Happy Anniversary! Samaras to stay? Kewell in Hoops?
By: Matt | May 29th, 2008A week ago today, Celtic defeated Dundee United 1-0 to capture the Scottish League title. In honor of that victory, here is a link to a video showing just moments before the final whistle and all the celebrations.
It seems that super sub Georgios Samaras is very keen to stay in the Hoops next year, publicly saying he wishes to stay at Celtic next year. It seems that Gordon Strachan is in favor for the “Greek Ronaldinho” to stay, but the only thing from stopping this from happening is confusion on the side of Man City, then again with their chairman threatening to sell the entire team it is no wonder there is confusion. I think Samaras has a place on this team, as besides having the best hair on the team, upon his arrival it seemed like both Scott McDonald and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink picked up their game because of the competition, not to mention Samaras picked up a few goals mostly as a sub and shows a lot of hustle. To keep Samaras, it would cost Celtic 3 million pounds.
There have also been talk that Celtic have put in a 40,000 per week bid for Australian international and former Leeds and Liverpool winger Harry Kewell. Kewell’s agent did not do a lot to confirm or disperse the rumors with a comment of “No comment.” Kewell’s five years at Merseyside was mostly marked by injury. This move seems like an odd one, especially with able bodied Aiden McGeady and Shunsuke Nakamura at Strachan’s disposal. Of course if Celtic are planning on selling either, then it makes more sense, but 40,000 seems awfully high for a sub. I guess we shall see…
Some even more interesting speculation comes in the form of former Celtic player and current Aston Villa’s Shaun Maloney. Maloney has had trouble settling in with his former coach at Celtic Martin O’Neill at Villa and has said he wants to return to Scotland “one day”. With Celtic showing interest in him, could we see Maloney back in the Hoops sooner rather than later?
Finally, the Celtic Offsides would like to offer it’s condolences for Scott Brown and the Brown family as Scott’s sister, Fiona lost her battle to cancer. She was only 21. You’ll Never Walk Alone
Category: Celtic
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Hail! Hail!
I hope Samaras stays on.Spot on mate, regarding Samaras’ contribution on the pitch and the training ground.
In a perfect world, I would love to see Samaras, McDonald and VoH play a diamond up top.
Samaras likes to play wide and cut toward the goal. As well, he likes the ball at his feet. We know VoH prowess in the air and at hold-up play. McDonald reminds of, dare I say, a poor man’s Gary Lineker. GL didn’t nave the greatest first touch. He wasn’t the quickest over five yards or the fastest on the ball. But, what Lineker did do was lurk around the box getting in the best possible positions to score, and score, and score.
Perhaps a 4-3-3 is exactly what Celtic need to break down the opposition packing the back. This may define the roles of our middies, also:
Nakamura would have more room to roam without actually leaving the “wing”, despite what Jim Craig says. Aiden would have more room to shed defenders without stepping on the toes of whomever is running in central mid-field. Whoever plays in the middle (probably Robson) would have a clearly defined link-up and defensive responsibility.I’m not sure we have the talent to pull it off. The Dutch seem to be able to do this at the international level. Barcelona played a 3-4-3 this season, but they retain soooo much possession, it becomes a defensive technique. As well, we might get crushed with three at the back.
The name that intrigues me most is Jon Arne Riise at left back. At his age, and wear-n-tear, I think he could really be an asset for us in the SPL - and I’m not in love with that shot. I thought he actually defended well in the matches I saw, regardless of “the own goal”.
He will get forward and his shot does make up for his inconsistent crossing. He is patient on the ball and he will take it all the way to the touch line. This can only help Aiden over the course of 90 minutes. It also gives Naka a cut back option on switch passes that is a real goal threat.‘Mon the Hoops!
RyanPosted from
United States
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Good response Ryan, is Riise up for transfer? I think that the 4-3-3 might be something to experiment with. I think that Robo could hold the middle of the field down himself, though he and Hartley seemed to have a nice chemistry this year. The thing that might keep Strachan from trying this is the fact we have so many midfielders. He might feel obligated to play them, but I really like the idea and think it could work. The only weakness I see is having Hartley to help with the backline which often has trouble…if we upgrade the back it would seem like a definite possible idea!
Hail Hail!
Posted from
United States
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