END of SEASON REPORT 2008/9

Thought I would move directly on to the summary of season 2008/9 rather than go through the motions of a report on the Hearts game. It does not really matter how many goals we scored or how many we let in, what does matter is how many points were achieved and this year we lost the League by 4 pts and that is after being 8pts clear at one time!

                        TOTAL PTS

2008/9                  82

2007/8                  89

2006/7                  83

2005/6                  91

2004/5                  92

One other aspect is how each player performed and I have listed this season's squad showing games played (substitute appearances), average marks out of 10 for the season(if played in more than 10 games), MOM and a comment re. suitability for season 2009/10.

                                     App. Av. Marks MOM Comment

BALDE What a complete waste of money for this season and neither the Manager, the players or the Board can take any pride from the way this situation was allowed to stagnate.

BORUC 46 6.20 1 Although not as good as last season it was good to see him overcome his sticky patch and return to his best for the run in. Would be no 1 if he decides to stay but that I doubt.

BROWN Should be sold.

BROWN 47 6.38 3 Along with Caldwell he is the only one to improve his rating as compared to l.y. A wonderfully industrious player but also a player who needs to improve his passing and shooting. Should be in next season's squad unless some club offers 10m.

CADDIS Was loaned out to Dundee U in January and will be welcomed back to the squad hopefully as an improved player.

CALDWELL 47 6.57 7 Celtic's most consistent player and an automatic pick for next season.

CROSAS 20(2) 5.95 2 A talented player who has to become more aggressive if he is to justify Celtic paying 1.5m to Barca.

DONATI A player who has fallen out of favour with the manager and should be transferred.

FLOOD The only purchase in January and one who has been rarely seen since. His best position is midfield and I feel he will replace Hartley.

HARTLEY 33(6) 5.88 2 I think his best days are behind him although proved to be a good buy. Would let him move on.

HINKEL 41 5.76 1 After a slow start improved as the season went on. Best as an attacking wing back. Would keep him.

HUTCHINSON He only managed 3 appearances as a sub and was injured for the last few months. Top scorer in the reserves and should be given more of a chance next season.

JVOH 30(10) 5.27 2 I often thought that if GS had not such a loyalty for him we might have signed a decent striker to replace him. Must go.

KILLEN A complete and utter waste of time and money.

LOOVENS 23(3) 5.83 3 Was not impressed by him initially but he has recently proved to be a better choice than McManus. Made him MOM against Hearts. Must keep.

MALONEY 31(7) 5.19 2 Even allowing for his injuries I was disappointed in his performances. Hoping for better next season.

McCOURT A low cost purchase who might, just might prove to the flair player Celtic have been missing.

McDONALD 50(2) 5.38 5 Had an awful start to the season but came back on form and certainly did not fail Celtic through lack of effort. Felt sorry for him with regard to the striking partners he was asked to play alongside. A must for next season.

McGEADY 40(8) 5.93 3 Not as good as last season but no failure. Has to learn how to score more often. Amazingly dropped for the last Rangers game.Hopefully he'll be here next season.

McGOWAN Only 1 appearance as a sub and I don't think there is much chance for him.

McMANUS 41 5.85 A captain courageous but not good enough for a regular pick next season and I would not be surprised if he left.

CONROY The nearest he has come is being on the bench and he's another young player who should be let go.

MIZUNO 10(8) 5.30 I don't know where he vanished to for the run in but I would keep faith with him for next season.

NAKA 40(3) 6.00 4 Thanks for the memories.

NAYLOR 29(4) 5.83 2 Goodbye

O'DEA 16(5) 5.44 If he is going to make it it will not be at full back.

ROBSON 23(6) 5.39 1 We missed him not being fully fit and he might have made the difference.

SAMARAS 40(14) 5.28 4 If only he had not gone to play for his country he might well have maintained his remarkable early form. Goodbye.

SHERIDAN 16(7) 5.00 1 Maybe his loan spell will have made him a player of Celtic quality but I doubt it.

WILSON 24(4) 5.83 2 Still have hopes for him if only he could get himself fit.

Av. for the season               5.70

MANAGER There is no question that he has been a successful manager for Celtic but it has been apparent for some time that he has not delivered in terms of his promises. He promised improved team performances each season. He has not delivered the quick passing, attacking style of play he promised and he has not enhanced Celtic's reputation in terms of handling the media. He has managed a Celtic team that has lost a Championship by 4pts to a team that at very best could only be described as average.

I hope he recognises that this is the right time to stand down.

Ah! I feel better now that I've got all of it off my chest. Still a proud and faithful Celtic supporter.