We are almost at the start of a new season.
This is typically a period of expectation and anticipation. Is Celtic going to make it to the Champions League? Will we take home some domestic cups and the title?
How will the recent additions perform? It feels different this year. When I listen to many supporters right now, I am overcome with sentiments of annoyance, indifference, and dissatisfaction.
The first source of annoyance was the increase in season ticket costs although the club had tens of millions in the bank.
This was especially annoying because the memory of the Paradise COVID season pass, when full rates were charged, is still vivid.
This resentment was exacerbated by the removal of the Champions League qualification and friendlies from the schedule and the £25 fee for the Newcastle match.
It was like “paying more for less.” The condition of the stadium, especially the Main Stand, has been brought up; if people weren’t already annoyed, they would likely ignore this issue.
Then there’s the minor issue of the manager’s contract expiring and the team being improved.
After selling Kyogo in January, Celtic has now sold Kuhn. The team has received very little funding so far, and many believe that no replacements have been brought in.
Fans are starting to worry because of the impending Champions League qualifying match, the money in the bank, and the hope that Brendan Rodgers may be persuaded to remain in the management hot seat.
The European campaign from the previous season served as a reminder to many of what is possible. In the knockout stages, the Hoops advanced from the group and even beat Bayern to within a minute of extra time. The reward money was enormous.
As a result, many believed that this was a foundation upon which we could build, invest, and work to advance Europe, with success at home inevitably following. The club may receive prize money in exchange, and we still have a sizable cash reserve in case it didn’t work out. It has not yet occurred.
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