Be prepared for an almighty backlash if Board let us down yet again

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·15 January 2026

Be prepared for an almighty backlash if Board let us down yet again

Celtic left the Falkirk stadium last night with a vital three points in what is becoming the tightest race for the league title in many years…

Celtic players applaud the travelling support. . Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Before I get to the negatives I want to say this, if Wilfried Nancy was in the dugout last night we would have lost that game, there is no doubt in my mind. So kudos to Martin O’Neill to have the nous to get us over the line and out of Falkirk with all three points in hand. Apart from that I don’t have many other positives to take from last night.

OneFootball Videos

Benjamin Nygren scores the winner. Celtic. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

It was a poor performance, and that’s probably me going easy on the team. The first half in particular reminded me of the recent game at Fir Park where Motherwell completely outplayed us. You could blame the weather, you could blame the pitch, in fact Martin O’Neill actually did, before in his usual deadpan manner corrected himself by saying it didn’t seem to affect the team too much a few weeks ago against Livingston! It was more than just the pitch however. Last night couldn’t have painted a clearer picture to anyone watching.

This team is absolutely crying out for reinforcements.

People may disagree with me but personally I think this is one of the poorest Celtic squads in decades. We are absolutely bereft of real quality. If you go back even nine or ten years to Brendan Rodgers first squad. Would any of the current players make that team? I genuinely don’t think so. Obviously Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney were there at that time but the rest? Squad players at best.

It says it all when I think Kasper Schmeichel probably deserved the man of the match.

Kasper Schmeichel saves. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

We have a makeshift striker who wanted to leave in the summer, and has a habit of missing clear cut chances. We can’t replace him however as the two other strikers in the squad would struggle for a game at Ross County never mind Celtic.

Benjamin Nygren celebrates. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Our match winner last night Benjamin Nygren genuinely does nothing most games but we can’t drop him because he’s seemingly one of the only players in the squad who can score goals. We have an abundance of ‘talent’ in midfield, yet the only reason I think Arne Engels is starting matches is due to getting the odd set piece right. I suppose when the likes of Bernardo, Hatate and McCowan are offering next to nothing then hitting the odd good corner puts you front of the line for a start.

I feel sorry for Martin O’Neill.

Celtic Manager Martin O’Neill at post-match media conference. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

He’s trying his best to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear but he’s not a miracle worker. This board is sending him into war with a penknife, one that’s been used so often it’s almost blunt. Some of these players have given a lot over the past few years. They need help as much as Martin does. We need fresh faces in this squad, but more than that, we need quality.

I’m glad Martin O’Neill has been turning down a lot of the ‘projects’ he’s been offered. We don’t need them. We need players who will come I and make this team better. Players like that will give a huge boost to those already there, many of whom must look around the dressing room and feel disheartened.

This board has been managing a steady decline at this club for too long.

Celtic Board at Falkirk Stadium. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

They have ran out of excuses. We have heard them all – ‘January is a tough time to recruit’, ‘players are looking too much money’ and ‘players only become available towards the end of the window’.

We don’t believe you anymore, most of us never did. Look at our title rivals who are going all out to get players in for this title race. They know the outcome of the league will probably come down to who recruits the best, yet there Celtic are, still flicking through the Rolodex trying to find an agent who owes them a favour or a former player whose career has hit the skids and might fancy another crack at it at Celtic.

This team needs quality added to it, and it needs it now.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Anything less than two or three players who are able to come in and automatically improve this team will see us clinging onto our title by our fingertips. Whether it’s a few expensive loans or paying a bit more for a player who would come cheaper in the summer it doesn’t matter. The board has got us into this mess so it’s on them to get us out of it.

They better be prepared for an almighty backlash if they let us down yet again.

Conall McGinty

All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale – click on image to order…

Order from Celtic Star Books HERE!

Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?