Why Lennon’s “Depth” Request Creates

Bangura-esque Levels of Concern​

Balde, Pukki, Stokes, Griffiths, Fridjonsson, Watt, Murphy, Hooper, Lassad, Miku, Bangura & Samaras. A raft of options up front Celtic have, or had, on their books in recent years.

Hooper was a huge success during his 3 full seasons with the Bhoys – a return of 82 goals in 138 appearances earning him a move to Norwich, in England’s top flight. Norwich’s relegation this season cannot be blamed on the striker, who again topped the scoring charts at the Club he represented.

In fact, a return to Celtic for the prolific striker has recently been mooted; although one suspects his future lies elsewhere.

Looking further down the list, Anthony Stokes has again proved his value this season, nearing the 20 goal milestone he set himself at the beginning of the term.

Stokes - an excellent 2nd half of the campaign​

Nevertheless, the onus of responsibility has been met in the less likely form of Kris Commons, whose 26 league goals have been a revelation.

Commons has stepped up to the plate, while other striking options have been resigned to the bench or the development squad. In the case of Holmbert Fridjonsson, despite being “one for the present” when the deal to sign him was confirmed in November 2013, his lack of appearances does not come as a huge surprise. Indeed, the £100k outlay to sign him proved relatively low risk.

Instead, it is the likes of Pukki and Balde that cause apprehension, and hint at the continuation of a frustrating trend.

With a mere 10 league goals between them this season, and with an estimated £4.5M outlay to secure their respective services during the Summer transfer window of 2013, there can be no doubt both players have failed to live up their billing.

Indeed, rumours persist that while Balde may be persevered with, manager Neil Lennon may decide to cut his losses with Pukki, in an attempt to recoup some of the transfer fee for a player who had scored only 34 league goals in his entire career prior to his arrival at Celtic park.

Pukki - a disappointing season for the Finn​

Added to these two names are other attacking options that have failed to make the grade for Lennon’s men – the most notable being Bangura; a flop in every meaning of the word.

As such, despite the fact Tony Watt is still under contract and is seen as a player with great potential, and that Leigh Griffiths has scored 7 goals in 11 league games since his arrival in January 2014, Lennon was unequivocal when asked where he felt the need to strengthen:

"Centre-forward," Lennon stated. "Everyone is looking for one of them.” He also added "I think we do need to add depth to the squad for where I want to take the team.”

The word “depth” raises significant concern. While Hooper’s success was a positive, and Griffiths (despite his off-field follies) and Stokes look to be forging a promising partnership, there remains a void to be filled.

Lennon may ascribe this requirement as a like-for-like replacement for the outgoing Georgios Samaras – a man whose strike ratio of one goal every four games played did not often inspire confidence.

Samaras - likely departure for pastures new​

However, for this writer it suggests a larger issue; Celtic have frittered away a small fortune in recent years trying to solve the conundrum up front. On occasion, they have had success; largely, however, they have persisted with bit-part solutions that have failed. In terms of “depth?” There remain 6 options from the list above, and that list excludes this season’s top goal scorer.

While the Bhoys’ European campaign this season confirmed their shortcomings up front, they need less “depth” and more out-and-out quality. Neither players for the future, nor £2-3M risks that fail to succeed.

Celtic’s scouting team have largely performed admirably in recent years, uncovering gems such as Van Dijk and Wanyama. Moving forward, there is a requirement to identify one man up front that can take them to the next level. Sadly, these players are not available for the sums being discussed above – barring the occasional miracle.

They are available for sizeable transfer fees, and a weekly wage that will – at a minimum – be at the top of Celtic’s bracket.

Finding that money, and spending it well, remains the most important task Celtic are to perform this Summer.

DM