The Legacy of Gordon Strachan

Three titles in four years, two League Cups, a Scottish Cup, two Last 16 appearances in the Champions League. In most places, heck, with most Celtic coaches, that run gets you a stand named after yourself. Of course, by now, we all know that this was not the case for Gordon David Strachan. The relationship between Strachan and Celtic was always a strained one from the beginning. "I remember this ginger guy from Aberdeen in the 70's, why is he our coach?" seemed to be the question on Celtic supporters mindset early on. Taking over after one of the most beloved Celtic managers to not win Ole Big Ears did not help either. His first match against Artmedia Bratislava did not help ease fears from the support, as everyone remembers the embarrassing 5-0 defeat. A slow SPL start followed, by Strachan came into his own and Celtic had a double digit point lead to win back the title and then win the League Cup for the double. The league was won convincingly the next year as well, and Celtic's first taste of the knockout rounds of the Champions League was enjoyed, yet Strachan was still not overly popular with the fans. The up and downs of the league the following year saw even more criticism on Strachan, even when the league was won. Finally, losing a seven point lead to Rangers to lose the league this year saw Celtic and Strachan part ways and end an, at best, uneasy relationship. He was the constantly faced with criticism, and to say he wasn't a fan favorite would be putting it nicely. Yet, he had great success with Celtic, despite not playing attractive football at times. So the question must be asked, what is Gordon Strachan's legacy at Celtic going to be?

From the "You Couldn't Make it Up if You Tried" File

Before I go on, this is not intended to be a comment on sectarianism in Scotland or Northern Ireland, but rather a story of irony that I think people of all religions, political persuasions, and any other divisions can appreciate.

Former Motherwell midfielder Bob Malcolm has explained that he is quitting ...

McStay leaves Celtic *wink, wink* *nudge, nudge*

Celtic have announced that reserve team coach Willie McStay has left the club to take up the role as manager of Ujpest FC in Budapest, Hungary. How could such a loyal servant to the club just up and leave like that? Well, because Celtic wanted him to. ...

Celtic Marketing as Subtle as a Hammer to the Face

Upon checking the old e-mail inbox today, I noticed an email, oh so subtly hinting at what the new away kit for Celtic will be next season. I have a feeling it will be "sweet like honey", to continue the subtly used by the Celtic Marketing campaign. People ...

Rumors Roundup!

There hasn't been much in news in terms of the squad this week for Celtic. The coaching staff got a new addition with Stevie Wood as the first team goalkeeping coach. Artur Boruc (for now at least. Blogging tip #1, never listen to Bebo), Lukasz Zaluska, Mark Brown (hopefully not for long), Scott Fox, Daniele Giordano and Dominic Cervi will now be working with the former Motherwell and Hibernian keeper after previous coach Jim Blyth left along with Gordon Strachan last month. Wood has been in the Celtic coaching system for over 10 years now and said of being hired "This is a dream come true, I am absolutely delighted and I have realised an ambition of mine very, very early in my coaching career." Welcome and good luck Stevie. New Celtic assistant manager Mark Venus had his first press conference this week, cautioning that Celtic were not going to buy players for buying's sake this off-season, instead they will be looking for good fits. Finally, outgoing Celtic defender Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe had some kind, inspiring words for outgoing manager Gordon Strachan. Oh wait, it was the opposite of that. He said of Strachan "Everything was going well. Then I got injured against AC Milan in October, I came back fine before the manager gave me a really hard time. Last summer, I asked to leave when the club signed Andreas Hinkel. The manager categorically refused. He never played me again." Who said Ginger Baws wasn't a people person. Of course, the thing that makes the off-season tick are those hope inspiring, dream crashing transfer rumors. Now, there hasn't been any Robbie Keane to Celtic rumors yet, but it is still early days. Here's what we've heard so far...

Boruc "Announcement" soon?

I don't like to make a habit of using Bebo as a source for news, but this apparently is Artur Boruc's official bebo page. On this page, "Artur Boruc" (quotes to denote my skepticism) has published a blog today saying this:
"My dear dear fans and fans of the Club.
As you may know, certain things are happening at the club now, with things changing.
This is not a goodbye, but i just want to tell you that in the next few days, some important issues will be ironed out regarding my future at the club.
I just want to take this moment, to thank all of you's, each and every one of you's who have supported me through the good and the bad, the messages, everything. Celtic have the best fan's in the world, and if one thing ends up leading to another, i cannot put into words how much i would miss you's.
I will make an important announcement with regards to my future, in the coming day's, so be sure to keep in touch, and watch this space......
Your's Sincerely, Artur"

Scott Brown and Stephen McManus face injury time

When Tony Mowbray was first appointed as the new first team head coach of Celtic, many were hopeful to see the continued dominance of Scott Brown. Brooony flourished under Mowbray when the pair were at Hibs, earning Brown the highest transfer fee between Scottish clubs to bring him to Celtic. Mowbray will start his job without the services of Brown, which might include Champions League Qualifiers, as it has been reported that Brown will have to undergo surgery on his ankle. This will hurt Brown's chances of appearing in Scotland's World Cup Qualifiers, but seeing as I care as much about that as I do the WNBA, I won't mention it again. More importantly, Celtic's depth in the midfield will be tested in these all important Champions League Qualifiers, with Shunsuke Nakamura heading to Espanyol and Paul Hartley exploring other options as it initially appeared there would be no place for him at Celtic. Mowbray is expected to talk to Hartley this week to try and get him on the cheap, but Hearts, Colaship Sides, and Greek teams (he certainly seems to have the facial hair for Greece) have all contacted the good pirate Hartley.

Nancy accept £2.5million bid for Fortune

STV are reporting that Celtic are prepared to spend (wait for it...wait for it...) a fortune (*rimshot*) on French and Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune. Celtic's £2.5million bid was accepted and now they will meet with Fortune and his agent to try and work out the details of a new ...

Setanta Officially Calls "Takesies-Backsies" UPDATED!

The speculation of what cash strapped TV network Setanta would do as it bobbed up and down between the perilous recession waves of this economical ocean was finally answered today when it was announced that Setanta had missed the deadline, which had been extended, to pay the money it owed ...

Mowbray's First Goal to Re-sign Caldwell

Tony Mowbray has admitted that his first priority at Celtic will be to re-sign Gary Caldwell to a new contract. Mowbray said that he will enter into negotiations with his former player at Hibernian next week to sign the rock of the Celtic defense. He said on the matter, "I will speak to Gary soon about his contract situation - the first chance I get, I will do that. I will talk to him, his advisors and to chief executive Peter Lawwell about it. I will see where we are at because I am sure he has been approached before now on a new contract. I assume he has. I have not tip-toed into the issue as yet, but I will see what Gary thinks."
Besides trying to sign his own players to an extension, Mowbray has also allegedly been interested in Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull and Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune. Why he would want ANOTHER keeper, I am not sure. I am also not overwhelmed with Fortune, as he doesn't seem Celtic quality. Someone who IS Celtic quality is James McCarthy and there is talk on the Tim-ernet that young Mr. McCarthy cut his Donegal holiday short to discuss things with Celtic.