A woeful performance at Pittodrie saw us drop another 2 points on the second day of the New Year. Apart from that, only one other game was palyed in the SPL: a 2-0 victory of Dundee United. Celts also progressed to the next round of the Scottish Cup, after defeating St Mirren 3-0 last Saturday.
Off the field, speculation was reaching fever pitch over the immediate future of Marton O'Neill. Martin did not travel to Florida with the team, opting to spend the time at Dermott Desmond's luxury villa in Spain, the press having a great time, apparently making up Martin's mind for him.
Though we were given a decision on the return of Martin from Spain, on the same day that a benefit match for the Lisbon Lions was played against Feyenoord. His decision being to sign a one year, rolling contract with Celtic. This means that Martin O'Neill's contract will last only one year, but can be renewed on a yearly basis. My immediate reaction to this news was one of anger, dissapointment, and I, like many others, thought it was an option taken by O'Neill so that he could easily be approached by other clubs. But, looking at the details, Martin O'Neill has rightly made the decision on his own accord, for himself purely, it is a good situation for the boss, and for the fans, despite what nonsense the tabloids will say.
The draw for the next round of the Scottish Cup was made, Celtic will play either Airdrie United or St Johnstone.
Only one signing was made, to the dissapointment of many fans. That signing was Javier Sanchez Broto, from Livingston, for a small price. It will be good back up for Celtic, as Rab Douglas is injured and Jonathan Gould has departed. In my opinion, Broto should be Celtic's 2nd choice keeper, behind Magnus Hedman.
So, in February, we have a tough schedule. Dundee United in the semi-final of the CIS Cup on Thursday, home and away legs against Stuttgart in the UEFA Cup, as well as a tiring SPL campaign to get cracking at. Concentration and desire to play for the jersey is needed if we want to win this title, for the third season in a row. A much better performance than the first half of the season is required, and we need better performances off of big name players like Petrov, Agathe and Lambert.
Of course, I believe we can win the league. I think the next Old Firm game at Parkhead will have alot to do with it, and we simply need to win all of our games. We cannot afford to drop stupid points (Motherwell, Aberdeen etc.) and maybe the youngsters should be given a chance in some games, look at the success of Jamie SMith in the last two games for an example. The Huns simply do not have as good as squad as us. They are riding their luck at the moment, and their luck is bound to run out.
So all in all, a good month for Celtic Football Club in view of the Martin O'Neill contract saga. Let's keep the morale up as we enter February!
Player of the Month: JAMIE SMITH - On the basis of the last two games.
Goal of the Month: HENRIK LARSSON - v Dundee Utd (Wednesday 29th January) - A superb team goal, made by Stan Petrov and finished by Henrik Larsson.
Game of the Month: Not much to choose from, but the Lisbon Lions Tribute game was an decent game, and the Lions deserve all the credit available.
Hail Hail!
Kevin Smith
Editor