On Wednesday Celtic had their pre-match media conference, with the exception of BBC Scotland all of the broadcasters were there.
Transfer activity was the main topic, nothing else really got a look in. There was a token question about Motherwell, Stewart Kettlewell is a good young coach and back to the transfer chat.
The process was examined, Brendan Rodgers examines needs in the squad with Mark Lawwell coming up with solutions that the manager can then decide on.
The summer window was awkward due to a change in manager, various projects were at an advanced stage with the manager reluctant to step in and say no to the diligent work that Lawwell had been undertaking.
Unfortunately only Luis Palma has made a positive impression, hopefully Lawwell Mini has got better at his job and can provide the first team manager with ready made players rather than hopeful punts from the Korean Second Division or injured Australians.
From largely the same media pool of talent, with a few fan media outlets added, sometimes difficult to distinguish from the mainstream cheerleaders, Philippe Clement sat down today to discuss Sunday’s match at Aberdeen.
A month into the job the new boss has had matches to watch his players involved in and assess his needs for January, the positions that need strengthened. During the summer his predecessor had signed up seven stars plus Abdallah Sima on loan.
In addition there are at least three first team regulars out of contract, decisions will have to be taken over whether to give them new deals or whether they can run the clock down and leave as free agents.
John Lundstram, Ryan Jack and Borna Barisic fall into that category, squad men Leon Balogun, Kemar Roofe and Jon McLaughlin are simply draining the wage bill with a £20m plus loss expected for this season unless there is a run to the final of the Europa League.
Strangely, or maybe not there wasn’t a single question about the January war-chest, the exciting signings that the Belgian has identified to add to the squad, to put his stamp on things.
Ross McCausland’s contract position was mentioned, the rumour of Ryan Kent being signed on loan was raised but nothing about incoming transfers from the club that lost their Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, to Nottingham Forest- and still no mention of Graeme Souness’ imminent appointment into a mystery role.
