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The Huddle Breakdown

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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.

362 Episodes
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In this special interview episode, James and Alan sit down with Duncan Smillie, chair of Celtic Supporters Limited (CSL), to discuss the bold plan to amass a 29.9% shareholding in the club. Duncan explains why this "evolution, not revolution" strategy is necessary to protect Celtic from hostile sales and influence board decisions. He pulls no punches on the current regime, describing the hoarding of cash while the stadium decays and the team stagnates as "corporate negligence" and labeling the recruitment process a "shambles" compared to other Scottish clubs.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, we perform a deep forensic audit on Celtic’s “fallen angel” transfer window, debating whether the signing of Alex Oxley-Chamberlain is a masterstroke of experience or a high-risk gamble on a player with a history of injuries. Alan unveils shocking new data revealing that Celtic’s rolling xG differential has plummeted to its lowest point since records began—worse even than the 2020/21 season—raising urgent questions about the sustainability of Martin O’Neill’s “Chaos Ball.” Finally, we preview the Scottish Cup clash against Dundee, analyzing how to break down the deepest low block in the league. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of the Huddle Breakdown, Laura, James and Alan unpack a net-zero Celtic transfer window built on loans and “rehab” profiles, then ask the bigger question: what is Celtic actually trying to do on the pitch right now? The conversation links recruitment to tactics as they break down the Scottish Premiership’s shift toward higher pressing intensity, Celtic’s growing tendency toward direct/chaos-ball, and what that means for chance creation, control, and the title race. Using rolling xG difference as the reality check, Alan explains why results are drifting away from performance trends, while James argues Celtic are “offloading agency” and living on variance. Finally, they preview a tricky trip to Aberdeen and why away fixtures may decide everything.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of Extra Time, we react to the "difficult" Europa League draw against Stuttgart and the "voodoo doll" victory over Utrecht. But the real story is in the data: Alan unveils the "Lucky Leprechaun League," revealing that Hearts are benefiting from a statistically "incredible" amount of luck (nearly a goal a game) while Celtic suffer at the bottom. We also dive into the "Pick Your Poison" debate—comparing the variance of Rodgers, O'Neill, and Nancy—before Alan drops a bombshell statistical analysis on Celtic's "Z-Score" for fouls conceded, suggesting a refereeing anomaly that "cannot be explained" by normal football logic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown, we dissect the "debacle" of a football match against Hearts, asking if Martin O'Neill’s new "Chaos Ball" tactics are destroying the team's identity. Alan reveals shocking data showing the lowest pass completion rate in 11 years and argues that the current style is turning Callum McGregor into a "terrier chasing a plastic bag." James and Alan also engage in a deep forensic debate over the Auston Trusty red card—using geometry and "The ZR Dog" to argue why the laws of the game are broken—before defending Arne Engels and previewing the Europa League clash with Utrecht.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of Extra Time, we react to the dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna, debating whether the result was a heroic 10-man stand or a near-disaster saved by luck. Alan launches a scathing critique of Reo Hatate’s "lazy and unprofessional" red card, labeling it a potential "career-limiting performance." James provides a deep dive into new striker signing Tomáš Čvančara—explaining why the "alarming" stories from his past make him a risky bet. We also hear from Gavin MacPhee on the latest from Aberdeen. Finally, we preview the clash with Hearts, analyzing why the absence of Shankland might actually make Derek McInnes’s side more unpredictable and dangerous. It’s a packed show!Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown, James and Alan dissect the "awful to watch" Scottish Cup victory against a sixth-tier side, debating whether the performance was a sign of malaise or simply "normal" for these winter ties. We then look ahead to a massive week, breaking down the alarming underlying data of Bologna in the Europa League—why they are "more frightening" than their Serie A form suggests —and preview the clash against Hearts, asking if the absence of Lawrence Shankland actually makes the Jambos a more dangerous, chaotic threat.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, we dissect the unconvincing 1-0 victory over Falkirk and ask if the "chaos" has actually left with Wilfried Nancy. James explains why he is "offended as an analyst" by the double standard in how the performance is being judged compared to the previous regime, while Alan praises John McGlynn’s "Gasperini-esque" tactics that put Celtic under the most pressure since 2019. We also launch a scathing critique of the "grossly incompetent" transfer strategy, debating why Sean Maloney is being left to run a window he isn't qualified for, and why we desperately need four "competent" signings to save the league title.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown, James and Alan review the comfortable 4-0 victory over Dundee United, analyzing whether Martin O'Neill has restored the "2-3-5 Ange-ball" shape and asking if the "dissonance" of the season is finally over. We dive deep into the data to reveal the "bonkers" truth about the SPFL title race, exposing how Hearts and Rangers are overperforming via set pieces while Celtic ignores the "low hanging fruit". Finally, we preview the midweek clash against Falkirk, warning why John McGlynn’s "smart" counter-attacking style could be a trap for O'Neill’s side.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, we react to the return of Martin O'Neill and the "relief" felt by many at Wilfried Nancy’s departure. James and Alan dive deep into the data to expose the "Variance Monster" that defined the tenures of Rodgers, O'Neill, and Nancy—revealing shocking stats about goalkeeper performance and opposition finishing. We also analyze the chaotic recruitment landscape, breaking down rumors of a Kyogo return and profiling a potential new Croatian winger, before previewing O'Neill’s first game back against Dundee United.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this Live Special of The Huddle Breakdown, we react to the breaking news that Wilfried Nancy has left Celtic after just eight games, with Martin O'Neill making a shock return to the dugout. James and Alan engage in a fiery debate over the true cause of the "Nancy Experiment" failure: was it a disastrous lack of "change management" skills, or did a toxic culture of "mass hysteria" and player refusal sabotage him from the start?. We also analyze the winners and losers of O'Neill's return—predicting a return to "Neil Lennon-style" direct football—and discuss the departure of Paul Tisdale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How did Celtic turn Motherwell into Real Madrid? In this New Year's Day episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, we react to the humiliating 2-0 defeat against Motherwell, asking if Wilfried Nancy’s rotation policy caused a "train wreck" or if the hysteria is ignoring the fitness reality. James and Alan use "packing scores" to reveal the historic extent of the performance failure—comparable to Champions League drubbings—before launching a passionate defense of Paul Tisdale against the "civil war" narratives blaming him for the last three transfer windows. Finally, we preview the massive Glasgow Derby against Rangers, analyzing Danny Rohl’s defensive turnaround and how Celtic can exploit it. Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown, we react to the chaotic 4-2 victory over Livingston and ask the big question: Is Wilfried Nancy’s “basketball match” style of football sustainable for a title race? James and Alan debate whether the defensive frailties are a necessary price to pay for the “peak Ange-ball” levels of chance creation, while dissecting the glaring imbalance between the lethal left side (Tierney/Maeda) and the struggling right side (Ralston/Yang). Plus, we look ahead to the midweek clash with Motherwell—will their “smart” pressing trap Nancy’s side? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Live Christmas Special of The Huddle Breakdown, we react immediately to Wilfried Nancy’s vital first victory against Aberdeen, dissecting whether the "mass hysteria" surrounding the club has finally lifted. James and Alan provide a granular tactical analysis of Nancy's evolving system—breaking down the controversial 5-3-2 defensive shape and why players like Yang and Maeda are flourishing in new roles. We also confront the glaring striker crisis following Johnny Kenny’s "wacky" xG nightmare, debate the urgent January transfer needs, and preview the upcoming stress test against Livingston. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Extra Time, we tackle the "mass hysteria" surrounding Wilfried Nancy following a winless run, asking if he can survive the mounting pressure or if he is a victim of the "fog of war" at Celtic Park. James uses data and historical comparisons to Ange Postecoglou’s rocky start to argue that the underlying performance is better than the results suggest. We also have a frank debate about Peter Lawwell’s divisive legacy as he prepares to step down as Chairman—was he a financial savior or an obstacle to progress? Finally, we look ahead to the crucial clash against Aberdeen.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this explosive episode of The Huddle Breakdown, we dissect the painful 3-1 League Cup Final defeat to St. Mirren, investigating whether Wilfried Nancy has already lost the buy-in of the Celtic squad. James and Alan expose a “mushroom clouding civil war” behind the scenes involving Paul Tisdale and legacy staff, arguing that “information warfare” is poisoning the new manager’s tenure. We also analyze the disastrous tactical switch to man-marking at set pieces, the baffling number of positional changes at Hampden, and why the “renaissance” under Martin O’Neill may have just been a lucky streak that masked deep-rooted squad issues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Extra Time episode, Martin and James break down Celtic’s 3-0 Europa League defeat to AS Roma. James argues the performance wasn’t a tactical disaster, citing “outcome bias” compared to the Atalanta match under Rodgers, and explains why individual errors masked a coherent structural display. We also discuss why Daizen Maeda struggles in Nancy’s system and preview the League Cup Final against St. Mirren. Plus, a heartfelt tribute to Celtic legend Dixie Deans following his passing at 79.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown, we investigate Wilfried Nancy’s controversial debut against Hearts, analyzing whether his sideline “whiteboard” tactics were a stroke of innovative genius or a sign of madness. James and Alan dive into the data to expose the massive “variance” keeping Hearts afloat in the Speedboat League, while explaining why Celtic’s underlying performance was actually encouraging despite the result. Plus, we look ahead to the Europa League clash with Roma—are they a defensive fortress or a blunt force?Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this episode of The Huddle Breakdown Extra Time, we dive deep into the arrival of Wilfried Nancy at Celtic FC, analyzing his "business-like" first press conference and the calculated risks behind his appointment compared to the Martin O'Neill interim era. James and Alan provide a forensic data breakdown of the "sea change" in Scottish football tactics, revealing why injuries are spiking across the league. Finally, we preview the massive clash against Hearts by exposing Derek McInnes’s chaotic "headless chicken" pressing system and explaining why Lawrence Shankland is the wrong fit for their tactics.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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.
In this week’s Huddle Breakdown, Alan and James debate the timing of Wilfried Nancy’s expected arrival as Celtic manager and whether delaying his appointment could derail momentum after three away wins in a week. They break down the chaotic nature of recent performances, the difference between outcomes and underlying data, St Mirren and Hibs as variance-driven results, and the uncomfortable truth that Celtic are still volatile and inconsistent despite the points haul. The lads dive deep into Reo Hatate’s dramatic statistical uptick, tactical shifts under O’Neill and Maloney, squad weaknesses ahead of Dundee and why the new manager inherits a high-risk situation that could turn quickly.Want to support the channel? - https://huddlebreakdown.comLike 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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Comments (1)

Sean

Penny pinching over John Mc Ginn has come back to haunt Celtic, the failure to sign Ivan Toney looks awful, Christie and eduoard have no desire to play hard for Celtic and need to be sold immediately... This year is based in complacency and has seen the supporters treated with distain by the club... A massive overhaul necessary ☘️

Apr 21st
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