New Footy Season 2016/17 ..How's your team doing?

[struth]

Yes, we *need* a proper challenge! I think Hibs coming up (with Neil Lennon at the helm) will make things rather 'interesting' next season, especially in the games against Celtic and Rangers. I hope Dundee Utd join them too, as they deserve to be in the SPL. Not sad to see Inverness Caley go down, though...

Marco.

dont see utd getting there. Hamilton are a better side imo. Still think a rejuggle of British footy is overdue. It will happen one day but probably not in near future.Hibs will need to readjust to a different league and much will depend on how quickly they do that. Its not easy for a side with little money

[struth]

What do you think about my suggestions for where Rangers need to strengthen?

Marco.

must have missed that. TBH they need to strengthen pretty much everywhere. much depends on who goes and if we can get them out. certainly need some good midfielders and full backs, plus central defenders and wingers; plus maybe some strikers too

[struth]

He did indeed, and scored at the Etihad, in the 1-1 draw (a game, much like the one at Celtic Park, we were unlucky not to win)

Marco.

change that, Im getting mixed up with tierney.. doh. (I might add I like him) no, Roberts is an attacking mid. yes no chance of him staying with celtic alas for you. will achieve silly money, unless City go for a part exchange for Dembele

[Marco]

I take your point about Hamilton, but Dundee Utd are a bigger club and traditionally more used to playing consistently in the top league. We'll see what happens in the final playoff, and may the best team win!

I think you're underestimating Hibs, especially the influence of the NL factor, and how tactically astute he is and can get the most out of his players. After BR, in terms of current CVs, Lennon is certainly the best manager in the SPL, as when he was at Celtic, he guided them to the last 16 of the Champions League, beating Barcelona in the process!

Let's see who Hibs sign in the summer, and what kind of quality their squad has, by the time next season starts (Kris Commons will almost certainly be a part of it, I think, as will Anthony Stokes), so there's two quality ex-Celtic players, with goals in them, whom I'm sure will make a big contribution to the success of Hibs next season, which is why I predict them to finish in the top four

Marco.

[Marco]

suppose then next question is does City manager play a overlapping full back. guess also plays as a wide mid. If the answer is yes then he will be in their side as he is a good player. If not then will be sold while he has value, and might be out of celtic's price range

Sure, but trust me, Celtic could afford him, and would push the boat out if necessary to secure the services of such a tried and tested player. Plus, he absolutely loves playing for Celtic, and has a wonderful rapport with the fans, the likes of which I've not seen since Henrik Larsson was there!

Honestly, *if* Guardiola decides that Roberts is surplus to requirements, and wants to sell him while he still has value, Celtic will be favourites to sign him. My gut feeling though, is that he'll be staying at City.

Marco.

[Marco]

change that, Im getting mixed up with tierney.. doh. (I might add I like him) no, Roberts is an attacking mid. yes no chance of him staying with celtic alas for you. will achieve silly money, unless City go for a part exchange for Dembele

Sorry mate, I disagree... He cost City £13m, from Fulham (in 2015), and I doubt he'll have gone up more in value since, simply from playing in the SPL (Celtic's relatively short CL campaign this season aside), so I reckon that if Guardiola was willing to let Roberts go, Celtic would get him for nearer the £8m mark, which given the Champions League money earned this season, they certainly could afford!

However, the Dembele angle you mention is interesting, and I wouldn't be averse to that, in order to retain the services of Roberts, as long as what was left from his transfer fee went on a top-notch replacement. Tierney came through the youth academy at Celtic, but since you've brought him up, would also be worth a fair bit of dosh, as he's now a full Scotland International.

Marco.

[struth]

Wages are the big bugbear if a prem side wants him then the silly wages they offer will scupper most things to most people. you giving him 30k and a side saying 80k its gotta turn a boys head. thats how we lost gilmour. Chelsea offered him a huge wage for a 16 yr old, just on the chance he makes it.
hope you do though

[Marco]

Yeah I agree, but the difference is Roberts loves playing for Celtic (and in front of 60,000 fans at every home game), with the potential next season of having a real crack at the Champions League, and winning some virtually guaranteed domestic trophies, so where else is he likely to get that on a regular basis, and also at such a crucial stage of his career?

Earning big money is one thing (and if he should sign for Celtic, he won't exactly be a pauper - they're already paying his wages for City), but means little in the long term if you're not playing regular first-team football. In any case, I don't think he's that kind of lad (driven purely by money).

That's why I'm absolutely certain that *if* Guardiola should let him go (which unfortunately right now I doubt), Celtic will be the overwhelming favourites to land his signature

Marco.

[struth]

[Marco]

Nice one. For me, with Jose at the helm (who has a superb record in Europe), the result was never in doubt. He did the same with Porto (at Celtic's expense) in 2003, which was a far greater achievement, and it subsequently launched him into the big time.

I'm pleased with the result, not only because Utd are my third team (after Celtic and Liverpool), but because the Champions League needs teams like Man Utd!

I have a hunch that Celtic will face them at some point next season....

Marco.