[FM20] Stuniverse's FM20 Adventure

[Stuniverse]

24 July 2023

CELTIC MIDFIELDERS

The Bhoys: If new Celtic manager Suniverse is pulling his hair out at the shortage of defenders, he must be turning cartwheels with the abundance of riches awaiting him in midfield. Leading the way is last season's Premiership Player of the year Dennis Praet. The other standout midfielders are Scott McTominay, Ewan Henderson, Joe Willock, Evangelos Patoulidis and Stuart McJanet, plus a number of youngsters with potential coming through. 

6. Stuart McJanet (Scottish)

7. Dennis Praet (Belgium)

8. Ewan Henderson (Scottish)

10. Paul Shankland (Scottish)

12. Scott McTominay (Scottish)

14. Joe Willock (English)

17. Paddy McKee (Scottish)

20. Evangelos Patoulidis (Belgian)

32. Connor Smith (Scottish)

34. Barry Hepburn (Scottish)

 

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

24 July 2023

CELTIC WINGERS

The Bhoys: On the wing, new Celtic manager has a choice between Karamoko Dembele, Armstrong Oko-Flex and Mikey Johnston, with youngster Will Rutherford providing back-up.

18. Armstrong Oko-Flex (Irish)

19. Mikey Johnston (Scottish)

31. Will Rutherford (English)

77. Karamoko Dembele (English)

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

24 July 2023

CELTIC STRIKERS

HibsView: Up front, Celtic have two young strikers in Danylo Sikan and Jordan Ross. My advice to new Celtic manager Stuniverse, not that you need to be a rocket scientist to spot it, would be: YOU NEED TO SIGN STRIKERS AND DEFENDERS!

15. Danylo Sikan (Ukrainian)

33. Jordan Ross (Scottish)

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

25 July 2023

YOUNG PREMIERSHIP PLAYER OF THE SEASON ODDS

The Bhoys: Celtic lead the way with the bookmakers with the top three ranked players in the bookies odds for the Premiership Young Player of the Season. Karamoko Dembele is priced at 6-4 favourite, Paddy McKee is at 7-2 and Scott McKellar at 4-1.

 

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[ManUtd1]

Quite the wealth of talent on offer! Best of luck, man.

[Stuniverse]

On 05/04/2020 at 01:39, ManUtd1 said:

I think that if your long-term vision for the save (as it sits right now) is to manage Celtic, then go for it.  You've earned it.

Thank you, @ManUtd1. Now that I’ve got the Celtic job I’ll take that. Four successful seasons (relative to Falkirk and Hibs expectations) and now I’m following in Lennon’s footsteps from Hibs to Celtic. Different challenge at Celtic Park. The challenge of winning things!

[Stuniverse]

23 hours ago, kidthekid said:

With Celtic, you are likely to win everything every year and I don't know if that is enough to keep you invested in the save.

At the same time, you try to play the save as realistic as possible (which is something I commend you for), but that would mean taking the Celtic job.

Whichever way you go, I'll continue reading with interest.

Thanks, @kidthekid. I don’t consider this to be a one-country save so getting the Celtic job isn’t the end of the story. First, I’ve got to win things or else I’ll be sacked. If I do win things, hopefully it will open up other opportunities in another country.

Thanks for following, commenting, and continuing to read.

[Stuniverse]

19 hours ago, Tajerio said:

If you go to Celtic it can't really be about just winning the league. You've got to have some other aim (European glory, totally homegrown squad, etc.) or else I fear it might get stale.

Thanks, @Tajerio. I’m not going to outright say I will only sign Scottish players, but I will be trying to reduce the number of foreign players in the squad.

The other thing, as I said to kidthekid, I don’t see Celtic as the end of the line, just one more stepping stone in my FM20 Adventure.

[Stuniverse]

17 hours ago, samboing said:

as we are all well aware that you are close to overtaking Rangers bar the odd blip in results! Like I’ve said to you before I think the board are a little harsh on you with considering what you have achieved over the season before you took over!

Thanks, @samboing. I was starting to feel under appreciated at Hibernian. I honestly thought that at some point during the being linked > application > interview > job offer process the Hibs Board would offer me a new contract to stay. I’ve seen that on other saves but Hibs didn’t do that. Now I’ve got the Celtic job it’s down to me to prove I’m good enough to manage the green-and-white- hoops!

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

15 hours ago, kingjericho said:

From my experience in this year's game, a bad board can really hamper a club's development. If you are unhappy with the board I say take the Celtic job.

In the end, @kingjericho, it came down to a feeling that Celtic wanted me and Hibs didn’t. Then when I attended the interview and saw the budgets Celtic were prepared to offer me, budgets I could only have dreamed of at Falkirk and Hibs, it was an easy decision to make.

[Stuniverse]

13 hours ago, Johnny-Trotter said:

it feels like Celtic is a natural next step. Hibs a great option - but only if you feel you want to commit long term (10+ years, in my opinion) and the board will frustrate you along the way.

If you consider eventually going beyond Scotland, then going to Celtic, winning a few titles and cups and progressing there makes sense. Good luck the decision - it's an interesting journey either way, full of developments!

Yes, @Johnny-Trotter, the more I thought about it the more the Celtic job seemed like the natural next step in my FM20 Adventure. I am interested in managing outside of Scotland at some point in the save.

[Stuniverse]

5 hours ago, kingjericho said:

Nice! This was the right move. Now please, don't experiment too much because you are expected to deliver immediately. And with a good stay here you can jump to any club in the Premier League.

Thank you, @kingjericho. I will do my best to hit the ground running from the off.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

3 hours ago, JaytheGreat said:

Hibernian didn't want to commit to you long term then you owe them no loyalty. Celtic will bring you new challenges that will be interesting to see how you try to solve them. Plus having Celtic on your resume will look very good when you decide to leave for another country.

That’s the way I saw it too regarding the Hibs Board, @JaytheGreat. When you said new challenges though, I didn’t expect to arrive at Celtic and find only four defenders (with the fifth out for 3-5 months with a broken leg) and just two strikers, one of whom’s a kid. Was that the kind of challenge you meant?

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

39 minutes ago, ManUtd1 said:

Quite the wealth of talent on offer! Best of luck, man.

Lots of talent on show, @ManUtd1, but a very unbalanced Celtic squad with not enough defenders or strikers. I may need that good luck you’re sending my way... although I’ve got a cunning plan to see if I can raid my former club.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

25 July 2023

STUNIVERSE TALKS THE TALK

The Bhoys: At his first press conference as Celtic manager, Stuniverse displayed a calm assurance. He can certainly talk-the-talk but now he has to prove to all Bhoys fans that he can walk-the-walk.

Stuniverse: If the club is to really progress towards the higher reaches of the game, everybody has to be ambitious and aim high. That's what we're doing at the moment.

Stuniverse: I wouldn't say that I regret it, there were very valid reasons for leaving.

Stuniverse: I'm confident and ready to get to work, sometimes pressure is a good thing to work with.

Stuniverse: The facilities are great, but good old-fashioned hard work is equally important.

Stuniverse: It's imperative. We need to be unified in our approach every single day, from the training pitch to the stadium, if we're to realise our dreams.

Stuniverse: I have confidence in my abilities to manage at this level.

Stuniverse: I won't have a good idea until I know the players better. These things take time.

Stuniverse: They're excited for a fresh start and an opportunity to work under a new manager. Everyone's very upbeat.

Stuniverse: We're going to aim high; if you're not intent on being the absolute best that you can be, why are you even in this business?

Stuniverse: You have to work hard for your success and that's the basic level of commitment I require from all of my players. We must be prepared to work hard.

Stuniverse: This is a massive club that would appeal to anyone. They're built for success.

Stuniverse: I jumped at the chance to be honest. It's not every day you get the opportunity to come to a club like Celtic.

Stuniverse: One of the reasons I was so keen to come here was because of the quality of the playing squad. I have a very good idea of what they're capable of and what we can achieve as a team.

Stuniverse: We need their backing, it's as simple as that. If we can get everyone right behind this team it'll make the world of difference.

Stuniverse: I certainly hope so; I'm here to make every player better and Karamoko can be as good as anyone. 

The Bhoys: You've never managed in the European Champions Cup before. Won't that be a problem?

Stuniverse: I'd never managed in Europe at all, before last season, and Hibs claimed some big scalps in defying the pundits to make the quarter-finals.

The Bhoys: What are you looking for in the transfer window?

Stuniverse: Players who can help Celtic be successful. I don't need to tell you that we have quality players here at Celtic, but I also don't need to tell you we lack numbers in certain areas. That's the priority this transfer window. Balancing out the squad.

 

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Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

26 July 2023

STUNIVERSE RAIDS HIBS FOR MALLAN

The Bhoys: Newly appointed Celtic manager Stuniverse wasted no time going back to his former employers to sign 27 year-old midfielder Stevie Mallan from Hibs, for a fee of £12M, on a contract until the summer of 2026.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Wednesday 26th July 2023

Pre-match v FC Koln (H) - Friendly (3)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Tonight's match wasn't on the original schedule. Why did you want to squeeze this and the Clydebank friendly in?

Stuniverse: I wouldn't say we squeezed it in as Celtic only had three friendlies arranged and two of those had been played before we got here. That's not enough games to get players fit, nor for me to fully assess them in competitive action.

Unavailable: Tin Jedvaj (broken leg), Paddy McKee (fractured arm).

Doubtful: Chancel Mbemba (groin-60), Barry Hepburn (foot-90), Calum McCann (shoulder-90)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: I know it's only a friendly, but how was your first Celtic team selection?

Stuniverse: Good. Well, goodish. There's genuine quality in this Celtic squad. I've only been here a few days, but it radiates out at you when you see the players performing on the training pitch. We need some more defenders though. With Tin Jedvaj out with a broken leg, and Chancel Mbemba still recovering from a groin strain he picked up on international duty, I understand, we're beyond thin-on-the-ground and are having to rely on kids.

Post-match: Celtic (0) 0-1 (0) FC Koln

The Bhoys: That's a disappointing start to your Celtic career.

Stuniverse: It would've been nice to get something out of the game but, let's not forget, Koln are a very good side and the players are still getting used to the way we want to play.

The Bhoys: You won't have the luxury here you did at Falkirk and Hibs of easing the players in gently.

Stuniverse: I realise that. Overall, though, I was pleased. The players responded well to what we're asking them to do and we created more chances than them. On another day, we would've scored but their goalkeeper Goncalves made a couple of stunning saves to deny Karamoko Dembele and another to deny Armstrong Oko-Flex. Koln took the lead in the 51st minute when a cross into our box was headed in. They were more clinical in front of goal than us, that was the difference tonight.

The Bhoys: You started 4-2-3-1 but finished the game playing 4-4-2. How do you plan to play this season?

Stuniverse: It's early days. We're still assessing and looking at what we need to do to get the best out of these players individually and collectively.

 

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Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

27 July 2023

CELTIC SIGN TOP GOALSCORER

The Bhoys: Celtic have announced the signing of last season's leading Premiership goalscorer Lawrence Shankland from Hibs for a fee of £8M. The 27 year-old striker reunites with his former manager Stuniverse at Celtic, on a contract until the summer of 2026.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

27 July 2023

ANOTHER HIBS RAID FOR HORNBY

The Bhoys: Celtic have confirmed the signing of 23 year-old striker Fraser Hornby for a fee of £9M, from Hibs, on a contract until the summer of 2026. Hornby is the third player new Celtic manager Stunivese has brought from Hibs with him after earlier moves for Stevie Mallan and Lawrence Shankland.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[enigmatic]

So just the defence to sort out now. Considering your overloaded midfield, McTominay would be a good player there, and Willock an option at right back

[Stuniverse]

58 minutes ago, enigmatic said:

So just the defence to sort out now. Considering your overloaded midfield, McTominay would be a good player there, and Willock an option at right back

Thanks, @enigmatic. We are working hard on bringing in defensive replacements. I’ll take a look at McTominay and Willock to see if I can use them anywhere else 👍
 

Just had a look and I think I’ll give McTominay a try at CB in our next friendly against Birmingham City, which will also allow me to start Mallan in CM.

Willock at RB, I’m not so sure about, but I’ll probably give him a run there against Birmingham to see.

Thanks again.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 9th July 2023

Pre-match v Birmingham City (a) - Friendly (4)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: You'll be keen to do better today than you did last time against Koln. How are you going to ensure you do?

Stuniverse: We've had more time working with the players and have added three players to the squad this week. Training has gone well and the players know what they have to do.

The Bhoys: Do you really think three players from Hibs are up to the standard required to play for Celtic?

Stuniverse: Lawrence Shankland scored more goals than anybody else in the Premiership last season, Stevie Mallan had 30 assists in all competitions, and Fraser Hornby is  a regular for Scotland so, yes, I do. Otherwise I wouldn't have signed them. 

Unavailable: Tin Jedvaj (broken leg), Paddy McKee (fractured arm).

Doubtful: Chancel Mbemba (groin-75), Barry Hepburn (foot-90), Calum McCann (shoulder-90).

Team Selection

The Bhoys: Looks like you're playing two players out of position. Round pegs and square holes. What's your thinking?

Stuniverse: Well we're short of defenders and there's no guarantee we'll get any in for the start of the season so we're going to take a look at Scott McTominay at centre-back and Joe Willock at right-back.

The Bhoys: [shakes his head].

Post-match: Birmingham City (1) 1-5 (3) Celtic

The Bhoys: I'll give you that, that was pretty impressive, I must admit.

Stuniverse: I thought we played very well which, for saying my backroom staff and me have only been here a few days, bodes well for the future. We scored straight from the kick-off, after winning the ball off them, some great interplay in midfield from Dennis Praet and Stevie Mallan, and Joe Willock's cross was fired in by Mikey Johnston. After five minutes, Mikey had a second goal, after Stevie Mallan's shot was blocked. Around half an hour in, Karamoko Dembele calmly made it 3-0 after being put clean through by Stevie Mallan. On 31 minutes, when Birmingham attacked, we had a couple of opportunities to clear the danger before they pulled one back for 3-1. We'll need to work on that.

Incredibly, we scored straight from the kick-off again after the break, with Stevie Mallan putting us 4-1 up from long-range, after Greg Taylor cut inside on his run and laid the ball off. It was 5-1 on 56 minutes when Scott McKellar rose highest in a crowd of players to head in Stevie Mallan's free-kick.

The Bhoys: You took Johnstone off in the first-half when he was on two goals. I assume he was injured, was he?

Stuniverse: The medical team tell me Mikey's twisted his knee. He shouldn't be out for long, but it does make him doubtful for the Premiership opener against Motherwell.

 

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Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

30 July 2023

RALSTON RETURNS HOME

The Bhoys: In a surprise move, 24 year-old right-back Anthony Ralston has returned to Celtic on a contract until the summer of 2024. Ralston, who left Celtic for Hibernian last summer on a free transfer, has returned for a fee of £4M, which could eventually rise to £6M.

We understand, Celtic manager Stuniverse initially had no intention of bringing Ralston with him form Hibernian, but when he became aware of starting right-back Tin Jedvaj’s broken leg, the lack of defenders, and the need to bring players in quickly before the Premiership season started, he decided that Ralston was a safe pair of football boots.

Ralston becomes the fourth player Stuniverse has signed from Hibs, following Stevie Mallan, Lawrence Shankland, and Fraser Hornby in making the move from Easter Road to Celtic Park.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

31 July 2023

HEARTS AT HOME

The Bhoys: Celtic have been drawn at home to Hearts in the Betfred Cup Second Round. We'll take that!

[Stuniverse]

31 July 2023

CELTIC - AUGUST FIXTURES

The Bhoys: After an away friendly at Clydebank, Celtic face three winnable Premiership fixtures, the Betfred Cup Second Round cup-tie against Hearts, plus both legs of the Champions Cup Champions Playoff against an opponent yet to be drawn.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

31 July 2023

SPURS PRAET BID REJECTED

The Bhoys: Celtic have rejected a £15M, potentially rising to £21M, transfer bid from Tottenham for 29 year-old midfielder Dennis Praet. We understand Praet has impressed new manager Stuniverse and is set to be named Celtic captain.

[kidthekid]

8 hours ago, enigmatic said:

McTominay would be a good player there

I agree with this. He does have all the required attributes and could even be a ball playing defender. 

[Stuniverse]

8 hours ago, enigmatic said:

McTominay would be a good player there

18 minutes ago, kidthekid said:

I agree with this. He does have all the required attributes and could even be a ball playing defender. 

I started Scott McTominay at CB in the 5-1 win at St. Andrews and McTominay put in a very good 7.4 performance. He was particularly impressive in the air.

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 1st August 2023

Pre-match v Clydebank (a) - Friendly (5)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Your final friendly before the Premiership kicks-off at the weekend. What do you expect to get out of a match against a side like Clydebank?

Stuniverse: To be honest, this game was always about fitness for players who hadn't played that much football this pre-season.

Unavailable: Tin Jedvaj (broken leg), Paddy McKee (fractured arm), Mikey Johnston (knee).

Doubtful: Chancel Mbemba (groin-75), Anthony Ralston (knee-90).

Team Selection

Post-match: Clydebank (0) 0-4 (2) Celtic

The Bhoys: Did you get anything out of that match?

Stuniverse: Yes, we got to put more minutes into the players' legs and I got to take a closer look at some of the players I've not seen play much so far. Overall, I thought we dominated the game and looked impressive at times.

Danylo Sikan gave us the lead on 26 minutes with a stunning, individual goal. A minute later, Danylo Sikan made it 2-0 from the penalty spot. On 58 minutes, Paul Shankland made it 3-0, after Jordan Ross's shot was blocked. It was 4-0 on 64 minutes when Jordan Ross headed in Paul Shankland's free-kick. On 81 minutes, Armstrong Oko-Flex gave the ball away and they broke away to score.

The Bhoys: You've played 4-4-2 in the last two friendly matches. Is that how you'll set-up against Motherwell in the Premiership kick-off this weekend?

Stuniverse: You'll have to wait and see.

 

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Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

2 August 2023

CELTIC SIGN FINDLAY

The Bhoys: Celtic have announced the signing of 27 year-old centre-back Stuart Findlay from Leicester City, for a fee of £2.5M (possibly rising to £5M) until the summer of 2026.

 

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

3 August 2023

WILLIAMS JOINS CELTIC

The Bhoys: Manchester United's 22 year-old full-back Brandon Williams has signed for Celtic, until the summer of 2026, for a fee of £3M (possibly rising to £5.5M).

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

5 August 2023

CELTIC - SEASON EXPECTATIONS

Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Friday 4th August 2023

Pre-match v Motherwell (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (1)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: It's the opening day of the season and Celtic fans are used to a winning start. Home to Motherwell, this should be a comfortable win for Celtic.

Stuniverse: We've trained and prepared well and we're confident of getting a result to make the Celtic fans proud.

Unavailable: Tin Jedvaj (broken leg), Paddy McKee (fractured arm).

Doubtful: Mikey Johnston (knee-90), Anthony Ralston (knee-90), Stuart Findlay (foot-90).

David Hopkin (Motherwell manager):

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: I look forward to congratulating you on your first win as Celtic manager tomorrow.

Stuniverse: Trust me. We all want to win this one and get off to a winning start.

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Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 5th August 2023

Celtic v Motherwell - Ladbrokes Premiership (1)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: I make that four new signings starting today. Could you talk us through the team you've selected to beat Motherwell?

Stuniverse: Sure. Ugurcan Cahir starts in goal. A back-four of Anthony Ralston, Scott McKellar, Chancel Mbemba and Greg Taylor. In midfield, Dennis Praet and Stevie Mallan, with Karamoko Dembele and Joe Willock on the wings. Up front, Lawrence Shankland and Fraser Hornby. We have a few injury problems we're dealing with, but I believe in the team I've picked today, and the players on the bench, and we'll do all we can to get the win.

Post-match: Celtic (3) 5-0 (0) Motherwell

The Bhoys: I was expecting you to win but wow... I wasn't expecting a dominating performance like that. Congratulations on a winning start to your Celtic career.

Stuniverse: Thank you. I appreciate that. And dominating was right. I doubt Ugurcan Cahir in our goal has had a quieter game than that. It took nine minutes to break the deadlock, Scott McKellar heading in Stevie Mallan's free-kick. On 12 minutes, Lawrence Shankland was fouled in the penalty area and Stevie Mallan made it 2-0 from the penalty spot. On 41 minutes, Lawrence Shankland made it 3-0 after being put clean through by a pinpoint long ball from Dennis Praet.

On 57 minutes, we thought it was 4-0 but Karamoko Dembele had his effort chalked off for offside. Karamoko did get his goal on 84 minutes, dribbling into the penalty area and producing a ferocious finish after being released by Dennis Praet's through ball. On 91 minutes, Dennis Praet rounded off a superb game, making it 5-0 after Anthony Ralston and Stevie Mallan combined, for Dennis to hit a long-range shot into the top corner.

David Hopkin (Motherwell manager):

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: You realise, of course, you have to win the next game now, and the next, and the next, and the-

Stuniverse: Yes. I understand the expectations of managing Celtic.

 

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Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

August 2023

CELTIC OFF TO SLOVAKIA OR SWEDEN

The Bhoys: Celtic have been drawn against either Slovan Bratislava (Slovak First Division) or AIK (Swedish Premier Division) in the European Champions Cup Playoff.

[Stuniverse]

Saturday August 12th 2023

Pre-match v Hamilton Academical (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (2)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: You now have to follow-up the win over Motherwell with another one at Hamilton tomorrow. Winning should be straight forward since Hamilton are without a manager now Alex Neil has gone to Hibernian.

Stuniverse: I'm pleased for Alex Neil. He's done a tremendous job at Hamilton and I wish him well at Easter Road. But that's really none of my concern, we're fully focussed on winning against Hamilton at Rugby Park

Unavailable: Tin Jedvaj (broken leg), Paddy McKee (fractured arm), Barry Hepburn (calf).

Doubtful: Mikey Johnston (knee-90), Anthony Ralston (knee-90), Stuart Findlay (foot-90).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

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Edited April 6, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Sunday 13th August 2023

Hamilton Academical v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership (2)

Team Selection

The Bhoys: What's your team news today?

Stuniverse: We're unchanged. The same 11 who played so well against Motherwell go again. The only change is on the bench where Ewan Henderson replaces Stuart McJanet.

Post-match: Hamilton Academical (0) 0-4 (3) Celtic

The Bhoys: Another, very impressive victory.

Stuniverse: Yes. I thought we asserted ourselves from the first whistle and didn't take our foot off the gas for the full 90 minutes. We took the lead after 11 minutes, Karamoko Dembele tucking the ball away after a pinball scramble in their penalty area. We were 2-0 up after 18 minutes. Their goalkeeper couldn't hold Stevie Mallan's free-kick and Fraser Hornby pounced to score from the rebound. Fraser scored his second on 27 minutes when Joe Willock headed Dennis Praet's cross into his path. Lawrence Shankland made it 4-0 on 49 minutes after Fraser Hornby's shot was deflected in his direction. 

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: You finished the game with 10 men after Hornby was stretchered off late-on. I hope it's not as bad as it looked. What can you tell us?

Stuniverse: I'm afraid it is bad. Fraser's broken his lower leg. I really feel for him. He scored two great goals today but now faces months in rehabilitation.

The Bhoys: Top of the Premiership after two games, now all you have to do is stay there.

Stuniverse: Well that's the aim. We all want to be lifting the Premiership Trophy by the end of the season.

The Bhoys: Has there been any transfer interest in any of your players?

Stuniverse: Yes. We've rejected bids for our captain Dennis Praet, as well as Chancel Mbemba, Karamoko Dembele and Ewan Henderson. I'm pleased that none of them have kicked up a fuss as they all want to be here playing for Celtic.

 

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Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[kidthekid]

"The Bhoys" will be hard to please but great start.

Edited April 7, 2020 by kidthekid

[Stuniverse]

7 hours ago, kidthekid said:

"The Bhoys" will be hard to please but great start.

Thanks, @kidthekid. I’m pleased with how the transfer window has gone and the squad is looking much more balanced now than the one I inherited.

Two wins, out of two, without conceding a goal and scoring nine... things really couldn’t have gone much better.

Fraser Hornby breaking his leg though is a real blow and, with Tin Jedvaj as well, we now have two players out with broken legs.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

14 August 2023

IDAH SNUBS CELTIC AND FORMER MANAGER STUNIVERSE

The Bhoys: Hibernian's 22 year-old striker Adam Idah has turned his nose up at Celtic, and snubbed his former manager Stuniverse, by refusing to enter into contract negotiations after Hibs accepted a transfer bid from Celtic today.

It's understood that Stuniverse made the move following the horrific broken leg Fraser Hornby suffered against Hamilton at the weekend. Stuniverse knows Idah well having managed him at Falkirk, before signing him for Hibs this summer.

Maybe Idah knows, what we at The Bhoys know, that Idah isn't good enough to play for Celtic or, perhaps, he sees the pathway to the Hibs first-team opening up for him now Lawrence Shankland and Fraser Hornby have already made the move from Easter Road to Celtic Park.

Whilst The Bhoys admit Shankland, Hornby before he broke his leg, and Stevie Mallan have made promising starts to their Celtic careers, Stuniverse really needs to stop the easy option of going back to Easter Road and paying over-the-odds for his former players. Celtic should be doing far better than signing Hibs rejects and, if Hibs and Falkirk players are all Stuniverse knows, then Celtic Director of Football, Nick Hamond and Chief Scout, Mick Doherty, had better start helping Stuniverse out before his Celtic tenure goes pear-shaped.

New Hibs manager, Alex Neil, said he accepted Celtic's bid because of his good relationship with Stuniverse but we think Neil doesn't rate Idah and couldn't believe his luck when Celtic came calling with a £5M bid.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

16 August 2023

CELTIC BOOK YOUR HOTEL FOR SLOVAKIA

The Bhoys: Celtic will play Slovak First Division side Slovan Bratislava in the European Champions Cup Playoff after they defeated Swedish Premier League side AIK 5-4 on aggregate.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

17 August 2023

CELTIC APPLY FOR FARINEZ WORK PERMIT

The Bhoys: Celtic have applied for a work permit for Watford's 25 year-old Venezuelan goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez leading us to believe that Celtic and Watford have agreed a deal, subject to a work permit.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

18 August 2023

CELTIC ANNOUNCE CHAMPIONS CUP SQUAD

The Bhoys: Celtic manager Stuniverse has confirmed his European Champions Cup squad ahead of the upcoming playoff against Slovan Bratislava. Given the high number of Scottish Homegrown Club, Homegrown Nation, and U21 players, all first-team players have been registered.

Stuniverse has only one season of European football management experience, in the Euro Cup II with Hibs where he led them to a quarter-final last season. We all know the calibre of the opposition in the  European Champions Cup and we hope Stuniverse is up to the job.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

18 August 2018

CELTIC'S STRIKER PLANS THWARTED

The Bhoys: Following the broken leg suffered by 23 year-old striker Fraser Hornby, Celtic manager Stuniverse's attempts to bring in a replacement appear to be thwarted at every attempt. We've already reported that a striker Stuniverse knows well, 22 year-old Adam Idah chose to stay at Hibs, after Celtic's transfer bid was accepted.

Today, The Bhoys heard that loan bids had been rejected for Liverpool's Rhian Brewster and Sheffield United's Ollie McBurnie.

 

[Stuniverse]

Friday 18th August 2023

Pre-match v Hearts (H) - Betfred Cup Second Round

Match Preview

The Bhoys: What are your thoughts on facing Slovan Bratislava in the Champions Cup playoff?

Stuniverse: Don't you want to know about tomorrow's Betfred Cup-tie with Hearts?

The Bhoys: Well you're going to beat Hearts, it's the Champions Cup against Slovan Bratislava we're more interested in.

Stuniverse: We're confident we'll do you all proud in the home leg but, right now, all our focus and attention is on playing Hearts at Celtic Park tomorrow.

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

Doubtful: Mikey Johnston (knee-90), Paddy McKee (fractured arm-90).

John Robertson (Hearts manager):

 

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Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 19th August 2023

Celtic v Hearts - Betfred Cup Second Round

The Bhoys: With victory over Hearts today a foregone conclusion, have you got half an eye on the Champions Cup Playoff First Leg with your team selection today?

Stuniverse: We want to progress to the next round of the Betfred Cup, of course we do, but we don't think we only have to turn up to win. Hearts have to be respected, and we'll do that, and if we put the right amount of work and effort in to perform to the standards we've set ourselves, then we should have enough to beat Hearts.

Team Selection

The Bhoys: You've gone with Sikan, to replace the incredibly unfortunate Hornby, but what has Henderson got to do to make the starting lineup?

Stuniverse: I'm gutted for Fraser Hornby. He was settling in well after moving from Hibs, scored two good goals against Hamilton, and it was rotten, cruel luck that he broke his leg in the final few minutes. Danylo Sikan was the obvious choice to replace Fraser. Otherwise, it's the same team that faced Motherwell and Hamilton. One change on the bench, where Scott Bain (GK) replaces Mark Gillespie.

As for Ewan Henderson, and other players that haven't played much yet, we're only two games into the season and we'll need the entire squad as we attempt to meet expectations across the Premiership, the European Champions Cup, and both domestic Cups. If we're as successful as we want to be, we'll play a hell of a lot of football games, and I'll need to utilise the whole squad.

Post-match: Celtic (2) 3-0 (0) Hearts

The Bhoys: See. A straight-forward comfortable win. I told you.

Stuniverse: It may have looked easy from the stands, but I can assure you it was anything but. Hearts are a good team, with some very good players, but we played brilliantly and they didn't get close to us today.

We put Hearts under pressure from the kick-off, but it took until the 27th minute for us to take the lead. Dennis Praet played a lovely ball forward, Karamoko Dembele hit a low cross into the penalty area, and Danylo Sikan nearly broke the net with the power of his shot. On 43 minutes, Karamoko Dembele set Stevie Mallan up, for Stevie to hit a curling shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area for 2-0.

We were 3-0 up in the 51st minute. Karamoko Dembele went on a driving run from one side of the pitch to the other, Greg Taylor crossed to the far post where Danylo Sikan scored his second goal of the game.

The Bhoys: You know Tottenham boss, Marcelo Gallardo, was at Celtic Park today, presumably checking out Praet who we believe he's keen to sign.

Stuniverse: We have rejected a bid from Spurs and we will continue doing so. Dennis Praet is our captain, he's very happy playing for Celtic, and he's not for sale.

 

Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

20 August 2023

QUARTER-FINAL DUNDEE UNITED AT HOME

The Bhoys: Celtic avoided Rangers in the Quarter-Final of the Betfred Cup because Rangers LOST to Dundee on penalties, after a 0-0 draw at Ibrox in the second round. Rangers weren't even in the draw.

Celtic were drawn at home to Dundee United in the Quarter-Final and should be able to make the Semi-Finals with ease.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

21 August 2023

FARINEZ WORK PERMIT DECLINED

The Bhoys: Celtic have lodged an appeal after their work permit application for Watford's 25 year-old goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez was declined.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

21 August 2023

CELTIC REQUEST WORK PERMIT FOR FROMMANN

The Bhoys: Celtic have applied for a work permit for Kaiserslautern's 25 year-old goalkeeper Constantin Frommann, after agreeing a transfer for a fee of just over £1M.

[Stuniverse]

Monday 21st August 2023

Pre-match v Slovan Bratislava (H) - European Champions Cup Playoff, 1st Leg

Match Preview

The Bhoys: This is the big one for Celtic fans. The Champions Cup. We'll need a big first-leg lead to take to Slovakia with us. You've never managed in the Champions cup before, how have you approached this one?

Stuniverse: No, I haven't, but that's the same for every manager until they actually do. I learnt a lo last season managing Hibs in the Euro Cup II and I'll use that experience for the Champions Cup. We've prepared professionally for Slovan Bratislava and we're ready.

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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