It’s not often these days that we are able to say that City are ahead of the game but last week we pre-empted the opening of the EFL transfer window this coming Friday [June 16] by formally announcing the arrival at the Carra of 31-year-old centre back Shane Duffy from Fulham while recruitment action elsewhere amongst our rivals has been remarkably limited.
The six-foot-two, 55-cap Irish national is understandably eager to force his way into RoI manager Stephen Kenny’s thoughts for next year’s Euros and he won’t do that by sitting on his butt, so Duffy is here to play, not to make up the numbers.
Gary’s article yesterday covered the Duffy signing and also looked at how supporters were reacting to the seemingly advancing average age of the squad as he joins 33-year-old Ashley Barnes on the roster for 2023/24.
Me? I’m all for it and as I said to MFW reader Paul Frewer yesterday, I am actually quite happy with the arrivals of Jack [Stacey], Shane and Ashley.
Of course, there has been plenty of room once again this week for rumour and the best person for me to focus on this bright and sunny Monday morning is surely Daniel Farke, apparently the subject of a tug-o-love between one of my very favourite teams, Celtic, and one that I find myself particularly unfond of. Please step forward, Leeds United.
There has been talk of our Director of Sport, aka the shrinking violet that is Stuart Webber, being lined up to replace the identically titled Victor Orta at Leeds. Orta is yet to be replaced by owner Andrea Radrizzani and there is paper talk of our recruitment wizard taking up the reins at Elland Road.
If your footballing friends are anything like mine the speculation will crisscross between us until we arrive at the inevitable conclusion that, individually or collectively, we haven’t got a Scooby.
A pan-posse low point, a veritable nadir, was hit just after Boris Johnson resigned. Alex B had kicked this one off by suggesting that if Webber went to Leeds, then surely Farke would follow. The dialogue went something akin to this:
Me: “I see Dorries has quit as well. The demographic of the wider Uxbridge area could make the Johnson by-election a very close-run thing.
“Oh shit, the papers will be full of it all in the morning.
“Yawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwn.”
Bernie Owen: “Never mind Marty, at least it’s a couple of minutes not talking about the next Leeds manager. If it’s not Farke I will be surprised.”
Me: It’s starting to look like it could be Farke, isn’t it? Jeez, I hope not.”
Just a few minutes later the Celtic rumours sprang to life, largely courtesy of Ross Pilcher at the Daily Record and as of Sunday afternoon it would appear that Daniel is suddenly in the running for two undeniably attractive jobs.
I’m a great one for respecting the history of other clubs – especially those who actually have a history of course – and can immediately see the three statutory reasons why taking up a position at either would be the original no-brainer for our Daniel.
Leeds, of course, have suffered the same fate as Norwich recently in that they have been relegated from the Prem and need to get back there sharpish. We had the same needs but bottled it last season and Leeds will have no wish to follow in the footsteps of our Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly9 XXV‘s. How far the Farke feet are under the table at Thorp Arch training centre is unknown. This is what the Whites have to offer:
- Sorry folks but Leeds are huge. They average Elland Road attendances of 35,000 for every home game;
- Three League Championships, four Division Two titles, FA Cup winners, League Cup winners and two Inter-Cities Fairs Cups;
- Daniel would replace the extremely unpopular Javi Gracia, followed by Sam Allardyce on a short-term. Not hard acts to follow!
But for all that, they’re still Bloody Leeds 
One interesting angle to Farke walking through the door as head coach at the imposing, purpose-built Celtic training centre at Lennoxtown in the picturesque Dunbartonshire countryside is that he will know he is not the only candidate. To quote Ross Pilcher: “Any talks with the Hoops won’t necessarily mean he’s their first choice”.
- Celtic can offer Champions League Football. It’s where every manager wants to be and Daniel will not prove an exception.
- Support verges on an average of 60,000 punters at Celtic Park for every game. The local derby is always a bit tasty.
- The Bhoys are currently celebrating their 8th domestic treble and won the European Cup, famously beating Inter 2-1 in 1967.
But for all that, Celtic Still Play in Bloody Scotland
Regular readers of MFW will know that I am a massive fan and follower of the mighty Celtic, which is why I would like them to choose Daniel
Farke and our erstwhile head coach to choose them. The alternative is too hideous to contemplate.
That would mean Daniel [probably wearing his parka, but not on a horse] turning up in the opposition technical area next season. While both parties will exchange mutually respectful acknowledgements… oh c’mon, it’s not something I want to see.
Normally in these situations, I shrug my shoulders, smile sedately to myself and inwardly decide that neither Leeds nor Celtic are likely to pursue their interest in Daniel Farke. It’s an attitude that has paid off considerably in the past as I like to head unsubstantiated rumours off at the pass during the early stages of their existence.
But this time I can’t because the ravens of Odin, Huggin and Munnin themselves, have visited me in my slumber.
I fell in love with the Celtic of Jock Stein, Jimmy Johnstone, Willy Wallace and Bobby Murdoch at the tender age of nine when they beat Inter Milan 2-1 in Portugal in 1967 and the legend of the Lisbon Lions was born. This game was very much from the days of watching some big domestic Cup Finals as well as Celtic and Man Utd in the European equivalents with Dad on black and white TV!***
Fast forward 55+ years and only last week I realised that I have never owned a replica top or any other piece of Hoops’ apparel. A short while later I was flicking through my favourite Bhoys website 67 Hail Hail*** and got drawn into the official online Celtic Shop. I could no longer resist and bought myself a rather gorgeous Adidas hoodie.
I’d waited over 20 years to do this so why did I pick 48 hours before the Farke rumours to begin to make the order?
It’s too much of a coincidence and I’m pretty sure that both Huggin and Muggin agree with me that Daniel Farke is destined for Celtic Park.
I hope the prophecy is fulfilled, I really do.
*** Enjoy a modernised version of what for me was a very special match. Music is temporarily suspended until my next appearance towards the end of the week!
Marty, that is scary, the coincidence not the photo. That’s the second new sporting top I‘ve seen you in over the last two days, you‘ll have Sue worried about what you‘re up to.
Hi Cutty
I only get the bank cards during the close season, so I have to make the most if it 🙂
Cheers
Morning Martin see you are looking dapper as usual Happy ish with incoming so far Happy if all the back four of last four seasons do one if I’m honest just look at goals against column and unforced errors very hard to be successful with that kind of record. Also hope farke goes to celtic even you and me could get a few results there keep well mate .
Hi Kev
That unforced errors stat – I reckon they created it especially for us!
Seriously I hadn’t come across that one before last season and it makes you wonder.
The old saying goes that if you’re cr@p at the back and you struggle to score you’re gonna be in trouble – but at least it looks like they’re having a go at putting it right.
It’ll come to nought without a decent defensive midfielder though.
Cheers
Early rumours Skip could be on Spurs ‘ he needs game time to improve list’. A decent championship loan.
Hands bitten off.
Hi Bernie
Yeah I think we’d all welcome Olly Skipp back in a shot.
I know I would.
Cheers
My very first memory is of the party in our house on Carrow Hill when Celtic won the European Cup-I’m convinced every Scotsman In Norwich was there.
For all the reasons you state, I’m desperate that DF doesn’t go to Leeds. I doubt he’ll get the Celtic job, but if he does he will inherit a squad entirely capable of playing Farkeball.
Hi Don
Yes I could see Farkeball working with the current squad and it’s at an early enough stage for him to contribute meaningfully towards recruitment.
There are so many links between us and the Hoops already and this is definitely another one I woud love to see come to fruition.
But as the Daily record guy says, a chat with Celtic does not mean he’s got the job.
Cheers
Morning Mr P nice top. I do wonder if either Celtic or Spit Leeds following would give him the time needed. His German adventure lasted one season with the fans turning their backs on the team, and not Man City style either. There was no time for building a side, in the shadows of Bayen and Dortmund.
Just wondering if the same would be the case for Mr F, we had nowhere really to go, many of us followers could see what he was doing here, Celtic will be hell-bent on winning everything again while progressing in Europe will be the major one. After all they really only have the blue side in serious competition. As you say (spit) leeds are a big club smarting from relegation and nothing but auto will do, I have little doubt Mr F would need a bit of a revolving door. Just cannot see either as a good choice for him.
Leicester may be the best if he was in the running, a club not too far away in size than us, with owners who looked to have pulled the purse strings a little tighter. Looks like the perfect fit
I am undecided as if our new additions are the best or is it a case we can only afford Freebies ? One other rumour that scared me a little was City being interested in Tom Ince, from what a Reading tweeted to myself and Gary enforced my own opinion . So had a look at his past since starting in Liverpoo;l 2010 (ish) he is on his 12th club, that close to being one a year. Wagner took him to Huddersfield whom he joined July 2017, after keeping them up for another season he left a year later to then relegated Stoke. For me a talent that has never really been seen consistent . an aging 31yo jouryman.
I hope that the only fact he was linked was some lazy Journo putting 2+2 =6 because he played for Wagner for a season. Ruddy sure there is much better out even if his release clause is said to be £50k
Hi Lad
As you’ll know, Celtic reached and lost a European Cup Final a couple of years after Lisbon, but they’ve done Jack ever since.
Nobody – Rodgers, Strachan, Lennon [don’t laugh] included has done anything with the Bhoys in Europe and it’s an almighty ask when, as you say, the blue side of town is the only real day-to-day competition.
Barca and BVB don’t really have a Kilmarnock or a Naismith-led Hearts in La Liga or the Bundesliga so they’re not going to be over-worried by Celtic.
Unless Farke – or whoever takes over at Celtic Park – can break this mould, fans in Glasgow will never be truly satisfied and Rangers are just the same.
But for those who like to be entertained on the grass, Farke could yet be their man – they will enjoy what he might put in front of them, but that might not prove enough.
Cheers
Understand your reservations about Tom Ince. On the other hand:
. He stood out last season in a relegation side
. His stats were better than any of our midfielders or wide men
. He has a bit of spirit about him, as well as undoubted ability
. He says David Wagner brought out the best in him
For a release fee of £50k – only so low because Reading need him off the wage bill, I’d guess – it might be a decent punt if he’s keen on us. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t have several suitors.
Hi Stew
I think one of the perceptions about Tom Ince [right or wrong, he’s never been a player I’ve kept tabs on] is the link with Dad.
Some people any influence from Papa Paul, whether clandestine or out there for all to see, as uncalled for and unwelcome.
I certainly wouldn’t question his ability or his commitment – just like his father in those respects!
Cheers
Hi Martin
Another thing is Celtic could also be looking for a Sporting Director so Webber might come onto that as well but would Desmond Dermot let him spend his hard earned Racing Punts.
Leeds have new owners to be announced after the new owners check the San Francisco 49ers Group has owned 44% for a number of years so what’s the hold up, so another institution goes over to the dark side of the pond.
Sheffield United according to the Yorkshire Post have spoken to City about Aaron’s, Omobamidele and Giannoulis to strengthen their defence now that would be a slap in Webber’s face they might have been fixtures but weren’t a force to be reconned with.
Lastly no rumours of an aging forward with his zimmer frame leaving Yorkshire for pastures new yet but Mr Sharp has just been released by Sheff Utd and Pukki could be joining fellow Finn in Minnesota.
Where’s the Spurs top 🤐🤐 good read as usual
Yeah
1×2 was saying yesterday about Lod being a bit of an influence on Pukki and being Finnish he’ll know better about that than I do, so maybe.
If Leeds take as long to resolve their American connection as us we’ll still be talking about it this time next year but if you compare the franchises the 49ers make the Milwaukee Brewers look exactly what they are: small potatoes.
Of the three City players you mention I reckon only Dimi might benefit by joining Paul Heckingbottom’s mob. I’d hope for better [in footballing terms, it’s not that I’m an advocate of praising up the big boys per se,
I’d like to see both Max and Omobamidele in La Liga or the Bundesliga for what little that’s worth, I just think they’d both suit a top six Spanish side such as Atletico or maybe Villareal but as always I could be wrong.
I haven’t got a Spurs top, just a beanie hat that Sue bought me for £2.50 in a charity shop, still in its unopened cellophane with the tags on. She’d just read about our branding change and hoovered it up in a tearing hurry.
It lives in the car in case I fancy being a poseur in the winter and drop the lid.***
Cheers
***It’s not really about posing. If you don’t use the roof over winter you can get a nasty £££ shock if it’s decided to seize up 🙂
Farke v Cantwell and Dowell would be very interesting. Todd has become a real hero in a short time at Rangers, we made a massive mistake with his progress initially by Farke then finished by Smith. Rangers are on the up, Celtic have lost an excellent manager who could go back for some of their players. It would be a massive job for Farke after 3 seasons with 2 sackings and no success. Leeds would use him to get promotion and then get rid.
Hi Gil
*Todd has become a real hero in a short time at Rangers*. Yes, he certainly has.
TC has promised to give an account of events surrounding his departure from Carrow Road but so far this hasn’t happened and it might be better all round if he let it lie.
I certainly agree with you about Rangers being on the rise and this shows just how well Michael Beale has done, again in a short period of time.
I’m looking forward to the Old Firm next season more than in many a long while.
Cheers
I think TC main gripe will be linked to his salary at Norwich Martin.
I do think he has a point in truth.
More than one or two players seemingly came into the club on much bigger contracts.
On the other side of the coin Todd agreed to sign his last contract with the club.
He was within his rights to run his contract down if he wasn’t happy with the ones he was offered in recent years.
Similarly the club had the right to offer what they thought he was worth.
A story that gets repeated time and again in football.
I’m not really au fait with our *list of top earners* beyond the cact that Oukki was at the very top of the tree on either £20 or £40k a week, depending on which source you prefer.
A club’s wage structure is always fraught with rivalries, jealousies and a myriad of difficulties that Solomon would struggle to sort out, so put simply: I dunno 🙂
I too hope Daniel chooses Celtic Martin.
Like you i’m a child of the sixties and seventies and this was when Leeds United were really good, let’s be honest they were up there with the Liverpool’s, the Manchester City’s of today.
But they had a certain well deserved reputation at the time, and it wasn’t complimentary. In fairness a lot of those teams at the time were no shrinking violets but Leeds United bore the brunt of it.
That Leeds team of Charlton, Bremner, Giles and Clarke were very successful and had it not been for corruption at the highest level would have added a European Cup to that list you mention above.
Daniel Farke would be a fantastic fit for Leeds, just as he would be at Celtic. Personally I think Borussia Monchengladbach acted far too hastily in cutting short our Daniel’s reign. He would have learnt so much with a season under him just as he did at Norwich in that first season.
Perhaps the draw of European competition will take Daniel to Celtic, lets hope so. These kind of decisions are tumultuous, even career defining. Or where a club is going for the next decade or so.
Leeds United player’s made the laughable decision back in the seventies to get The Great Brian Clough sacked so they could replace him with Eddie Gray 😂😂😂 So Leeds eventually spent many years in obscurity while Clough’s League and European exploits are the things of legend.
Isn’t it funny how a team of true hardnuts got upset by how Clough treated them?
There is a well known person recently out of work who I could see at Leeds, step forward one Boris Johnson ! Well he is as qualified for that job as future Inmate 666 D. Trump is to be the leader of the free world👹
There was a brilliant documentary on the BBC recently about the Lisbon Lions Martin, sadly it isn’t on Iplayer at the moment but hopefully it will be back soon or repeated on BBC Scotland.
As for City’s recruitment business so far, in the words of SW “it’s okay” at the moment.
This time I am waiting for what we see on the pitch before we start saying they are the best squad anywhere but then end up finishing a mighty 12th.
Without a shadow of doubt it was a very young squad that we fielded towards the end of last season and some experience was needed. Now I want us to go for a few 25-28 year olds with some pace and/or physicality.
The Borussia M Sporting Director has said it was a sad day when he sat down with Farke and both decided with the crowds reaction to his style of football and no improvement seen it was better that they parted company, he also said who ever takes over will benefit from all the hard work his team has put in.
With German clubs having a supporters charter and owning 51% of clubs it must be difficult for a Sporting Director to go against the owners even for the best of reasons.
Farke for Celtic, Rodgers second favourite at both clubs
I just don’t rate Brendan Rodgers.
Maybe that’s because I don’t like the way he comes across when he’s interviewed because he’s been successful to an extent wherever he’s been.
It’s probably just one of those things.
I did Martin, up until watching Leicester this season 😱
They were shocking.
I can’t understand why such a well run club managed to buy so many poor players while letting Casper go.
Very fair comment. I actually got to a point last season where I found the emotional room to feel sorry for Madders!
Hi Tim
*Now I want us to go for a few 25-28 year olds with some pace and/or physicality.*
Me too, but these are players at their very peak and they will cost money that Webber no longer has – buying Tzolis and Rashica has largely seen to that
I’ll grudgingly give you the point about Leeds of the late 60s-early 70s but if they were cast as the villains they played up to it at something approaching Oscar level!
I’m aware of the documentary you mention and at the time it made it as far as my *to-do* list but I contrived to forget about it as I often do. Thanks – I’ll keep a lookout for it.
I’ve seen enough of Boris Johnson in charge of things, ta very much 🙂
Cheers
Never mind Barnes, Stacey and the aptly-named Duffy – bring back Farke and dispense with Webber. We sacked the wrong person when we beat Brentford.
The decision to sack Farke was taken, of course, before the Brentford game. At that point the Board was looking at a start to the season which read: Played 10, Won 0, Drawn 2, Lost 8, Goals scored 3, Goals conceded 25.
Hi Stew
Yes I agree. Farke’s record at that time vindicates the decision.and many of us [including myself] thought it was the right thing to do at the time, quite probably the only thing.
The contributory factors to that disastrous start have been debated long and hard on this platform but, especially looking back, there was no choice.
Cheers
Bad workman always blames his tools. Do you think we would have been 13th under Farke? We have ended up exactly where we started under Webber. Except with no prospect at all of a revival in fortunes unlike after May 2017. So we absolutely made the wrong call. Look at the sacked managers this season – at Soton, Leicester and Leeds. It did not work.
Hi Tony
I think there’s some mileage in that !
The trouble is though that as much as I’d love to bid Webber a hasty fare ye well, he will have to be replaced.
With the Smiths ever have had a replacement in mind beyond dear old Neeyul?
I very much doubt it.
Cheers