Calm has been called for

By: JT | June 19th, 2007

Today’s huge news in Celtic World is that Artur Boruc, the Bhoys’ superb and in-demand keeper, has not ruled out a move to a “better club” among other comments. There have been some epic freak outs and some wishful chatter that the things he said could have been translated poorly, because the interview was given to a Polish newspaper and all. But Boruc simply outlined what sane supporters of the Bhoys know to be true. These are the frustrations that we have to deal with when it comes to keeping and luring great players, especially foreign ones who don’t have the deep cultural ties to the club that most of the kids that come through the academy do. The days of having a Glasgow XI are far in the past, and people need to understand that those who are going to be “Celtic for life” are few and far between. Let’s break down what he reportedly said:

“I can’t complain about anything. But if there is a chance to play in a better club why not?” The man is happy at the club for chrissakes, but is prepared to examine better opportunities if they present themselves. Now I will steadfastly maintain till I croak that there is no “better” club in the world than Celtic, and I know he loves the club, so I think he means a club with better prospects for European glory or titles in a bigger league. Not every Celtic star will be like Larsson. He stayed at Celtic through his prime even though he could have chased glory elsewhere in Europe. But I will never find fault in someone who wants to be the best at the absolute highest level that he can. That’s not a lack of loyalty, that’s a hunger that I hugely respect. Now if he trots off to Villa, Blackburn, Bolton, or some middling German club like Cottbus, then I’d be pretty fuckin pissed. This is a huge club, with worldwide support, and while players may come and go, we are no one’s stepping stone.

“The derby against Rangers drives the whole league. Only for those games is it worth staying at Celtic.” Only for the most hard core supporters of non-Old Firm clubs would that first statement not be true. For good or ill, as with the banning of beer, the Old Firm defines the league. For any player, the intensity of that rivalry is something that is very difficult to leave behind. As a supporter, you hope the allure of playing in Old Firm matches is what attracts and keeps players at the club. But you sure as hell hope that’s not the only reason that it’s worth staying at Celtic.

“Yet we are in the Champions League. Last time we managed to go to the last 16. Why shouldn’t we make another step forward?” Now, that’s more like it. Make no mistake, getting beyond the group stages was a massive achievement for the club. Taking Milan to the wire was astonishing. With the right draw, the quarters are possible. I like the idea of setting the expectations higher and higher ever year. Everyone should be thinking this.

See, no big deal, right?

TRANSFER NEWS

Giuly? Nope. Delvecchio & Donati? We’ll know soon. Beattie to WBA? A little more cash please, and then “See Ya!” There’s competition for Maceo Rigters. Sheffield Utd’s offering £3 million for Gravesen? Hmmmmmm, thats a tidy profit. Sounds good.