SANDMAN’S DEFINITIVE RATINGS: CELTIC @ ARAB STRAP…
“Half effort does not produce half results. It produces NO result. Work, continuous work and hard work, is the only
way to accomplish results that last.” – John Soforic
Celtic Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic at Tannadice Park on December 17, 2025 in Dundee. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 6.5/10 MOTM – You traditionally ask your Celtic keeper to do one thing – make the big saves in big moments. In this modern age, there’s a secondary requirement not so straightforward; being a sweeper and an instigator. First one, Kasper showed his class – fine saves that should have won us the match. Second, if there’s naysayers let them check the stats – a couple of strays amid a real conundrum for a member of the team not naturally outfield oriented. He’s had his difficulty curve steepened by the loss of a central defender. We’re now often asking a 39 year-old net-minder to thread needles most of our midfielders would shy at. Under these conditions, this current demand, I thought he acquitted himself well.
Kieran Tierney of Celtic with a tackle during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic at Tannadice Park on December 17, 2025 in Dundee. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
KATIE – 4/10 – Much like Hampden, a power of good all the opening spell. But the batteries run down faster these days and his influence was drowned in the half-time Cullen Skink.
Anthony Ralston of Celtic battles with Amar Fatah of Dundee United during the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Celtic at Tannadice Park on December 17, 2025 in Dundee. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
TONY THE TIGER – 5/10 – Another who deserves a pass purely because you know there’s no way Tony was chucking it like some. Had a right battle on his hands with a tricky, wiry, Somalian winger which he handled manfully.
Auston Trusty on the ball. Dundee Utd v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Tannadice, 17 December 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
CRUSTY THE CLOWN – 5.5/10 – “I think we’re alone now,” sang the Christmas ghost of Tiffany into the big mhan’s ear. No Liam over his shoulder, just empty grass to Tony or KT. But the ethereal presence of his favourite irritating 80s popster emboldened the stoic American enough that he too managed a praiseworthy effort, getting stuck in; doing his best to stem the tide. One of the few.
Wilfried either naively or arrogantly changed a winning system that players were implementing.
Has continued and used up his panel trying to impose his system that seems to work when the opposition employ a low block but can’t cope when the opposition attack as has happened in each 2nd half.
Players who can’t score from 3 yds out obviously a big part of the problem.
Interesting times ahead.
Aberdeen game best watched from behind the couch if his system is implemented again.
He has proved as B R and MON knew that the current squad not good enough.
Hail Hail.
Always enjoy your ratings Sandman. I think the problem (on the pitch at least) is deeper. I don’t know what’s true from the various rumours but if nancy did say to the players after MO had left, that they have not done well etc, that would immediately put a barrier up, because they all respected MO . Then the tactical shift; playing 3 at the back and numerous players out of position isn’t helping their confidence or ability to adapt. This is on top of watching the crowd anger and frustration, first manager resigning and key players sold with dross being brought in. Players are paid big money but they’re not robots; a happy team wins more often than not.
But what also didn’t help nancy was him saying he has nothing to prove to anyone. The statement isn’t wrong, he likely doesn’t but after losing 4 games on the trot, equally, to the fanbase, they have no reason to back him until he shows that he can get a tune out of them.
Might be wrong but I think it’ll limp on until the january game with the 3rd placed team. If they win that, then it doesn’t matter what presidents or prisoners you know, you’re a busted flush. Hopefully this is sorted out before January break and we can salvage the season but either way, it feels like 1999 with Barnes. If only the next season would resemble 2000. HH
Carlisle are just like celtick.
Has he been talking to bobo?
zzzzzzz
What a boring cunt.
Oh dear,Mr witty,not.
Its bhoring,not boring.
zzzzzzz…zzzzzz
Repetition is extremely bhoring.