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. 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.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.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.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."I sincerely hope that Neil get the job," the Swede said."But whoever comes in will try and bring in a couple of new players, there is no hiding from that."You need three or four big characters to strengthen every department of the team."That's the way I see it at least and I'm sure whoever comes in will see it that way as well."What that means financially, I don't know."Celtic supporters stayed away in their droves in the closing weeks of the season when the title race was effectively over.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.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.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."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."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."That's probably the only thing that has been different from the years I had here as a player."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.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.The results put paid to Hearts' hopes of finishing fourth or fifth and qualifying for the Europa League barring a massive goal swing.Midfielder Ruben Palazuelos told Hearts.TV: "You see Motherwell and Hibs draw."If you win, you probably stay there for Europe."These things happen in football."Palazuelos believes a less eventful season next time round will see Hearts achieve their aims."This season has been very, very strange," he said."Lot of things have happened. Too many injuries, a change of manager."

Source: Team_Talk