I have concluded that Gordon Strachan is trolling Celtic fans, much like he sometimes did when he was the Celtic manager.
The stubborn Scot made some unpopular decisions in his time at Celtic, and while rose tinted specs might stop a few from admitting it, for a manager who won 3 titles in a row and had the success that he did, he was not universally loved by the supporters. So much so that the first time he didn’t win the league, which went to the last day – the fans wanted him gone.
Now, this sounds like I’m having a pop at the now Scotland manager but I’m not – that’s what happened, well at least from my perspective. Over dependency on individual players and a flippant approach to answering questions after tough games rubbed many the wrong way.
Of course, we had many great times under his guidance and always thankful to him for creating some great memories that will last a life time – The title for Tommy being a particular highlight for myself.
Yesterday, however, I was reminded of the frustrating side of the manager when he made his call up’s known for Scotland’s next two games.
Had you asked me before the announcement, there’s one man who I would have put my house on being called up to play for his country – Callum McGregor.
Callum has been outstanding and has even changed my opinion of him as a bit-part player to someone who can make a real difference to a talented Celtic team. So when the call up’s came in, and he was nowhere to be seen I was more than confused.
Stuart Armstrong has been called up and correctly after the season he just had, but since the start of the season, the player has been largely ineffectual and making appearances from the bench because his contract situation was becoming a burden. Since the commencement of the season, Callum has looked ready to go and helped Celtic propel themselves to the brink of Champions League qualification.
His forward thinking, eye for a pass and general play warrants a call-up. Gordon Strachan doesn’t think so.
The Scotland manager says there are players in-front of Callum who has performed over many years under his management. I’m going to adopt Gordon’s flippant demeanour now when I ask, what have we qualified for with the players you speak of – It seems like he’s actively trolling us.
Scotland is not blessed with a lot of talent in an attacking sense, and it seems a no brainer to include Callum in the squad. Something a bit different, and someone who is more than familiar than playing with the likes of Armstrong and Brown.
Alas, it’s not to be – Brendan Rodgers spoke of his confusion at his player’s omission, and while Callum himself will be disappointed, I’m sure there’s a lot of Celtic fans that will see the advantage of him not taking part in international duty.
Boycott everything SFA.
Personally not in the least surprised by wee gingers selection an arogant little nonentity the sooner scotland get rid of him the sooner they will have a chance of qualifying for a competition
Always laugh at Celtic fans criticising GS for being flippant and offhand with the media. That will be the same media who take every opportunity to trample our club into the dirt.
GS has always said he didn’t come to Celtic as a Celtic fan, but left Celtic as a Celtic fan.
That’s good enough for me.
I agree that CMcG should be in his 27(!!)-man squad, and that the SFA are not to be supported, but do not agree with unreasonable criticism of GS.
Well said he always sticks up for us
Wee ginger ? Listen to yourself. Strachan did a great job for us , fickle fans who forget so quickly, short memories
True that .. 3 titles and last 16 in the champions league .. he has always been funny with his selections but is working well with the players at his disposal .. give him a wee break and let him pick his team ..
Strachan was excellent for Celtic and was treated poorly by a section of the support. He took over after O’Neill which was never going to be easy. Remember O’Neill had jacked it because he was told there was a fraction of the money available compared to what he had already spent. he was no confident he could do any more. Strachan took over knowing the constraints and with no Henrik Larsson and after a shaky start was brilliant. He only came a cropper due to the EBTs which were in over drive at this time. he has also developed a genuine love for Celtic and sticks up for the club whenever he is on TV and others are running down Scottish football and the achievements of our club. He is still wrong over Callum though.
Clearly Strachan is a paid puppet. I was a huge fan when managed us, but since he became an SFA puppet, I have lost all respect.