[FM20] Stuniverse's FM20 Adventure

[Stuniverse]

10 July 2024

BOLOGNA SIGN MONTERO

The Bhoys: Serie A side Bologna have confirmed the signing of Celtic's 25 year-old centre-back Javier Montero for £4.5M. Montero was a recent arrival at Celtic Park, having joined from Leganes in January this year for £2.1M.

Edited May 14, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

11 July 2024

TRIALIST PARKES EARNS CELTIC CONTRACT

The Bhoys: Celtic have confirmed the signing of 22 year-old attacking midfielder Veron Parkes after a successful trial with the club. Parkes played in the friendly matches against Queen's Park and Olympique De Marseille, scoring a goal against Queen's Park. Clearly Parkes did enough during his week training at Lennoxtown to impress Celtic manager Stuniverse.

Celtic fans we've spoken to are less than impressed with one fan telling us, "If this is the sort of signing we're going to get with a Scottish-only Celtic, Stuniverse needs to change his plan immediately!"

Edited May 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Thursday 11th July 2024

Pre-match v Sparta Rotterdam (H) - Friendly (5)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Your first home friendly of the season at Celtic Park. What can we expect against Sparta?

Stuniverse: Sparta Rotterdam finished 12th in the Eredivisie last season. We know they're a very good side and we're expecting a good, competitive game. We're slightly ahead of them, fitness wise, as this is their first friendly. We're still looking at getting match fitness into legs so the the plan is to give the starters an hour and the subs around half-an-hour. Then against Gent on Tuesday we'll swap it around and today's subs will get an hour.

Unavailable: Robbie McCrorie (neck), Dennis Praet (international duty), Wuilker Farinez (holiday), Danylo Sikan (holiday).

Doubtful: Armstrong Oko-Flex (twisted knee-90), Evangelis Patoulidis (bruised foot-90).

Team Selection

Post-match: Celtic (0) 1-1 (0) Sparta Rotterdam

The Bhoys: A disappointing draw in the end,when it looked like you were going to win.

Stuniverse: Yes. It's still early in pre-season, and we're building fitness, but we drew a game here we had complete control in and should've won. An individual error, a bad decision, gave them the opportunity to score an unlikely late equaliser from the penalty spot. Generally, I thought we played pretty well, we created plenty of chances, tested their goalkeeper, but we needed to be more clinical and ruthless and we weren't. We hit the woodwork a couple of times, on another day one of those goes in, but when we did go a goal up we were unable to add to it and that left us vulnerable to an equaliser. And through a lack of proper application in our own penalty area, that's exactly what happened.

We started really brightly, on the front-foot from the off. Fraser Hornby hit the post after 10 minutes. Stevie Mallan's header clipped the crossbar and went over on 26 minutes.

We had to wait for the hour mark to break the deadlock when Karamoko Dembele sprinted into the penalty area, got on the end of Greg Taylor's cross, and headed us into the lead. I don't like attackers in defensive positions and, from an 82nd minute free-kick, Jordan Ross mistimed a tackle and they got a penalty which Jurgen Mattheij dispatched into the bottom corner for 1-1. We thought we'd won it in added-on time when Jordan Ross put Evangelos Patoulidis clean through to score but the offside flag went up.

The Bhoys: Johnston went off after 35 minutes, McKee went off after 57 minutes. How are they?

Stuniverse: Very similar injuries, both Mikey Johnston and Paddy McKee have twisted an ankle. That's about three to four weeks out which is a blow for both of them. It's probably a bigger blow for Paddy as we had high hopes he could seriously challenge for a starting spot this season. This'll set Paddy back at an important time.

 

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Edited May 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

12 July 2024

CELTIC SIGN GORDON

The Bhoys: Celtic have signed Kilmarnock's 20 year-old centre-back Ben Gordon until the summer of 2028 for a fee of £180K. Gordon made 11 Premiership appearances for Kilmarnock last season.

[Stuniverse]

14 July 2024

CELTIC SIGN HIT-MAN THOMSON

The Bhoys: Celtic have signed Motherwell's 20 year-old striker Grant Thomson for £1.4M on a contract until the summer of 2028. For such a young hit-man, Thomson has already made 112 Premiership appearances for Motherwell, scoring 35 goals, 6 assists and averaging 6.89.

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 16th July 2024

Pre-match v AA Gent (H) - Friendly (6)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Is the plan still for 60 and 30 against Gent today?

Stuniverse: Yes. Hopefully we won't pick up any injuries like we did against Sparta. The subs from that game will start and get around an hour, then tonight's subs will come on for the last half-an-hour or so.

Unavailable: Mikey Johnston (twisted ankle), Paddy McKee (twisted ankle), Paul Shankland (pulled knee ligaments), Dennis Praet (holiday), Wuilker Farinez (holiday), Danylo Sikan (holiday).

Doubtful: Robbie McCrorie (neck-90), Ben Gordon (tight hamstring-90), Armstrong Oko-Flex (twisted knee-90).

Post-match: Celtic (3) 6-4 (2) AA Gent

The Bhoys: Something of a goal fest there.

Stuniverse: Yes. It was one of those freak games you get in pre-season sometimes. I'm delighted with the six goals we scored, less so with the four we conceded. Clearly we still have a lot of work to do on our defending.

Jordan Ross gave us a 33rd minute lead after being put through by Lawrence Shankland. On 37 minutes we doubled our lead, Stuart McJanet crossed into the box, Jordan Ross's shot was blocked, but Fraser Hornby was alert enough to put the rebound away. On 42 minutes, a terrible back pass by Scott McTominay allowed Van Laere to collect the ball run through unchallenged, and peg us back to 2-1. A minute later though, we had our two goal cushion back. Stuart McJanet played a lovely cross-field pass, Brandon Williams cut inside and fired home from just outside the penalty area. And then a minute later, both centre-backs left Van Laere to each other, allowing him time and space to grab his second goal of the game. And then on 47 minutes, Scott McTominay rattled the crossbar from the edge of the 'D'.

Three minutes after the restart, Scott McTominay sets up Ewan Henderson and our two-goal cushion is restored. On 50 minutes, Fraser Hornby bags his second goal, heading in Stuart McJanet's cross for 5-2. On 60 minutes, just before we made all the changes, we failed to defend the far post effectively from a free-kick and they scored with a header. On 71 minutes, the referee awards a very harsh penalty against Scott McKenna who for me cleanly won the ball. Bronn scored and it's 5-4 and our lead is down to one goal. Then, just as we're about to go into six minutes of added-on time, Scott McKellar scores with a looping header from Stevie Mallan's free-kick.

The Bhoys: Willock went off early. Is he ok?

Stuniverse: Yes, Joe will be fine. It's only a bruised knee so he'll be as right as rain in a couple of days.

 

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Edited May 15, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

19 July 2024

CELTIC FAVOURITES TO WIN TITLE

The Bhoys: Celtic have been named favourites to land their 14th consecutive Premiership title. It's now up to manager Stuniverse to make sure the players perform to expectations and deliver once again.

[Stuniverse]

20 July 2024

BELL SNUBS CELTIC

The Bhoys: Celtic have been snubbed by Blackburn Rovers in-demand 18 year-old Scottish left winger Ryan Bell. Celtic had agreed a transfer fee with Blackburn believed they'd agreed personal terms with the player and his agent, but Bell opted to join AFC Bournemouth where he will join up with their U18 squad.

[Stuniverse]

20 July 2024

CELTIC - SQUAD NUMBERS 2024/25

The Bhoys: Celtic have assigned squad numbers to 33 players ahead of the Prmiership season.

[Stuniverse]

Saturday July 20th 2024

Pre-match v Arsenal (H) - Friendly (7)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Three more friendly matches to go before the Premiership gets underway at Aberdeen. What's the plan today?

Stuniverse: Yes, we play Arsenal at Celtic Park today in our final home friendly and then we have away trips to Burnley and Crystal Palace. Against Arsenal, we'll look to give the starting 11 as near to a full 90 minutes of football as we can and then we'll look to do the same with a different 11 against Burnley. The Crystal Palace game will then be our final preparation ahead of a difficult Premiership opener away at Aberdeen.

We still have a few injury problems and our captain, Dennis Praet, isn't back in training yet after Belguim reached the final of the Euro Championships, losing 3-1 to France.

Unavailable: Mikey Johnston (twisted ankle), Paddy McKee (twisted ankle), Paul Shankland (pulled knee ligaments), Dennis Praet (holiday).

Doubtful: Joe Willock (bruised knee-90), Jordan Ross (tight hamstring-90), Robbie McCrorie (neck-90), Ben Gordon (tight hamstring-90).

Team Selection

Post-match: Celtic (1) 3-2 (1) Arsenal

The Bhoys: Twice behind. Twice you pegged them back. Then you won it late on. What are your thoughts after that thriller?

Stuniverse: I'm delighted with the character, spirit and endeavour the players showed today. Arsenal are a very difficult team to play against, particularly when they have their noses in front, so to come from behind twice and then find a winner is testimony to the mental attitude and togetherness this squad of players possess both individually and collectively.

Arsenal tok the lead on 13 minutes when they flicked on a corner and Ramos volleyed home at the far post. On 32 minutes, a lovely passing move in midfield, involving Scott McTominay and Stevie Mallan, ended with Armstrong Oko-Flex equalising with a shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the 'D'.

Shortly after the restart we fell behind again to a sweetly struck free-kick from Depay. On the hour mark, Armstrong Oko-Flex equalised again, scoring his second goal of the game from distance, after a raking pass from Stevie Mallan. On 85 minutes, we grabbed the lead for the first time when Scott McTominay headed in Stevie Mallan's free-kick.

The Bhoys: You seemed to make a couple of tactical changes in that match. Talk us through them.

Stuniverse: You're right. We did. In the first-half, we were off the pace and struggling to get a foothold in the game. We switched to a shorter passing game and looked to play out from the back more. It seemed to work for us. Late-on, once we'd gone 3-2 up, we sat back and defended more to see the game out.

 

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Edited May 22, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

21 July 2024

TRANSFER UPDATE

The Bhoys: After the Arsenal friendly match, Celtic manager Stuniverse was kind enough to spare us a few minutes and provide a transfer update for us.

Stuniverse: We're very happy with our squad currently. The transfers we've done so far this window have strengthened our overall depth and started the transition towards a more British squad of players. We're not currently in talks for any players and, to be honest, I don't see that changing unless we get a ridiculous bid for someone that is too good to turn down and we then have to replace that player.

Transfer List

We currently don't have any players on the transfer list that we're proactively looking to sell.

Unwelcome interest in our players

Brandon Williams (DLR) - we've rejected four bids from Brentford, the highest being £8M (£10M) and one bid from Bournemouth £7.5M.

Danylo Sikan (SC/AMR) - we've rejected three bids from Brentford, the highest being £15.75M and one bid from Newcastle United £17.5M. Swansea City, FC Koln and Udinese are also meant to be interested, but we've not heard anything.

Evangelos Patoulidis (M/AMC/SC) - Evangelos was on the transfer list and we agreed a £5M fee with Cremonse only for Evangelos to reject the move. We've also rejected bids from Elche £3M, Maritimo £2.8M, Portsmouth £2.8M. As Evangelos is HGC, we've decided to take him off the transfer list and reassess him. Evangelos is out-of-contract at the end of the season so we do have a decision to make.

Greg Taylor (DL) - we've rejected two bids from Aston Villa, the highest being £18.5M.

Joe Willock (MC/DM/AMRL) - we've rejected a £14.25M bid from Derby County.

Karamoko Dembele (AMR) - we've rejected five bids from Manchester United after talking it through with Karamoko, the highest being £95M. We believe they are trying to unsettle Karamoko. Leicester City are also reported to be interested but we haven't heard anything official from them.

Keith Henderson (DL) - we've rejected two bids from Hibs, the highest being £900K.

Mikey Johnstone (AML) - we've rejected bids form Crystal Palace £18.75M, Everton £14.25M.

Paddy McKee (MC/SC) - we've rejected a £15.5M bid from Derby County.

Petar Varagic (U18s SC) - we've rejected a £54K bid from Hibs. 

Stevie Mallan (MC) - we've rejected a £12.25M bid from Everton. 

There's also speculation that Sheffield United are interested in Armstong Oko-Flex (AMRL/SC), Leganes are interested in Chancel Mbemba (DC), and both FC Porto and Valencia are interested in Dennis Praet (MC), but we've had no contact whatsoever from those clubs.

 

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Edited May 22, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Wednesday 24th July 2024

Pre-match v Burnley (a) - Friendly (8)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Is the plan still the same today? Give 11 players who didn't play against Arsenal, 90 minutes?

Stuniverse: Yes. That's what we're heading towards, although the game itself could necessitate some changes to that plan. Dennis Praet is on holiday following the European Championships and about half-a-dozen players are still carrying injuries, so we're not in as good a shape as we'd like this close to the start of the Premiership in 10 days time.

Unavailable: Mikey Johnston (twisted ankle), Paddy McKee (twisted ankle), Dennis Praet (holiday).

Doubtful: Joe Willock (bruised knee-90), Jordan Ross (tight hamstring-90), Robbie McCrorie (neck-90), Paul Shankland (pulled knee ligaments).

Team Selection

Post-match: Burnley (0) 3-1 (0) Celtic

The Bhoys: That has to go down as a disappointing defeat, wouldn't you agree?

Stuniverse: Yes, I would. Two of the three goals we conceded were completely avoidable and we should have defended better. Before the game we told the players to show us why they deserved a place in the first-team. Some of them responded to that and some of them didn't.

We fell behind on 65 minutes when Wuilker Farinez somehow allowed a routine shot from Manu Garcia to squirm out of his hands and roll over the line. Evangelos Patoulidis equalised for us on 79 minutes with a fierce strike from just outside the penalty area, after good work in midfield by Ewan Henderson, Joe Willock, and Armstrong Oko-Flex who supplied the telling pass. Manu Garcia then scored his second goal of the game, on 87 minutes, and I have to hold my hands up and applaud as it was a sensational individual goal that we couldn't really do anything about. Normally when you concede a goal you can say we should've done this, we could've done that, but I don't think any team in the world stops him scoring that one. Then, in added-on time, in a goalmouth scramble where we had ample opportunities to clear the ball, we fail to do so, allowing Vincius to score a scrappy goal.

The Bhoys: You subbed McJanet. Was that through injury?

Stuniverse: Yes, Stuart McJanet felt some discomfort in his groin so we took him off as a precaution. Hopefully, it's nothing too serious.

 

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Edited May 23, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 27th July 2024

Pre-match v Crystal Palace (a) - Friendly (9)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: This is your last pre-season match before the opening day. Are you ready?

Stuniverse: It's not been ideal with a lot of players away on international duty, staggered returns to pre-season training, and a number of injuries, but we feel well prepared. We'll have a better idea after today's game.

Unavailable: Mikey Johnston (twisted ankle), Paddy McKee (twisted ankle), Dennis Praet (holiday).

Doubtful: Stuart McJanet (pulled groin-90), Joe Willock (bruised knee-90), Jordan Ross (tight hamstring-90), Robbie McCrorie (neck-90), Paul Shankland (pulled knee ligaments-45).

Team Selection

Post-match: Crystal Palace (2) 3-0 (0) Celtic

The Bhoys: Another poor performance. What happened?

Stuniverse: Palace were better than us in both penalty areas. It's as simple as that, and we need to do better. Overall, I didn't think there was anything in it possession and chances wise, but Palace were more ruthless than us in both boxes. They defended better than us and they were more clinical in front of goal.

We started quite well but Palace took the lead on six minutes with their first attack of the game. They doubled their lead on 23 minutes when we switched off at a free-kick.

On 73 minutes we were 3-0 down when substitute goalkeeper Robbie McCrorie, in his first action this pre-season due to a neck injury, let a tame shot go through his gloves.

The Bhoys: Henderson limped off in the second-half. How is he?

Stuniverse: Ewan has pulled knee ligaments, we think, so that'll be at least three weeks out, our medical team advise.

The Bhoys: After a good pre-season for the most part, with some good victories, your Celtic team has looked all-over-the-place in the last two defeats. Your captain hasn't even trained with you yet this summer. Celtic fans are telling us the team has never been so ill-prepared for a season in a long, long time. What do you have to say to the supporters?

Stuniverse: Dennis Praet was away with Belguim for the European Championships where Belgium lost in the Final to France. Dennis needed a break and he'll be back with us on Monday. We expect him to report back fit and raring to go. 

The last two games haven't been ideal but we always knew they were going to be tough away fixtures. We have a lot of work to do at the Lennoxtown training centre before we go to Aberdeen for the Premiership opening fixture, that's for sure. We will be ready though. You can count on that. We will be ready for Aberdeen.

 

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Edited May 23, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

28 July 2024

BETFRED CUP SECOND ROUND

The Bhoys: Celtic have been drawn away to Championship Dunfermline Athletic in the second round of the Betfred Cup.

[Stuniverse]

29 July 2024

NEW VICE-CAPTAIN AS PRAET RETAINS CAPTAINCY

The Bhoys: Celtic's 30 year-old Belgian midfielder, Dennis Praet, has retained the captaincy despite not having played for Celtic in pre-season due to his international commitments. Sources at Lennoxtown tell us that manager Stuniverse wanted to replace Praet as captain but, in a meeting, the player convinced his manager otherwise.

New summer signing, 27 year-old centre-back Scott McKenna, has been named vice-captain with 27 year-old central midfielder Scott McTominay stepping down voluntarily.

 

[Stuniverse]

29 July 2024

CELTIC SNAP-UP 16 YEAR-OLD GOALKEEPER

The Bhoys: Celtic have signed Dundee's 16 year-old goalkeeper Adam Alexander for £100K until the summer of 2027.

 

[Stuniverse]

1 August 2024

FARINEZ LEAVES FOR WOLVES

The Bhoys: Celtic's 26 year-old goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of £15M.

[Stuniverse]

1 August 2024

MONTHLY REPORTS

Manager Performance:

Finances:

Dynamics:

[Stuniverse]

1 August 2024

CELTIC'S AUGUST FIXTURES

The Bhoys: Celtic kick-off their Premiership campaign away at Aberdeen tomorrow, with two more Premiership matches at home to Hibs and Kilmarnock this month, plus a visit to Dunfermline in the Betfred Cup.

[Stuniverse]

3 August 2024

CELTIC BOARD EXPECTS - DOMESTICALLY JUST WIN EVERYTHING

The Bhoys: Celtic's chairman Ian Bankier has politely reminded manager Stuniverse of the Board's expectations ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Edited May 23, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 3rd August 2024

Pre-match v Aberdeen (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (1)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Celtic have a superb track record of winning the opening Premiership match of the season, a tradition you kept going last season with a 5-0 home victory over Motherwell. You kick-off away at Aberdeen, can you keep the winning tradition going?

Stuniverse: That's our intention. Unfortunately, pre-season has been far from ideal with a lot of players away on international duty, necessitating a staggered return to training, and we've had what seems like more than our fair share of niggly injuries to contend with. We've also brought eight new players into the squad, whilst also saying goodbye to seven players who were core players in the first-team squad last season. This off-season has thrown up some significant challenges for us.

The Bhoys: You've beaten Aberdeen the last three times you've played them and the Celtic fans are expecting a fourth against a side who finished 7th and missed out on the Championship Group last season. That must give you confidence knowing you've won the last three against Aberdeen.

Stuniverse: Yes, of course, records like that are always good for confidence and momentum is an important thing in football. We also have to realise that Aberdeen are a good side, I was surprised they struggled as they did last season and we expect them to be a much tougher opponent this season. They've bought and sold players this summer, the same as we have, so we'll both pick much-changed teams I'm sure. The previous games and results don't mean a huge amount at any time but certainly not on opening day.

We feel prepared and confident going into this game at Kingsford Stadium, but I'm sure David Hopkin and his Aberdeen players feel the same way. I can assure all Celtic fans that we're determined to start our campaign with a win and we'll do our best to achieve that.

The Bhoys: How's the injury list looking?

Stuniverse: Long, to be honest, it's a long list. Our medical team have been very busy all pre-season and particularly this last couple of weeks. Only Ewan Henderson is definitely ruled out with a knee ligament issue but we have  nine players doubtful with various ailments of one sort or another.

Unavailable: Ewan Henderson (pulled knee ligaments).

Doubtful: Chancel Mbemba (tight hamstring-90), Stuart McJanet (pulled groin-90), Jordan Ross (tight hamstring-90), Anthony Ralston (tight groin-90), Robbie McCrorie (neck-90), Karamoko Dembele (food poisoning-75), Paddy McKee (twisted ankle-45), Paul Shankland (pulled knee ligaments-45), Mikey Johnston (twisted ankle-45).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: Good luck.

Stuniverse: Thank you.

 

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Edited May 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 3rd August 2024

Aberdeen v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership (1)

Team Selection

Celtic's starting lineup has two debutants with Steven Harrison and Scott McKenna selected to start against their former club Aberdeen. Grant Thomson, a summer signing from Motherwell, could also make his Celtic debut if called upon.

With transfer speculation rife about possible Celtic departures this window, captain Dennis Praet (MC), who hasn't played a single minute for Celtic this pre-season, isn't even on the bench. Neither is Chancel Mbemba (DC), Ewan Henderson (MC), Mikey Johnston (ML) nor Danylo Sikan (SC). Karamoko Dembele (MR) only makes the bench.

Highlights

4 minutes.

Celtic's captain for the day, Scott McKenna, got booked after four minutes against his former club and, from the resulting free-kick, Aberdeen's Cosgrove was left unmarked to hit a volley into the far corner. 1-0.

HT: Aberdeen 1-0 Celtic

88 minutes.

Fraser Hornby headed Stevie Mallan's free-kick home for a late equaliser. 1-1.

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

The Bhoys: We're used to seeing Celtic winning their opening match of the Premiership season, not being out-played and getting out of jail with a late equaliser. That wasn't what we expect at all. 

Stuniverse: I agree. We weren't anywhere near our best today, and we reminded the players after the game of the expectation levels here at Celtic, but I don't think we were that far off.

Once, again, a mistake or more precisely a lack of concentration from a set-piece cost us a goal, but we showed a lot of character to keep going until the end and getting ourselves something out of the game. At least we didn't lose and we did have a great chance, late-on, to win it but Lewis made a fine save to deny Grant Thomson a debut goal. Given all the disruption and injuries we've had during our pre-season, I'm pleased that we didn't lose and have our first point on the board.

It's important we don't get carried away by one result and remember that there's another 37 games to go yet. We still have work to do, I'll admit, but we will get better and you'll see a different team out there once our injury situation improves.

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

 

The Bhoys: You left quite a few players who were key to your success last season out of the match-day 18 today. Is that because they're about to be sold?

Stuniverse: I won't be talking about transfer speculation today but players were left out today for a number of different reasons - illness, injury, lack of match fitness and, yes, I felt one or two didn't have their heads in the right place to play today.

The Bhoys: I repeat: Is that because they're about to be sold?

Stuniverse: As I said earlier, I won't be talking about transfer speculation today.

 

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Edited May 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

6 August 2024

McBURNIE FINALLY ARRIVES IN SCOTLAND

The Bhoys: Celtic have confirmed the £10M signing of 28 year-old nomadic striker Oliver McBurnie from Sheffield United until the summer of 2027. McBurnie, who represented Scotland in this summer's European Championships, has won 45 international caps for Scotland, scoring 17 goals. Having played his entire career so far in England, national hero McBurnie is set to make his debut in the Scottish Premiership wearing the green-and-white-hoops of Celtic.

[Stuniverse]

7 August 2024

PATIENCE PAYS OFF FOR STUNIVERSE

The Bhoys: Celtic manager Stuniverse is said to be delighted to be managing his former player Adam Idah again after Celtic confirmed the £4.7M signing of the 23 year-old Irish striker from Hibs on a contract until the summer of 2028. Idah played for Stuniverse at Falkirk, before following his manager to Hibernian.

In the end, it was a case of being patient to reunite with Idah at Celtic after unsuccessful attempts to bring Idah to Celtic Park during both the summer and Winter transfer windows last season.

Edited May 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

8 August 2024

EVERTON SIGN CELTIC CAPTAIN

The Bhoys: Everton have confirmed the signing of Celtic's 30 year-old captain Dennis Praet for a fee of £25M. Celtic fans couldn't understand why the influential Belgian central midfielder hadn't made an appearance for Celtic in pre-season. Well now we know why... Celtic and manager Stuniverse have cashed in on Praet.

Edited May 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

8 August 2024

VILLA SIGN SIKAN

The Bhoys: Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Celtic's 23 year-old Ukranian striker Danylo Sikan for £30M.

[Stuniverse]

8 August 2024

TRANSFERS AND FINANCES

The Bhoys: Here's a summary of the transfer business Celtic have done this season amidst concerns the club are putting profit ahead of the quality of the playing staff.

[Stuniverse]

8 August 2024

CELTIC PLAYERS CLOSE TO MUTINY

The Bhoys understand that the Celtic players demanded showdown talks with manager Stuniverse following the transfers of club captain Dennis Praet and striker Danylo Sikan. A hastily arranged team meeting took place at Lennoxtown today as Stuniverse attempted to get his players back on side.

Player Dynamics before the meeting:

The Team Meeting:

Player Dynamics after the meeting:

Edited May 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

9 August 2024

McKENNA NAMED CELTIC CAPTAIN

The Bhoys: Following the departure of popular captain Dennis Praet to Everton, Celtic manager Stuniverse has gone with two of his Celtic signings as captain and vice-captain.

Summer signing Scott McKenna (27 year-old DC, signed from Aberdeen) has been give the captain's armband with last January's signing Callum Paterson (29 year-old utility player, signed from Cardiff City) named vice-captain.

Edited May 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 10th August 2024

Pre-match v Hibernian (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (2)

Match Preview

The Bhoys: With Hibs losing 2-1 at home to Kilmarnock last Sunday, you must be confident of getting your first win of the season against your former club at Celtic Park?

Stuniverse: I think it's far too early to draw any early conclusions about form and which teams will do well and which teams will struggle a bit this season. That said, we're confident of getting a result and sending our fans home with smiles on their faces.

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

 

The Bhoys: How's the injury list looking?

Stuniverse: Good news and bad news on that front. Karamoko Dembele is well again after food poisoning, Robbie McCrorie has recovered from his neck injury, Jordan Ross is back after a tight hamstring, and Paul Shankland is back in contention after a minor knee ligaments issue. Unfortunately tough, our new signing Ollie McBurnie has twisted his knee in training. Otherwise, things are pretty much as they were ahead of the Aberdeen game.

Unavailable: Ewan Henderson (pulled knee ligaments), Oliver McBurnie (twisted knee).

Doubtful: Stuart McJanet (tight calf-90), Anthony Ralston (tight groin-90), Chancel Mbemba (tight hamstring-90), Mikey Johnston (twisted ankle-75), Paddy McKee (twisted ankle-75).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

 

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Edited May 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Saturday 10th August 2024

Celtic v Hibernian - Ladbrokes Premiership (2)

Team Selection

Celtic make two changes, including a debut for Adam Idah against his former club Hibs.

IN: Karamoko Dembele (MR), Adam Idah (SC) // Robbie McCrorie (sub-GK).

OUT: Stuart McJanet (MR), Joe Willock (ML) // Scott Bain (sub-GK).

Highlights

32 minutes.

A poor defensive header by Celtic's Greg Taylor allowed Palacios time and space to play Welsh through to fire Hibs ahead. 0-1.

40 minutes.

Celtic were level eight minutes later. Scott McTominay played a one-two with Stevie Mallan and then hit a ferocious shot into the corner of the net from all of 25-yards. 1-1.

HT: Celtic 1-1 Hibernian

61 minutes.

Armstrong Oko-Flex fired Celtic into the lead after a neat interchange between Scott McTominay and Fraser Hornby. 2-1.

74 minutes.

Stevie Mallan threaded a lovely ball through for Armstrong Oko-Flex to score, only for the offside flag to go up.

90 minutes.

Scott McTominay played an inch-perfect diagonal ball for Stuart McJanet to score with a half-volley from the edge of the penalty area that went in off the post. 3-1.

Post-match: Celtic (1) 3-1 (1) Hibernian

The Bhoys: Congratulations on your first win of the season.

Stuniverse: Thank you. Hibs made us work for it but, in the end, we ran out comfortable winners and, if it hadn't been for the brilliance of Zidane in their goal, I think we would have scored even more.

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

The Bhoys: For the first half-an-hour you seemed to struggle to get into the game, but then it looked like you changed some things around and looked a lot better after that.

Stuniverse: Yes. Hibs took the game to us early on and we were finding it difficult to get onto the front foot. We started to play out from the back more and play slightly shorter passes and that really suited Scott McTominay and Stevie Malan in the middle of the park. Then we pushed the wingers further forward and Armstrong Oko-Flex was inspired after that down the left-wing.

 

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Edited May 24, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

11 August 2024

O'CONNOR JOINS CELTIC

The Bhoys: Celtic have confirmed the signing of Hearts's 17 year-old left winger Colin O'Connor for £5M (£7M) until the summer of 2027.

Edited May 25, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

12 August 2024

MORRISON SIGNS FOR CELTIC AFTER DRAWN-OUT SAGA

The Bhoys: In the conclusion to a transfer story that has rumbled on all summer, Celtic finally confirmed the signing of RB Leipzig's 21 year-old centre-back Liam Morrison for £3M until the summer of 2028.

Morrison must've thought his opportunity to join Celtic had passed him by earlier in the summer after he passed his medical at Lennoxtown, only for manager Stuniverse to pull the plug on the deal at the last minute. Any way, a change of heart has seen Celtic return for Morrison who is now a Celtic player. 

Morrison has one full Scottish international cap and will be hoping his move to Celtic will improve his chances of playing for the National team.

Edited May 25, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

12 August 2024

CELTIC SIGN TWO MORE YOUNGSTERS

The Bhoys: Celtic have confirmed the signing of two more youngsters.

Andrew Cowan, an 18 year-old left-back, joins from Hibs for £3M until the summer of 2028.

Lewis Manson, a 17 year-old midfielder, arrives from Kilmarnock until the end of May 2027 for £1.7M.

Andrew Cowan

Lewis Manson

Edited May 25, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

15 August 2024

PATERSON SET FOR SPELL ON SIDELINES

The Bhoys: Celtic's vice-captain, 29 year-old utility player, Callum Paterson, has suffered a sports hernia and could be out for five weeks.

 

[Stuniverse]

19 August 2024

CELTIC HAVE A CURRIE

The Bhoys: Celtic have confirmed the signing of Aberdeen's 17 year-old striker Kyle Currie for £5M until the summer of 2027.

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 20th August 2024

Pre-match v Dunfermline Athletic (a) - Betfred Cup Second Round

The Bhoys: An away tie against Championship side Dunfermline Athletic shouldn't present any problems for Celtic, should it?

Stuniverse: On paper, no, but Dunfermline have started the season well and are in 3rd place in the Championship. We're confident we can go to East End Park and get the result we need to progress to the quarter-final.

The Bhoys: Where your former employers Hibs are waiting to host tonight's winners at Easter Road?

Stuniverse: That would be an enticing cup-tie but we're not thinking beyond tonight's game against Dunfermline.

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Has a break of 10 days since your last competitive match allowed you time to get some of your walking wounded fit?

Stuniverse: Yes, the medical team have worked wonders and Anthony Ralston (tight groin), Chancel Mbemba (tight hamstring), Mikey Johnston (twisted ankle) and Paddy McKee (twisted ankle) are all available for selection. A couple more are very close to a return but, unfortunately, Callum Paterson and Ryan Shinnie have been added to the injury list.

Unavailable: Adam Idah (cup-tied), Grant Thomson (cup-tied), Lewis Manson (cup-tied), Callum Paterson (sports hernia), Ryan Shinnie (sprained ankle ligaments).

Doubtful: Stuart McJanet (tight calf-90), Ollie McBurnie (twisted knee-90), Ewan Henderson (pulled knee ligaments-75).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

David Healy (Dunfermline Athletic manager):

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

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Edited May 25, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Tuesday 20th August 2024

Dunfermline Athletic v Celtic - Betfred Cup Second Round

Team Selection

Celtic make SEVEN changes, and the lack of a natural striker suggests that a change of system may be employed by manager Stuniverse. Stevie Mallan wears the captain's armband.

IN: Robby McCrorie (GK), Anthony Ralston (DR), Chancel Mbemba (DC), Stuart Findlay (DC), Brandon Williams (DL), Paddy McKee (AMC), Mikey Johnston (ML).

OUT: Steven Harrison (GK), Callum Paterson (DR-sports hernia), Scott McKellar (DC), Scott McKenna (DC), Greg Taylor (DL), Adam Idah (SC-cup-tied), Lawrence Shankland (SC).

Highlights

10 minutes.

Scott McTominay gave Celtic the lead, with a sublime shot that went in-off-the-post, after Armstrong Oko-Flex's initial shot had been blocked. 0-1.

28 minutes.

Mikey Johnston made it 2-0, after good work by Karamoko Dembele down the right-wing, allowed Stevie Mallan to play in the killer ball. 0-2.

41 minutes.

Armsrong Oko-Flex made it 3-0, turning in Anthony Ralston's low cross at the near post.

43 minutes.

Karamoko Dembele volleyed home Brandon Williams's chipped pass from close range. 0-4.

HT: Dunfermline Athletic 0-4 Celtic

48 minutes.

Dunfermline pulled one back when McCann headed Turner's free-kick in, although the ball somehow managed to squirm its way through Celtic goalkeeper Robby McCrorie's gloves. 1-4.

50 minutes.

Mikey Johnston had a tap-in at the far post for his second goal of the game, after being brilliantly set-up by Armstrong Oko-Flex. 1-5.

57 minutes.

Armstrong Oko-Flex scored his second goal of the game after Karamoko Dembele headed Mikey Johnston's cross back into the danger area. 1-6.

85 minutes.

Mikey Johnston completed his hat-trick with a magnificent individual goal. 1-7.

Post-match: Dunfermline Athletic (0) 1-7 (4) Celtic

The Bhoys: You sprung a surprise with your change of system but boy did it work. That was as complete a demolition job as I've seen for a long while. You completely blew Dunfermline away.

Stuniverse: Thank you. The 4-2-3-1 is something we've been working on in training all pre-season but, up until now, we hadn't really had an opportunity to try it out in a competitive game. I feel midfield is our strongest area of the squad and this system allows us to get an extra midfielder onto the pitch. We also think the #10 role suits young Paddy McKee but, unfortunately, he missed most of pre-season with a twisted ankle.

Today, we were able to create lots of chances and we took them very well. Dunfermline may be a Championship side, but they are no mugs. I'm delighted with the seven goals we scored although, yet again, the one we conceded was down to an individual error. 

David Healy (Dunfermline Athletic manager):

 

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

 

The Bhoys: Can we expect to see the 4-2-3-1 next time out against early Premiership pace-setters Kilmarnock?

Stuniverse: You'll have to wait and see.

 

 

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Edited May 25, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

21 August 2024

STUNIVERSE RETURNS TO OLD STOMPING GROUND FOR QUARTER-FINAL

The Bhoys: Celtic have been drawn away to manager Stuniverse's former employers Hibs in the Quarter-Final of the Betfred Cup.

  

[Stuniverse]

22 August 2024

CELTIC SIGN BREBNER

The Bhoys: Celtic have confirmed the signing of 18 year-old left-back Ruari Brebner from Hearts for £1.5M on a contract until the end of May 2028.

[Stuniverse]

24 August 2024

CELTIC SIGN GILMOUR

The Bhoys: Celtic have confirmed the signing of Celtic's 23 year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour until the summer of 2028 for £3.5M (£5.5M).

Gilmour started his career at Rangers but never made an appearance for the auld enemy.

Edited May 25, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Sunday 25th August 2024

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

The Bhoys: Kilmarnock are the early pace setters with two wins out of two, including a 4-0 thrashing of Rangers last time out. A win at Celtic Park would see you leapfrog them and go second behind surprise leaders Inverness. Can you do it?

Stuniverse: That's exactly what we'll be looking to do. We've trained hard this week, prepared thoroughly, and we're confident of getting the win in front of our own supporters.

Match Preview

The Bhoys: Will you be going 4-2-3-1 again or reverting back to your 4-4-2?

Stuniverse: We know what we'll be doing but we're keeping our tactical approach to this game to ourselves.

Unavailable: Callum Paterson (sports hernia), Ryan Shinnie (sprained ankle ligaments).

Doubtful: Paddy McKee (blisters-90), Stuart Findlay (bruised ankle-90), Ollie McBurnie (twisted knee-90), Ewan Henderson (pulled knee ligaments-45).

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

David Moyes (Kilmarnock manager):

Stuniverse (Celtic manager):

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Edited May 25, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

Sunday 25th August 2024

Celtic v Kilmarnock - Ladbrokes Premiership (3)

Team Selection

Celtic make FIVE changes. Scott McKenna returns to the starting lineup as captain.

IN: Steven Harrison (GK), Scott McKellar (DC), Scott McKenna (DC), Greg Taylor (DL), Evangelos Patoulidis (AM).

OUT: Robby McCrorie (GK), Chancel Mbemba (DC), Stuart Findlay (DC), Brandon Williams (DL), Paddy McKee (AM-blisters).

Highlights

5 minutes.

Karamoko Dembele gave Celtic an early lead after a scramble in the Kilmarnock penalty area. 1-0.

27 minutes.

Armstrong Oko-Flex doubled Celtic's lead, heading in Anthony Ralston's cross at the near post. 2-0.

29 minutes.

Two minutes later, Armstrong Oko-Flex scored with another header, this time from Stevie Mallan's free-kick. 3-0.

33 minutes.

Mikey Johnston got on the end of Karamoko Dembele's low cross to make it 4-0.

HT: Celtic 4-0 Kilmarnock

51 minutes.

Scott McKellar rose highest at a crowded far post to head home Stevie Mallan's free-kick.

71 minutes.

The referee awarded Celtic a penalty for an infringement when Stevie Mallan launched a free-kick into the penalty area. Mallan sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot. 6-0.

Post-match: Celtic (4) 6-0 (0) Kilmarnock

The Bhoys: After Kilmarnock beat Rangers 4-0, I wasn't expecting you to demolish them the way you did today.

Stuniverse: I'm so proud of the players today. I thought they were magnificent. Every single one of them, they were outstanding. We had a team meeting a couple of weeks ago, after Dennis [Praet] and Danylo [Sikan] moved on and the squad were asking where the goals were going to come from. We basically told them to trust us, and believe in themselves, and since then we've put seven past Dunfermline and scored six against Kilmarnock.

David Moyes (Kilmarnock manager):

The Bhoys: You have two away matches coming up next but you're well placed in second just two points behind surprise early pace setters Inverness.

Stuniverse: Yes, fair play to Inverness, they've won three out of three and nobody else has done that. We visit the Caledonian Stadium in two games time but, before then, we have to go to Tannadice Park and play Dundee United. Two tough away games, but two we're confident of getting the desired results in.

 

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Edited May 25, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

26 August 2024

CELTIC'S SEPTEMBER FIXTURES

The Bhoys: Celtic face four Premiership fixtures in September, plus the Betfred Quarter-Final away at Hibs, and their opening Group match in the European Champions Cup, although the draw for the Groups hasn't been made yet.

Edited May 26, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

29 August 2024

PSG, MAN UTD AND OLYMPIAKOS

The Bhoys: Celtic have been drawn into Group A of the European Champions Cup alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Olympiakos.

Edited May 26, 2020 by Stuniverse

[Stuniverse]

30 August 2024

27 CELTIC PLAYERS CALLED-UP

The Bhoys: Celtic have had 27 players called-up for international duty, including 10 for the full Scottish squad and 13 for the Scottish youth squads.

Disappointingly, Celtic captain Scott McKenna, who was part of this summer's Scotland European Championship squad, has been left out by Scotland manager John Robertson.

Edited May 26, 2020 by Stuniverse

[JaytheGreat]

Ouch that Champions League Group. Gonna need some HUGE performances to make it out of there.

[Stuniverse]

4 minutes ago, JaytheGreat said:

Ouch that Champions League Group. Gonna need some HUGE performances to make it out of there.

Tell me about it, @JaytheGreat. PSG won Ligue 1 by 17 clear points last season; Man Utd were third in the EPL, nine points behind Arsenal, one behind Liverpool and two ahead of Chelsea; Olympiakos won the Greek Superleague (although it's not a playable league on this save).

Fortunately the Board only expect us to 'be competitive' but we'll see if we can cause an upset or two along the way...

[JaytheGreat]

Any idea what being competitive actually means? I see that goal sometimes and i never have a clue about what it means. Do they expect 3rd or just not get blown out every game? 

[Stuniverse]

17 minutes ago, JaytheGreat said:

Any idea what being competitive actually means? I see that goal sometimes and i never have a clue about what it means. Do they expect 3rd or just not get blown out every game? 

I think it means not get blown out every game. I’ve seen it on other saves where I get a team promoted against the odds and the Board almost expect to be relegated back down the following season because they know they’re not ready. In terms of league campaigns, it’s one expectation up, I think, from ‘fight bravely against relegation’.

So, in the case of the ECC, I think 3rd meets the expectation, and probably 4th as well, but 4th with no points from six games might not be seen as being competitive.

Here's what additional information comes up when I hover the mouse over the expectation.

Edited May 26, 2020 by Stuniverse