Comments on: The Treble, You are On Notice!

By: Keving

Keving — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:45:06 +0000

No, better 1st team scouting. I could argue wie O’Dea and Cillian though.

By: Matt

Matt — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:03:31 +0000

Do you mean youth scouting? Can’t argue with McGeady, Heid, O’Dea, young Cillian can ye?

By: KevinG

KevinG — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:01:54 +0000

Better scouting. Get better value for money.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 03:21:05 +0000

I agree Ryan that I would not want Celtic running up a ton of debt, but I think I was most frustrated with Strachan, Lawwell, and Reid all coming out and saying over the summer that the goal was to get past the final 16, but then not spend anything. Don’t tell us one thing and then do another.

By: Ryan M Liddell

Ryan M Liddell — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:31:49 +0000

Hey guys,

Tough one…really, really, really tough.

However, be careful what we wish for. Regarding “investment”, it seems a phrase often used as a synonym for “subsidy” or “charity” or “benifactor”.

It is only “investment” if there is a dividend return…otherwise it is bad business. Spending money on exorbitant wages more often ends in an operating loss – see Chelsea.

As a sporting entity, Chelsea FC operate at a loss every year – to the tune of 70 million pounds. They are only “solvent” because Roman A subsidises the club with pocket money.

When he is tired of operating at a loss, both on the field and on the balance sheet – Chelsea is doomed…saddled with debt no potential owner will undertake.

Read the same for Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, et al. The only thing that saves the likes of Real Madrid is their historic relationship with Spanish elite / riche.

For my “money”, I like Celtic FC just the way it is:
1. economically solvent
2. well run
3. forsight to invest in domestic footballers
4. the where-with-all to pinch rough diamonds from global sources.

One day we will put a team on the pitch with the perfect blend of young, raw talent and veteran savvy bringing a cup back to Glasgow – following which, we will sell everyone to Super-Clubs at rediculous prices predicated on an insane TV deal.

However, when we do, it will be debt free. I would rather continue on the path we are on then run the risk of pulling a Leeds!

Pleasant Holidays and ‘Mon the Heps!

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:48:09 +0000

It becomes a bit of the chicken and the egg deal with your last statement though Nick. (Sadly)Money rules football today, but the SPL will never get the big bucks that the EPL gets, so teams like Celtic and Rangers are already at a disadvantage. It would have helped Celtic a lot making the last 16 to get even more money from the CL (though getting the full share of Scottish CL money because Rangers didn’t qualify not only helped but was enjoyable too…hee hee). This type of money is helpful in buying European class talent, but went Scrooge McDesmot won’t spend then we’re screwed three ways to Sunday. Hopefully this offseason we won’t hear about how Celtic want to progress past the Last 16 and not buy anyone. If you are going to turn Celtic into a bland corporation, then you better produce on field.

By: Cajun Nick

Cajun Nick — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:34:01 +0000

Matt, you wrote:

“You can talk all you want about getting over said hump, but if you do not make the investments then all it is is just talk.”

Amen! (To borrow a phrase from another combox discussion.)

Scotland’s natural beauty and tropical climate don’t sell themselves to the world’s elite players.

Heck, they don’t even sell themselves to the Scottish people.

There are only two things that will get the necessary players to come to Glasgow: 1) money; and 2) winning.

In that order.