[FM20] Stuniverse's FM20 Adventure

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 22nd August 2023

Celtic v Slovan Bratislava - European Champions Cup Playoff, 1st Leg

Team Selection

The Bhoys: You've selected an unchanged team but, with the exception of Sikan, this'll be the fourth consecutive match for the players. In the biggest match of the season so far, aren't you worried about tiredness?

Stuniverse: The players have all looked sharp in training and I don't think there's any tiredness there. The season's only just started, these are professional football players so there shouldn't be but, if there was, I would've dealt with it. There's one change on the bench with Mikey Johnston taking a place on the bench after recovering from a knee problem. Jordan Ross makes way for him.

Post-match: Celtic (5) 8-1 (0) Slovan Bratislava

The Bhoys: Well, I guess that counts as a big win. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you. But my players deserve all the plaudits out there, they were truly magnificent tonight. I'd like to say it was a perfect game, but we got sloppy at 6-0 and conceded a totally preventable away goal.

Lawrence Shankland gave us an 8th minute lead after being set on his way by a raking Joe Willock long pass. It was 2-0 after 10 minutes, when Danylo Sikan headed home Anthony Ralston's cross. 3-0 after 19 minutes. Danylo Sikan wins the ball on the halfway line, runs to just outside the penalty area, squares the ball, Lawrence Shankland dribbles into the penalty area and buries the ball in the back of the net. Joe Willock made it 4-0 on 24 minutes after a nice pass by Dennis Praet. Joe Willock then turned provider, on 37 minutes, with a low cross that Danylo Sikan turned in at the near post.

A minute after the restart, a superb diagonal cross-field ball from Stuart Findlay, found Stevie Mallan who crashed the ball into the back of the net. I saw no flag go up, but VAR chalked it off nevertheless. On 61 minutes, Karamoko Dembele crashed the ball against the underside of the crossbar but the ball bounced down and didn't cross the line. On 71 minutes, we make it 6-0, Anthony Ralston's cross is headed onto the crossbar by Lawrence Shankland, but Lawrence reacts quicker than anyone else and stabs the rebound over the line for his hat-trick. Five minutes later, Chancel Mbemba's defensive header lacked distance and we got lazy in midfield, didn't close Robert Bozenik down quickly enough, and he pulled one back for them with a sensational long-range shot. On 78 minutes we made it 7-1, Dennis Praet heading home Stevie Mallan's corner at the far post. On 84 minutes, assisted by Chancel Mbemba's precision pass, Stevie Mallan scored with a spectacular shot from distance that went in off the post for 8-1.

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

 

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Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

25 August 2023

FARINEZ WORK PERMIT GRANTED, TRANSFER DELAYED

The Bhoys: There's good news and bad news regarding Celtic's attempts to sign Watford's 25 year-old Venezuelan goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez. The good new is that a work permit has been granted on appeal, but the bad news is Celtic have requested the transfer be delayed a week and The Bhoys aren't entirely sure. Celtic do have a work permit application in for Kaiserslautern's Constantin Frommann although whether there's a correlation between the two, we're not sure.

[Stuniverse]

25 August 2023

FROMMANN WORK PERMIT REJECTED

The Bhoys: Celtic have appealed after the work permit application for Kaiserslautern's 25 year-old goalkeeper Constantin Frommann was declined.

[Stuniverse]

Friday 25th August 2023

Pre-match v Dundee (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (3)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Given your 8-1 demolition of Slovan Bratislava, does that ease the pressure on your team selection for the Dundee Premiership match, knowing you can play the second string in the Tehelne Pole next week and still win through?

Stuniverse: I tend not to think like that. I always pick a team to win the fixture we're about to play and I worry aout the next game after the final whistle.

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg).

Doubtful: Dane Murray (thigh-90), Paddy McKee (fractured arm-90), Barry Hepburn (calf-90).

 

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[Stuniverse]

Saturday 26th August 2023

Celtic v Dundee - Ladbrokes Premiership (3)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: You've hardly made any changes so far this season. Why've you gone for five changes today?

Stuniverse: We want to be successful across four different competitions this season and, if we are as successful as we want to be, that's going to be far too many games for any player to be ever-present. We'll need the squad and I thought today was as good a time as ever to freshen things up a bit.

Stephen Findlay comes in at centre-back for Scott McKellar. Brandon Williams replaces Greg Taylor at left-back. In central midfield, Ewan Henderson and Scott McTominay start so Stevie Mallan and Dennis Praet can have a rest. On the left-wing, Mikey Johnston gets a run-out after recovering from his knee problem, with Joe Willock on the bench.

Post-match: Celtic (1) 5-0 (0) Dundee

The Bhoys: Five changes and you didn't skip a beat. Dembele was on another level today compared to everyone else, another planet even.

Stuniverse: I thought all the players were magnificent today, especially the five who haven't played much this season. But Karamoko Dembele... I'm not sure I have the words. It's hard enough for a player to score two goals in a Premiership game, let alone a hat-trick, but Karamoko scored four. He's a brilliant, young player, he works so hard and deserves all the plaudits coming his way.

We only scored one goal in the first-half. A lovely passing move by us on 28 minutes ended with Karamoko Dembele smashing the ball into the back of the net.

Three minutes after the restart, Ewan Henderson was unlucky when his curling shot, from outside the penalty area, bounced back off the post. Karamoko Dembele scored his, and our, second goal of the game on 54 minutes after good work by Ewan Henderson. On 66 minutes, Karamoko Dembele went on a scintillating run into the penalty area and was tripped; Karamoko took the penalty himself and calmly slotted it away for his hat-trick. On 72 minutes, Karamoko scored his fourth goal of the game. Brandon Williams's cross was headed out straight to Karamoko, who fired the ball into the net in off the post. Two minutes later, Scott McTominay played a delightfully chipped pass from one side of the pitch to the other, and Anthony Ralston made it 5-0, dribbling into the penalty area and thundering the ball into the roof of the net.

Peter Grant (Hearts manager):

The Bhoys: With an 8-1 first leg lead over Slovan Bratislava, will you be giving your key players the night off at the Tehelne Pole next week?

Stuniverse: It's a possibility. I haven't decided yet though.

 

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Edited April 8, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

27 August 2023

CELTIC TOP ON THEIR OWN

The Bhoys: Rangers lost 2-0 at Kilmarnock today and are three points behind Celtic after only three Premiership fixtures. Celtic, who demolished Dundee 5-0 yesterday, are now clear at the top on their own.

[kidthekid]

I think the reason why Idah didn't want to join Celtic was because he had just signed for Hibs. From my experience, regardless of the club, a player usually won't leave a club during the same window he was signed.

[Stuniverse]

5 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

I think the reason why Idah didn't want to join Celtic was because he had just signed for Hibs. From my experience, regardless of the club, a player usually won't leave a club during the same window he was signed.

Yes, that was my thought as well, @kidthekid.

And I thought he loved me...

Edited April 8, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

29 August 2023

CELTIC SIGN FROMMANN

The Bhoys: Celtic have confirmed the signing of 25 year-old goalkeeper Constantin Frommann from FC Kaiserslautern until the summer of 2026 for an initial fee of £1M.

New Celtic manager Stuniverse could be set to overhaul the goalkeeping department as Celtic received a work permit for Watford's 25 year-old Venezuelan international goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez a few days ago, but requested the transfer be delayed a week. Either that, or Frommann was Stuniverse's first-choice and he was waiting to see if the German was granted a work permit.

At this stage The Bhoys have no ida whether current No. 1 goalkeeper, Turkish international, Ugurcan Cakir will remain the first-choice. Cakir is in his third season as Celtic goalkeeper after joining from Trabzonspor for £9.5M in January 2022 and has not let Celtic down in the time he’s been here.

Wuilker Farinez

Ugurcan Cakir

Edited April 8, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

30 August 2023

FARINEZ SIGNS FOR CELTIC - ANOTHER GOALKEEPER?!?!

The Bhoys: Celtic have announced the signing of Watford's 25 year-old Venezuelan international goalkeeper on Wuilker Farinez on a contract until the summer of 2027, for a fee of £2.5M (£7.25 [£9.5M]). After Constantin Frommann arrived from Kaiserslautern earlier this week, Farinez is the second goalkeeper Celtic manager Stuniverse has signed and the club effectively have five first-team goalkeepers on the books.

Edited April 8, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

30 August 2023

CELTIC HAVE FIVE GOALKEEPERS

The Bhoys: Celtic signed two goalkeepers, Constantin Frommann and Wuilker Farinez this week, giving manager Stuniverse five first-team goalkeepers to choose from. Here at The Bhoys we don't understand this, our #1 and Turkish international goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir is in his third season at Celtic and is a very good goalkeeper. Mark Gillespie and Scott Bain are very competent back-ups. 

Let's take a closer look at the five goalkeepers.

1. Mark Gillespie

13. Ugurcan Cakir

21. Wuilker Farinez

29. Scott Bain

41. Constantin Frommann

Edited April 8, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

30 August 2023

20 PLAYERS CALLED UP FOR INTERNATIONAL DUTY

The Bhoys: Celtic have had 20, that's right, TWENTY players called up for international duty, including eight called-up by Scotland manager Steve Clarke.

The Bhoys have questioned some of new Celtic manager Stuniverse's signings this summer but, to be fair, five of his eight signings are full internationals.

Celtic have two fixtures before the international break, away at Slovan Bratislava in the European Champions Cup Playoff second-leg and away to Aberdeen in the Premiership.

[Stuniverse]

Wednesday 30th August 2023

Pre-match v Slovan Bratislava (a) - European Champions Cup Playoff Second Leg

Match Preview

The Bhoys: What's the thinking behind signing two goalkeepers, adding to the three very good goalkeepers already here?

Stuniverse: Timing. Plain and simple. Wuilker Farinez is a Venezuelan international, with 51 caps to his name, and that fact alone speaks volumes. Constantin Frommann has already played over 100 league games and he has a lot of potential. They were both available this summer and the opportunity to bring them both to Celtic Park was too good to miss.

The Bhoys: With an 8-1 advantage from the first-leg at Celtic Park, this one's a dead rubber isn't it? Will you be resting players so they're fully fit for Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Saturday?

Stuniverse: Well, if we don't progress to the Group Stage tonight, we want shooting [laughs]. You're right though, it does change the way we're approaching the team selection with, perhaps, more of an eye on the Aberdeen game on Sunday than we normally would have.

Unregistered: Constantin Frommann, Will Rutherford, Wuilker Farinez.

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg).

Doubtful: Dane Murray (thigh-90), Paddy McKee (fractured arm-90), Barry Hepburn (calf-90).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

 

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Edited April 8, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Wednesday 30th August 2023

Slovan Bratislava v Celtic - European Champions Cup Playoff Second Round

Team Selection

The Bhoys: I make that five changes tonight and something of a makeshift team, wouldn't you say?

Stuniverse: I wouldn't exactly say makeshift but, I'll admit, it's probably not the side I would've selected, nor the bench, if the score after the first-leg was closer. I want to be clear, though, we want to win tonight and I have faith in this side to get the win.

Dane Murray (DC), Joe Willock (WBR), Stuart McJanet (MR), Jordan Ross (SC) and Armstrong Oko-Flex (SC) come in for Chancel Mbemba, Anthony Ralston, Karamoko Dembele, Lawrence Shankland and Danylo Sikan.

Post-match: Slovan Bratislava (0) 2-3 (2) Celtic
Celtic win 11-3 on aggregate

The Bhoys: The least said about the second-half the better, I think, but you won on the night and you've reached the Group Stage 11-3 on aggregate.

Stuniverse: Yes. I think you're right. I thought we played well in the first 45, but after the break we lost concentration and got sloppy. But I'm pleased that having let them get back level, we knuckled down and were able to find a winner.

We took the lead after 10 minutes. Ewan Henderson released Jordan Ross, his effort was saved by the goalkeeper's legs, but Armstrong Oko-Flex slotted home the rebound. A minute later it was 2-0. Stuart McJanet won the ball, Ewan Henderson put Jordan Ross away again, and this time Jordan made no mistake with a composed finish.

After the break we weren't concentrating and they headed in a corner before we'd even been back out a minute. That wasn't good enough. Another corner on 52 minutes, and it's all square at 2-2. On 81 minutes we restored our lead, Dane Murray outj-umping their goalkeeper to head in Paul Shankland's free-kick.

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: You've made eight signings already in your short time at Celtic Park. With the transfer window due to close shortly, can we expect any more in or outs?

Stuniverse: Well, you can never say never, but I think we're about done as far as ins are concerned. I think Jordan Ross did enough tonight to convince me we don't need to bring anybody in to cover for Fraser Hornby's broken leg. I'm more concerned about keeping hold of our best players as we've had to knock-back a number of bids for Chancel Mbemba, Dennis Praet, Karamoko Dembele and Ewan Henderson.

 

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Edited April 8, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

31 August 2023

CELTIC HANDED TOUGH CHAMPIONS CUP GROUP

The Bhoys: Celtic have been handed a very tough European Champions Cup Group draw. Celtic are in Group C and will face Barcelona, Dortmund and Lyon.

For Celtic manager Stuniverse, who has won all six competitive matches so far in his short managerial career at Celtic, now it suddenly gets very real.

[Stuniverse]

31 August 2023

CELTIC - SEPTEMBER FIXTURES

The Bhoys: In September, Celtic will face four Premiership fixtures, an away trip to Dortmund in their opening European Champions up Group C match, and the Betfred Cup Quarter-Final at home to Dundee United.

[Stuniverse]

1 September 2023

TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSED

The Bhoys: As Celtic manager Stuniverse predicted, it turned out to be a quiet transfer deadline day at Celtic Park. Celtic didn't add to the nine players they brought in this summer, whilst the only player leaving was 21 year-old attacking midfielder Evangelos Patoulidis who joined Ligue 1 Amiens SC to aid his development.

Stuniverse will be most pleased that he kept all his best players at Celtic, although Paris Saint-Germain did have two deadline day bids for Celtic captain Dennis Praet rejected.

 

[Stuniverse]

1 September 2023

CELTIC SWEEP MONTHLY AWARDS

The Bhoys: Celtic manager Stuniverse wins Premiership Manager of the Month as Celtic sweep the Awards.

Manager of the Month:

Player of the Month:

Young Player of the Month:

Goal of the Month:

Edited April 8, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 2nd September 2023

Pre-match v Aberdeen (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (4)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: How are the lads doing after your long midweek trip to Slovakia?

Stuniverse: We had a great win on the night but there was a lot of travelling for all concerned. We've got a lot of tired legs in the squad and we'll have to see tomorrow morning who's recovered and fit enough to play. Our captain, Dennis Praet has gashed his leg and looks doubtful.

The Bhoys: I hope that's not a case of getting your excuses in early.

Stuniverse: No, of course not. But it is the reality of the situation. Our amazing 8-1 first-leg win, allowed us to use the squad in the second-leg. Hopefully, we'll benefit from that at Pittodrie and be able to put out a team with fresh legs and the energy to outplay Aberdeen

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg), Dennis Praet (gashed leg).

Doubtful: Dane Murray (thigh-90), Paddy McKee (fractured arm-90), Barry Hepburn (calf-90), Dane Murray (jaded), Brandon Williams (jaded), Stuart McJanet (jaded), Ewan Henderson (jaded), Mikey Johnson (jaded), Armstrong Oko-Flex (jaded).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

David Moyes (Aberdeen manager):

 

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Edited April 8, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Sunday 3rd September 2023

Aberdeen v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership (4)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: That's eight changes, I reckon. That's a lot.

Stuniverse: Yes, quite a few changes today. Anthony Ralston (DR), Scott McKellar (DC), Chancel Mbemba (DC), Greg Taylor (DL), Karamoko Dembele (WR), Stevie Mallan (MC), Lawrence Shankland (SC) and Danylo Sakin (SC) all come in for Dane Murray, Stuart Findlay, Brandon Williams, Stuart McJanet, Ewan Henderson, Mikey Johnstone, Jordan Ross and Armstrong Oko-Flex.

Post-match: Aberdeen (0) 0-3 (0) Celtic

The Bhoys: A comfortable win in the end but were you worried at all that the goal was never going to come?

Stuniverse: Not really. I thought we were always in control of the game and looked a constant threat, whereas defensively we held Aberdeen at bay very effectively. There was still half-an-hour to go when we opened the scoring so it wasn't like we left it to the last minute or anything.

We broke the deadlock on the hour mark. Anthony Ralston played the ball in towards the near post and Karamoko Dembele rifled it home. On 70 minutes, we doubled our lead. Stevie Mallan's free-kick bounced back off the post and Chancel Mbemba was on hand to score from close range. On 80 minutes, it was 3-0, Lawrence Shankland heading in a Stevie Mallan corner.

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: Leeds manager Leonardo Jardim was at Pittodrie Stadium today, rumoured to be looking at your goalkeeper who he's interested in signing.

Stuniverse: Was he? That's news to me. If he was here, I can tell him this, Ugurcan Cakir is not for sale.

The Bhoys: What are your plans for the international break?

Stuniverse: Well we've got 20-odd players away on international duty so there's not a huge amount we can do without that many players, apart from hoping they all come back fit and healthy. So we'll probably give the rest of the squad a few days off and then start our preparations for the home game against Livingston.

 

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Edited April 9, 2020 by Stuniverse

[JaytheGreat]

I love how arrogant  The Bhoys are, wonder what they'll say after your first loss? Some interesting transfers including picking apart Hibernian for striker talent, and 5 contracted GKs, do we have to worry about manager Stuniverse transforming into Igor Stimac before our very eyes? Strong performances so far, hopefully they continue. 

[Stuniverse]

6 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

I love how arrogant  The Bhoys are, wonder what they'll say after your first loss?

Thanks, @JaytheGreat. LOL. When I did the first Celtic post on here I realised BairnsNews and HibsView had been pretty similar. Thought I’d try something different to reflect we'd gone up to a whole new level of expectancy at Celtic, off-the-scale probably compared to Falkirk and Hibs. I’m trying (with some difficulty, I might add, as a Derby County supporter) to get into the head of a supporter who expects, no demands, the team wins every single game.

I also wanted to try and keep it interesting for you all to read.

How am I doing?

6 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

Some interesting transfers including picking apart Hibernian for striker talent

In many ways it was a no-brainer to go back to Hibs and, after all, they didn't have to sell me those players. I knew Lawrence Shankland, Fraser Hornby and Stevie Mallan could do a job for Celtic in the SPL, they'd proved it being star players when Hibs finished 3rd. Here’s the thing, though. Mallan got 30 assists last season. My coaches rate him about 5th in the pecking order of midfielders, yet when I set my Team instructions, Mallan had the highest rating for corners, free-kicks, and penalties. So he’s on all of those and is leading the club for assists with five. Him and Dennis Praet have been outstanding.

Anthony Ralston wasn't in my mind to take, originally, but when I realised my main right-back was out with a broken leg, and there was a distinct lack of defenders, and I needed to bring defenders in quickly before the season started, I knew Ralston would be a safe pair of feet.

6 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

and 5 contracted GKs

I don’t rate the two back-ups I inherited (Scott Bain and Mark Gillespie), although I’m struggling to get my head around correlating the stars with the scout / coach reports. It’s not consistent that two star always equals this, and three stars equals that, so I’m not entirely sure how to interpret them. Also, as with Constantin Frommann (and a few others), the CA and PA is higher from the scouts, than it is the coaches after the player signs. The coach I use (Steve Wigley) has Judging Ability=16 and Judging Potential=16 so he should be pretty reliable.

Also, when budgets allow, I like to have two goalkeepers who are good enough to be #1. For the first time in this save (season five) Celtic have the budget to allow me to do that, but I was in two minds whether to confirm or reject Wuilker Farinez’s deal after the week’s delay. My scouts say he’ll be our best goalkeeper CA with more potential PA than any of the others, but now I've accepted my coaches have him slightly behind my current #1 Ugurcan Cakir but with more potential.

I did try and offload Gillespie on a free transfer, but I got no takers due to his wage demands.

6 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

do we have to worry about manager Stuniverse transforming into Igor Stimac before our very eyes?

LOL. Maybe? Igor is my idol after all (if you don't get this, check out my [FM19] Derby County - Director of Football save - link at end of this post). To be fair, there's still a good sized transfer budget left, and there's money left in the wage budget, so I haven't blown it all.

6 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

Strong performances so far, hopefully they continue. 

Thank you. So do I... although I guess Barcelona, Dortmund and Lyon will have something to say about that.

Stuniverse

In case you’re interested in why JaytheGreat wonders if I’m transforming into Igor Stimac, here’s my [FM19] Derby County - Director of Football challenge:

 

Edited April 9, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 16th September 2023

Pre-match v Livingston (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (5)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Rangers dropped points when they drew 2-2 at Hearts earlier. Celtic will go five points clear of your arch rivals by beating Livingston at Celtic Park.

Stuniverse: You're getting a bit ahead of yourself. We're determined to get a win though and, you're right, the league table will have a nice look to it if we d.

The Bhoys: How are things looking after the international break?

Stuniverse: There's good news and bad news. All 21 of our internationals reported back fine on Thursday but, in training, Chancel Mbemba pulled his abdominal muscle, Danylo Sikan twisted his knee, Scott McTominay bruised his shin, and Dennis Praet is still healing from a gashed leg.

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg), Chancel Mbemba (abdominal), Danylo Sikan (knee).

Doubtful: Dennis Praet (gashed leg-90), Scott McTominay (shin-90).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

 

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 16th September 2023

Celtic v Livingston - Ladbrokes Premiership (5)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: Three changes today, all due to injury?

Stuniverse: Yeah. Sadly, yes. Stuart Findlay (DC) replaces Chancel Mbemba (abdominal muscle), Ewan Henderson (MC) replaces Scott McTiminay (shin) and Jordan Ross (SC) steps in for Danylo Sikan (knee).

Post-match: Celtic (1) 4-0 (0) Livingston

The Bhoys: Well the first-half was disappointing but you smashed it after the break.

Stuniverse: I think you're being a bit harsh there. We played well, I thought, in the first-half and if it wasn't for their goalkeeper we could've scored three or four. As it was, it took until three minutes before half-time for us to score when a sweeping cross by Stevie Mallan was turned in at the far post by Joe Willock.

Joe Willock scored his, and our, second on 56 minutes, heading in Karamoko Dembele's cross at the far post. On 66 minutes, Karamoko Dembele received a throw-in from Anthony Ralston, beat his man, ran into the penalty area, and slotted the ball home for 3-0. Two substitutes combined for 4-0 after 81 minutes with Armstrong Oko-Flex heading in Brandon Williams's cross.

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: Henderson went off after 11 minutes. That was a cruel blow. Any news?

Stuniverse: Ewan's twisted his knee. My medical team are hopeful he'll be back again in about a week.

The Bhoys: Played five, won five, five points clear of Rangers, seven clear of anybody else. Nice.

Stuniverse: Thank you. It's early days but, yes, we want to win the Premiership and we're looking good value to do that at the moment, but we can't rest on our laurels, we have to continue to work hard.

 

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Monday 18th September 2023

Pre-match v Borussia Dortmund (a) - European Champions Cup, Group C (1)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: You've been expected to win in every competitive match this season and, to be fair, you have won them all. But tomorrow you are the underdogs against Dortmund. How will you approach the match in Germany, given you've already lost to one German side, Koln, in pre-season?

Stuniverse: Borussia Dortmund are favourites for a reason so, we know, it's going to be a very difficult game. At Hibs, and Falkirk before that, we got good results as the underdogs although, by the very nature of being underdog, you're not going to win them all. First and foremost, you have to be confident and believe you can get the result. We have some quality players here and we know we're capable. Then you have to work hard, you have to work harder than them on the pitch. And, finally, you have to eliminate individual errors. It doesn't guarantee a win, but if we can do all of those things, we'll give ourselves a fighting chance.

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg).

Doubtful: Ewan Henderson (knee-90), Dennis Praet (gashed leg-90), Chancel Mbemba (abdominal-90), Danylo Sikan (knee-90).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

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[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 19th September 2023

Borussia Dortmund v Celtic - European Champions Cup, Group C (1)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: You've made three changes, but aren't you rushing players back from injury too soon?

Stuniverse: Three changes, yes. Our captain Dennis Praet returns after a gashed leg in place of Ewan Henderson (twisted knee), Chancel Mbemba's abdominal muscle strain is much better and he's in for Stuart Findlay, up front, Danylo Siko has recovered from his own knee issue and replaces Jordan Ross. Our medical team have cleared all three of them to play, otherwise we wouldn't have selected them. This is a big game for us, but it's not bigger than the welfare of our players.

The Bhoys: Good luck.

Stuniverse: Thank you.

Post-match: Borussia Dortmund (1) 2-0 (0) Celtic

The Bhoys: Well you weren't embarrassed... but you still lost. Did you show Dortmund too much respect by defending like you did?

Stuniverse: Although we went 4-4-2 cautious, I thought we started pretty well and created a couple of good chances. Their goalkeeper made a stunning save to deny Stevie Mallan. But then on 20 minutes, Scott McKellar should've done better defending a free-kick, we're beaten at the far post, and they head in for 1-0.

In the second-half, we pushed forward more to try and get an equaliser, first positive, then attacking with the wingers pushed on, and then very attacking in the last 10 minutes. We did put them under pressure and created a couple of decent efforts, but it left us more open at the back. With two minutes to go, Dortmund produced a fine passing move which ended with a shot into the roof of our net.

Carlo Ancelotti (Borussia Dortmund manager):

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: Barcelona beat Lyon 5-0 so at least you're not bottom of the Group. You'll need to play a lot better than that though if you want to be anything other than whipping boys in this Group.

Stuniverse: There's still five games left in the Group. We'll learn from this and be better next time.

 

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Edited April 9, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

22 September 2023

MCTOMINAY UNHAPPY WITH CELTIC PLAYING TIME

The Bhoys have it on good authority that Celtic's 26 year-old midfielder Scott McTominay is unhappy with his playing time following the arrival of 27 year-old Stevie Mallan from Hibernian.  The last we heard, club captain Dennis Praet had talked to McTominay but was unable to resolve the situation.  Since then, we understand, Celtic manager Stuniverse has spoken to McTominay and the former Manchester United player appears to have reacted well to the chat.

Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

24 September 2023

PATERSON WILL JOIN CELTIC IN JANUARY

The Bhoys: Celtic have agreed a deal to bring Cardiff City's 28 year-old midfielder Callum Paterson to Celtic Park on a £5.5M deal on a contract until the summer of 2027. Paterson, we understand, will join Celtic as a squad player with manager Stuniverse being impressed by Paterson's leadership qualities and his ability to play many different positions in a utility player role.

 

Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Sunday 24th September 2023

Pre-match v  Hibernian (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (6)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Your first return to Easter Road since leaving in the summer to become manager of Celtic. Will it be an emotional day for you?

Stuniverse: Probably. I only had one season at Easter Road, but it was a very successful season. I don't think I would've even been considered for this job by Ian Bankier (Chairman) otherwise. In some ways, it's a shame I only got to manage there for a short period but, as I've said many times before, the opportunity to manage Celtic was too good to turn down.

The important thing to remember, though, is that this game isn't about me, or Alex Neil (Celtic manager), but it's about the players. We've trained hard since getting back from Germany, we're thoroughly prepared, and we're confident.

The Bhoys: How tired are the players after travelling all that way to Dortmund and back and returning with nothing to show for it?

Stuniverse: Well, nothing in terms of points, but the players - particularly the younger players - will be better players for the experience. The majority of our players showed no ill-effects in training but Chancel Mbemba is definitely out, I think, he's only just recovered from pulling adominal muscles, Chancel did well to get through the entire game in midweek but he's been struggling a bit since. We'll also need to make a late decision on Danylo Sikan (knee) and Ewan Henderson (knee).

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg).

Doubtful: Ewan Henderson (knee-90), Chancel Mbemba (abdominal/jaded-90), Danylo Sikan (knee-90).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

 

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Sunday 24th September 2023

Hibernian v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership (6)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: After a long, tiring week of travel, just the three changes in the end, but you've sprung a surprise in goal. Cakir is a fantastic goalkeeper, why've you dropped him?

Stuniverse: Yes. Three changes. Ugurcan Cakir hasn't missed a minute for us this season, and he's also been away and played for Turkey, so we felt now was good timing to let him catch his breath a bit. It also gives us an opportunity to start integrating Wuilker Farinez and have a closer look at him.

The other two changes are both precautionary more than anything, but better to be safe than sorry after the game. Stuart Findlay (DC) comes in for Chancel Mbemba (abdominal/jaded) and Armstrong Oko-Flex (SC) replaces Danylo Sikan (knee).

Post-match: Hibernian (0) 1-2 (1) Celtic

The Bhoys: A good win, but your former club gave you a tough match, didn't they?

Stuniverse: Yes. And it was no more than we expected. Hibs finished 3rd last season and I know only too well how good they were last season. We took four of their players with us, but they also got a hell of a lot of money off us in fair exchange and Alex Neil, who's a very good manager, has spent it wisely. Six of his new signings started today and they all looked good acquisitions. I expect Hibs, after the way they played against us today, to be right up there challenging Rangers again for 2nd place.

The first-half was very even and end-to-end, but I thought we deservedly edged it. On 11 minutes their goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, who I know very well, made a fantastic triple save first from Stevie Mallan, then Lawrence Shankland, and finally Karamoko Dembele. On 25 minutes, we took the lead in a very even contest. Wuilker Farinez hit a superb clearance to Anthony Ralston out wide right, who found Karamoko Dembele in the middle, and Karamoko powered forward before smashing the ball into the roof of the net from just outside the 'D'.

Three minutes after the restart, we were 2-0 up with a breathtaking counter-attack. Scott McKellar headed the ball out of our penalty area, Karamoko Dembele won it and passed it, Joe Willock ran half the length of the pitch with it, before slotting Armstrong Oko-Flex in, Armstrong drew the goalkeeper before unselfishly rolling the ball to the right to present Lawrence Shankland with an open goal and Lawrence doesn't miss those. On 88 minutes, Jeisson Vargas pulled them right back into it at 2-1 with a stunning free-kick. We went very defensive then, looked to waste time, and we saw the game out without Farinez being troubled in our goal; in fact, I think we created the best chance in that closing two plus three or four minutes.

The Bhoys: The Celtic fans love Cakir, but they gave Farinez a rousing reception, what did you make to his debut in goal?

Stuniverse: I thought Wuilker Farinez was outstanding today. Hibs carved out some good chances and Wuilker produced a couple of a wonder saves in the first-half. He looked at home with our back-four and commanded his area. I thought Wuilker's distribution added an extra dimension to our play. It gives me a headache now as I have two fantastic goalkeepers to select from in Wuilker and Ugurcan and that's exactly what I was hoping for when I signed Wuilker, with Constantin Frommann being signed, around the same time, more as one for the future.

Stuniverse (Celtc manager):

The Bhoys: That's six wins out of six... you must be delighted with the start to your Celtic career?

Stuniverse: Yes. Absolutely. Domestically, it couldn't have gone much better. This is my third season managing in the Premiership and, in the previous two, with first Falkirk, and then Hibs, I've seen first-hand how quickly Celtic accelerate out of the blocks and blow the other teams away. I'm delighted to see my Celtic team are following in that proud tradition and now we have another 32 Premiership games to make sure we win the Premiership title for Celtic again.

The Bhoys: Rangers were held to a 0-0 draw by Aberdeen at Ibrox so you're now seven points clear of three teams all on 11 points.

Stuniverse: Early days still, but a seven point lead already, after just six games, has set us up very nicely at this early stage of the season.

 

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

25 September 2023

BROWN RETURNS TO CELTIC PARK

The Bhoys: Celtic legend Scott Brown is back at the club, joining the U18 coaching staff.

Welcome back, Scott.

Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[samboing]

I think a previous comment about you turning into Igor may be coming true haha. Plenty of options in goal and through the midfield now, where are you planning on using Paterson as clearly the lad plays pretty much anywhere you want him too 

[Stuniverse]

37 minutes ago, samboing said:

I think a previous comment about you turning into Igor may be coming true haha. Plenty of options in goal and through the midfield now, where are you planning on using Paterson as clearly the lad plays pretty much anywhere you want him too 

Hehehehe, @samboing. When players come to me whinging, I’ve always dealt with it myself but, for the first time ever, at either Falkirk or Hibs, I forget which, I asked my captain to resolve issues with players and he was very successful at it. Just remembered it was Paul Hanlon with leadership of 14 at Hibs.

So when Scott McTominay whinged about his playing time, I asked my captain Dennis Praet to resolve (leadership = 12) and he was unsuccessful. At this point, I decided I needed more leaders so I searched my scout reports for Scottish players with high leadership. Pickings were slim, but Callum Paterson and his leadership of 15 stood out, and he was happy to sign as a squad player for a salary of around £22K p/w which is very reasonable for Celtic.

I probably won’t know where he’s going to play until he arrives. If Dennis is open to handing over the captaincy, or if I ever sell him for big bucks, Callum can become club captain. At the moment, I think he’ll be a bench player as his ability to play many positions will be an asset and give me more flexibility in picking the rest of the subs.

Right-back Tin Jedvaj, out with a broken leg, was on the transfer list when I arrived; if there’s a reason for that I discover once he’s fit, and I offload Tin, then Callum may be RB cover for Anthony Ralston.

Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 26th September 2023

Pre-match v Dundee United (H) - Betfred Cup Quarter-Final

Match Preview

The Bhoys: You haven't had much time to prepare for the Quarter-Final but you should still breeze past Dundee United at Celtic Park. Are there any issues with the squad?

Stuniverse: A few, Scott McKellar and Karamoko Dembele are looking a bit jaded after Sunday's game at Easter Road and Scott Bain has picked up a bruised ankle in training.

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg).

Doubtful: Ewan Henderson (knee-90), Chancel Mbemba (abdominal-90), Danylo Sikan (knee-90), Scott Bain (ankle-90), Scott McKellar (jaded-90), Karamoko Dembele (jaded-90).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

Graham Potter (Southampton manager):

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Wednesday 27th September 2023

Celtic v Dundee United - Betfred Cup Quarter-Final

Team Selection

The Bhoys: Three changes tonight.

Stuniverse: Yes. Ugurcan Cakir (GK) is back in goal instead of Wuiker Farinez. Chancel Mbemba (DC) (addominal) comes in for Scott McKellar (jaded). Mikey Johnston (ML), comes in for Karamoko Dembele (jaded) with Joe Willock moving across from the left- to the right-wing.

Post-match: Celtic (1) 3-1 (0) Dundee United

The Bhoys: You cruised through to the Semi-Finals. Congratulations.

Stuniverse: Thank you, although I wouldn't say we cruised it. Dundee United gave us a good game and made us work for it. We took the lead in the 17th minute. Joe Willock tracked his man across the width of the pitch before winning the ball back, Stevie Mallan and Dennis Praet combined, released Mikey Johnstone down the left, before crossing into the penalty area where Joe Willock was on hand to put the ball in the back of the net.

Armstrong Oko-Flex made it 2-0 on 56 minutes, heading in Mikey Johnston's cross at the near post. Two minutes later in was 3-0 when Lawrence Shankland volleyed home Armstrong Oko-Flex's chipped pass. On 64 minutes, Dundee United sprung our backline and it was 3-1, but we regained our concentration and saw the game out.

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

28 September 2023

SEMI-FINAL AGAINST KILMARNOCK

The Bhoys: Celtic have been drawn against Kilmarnock in the semi-final of the Betfred Cup. Kilmarnock are currently 2nd in the Premiership.

The other semi-final is between Dundee and Dunfermline, the only non-Premiership side left in the competition.

Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Friday 29th September 2023

Pre-match v Inverness Caledonian Thistle (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (7)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Since this match against Inverness at the Caledonian Stadium should be a formality, will your team selection be made more with next week's Champions Cup match against Barcelona in mind?

Stuniverse: Possibly. Yes. But first and foremost we need to maximise our chances of beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle. We have enough time to recover for the Barcelona game afterwards.

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg).

Doubtful: Chancel Mbemba (abdominal-90), Scott McTominay (thigh-90), Danylo Sikan (knee-90), Ewan Henderson (knee-90), Scott Bain (ankle-90).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

 

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 30th September 2023

Inverness Caledonian Thistle v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership (7)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: Three changes today. Are you rotating your goalkeepers now?

Stuniverse: Yes, Wuilker Farinez returns in goal for Ugurcan Cakir. For now, with us having a lot of cup games coming up, Wuilker is our league goalkeeper and Ugurcan our cup goalkeeper. In defence, two changes with Scott McKellar (DC) and Brandon Williams (DL) for Chancel Mbemba (abdomen) and Greg Taylor.

Post-match: Inverness Caledonian Thistle (0) 0-3 (1) Celtic

The Bhoys: Never in doubt.

Stuniverse: Well I wouldn't say that, exactly, I felt it was a closer game than the scoreline suggests but Inverness never really looked like beating Wiulker Farinez in our goal. After 20 minutes we broke the deadlock, when Armstong Oko-Flek turned in Mikey Johnstone's low cross to the near post.

Armstrong Oko-Flek scored his second on 68 minutes, after Lawrence Shankland flicked on Wiulker Farinez's goalkick into his path. On 71 minutes, Armstrong Oko-Flek was tripped as he drove into the penalty area, and Jordan Ross converted the spot-kick. 

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: With that one out of the way, are you ready for Barcelona?

Stuniverse: We've done our initial homework and we'll start preparing properly tomorrow.

 

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

1 October 2023

CELTIC - OCTOBER'S FIXTURES

The Boys: Celtic face two European Champions Cup matches in October against Barcelona and Lyon in October, plus three Premiership matches, the highlight being the first Old Firm derby of the season against Rangers at Celtic Park.

Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

1 October 2023

STUNIVERSE NAMED MANAGER OF THE MONTH

The Bhoys: Celtic manager Stuniverse has been named Premiership Manager of the Month for September.

[Stuniverse]

1 October 2023

MONTHLY REPORTS

Managerial Performance:

Finances:

Dynamics:

Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 3rd October 2023

Pre-match v Barcelona (H) - European Champions Cup, Group C (2)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: After losing your opening Group match in Dortmund, you really need a positive result against Barcelona at Celtic Park, don't you?

Stuniverse: We do. Unfortunately, it's Barcelona we're playing.

The Bhoys: You sound defeatist?

Stuniverse: No. Not defeatist... realistic, perhaps. But we're confident in our own abilities and we'll be working hard to get a result against Barcelona.

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg).

Doubtful: Chancel Mbemba (abdominal-90), Scott McTominay (thigh-90), Danylo Sikan (knee-90), Armstrong Oko-Flex (knee-90), Ewan Henderson (knee-90), Scott Bain (ankle-90), Anthony Ralston (ankle-90).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

Roberto Mancini (Barcelona manager):

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Wednesday 4th October 2023

Celtic v Barcelona - European Champions Cup, Group C (2)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: Five changes tonight.

Stuniverse: Yes. Ugurcan Cakir (GK) takes the gloves today from Wuilker Farinez. Chancel Mbemba (DC) comes back in for Stuart Findlay. Greg Taylor (DL) replaces Brandon Williams. Karamoko Dembele (MR) returns for Mikey Johnstone. Danylo Sikan (SC) plays up front instead of Armstrong Oko-Flex, who has a small knee issue. Anthony Ralston bruised his ankle on Monday but our medical team assure me he's fine to play.

Post-match: Celtic (1) 1-1 (0) Barcelona

The Bhoys: So close, and yet so far. Four minutes from a memorable win, when it's snatched away. Your thoughts?

Stuniverse: I thought we played very well. Barcelona had plenty of possession, as we expected, but we worked very hard off the ball to restrict what they could do with it. We scored a goal. We had two or three good chances to go 2-0 up, but couldn't get that all important second goal. And, when they equalised late-on, it was a world class wonder goal. I'm proud of the players, but I'm sorry we couldn't hold out and get the win for our supporters.

On 31 minutes, Dennis Praet and Joe Willock combined well down the left, Dennis slotted a pass into Greg Taylor's run and Greg fired the ball past their goalkeeper at the near post. Barcelona thought they'd equalised on 40 minutes but the assistant referee's flag ruled it out for offside.

After the break, Lawrence Shankland had the ball in the back of the net on 48 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside. We had two or three chances for a second but couldn't put them away. On 87 minutes, Barcelona equalised with a wonder strike from all of 30 yards.

Roberto Mancini (Barcelona manager):

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

Roberto Mancini (Barcelona manager):

The Bhoys: Four minutes to go, you should've seen that out for the win. If you had, all four teams would've been on three points. As it is, you're bottom of the Group with a lot to do.

Stuniverse: It's easy to say we should've seen the game out, but teams like Barcelona are always capable of scoring and no goalkeeper in the world was saving that shot. what tonight has shown us is there's nothing to be scared of in this Group and we have to have believe in ourselves more. We didn't lose to Barcelona, and we could, perhaps should, have beaten them.

 

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

5 October 2023

CELTIC INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS

The Bhoys: Celtic have 19 players called up for international duty after this weekend, but Scotland manager Steve Clarke has left Celtic left-back Greg Taylor out of his squad.

Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Friday 6th October 2023

Pre-match v Kilmarnock (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (8)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Kilmarnock were 2nd earlier this season, but have now dropped to 5th, 10 points behind you. At Celtic Park, this is your opportunity to put them away early.

Stuniverse: Nothing will be settled one way or another tomorrow but, yes, a win against Kilmarnock and the points difference between us will look very healthy indeed.

The Bhoys: Do you have any player concerns after playing Barcelona in midweek?

Stuniverse: Yeah. Anthony Ralston played with a bruised ankle and he's struggling to be fit for the Kilmarnock game. Stevie Mallan and Dennis Praet are looking tired and could do with a rest.

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg).

Doubtful: Chancel Mbemba (abdominal-90), Scott McTominay (thigh-90), Scott Bain (ankle-90), Anthony Ralston (ankle-90/jaded), Stevie Mallan (jaded-90), Dennis Praet (jaded).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 7th October 2023

Celtic v Kilmarnock - Ladbrokes Premiership (8)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: Four changes today. Are Farinez and Cakir happy at being rotated?

Stuniverse: Yes four changes. Chancel Mbemba moves over to right-back so that Stuart Findlay can come in at centre-back, for Anthony Ralston who's struggling with a bruised ankle. In central midfield, Scott McTominay and Ewan Henderson start so that Dennis Praet and Stevie Mallan can take a breather. As it's a league game, Wiulker Farinez (GK) takes the gloves off Ugurcan Cakir, I doubt either of them are too happy about the situation, to be honest, but neither of them have complained. Not directly to me, any way.

Post-match: Celtic (2) 2-0 (0) Kilmarnock

The Bhoys: Well you certainly put Kilmarnock back in their box today.

Stuniverse: I thought we were the better side from first-whistle to last, if that's what you mean, and Wuilker Farinez only had a couple of saves to make in our goal. Wuilker won't have many easier games in his career. We were ahead inside two minutes when Greg Taylor's cross went in off the chest of one of their defenders. To be fair, the defender had to try and cut the cross out otherwise Karamoko Dembele would've had an easy chance. On six minutes, Scott McTominay squared the ball for Ewan Henderson to thunder one in from outside the D. We had other chances in both halves but those two early goals proved enough.

The Bhoys: You go into the international break with a 100% win rate in the Premiership and a nine point lead.

Stuniverse: Well we can't do any better than win every game and a nine point cushion after eight games is great, but we have to keep working hard and focussing on the prize. We can't afford to get complacent.

 

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Edited April 10, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

17 October 2023

CELTIC INJURY BLOW

The Bhoys: Celtic have been rocked by the news their captain will miss the Old Firm derby on Saturday. Dennis Praet has twisted his ankle in training and will be out for a few weeks. Ewan Henderson is rated doubtful after returning from Scotland international duty with a bruised ankle.

Edited April 11, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

18 October 2023

JEDVAJ BEGINS REHAB PHASE

The Bhoys: Celtic’s 27 year-old Croatian defender, Tin Jedvaj, is set to begin rehabilitation work after completing the recovery plan of his treatment for a broken leg sustained before manager Stuniverse’s arrival. Stuniverse took Jedvaj off the transfer list and said they’d review once Jedvaj had recovered and was playing football again. 

Jedvaj, who can play anywhere across the backline, is under contract at Celtic until the summer of 2025 but may find his position in the squad under threat following the arrival of Scottish international Anthony Ralston, plus the imminent arrival in January of utility man Callum Paterson.

Anthony Ralston:

Callum Paterson:

Edited April 11, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Friday 20th October 2023

Pre-match v Rangers (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (9)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: How do you feel ahead of your first ever Old Firm derby?

Stuniverse: I'm incredibly excited. I've heard all about the Old Firm derby, and I've watched a few on TV, but I imagine experiencing it from the Celtic dugout is going to be something else. I've managed in the Edinburgh derby, and the Falkirk-Dunfermline derby before that, and they were special games, but I expect the Celtic-Rangers encounters will be on a whole different level. I’m also nervous because I know how much these derby games mean to the fans and I want the Celtic supporters to have the bragging rights in Glasgow. 

The Bhoys: It's an absolute must win that you beat Rangers at Celtic Park, please tell me you have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Stuniverse: I wish I could. In addition to Tin Jedvaj and Fraser Hornby, both out as you know with broken legs, Ewan Henderson returned from Scotland duty with a bruised knee and our captain, Dennis Praet, twisted his ankle in training. We also have a few players still recovering from knocks or looking a little tired. I have a starting 11 in mind, but we'll see how everyone is tomorrow morning before finalising the team selection. Trust me, we're 100% focussed on beating Rangers and I'll select the strongest, fittest, freshest side I can tomorrow morning, to give us the best chance of getting the win.  

Unavailable: Fraser Hornby (broken leg), Tin Jedvaj (broken leg), Dennis Praet (twisted ankle).

Doubtful: Ewan Henderson (bruised knee-90), Stuart McJanet (tight thigh-90), Barry Hepburn (twisted knee-90), Scott McKellar (jaded-90), Armstrong Oko-Flex (jaded-90).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

Graeme Murty (Rangers manager):

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Edited April 11, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 21st October 2023

Celtic v Rangers - Ladbrokes Premiership (9)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: You promised us your strongest, fittest, freshest side to beat Rangers. How are the 11 who will thrash the auld enemy going to line-up?

Stuniverse: I can't promise you we'll thrash Rangers, but we will give everything we've got to try and beat them. Three changes from the Kilmarnock game. Wuilker Farinez (GK) takes the gloves off Ugurcan Cakir with it being a league game. Anthony Ralston (DR) returns at right-back, with Chancel Mbemba moving into the centre, and Scott McKellar on the bench as he's been looking a little tired in training. Stevie Mallan (MC) replaces Ewan Henderson who's nursing a bruised knee. The rest is as we were. It's a shame our captain, Dennis Praet, misses out, with a twisted ankle, but I'm confident in this team and squad's ability to beat Rangers and give the Celtic fans the bragging rights.

Post-match: Celtic (1) 2-0 (0) Rangers

The Bhoys: Thank you, thank you, thank you very much for beating the auld enemy.

Stuniverse: You're most welcome. We wanted to give the Celtic fans, our wonderful Celtic supporters, the bragging rights in Glasgow. And we did! I thought we were good value for it as well.  Their goalkeeper made some stunning saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

The first-half was fairly even, I thought, with not many chances, but chances at both ends. We deserved to be ahead at the break as I thought we had more of a cutting edge than they did. Seven minutes in and Lawrence Shankland gave us the lead, volleying home from Stevie Mallan's cross.

After the break, I thought the game opened up more and that suited us just fine. The sending off of Ryan Kent, for two yellow cards, helped us on two counts - one, it reduced them to 10 men and, second, they lost their most dangerous player. I have no sympathy for Kent, or Rangers for that matter, as they seemed intent on kicking us off the pitch every chance they got. 

On 73 minutes we went 2-0 up, a lovely, intricate passing move, ended with Stevie Mallan setting up Scott McTominay to rocket the ball into the top corner from 25 yards.

I'm delighted for our supporters. The Celtic fans were magnificent today, they really gave us a lift, and the players, my coaching staff, and myself want to thank them for that. Savour the win, enjoy those bragging rights.

Graeme Murty (Rangers manager):

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

Graeme Murty (Rangers manager):

The Bhoys: After nine matches, you're a staggering 12 points clear of Rangers in 4th, with Hibs 10 back in 3rd, and Hearts nine back in 2nd. Does that make the Edinburgh duo, not the auld enemy, the biggest threats to you as you chase down another Premiership title?

Stuniverse: I think it's far too early to write anybody off. We've played all three of our nearest rivals already this season and we've beaten all three of them, albeit we haven't played Hearts in the league yet. At this moment, it's hard to see the title going anywhere other than Glasgow or Edinburgh but, to be perfectly frank, if we can maintain our current form then it's hard to see anybody catching us. We can't get ahead of ourselves though. Nothing is won in October after nine games, it's where you finish after 38 games that counts. We have to continue doing the things we've been doing to get nine wins out of nine and continue to work hard and improve. Every team in the Premiership wants to beat us, we're a target for them to aim at, and we've got to be mentally strong enough to deal with that... as I know we can.

 

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Edited April 11, 2020 by Stuniverse