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One defeat away from a disaster, MON said that, that’s what happened to McLeish after the Old Firm game last weekend, and that's what will happen to MON if Hibs turn us over this weekend. All you Tabloid haters are quite happy to buy into what they are selling when its Pro Celtic, as it is now, and jump up and down rubbishing them when they go against us. Big Eck has had a soft ride in comparence with what MON will get if Hibs do us, he will get slaughtered. Lets stop counting our chickens guys, and get right behind the team for the remainder of the run in, they will need our support now more than ever. MacShoogle
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And remember we will get all the CL TV money if the they other lot fail to qualify for the CL proper just like this season.
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Agreed! The Hibs game is the big one! We can afford one mistake but we should leave it for the last game. It has to be 3 wins in a row and then we can talk.
Ian
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Who declared the league over Paul?
We scraped a win when Hibs visited the last time.
With Bellamy out it will be a tough tough game especially since Hibs are vying for the Uefa spot.
Put your eggs to one side and look out your scarf for Saturdays BIG game..
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Your bang out of order Paul, and here's me thinking it was the other mob who were arrogant and over confident. Joe 90.
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What's that I can hear?
Yes, it is the fat lady belting out Hail! Hail!
Get a grip bhoys Sunday's victory has delivered the league.
Enjoy it.
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It isn't *quite* over yet, but I struggle to envisage Rangers taking 12 from 12 even if it's not certain we will do the same!
As for the US tour - bring it on. With the Nike deal in place, Celtic strips will be in the biggest superstores in the biggest US cities. Kerrching.
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Div 3:06
Don't count on Celtic strips being in the biggest superstores in the biggest U.S. cities. Ain't going to happen.
I've sadly been living over in the U.S. for the last 15 or so years. About 20 minutes from the Cleveland Stadium where the bhoys played on tour.
It was one of the largest ticket sales for the stadium in its history. It did'nt even make it to the local news.
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Its definetely a big one again on Saturday.
We should get the 3 points though,bellamy or no bellamy we're on a high at the moment.
Lets make it 8 points and put them under pressure on sunday cause if we beat Hibs then the sheep will be more up for it than usual with the race for 3rd place wide open if they beat the huns.
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Is ther two CL places available this year? I'm sure I read that it was only one, or is that next year?
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Light Side - you’re the one that wants to get a grip, that was us at peak form on Sunday and we were holding on at the final whistle against what many see as a poor Rangers team, Bellamy's out, BBJ is still overweight, Sutton's limping, the Seive could re-appear at any minute and Hibs are young quick and technically gifted. The Tabloids have already declared Craig Bellamy as a doubles winner, they've built us up again, why is that I wonder. I'm not saying we're gonna blow it, but the arrogance to start talking now about us only having 1 champions league match to play is breathtaking. DD.
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AAP that's because we didn't have Nike as the strip manufacturer.
I've been in New York and Chicago and seen the Nike superstores (Niketown?) selling the European strips - Man Utd, Arsenal, Real Madrid and others I think.
Now we are in their stable, we will be on the same shelves.
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Couldn`t agree more we can`t take anything for granted...there`s nothing better hearts/hibs would like to do than help rob us of the title
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What is the slice of cash if Rangers don't qualify.
Would we be in the stage prior to automatic entry to the league - i.e. do we just play one tie if we wine the league (no auto entry due to duff play this year?) That mean a right nail-biter with loads of $$ hanging in the balance. Could do without it.
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AAP just double checked on the strips available. The current list for Europe is:
Man Utd
Arsenal
Barcelona
Porto
Borussia Dortmund
Inter Milan
Juventus
and next season...Celtic
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DD - The Tabloids are building us up so we go along to Parkhead on Saturday chanting easy easy expecting Hibs to get buried under an avalanche of goals, then when that doesn't happen we turn on the team and give them a right hard time. As usual they have their own agenda, hence no negative coverage re Bellamy being out for the league run in MacShoogle
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aldo roon and stepjam
scotland has two CL places next season and for the forseeable future...our league winners have one qualifier to play, our runners up have two qualifying rounds...
that will also apply next season..i.e 2006/07....unless the winner of the Cl itself is a team who would have qualified for the Group stage automatically through their own league position(e.g something like Milan or Barca) in that Situation the scottish champions for season 05/06 will go straight into the group stage
and can I lso join the general"hold on".....we need three wins.....let's get one on SATURDAY !!!!.....two would be enough if Rangers don't win at Pittodrie!!!
No counting chickens here!!!
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Div,
What markets are they going to be in?
That would be good for us, if we generate income from those sales, I don't know the ins and outs of the deal.
The Mid West is still a poor market for football.
So bad infact that even during Euro 2004 you would be watching re runs of "Squirrel Hunting with Big Red", on nearly all of your local cable companies sport chanels.
I'm not kidding.
I actually worry more about American interest in the Club than I do wining the league, and or qualify for Champions league footie.
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Bellamy looks as though he could be back for the Aberdeen game, championship game????.... maybe
Agathe will make the differance for us on Sat against Hibs
Hail
Hail
SM
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god we are a paranoid bunch of fans today......
Look at what happened this time last week in the build up to the old firm match we had the negative about MON and Quinn and we got through that....
Now because we are in the driving seat and getting good publicity its "oh my god the media are out to get us with good storys"...
Man i wish everyone would chill out its not been a bad season after all, ok we have played shit football and could have won the league sooner but its been fun to have the competition this year....
I am one for being cautious but i dont think that giving the team good coverage is going to somehow have the opposite effect on the team after all they are profesional footballers who are trained to ignore the media bile.
Bring on the Hibs is what i say lets get it over with and start thinking about who we will buy next season.....
BBJ might be a FATTY but he is still the top goalscorer in the SPL....
I think we also should be thinking about wht happens if BELLEMY does not choose CELTIC as his next club to get his pennys from...
WHO DO WE BUY INSTEAD FOR 5-6mil????????
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Those having a pop at Paul for saying the League is won,I've read what he wrote and I can't see him saying that at all.
I think he has seen enough like the rest of us this season to know that there are no formalities in the next four games.He is merely pointing out the financial benefits of a possible Championship win.
How that means he is displaying the arrogance of a hun God only knows!!!
On a different note,I noticed that someone on a previous thread brought up the subject of stadium re-naming.Is there any realistic way,short of e-mailing boardroom individuals,that we can make our feelings known on this? I think it was said that posting here would help but there must be a more direct way of doing it.
BankieBhoy
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Paul,what is the latest on the money due to Celtic from the last tour,and if not been paid do you think it is wise to go again,didnt think MON was very keen
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BankieBhoy
An excellent thought, what can we do to push the club forward in commercial terms? I suspect that the club would love to sell the naming rights to the stadium, but are concerned about the reaction.
If the media were allowed to set the agenda it would be sold to Celtic fans as a ‘money grabbing board’ ploy.
One of the things we can do on a web site like this is manage the way a story like this is ‘spun’.
What do you think?
Jam, I understand the money from the last US tour was paid.
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I am so sorry to be reading this stuff about Nike and US superstores on here. Surely there is nothing emptier than a fan of a retail outlet?
I'd like to see Celtic prepare for a winning season with a few well chosen games against the right opposition - which is not Chelsea or AC Milan - in the right circumstances - which is not jetting all over the North American continent in pursuit of money.
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Paul
The biggest problem we face is that as a support we do not speak as one voice.There are many among us,using the stadium naming as an example,who would be against the idea of selling the rights despite the fact that an overwhelming majority were in favour.From what I observed when it was debated here previously,it was more for than against taking the money.However,all it takes is for the press to get hold of a few dissenters to turn it into a maelstrom of opinion against the idea.
I think the key to this is how the question is phrased to the support.If you say "should we sell the naming rights to Celtic Park" you'll get a lot of negative responses.If you say " should we sell the naming rights to Celtic Park to allow MON to increase investment in the player pool" then the response is more likely to be yes.When faced with a question of such simplicity there can only be one answer.
I see the merits in what you are saying in that this site allows us to illustrate the true nature of supporter attitudes,but it is only the attitudes of those who read this site.What of those without access to the internet or who haven't yet been fortunate enough to stumble across this site? How do we get these people on board to show their support for the idea?
The point I am trying to make is that if we could produce some tangible evidence of positive backing for the idea,the board could make a deal in the knowledge they will not be fighting off negative headlines after it was announced.As an example,if you produced a petition with half a million people supporting re-naming the stadium,then the chances of the deal being made would certainly increase.
As for how Celtic continue to increase their income,one thing that has struck me recently is Malcolm Glazers' possible plans to dump the collective TV deal in favour of signing an individual deal if he gains control at Old Trafford.Surely in our current impoverished SPL state,we should be leading this.If existing clubs in the EU sign individual deals then why are we persisting with the status quo in this country? I mentioned recently that the Man U board were asking the fans to dig deep to make up the shortfall when there were other income streams available.Are we really doing any better? Not criticising,just asking the question.
BankieBhoy
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Delia
I know what you mean but there is not one top level European club that turns down the money from such "fans".They are a necessary source of income no matter what you might think of it.
I think as a support and as a club,we need to start realising that we need to change if we are to compete and survive against the top European sides.This means maximising every source of revenue available.
I thought it was telling when I read yesterday that Joan Laporta had agreed a deal for Barcelona to have a shirt sponsor for next season.They have resisted this longer than anyone,so it shows that even for a club of Barcas' wealth,every pound(or euro) is precious if you are going to compete at the top level.
BankieBhoy
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i agree wholeheartedly with aka deliasmith when he said,
'I am so sorry to be reading this stuff about Nike and US superstores on here. Surely there is nothing emptier than a fan of a retail outlet?'
i enjoy this blog,well done paul.however,among the financially minded there is a danger of equating sucess on the balance sheet with the first touch on the playing field.
i laugh and cry when i see how much the teddy bears and ourselves have spent on second and third rate players over the years.
how much did mick mccarthy spend on winning the 1st division with sunderland ?(a league probably on a par with the spl,sadly to say)
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Greetings, Paul67 et al,
Great day in the Morniing,dear Paul! I shall be arriving in the environs of "No Mean City",sometime Friday evening.
I expect to be in Glasgow for at least half a fortnight.
Then its onward and upward to the land of the Sassenach.
However,all in all,("What does that mean??")
wondered Vito.
I expect to be able to take in the remaining Four, Fraught, Frantic and indeed, Perilous Engagements.
Modern transportation systems being what they are, I shall only be a hop skip and jump away from my beloved Celtic,during the next 2 weeks.
The last time I saw Celtic,in the physicality, was over a year ago.
I do hope that they have improved.
I remember remarking at the time to my equally unimpressed compadres, that Celtic would be fortunate, if propitious circumstances allowed, to finish Second in the Premiership.
Evidently, my prognostic powers were found to be, sadly lacking in their ability,on that occasion.
The Bhouyant Bhoys, have confounded their critics and silenced their detractors. They did it the old fashioned way, by skill and perseverance. May we all give the gallant Llads a collective tip of the Hat!("You know that he used to always Doff his Hat, until he found out that it was against the law, when done in Public. Don't believe me? Wise man.")Vito just could not resist it.
May I at this point indulge in a Non Sequitur? Thanks.
Alis le Fey informed me by Batwing, that according to all of the portents, The Glasgow Celtic shall indeed be Triumphant in the Winning of the SPL.
I do believe her. She was one of the very few, who expected KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, to Tank in the NYSE, at the time that it was the darling of Wall Steet.
How can one go against that prediction?
Love your site, Paul. It's so stimulating and provocative.
I am sure you must have been reading Rory's Compendium of Journalistic Comportment and All round Merde Stirring, judging from the occasional arrow that is flighted in your direction.
Always from an Anonymous Source, of course, may I add needlessly!
I'm Coming Home,
I've done my Time.......
Fargo.
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aka deliasmith
I'm a fan of Celtic Football Club.
The club needs as many top class players as possible. Top class players don't play for free.
Do you want a better goalkeeper than Rab and Magnus? Do you want a genuine left back? Do you want a ball playing centre half? Do you want more creativity in midfield? Do you want Bellamy to sign a long term deal? Do you want to avoid Petrov signing for Bayern Munich or some other major European team?
If you want those things for the club, the club needs more money. That's why I want to see Celtic do well off the pitch, as well as on.
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Words by Aap
"I actually worry more about American interest in the Club than I do wining the league, and or qualify for Champions league footie."
Time to get a priority check aap Winning the the league and qualifying for Europe should take priority over everything else period.
aap again
"It was one of the largest ticket sales for the stadium in its history. It did'nt even make it to the local news."
The place sold out didnt it aap that was the main thing as long as we get sell out stadiums.
Look football is never going to be a universally popular sport over there the same way Baseball, basketball, NFL is never going to be over here. But if we can get 70,000 tims to go on these tours for 3 or 4 matches then it has to be looked on as a success.
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Paul67- I have read this morning that Celtic are still owed £80,000 for merchandise from last years American tour.
Bankiebhoy- Over the last few weeks letters have been getting printed in Pravda sorry the Celtic View regarding the naming of the North Stand or the stadium. For me these letters appearing are not coincidence and maybe the board are already printing pro naming the stadium for financial gain so that the reaction of the press will be some, what diluted.
Me I would rather they named the North Stand after a Celtic legend and sell the stadium name to the highest bidder. This is somewhat a back track for me but needs must and also it will always be Celtic Park to us. And if you have got the Lisbon Lions stand, Jock Stein Stand and say the Willie Maley Stand then the tradition and history is still there.
Mon the Hoops 4 to go
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BankieBhoy
There are a couple of important points you make:
If selling the naming rights is pitched correctly there is only one possible answer.
Delivery of the message is all important.
I have a couple of ideas I am thinking of for next week.
Fargo
Welcome home to the ‘dear green place’.
I seldom get worried by the slings and arrows from anonymous sources, or Rory himself, does anyone still read him? The vision remains clear.
Drop me a line and I’ll give you a big Celtic handshake.
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Celtic Ultra mentioned naming the north stand after a celtic legend. How about naming it the Fergus McCann Stand. After all he did rescue celtic from administration, and also built the stadium that we have today.
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Guys,
Some of you-perhaps with some justification- are still a bit jittery about us getting over the finishing line. Why not 'insure' yourself against the horrible possibility of that happening.
They are trading at 16-1 on Betfair.co.uk to win the league. £50 on that returns £800 which would give you a decent fortnight in the sun to drown your sorrows. If you can get over the concept of betting ON them as against calling it INSURANCE that is.
For my part I think the Bhoys are pretty much home and hosed so I'll save the £50 for a bottle of Bolly when the time comes. ; )
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I will always remember the comment on the radio made by Bob Cramsey as we traveled to that game against St.Johnstone. As all the radio pudits went on about the league was Celtic's as all they had to do was win the game, he quietly pointed out that "while it is improbable that Celtic will lose to St.Johnstone and Rangers beat Dundee Utd it is not impossible". It is now a 3 game season!
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Heard the noises today that Bellamy’s not overly impressed with Scottish football, who knows if this is true or not, until he’s signed or left I’ll reserve judgement even tough I’d like to see him stay in the hoops. The one thing that does look good is that if the board can scrape enough together for Bellamy then why not for Kezman, Keane or Pandiani? There is quality out there at reasonable prices if we do the ground work, since they’ve been linked with us Berbatov and De La Pena for example have had great seasons, think how they could have preformed for us if we took the chance? Instead we took Junihino and Camara both better known to MON but both failures in the long run.
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Paul,
To keep the masses informed of the reasons why certain board room decisions should be backed, you could do with increasing your readership numbers.
Ever though of taking out an advert in the weekly Program, Celtic View or on Celtic TV. You could even sponsor the match ball!!
This would kill two birds with one stone, money into the club and an increased audience for the collective.
Keep up the good work!
Keep thinking out of the box!
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North american ,tours are bad for preparing for the champions league...signed chelsea ,liverpool .ac milan
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DavieL
Paul - see the attched link to a Stock Exchange announcement http://www.londonstockexchange.com/LSECWS/IFSPages/MarketNewsPopup.aspx?id=996005&source=RNS
Brian Wilson becomes a Non Exec Director on 1st June - hopefully his political connections and journalistic abilities can help Celtic become even stronger.
If we're truthful we ALL will have the jitters tomorrow - we're born into fearing the worst, that's what comes with being a Celtic supporter. If we beat Hibs tomorrow Rangers will drop at least 2 points on Sunday and that'll be that!!
Hail! Hail!
DavieL
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Anon- the Fergus McCann stand eh we should maybe ask Fargo if this would be a good idea?
NE BHOY- no need to advertise this site word of mouth is the key.
as in the same sort of words as Kevin Costner
"write it they will come...."
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Paul,
While I agree with the idea of having some sort of campaign to get the Board to be aware of our support for the sponsorship of the Ground, provided the income is given to better the team, could we not have them undertake a campaign of their own: to disassociate us with rangers as in:The Old Firm. I squirm every time I read that phrase. We have nothing in common with them. In fact, I don't want us to have anything in common with them, even a subriquet. With them is darkness.
Parkheadcumsalford.
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I sometimes don't know whether to laugh or cry. We are lucky enough to support the best club in the world , we have just won fairly comfortably at Ibrox in the most important league game of an average season yet some people are never happy. We might not win the league but I feel more confident then I did this time last week, remember folks the glass is half full with regards to winning the league. ps Paul a friend who supports Rankers was telling me that David Murray finances Rankers through a holding company who are leaking money , therefore they will have to sell to bring in new players. Apparently the share price of a couple of his companies have gone down as sensible people are ditching shares as they do not share his views on football clubs. Could this affect them in the short term or is this a problen 5 years down the line? The sooner the better .
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Sure it was a great result last week Paul - the highlight of the season so far - we all had a belter of a time - but with respect I'd suggest you bin all the speculative comments re what we can do now we've won the league, until we've actually won it - you're not doing anyone but the Gers any favours by promoting the idea its all over. Just watch the balloon go up if Hibs turn us over at the weekend. And no guys my bottle hasn't crashed, I've been following Celtic for a long long time now, and things don’t always pan out as you would like them to. Ignored Anon.
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Just read story about Edinburgh Huns refusing to allow SPL Trophy to be presented should Celtic win the League at Swinecastle. If this is the case couldn't Motherwell state that they don't have enough room to store the sponsors hoarding and not allow presentation at Fir Park either. Is this another conspiracy?
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Do the SPL not have a say on this?
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Brian Wilson joins Celtic board
Whats your take on this??
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Remember also that Motherwell fans have a "tradition" of invading the park (and assualting players of the away team) at the end of the last home game every season so it is unlikely that the trophy will be presented that day either. However let's win it first and worry about the presentation later.
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First post VC?
Parkheadcumsalford you have touched on one of my biggest bugbears - no pun intended. We get nothing but grief and poverty from being part of the 'Old Firm' Until we refuse to associate ourselves with them through joint sponsorship etc. we will not realise our full potential.
The first step is to ban the term altogether from all Celtic related publications (and websites) including official ones.
We are not them.
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NE Bhoy, thanks for your kind comments.
Celtic Quick News recently sponsored a Lenten fast, which is as far as my marketing budget goes. I am looking at a couple of ways to increase reach at the moment, more soon I hope.
DavieL, I am away today at Loch Fyne (doing some work with a fine shellfish company based here) and missed the Brian Wilson announcement. Good appointment, he is a known Celtic historian as well as recognisable public figure. Will be his own man as well.
Word of mouth, of that email thingy is certainly the way to publicise the site Celtic Ultra.
Parkheadcumsalford, agree. I don’t think I have ever used the O.F. phrase here.
Lostrambling, I am a couple of months out of date with the happenings at MIH et al, however, they are in a precarious position. When last I wrote on the subject the ‘pack-of-cards’ analogy was used.
If things go wrong the could do so very quickly.
Ignored Anon, I am not saying we will win the league because of Sunday’s result, I have been saying this for months. Only thing that has changed is that more people now agree.
Unless I am wrong (doubt it) the championship trophy is never awarded away from home. No story in the Hearts decision.
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IF we qualify for the Champions League group stage we are on course to be a Pot 2 team this year, which would help us avoid 7 other major teams. This is due to the fact that several higher ranking teams are expected to finish outside of the Champions League positions in their leagues. See this 'anoraks' website for all the details.
www.xs4all.nl/~kassiesa/bert/uefa/
and look at team ranking...
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Paul, if the championship trophy is not handed out away from home what happens if we and tfod keep winnin! our last 2 games are away?
Great site by the way! well done most posters! always an intresting read!
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IF we keep winning and so do the huns, then it's a wee problem.
Can't get the trophy at Gorgie Hunland.
Fir Park?
Don't their fans invade the pitch at the last home game every year??? - Security problem last year!! Could be major problem this year!!!
Jackie Mac Testimonial??
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Paul
I trust you and Iain are enjoying the weekend in the fine company of LFOC amd that all things system wise go well. Meanwhile,I shall be at Celtic Park tomorrow roaring on the bhoys to a victory. No kippers counted yet, but with some true support we can do this. Sunday was great, but we still have a job to do. I think it will be the attitude of the fans like us that will make the diference as Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen do have the quality to make life hard. Catch u soon.
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brigtonbhoy, 12:18 AM
Jackie's testimonial would seem the most logical ... however it's not an offical Celtic match ... why not have a beamback to Cetic Park on the day of the Swinecastle/Fir Park game?
ITK
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Just been on the CFC website and perhaps it is a sign of the times that the welcome page is asking the fans to vote on Coca Cola's site to win a player (250k) for the club. Perhaps this is the clubs way of raising the Bellamy funds? With the celtic huge support it should be possible to knock Leeds off the top spot.........Oh and you can get yourself 10k
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I can't see the Bank Of Scotland being too happy if the team winning the Championship up here didn't get the trophy before the end of the season.They pay a lot of money to promote themselves and the Championship celebration at the end of each season gives them plenty of exposure.
However,if our bigoted friends across the country refuse to let us have the trophy presented,why don't we sell the rights to Jackie's testimonial to Channel 5 or something and allow the whole of Britain to see us receive the trophy.It will be a full house anyway,HBOS get maximum exposure from terrestrial TV and thousands of Hoops fans across the country get the opportunity to see a Celtic party that they would have missed otherwise.
BankieBhoy
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Bankiebhoy Indeed and good PR for future fans,exposure is the only way to improve fan base(and merchandise)A Celtic team playing against Ireland,one of the better teams from around the world.Advertising dream come true for TV,doubt it will happen though,just trying to "think out the box" as everyone is against it for some reason,except Paul and a few others.
Paul I must congratulate you on your article on office space etc.,to generate more money for the team.Maybe not the best example you put across,which affected the way fans posted (more negative),however I can see where you are trying to go.We have to invest in other money making ventures for the Football side of the Company with all profits going to the team,I'm sure that's the way it will go in the future,but with the vision of the current Board,it may take some time!We don't want to be left behind,do we?
Anyway to make money for the team must be explored at least,I'm not saying sell our soul.
Just heard Barcelona are to accept sponorship money for the advertising on the front of their shirts,as you can see from this,MONEY talks.
Football is entering a big new way with the future of advertising whether we like it or not.
Your an eternal optimist Paul67. The only way to be in my eyes.
HAIL HAIL
Cabbage McFlabbergaster
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TimeWillTell
One of the beauties of the web is that younever really know who you are talking to! Having an excellent time at Loch Fyne, just about to make my excuses for swanning off towards the east end of Glasgow while the rest of the guys tidy up.
I am reliably informed that if we do not win the league against Aberdeen at home, the trophy will be presented at the McNamara testimonial.
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Paul,
Will HBOS be happy with that? The league season will be over and the trophy still not handed over! Is the Jackie Mc game even being shown live on the telly? the hearts and motherwell games will be so more fans who cant make it to the game will be able to see the handover of the trophy? The SFA should use their power to tell hearts its not their choice when a trophy can be handed over! if we were to beat hearts in a scottish cup final would we wait till the next home game before we get the cup? The trophy is not normally handeded out till 15 minutes after the game! plenty of time to let the bigots leave!
Just about to head off to the east of glasgow myself! looking forward to cheerin the bhoys for last sunday!
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Brigton Bhoy, thanks for the link to the excellent website on CL seedings etc.
I can see that some teams will drop out of the list of seeded clubs but can you, Paul or anyone confirm whether there are other clubs that will have high enough coefficients to take their place (and be above Celtic)? Will Celtic automatically move up the rankings and be in Pot 2? Will Monaco move ahead of Celtic?
All assuming we qualify of course!
Barnie
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what a stupid thing to say so early, paul
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Guys, the leagues not won yet.
Looks like we'll be rooting for the Dons tomorrow, unless the Bhoys can pull of a miracle ending.
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Can`t believe it... I think this is the third time in a row we start by giving the opposition an early goal to warm up. The Huns will win tomorrow courtesy of the usual `below par performance` from Aberdeen while they`ll play out of their boots at Parkhead. I listened to the match on the net ..sorry to say it but Celtic were shite. No title if this isn`t sorted out fast.
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Sweet baby jebus!
That was awful today, on a par with Liam Brady-era 'tic. Teams now know that if they can play a neat passing game against us they're just about guaranteed to score with our tetley-like defence.
We should have wrapped this up months ago.
I really hope that MON is looking at a major overhaul this summer, it's just not good enough. I can't even begin to tell you how much this result rankles(sp?) with me, not only does it negate last weeks win at SNAKE MOUNTAIN but it's ruined my bank holiday weekend! I'll need to console myself with Sabrina on Hit Me Baby One More Time! :-)
Stephen Connelly
Mossend
(no longer welcome in the Newarthill Club)
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I won't get in to team selection, tactics or who didn't play well today.
Hibs taught us a lesson in style of play and exposed the current weaknesses in our team and our style. They didn't adopt the punt up the park. Instead they played the ball on the deck, used their skill and very quick interpassing and speed to their advantage. All this from a very young team. They thoroughly deserved their win and maybe MON will take heed when rebuiling the team this summer. Skill + speed + possession = Success
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That was just awfull, can someone please tell me why MON continually plays Petrov out right and Thomo through tthe middle, as I've no idea !
As Stephen says, all it takes it pass and move and we have no answer. If we don't major rebuild next season we'll just about make top six.
No excuse's about today the better team won, simple as that.
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After winning at Castle Greyskull last week why can we not have the trophy presented at Home next week?
It's not as if we will be caught is it?
I thought the referee had a shocker today, is he a mason by any chance?
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well i'm absolutely deflated after today. how can we go to mordor and get a result and follow it up with a performance like that? 3 times their forward's were one on one with marshall. That shouldn't be allowed to happen. 3 times they score. that defence has constantly put pressure on the rest of the team to deliver before they've even warmed up in a game. to anyone who slated beattie last week. shame on you. that BOY tried his heart out again this week and deservedly got man of the match although petrov ran himself dry today with no help from his fellow midfielders. i know we were missing sutty, agathe and bellers but they played us off the park today and we're the ones going for a title?
they could go top next saturday with us having to beat the dons at home! nae bother eh!!!??
there wiz me hoping for a nice few relaxing weeks before the cup final!
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anon 6.14. the ref is a celtic fan. the game today was lost to a better skillfull team of hunger players. still top.back on track next week so lets make some noise..
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totally gutted losing but to be fair we lost to a team more up for it on the day! seemed more like it was hibs that were tryin to win the league not us! it is normal for us to play under par after a celtic rangers game but this one was a bit more important than most being a pinacle stage in the season!
big john has been strolling around upfront for a long time now! not long after he got his contract if i remember rightly! and he was the same today! but when he got elbowed in the head early in the second half and the guy got booked how come he didnt get a red? if the ref saw it then he should of walked as it was clearly nothing other than violent conduct!
i see a small section in 141 was a bit empty today as they prepare for the singing section to come into play! maybe for the Aberdeen game but more likely the ROI game! could give the astomsphere the lift its been needing this year for the final home game!
Come on the Hoops
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WTF was that?
Just goes to show that football will always win.
We looked more balanced when Aiden swaped to the right, Thommo came left and Stan went through the middle.
Regardless of the fact that he's a 25+ goal a season player, BBJ is just not mobile enough. If he did get injured (as osmeone suggested) and it's affecting his game, should he be on the park?
Chelsea have just won the EPL, and their top scorer is an attcking midfield player who is allowed to play in the position that suits him, by a manager that isn't afraid to drop those that are out of sorts. Petrov has the ability and engine to put that guy to shame. Does Thommo?
Disappointing - especially after last weeks result, but we are still on top.
But why are we still relying on other results.....
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Speechless.
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Apologies for posting a comment that I previously posted after the Rangers game last Sunday.
'Anyone concerned about winning the next few games without Bellamy? Let's not forget how rank some of our pre-Bellamy form was this season'.
Too many people have started talking about when and where the league will be won and not if the league will be won. I'm especially surprised that some of this has come from Paul 67 in his current lead article on this website.
We were played off the park today by a team that played football on the deck with plenty of movement and quick passing to feet. The way football should be played.
There is no way on earth that we should be so outplayed albeit minus Bellamy, Sutton and Agathe. We are paying huge wages to an experienced team for them to serve up one of the the most inept performances of the season at such a crucial stage of the season.
Like every other Celtic supporter I hope and pray that we can somehow get over the finishing line with a team on its last legs. If TFOD win tomorrow then its back in the melting pot.
If we don't go on to win the league from a lead of 5 points with 4 games left then I for one will not be sad to see MON head back to the Premiership and for Celtic to bring in a new manager who will cut out the deadwood that exists among the current playing staff. Next season Celtic need to get back to playing football the 'Celtic way'. Next season, any Celtic player who punts the ball up the park when under no pressure whatsover from the opposition should be fined a weeks wages and dropped from the team.
Vintim
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Hello ,agree with vintim,our team needs a makeover we seem to be crawling over the finish line,a lack of hunger seems to be present,still think we will win the league, but major surgery is needed, love the site Paul
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Georgiebhoy, we are not relying on other results. Win our next three games and we will be champions.
And Paul, how could you jinx us like that?
1, 2, 3, 4...
Just counting my chickens again!
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Thanks for your encouragement Cabbage and Anon at 10.02.
Barnie, safe in Pot 2 assuming we qualify, promise.
Vintim and Bankiebhoy, I am not taking the blame for this one. It is one thing for me to act like the league is one and another for the players to do so.
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Greetings,Paul67 et al,
Oh, Dear!
What can the matter be?
It was a God-Awful performance that I and several of my colleagues, had the misfortune to witness at doleful Parkhead Stadium, today, by a washed-up Crew of Non-Triers.
In case there should be any doubt as to whom I am referring --- I will make it perfectly clear--- This Abominable Celtic Team!
Paul, you may remember that I postulated, at the beginning of the season, that Celtic should clear the decks,and use this season as a building platform for the future.
I proposed that Mr. O'Neill should open the floodgates and dot his team generously with some of the up and coming Youth, plus retaining of course, a nucleus of experienced performers.
I am sure that using that strategy, Mr. O'Neill would have been able to achieve at the worst,a second place niche, in the Premier League. Who Knows~???
But he would now have generated a more viable , youthful and most importantly, a Celtic squad that would be playing for the jersey!
However, Celtic would reap the benefit in 2006.
Look at the performance enhancement that has been unveiled, this season, by a Youth inspired, Hibs, Aberdeen and Motherwell.
As matters stand at the present, Celtic are definitely in Deep Merde.
Even if they go on to win the championship, the make-up of their present team is deeply flawed.
They cannot possibly advance too far in the Euro Competitions with the personnel that we saw at Parkhead today~!!
Only by a massive injection of several Euro Class personnel can even a modicum of success be attained amongst the elite.
Such is the amount of treasure residing in the Celtic Coffers,at present, THAT possibility, is so much Pie In the Sky!
This idiosyncrasy that Mr. O'Neill has, such as displayed by his insistence of playing safety first, in team selection, is my only complaint in his Managerial Make-Up.Definitely condemned to very short term thinking.
I myself have always promoted a youth oriented and forward thinking component into my professional career. And if I may say so, it has worked extremely well.
All of this advice that I am espousing, is in my opinion, a No Brainer.
In fact it borders on the mundane. A prosaic ramble of the obvious.
Ho Hum, even.
I fully expect a roar of derision, from the readers of this most excellent site, regarding the above comments.
So be it.
They said that Napoleon was mad and they said that my Uncle Silas was mad(" And they were right, he WAS mad!") whispered Vito.
Vito~~~!!!
A Very Disappointed and Dejected
Fargo.
Somewhere in the Gallowgate.
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On the subject of counting (not chickens this time):
This season...
Celtic had their least memorable season in Europe under MON.
And in the SPL...
Celtic have lost more games than any other under MON, and as many as in the previous two combined.
Celtic will have their lowest final points total under MON.
Celtic will have their lowest number of goals scored in a season under MON (unless they notch up 11 in their last 3 games, which is highly unlikely on current form).
Celtic will have their highest number of goals conceded in a season under MON, even if they don't concede again - and they have only done worse in this respect in 2 of the last 10 seasons.
But in 3 of the last 4 seasons, under MON, Celtic have won 31 games. This season to date they have won 28 with 3 to play.
28 + 3 = 31.
If Celtic win their next 3 games they will be Champions.
But the decline will have to be stopped. If we continue in the same direction that we seem to be going in now, next season we will win nothing. Nor will we be able to console ourselves with an appearance in a European Final!
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At this level, success is as much about what is in the head as in ability. I cant imagine what was in MON and key players’ heads today, but whatever it was was all wrong. The team looked and felt wrong from the start.
Where has the confidence and imperiousness of the last few seasons gone? Hibs are a great young team who played really well today, but they should never have been allowed to play like they did. Celtic started like they thought the league was already won, then ended up like rabbits caught in headlights, bereft of ideas and unable to change their style of play to deal with a confident opponent.
Bellamy has been brilliant for us but I think his skill
