The Huddle Breakdown — Listen to the Podcast

The Huddle Breakdown

About the show

The Huddle Breakdown is a podcast focusing on all things Celtic FC. This is not your regular fan-run podcast though, we combine analysis with statistics to provide a proper deep-dive into the performances of the team. If stats and xG aren't your thing, don't let that scare you off. This podcast is a mix of opinion, craic and some questionable takeaways as well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newest episodes

Celtic vs Kilmarnock: A Tired Team, a Missed Penalty & Where Are the New Signings?

Nov 11, 2026 1 hr 11 min

Celtic grind out three points at home to Kilmarnock, but have the Bhoys turned the corner? James and Alan breakdown a jaded Celtic performance after nine games in 28 days, Benjamin Nygren’s missed penalty, Kasper Hogh’s disallowed goal and his honest xG numbers, and ask why summer signings like Hassan and Sorensen can’t even make Martin O’Neill’s bench. Plus: a behind-the-curtain look at how data vendors decide what counts as a shot (and how single-game xG gets weaponized), why Falkirk sit third in the Scottish Premiership but bottom of Alan’s Speedboat League, Scott Bain’s heroics, Jim Goodwin’s stunning tactical reinvention at Dundee United, and the mess at Aberdeen after Stephen Robinson’s sacking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic Finally Win in Europe! Besiktas 3-2 Breakdown, Baur’s Problem & the Goalkeeper Mess

Nov 7, 2026 10 min

Celtic finally get off the mark in the Europa League with a chaotic 3-2 win over Besiktas, and on The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, Martin, James and Alan break it all down. Was Martin O’Neill’s controversial lineup a planned rope-a-dope: stay compact in a 4-4-2 mid-block for an hour, then let Osman and Duran’s pace loose on a tired Besiktas? The guys use StatsBomb shot maps and heat maps to show why teams keep attacking Celtic’s right side. They look at how Mika Bauer’s left-sided game differs from Arne Engels’, and why James thinks it’s time to give Bauer the keys in place of Callum McGregor. They also ask what kind of midfielder Celtic really need in the January transfer window and whether the Johnstone-for-Sinisalo goalkeeper switch makes any sense, and they share their verdicts on Lotomba, Kieran Tierney, Carter-Vickers and Hugh. Alan’s Speedboat League (the xG table) shows Kilmarnock are better than bottom of the Scottish Premiership suggests, ahead of Sunday’s match at Celtic Park against Neil McCann’s side. Plus Poetry Corner and a first look at that pitch in Portugal. Hail Hail! Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Celtic Lost at Falkirk (It Wasn’t Bad Luck) | Bain’s 10 Saves, O’Neill & Besiktas Preview

Nov 4, 2026 55 min

Falkirk 2-0 Celtic, and the xG debate has exploded. On this week’s Huddle Breakdown, James and Alan dig into the Celtic FC data to explain why the Hoops’ big xG total at the Falkirk Stadium doesn’t tell the real story. They cover game state, post-shot xG, and how John McGlynn’s Falkirk earned their two-goal lead before sitting deep to protect it, helped by 10 saves from man of the match Scott Bain. They also get into Celtic’s exposed right-hand side, the decision to bring Cameron Carter-Vickers back on the artificial pitch, Bauer’s heat map, the half-time switch to James Forrest, Kieran Tierney’s clearances, Falkirk’s long throws, and the Luke McCowan subs. Finally, they look ahead to Martin O’Neill’s Celtic hosting Besiktas in the Europa League. The visitors have just sacked their coach, they rank among Europe’s most intense pressing sides, and the one thing that matters for Celtic is to stop the bleeding. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 443 episodes

Celtic vs Kilmarnock: A Tired Team, a Missed Penalty & Where Are the New Signings?

Nov 11, 2026 1 hr 11 min

Celtic Finally Win in Europe! Besiktas 3-2 Breakdown, Baur’s Problem & the Goalkeeper Mess

Nov 7, 2026 10 min

Why Celtic Lost at Falkirk (It Wasn’t Bad Luck) | Bain’s 10 Saves, O’Neill & Besiktas Preview

Nov 4, 2026 55 min

Is Celtic’s Structure Exposing McGregor? Dundee United Review + Falkirk Preview

Oct 31, 2026 10 min

Celtic dropped points at home to Dundee United, and Callum McGregor and Cameron Carter-Vickers have both suggested the team isn’t organised enough. On this week’s Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, James and Alan use the data to test that claim. The opposition is getting about 15 shots a game against Celtic and more than double the touches in the Celtic box of the 2019/20 side. xG conceded has gone up from around 1.0 a game to 1.5. One stat suggests McGregor’s struggles are about the team’s structure rather than his age: he’s being taken out of the game by opposition passes twice as often as before. They also look at how Celtic’s front players and midfield pairings fit together (Duran and Hogh, McGregor and Bauer), including a 4-4-1-1 idea. They give credit to two young players: Dane Murray, who is on his first run of consecutive starts, and Colby Donovan, who has just signed a five-year deal and stands up well against Kieran Tierney at the same age. There’s a round-up of the SPFL after Hearts 2-2 Rangers, and the projections still have Celtic winning the Scottish Premiership by around six points. Finally, they preview Falkirk: John McGlynn’s high line and pressing, a run of good luck (four own goals in their favour) and bad set-piece defending that Celtic could take advantage of. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic Win Ugly in Edinburgh – But Can Talent Keep Papering Over the Cracks? | Dundee United Preview

Oct 28, 2026 46 min

Celtic came from behind to bag 3 points against Hibs in 50–60mph Edinburgh winds. Alan and James get into whether there’s anything to learn from a game that chaotic, the Grant Hanley-up-front gamble, Martin O’Neill’s “best performance” comments, and why finishers like Duran and Nygren are so valuable when the ball drops. They look at Alistair Johnston’s latest hamstring setback and what it says about rest, recovery and soft-tissue injuries at Celtic. They also cover the young right side of the defence, with a new five-year deal for Donovan. Then the stats come out for a Dundee United preview. Jim Goodwin’s side are well-organised and press smartly. They shoot from range, are kings of the long throw and sit high in the Speedboat League, which raises the question: should Celtic go with an Osmand, Duran, Hassan front three? Scottish Premiership analysis, xG and data-led Celtic FC talk from The Huddle Breakdown. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic vs Celta Vigo: The Data Behind Another Europa League Defeat | Huddle Breakdown Extra Time

Oct 23, 2026 10 min

Celtic fell to another Europa League defeat, losing to Celta Vigo at Celtic Park, and on this Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, Martin, James and Alan get into why the Hoops keep hammering teams in the Scottish Premiership and then get carved open in Europe. James reports from his first European night at Paradise. He also shares UEFA tracking data showing Callum McGregor has covered 37.4km in three Europa League games, the second most in the whole competition. Alan breaks down the structural issues behind Celtic giving up more shots than they take, a lopsided left side, and the “Engels-sized hole” on the right. He also says Oliver Sorensen is being set up to fail. The panel discusses board accountability, the roughly £300m in missed Champions League money, the SPFL TV rights tender, and the Conference League coefficient problem facing Scottish football. They finish by previewing Sunday’s lunchtime trip to Easter Road to face bottom-of-the-table Hibs under their new manager, after David Gray’s sacking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic 7-1 Hearts | The Data Behind the Demolition + Celta Vigo Preview

Oct 20, 2026 1 hr 0 min

Celtic thrash Hearts 7-1 at Celtic Park, and James and Alan dig into the data behind the Scottish Premiership demolition. Hearts had more possession and more shots but were blown away on xG. It’s a scoreline that echoes Germany 7-1 Brazil, and the packing numbers tell a similar story. We break down why Hearts’ bold possession game plan backfired, how Callum Osmand’s first professional start on the left wing set the tone, Benjamin Nygren’s movement, Kieran Tierney’s performance, and whether Celtic’s pace up front makes them a counter-attacking force in the Europa League. We also ask whether the 7-1 really fixed Celtic’s structural problems, use MLB payrolls and analytics staff to look at how smaller clubs close resource gaps, and preview Celtic vs Celta Vigo. The topics include xG, variance, set pieces, game state and what the result means for the season ahead. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benfica 4-1 Celtic: Set Up to Fail? Tounekti, Høgh & Hearts Preview | Extra Time

Oct 18, 2026 10 min

Celtic were beaten 4-1 by Benfica in Lisbon in the Europa League, and on this Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, Martin, Alan and James break down why. Alan uses packing data to show that Benfica cut through Celtic’s front three 14 times in the first half alone, and asks why Martin O’Neill left Oliver Sørensen in a number 10 role that doesn’t suit him. The guys go through all four goals and Viljami Sinisalo’s goalkeeping. Alan’s data shows how much Sebastian Tounekti’s output drops in big games compared with Gianluca Prestianni, and the panel discusses Kasper Høgh’s struggles and whether Camilo Durán should now start through the middle. To finish, they preview Celtic v Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, covering Hearts’ set-piece threat, their new style of play and the luck that has gone their way so far. Plus details of our supporters’ meetup in Glasgow city centre on Monday 26 October. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Lyttleton: Martin O’Neill, Moneyball & Why Celtic Need a Sporting Director | The Huddle Breakdown Interview

Oct 15, 2026 10 min

Football author and executive Ben Lyttleton (Twelve Yards, Edge, Football School) joins Alan and James on The Huddle Breakdown Interview to talk about how data analytics is changing football and what that means for Celtic. Ben goes behind the scenes of the Netherlands’ penalty data before the 2010 World Cup final. He explains why your best penalty taker should go first or fourth, and why most Premier League transfers fail. He also makes the case for a sporting director as the “guardian of the culture.” Then the conversation turns to Martin O’Neill. Ben explains how the man-management strengths that won Celtic the Scottish Premiership title are now being held against him, and how a well-run club should handle a short-term slump. They also cover over-optimisation, the comeback of the dribbling winger, and why creativity may be the one thing AI can’t predict. Ben ends with why football is still a force for good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Shaun Maloney Really Running Celtic Now? | Motherwell Breakdown & Benfica Preview

Oct 13, 2026 49 min

Celtic produced their most dominant performance in weeks at Fir Park, and Alan and James break down the data from the Motherwell win. After Liam Scales talked about the player meetings, has Celtic’s game model shifted back towards Ange-ball? Is Shaun Maloney now effectively running the team under Martin O’Neill? The guys cover the expected goals (xG), the packing numbers behind Kieran Tierney’s huge game and Bauer’s man-of-the-match display. They also cover Jota’s emotional return after three years away and why a striker’s underlying numbers don’t match the doubters. Then they look at the Scottish Premiership weekend: Rangers’ flattering win over Kilmarnock, why Hearts are a real title threat, and the “two Frankensteins” in Glasgow. To finish, a Europa League preview of Benfica, and the hard truth about how far Scotland has fallen in Opta’s European league rankings. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's £300m Left on the Table, Scotland Déjà Vu & Motherwell Preview

Oct 9, 2026 10 min

Is the Celtic board as successful as it claims? On this week’s Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, James benchmarks Celtic FC against Club Brugge, Sporting CP and PSV Eindhoven on revenue, matchday income, wages, player amortisation and player trading. His conclusion is that weak player trading and missed Champions League football have cost the club £300M or more under Dermot Desmond’s model, and that domestic trophies hide how far behind its European peers it has fallen. Alan explains why Scotland’s Nations League loss to Slovenia felt so familiar to Celtic fans. He also covers the knives coming out for the new manager, and why Ryan Christie, not Lewis Ferguson, should partner Billy Gilmour. Then he breaks down the Speedboat League variance data: Celtic are losing almost half a goal a game to poor finishing and to opposition goalkeepers having the best run of any SPFL side against them. Plus Falkirk’s upswing, Dundee’s “cockroach” luck, and a full Motherwell vs Celtic preview ahead of Sunday at Fir Park. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tennis Ball Gate, the Celtic Statement & Why the League Table Lies | The Huddle Breakdown

Oct 7, 2026 59 min

James and Alan break down Tennis Ball Gate at St Andrews and the club's furious Saturday night statement. They ask whether the growing split between the Celtic board, Dermot Desmond and the support can be repaired, or whether escalation and personal targeting will only deepen it. The pair look at why domestic trophies and a healthy balance sheet can't justify Celtic's European record against similarly sized clubs, and what proper benchmarking, expected trophies and modern football governance would look like. James explains his "Anderlechtification" fear. In the second half, Alan relaunches the Speedboat League, his expected points table for the Scottish Premiership, along with the Banked League projection. They cover xG, luck, variance and randomness, why the league table lies, whether Hibs were right to sack David Gray, and how tight the Celtic vs Rangers title race really is after seven games. More data-driven Celtic analysis at huddlebreakdown.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man City, Rangers 2012 & Celtic's Coherence Crisis | Subscriber Q&A

Oct 3, 2026 10 min

Is the Manchester City case Scottish football's Rangers 2012 all over again? In this Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, host Martin Murphy is joined by Alan and James to compare the Premier League's handling of Man City with the Lord Nimmo Smith Commission into Rangers. They also ask why the clubs' own fans were victims too, and look at the UAE geopolitics that could shape the outcome. Then it's into your subscriber questions on Celtic. Who's the signing of the season so far? Is Callum McGregor reaching a hinge point, and should he play deeper? Is Cameron Carter-Vickers still Celtic's most important defender? The data on why Celtic's pressing stats hide a real problem: possession down from 73% to 60%, more shots conceded, and set pieces now a net negative. Should Martin O'Neill stay? What would Alan and James do if they were Dermot Desmond for a day? And how do the Rangers investors ever get their money back? Data-driven Celtic analysis from The Huddle Breakdown. Read more at huddlebreakdown.com. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man City, Rangers & the Story Scottish Media Won't Touch | Celtic's Identity Crisis

Sep 30, 2026 49 min

As the Premier League's Man City case dominates headlines worldwide, Alan and James ask why the Scottish football media has stayed almost completely silent, and what the parallels with Rangers' 2012 liquidation, the EBT scandal and the obstruction of investigators reveal about football governance, power and accountability. The Huddle Breakdown then turns to Celtic. Alan has rewatched the games from his time away and comes back with a stark verdict on Martin O'Neill's management team drifting from Celtic's possession-based playing model. James brings StatsBomb pace-to-goal and xG-conceded data showing Celtic losing control. They also discuss Cameron Carter-Vickers' honest comments about confusion in the squad, revisit Stephen Welsh's Celtic legacy as he starts for Scotland and Swansea, and take hope from Scotland's cohesive display against Slovenia in the Nations League. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's Systemic Collapse, a £4.8m Loss & the "Least Bad Option"

Sep 25, 2026 10 min

Alan is back(!) from Japan and straight into the wreckage of Celtic's three straight defeats, capped by a 1-0 derby loss to Rangers at Celtic Park. With James and Martin, he argues it was a systemic collapse, not a question of individual effort, and backs it with the numbers: Rangers won the ball back with 42% of their pressures, the highest figure in six-plus seasons of our data. We look at Martin O'Neill's tactics, why asking Celtic's centre-backs to hit 50-yard channel balls played straight into Derek McInnes's hands, the Callum McGregor question, and why Celtic are now playing a game of "least bad option." Then we go through Celtic's 2026 financial results: a £4.8m loss after tax, revenue down 22.7%, and why the £66.4m cash headline is really closer to £31m once you strip out season ticket money. We also cover the Champions League money left on the table, why Scotland pays a Saudi-level premium for players, how a new stand could realistically be funded, and the title race with Rangers and Hearts. Plus Poetry Corner. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic 0-1 Rangers: The Worst Home Derby in a Decade (The Data Explained)

Sep 24, 2026 1 hr 0 min

Celtic's 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Parkhead was, by the numbers, the worst home Old Firm performance of the Wyscout era: an xG difference of -1.91, just three shots to Rangers' 14, and a long-ball rate roughly triple Celtic's historical norm. James is joined again by Rhiann (DataBhoys) to rewatch and dissect the debacle, including the confusing team selection and shifting formations, Callum McGregor's 14 possession losses, and why "the players didn't try" is the wrong conclusion. They then zoom out to the bigger picture: the "Frankenstein" clash between Celtic's legacy possession game model and Martin O'Neill's more direct approach, season-to-date data on xG conceded, possession, build-up turnovers and clearances that suggest one of the weakest Celtic sides in recent memory, the club's lack of strategy at executive level, and what Celtic's preliminary financial results really say about the club's cash position.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic Are Broken | Celtic 1-3 Ferencváros & Derby Preview

Sep 18, 2026 10 min

Celtic’s 3-1 home defeat to Ferencváros capped a miserable week, and on this episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, Martin Murphy is joined by James and Heath to work out how much of it can possibly be fixed before Sunday’s Glasgow Derby. The panel goes deep into the tactical wreckage: a press with no triggers and no cohesion in the front line, a rest defence so open that every turnover turns into a jailbreak, Callum McGregor dropping into a 3-2-5 build-up that strands Bauer and Sorensen as a makeshift two, and a game model James calls “Frankenstein” — half Ange, half Rodgers, functioning as neither. There’s a look at Ross Grant’s set-piece work and Celtic’s front-post obsession, a close read of how Derek McInnes set Rangers up at Ibrox and what he might try at Parkhead, genuine praise for James Forrest’s performance, and a blunt assessment of the squad depth problem that shows up around the 70th minute. Plus: why Rangers have a Frankenstein of their own after Dan Purdy’s exit, where Celtic can actually hurt them, and what a bad result on Sunday means with Rangers two points behind and a brutal six-week run of fixtures ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rangers 3-0 Celtic: Why Celtic's Game Model Is BROKEN | Tactical Breakdown + Ferencváros Preview

Sep 16, 2026 1 hr 12 min

Celtic were humbled 3-0 by Rangers at Ibrox, and The Huddle Breakdown goes beyond the hot takes to explain why. With Alan away in Tokyo, James is joined by data analyst Rhian (RhiCam on Substack, @databhoys on X) for a tactical and data-driven breakdown of the Old Firm derby. They cover Derek McInnes' man-marking plan, James Penrice's dual role, the Hassan and goalkeeper selection calls, Celtic's disjointed press, and Callum McGregor dropping between the centre-backs. The bigger question is whether Celtic's possession game model is now outdated, since opponents like Rangers, LASK and Club Brugge have worked out how to neutralise it. They also preview Thursday's Europa League match against Ferencváros, with PPDA pressing numbers, the inverted full-backs, key players to watch and how Martin O'Neill should line up to take three points. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Celtic's Defense Survive Ibrox? | First Derby of the Season Preview + St Johnstone Reaction

Sep 11, 2026 10 min

Martin, James, and returning guest Heath break down Celtic's 1-0 win away at St Johnstone — a game that delivered three points but raised plenty of questions, from a flat first half and an experimental 3-2-5 to Mika Bauer's match-winner and Sam Johnstone's debut in goal. James shares striking benchmarking data on Hassan, Celtic's brilliant but baffling winger — 99th percentile for dribbles and crosses, near-zero for defensive work — and asks whether the pieces up front actually fit together. Then it's the big one: a full Glasgow Derby preview ahead of the League Cup tie at Ibrox, with a data-driven look at Derek McInnes's Rangers, their shift toward direct football, Celtic's alarming open-play xG conceded, and the selection debate over Duran, Hogh, and Hassan. Plus League Cup history, lineup predictions, and a wee bit of poetry corner. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic & The League's Tactical Revolution | Scottish Football Has Gone BOX OFFICE

Sep 8, 2026 1 hr 15 min

James is joined by special guest co-host Quinny (filling in for Alan, currently sampling sushi in Japan) to break down Celtic's 2-1 win away at St Mirren and what it tells us about this evolving Celtic side. They dig into Hassan's "gravitational pull" on the wing and whether his end product will catch up to his athleticism, Liam Scales' surprisingly dynamic left back role, and how the new-look midfield is adding verticality to Celtic's game model. Then they zoom out for a whip-around of the Scottish Premiership's tactical revolution — why half the league's managers are changing philosophy, why teams are getting punished for pressing, and why Scottish football is suddenly box office viewing — before previewing Wednesday's trip to St Johnstone. Data-driven Celtic FC analysis, every week on The Huddle Breakdown. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's New Signings RATED: Van den Berg Hype, Johnstone Doubts & a Top of Table Clash at St Mirren

Sep 4, 2026 10 min

With Alan away in the Far East, Martin and James welcome Celtic analytics community scout Heath Tempe to break down a huge week for Celtic FC. The panel reviews the win over Aberdeen — Yang's electric man-of-the-match display, Duran's ridiculous finishing form, and why Hassan's crossing is driving everyone mad — before diving into Celtic's transfer deadline signings: PSV wonderkid Yoel Van den Berg, Feyenoord loan fullback Jordan Latombe, Sorensen, teenage Chelsea striker Mukko, and ex-England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. Plus a data-driven look at the Europa League squad and a full tactical preview of Saturday's top-of-the-table clash away to a rebuilt St Mirren. Celtic news, transfer analysis, and Scottish Premiership stats — every week on The Huddle Breakdown. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's New Winger Just Broke a 12-Year Record — And It Might Not Matter

Sep 1, 2026 1 hr 4 min

Celtic's win over Falkirk produced a completely standard-looking stat pack — plus-two in xG, a +300 packing score, more than double the box possessions, six saves to one — but James and Alan argue that almost nothing about the inputs behind that familiar output was normal. This week on The Huddle Breakdown: Hassan's first proper look at Celtic Park, where his ball-carrying projected to roughly 45 pack dribbles per 90 minutes, against a 12-year record season average of 15 — and yet ended with no shots, one chance created, 14 passes given away and 0.1 expected scoring contribution. The lads dig into whether Celtic's pressing identity has quietly evaporated since Brendan Rodgers left, why the Duran–Hassan–Hu selection puzzle may never cohere, what Callum McGregor's packing numbers against Falkirk reveal about his best remaining role, and why four summer signings have realistically solved only two starting problems. Plus a deadline-week trawl through the rumour mill — Nkunku, Sorensen, Van de Berg and the goalkeeper hunt — an argument about how intra-Premier League spending has detached the top of the market and left an €8m average fee everywhere else, and a preview of Stephen Robinson's big, direct, set-piece-hungry Aberdeen arriving at Celtic Park on Wednesday. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's LASK Collapse: Systemic Failure, Not Bad Luck | Extra Time

Aug 28, 2026 10 min

Celtic threw away a four-goal aggregate lead in Austria and crashed out of the Champions League to LASK — and on this week's Extra Time, Martin, Alan and James argue that luck had nothing to do with it. Alan makes the case that this is a pattern of boardroom incompetence stretching back years, with as much as £300 million in Champions League revenue left on the table, before breaking down the tactical collapse: a 4-4-2 that should have been a 4-5-1 mid-block, two pivots permanently ahead of the ball, goal kicks fired down the middle, substitutions that changed nothing, and a standard of conditioning he found astonishing. James explains why LASK's second-half press exposed a fragility Celtic have shown for 15 months, why the squad's depth compounded every other risk, and where Bauer fits into a fix. Plus: xG and packing data placing this among the worst Celtic performances of the last decade, the Manchester United–Hull comparison that explains the midfield, Hearts, Hibs, Motherwell and Rangers in Europe, the Europa League draw ranked by Elo and Opta power rankings, and a Falkirk preview. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic vs LASK Second Leg: How Celtic Kill the Tie in Linz | Champions League Play-Off Preview

Aug 24, 2026 52 min

Celtic take a 3-0 lead to Linz — but how do they actually kill this tie? On this week's Huddle Breakdown, Alan and James break down the Champions League play-off second leg against LASK at the Raiffeisen Arena. Using average position charts, duel data and pressing heights from the first leg, they explain how LASK flood the middle of the pitch, why their wing-backs were neutralised at Celtic Park, and how their three main weapons — the long early ball, crosses and set pieces — could still cause chaos in Austria. Alan makes the case for a compact mid-block and a 4-4-2, James argues over Liam Scales vs Cameron Carter-Vickers and the risk of playing a high line, and both revisit the Astana and Hapoel Be'er Sheva horror shows as cautionary tales. Plus: the state of Celtic's transfer window before September 3rd, where the squad is still dangerously thin, and why Celtic fans should be quietly rooting for Rangers, Hearts and Hibs on Thursday. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic 3-0 LASK: Three Worldies and One Big Warning | Huddle Breakdown Extra Time

Aug 21, 2026 10 min

Celtic beat LASK 3-0 at Celtic Park to take a commanding lead into the Champions League play-off second leg in Linz — but what does the data actually say? On this Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, Martin, Alan and James dig into a 3-0 win built on three world-class finishes from just 0.89 xG, a lost packing battle, and a midfield that was repeatedly wide open in transition. Alan explains why Callum McGregor was packed 31 times — a figure he's only matched against Bayern, Dortmund, Real Madrid and Milan — while James lays out the "jailbreak" problem behind the scoreline and asks whether Mika Baur and McGregor can play together. Plus: Camilo Duran's double and whether he's really a right winger, Benjamin Nygren's vindication after a season of abuse, Kasper Høgh's role debate, Viljami Sinisalo's first big save, Colby Donovan's breakout, and why Haissem Hassan's eight minutes were the most exciting of the night. The guys also look ahead to the return leg at the Raiffeisen Arena, the latest Celtic transfer links, and how Rangers, Hearts, Hibs and Motherwell fared in Europe. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dundee United 0-4 Celtic: The Numbers Behind the Win | LASK Champions League Preview

Aug 18, 2026 1 hr 8 min

Celtic hammered Dundee United 4-0 — so why did they lose the xG battle and concede 19 shots? On this episode of The Huddle Breakdown, James and Alan dig into Alan's post-match stat pack and packing score data to explain the contradiction at the heart of Celtic's fast start to the 2026/27 season. Celtic are conceding packing scores near 300 against bottom-half Scottish Premiership opposition, roughly double the rate of the games they genuinely control, and the numbers point straight at central midfield: Callum McGregor's defensive success rate almost halved without Arne Engels beside him, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was physically finished five minutes into the second half, and Celtic simply aren't stopping danger at source. Alan and James also give first impressions of new signings Bauer and Hassan, debate Trusty vs Scales alongside Carter-Vickers, argue over Tounekti vs Yang on the left, and preview Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against LASK at Celtic Park — a Red Bull-adjacent, transition-hungry Austrian side that Celtic should out-talent, but who could drag this into exactly the kind of chaotic second-ball game Celtic are currently worst equipped to handle. Analytics, eye test, and a lot of anxiety about whether a great attack can paper over a structural problem. Subscribe at huddlebreakdown.com for Alan's full stat pack and James's LASK preview analysis. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic vs LASK Scouting Special: An Austrian Expert Tells Us Exactly What We're Facing

Aug 17, 2026 25 min

Celtic face LASK in the Champions League play-off round, so we brought in Austrian football expert Tom Baumgartner of the Other Bundesliga podcast for a full scouting report — free for everyone this week from our subscriber show, Extra Time. Tom explains how Dietmar "Didi" Kühbauer took over a LASK side sitting near the bottom of the Austrian Bundesliga and turned them into double winners, their first league title in 60 years, and why a squad everyone said needed a complete overhaul barely changed at all. He breaks down how they actually play: Red Bull-style vertical transitions, but with a manager unafraid to go route one from the back, one of the league's best crossers in Jørgensen, the mercurial Sascha Horvath gliding box to box, and American striker Samuel Adeniran as the battering ram up top. Tom covers their set-piece threat, their three at the back and pacey defenders, why 41 goals conceded is only half explained by that dreadful start, and how this LASK side measures up against the Sturm Graz team Celtic and Hearts have both faced. Then the one thing he keeps returning to: this squad has almost no European pedigree, and Europa League might be their level. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mika Baur Benchmarked, Hassan's Data, Austrian Scouting Report & Dundee Utd vs Celtic Preview

Aug 14, 2026 11 min

James and Alan break down a chaotic week at Celtic on this Extra Time, plus a full scouting report on LASK from Austrian football expert Tom Baumgartner of the Other Bundesliga podcast. With Arne Engels heading to West Ham, Mika Baur arriving from Paderborn and Haissem Hassan already in the building, the pair dig into whether Celtic's player trading model is actually working — and what Baur really is: a Hatate replacement, an Engels replacement, or something new. James walks through his full transfer benchmarking on Baur (long passing, crossing volume, and an xG-per-shot number that raised eyebrows), while Alan shares fresh SkillCorner EPV data showing Hassan out-carrying Lamine Yamal for in-possession value, with a serious caveat on his passing. Tom then takes 25 minutes on LASK: how Dietmar Kühbauer rescued a squad staring at a relegation scrap and turned them into double winners, why they'll mix Red Bull-style verticality with route one, the threat of Samuel Adeniran and Sascha Horvath, their set-piece danger, and the one weakness Tom keeps coming back to — a squad with almost no European pedigree. Alan and James return to weigh the "toxic combination" risk of starting new signings with Donovan, revisit Alan's deep dive on Yang Hyun-jun, and preview a tricky League Cup trip to Jim Goodwin's newly front-footed Dundee United. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kilmarnock 1-5 Celtic: Record xG, Engels Transformed & The Hassan Question | The Huddle Breakdown

Aug 11, 2026 59 min

Celtic went to Rugby Park and produced their highest expected-goals difference away at Kilmarnock since records began — a 5-1 win that Alan calls the most enjoyable watch in a long time. In this episode, Alan and James dig into the numbers behind the rout: why Arne Engels dominated the middle of the pitch in a way we simply haven't seen from him, how Kasper Høgh recorded the highest packing-receive score on the pitch while operating far deeper than his Bodø/Glimt role, and why the Høgh–Duran–Nygren interplay looks like a genuine attacking connection rather than three individuals. They also assess a back four of Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty and Tierney that Alan rates as Europa League-good, before James pumps the brakes: two games running, Celtic's counter-press has been passive, the buildup has creaked against ordinary opposition, and that might be a personnel problem rather than a game-state one. Plus a full breakdown of incoming Egyptian winger Hassan from Real Oviedo — elite athletically, with progressive-carry and acceleration numbers benchmarked alongside Mbappé, Yamal and Nico Williams, but with real questions over decision-making and defensive work — and the tactical puzzle of fitting Duran, Høgh and Hassan into one front three without Daizen Maeda's out-of-possession engine. Then a trip round a Scottish Premiership on fire: Derek McInnes “sacked” at Rangers, Hearts' 4-0 over Dundee United, Hibs' front-line depth, and Motherwell's struggles without Just. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jota Back On The Ball, Haissem Hassan Decoded & Celtic's Real Midfield Problem

Aug 7, 2026 10 min

Alan and James join Martin Murphy for a bumper Extra Time as Celtic bank three points against Dundee, Haissem Hassan edges closer, and a training-ground image lands mid-record showing Jota doing ball work. Alan sets the Dundee win against twelve years of expected goals and packing data to argue it was far more normal than the mood suggested, explains the fundamental flaw that ended Paulo Bernardo's Celtic career, and picks apart a stretched, unsettled Rangers side after their European misstep. James runs the numbers on Hassan's 99th-percentile dribbling, his crossing and his decision-making, benchmarks Mika Baur alongside Callum McGregor, and lays out why Celtic's build-up problem is systemic rather than personal. Plus Hearts and Motherwell in Europe, Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, and poetry corner. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic vs Dundee REVIEW: Is Our Record Signing Being WASTED? | Flag Day Analysis + LASK CL Draw

Aug 4, 2026 55 min

Celtic are back in competitive action, and The Huddle Breakdown is here with a full data-driven review of the Flag Day win over Dundee at Celtic Park. Alan and James dig into the match stats and xG to ask the big question: are Celtic's new signings already being misused? We break down Martin O'Neill's tactics, the shape problems in build-up play, Yang's frustrating final third decisions, Nygren's man-of-the-match display, and whether a back three could unlock Duran. Plus a full Scottish Premiership weekend review — St. Mirren's statement win at Falkirk, Rangers' Del Ball debut under Derek McInnes, Motherwell's goal of the weekend — and first impressions of Celtic's Champions League qualifier draw against LASK. Like, subscribe, and hit notifications for weekly Celtic analysis, stats, and tactics. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's Transfer Puzzle, Rangers' Staunch Pivot & SPFL 26-27 Preview

Jul 30, 2026 10 min

In this episode of the Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, James and Alan dive deep into Celtic's transfer window, weighing the massive impact of Alistair Johnston's potential move to Everton and analyzing the tactical fit of new striker Kasper Hogh. The guys also cast a critical eye over the rest of the Scottish Premiership, breaking down Rangers' radical "ultra staunch" cost-cutting pivot under their new ownership and the tactical chaos brewing at Hearts following their heavy European defeat. Finally, they look ahead to what promises to be a highly entertaining, high-scoring domestic season. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's Striker Dilemma: Kasper Hogh Scouted, Defensive Doubts & Maeda’s Farewell

Jul 28, 2026 1 hr 4 min

Join Laura, James, and Alan on this week's Huddle Breakdown as they dissect Celtic's latest summer transfer business, featuring an in-depth tactical benchmarking of new Bodo/Glimt signing Kasper Hogh and how Camilo Duran fits into the system. The panel raises candid concerns over a sluggish transfer window, defensive vulnerabilities heading into European qualifiers, and the harsh realities of Cameron Carter-Vickers' Achilles recovery timeline. Plus, Alan delivers a blistering take on the SFA's latest refereeing controversy surrounding Sean Murdoch, and the trio bid an emotional farewell to the enigmatic Daizen Maeda following his transfer to Ipswich. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic Transfer Targets Analyzed: Hogh & Hassan + Scottish Euro Disaster

Jul 23, 2026 10 min

In this episode of Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, Martin, James, and Alan dissect the latest Celtic transfer rumors, focusing on the potential system fit of Bodo/Glimt's Kasper Hogh and Real Oviedo's Haissem Hassan. The panel critically evaluates whether a technical prospect like Mika Bauer addresses the squad's desperate need for athletic midfielders and explores left-back options including Will Ferry and Greg Taylor. The team also delivers a sobering reality check on the state of Scottish clubs in Europe following shocking performances by Hearts and Hibs, before capping off the show with a poetic farewell to Daizen Maeda ahead of his potential move to Ipswich Town Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Celtic Transfer Window Awakens & SFA Report Learnings

Jul 21, 2026 50 min

In this week’s episode of The Huddle Breakdown, Laura returns to join Alan as the Celtic transfer rumor mill finally sparks to life. The duo unpacks a sudden influx of news, analyzing encouraging links to midfield targets like Paderborn's Mika Bauer and winger Haissem Hassan. They also look at Camilo Durán's energetic start up front, discuss the tactical takeaways from the World Cup final, and preview Hearts' upcoming Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz. Finally, they provide a constructive review of the newly released SFA report on the Ibrox riot, emphasizing the opportunity it presents to enact real changes and eradicate tragedy, racist, and sectarian chanting across Scottish football. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's Transfer Paralysis, AGM Fallout & World Cup Final Preview

Jul 17, 2026 10 min

In this episode of Extra Time, Martin, James, and Alan dissect the concerning fallout from the latest Celtic FC AGM minutes, exploring the deepening disconnect between the boardroom and the football operation. The panel reacts to Benjamin Siegrist’s highly revealing interview about his exit, analyzes the data behind the defensive depth chart (Nawrocki vs. Murray), and questions the club's ongoing transfer paralysis in the midfield. Finally, the team looks ahead to the pre-season friendly against Middlesbrough and previews the highly anticipated Spain vs. Argentina World Cup Final. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's Preseason Progress: Transfer Data, CCV's Return & World Cup Tactics

Jul 15, 2026 56 min

In this week’s episode of “The Huddle Breakdown,” we analyze Celtic’s preseason friendly against Sporting and discuss the early stages of Martin O’Neill’s tactical rollout for this season. We evaluate new signing Duran’s energetic debut and look at the historical timeline of Celtic’s summer transfer windows to reassure fans that the current pace of business is actually completely normal. Finally, Alan shares his “Celtic by Numbers” scatter plots to highlight the massive defensive boost provided by Cameron Carter-Vickers’s return to the squad, wrapping up with a tactical preview of the Argentina vs. England World Cup clash. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic Transfer Analysis: How Do Duran, Ox & Iheanacho Fit?

Jul 10, 2026 10 min

In this episode of Extra Time, the Huddle Breakdown team is joined by special guest Quinny from Scottish Football Daily to dissect a critical turning point in Celtic's season. The guys share their honest reactions to the Shelbourne friendly, questioning the tactical innovations and player performances on display. The conversation quickly heats up as they dive deep into a data-driven analysis of Celtic’s latest transfer window strategy, evaluating the fit and physical durability of newly signed targets like Camilo Duran, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Kelechi Iheanacho under manager Martin O'Neill. Finally, the panel answers a massive haul of subscriber questions tackling the biggest threats to the SPFL title, boardroom competency, academy development bottlenecks, and whether structural failures within Scottish football are holding the club back from European success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic Target Camilo Duran Deep Dive Analysis & The Midfield Crisis Debate | Huddle Breakdown

Jul 8, 2026 52 min

In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown, James and Alan break down Celtic's potential signing, Colombian forward Camilo Duran from Qarabag. Utilizing advanced data scouting, they examine Duran’s hybrid positional role, left-footed versatility, and transitional pace—questioning whether he serves as a Liel Abada analog or a long-term Daizen Maeda replacement. Finally, they confront Celtic's wider strategic dilemmas, voicing deep concerns over a degenerating midfield following Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's re-signing and emphasizing the urgent need for a complete engine room overhaul. Last, they dive into the latest from the World Cup. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross Grant’s Set Piece Impact, Elijah Just Rumors & Pre-Season Preview

Jul 3, 2026 10 min

In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, hosts Martin Murphy, James, and Alan dive into the busy summer landscape. The team breaks down what the appointment of new set piece coach and analyst Ross Grant means for Celtic's physical profile, style of play, and tactical future. They analyze the latest SPFL transfer rumors—including high praise and analytical packing data backing a potential move for Motherwell standout Elijah Just. Finally, the guys preview Celtic's upcoming pre-season friendly against Shelbourne in Dublin, evaluate Derek McInnes's high-intensity tactics at Hearts and Ibrox, and share updates from the ongoing World Cup matches in North America. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's Set-Piece Analytics, Transfer Models & The Steve Clarke Exit | Huddle Breakdown

Jul 1, 2026 1 hr 3 min

In this episode of the Huddle Breakdown, we dissect Celtic's major coaching hire as Ross Grant joins the club as a dedicated set-piece specialist. We dive into the underlying data, analytical xG metrics, and what Grant's tactical history means for the Hoops' defensive structure and attacking variation. The team also pulls back the curtain on Celtic's frustrating transfer model, exploring why deals like the Marcello Saracchi and Mark Fotheringham negotiations stall under Dermot Desmond's rigid financial guardrails and the club's unique corporate listing. Finally, we react to the breaking news of Steve Clarke stepping down as Scotland manager following their World Cup exit, offering a harsh reality check on the national team's identity crisis and the broader geopolitical challenges facing modern Scottish football. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic Backroom Drama, Scotland's World Cup Reality Check & The New Hearts Model

Jun 26, 2026 10 min

In this episode of Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, host Martin Murphy is joined by James and Alan to break down the latest Celtic transfer rumors and boardroom developments amidst a quiet summer window. The team analyzes the potential appointments of Fotheringham and Maloney to Martin O'Neill's backroom staff, the ongoing contract negotiations surrounding Marcelo Saracchi, and the future of Daizen Maeda. Shifting focus to international football, the guys dissect Scotland’s tactical meltdown in their crushing 3-0 World Cup defeat to Brazil, debate the overall flaws of FIFA's new tournament format, and take a deep metric-driven dive into Hearts’ dramatic squad overhaul under incoming manager Wouter Vrancken. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic's Preseason Refresh + Hearts' Massive Data Revolution & Scotland's World Cup Blueprint

Jun 24, 2026 1 hr 5 min

In this episode of the Huddle Breakdown, the hosts unpack the latest major updates shaping Scottish football, starting with Gavin Strachan's new move to West Bromwich Albion and what the upcoming backroom refresh could mean for Celtic's preseason momentum. They dive deep into the exciting analytical evolution happening at Hearts as the club nears a deal for manager Wouter Vrancken, mapping out how an innovative, front-footed data model could unlock massive success in the SPFL. Finally, the duo shares their favorite tactical highlights from the World Cup, celebrating Argentina’s beautiful positional play and mapping out Scotland's strategic path to the knockout rounds ahead of their massive clash against Brazil. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Celtic Falling Behind? McInnes at Rangers Deep Dive

Jun 19, 2026 10 min

In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, Martin Murphy, James, and Alan dive into the newly released SPFL fixtures, detailing the controversy surrounding Celtic's Monday night flag unfurling and what a grueling December stretch means for the upcoming season. The team breaks down the shocking managerial shake-up in Scottish football, analyzing Derek McInnes' rapid appointment at Rangers and whether his conservative tactical DNA can succeed with a massive budget. Using deep underlying performance data and non-penalty xG metrics, James exposes how McInnes historically acted as a strategic drag on Hearts' analytical model. Finally, the crew sounds the alarm on Celtic's dwindling competitive edge—noting alarming drops below the league average in counter-pressing volumes and set-piece xG production—before shifting focus to global scouting lessons from an action-packed World Cup. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Death of Modern Football? Rangers & Celtic Reject Analytics | Where Does That Leave Hearts?

Jun 16, 2026 59 min

In this episode of the Huddle Breakdown, the guys dive headfirst into a summer of absolute paralysis and strategic shifts across Scottish football. We break down the massive management shakeup as Derek McInnes looks set to take the wheel at Rangers following Danny Röhl’s sudden departure—signaling a complete divergence in recruitment and a massive test for the "Staunch-O-Meter". Meanwhile, Celtic fans are left dealing with organizational gridlock in the transfer window while rivals Hearts fully commit to a progressive analytics model. Plus, we look at the ongoing 2026 World Cup action, examining how the new IFAB rule changes are completely altering player behavior on the pitch, Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical masterclass with the USMNT, and standout performances from Celtic-adjacent players. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic Penny-Pinching & The World Cup Law Changes

Jun 12, 2026 10 min

In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, host Martin Murphy, James, and Alan dive into the controversial "white smoke" at Paradise following Martin O'Neill's return as manager. The team pulls no punches regarding the Celtic board’s rumored "nickel-and-diming" over backroom staff contracts for Shaun Maloney and Fotheringham, exposing a dated billionaire mentality that threatens to derail summer transfer window recruitment. Shifting focus to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the panel dissects crucial IFAB law changes—including strict new five-second limits on throw-ins, one-minute power-play penalties for slow substitutions, and expanded VAR capabilities—and analyzes how these tempo-boosting shifts will directly impact Celtic’s domestic and European campaigns. Finally, the guys break down five years of empirical Scottish referee data from the "Yorkshire Whistler" and offer their expert, unfiltered predictions on World Cup favorites, dark horses like Japan and Ecuador, and the political circus surrounding the tournament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin O'Neill Back In At Celtic & Scotland's World Cup Hype

Jun 9, 2026 1 hr 2 min

In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown, the guys analyze the latest reports indicating a done deal for Martin O'Neill as Celtic's next permanent manager. They dive into the tactical fallout of his appointment, exploring how a pivot toward size and power will clash with the current squad composition and impact the club's struggling recruitment pipeline. The duo also covers the broader football landscape, breaking down Scotland's recent friendly matches ahead of the upcoming World Cup, and evaluating Celtic's pressing transfer needs—including a deep dive into the goalkeeping situation and the vulnerabilities of dealing with specialized set-piece tactics in the Scottish Premier League. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic Rebuild Blueprint: Squad Age Profile, Expected Exits & The Board Finance Disaster

Jun 5, 2026 10 min

In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, Martin, Alan, and James dive into a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the Celtic FC squad ahead of a massive summer transfer window. The team breaks down the roster by age profile, contract length, and depth chart, detailing 13 potential departures—including high-profile assets like Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate. The second half features an in-depth financial deep dive into UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio and Celtic's operating model, exposing a massive gap between the club's actual balance sheet capacity and Dermot Desmond’s conservative spending habits. From the burning goalkeeping question surrounding Viljami Sinisalo to the desperate need for elite athleticism in midfield and the wings, this episode lays bare the exact blueprint required to elevate Celtic to European competitiveness. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin O’Neill, Robbie Keane, or Chaos? Inside Celtic’s Manager Search

Jun 3, 2026 1 hr 14 min

In this post-season edition of The Huddle Breakdown, the guys dive deep into the data behind Celtic FC's recent double-winning season to expose a worrying seven-year downward trend in underlying performance. They highlight the growing tactical volatility and lack of squad resilience resulting from poor multi-window recruitment. With the club at an institutional tipping point, the discussion shifts to the boardroom's constraints and the chaotic search for a new manager. They debate whether a return for 74-year-old Martin O'Neill, a risky appointment like Robbie Keane, or a tactical hipster can survive the structural realities of operating under a "constitutional monarch" shareholder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celtic’s Boardroom Battle: Paul McStay on Giving Fans a Voice & European Ambition

Jun 1, 2026 17 min

In this interview special, we sit down with Celtic legend Paul McStay to discuss his crucial role as the new ambassador for the Season Ticket Alliance. Following a season marred by off-the-pitch frustrations, protests, and a fractured relationship between the board and the fanbase, Paul explains how Willie Haughey’s new initiative aims to bridge the gap by securing supporter representation directly on the Celtic PLC board. We dive deep into the long-term goals of the Alliance, the urgent need for better recruitment and European ambition, and why true unity between the fans and the hierarchy is the ultimate formula to unleash Celtic as an unstoppable force on the pitch. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.com Like this video and want more content like it? Subscribe to the channel below and hit the bell to get notified every time a new video goes live. Follow us on Twitter: @huddlebreakdown @Alan_Morrison67 @jucojames Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Podcast details

Created by: The Huddle Breakdown
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 11, 2026
Episodes: 443
Release period: Several times a week
Avg. episode length: 35 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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