Desmond and Lawwell: the unacceptable faces of Celtic

Lawwell briefed every friendly hack, ex-Celtic employee and blogging shill that the supporters could stick their views where the sun don't shine

I freely admit that I've had mixed feelings about the Green Brigade.

They have undoubtedly improved the atmosphere at Celtic Park – most of the time – their displays are often magnificent and I generally share most of their politics.

On the other hand, I sometimes feel that they believe themselves to be the self-appointed heart and conscience of Celtic; they can be too eager to be seen as European-style “ultras” (with that “style” perhaps more important than substance) and their displays sometimes miss the mark, occasionally to the club's overall detriment.

I was not in favour of their “Time to go, Neil” demonstration at Celtic Park last Wednesday. Not because I disagreed with the message but because it seemed like just the sort of action that, not so long ago, ultras of another local club would have pulled to the great amusement of Celtic supporters, as another episode of the “banter years”.

But, as a fan who has had almost no faith in the powers-that-be at Celtic for well in excess of a decade, even I had failed to anticipate the extent and brazenness of the contempt that the Celtic suits were prepared to direct towards the supporters. 

Thousands of supporters had paid hundreds of pounds for season tickets for matches that there was never any real prospect of attending because they wanted to support the club through extraordinary times and help secure the ten-in-a-row record that matters to those of us who care about football. 

Many more had spent eye-watering sums on Adidas kit – which is lovely – but, unless donned by players performing to the standards that should be expected of a Celtic team, is nothing better than lipstick on a pig.

I, for one, was not in the least surprised by the capitulation to Ross County last weekend. Admittedly, I had been taken aback by some of the worst European performances in my lifetime, suffering back-to-back 4-1 defeats by a Sparta Prague side that is, frankly, not a good team.

But as a veteran of the now-infamous 1990s, I know a team that has the Indian Sign over it and this Celtic side definitely qualifies. When a team is in this type of form, naïve fans hope that one good performance will turn it around while others know it usually goes from bad to worse.

So, I had every sympathy with those Celtic fans who got off their backsides and told the Directors, coaches and players what they thought of the whimpering defeat by Ross County.

Were there some regrettable moments? Yes – but spontaneous displays of anger are, by their nature, difficult to control and the essence of the demo was to confront the many impostors currently benefiting from the cash eternally pumped in by the fans with the feelings of the majority of fans.

In response, Lawwell briefed every friendly hack, ex-Celtic employee and blogging shill that the supporters could stick their views where the sun don't shine.

So, my views of the latest Green Brigade banner are more supportive. I have chosen to crop out the image of Neil Lennon because he does still deserve some consideration for his overall contribution to Celtic.

However, he assuredly does not deserve to be Celtic manager. 

Neil can remind us of all he has done over twenty years and he is right. He has, in the past, endured obscene abuse for being a Celtic captain and manager who had the temerity to be an “uppity Tim” in a country that is still nowhere near as welcoming to some communities as many of its citizens would like to believe.

But that doesn't mean that he has the credentials to lead a club that its fans would still like to believe should be a major player on the European scene.

Let's make no mistake – this isn't about the ending of any possibility of a “quintuple treble” – and the quadruple is no formality. (If Ross County was Lennon's Caley Thistle, Hearts could easily prove to be his Raith Rovers.)

This is about an ever-more power-crazed Chief Executive, so determined to control every facet of the club that he has now sabotaged the dressing room. Anyone who has ever worked for one of those managers who prefers to sow division in their own department – making each appointee beholden to them personally – will understand how toxic and fatal to aspirations of success that is.

Lennon is a problem because he is not up to the job; though his reluctance to give up his last big opportunity in football is somewhat understandable.

Peter Lawwell is a problem because he increasingly appears to be a narcissistic megalomaniac, who would cheerfully watch Celtic disintegrate as long as his bonus was paid and no one challenged his monumental ego.

And above the two of them, Dermot Desmond is a problem because he doesn't give a dam about football, never mind Celtic, but sees the club as a means to getting even more money through getting Celtic into another league and turning his investment from lead into gold.

Much is unacceptable about Celtic now – the performances, the professionalism, the attitude of some players, the coaching set-up and the manager.

If there is another demo at Celtic Park on Sunday, the main targets will be Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond – the real unacceptable faces of Celtic Football Club.--

Don't beat about the bush, Brendan – Celtic have bottled it in Europe

For all the great work Brendan Rodgers has done for Celtic – and it is substantial – there remains an elephant in the room.

Many Celtic fans won't want to hear it, never mind accept it, but a key ingredient is missing from the current team – old-fashioned guts.

Following the 3-0 defeat in St Petersburg, Brendan had this to say: “Defensively, we lacked aggression in particular in the first half. We didn’t close the space quickly enough. You talk about defending forward and we didn’t do that well enough, and we conceded poor goals from that...

“At 2-0, we still have an opportunity in the game. We said at half-time that everything was too sideways and backwards and that’s about bravery and courage to play....

“Last week was an outstanding performance and we came into this game with a great opportunity to come through, but if you don’t start with that aggressive mentality, then it’s really difficult for you.”

It is not the first time that the manager has urged his players to have more “courage to play” or “courage on the ball” in Europe and while we have played teams with superior resources, we have also seen the team collapse time, after time.

Gone are the days when Celtic had one of the best home records in the Champions League (and one of the worst away).

We have now lost five Champions League matches – and drawn one – out of the last six at Celtic Park and it is clearly not a place to be feared. If Barcelona, Paris St Germain are cash-rich, the manner of the defeats against them over the last two seasons was alarming.

But the defeats at home to Borussia Monchengladbach and Anderlecht were more worrying. Both clubs had been labouring elsewhere but won in Glasgow without having to break sweat.

Our defeats in European competition have been marked by catastrophic errors and, with a few exceptions, a lack of players with the heart and belief to win.

As Roy Keane (rarely the most measured of judges) said: "You are hoping Celtic can grind out a result to make the supporters proud, but they didn't do that. They needed to show courage. With 20 minutes to go and 3-0 down everyone wanted the ball ... bluffers.”

It is worth noting that Brendan acknowledged the same weakness in his Liverpool side that capitulated when odds-on favourites to win the English Premier League, which does raise some legitimate questions as to what he can do about the situation.

“Bluffers” may be an unkind word as it suggests that the players are taking Celtic fans for a ride, which is, for the most part, unfair.

But with a match looming at Pittodrie against Aberdeen, the Scottish Premiership team most guilty of collapsing on the big occasion, some of their fans might wonder if Scotland's top division has more than one side of bottlers.--

Celtic need a turnaround specialist

Apologies for the recent site glitches which were caused by allowing TwitterFeed access to the blog. Beware.


With the season – and any prospect of Champions League qualification – disintegrating before our eyes, Celtic need a steady hand on the tiller now more than ever. And with the latest rumblings being that change is imminent, it seems like a reasonable time to assess some of the likely candidates to take on the job, even on a short-term basis.

Needless to say, that means that the key man must either not be in a managerial job, for a short-term appointment, or must be in a job he could be tempted to leave in favour of a Celtic that is being run like a church raffle.

Here are a few of the likely and not-so-likely lads to be in the frame.

Wim Jansen
Don't rule it out. Jansen's one and only season at Celtic ended in a famous league title win. To do so, he took a talented squad inherited from Tommy Burns and basically just organised them. The football was nothing special and the team eventually stumbled over the line – failing to win two consecutive league games from February to May. However, his back-to-basics approach might be just what Celtic need.

Verdict: Stranger things have happened

George Burley
Not everyone's ideal choice, not least because he has been thought of as favouring Glasgow's most debt-ridden club. However, having been constantly undermined by the Blue half of the Tennent's sports sponsorship, Burley would relish the chance to cement his credentials as a coach.

He understands Scottish football and don't forget that his Hearts team was top of the SPL when he was sacked.

Verdict: Could do worse

Csaba László
Another man sacked by Hearts, which is no indictment of his abilities, László would be keen to take the job and knows the current SPL teams intimately. In his time with Hearts, they sometimes went from the sublime to the ridiculous but he has at least demonstrated some tactical awareness and motivational abilities.

Verdict: “Age and height restrictions apply”

Willie McStay
Long been rumoured as being groomed for the job one day, his first stint as a manager, with Ujpest, has been encouraging. Ironically, will know little of the current crop of players and has not really shown anything to suggest that he would make a dramatic short-term difference.

Verdict: No-risk option

Howard Wilkinson
Yes, let's consider a few left-field candidates. Wilkinson is not everyone's cup of tea but his coaching credentials are impeccable and he is the current chair of the League Managers Association. Let's not forget that he is still the last English manager to have won the English title.
Verdict: Safe hands

Kenny Dalglish
The last manager to have won the English title with two clubs, Dalglish infamously played a part in the John Barnes “Dream Team” briefly taking over as caretaker before being sacked on the say-so of Martin O'Neill. Some were disappointed in his time as coach but, dealing with an often fractious dressing room he axed a few stars and fired warning shots across the bows of a few others. He also had no fear of the Scottish media.

Verdict: Doesn't need the hassle.

Graeme Souness
And why not? Because most of us still despise the man? Yes, okay, but he's just the sort of person people turn to when they are desperate, though he often makes things worse. Would have to beat the R-word twice and win both remaining trophies to gain supporters trust.

Verdict: Aye, sure!

John Collins
Surprised many with his short-term impact at Hibs, winning the CIS Cup but leaving after a short time. Would almost certainly want to appoint Tommy Craig for his famed abilities to coach in the “pressing” game.

Verdict: Decent outside bet

Mick McCarthy
Wouldn't be everyone's choice and his relegation fight with Wolves would draw parallels with Tony Mowbray. However, he did perform very well with the Republic of Ireland and clearly actually wants the job.

Verdict: Unlikely

Roy Keane
The shadow looms again. What's more important – to be a good manager or to be a close associate of Dermot Desmond? Had a near miraculous start to his managerial career with Sunderland, taking them from bottom of the Championship to division winners in a few months. However, from then on it has all come apart at the seams, much like his adventure holiday as a Celtic player. Has a record of signing appalling players and is currently doing his best to get Ipswich relegated. Has also shown himself to be a quitter when the going gets rough.

Verdict: More probable than any rational person would dare to imagine

Paul Lambert
Many rumours that the powers that be have discussed the possibility of Lambert taking over, perhaps with Henrik Larsson as an assistant. Does a record involving Norwich City, Wycombe Wanderers, Colchester United and Livingston really mean you could step up to be Celtic manager? He has many admirers amongst the Celtic fans, though largely those who wouldn't know a pass-back from a pie and Bovril.

Verdict: Cheap, populist option likely to end in even more tears.

Roy Hodgson
Aye, we know. He already has a job, in London with a Premiership club. Hodgson has been linked with the Celtic job many times and his recent criticism of the “sugar-daddy culture” of football surely makes Celtic, where daddy comes home drunk and eats every morsel in the house, the ideal step up. Believed to be of sound mind so his appointment is therefore admittedly unlikely.

Verdict: At least he's not Sam Allardyce

Co Adriaanse
Yes, let's give his name a run-out. He has been keen to manage Celtic in the past and is currently in one of those “technical advisor” roles that coaches have instead of calling themselves unemployed. A legendary disciplinarian with eccentric methods, he has experience in several countries and won the Portuguese title with FC Porto.

Verdict: Wouldn't be dull

Giovanni Trapattoni
Everyone wants Trapattoni. The current Republic of Ireland manager is currently being courted by Nigeria to guide their World Cup bid but who says he couldn't do any two or even three jobs?

While those who dismiss the possibility think his proponents are living in Cloud Cuckoo Land, most have forgotten one thing: his wages in his current job are being partly covered by an Irish businessman; one Denis O'Brien.

And in what club do you think O'Brien currently holds about a 3% stake?

Verdict: Intriguing prospect

Slaven Bilić
One of the hot tips when Celtic decided to offer the job to Owen Coyle and then Tony Mowbray, Bilić has time on his hands, having recently failed to take Crotia to the World Cup. Very highly rated and thought to be destined for great things, he has nevertheless, never managed a club side but is an excellent organiser, tactician and motivator.

Verdict: Fate decrees otherwise

Leo Beenhakker
Another of the men perennially linked to our job and everyone else's, Beenhakker's recent failure with Poland did nothing to inspire confidence though he remains one of the outstanding coaches of his era. Famously decided enough was enough with our very own Artur Boruc and was described as a disaster for Polish football, which surely made the ears of our Financial Director, Eric Reilly, prick.

Verdict: Would revel in our Dutch defensive abilities

Mark McGhee
Yes, we know. This is what will probably happen. A solid Celtic man who played well for us, McGhee's famed lack of loyalty would ensure that he wouldn't hesitate to run out of Pittodrie without even checking that he had switched the chip pan off. You can tell that he scents an opportunity by his continuing reference to being a Celtic fan, though he would just as quickly manage the Huns, if given a chance.

Verdict: More than likely

Davie Moyes
Practically asked for the job in the summer but, given that he is one of the best British managers in the game, our leaders immediately discounted him from the running. Having seen what is happening with recruitment, he would probably have second thoughts about taking on the job but would be a wonderful appointment.

Verdict: Too good to be true

Mark Hughes
One of those much-touted British managers who has never really matched the hype with measurable achievements, Hughes is, however, conveniently out of work. There is every chance that he could turn the fortunes of the team around with the application of some common sense and a short-term project might appeal to him. However, there would then be the risk that he would be successful and the board would be under pressure to try to keep him, which would fill them with fear.

Verdict: Wouldn't say no

Steve McLaren
Gave us some great laughs as England manager, having been appointed on the basis of a mediocre record with Middlesbrough but McLaren has proved a point about his managerial abilities with an excellent performance in charge of FC Twente. Whether or not he would learn the language as well has he has mastered Dutch remains to be seen but the loveable prat of English football is clearly not a daft as he strives so successfully to appear.

Verdict: Bring your brolly, Steve

Artur Jorge
“... will today be named as Celtic's head coach, ending a ten-week search for the man to take the club into a new era.”

Verdict: Hugh Keevins vindicated at last.

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Celtic hotseat - the runners and riders

Betting is a mug's game. Of that, there can be no doubt. People who advocate speculating your cash on the outcome of sporting events/managerial appointments are the sort who invariably only remember their wins, failing to discuss the times they have blown their lolly on their folly.

So the odds below are useful only as a guide to the expected probability of those listed as candidates for the Celtic job – a position that has probably already been filled.

O Coyle 6/4
The new hero for our time. Personally, I'm an admirer but it's worth noting that he has never managed a club in any top division. There is every chance that he will be the next outstanding Scottish manager. Then again, he might be the next Billy Davies.

Verdict: Too soon

D Ferguson 20/1

These sites don't specify which D Ferguson they are talking about but we must presume they mean Darren, not Derek or Duncan. Darren is currently the manager of the mighty Peterborough Utd, who have just been promoted to the Championship so he is probably within the ideal budget range of our miserable board.

Verdict: You have got to be kidding.

R Aitken 50/1
Good old Roy. If ever there was a made-to-measure Celtic legend, it was the Bear. However, apart from a brief and modestly successful spell as Aberdeen manager (during the club's self-destruct phase), he has little experience in the top job. He is also working with Alex McLeish at Birmingham City but the alleged shoogliness of Eck's peg may tempt him to look elsewhere.

Verdict: Ideal back-room addition.

T Mowbray 9/4
Another well-liked former Celt and respected coach, Tony Mowbray won many admirers during his time managing Hibs. His style of play and youth development were major pluses before he moved to West Bromwich Albion, where he secured promotion. However, his team have just finished bottom of the Premier League.

Verdict: More to prove

D Moyes 28/1
Without a shadow of a doubt, Davie Moyes is the supreme candidate. So good in fact, that we have a snowball's chance in hell of attracting him. His impeccable credentials from successful stints with Everton and Preston North End mean that many more covetous eyes are on him. He would be unlikely to join Celtic with the resources that would be made available.

Verdict: We can dream

R Hodgson 50/1
Once upon a time, Roy Hodgson was the most admired English football manager. He certainly knows his way around a football club with a CV that includes the Swiss national team, Blackburn Rovers, Inter Milan and Fulham, where he has done sterling work.

Verdict: Intriguing possibility but unlikely

C Levein 11/2
It's amazing what an outburst against Mike McCurry can do for a man's popularity. Craig Levein has many qualities, as shown by his ability to make life difficult for Celtic. On the other hand, he has yet to put together a team that can consistently outdo United's smaller rivals. His time at Leicester City was also notable for its mediocrity.

Verdict: Don't even think about it

N Lennon 33/1
Another hugely popular player, some idiots in the tabloids touted him as Gordon Strachan's replacement even as he was being appointed team coach. Neil may or may not make a manager one day – Celtic Park is not a place to test the managerial waters.

Verdict: Nae chance

C Laszlo 66/1
Yes, yes, Csaba, you really were very good last season. One swallow doesn't make a summer.

Verdict: Not a serious contender

A Curbishley 10/1
The Londoner is highly respected from his stints with Charlton Athletic and West Ham Utd and was once allegedly interviewed for the England job. He has never won a trophy as a manager and walked out on the Hammers over the board's interference in team affairs – so why would he go to Celtic.

Verdict: Uninspiring

S McClaren 33/1
One of the great numpties in European football, it would almost be worth giving him the job to see how he would use his linguistic prowess to “talk Scotch”, following his now infamous interview on Dutch TV. Gave us great entertainment as England coach.

Verdict: Might as well appoint Harry Hill

S Eriksson 66/1
A once-great coach who took the greatest generation of English talent and ruined their prospects of winning anything. Who could forget the time he took two injured strikers and a boy who had never played a senior first-team game for his club to a world cup. Boned Ulrika Jonsson – who hasn't?

Verdict: Expensive folly

M McGhee 11/1
Yes, I'm aware of that school of thought. Mark McGhee is admired by the sort of people who think Ross Perot was the greatest president the USA never had. His team finished in the bottom six – enough said.

Verdict: Levein without a neck

S Bilic 33/1
An intriguing possibility, and one of the most exciting coaches in the game. On the down side, he has only ever coached at international level, which doesn't fully prepare him for the rigours of club management. The Scottish press could never accept him – too Catholic-minded.

Verdict: Risky

J Klinsmann 66/1
From the realms of sheer fantasy, we consider the former Bayern Munich manager.

Verdict: Waste no more time

J Collins 16/1
Undoubtedly believes himself to be the best manager around as well as the most handsome little bundle of cuteness ever to flash a winning smile. Surprisingly successful for a short time at Hibs, he has rested on his laurels ever since – and probably Hardy too.

Verdict: They wouldn't dare, would they?

R Martinez 33/1
The sort of name bandied about by people who think they know what they are talking about. He is Spanish and manages Swansea City.

Verdict: Nothing to see here

P Ince 66/1
One of those annoying “hot tips” for managerial greatness, his automatic gub would have fans crying out for the succinct insights of Gordon Strachan in no time. 177 days as Blackburn Manager did nothing to inspire confidence.

Verdict: Pillock

F Smuda 16/1
How the hell did we end up being linked with the 61-year-old manager of Lech Pznan? Franciszek Smuda was, according to unreliable sources, approached some months ago and his name refuses to go away. Just the sort of bizarre idea that Peter Lawwell would come up with.

Verdict: Bloody hope not

S Coppell 33/1
Like watching paint dry, Steve Coppell is the anti-Strachan when it comes to speaking to the media. He bailed on Reading because, not for the first time, he wasn't good enough.

Verdict: Nay, nay and thrice nay!

A McLeish 100/1
Hmm!

Verdict: Obviously not a serious contender.

M McCarthy 16/1
One of the better candidates, we can be sure he wants the job. A quarter-final place in the World Cup and promotion to the Premiership with two teams are evidence of his ability but, if he was to be a top-class manager, would that have shown by now?

Verdict: Could do worse

D O'Leary 50/1
Thankfully David O'Leary's record of ruining clubs by spending outrageous sums makes him a non-starter for Celtic. Never liked him – never will.

Verdict: Bastard

H Larsson 100/1
We love Henke – that's a given. Could still do a better job up front than at least two-thirds of our strikers.

Verdict: Sentimental dreaming

W McStay 16/1
Look, we know Willie McStay is a fantastic youth coach. That doesn't make him a reasonable candidate for the top job.

Verdict: Not likely

M O'Neill 50/1
Yes, yes, we remember the days well. He brought us good times and paid his pals vast sums of money for doing very little. Still, he is doing well with Aston Villa and the hair dye keeps him looking young.

Verdict: Memories should stay memories

K Dalglish 125/1
The return of Kenny would be just the sort of miscalculation that some on the board would deem a masterstroke. Should be the next Scotland manager – but the hacks have another candidate in mind.

Verdict: Mibbes naw

P Lambert 18/1
Get to the car park if they appoint this plonker. Livingston and Wycombe Wanderers say “no”!

Verdict: Hopeless

A Irvine 20/1
Just the sort of middle-ranker who is always linked with jobs he won't get. Something about Preston North End gives coaches credibility they probably don't deserve. Couldn't reach the play-off final. Not exactly Champions Leage material, is it.

Verdict: Zzzzzzzzzz

R Keane 20/1
This is the danger. Surely the oaf that is Dermot Desmond has had enough of this arch quitter. Having indulged Keano in his whim of playing for Celtic, could Desmond yet offer him the managerial post he covets? I wouldn't put it past him.

Verdict: If they dare....

F Rijkaard 50/1
Of course, why wouldn't Frank Rijkaard come to Celtic? What a player he was, though.

Verdict: Sheer fantasy

L Blanc 50/1
I can just hear the dilettantes in the support cooing over the sophisticated choice.

Verdict: Non!




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