David Murray’s era had no financial gap; now, it is a matter of worry

During the irresponsible Sir David Murray period, financial gap was not a factor of worry. Suddenly, it is now a thing.

St Johnstone v Celtic – Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers salutes the fans after the William Hill Premiership match at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Saturday September 28, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow

After our great Saturday night victory over St Johnstone, Ewan Murray the Hearts supporter golf hack has taken a go at Celtic.

Murray expressed his emotions on X and muses about how meaningless celebrating such a victory is given the financial difference between the teams.

Indeed, the two teams have very different financial situations; we should be winning games with such certainty and simplicity, but that is our challenge. All we can do is play what is before us.

Paulo Bernardo celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 0-2 lead. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football, McDiarmid Park, Perth Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Ironically, hacks like Ewan kept their lips closed during the spend then bust David Murray years when the egotistical businessman was occupied spending other people’s money as the Ibrox side dominated Scottish football with a budget as huge as any side not only in Scotland but the whole United Kingdom.

Their mouths were most likely too full of tender lamb to be able to speak out, however.

Why then is the worry current? Well, that is really clear actually. For our Scottish hackers, Celtic dominating Scottish football is a painful one to consider. They all yearn for the days they spent eating leftovers from Murray’s table.

Auston Trusty applauds the Celtic fans at full-time following their 0-6 victory over St Johnstone. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, McDiarmid Park, Perth on 28 September 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

The largest most successful club in Scottish football is Celtic; we are only going to become better, larger and wealthier. Their actual issue is like this.

Go through the answers to Ewan Murray’s tweet; the Celtic fans really does put him back in his box.

I understand why he has to do this but it’s contrived by necessity.

Celtic’s recently reported annual spend is £105m. St Johnstone turnover was £5.1m in their last accounting period.

It’s a competitive non event. A total waste of time. https://t.co/MnSgt0RdcN

— Ewan Murray (@mrewanmurray) September 28, 2024

Only an Ordinary Bhoy

Rodgers’ post-match remarks are criticized by a pundit

Tam McManus, a former Hibernian forward, has criticized Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers for what he considers to be a lack of contrition in response to comments made by Rodgers following Celtic’s 6-0 victory over St Johnstone on Saturday.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Rodgers addressed detractors who accused his team of playing sluggish and unproductive football during the post-match interviews held last season. Celtic’s impressive display at McDiarmid Park, which included a brace from Kyogo Furuhashi, as well as goals from Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, and Adam Idah, prompted this response.

Rodgers’ rebuttal to his detractors was deemed superfluous by McManus, as it undermined his own principles of humility.

He published a message on the social media platform X:

Fantastic performance and result. Looks a seriously strong Celtic squad but no need for the pop as at the time Celtic were not playing good football. Not scoring a goal v Kilmarnock & St Johnstone in back to back weeks proves that. Brendan goes on about staying humble. Well i’m… https://t.co/yhRmvhQg8F

— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) September 28, 2024

Celtic’s excellent start to the season, which includes 20 goals scored and no conceded in their first six league matches, is a substantial departure from the criticisms of the previous year. The team is exhibiting a potentially more dynamic and effective style of play under Rodgers.

It could be argued that Celtic are employing Angeball in their attack, with a more organized counter press and a compact defensive unit.

Currently, the Hoops are experiencing success, as evidenced by their impressive goal difference of +20, which has been achieved in only six games. May it persist indefinitely.

An unforgettable Daizen Maeda moment

This has become so commonplace among Celtic fans that it may be considered an expectation. Nevertheless, we will never weary of Daizen Maeda’s pursuit of opposing players, even when the bhoys are 6-0 up with five minutes remaining.

The video of the Japanese star sprinting back to retrieve the ball after a sloppy pass in the final third has gone viral, marking another Daizen moment.

The winger could have been excused for allowing this one to fall, but in typical Daizen fashion, he witnesses Celtic loose the ball and sprints the length of the field to retrieve it.

Winning 6-0. 86 minutes. Daizen Maeda… pic.twitter.com/rvRlIOs28n

— Stewart Ross (@StewartRoss89) September 29, 2024

Maeda and Celtic will provide additional information in the future.

Celtic were exceptional throughout their performance in Perth. The boys truly demonstrated their capabilities. Nevertheless, you continue to believe that this group has more to offer and has not yet reached its peak.

Maeda was initially recruited by Ange Postecoglou; however, Brendan Rogers has since elevated him to greater heights. Maeda is an exceptional Celtic athlete due to his exceptional work ethic and integrity, both on and off the field.

The next challenge for the Hoops is a harrowing journey to Dortmund. We can hope for a positive outcome in Germany, but it will be a difficult evening