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Celtic || Return of the King

Started on 29 January 2016 by MikeDSpike
Latest Reply on 2 February 2016 by Griffo
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This is my first story on here, although I've been here reading other saves for a while now! Thought I'd give it a try.

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Jim White


"Breaking news coming to us from Scotland now, and that news is that Celtic have sacked manager Ronny Deila! More on this as we get it"

http://www.scotsman.com/webimage/1.3888927.1442443888!/image/1729826101.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_300/1729826101.jpg
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Jim White

"We can hear more on the Celtic board's decision to relieve Norwegian manager, Ronny Deila, from his duties. Speaking to us exclusively on Sky Sports, Peter Lawwell."



JW

"Peter, can you justify the decision made today to relive Ronny Deila of his duties? What was the thinking behind that choice?"

PL

"Well, things just haven't worked out for Ronny since he joined the club. We are used to competing in the champions leave, and evidently, he couldn't take that pressure on. Realistically, we're now looking to find someone with experience within that competition, although, that may prove to be difficult."

JW


"Can you throw us a name, or is too early for discussions yet?"

PL


"I've made a phone call to a certain David Moyes, and I can confirm that he is in talks to come to the club."

JW

"Thanks for clearing that up for us, Peter, and thank you for joining us tonight."

PL


"My pleasure."

JW

"So we hear that David Moyes is in talks to join Celtic as the new manager, but Peter Lawwell cannot confirm anything yet. See you after the break."
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachments/football-manager-2015-manager-stories/789563d1425978498-thierry-henry-managers-story-breaking-news.jpg


http://files.stv.tv/imagebase/224/605x341/224697-david-moyes.jpg

Jim White

"We're just receiving news from our sources that David Moyes will NOT be the next Celtic manager. This news comes only a few days after Peter Lawwell told us the club were in talks to confirm Moyes at their new manager! Neither man was available for comment. However, if you're a gambling man, then you might want to put some money on Henrik Larsson! Our sources are telling us that the new favourite to take over is indeed the Swede! More on this as we get it"

http://football.betvictor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Henrik_Larsson.jpg
MikeDSpike's avatar Group MikeDSpike
9 yearsEdited
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachments/football-manager-2013-manager-stories/302121d1358595649-devlin-saga-everton-football-club-sky-sports-news-uk-logo.png
Jim White

"As always, we always bring you the most up-to-date news in all of sports, and we can now confirm that Celtic have appointed Henrik Larsson to be the man that leads them forward! Expect to hear more about this later in the show!"




The Press Conference
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The room was silent as I took my seat. I felt nervous, but somehow felt at home as I sat in front of the journalists who were all willing to peck away at me, to find out my plans for the club I love. I try to act natural, but obviously it's difficult when taking a major European job for the first time. Finally, after what seemed like an age, the questions were thrown at me.

Journalist #1

"Henrik, welcome back to Celtic. It's fair to say you're an icon at the club, but what do you think you can achieve here, in a managerial capacity?"


I cleared my throat, the nerves were getting to me..


Henrik Larsson

"Well, I'd love to solidify the teams' position within the league, that would be my first aim, but I also hold hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, and ensuring that year in, year out, we're in that competition. Afterall, having a part in such a European competition was part of the reason that convinced me to come here as a player, so it does have an effect."

Journalist #2

"Henrik, you join Celtic at a time where for the past 2 years they've not been able to qualify for the Champions League. Arguably, you'll struggle to bring players in at this stage in time if it's not a guarantee?"

H.L

"I'm sure that having me in charge of the club could convince people to join.."

The room chuckles slightly, which makes me feel more comfortable.

"On a more serious note, the reason that we would buy these players is to ensure qualification into the Champions League. They have to have the belief in their own ability to come here and HELP us to qualify."


Journalist #3

"Speculation has been circulating that your son, Jordan, may come to join you at Celtic. Is that indeed something that has been discussed?"

H.L

"I would love for Jordan to come and further his career at this club like I did, but I have my reservations. I have to think for the good of the club, and not just myself..."

I stood up and cleared my throat once more.


H.L

"Ladies and gentlemen, that is all for now. Thanks."

I left the small press conference room to be greeted by a smiling Peter Lawwell, who shakes my hand gratefully. It was at this point, I knew I was home.


http://www.uksoccershop.com/images/34242.jpg
Larsson's Overview
As I watched over the training, I had a pretty good idea of what my first team would be. I look at the two training teams, and start running through a series of tactics that would be suitable. In the end, I settled with this;

A back line of

Goalkeeper

Craig Gordon

Right Wing Back (Defend)
Mikael Lustig

Limited Defender (Cover)

Dedryck Boyata

Ball-Playing Defender (Stopper)
Charlie Mulgrew

Left Full Back (Attack)
Emilio Izaguirre

I chuckle to myself as I realise that the best thing to do would probably be to let Efe Ambrose go. He's too prone to mistake, and provides nothing that Jozo Simunovic already doesn't. Tyler Blackett may aswell be sent back to Manchester, because I have no plans on developing another club's players for them.

-------------------------------------------

A Midfield trio of...

Ball-Winning Midfielder (Defend)

Scott Brown

Box-to-Box Midfielder (Support)
Stefan Johansen

Advanced Playmaker (Support)
Nir Bitton

I'm content with the midfield as it stands just now, although depending on interest shown, I may get rid of Ronny's golden boy, Johansen. He's a good player, but doesn't quite fit the system. I'll offer him out for 5 or 6 million, but He'll do for now. As back up, we have Scott Allan, Stuart Armstrong, and possibly Kris Commons, depending on whether I decide to play him in an attacking role. Tom Rogic will most likely leave on loan, as will Derk Boerigtter, so midfield may be somewhere I buy in.

------------------------
A front three of.....

Attacking Midfielder (Attack)

Kris Commons

Complete Forward (Support)
Nadir Ciftci

Advanced Forward (Attack)

Leigh Griffiths

A very formidable front three, where Leigh Griffiths and Nadir Ciftci are bound to grab goals. Kris Commons takes up the attacking midfielder position, so I definitely need to strengthen the midfield. As rotation options, we have an abundance of attacking midfielders in Gary Mackay Steven, Ryan Christie, James Forrest and Callum McGregor, as well as having Carlton Cole and Anthony Stokes as back up for the striking position. May consider buying a striker for depth alone.

-----------------

I'm looking to play a mentality of football that allows us to CONTROL the play, and be FLUID. I'm looking for us to do the following also:

Retain Possesion
Play with a Higher Tempo
Play with a Balanced Width
Push Slightly Higher Up
Use Tighter Marking
Pass Into Space
Exploit the Middle
Look for the Overlap
Work Ball into Box
Roam from Positions
Be More Expressive


------------------

The training finishes. I take a small group of players including Efe Ambrose, Stefan Johansen, Derk Boerrigter, Tom Rogic and Anthony Stokes aside and tell them their futures may lie elsewhere. Secretly, I'm keen for Stokes to stay, but I want him to up the ante slightly, he's lost all form that Lennon had him in. The rest, well, they may find futures elsewhere.


Celtic FC Transfer Talk

Sources are telling us that Celtic are in talks with two strikers over a move to Parkhead, one being World Cup winner, Alessandro Del Piero, and the other one being Colombian international, Victor Montano. It is believed that Celtic are getting ready to ship Carlton Cole out as a result of the imminent arrival of one of these players.

Celtic after Souttar

Celtic have had a 1.1 million offer for John Souttar accepted by Dundee United. Talks over the transfer are ongoing, but it is widely expected that Souttar will sign for the champions.
MikeDSpike's avatar Group MikeDSpike
9 yearsEdited
http://killeglandafc.ie/i/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/TRANSFER_CENTRE_LARGE_AUG13.jpg


Unexpected move for Forrest!

James Forrest has moved to Heart of Midlothian FC for a period of 7 months. Larsson is keen for the youngster to get game time, and clearly doesn't see it being at Celtic.

John Souttar joins Celtic
http://www.mainlinemenswear.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/john-souttar-2015.jpg

Celtic continue to buy from Dundee United, as John Souttar becomes the 4th signing from The Terrors in 3 years. Souttar looks forward to playing under Larsson, even saying that "it's an honour"

http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/attachments/football-manager-2014-manager-stories/528920d1394325022-newcastle-united-story-never-dull-moment-tc-logo.png
http://i2.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article2371133.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Alessandro-Del-Piero.jpg

DEL PIERO SIGNS ON AT CELTIC

Alessandro Del Piero has signed a one year contract at Celtic, with an option to extend. Sky Sports caught up with the striker outside Celtic's training ground, Lennoxtown.

Interviewer

"You stand here today as Celtic's newest striker. How do you feel?"

ADP

"I've always wanted to play at Parkhead. The atmosphere here is one of the best in the world, and I look forward to giving some of these fans moments to remember."

Interviewer


"Henrik Larsson and Alessandro Del Piero. Quite the formidable strike force. However, Henrik is of course your boss, not your colleague. How did Henrik convince you to sign?"

ADP


"It didn't take much convincing, I've wanted to move here for some time, and it this point in my career, I have nothing else to accomplish, so Celtic is the natural choice for me to prove I can still go on the European stage, as well as win a few trophies."

Interviewer

"Thank you for your time."
"

AMBROSE LEAVES FOR FRANCE

Efe Ambrose has left Celtic for ESTAC Troyes for a minimal fee of 700k. The Celtic supporters are reported to be jubilant to even receive a pound, let alone 700 thousand of them!
F.C Santa Coloma (Andorra) vs Celtic F.C (Scotland)
Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg

http://www.audioh.com/images/change7.jpg

I was worried. I couldn't contain it. I had the might of Scotland behind me as I travelled to take on the Champions League Minnows, Santa Coloma. I checked my phone just before kick-off, and had three texts. One from my wife, wishing me luck, and telling me that no matter what, she loved me. A second was from my son, Jordan, who told me he was watching, and wished me the best of luck. The third was from Neil Lennon, who simply sent a smiley face, and wished me luck. I stood up, and strolled down the tunnel, and never looked back.

---------------

0-2 Celtic
Leigh Griffiths
Kris Commons
Scott Allan

Stefan Johansen
Great story here, I am very much following!
1
2016-01-31 16:26#225466 Griffo : Great story here, I am very much following!

Thanks mate!
Right, so I've carried on with this save slightly, as I was unable to upload screenshots! Now I can, so here is how pre-season went!
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Larsson's Thoughts



A very inconsistent pre-season, excluding the Champions League games. A loss, a draw and two victories, whereas my idea would be for a straight set of wins. The qualifiers did ensure me some happiness overall, especially the 7-1 second leg. The scorers at Parkhead were Leigh Griffiths, who scored a hat-trick, Kris Commons, who scored a brace, Del Piero, who scores a marvellous free-kick from 25 yards, and Stuart Armstrong. The only negative I can think of is that Ryan Christie was sent off in his competitive debut, and he has since been issued a warning. We were also given our next challenge in the Champions League, which is Hungarian side, Videoton.

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Other Pre-Season information!


I found the transfer window to be a success for my first season here. Signing Mo Elynoussi was defiantly the best piece of business, although we may have to find ourselves either playing him at striker, attacking mid, or changing the formation to suit his requirements. Evander Sno provides us with the necessary depth needed in the centre of midfield, Lima Pereira also replaces the gone-but-instantly-forgotten Efe Ambrose. Tom Rogic departed for the M.L.S on a season-long loan to Portland Timbers.



A link was also established with Airdrie, so that we can send our youth out to gain valuable first-team experience, and it allows me to keep an eye on any talent that they produce.
Larsson's Terrible Start


To say that my start at Celtic was unacceptable is an understatement. I was brought in to bring succession to the next round of the Champions League, and I just didn't meet the expectations that I was asked of. Pair that with the disappointment in the league, and I'm looking like I'm already heading for the door. Thankfully the fans are willing me on, otherwise, I may have resigned by now. My aim now is to win the league, and get some good progression in the Europa League.

Some more transfer dealings have been done, although they are only people on the out.


We also drew Dunfermline in the Scottish League Cup Third round




As well as having the league cup drawn, we received our Euro Cup group, and I think that considering the other teams in the competition, we got off light.



Now, my main aim is to fix this sinking ship.


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