Now that the dust has finally settled on a successful and eventful league campaign, all thoughts turn to Europe.
With several departures already announced and yet more to follow this will help to release funds for new players.
Celtic have a strong European track record dating back to the sixties when in those days a European tie was decided over two legs, once defeated you were out, end of story.
So the burning question is can Celtic at the very least qualify for the group sections of the Champions League next season which will help boost income and give the team and fans a huge lift?
Or will the club again be in the Europa League which offers less revenue and glamour but more importantly does not give the fans the same lift as a Champions League night.
If the Europa League does beckon would we look on this as a failure or do we have to accept that currently we do not have the strength of squad to qualify for the group stages.
Now, I really hope Champions League qualification is achievable but the answer is dependant on who Neil Lennon purchases during the close season.
More importantly how much money will he be given to spend in an already demanding transfer market?
For example, a £3million signing with a weekly wage circa £30k soon eats into a transfer budget.
This will be answered once we see who he manages to move on, personally I would like to see a Sutton/Hartson type of forward and a midfield play-maker added to the team.
A no nonsense ball winning centre half still remains a priority with the goalkeeping position still possibly a concern if Fraser Forster for whatever reason does not sign.
Neil has good cover in most areas of the squad and with new signings imminent he will hopefully add quality as well as competition for places.
The treble which was so within our grasp did not materialise but let’s be positive, the league was delivered as promised and I feel sure if the quality European clubs can once again visit our great stadium that the fans would be more than happy.
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Any idea if we’re in the 3rd or 4th qualifying round?
third qualifying round then the play off if we progress from there m8.
dunno Patman but we have 2 qualifiers, I know that. We don’t face anyone from the big 4 i.e. Italy Spain England or Germany but we could face a team like Croatia Zagreb, Basel or Shaktar Donesk. Still tough but in all honesty if u can’t beat these teams over 2 legs then its says it all. Good luck NL and the bhoys…I think this squad has what it takes to get us to another European final in the next few yrs 😀 HH WATC 😀
I’d probably say a new manager to start with. Harsh i know but you asked. He’s gonnae play Broony and people out of position all over the place to accomodate certain players. I predict more europa league stuff after a hammering away from home in champions league qualifiers.I really hope not tho.I’d settle for a run in any european competition in order to learn and get the youngsters more experience and well to see if Lennon has the ability to move us forward in europe,it’s too hard to judge these things based on domestic performance. I feel we’ll learn a few severe lessons again this year, especially if we don’t sign a forward, centre half and either a playmaker or a good creative winger.
I beleive the goalkeeper situation should be resolved immediately .Sign Gordon ,he has the experience that would be invaluable to the Celtic defence .Forster is OK but can anyone tell me if he reallyinspires confidence.He and Neil Lennon think he is better than he is.He will leave Celtic for England at the drop of a hat.I agree with a play making midfielder and a fast big strong centrehalf.If Samaras stays then I don”t beleive we need anyone unless some striker is sold.
The problem I have with Forster has nothing to do with his ability. Let’s be honest, his track record is excellent with us. But he is hedging his bets.
He is holding out waiting to see if he gets an offer from the EPL. Frankly, I would stop pursuing him now and let him look for his dream.
I’m not sure about Gordon though. never was, he was a vastly over-priced goalie when he left Hearts a few years back as one of the three. Oddly enough, we got the other two!
Look ahead, let Forster chase his dream and sign a good goalie and a central defender with strength. I would love a Bobo type.
There were much stronger teams than us in Europa last year. Still tough and good for experience. I don’t think we should expect too much at the minute as most of the team have only had last years run as their only experience in Europe.
If we do get knocked into the euros, there’s a better chance of a sustained run but without the prestige or, for the most part, the real tough and class above teams. It was shown tho that top teams do go into it and get knocked out (utd and citeh?) and only finalists were able to beat us. Great experience tor the guys but who knows if it will be enough for the CL
100% agree we need the Sutton/Hartson type forward although i doubt we could afford one of that standard. How much will the board be willing to invest is the biggest factor. We need to cut the squad back a fair bit & that’d give some money to play with.
In the last 2 years we really lacked experienced players, probably the only one was Big Dan but the games in the Europa League will make a difference, people can say what they like but Atletico & Udinese were good teams, Champs Lge standard & probably better than what we’ll face in the qualifiers. I dont think we are far away with the team now. The last few games and the 3-5-2, 3-4-3 or 5-3-2 or whatever you want to call it was probably done thinking ahead to next season. Lenny has really growing as our leader & with the players 100% behind him fingers crossed. It is a case of baby steps I think it would be an AMAZING success if we get to the group stage & put up a good fight. Then even if its 3rd in group and going into Europa league that would be a HUGE step forward & IF we do hopefully the money raised will be invested in the squad.
We were unfortunate to meet such quality sides as Madrid / Udinese & Rennes we were better seeded than Sion but at least we could see the gap even at Europa level. Atletico Madrid were worthy winners of the tourney and comforable winners both Home & Away against us.
While Apoel Nicosia should give us inspiration if we can get the tactics / personnel right. Plenty of clubs with a much smaller budget than ours and getting more value for money.
Get the pre-season right and hit the ground running.
From what i can remember, lenny correctly opted for a : 4-2-3-1 formation away to Udinese
Keeper
Matthews Rogne Mulgrew Izzy
Brown Wanyama
Forrest Ledley Commons or Sami
Hooper