Both parties need to have a relationship – as much as they would like that to not be the case – so it was probably a bit of muscle flexing from both parties. The Records climb down from day 1 and their belief that Brown was for the off to Day 2′s aye, err, could go could indicate that they werent 100% convinced…but you would say it wasnt a completely baseless story.

Celtic absolutely lack leaders and that is something that can definitely be laid at Strachans door. He was not a man for having personalities and leaders in a dressing, good team mates maybe but someone to drag a team up by the bootlaces…no.

In the game v Kilmarnock, it was very noticable there was no Roy Aitken like leader to shake Celtic to life, no one wanting to take any responsibility – no one would say Aitken was a classy or skilful player but he had a big heart.

Now Mr Ed, I know you don’t ahve much time for Jingle Jangle but c’mon, Celtic threatened legal action on this one and have went very quiet on that front. Why if they were 100% sure of their side of the story, did they not follow it up and give the Record one helluva bloody nose? My mole tells me that Jingle Jangle has a tape of Brown (remember him of the dull button variety) spilling his guts, that’s why.

If I were to pick a captain for Celtic, I would have a very hard job on my hands. Who is the natural choice really? Perhaps through time the Hoidveld chap might be the answer, but it’s too soon. I mentioned this on another article and it’s probably one of the biggest reasons that Celtic find themselves 10 points adrift, no leadership in the team.

We’ve been criticised for a lack of fight/dig/application/add your own Scottish adjective here, and he’ll add that to a midfield three. He’ll do best with N’guemo mopping up and either Ki or Crosas spraying the passes. He’ll get beyond the strikers as well.

The defence is another matter.