O’Neill went into a somewhat of a tizzy regarding this. But unsurprisingly, as happens in all walks of footballing life (our side included), used his exceptional powers of double standards to try to defend this claim. Unlike other attempts at footballing websites who carry this story with glee, let’s examine it………
In a vain attempt to validate 3 away trips, 2 points and no goals; Alex McLeish said on Sunday "I'm not saying we are at Celtic's level yet - remember they have been together for four years and their side cost around £34m to create."
O’Neill reacted to this by suggesting "Alex mentioned £34m but I'd love to know where that went.
"If you try to come up with whatever figures then you have to try to get them right.
"I'm in my fifth year at the football club and I know I wouldn't have been able to sign Chris Sutton for £6m had I not sold Mark Viduka for £6m.
"I've worked it out myself and in my fifth year at the football club our net spending is less than £20m."
So Martin, you are talking about NET SPENDING are you? If that’s the case then your most probably correct. But then Alex was not talking net was he?
O’Neill went on "We were trying to compete with Rangers and at that particular stage they were spending £12m on players."
So Martin, let’s get this straight. In a thinly veiled response to us signing Tore Andre Flo, via Dick Advocaat…. even though you went on in the interview to slam those who suggested you signed Schiedt (you couldn’t make this up, but he did!), you suggest it’s £12m. Yet by your own admission when challenging Alex’s figures you use "net". Anyone seeing the leaping one’s flawed logic?
Double standards from a football manager? Surely not!
My advice to all (including warped websites covering this story with glee) – take this schiedt with a pinch of salt. One other thing – it’s a funny habit that some (all sides!) have. They ask their readers to boycott the paper carrying this "story", yet lap it up as "fact" when it suits. …..
Just for the record, I ran through the Celtic signings I remember under O’Neill (gross of course) and get to around £32m (using O’Neill’s comments on how much players cost). I will no doubt have missed some……… wonder if anyone will pick up on the facts?
Moreover, wonder if Martin O'Neill will concede he has had this amount of money to spend despite saying "I just saw that figure put in front of me and said to myself, 'Christ Almighty did I spend that? I wonder where I got it from'."
Doubt it.
Vanderhogg
The East Enclosure Dutchman
*Please note, comments taken from Teamtalk*