Source: Team_Talk
Mjallby: Hoops in need of new faces
Celtic interim assistant manager Johan Mjallby believes the Hoops will need "three or four big characters" in their side next season.[LNB] Mjallby helped Neil Lennon salvage some pride in the latter stages of what has been a miserable campaign, which saw the SPL title surrendered easily to Old Firm rivals Rangers.[LNB]Lennon was in place as caretaker boss when Celtic suffered an embarrassing Active Nation Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Irn-Bru First Division Ross County.[LNB]However, following a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Rangers at Parkhead on Tuesday night, the Irishman can make it eight SPL wins in a row when they take on Hearts in their final game of the season at Tynecastle on Sunday.[LNB]Mjallby, though, has seen enough to know that regardless of whether or not Lennon is appointed permanent manager, money will have to be spent on bolstering the squad.[LNB]"I sincerely hope that Neil get the job," the Swede said.[LNB]"But whoever comes in will try and bring in a couple of new players, there is no hiding from that.[LNB]"You need three or four big characters to strengthen every department of the team.[LNB]"That's the way I see it at least and I'm sure whoever comes in will see it that way as well.[LNB]"What that means financially, I don't know."[LNB]Celtic supporters stayed away in their droves in the closing weeks of the season when the title race was effectively over.[LNB]Although Parkhead was not full for the visit of Rangers for the first time in over a decade, it was closer to the kind of attendances Mjallby used to enjoy when he was playing for the club between 1998 and 2004.[LNB]Speaking yesterday at Celtic Park where he was unveiling a Braille plaque for blind supporters, the former Sweden defender hoped the fans would return next season.[LNB]He said: "The important thing is to get in a man who will bring back the winning mentality, bring back trophies and bring back the crowd as well.[LNB]"I was used to playing in front of a full house and so I was so happy to see that the stadium was packed on Tuesday night.[LNB]"The fans have been behind us but it's not surprising after a disappointing season that you are not going to get a full house.[LNB]"That's probably the only thing that has been different from the years I had here as a player."[LNB]Hearts' season is also set to end in disappointment after they missed a golden opportunity to close to within a point of arch-rivals Hibernian.[LNB]The Jambos played out a goalless stalemate with Dundee United on Wednesday while Hibs and Motherwell were sharing 12 goals in an incredible match at Fir Park.[LNB]The results put paid to Hearts' hopes of finishing fourth or fifth and qualifying for the Europa League barring a massive goal swing.[LNB]Midfielder Ruben Palazuelos told Hearts.TV: "You see Motherwell and Hibs draw.[LNB]"If you win, you probably stay there for Europe.[LNB]"These things happen in football."[LNB]Palazuelos believes a less eventful season next time round will see Hearts achieve their aims.[LNB]"This season has been very, very strange," he said.[LNB]"Lot of things have happened. Too many injuries, a change of manager."
