Aiden McGeady

[Maroon 7]

He's not worth anything near 10mil imo, I would say about 5mil would be more realistic. The Premier League will be a massive step up for him, Its going to be sink or swim for Aiden.
I hope im wrong but I can see him back on loan in Scotland within a year or two.

Re: Comparing his valuation to the crazy money spent on Lescott etc, Man City are competing in a different market to Birmingham, its completely skewed by the blank cheque they have at their disposal and Everton didnt want to sell him so they had to pay a premium.

Celtic have seen less talented players like Craig Gordon and Alan Hutton both go south in recent years for 9M so they are not going to undervalue McGeady. They are in a fairly solid financial position so they don't have to sell him unless the price is right for them.

[Junior]

They are in a fairly solid financial position so they don't have to sell him unless the price is right for them.

Absolutely! Similar to one half of the situation with the Lescott sale by Everton. i.e. Celtic also dont need to sell. Birmingham might not be a Man C but they are as close to an 'open cheque book' as we are likely to get seeing as Man C are not in the market for him.

[Leeside Swagger]

They are in a strong Financial position in so far as they dont have any debt and refuse to use leverage as a means to raise funds. Its not as if they are flush with cash for transfers though.

[third policeman]

I think Celtic's willingness to consider offers might have something to do with McGinn's advance. Another goal last night. It's beginning to look like a serious lost opportunity him playing for the North.

[Brendan 82]

I think Celtic's willingness to consider offers might have something to do with McGinn's advance. Another goal last night. It's beginning to look like a serious lost opportunity him playing for the North.

McGinn always wanted to play for the North

[Stuttgart88]

Didn't Gordon go from Hearts?

[Acornvilla]

he did i think they ment that they have seen other scotish clubs recieve those amounts? either that of he was mistaken but yep he was hearts keeper won spl player of they year whyle with them

[co. down green]

McGeady going to Birmingham would be a positive move for him, career wise.

He's 23, yet to reach his peak & staying in Scotland is an admission that he does not believe he has the ability to perform at a decent level.

[Razors left peg]

McGeady going to Birmingham would be a positive move for him, career wise.

He's 23, yet to reach his peak & staying in Scotland is an admission that he does not believe he has the ability to perform at a decent level.

There is no doubting that he believes in his own ability, but I dont think anyone should doubt just how much McGeady loves his club. People might laugh at that and say its not exactly professional but while I do think he will move on eventually he will not be in a big hurry to leave

[co. down green]

There is no doubting that he believes in his own ability, but I dont think anyone should doubt just how much McGeady loves his club. People might laugh at that and say its not exactly professional but while I do think he will move on eventually he will not be in a big hurry to leave

I've no doubt that McGeady has a huge passion for Celtic and irrespective of his future career choices he will always be a Hoop, but i don't see how, if he's ambitious to further his footballing career, he can expect to do that at Celtic.

[Razors left peg]

I've no doubt that McGeady has a huge passion for Celtic and irrespective of his future career choices he will always be a Hoop, but i don't see how, if he's ambitious to further his footballing career, he can expect to do that at Celtic.

Realisically for him to fulfill his potential properly he will eventually need to move on, but I just dont think he is in any major hurry to do that

[twoenz]

The thing about the McGeady move, and most moves from the SPL is that when a fan and a player talk about "big clubs" they're talking about 2 different things entirely. To a fan, a big club has history, tradition, a way of life even. To a player it's the one that gives them the most money for the longest term, or the chance to further themselves most.

I don't think any player really views Celtic and Rangers with any more respect than they do a Championship team that are in and around the playoffs.

As for McGeady, other SPL signings indicate that he'll do OK. Look at Cuellar. £7.8mill and performs solidly, for the same money Dunne came in and is being talked about as a potential player of the year. Barry Ferguson's done OK, but is being outshone by Lee Bowyer, Craig Gordon seems to do OK in between horrific injuries.

If it was me, I'd be investing my money elsewhere. Although, anything that gets Paddy McCourt closer to first team football is fine by me.

[Junior]

I don't think any player really views Celtic and Rangers with any more respect than they do a Championship team that are in and around the playoffs.

I'm sorry but I would have to say that is complete nonsense. Footballers are renowned for not being the brightest but (and Im taking my green and white tinted glasses off here) I dont think any of them would view Celtic (or Rangers for that matter) in the same light as
a West Brom, Swansea, Cardiff, Sheff Utd, Leicester,Crystal Palace or Blackpool even if they could earn higher sums of money with those teams.

In fact I don't see anyone in the bottom half of the Premiership that would be seen in the same light - do you, really?

Perhaps footballers are blinded by the salaries but you ask the footballer in Europe or South America that 'Celtic' have shown interest in you or 'Bolton' or 'Hull' have and Id be willing to put a wager on who he would initially be most interested in.....until they talked money of course;)

11 Stoke
12 Blackburn
13 Sunderland
14 Wigan
15 Burnley
16 West Ham
17 Wolves
18 Hull
19 Bolton
20 Portsmouth

[Colbert Report]

I'm sorry but I would have to say that is complete nonsense. Footballers are renowned for not being the brightest but (and Im taking my green and white tinted glasses off here) I dont think any of them would view Celtic (or Rangers for that matter) in the same light as
a West Brom, Swansea, Cardiff, Sheff Utd, Leicester,Crystal Palace or Blackpool even if they could earn higher sums of money with those teams.

In fact I don't see anyone in the bottom half of the Premiership that would be seen in the same light - do you, really?

Perhaps footballers are blinded by the salaries but you ask the footballer in Europe or South America that 'Celtic' have shown interest in you or 'Bolton' or 'Hull' have and Id be willing to put a wager on who he would initially be most interested in.....until they talked money of course;)

11 Stoke
12 Blackburn
13 Sunderland
14 Wigan
15 Burnley
16 West Ham
17 Wolves
18 Hull
19 Bolton
20 Portsmouth

West Brom's payroll has got to be bigger than Celtic's.

[Junior]

West Brom's payroll has got to be bigger than Celtic's.

And your point is?

EDIT: In fact dont bother answering, I know how you view success, you've made that plainly clear in previous posts $$$$$$$$$$$$

[twoenz]

Does a European Cup won in 1967 put food on McGeady's table?

That's how footballers think.

[paul_oshea]

In this case it depends on how much food he wants on the table.

[Junior]

Does a European Cup won in 1967 put food on McGeady's table?

That's how footballers think.

The club that won it do - yes.

So you think its all about the money? Maybe you are right but Im sure the wages earned at Celtic put more than food in these players mouths - its not insignificant wages but obviously not on a par with the Premiership or even Championship.

If you think Celtic is all about a '67 European Cup win then perhaps you need to get out a little more.

Im not interested in debating the merits of Celtic over a West Brom or Hull or whoever - its a no brainer for me.

Obviously you know footballers better than I do and they wont be interested in the stuff outside of $$$$ they get each week.

[Leeside Swagger]

Celtic holding out for 11mil according to the mirror.

[the-blue-harp]

whens the last time west brom et al played in the champions league??
thats what attracts players. any right minded person will pick the champions league over the championship anyday.
cop on lads celtic is a far bigger club.

[irishultra]

there is more prestige playing for celtic but the challenge is higher with WBA.

[osarusan]

I'm sorry but I would have to say that is complete nonsense. Footballers are renowned for not being the brightest but (and Im taking my green and white tinted glasses off here) I dont think any of them would view Celtic (or Rangers for that matter) in the same light as
a West Brom, Swansea, Cardiff, Sheff Utd, Leicester,Crystal Palace or Blackpool even if they could earn higher sums of money with those teams.

In fact I don't see anyone in the bottom half of the Premiership that would be seen in the same light - do you, really?

Perhaps footballers are blinded by the salaries but you ask the footballer in Europe or South America that 'Celtic' have shown interest in you or 'Bolton' or 'Hull' have and Id be willing to put a wager on who he would initially be most interested in.....until they talked money of course;)

11 Stoke
12 Blackburn
13 Sunderland
14 Wigan
15 Burnley
16 West Ham
17 Wolves
18 Hull
19 Bolton
20 Portsmouth

But a player will also consider the teams he will be playing against.

A new signing for, say, Sunderland or Blackburn will be playing against Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool.

In Scotland it would be Rangers, then Hibs, Hearts, Aberdeen, Dundee Utd etc.

No comparison in terms of opposition.

[tetsujin1979]

But a player will also consider the teams he will be playing against.

A new signing for, say, Sunderland or Blackburn will be playing against Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool.

In Scotland it would be Rangers, then Hibs, Hearts, Aberdeen, Dundee Utd etc.

No comparison in terms of opposition.

much better chance of playing Europe as well though

[DeLorean]

It's kind of obvious Celtic and Rangers are big clubs in a small league and Bolton and Hull are small clubs in a big league. Players are just like the rest of us- some of them would prefer the big club, some of them would prefer the big league but i would imagine most of them would prefer the big pay cheque. I think it's going a bit overboard comparing Celtic to Championship teams though to be be honest.

[osarusan]

much better chance of playing Europe as well though

Of course.

I was just pointing out that 'prestige' can be judged by whom you play aginst as well as whom you play for.

[Junior]

Of course.

I was just pointing out that 'prestige' can be judged by whom you play aginst as well as whom you play for.

Its a fair point and I agree that players will obviously consider this, but its then nothing to do with the club you are choosing. In this example its the league they are choosing i.e The Premiership.

EDIT: Well actually it was the championship in the original point I was responding to. Admittedly stronger than the SPL but not by that much that you would get 'prestige' from playing against Blackpool rather than Aberdeen - Not in my view anyway.

[desmondoldie]

I think that McGeady really does need to make the step up now if he really wants to bring his game to the next level. I wouldnt mind seeing him at Blackburn or Bolton.
It didn't do the Duffer any harm back in the day.

[yapster]

Can't fault McGeady for his love for his club but he is not going to improve his game in Scotland.

[Junior]

For those interested, McGeady is playing at the top of a midfield diamond formation at the moment for Celtic, more of a number 10 type role rather than wide on the left or right. Early days yet so will have to see how he does but I believe its the position he's always seen himself in. Mowbray perhaps taking that on board more than say Strachan did.

[The Fly]

For those interested, McGeady is playing at the top of a midfield diamond formation at the moment for Celtic, more of a number 10 type role rather than wide on the left or right. Early days yet so will have to see how he does but I believe its the position he's always seen himself in. Mowbray perhaps taking that on board more than say Strachan did.

This is the crux of the issue with McGeady. He is more of a natural 'number 10' than a winger. It's my belief that we can never really make a complete judgement on him until he plays in this position consistently. Indeed, Trapattoni himself said, shortly after taking the national job, that this is the position he sees McGeady filling for the national side at some point.

Fingers crossed he moves club during this transfer window!

[paul_oshea]

not much time left!

been pretty quiet this year hasn't it?!

[Junior]

not much time left!

been pretty quiet this year hasn't it?!

Yeah its unlikely he will go anywhere unless Birmingham come back with a £13m -£15m type bid. They still havent made any real big signing this month despite much speculation.

[seanfhear]

not much time left!

been pretty quiet this year hasn't it?!
The banks have squandered all the dosh

Have you not heard !

[Junior]

So after pointing out that he migt be playing in a number 10 type roll, Mowbray reverted to a 4-4-2 last night! McGeady played wide left for the first half, wide right for the next 30 and then wandered a bit more central for the last 15.

I was really disappointed with his performance last night.

He had a great opening 15 minutes, fairly direct down the line, had the beating of the fullback and got a few crosses in/won a few corners. Also cut inside a few times leaving Miller for dead and dinking in a few dangerous balls.

However, after that he was poor.

The fullback and Liam Miller doubled up on him all game. They were persistently fouling him (in my view anyway) but it was quite 'clever' in that it was all arms and obstruction type fouls rather than downright malicious hacking - so the Hibs players rarely got punished, it was frustrating Aiden and he quickly went off the boil.

I reckon he had about 7 or 8 shots in the 90 minutes and I dont think one of them troubled the keeper!! a few daisy cutters that drifted wide, a few high and over the bar, one blocked by a defender and the best chance of all came in the 1st minute of the 2nd half, with the keeper to beat (although two defenders were quickly closing him down) and he calmly slotted it wide when he should have at least hit the target - not good enough.

His crosses became less effective, often hitting the first defender (he was not alone in this last night!) and on a few breaks up field he held on to the ball far too long eventually losing posession.

I suppose none of the above will seem that unusual to alot of posters on here who often quote 'no final ball', 'one trick pony', 'headless chicken' etc.etc. but last night sadly, he lived up to that type of reputation.

Many on here state he has to go to the EPL or La Liga to improve as a player and there are obvious reasons for that conclusion, however, surely he has to prove beyond doubt that he can leave the likes of Hibs defenders chasing his shadows with assists and goals. He didnt do that last night. Maybe a one off but in stronger squads you dont get too many chances to have games like that or you'll be warming the bench or in the reserves.

[geysir]

His crossing and shooting, which should and need to be improving, are in fact weakening.
His game is sadly becoming more littered with powder puff shots and weak crosses.
Something is going on.

[seanfhear]

Is Mowbray worse than Strachan. At the moment he is doing badly and considering Rangers financial woes, well its not good is it.

[geysir]

I'd more suspect that a curse has been put on Celtic this season.

Caldwell will probably turn out to be one the bargains of the season in the EPL.

[Superhoops]

His crossing and shooting, which should and need to be improving, are in fact weakening.
His game is sadly becoming more littered with powder puff shots and weak crosses.
Something is going on.
Simple - the hype is fading and the over rating is manifesting

[geysir]

That would be a simple analysis for simple folk :p

[Junior]

Is Mowbray worse than Strachan. At the moment he is doing badly and considering Rangers financial woes, well its not good is it.

I dont look for a managers head after a few months, as many celtic fans are doing already. However, nevermind Strachan, I heard last night that Celtics record under Mowbray is worse than John Barnes' record (remember him?):eek:

Rangers are a poor side but Celtic are dropping points left, right and centre.

Mowbray will be given time. He's been given money afterall and the Board are not going to kneejerk after giving him a good few £m (by SPL standards) to spend in the transfer window.

Mowbray should be good for McGeady, in terms of allowing him to play in an attacking team but the fundamentals of Aidens game need serious and focussed attention.

[Maroon 7]

You would imagine that Mowbray and his footballing principles would have been good for McGeady but unfortunately Celtic have been a complete shambles under Mowbray this season. Trailing a near bankrupt Rangers team by 10 points is almost unforgivable. McGeady seems to have just fallen into the malaise surrounding the club at the moment. Nobody's really playing well, badly organised, team spirit looks poor, etc.

[DeLorean]

Managers are only good for individual players if they are good for the club. Mowbray may have a footballing philosophy but it is not an effective one. West Brom were relegated last season without any fight whatsoever, having finished above Hull & Stoke the previous season in the Championship. He was getting praised for believing in playing good football despite not getting results. I'm sorry but West Brom weren't good to watch, they may have been trying to do the right things but were not capable of it, at Premier League level anyway. How Celtic fans were moaning about Strachan was completely beyond me, his job was easily as impressive as O'Neill's considering the players he had. It's a results business, Celtic don't have the players to play beautiful football all the time and Strachan knew it, unfortunately Mowbray doesn't.

[TrapAPony]

His crossing and shooting, which should and need to be improving, are in fact weakening.
His game is sadly becoming more littered with powder puff shots and weak crosses.
Something is going on.

McGeady is an extremely overrated player.

[DeLorean]

McGeady is an extremely overrated player.

What an insightful contribution.

To be honest I don't know how anybody can say he's overrated until he plays at a higher level. He's been the best player in Scotland over the past few seasons, he can't do much more than that. I thought he was getting better and better for Ireland until he was dropped for Lawrence.

[Superhoops]

What an insightful contribution.

To be honest I don't know how anybody can say he's overrated until he plays at a higher level. He's been the best player in Scotland over the past few seasons, he can't do much more than that. I thought he was getting better and better for Ireland until he was dropped for Lawrence.

Best player in Scotland doesn't mean much. International football is a higher level than SPL and he has hardly sparkled when playing for us.

[yapster]

As I've said he is a one-trick pony. His crossing & shooting is diabolical at this stage of his devolopment as a footballer.

[SilkCut]

His crossing and shooting, which should and need to be improving, are in fact weakening.
His game is sadly becoming more littered with powder puff shots and weak crosses.
Something is going on.

He has gotten lazy, probably gotten bored aswell. Look at the type of players he is playing against (and with) he has all the talent he could wish for but has become too comfortable at Celtic. He knows that 50% of his best is still 40% better than most in the SPL. To say he has not proved he can leave SPL defenders for dead is a fallacy, he has been doing it for years. I imagine he looks at the players around him and thinks "what the fu#k happened here?" remember he grew up with players like Larsson, Sutton and Lennon all at Celtic all good players, throw in Nakamura, Petrov and young guys like Maloney (not the same player since Villa) and Miller (was very good once) there would have been a much more confident atmosphere. Now he is looking at Scott MacDonald (still has not scored at international level) and Georgios Samaras (Terrible in the EPL) as the stars of the team. Throw in the opposition he is playing against all either half decent young players, older journeymen, ex-Eircom league and players who couldn't make it in the championship. The SPL has fallen so far it is ridiculous, even Rangers have no "Marquee" players. He needs to move this year, probably won't happen until the summer but it needs to happen. Celtic have been very unfair in the valuation they put on him, he has been very loyal and should be rewarded with a move for a realistic price. I wonder do they pay him what a 15m pound player would normally earn?
He is still young enough to fulfill his potential, don't write him off just yet. That said, if he signs another long term contract at Celtic one would have to doubt his ambition.

[EastTerracer]

A poor game this morning from Aiden. He did have a very good first half of the season for Celtic (accepting that the SPL is not the highest standard he could be playing at). In the last few games he seems to be off form and, as SilkCut says above, I think the changing personnel in the team is not helping him. He has gone from a young lad playing amongst senior players to being the centre-point of Tony Mowbray's team. He looks to be trying much too hard to beat every player. I think he'll stay at Celtic for the rest of the season but expect to see him in the Premier League next season.

[seanfhear]

Aiden and all the Celtic players need to get as far away from Mowbray as they can.

Will Mowbray get much longer?

[Junior]

Aiden and all the Celtic players need to get as far away from Mowbray as they can.

Will Mowbray get much longer?

Its not the normal practice of a Board of Directors to allow their manager to go off willy nilly spending millions on new players if they intend to give him the boot.

Even if we have a disastrous season (i.e. didnt at least finish second, which I really dont think will happen) Mowbray would still be around next summer (and beyond I think but I wont stick my neck out that far;)).

Rangers have a slim squad, wont be strengthening, have their best two players (certainly in terms of goasl) in Miller & Boyd out injured at the moment - they will hit a bad patch. Celtic just have to have picked it up a few gears to close the gap when they do.