 Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Long term strategic problems caused the collapse
Regular readers will know that I tend to get a bit sensitive when our club are accused of not spending enough money. Now in our sixth consecutive year of returning a loss, I believe that simply spending more and running up ever higher losses has not been an option.
The failure to off-load players before they decline has also been levelled at the club. Many players currently at Celtic are trapped in a ‘negative equity’ trap. Their contracts were signed when the market was higher back in 2001 or 2002. Few if any would be able to get a similar contract from another employer.
Sutton, Thompson, Balde and Hartson have had their contracts renewed in the last year, though none would have been out of contract this season. Only Balde attracted any interest last summer, and even that was only a £1million bid.
Off-loading players has not been an option.
Knowing the limited budget available, last summer O’Neill went looking for loan and free transfers. He failed in attempts to sign Barsturk and Saviola, as well as a number of other players before settling on Camara and Juninho.
On 31st August Martin O’Neill knew as well as anyone that the squad had not been enhanced as he had hoped.
Right or wrong, the decision was made after the Seville season returned a record loss that spending more money was not a long term answer to any question.
Even then the club had few saleable assets, perhaps only Larsson and Petrov would have realised any significant sums, and few of us would want Celtic to be selling its best players.
An alignment of circumstances got us. Buying at the top of the market tied down the underperforming players. Unprecedented league success last season masked the fragility at the heart of the team. We aimed high in the transfer market last summer and failed one at a time resulting in the unseemly scrambling on 31st August.
The problems were foreseeable, but available options were limited.
Money has been at the root of our decline this season. As I have said often enough, our financial circumstances will change this summer.
I am beginning to look forward with some confidence.
191 Comments:
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After 5 hours of being a gibbering wreck after the final whistle and coming home to find a red hand of Ulster in my front garden and also today a paper open on my desk of the huns celebrating, very dignified , finally started to get some clarity into my head and started looking for answers.
And the blame was laid squarely with the management and the players. Both have under performed for the whole of this season, thus us being witness to some of the worst celtic performances for years.
They have let us down badly. They have no one else to blame barred themselves as how many chances during a season do you need to hold onto a lead and even a 7 point lead.
This could set us back years if the board make the wrong decisions.
The quicker we move on the better, roll on the cup final, then lets get back to playing the celtic way.
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That's the best thing we can do Paul, look forward with confidence.
We have got a good platform to build on, some players may be sold and others maybe let go, but we should have cash to buy big and that in itself will be exciting.
After Stan Petrovs comments i think it must be likely that MON will be leaving, get ready for heavy hearts again, similar to what we have felt in the past couple of days (it seems longer!)
As i said earlier, lets give this team the best send off we can and thank them for some truly great moments.
I would like to see McGeady involved, his movement with Bellamy maybe what we have been lacking in the past couple of games and may be one of the things MON may be thinkng could have given us a different outcome.
What's done is done and we have to look forward.
Some interesting articles about Glazers takeover at Man U, maybe it is time for you to use your influence Paul and let us all have a different perspective for the next few days?
Tony, Latvia
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The 3 minutes on Sunday summed up our season.
The writing was on the wall.
Mind you it could be worse, just ask Glasgow Dave. After arranging to meet to watch the game in a boozer in London we tried to drown our sorrows. To make matters worse Dave fell asleep on the way home to Guildford and ended up on the South Coat in Portsmouth with no way of getting home!
As we sang on Sunday "Walk with me oh my Lord, through the darkest nights and brightest days, be at my side oh Lord, hold my hand and guide me on my way"
Hail Hail
Martybhoy
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Of the players who have played regularly for the first XI this season the only ones I’d like to see at the club next season are :
Marshall – not sure about being first choice but has time on his side.
Petrov – to be played in central midfield.
Sutton – if still mobile enough then should be played up front. If not then maybe given a chance at centre half. Though I do have concerns over his fitness and would not expect him to play 40 plus games.
Beattie – to be given a chance though from what I’ve seen so far not a player I’d expect to make an impact in next season’s CL.
McGeady – given a chance to play in the middle where he can do some damage, he’s no winger. Again not an automatic ideal first choice as yet.
Varga – might be better with a different partner than Balde (who I expect to leave). At least should be kept as cover.
And that’s about it I’m afraid. The rest I’d let go for a variety of reasons; not good enough, passed their best, would cost too much in salary, could be sold to raise money for younger players.
It was said we needed 6 players last close season and as we effectively signed no-one so we still need those 6 plus another 8. I know 14 players sounds a hell of a lot and it is but I genuinely feel this is the number we need.
JimV
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Finally starting to come to terms with sundays disaster.
88 minutes on the effin clock.....
Sorry, no more negativity.
Lets get right up for this on saturday.
It'll be next season before you know it and all the pain and suffering will be a distant memory.
C'mon the Hoops
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OK, so we are entering a new phase at Celtic.
I and many other supporters would expect
when the official resignation of MON occurs,
the Board should detail it's ambition for
this great club. I would hope they could
set some targets as to our performance over
the next few years, if they have ambition that
is.
Please inform us, any strategic planning ?
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Paul, I'm glad you have introduced another post, concentrating on the way ahead, but I would just like to pass a comment on the phenomenon that has taken place on this site over the last 3 days.
We came here to post in our hundreds, to exorcise our pain and to console each other, and also to pay our respects to a team who had given us so much but in the end had nothing left to give. All season we witnessed our loved ones in terminal decline but hoped that they could see out one more campaign, but in vain.
What took place on this site was a massive Wake, where we were both consolers and the consoled and we all felt a little better from sharing our words and thoughts with each other, giving us courage to move on.
On the subject of moving on,IF MON leaves, then whoever comes in should be given the same opportunity to establish himself as anyone else. He should not be prejudged, as we claim not to be prejudiced against anyone. Should GS be nominated, some people may be pleasantly surprised as he is a highly intelligent, articulate and passionate man, who doesn't suffer fools or chairmen gladly and is a brilliant reader of the game. Remind you of anyone.
Paul this site is now a legend, keep it up.
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TTT, I beg to differ about GS. I hope MON does what is best for himself and his family whatever happens, but that individual is not IMO "a highly intelligent, articulate and passionate man, who doesn't suffer fools or chairmen gladly and is a brilliant reader of the game"
He was a disaster here at Coventry, buying this club virtually into administration in much the same manner as O'Leary did at leeds and one season of reaching the now much maligned FA cup Final, with the saints, does not count as success either.
The man is an excellent TV pundit, I enjoy listening to his views but what he has achieved as a manager while spending a lot of money are not impressive. The legacies he has left are not pleasent either two teams relegated with squads he did much to put together.
I hope MON can stay and perhaps rebuild, whether he feels he can or not is another matter but do not believe this nonsense that GS is a respected manager. Those people achieve trophies or sustained success. GS has not!
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Paul,
Whilst I cannot disagree with the background as to why there was an inabilty to spend any money on transfers. It still doesn't address other issues.
Transfer Policy
Again- why have we never made any "Bosman" signings, even AC Milan (Jaap Stam I believe)have went down this road.
I have no problem with the Plc telling us there is little or no money to spend and you, to your credit, have explained why, but surely that is all the more reason to spend wisely ?
If as you say , money becomes available, then whoever is the manager , I hope spends it wisely.
If the manager get's say 8 million to spend then surely 5 or 6 new names (say 3 or 4 Bosmans) could be purchased . Add a mix of McGeady (a must start for next season) , Beattie and 3 or 4 youngsters along with Sutton, Thompson (assuming his form has improved) and Petrov then I truly believe we should be able to win the league next year.
Style Of Play
Ball on the ground,pass out of defence,to mobile midfielders and onto speedy strikers. This ugly brand of football in the end has not served Celtic well .
The Future
I am beginning to feel a bit better today. I spoke to my friend last night (season ticket holder at Celtic Park) who is recovering from a life threatening illness . He was literally dying (he was given the last rites) but has made a remarkable recovery he, like me, is in his mid thirties.
He has a family that so easily could have been robbed of a father, husband and brother.
He is not his old self just yet, but he is getting there.
He has asked me over to his house on Saturday to watch the final (we didn't get tickets -he couldn't go anyway) . Anyway he is so upbeat about his life , he knows he is lucky , he is the only Celtic fan I know who isn't suicidal !
He knows that there will be bad days , but there will also be good days too . His recovery may take along time but he'll get there.
He plans to be back at the Nike Dome (?) for the start of next season !
So remember folks ,yes we are down, but we are not out.
We have a long journey in front of us let's take the first step on Saturday.
C'mon the hoops !
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From failure can come great success - lets hope the people in charge can show the necessary foresight and good judgement.
as you stated so accurately Paul, the only sad point is that the memory of this team is tainted - the cup final is therefore crucial - to put a celebratory full stop on this part of the celtic story.
the importance of this great site in helping to rouse the celtic community for saturday's game cannot be underestimated.
hail hail
stevenmac, girona
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Sorry to re-post the following, but lest it be missed at the end of the last thread I thought I'd put it in again on the new thread.
Also, I wasn't suicidal San Miguel. Having lost my Mum to cancer (at 62) last year, I have adopted the "it's only a game" attitude as a form of denial!
Previous post:
"A bit of perspective. We are now at the point where Celtic need to rebuild the team. But unlike 5 years ago when MON had to rebuild a team that had lost the league by 21 POINTS, we are now rebuilding from a position where we lost the title 2 MINUTES from the end of the LAST GAME. Hardly a team in utter crisis and trailing light years behind it's main (only) rival. Compared to this season, if we turn one defeat v Rangers into just a draw, that would make all the difference.
Paul67, I notice that there have been other posters looking for Cup Final tickets (as well as myself). If you know of anyone, or if anyone on here with a ticket really doesn't want to go, then could you put them in touch please? Perhaps a thread for Cup Final ticket exchange...
Some of us really can't get hold of tickets (short of being shafted by chancers on eBay) and would love the opportunity to show that we really are TGFITW on Saturday.
Thanks."
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I cant believe how far away the cup final is...its killing me.
I just hope that if what is reported in the fish wrappers is true then Martin told the board months ago and they have been on the case since christmas, and by this time next week we have a new boss.
These will be fragile times once again. Many a false headline, as Keevins and co go into overdrive. It is imperative that the club makes the correct choices in the close season.
However , for all the moaning about the team/investment/signings/ etc. no one can disagree that we have had 5 great years - the most successful Ive ever seen (I wasnt here for 9-in-a-row). We have been 3 or 4 goals away from 5-in-a-row, had a few doubles, seen a UEFA final and had the drama of Champs League football. Isnt that what its all is about?
There is no doubts that Seville was the high water mark, and it may be another (Henrik help us!) 30+ years before we see this kind of sustained success again. I doubt it but you never know.
Big changes on and off the pitch and Im already looking forward to a new team and some joker pre season matches on channel5.
Mon e Hoops.
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I am looking forward to the cup final on Saturday as a way to exorcise the memory of Sunday's collapse. While the team needs surgery during the close season I don't believe we are in as bad a position as some of you believe.
As far as the whole 'will he or wont he' debate surrounding MON's future, I can't believe we are allowing ourselves to be manipulated to such an extent by the press. The facts of this story are available to anyone who cares to look beyond the hysterical headlines. In reality, every story since last Friday has MON's comments to Chic Young as it's genesis and these comments were entirely open to interpretation. Since MON did not state unequivocally that he was staying then he is leaving. QED? Since he said he would not be joining another club then he is taking time off to look after his wife. QED? The actual comment was along the lines of there being as much chance of MON being at the club as not and, while I admit this might have been an ill-advised comment, it isn't entirely atypical of the types of comment MON is always making to the media. Until I hear something official from the club (or Paul comes up trumps) I'm devoting my attention to supporting our team.
Paul, I sincerely hope you are correct concering the funds available to MON for transfers during the summer. To those of you dissecting the current team in a knee-jerk reaction to Sunday - while I understand the reaction, please wait until the dust settles.
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Paul,
Once again you hit the nail on the head. To me, the big question is: can we offload the underachievers. I doubt it very much. They are not going to get the money they are on at Parkhead.
Here's hoping the manager, whoever he is, can sort things out and quickly. (I suppose it's the disappointment of throwing the League away but I can't get interested in the Final-maybe I'm worried we might lose that too!!) The planning for next season has to be underway now!!
Parkheadcumsalford
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In defence on both GS and DO'L, it was their respective chairmen writing the cheques. As a manger you identify targets and ask the board to sanction the offer.
However as others have said, MON is still the manager and we have a cup final to prepare for. Speculation on his future is for after that game. The media set the agenda for the weekend and this week, as we all knew they would.
Tom the Tim, well said. Constant reading of yesterdays thread was the main thing that kept me going, and by the looks of things hundreds of others. This is what makes our club special. This is what being part of 'The Celtic Family' is all about. The overall feeling i got from the vast majority of yesterdays posts was that we can take this on the chin, pick ourselves up and move on. Yes it hurts, but I agree with NegAnon (a rarety, I know), let's use that hurt on every one of the teams who's supporters delight in seeing us suffer. They seem to get more enjoyment from this than seeing their own teams do well. Probably because they all really support Rangers.
The rebuilding starts on Saturday. We Shall Not Be Moved.
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Sunday is history – full stop!
We need to look upwards and onwards, learn from the mistakes and ensure that they don’t happen again – can’t wait till Saturday – time to raise the roof.
Faithful through and through!
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for those looking for cup final tkts. if you'd been at the semi like the rest of us, yu'd have got one
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Just a wee thought crossed my mind re. Gordon Strachan.
Does anybody think, that MON was maybe asked by the Board for his input as to who should suceed him.
I know these things happen in industry when someone resigns, so it maybe that Martin has recommended him.
They may have worked together on pundit panels for the BBC, at big tournaments.
I feel if he has been telling the Board that it was likely he was going, for some time, the Board, would in turn be asking him for names to succeed him.
I'm neutral on Strachan, and was at Celtic Park the day the guy got out of the Jungle to stiffen him, but if he comes, I'll give him my total backing, as he will be the main man.
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MON has been a great manager for us & his players have done us proud. Both have now peaked and we are in nervous times, however if you're a fan then get behind the team/club regardless of the frustration we're all feeling. Possible replacements:
1. Strachan - relegated Coventry
2. Hiddink - relegated Real Betis
3. Burns - failed before
4. Mowbray - ?
5. Steve Clarke - ?
5. Roy Aitken - ?
Tony Mallaghan's is heavier than Santa's
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On the subject of losing the dead-wood and under-achievers, and the problem that some of these are still under contract...
There are plenty of cases in business (in the REAL world!) where loss making companies make redundancies and/or ask staff to take a pay cut to safeguard the positions of their colleagues. Often this is done by redefining roles and requiring staff to effectively re-apply for their own jobs - albeit with revised contracts.
Couldn't Celtic do something like this?
I know that they have in the recent past laid off a number of "back office staff", in order to reduce their costs, and am aware that this reduction in personnel has probably led to a deterioration in the standard of customer service provided to the customers (fans) by (e.g.) the merchandising and ticketing divisions. But how many back office staff do they have to shed in order to save the same amount as they would have done by making the likes of Fernandez or Sylla redundant? Why disrupt the lives of dozens of ordinary people when they could lose just one player, who could probably walk into another "job" on £100K+ a year?
Surely they can "re-engineer" the business, and the contracts of their highest paid employees (the players) to bring their salaries to a more realistic level, reflective of the CURRENT market, not the peak of 5 years ago? Obviously some of the younger key players, who will form the core of the team for the next few years (e.g. Petrov, McGeady) can be offered packages to reflect their value to the team, as they will potentially attract higher offers from elsewhere, but the "squad players" would then be on a more realistic level.
But why would the players agree to this?
Well, we put it to them that by reducing our oppressively high payroll this frees up funds to further strengthen the team and bring in other top players to play alongside them. And it enhances the team's chances of success - and surely every professional player wants to be a winner.
Would they rather end up like the team of the 90's, as perennial also-rans, or be winning the league and enjoying (potentially) ever improving Euro success year on year?
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11:42am Anonymous...
Many of us live in England, and due to family and work commitments, and financial constraints, we are unable to get to more than a small handful of games each season. Hence it is very difficult to get hold of tickets for the big games.
I'd love to have been able to get to the semi final, and to any of the CL games, but unfortunately I couldn't. Hence my request for a Cup Final ticket on here.
When I lived in Stirling I used to attend every home game, and some of the aways, with the CSC.
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I am starting to feel a little more philosophical over Sunday.
The challenges over the summer have not changed due to the result, it has merely emphasized that we cannot hide from them
The speculation over MON and the need to overhaul the squad would all have to be addressed no matter the result.
I would hope the board, given their financial interest if not there love for Celtic, would have prepared a contingency for the above.
It is at this time that we will see the metal of our board. It is time for the board to get out some positive PR, to reveal the master plan.
I have been and remain a defender of our board. It is at this time, they must prove that this faith has not been misplaced.
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Tuesday at last and here in the Gorbals, if not exactly sunny, at least it is starting to look fairly bright and dry.
I’m not sure exactly what I will do today, but I definitely need to stay away from any more Guinness as the horrors of Sunday’s events were magnified a thousand times by the panic stricken paranoia and neurosis of alcoholic cold turkey.
Big T and James have just passed by my front window, probably heading up the shops for a paper. I bought myself a paper this morning, although I did take the coward’s way out since it was the Scottish sport avoiding Guardian. Still as someone somewhere once said, ‘even the longest journey starts with the first step.’
And that is exactly what I am going to do, take that first step.
My favourite walk along Ballater Street, down along the Clyde at Glasgow Green football club, back up onto the Dunn Street and cut across onto Nuneaton Street.
Just around the street’s elbow, there it is!
Paradise! Celtic Park!
This holy ground of ours is a bit special you know. It has a personality of its own. It beckons and welcomes you almost waving to you to come in and feel good. It smiles at me as each step takes me closer and it reminds me of through it’s own memories of the many great and wondrous games and players who have adorned that glorious rectangle of God’s sod.
My hearty will beat slightly faster as I near that monument to football history, and I will again hear in my mind’s ear the call of the crowds, the songs of the faithful, the roar of anticipation, and the crescendo of triumph that have been such a great companion and comfort through more years than I care to remember.
I will think of Willie Maley, Jimmy Quinn, Johnny Thompson, Jimmy McGrory, Patsy Tully, Jock Stein, Billy McNeil, Jimmy Johnstone, Paul McStay, Henrik Larsson, and oh so many other legendary players of the past. But more than that I will think of those to come, perhaps the Aiden McGeadys, Ross Wallaces, Scott Cuthberts, or Rocco Quinns.
I can see them next season or the season after that turning, twisting, passing and playing in that archetypal Celtic Way. I can see them playing for the children of today, tomorrow, and for generations still to come, when I will be sitting (hopefully) on a cloud above playing my harp and drinking a heavenly Guinness.
‘Silly old git’ I hear you say!
For writing it down? Aye your probably right, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.
So I’m off now and guess what, the sun has come out!
It’s great to be a Tim
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Paul,
Just a thought (God forbid the redtops are right) if Martin O'Neill does leave the club - would it be possible for you to create a topic where fans could leave their tributes to the man? He has brought us out of the wilderness of European football and restored the credibility and respect of our great Club and extended Celtic family.
We could also leave our support and thoughts for him and his family in what must be a traumatic time.
Like you, I feel that we can not underestimate the contribution the man has brought to the club especially considering the unprecedented, dire financial climate in the football industry.
Yours in Celtic,
ASL88
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cheers for that Martybhoy.
It was me, not glasgow dave
Maybe i shouldnt have had those tequilas after all
Pity about the game, but the company and banter was good
We famously had the 'No Excuses' T-shirts. Well there were no excuses after this dire performance at Fir Park.
Just read on bbc that Martin is all set to go on Wednesday. Surely this cant be a wind up by the BBC. The celtic job requires 100% commitment.
If Martin cant give 100% due to his wife's ill health, then he shouldnt be in the job at all.
Im hoping all this strachan talk is nonsense as im not too happy about him being given the transfer budget if he is employed
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I used to enjoy your intersting and intelligent articles Paul but ,I have to say, this website is turning into an online version of Prada.
More and more, you are starting to sound like an apoligest for the boards "prudent" policies.
You are beginning to look forward with some confidence? Do me a favour!!! We are about to lose our manager, we have allowed the huns off the hook to come out of one the most turbulant periods in their history with 2 league titles in five years, we have an ageing team of thirtysomethings that badly needs rebuilding and are looking at a second rate manager like Strachan coming in to sort out this mess.
The board has presided over this debacle over the last number of years, particularly since Seville. That should have been our springboard to further success but the board did NOTHING. The writing was on the wall about the current set up a long time ago and many could see Sundays disaster coming for a long time.
This "prudent" board has allowed the opportunity of sustained success in Scotland and Europe slip through their short sighted fingers and we are now ,somehow, looking at the possibility of the huns have a period of success while we have to look at a huge rebuilding job.
SHAME ON THEM.
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Yeah the manager will resign tomorrow along with JR and SR. The cup final will now be a proper farewell party.
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Anon at 11.42
How do you know those asking for a cup final ticket weren't at the semi?
I was at the semi final, when according to Celtic they had 21,000 tickets, and I think justifiably expected a semi final ticket, especially when Celtic announced that their allocation was 25,000.
However I did not get one, neither did my father and I take great resentment to you comment.
This is the 3rd occasion when myself and my father have been at a semi final and have then not got a final ticket, wasn't in the best of moods already today but reading your comment has put me in a right stinker
JhonD
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Sorry about the negative post coming up but this is just how I feel.
Hats off to everyone who can put the weekend behind them, I'm still hurting over it, and still having difficulty in coming to terms with it, ffs we couldn't hold on to a lead against an under strength Motherwell team with 3 mins left on the clock, we gave them the league and have now made eck a tactical and managerial genius !
Paul you make a valid point about the club losing money, but who's to blame for that? Us ? From where I sit all I do each year is put in more cash, season book, cup tickets, CL tickets, new strips, dvd's, clothing, windfall and food to name but a few, each year it costs us the supporters more and more to support our club.
If we continually increase the clubs turnover year after year, what more can we do, maybe the people running the club should take a look at themselves.
Mon has brought much credability back to us I'll agree that and in the beginning has worked wonders, but I'm sorry the weekend was a joke, I just feel he's to set in his ways and his inability to change or even learn from mistakes cost us dear.
Seville was a long time ago and we've been going down hill since and we're meant to accept that becasue the money men say so.
Many people say Seville was their greatest moment supporting Celtic, being at the game and knowing how I felt on the trudge back to the bus, I'd totally agree with you all if we had won the cup we didn't, my greatest memory was Wim Jansen ending Rangers Domination of Rangers in Scotland, dancing on the parkhead turf will live with me for ever and the feeling of finally winnning the league again.
Looking forward to the Cup Final, MON does deserve, and will get a great send off, but I for one will not be going home and crying at his departure.
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Fair enough we have limited resources but mistakes were made.
MON's eye has been off the ball for VERY understandable reasons....we looked like a dying team out there on Sunday.
You just wish we were able to build on the team after Seville, but we can't make money appear from nowhere...Paul's right we have actually spent more than we had. There aint a big reserve of money sitting anywhere that we have been saving up.
Time for a fresh start indeed. I'll take Gordon Strachan, though I'd actually like David Moyes more.
We shall see.
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12.20 anon. you claim the board did nothing.
What would you have them do? What is your plan? How is it Funded?
Mud slinging is easy. ideas are the difficult part. More than happy to listen to people criticise the board but please outline an alternative credible approach.
I have defended the board as I have yet to hear the alternative approach. I am willing to listen and prepared to be convinced.
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Paul,
Here's my tuppence worth on the incoming manager.
It's inconceivable to me how the decision makers can band around possible candidates and conclude GS is the best choice.Is that progress?
If any of the top five clubs in the premiership became managerless MON would be linked to all those posts.Would GS?
How can he progress the club?
Progress would be success in the CL.Lets face it,its financially rewarding if you gain moderate success ie get to the 2nd group stage.
Thats not a unrealistic goal to set ourselves.
Therefore why don't we insist that the next coach must have achieved that in his career.
Can i suggest Paul le Guen,formely of Lyon.He's available,no compensation required!
I will get behind whoever comes in but,to me,GS in a appointment that lacks ambition,shows no imagination and will leave the fans deflated.
Celtic is a big club bound in chains never to fully realise its potential because of a timid,unambitous board who are scared to take a business risk.
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"If we don't score 2 goals in the first 20 minutes then we're beat...." Dinnae be daft I told my mate.....the rest is history.
I now think O'Neil has been working his 12 month notice. I apologise for speculating but I really need to find answers that contributed to Sunday. Ability should not be a factor in a game where one team is playing for everything & one team are playing for nothing. M'Well should have been bullied into submission, so what if it had taken a few yellow cards or maybe even a red, at least we would have known how much the players wanted it.
Rewind to last summer, this is where I think O'Neil asked for time off & Brian Quinn refused. O'Neil may then have argued that his coaching team could handle things & sent them to the USA in charge. When things didn't go well in the opening games O'Neil was told to get out there. This is where his relationship with Quinn finished & notice served.
I hope the board have acted sensibly in finding a replacement, there is money to be spent & spent wisely it must be.
Meanwhile there's a cup final to play for & an awful lot of pride at stake. Winning the cup will in no way make up for Sunday but I want to know that those players who wear the shirt I love are hurting. I know some will be, some won't. Some I hope will never pull on the hoops again, but I'm luckey, I have a ticket & many through financial, geographical or health won't be at Hampden. So I will cheer on 11 Celtic jerseys for 90 minutes regardless of who is wearing them.
On Saturday we should celebrate being Celtic fans & stand srong & proud. Maybe we should also make a donantion to cancer charities as a way of saying thank-you to Martin.
SWBhoy.
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Tuesday night over here in Sydney, and still feeling sick to the pits of my stomach, i have been here for nearly three years and never missed one game, on celtic live,believe me its been a struggle games kicking off at midnight,and midweek games 4.45 in the morning.But thats a passion that never dies in us all,We will return stronger and better ,and live to fight another day, thats the Celtic way. So lets have a great day on Saturday, and give Martin all the applauds he deserves.Hold your head up high.On a funny side My wife is glad that the season is over , i wake her up with all the shouting at the screen during the night.HAIL HAIL.
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Tom the Tim, thanks for your kind support.
BigChipSuk / Sam Miguel, thanks for your perspective. Sorry, I have not seen a ticket going spare.
Point noted ASL88.
Would the nameless anon from 12.20 like to tell us how much money he would have liked to see Celtic lose these last five years?
Just how close to insolvency would you like us to go? Maybe within £8million?
Have you actually checked how close we were at the end of last season and extrapolated to where we can expect to be this season?
Or have you just picked an emotive point without checking any figures and then accused me of being an apologist?
I have spent a lot of time looking at our accounts and I am willing to bet that you have not. I am willing to bet that this is the first time you have been asked how close to insolvency you think Celtic should go.
Hard question I know, but when you are losing money at the rate Celtic have been lately this is the question you need to answer before authorising any spend.
I expect the cumulative loss for these past 5 years to reach around £40million. It is only when we face the fact that this is not prudence that we will begin to understand the problems faced by our club.
Not to nit-pick, but I believe Prada is a ladies fashion label, not the late Soviet newspaper Pravda.
If you point is valid, come back and tell us all how low we should have run the balance sheet down without feeling the need to have a pop at me.
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Rob 71 i am not wishing to get into an arguement about the merits of GS or DO'L, but as managers have either of them won anything.
One cup final for Millions of pounds spent, lets not beat around the bush either here.
I hope we win the CUP, set out a long term strategic plan for the development for the squad development and start to move forward. I just want the best available person doing the job. I do not want our Club to sign someone in any position or as manager just because they are Scottish or Irish when there are better candidates available.
PS. Paul is it true that we have been overlooked for entry into the G14 because our entry would be unfair without Rangers, yet both chelsea and Newcastle have been accepted??
If so yet again we are perhaps held back by the constraints put upon us by unfair competition rules. How can we help to shape our futureif we are not at the top table helping to make decisions?
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I have to say I'm a bit perplexed at the stick Strachan has been taking in some quarters.
The difference between Strachan now and MON 5 years ago is a Worthington Cup.
I believe Strachan could do a good job, given the time and patience that was readily granted to MON.
MON worked a miracle in his first season here - no other word for it. Not bad considering all we were looking for was a wee bit of pride.
If Strachan does indeed get the job, I sincerely hope he will be afforded the full support of the fans. If we can't be a collective, then what's the point?
PW
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Well it looks like MON is on his way, Petrov quoted that he 'understands the reasons' and the official website talking about MON not confirming a sabbatical.
If it wasn't true, I would really have expected a denial by now.
EK Gerry, I also remember Strachan getting smacked the season after, for scoring a penalty against us in the first few minutes at Pittodrie.
If Strachan is the new man, my concerns are how the money will be spent.
I am with you Paul, we will spend but the rebuilding would be difficult even with someone who has been in the job for 5 years.
It is a different prospect having someone who doesn't know the board, have an intimate knowledge of how the club works or indeed the necessary standing to attract the type of players we may need.
One thing which may go in his favour, I know he has been travelling all over Europe to investigate coaching methods and how other successful clubs are run. He's not just been doing TV work since he left Southampton.
I hope my nervousness is unfounded, but if MON does leave, his successor will need our full support and some of our patience from day 1.
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Paul67 - looks like etims having a dig at you!
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Paul Le Guen is my choice too. A tacticaly sound manager with a good knowledge of european football. An up and coming coach who has an excellent track record of buying top quality players for reasonable money.
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Leicester City MON record having spent not very much.
2000-01 Division One play-off champions
1999-00 League Cup Winners
1998-99 League Cup runners-up
1996-97 League Cup Winners
two runs in UEFA cup as well, think they made it to quarter finals when they got knocked out away from home by Atletico Madrid.
Er strachan one FA cup Final lost having spent shed loads more money than MON ever had and Coventry City Relegated. Played one tie lost one tie in European Competition as a manager. There is no comparison in their relative successes as managers.
One has been a success at 2 clubs, the other hasn't and walked away from a job too stressful at Southampton.
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Like many others reading these messages have helped me get over the last 3 days.
My first match was Fir park in 1966 when Lennox clinched the league in a 1 - 0 victory. I thought sunday was heading for a nervous repeat, but no.
Nothing in the 39 years that have elapsed since my first match prepared me for the collapse on Sunday. Milan in 1970 was hard to take. The departure of Jock Stein was inevitable given results but still hard to take. Seville wasn't really a major disappointment to me because 95% of it was about the experience of us being there and participating.
It's now time to get real. MON is going (probably announced tomorrow). He and the board have been preparing us for this over the last couple of weeks. I suspect they believed it would be on a high not the low we are currently experiencing. Winning the Cup will be nice if it happens but it will not erase the pain of Sunday for you, me or MON for that matter.
You who automatically dismiss the prospect of strachan seem to assume that there is a queque of top managers just waiting in the wings to be called.
We need to recognise that we have effectively slipped back to 2000, MON's first year in charge. We need someone (whoever that may be) to spend wisely and give back domestic supremacy never mind this tosh about taking us to the next level.
The next manager will also have a difficult job because of the raised expectations about our youngsters. He will have to do the weeding out because if you are honest that with the exception of McGeady (and his lack of pace is worrying) and possibly Kennedy if he can return to full fitness, the remainder are not good enough and will not make it.
Let's hold together now and stride positively into the future. We need to back the new manager whoever he is and remember that we support Celtic Football CLUB - not an individual or group of individuals but an institution that will rise anf fall as one.
Apologies for rambling.
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Not something I'd normally have bothered doing, but it irked me sufficiently to make me act...
I have just emailed Setanta as follows in response to their article (attached to the end of my email). Feel free to do likewise.
MY EMAIL:
"Dear Sirs,
I would like to complain about your article (copied below) about the present situation at Celtic with regard to Martin O’Neill’s tenure as manager of the football club. I believe that this is a blatant case of mischief making on your part, and is irresponsible reporting with the fans and players trying to pick themselves up from the massive disappointment after Sunday’s result in time for the Scottish Cup Final this coming weekend.
Whoever wrote this misleading piece didn’t even have the guts to put their name to it. Not surprising since it is reported as though it is corroborated fact, when indeed it is totally unsubstantiated speculation. I use www.newsnow.co.uk as my first point of reference when following Celtic news, a site which monitors over 20,000 news sources every 5 minutes. I find it rather strange that you claim that “Martin O’Neill will quit Celtic on Wednesday, according to reports today”, when yours is the ONLY report that has appeared with this claim. Surely you can understand that Mr O’Neill would not relinquish his position at the helm right in the middle of the preparations for the Cup Final, and his team’s only chance to regain some pride and win a trophy this season. So why deliberately print such a controversial and unsettling piece without substantiating your claims.
Furthermore, given that it is common knowledge that the primary reason for the speculation over Mr O’Neill’s future is the health of his wife, and his desire to spend more time caring for her at this difficult and traumatic time in their lives, why would you then suggest that John Robertson and Steve Walford are also about to quit? If you check the reports on NewsNow you will in fact see references to the likelihood that these two will in fact take over the reins with Mr O’Neill in a consultancy role. Yet you don’t seek to report this angle as it would not be sufficiently unsettling on Celtic Football Club for your own disruptive agenda.
I expect you to either publish your sources or print a retraction and apology.
Yours disappointedly,
Damian Scott"
THE OFFENDING ARTICLE:
"O'Neill to quit on Wednesday
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill will quit Celtic on Wednesday, according to reports today. The Bhoys boss has been silent on his future, but it is widely accepted that he will be stepping down in order to spend more time with his wife, who is seriously ill.
O'Neill's assistants John Robertson and Steve Walford are also set to leave the Glasgow side, while former Southampton Gordon Strachan is the favourite to land the job for next season after his break from management.
Celtic midfielder Stilian Petrov has already accepted O'Neill's likely decision telling Celtic TV: "It will be hard to see him go but everyone knows the reason."
"The gaffer has been great in his time with Celtic, with us and with the fans.
"I hope everything goes well for him and his family but, at the end of the day, it is his decision and he knows what is best."
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I'm obviously still upset about Sunday but I'm heartbroken for MON. To have his tenure at Celtic end on this note is truly painful.
Judging by the pictures that accompany the story on the BBC website, the media will try to portray him leaving in humiliation. It is the duty of each and every fan to give him the send off he deserves and show these people the reason why Celtic are special.
With regard to the new guy, the dye is cast. Give the Board a wee bit of credit for having someone in place to hit the ground running.
Whether you actually agree with the appointment or not (Wwhoever it is), it is again your duty to give him the benefit of doubt.
Over the next 2 months the new guy will need to rebuild a team. His decisions in the transfer market will dictate our success and failure for years to come. The least we can do is to support him in trying to take the club forward.
GM
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Frank from Bedlington there may not be a queue of top managers availabe right now but we are talking about the Celtic Job.
Especially if we are moving to the EPL in 2 years, its a major job if it becomes available.
I don't think we are as far back as 2000 either.
Tony, Latvia
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We have no manager, an over the hill team who have suffered the biggest reverse in our history. Not a great deal of cash to spend.
Am I alone in not feeling confident about the future ?
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What pulling power would Strachan have to bring quality footballers to our team. None thats what be prepared for second rate expensive southhampton flops and coventry misfits arriving near a statium near you soon. We all know that the wage bill has to be cut well we will get what we pay for the title next year is already surrendered the day MON walks away.
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Baldymeister - point taken, although getting to a champions league semi-final is something i'm sure we'd be happy with.
Whoever is manager has to be a long term appointment as we can't go back to the instablity of the late '90s.
Saturday is just the beginning.
"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
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If Strachan is appointed the club have taken a huge step backwards. The next stage of the plan was competing in the next round of the CL. Until the style of British Football changes then the way forward is a European Manager. Co Adraisane or Paul Le Guen would be my ideal choice, both play attaractive flowing football, which the Celtic Family are crying out for.
G
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I'm not going to jump on the bandwagon & slate specific players. The flaws on Sunday are the same ones from Seville. We all know the areas of the team that need addressed & we all know who are past their sell by date, however our backroom staff leave me confused. Steve Walford deals specifically in the art of defending - with 3 minutes to go we were defending on our own 6 yard box. John Robertson deals with our wing play & the art of crossing a ball. We have absolutely no width & no one who can put in a decent delivery. This to me is a major flaw.
On the managerial front i hope all of us, regardless of the dissappointment of recent years, can show our appreciation for Martin O'Neill. He has made tactical & transfer mistakes, but he has brought us much joy along the way, brought passion back to Parkhead & we are now taken seriously in European Competition. Saturday will be a sad day, but the torment he must be going through is hard to express. The most successful Hoops Manager since Stein - what else can you say.
Paul - There appears to be some apprehension towards appointing Strachan because he relegated Coventry, but who realistically is fit for the job, can instill attacking football again with a small transfer kitty, and cut it at European level.
Hiddink has done great with PSV, but remember he relegated Real Betis.
Le Guen (Lyon) is a technically gifted coach, but a top three finish in the French league is perceived as a successful season over there. In this country, second best is failure.
Mowbray - worked wonders with an inexperienced team, but can he step up
Burns - failed before
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Paul - you know I don't agree with your financial analysis - but now is not the time for further debate (that will come soon enough).
I just want to repeat my last post on this thread - right now this is the most important thing for us:
Hullbhoy - never doubted the e-tims bhoys for a minute. Happy with a day or two's introspection - but after that we need to come out fighting.
This isn't for the Celtic board (you know what I think), it isn't for the players and it doesn't even need to be for MON (though for me it will be).
On Saturday we need to come out fighting for each other. There is no-where else in this country we can turn to but one another. If we do this it will help the healing process immesurably.
The league has gone in the most awful of circumstances - our worst fears were realised. However now that the worst has happenned what else have we got to fear? We are liberated. No more fear, no more watching through our fingers, no more tears.
All thats left for me is anger and determination. Anger at this little backward country which despises us through its inherent sectarianism. Determination to show these people what we are made of and what a true community is like.
Oh and there is a fair sprinkling of revenge in mind too. Remember all these wee teams whom we were bored of thrashing. Well I'll tell you what - I will never be bored of that again. I want Dundee Utd to be the first victims of this. I will never get tired of defeating them.
So to all Tims out there - to ETims, Keep the Faith and the many other Celtic boards. To those of us still in despair. Use the anger - Saturday presents us the the perfect opportunity to show our unity and our strength.
WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED.
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First time poster, great site Paul, keep it up. Looking forward to your BIG story.
Firstly, I'd like to take this opportunity to condemn the media over this last few weeks have clearly manufactured their own headlines, this has been the biggest case of Chinese whispers I've seen in a long time! It started off as 'O'Neill makes his intentions unclear' to 'Strachan to replace O'Neill following his step down as Celtic manager'! To quote MON verbatim when asked about his future "I came back with my old stock answer; I know it gets really monotonous. I’ve been leaving this club for five years. There is as good a chance of my staying as leaving" In context its no different to the same answer he has given for years now!I just hope that Celtic fans wait for the facts and turn their backs on that media bandwagon that's been trying to get up Kerrydale Street for the last Five years. What effect they had on yesterdays outcome we'll never know but I'd urge all Celtic fans to reserve judgement and keep the faith. Secondly, this is a new low I've felt as a Celtic supporter, not so much disappointment as hurt, much more so than Seville, because as that little genius from Kilrea put it, we were punching above our weight then. Now however, to beat Rangers at Ibrox and go Five points clear with four games to go and not win the league is truly unbelievable. I thought I'd feel better today, how wrong was I? I'm still trapped in the perpetual motion of shaking my head in disbelief! This, I feel, is the turning point for Celtic! And I for one cant wait to be part of it.
Hail Hail.
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How about the first 2 signings being Riordan and Mowbray?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/hibernian/4575821.stm
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Paul,
Not quite sure I totally agree with you this time. I agree that it is not money that caused us to fail. How much do we need to spend to be able to beat the Motherwells, the Hearts etc.
Surely the Celtic reserves or 19's would give these teams a run for their money let alone the first team. If we loose to AC Milan then I can take the lack of spending argument but if we loose to Motherwell or any other SPL team then don't us trot out this money to spend crap. How much money do these teams spend that allows them to beat us on a consistent basis.
As for no selleable assets , I do not go with your arguements. Rangers had a weaker value than us two years ago,if you compare the playing staff, and yet they were able to refresh their team with absolutely no new money. If they can do it then lets take our head out of the sand. If they can renew their team by cutting out dead wood even paying them to go then why can't we.
We may not have been able to sell our players for much but we could save a heck of a lot on wages by releasing them. These money could be better spent on acquiring a Bosman who has superior skill and would also accept a reduced wage to our over-inflated players. [Valuations and wages has come down since we last signed these players].
The reason we have an aged team is that O'Neil is too loyal to players and would rather not let them go. This imotional attachment blinded him to obvious failures of these players.
This isn't a witch hunt for O'Neil since I believe that he has been great for the club. Just as I suggest that managers must not be imotionally attached to players we supporters must also not be too imotionally attached to any manager irrespective of how good they have been. Once we become imotional attachment to anything, we loose perspective and rational judgement. CELTIC is a living entity and must always look to the future. Yesterday's achievements belong to our History but it should not stop us from moving forward. They players were great for us and they gave us Servile but that is no reason not to notice that they can't take us further and replaced them even drop them when they are not playing well. O'Neil has been a great Celtic manager but that should not stop us from knowing that his style of play and personality traits can not get us to a higher plane.
Now for the arguements about pushing the boat out , breaking the bank etc.. this seems to be a Celtic thing. I have never heared anybody at Ibrox or in the media asking for David Murray to break the bank or push the boat out to get success. Possibly that is not a great idea for Rangers. When it comes to Celtic every media pundit and his dog is advising that we break the bank in the hope that there will be success. I suppose they mean well, if not many of us would not believe it.
I do not believe that we should gamble the Clubs future for an uncertain gain. My grandad supported Celtic, My Dad supported Celtic, my son supports Celtic. We supporters now are only custodians of this heritage which we will pass on to future generations. It is not within our power to gamble this heritage and endanger it for future supporters. My view is that as supporters we can only do the best to nurse this Heritage through our times and safely pass it on to the next generation. WE INHERITED IT , IT IS NOT OURS TO GAMBLE AWAY.
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Tony - agree to disagree on points but please drop the 'EPL in 2007' nonsense. It's not going to happen.
As I said we need to get real and stay together and for the meantime focus on the short term and stabalise the ship.
That's not going to happen if we get distracted by daft talk about the EPL.
Much to my disappointment we are stuck where we are.
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As someone once said "this too will pass"
Paul I share your excitement for what lies ahead.
At fir park on Sunday i had to keep my mouth and enthusiasm in check because of the seat i had in the Main stand.
The thing that stood out for me apart from the obvious, we have come to accept a team that only plays in spells.
For 15 minutes at the start of the second half Celtic played with verve and pace and i thought it was only a matter of time.
The Halmark of all great Celtic teams is their fitness, drive,pace and the ability to apply constant pressure.
How many times have we witnessed that this season once? twice?
Pace and ability is always the answer lets look forward to Saturday and the Summer.
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Paul,
I have it on very good authority that Celtic will announce to the Stock Exchange tomorrow that Martin O'Neill is stepping down as manager after Saturday's final.
I have also heard from a gentlemen that both you and I know that Strachan has signed a 4 year contract.
I am not pleased about this at all. He does not have the credentials that we are looking for. i.e. A European pedigree. However I will back him to the hilt if he gets the job.
Kevin McGarry
Newarthill
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If MON is offski, then the Board could do worse than give Phillipe Troussier an interview. He's just been released by Marseille (due to club politics, not the man). Has great knowledge of world football, has been successful at club and country level and he has an eye for finding gems of players in Africa. Also speaks great English.
Why we fall back on UK managers with no pedigree when we want to crack the Euro scene is beyond me ????
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Frank from Bedlington, Time will tell about the EPL, i still think it's a big job that should attract a lot of top class managers.
I think we have all said & thought a lot of negative things in the past couple of days and often we say things out of major disapointment.
I did the same and have not done a decent days work either yesterday or today, it is very hard to take at the moment.
I would not expect the club to go for anything less than a very decent appointment if MON does go. I honestly don't see Strachan as the right choice and think we would need to be very careful if we have got major money to spend in the summer.
Whoever comes in should have a good track record of getting good players for reasonable money.
I still hope that MON will be here next season.
If not then if we could attract a European coach, with a history of teams that with technically gifted footballers who play the ball on the ground....that would be the preferred choice for me.
After Paul posts his story about the Glazer effect then see if you are still as scepticle about the EPL move.
If it did happen then i would hope that we would be on a major investment operation into the team.
Still no word about a share issue right enough, maybe it's just about timing.
Agree to disagree Frank, but i'm staying positive ...for now.
It's a very thin line though for the board to tread, most of us could easily switch the other way depending on the actions in the next couple of weeks.
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French_Connection :
I think the Strachan thing was settled some time ago. If it is Strachan, who will be his assistance. I know he worked with Eric Black in the past - where is he now ?
Troussier is an intersting one though - he certianly would have some great contacts in remote countries.
But if we really want a foreign coach, manager in a world cup and European Championships, who has had some great domestic success and currently available - step up the Little Genital !!
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here here...lets look forward with confidence guys
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If it isn't Strachan why has he not denied it ?
Jim V
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Well it looks like we are losing MON....but the biggest worry is the replacement...by reading above we seem split on who the best man is;
So what do I want:
A manager that plays football the way its meant to be played (ie on the deck)
A manager that has a knowledge of European football to enable us to identify suitable targets outwith the harvey nichols of football (peremiership)
A manager that has a winning mentality and will understand that being second is not an option...
A manager who will command the respect of his fellow teammates...
I think that Gordon Strachan may fulfil 1 at best 2 of these...
His transfer record is not very impressive:-(this was taken from a another site:
How much did Gordon Strachan spend in the transfer market?
In the period from when Gordon Strachan took over as manager in November 1996 Coventry City has signed 43 players for a total of almost £60 million.
Of the 43 purchases only a handful can be described as unqualified successes. Included in this category would be Huckerby, Breen, Hedman (REMEMBER HIM), Nilsson, Boateng, Hadji, Keane and Roussel who all blossomed at Highfield Road. Several of them earned the club tidy profits but too many others were nondescript or added no value to the club’s playing assets.
A number of the failures were overseas players including Wallemme, Clement, Johansen, Delorge and Normann, and this must put a question mark over the club’s continental scouting ability.(sound familiar)...
He had one good season at Coventry, one good season at Southampton, one game at European Level......No thanks!!!
PS If hes not "celtic minded" (whatever that means) before he comes he will be if he delivers a title...so that doesnt come into the equation for me..
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Sorry forgot to say:
I think Eric Black is assisting at Birmingham...(rated higher by coventry fans)
And does anyone think that the Deadline for season tickets was brought forward due to this and the worry we may lose the league....surely not!!!
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Neg Annon – A brilliant piece – I have taken the liberty of posting part of your statement on other message boards, hope you don’t mind – this is exactly the sprit that we all need to show!
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I just can't understand why MON was saying that we have exciting times and we will have new players in the summer, when he new he was going to go,
something just dose not add up.
Dose anyone think MON will be moving upstairs?
Hail Hail
gg
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Just a thought.....
We all bleat about the media's anti-Celtic agendas....they didn't lose us the league.....granted....but I don't think we get a fair crack of the whip....nothin' new there...you might say.
However, how many Celtic fans buy the Record, Sun, Mirror etc etc....there must be loads.
This site and Paul's recent attendance at the press conference has given a insight into what MON says and what they choose to print.
Don't buy them...hit them in the pocket and make a stand against what they print....don't underestimate the buying power of thousands of Celtic fans.
Just a thought........
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PW wrote "I believe Strachan could do a good job, given the time and patience that was readily granted to MON"
How much patience did we have to afford O'Neill with his slow start???
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Cheers Celtic-mas-que-un-club - I don't mind at all - glad you did - I just want the desired effect on Saturday.
There are loads of debates to come - but right now I just want us to show the defiance that made us what we are.
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Paul,
many congratulations. I have just read the comments of anon 12:20. I had no idea just quite how industrious you are. How do you manage your time? Doing your day job, attending to CQN and your family and, in between times,you have apparently been starting a online shopping franchise with a leading Italian fashion label. What a man!
It may just be possible however that anon has confused Prada with Pravda, that esteemed organ of the Soviet apparatus.
Yours, in hand crafted leather loafers.
Yogi
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If it is strachan then perhaps MON had a hand in it, perhaps this has been on the cards for some time. MON may have picked him out and he may take on the mantle of mentor.
This would explain MON's previous comments, in that they may have already picked out signings and put in place next years strategy.
Its as believeable as the guff in the press.
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whoever becomes the manager we will have to get behind them as the press will jump on any unrest in the massed hoops ranks.
Hopefully if all is to be believed then the board have known since Feb MON was walking away.
If thats the case then the new man has had plenty of time to do his homework and hit the ground running.
Giggsy14 aka Celtic Ultra who's account has seemed to have disappeared.
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Based on various factors -
Celtic is the fifth largest club in the UK and ranked 13th in Europe.
Surely any manager should be measured against this. Strachan for the Scotland job - yes. Strachan for the Celtic job - no.
Why has no one mentioned managers in current employement? Are we reduced to having cast offs as our manager?
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All I have to say on the matter is blah blah blah blah blah so it shall be written in stone and told around the land. Strachan indeed bah.
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Something to cheer those in need:-
Sky Sports are making a big deal about 10,000 scousers going to the CL final
Ah Seville!!!
TGFITW The Real Thing
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co'b: Amazing really, as I thought they'd been allocated 20,000 tickets!
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If we went and knocked on Davie Moyes' door d'you think he could knock it back?
I don't!
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One thing we are forgetting is that MON took the place of John Barnes, at a time when anything MON could do was an improvement, now we need a manager who would carry on and elevate MON's success, this, I would like to add, is IF MON leaves
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I saw the word "improvement". That was our problem, despite starting the season with a dodgy central defence eg at Kilmarnock and Inverness, we never sorted it out.
I think we thought we would still get away with it this season at least. At least it will be something for the new man to concentrate on!
Hopefully we will score enough goals on Saturday.
Ian, Old Kilpatrick
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Strachan & John Gorman as assistant announced tomorrow
Mick Martin
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Davie Moyes wouldn't take the Celtic job, not a chance, and sadly, he'd be right not to. Celtic are in a mess, and a mess that will take a few years to climb out of. I'll believe the £15m talk when i see the money on the table, and even that will only be a short term answer. It will cost us a few quid to pay off Robbo and Walford, and possibly to get in replacements, if the men Strachan wants currently have jobs.
It breaks my heart to think that the club failed to take advantage of having reached a European final. Money or no money, Murray would have splashed out to build, so why couldn't we? It was a once in a generation chance, and we blew it, big style.
Welby.
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The fact that Gordon Strachan has never won anything as a manager and has been out of work for a long time, would not even make him an acceptable canditate for his old club Aberdeen. The fact that Celtic are even linked with him is shocking, and as big a disappointment as last weekend. We as Celtic fans have been driven by the hope of a brighter future; the appointment of Gordon Strachan would send an altogether different signal. P.S. Peter Rafferty, please don't speak for all Celtic fans. When the Daily Record comes looking for a quote, please say that it is your personal opinion.
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In the lead up (and aftermath) of MON's appointment, the common consensus seemed to be the DD played a key role in getting MON over other potential candidates (Hiddink). Who is playing the key role now? Is MON involved in recommending a successor- or do we have a board in panic that will end up appointing "on the hoof". Unfair I know, given that nothing's been confirmed yet regarding MON's situation, but I just get a sense that this is not going to be well handled by the board. I hope I'm truly wrong.
Brendan
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If, as now seems likely, MON has decided to take time out then Strachan is simply not good enough. There are plenty of IMHO better options available now that are also without clubs
Some to think of are Co Adrianse who did superbly well with a limited squad in both Europe and the Dutch league (and has been linked with Celtic previously - and I dont mean a few weeks back)
Ruud Gullit has just resigned as well.
Both of these options would be far more in the type of manager I would like to see.
Strachan may be an ok manager and if Celtic do see fit to appoint him I would gladly be proven wrong but frankly I doubt he has the temperament for such a high pressure job, nor do I believe he has the experience.
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Paul and fellow Tims,
Time must be a great healer. I was told this "joke" today and I thought to myself how much we had progressed in the years since Ricco played for us. One Tim to his mate as Ricco prepared to come on as substitute: awnawnooannoniscominoanana.
Martin O'Neill deserves all the credit for lifting us out of the mire. Let those of us lucky enough to have tickets (how do the same people always manage to wangle them?) show our appreciation come what may on Saturday.
We shall not be moved.
Parkheadcumsalford.
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Paul , I am sure you will not comment on GS before an appointment is made but we need to let the board know that he is not acceptable. Remember the delight that greeted MON's appointment ??
Guys,
If anyone has any idea as to how we can let our feelings be known before this deal is ratified then please let the rest of us know. As far as i ma concerned the GS rumour is far worse than sundays pain.....
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Please Celtic Board read the comments and consensus coming through on this site
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Cant believe that M O`N is leaving, he is our undoubted leader. A man of great intelligence, humour,and football knowledge. I am sick about Sunday, but absolutely stunned about this. I genuinely feel upset that he`s leaving, and cant bring myself to think of not hearing him doing the interviews and keeping the Celtic community to the fore. He is at his spiritual home and I pray to God that his wife makes a full recovery, and on a personal and perhaps selfish note, hope that he can one day return.I have NEVER felt this bad in all of my Celtic supporting days, and feel insulted that someone like Gordon Strachan can be considered for this post. He has NO emotional attachment to Celtic, and if he fails, will not get too upset(please don`t come back at me with Tommy Burns). How many times did you see Martin O`Neill interviewed and see the same passion and love for our club, that we have, cursing through his viens. Remember Ibrox anyone?? After Thommo and Sutty were sent off and we had been defeated 2-0, Martin and Lenny came to the support and gave us a wave of defiance. It`s the first time I left Ibrox after an Old Firm defeat feeling good!!I know this sounds stupid, but it was MON and his spirit, his enthusiasm, his love of our club, and despite what people say, his knowledge of what we have to suffer, that made me feel good. Our leader was telling us that we were in it together, and that affinity is shortly to end. If Strachan is appointed we replace the master with an apprentice who doesn`t have the passion for our club. Despite what statements are said by him or our board we are missing something important here. I feel insulted that people like Peter Rafferty can make statements that an appointment like this will be welcomed by the fans. Forget it - I don`t welcome it,The fans I have spoken to today (approx 50)do not welcome this appointment (if it happens). I have never met Rafferty so I don`t know what the man is like, but he`s never slow to give the red tops the quote they desire. He doesn`t speak for me and I wish he would qualify his statements by saying who he represents and who he has consulted , but his opinion is ONLY his opinion.
Perhaps my distress is making me take a dig at Peter Rafferty but I would like someone at Celtic to take note that I would love Martin to remain in some capacity at Celtic, and if God permits, then he can return to Paradise as our rightful leader.
God bless you Martin, and I hope you have a great and long life with your two families, your wife and daughters, and maybe in the future the Celtic family
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The obsession some supporters seem to have with winning infuriates me. Winning is not the be all and end all: It never has been hoistorically at Parkhead, and I had hoped it never would be.
IMO, It should not be the absolute determining factor in the selection of any new manager or coach. Success can be measured in other commodities aside from the weight of silverware resting on anyone's sideboard.
Sunday was not, as has been suggested, an unfitting send-off to a 'Great Celtic' team because quite simply, the team is neither particularly 'great' nor especially 'Celtic', notwithstanding the fact that there are undoubetdly Celtic Greats among the players and coaching staff.
The utter devastation and emptiness felt by myself and all other supporters on Sunday afternoon, which will endure for some time yet, is due primarily to a realisation that with this current squad and their playing style (or lack of it), without the SPL title we're left with precious little else.
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I couldn't care less if it was Michaela Strachan??
MON is still our manager and will be until we hear otherwise. Why are we all talking like this?
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Quote: while at southampton.
Reporter: Are you getting where you want to be with this team?
Strachan: We're not doing bad. What do you expect us to be like? We were eighth in the league last year, in the cup final and we got into Europe. I don't know where you expect me to get to. Do you expect us to win the Champions League?
Clearly not the man for us, as for John Gorman please tell me this was a sick joke.He is at wycombe currently about 10 places off the conference league.
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Looks like Adrianse has took the Porto job so that’s gone, cant believe we are in this situation again, after the “Dream team” scenario I thought it was only onwards and up-wards, we seem to have missed a great chance to progress to the next level,
The infuriating thing with MON is we know how great a manager he is, he just persistently seemed to make tactical errors which we all seen where wrong, correct these errors possibly spend the money rumored to be going about and where would we be next year? on the verge of CL round 2 instead a new man is gonna want to re-build completely in his own style, we need several key players, not a whole new squad
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For christ sake, you can't possibly slag off Strachan and then suggest Ruud Gullit. And Adriaanse has a job.
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Shammy said..
Can't get a ticket for Saturday so will have to watch it on the
telly. Don't know where to go though, going back to the same pub
as Sunday is like returning to the scene of a bad accident.
Don't think the place will ever feel the same again. Pity I liked
the place as well.
Manager, must agree with most posts here, Strachan is not the answer.
Worrying thing is, he hasn't came out and denied it. I think if he
wasn't in the frame we would have heard from him by now.
Also, if we're talking about MON taking a sabbatical, why is a 4 year
contract being mentioned.
Martin, please stay. I know you must be sick to the back teeth having
to deal with the media in this country. It really must be hard trying
to act civil to these people. Let's hope you having the last laugh
this week and will come out and say your here for another year.
The tabloid media, don't buy it. That also includes their web-sites.
Don't go there..!!
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As far as i'm concerned, MON's expenditure throughout this season - in the summer and January windows - does not equate to having a 'limited budget'.
Making Henri Camara the most expensive loan deal in British football history turned out to be an embarassing decision, the £1.5m fee and £20k per week wages wasted on Camara for 6 months could have saw AT LEAST one quality player arriving from the continent on a permanent basis. Again, the Juninho signing was another disaster, he signed a player and then was unwilling to play him in his natural position due to his conservative style of play, the £40k per week outlay on Juninho for the best part of 7 months was further millions down the drain. When again, a decent European scouting policy or a bit of imagination and effort in player targets could have saw the money used to better effect.
Apparently we've paid Newcastle £1m for the Bellamy loan deal and the right to have first option on his signature, as if that really means anything. Henchoz must be on at least £20k per week for the 6 months he's been at the club so far, another ill-advised signing since MON has no intention of giving him a chance, despite the shocking form of both Varga and Balde throughout this season.
Add it all up and Martin O'Neill has spent/wasted one hell of amount of money on players this season, lest we forget he was also trying to bring in Dwight Yorke and Marcel Desailly during the summer, another two players who would have cost us millions in wages.
We find ourselves in our current desperate position because of MON's stubborn refusal at best, or downright laziness at worst, to make a concerted effort to scour the continent for players who can improve the side. While Alex McLeish has made a genuine attempt to find the players who can make Rangers the Champions they are now, O'Neill has sat back and complacently allowed things to become stale.
As much as i sympathise with his personal situation, that to me is unforgivable, and why if O'Neill doesn't choose to jump himself, then he should be pushed instead.
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Rudd Gullit, gimme a break! Outstanding player, as a manager though, he should be outstanding, out standing in the street. What about Paul Le Gen? Ex Lyon manager. Hiddink's price has gone up since last we looked that way, and i doubt he'd leave his club again. I'd kill for a manager who plays football on the deck, i've had my fill of long balls and winning by out battling the oposition.
Welby.
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IF things unfold as is being speculated, in terms of Martin's departure, there will be profound sadness amongst the Celtic support. Again, IF things work out as per a Strachan appointment, there will be mixed feelings amongst the fans (to say the least). However - nothing should spoil the opportunity to give MON and his team an appropriate recognition and send off at Saturday's game. We owe them a hell of a lot and the debates and feelings about his replacement should not be allowed to become the media story of the week. Time to unite for the Final - and possible finale for MON.
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I can't get my head round why you are all so ready to believe that Mr Glazer is the man to collapse the current EPL Tv deal. Yes, some of the comments on here make sense but he is not all powerful. it would take a vote of 14 clubs to go to a break the deal and I can't believe that there are 14 clubs who think that their individual rights are going to bring them more than the current package. In fact I doubt there are more than 3-4 clubs if that.
I cannot see how Mr Glazer expects the clubs his team is supposed to be competing with to agree to let Man U (and 1 or 2 others) walk off with all the money.
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This season's relegation with more-or-less the same squad that reached the cup final and finished in the top half of the table shows what a great job he did at saints, although I don't think he's the right man to take Celtic forward.
from a saints supporting friend re strachan.....
He's good at making a average / bad team better in a domestic league, but hasn't had the European experience that is necessary to understand the European game tactically and therefore take Celtic to a European success (or even maintain current Euro performance).
Good manager but not a high enough calibre to take Celtic forward, or even maintain them I think.
Celtic need to remember that a significant part of recent successes has been because they were ambitious and took their time to choose the right manager at the right time when they appointed MON - hope this hasn't been forgotten.
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that message should have read "This was from a Saints supporting friend..."
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Too many people have a far too limited knowledge of European football to make some of the comments being made.
Some people slating Strachan for having never won anything yet clamouring for Co Adriaanse - who has also never won anything. In his first season in charge at Ajax he finished in 3rd, over 20 points behind PSV and was fired midway through his second season. His first season at AZ also saw him finish 10th.
Almost every manager, Strachan and even MON, included will have had their failures and you can't just say "Got Coventry relegated so not good enough for us". Hiddink for example was in charge of the Fenerbahce side who finished 5th in Turkey. You have to look at the circumstances and expectations at the time.
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In my life.. cue beatles song... I have been a Celtic, then St Mirren, then Barcelona, then Atletico de Madrid then Celtic follower. Celtic in the sixties, St Mirren under Ferguson, Barcelona under Cruyff, Atletico when they won the double under Raddy Antic and back to Celtic, from the night I saw Jackie MacNamara score against Liverpool in the UEFA cup. I have always liked good football.
Having lived in Spain, why have I never supported the nine times European Champions Real Madrid?? Because they are always trying to get penalties when there is no way to score. I won´t pay to see Raul put goals in with his hands or to see Figo fall over himself looking for the foul that they will later score from, or to see them not getting flagged offside when they are playing at the Bernabeu, Butragueño got away with it for years and Raul has been his successor. Add to that their hard man tactics, have you seen Roberto Carlos put the boot in? I don´t need to go into the biased referees, and then there are their media mates, the likes of Chic Young and Gerry Mcnee. All that matters is winning. They are used to seeing their team win by an unjust penalty in the dying minutes, that is their football culture, good luck to them.
When jackie´s goal went in a decade or two of defeat and disappointment dissipated. That same Jackie MacNamara also played a fundamental role in the scotland team that drew with Norway in France ´98, the last time a Scotland team played with any real purpose,
And with Jackie´s goal a new Celtic began with all the foreign players and international managers and the club is now established again thanks to the fantastic fans who are a credit to the club. And now winning is on the cards again, but let´s not forget to excel in being the best club in the world ,after my support for various clubs I know now that celtic are, for history and the great players who have entertained us the team for me. Winning is not everything, Martin´s family is first and foremost that´s what makes celtic different, we must be different, we are one of the oldest clubs in the world and we have all the records for all to see and I am just getting used to saying we and it makes me feel good!!
Some of the fans have invested all their lives in Celtic, I feel for you and I want to tell you that I love all of you as you deserve love in return for the love that you have for the great Celtic, of McGrory and Johnstone and Empire cups and Coronation cups and six in a row in the twenties and nine in a row and Lisbon and 5-1 against Red Star belgrade and beating Leeds twice and beating Ajax in the Amsserdam Arena and beating Falkirk 8-1 this season, no one scored eight this year and that is also the measure of success, We only know that there is going to be a show and the Glasgow Celtic will be there. At Hampden on saturday. twice lost the league on the last day to Tenerife, who are now in the second division.
Think about the league now, who will remember the Rangers goals at Celtic Park? We remember Rab´s fumble. But thompson´s cracker, the Petrov and Bellamy goals at Ibrox.
Can´t anyone see that O´Neill has been grooming McGeady and Marshall, he has been faithful to the likes of Valgaaren and Laursen and Douglas and even Sylla who came on a s a sub as we tried to win the match in Milan, how many guys have been wanting to leave Celtic recently! None because they like it there, the players are treated with respect. Mourinho may be a winner but at what cost.
Strachan? Celtic minded or not? Well all I can say is that he had better be, otherwise he would be wasting his time and Celtic´s money
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I hate myself for fuelling this band of speculation on the eve of what will be a tragic day in Celtic’s history. However I personally would like to see Mowbray in before Strachan. Sure TM is unproven but Strachan is proven to be mediocre. He would be a good appointment from the PR side because people know him but look at the job the other ex Aberdeen player has done in Glasgow. I find GS to be a bit of a joke. He presents himself with a manufactured arrogance instead of the professionalism that radiates from MON. And it hurts me to think the type of player he will be able to attract to Celtic.
I’m just fuelling the chat on MON replacements but I am gutted he will no longer be our manager. He has been the only manager I have witnessed that has made Celtic stable and I am exceptionally grateful. Get the 6-2, treble and Seville videos out people and remind yourselves how amazing this man was.
I just hope we don’t see a repeat of pre-season farces we have seen in the not too distant past.
Lets all let MON know how grateful we are at the cup final and in response to:
“I will do all I can to bring some success to the football club.”
He sure did.
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Did strachan not have a go at Aidan Mcgeady for choosing Ireland over Scotland? Not the man I'd have in charge of Celtic. If all this sorry mess turns out to be true its a disgrace that the rumours came out in the last few weeks, there's someone inside Parkhead undermining the club, this person needs to be weeded out, only a few people could have known about this (once again if its true which I pray its not) and it should be easy to track it down if indeed the will was there. Strachan is not the man for the job, as someone else said if he was thought much of then why was he not offered any of the jobs that come up in England?
To estadio I think, I was over at Parkhead recently and the way you describe it and the walk to it brings back some memories (though they lost the game to hearts in what was the start of the slide in my opinion) it always fills me with pride when I see it and I think it’s a good way to start to get rid of the hangover of the weekend.
Some lads are havin a small go at MON, but they seem to forget how convincingly they won the league last season, and but for a bit of luck in the transfer market things could be different, you also seem to forget the poor shape the club was in before he came, he has brought the club from its knees to stand proud with the best clubs in Europe, remember they were 2 mins away from a draw in the san siro, some silly decisions vs Barcelona at parkhead cost them the game, though they were under the cosh for a lot of the game, both these games were lost the same as most other games were lost this season through defensive deficiencies, something we and Mon were well aware existed, Bobo has been going through a bad patch, that couldn’t be antisipated by anyone, MON can’t be blamed for seeing something that wasn’t there. In January he moved to strengthen the defence to sign Henchoz from Liverpool, this lad has vast experience in both EPL and CL, not a big gamble and we all welcomed him as a good addition to the club, it hasn’t worked out so far, who could have foreseen that? Who could have foreseen BBJ becoming even bigger BBJ, he scored the goals, picked up an ankle injury which he played through even though he couldn’t train, and put on a bit of weight. Sunday was a desperate way to leave the league behind us, we could all possibly see it coming, we all always had the feeling deep in our stomach that this was about to go pear shaped when the chances weren’t going in, but human nature takes over and lads started (without even thinking) to start dropping back, and all of a sudden we are thrown into chaos. It would have been better for us if the header off the line by Didier had gone it, it would have left us with ample time without over committing to get the goal back, luck just wasn’t on our side and be you AC Milan or queen of the south luck plays a huge part of winning and losing, no fear a ball would bounce over gordon marshall the other day like happened at hibs.. why is it I had a sick feeling when I saw gordon come out for motherwell, just got an awful feeling of déjà vu.
Anyway onto Saturday and a cup on the table. Celtic forever.
KerryTim
Sorry it was a bit long but I had to get this off my chest
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Paddybhoy
I agree with your sentiments about the hypocrysy of celtic fans who moan about media distortion and then buy the rags they are complaing about.
If every celtic supporting family and family member stopped buying these papers you can be sure the owners would sit up and take notice.
The problem is that the people who read this p**h are not prepared to give up there daily dose of banality.
On the other hand the tabloids could equally point out that our man (MON) misled the likes of Paul with his comments about 'help is on the way' and 'an exciting future'. Maybe he meant, as the tabloids clearly know from well placed briefing, a new manager.
By the way I hate writing this stuff because it only reminds me that he is going and an uncertain future lies ahead.
Man I wish I had a ticket for the final I think it's the only way I would get out of this despair. Those of you going cheer hard and say farewelll for me.
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IF the speculation is correct and everything would seem to point to Strachan in/MON out-my tuppence worth.
Strachan would not be my ideal replacement as he doesn't seem to be for many posters on here. However, I suspect that MON amongst others will have had a say in his appointment.
I for one will not judge him on his past teams. Celtic are an entirely different proposition. I'm not old enough to remember but I imagine the appointment of the great Jock Stein wouldn't have been met with universal approval. I for one will give Strachan, or whatever new incumbent, a welcome befitting our club.
Football is a funny game. Greece in the Euros anyone? I will add my thanks to MON for some truly memorable moments-the UEFA cup run and draws at the Nou Camp had me bursting with pride at my team. But, and it's a big but, he has made mistakes. He had the legacy of a world class striker who will-if he ever does-look back at a superhuman performance in Seville and wonder how the failure to find a semi-decent goalkeeper cost him a winners medal.And his loyalty to players who clearly lost form has cost us this season.
A marvellous motivator, gave us our pride back, inspired ordinary players to do extraordinary things. But, as he would readily admit, no Jock Stein.
So, give him a send off, lets win the cup, and keep him and his family in our prayers.
Thanks Martin.
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Kerrybhoy
For the record, although I respect his choice, I was disappointed that my fellow Scot Aiden chose to represent The Republic of Ireland over his native Scotland.
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I dont like commenting on speculation it only adds fuel to the fire of those with an anti celtic agenda.
However, it would seem the die is cast. We may not like the outcome but we have no option but to pull together and back whom ever becomes celtic manager.
Division and protest can only lead to unrest, which will harm us on and off the pitch.
If we support the new manager he may just get it right, if we dont he is sure to get it wrong.
Fighting amongst ourselves only makes fun for the hun.
United we stand divided we will surely fall.
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On another note, any of you guys take up my suggestion of 'insurance' and stick £50 on Rangers when they were 16-1 to win the league?
Thought not-too much like betrayal. Plus it would take more than 320 pints(beer's the same price as oil up here!!) to numb that pain.My money stayed in my pocket as well.
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Is it just me but is all this MON is the best since big Jock stuff for real? I must have been dreaming but I seem to recall following a team managed by one Billy McNeill who delivered more trophies and in doing so beat the manky mob 3 times in Hampden Cup Finals. Sorry MON but you failed to deliver a Cup Final win against the Huns and IMO you presided over the worst result in our history. MON, you go with our undying gratitude for restoring us to where we belong but I am sorry it is time to go. Our day will come again.
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Frank from Bedlinton
You are right Glazer would not win that vote, but he does not have too.
Once the immediate matters are out of the way I’ll post the story.
Thanks Stan the Man, keep with it.
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Just got a txt message saying Strachan will be anounced as the new Celtic manager tommorrow!
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Frank from Bedlington
Regarding Aiden,
What rite do you have to claim him as a fellow Scot? Yes he was born in Scotland but if he feels is identity is Irish who are we to judge?
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I'll hold my hands up and admit i put a tenner on Rangers on Sunday morning to win the title at 5/1. Thank god for internet betting cause if I had to walk in to the bookies to collect i doubt i'd have had the stomach. I'll probably use the money to buy the new strip though so at least its going to a (relativley) good cause.
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McStay_8
Every right to be disappointed. In the same way that I am disappointed that Scotland continues to select (usually rubbish) people not born in Scotland.
You see I was brought up in an age (I'm 47)when you played for the land of your birth.
My comment was also in a way defending Strachan's reported comments. One thing that has concerned me since Strachan's name came up is a whiff of 'he's not one of us' in some of the the post.
If that is the case then my sadness will be much greater than the extreme pain I have been feeling since Sunday.
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paul, I know you wont comment on speculation but given your invites to press cons, is there one scheduled for tomorrow?
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As a Southampton born Tim I feel I can comment on Gordon Strachan. He left because Rupert Lowe (first EVER football game seen 1996) kept interfering. Have you ever wondered why Saints have had more than a manager a year during Lowe's tenure?
Strachan made mistakes at Coventry and he has admitted them. That was a long time ago. Does anyone assess Sir Awex on what he did for East Stirling? I would be happy to see GS run Celtic. He is highly intelligent, a good coach and takes no shit from the players.
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Fantastic news management and PR from the club this week. Not one peep regarding the issues that are on every Celtic fan's mind.
Instead we get classic press releases like "Reserves off to Ireland".
Absolute genius. Before anyone jumps in and cries:"Stock Exchange Rules", just one official statement recognising that we as a support have sufferred another kick in the nads and that yes there is a media feeding frenzy going on and that Celtic will address the issues in due course.
The could have also thrown in some flannel along the lines of "we will do what we can to make Celtic successful etc etc" and Celtic fans might just form the opinion that although this a traumatic period, someone is in charge at Parkhead. Who is in charge right now?
But no, we are confronted with official silence and a field day for the press.
Amateur board, amateur PR. Why is it always this way?
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well it looks like MON is going (it brings a tear to my eyes) I hope the board will pull a rabbit out the hat for our new manager.
We need a strong leader now in the managers chair and the boardroom, so DD please stand up and lets us know what your plans for the club are.
Maybe MON will stand up and say sorry but yous have me for another 5 years (I hope so)
Hail Hail
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read all the posts the last couple of days bhoys /ghirls . for the first time in over 45 years, following the hoops and seeing some miserable performances to boot ,i cant see any light at the end of the tunnel , we have held onto this team far far to long, and paul 67 i cant see this board spending money .if mon leaves it wont be a big name with a proven track record , it will be a stop gap guy whose only credentials that matches what the celtic board want will be the cost to hire him .and anyone who thinks there will be major signings at celtic park can think again , my god we must be the stupidest people on this planet, here we are renewed our season tickets for a season when we dont know if we have a manager ,dont know how little (not how much) will be spent on new players, dont know who will be going. we know who should be going a good few of them . other clubs have started buying already , bet were last again when its just the bargain basement thats left , im sorry but i see us falling further into decline and it worries me
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Digger Barnes ; Hear Hear
Gordon Strachan is the cheap option for a board bankrupt of any ambition
Gordon Strachan is the favourite of the Scottish media. The media we complain about.
The media frenzy to rid Celtic of MON is disgusting.
The incompetent board sit on their hands
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The posts today really hit home to me that we don't all see Celtic in the same way.
Winning is not the be all and end all? Tell that to every hoops fan you see this week and see if they agree.The reason this Club is renowned throughout the world is because we have been successful.
Don't get me started on the Gordon Strachan "story"? When MON stated that there were exciting times ahead last week,we assumed he meant with him at the helm.If this is not to be the case,does anyone seriously think he meant Strachan?
If all that has been rumoured comes to pass,then the board WILL be guilty of poor decision making.
I await tomorrow with interest.
If he does go,I sense another 300 plus blog may be on the horizon.
BankieBhoy
P.S. If Strachan is appointed,I sense a 1000 plus blog coming on!!!
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Hi all,
First I'd just like to say thanks to Paul and the other posters on here for sharing their thoughts and feelings (with occasional ramblings) as suprisingly it does make you feel better and was a great pick-me-up after last weekend.
I previously posted saying that in Oneil's last press conference he stated 'there is as much chance of me being here next year as not' which to me indicated he had not even made up his own mind about staying or leaving yet. Unfortunately, the barrage of coverage since then over Oneil's future may have helped him make a decision I'm sure he will regret later on down the road. I still get the feeling MON doesn't really want to go, but realises that after this season... its 100% or nothing... and he may not, understandably be able to give that.
I wish him and his family all the best and if he has decided to give up his current job, I hope he can continue to work for us in some capacity... Losing Martin altogether will be Celtic's loss...
IF a new manager is to be announced, he should be given the same backing as MON got... whether that is Strachan or anyone else! How many of us were shouting 'ya beauty' when we originally heard Oneil had been appointed? And yet now, I would be sorry to see him go.
(It would be nice to see him come out and say hes staying on though)
Hail Hail
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Sorry off post but just seen on net that the King is to play on Sunday for Jackie Mac
HENRIK LARSSON is making a return to Celtic - to play in Jackie McNamara's testimonial on Sunday.
The Hoops legend has confirmed he will jet back into Scotland to play against the Republic of Ireland.
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stephen74
Agree with most of what you say, but just cant see Strachan dealing with the media witch hunt which will surely follow his first defeat.
I for one, am not looking forward to an anouncement tomorrow, saying that MON is leaving, as he has given me the greatest memories of consistent success since Caesars' first tenure as Manager ( I was at the 4-2 game when "10 men won the League..Tra La La La La", which was also my favourite HUNS humping ....until the beautiful 6-2 game ;-)
Anyone know what Lothar Mattheus is up to now ???
Paul67....great site, great outlet for the fans...keep up the good work.
HAIL ! HAIL !
LifeBHOY - BHOY 4 LIFE
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Celtic TV apologists Jim Craig and Frank McGarvey defend Strachan
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I'm surprised.
I'm surprised that words still fail me - but this time it's for a different reason.
I'm slightly ashamed. All this speculation surrounding our POSSIBLE new manager is slightly distasteful. Hung, drawn and quartered before he's even been appointed, IF he is to be appointed...not good enough, but Mowbry and Moyes are?! Why not bring back Barnes and Dalgliesh? At least Kenny Dal had won a EPL title. The Red Tops must be laughing up their sleeves (Trust me - they DO read this site)
Mr O'Neill has taken us to places we dared not have thought of. He has given us the best memories of Celtic lives.
He gave us back the PRIDE that was missing from the club. We need to get behind the team and lift them. To a certain extent, we took our eye off the ball at the weekend. We should not do that again. WE NEED TO BACK THE TEAM.
Perhaps not as elloquent as some, but it comes from the heart.
Hail hail.
Georgiebhoy
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WE are the people & WE shall overcome
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Strachan is a stitch up, it gives the board a get out clause immediately with regards to Bellamy, "didnt get on with the manager so he had to go", that coupled with a lack of vision, insight, knowledge or understanding of anything football related from an igniminious board, havent we realised yet the board have no ambition.
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If the Celtic manager job does become vacant as appears likely and we cannot attract a significant foreign coach I would like a Celtic man to be put in charge, someone like Mick McCarthy or possibly Roy Aitken.
On the staff front I would also very much like to see Paul Mcstay getting involved somewhere in the coaching setup.
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Paul67, Do you remember your spelling mistake on Fridays report of the press conference:
EXITING - EXCITING
and was this a little note from Brian
At 2:19 PM, Anonymous said…
Paul
Great Site and good reporting - keep this up for the sake of all Celtic Fans.
Hail Hail
B
APOLOGIST
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MON for Chairman? Le Guen for Coach? Can it happen? Mon Dieu
Le Mole. No not that one
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What do we think about gordon ?
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If Martin is for the off, so be it. I won't be at the cup final but those of us who are will give him the best send off ever. Stracan no way, Moyes has the passion, however the deal maybe more complicated. Thanks Martin for the best 5 years I can remember
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Digger Barnes, I would not do the Celtic PR job for all the money Magnus Hedman is paid (well, maybe). The PR people can only work with the tools they are given.
JimTim, Digger Barnes has a good point about how the club communicates with the fans – very poorly in my view.
I believe money will be spent, we will find out soon enough. What we do need is leadership, world class leadership and soon!
I am not asking for Mr Bombastic (© CQN) across the city, but some inspired communications.
Well said Stephen74.
Thanks LifeBHOY, love you ‘tag’ line.
Anon 7.44
The day and hour a new Celtic manager is appointed he will get 100% objective backing from Celtic Quick News.
Following Martin will be an almost impossible take, made all the more difficult if there is a lynching in the air every time we go a goal down.
Introspective is healthy as long as it stops when the real business starts.
I would ask that everyone to rally to the cause, otherwise we are only doing our opponents business.
The nameless anon at 8.00, not content with having a go at the board seems happier to have a go at me, no point of reference, no reasoning.
You do your bit and I’ll do mine. I’ll be here to explain my views without unworthy personal attacks on other Celtic fans. Feel happier now?
Looks like the spelling was a Freudian slip.
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Anon 6:02...Dirty money;)
As for Gordon Strachan, who knows if he would be successful at Celtic?It would be a risk.
But the question is are we willing to take that risk.
I would say no.
Celtic are in a posistion now where great things are so close to being achieved; do we really want to throw everything Martin O'Neill has so tiresly worked for away?
I don't know that much about Paul Le Guen but he won 3 straight French titles after taking over from Jacques Santini in 2002.As for him joining Celtic I would be excited after watching him guide Lyon to the quarter finals of this seasons Champion's League with a very attractive style of play.
He has stated that he is not tired of football and does not know what he will be doing next.(only ruling out a move to PSG)
All beit his success was achieved with a much higher calibre of player than we have at the moment but they didn't cost a fortune and whoever comes in will have money to spend.
But hey, Martin is still our manager and you never know he could be tommorow too.Anyway all the speculation that the papers are spreading have originated from the BBC...ie Chick Young(need I say anymore)
And Frank...Nationality is a sense of identity not birth place.
If you are born in a stable, does it make you a horse?
Sean
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Only Celtic could leave you feeling this way, totally dazed...numb...in shock....I remember,being 7, crying in the back garden when we lost the title to Dundee Utd in 1983,I remember,watching Mick McCarthy planting a hook on Crawford Baptie in the goals in 1987....watching the Maestro at Ibrox in Coca Cola cup final missing that penalty...The ICT fiasco...but what I do know, when the pain goes,whoever is in charge,We`ll be there next season because Celtic isn`t about any individuals...its about us..the fans...and that is why we are so unique...we are more than a mere football club...we are a family.
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Take your point Paul about the PR department having their hands tied but surely someone could have said something?
How hard would it be to out-wit Chick Young et al? Christ, I'd have a pop at it for nowt.
Totally agree that club are unable or as I suspect, unwilling to engage in meaningful communication with us, the fans.
I would never want a Celtic version of Murray, but despite all his faults (and they are legion) he works the press like puppets. He does this, because he is "always on".
When do you think DD finds out what's goin on at Paradise? When BQ calls him? (and we know how good our esteemed chairman is with phones).
Take Mon out the equation, who calls the shots?
I've got a bad feeling about Strachan, although I will never feel better about being wrong.
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can someone clear this up for me.... did GS sit on the Rangers bench a couple of years ago at a cup final cos he's pals with McLeish??
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Paul
Thanks for the last couple of days it has really helped. Keep it up and please continue to prosper.
Please excuse me while I answer a few misinformed souls.
First was going to be 12.20 Anon but you got him previously
12.42 Anon. Its not just about going to the semi then expecting a final ticket its about your season of away games. I went to plenty this year in fact all the rounds of the cup and did not get Hearts or Motherwell away in the last two weeks however I know plenty of gloryhunters that did (serves you right)
12.56 Anon. MON also managed to have 5 consecutive top 10 finishes in the EPL something bigger fish could not manage. More than a league cup between him and GS
4.46 King Henrik, you are a complete idiot I wish I was as wise as you after the event. Who did not think the World Cup winner would not be a success.... a little more application from him and a little less chat. As for Camara I was at Livi the day he was kicked off the park he was never the same player afterwards. You want to be talking about BBJ mate now that is an enigma (seen a few stories about Swansea dear oh dear)
I would love le Guen if MON IS going but we will just need to wait and see and support our team come what may.
Finally I cannot believe that Celtic fans still read/buy the HUN rags and continue to phone into the likes of Clyde etc. They truly are the spawn of FOD so come on guys bodyswerve them, they will soon start to notice and guys like Peter Martin can change their names back to the one's they were baptised with.
p.s. Rafferty is an idiot and speaks for no one except himself.
Stephenwitha "ph"
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This club is a religion to me.I care about it passionately and believe in it implicitly.
When something negative happens in our lives,we tend to question our religion sometimes and ask ourselves how it could happen to us.This is what is happening to us all since Sunday.
The choice you are left with is "Do I stll believe"? I think the simple,unequivocal answer for all of us is "yes".
I honestly believe that getting so much of this off our chests over the last 48 hours has allowed some of us us to get over this,although perhaps more quickly than we would maybe have liked.God bless this blog.
But with an important game on Saturday,yes it is still important,the sooner we recover our love and strength for the Hoops the better.
Keep the Faith
BankieBhoy
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Bankie Bhoy
Couldn`t agree more!!!
They would love nothing more to think they can break us.
Hail Hail!
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To whoever asked, Lothar Mattheus is still the national coach of Hungary.
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Jesus guys,add Lothar Mattheus,Ruud Gullit,David O'leary,Mick McCarthy and Roy Aitken(?)with Paul McStay coaching(???) to yesterdays list of ridiculous names for MON's job.
There are a select band of people we should be looking for to take over from him IF he goes,although I admit it is not looking good at the minute.
Le Guen,Hitzfeld,Koeman should be the type of quality coach we are looking to attract.If we don't/can't then I will be questioning just how big a club we are and how ambitious the board are to land the guy we need.
MON has turned this club around,we are on the brink of big things,why give the job to someone who will be lucky to maintain domestic success,never mind European?
BankieBhoy
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Why does Bobo get such a bad press?
Ok he's no maldini, but I would much prefer him to stay than Varga.I feel this is just a case of band wagon jumpin' rather than Bobo actually playing particulary bad.
DEC
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Can anyone confirm that if there is to be some sort of announcement tomorrow then a statement has to be made to the Stock Exchange before trading starts in the morning?
BTW I just want to say thanks to Paul67 and all the posters on here. This place has been like the Samaraitans to me since Sunday!
Hail! Hail!
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Definitely agree with DEC.
Sky are not normally like this but the bribe from Murray must have been too tempting.
Apparently, Alex Mcleish has a "golden touch in the transfer market".
Anyway, just like to add to everyone's sentiments on the site that we are fortunate to have CQN at a time like this as it brings us together and helps us get like this.
Sometimes it is like "Devestated Tims Anonymous"
devastated_tim(anonymous)
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henkeisgod and stephen74, spot on.
It is now becoming apparent that MON has had other things on his mind this season, so let's not forget where we where before he arrived.
1st round euro exit to a team from Switzerland, anyone? And so on and so on. Under MON not even the really big names expect anything other than a tough game.
MON has made mistakes, but they are a lot easier to spot in hindsight. Again I cant think of a manager who hasn't made mistakes. Even the self proclaimed "Special One" with a £250m squad could not get by a 5th in the EPL Liverpool side.
If any Celtic manager since Jock deserves a bit of slack, it is MON. Jeez a lot of us have short memories.
Everbody knows the team is on its last legs, and it will be fixed, i was hoping it would be MON doing the fixing.
My other fear regarding the fixing, as usual, is attracting the right quality to play in Scotland - that is another reason why our top guys are on large wedges, to keep them here.
Again, I know they dont always perform to £25k per week standards, but they did for the most part, prior to this season.
Now we should be looking to cash in our chips on some of these guys and freshen things up.
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No sooner do I start to come to terms with Sunday's disaster, that it appears that the stories about MON may be true. Best wishes to him and his, I say. If I was in the same position as Martin I would probably leave my job too. In fact, I definitely would.
All the best Martin. You have done us proud in the last 5 years and I hope you will be back sometime in the future. I haven't agreed with all of your decisions/tactics, etc, but I wouldn't swap the last 5 years for anything. Not a damn thing. We have never had it so good (in my lifetime anyway).
I agree with a comment made by sheepworryingnhoy, that MON gave his notice 12 months ago. That is his contractual obligation and I reckon he gave it last summer. It may explain the way things have gone this season, as ever since we exited Europe (which would have been MON's priority), we seem to have been dis-interested. Maybe his eye has been off the ball and he hasn't been as focussed as he should have been, hence the over-reliance on the tried and trusted players?
As for the future, I have no idea who would be best for the job. I think Gordon Strachan is getting a hard time here and I think it is unfair in the main. I think he talks a good game and his achievements at Southampton are pretty good considering where they are now. If he gets the job, I will support him to the hilt. The way he spoke about the Scotland job made me think that he was interested in promoting youth and implementing a proper youth development programme. Surely that would be good for us?
5 years ago, I wasn't convinced that MON was the right man for the job. I am pretty sure I wasn't alone. It's always a difficult time when a new manager is appointed as there is tremendous uncertainty, especially when we have a squad in need of change. I remain as optimistic as ever that we will get it right, and that we will be back next season as Champions.
Whoever comes in deserves our support. As does the team on Saturday. I am up for Neg Anon's recent quote to be the pre-match motivating speech. Let's get stuck into the Arabs and show the country that we mean business now and forever more.
Hail! Hail!
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I like most of you would rather not have GS as the next manager but if he is, then he has to have our full backing.
Whoever is appointed will be the manager or OUR team and as a result deserves OUR backing.
I for one wasn't sure of MON when he was being touted for the job last time round but as soon as it became obvious he was getting the job I backed him to the hilt.
We have to give the guy a chance, there is no point in starting the lynch mob before he's even been appointed, that's what you get from the other side of the city.
After all if GS is given the job he won't be sacked within weeks simply because we don't back him.
When The Celts Go Up To Lift The Scottish Cup.
We'll Be There, We'll Be There.
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Dec,
I would like to know why Bobo has stopped attacking runners through the middle and backtracks allowing them to come right up to our penalty box.
Never thought i'd see the day he did this and it is now a regular occurence.
Agian like to add that this site has been therapy for me.
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First of all-big Bobo-I gave him the benefit of the doubt at first-thought he was just a bit raw but God,I sweat blood every time he gets the ball and he takes it into his mind that he can actually do clever things with it.Ok he can outjump most attackers and get his head to the ball-directly to an opponent.his distribution is woeful.dont know why a lot of us saw it as agood thing when he signed his new contract.
Paul,thanks for this site,only thing i hate is when you use the word amortise,In another life i"aspired" to be an accountant and went along to a particular interview and that word came up-\I didnt have a bloody clue what it meant.I do now thanks to you .
Anyway,this has been a crap week for all of Timdom but i feel a new dawn and I am feeling a lot better than I did on sunday.Mostly due to signing on all the Celtic sites and sharing with the rest of the Celtic family plus avoiding the redtops.Keep up the good work paul.
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Hey guys
Cheer up, all is not doom and gloom. Could this be MON's two fingered salute to all the Scottish media? If we get a press conference tomorrow maybe it will to be unveil our first new signing of the summer, anyone for Beckham?
I seem to recall a post from Fargo in a previous thread which promised great things happening at the club near the end of May, now is the time to find out if he's the real thing or just a regular guy with a crazy sense of humour. I sincerely hope it's the former.
Name and Address Withheld
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"After all if GS is given the job he won't be sacked within weeks simply because we don't back him."
IF THE FANS WANT IT BAD ENOUGH THEY CAN. REMEMBER SACK THE BOARD
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I think over recent years there has been few fans as critical of MON as me.
His signings, his loyalty to certain players and his style of play have all riled me greatly over the last few seasons.
At times this season his stubborness and negativity has made me tear my hair out and curse him a million times and more.
But you know despite all of these things I really can't help but love the guy.
His passion, energy, drive and that obvious love of Celtic will always ensure that, despite his mistakes and faults, he will remain in my eyes a Celtic legend.
IF Saturday is to be MON's final game in charge then please lets make it a day he never forgets.
This man gave us 6-2, Seville and the Green and Whitewash over the Huns. Despite Sunday's events he is responsible for a massive shift in the balance of power in Scottish football.
All of which just five years ago I would never have thought possible.
Indeed with just a tiny bit more luck we could have easily been celebrating 5-in-a-row at the weekend.
Sure he has his faults and IMO maybe the time has come - for his sake and ours - for him to move on.
But when the tears from Sunday dry and the broken hearts finally mend I'm sure we can all agree that MON is a true Celtic hero.
Take a close look at this guy on the touchline, whether at Broadwood or the Nou Camp, and tell me I'm wrong.
Flawed, yes. But a hero nonetheless.
Let's give him the hero's reception he so richly deserves and make it loud and clear that in his battles ahead he will never walk alone.
To paraphrase the man himself - Martin, when you first game to Celtic Park I thought you were a good guy. I was wrong. You're a great guy.
Hail1 Hail!
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explain what Bobo's bad press is, this season he has been nothing but a liability. Hibs at home he stood off Gary O'Connor, allowed him right of passage into our penalty box, for him to slot home against us. Every time he's had the ball I cringe, he boots it upfield to the other team's defence everytime. he should have gone in january, simple as that
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Yes, I sang "Sack The Board." Yes I boycotted matches, I demonstrated outside Parkhead, I went to the Save Our Celts meeting at Shettleston Town Hall.
I know "IF THE FANS WANT IT BAD ENOUGH THEY CAN."
But how would the self proclaimed "Best Supporters in the World" look if 60,000 of them were calling for the head of the manager after one or two games in charge?
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Like I said, Bobo's no Maldini, but I think that if he was paired up with a more'controlled' centre back then the big man could do the dirty work and leave the rest to someone more capable.
To me Varga seems a little bit lost these days and doesn't learn from his mistakes.On Sunday he headed the ball straight to a 'Well player, who proceeded to duff his shot up but the ball went right to Scott Macdonald and the League was lost.
It was pretty similar to the game in Munich were he did exactly the same only that time it was Roy Makaay who inflicted the pain.(and like makaay, macdonald done it again a minute later)
DEC
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Thanks StephenWithaPH
Good on you Bankiebhoy
Dec, Bobo worries me every time he has the ball at his feet. Teams in Scotland are now wise to him. He inhibits our ability to play the ball out of defence.
Cheers Wee Jinky, Devastated Tim(anon), leabgarrow, John_H. Stock Market announcements are required if the information os of a materially important nature. I would consider this matter to be so.
Jinky, I remember your paraphrase well.
Anon 9.57, thinking like that will damage Celtic, listen to our friend brightonbhoy.
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You can´t compare MON to Stein. MON has practically won five in a row now and the winning run last season is a club record. Stein inherited some sort of a european track record, semi finals of the European Cup winners cup in 63-64. The great man is still being quoted,Trappatoni´s just won his ninth league title, this time with Benfica. It was reported that this equalled the record held by Miguel Muñoz and Jock Stein who had nine titles each. The thing is Jock Stein has ten titles. That tenth title was the one where Pat Stanton played a blinder week in week out where Alfie Conn was the surprise signing, and where Joe Craig curved in a glorious winner at Ibrox. Cappy Dalglish, scottish cup win, a classic Celtic double, and a great swangsong for The Big Man. Man were we all wishing for that double this time
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For those with short memories/those who know nothing about football, a most eloquent statement of what MON did for us:
http://www.etims.net/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=841&Itemid=29
ayrshirecelt
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After all the grieving of the last couple of days, its heartening to see at least some posters being more positive and looking forward to the future.
It's true, the pain will ease as the weeks go by.
It now looks as if Martin is really going to go. The silence from GS suggests that he must, indeed, be the successor. Much as I have doubts about his suitability, I hope we all give him (or whoever it is) our total support. Regarding MON, he will always be regarded as a saviour who came to us when times had been so bad for so long.
Thanks Martin for an 'astonishingly brilliant' time. Best wishes to you and your family and ummmm...hurry back!
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Sorry Paul you've got me highly confused here. How can positive thinking about MON maybe staying possibly damage Celtic? And what does brightonbhoy and sack the board have to do with my post?
NAAS
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Oops sorry Paul. Need different glasses methinks, I posted at 9.50 not 9.57 and here was me thinking you were on about my post?
NAAS/NAAW
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johnm
With respect to your post,has anyone actually asked the ginger jester if he is coming to Celtic Park?
BankieBhoy
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It is becoming apparent that the stories circulating are true. If so the board deserve a lot of credit for conducting a search for a new manager privately and keeping the resignation under wraps. First time in a long time the celtic board have been one step ahead of the tabloids
GS would be a sensible choice. He will bring the same charisma and enthusiasim that MON relied on for attracting new talent plus he has experience of dealing with a Tight budget which many big name managers wouldn`t
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10:32 Anon - You must also be 9:50 anon
Paul was referring to 9:57 anon.
Too many anons here.
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NAAS, confusion over Anons perhaps. Can I assume you are not Anon 9.57, and maybe Name and Address Withheld?
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Bankiebhoy,
It's hard to imagine that Chick et al have not been banging on his door or ringing his number. He's obviously keeping a very low profile.
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Anon 9.31
Have to agree with you on Balde..he isn't the problem, Varga is. Balde has never been the same excellent player he was (remember his first season ) since Varga, he who turns slower than milk, paired up with him.
As for the next manager I would love to see Paul Le Guen in charge simply because he would bring a wealth of un-tapped talent from France and elsewhere as did Wenger who transformed a boring Arsenal side into the team they are today.This is undoubtedly one of the advantages of having a foreign coach...Wim Jansen signing Henrick is another example, for instance. having said that I think Strachan would bring a breath of fresh air to the club...I remember watching a Jimmy Hill hour-long interview with GS in which it highlighted the fact that GS fined his youth players for passing the ball back in a practice matches. Now that's what I call taking attacking football to the limit.Suicidal perhaps but innovative nevertheless.
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Paul,
This site has been a lifeline as stress therapy for the more cerebral fan - of which there are clearly many of the Celtic persuasion (not that this should surprise any of us). Thank you for that, and please keep it up.
If there is any substance to the rumours about Gordon Strachan, then I detect the feeling on this site is at least to give the guy a chance?
It saddens me to hear Celtic fans condemn him from the outset. Whilst I'm sure many detractors question his managerial credentials, which is perfectly valid, others I feel are hostile because he is not "Celtic-minded" - usually a euphemism in Scotland for someone who is not a Catholic. The latter sentiment is one I find frankly disgusting, and contrary to the non-sectarian tradition our club has always represented, unlike our adversaries on the south side of the river.
Interesting article from the Guardian archive:-
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,4284,1390220,00.html
Hail! Hail
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Yes Paul you can safely assume I'm both. meant to sign offff as NAAW - name and address witheld but instead did the NAAS name and address supplied. God this is confusing, all i wanted to do was to try and inject a positive approach about MON staying. It does however seem very unlikely this will happen, you yourself have stated your next article will be written with a heavy heart. MON has made mistakes but hell, he's like part of the furniture at CP and I believe if he goes Celtic may take a long time to get over his departure due to the fact that he just won't be there anymore...know what i mean? Confused again
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Timothy Malloy,
That is the most refreshing article that I have read in a long time from Gordon Strachan.
Lets hope that when he gets the job then he gets the chance to put his theories into practice, although I don't want to be a football guinea pig. Remember John Barnes' bizarre formation?
The Mole
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johnm
I understand what you are saying but if there was any truth to this would they not be chasing him to get a quote? After all,is that not their job?
This whole episode takes me back to when I first started reading this site.I remember a post from Fargo that seemed to be suggesting that MON was on his way back to England,Berkshire to be exact.Does anyone else remember it? I believe everyone said at the time that he was talking out of his a**e!!!
If he does go,then if there was truth in Fargo's post,I would like to think that Celtic have had some considerable time to get the appointment right.That being the case,Strachan would not be the right call.
I have mentioned here before that I want to see us challenge for the Champions Cup in my lifetime.If GS is appointed,i'll be another few years from seeing it.
BankieBhoy
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Interesting article indeed Tim. If Hartson has read it re the fitness stuff the transfer request will be going in shortly!!
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C'mon Bankiebhoy and the rest. Celtic need to be realistic. Who wants the managers job of the second best team in Scotland? An aging squad and a limited wage budget to turn it around. There are far more attractive job offers out there for the kind of manager you (and me) want. Strachan can work with the squad as he comes from the same footballing schools as O'Neil. Strachan can get the best out of players. His history in the transfer market is exceptional - take a look. Ho signed Robbie Keane for 5m sold him for 13m then found Bellamy as a replacement- this guy can spot a player. Taking Southhampton from a relegation dogfight to a FA cup final and 11th in the premiership was his last act, says it all really.
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Iam amazed at the way Gordon Strachan has been castigated. Who on this board thought FANTASTIC when Dr. Jo signed Lubo.
Didn't we all say Morhav- WHAT!
We thought signing a foregin player who was over thirty at the time to be madness.
So who's to say GS wont be a success? If he is will the fans that posted their condemnation still be saying so?
The names of "Lothar Mattheus,Ruud Gullit,David O'leary,Mick McCarthy and Roy Aitken"
You must be having a laugh what the hell are they supposed to do in the market with out budget constraints.
Someone earlier stated that Martin may have handed in his notice last year, well if that was the case do you think the board would have sanctioned a big spend when someone elase was coming in?
It's also been stated that couldn't Martin have been asked for his recomendation for he job?
The link with GS and Martin leaving has been going on for a long while. In the bigger scheme of things loved ones always come first.
If Strachan does become manager give him all the support he needs don't you think hes got a massive job on his hands.
Incidentally we expect various palyers to leave the club but i've said for awhile now out first game is in JULY. We will need to replace those that have left and supplement the squad!
Paul i really hope you are correct about the investment on the team!!
It shouldn't be about spending X million but about getting the right players in.
We MUST hit the ground running anything less and well.... MOTHERWELL!
Oh by the way wasn't there a campaign by the BMA on the health implication of eating MacDonalds (allegedly) should have stuck in your gobs!
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Strachan is obvioulsy not the answer - regardless of the content of a ghost written article chronicling his world travels. The man has simply no pedigree as a manager - there is nothing that suggests to me that he can take us to the next level - if he is to be appointed at such a crucial juncture it will be a travesty. All he shares with MON is a wicked tongue - even then Strachan's is more of the one liner weee angry man type!
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Paul
was wondering if you could clear something up for me. How long ago did the players know that MON was going to leave, if indeed he does?
Maybe that explains all the dire performances towards the end of the season.
Somebody mentioned ( not sure if it was Prophetofdoombhoy or not) before to me that Big Bobo was seen crying on the steps of Parkhead, and many thought that this was because Bobo was leaving Celtic.
Could it be the other way around, that, in fact, he knew Martin was leaving?
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God, you could not make us up. Tragic grasping of defeat from the jaws of victory, the almost certain lose of our iconic manager for reasons sadly nothing to do with football and all within a couple of days - its like Eastenders written by Doeskievski.
And yet...... Thanks in the main to CQN therapy and with faith in Pauls predictions of riches to come in this close season I am recovering remarkably fast.
As far as Strachan is concerned, if it is to be him, then you can't judge any manager in advance - like MON, like big Jock its only what you do when you are in the job that counts. Also could you remind me - was Jock Stein or Henke "Celtic minded"?
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There can't be many clubs in the world that can generate such passion, debate and enthusiasm when things appear to be going against them.
We are at the end of a 5 year period not seen since the nine in a row era of Jock Stein. We have either won the league by a street or when losing it taken it down to the last minute on the two occasions that we didn't win it.Now if your going to lose,and it is hard to take, at least we don't crumble and have nothing to play for by Xmas. Regular cup domestic cup finals, a return to great European nights at Parkhead, wonderful trips to the top grounds of Europe and a run to Seville that despite the defeat put us firmly back on the European and World maps.
Our manager has led the team brilliantly in that time. He has his faults, like most of us, and we are all experts when looking back at games especially when we don't win. With the wonderful press on his back since day 1 its a wonder he has lasted so long. Every year since he joined he has been linked with other major jobs down south (don't recall to many headlines about big Eck being lined up for the ManU job lately)because he is good at what he does.
He deserves a major send off on Saturday as do the players as they will all have to pack their bags if the over reaction to Sunday's set back is anything to go by. We use to worry about stopping Rangers winning the league on a regular basis, now we are concerned about what will happen when we get put into pot 2 of the Champions League group stage.
The word legend is over used on a regular basis but our favourite Martin is certainly one. If the story of his leaving is true and he is leaving us for personal reasons then lets say a heartfelt thank you and wish him and his family well. Lets leave the debate on his successor until after Saturday and lets see him off in style, we owe him that at least.
Memories - Tic 4 Juve 3, 6-2, Liverpool 0 Tic 2, humping Souness (men against bhoys), both Barca away matches, Henrik's 50 goals, first season treble and obviously Seville. Always remember what we had before that.
Finally - a place on the Board for MON?
Good luck and God Bless to MON
GB
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I posted this earlier, but if it's true MON is off at the end of the season, to anyone who questions what he's given us - have alook at this:
http://forum.comeonthehoops.com/showthread.php4?t=1314
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You certainly do judge a manager in advance. You judge him on his previous style and past record; his tactical nous; his experience of working at a club the size of Celtic; his experience and record of European competitions; and his all round potential.
From my perspective from where we are at the moment and where we could be (in terms of achievement) Strachan brings nothing to the table. Nothing. He will be loved by the Scottish media as much as they hated MON. And he will win some over with his wit - but if this happens it will be a backwards step.
And furthermore players judge a manager by his past record before deciding if it is worthwhile joining a club - which top players will be excited to join Strachan (so he can run them into the ground and bully them with his tongue) Paul Telford anyone?
Ayrshirecelt
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taken a couple of days to come around after sunday. will haunt me for a long time. i think a lot of people are to blame but most must lie at MON's feet. he is a hero and a legend but his comments on friday we're silly. why didn't he just lie and say yes i am staying next season, none of this round the houses talk which had chick and his mates whipped into a frenzy. the speculation about bellamy's future didn't help either. on the ptch what happened to mc geady? he ddn't get injured dd he so why was he dropped. and we signed a quality defender in Henchoz and didn't play him when the defence was leaking goals left right and centre. maybe MON's mind has been off the job for a while, fair enough but maybe he should have left earlier. rangers lost klos and boumsong in january and still won the league. imagine if we had lost petrov and jackie where would we have finished? we blew a 7 and 5 point lead this season. i feel we the fans are not putting enough pressure on the board, we have seen us be outspent by rangers in the summer and january and paid the price. we've turned up like sheep week in week out bought the jerseys and got what in return? failure! my brothers are Man U and Liverpool fans and they see Celtic as loosers. we've constantly failed in the Champions League and when we got to a european fnal we lost and allowed a poor rangers team to wn 7 trophes in what is supposed to be a dominant era for us. look what porto and liverpool did with some investment. monaco, psv, porto, cska and sporting don't play in big leagues yet they've done it this season in europe. i've probably spent more on celtic this season than dermot desmond. i'll never stop supporting the hoops but i am quite bitter about how we have let a massive opportunity pass us by. what do we have left to cling to a premiership dream i think will happen but in the future. we need to see investment now. as for a new manager i'm not convinced about strachan. i wouldn't mind robertson taking the job walford as assistant lambert as coach. maybe bring in davie hay as general manager to allow robertson to concentrate on the first team. MON leaves a hero but we unfortunatly have to say his legacy will be slightly tarnished after sunday. a bit of investment and it should be 5 in a row. it's time to sack another board folks
Hail Hail
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Alternative Press Conference
Chic Young: (for the hundredth time) Martin is it true you are leaving?
Martin O’Neill: Well Chic, before I answer that would it be ok to ask you a question?
Chic Young: eh, yes I suppose so.
Martin O’Neill: Chic, I’ve been here for five year and just about every week I’ve been asked about jobs with other football clubs. I’d like to ask, is it true that in all that time, Chic, no one has offered you another job?
Chic Young: eh, well, eh…
Martin O’Neill: Chic, what I am trying to say is that while it suits you to constantly enquire about jobs that I have supposedly been offered due to my good performance with Celtic, have you yourself, due to your good performance with BBC Scotland, been offered any jobs, perhaps with a quality English broadsheet or perhaps even standing in for Hazel Irvine when she is away on holiday?
Chic Young: Oh, eh, well em… (sounding slightly like Frankie Howard)
Martin O’Neill: Ok, I apologize for such a tricky question, perhaps a simpler one, how many times have you asked Alex McLeish whether he is moving on to manage a English Premiership team?
Chic Young: (now slightly flustered and pinking to the roots of where his hair used to be(I can say this without being hairist as I am a slaphead too :) ) well I don’t, that is to say, is that, em, eh…
Martin O’Neill: so, Chic, it all boils down to this, what is the admission fee at Love Street these days?
Chic Young: (aquivering and shaking) em…
On another note, I stood for years in the Jungle and boo’d Gordon Strachan. I cheered when he was assaulted (I was quite young, but not as young as would really have justified it). Tonight I am not keen at all on his appointment if MON has to quit to be with his family. If it turns out tomorrow that he is appointed then he will, as manager of the team I love, have my full and unstinting support.
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Gerryb67 – Re a seat on the board:
I think this would explain the contradiction behind MON’s comments about looking forward to new signings etc and no longer being the manager.
Is GS MON's choice?
I also agree with Timothy Malloy comments(and Liamd)re some of the objections we are hearing about GS “others I feel are hostile because he is not "Celtic-minded" - usually a euphemism in Scotland for someone who is not a Catholic”.
The last 5 years have been in the main fantastic down to MON. This year has been poor particularly the quality of football)although as usual there is a very thin line between success and failure – the team were 3 minutes from being heroes!
I’m looking forward to the changes a new manager will bring.
Barney
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This is a great web site, just the thing to keep us all together after the mess of last weekend.
MON has done great things for this club, and he will be remembered as a Celtic great. He wasn't perfect but I'm sure we'll all agree, he done a better job than any of us could have done.
As for Gordon Strachan - if it is to be Strachan, then come on, lets give the man a chance! Some of the names mentioned above have made me laugh because we're just not that attractive right now. At some point in the next decade, I think we'll be playing in some sort of expanded EPL or a new european structure. But until that day, what top flight european manager, with a host of clubs to choose from, would pick a club losing money year after year, with an aging squad, stuck in a footballing backwater and topping it all off, taking over from a manager widely regarded as a Celtic legend?
Time for a reality check people.
Lets give the new guy a chance, I think he'll be pretty good, if he can get us swinging above our weight in europe the same way MON did then I'll be delighted. Rangers are there for the taking, Strachan will show McLeish up for what he is - a competent manager, nothing more, nothing less - who caught celtic napping through good luck rather than good judgement.
Thanks for the site Paul, easily the best fan site I've yet come across.
Adama
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So many comments all probably more eloquent than my own attempt, but here goes.
I have criticised Martin for many decisions this year. He has, after all, made twice as many errors this season than in the previous four combined in my opinion. Despite this, I came home close to tears tonight and my wife told me she thought I would be less upset if she was leaving. She's probably right, and I love her to bits! I needed some time to myself and went running with some music and just thought about everything that Martin achieved for us in those four years - so many great memories, but more importantly, a sense of pride more than just restored.
It is undoubtedly the end of an era, and we have to prepare at least for the possibility of difficult times ahead. While we achieved great success, one regret I will always have is that Martin was actually a desparately unlucky Celtic manager. When we did win a competition, we did it by a mile, but almost all our 'failures' were by the proverbial bawhair. We were so close to so much more. We lost 2 league titles by a single goal and three minutes, we lost a Cup Final in the last minute, a League Cup Final because of a missed penalty and a bad offside decision, and 2 other league cup ties to Rangers after extra time. We lost to Bordeaux after extra time, were cheated in Turin, went out of the CL despite having 9 points, lost to Valencia on penalties, lost to Basle on away goals, lost in Munich because of Hedman's complete incompetence, lost in Lyon to a late and highly debatable penalty, and in Milan to yet another late goal. Some would include Seville in this list also, although I have honestly always believed the better side won, however unfairly.
I prefer not to describe Martin as 'Celtic-minded' as firstly I hate the phrase and some of the associations which would exclude me and others who love the club as much as anyone, and secondly because I don't think he came to Celtic as a diehard fan. What he did become which I will always love him for was one of us. Who will forget the jumping on the touchline, the stalking of the referee in Turin, the banging of the fist into the ground in Basle and dragging Neil over to the fans at Ibrox - all things we would have done.
I still hope he's toying with our pathetic, bitter petty media, and will make fools of them all once again tomorrow or whenever, but I now think this is wishful thinking. I am less sure that Strachan has been picked as a replacement, and have to say he just doesn't feel right. A couple of others have said they weren't sure about O'Neill when he was appointed but I certainly felt he was the best man for the job and I suspect most fans agreed.
I don't really care for myself whether we win on Saturday or not. I care far more for one person only. The only thing that matters is that Martin leaves our club as a winner. The players have to 'give it everything', and equally importantly, the fans need to back the team like they've never done before regardless of how let down they feel about Sunday, even if things are not going well on the park.
Thanks for everything Martin. I am not a religous man, but I know you are and will pray for you and your family.
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Like most posters, the idea of GS as a future Celtic manager does little to inspire or excite me. Many better alternatives have been mentioned, I'll throw in one of my own although he is completely untried at any level of management.
I remember after the 5-1 game saying he was the best player I'd ever seen play for us and that includes the Lions.
Watching him dictate play during the Lyon game at CP, possibly our best ever CL performance, displaying intelligence and skill of the highest order, I thought I hope he manages our team one day.
The day may be nigh, I know he probably wants to prove something at Barca but I'd ask Henrik if he's up for it. He'd certainly get time and unwaivering support from us all.
A reasonable suggestion?
Bhoysbackability
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milkray,
Are you a member of the board? You defend the board every week on here, only last week you slated myself for questioning, as any person with good business sense would, where our money was going before we invest more in the club! We have been fed lies and our pleas ignored and now we have lost the league through under investment, are you sure you are a true celt and not just jock brown in disguise?
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After reading the posts on this site and others since Sunday I realise that I've never been more proud to be a Celt. My heart goes out to those living in Scotland. In Dublin we have to put up with EPL muppets but a muppet is easier to handle than an orc. We now have to stick together and get behind the new man. Knowing how to deal with the press is great asset to have as a Celtic manager and there are some great quotes here:
http://www.murdochsoccer.com/gordon.php
Martin has given me more great memories as a Celt in five years than I've had in my life before that. So thanks a million and I hope all works out for him and his family. Shanks was wrong, football isn't all that important when compared to other things in life.
Btw, fair play to Marvin Andrews.
I love you all. Keep the Faith, Al
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