Macari and Nicholas in tune over the way ahead for Celtic

IAN PAUL

14 Feb 1994

CELTIC manager Lou Macari and striker Charlie Nicholas may part company at the end of the season, but, bearing in mind their respective appreciation of the Parkhead psyche, it would seem a good idea to have both around in the event that the great revival takes place.

They spoke separately after the 2-0 win over Hearts -- both goals were scored by Nicholas -- at Tynecastle, but much of what was said would have made a harmonious duet.

Macari, whose experience of the club as a player was mostly successful, and Nicholas, who has had his triumphant days but has been in at the heart of the depression, too, gave the impression that they believe the good times might be just around the corner after all.

Without saying as much, both hinted that a resolution of the boardroom power struggle would pave the way for improvement on the field.

Nicholas, like his manager, believes the squad is only three or four players short of being a good one, but is certain the most important factor is stability.

He pointed out that the disaffection of the fans with the board has being going a long time.

"Playing for Aberdeen against Celtic in the 1990 Scottish Cup final, some fans were saying it would be better if they lost.

So it has lasted a long time.

Some players here have known nothing else.

But if we get stability, the crowds in the 25-30,000 range will return and get behind us again.

We would be confident of success once more."

Macari, who not so long ago confessed that he felt "things were going to happen", was not prepared to let a victory deflect him from the theme he has been hammering consistently, that the club is woefully short of players.

"We need youth team, reserve, and first-team players.

From somewhere we have to get some money and start again."

He added, with a fine line for the tabloid headline: "We need dosh to splosh.

There are only two ways to get things moving: either we get money, or I sell one of the players I want to keep.

I am not going to do that."

The fact that Celtic won their first game of the year was almost lost in the great debate.

However, Nicholas admitted that winning at least "put a smile on the face of the supporters -- and that is not something we are used to.

We now need to chase third place to get into Europe and hope Rangers slip up."

Nicholas's own position remains uncertain.

He still awaits settlement of a cash dispute with the club and knows he could be leaving his beloved Parkhead at the end of the season when his contract runs out.

"I was offered a free transfer last year, so who knows what will happen this time? But I would like to stay.

"If I could get a two-year contract I would like to finish my career here.

I am not looking for sheer financial gain at this stage."

Nicholas is confident enough in his own ability to believe he can do a job for Celtic, and no-one who saw him at Tynecastle would dispute his right to that opinion.

His manager was grateful that Nicholas slotted in alongside new signing Willie Falconer from Sheffield United, but hinted he would like to see that form more often.

"Charlie did well when I first came here, but has been quiet since.

It was good to see him back among the goals."

Macari reckoned his team got the breaks for a change, paving the way for a victory they did not look likely to collect in the first half when Hearts played attractive, enterprising football and ought to have set Celtc an uphill struggle.

If Maurice Johnston's header had gone in in six minutes -- he thought it had -- the outcome might have been different.

It did look as if the ball might have crossed the line after rebounding off the inside of the post prior to Carl Muggleton pulling it away.

Against that, Celtic were denied as blatant a penalty as we will see when McLaren impeded Nicholas.

However, overall Hearts had much the better of the first half, but went behind just before the break when the entire defence stood still as a Collins corner bounced in front of Nicholas, who had time to chest it down and volley it home.

The second half was less entertaining, but Celtic had more of the game and Hearts' attempts at a recovery were disappointing.

However, they were putting in a surge when, eight minutes from time, Nicholas rapped in the second after a neat move helped again by hesitant defending.

Taken from the Herald