Motherwell Preview; Around the Hypothetical Coaching Carousel We Go

By: Matt | September 12th, 2008

With talk of Gordon Strachan possibly looking south, Celtic might not have to look far for a replacement this weekend. Of course, speculation has recently gone on sale at Walmart, so take that for what it is worth, however Mark McGhee seems to be the popular choice to fill the Celtic managerial job that is currently not open. Besides playing for Celtic in the past, McGhee’s exploits of leading the ‘well to Europe last season was sure to put him on the top of many’s wish lists. There is the whole matter of not only Strachan still being employed by the Celtic PLC, but there is no assurance that McGhee will like to leave the rain soaked Fir Park for Glasgow. Think about it, no offense but expectations are a bit lower at the ‘well than in Timdom. McGhee was a hero to the orange and burgundy clad armies last season for a third place finish, where if done in the hoops would result in him freshening up his resume. However, like Dr. ~~Reid~~Death tells us, money and Champions League football can attract anyone. Just ask Gabriel Tamas and his agents. All this speculation could be for not, but then again Saturday could be a glorified job interview for McGhee. However, if Ginger Baws does trade green and white hoops for black and white horizontal stripes and McGhee is the first choice of the PLC, what would be better for McGhee? A strong performance by his Motherwell side or having his future employer get a much needed three points. Oh the hypothetical world is a fun one…

The Hypothetical Coaching Carousel aside, this weekend’s trip to Fir Park is shaping up to be a big one for the Bhoys. A week of internationals hopefully helped the Bhoys to forget about the previous week’s derby disaster and get motivated for an always tough trip to Motherwell. The aforementioned international week saw the Tartan Army learn what Celtic fans have started to realize this season, that Stephen McManus might not be worthy of the starting XI, let alone an armband. If only international red cards carried over to club play, we might see Glenn Loovens take the field with a solid performance in Gary Caldwell’s absence under his belt, however crazy man Gordon Strachan is not known for his squad shake ups, so look for McManus and the Scottish National Team Man of the Match Gary Caldwell in the middle of the defense.

Everyone’s favorite large arsed kangaroo, Scott McDonald has seemingly had the run of Lennoxtown to himself with others off on international duties and has made it clear that he is healthy and ready to be back into the line up. Gordon Strachan has the convenient problem of having to choose between last year’s top scorer, this year’s top scorer, and a rejuvenated Shaun Maloney. The Celtic Offside’s crystal ball expects to see your standard 4-4-2, with Samaras and Skippy up top and Maloney first off the bench (with Strachan, that could be around the 88th minute). The same crystal ball has put Celtic in a 4-3-3 on his Beeb squad selector with the whole lot of them on the field. Finally, the crystal ball sympathizes with Gordon Strachan for when Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink returns from his stupidity red card suspension and suggests that Ginger Baws find a lucky coin to flip for squad selection.

It always seems like “squeeky bum time” when the Bhoys travel to the water polo ground that is Fir Park, despite Celtic taking 4 of the last 5 from the ‘well. McGhee’s ‘well boys have not picked up where they left off last year with a record of two wins, two loses, and a draw. A nervy 1-0 victory over the other green team of the SPL might have gotten the ‘well on track, however Motherwell does not seem to pack it up in the back like most teams do against the Glasgow teams, praying for a draw. Tomorrow should see at least an exciting match for both supporters, and the crystal ball is back to predict a 2-1 victory with Sammy adding to his goal total and a nice homecoming goal for Skippy, with Motherwell getting a goal in the 75th minute to make the last quarter of an hour stressful.