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| Top Ten Players of the Season - No 10: Mulgrew |
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| Written by Harry Brady |
| Thursday, 02 June 2011 20:32 |
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If you had said to me at the start of the season that I’d be writing a review of Charlie Mulgrew I probably would have had my head in my hands – head in my hands because I would assume that our season would be really bad for Mulgrew to get into the top ten. But that we now eulogise about his fantastic left foot and versatility is testament to the fickle nature of football fans and also a credit to a guy who has knuckled down and done his very best for his manager and the team he supports. Versatility can be a curse for footballers; a euphemism for OK everywhere but not good enough to hold down one regular position. The consequence of which can mean dropping in and out of the team whenever a better option comes along, it is therefore a credit to one of these players when they keep a “specialist” out of the side and that is what Charlie Mulgrew did this season. Well done Charlie – our number 10 in team of the year. As I say, the signing of Mulgrew was met by many with complete indifference and a small number with derisory claims that his signing perfectly encapsulated the “dumbing down” of the Celtic signing policy. To be fair to this site, there was a little more enthusiasm here. I distinctly recall Eddie & I discussing the merits of the Mulgrew signing. Eddie (with his fantastic inside knowledge) boldly claimed that Mulgrew was NOT signed as our main left back, and consequently getting a good SPL player as back up for free was a good deal (that we then went into debate about playing some people in domestic games and some in Europe will be glossed over). Ironically it was not his performances at left back that would win him acclaim, but left midfield, and principally left side centre half. Mulgrew had been in and out of the team at the start of the season, but was hardly figuring by Christmas, often not even making the bench and although the performance of Sammy at New Year was the main talking point after the game, pre-match it was the decision to play Mulgrew on the left side of midfield. A ploy to protect the dominative Izaguirre from the Rangers high ball brigade, his stint out left was to last only until the disastrous draw at Hamilton. Mulgrew’s position in our top ten was probably cemented by what happened from 26th January onwards. That night we played Hearts at home with a central defensive crisis and whilst many were pressing the board to buy a centre half – any centre half, Mulgrew moved into central defence and that night we thumped the Jambo’s 4-0. Mulgrew then became a mainstay of the team, featuring in 11 clean sheets and keeping dedicated centre halves out of the side until the 3rd last league game of the season.During that time, Charlie did what every good player does with limited ability. He did the simple things. That we had a strong left sided centre half also helped with the play of Izaguirre as suddenly there was cover in behind from someone comfortable on that side. Removed from the problems of being turned easily, Charlie flourished at centre half. This keeping things simple played a large part in him retaining his place in the side. Of equal importance however was his excellent accuracy with the left peg. His place in the team gives us a threat sorely lacking in recent times at set pieces – as was demonstrated at the cup final. And there can’t be many sides who have a centre half taking corner kicks! The emergence of Charlie Mulgrew and the way the fans took to him was symptomatic of the way the fans bonded with the team on the pitch this season. Celtic fans like Mulgrew & Wilson put in good honest shifts whilst other young non Scots seemed to be desperately trying to prove themselves at our club. They performed above the level we expected and as a consequence when they mucked up (as Charlie did at Motherwell) we forgave them. With new signings arriving, I’m sure Mulgrew will once again find his place in the team restricted by “specialists” but he has illustrated to his manager a very valuable ability. The ability to go and do a job and not let anyone down. If I had one piece of advice for Mulgrew it would be to review the latter part of McNamara’s career at Celtic. No longer the pacey right back, he too seemed to be sidelined under MoN, but when he got his chance he didn’t let the manager down. He played an essential role in O’Neil’s team at right back, centre mid and even centre half because he could be relied upon. Phrases like dependable and reliable are hardly inspiring, but as a fan who has seen too many “Brian O’Neil moments” having a squad player who is all of these things PLUS he has excellent dead ball and crossing ability with his left foot will do for me. Charlie Mulgrew – thanks for the season past and here’s to many more. |
| Last Updated on Saturday, 11 June 2011 19:38 |
Comments
I just feel sometimes people can mistake having " nothing to do" in a game with playing a blinder.This was definilty the case with Mulgrew at CB in a number of games. The same kind of myth was peddled about Sammy after the 2-0 win at Ibrox. All of a sudden he became this terrifying threat, who was giving everyone at Rangers nightmares about how to deal with him.
As always the truth usually lies somewhere in between. Don't get me wrong here, I think Mulgrew did contribute more positively than negatively this season, and he could have a future with us as a utility player, but I do not see him as a first choice player for next season.
Celtic need better players than him.
One of the other reasons Mulgrew flourished so much at centre back is his strong tackling ability. He tackles hard and clean, very rarely giving away the kind of daft fouls big Dan does.
Having a guy of his versatility at the club will come in very handy over the years, plus, what a left peg!
I was always pleased with bosman signing of Mulgrew. Naylor was gone & we needed a left sided fullback. He also added much needed height to the squad & certainly does have a cracking left peg.
I hope his game develops and he becomes more than just a useful member of the squad.
A very astute signing, who has shown his worth to the team.
Let's hope he continues and grows next season again.
Can play across the back and in left midfield,I am proud and please for Charlie Bhoy and look forward to see him go into August with the fans backing,rather than the fans barracking!
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