 Monday, April 25, 2005
Celtic domination of Rangers reaches historic proportions
My friends, we now officially live in historic times. In the 117 years since Celtic fans first raised their voices; we now live in the third most successful period in the history of our club, a club more dominated by its own history than any other.
You need to look back to Jock Stein’s team who created a then world record 9-in-a-row, or before that to Willie Malley’s team, who between 1905-10 established a then 6-in-a-row world record to find better days for Celtic fans.
Immense credit must go firstly to Martin O’Neill. Yesterday’s was a huge game for the manager. If he had lost, and lost his second league to Alex McLeish, his reputation would have suffered. Not for the first time his team raised their game.
Balde and Varga played better than they had done so in some months, gone was the hesitation, replaced by a ‘ma-ba’ attitude. How we have missed Didier Agathe. After 21 minutes he collected 25 yards out and sent in the exact same cross he had done in Seville 23 months ago. How the memories came flooding back.
Stillian Petrov, clearly man of the match, smacked a great header home from twelve yards. He covered more ground than anyone else on the field today. Before these games you hear lots of talk about ‘which team wants the win most’, Petrov clearly wanted the win as much as anyone in the stands today, never mind the park.
“Watch me at Ibrox” was the advice from Craig Bellamy earlier this month, he didn’t disappoint. Celtic’s second goal was simplicity itself. Alan Thompson (scourge of the Rangers) collected the ball inside his own penalty area, weaved a route forward before releasing the kind of ball I would be telling stories about ten years later if I had played it.
Bellamy still had plenty to do when he collected the ball, though he had clearly been watching Larsson in last seasons Scottish Cup Final. Kyrgiakos, who had a torrid afternoon, made the basic mistake of not forcing Bellamy towards the goal-line, allowing the Welshman to cut inside and find the corner of the net.
It was a great league winning goal.
Sutton had an unusually quiet game; although so did the Rangers midfield, which may have been his objective for the day. David Marshall dealt comfortably with most of what Rangers threw at him, though his flap at a corner kick immediately before halftime and his ‘walkabout’ in the second half act as a reminder that he is not yet the finished article.
Craig Beattie must have had his most frustrating day as a footballer. Twice he had the freedom of Ibrox and failed to finish Rangers off. Then, after failing to clear and being robbed by Novo when Rangers scored, he was hooked by Martin O’Neill. Allowance should be made for the young player, league deciders are no place to eas yourself back into first-team football.
McLeish suggested that Celtic were more “cute” than his team today. That may well be the case; however, with the attention Bellamy and Thompson in particular took in the first half hour, it is clear that McLeish tried the same tactic which worked so effectively for him earlier in the season.
On paper Bellamy and Thompson look the most likely candidates Rangers could bate into a reaction. Both players handled the slings and arrows in exemplary fashion.
What now for Rangers?
As has been discussed here many times before, the ‘loser’ tag is difficult to shift. Having missed their chance this season, you get the feeling it might be some time before Celtic allow them to get so close again.
The third greatest period in our history may well turn into a generation of domination over our Glasgow rivals.
The only annoying part of the afternoon for me was the realisation that Bayern Munich manager Felix Magath was in the crowd. When such a luminary comes to Glasgow we know a few things. We know that the object of his attention will already have been watched by Bayern scouts and that Magath himself will have watched video’s of the player. We also know that there is no-one in blue he would have been there to see.
It is a timely reminder that no matter what level of domestic domination we achieve, our success remains vulnerable as long as we play in the SPL.
112 Comments:
-
Ahhh, what a fine morning it is today, and how brightly the sun shines.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. And we were so much tougher both physically and mentally yesterday. We had winners all over the park, and most importantly we kept our discipline.
If Bellamy had stayed injury free, it could well have been 3 or 4 yesterday...or if Beattie hadn't thought he was King Henrik in the 6-2 game as he opted to chip the keeper.
No matter. It was all about winning yesterday and that's just what we did.
There is no finer joyous feeling in life than beating that mob, especially in their own back yard, and even better when it's a title decider.
We Shall Not Be Moved.
-
Four titles in five years not too shabby and the title we lost came down to a goal now is our chance now if we win(William Wallace speech next) the leaague we must strengthen lets do exactly what they did to us in the 90's and that is kicked the crap out of us when we were down but as a club we got up before the count of ten.
I am not asking the board to go crazy and go on a spending spree all i want is a bellamy, a centre half, a goalkeeper, and a left back.
Is that too much to ask Paul.
Petrov had a mighty game, Sutton did excellent was Bazza playing yesterday i dont recall could of had something to do with Sutton dominating him.
Hail Hail!!!!
-
Great article Paul. In my time as a Celtic fan, we have never enjoyed so much domestic dominance over the beasties, a point that is so often missed by MON's detractors. We hear complaints about the long ball, lack of mobility and how we don't play football the "Celtic" way, yet this is the most successful team many of us have watched. There was an interview on Sky on Saturday with Chevchenko were he talked about Mourinho being a great manager because football is all about results and his record spoke for itself. The same can be said about MON.
-
Sunday morning and I was in the early autumn of my discontent.
Celtic bossed Rangers around for most of the game without achieving great heights. The team as it is still has the capacity for domestic dominance. This should now confirm the hoops as champions.
Now for a summer of signings to circumvent a winter of discontent.
Rich Pickings
-
Great credit to the MON 'stalwarts' who raised their game once again to snuff out Rangers. The difference between the sides though was down to two men. Bellamy-not quite Larssonesque in his manner but not far away it would appear in quality and work ethic. And Petrov. I was astonished to see The Scotsman give Petrov a 7/10 and Sutton a 9/10! Yes, Sutton forced Baz right back on top of his defenders but Petrov's display was absolutely outstanding. If Magath was watching Bobo he might well come away more impressed with Petrov.
I think I'll head along to Pittodrie to support my sheep-shagging friends against Rangers.
-
Paul, Do you think Magath was their to watch Petrov? I think Stan should be made club captain and the team be built around him. We need to show him he is the future of the club, I feel he would relish in the role and become an even better payer.
Pat Magee
-
Paul this mihgt seem daft but who are you suggesting that Bayern were watching?
Absolutely magnificent performance yesterday, we bossed them. We have a great asset in Petrov. Should we not be looking to make more signings in the way we did with him? Dagliesh said when he joined that he was an all round player who had everything, including potential. How right he was. One of his best qualities is his ability to stay out of the headlines. Whilst one half of Glasgow is ranting and raving about Ferguson and how good he is, the other half is quietly content that we have a much superior player.
Hail Hail
-
Nice to see you post about football this time Tom!
-
Our sunset team rose once again, when it counted the most. All credit to them, as it is tougher and tougher when the old legs get tired. All played a part but it was the young guns who took on more than their share, Petrov, Marshall, Bellamy, 25 and under.
It was Petrov's finest game in a Celtic jersey. He looked like a man possessed (and must have impresssed Magath and any other managers watching). Owen Hargreaves....not even close.
Let's enjoy the moment.
Let's give them a break in the last 4 games as they may very well scrape a few games, as long as we do the deed.
Hail, Hail.
-
Bayern are meant to be interested in Balde.
But giving the performace of a few yesterday any number could have caught his eye.
Bellamy apart at least we have most players secured on long term deals so Bayern would need to cough up the cash for any of them.
-
The Bayern interested in Balde story makes sense given their ineffectiveness when defendinding the high ball against Chelsea.
On another note, we should all join our man in Aberdeen cheering on the sheep this Sunday. If they can get a draw and we beat Hibs, we can win the league against them at home on the 8th of May.Looking forward to it already.
GM
-
I Believe MON has now won at least one league match at Greyskull in the last 5 seasons, Has this ever been done before.
Bellshill Tim - Hows the head and did you get the kebab sauce out of the carpet !!!
-
Nice to see you can't resist "bumming up" your favourite Thomson again !
This might well be the last big effort from the current ageing crop of players but you could tell by the way Lennon & Balde celebrated at the end of the 90 minutes how much that victory in their midden meant to them all.
Suprised to see they weren't booked though ! Did you miss that Mr Dougal ?
-
Adrian, agree with your request; Bellamy, goalkeeper, centre half and a left back is not too much to ask, and is probably the limit on how many players we should prudently look to buy in any one season.
No idea who Bayern were watching, though the press seem to have a notion about Balde.
I’m just telling it as it is about Thompson San Miguel, no favorites here at Celtic Quick News :-)
I have taken a lot of stick over him, as has the player himself here, so there is no harm pointing out when he pulls a match winning pass out of the bag.
Alan Thompson, Scourge of the Rangers!
-
How thick can a bunch of fans be? Bellamy states in the press that when he gets booed he plays better, so what happens? They boo him and he proceeds to rip the p*ss out of them. Just as well he went off or Big Eck would have got the sack, and we don`t want that. Yes Bobo was great yesterday but if Bayern are interested then we could command a decent fee for him, which wouldn`t bother me too much. I still think he has cost us some important games. Felt sorry for Craig Beattie but sentiment shouldn`t come into it, in a nutshell he was woeful, the points should have been wrapped up long before they pulled one back. Still, what a day! Isn`t it great being a tim!
-
well done lads for an excellent game of football(apart from beatie who was a disgrace to the shirt),the bhoys showed the clear humongous wealth of class between the sides. Rangers hang on the coat tails of celtic and its just a shame their supporters wouldn't follow our European winning example.
MON is just world class and only hope we can hang on to bellars.
-
Brilliant! The Bhoys came to play and they came to win. Not to tie but to win. Credit MON for another big victory when it was needed most. A veteran performance from the team.
Speed kills and wasn't it nice to see Agathe back? Hopefully Bellamy liked it well enough to want to come back next year. Petrov would have my vote for man of the match. Bellamy's unsung asset is his defending in the front. This is something that is usually underappreciated.
Hail Hail!!!!
-
Romany says,
Anonymous at 3.14 - Your comment about Beattie is well wide of the mark. The boy didn't have a good game. He missed at least 2 great chances and he looked well short of match fitness. But when on earth did that constitute being "a disgrace to the shirt"? Get a grip.
-
"apart from beatie who was a disgrace to the shirt"
What rubbish are people on today? Have you taken your pills or forgotten where you put them?
We have just beaten rangers away, and there are puinters who wish to hang this guy for one glaring miss, the other opportunity he had well saved by wattereus.
Yes he was slow, he has had how many appearances by MON since the last game he played at Ibrox in November. One? Two? Match fit, no he isn't. Is Sean match fit? No he isn't. Playing a few games at U21 level is not going to prepare them for this game.
FCS Henke missed a number of one on ones, Bellamy had 2 in his debut against TFOD.
Before christmas i heard the same stuff said about Marshall when he made a mistake from Bitter PT 20 Celtic 'supporters' who i know leave the ground early to 'beat the rush'. Should he have never worn the jersey?
Cut the crap people, the kids will not improve unless they play regular footie, how can they with Fernandez, Sylla and Lambert playing ahead of them at U21 and then they are in limbo stuck on our First team bench, due to the Substitute U21 ruling, but never getting a game even if the Hoops are 2 up away at Livvy - lets put henchoz on instead.
Wrote about this rubbish last week, if you aren't able to accept that we may not win every game, that the kids coming through may be lacking severely in experience at the top level and that this only comes from actually playing, well as far as I am concerned go support Chelski.
Just cut the vitriol towards the kids now. if you want to pin the crap on others, bang it on players such as Fernandez (or previously Petta), picking up big wages, and not even interested in challenging for a first team spot.
Rugby bhoy
-
should have read Bitter PT 20 minute to go and leaving Celtic 'supporters'. Just to clear up my anger towards such morons.
But we seem to be forgeting how close we came to yesterday the perfect moment....Neil Lennon scoring at Mordor. Now that would truly have been the icing on any cakes.
Rugby bhoy
-
Agreed that "disgrace to the shirt" is a bit strong, but he was dreadful. It should give those who bemoan MON's willingness to stick with the tried and tested some pause for thought before they criticise him in the future.
GM
-
I am really happy that we are in this position and it is important that we can keep it up in the next 2 home games with the crowd behind the team. Performances have been poor after mid week games and international breaks so one game a week with the finish in sight should suit Celtic.
-
I've followed this blog since it's inception last year. I enjoy the intellegent and informative discussion that is absent in other media forums. Plaudits to Paul and all.
The progression of the youth players at not just Celtic but at all Scottish clubs is hampered by the system that they now adopt regarding competative games. The reserve league of the 60's and 70's was exactly that. A young lad coming through would be playing alongside first team members who were on the periphery or injured players getting match fitness in preparation for a starting place. This learning from playing beside experienced players was always a vital ingredient in the young players coming through from the "Quality Street" gang under Jock Stein, as it was before him. Why did we abandon this in favour of the youth system we now have? Beattie, Wallace and Maloney and the rest are denied an essential chapter in their apprenticeships. What benefits do you think Dalglish, Hay, McGrain and many more got from playing in the reserves with "Lions" who were not involved in the first IX?
-
i was not talking about beaties missed shots which were dreadful and don't give me that match fitness crap, he is a professional football player, i was talking about his commitment to the team and to the situation of the match. he was dandering about the pitch as if he was playing his mates in the park. he was brought on to keep the ball and keep the rankers defense busy and make a nusance of himself but he didn't want to know,so if he can't motivate himself playing for celtic against the rankers in a title winning game then he shouldn't wear the shirt again. He should have finished the game at least twice and in not doing so put the rest of the team under severe pressure at the end and nearly costs us two valuable points, thats why MON took him of to let him know if you going to play for celtic your going to play not bluff you way.
Getting back to the main thing which is we have an excellent team and manager and another cup and title on the way and the best supporters in the world
hail hail
-
To annonymous at 4.25 - take a Setller.
I said in my post on the previous blog that Beattie must have made himself available or created 4 or 5 scoring chances. That's 4 0r 5 more than BBJ.
I guess you must be on the coaching staff as that's the only way you would know that MON put him on the park to keep the huns defence busy (which he did!!) and to make a nuisance of himself (really??).
We don't have the best supporters in the world - crap like this from you proves it!
-
Beermats,
head is splitting, throat is killing me, and my carpet is ruined, got vanish carpet stuff on it the now so fingers crossed.
Little tip lads when you invite your mate back for a few more beers and another view of the match,and he has a kebed always make him take a tray no matter how confident he seems about not dropping the whole thing all over the carpet, lessons learned.
The players that matter showed their worth yesterday, if they continue to play like that then we can enjoy the last few games and just soaked up the atmosphere and get right behind the bhoys.
-
cool it down paulw88
don't go abusing a fellow celtic fan or BBJ thats just bad form. lets agree to disagree on that one and celebrate a glorious victory
-
CAUSE FOR (MORE) CELEBRATION:
That's 4-in-a-row for the Reserves, and with the First XI and Youth teams to follow imminently we can look forward to celebrating a clean sweep, AGAIN! And don't forget the Scottish Youth Cup Final on Wednesday - get down there to support the Bhaby Bhoys if you can.
[Copied from www.CelticFC.net]
"Supersub Gardyne seals title
By Stephen Sullivan
Scottish Premier Reserve League,
Monday April 25, 2005,
East End Park
DUNFERMLINE… 1 (Wilson 28)
CELTIC… 2 (Lambert 30, Gardyne 90)
The reserves today retained the league championship in dramatic fashion after Michael Gardyne struck a stunning injury time winner to leave Livingston requiring a mathematical miracle to overhaul the table-topping Bhoys.
Gardyne’s late, great strike established a nine point lead for Kenny McDowall’s side over the Almondvale outfit and, while Livvy could retrieve that in their three remaining fixtures - provided Celtic lose all of theirs - a goal difference column in which they are 19 behind in front leaves them with little cause for hope.
McDowall’s side have therefore secured the first part of a potential title treble - with the senior side and under-19s closing in on their respective championships - and they did so in spirited style in a keenly contested clash at sun-kissed East End Park.
With the carrot of a fourth successive title dangling tantalisingly in front of them, Celtic began at a predictably high tempo, penning their hosts in their own half with some forceful early play.
First to threaten was Ross Wallace, who in just four minutes embarked on a brilliant, jinking run through the heart of the Pars’ defence, one brought to a swift and brutal end a couple of yards from the penalty area by a scything challenge from Aaron Labonte. Undeterred, Wallace merely dusted himself down, stepped up for the resultant free-kick and, having successfully cleared the wall, was only denied a spectacular early goal by the alertness and agility of Jamie Langfield.
McDowall had persevered with a front pairing of Michael McGlinchey and David Fernandez, and it was the former who fashioned for himself Celtic’s next chance, leaving his marker floundering on the touchline with a mesmerising turn only to then shoot into the side-netting when a more unselfish course of action might have
yielded an opener.
The Hoops’ early enthusiasm was to go entirely unrewarded, in fact, and Dunfermline soon established a foothold in the match, forcing a couple of excellent chances of their own for the mis-firing Jesper Christiansen.
Within the space of just a few minutes, the Dane was guilty of spurning two glaring chances, first when he mis-kicked in front of goal after strike partner Billy Mehmet had presented him with the simple task of side-footing home and then when he contrived, while unmarked at the back post, to head tamely wide.
Mehmet himself then cut inside from the right on 25 minutes, forcing a superb save out of Wood from the angle of the box, and yet still Celtic failed to heed the warning signs.
They were soon to pay the price, though in truth there was little anyone in the Hoops’ ranks could have done to prevent Craig Wilson’s superb left-foot drive flashing into the net off the inside of Sandy Wood’s left-hand post from fully 25 yards.
It was a gem of a goal and yet, within three minutes, it had been bettered by the right boot of Paul Lambert.
Danger appeared minimal when Fernandez rolled the ball back to the Hoops skipper as he charged towards the penalty area, but Lambert succeeded in confounding everyone’s expectations by adjusting his body to curl a perfectly judged right-foot shot around the closing defender and in at Langfield’s near post.
The game was flowing enthrallingly from end to end at this stage and, of the numerous efforts peppered at both goals as half-time approached, the best came from Gary Irvine, who met Charlie Mulgrew’s cross on the volley, smashing a ferocious drive no more than a foot wide of the far post.
After the break, by contrast, chances were at a premium as Celtic struggled to translate their territorial advantage into opportunities worthy of the name.
The most notable of them all fell to Lambert, in fact, but he couldn't replicate his first-half wondergoal and instead sliced wildly wide of Langfield’s left-hand post.
Celtic persisted, although they must have felt it wasn’t to be their day when, with 10 minutes remaining, McManus rose to glance towards goal Wallace’s tempting inswinging free-kick only to see the ball
bounce back off the underside of the bar.
Yet, a minute into injury time – and with Scott Cuthbert having cleared off the line from Mehmet just minutes before – Gardyne provided a spectacular match-winner.
Bursting forward from midfield, the mercurial little Dundonian linked neatly with Quinn before dribbling into the Pars box and, with a string of defenders closing in, unleashed a magnificent right-foot drive into the top right-hand corner from 16 yards.
It was a goal fit to win any game, and any title.
DUNFERMLINE (4-4-2): Langfield; Ross, Scullion, Labonte, Kay; Phinn, Wilson, Makel, Dunn; Christiansen, Mehmet
CELTIC (4-4-2): Wood; Irvine, Cuthbert, McManus, Mulgrew; McParland, Lawson (Gardyne 79), Lambert, Wallace; Fernandez, McGlinchey (Quinn 46) Subs: Fox, Bjarnason, Reid"
-
Oregon boy;can't help but say 'told you so!' ;)
The Bhoys were amazing,Petrov played like his life depended on it and similar performances next season in europe will help us progress to the second round.
Celtic must do everything they can to keep the Bhoyo Bellamy, what a goal!
Great to watch the game surrounded by huns;all who happened to leave for another drink or p*ss just when Bellamy stuck it past them.
Fantastic day only slightly spoiled by listening to the numpties on the radio having a wee laugh about Stan getting hit in the head by the cola.Must have been the highlight of their day.
Anyway... Fly The Flag!
-
Paul,
Fully support your mention of Agathe. The guy was outstanding yesterday.
First 90 mins for how long and he was still doing it at the end.
The defence is suddenly composed, because we have someone who can match any pace thrown at us. They are also helped because there is an obvious out ball down the right hand side. Time after time Didier turns bad balls into good ones by his pace and ability to keep chasing.
Furthermore Stan picks Didier's return to be outstanding. He also has cover on the right and can commit - taking risks rather than needing to think about his defensive duties.
Agathe is probably our most important player when it comes to big matches - because there is no one else in the squad who comes close to being able to do the job that he does.
And yet, because some supporters still see him as an attacking winger, and because his crossing is generally poor he gets hardly any credit and opprobrium by the bucket load from our support.
The campaign to get him the recognition he deserves starts here.
-
Hi Paul,
First time poster, I have been reading your site on/off for a few months now. I hope your predictions on the BIG SPEND bear fruit, God knows if a set of fans deserve it, it's ours. We cannot only purchase Craig Bellamy others must be sought and signed if we want out club to progress in Europe next season. Please take the chance, Martin will deliver.
I have watched Celtic all season and have at times despaired at the fare that has been on show, but not yesterday, that was a fantastic showing of skill, heart, controlled aggresion and a team spirit that I have never witnessed in a Celtic team in my life time.
Did anybody read Daryl Broadfoots report in todays Herald? Oh how it must hurt.
Didier Agathe's inclusion yesterday was crucial for our defence, the side had a better balance about it and the entire team looked more comfortable, let they who shout abuse from the North Stand be ashamed of yourselves, you know who you are!!!!
Barry Fergusons comments on Craig Bellamy should be applauded but I can't help but wonder what the headlines on today papers would have been if the shoe was on the other foot.
Cheers, GreenandWhiteman
-
Taggsybhoy
We're all entitled to gloat and enjoy the moment. The first 1/2 was right back to the glory performances of Europe. Flowing passes. Devastating wing play and goals. 3 more please!
Some guys have been way over the top on young Beattie. I'm only glad we held out, imagine the abuse he's have got if TFOD had scored another at the end?! If you thiught he wasn't trying, fair enough. But I thought he tried too hard. One miss was bad (kind of finish most of us would have managed) but the other was just a good save. Encourage the guy, mauling doesn't improve anyone.
Marshall, Agathe, Sutton, Lennon, Petrov, Thompson and Bellamy were immense.
Obviously losing Bellamy was a blow, but why did we go so deep in the last 20? I knew TFOD would nick one, I just hoped it would be too little too late. I hate to carp on such a joyous occasion, but if we give away possession in Europe like this we would be turned over. Still, that's hopefully to be sorted out in the summer.
Maybe Magathe was looking at Maurice Ross? To think he never got booked. Amazing. Not that I wanted him off!
To change the subject (only slightly) if you've enjoyed the gloating electronically, just think how much fun the CQN Open will be in the summer. As I write, we've got over 20 committed golfers and non-golfers coming out to the Fife Riviera on Friday July 15 for the Celtic-minded sporting event of the summer. Capacity is 40. I'd love to pack the place out. A bus will be laid on. So, if anyone missed Paul's earlier post on it, contact me at taggsybhoy@yahoo.co.uk There may well be further "names" to be added to the already glittering line up of Paul67 and Frank McAveety, so you don't want to miss out!
T
-
Agree with Burgh Celt re Agathe and the positive impact his return had on Petrov (A similar point I made in my post prior to the game – moving Jackie to LB and Agathe at RB giving the team a better balance).
Although Stan wasn’t exactly confined to the centre midfield as many of us had been arguing for, he had much more freedom in his game knowing that one of the best covering defenders in the game was supporting him. This is what makes football such a great game – we all knew something wasn’t quite right about Petrov on the right but Didier’s return has enlightened us!
Craig Beattie will hopefully be better and more determined after Sunday. I still think he has two qualities required in the modern game (strength and speed). He was not a disgrace!
Dougall’s booking of Bellamy was outrageous (including the one against Clyde that’s two now which were completely undeserved).
I’m a happy Celt again – a draw was never going to be enough for me. A convincing win as requested!
Barnie
-
Welcome CynicalCelt. How to develop youth players into great Celtic players is a mystery to me, in fact, maybe I could be cynical about the very concept. No ideas on how to make it work.
BurghCelt, as many have said, we have missed Agathe greatly, fully back your campaign to start showing him credit for the job he does.
Football fans are fickle, even the greatest fans in the world – the above exchange being a literary classic. Delivery into the box is a really important part of our game, and Didier is often left to get on with it.
At his worst, he is consistent, which is no bad thing. At his best he is extremely effective.
Welcome also GreenAndWhiteMan, I have no doubt that we will spend more in the summer than we have in the previous three years combined. After a few financially hard years we can afford to push ahead again.
Remember that Celtic have been running at massive losses every season for six years now, next season will be an opportunity to spend money and to break even.
-
Fantastic performance under tremendous pre match pressure, though the only real presure during the match came from some absurd decisions by the referee. Agathe's fantastic tackle - foul given in a dangerous area, Agathe's booking for a toe to toe 50-50 challenge, Ricksen running his studs down Thompsons legs, the ridiculous booking for Bellamy and so on, anyway, i suppose it made more of a contest and spectacle.
Those of us who did not have the pleasure of being at the game were also subjected to Setanta commentary, which defies belief, if it had been 2 Scottish commentators ruminating over Scotland getting turned over by Germany at Hampden the tone would be more understandable. But the obsession with the failings of one team on the park, against the pros of the dominant team, in a so called impartial commentary really defy belief. Thanks guys, it made the celebrations even more enjoyable at the final whistle.
One last positive from a negative, did everybody else almost kill themselves laughing at The Sunday Mail front page and it's attempt at disrupting Bellers/Celtic's preparations!! It was almost like self parody and ridicule.
Not a single failure in the team and I include Craig Beattie in that, he rumbled up Rangers, got into great positions and with more football recently the touch and composure would have been there and 1 or 2 goals scored.
I have to add again that we do not need a goalkeeper, we have a good, potentially great goalkeeper in Marshall. I dont buy this more experience required blah blah. Antti Niemi has been lauded all season as a great keeper - and he is, as far as shot stopping is concerned - but he had a nightmare yesterday. Other than Petr Cech i dont know a goalie who doesn't make the odd mistake and he will soon!!
Also like to say welcome back Didier, hopefully you will also get more credit from now on.
With only one game a week from now on, the title will be won in 2 weeks and we can start celebrating again.
Although we have not performed at our best this season and we need freshening up, the fact we gave Rangers a real sniff of the title has made the victory that bit sweeter than our 20 point procession in recent years - schadenfreude is great, serve chilled.
-
Agree with Burghcelt and greenandwhiteman about Agathe. I have previously posted about the unfair treatment he gets at home games and would like to think that his performance will get these people off his back.....but it probably won't.
Paul,well done for mentioning Thomson's contribution yesterday.Another player given a hard time by the boo boys. Not had the greatest of seasons but would anyone like to add up the amount of assists he has?
It may be nice to win the league at home in a couple of weeks but winning it at Tynecastle would be so so sweet.
-
Fantastic result and performance yesterday.I'm just starting to recover from it!!!
I have to agree with all those who have praised Agathe.We saw the best performance from Stan Petrov in some time as a direct consequence of his introduction to the team.I also felt that Stan playing infield a little gave him the space down the touchline to get forward when he could.Rangers couldn't cope with either of them.
My only wish was that Bellamy had lasted the 90 minutes.I know from talking to my Hun colleagues that they were glad to see the back of him as he was starting to take the piss out of their back four.But that would have been Utopia.
Comments on Craig Beattie as being useless or whatever,total nonsense.He will know himself he should have done better,but if you don't make mistakes you don't learn anything.Next time he's one on one,I guarantee you he won't panic again.Same with Marshall,made a couple of mistakes but also made a couple of fine saves.The passage of time and experience should see the mistakes disappear.
Hibs next on the agenda,let's get behind the Bhoys and put the pressure on the Huns before their visit to Pittodrie.I can honestly see them dropping more points there,especially with them chasing a European place.
Agreed that it is time to push on from our position of (comparative)strength,if there is money available we need to trust MON to spend it wisely and make the signings that will take us to the CL knockout rounds.I mean if Liverpool can get there.......
Lastly,intrigued to find virtually no reporting of the coin throwing at the Celtic dugout(spotted by a Rangers fan),Ball spitting at Hartson or the nutter trying to get to Bellamy after he scored and had the audacity to kneel down.(Thought Dougal was atrocious by the way.Kyrgiakos,Ross,Ricksen getting away with murder)Lucky security caught him or there could really have been a riot.
Roll on the double.
BankieBhoy
-
It was an excellent day and the team picked a great time to come good. There are still a few fixtures to be managed though and we have dropped points before...
we need to strengthen ,if bellars doesnt come then an offer for robbie keane would be the next acceptable thing for me. and how we need a left footed defender!
-
Paul- soccer 24-7 celtic have stolen your article word for word, unless your bart67.
Call the cops!!!!!!
-
Thanks for the alert Celtic Ultra, I am certainly not bart67. Wouldn’t mind as much if they gave credit to where the story came from.
-
Two moments of true quality on Sunday probably, the only moments of quality in the whole game, won it deservedly for the hoops. The 1st half it was men against boys and only in the last 20 did we ever look under pressure. The last 20 we sat so deep I even saw BBJ clearing the ball on the edge of the Celtic box!!!!! Its ok sitting deep if you have an outlet but we had no one as our two forwards where 20 yards from our own goal. Their goal came from our centre forward making a mess of clearing the ball.
We should have known it was our day right enough when Lennon had a shot on goal and Agathe put in a decent crossJ
Petrov that man should be sat down and put on a long term contract future captain and performances like he had on Sunday only reinforce that on his day there is no player in Scotland can touch him and would go as far to say he is in the top 5 midfielders in Britain. Industry, skill and a goal of beauty would have impressed the watching German party and if we are willing to give BBJ £32000 a week, Petrov should at least be on the same.
Bellamy we watched you son and boy did you deliver, Rankers saving grace is that he went of when he did or we would be talking about a DVD release of the murder at mordor.
We all knew deep down that when push came to shove we had better quality in the dangerous areas and if we kept it tight we would win. That proved to be the case but it only papers over the cracks and changes have to be undertaken in the summer. That Rankers team should not be close to us, and it’s a testament to the waning powers of this Celtic team that they are even close.
Craig Beattie took stage fright and I really feel sorry for the fellow and it will be very interesting to see MON man management skills on how he restores the guy’s confidence. That’s twice now he has came on as a sub and been taken off, doesn’t bode well for the future.
That was the only down spot on a good day and again calls into question MON usage of subs and his squad surely if Beattie had played more 1st team games then stage fright wouldn’t happen?
Surely we can’t blow it now? But can we really see them winning 4 out of 4?
-
Bhoys, Bhoys, Bhoys (and Ghirls), can you please give it a rest with the daft smiles and gloating... our friends from Mordor (not Greyskull - don't want another lecture on He-man, do you?) can spot us a mile off, and it's really ripping their knitting. Personally, I was really upset that we let the worst Rangers team in living memory get so close to us. We seemed to run out of stamina, which may have had something to do with the tough rounds of golf (mostly at the 19th hole) which most of the squad had taken part in the previous weekend in Donegal. Incidentally, many of those who were there have told me they're not altogether so sure that a big-money move for Bellers would be so wise after all. Don't let this site become a venue for gossip, but check with our Irish friends if you doubt this word of warning.
Back to Sunday's game, though, and I reckon it could very well be the Last Hurrah for MON's 2000-2005 heroes. The incredible professionalism of these born winners is there for all to see but does anyone truly believe we have the pace and technique to compete with Europe's big guns in next season's CL?
And lastly, please lay off big Craig. He has had a horrendous time with injuries and was clearly short of match fitness. Yet he literally ran himself into the ground over 30 minutes and was all over the park, even to the extent of playing an unwitting part in the Rangers goal. He has pace, strength and courage and is an unfailingly honest big lad who is popular with all at CP. All he needs is a bit of composure, which he is unlikely to develop if he gets pelters for one bad miss. Just remember his matchwinner at Fir Park earlier this season which came at a massively important point in the campaign. As for the other youngsters, get yourselves to Hampden Park on Wednesday night for the Youth Cup Final. You'll be pleasantly surprised I bet.
-
Just off the phone with my friend Florian who is a season ticket holder at Bayern Munich.He said there is a few positions at Bayern that they need at the moment to fill,The main one is a Central defender which has been a problem for a while he says,so Balde is more than likely the target man for Magath,his words not mine!He says that Henchoz was coached at Hamburg by Magath so another possibility?.Lastly,Zickler & Hashemian are more than likely to leave in the summer so he could be looking at Bellamy,if he wasn't he will be now.
On another note,an interesting fact has come to light between my German friend and I whilst on the phone.I went to visit him in July 2003 in his home town of Regensburg a bit out of Munich.I had the pleasure to see Jahn Regensburg(2nd division local team) versus TFOD in a pre-season friendly,of course Regensburg beat them 2-1,great pleasure as Advocaat who had recently stepped down at the "Castle" was in town to watch them and give his support but decided to leave at half time,never to return.(was hit by a tomato on the way out)However it now transpires that the Bishop of Munich at the time(Ratzinger) ie.,The POPE,Benedict XVI himself was at the game with his brother(unknown to me at the time)Wouldn't have been a big deal anyway,we've had a few Cardinals at CP on a regular basis.
He was born in Regensburg and still has his house there along with the rest of the family.When not in Rome he was back in his home town all the time I'm told.
So we had the fact that the dearly departed JP II had a few training sessions with Fulham but now the new POPE himself has actually been to a football game to watch The Forces of Darkness be thrashed by his local team.Classic.
Cabbage McFlabbergaster
-
once again the get out of jail card is used in the SPL, we scored now lets sit back and see what the worst rangers team in my memory can throw at us!
We had yet again, a team on the ropes, Against Aberdeen, Hearts (semi-final) and now rangers, it has worked just! but up against talented players it doesn't, Bayern, AC and Lyon.
If we fail to change how we play, we will lose.
It looks like we are now going down the road of a one man team. No-one is looking for a easy pass, its up the line to bellamy. It worked once for Thompson! what about the other 20 times!
Beattie ran his socks off, from right back to left wing he chased everything.
If MON or Walford or Robertson, who every makes the decisions! wants someone to keep a ball and find a pass, why not have confidence in Aiden, and not put all your confidence in lady luck.
-
Bayern Munich's central defender Robert Kovac is heading to Juventus at the end of the season. Robert Huth of Chelsea was their top candidate for a replacement, but following his display in Munich in the Champions League, they are looking elsewhere. Top target appears to be Daniel van Buyten of Hamburg, who is a very similar player to Bobo, but also on a long term contract.
O'Neil is a shrewd character: it might be time to take Sammy Kuffour + Jens Jeremies for Bobo plus 3m.
Unless he is going to do a mojo, Celtic's rumoured interest in Delron Buckley of Bielefeld can swiftly be brought to an end as he was yesterday presented as a Dortmund player from the end of the season (425,000€).
Most of the major German clubs have already moved into the transfer market for next season. Will we still be waiting for developments in August?
KD FfM
-
Paul(or should that be bart67?) and all fellow Tims,
Sorry to put a wee damper on our celebrations. But as someone who grew up watching Bobby Evans, Bobby Collins and Bertie Peacock and then Ronnie Simpson, Tommy Gemmell and wee Bertie Auld and then Dalglish, Danny McGrain and you get my drift, I have learned very painfully to take nothing for granted. We have been kicked in the teeth too often and not just by MITB. Let us save the celebrations of winning the league until we actually do so, no matter how great is the delight every time we beat the huns.
Let us realise too that we desperately need quality in defence (even if we have been greatly strengthened by Agathe's return) and midfield. How about Waterreus as another goalie? He looks as good as anything we have, even if Marshall, like Beattie may yet come very good.
Parkheadcumsalford.
-
JohnBhoy - I know exactly what you mean! He may be slightly forgiven after his goal but I know some players who wil not be too bothered if he doesnt stay - ask Jackie! They are all big boys and hopefully that whole incident can be put to rest, there are enough decent guys at Celtic to get a grip of Bellamy.
-
Ok, deliberatly kept quiet since Sunday.
The fall out for TFOD has been immense. It is obvious they didn't contemplate losing whereas we all seemed slightly nervous last week.
Celtic played with a determination we have not seen for a while. No more chances were created than the last time we played them and lost at CP, in fact, the two goals were certainly more difficult.
Just as after that game where I felt we shouldn't be too despondant, after Sunday we are no world beaters.
The passion and energy of the 1st half saw us through, I also believe that Sundays performance was the least we should expect given what was at stake.
What was more pleasing was the obvious confidence in each other and although there were some great individual displays, no one fell short of what was required.
As for those who are having a go at Beattie, behave yourselves.
He is a young lad, who has been injured and lacking match fitness. I for one thought he played reasonably well. If he had scored he wouldn't have been 1st choice striker, because he didn't, doesn't mean he goes on the transfer list.
I'm not convinced that Bellamy will stay, if he can walk away with 2 winners medals he may feel its been a worthwhile 5 months for him and move on. I do hope I am wrong.
Finally, another grenade coming.....did anyone notice that Robbie Keane was fourth choice striker last night for Spurs?
-
Re Robbie Keane.
I think Celtic can do much better than him.
IMO if Robbie were English I don't think there would be any such clamour for his signing.
Hail! Hail! Bring on the Double.
-
Hi fellow tims,
Have I had my head in the sand or just been a bit light-headed since Sunday to have missed what "went on" in Donegal(John Bhoy)? Was this the phone text story or something else entirely? What did Bellamy do to make other players doubt that Celtic should sign him?(ask Jackie!-Truetim).If MON can put up with the odd "caustic" comment from Bellers(MON's words not mine) then certain Celtic players should just accept him the way he is. Maybe there's a hint of jealousy and realisation that if they had put as much effort into the games as much as Bellers has since he came we would have won this league ages ago!!!!
We've all played in teams where the striker tended to be a right cocky b*****d but you put up with it coz he stuck the ba' in the back of the net more often than not.
Case closed yer honour!
-
Can someone please tell me what bellamy has meant to have done over in Ireland. Tell me one person who has not made an arse of themselves on a night out? Sign him and sign him now
Bryano
-
Sorry I have been in a dark room for a few days,what's Bellamy been up to this time? Has he been fighting with the other players in Ireland?
Joe (just off the rigs)
-
Anyone heard how Beller's scan went today?
-
Emjay,you could be right,whether they like him or not,he's banging in the goals,The guy gets the collar cut of all his shirts that he plays in,a bit crazy in the heid if you ask me,I think it's time for the conventional players to get used to the crazy wacko,looney YES,great player all the same.Buy him and if it doesn't work out then sell him on for a profit,we did it with di canio,cadete,hoojdonk(never figured out how to spell his name)
One point about the game,How many times was BBJ offside?how many times did the huns defence pull forward to put him offside?toooo slow big man.
JohnBhoy are you going tell us all what happened with Bellamy or do we have to guess?I'm sure you really want to keep us hanging on,go on tell us,or are we not "in the club"
Cabbage McFlabbergaster
-
For those who beleieve the press:
http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=15436726&method=full&siteid=106694&headline=drunken-bellamy-in-text-rant-at-shearer-name_page.html
-
I watched the game with girlfriend in "The Botany" on Maryhill Rd - never been in there and was great atmosphere. Regarding the game itself and the overall picture for our unique club - I was really impressed with Petrovs contribution as(ready for pelters) been largely dissapointed with his performances for the past LONG while, though i gave him benefit of doubt as MON playing him out of position.
Bellamy too was immense as was Thompson and for all those slating hartson - his ball skills allowed him to hook ball into beattie for 1 of his chances. Not a great Hartson fan and would happily let him go if we got couple of mill for him but I think supporters' expectations overall are rather GREAT at times for the team - and thats an understatement.(Have any of you actually played for 90 min in a proper quick flowing game?! - I do regularly and can assure you that although pretty fit its bloody hard going after a while!) -bear this in mind when slagging off OUR players.
The argument used is "he's a fitba player gettin £30 grand a week FFS" -They are still human beings, not super human and at times our supporters forget this. Support the team but only give criticism when its through a lack of trying.
I would love Celtic to play "the celtic way" but if we played a way that maximised our chances of winning every game Id take that in an instant. There is no doubt however that we need to change our tactics for the CL next season - being able to pass the ball in every area of the team is the way forward.
With regards player movement in the summer - hope bellamy stays but wouldnt be too optimistic. happy if hartson went for some money. Varga looking increasingly slow and inflexible. Undecided about Balde - thought had good game on sun but had really made some huge mistakes in BIG games, especially in Europe - if got decent replacement and fair bit of money would let go.
Finally, Agathe does a fantastic job at FB. As has been pointed out, many still think of him a s a winger when he's now playing FB -compleyely different position!!! - he gets a lot of stick, mostly unfair - get off his back and support him. Though i must say -p Didier, please try and use your left foot at times its soooooo frustrating!!!!!
Cmon the Hoops!
-
As I said earlier, let's not have this site become a venue for gossip. There are plenty of visitors who would use the info for other means. Suffice to say that three of the biggest Celtic fans I know have told me categorically it would not break their heart if the wee man went elsewhere after his five miraculous months. Should the title be wrapped up, it will always be known as Bellamy's League. He has certainly made the difference. But does he have the type of personality to survive long in the Glasgow goldfish bowl without becoming a total embarrassment, liability and disruptive influence? In other words, would he be a Larsson or a Gascoigne? Those who saw him at close quarters in the land of Tir Connail fear it's the latter. And we can do without our club becoming a soap opera with an endless string of horror stories on the front pages.
I will cheer my head off for wee Craig for the rest of this season, then I'll gladly wave him off at the airport in the summer.
Let's face it, the way he's talking, it seems to me he has little intention of staying here in any case. So let's enjoy him while we can.
-
The Bellamy bandwagon is getting out of control. Don't get me wrong, I'd love for the guy to stay and I think there's a 50/50 chance of it happening. Ultimately though, it will come down to where he wants to play his football. But are we not making a rod for our own backs? If he decides not to stay the tabloids are going to have a field day: it will be a "crisis", a "disaster", they will orchastrate a witch hunt against the board. Put it this way, they'll look for something/someone to blame and it won't be the statndard of Scottish football. Can we not just cool it and see what happens. If he decides to move on I'll be a disappointed as the next man but there's not alot we can do about it. Let's not give the media the salt to rub in our wounds.
GM
-
Great day on Sunday. Well done to the Bhoys. Please excuse this rant.
I dont want to be judge and jury on Bellamy here but I have to say that hell will freeze over before he signs for us in this league of ours. This is a guy who sincerely believes himself to be a top top player who should be playing for a top top club in a top top league.
Why on earth would he be happy going up to ICT or over to Livingstone, Motherwell, Falkirk I could keep on but Im sure you get my point.
Dont want to depress anyone as he has been an absolute wonder signing for us and has in my view totally won (almost) the league for us single handedly and I will always look back on these last few months with pleasure.
Oh and while I am on my soap box, I am a big Agathe fan too and willingly sign up to the 'get off his back' campaign.
As for Beattie its ridiculous to slag the guy off. He has only played a few minutes of first team football this season. No wonder he was way off the pace, had no touch etc. I agree with a previous poster who said that it is the fault of MON not getting him match fit. Wallace should have been on insteaad of Beattie in the first place as at least his pace would have worried their defence and we wouldnt have been stuck in our box for the last ten.
And theres more...Robbie Keane is a great player but not the answer I think. Does he have the pace? Great finishing? The ability to stay in the game for 90 minutes from one week to the next?
No to all the above in my opinion. Sorry Robbie Keane supporters but you are barking up the wrong tree. Its
Shevchenko we need.
Ill end now as I am starting to contradict myself. Maybe no-one noticed...
Hail Hail
-
Just emailed a friend in Donegal (who was at the function) to ask if there was any trouble. He says Bellamy was pissed but there wasn't anything out of order.
-
Bellamy is almost certain to move on in the summer. Every statement he has made about his time at Celtic has been carefully phrased or qualified. He will be a loss to the team, no question.
That said, Bellers may leave us a more lasting legacy than this season's league title. MoN can not have failed to notice the extra dimension a skillful, pacy and energetic forward gives to the side.
If it is Bellamy, great. If not, MoN must make it a priority to find a suitable replacement. Oh, and Robbie keane is NOT the answer.
Liam H
-
I agree that Bellamy will not be here next season. But the main thing is that the board have shown a willingness to pay £5-£6 million on a quality signing and the £40-£50 grand a week that a player of that quality will command.
If he goes he goes – nothing we can do about it – our main concern should be that he is replaced with similar quality – and the indications are that he will be.
-
I cant beleive some of the stuff i see on this site sometimes.
Some garbage nespaper article prints more nonsense about Bellamy and all of a sudden it 'oh that guys bad news,it must be true it was in the paper'
I do agree that it will be hard to keep him but surely letting the press influence our opinion of him is just crazy.
Get a grip
-
Some of you lot need to get a grip. Everyone now seems certain that CB is definately leaving.
I'd have humbly thought that after Sunday he is more likely than ever to stay.
Actually I am confident he will stay.
Think about it. Money-sorted. Hero status-sorted. Biggest competion in the world ie Champs league-sorted. He wont get that with Blackburn.
Play a couple of years here, his value will rocket, club sell him on unless we're in EPL by then and |
