The Celtic Exchange: Celtic Football Club in Focus

Are Celtic Stronger Now Than At The Start of The January Transfer Window | Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic v4.0

The target for Celtic when entering any transfer window is to ensure that we come out the other side even stronger.
So are we?
In Ange Postecoglou’s fourth transfer window we’ve made key additions in Yuki Kobayashi, Alistair Johnston, Tomoki Iwata and Hyeongyu Oh, but have also lost big hitters Josip Juranovic and (very likely) Giorgos Giakoumakis.
So are we better off for our January trading?
Is there anything the club should have handled differently?
Are we happy with the work that Ange, Mark Lawwell and Michael Nicholson continue to do?
ALSO IN THIS EPISODE
Captain Callum McGregor Clocks Up His 400th Appearance
The Brendan Rodgers “Legacy”
The Team Spirit in The Celtic Dressing Room
LINKS FROM THIS WEEK'S SHOW
A Guide To Scottish Slang (Featuring Greg Taylor & Alistair Johnston)
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Celtic Are Playing The Transfer Market To Perfection | Ange & Nicholson’s New Strategy Paying Dividends

With confirmation that Josip Juranovic has joined Union Berlin in a deal that could be worth up to £10m we’ve now seen the first example of Ange Postecoglou’s transfer policy coming full circle.
Signed by the Australian for £2.5M, Juranovic leaves as a league winner and could net the club up to four times what they paid for him.
This is the right move for all parties.
As Ange himself says: “I don't think there needs to be winners and losers out of this”.
In his place comes another World Cup star in the shape of Alistair Johnston, almost four years his junior and looking every bit the accomplished full back.
A similar strategy looks likely in terms of Giorgos Giakoumakis’ imminent departure, with a profit on his signing, and a younger striker taking his place.
Both players will leave with everyone’s best wishes but this is a new approach by Celtic - steered by Ange and Michael Nicholson – and it’s only going to see us continue to improve!ALSO IN THIS EPISODE 
Celtic’s Puzzling Young Striker Situation
Ange’s Influence on the Celtic Academy
Kyogo To Smash The 30 Goal Barrier
LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW 
Kyogo Furuhashi | Life In Glasgow (FIFA Feature)
Sign Up For “Between The Lines” (Free Weekly Newsletter) 
 
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The SFA: Unaccountable, Incompetent & Invisible | Failing Scottish Football

This weekend’s League Cup semi-finals presented a perfect opportunity to show off Scottish Football in the best possible way, as 4 of our top flight sides came together at the National Stadium to compete for a place in next month’s final.
Instead the players were met with a park that would be seriously questioned at amateur level, and a level of officiating that left many wondering why VAR was ever introduced in the first place.
These are just the latest failings of the SFA but the list is lengthy and the time for action is now if respectability is to be restored in the Scottish game.
Not just for Celtic’s sake, but for all involved in Scottish Football.
ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
The Puzzling Giakoumakis Saga
Confidence Surging Through Maeda  
Dream Celtic Debuts: Cadete, Lubo & More
LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW
Graham Speirs: “Scottish Referees: Do Celtic Get A Raw Deal?”
Explore our New Website for Blogs, Videos, Social Media & More
HELP US TO GROW THE CELTIC EXCHANGE
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Analysing Celtic: “The Data” vs The “Eye Test” | The Reo Hatate Question

There’s been a lot of talk recently about data in football, particular in the Celtic Fan Media space.
But should analytics, xG and performance stats ever be deemed more important than the old fashioned eye test when it comes to how we evaluate football and footballers?
More and more teams in the modern game are taking a data driven/”Moneyball” approach when it comes to recruitment – and that has its merits – but can stats, graphs and percentages really tell you if someone is a good player or not?
We go through the pros and cons of a subject that seems to divide football fans the world over in this week’s “Big Debate”.
As one data enthusiast says:
“If David wants to beat Goliath, you can’t do that by using the same weapons!
Apparently.
ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
The Ange Machine vs The Invincibles
Juranovic to Serie A On The Cheap?
Tributes To An Incredible Celtic Fan
Another Hampden Trip Beckons
LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW
Alan Thompson Tell The Brutal Truth
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Ange’s Vital Derby Day Decisions + Are Celtic Now Being Refereed To A Different Standard?

Celtic came out of the New Year’s Derby with their 9 point lead at the top of the table intact and can be pleased with that after a mixed performance at Ibrox.
Ange had some big calls to make with his starting line-up and it could be debated he got some right and some wrong on the day.
His exceptional use of second half substitutions can’t be argued with though as Jota, Mooy and Giakoumakis all played a part in the move that led to Kyogo’s crucial late strike!
Elsewhere, the catalogue of VAR decisions going against Celtic continues to grow with Connor Goldson being allowed to play volleyball in the box as Celtic pressed for an equaliser.
We’re now 10 games into VAR in Scottish Football and a system that started poorly on an October lunchtime at Tynecastle, has now become an increasing concern.
Where’s the SFA’s “Head of Referee Operations” when you need him? An individual who’s extremely selective about his media appearances.
ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
Is Juranovic’s Head Now Elsewhere?
Maeda’s Sparkling Post World Cup Form
Should We Be Concerned At The Lack of Jota Action?
Tributes to Celtic Hero Frank McGarvey.
LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW
Celtic’s Unique Angle: The Best of 2022
Frank McGarvey Thanks The Celtic Fans One Last Time
Hugh Keevins At It Again
The Celtic Exchange Big Quiz of 2022
Enjoy Our Additional Match Content At The Celtic Exchange Plus
HELP US TO GROW THE CELTIC EXCHANGE
If you’re enjoying The Celtic Exchange help us to grow the show by following the channel for free on your podcast player of choice – and if you haven’t already done so please take 30 seconds to leave us a five star review.
If you want to enjoy even more from us at The Celtic Exchange and to allow us to keep doing what we do, you can subscribe for our additional match content (covering EVERY Celtic game!) at The Celtic Exchange Plus.

Glasgow Derby Special: Big Match Preview with Ex Celtic Striker Simon Donnelly

We’re now counting down the hours to the Glasgow Derby as Celtic look to carry their recent blistering form into 2023.
Ex-Celtic striker Simon Donnelly is a veteran of this fixture and joined Tino in the studio to preview the big game as Ange Postecoglou’s side prepare to take on rangers at Ibrox in Monday’s lunchtime kick off.
We discuss the form guide, line-ups, formations, strength, weakness and much more in this special extended version of The Celtic Exchange. 
ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
Simon’s Experience at a “Celtic-Free” Ibrox in 1994
Ange’s Defensive Dilemma
O’Riley To Miss Out?
Concerns Over VAR 
HELP US BUILD THE CELTIC EXCHANGE
If you’re enjoying The Celtic Exchange help us to grow the show by following our channel on your podcast player of choice and by taking 60 seconds to leave us a five star review.
We also provide Pre & Post Match Podcasts for every Celtic game to our subscribers at The Celtic Exchange Plus, as well as bonus episodes with ex-Celtic players, coaches and journalists and you can explore The Celtic Exchange Plus here. We have a range of subscriber options available for all supporters, starting at just £1.50 a month!

“Celtic Was The Most Beautiful Time In My Career” – Martin O’Neill Shares His Memories of a Life In Football.

Martin O'Neill stepped outside the main doors at Celtic Park on the 1st June 2000 and declared that he would do “everything in his power” to bring some success back to Celtic Football Club.
By the end of his first season he had reclaimed the Scottish League title, won both domestic cups, and for good measure delivered a 6-2 hammering of bitter rivals Rangers along the way.
This was a first Treble for the club since Jock Stein's side achieved the same feat 31 years earlier in 1969. 
European success would also follow as O'Neill's Celtic dispatched Ajax to qualify for the Champions League Group Stages where we would face the likes of Juventus and Porto. 
The following season then took us on the Road to Seville. A journey that many supporters will never forget.
All in all it was a thrilling, trophy laden, glorious 5 years for the Irishman at Celtic Park.
A man who built the platform on which the modern Celtic now sits.
Join us on this very special episode with Celtic legend Martin O'Neill as he sits with Tino to discuss a life in football.
 
ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
The Search for Brian Clough's Approval
An Early Introduction to European Football
Words of Wisdom from "The Barber"
Owing An Apology to Jackie McNamara
The One Thing He'd Change from His Time At Celtic 
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Martin O'Neill Fumes v Juventus (Sep 2001)
Check out The Celtic Exchange Plus for more episodes like this
 
HELP US GROW THE CELTIC EXCHANGE
If you’re enjoying The Celtic Exchange help us to grow the show by following our channel on your podcast player of choice – and if you haven’t already done so please take 60 seconds to leave us a five star review.
We also provide Pre & Post Match Podcasts for every Celtic game to our subscribers at The Celtic Exchange Plus, as well as bonus episodes with ex-Celtic players, coaches and journalists.
We have a range of subscriber options available, starting at just £1.50 a month! Explore The Celtic Exchange Plus here.

Brother Walfrid: The Visionary Who Paved the Way For Celtic Football Club - with Dr Michael Connolly

As Celtic supporters we're all hugely familiar with the name Brother Walfrid, but how much do we actually know about the man himself?
In a new piece of work, Dr Michael Connolly has opened the door on one of the most important figures in the history of Celtic Football Club.
A man who without his vision, there may be no Celtic to speak of.
It's an enlightening tale of the man who - like so many others of the time - made the journey from Ireland to Scotland in the mid-19th century in search of a better life.
Instead, Walfrid's lifetime would be committed to improving the lives of others.
As the title of the book tells us, his life was one of "Faith, Community & Football" and is a story which deserves to be heard by the wider Celtic audience.
Enjoy this special episode with Dr Michael Connolly.
"Walfrid: A Life of Faith, Community & Football" is available now at:
Official Celtic Stores and at Thirsty Books

A Unique Approach To The Celtic Puzzle | The Incredible Evolution of Callum McGregor

The Scottish Premiership resumed this weekend, with Celtic picking up exactly where they left off.
Scoring goals and winning games.
Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen took a surprisingly negative approach to the game however, with only an 87th minute goal by Callum McGregor ensuring all 3 points returned to Glasgow.
It was a game which gifted us the rarely spotted 8-0-2 formation.
And despite that, it was a game which Aberdeen very nearly took something from.
Is it a poor reflection on Scottish Football that this is what we’re seeing from a team generally accepted as the third force in the country?
Have teams in Scotland run out of ways to outfox Ange Postecoglou’s side?
Thankfully McGregor showed just how influential he is to this Celtic side with a match winning display.
The captain completely dominated the midfield and it was fitting that he scored the winner on his return to the first team.
Just how far has the 29 year old come after stepping out of the shadows of Scott Brown?
ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
James Forrest Joins Legendary Duo
One Year On From A Crucial League Cup Triumph
Is Kyogo Criticism Justified?
Does Stephen Welsh See His Future Elsewhere?
LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW
Kyogo The Cup Hero For Celtic: League Cup Final 2021
League Cup Final: A Hibs Eye View!
Visit Our New Website and Win A Signed Martin O’Neill Book
HELP US TO GROW THE CELTIC EXCHANGE
If you’re enjoying The Celtic Exchange help us to grow the show by following the channel for free on your podcast player of choice – and if you haven’t already done so please take 30 seconds to leave us a short review.

What’s Stopping Celtic From Winning The Treble This Season?

Celtic’s recent historic ‘Quadruple Treble' is an outlier in World Football.
 
Success of that nature is incredibly hard to come by, and the history of Celtic (and of football) tells us this.
 
Despite dominating Scottish Football in large spells, Celtic have won just 7 trebles in 135 years.
 
4 of which were in the last 5 years.
 
It’s not a foregone conclusion that Ange Postecoglou’s side are going to coast their way to treble number 8.
 
Far from it.
 
But what (or who?) is going to stop them from doing so?
 
Injuries? Complacency? The Opposition? VAR?
 
What do Celtic need to do between now and Scottish Cup Final Day to make more history?
 
To stand alone in the record books as the club with more trebles than any other in World Football?
 
This week we provide an in-depth assessment of the challenge that awaits in the second half of the season, as Ange and his players aim to make their own history.
 
ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
Should The Josip Juranovic Bidding Start at £25M?
Moritz Jenz's Creative Writing Skills
Will Callum McGregor Go Straight Back In The Lineup?
More #MysteryCelt Woe For The Panel 
LINKS FROM THIS WEEK’S SHOW
Ange Postecoglou on the Champions League & Loving Celtic
Enjoy Our Pre & Post Match Shows At The Celtic Exchange Plus
Gift A Subscription to The Celtic Exchange Plus This Christmas
HELP US TO GROW THE CELTIC EXCHANGE
If you’re enjoying The Celtic Exchange and want to help us to grow the show you can do so by following the channel for free on your podcast player of choice.
In addition please take 60 seconds to leave us a five star review here.