There is no question that the continued speculation over Celtic’s next manager has been a long drawn out saga. Even up until yesterday, there were question marks on not only who incoming boss, Ange Postecoglou, would be bringing in on his backroom staff, but also if he would be coming at all.
With personal terms reportedly agreed and the big Australian expected to fly into Glasgow by the end of the week, BBC journalist, Tom English, found a reason to take to twitter to ask questions that have been answered already this week. But what followed was a brilliant exchange that left Tom looking slightly foolish. Again.
In his initial tweet, English asked, “Twelve days after Celtic said they were in advanced talks with a new manager there’s still only rumour about when Ange Postecoglou is arriving. Tomorrow? Next week? Pre-season training? Quarantine? Uefa licence? Backroom staff? Players? An extraordinary situation.”
English decided to quote tweet an article by the Business Insider that reported Dermot Desmond was brushing off criticism of the performance of the club last season and the replies he received from Twitter user and poet Jim Monaghan:
the UEFA licence exemption has been applied for and is a formality for someone with over 10 years experience. A good example of this would be Steve Clarke. People arriving from Japan have 7 day hotel quarantine. Pre-season training starts 17 June. Hope this helps
— Jim Monaghan (@JimMonaghan10) June 8, 2021
Now all the points Tom made were very pertinent, five days ago, and really the only points left on his list (which will probably be answered by next weekend) was regarding his backroom staff and players. But Monaghan was quick and sure in his replies.
Is Ange Postecoglou the man for the Celtic job?
YES
NO
Realising his mistake, English then tried to steer the conversation away from his original tweet in a type of ‘whataboutery’ move that many use on twitter when they have been found wanting:
I think you know that I am not a board member??? Dont need to be to know when training starts, to know the current rules re arrivals from Japan or know the procedure for the UEFA "diploma".
— Jim Monaghan (@JimMonaghan10) June 8, 2021
The Record are still reporting a 10 day quarantine, its not Celtic that determine that. Its easy to find out that arrivals from Japan have a 7 day hotel quarantine. It isnt a lack of info from Celtic that is causing that misinformation.
— Jim Monaghan (@JimMonaghan10) June 8, 2021
I'll take your word for it, but there ye go, you found that out without the Celtic board announcing it.
— Jim Monaghan (@JimMonaghan10) June 8, 2021
I dont miss your point. Being in negotiations 12 days ago doesnt mean you can expect leaks and sources giving you information ahead of it being done properly, no matter how frustraring it might seem to fans and journalists.
— Jim Monaghan (@JimMonaghan10) June 8, 2021
I dont. You can say "13 days" tomorrow 14 days the next, it wont change anything. Aside from rules re a plc and stock exchange there are sensitive things in place, people still contracted to other employers etc. Its frustrating but continuing to say it isnt done yet is pointless
— Jim Monaghan (@JimMonaghan10) June 8, 2021
Poor Tom. Again, being held to account when simple a simple five minute attempt of investigative work would have saved him from a one hour roasting on Twitter.
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