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So sad.
God Bless Martin, Geraldine and the O'Neill Family.
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Just been watching the press con on sky sports. The dignity of the man even in the darkest of times is an example to us all.
Lets show some dignity ourselves. Strachans got the job discussion over his merits must come to an end,now!
As of June the 1st this man is our manager, the deal is done.
A doubting celtic public will be seized upon by those with an anti-celtic agenda. This will transcend on to the pitch and will only serve those who would see us fail.
We have no option, lets get behind him.
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MON's statement demonstrates his integrity - a sad day indeed for CFC, but full marks to the board for at least having a successor in place.
KD FfM
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Thanks Paul - in times of difficulty for all of us, you continue to excel.
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Dignified, appreciative, modest - a Celt through and through.
The disappointments pain us all, but only because we've seen the promised land, only briefly, mainly due to the commitment and cause of one Man - MON.
Once a Celt always a Celt.
Best wishes for all your battles to come.
Regards
Navarro and Family
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The article below was written by Gordon Strachan and published in January this year. It describes what he has been up to since he quit Southampton and makes very interesting reading in light of today's news.
http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,4284,1390220,00.html
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All the best Martin, thanks for the memories. It truly is a sad day.
Hats off to the board though, they knew it was coming, and they've acted. For once, they've managed to get someone in place ready for an immediate replacement, rather than hanging around in limbo for the entire summer months, with the media frenzy going mad. Strachan might not be everyones choice, but I like the man, and he'll have my full support from this moment onwards.
Dave.
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I am concerned about the stability of the situation regarding the rolling contract and the doubt that will remain about MON returning or not.
If doubt exists in this way surely contract negotiations with prospective new signings will be difficult. ( who will seriously consider us if they don't know who the manager will be next year?)
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All the very best Martin and best wishes to your wife and family.
To have been in our high pressure job for the last 18 months with those personal pressures, is a monumental stress.
We now have departures, in the last 12 months, of the clubs 2 biggest icons of the last 30 years.
we can dwell on this later, again all the best and thanks thanks thanks thanks.
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On the subject of the rolling contract for GS, I suppose we need not necessarily be pessimistic about this. If it doesn't work out, it makes it all a bit less messy and costly.
Maybe one day we'll see the great man back.
As recent events have shown, none of us knows what is around the next corner.
So let's get behind the new man and his team (anyone heard anything about Mark McGhee as his assistant?) and hope that MON has left him a legacy upon which he can build and crank things up a level in Europe.
In the whole scheme of things, last sunday is irrelevant. There I've said it now. I can come off the anti-depressants at last.
Nice sentiments, Paul. I'm sure you speak for us all.
Hail Hail
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The press will play the MON come back story no matter what, it well sell papers.
The length of contract does not matter. If he is a failure we will sack him no matter the contract. If he is a success and is approached by another club and wants to go we would have to let him.
Strachan is better than a summer of speculation.
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I woke up on Monday morning feeling like there had been a death in the family, I now feel like there's been a double death. Last season will take years to surpass - if it ever will be. MON you depart a legend, with the blessing and prayers of millions of Celtic fans worldwide,
Hail! Hail!
DavieL.
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The Strachan appointment is quite interesting. He is a big name ‘Down South’ in the media. All the high profile work on the BBC, making the Match of the Day seat his own, has meant that he is virtually the darling of the BBC. The boy who hosts MotD, Adrian Chiles, can’t say enough nice things about him. Strachan’s appointment at Celtic will see a friendlier, more comprehensive coverage of our games, news and moves. This season just finished, Celtic got a 2 minute mention if they were lucky. Under Strachan we will be more newsworthy (you only have to look at the lunchtime bulletins on TV to see that England have taken notice already) in England. Perhaps with Strachan as the manger we can launch a charm offensive on the English media and with them on our side, entry to the English League will have more chance of being supported by their media than not.
Anyway, today’s Martin’s day. I thought his Press Conference display was immense. He proved himself a humble giant of football and a man who will be sorely missed. Anyone else feel guilty and heartfelt sorrow when he talked about how he felt he had let us down? He's let no-one down. He's given us our pride back.
The players play for O’Neill and I hope that on Saturday they give him the send off he deserves.
TinneyBhoy
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No doubt we all felt crap after Sunday, but after the expected news today it puts life into perspective. Life is more important than football. Life is more important than Celtic.
The Bhoys need to and will rise to the ocassion on Saturday and do it for MON and his family.
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any chance the supporters association or a couple of bhoys lucky enough to get a ticket for Saturday could produce a huge banner, something like: Mr & Mrs O'Neill you are in our prayers, you will never walk alone.
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You took a hold of our Club, at its lowest ebb.
And gave us pride
And dreams
And songs to sing.
You made us a team, on and off the park.
And brought trophies
And journeys
And days in the sun.
You remain in our hearts, the soul of this Club
And we give you thanks
And respect
And our prayers for tomorrow.
Seamus
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Paul, once again your post has made me feel better already. Still in shock and disbelief, as we all are, but life goes on.
Would like to extend my thanks to both Steve Walford and John Robertson, who leave dignified in knowing their time here was a success and hopefully they will be as successful in the future.
Im confident there will have been discussion as to the players Martin was looking at, before his sudden departure, with Strachan, so we will be in for some interesting times ahead.
Wish Strachan all the best during his time here
Dave
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anybody else would have fancied Tommy Burns getting the job instead of Strachan?
anyone else also hear that strachan has publicly said bellamy is a great player but comes with baggage, they did not get on well.....
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Roy Wigley who was Strachans assistant at s'hampton resiged this morning
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I'm starting to feel a bit more positive about the Strachan appointment. If MON was involved in the process of picking GS then I'm sure the both of them will be keeping in touch during the first few months of the job.
As someone mentioned earlier. A quick appointment is better then letting the media speculate all summer.
Now let's do it for MON on Saturday. What better motivation do the players need than to win for MON.
God Bless you Martin and Family.
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Devastated, absolutely devastated, imagine the feelings in the aftermath of Seville, The King of Kings leaving and then multiply it 100 times, and you will just get an idea of how upset I am. Please, please, please, someone at Celtic, ensure Martin will return some time in the future to Paradise. I have been going to see Celtic for close to 30 years and think that some current Celtic fans don`t know how lucky we were under Martin. He`s a fantastic manager and I think we have lost something special. God bless Martin O`Neill and family, and especially his wife Geraldine.
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Steve Wigley
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Just been reading some of Strachan's old columns on the football.guardian.co.uk website. His intelligence and tactical know-how is evident. One column, from last September, talks about players losing their focus when they know a manager is leaving. He's talking about himself at Southampton, Bobby Robson at Newcastle and even Man U's slump when it seemed Fergie was on his way out. Rather puts recent performances in a different focus.
It's also worth looking at how Coventry and Southampton fared after his departures, much like the effect on Leicester of MON leaving to join us.
If Martin, God bless him and his family, reckons Strachan will be "very, very successful" at Celtic Park then let's get behind him and the teams he picks.
An era is over. Let us now huddle together to face the challenges and uncertainty that await us.
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I for one was none to enthralled by the Strachan connection. Nonetheless whats done is done and its time to get behind the wee man 100 percent.
I have seen celtic under Jock and under Martin now its time to see them under Strachy mon the wee man into them.
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Theres only one Gordon Strachan! good EARLY appointment by the board lets hope he gets a bit of money to spend on quality players,robbie keane etc mind he signed him for coventry, and well win the treble no bother..lets get right behind the new Gaffer.. Walk On!
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sorry to copy this over from the previous post but i didn't know the new one was up (it also seemed more appropriate here).
so sad to see MON leaving although wasn't so surprised in the end after all the speculation.
i've spent the whole day mulling over the strachan appointment and still can't quite decide how i feel about it.
i've always loved the way he comes across on the tv but haven't paid too much attention to his managerial exploits until the last couple of days. i admit i was really hoping for Co Adrianse (can't be bothered checking the spelling) as i'd love to see someone getting some pace back into the team, maybe a few more ball-players too.
however, after the initial feeling of disappointment that we'd been stitched up with the appointment of GS, a few things started making me see some possibilities, particularly since reading the notes from the sky press conference (thanks johnboy)..........
i'm feeling just a tad better about it.
if this was decided in advance (up to a year ago has been mooted) and GS was sounded out early then i'd be very hopeful that he can hit the ground running with his team plans for next season. he MUST have been working closely with MON and the board regarding the players we have, the money available, current contracts, etc. would that also not justify why MON wasn't given a huge sum of money to spend, prior to leaving at the end of the season? i'm sure it would have been a case of keeping the ship steady until the close season.
i also considered the possibility that MON could have signed players that GS coveted during the close season but after a bit of consideration, this wouldn't have made any sense anyway. imagine MON bringing in a couple of players GS wanted, only to find he didn't fancy them and therefore wouldn't play them? that would have made everything farcical.
someone posted earlier that the "big spend" was less likely now that MON has gone but, on reflection, i think there's just a chance the board HAD to keep all available money for this summer. MON would have understood he couldn't demand cash if he was leaving and it might also back up his comments last week regarding his excitement for next season (in terms of how the team will look), assuming he knows full well what has been going on behind the scenes.
i'm probably grasping too far for some straws of hope but i'm praying that there has finally been some big forward planning going on, whilst this season (or certainly the last few months) have been a time of trying to scrape over the finishing line with what we had.
no doubt my optimism will come to nothing but there you go, i'm just trying to cheer myself up!!
have to say i was glad to watching sunday's game from my local in thailand as i couldn't have suffered it back home.
lets just give MON the big send-off on sunday, it's the least he deserves. i'm sure that's why they announced this prior to the cup final and not after it as has been suggested. imagine the tears during the lap of honour (providing we win)??
hail hail to the celts around the world.
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JB City were already relegated when he left.
He is not exactly remembered with any great fondness by many of my City Fan colleagues here in Cov.
Have already had the mocked photo of Paul Telfer in the Hoops joining the club stuck to my PC. He has made it a habit signing him so far.
I will need a hell of alot of convincing that this is even a modest appointment for an interim measure.
I felt empty when the News about MON broke but this name and those of his coaches just seems to me a panic measure. "Make sure someone anyone who we have all heard of is in place."
As a Coventry born Tim, the rest of you can forgive me with not exactly viewing this news with any pleasure with his track record in this club.
Nevertheless I will wait as my brother Tim has told me, till Christmas before passing judgement on his impact with us. I hope I am proved wrong but sorry I am just gutted with everything.
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Ps my brother is called Tim
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This announcement makes winning on Saturday and winning well all the more important. It should be another emotional rollercoaster.
I am glad this speculation has been sorted out it did not do anyone any good neither players or supporters.
I thank Martin, Steve and John for the last five years and I am sure Mrs O'Neil will be in all our prayers.
We will shortly have Gordon Strachan as Manager of our great club. Whatever happened in the past with him should be forgoten. he is now a Celt and deserves all our support.
P.S. I hope he enjoys his brief honeymoon period with the press
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If anyone does have a spare ticket for saturday I have a good home for it. Would love to say goodbye to the man I've been grieving for the whole day long.
Email me at: p1_g8@hotmail.com
Lets give him the best send off
hail hail
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In the spirit of celebrating Martin O'Neil's legacy at Celtic Park, has anyone else heard anything about Henrik playing on Sunday for Jackie McNamara's testimonial?
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Strachana is a joke and a bad one lacks imagination and ambition. God help us now also just heard jackie is off to sunderland on monday same source who told me of strachan. Oh and the net is alive with mcgee as assistant what another bad joke
Once again god help us.
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Got this email from a guy who runs a Southampton web site:
Stachan's a very good manager and did a fantastic job at Southampton, but Celtic are a massive club in every respect. I'm just not sure he has enough in his locker.
The team that Strachan built at Southampton was very similar to the Blackburn team that won the Championship. I think his best XI was a 4-4-2 formation with 2 ball winners (Oakley and Delap). We created very little through the centre, but the defence was rock solid - I think we had the best defence in the Premiership. The game plan was simple, get the ball wide and get crosses into the box. However, there wasn't a Plan B. That said, he did make the most of the players and finances available.
He was almost faultless in the transfer market. Every buy was a good buy - Antti Niemi (£2m), Micheal Svensson (£2m), Fabrice Fernandes (£1m), Danny Higginbotham (£2m), David Prutton (£2.5m) and Brett Ormerod (£750k). He made a couple of iffy signings, but the likes of Neil McCann were only seen as squad players anyway. Overall, he did very well indeed.
Whatever happens, I guess Strachan or another other manager has a 50/50 chance of domestic success. MON will be a hard act to follow!
Best of luck!
Ps. If you choose to use any of the above, please DON'T mention me or my website - Strachan has legendary status on the South Coast, he's beyond criticism. I don't need the grief. ;-)
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Have just read the GS article from the Guardian and the wee man certainly knows what he is talking about!
Lets get behind him from the start like only The Faithful can do and ensure Martin's legacy is not wasted. The rolling contract ensures that we won't be taken for a ride and apparently wee Gordon has the full backing of MON and will still receive a nice sum from DD.
Hail!Hail!
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After Martin’s words of the future is bright and the club will go from strength to strength makes me think he knows something we don’t (he always gives me that impression anyway).
We are known in Europe again and should be able to attract decent players to the areas in the team that have been neglected for 2 years. It’s a sound footing for any manager to come into but work needs to be done.
Wish list – football the celtic way, our title back, a left back (please), and CL qualification.
We are not in the position the huns were when they appointed Big Feck. They were going nowhere and still are. The huns are now admitting we threw it away and they didn’t win it and that bombscare is still in charge.
Another time to build on a position of strength, cause the balance of power hasn’t shifted yet
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Interesting stuff from yer man in Southampton, Paul, especially re: the rock solid defence he assembled at S'hampton - if this is the only thing GS addresses, then he'll be more than half way there, as this has clearly been the problem for us for the past year.
Worryingly, though, did Gordon Strachan not sign Magnus Hedman at Coventry?
Cheers
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I'm not impressed by some fans scrutinising Strachan's transfer record. There was none of this garbage when O'Neill was appointed. To a man get behind him. You could analyse anyone's managerial career & apart from the top guys like Mourinho, you'd be shocked at how rubbish the stats are for the rest.
Kenny Murray
Cleland
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Sad but not surprising news. What an impact Martin had in his time with us.
In case like me you are wary about Gordon Strachan as a manager I thought I'd tell you the little I know. He went to a pretty rough school in Edinburgh (He's s Hibbee by the way) and when I taught there in the 80s I met him a few times because he came back as 'the famous footballer' to help raise funds etc. He didn't forget his roots. He always had good eye contact and spoke to everyone like a normal decent guy with nothing to hide. I liked him as a person and his attitude on the park always seemed good. Martin has helped chose him and the Brighton website are saying that Mark McGhee will join him. Again it all looks good to me so lets hope he/they can deliver. As we are reminded again with Martin's news, its only a game
Heartfelt thanks to Martin and all best wishes for him and his family
Hail hail
Brendan2k
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How can you criticise Strachan for signing Hedman when MON also signed him?
Also, of course the board will give Strachan money, if they have any! Why appoint the guy if you don't have the confidence in him to spend the money wisely.
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Paul,
A few of the lads have said this place has been like the Samaritans and they are so right.
A few readers have said this site is like Crack Cocaine. I will believe them although we don't condone such things on this family site, however it is sure addictive.
One thing is for sure the club goes on, so must we.
Let's enjoy Saturday, appreciate a chance to say farewell to a great team, coach and era and look forward with renewed hope.
C'mon the Hoops.
Am off to see Oasis this evening, hope they don't play any of the sad songs! I'll end up blubbing in public!!
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Is Strachan likely to plunder the English premiership for players or will he be looking at the now more more prefered Eastern European market?
Also, over the last couple of years Celtic have fought off stiff competition to secure some of the worlds most promising footballing talent. ie Jacob Lensky, Canada (not even going to try and spell the 2 finnish lads)
Anyway, what is the chance of getting to see these players aswell as our own youth bhoys getting in the first team squad under Strachan?
ps Paul I thought you weren't supposed to mention the Southampton guy;)
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Kenny & 4:12 Anon,
Perhaps I gave the wrong impression about my view on the GS appointment - you can check my earlier posts if you like; I am actually very pleased and positive about it.
Re: Magnus Hedman - I suppose it just shows that we can all make mistakes.
Even Jock Stein signed some howlers in the late 70's.
I just hope GS realises now he's a dud. I think personally Magnus Hedman is a work shy malingerer, having employed a few folk like this myself, I think I can spot one. I have a friend on the Celtic medical staff who has similar suspicions.
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Oh and by the way is Henrik really going to play in McNamara's testimonial or is it just an money making ploy from Celtic's esteemd PR?
Sean
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GS seems to be starting with a supportive but, at best, lukewarm reception due to his perceived failings as a manager. I must admit that I think he'll do well for us. 2 Coventry season book holders who are colleagues of mine have nothing but good things to say about him, despite getting relegated under his management.
They pointed out that when GS took over at Coventry, their debt was £75M!! When he left, that debt was down to £30M. I know we haven't employed him as an accountant, but it speaks volumes for the constarints under which he was operating due to the profligacy of the previous manger (Ron Atkinson). He was forced to sell all his best players to keep the club solvent. Trying circumstances for anyone to cut their managerial teeth. The fact that he managed to keep them in the EPL for so long is worthy of plaudits.
Strachan has a good eye for players and knows how to spin them for a profit (see Keane, R and Bellamy, C). He is also a very keen and astute observer of the European scene and seems to be one of the few TV pundits who actually talks sense. I can't help but think that GS was approached with MoN's blessing.
One sour note. There is no way that CB will stay with Celtic now that GS is manager. CB was scathing in his critcism of Strachan when he left Coventry (complaining he was constantly played in the wrong position - sound familiar?).
I think wee GS shares many of MoN's traits.
1. He is the master of the media, not their puppet.
2. He is enthusiastic in extremis.
3. He is coming to Celtic with no Euro experience.
4. For the 1st time he is coming to a club with a genuine chance of Championships and Euro football.
He may not be a Celtic man (yet) but given real support and encouragement, maybe he'll become one.
He's got a very large set of boots to fill. I hope the support are patient enough to give him a real chance to do so.
Liam H
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Question for Timothy Molloy:- Can you ask your friend on the Celtic medical staff what their feeding BBJ :-)
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Thanks Paul, agree with your sentiments and this does help put Sunday into perspective. Maybe were just still numb.
As always life goes on - time to get behind the new man. I didn't like him as a player primarily because he was a thorn in our side - a top class player. I think he has great character, not unlike MON in many respects, and he will do a job for us. Note there has not been a single quote from him during the last few weeks. I'm not sure I see the point in letting both JR and SW go right now - who's going to provide the continuity ?
It will be a bit of an uphill battle for Strachan for the first few months and I worry about the CL qualifiers - A new squad, new manager, new background staff - will we have the experience needed to navigate through these ?
Anyway, all the very best to MON and his family. We owe them a lot. Let's hope he get's us one more win on Saturday and the fans show him what he means to the club.
Also, well done to the Board for coping well with this change and doing things right !
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Totally underwhelemd as most Celtic fans seem to be today.
I wish MON and his family the very best but I do think a change was needed.
However whilst I will "try" and reserve judgement on Strachan - I do have a bad feeling about it.
I do hope that the new manager will employ a system that will keep the ball on the deck and be less reliant on physique which in turn might see some of our younger players prosper as I think MON;s style of play did the likes of MCGeady, Maloney and Wallace no favours at times
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Good point, Anon. I think when they wired up Henrik's jaws, they got the wrong man.
While I'm on the subject of malingerers, I hope you guys are surfing in your own time. That's why British industry is in the state it's in today. In my day......etc.
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Don't want to get all mushey an' that, and I've already posted my tribute to MON earlier, but the more I've read what he has said and thought about what he has done and said before.......
He is one of us...a Celtic fan with all that entails and a fine man to boot......he hasn't left us and we haven't left him either....
Good luck to Gordon Strachan I think MON has left us in good hands.
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So its Gordon Strachan - so be it (would not have been my choice - lacks ambition - who would have guessed it eh). Anyway - he gets my full support by default.
The board are another matter entirely. I hear lots of praise for them for appointing quickly - but they have lots to answer for.
Thanks to their greed MON leaves with a disappointment that he should never have been subjected to.
MON - you never let us down - but they did. They are forever our weak link.
We shall see what transfer moves the board makes - but a stark warning to them. Play the biscuit tin mentality at this point and its out you go!
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Everyone of us get behind the new manager. Those who have doubts about him because he's not an RC should have a good look at themselves or look at the history of the club & see the non catholics who have moulded the success of our great club
jock stein, ronnie simpson, kenny dalglish, danny mcgrain, murdo macleod, paul lambert - to name a handful
chris mcmorrow
newarthill
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i wonder if GS will persuade his old goalkeeper (and hopefully best buddy) Anti Niemmi to come?
Who cares if he's an ex hun, he's one of the best GKs around
westim
o, i would like to add that i to, feel empty inside at the departure of MoN
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I've said all I can about MON and just hope the support and the players ensure he is given the perfect farewell present this Saturday.
If we and the team can't get up for this one then God help us.
Strachan certainly talks a good game but he has yet to prove he can walk the walk.
As a manager for the best part of a decade he has not a trophy to his name and his experience of Europe is two rather unsuccesful games in the UEFA Cup.
Hardly a CV to rave about.
All that said, I'll give him 100% support and I'm more than willing to give him a chance to prove he has learned as much about the game as he claims to have done.
BTW I wonder if one of his first actions as Celtic boss will be to return to Southampton and try to tempt Antti Niemi to return to Scotland.
Hail! Hail!
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First time poster long time reader. Welldone Paul, you are doing an excellent job, always thought provoking!
I am gutted at the loss of Martin. It has however lifted me from my weekend depression. Through Martin I am proud of Celtic. He has been symbolic of what i want Celtic to be. His unshakable dedication to the football club was immense, and made the club seem even bigger!He baulked at suggestions that he would move on to the premiership because his heart was in paradise.
I have reservations about Strachan but will keep them inside as I don't envy the person who has to walk in Martin's shoes. I hope all Celtic fans will get behind the new gaffer and don't let all the extraordinary work that Martin did in giving us back our pride go to waste.
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Think we can all say goodbye to bellamy now to. It will be interesting to see what Strachan does with big john sutty and thompson. Lennon will also walk.
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A sad day no doubt, MON has done some great things in his time with us and he should rightly be remembered as one of the top 3 Celtic managers.
I wish him and his family all the best for the future.
My media hating side is having a wee chuckle at the moment about MON leaving but NOT to go to another club as has been splashed about in various headlines during his tenure, and from his press conference he never had any intentions of leaving as he clearly loves Celtic, another 2 finger salute to the 4th estate.
I assume MON has been working his 12 months notice with Celtic so to a certain extent the board can be forgiven for not wishing to spend transfer money on players that a new manager might not fancy, and they have moved quickly to provide a seemless transfer of power which is not something we are used to!
All the best to Gordon Strachan as the new big man :)
Onwards and Upwards
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FAO Anonymous 17.04
I couldn't care less what religion Strachan is - same as I couldn't care about Adriaanse's or Koeman's whom I would have much preferred for the job.
The fact that it matters to some folk beggars belief.
Of course I wish Strachan the very best but its an appointment that doesn't feel me with confidence
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Not sure about GS my self but anyway ona a lighter note, think we need it today;
Reporter: Gordon, Do you think James Beattie deserves to be in the England squad?
Strachan: I don't care, I'm Scottish.
Reporter: "Gordon, can we have a quick word please?"
Strachan: "Velocity" [walks off]
Reporter: Welcome to Southampton Football Club. Do you think you are the right man to turn things around?
Strachan: No. I was asked if I thought I was the right man for the job and I said, "No, I think they should have got George Graham because I'm useless."
Reporter: Is that your best start to a season?
Strachan: Well I've still got a job so it's far better than the Coventry one, that's for sure.
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?
Reporter: Gordon, you must be delighted with that result?
Strachan: You're spot on! You can read me like a book.
Reporter: Gordon, Agustin Delgado?
Strachan: I've got more important things to think about. I've got a yoghurt to finish by today, the expiry date is today. That can be my priority rather than Agustin Delgado.
Reporter: This might sound like a daft question, but you'll be happy to get your first win under your belt, won't you?
Strachan: You're right. It is a daft question. I'm not even going to bother answering that one. It is a daft question, you're spot on there.
Reporter: Bang, there goes your unbeaten run. Can you take it?
Strachan: No, I'm just going to crumble like a wreck. I'll go home, become an alcoholic and maybe jump off a bridge. Umm, I think I can take it,yeah.
Reporter: There's no negative vibes or negative feelings here?
Strachan: Apart from yourself, we're all quite positive round here. I'm going to whack you over the head with a big stick, down negative man, down.
Reporter: where will Marion Pahars fit into the team line-up?
Strachan: Not telling you! It's a secret.
Reporter: You don't take losing lightly, do you Gordon?
Strachan: I don't take stupid comments lightly either.
Reporter: So, Gordon, in what areas do you think Middlesbrough were better than you today?
Strachan: What areas? Mainly that big green one out there...
Reporter: So. Gordon. Any plans for Europe?
Strachan: Me and the wife were thinking Spain in August
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To 5:04 Chris,
I haven't read anyone express any objection to Strachan on the basis that he is not an RC. Either you have misunderstood the comments on this site, are referring to comments on another site, or are attempting to troll this forum.
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Said my bit about MON on another post, but good luck for you and your family.
Paul67, did you know this was on the cards?(MON going)
Why did MON not answer D Proven when asked if he would come back?
Will we have money to give GS for players?
I hope I wake up from this bad dream.
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Re the rolling contract: it is a good thing.
Almost from the minute MON signed the press were counting down the months until he left - 'Only another x months until MON leaves' etc. Right up until he signed the rolling one. After that he always had another year on his contract meaning that even if he had been tempted away by another job we would have got compensation. And, although it didn't end the speculation about him leaving, it never again reached the frenzied pitch that it had in the final months of the initial contract.
Rolling contracts, canny beat 'em
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Thanks McGrainInSpain, Timmothy Malloy, Celtic Dave, Martybhoy, Greenblood
Well done Seamus.
Estadio, you excel again. I await your inevitable screenplay.
Alan in Thailand, poor dialupcelt has been worried about you. Good to hear you are in one piece following the Tsunami.
See the “Strachan is a joke” brigade are in early. Strachan is the only unbeaten Celtic manager in history so far. Give the guy a chance.
Sean.zo, you got me worried there. I didn’t mention the Southampton web guy by name or give his identity away.
Lets call him James Dixon, because that is his name (joke).
Oh, and how are the club going to make money out of the McNamara testimonial? Yes Henrik and Lubo will both be playing.
Chris McMorrow, no such worries among our friends here.
Anon 5.27, been hearing rumours MON was away for a couple of months, and the reason for it. When Neg Anon asked a couple of weeks ago I told him I thought he would retire when he left. The subject is so inappropriate for a web forum I wanted to stay away.
I also believe that the decision was in the balance until Sunday.
Yes, Strachan will have money.
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Ghod Bless Martin & family - MON: you've given us 100% in possibly the most stressful time imaginable and we couldn't have asked more.
As to Gordy, at least he knows the vagaries of Scottish football - and he's watched a hell of a lot of players on his sabbatical, so fingers crossed we can sign the players to replace the aging legs on the team. Did Lenny sign a new contract? If not, I woudn't be surpised to see him have one last season in the sun in the EPL. Think we may see a pretty dramatic reshaping of the team over the summer...
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Sorry, I posted this on an earlier thread. 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.
I saw Co Adriaanse's press conference at Porto and he promised two things, to win the league and to do it with attacking, attractive football. He would have been my first choice but we now have to stick together and get behind the new man.
Martin O'Neill 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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Does anyone else feel the decision to bring back Henrik and Lubo for the testimonial is the wrong one? Personally, at a time of change like this, I feel everyone should be trying to look forward to where we go from here. Bringing back two players, who will clearly be the main focus of attention, is ill-advised in my opinion.
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I've just heard the news. Firstly, I'd like to wish MON and his family all the best in the coming months/years. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Right now, I don't feel I can contribute much thought to the appointment of GS.
Thanks for all the good times.
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Some info about Strachan:
1957: Born February 9, Edinburgh.
1974: Signed for Dundee.
1974-77: Scored 13 goals in 60 league games.
1977: Joined Aberdeen for 50,000 pounds ($80,000).
1977-84: Netted 55 goals in 187 league games. In 1980, won Scottish Championship medal and first of 50 Scotland caps against Northern Ireland. Won three successive Scottish Cup winners' medals from 1982, in 1983 also won a European Cup Winners Cup medal and in 1984 lifted the Scottish Championship.
1984: Signed by Manchester United's Ron Atkinson for 500,000 pounds ($800,000).
1984-89: Scored 33 goals in 160 league games and in 1985 won an F.A. Cup medal.
1989: Joined second division Leeds United in March for 300,000 pounds ($480,000).
1989-94: Captained club to second division title in 1990. Two years later led Howard Wilkinson's side to first league championship in 18 years.
1995: Announced retirement from premier league football in January but two months later joined Atkinson at Coventry City as assistant in player/coach capacity.
1996: Appointed Coventry manager when Atkinson stepped down three months into season in November. Continued playing to end of season, making nine appearances.
1996-2001: Five seasons in charge of Coventry in premier league during which team generally fought battle against relegation. Best finish was 11th in 1998.
1999: Signed Republic of Ireland international striker Robbie Keane from Wolverhampton Wanderers for club record six million pounds in August.
2000: Sold Keane to Inter Milan for club record 13 million pounds in July.
2001: Coventry City relegated in May after 34 years in top flight but Strachan retained.
September - After five games and three defeats, departs from Highfield Road by mutual consent.
October - Appointed coach of Southampton following the sacking of Stuart Gray after four months in the job.
2002: Steers Southampton to 11th place in his first season in charge.
2003: Despite a limited budget, Southampton finish a creditable eighth and also reach the FA Cup final which they lose 1-0 to Arsenal.
2004: In January, Strachan announces he will quit Southampton at the end of the season when his contract expires, saying he wants break from top-flight soccer but stands down in February, three months before his intended departure.
December - Rejects the opportunity to take over at Southampton's south coast rivals Portsmouth
2005: May 25 - Appointed successor to Martin O'Neill at Celtic.
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Paul,
Beautiful words.
"I will do everything I possibly can to bring some success to this football club" - Martin O'Neill (June 2000)- A man of his word.
I was a 20 year old in the crowd at CP the day Martin O'Neill signed for our great club- I even made the TV and the Treble DVD- and it is a moment that will live with me for ever.
From the time Martin O'Neil procalimed those great words above we as Celtic fans have seen our fortunes change and our expectations rise.
I was fortunate enough to attend home and away games throughout our UEFA Cup final run- I was in Blackburn (my mate got big Rab's Celtic jacket when we spotted his car in the dark rainy streets around Ewood Park), Stuttgart (great city, great town square- pity the beer ran out), Porto (one of the best nights clubbing ever!), and finally Seville (well we all have our own special memories)!!!
Now, those days have past now, but in our hearts they must remain (breach of copyright I know)!!!
Lets look on to Martin's last games in charge on Saturday and Sunday and beyond!!!
Gordon Strachan will be our new manager from Wednesday 1st June and I hope that the crowd that greeted Martin O'Neil back in June 2000, will again return to Paradise to herald the arrival of our next manager.
God bless Martin O'Neill
Good luck Gordon.
Hail Hail
GingerAvenger
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Sad sad day.
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I feel numb.As one who took a long time to come round to MON and his football philosophy,I now can't believe he will be going.My best wishes and prayers go out to him and his family at this most trying of times.
The future brings Gordon Strachan to CP.In the long-term we will see if he is good enough to be the manager of our club.In the short-term,my concern would be that his lack of European experience could prevent us from making the CL this summer.That would be disasterous.
I give him my full support,but as I posted last night,I now have reservations about the ambition of our board of directors in making this appointment.This was not what was required.
BankieBhoy
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same old same old for the celtic board GS piff get behind him yes now hes here only because we have no other choice to take what scraps we get thrown at us from a uncaring boardroom .these people make me sick their whole attiude can be seen in the way they made us pay for our season tickets before the last game of the season ,the way they bump up prices ,the way we get less and less for or season tickets every year the lies that are printed on the celtic lottery tickets we buy every week in week out . still waiting .god knows if we managed to get into the Champs leg whow much those tickets will cost .GS has done nothing as manager i have a great fear he,ll turn out to be the new lou macari and fill the team up with so called english superstars like camara wayne biggins etc etc etc .is it also wise to appoint someone who not so long a go was in bad health , i mean whats his health going to be like after 6 months at CP they have had 5 years to find a new manager and this is all they can come up with BOLLOCKS i say load of shite we all know the real reason is that its a cheap apoint ment of a man they can sack at later date a man who wont ask for to much from them and will take the heat off of them . my only ray of hope is that i have all this wrong and that hes a stop gap till next season when someone better will be available but i doubt that HAIL HAIL celtic but fek the board i for one wil be not buying another lottery ticket or celtic tops dvd etc etc utill i see them parting some cash to get rid of the deadwood in our team and bringing in a proven manager . you condem lazy journlism maye its time to condem a lazy boardroom MAYBE THE BOARD THINK FINISHING SECOND AND GS ARE OUR NEW BENCHMARK. you have to ask is that it is that the most they want to part with OUR cash is GS our new benchmark?
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Firstly, a very sad day. MON changed the course of Celtic history. Reading the memories on these posts brings tears to my eyes never mind trying to recollect my own. His overall status will never diminish with time. I wish MON and all his family the very best in their battle against illness.
Secondly, is Strachan the first Scottish manager of Celtic without a Celtic history?
This may see a defrosting of the anti Celtic agenda so prevalent in Scottish media. Cant see GS taking some of the nonsense dished out by by the laptops.
Ah well you can live in hope.
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A big thanks to MON (Seville will live long in my memory) and best wishes for his wife...
Still need convincing that GS & Mark Mcghee are the men to take us forward..but will back them nonetheless...
Bit concerned about the cup final on 2 counts:
1) I can't get a ticket and refuse to pay the e-bay touts....I thought our club saw the last of them at Seville....e-mail me on rumoid@hotmail.com if you can help-I would appreciate it
2) And if they cant lift themselves against a patchwork Motherwell how will a soon to be broken up team lift themselves against UTD....
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Paul
It may be impertinent to ask,but leaving aside your "give the guy a chance" comment,what do you really think of Strachan's appointment?
I feel it is short-sighted in the extreme and that the groundwork laid by MON is about to be thrown aside.
There is an inherent risk in any appointment made,high-profile or otherwise,but to appoint someone with no trophy-winning experience as a manager and no European experience is mind-boggling in the extreme.
This is a sad day in more ways than one as the future of club is being gambled on a no more than average manager.
Apologies to all who disagree,but I feel really strongly about this.I think we support the biggest club in world football.As such,we should have a manager befitting our status.Or maybe I need a reality check.
BankieBhoy
