In my lifetime, Celtic haven’t had a more sustained or plentiful period of success than in the last decade. We have won the last eight consecutive domestic league titles and in May of this year, completed an unprecedented Treble Treble in which we won every domestic trophy available for third season in succession.
So far so good, right? On the face of it, every fan of the Hoops should be itching at the chance to see our team in action when we begin our new campaign later today. But that’s not quite the case. As always with Celtic, and particularly our fan base, there is always something to stress about. Thankfully, however, today’s worries are much more luxurious than those of 25 years ago. Instead of wondering whether we would wake up still having a club to support tomorrow, we are enduring the kind of anguish that is a direct result of the success we’ve enjoyed in recent times.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe biggest of those worries this summer has been the potential sale of Kieran Tierney. The talismanic left back has etched his name in the hearts of every Celtic fan, living the dream of his fellow supporters by pulling on the green and white Hoops and winning nearly every trophy possible since his debut back in 2015. As the saga has progressed, with Celtic holding out for a fee around £25 million, Celtic fans have had to accept that the likelihood of the Wishaw native completing a long and romantic one-man club career at Parkhead seems ever-more remote. Arsenal or Napoli appear to be his two most likely destinations, and with just under two weeks until the English transfer window closes, there’s no guarantee where he’ll be by September.
The concerns amongst the Bhoys’ faithful began as far back as February however. In what many considered to be a shock move, then-manager Brendan Rodgers ditched the club he supported since childhood to take up the gaffer’s post at Premier League outfit Leicester City. The manner in which the move was made angered and upset many Celtic fans and the fallout was as toxic as it was catastrophic. Having returned a fun and exciting brand of football to Celtic Park, many felt betrayed when Rodgers seemed to abandon it so suddenly for the promise of very little in comparison. Perhaps more concerning, though, was where it left the Glasgow club. There was no guarantee that the replacement manager would continue the dominant spell that Rodgers had overseen, nor was there any assurance from chief executive Peter Lawwell that he would seek another manager of Rodgers’ calibre. The appointment of Neil Lennon, who had perviously managed the club between 2010 and 2014, was seen by many as unambitious and put the club at risk of failing to achieve the unprecedented 10 league titles in a row they coveted, which if successful, would be completed with league titles in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Lennon successfully steered the ship home this spring but whether he can maintain that level of success over the next two years remains to be seen.
Embed from Getty ImagesI’ve never been overtly negative as a Celtic fan. I’m always excited by new signings and a new season but I have to admit, the events of the second half of last season and this summer have left me worried about our ability to continue to dominate Scottish football in the manner we have for the last 8 years. Anyone who knows me will tell you, I am no fan of Neil Lennon. Despite his undoubted success in his first spell as manager and undeniable love for the club, I can’t deny that I was disappointed to see him take the helm in what I saw as a clear step back for the club. I would have loved to see us appoint someone of the same managerial calibre as Brendan Rodgers. The reports linking us with ex-Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez caused great excitement amongst supporters in the east end of Glasgow and, for me, he absolutely represents the level of manager we should be targeting. Nevertheless, Lennon’s willingness to step in last season when we were in desperate need of a leader, combined with his clear dedication to do his best for Celtic can’t be forgotten and I appreciate that, at least.
With regard to Kieran Tierney, his apparently imminent exit is just further confirmation that the modern game is different to that with which most of us grew up. I was genuinely convinced, at one time, that he would be this generation’s Paul McStay. A man, for whom, Celtic was his entire career and a club he represented in both his style of play and his relationship with the fans. His famous return to Hampden to lift the Scottish Cup in 2018, after being taken to hospital for treatment, seemed especially indicative of his dedication but, if we can’t hold on to him, I at least commend Celtic for holding out for what they feel is a transfer fee that is in keeping with their valuation of the player. No one player is the bigger than Celtic and Tierney is no different.
Embed from Getty ImagesI guess, in summary, my hopes for Celtic in 2019/20 are basically for more of the same, on the pitch at least. From what we’ve seen of the new signings, the seem to have made promising starts. Belgian left back Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, signed from Rapid Vienna on a four-year deal is a dynamic and rapid presence. He might be rusty and have a few creases to iron out but I like him. Marian Shved is a particularly exciting prospect and looks like he may be able to chip in from the right wing with a few goals and assists, finally providing a decent option to support James Forrest in the coming season.
Off the pitch, I merely want stability after what was a turbulent season last season. Rodgers’ departure and, perhaps more accurately, the manner of it, left the club in a precarious position from which everything could have been lost. A chance to ensure we capture our ninth consecutive title with as much excitement but as little drama as possible, is exactly what I want.
The Counter Press 