Chris Sutton names 3 things Celtic must do to win 10IAR

The Celtic landscape looks a whole lot brighter over the past week with a win and signings to bolster the squad. Chris Sutton, as always, has strong views on what needs to happen next to ensure success for the hoops.

In his Daily Record column Sutton outlines what becomes a clear 3 point plan which the club need to follow. It’s not controversial, it’s quite sensible, Neil Lennon would likely approve of his old teammates views. Peter Lawwell might gulp slightly as it will stretch the finances. There are though promising signs that the Parkhead hierarchy may already be on board with the thinking and the three main points.

Sutton does clearly recognise the financial impact the Champions League exit will have had along with the reduction in income from the COVID-19 scenario, not to mention spending so far on Shane Duffy, Vasilios Barkas, David Turnbull, Albian Ajeti and securing Mohammed Elyounoussi. There is a need he believes to make sure Neil Lennon has strength in depth available.

That runs through Sutton’s rationale but he also sees the potential rewards and the responsibility both Lawwell and Dermot Desmond can have.

"“This is history on the line for them.” “If they stand firm for the next six months through two more transfer windows, money won’t be able to buy the regard they’ll be held in for the rest of their days.”"

Let’s look at the three main themes of Sutton’s plan:

Signings shouldn’t lead to departures.

A critical topic in Sutton’s view. With much talk of departures being likely or inevitable he sees it quite differently.

"“It is going to take a deep squad to make sure Neil Lennon can get through this season with the team firing for the majority of it and if anything he needs more in, never mind anyone leaving.”"

Sutton believes that rather than assume the likes of Kris Ajer and Olivier N’tcham will move on following the arrival of Shane Duffy and David Turnbull, they should be staying. He has some good logic, the hoops went a centre half down when Jozo Simunovic was let go, why have Ajer move on and still leave that gap in cover? He was pretty forthright about Ajer too.

"“The Norwegian isn’t ready for a move to the top leagues, regardless of what his agents might be telling him.”"

With Tom Rogic accepted as maybe on the move subject to a deal and a need to keep a strong midfield through injury and suspensions, not to mention helping Scott Brown and Callum McGregor as key midfielders, N’tcham doesn’t become surplus at all. There may still be an attraction for him to remain and link up with fellow countryman Odsonne Edouard.

Which leads to perhaps Sutton’s most critical point on retaining key players. He’s been advocating for ages that to secure ten-in-a-row Celtic should make an irresistible offer to Edouard so he stays for at least this season. The point is a good one and he makes it well again now. Hopefully recent news on Edouard contract talks will prove positive.