Enjoyed the article Ross , I think we'll sell Kuhn , ( did he not knock back a new deal?) And can see Kuhn going for between 10 -15 million. Hatate has wanted away and I can see a move there but it won't be for mega money sadly. A player of his technical ability would do well in Spain or Italy where he has more time on the ball rather than down in England. Out of the current squad I'd hate to lose AJ or Maeda. Either player would be a huge lose to the team. Agree we need to sit down with Rodgers at the end of the season and set targets , goals etc and hopefully a new contract but my gut feeling has always been he'll do his 3 years then ride off into the sunset with his profile back in the good books with most of the support.
I really appreciate the support for the site and the post Barry, All this is very new to me and I love the interactions more than creating the content if I'm honest.
In terms of Kuhn, the story I was told was not so much that he knocked back an offer, it was more of a we asked the initial question to see if talks would be worthwhile and the response received was that at this time it wouldn't be worthwhile. Obviously things can change fast, in reality we all know that many players see the club as a stop over on their journey as opposed to a long term, lay down roots, testimonial type plan. I've no issue with that, it's the world we live in but some players are worth the extra push to keep as continuity is important. We are very lucky that Cal, Forrest and many others before them have stayed for 6 or 7 years+ and we will always be better for it imo.
I agree with your thoughts on AJ and Maeda, they'd be tough to replace, not impossible but not easy. AJ is just so consistent, and off the field he comes across incredibly well. Captain material. He would be one of the guys I'd ideally like to see us keep until he's done. I think when his right back days are done he could move inside one and continue to be a valuable asset and his leadership qualities and the way he has embraced everything Celtic is amazing.
Daizen, I don't want to over do it with, but he's just so unique and again a great representation of the club on and off the pitch. It's easy to see why he has become a cult hero for so many, myself included.
As for Rodgers. I think it all comes down to control. If he gets what he feels is enough control to shape the club then I could see him signing another deal. If he feels like he is still having to fight internal blockers to get an inch of progressive movement off the field then I think your gut feeling will be correct.
I think there’s something about succession planning for when cal Mac goes. That’s likely not going be next season- he showed against munich he’s still a high calibre player- but he’ll leave a big gap that we should be thinking about now.
Agree with points on physicality.
We still feel a little light at centre back. And now at striker.
Your recent podcast about pathways was really interesting. That still feels like something that needs worked on.
We need Scottish players. I’ve not seen Lennon miller play much but sometimes feel people like the idea of him more than the player he is. But we should always be interested in the best Scottish talent.
When miller goes on to be sold to juventus for £40 million I shall deny any first doubts about him 🙂
Thanks for subscribing to CU and on for responding, it's much appreciated. Hopefully you are having a good day and enjoying this season as much as I am :)
Totally agree that the plan for the coming years has to take into account Cal has played an incredible volume of games and that we have to anticipate that like any player he will need to be managed in terms of game time as the season go by. I still see him as a vital player and person within the team for a few years. However, it would be negligent to ignore that age is a factor in a game that seems to get more physically and mentally demanding every year. Kevin De Bruyne this year is a good example, at 33 (2 years older than Cal) and successive years of intense football he has found it tough to avoid injuries, and to maintain his world class levels. His issues combined with the injury to Rodri have been key elements in scuppering Man City this season.
I'd also agree with us being a little light in central defence. While I want to be a cheer leader for a better academy and more youth players getting games I'd still like to see Dane Murray out on loan and be tested over a full season, especially after losing so much time on the pitch because of injuries. The minutes playing at this point are more valuable than training sessions for a lad like Dane and while it was great to see him get on vs Villa his chances of getting a good run of meaningful games looks slim.
It's not an easy balance to strike in our situation, our need to have good solid options competing with the likes of CCV, and at the same time being able to give our young players the chance to cut their teeth and get a good hard 25/30+ game season under their belts and that's why I'm so adamant that youth football needs to change in Scotland, or at the very least Celtic need to be creating other routes for our young players to play at a higher level than Lowland League.
As for Lennon Miller. I'm a fan, but I'd only want us to make a big commitment in signing him (would likely be a 4 or 5 year deal) if Brendan Rodgers feels confident that he able to come in and start on a regular basis for us. Tough to put an exact figure on it, but if I looked at him for what he is as a player today then I'd hope to see him get at least 20+ starts across all competitions in his first season and kick on from there.
Some people want us to hoover up Scottish talent like Miller and David Watson at Kilmarnock. Personally, I want us to produce those players, or have them signed into our academy setup instead of having to pay 7 figures to sign them form elsewhere (although I acknowledge us signing players domestically can help the overall game in this country). So, If we do have to sign them then it has to be for the right reasons and not just so we meet quotas for European competition (which are ridiculous, but that's a discussion for another day).
Miller at 18, for me is the standout out prospect in Scotland. Started over 50 games for Motherwell and shows a fantastic attitude and love for football. Even little things like accepting chances to play for the Scottish u18s when he was already part of the u21s just so he can play against the best in his age group is big tick from me.
He has so many really nice elements to his game, especially mentally which is amazing for someone at 18.. He does have areas to improve on but he from the outside appears to know that and I know a lot of people speak really well of his relationship with his family and how that dynamic he has with them keeps him grounded so that's another big tick for me.
Goodness me, that was a reply that went on.... apologies. Just one of those, get me talking football, young players and academy and/or recruitment and I'm like Augustus Gloop when his eyes find the chocolate stream in Wonkas chocolate factory.
I hope you have a fab day and again my thanks for your response Ed. I'll make sure I add a central defender to my list when it comes to looking at potential options and maybe a detailed piece or chat on Lennon Miller as I suspect his name will come up a lot.
Ross, Terrific and interesting stiff. I’m in Bed unwell at the moment, so I don’t have the energy to make an expansive comment. I just wanted to let you know at least that your piece was read and enjoyed. Keep up the good work.
Really appreciate it Gerry and hope you feel better soon. If you need a laugh to help make you feel better then I'd highly recommend a west side based comedy show. Episodes like at home with the Steelmen and at home with the Spiders are real rib ticklers.
Enjoyed the article Ross , I think we'll sell Kuhn , ( did he not knock back a new deal?) And can see Kuhn going for between 10 -15 million. Hatate has wanted away and I can see a move there but it won't be for mega money sadly. A player of his technical ability would do well in Spain or Italy where he has more time on the ball rather than down in England. Out of the current squad I'd hate to lose AJ or Maeda. Either player would be a huge lose to the team. Agree we need to sit down with Rodgers at the end of the season and set targets , goals etc and hopefully a new contract but my gut feeling has always been he'll do his 3 years then ride off into the sunset with his profile back in the good books with most of the support.
I really appreciate the support for the site and the post Barry, All this is very new to me and I love the interactions more than creating the content if I'm honest.
In terms of Kuhn, the story I was told was not so much that he knocked back an offer, it was more of a we asked the initial question to see if talks would be worthwhile and the response received was that at this time it wouldn't be worthwhile. Obviously things can change fast, in reality we all know that many players see the club as a stop over on their journey as opposed to a long term, lay down roots, testimonial type plan. I've no issue with that, it's the world we live in but some players are worth the extra push to keep as continuity is important. We are very lucky that Cal, Forrest and many others before them have stayed for 6 or 7 years+ and we will always be better for it imo.
I agree with your thoughts on AJ and Maeda, they'd be tough to replace, not impossible but not easy. AJ is just so consistent, and off the field he comes across incredibly well. Captain material. He would be one of the guys I'd ideally like to see us keep until he's done. I think when his right back days are done he could move inside one and continue to be a valuable asset and his leadership qualities and the way he has embraced everything Celtic is amazing.
Daizen, I don't want to over do it with, but he's just so unique and again a great representation of the club on and off the pitch. It's easy to see why he has become a cult hero for so many, myself included.
As for Rodgers. I think it all comes down to control. If he gets what he feels is enough control to shape the club then I could see him signing another deal. If he feels like he is still having to fight internal blockers to get an inch of progressive movement off the field then I think your gut feeling will be correct.
I think there’s something about succession planning for when cal Mac goes. That’s likely not going be next season- he showed against munich he’s still a high calibre player- but he’ll leave a big gap that we should be thinking about now.
Agree with points on physicality.
We still feel a little light at centre back. And now at striker.
Your recent podcast about pathways was really interesting. That still feels like something that needs worked on.
We need Scottish players. I’ve not seen Lennon miller play much but sometimes feel people like the idea of him more than the player he is. But we should always be interested in the best Scottish talent.
When miller goes on to be sold to juventus for £40 million I shall deny any first doubts about him 🙂
Morning Ed,
Thanks for subscribing to CU and on for responding, it's much appreciated. Hopefully you are having a good day and enjoying this season as much as I am :)
Totally agree that the plan for the coming years has to take into account Cal has played an incredible volume of games and that we have to anticipate that like any player he will need to be managed in terms of game time as the season go by. I still see him as a vital player and person within the team for a few years. However, it would be negligent to ignore that age is a factor in a game that seems to get more physically and mentally demanding every year. Kevin De Bruyne this year is a good example, at 33 (2 years older than Cal) and successive years of intense football he has found it tough to avoid injuries, and to maintain his world class levels. His issues combined with the injury to Rodri have been key elements in scuppering Man City this season.
I'd also agree with us being a little light in central defence. While I want to be a cheer leader for a better academy and more youth players getting games I'd still like to see Dane Murray out on loan and be tested over a full season, especially after losing so much time on the pitch because of injuries. The minutes playing at this point are more valuable than training sessions for a lad like Dane and while it was great to see him get on vs Villa his chances of getting a good run of meaningful games looks slim.
It's not an easy balance to strike in our situation, our need to have good solid options competing with the likes of CCV, and at the same time being able to give our young players the chance to cut their teeth and get a good hard 25/30+ game season under their belts and that's why I'm so adamant that youth football needs to change in Scotland, or at the very least Celtic need to be creating other routes for our young players to play at a higher level than Lowland League.
As for Lennon Miller. I'm a fan, but I'd only want us to make a big commitment in signing him (would likely be a 4 or 5 year deal) if Brendan Rodgers feels confident that he able to come in and start on a regular basis for us. Tough to put an exact figure on it, but if I looked at him for what he is as a player today then I'd hope to see him get at least 20+ starts across all competitions in his first season and kick on from there.
Some people want us to hoover up Scottish talent like Miller and David Watson at Kilmarnock. Personally, I want us to produce those players, or have them signed into our academy setup instead of having to pay 7 figures to sign them form elsewhere (although I acknowledge us signing players domestically can help the overall game in this country). So, If we do have to sign them then it has to be for the right reasons and not just so we meet quotas for European competition (which are ridiculous, but that's a discussion for another day).
Miller at 18, for me is the standout out prospect in Scotland. Started over 50 games for Motherwell and shows a fantastic attitude and love for football. Even little things like accepting chances to play for the Scottish u18s when he was already part of the u21s just so he can play against the best in his age group is big tick from me.
He has so many really nice elements to his game, especially mentally which is amazing for someone at 18.. He does have areas to improve on but he from the outside appears to know that and I know a lot of people speak really well of his relationship with his family and how that dynamic he has with them keeps him grounded so that's another big tick for me.
Goodness me, that was a reply that went on.... apologies. Just one of those, get me talking football, young players and academy and/or recruitment and I'm like Augustus Gloop when his eyes find the chocolate stream in Wonkas chocolate factory.
I hope you have a fab day and again my thanks for your response Ed. I'll make sure I add a central defender to my list when it comes to looking at potential options and maybe a detailed piece or chat on Lennon Miller as I suspect his name will come up a lot.
Ross
Ross, Terrific and interesting stiff. I’m in Bed unwell at the moment, so I don’t have the energy to make an expansive comment. I just wanted to let you know at least that your piece was read and enjoyed. Keep up the good work.
Really appreciate it Gerry and hope you feel better soon. If you need a laugh to help make you feel better then I'd highly recommend a west side based comedy show. Episodes like at home with the Steelmen and at home with the Spiders are real rib ticklers.