 Sunday, April 17, 2005
A defence which is good for the Galleries is not good for League title chances
Great teams find it within themselves to come from two goals down to win games at this stage of the season. Of course, great teams know how to defend, and this Celtic team have defended awfully against Dundee United, Hearts and now Aberdeen.
We have seen the loss of so many bad goals recently it is difficult to know where to begin. Does Marshall enjoy the confidence of his defence? It doesn’t look like it.
Does the midfield have confidence in the defence? Of course not, in the last ten minutes yesterday the midfield were lying as deep as they were against Barcelona in the Nou Camp in an attempt to shore up a porous defence.
We will finish the season with our best two central defenders; Balde and Varga, playing their worst football since they arrived at the club. Bobo Balde has been an iconic figure these last four years; however, there is a tangible panic around the ground when he has the ball at his feet.
Next season we will be seeded to proceed to the knock-out stages of the Champions League. This competition brings the best football players in the world to Celtic Park. On current form, Balde is a Champions League elimination waiting to happen. If we go in to Europe’s top competition next season with the same central defensive pair, an early elimination is inevitable, irrespective of seeding.
Yesterday’s game turned when Didier Agathe returned to action for his first outing in three months. He added balance to the team which had been missing until then. It also looked like he has been on a three month ‘How to Cross the Ball’ course. Didn’t this use to be his weakness?
As I have said here before, Craig Bellamy scores the kind of goals that only one other Celtic player in the last 25 years could score. He was fairly anonymous before the corner kick which led to his goal arrived.
Bellamy takes up positions in peripheral areas at corner kicks, often outside the box. As this kick came in he was so far towards the back of the box that Aberdeen did not have a player covering him. We see players attempt to score this goal most weeks; however, few have the technique to get it right.
Our season will condense into 90 minutes next week when we will play against a team who are, if anything, more fragile than we are at the moment. For that game, and the four which follow, we will need our most defensively minded midfield (Sutton, Thompson, Petrov and Lennon).
While the galleries might have enjoyed yesterday’s game, we cannot risk offering such poor protection to our goal again.
‘The Celtic Way’ will have to wait.
34 Comments:
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In my opinion the goalkeeper is key to the defensive problems. This is undermining balde and vargas confidence. As important as keeping bellamy is for next years assault (hopefully) on the champions league we need a solid no 1 who will give the defence that much needed confidence. Marshall's time will come but too much is being asked of him too early in his career.
Good analysis Paul, Agathe does make a difference, he has infuriated me in the past but you do not appreciate what he does for the team until he is not in it.
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Agree totally about the lack of confidence in central defence. I don't think it is really down to lack of confidence in Marshall. I just think that Bobo and Varga's limitations are being exploited now. As I was saying at the time when it was thought that Bobo was on his way, I wasn't too concerned. His limitations in particular have been there for all to see in Europe already.
Great too to see Agathe back. His covering must be the among the best in the world and if he can add crossing to his bow (a la Stuttgart) we have a class act.
Parkheadcumsalford.
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you've obviously forgotten his two passes in quick succesion up to Bellamy in the second half. It was as if he'd swung a pillow at the ball, not his right foot. Both times the ball went straight to an aberdeen player. I agree though that he was the turning point defensively, without doing much he just added hesitation for the dons down their left wing.
It was obvious yesterday that the whole team is needing a break and that last year's confidence is missing. Every time we got the ball in midfield, our players would run purposely forward for a few yards, realise what they were doing then pass it back to bobo so he could smack it up to BBJ.
From what i've just said, i find myself questioning why i DID find yesterday so entertaing. I'm sure there's a reason. Yeh, probably the winner we scored.
ps: the top paragraph is about agathe, in case you're wondering
westim
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No question Bobo is a liability right now and his danger play is causing jitters throughout the team. If we fix his position it will steady the rest and Varga will come good again. Don't agree with you stepjam that the goalie is the problem. Marshall is doing allright at the moment and nothings changed on the goalie squad for a long time.
We are back to punting the ball up the park starting with the goalie and everyone in front of him. We need to keep "possession", not punt it away for a 50/50 chance of getting it.
Anyway aside from all that let's give the Bhoys credit for a great comeback (I know we dug our own hole). That part of our play (true grit) has been missing and we will need that, more than skill, at the castle next week.
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Is there any coincedence that we have 3 international keepers and none look to have any confidence and make basic errors. The defence is the problem, Balde is becoming more like Olivier Tebily with each passing game, Stan Varga is too slow and as a duo they seem to play as individuals. There is no leader in the defence, no one to organise, and add Valgaeren at left back then we have a recipe for disaster. We need a keeper, centre half and left back as a priority, before we even look to sign Bellamy or freshen up the midfield.
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glad to see Agathe getting a bit of praise. He cetainly gives the team an outlet on the right which is sadly lacking when Jackie Mac plays there. The two players perform a similar role in MON's team but the expectations from the fans varies considerably. When Jackie MAc makes a few tackes, a little bit of mopping out he a contender for man of the match yet unless Didier tacles like DAnny, dribbles like Jinky crosses like Provo and bags in a few like Henrik he's deemed to be having a nightmare!
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I had a spare ticket for yesterday's game and took along a friend who doesn't see much of Celtic. At half time he asked me "do they always just punt the ball up the park?" and after the game he commented on "the poor atmosphere", which was contrary to what he'd heard about Celtic Park.
This got me thinking about why the atmosphere is so poor, especially with the league so close. My only conclusion is that the punters aren't happy with what they are watching. They are, however, willing to tolerate it because we are winning.
This brings me to your point, Paul, about the current defence being a recipe for an early exit from European competition next season. I would go further and say that a good part of the current TEAM is a recipe for an early exit from Europe. They are also a recipe for another dog-fight with a very mediocre Rangers squad for the league championship. If there is not significant investment during the summer (and I'm talking about at least 5 new first team faces)and the team we currently have is the one that lines up at the start of next season, we can expect more of the same tactics, stuttering performances and unexpected defeats. We need a new goalkeeper, a ball playing central defender, a left back, at least one creative midfielder and Craig Bellamy.
Martin O'Neill must take a good part of the blame for the current situation. He's the one offering the contracts. Why did we resign Balde? Whether or not we resign Neil Lennon will, I think, tell us if there is going to be meaningful change over the summer. In my opinion, Neil should be thanked but told his time is up at Celtic.
My fear is that if next year is a repeat of this season, with many of the same faces, the fans will not be so tolerant and Marin O'Neill will be remembered as another sacked Celtic manager. I sincerely hope I'm wrong.
All the best.
GM
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It is a miracle that we are still 2 points clear after the lapses this season.
Goalkeeper - I am convinced that Marshall just does not have the command skills to organize the defence. At least Rab gets the respect although his gaffs are of the spectacular variety I reckon he is our best keeper at the moment.
Defence - Sell Bobo, Varga is finished after this season, bring in McManus at LB and hopefully Kennedy at CB, give Henchoz opportunity at CB as well, sign a decent RB
Midfield - Jackie in place of Lennon, Petrov has to be in the centre, Agathe on the right, Thompson deserves a chance again on the left swapping with McGeady as needed
Attack - Sutton swapping with Hartson & Bellamy
We need pace from Midfield to Attack if we are going to do anything in Europe.
Maybe try passing the ball once in a while as well rather than just booting it up the park.
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Great win yesterday The bhoys proved me wrong in my assessment of whether they could come back - long may they continue to do so. Atmosphere was superb - we got well behind the team - we will need to do so for the remaining fixtures. We all know the weaknesses but, thanks to our under investment we are where we are - we can't do anything about it.
I see Quinn has been caught "Stretching the Truth" about wages. Paul on the other thread you tell us not to take the bait. Seems MON doesn't agree with you. The notion that MON has chosen to "spend" the money on re-signing players is absolutely pathetic. Continuing contracts does not equal a spend - merely a committment to current spending levels.
More evidence of the boards duplicity, spin and downright evasiveness? Do any of us still believe they will allow us to invest in the close season?
They are NOT to be trusted.....
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I have no idea what David Marshall has done wrong, since coming back into the team? This perception seems to stem from a call on the Radio Clyde phone in last night, which stated Marshall was nervous.
I personally though that he and Chris Sutton were the only 2 players in the Celtic side with anything resembling a calm dispostion, in the last half hour of the game!!
I thought any agitation and slackness in the team stemmed from Balde and Varga having their worst display as a partnership, not helped by one of Lenny's worst performances in the hoops. Once the dust settled though, a bit of perspective is required. Balde was touch and go to make the starting line up and Varga and Lennon obviously cannot handle 3 games in 6 days.
Also regarding Anonymous, 3.40 pm and Agathe. Didier was obviously ring rusty and he was being beaten in runs to the ball that would have been meat and drink if he had been anywhere near fit.
All that said, it is worrying that a team that can pass and play at place continually cause us problems. Also, having a 6ft 5 inch centre forward did not see Aberdeen employ constant route one football.
We have a full week to regroup and recharge the batteries, there can be no excuses then.
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The standard of football on show from Celtic in the past 2 matches has been nothing short of diabolical. Yes we have 6 points but this is surely due to the desparate level of talent in the SPL at the moment.
I believe that changes at this stage of the season would be counter productive, although the recent form of Hartson, Thomson and Balde has left me very pessimestic about Sundays match. Hopefully we can stumble our way to the league title against an equally inept Rangers team, but for Europe and future titles i think we should be looking to rid ourselves of the above names in particular. We must start giving the likes of Beattie, Maloney, Wallace and McManus a run of games. Some fresh talent in the 25-30 year old age bracket could be funded from selling the 3 mentioned.
I don't expect the board to give MO'N a reasonable transfere kitty and see the need to sell to free up wages also. I think the recent coments from Quinn and counter claims from MO'N give us an idea of what to expect this summer. Lets hope we can wheel and deal, live within our means and give the young guys a feeling that they are actually a part of the first team.
The atmosphere at Celtic Park is surely down to the fact that we see no innovative team selections and dire route one football that is getting so predictable its almost hipnotic!
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Paul, I don’t entirely agree about putting the “Celtic Way” on the back burner. The constant punt up the park from Bobo to the head of Hartson wasn’t paying off and does not resemble football in my eyes. Too many times Petrov or Bellamy gambled on Hartson’s flick-ons only for them to gamble incorrectly. It was a lottery as to where the ball went. So why did they employ this same tactic for a full 45mins? This must be a direct order from O’Neill. If they were doing this as against O’Neill’s orders, I’m sure it wouldn’t last more than 2mins. So why did it go on for a full 45?
Again, Thommo gets shoved to left back and as he is one of our more productive players, especially in terms of assists, it seems a waste – especially as we are 2-0 down. When we got the ball down and passed it about, applying pressure, it was noticeable that the crowd got right behind the team and the atmosphere cranked up a notch or two. Lumping the ball up front for another 45mins would not have generated the same noise and backing.
Against Rangers next week, I hope we will see football played as any high ball will be won by Zorba in their back line as he did at Celtic Park in the last game. Now that Bellamy has settled and is in form, I hope that he will have more of an influence in this game than the last. If we play football, and not route one, then Bellamy, and subsequently Celtic, will benefit. Maurice Ross will be playing right back on Sunday and being attacked by Bellamy and, hopefully, Agathe could see goals as a result. What is vital is that we don’t let Rangers get a strangle hold on the midfield. Thumping the ball up field normally results in loss of possession and that’s when Rangers can use whatever pace they have in midfield to create chances against Celtic. Rangers, for all their critics, can keep the ball in the midfield area, probing defences and benefiting from Novo’s pace. We all know that Lennon, Bobo and Varga are not the quickest. I’m hoping that Celtic play with MacNamara at left back and Agathe at right back, Thommo on the left and Petrov on the right, even though it’s not his favoured position. This will hand Celtic an obvious advantage of having football playing players operating in the wide areas, and with the help of Bellamy, we should exploit Rangers’ frailties.
I’m expecting a win for Celtic on Sunday. We’ve proven that we have the bottle. Over the years we’ve proven that we have better players. Just like 2 + 2 = 4, Bottle + Ability = Champions.
Hail Hail,
TinneyBhoy.
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Surprised at the comment concerning the poor atmosphere at the game – the newcomer to Celtic Park would have been dismayed if he had attended some of the 1 and 2 - 0 victories earlier in the season – I thought for the first time in ages most, not all of the fans stayed to the end and supported the team. There will always be some dissent and gasps of horror as bad passes take place and balls get stuck under foot etc etc during a titanic struggle like yesterday. As my daughter said leaving the game, she felt sick for most of the game, stomach in a nought but wasn’t it fantastic.
I also can’t believe the comments concerning Marshall, I thought he was great in the semi-final, commanding the high ball and very confident and proved to be the same yesterday, I don’t believe either goal was his fault. Problem yesterday at the first goal was no-one on the left post, I’m sure there was always one on each post during the semi-final and a clean strike through a number of people to that post on the second phase. Second goal – what was Balde doing continuing in attack as Celts lost the ball, Joos was already injured by then and they attacked swiftly and accurately.
It was a very nervous time for Balde and Varga (not a winning combination in Europe, I agree with many of the suggestions made) they do not seem to be winning the high ball as often as before and this seems to unsettle the whole team, as we do not defend the opposition’s ‘wee flicks’ well, probably because we are not used to losing this type of ball. I blame the refs (don’t we always) as they do not clamp down hard enough on the opposition forward running at the defender with no real intent to get the ball merely to put illegal pressure on the defender. Their No 29 (I think) was warned for it, but continued to do it and finally got booked for it and then was substituted. The last two games against the Jamtarts their players did the same, running from an angle directly at the player.
Still I’m not complaining, to come from 2 down, to see MON using substitutions early (some due to injury, I know) and the team not give up was great. If we had got the penalty we would not have been defending so deeply in the last 10 minutes. To me it was a relief that we chose in this instance to defend in those minutes resolutely instead of pursuing more goals. I, like everyone else can still remember the Gorgie disaster from two years ago when we went for the win instead of consolidating the draw. Tactically I hope we never make this type of decision again.
It was good to see Agathe back again, hope the kicking he got does not set him back for next week, his efforts got us the vital second goal and what can be said about CB – long may he stay and prosper on the goal trail, 3 next week would be perfect.
Paul can’t get enough of this site and the diversity of opinion, it is great and long may it continue. Back to one of your past threads – I see Glazer has made the offer down south and bolstered it with a budget of player spending money. They would be fools to turn it down, no? The fans must see Chelski disappearing over the horizon and wonder how they will keep up, I know they have had a great 10 - 15 years but have they really forgotten the 26 or so before that? Never mind all that, do you still think this may be the catalyst for more investment in the Celtic?
Hail hail
Beechbhoy
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There is an obvious need to freshen up the team this summer,but I think the recent headlines in the media show there is perhaps a difference between how BQ and MON feel this should be achieved,although I don't believe there is a rift between them.
MON wants more transfer cash and BQ seems to be favouring a sell to buy policy,as his comments at the end of March clearly suggested.What is the correct way to go?
I'd side with BQ on this one.The current squad of players has a very high average age with virtually no sell-on value if they see out their contracts.Assuming they do this,where does the money come from to replace them in a couple of years time?If we do it now it will give us a chance to recoup some money for transfer fees and wages for new players,although I'm not suggesting we get rid of everyone at once.
In his time at Celtic,I can't remember too many players that MON has made money from in player sales.Stephen Crainey is about the only one.Even Wenger and Ferguson have done this over the years.People like Sylla,Fernandez and Valgaeren should have been moved on long ago but instead they pick up a sizeable sum while offering nothing to the first team squad.This can't continue.
Regarding the comments made by BQ regarding player sales and improved scouting of players,I would assume this to be the boards vision of how Celtic need to move forward in the current financial climate.If MON has NO intention of going down this road then we might have a little problem on our hands.
BankieBhoy
P.S. Paul,do you still believe there will be substantial investment in the summer?
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Excellent comeback, but the weaknesses remain obvious and we can only be thankful that Rangers are worse than us.
I continue to be amazed by Martin’s team selection. Although at least he seemed to recognise the deficiencies by the number of changes to the team and formation during the game!
Chris Sutton should always be a first pick up front. He is wasted in midfield.
Everyone but MON can see that Petrov is a non-event on the right side of midfield. He has to play in the centre to be effective.
Why play Joos at left back and Jackie on the right when Jackie has been our best player playing in that position?
Why does he insist on playing McGeady on the left which then pushes Thomson into the centre where he is too one footed to play?
On a separate note I wonder if Neil Lennon’s mind is now on a move elsewhere he hasn’t been his usual combative self. If he goes we will all realise what an important influence he has had on the team, but all good things must come to an end and even for Lenny he is getting slower by the game.
I am prepared to put up with poor football to the end of the season if we win the league but not another season of big punts up the park. I’m not big on tradition but flowing attacking football is one tradition that I think we should maintain.
Thanks to Paul for keeping the debates going, particularly after each match.
Barnie
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i disagree that the atmosphere was poor. OK, it wasn't like on european nights but the 5 minutes that followed the non-penalty decision were deafening, i almost had to cover my ears due to the developing pain.
The only disheartening moments were at the beginning when the aberdeen fans were the only ones at CP singing. (i'll admit i wasn't singing either,)
regular anon
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Why are fans blaming Marshall for the current defensive problems, the boy has not made the monumental gaffes made by Messrs Douglas and Hedman and yet is linked with them in the "poor goalkeeper" debate. He has made a couple of errors and has been dropped for them, while Rab and Hedman have only co**ed up in major games such as Uefa Cup Final, Old Firm and Champions League and are still, (usually) ahead in the team selection stakes. David Marshall has brilliant reflexes, is young and agile and brave and will only get better.He has nothing to do with Bobo trying to dribble his way out of defence when he is the last man and we are defending a (hard earned)3-2 lead at home, and nearly losing possession, he also has nothing to do with Stan Varga failing to attack balls on the edge of the box and losing possession.
Lets get this into perspective, we are always going on about how Rangers manage to find great goalkeepers, but their goalies make goalkeeping errors as well (Stan Petrov shot at Ibrox let in by Klos at Ibrox a couple of years ago). We have a great young keeper, who is a Celtic fan and certainly has passion for the club.Lets not start trying to blame him but encourage him, think back to some of his outstanding saves of last year and remember he is getting better all the time.
TAL
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Beechbhoy, Yes I believe Glazer will be the catalyst, though recent happenings at Newcastle (real financial problems next season – you read it here first, no-one else has covered this yet) and Liverpool (serious funding gap to plug for the new stadium) will also help.
Man Utd fans will not back Glazer. They have less to gain and no real need for him, if only their board were up to the job in the first place. Glazer has accepted this and will proceed nonetheless.
Bankiebhoy, no idea what they will do in the summer. The money is there if they want it, and on past form they have spent whenever they could.
Thanks Barnie, good to hear from you.
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I just can't believe some of the negativity which is eminating ... now is the time to get behind the team & get them over the line. We know they are tired, they know they are tired & I'm tired of watching them this season (well, at least until the league & cup are wrapped up!).
Watched the highlights today, 1st goal - slack defending, 2nd goal - caught out too far up the park. As far slating Varga, scored 1 & set up 1.
Negative Anon (5.07) - get a grip, spend is spend, no matter what spin you put on it. Me thinks MoN is in a game of semantics with BQ - with the latter looking at the overall spend, whild the former is looking at playing staff spend ... don't get sucked in, we're going to get this for the whole week upto the the Mordor game. Listened to radio clyde on the way home from CP yesterday, Andy Walker & Keevins seemed agast that Cetic should pay up for Bellamy, I thought this was the norm for all transfers these days. Shit stirring of the highest order.
ITK
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I'm glad to see some support for Agathe. I am always dismayed at the abuse he takes. How often do you hear people say that you only realise how important he is when he is not playing? His crossing is often poor, but his defending regularly gets us out of trouble, his workrate is excellent and his pace is a good outlet. The reason he could hardly kick the ball late in the second half was that he was exhausted. People seem to think he runs on duracell batteries.
For me Marshall has done little wrong. He is still learning, but I've not seem him let in any real clangers like Hedman and Douglas have.
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Agathe's defensive ability has never been in doubt. I think the fact that he is so frustrating is what gets on he fans nerves. He gets into great positions but just doesn't have the final ball to match.
A few points that i would like to put up for discussion that were bugging me. Why did we not sugn De La Cruz from hibs? He is a top quality player will an outstanding ability to cross. Why are we not in the running for Routledge from Crystal Palace? He is a young midfield playmaker with great potential on a bosman. Why did we let Hitslespeger(?) from Villa go when he was 16? We had him on trial and sent him packing. Should we be looking at setting up a link with Chelsea so that we can loan thier players? Morinho doesnt want his players playing against them but would like to see them at a good club in a winning environment.
CM75. Scoring 7 goals in 2 matches does not seem diabolical.
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"The Celtic Way will have to wait."
That shouldn't be a problem, we've been waiting for 5 years now anyway.
Don't get me wrong, i was delighted with the spirit the Bhoys showed yesterday to come back, but there's no question that the team needs serious gutting come the summer. I only worry that due to O'Neill's blind loyalty towards about 7 or 8 players in that current team that we won't see the changes that are so desperately required for next season.
He just doesn't seem to have it within himself to tell his favourites, "Thanks for the fantastic service lads, but it's time to move on". Look at his comments this week talking about Valgaeren possibly getting a new deal as the most obvious example of O'Neill's failings!! What in God's name is the man thinking about??
IF Martin O'Neill is here next season then the football on show will be much the same as we've had to endure this year, he just doesn't have the bottle/ability to rebuild a new side minus his favourite sons.
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I'M not as gung-ho with optimism about next Sunday as some on the site. The match may well be decided in midfield where Ferguson has restored some self-belief to TFOD while teetotaller Ricksen and headless chicken Vignal are full of running. By the end of Saturday's match against Aberdeen it seemed like the whole Celtic team were collectively out on their feet with tiredness. Lack of pace and fitness is a real concern for me ahead of the trip to Mordor.
Our one hope is that Bellamy can get a run at Bob Malcolm. In fact, I've a hunch that Mr FTP will get first use of the soap and water after a crude attempt to slow up our wee Welsh wizard.
Incidentally, some of you may like to know how our up-and-coming players are looking. I took in the Old Firm Under-19 clash at Airdrie last week which our wee Bhoys won 3-2. Much of that was due to an incredible display by goalkeeper Scott Fox who is an impressive shot-stopper. The three-man defence of Craig Reid, Scott Cutchbert and Charlie Mulgrew was fairly porous but big Cuthbert (six-foot-two and still only 17!) looks a real prospect.
Up front, the Irishman Diarmuid O'Carroll scored two, including one screamer into the top corner. The lanky Icelander Finnbogason got the other but he looks to lack a bit of pace.
The real interest is in midfield where Celtic played Michael McGlinchey (superb player, just 17, but needs building up physically), Simon Ferry (stocky, non-stop, ran the show until came off injured) and the other Icelander Bjarnason (classy but wants a bit too much time). Michael Gardyne is another fine player but looks a bit wee yet. Then there's Charlie Grant who is Neil Lennon's double but packs the hardest tackle in youth football.
The wing backs Jim O'Brien and Ryan Conroy were hard-working and direct.
We'll start to see some of these boys in the close season and they might start breaking through before the end of next season.
In a couple of years you could be watching a Celtic team something like this: David Marshall, Scott Cuthbert, Darren O'Dea, Stephen McManus, John Kennedy, Charlie Grant, Michael Gardyne, Simon Ferry, Michael McGlinchey, Aiden McGeady, Craig Beattie.
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lets all stick together and get celtic over the line, if this is the shout, Why has MON come out in the papers with comments that the red tops have been praying for in the run up to our game on sunday?
Answer?
He's taking the heat off the crap on the park and puting the blame on the board!
BQ didn't play Petrov, McGeady or thompson out of position. Change was made after the dons 2nd goal.
BQ doesn't tell the players to mark Zones at corners and not players
BQ didn't take off McGeady, our most creative player. If we hadn't scored from the corner, would we have scored?
BQ didn't tell the players to sit back and defend. We had a team on the ropes, we score and then we defend.
BQ didn't tell the players to play for time with 10 minutes to go, in the corners.
BQ doesn't tell them to play the long ball
Bobo and varga have 1 player to aim for, BBJ, who gets abuse for flicking the ball on and for holding the ball! he can't win, neither can Bobo or Varga
If BBJ had missed 3 one on ones with a goal keeper, with the games all draws at the time, We would be asking for his head! Yet Bellamy has done this against, Rangers, Livi and now Aberdeen.
Lets get behind the team and remember they are doing what they are getting told to do!
Still don't know who is telling them what to do though! MON shouts them to the touchline, Steve Walford talks to them!
Flakirkbhoy
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Great comeback- you have already said it all bhoys. Bit hard on Varga though I thought, scores the first goal and had a big part in the second. Re Saturday watched the huns yesterday. I tip Dunferlmine to be relegated and frankly if we can't beat this Rangers team we don't deserve to be champions.Not so much a two-horse race this year as a two-donkey race. Johnnybhoy.ch
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Paul,
It would be interesting to read your forensic disection of the debate between BQ & MON on salaries and comparisons with the Premiership? Who is correct?
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Great comeback on Saturday. The team showed great spirit & i thought the atmosphere was great. The only downside from the fans is they are being really harsh on the players at the minute for the slightest mistake. O'Neill will get everything from his players for the last 5 games, the fans should give the same.
Marshall - Not to blame for either goal, however at the 2nd goal Aberdeen's wide player only had one option in the box. Marshall should have more awareness in situations like that & try & cut the angle for the pass - however by no means at fault, just an observation.
Valgaeren/Balde - replace in the Summer
Lennon/Thompson - absolutely knackered. Neither of them are winning the second balls any more & Aberdeen's quick passing left them isolated. Both have been great players for Celtic, but we lack real pace in the middle of the park to force the issue in games.
Agathe - made the difference & gave the team balance
The guy in the middle of the park for Aberdeen - Clark i think his name is, looked a decent player who could do a job for us when Lennon goes
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Let's face it Celtic are dire to watch at the moment. This 'win at all costs' attitude is depressing. I watch football because I want to be entertained, to escape the drudgery of the everyday- at Parkhead at the weekend it was every bit as mechanical as an assembly line in a factory and no less predictable- the cracker from Bellamy the one exception. Lets face it, if the currant buns were anywhere approaching a decent team we would be well out of the race. The SPL is marked by a paucity of talent and I think we are carrying more dead wood than most.
Before some sanctimonious fool starts bellowing at me for me not being a true Celtic supporter, I would say well fair enough, if you want to watch pseudo-Wimbeldon then go ahead. Its your 30 quid not mine. Just dont fool yourself into thinking that you are watching a Celtic team playing 'football'.
The 'race' for the SPL is like watching two asthmatic donkeys trying to avoid being put out of their misery first. Its rubbish, depressing and even if/when we win the league, are you going to express joy at our victory or just feel glad that we were marginally less worse than the lot over at Greyskull.
ThatboyaffedinburghtrainthatlookslikePritz
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Let's face it Celtic are dire to watch at the moment. This 'win at all costs' attitude is depressing. I watch football because I want to be entertained, to escape the drudgery of the everyday- at Parkhead at the weekend it was every bit as mechanical as an assembly line in a factory and no less predictable- the cracker from Bellamy the one exception. Lets face it, if the currant buns were anywhere approaching a decent team we would be well out of the race. The SPL is marked by a paucity of talent and I think we are carrying more dead wood than most.
Before some sanctimonious fool starts bellowing at me for me not being a true Celtic supporter, I would say well fair enough, if you want to watch pseudo-Wimbeldon then go ahead. Its your 30 quid not mine. Just dont fool yourself into thinking that you are watching a Celtic team playing 'football'.
The 'race' for the SPL is like watching two asthmatic donkeys trying to avoid being put out of their misery first. Its rubbish, depressing and even if/when we win the league, are you going to express joy at our victory or just feel glad that we were marginally less worse than the lot over at Greyskull.
ThatboyaffedinburghtrainthatlookslikePritz
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Let's face it Celtic are dire to watch at the moment. This 'win at all costs' attitude is depressing. I watch football because I want to be entertained, to escape the drudgery of the everyday- at Parkhead at the weekend it was every bit as mechanical as an assembly line in a factory and no less predictable- the cracker from Bellamy the one exception. Lets face it, if the currant buns were anywhere approaching a decent team we would be well out of the race. The SPL is marked by a paucity of talent and I think we are carrying more dead wood than most.
Before some sanctimonious fool starts bellowing at me for me not being a true Celtic supporter, I would say well fair enough, if you want to watch pseudo-Wimbeldon then go ahead. Its your 30 quid not mine. Just dont fool yourself into thinking that you are watching a Celtic team playing 'football'.
The 'race' for the SPL is like watching two asthmatic donkeys trying to avoid being put out of their misery first. Its rubbish, depressing and even if/when we win the league, are you going to express joy at our victory or just feel glad that we were marginally less worse than the lot over at Greyskull.
ThatboyaffedinburghtrainthatlookslikePritz
-
Let's face it Celtic are dire to watch at the moment. This 'win at all costs' attitude is depressing. I watch football because I want to be entertained, to escape the drudgery of the everyday- at Parkhead at the weekend it was every bit as mechanical as an assembly line in a factory and no less predictable- the cracker from Bellamy the one exception. Lets face it, if the currant buns were anywhere approaching a decent team we would be well out of the race. The SPL is marked by a paucity of talent and I think we are carrying more dead wood than most.
Before some sanctimonious fool starts bellowing at me for me not being a true Celtic supporter, I would say well fair enough, if you want to watch pseudo-Wimbeldon then go ahead. Its your 30 quid not mine. Just dont fool yourself into thinking that you are watching a Celtic team playing 'football'.
The 'race' for the SPL is like watching two asthmatic donkeys trying to avoid being put out of their misery first. Its rubbish, depressing and even if/when we win the league, are you going to express joy at our victory or just feel glad that we were marginally less worse than the lot over at Greyskull.
ThatboyaffedinburghtrainthatlookslikePritz
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There's no question Bellamy has given the team/fans a spark & scored a wonder goal on Saturday, however it worries me that he was clean through on goal a couple of times on Saturday, like he has been on a few occasions this season & rather than bury it in the back of the pokey seems more occupied with trying to score a showboat goal. He might only get one chance next week at Ibrox & if he stays beyond that might only get half chances against Champions League opposition. It's imperative he cuts out the sillyness in front of goal. If he kills the game on saturday with one of those opportunites then the Balde 'just call me Maldini' antics in the last 5 minutes become less of a worry
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Anon 9-44 Reading your post was dire. Learn how to use the forum. Dont go back to celtic park people like you are not wanted nor needed.
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What Celtic need is good,quality young talent,e.g Hartley,Riordan,Diamond etc then add Maloney,Kennedy,Wallace to the equation.Save the big bucks for Bellers and Landreau.Then we'll see a big improvement.Oh,BQ should resign..MON is quite right to be riled by this outburst..will only be more than motivational for Sunday's trip.
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