 Thursday, March 17, 2005
Celtic hone-in on top spot
Maybe it is because I have recently watched ‘Lord of the Wing’ again, but when I see Aiden McGeady bounce from one foot to the other I feel sure I have seen his frame before.
This ability to run at players who are unable to adopt an adequate defensive stance is a rare quality. His confidence has clearly returned, a fact I am sure is aligned to the perpetual motion of Craig Bellamy always looking for a pass.
Other weapons in his armoury are being honed such as crossing and shooting, however, it is this ability to lose and confuse an opponent which will define Aiden McGeady as a footballer.
As McGeady matures into his twenties that frame will come under pressure to expand in ways the eighteen-year-old will not have had to cope with yet. The sharpness of turn will be slowed if he adds a couple of stone by his mid-twenties, a weight-gain which most of his team-mates will have experienced.
It is not for nothing that prospective footballers are told about dedication and hunger every week in life.
Last night he made the ‘jink’ and played the pass which released Craig Bellamy and secured the points at Inverness. There was never any real concern that the goal was not going to appear, however, when the game is over an hour old, an edge is added to the play.
This was not the scintillating football we seen against Hibs or Dundee, however, even when it was unproductive, it was still a mile better than what was on show a month ago.
After a shaky opening few minutes Inverness remained composed, even when they could not get the ball. They defended deeply and made Celtic work for any openings. How we deal with this type of defending will determine the destination of the league this season.
In the first half, Celtic’s early precision passing gave way, as sloppiness crept in. It was evident from around 30 minutes that we were not going to breach Inverness without a change or a defensive error.
The change occurred at half-time, Thompson moving left from the middle, Petrov moving from the right to the middle and McGeady switching wings to the right.
This, combined with an increase in the tempo eased Celtic ahead.
On to Tannadice now, with the opportunity to chalk up another away victory and return to the top of the league. Teams who have lost their manager should never be underestimated, even during this underachieving season Dundee United have caused us problems.
Another big performance called for Celtic.
40 Comments:
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Another good three points collected in Inverness, in what could have been a dodgy wee fixture.
No worries though as ICT rarely threatened a determined Celtic side. Although big Rab gave me palpitations when called upon to deal with about six high balls, flapping at 50% of them. Must do better big man, although I reckon he’s off in the summer.
Good to hear Craig Bellamy making noises about wanting to stay. If Paul’s figures are near the mark, then surely a permanent offer for him isn’t out of the question? He’d be a superb buy, because along with young Aiden, he was terrific again last night.
I watched the game on Setanta and I see MON “declined” to be interviewed by them. Does anyone know whom he’s taken the cream puff with on this channel, as he was yapping away to all the radio stations? I have my two suspects, one of whom could do a good stand-in for Christopher Lee in the old Hammer House Of Horror films (er, um) and the other, who’s the brother of an ex-Scotland boss, and regular sex-machine (allegedly). This pair rarely have a decent word to say about Celtic.
Incidentally Paul, it looks like the site is on meltdown again. BBJ can get from the halfway line to the 18 yard box, quicker than getting on here!
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Couldn't agree more Paul about the Jinky comparison also reminds me of Di Canio in his gait.
The fact that he's two footed is testament to the time he puts in on his game and should be held up as an example to all at Parkhead.
As for the formation while i appreciate maybe Martin is going for a fluid midfield that can inter change position but its plain for all to see were the talents of Thomson, Petrov and McGeady are most effective.Keep up the good work your site and the guys on it are a credit to our great club.
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It was a good solid performance.
Bellamy has been a major factor in the transformation of the style of play. Surely the board have to find the money to keep him. I think pressure from the fans to do so would make it more likely.
If they have got 20 million to spend in the summer then they should keep Bellamy, get a new goalie and larssonesque striker.
Sell hartson and maybe even Balde, get rid of Lambert, juninho, hedman, val, and a few others and start bringing in some guys in mid 20's.
20 million can make a lot of transformation at the club with the quality we already have.
I say we should go for it, get the team right for the next few years, and have a right go at the Champions league.
Get sponsorship for the Stadium and training complex and support the team with that money for the coming seasons until the EPL or other comes to fruition.
Tony, Latvia
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A very good performance away to the form side of the SPL, probably the trickiest fixture we could have had.
Still worried about big Rab and I would prefer to see Beattie get a run in place of BBJ.
Still, roll on Saturday to get back we we belong !!!
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Peter, Blogger are trying to get the problems sorted. I am looking at options if the problem persists.
Thanks for your comments Terry.
Tony, sometimes radical results require radical change. Agree it is time to look hard at every aspect of the club.
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Paul,I wonder if you and the other bhoys on this site agree with me that BBJ is suffering with the way we have been playing recently. Watching the game on Setanta last night ( no option live abroad) it's clear that when Bellamy and McGeady break, BBJ often cannot make it into the box in time. Witness the number of times ICT hacked the ball for a corner when he should have been on the end of it. On two occasions he actually got there first but was so knackered he didn't make a decent connection.The same was true second half against Hibs where several corners where all we had to show for lightning breaks up the park.But for Bellamy and McGeady last night that could have been two points dropped. BBJ, if we play this way (and I like it)is good for 45 mins tops.)
Johnnybhoych
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For me, the game changed completely when McGeidy was switched from left to right, with Stan dropping back into the central midfield role. At this point, we finally began to capitalise on all the possession that we enjoyed. Another example of the tactical acumen often displayed by MON that he rarely gets credit for
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Peter, Blogger are trying to get the problems sorted. I am looking at options if the problem persists. Just made some changes – comments now use a pop-up window to see if it helps.
Thanks for your comments Terry.
Tony, sometimes radical results require radical change. Agree it is time to look hard at every aspect of the club.
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Falkirkbhoy
Mkbhoy, you call it tactical acumen, I call it fixing a problem he created.
Thompson out left, petrov in the middle and McGeidy on the right. Doesn't everyone think, these are their correct positions!
MON playing players in their correct positions, getting them to pass the ball is the difference, as well as the movement of Craig.
I think the whole team have lost match fitness. We have played such as lazy game for some months, no wonder bbj can't make it in the box. When in the last 3 years has he had to sprint to the box to await a cross, from the wings?
When we haven't got the ball, we are playing with the hustle and bustle of a CL game at CP. When we get the ball, there are so much movement, players actually wanting the ball.
As i posted last year, teams cannot double mark all our special players all at the same time. So lets play as many of them as possible, each game.
I don't like his tactics, but I have to say well done MON, (for the time being.)
Question. What will happen when Sutton is fit?, Will MON make a decision and drop a high earner such as Hartson for sutton or will he change the full team to accommodate everyone?
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A repeat of a question asked earlier - anyone know why MON would not talk to Setanta last night? Aiden McGeady did, so maybe its personal. BBJ is carrying an anke knock, so not being able to keep up with play was understandable, albeit you have to wonder why MON would play anyone who's not fit when the league race is so close. Bellamy wanting a permanent move is great news, as is the current form of wee Aiden. Lets hope MON plays either Sutton or BBJ between them, both together is never going to work long term. Kevin Clydebank..
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Rumoid: The point about Liam Miller was not that he would play in the Lambert or Lennon position.
I was dumbfounded by the amount of clearances by Rab Douglas went straight to the opposition last night, really concerning that he can consistently lose posession of the ball in a game like that, he looked off balance and clumbsy every time he set himself up. Apart from that I thought the performance by the team was outstanding. Would have been all too easy to drop two points last night.
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Falkirkbhoy - you are right regarding petrov, he is at his best n the middle and I hate it when I see him out right. He is best when he is given the liscence to get beyond the front two - people just don't know how to cope with him then. I think MON wanted to play Thommo in the middle for two reasons: 1 He wanted players with pace on the flanks, 2. He wanted Thommo on the ball as often as possible, i have mentioned earlier how MON will try and utilize his accurate passing ability. I am not in a place to criticize these tactics because who is to say that it if we started with all players in their 'correct' positions ten we would have one 2-0!
Regarding BBJ, have a little faith in MON! He sees what he can and can't do eeryday and is well aware of his shortcomings. When in trouble the team have a target to hit and the opposition defence has a fight on thier hands, he is a clinical finisher and will link will with a 'wee' striker. I do not forsee Beattie replacing him any time soon although his fitness is an issue.
Mcgarveybhoy - I think all concur with you that big Rab is not a desirable choice of goalie. Although I am confident the team can carry him for the rest of the season - we wil not see him tend goals next year. MON has admitted that he hasn't got a clue about goalies so at least he is honest!
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test
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Yesterday I asked if anyone knew why MON had declined to give any interviews to Setanta on Wednesday night. Like me, nobody seemed to have a clue.
According to H Keevins on Clyde 2, he's raging at Craig Burley over comments he made about Paul Lambert.
I missed what Burley said, anybody know?
PM
P.S. Anybody got any spare of the 2nd & 3rd last items on the list above. It's for a friend of mine.....
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Evening Paul, fellow tims.
Very quiet blog the last few days.Just seen the ICT game.Dangerous banana skin overcome with a very positive confident display all round I thought.Here's to another one tomorrow, and back to where we belong. At the top. Bellamy looked the part and wee Aiden seems to have learned to pass the ball since his wee layoff. What a difference that makes to his game.BBJ looks as if he has found another couple of stone and lost half a lung the last few games, when I thought he would have been doing his best to impress while Sutton is out. Does he have an injury he is carrying? As has been mentioned by a few contributors,the team really only started looking good when everyone assumed their natural positions. Funny that.Paul. Ulrik Laursen. He may well only be in the team while Agathe is not fit,but sooner or later you are going to have to admit he is a good defender. Otherwise you may just have to admit that you know as much about defenders as Mon seems to know about goalkeepers. He had another very solid and polished performance the other night, and as you are often pointing out, we need to have "ball players" to bring the ball out of defence.From what I have seen he may well be the answer to your prayers.But it appears you refuse to budge on your opinion of the man. Has he been shouting through your letterbox at 3 in the morning or something?
On another subject the posting problems semm to have been fixed,having no problems at the moment. And Mary, you appear to be in the wrong site.
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Kano, you and Peter are the first to be able to post for some time.
Apologies again to everyone. I am working on a short term and a long term strategy to fix things.
I will now go and try (again) to delete the viral comment from mary.
Maybe someone at blogger does not want us talking when these interims come out?
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Enjoyed the game, good to see us stick to the ball on the ground and knocking it about well, we need to move from our hit and hope style if we want to take guys like McGeady and Bellamy and play to their strengths and move forward.
McGeady is playing out his skin, at time he looked tired, maybe the little rest has done him the world of good and he just gets better and better, just glad we have him on a decent contract.
Place is quiet, think mainly a few people are a bit fed up reading about the amount of money that will or will not be available at the club.
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Peter,
the comment from Burley was apparently concerning Paul Lambert's last contract,and the fact that he is on whopping wages while not only not playing for the first team, but spending most of his time in Germany getting his coaching badges.Seems a fair point to me,and if that is the reason Mon is refusing to talk to Setanta, it seems extremely misguided to me.Having said that I don't get to see the games on Setanta, only via the Celtic website,and I have heard a few people say Burley is trying to be the new Charlie Nicholas. i.e. slagging Celtic off at every opportunity just to make a name for himself. Maybe it is just one snide comment too much that has finally seen Mon snap
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Thanks for the info Kano. Like I say. I didn't hear Burley make them comments on Setanta, and I've since been told it was actually in a newspaper article by him last week.
I must admit, whilst PL was/is a great player for us, I too, found his last contract a bit puzzling. I can only guess he's been allowed to accquire his coach's badge in Germany, perhaps with an agreement of coming back to CP to carry out these duties with Celtic in the future.
Just a wee hunch of mine, anybody throw any light on it?
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Taggsybhoy
If I was MoN I'd boycott Setanta. I appreciate I did watch the ICT game with green glasses in my eyes and red glasses in my hand, but surely no-one watching could be any doubt as to the sympathies of Setanta's pundits. Brown takes every opportunity to slag off Lennon and Hartson in particular, making no attempt to explain the job they do. Hateley is actually less anti-Celtic than him. Every now and again he'll concede the opposition commit the odd foul. That is it though. No analysis or enlightened comment, which is what I assumed commentators get paid for. I'm doing my best not to be paranoid and assume that they automatically take the "wee team's" side, in the hope they get a competitive game, and are as anti-Rangers when they play. As I never watch them I don't know, but if anyone has subjected themselves to a FOD 90 minutes on Setanta it would be good to know. Burley is very disappointing. I liked him as a player, but he is one cliche ridden lazy pundit. I actually prefer Billy Dodds. We know his loyalties (and I don't mind partisan guys coming on, so long as they are upfront about it)and at least gives an honest opinion. Overall the coverage is really, really dire. I just wish there was some way I could watch the game and access commentary from another source (which wouldn't be 2 seconds ahead of the action)? Any ideas anyone of anywhere we can get the games outwith Setanta?
Peterm1711, MMC did the Rome marathon in around 6 hours. Haven't spoken to him, but his political spokesperson confirmed this is true and that he is alive!
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Taggsybhoy...I'm ashamed to admit it, but I do on occassion watch TFOD on Setanta. With the sound turned down low of course, to avoid listening to the bile from them, offending my delicate ears.
I have to tell you, and I'm NOT being paraniod, the pundits are nowhere near as sore on them, as they are on our players.
Dodds is fair, and very often complimentary to Celtic. As Kano more or less stated earlier, Burley is trying to be controversial in his new job, and tends to go over the score with his comments on Celtic.
The coverage is indeed dire, and Brown & Hateley are funny guys. Not meant to be, but they are.
I don't know who can help in the technology department, with the delay between TV and radio, as I know it's a real pain. In fact, on Wednesday night, my son nipped into the kitchen, where the radio was on, and let out a big squeal like a girl. I thought he'd scalded himself with the teapot, only for him to burst into the livingroom to see for himself, Bellamy's shot hit the net. (So I'd say, even more than a two second delay!)
I got an e-mail from our friend today, bumming about completing the Rome marathon. I can only imagine he must've borrowed the Pope-mobile from the Vatican, because he certainly never ran for no 6 hours!
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The first goal had me out of my seat applauding both Mc Geady and Bellamy. It summed up for me exactly why there are times when football gives me a buzz like no other. These two seem to have formed an excellent understanding and it just makes me wonder how Juhnino would have fared by now if he'd had Bellamy to play to instead of Hartson and Sutton.
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Hi Paul, Lhads and Lhassies,
Bhoy oh bhoy have I missed my fix of sellickwiknews. You just don't know what you've got till it's gone. Am on the travels again with work (Boston and for St Pats! Best coincidence ever!!!)I am stunned at the number of hoops tops I have seen. I've even found it in myu heart to forgive the Bostonians from calling usa the Glasgow CelticSSSSSSSS. And the songs the were playing in thew pubs, some of you guys would have heart attacks!! Have also noticed the stadiums are all named after financial services companies such as the lincoln finacial phili eagles stadium and the citizens bank (rbs) baseball arena. I was even reminded last night that the Heinz family are Irish so may be the heinz spaghetti hoops stadium could be an option!!!
Anyway better head off now have a flight home to catch and the small matter of a hjigh noon date with setanta.
Great result, great to see bellars shining!!!
Hail hail(with a slightly sore throat)
Martybhoy!!!!!
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Johnybhoych, John Hartson never has been the quickest of strikers. He is a very effective six-yard-box player, and like many of these players, you need to play to his strengths.
Does this style of player cut it today in the Champions Leage? Big question, not sure of the answer myself.
Falkirikbhoy, that is the question, what happens when Sutton comes back.
I am not convinced that MON would snub Setanta for something as trivial as a comment about Paul Lambert’s wages. He takes a few slings and arrows doing the job he does and puts up with more than this.
Kano, I am never one to criticise Celtic players, and I know where you are coming from with Laursen, he is playing well, but….. I think he is playing at his limits in the SPL. If we aspire to a higher stage, we should look beyond him. He is an honest player and does not deserve a hard time.
Enjoy yourself in Boston Martybhoy.
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Interesting comments about how the commentary can spoil a game. I watched the England v Wales match, which was covered by the BBC. Fotunately, they gave you the option to switch commentary from John Motson et al to BBC Wales. What a difference!! The Welsh commentators were actually quite impartial and called a spade a spade. As the game wore on you could actually appreciate Engalnd as a decent footballing side. Now, I'm not saying for a minute that if Setanta employed some decent commentators I'd be cheering on the Huns, but it may stop me from cancelling my subscription. From a business point of view I've no idea what they're playing at. Celtic and Rangers supporters who don't attend away games are clearly the target market, so why alienate half of that market?? The whole Setnta deal will be put in jeopardy as the few Celtic subscribers they have, like me, fail to renew their subscription at the end of the season. I only hope the SPL was wise enough to get all the money up front or else Scottish football will be dealt yet another financial blow.
All the best.
GM
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Belatedly happy St Patricks to one and all. I was thinking about all you guys at work as I downed my first crisp, cool beer on my day off.
As for the setanta coverage of the training game at ICT. This was one of the only times I've been in a pub quiet enough to hear the commentary. Hysterically funny.
Imagine any comment about Celtic spoken as if by a drowning man speaking in slow motion. Oooh loook Ceeltic haave scooored theee beest goooal in theee hiistooory of Scooottiish foootbaaall.
Now imagine commentators who have overdosed on speed because the ecstasy wasn't doing it for them.
This is absolutely unbelievably fantastically brilliant play by Caley, they are over the halfway line and,by all that's holy, they appear to be closing in on the 18 yard box, hold your breath ladies and gentlemen this is without doubt the most penetrating incisive and imaginative move of the match and ........ Oh how unfortunate, Balde clears after flukily stumbling 30 yards (faster than the striker) and in an effort to maintain his balance sticks out a leg and clears with his big toe!
Ok. It was funny when we were pished. And no, before you ask I'm not giving up the day job.
regards
Yogi
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Great to see the blogger system is up and running again and we can wax lyrical about the class football the Bhoys are playing just now. First, though, a word of appreciation for the boys in red, white and blue.
No, dafties, not THOSE ones - I'm talking about Inverness, who did all that was within their limited powers to make things hard for us the other night. They defended as if their lives depended on it and gave up every last ounce of energy they had. Not the most skillful of teams but exceptionally well organised and determined. Oh, and they are also honest and sportsmanlike. Not one bad foul on the night. Not one square-up between players. Not one booking. Even when wee Bellers was felled for the penalty, not one player confronted him to accuse him of diving (which, given the rap he'd got on the ankles, was self-evident). Even so, Craig got to his feet and looked around for someone to protest his innocence to. Not one ICT player was accusing him.
At the end, he had no problem finding decent fellow-professionals to shake hands with. No fuss. And the after-match comments from their admirable manager Craig Brewster and his players were effusive in their praise of the Celts. Very, very impressed I was with their comportment throughout the whole evening. I wish them every success. Oh, and thanks for the four points they've taken off TFOD.
Which brings us back to our Bhoys. I thought they controlled the match from start to finish. Monopolised possession and showed great patience. We could have done with more pace in our passing and variety in our moves in the first half but this was solved - not for the first time - by MON at the break.
Second half, the switch was to have Jackie Mac back at right back in a 4-4-2 to guard against ICT's swift (albeit ineffective) breaks, then switch Aiden to the right flank and Thommo out to the left. This gave Petrov the freedom to get into the box - something which seemed beyond the alarmingly-immobile BBJ.
Just check who is the furthest player forward at Bellamy's first goal - Stan is practically on the line when the ball goes in.
Celtic dismantled Inverness in the manner of a class European outfit. We had pace, width, guile, a solid defence and retained the ball admirably. Aiden, Bellamy and Petrov are simply unstoppable in this form. And I'd shove big Beattie up front with them right now. BBJ looks as if he's celebrated his new contract by going on a pizza and fried Mars Bar binge ... with Thommo mopping up the left-overs.
Famous last words maybe but I reckon we'll hump the Arabs big style tomorrow lunchtime.
Lastly, one for Paul67 - do you reckon there's any significance in Fergus McCann popping up again on the official website to post a few words in the Supporters Comments (March 16)? Maybe the wee bunnet is missing us more than we thought. Personally, I'd invite him back to unfurl the league flag in August, so that the Celtic support can give him the standing ovation they should have afforded him seven years ago.
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Ah-ha, Johnbhoy. I had not read the comments on the official site from Fergus.
Had you ever any doubt that he missed Celtic or was not keeping an eye on things? Not me.
He would not come back to take a bow on flag day in a million years, far too showy for 'F'.
I enjoyed reading him talk about Bobby Evans and watching Celtic as a boy, something he was reluctant to do during his time here.
I am reliably informed that Charlie Mulgrew is Bobby Evans in the making, "Perpetual motion" was the phrase used.
Is it significant the he left his name on the site? I have my views :-)
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Martybhoy in Boston
I hope you were jesting in saying that the Heinz family are Irish or have Irish forefathers,it must be good blackstuff in the U S of A As Irish as the neon shamrock in the pub window.
Two decent games against crap teams and all of a sudden we are in contention for the CL!If we play like that every week until the beginning of the CL then that's a different story.
Why are fans slagging off BBJ,he is a poacher,always has been,always will be,but he still scores the goals(misses quite a few also)can anyone tell me how many goals the next scorer below BBJ has scored?Is it even a Celtic player?He may not run up and down the park and work for the team but do you think if we take him off that Beattie or the likes will score 30 next season?I doubt it.Keep him on until that player is found and stop wingeing about him.
No wonder MON is annoyed with Burley,I'd be affronted also if someone brought up the fact that 25,000-30,000(or is it more) of hard earned supporters money was being wasted each week on a "player" who goes to Germany on coaching lessons and has no chance of playing in the first team ever again.I would like to know if Lambert is getting paid this money in his contract even when not clocking on at CP?If so then why?
Peter Lawwell can't say on one hand say that we have limited money for the likes of Belamy,when they are clearly wasting fans money week in week out.Does Willie McStay get 25-35 grand a week for being an EXPERIENCED coach?I don't think so.Forget about renaming the Stadium,Just pay Lambert what he is worth and the others and the money will be there for new players.
As for the goalkeepers,why is nobody questioning the tactics of the goalkeeper coach,(blind loyalty from MON? which he is getting famous for)you either have a great goalkeeper coach bringing through or teaching the keepers he already has or you go and buy a world class keeper, therefore you don't need the coach as all the keepers are making the same mistakes and have been for quite a while(cross balls)Maybe time Terry changed his tactics just like MON has as this hasn't happened over night or Celtic changes the keeper coach,or can DD not afford to do something about Terry due to the fact that he comes as a package with MON & Robertson.Personally I think Terry will have to change as there is no way in hell DD will risk the rath of MON on getting rid of him,so we will be stuck with dodgy goalkeeping as long as MON is in town or we buy class,just like TFOD do with ease everytime the need arises.It doesn't help when big Rab isn't exactly Celtic class and never has been.
Time for better money management from the board.Too many prawn sandwiches on Parkhead plates being paid for by the likes of you and me.No point getting lots of money in the summer if they continue to spend it unwisely(unprofessionaly in my eyes)as we will end up in the same position in a few years when the money runs low.
So for being negative in this time of better fortunes for Celtic but I'm only asking some unanswered or unasked questions.
Cabbage McFlaggergaster
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Cabbage, i make it 5 decent games...Clyde, Dundee, Hibs, Dunfermline & Caley.
We are playing better than all season and movement has returned with Bellamy and McGeady showing true class, Agathe, Suttion and Maloney still to come back, i think we have something to cheer about these days.
Good comments about BBJ, but i often wonder how many Beattie could get if given a run, would he miss as many chances as BBJ?
Can't argue about the goalie situation, Douglas is flapping too often.
Paul did you get a response about the stadium sponsorship thing from the club?
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Having had the misfortune this season to be subjected to setanta in pubs, due to work commitments, where I can here the commentary then there is a definite anti Celtic vibe. No credit what so ever will be given to Celtic and the hope and willingness for Celtic to fail on the presenters faces and from the tone of the commentary is quite galling at times. This anti Celtic vibe is in line with all other media outlets in Scotland and really should be no surprise to all of us. Opps sorry that’s my paranoia coming out again.
Burley maybe had a point but any relevant argument he tries to have now will be discredited due to his sacking from Celtic and also his quite open agenda to slag Celtic Martin O’Neill and anything remotely to do with Celtic. I put it down to him being new to the media business and seeing other rubbish hacks career progressing due to having an Anti Celtic agenda.
To football matters John Hartson has been struggling in recent weeks due to the fact we are no longer playing to his strengths pure and simple. We have become a good passing outfit albeit against SPL sides and Hartson is not mobile or quick or skilful enough to fit into this system. He is a poacher six-yard player a battering ram not a fast moving centre forward. Think we will see a more mobile more technical gifted Sutton replacing him in the coming weeks. Hartson won’t do in the Champions league and if we continue down the road he is going he might no longer fit in the SPL.
Nice to see Craig Brewster the other night coming out and being Honest and frank in his opinion of the game “couldn’t get the ball of them” “it was a lesson” well done Craig you were a credit to the management profession as your team are a credit to you maybe Jim Jeffries should take a leaf out of your book.
Cabbage- Glenoe came with Barnes and Dalgliesh nothing to do Martin O’Neill do agree though what do the goalies do in training? All our keepers are great shot stoppers but can’t catch a cross. Spying mission to barrowfield to see what Rab and the rest do on a spring morning.
Another tough game today but if we play as we can we will win no if’s no buts. I expect to see more controlled build up play, passing and moving and upping and reducing the tempo of the game when needed as we have been doing in recent weeks. Martin will revert to a 4-4-2 as per Caley that will see the more studied approach unlike last weeks mauling of a very poor Pars side.
Mon the Hoops it’s in our own hands
Kilo O’Neal
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Anyone got any fingernails left?
A very entertaining game if you were a neutral. We should have had this sewn up early on but let United into the game. All credit to them, they took the openings and played as skillful a game of football as we have seen from any opponent in the SPL this year.Our defence ws awful. We let them dominate out of nervousness. Thank God for Bellamy. Give him Juninhos number 7.
The new King of Kings has arrived.
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Kilo
Understand Terry was at the club before MON but he can be over loyal towards staff as long as they don't cross his path.
Looks like Celtic have found another Larsson,Belamy is the man,no question Celtic will pay any money for him,the big question is can Celtic NOT afford to buy him? but the other question is,does he want to stay in Scotland?What's the chances of getting another class player like him at Celtic Park,no need to go looking for the "new hero" (I know he is a different type of player)we have him until the summer at least,His 3 goals against D.Utd is as good as any goals that I've seen the "old hero" score if not better.(1st 2 anyway)
Sorry not trying to compare them.It's just the hole that Celtic have been looking to fill.
I think it's time for MON to sit CB down in his office and ask him if he wants to stay,if he does then MON should offer him the contract NOW,why wait until the summer when lots of other teams may come in for him,he can only say no!,only one way to find out!
Big Rab Douglas,must be a Gemini,or just mental,picking up the ball on a pass back then at the end of the game making a world class save(amongst other great saves)Looks like the pressure is getting to Sutton,injured with a hamstring, must have played and told the physio he was ok then pulls it again.After his second run you could see it wasn't good,I think the big man is scared that if he is out team,he might find it hard getting back in,It's great to see competition for first team places even keeping Sutton on his toes.Looks like Juninho is finally on his way out after speaking to the manager.MON said if Juninho wants to go he can.(there's part of Craigs' wages)The beginning of a new era at Celtic is definately under way.
Someone mentioned in another thread that Liam Miller was getting 20 odd grand a week?? I was under the impression that,as he was injured he was only on 60 grand a YEAR for the final year until he recovered from his injuries,can anyone confirm this or am I totally wrong?
Cabbage McFlabbergaster
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CanajunBhoy...It WAS a great game for the neutral, but I think it's pretty certain, we're all as neutral as you!
Cabbage...good point about MON sitting CB down NOW, to thrash out a deal. Re big Rab, I'm not totally convinced that WAS a pass-back. He was guilty of flapping against ICT, but he can't be faulted today.
D Utd's first was a mix-up between Bobo & Varga (schoolboy stuff, really) and their second was an error by Neil Lennon, who otherwise played well. What a save by RD at the death.! It effectively put us top of the league tonight, so full marks to him for that.
Questions need to be asked about the wisdom of giving Chris Sutton a run-out. This is not in hind-sight, I said this to my brothers when I saw him on the bench. Nobody can recover fully from hamstring trouble inside two weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if he's set back another month now.
Bellamy's a star, get him signed now Celtic!
PM
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Another fine performance, which owed as much to resilience as anything else, notwithstanding the major contrbution of Bellamy and the much maligned Rab. The stress of the last three games was evident and we showed great courage and determination to drive on for the win.
As this team evolves, it is becoming obvious to me that the weak spot in the team is wide right. Only when Mc.Geady moves over, or, as against Dunfermline, when Beattie came on, do we look balanced. I think the return of Didi will improve this situation but that leaves us with the problem of what to do with Jackie. My radical solution would be to relegate Mc.Namara to the post that he has occupied for the lion's share of his Celtic career, i.e. a useful squad player. I know the combined wisdom of the fans would be to move him to left back and sacrifice Laursen but that would be a case of shoe- horning a favourite into a position and unbalancing the team. With us playing a more flowing game, with the emphasis on quick forward movement, I think Agathe gives us more direct options.Shame, but there you have it. Discuss
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You wanna talk about fingernails.......... try being a Welsh Celtic fan, watched the Dundee Utd game via pc in work then rushed home to watch the egg chasers win the grand slam ..........oh happy day. I think the day will be rounded off nicely with a few drinks and I feel that good I'm going to take the wife with me
Cadwch y Ffeth ( keep the faith)
Neal
Welshbhoy
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Bellamy was outstanding, we have got to to find a way keep him.
Those goals were first class, i could not help but think back to Souness comments about Bellamy's lack of goals.
I never saw much of him before he came to Celtic, but i am wondering if he is becoming a better player being with us.
Immediately after the game he is talking about ibrox as he wants to show how good he is, their fans must be very worried!
What a player!
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Great finishing from Bellamy today just when it was needed.I don't know much about finance surely the savings in offloading Lambert, Juninho,Jos,Momo,Fernandez,Douglas,Hedman and one or two other frees up some money.I would also consider selling Bobo.The big man is limited when we play in Europe and with the possibility of Henchoz and hopefully Kennedy we should be reasonably covered in the centre of defence. A mobile central defender, full back and defensive midfield cover needn't cost the earth. Bellamy on the other hand may be a player too far for the board.
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Another good performance today and what can you say about Bellamy? People kept saying you couldn't replace Larsson with £20 million but if Bellamy wants to stay we could replace him with a quarter of that.Tony,remember Henrik was no superstar before he came to Celtic.He developed once he came here and if we can secure Bellamy we are getting a player similar in age and ability as Henrik was when he arrived.Notwithstanding all his obvious ability,I love the passion he has for the game.He plays like a fan, if that makes sense.I think we can all associate with that.
Defence was causing me heart attacks every time the ball came forward after their first goal.Two uncharacteristic mistakes for both goals and hopefully we won't see any more between now and the end of the season.
Have to give Big Rab a mention.I honestly thought that free-kick was going in at the end.He cost us three points against Rangers but he saved us two today,although we still need to sign a more accomplished keeper.
BBJ is worrying me.The last few games he looks short of fitness and his touch is poor.I think maybe he could do with a rest and get ready for the final push.Time to give Beattie a chance? As for BBJ being the answer in the Champions League,Paul says he isn't sure but I reckon we all know that he isn't.He lacks the mobility to play the counter-attacking style required at that level but as long as he is wearing a hooped jersey he has my full support.
BankieBhoy
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Tom the Tim, completely disagree about dropping McNamara, he has the composure that I am looking for at the back, neither Laursen or Agathe share this. For next season we should be looking for a new left back.
Enjoy your night Neal, congratulations to all Welsh bhoys out there.
Anon 9.48, it is not the board who will decide on spending money on Bellamy it will be Martin O’Neill. He gets to spend his budget any way he likes, and, as you have shown he has the cash to do the deal.
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