Charlie Nicholas has once again used his weekly column in The Express (reported by The Daily Record) to have a go at his former club, this time it is the club’s dealings in the transfer market and the search for a left-back.
The recently disposed Sky Sports pundit reveals that he has not been impressed with the signings made so far and that Neil Lennon deserves better.
So what has Nicholas said?
When reflecting on the recent speculation linking Celtic with a move for Alfie Doughty, he said:
“I can sense Neil Lennon’s frustration in the transfer market.
“I genuinely don’t think Celtic will go and spend a significant sum on a left-back. They need to and Lenny knows he needs to but I am so unconvinced with Celtic’s transfer dealings.
“They don’t seem to have the same financial muscle and I am sure they will be happy to be linked with some players knowing there is no genuine prospect of a deal being done.
“They will go down the cheaper route and that will be somebody like trying to get Alfie Doughty from Charlton Athletic. They need somebody of quality in, with Boli Bolingoli now gone.
“Greg Taylor has done okay but is okay enough? Not for me and he needs to be challenged.
“I thought they were mad to let Jonny Hayes go because he fits exactly the criteria they are looking for.”
So is Nicholas correct?
Well, no, to be blunt. Celtic have already spent a significant amount of money, given the current climate, on the likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi, Vasilios Barkas, Shane Duffy, David Turnbull and Albian Ajeti, and not every signing will be made with a view to them being first choice.
Do you want to see any more signings other than a left-back?
Yes
No - the squad is in good shape
The best example in recent years is Jeremie Frimpong, signed to the academy squad as one for the future, the Dutch youth international has been a sensation and proves that not every transfer has to cost a fortune for it to be a success.
As for his comment that “okay is not enough” only to then say that Jonny Hayes shouldn’t have been “let go” says it all, and explains perfectly why he no longer sits in the Sky Sports studio every Saturday.