. Their budget would improve ten fold if they were playing south of the border. But they are not playing south of the border and live off of scraps when it comes to surviving in the bigger world of Champions League qualification and Europa League competitiveness.


If they were playing south of the border all of the above would change. And change dramatically. But, the Man Utd's, Man Cities, Chelsea's, Liverpool's, Spurs, Arsenals would still be ahead of Celtic for a considerable amount of time.

I actually agree with this. The current Celtic team of today however would be doing very very well to avoid relegation from the Premier league.

That is a fair point FTB, however that's not much comfort to Celtic. They are a big fish in a small pond in Scotland.

They don't have the budget, the weather or the attraction of a competitive league to bring in top players so they are only going to slip further behind teams in the rest of Europe. They might pull out one off results now and again, but these will be the exception rather than the norm.

I thought that article posted earlier by the Glasgow journo was bang on. Lennon's press conferences for the last few years keep coming out with the same complaints and excuses. If he still can't get it right, he shouldn't be in charge

Finally if Angelo thinks that Celtic wouldn't get relegated from the Premier League with that back 4, especially those centre backs he's in dreamland again. Ajer can play a nice pass out from the back, but that wouldn't be much use when someone like Vardy would be making runs and he'd be chasing shadows unable to mark him

[Angelo]

Celtic are a Huge club hindered by lack of TV money, Lack of a main sponsor, Lack of major outside investment, receipts from away supporters, Location (weather wise) and a mediocre league. Their budget would improve ten fold if they were playing south of the border. But they are not playing south of the border and live off of scraps when it comes to surviving in the bigger world of Champions League qualification and Europa League competitiveness.


If they were playing south of the border all of the above would change. And change dramatically. But, the Man Utd's, Man Cities, Chelsea's, Liverpool's, Spurs, Arsenals would still be ahead of Celtic for a considerable amount of time.

I actually agree with this. The current Celtic team of today however would be doing very very well to avoid relegation from the Premier league.

That is a fair point FTB, however that's not much comfort to Celtic. They are a big fish in a small pond in Scotland.

They don't have the budget, the weather or the attraction of a competitive league to bring in top players so they are only going to slip further behind teams in the rest of Europe. They might pull out one off results now and again, but these will be the exception rather than the norm.

I thought that article posted earlier by the Glasgow journo was bang on. Lennon's press conferences for the last few years keep coming out with the same complaints and excuses. If he still can't get it right, he shouldn't be in charge

Finally if Angelo thinks that Celtic wouldn't get relegated from the Premier League with that back 4, especially those centre backs he's in dreamland again. Ajer can play a nice pass out from the back, but that wouldn't be much use when someone like Vardy would be making runs and he'd be chasing shadows unable to mark him

The current Celtic team with Neil Lennon in charge probably would struggle in the EPL.

But Sheffield United finished in the top half of the EPL last season and there is far more talent available in that Celtic squad. Burnley have been comfortable in the EPL for the last few years, you seem to making out the EPL is some sort of golden standard when it is jam packed with average players on huge wages.

Jeff Hendrick on £60/70k per week? Madness.

[illdecide]

Angelo no harm to you but u are so blinded by the hatred/dislike for NL it's not even funny. You think that changing Celtic manager is going to change everything? you are wrong. I've defended NL so many times and to be fair i didn't on Wed nite as it was impossible to defend but you think any manager is going to come in and have Celtic playing like Bayern Munich. Every single debate you have here no matter what your asked about and your answer is sack NL. You've a short memory if you can't cast it back to some of the managers Celtic have had over the last 2 decades. BR was good and you were correct in saying that he got half decent players playing well but you know what even the mighty BR had lost his magic in the end and his charm was not working the same as it was in his first year, it deteriorated greatly each passing year and he knew himself it was time to run before he got found out too (not to mention running for the extra coin). Ronnie D, John Barnes, Tony Mowbray etc that's just some of the managers Celtic have had...enough said.

The sad fact is we are a feeder club now to EPL clubs who make 20 times what we make and the worst part of it all is this generation of young people whether it be our own kids or young professional footballers are spoilt brats and if they don't feel like playing for the club they'll not play and if their agent or parents tell them they can get more money elsewhere then they're away. No loyalties anymore, no morals just spoilt brats and that's they way things are now and it wouldn't matter one bit who was managing them...

[Angelo]

Angelo no harm to you but u are so blinded by the hatred/dislike for NL it's not even funny. You think that changing Celtic manager is going to change everything? you are wrong. I've defended NL so many times and to be fair i didn't on Wed nite as it was impossible to defend but you think any manager is going to come in and have Celtic playing like Bayern Munich. Every single debate you have here no matter what your asked about and your answer is sack NL. You've a short memory if you can't cast it back to some of the managers Celtic have had over the last 2 decades. BR was good and you were correct in saying that he got half decent players playing well but you know what even the mighty BR had lost his magic in the end and his charm was not working the same as it was in his first year, it deteriorated greatly each passing year and he knew himself it was time to run before he got found out too (not to mention running for the extra coin). Ronnie D, John Barnes, Tony Mowbray etc that's just some of the managers Celtic have had...enough said.

The sad fact is we are a feeder club now to EPL clubs who make 20 times what we make and the worst part of it all is this generation of young people whether it be our own kids or young professional footballers are spoilt brats and if they don't feel like playing for the club they'll not play and if their agent or parents tell them they can get more money elsewhere then they're away. No loyalties anymore, no morals just spoilt brats and that's they way things are now and it wouldn't matter one bit who was managing them...

I think you are the one blinded on Lennon. It's not hatred, he's just not up to the job, did you read The Athletic article?

Deila won two titles in two years and was sacked/walked away. Barnes had to deal with a dominant Rangers side and a leg break for his star man and lasted a few months. Mowbray's tenure was a disaster but he only lasted 5 months against a Rangers side who would also capture the title the following season from Neil Lennon.

I see Lennon has now flip flopped on throwing his players under the bus Wednesday night.