If Deila sinks, it will be with his crew

FOR many years, Tim Williamson has been a familiar figure as Celtic’s first-team physio. Brought in by Martin O’Neill in 2002, the Glaswegian pitched up in tricky circumstances and quickly became a confidant of the Seville team. He retained the trust of Parkhead players even after he left to join Alex McLeish at Birmingham City. So much so that Neil Lennon brought him back. And for the last five-and-a-half years he has been as recognisable in the Celtic technical area as Lisbon Lion John Clark. A man liked and respected in equal measure by employees past and present. But tomorrow’s League Cup semi-final with Ross County is expected to see a changing of the guard. A new magic sponge on the Hampden pitch. It’s likely to be clutched by the club’s injury, rehabilitation and performance specialist Grete Mellingen Homstol. Or spouse Bard Ove Homstol, Celtic’s head of performance. The husband-and-wife team were brought to the club by Ronny Deila over a year ago. Their presence has created ripples in backroom circles. Most of all with Williamson, as he faces the end of his first-team involvement. It’s hardly a new phenomenon for managers or coaches to bring in their own staff. Concerned by the medical treatment times for injured players, Deila is entitled to do whatever he sees fit. He brought in nutritionist Kenn Hallstensen to overhaul the club’s Lennoxtown menu. And has his own mind coach in Mette Rosseland. He has also spent this window carefully vetting the new signings coming in. Defender Erik Sviatchenko was a personal choice. Croatian Ljuban Crepulja was sent home without a deal. Patrick Roberts is his pick. All of which tells us this. If this is Deila’s last season as Celtic manager, then he is going down his way. Even if it means a medical casualty or two along the way.