Latest news with #Double-winners


Daily Record
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Inside Celtic's gruelling pre-season training as 'reality' sets in for returning stars
The Hoops No.2 and first-team coach Gavin Strachan are back on the grass leading the team for pre-season training More than five weeks have passed since Celtic blew the Treble at Hampden. And while John Kennedy admits the gut-wrenching Scottish Cup Final defeat still stings, the Hoops No.2 insists the champions will use that lingering pain as fuel for the campaign ahead. The Double-winners returned to pre-season training on Friday as preparations began for a mammoth summer - with trips to Ireland, Portugal and Italy, plus seven friendlies crammed into the schedule. Then comes the small matter of a £40million winner-takes-all Champions League play-off at the end of August, as Celts look to dine at Europe's top table for a fourth year on the spin. Kennedy - a crucial part of the Parkhead backroom team for more than a decade - knows there's no time for a post- Hampden hangover as the title defence and Euro quest loom large. He said: "It's nice to see everybody's face again and getting back from the break. "It's been a fair break we've had, it's been a good break. We've had time to reset, relax, get refreshed again and the boys have come in in pretty good shape and excited for what's ahead. "The guys were terrific last year, I think the way it finished, it can take the shine off it a little bit. But once the dust settles and you reflect on how the season went, the guys were superb; they put everything into it. "Okay, we just came up short in the final but the way we performed in the league, the League Cup earlier in the season, the Champions League, we can look back on that with a lot of positives. "We can take a lot from that and be positive going into this season again. It's good to reflect on that, but at the same time, get a chance to switch off, let the legs recover, let the mind recover and come back in with the same hunger and desire to be successful again. "Because that's what the club demands, we know there's no let-up. We know from the off, there's no little break, the way it was back in the day. It's straight into the work and get going." Kennedy reckons the squad will have snapped out of holiday mode the moment they pitched up at Lennoxtown. He told Celtic TV: "The reality when they're driving in this morning and the tests and starting to get around their peers again, that's when it probably sets in. "For us, in terms of planning, a lot of stuff is done at the end of the season but this last week we've been dealing with the staff and going through the squads and just organising how this first couple of days looks, how we're looking going into next week and then how it looks when the international players return. "A lot of planning and organising goes in place but there's nothing better than when you get in the building and see the faces and get back out on the pitch again. "I enjoy it because I think the planning and organisation of things is vitally important for making sure things run smoothly and slickly and there are no hiccups along the way. "Coming in, we have a great staff here who are very skilled in what they do in their different areas. It's a very clear idea in terms of who's doing what. "There are a lot of battery of tests that we do with all of the players, just to check on a lot of things, which will then benchmark things as we go through the season. "We can always reflect back on that. It gives us an idea of where they're at on day one and then we can monitor that through the pre-season as the season goes on. "A lot of the planning and organisation is day one for us to be successful in terms of how we carry out the pre-season." Celtic swept aside Manchester City and Chelsea during last year's stunning US tour. And Kennedy hopes they can kick off this pre-season in a similar style when they face Queen's Park on Friday. He added: "For us, in terms of how we start, it's important. The messages from day one in terms of how we'll deliver it, how the manager will deliver it, guys like Callum McGregor, James Forrest, the guys who have been here before and know what it takes, to know that this period of the season we don't get back. "It's really important we get a lot of work in at this early stage. We'll have a lot of games this pre-season to get through as well. "There'll be that challenge in itself, which will be good. It'll set the squad up better. But we know the work we're putting in now will carry us all the way through. "It's really important we don't skip a day from the off. As I said, there's no break-in period anymore. We're straight into work with the tests and the training. We'll very quickly ramp the intensity up and load the players up. "We'll get as much work in as we possibly can between now and next Friday before the first game. "The guys who have been training this week will then go into that game and our international players will return next Friday. "Then we're pretty much in at camp the following week. It's a busy period, but as I said, it's a really important period for us. "In terms of results, you still want to perform and get the results. Early on, it's very much about the physical aspect. "As it goes in, we've worked with most of the guys already, it's very much returning to our game-model stuff, our intensities. "We make sure we get all the work out of them. We don't concentrate too much on the results, but in terms of how the players went through pre-season last year, performances and results, it naturally gives you and breeds a bit of confidence. "You want that to be part of the process. It's not absolutely vital that you go in and win all the games, but there's no harm in it either. Being at a club, it's always nice to win."


Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic close to two more summer transfers but Lennon Miller and Balikwisha made to wait
The Scottish champions are ramping up their summer business with the countdown to the new campaign already underway Celtic are on the brink of snapping up Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren as they ramp up their summer transfer drive. The deals follow the official unveiling of Kieran Tierney last week with Ross Doohan also expected to join the Hoops from Aberdeen to provide cover for first-choice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Osmand is reportedly in the building at Lennoxtown to finalise his move from Fulham. And the 19-year-old has fuelled speculation over his imminent arrival after eagle-eyed fans spotted the striker has started following Celtic on his Instagram page. Nordsjælland forward Nygren has six months remaining on his deal, however, the Danes will cash in now and the Premiership champions have reportedly agreed a £1.7million fee. And Sport Bladet now claim that personal terms between the versatile attacker and the Double-winners have been agreed. With the future of Nicolas Kuhn up in the air and Jota sidelined for the start of the campaign, it appears unlikely Nygren will be the only new face coming through the door. Michel-Ange Balikwisha has also been linked with a switch from Royal Antwerp - with reports in Belgium suggesting the 24-year-old is keen to make the move. However, Voetbal Primeur claim that talks have reached a deadlock over the £5.1m asking price Antwerp have placed on Balikwisha. Lennon Miller has long been on Celtic 's radar with Brendan Rodgers an admirer of the Motherwell midfielder - but the Hoops are far from the only club looking to secure a deal. There has already been interest from Serie A and the Bundesliga while EPL new boys Sunderland have also been mentioned in regards to the new Scotland international. But dad Lee insists that there will be no urgent movement for the 18-year-old. Speaking at the launch of the SPFL fixture list, he said: 'He's back to Motherwell on Monday. Nothing has happened as yet. Yes, there's speculation and talk on Twitter etc but it's a different club every day. "It's quite funny watching it and seeing how it's progressing but essentially nobody has made any bids for him 'Yes, he would like to further his career down the line but we'll just need to see what happens.' Pressed on what clubs his son could join, Miller Sr added: 'It's so difficult to say, 'This club are interested, that will be a good one for him. 'Is that a good environment for him to be in? Is there a pathway? Are you going to play there? Are there players ahead of you? 'There's so many different things that come into the equation. There's so many different layers. 'Listen, clubs have been interested in Lennon since he was 14. There's always been talk and people wanting to take him here, there and everywhere. 'We've always had a focus on stay at Motherwell, do your time, and see where it takes you from there."
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kieran Tierney issues first Celtic words as homecoming hero reveals his burning Hoops ambition
Kieran Tierney insists he feels back at home after completing his emotional return to Celtic. The defender, 28, has been officially paraded by the Hoops after penning a five-year deal from Arsenal. Celts banked a then-club record fee of £25million when KT left his boyhood club for the Gunners in 2019. Advertisement READ MORE: Major Mathias Kvistgaarden to Celtic transfer update as Marco Silva claim backs up burning Osmand belief READ MORE: Out of contract Celtic XI as La Gran Muralla and 4 Treble heroes search for new clubs Six years later, the four-in-a-row champions have pulled off a major coup by landing the out-of-contract star on a free transfer. Homegrown Tierney - who won three Trebles in his first stint at Celtic - is determined to win even more silverware. Speaking for the first time, Tierney said: 'Everybody's known for a few months and just to be here with the Celtic strip on again just feels amazing. Advertisement 'I spoke with the manager, and obviously I had worked with him before and I've always kept in touch with him. "He's one of the best so I'm so lucky and grateful that he's given me the chance to come back again. 'When you move away from home, you grow up, you learn different things. I was in Spain for a year, learning a different language and playing in a different league, so I'm definitely a different person. Kieran Tierney has been reunited with Brendan Rodgers -Credit:Getty Images 'Player-wise, it's the same as I always say – I'll try and work my hardest, I'll do my best for the club and that's all I can do. 'My ambition is just for Celtic to be as successful as possible, retain our place at the top and continue to win trophies and do well for Celtic.' Advertisement The Scotland left-back will meet his new teammates when the Double-winners return to Lennoxtown for pre-season training. And boss Brendan Rodgers is confident Celts have added a player of the highest calibre to their squad. He said: 'We are delighted to welcome Kieran back to Celtic. He is such a talented, high-quality player and he will be a massive addition to our squad. 'Kieran has always had Celtic in his blood and he is excited to be coming back to the place he loves. 'He is someone who has given so much to Celtic already and I know he is so motivated and hungry to help the club bring more and more success to our fans. Advertisement 'We are so pleased to bring such an elite player back to the club and I look forward to working with him again and the rest of the squad, as we face the many challenges ahead at home and in Europe.' Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.


Daily Record
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic pre-season schedule 2025: Summer tours, fixture dates and TV details
The Double-winners have warm-weather training camps organised for Portugal and Italy The pain of blowing the Treble at Hampden will still be fresh on the minds of everyone at Celtic. Brendan Rodgers and his Double-winners still have a couple of weeks to forget about the crushing penalty shootout defeat to Aberdeen before the hard work for the new campaign gets underway. The champions are due to report back to Lennoxtown at the end of June as they begin preparing for the 2025/26 season. Rodgers will hope to have some new faces on board, with Fulham hotshot Callum Osmand poised to become the club's first signing of the window. New Scotland cap Ross Doohan is also set to return on a free transfer following his release from Aberdeen and the keeper will provide cover for Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo. However, with huge sums in the bank and a Champions League play-off to navigate this year, fans will expect Parkhead powerbrokers to back Rodgers to the hilt as Celts begin their quest for five-in-a-row. Here's how their pre-season schedule is shaping up. What are Celtic's plans? Celtic will kick off their pre-season with a trip to Cork before travelling to Lisbon and then Faro for an eight-day warm-weather training camp in Portugal. The champions will face Sporting CP in the Algarve before returning home to host Newcastle United at Parkhead. Then, the Double-winners will fly out to Lake Como for a summer tournament in Italy from July 23-27. It's expected they will take on Como and Ajax in their final warm-up games ahead of flag day on the weekend of August 2/3. What pre-season fixtures have been confirmed? Tuesday, July 8: Cork City vs Celtic - 6pm kick-off (SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh) Wednesday, July 16: Sporting CP vs Celtic - kick-off TBC (Estádio do Algarve) Saturday, July 19: Celtic vs Newcastle United - 3pm kick-off (Celtic Park) July 23-27 TBC: Celtic vs Ajax/Como/Al-Alhi (Lake Como, TBC) July 23-27 TBC: Celtic vs Ajax/Como/Al-Alhi (Lake Como, TBC) Will Celtic's pre-season matches be on TV? Details have yet to be announced but friendlies in Portugal and Italy will almost certainly be made available for Celtic TV subscribers worldwide. Can I purchase tickets for Celtic's pre-season games? Yes. Tickets for Celtic's Cork Super Cup clash are available to purchase on TicketMaster, starting from €30. Fans can also buy tickets for the visit of Newcastle United via Celtic's official website. Details for games against Sporting CP and the club's tour of Lake Como will be released in due course. Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.


Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic book medical for striker as Kyogo set for emotional homecoming
The Scottish champions are beginning to motor ahead with the transfer plans Teenage Fulham striker Callum Osmand could become one of Celtic 's first summer signings. Brendan Rodgers is in the market for attacking reinforcements after losing promising starlet Daniel Cummings to West Ham. The Hoops have also yet to sign a replacement for Japanese goal machine Kyogo, who departed the club for Rennes in January. Now, CeltsAreHere reports that the Scottish champions are on the verge of landing rising Welsh star Osmand from Craven Cottage. It's claimed that a medical has already been booked for the 19-year-old who has caught the eye of Parkhead scouts. Osmand - who netted 10 goals in 17 Premier League 2 appearances last season - is out-of-contract at Fulham, meaning the Double-winners will be able to land him for a modest cross-border compensation fee. Barring any medical hitches, the talented goalscorer is expected to join Celtic's senior squad for pre-season, giving Rodgers a chance to take a closer look. Meanwhile, former Celtic idol Kyogo is back on holiday in his homeland and is set for an emotional return to former club Vissel Kobe. Kyogo has endured a miserable spell in France since his shock £10million winter move to Rennes, failing to score in six appearances. He's found himself bombed out under new boss Habib Beye and has already been deemed surplus to requirements by the Ligue 1 club. That's led to inevitable rumours of a quick-fire return to Glasgow, but it's unlikely Rodgers will sanction a return for the fans' favourite. Bournemouth have also been linked with his services, but for now, Kyogo will make an appearance in familiar territory this weekend. It's been announced that the 30-year-old will be in the stands for Vissel Kobe vs Nagoya Grampus on Sunday and will greet the fans in a special half-time bow at the Noevir Stadium Kobe. Elsewhere, reports in Greece suggest that Greg Taylor's switch to PAOK is far from a done deal. Multiple stories on Monday suggested that Taylor had agreed a two-year deal with the option of an additional 12 months to join the Greek outfit. Taylor is currently a free agent after talks over a new deal at Celtic Park hit the skids. The Scotland international, 27, is holidaying in Dubai with his family and SDNA claims PAOK are no further forward in their pursuit of the left-back, with talks said to be "frozen".