Archive September 2, 2025

Celtic’s business in this transfer window “reeks of incompetence”. It’s an “absolute embarrassment.” Fans are “just disappointed” rather than “no longer surprised.”

The Scottish Premiership champions ‘ board are “actively managing a decline”, and the failure to significantly enhance the squad “feels like self sabotage”.

Brendan Rodgers’ departure as manager of the Glasgow outfit “would be justified in this time,” according to Rodgers, who has “proved again that they are not a serious football club.”

It is impossible to describe the anger currently raging around the city’s east end as a result of saying that Celtic fans are unhappy with how the summer has gone.

The fans are revolting against the board for not investing. For doing the same thing, the manager has aimed a few barbs at his superiors.

And those fissures appear to be causing only one thing now, with Rodgers’ deal up and the season’s conclusion.

On the pitch, an expensive and mortifying Champions League exit and meek Old Firm performance ramped up the rage even more.

Rodgers and the Celtic fans’ frantic deadline day signings were unsuccessful.

Just one player – Tunisia winger Sebastian Tounekti – arrived, while Adam Idah was allowed to join Swansea despite Rodgers ‘ insistence a few days prior that the striker was going nowhere unless a replacement had been secured.

Celtic already needed one striker because Kyogo Furuhashi’s replacement, Kyogo Furuhashi, was unable to do so after leaving in January. They are now two short.

The mooted arrival of former Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who is now a free agent after his Sevilla contract was cancelled, will do little to quell fan anger.

Kasper Dolberg, a £8 million striker for Anderlecht, was on Celtic’s radar as they attempted to close a deal, but the Dane is reportedly set to make a return to Ajax.

In the final moments of the window, the Scottish champions were desperately searching.

Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana reportedly snubbed them in favour of English League One Charlton, only for that move to ultimately fall through. No dice were played either way when Sekou Mara from Strasbourg was linked further.

Celtic have brought in 11 signings this window, but only four look like they could be starters in Rodgers ‘ strongest XI.

Tounekti, Benjamin Nygren, and Michel-Ange Balikwisha all appear to have been recruited with the intention of becoming regulars, while Kieran Tierney will play when he is fit.

The rest are bench players, project players, or young loanees.

Given 11 first-team squad members – and further 12 youngesters – have left this summer, it could be argued that it balances out.

Can Nicolas Kuhn and the long-term injured Jota be replaced by Tounekti, Nygren, or Balikwisha? Are Greg Taylor and Jeffrey Schlupp’s left-back positions improved by Tierney and loanee Marcelo Saracchi? And who replaces Idah and Kyogo?

Rodgers has only two striker options in attack: rookie summer signing Shin Yamada, Callum Osmand, who has been playing for the B team, and 22-year-old fringe player Johnny Kenny. Daizen Maeda will need to be moved from the left wing to fill the void.

Even Tounekti’s purchase raises questions. Rodgers is quoted as saying the winger can “operate on both sides” yet the 23-year-old clearly favours the left, having played 70 games on that flank compared to just eight on the right.

Is there now a balance between Celtic’s overstocked left-sided players and the newly acquired Balikwisha, who looked reluctant to take players on on during his debut in Sunday’s derby draw at Ibrox?

When you consider all of that, Celtic leave the window more vulnerable than it was when it first opened, which is strong evidence.

After calling for reinforcements numerous times for months, Kairat Almaty humiliated Rodgers’ side in ignominious fashion.

The manager’s contract expires in the summer, but he will still have to meet stringent demands for the Europa League and domestic competition.

His first spell ended in the middle of a third campaign, with the Northern Irishman leaving under a cloud for Leicester City. Rodriguez has vowed to extend his second contract with Celtic.

Matt: Football is not the only source of frustration at Celtic. A disconnect has been forming between the club’s management and the supporters for years. There has been no attempt to bridge that gap. This is made worse by the AGM’s glib putdowns against the Old Firm. The wise Celtic supporters understand that this is just a distraction by stoking the division. It assumes we are stupid. Not at all.

Joe: The board consistently exhibits indecisiveness and stalling. Business should have been done several weeks ago. They have to pay more than £40 million. No longer amused, but instead dejected once more.

Cam: Celtic’s approach in the transfer window is “hit and hope” at times. When the plan to bolster the squad actually should be in place before the window even opens, it lacks ambition throughout the entire window. Beyond the manager and the team, the scope is club-wide.

Ed: The real shock for me here is the fans are surprised. This is repeating history. Although it’s a slightly worse case, we’ve all been aware of this before on occasion. Shameful at board level.

James: Celtic have proven once again they are not a serious football club. I once believed it was due to lack of ambition on the part of the board. More alarmingly, it has become clear that they also lack the ability. Unfortunately, there will be no consequences. Nothing will alter.

Charlie: Surprised, disappointed, but not overwhelmed. This is not progress, it’s not even consolidation.

James: I believe that the club should be explained to the current owners. Is Rodgers in complete control over signings? And if so, he must be held to account and explain why his big signings have not produced. More accountability must be exercised between the board, the manager, the players, and the supporters.

Gordy: The only word that describes it is horrifying. We have had the whole summer to look for replacements for the players we knew were leaving. The club is left in a ridiculous situation because of the club’s bang average manager (for not pushing the board for what he knew he needed), fantastic support base, fantastic stadium, and fantastic stadium. The hiring team and the board are dishonest for putting us in this predicament.

Stephen: The recruitment team, and board, have massively let down everyone associated with the club. Idah’s decision to let him leave after realizing we needed to add options upfront beggars belief and smacks of self-sabotage. Fans of Celtics are embarrassed and disappointed.

Benny: Where do you start? lack of empathy Unlucky ? No, it’s mismanagement and arrogance from a board who have previous for this shambolic amateurism. The manager’s departure would be more than justifiable. Only words can adequately describe this window and others, shameful and embarrassing. I dread the Europa League upcoming ties with this squad.

Celtic’s business in this transfer window “reeks of incompetence”. It’s an “absolute embarrassment.” Fans are “just disappointed” rather than “no longer surprised.”

The Scottish Premiership champions ‘ board are “actively managing a decline”, and the failure to significantly enhance the squad “feels like self sabotage”.

Brendan Rodgers’ departure as manager of the Glasgow outfit “would be justified in this time,” according to Rodgers, who has “proved again that they are not a serious football club.”

It’s impossible to imagine how angry Celtic fans are right now with the way things are going in the east end of the city.

The fans are revolting against the board for not investing. For doing the same thing, the manager has aimed a few barbs at his superiors.

And those fissures appear to be causing only one thing now, with Rodgers’ deal up and the season’s conclusion.

On the pitch, an expensively-mortifying Champions League exit and meek Old Firm performance ratched up the rage even more.

Rodgers and the Celtic fans’ frantic deadline day signings were unsuccessful.

Just one player – Tunisia winger Sebastian Tounekti – arrived, while Adam Idah was allowed to join Swansea despite Rodgers ‘ insistence a few days prior that the striker was going nowhere unless a replacement had been secured.

Celtic already needed one striker because Kyogo Furuhashi’s replacement, Kyogo Furuhashi, was unable to do so after leaving in January. They are now two short.

The mooted arrival of former Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who is now a free agent after his Sevilla contract was cancelled, will do little to quell fan anger.

Kasper Dolberg, a £8 million striker for Anderlecht, was on Celtic’s radar as they attempted to close a deal, but the Dane is reportedly set to make a return to Ajax.

In the final moments of the window, the Scottish champions were desperately searching.

Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana reportedly snubbed them in favour of English League One Charlton, only for that move to ultimately fall through. No dice were played either way when Sekou Mara from Strasbourg was linked further.

Only four of the 11 signings Celtic have this year appear to be starting positions in Rodgers’ strongest XI.

Tounekti, Benjamin Nygren, and Michel-Ange Balikwisha all appear to have been recruited with the intention of becoming regulars, while Kieran Tierney will play when he is fit.

The rest are young loanees, project players, or bench fillers.

It might be argued that it balances out given that this summer there were 11 first team squad members and 12 younger members.

Can Nicolas Kuhn and the long-term injured Jota be replaced by Tounekti, Nygren, or Balikwisha? Are Tierney and loanee Marcelo Saracchi an upgrade on Greg Taylor and Jeffrey Schlupp at left-back? Who will take Idah and Kyogo’s place?

Rodgers has only two striker options in attack: rookie summer signing Shin Yamada, Callum Osmand, who has been playing for the B team, and 22-year-old fringe player Johnny Kenny. Daizen Maeda will need to be moved from the left wing to fill the void.

And even Tounekti’s acquisition prompts questions. The 23-year-old clearly prefers the left despite having only eight games on the right while Rodgers is quoted as saying that the winger can “operate on both sides.”

Is there now a balance between Celtic’s overstocked left-sided players and the newly acquired Balikwisha, who looked reluctant to take players on on during his debut in Sunday’s derby draw at Ibrox?

Take all that into account and there is a strong case to be made that Celtic leave the window weaker than when it opened.

After calling for reinforcements numerous times for months, Kairat Almaty humiliated Rodgers’ side in ignominious fashion.

The manager might be forgiven for weighing the situation and his team before deciding that his reputation can only be harmed in the upcoming months due to the stringent Europa League and domestic demands that are currently looming.

Anything other than a 14th league title in 15 seasons will be unacceptable but will a man who has revelled in Champions League football in recent times feel fulfilled by yet more domestic dominance?

The Northern Irishman left Leicester City in the middle of a third campaign without a doubt.

Matt: Football is not the only source of frustration at Celtic. A disconnect has been forming between the club’s management and the supporters for years. There has been no attempt to bridge that gap. This is made worse by the AGM’s glib putdowns against the Old Firm. The wise Celtic supporters understand that this is just a distraction by stoking the division. It assumes we are stupid. Not at all.

Joe: The board consistently exhibits indecisiveness and stalling. Business should have been done several weeks ago. They have to pay the extra £40 million. No longer amused, but instead depressed once more.

Cam: Celtic’s approach in the transfer window is “hit and hope” at times. When the plan to bolster the squad actually should be in place before the window even opens, it lacks ambition throughout the entire window. Beyond the manager and the team, the scope is a club-wide issue.

Ed: The real shock for me here is the fans are surprised. This is repeating history. Although it’s a slightly worse case, we’ve all been aware of this before on occasion. Shameful at board level.

James: Celtic have once more demonstrated that they are not a serious football team. I used to think it was because the board lacked ambition. More alarmingly, it has become clear that they also lack the ability. Sadly, there won’t be any consequences. Nothing will change.

Charlie: Surprised, disappointed, but not overwhelmed. This is not consolidation; rather, it is not progress.

James: I think supporters should be told why the club is in the position it is at the moment. Is Rodgers in complete control over signings? If so, he must be held accountable and be asked why his big signings failed. There has to be more transparency between the board, manager, players and supporters.

Gordy: The only word that describes it is horrifying. We have searched for replacements for players who we were aware were leaving the entire summer. It leaves the club in a ridiculous situation, where we have a fantastic support base, a fantastic stadium, and bang average manager (for not pushing the board for what he knew he needed). The hiring team and the board are dishonest for putting us in this predicament.

Stephen: Everyone associated with the club has been greatly let down by the hiring team and the board. The decision to let Idah leave, after starting the day knowing we needed to add options up front, beggars belief and feels like self sabotage. Fans of Celtics are embarrassed and disappointed right now.

Benny, where do you begin? Ineptitude? Unlucky ? No, it’s board misconduct and haughtiness that have caused this abominable amateur behavior. The manager would be more than justified for walking away. Only words can adequately describe this window and others, shameful and embarrassing. This current squad’s upcoming matches in the Europa League drew my attention.

Steph Catley, the champions of the Champions League, says there can be “no excuses” if Chelsea loses the Women’s Super League title this year.

Six successive league titles have been won as a result of Chelsea’s dominance.

In 2019, Arsenal won the WSL for the first time ever.

They have fallen behind domestically in recent seasons despite being the only English team to twice triumph in the Women’s Champions League.

Catley believes that the Gunners can overtake their London rivals in the WSL now, inspired by their May victory.

Catley stated in the podcast of BBC Radio 5 Live’s Women’s Football Weekly that “when you win something as big as [the Champions League], you have a target on your back.”

“You should continue to do amazing things, as is expected.” We probably should have won more money than we probably could have and probably should have.

There are really no justifications. The team is there. Everything is in place thanks to us. It’s about putting those expectations into practice and living up to them.

According to Catley, consistency is what Arsenal were building last term, and he believes that this is what makes a team successful. Renee Slegers was appointed as interim head coach after a poor season-opening resulted in the dismissal of manager Jonas Eidevall.

Before the team sealed European glory by defeating Barcelona in Lisbon, Slegers enjoyed great success and was appointed on a permanent basis.

Catley claims that the Arsenal squad and Slegers have been “working closely together this summer to understand what makes them tick.

Our goal is to remain consistent from round one and keep that up. You can’t afford [to dip in form], allegedly,” Catley added.

I believe we can take away from Chelsea’s habit of being able to win when they play football that isn’t at their best, and I believe that’s something they can learn from them.

The Lionesses, who won the title at Euro 2025, have enjoyed great success this summer.

Beth Mead, the England winger, claims that the players will be able to develop as a result of their success both professionally and personally.

It’s crucial to gain that knowledge and comprehend what it takes for this team to succeed. We must now conduct it domestically,” Mead remarked.

We aspire to win every trophy, which we do, of course. An Arsenal team must have that as their goal. We must stop talking and publish it every week.

Alessia Russo, who scored 12 goals for England in the Champions League last season and also won the WSL Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw from Manchester City, claims the squad has been “spurred on” by their success.

I had a childhood dream of winning the Champions League. You feel a need for more after winning a trophy, Russo said.

“We’re all very motivated to keep going and make a strong start to the season. The stakes are certainly higher, and I hope that fans will expect that because we anticipate it.

Arsenal’s transfer window has improved, surpassing the previous record by making Canadian forward Olivia Smith the first £1 million player in the women’s game.

Additionally, they have permanently signed England international Taylor Hinds and signed former Liverpool vice-captain Taylor Hinds.

Mead and Kelly will battle it out for a starting spot in the starting XI.

We have some very good players in the squad and the positions I play, Mead said, “It’s a fresh season, a fresh chapter,” Mead continued.

I’m here to compete, I say. When I have the chance to compete, I play the best football. We will improve as players.

When Tobin Heath and Nikita Parris signed for one season in the past, things had to change.

Renee[/s] is likely to make a lot of decisions and headaches.

Arsenal’s season-wide success comes as another bonus with the confirmation that Emirates Stadium will host both their home and all of their WSL and European games.

On Saturday, Arsenal travel to the promoted and aspirant London City Lionesses, with the newcomers out to create a sensation at the start of the season and making their own statement in the impressive arena.

Simply put, it gives you a buzz. Our supporters are among the highest calibre for the number of people we can transport. We are incredibly fortunate to have them. You get used to that, Catley said.

It will give us a huge advantage. Nobody wants to play in it because it’s like a fortress. It’s bad for them, I suppose.