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Another BIG day and a match won by our BIG players. The second goal was all down to Lenny breaking up a hearts attack and thereafter catching them on the back foot.The much maligned Thompson scoring another goal in an important match.
Rangers will now travel in hope rather than expectation. I have no doubt that today's result will have taken the wind out their sails. Easter Road or Fir Park on the last day of the season. I know where I'd rather be playing.
One last thought. When Hearts were 2-1 down at Ibrox last week,did they throw their 'keeper up front in an attempt to get an equaliser?
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Long time since I posted Paul.I watched the game on Celtic Live,btw anyone wi false fingernails for sale I would appreciate it.The wife was laughing at me all morning the yells and 'oh sh**ts" were flowing like the beer the night before.In the end we deserved the win but I hope we put the game out of sight nice and early next week or my knuckles will be non existent.
All the best,Terry in Georgia
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It wasn't our greatest ever performance, but the Bhoys showed that even when the chips are down, their sheer desire and will-to-win can see them through matches, that was the case today.
Craig Beattie continues to make his mark in the opportunities he's getting to show what he can do, opportunities which are becoming more frequent with each passing week. Those who slaughtered him after Ibrox, and called him an "absolute disgrace" i think it was, should take a look at themselves now. The big man has a great future ahead of him, and there's no reason why he shouldn't be a first-team regular in the not-too-distant future.
Well done Martin & The Bhoys. Go and finish the job at Motherwell now.
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Couldnt agree more Paul though I wonder what you think of our rather strange decision not to deploy anyone at the back post for corners today? Why? Thought the support was great as usual but was a bit aggrieved at the Hi-BEES chants at the end followed by a few calls for Tony Mowbray.Posted a bit late on your last thread and would be very grateful if someone could provide me with a copy of yesterdays game as Ive promised to send it to a few exiled Celts and my wife taped Sponge Bob something instead! We"re up for our 40th title next week and I cant see us letting it slip,and for those of us who have witnessed the other mobs trebles in the late 70s and the total dross of the nineties,lets appreciate the five years we"ve had under MON,its been a long time coming. Lets do it next week.
Mark-F
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Well done yesterday bhoys.
Tells you all you need to know about Hearts when they have nothing to play for other than helping their Govan cousins that they stick the goalie up for a corner in the dying minutes. A point well made by Kingho. Would have loved nothing more than been able to wrap up the title in front of the Hearts Loyal.
I know that Setanta will be undergoing a serious review in the coming weeks and I sincerely hope this includes the two commentators. I don't see that many games on Setanta and have heard how unbelievably biased Brown and Hately could be. Didnt believe it until yesterday. Their constant sniping at Bellamy was childish. Willie Young could do no wrong - until the last minute! And Brown's assertion that the Hearts fan had the right to 'express his opinion'so aggresively at Petrov was astonishing.
Anyways, at this stage its all about the result. 3 more points at Fir Park please.
Keep up the good work Paul.
MMFYM
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Hearts at Tynecastle was always going to be a hard game. We seemed to be controlling the game in the second half but lacked urgency and seemed to be trying to play out the time left. Our defence has not been good enough to do that this season. We are the top scorers in the SPL but our defence have been suspect all year. I too hope we finish Motherwell off early and allow us to enjoy next Sunday to the full. Day off work on Monday I suspect!
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Beattie - the boy knows where the goal is he is quick aggresive and does not lack the confidence to have a shot. Good on him for taking the responsibility for the goal. Beattie makes keepers work with his shots.He makes defences work with his pace and he s only 21. How the gers let this boy go a bad call on thier behalf.
How about bellamy beattie and petrov playing a triangle up front. Petrov the attacking midfielder role sitting behind bellamy and beattie. What you have in the team straight away is pace though reducing height.
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What about this new share issue announced . Fifteen million has been quoted as the figure that will be raised. Is this the most that can be raised?, where will the money go. will it be added to a budget already set aside for MON or is it the full monty.If Mon can hang onto the majority of the sesasoned experienced players and add 3-4 qaulity signings we should be in good stead for the forthcoming season.
I would like to see us push the boat out for bellamy. One of the top ten keepers in the world, a natural left back with pace position awareness and tackling prowess.
A proven centre back who has positional awareness, on the ground ball passing skills and who is calm and colleced in front of goal.
A midfielder in the roy keane mode, prowess, tackling and passing skills.
Four players who would go straight into the team. A bench of jackie mac, sutton, thompson,mcgeady (poss in first team},marshall,maloney wallace or an upcoming u/21 player.
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Can someone explain to me why the Hearts goalie was in the Celtic penalty area in the dying minutes trying to scrape a meaningless draw for them in a league match?
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Game change yesterday when Sutton moved up front and his intelligence as a footballer complimented the pace and power that Beattie and Bellamy supplied.
Celtics two goals came from pacey breaks down Hearts left handside where the inexperienced Lee Wallace was playing. Beattie had already got in behind him once when Gordon saved well but for the winning goal he hadn’t learned his lesson. Experience is valuable in pressure situations and Hearts paid the price for lack of it at Left Back.
Hartley also impressed and would be a welcomed addition to play along side Stan not to replace Stan. Estadio going get in his lug and find out what’s happening.
Once again was impressed by Lee Miller bit fellow who’s movement and touch for a big fellow is great, could be worth a look but then again as Beattie is proving will Miller be any better than what we have in the youth ranks?
Tell you if Beattie was one of the Icelandic Bhoys we have playing in the reserves and had come on and made the impact the press would be slavering over him and so would we as a support.
Performances like yesterday win you leagues and they have been a trademark of MON’s hoops sides.
So is it all back to Paul’s next week for a party?
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Paul67 reports today on BBC radio `Good Morning Scotland' that MON will get a £15 million budget and the DD will underwrite a new share issue.
Benmorsky: the goalie's antics says a great deal, although I'm sure he would have done the same against Rangers - real I'm am sure, really, really sure. Anyone believe me... anyone?
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The nerves have already kicked in ahead of next Sunday, anyone know where I can buy those incontinence
trousers Billy Connolly used to go on about?
Hope we can keep calm heads on the day, esp those of us not in the celtic end ;-).
Etienne Connelli
Mossend
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love the site, Paul, but MAN! who taught you english?!
"seen", "done" etc...
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Taggsybhoy
Thanks Paulw88 for the mention re: supporting Beattie after the Rangers game. As so many guys have come on to support the big fella, it hardly needs restating.
Not that I ever played the beautiful game at any level, but its basic stuff that confidence is everything to a striker. Do you get that by guys getting on your back? Or by guys cheering you on? If we see this league out, young Craig's goal yesterday will be remembered for a long time.
In a purely selfish way, good to see Hibs getting beat.They now need to give TFOD a game. Not that we need to think about this at all. A win. Just one win. Please Celtic, no more behind the sofa stuff!
Caught the game yesterday in a bar in Brodick, Arran. Few Huns in, but all good natured. When Pressley got sent off, a guy stood and shouted "Elvis has just left the building!". Classic!
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Anon 8.42, I don't think the £15m quoted and the share issue are the same thing. It's just the press sticking two sentences together to make a story. George Bush did it with 9/11 and Iraq, he never said Iraq were the cause but it went something like:
"After 9/11 we will wage war on all terrorists. Sadam Hussain is a bad man".
It's subliminal, they say two things and you naturally link them in your head.
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Another 3 points in the bag , another nailbiter.
The game turned yesterday on the Beattie /Hartson substitution.
When Petrov was moved back to the centre we started driving through their midfield for the first time.
The advantage of the out ball to a quick , direct player out wide was also beneficial.
How long will it take for MON to see that Lennon and Suuto are brilliant players but not beside each other.
We need movement and pace from central midfield and at present only Petrov provides this.
Another plus with Beattie is that he and Bellamy didn't give the Hearts defence time to look up and play the ball through midfield.
I don't expect many changes for next week but I hope that MON remembers that when you have quick players attack is the best form of defence.
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That game was not good for anyone with heart trouble! I feel we were slighly fortuitous with the penalty decision to be honest. But hey are we not due some luck, can anyone any other dodgy penalty decisions at Hearts this season???
If Beattie can work on his touch over the summer then he will become a useful squad player as opposed to a promising one. McGeady should be loaned out where he is not under pressure and can develop and gain confidence - players like him thrive on that. The makings of a great player lets not do what Celtic have consistenly done with thier young talents.
A sweet victory indeed all things considered.
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The team must get great credit for holding their nerve yesterday. At this stage we're all agreed it was about the result & nothing else - the same applies next Sunday. I can't believe MON took off Hartson who again looked as if he'd been out with me on the Saturday night & threw on Beattie - his pace forced Hearts back & was the difference. March on to next Sunday.
Paul - on another note - The Sunday Herald ran the story about Desmond initiating a £15 million transfer kity for MON. The Sunday tabloids ignored this story & instead concentrated on 'If Celtic draw at Tynecastle' , 'Balde leaving in the summer for nothing' , Lennon/McNamara still out of Contract' , MON could walk away in the summer'. I think this is outragous. It's easy to say don't buy them, but other than this Paul how can we push for unbiased coverage in our national newpapers.
Paul Henderson
Whittagreen Court
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I know that it has already been said but I would also like to add my congratulations and thanks to Craig Beattie for his matchwinning performance and goal yesterday. I was incensed by the treatment he received from some so called 'supporters' after the game at Ibrox ("disgrace to the jersey") - he has proved himself to be a big man by bouncing back with good performances against Aberdeen and Hearts.
Also really pleased to see Neil Lennon get MOM - he has been an outstanding unsung hero this season and I for one hope he is with us for at least one more year.
And so to Motherwell...
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A few weeks ago I stated that celtic would drop points in the run for the title. I told you that we would roll over aberdeen and we did I told you that we would beat hearts away and we did and im telling you that we will beat motherwell to lift the title.
I also told you that the game I was convinced we would drop points would be against the hibees, why that was the only game we did NOT have to win.
If the hibees can play to a high tempo next week then I believe they can take points off the gers.
Now to the well will the come out the stalls as if everything depends on it, of course they will. Let them bring it on celtic are better in every position I am convinced that the celtic team will give 110 percent and will go on to win the game somewhere in the region of 3-0 and thus the flag will come home to where it should be PARADISE.
ps It was a blatant dive look at the replays and watch elvis launch himself from his right foot dived for it and he should be ashamed of himself, CHEAT.
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Most impressed with some of your predictions coming to bear Paul. Exciting times ahead.
Totally agree with the posts on tabloids ignoring 15-million share issue and concentrating on MON leaving, and on Craig Gordon’s brave stint upfront. Was this the result of instructions from Elvis himselvis?.
Bolton Bhoy 10:30 - on Craig Beattie, I would just like to echo your comments...echo your comments....echo your comments....your comments...mmets..ss.
My apologies.
I now predict a week of unsettling Celtic coverage, and crass statements from big Tel Butcher on “how his boys cannot do it”. Let’s not get lulled into a false sense of security.
Brian
Dennistoun
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Paul67 you said: “Pace is the modern weapon of choice” Yes but this is neither modern e.g. Booby Lennox or the only thing needed e.g. Lovenpants at Ibrox.
As I have posted up before the TIPS system is a good way to judge players (Technique Insight Personality and Speed – mental and physical speed). Rolandinho at Barca would fit this perfectly and could be described as a touch player.
Beattie will do us well, he is a player I like (and have posted this before no bandwagon comment) he reminds me of John Hughes but a better finsher and with more of the TIPS about him than Hughes.
Paul67 you said on a previous post: “Celticbhoy, if there is a share issue we are certain to go to England. There will only be hard, profitable investments made in Celtic from now on, and the only way they will come is if we go to England.” I didn’t expect it to come so soon although the press may have got it wrong. P.S. I am happy to see BQ is talking about staying on he is needed at this time esp if there is to be a share issue.
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These are the type of games that make the difference in championships. We could have slipped up but didn't. It wasn't pretty at times but it is the three points that counts at this time of the season.
When Hearts equalised my thoughts went back to the loss there a couple of seasons ago that untimately cost so much. And when Elvis hit the floor my heart sank. I will never say another bad word about Willie Young, honest! Anyone else agree that several other refs would have pointed to the spot?
One more game, one more performance and it is over!
I really hope this £15M story is correct, although it does appear that not all of it would go into the transfer budget. We urgenlty need another striker with pace, hopefully Bellamy, a left back, a keeper and a creative midifield player. Next year gives us a great opportuntiy to have a real go in the CL. We need the players who can take advantage of our seeding.
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Celtic Ultra, I am a healthy walk away from Fir Park, though not sure Mrs 67 would be keen.
CelticBhoy, £15million war chest is so ‘old news’ :-) I am going to be incredibly smug in a few weeks time, apologies in advance.
Anon 9.38, are you having a go at denominational schools? :-)
Paul Henderson,
The media is changing, and with change will come opportunities to balance things out. Celtic Quick News is an important channel in this change. This last week was important for CQN, lets see what can be achieved.
Any relation to Ian? Now there was a great Celtic man.
BoltonBhoy, agree about Lennon and Beattie.
CelticBhoy, when the Interim accounts were not produced in the second week in February I know there could only be one reason; we were waiting on Glazer to move before announcing a share issue.
I was told to expect the Glazer move in March & perhaps Celtic were under the same impression.
As for what it means, wait until I get my article written, but I can promise you there will be no backing down from the previous comment.
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Just removed the nappy after yesterday, hope I wont be needing the pampers again next week.
Once again this "old and tired" team showed the passion and heart of true winners.
Why is anyone remotely surprised at Hearts? for years they have managed to raise their game against only one half of the old firm. So much for bigotry only being a west coast thing.
Paul, do you think you will be allowed into another press conference? Surely you are meant to leave there and pen an anti celtic diatribe.
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“Robert looks to be heading for Celtic, after travelling to Parkhead last week for talks.
The Scottish giants won't put up the cash in full, but are set to offer Newcastle a deal of £1.5m a season for the Frenchman. And that could suit the player, if not Newcastle, because (like Craig Bellamy) he would like nothing more than return to Tyneside when Souness has bolted.
And the feeling in the camp is that Souness will NOT be manager of this club at Christmas.”
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Paul- if your a healthy walk away then tickets are still on sale for the well end this morning?
Pick us up a couple and ill square you up:-)
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Celticbhoy 10.58 - John Hughes - the original Big Yogi - now that did bring back some happy memories. I loved the big man - he was a true Celt through and through and was so, so infuriating - he was the first player I ever saw hitting the bar from the goal-line!!!! I also have a vivid memory of him tormenting the AC Milan defence in a 0-0 draw at the San Siro ( and missing a glorious opportunity?) prior to us losing 1-0 at Parkhead. However, the best thing he ever did was get me the signatures of all of the Lisbon Lions and Big Jock - I am forever in his debt for that!!
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Paul in yesterdays Sunday Herald, Martin O'Neill was quoted as saying he has identified signing targets. I don't want to swell silly rumours, but i was watching Match of the Day last night & came across players from relegated teams or teams who have missed europe & wondered whether O'Neill would go for them. I don't imagine there would be big transfer fees involved or huge wages either.
Duncan McNaughton
Across from Brannock School
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Duncan - 11.45 - he could do worse than have a look at David Nugent of Preston. I saw him play for Bury earlier on in the season and thought he had potential. Preston picked hm up for a snip (Bury had an IR bill to pay!) during the transfer window and he has been outstanding ever since! If Preston don't make it through the play offs he could be worth a gamble.
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How do people think the supporters would react if O'Neill went after Antti Niemi? Personally I think he was the best keeper in the Premiership and with Southampton going down could be available ata decent price. Woudl the supporters be mature enough to accept a former Rangers player if it was in the teams interest? I think it'd be a great move all round.
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to the tune of Eric Prydz’s ‘Call On Me’
Bel-a-meeeeee, Bel-a-meee…..Bel-a-meeeeee
Anonymous 12:28 - Antti Niemi would be what Celtic have not had since Ronnie Simpson - a confident, reliable top drawer keeper. Only an idiot would not welcome a former Rangers player to Celtic - if he's good enough.
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Well done Celtic. Great result yesterday.
I've seen Ryan Giggs' name mentioned on here before, along with some other Utd players ,as heading to CP in the summer. He's just signed a new contract so it must be one of the other names if the rumours are true.
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Niemi is a great keeper, however it makes no odds as Artur Borec passed a medical at Celtic Park last Wednesday. I think The Mole posted this previously.
The Cousin of the great Fargo
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A few random thoughts:
Beattie showed the class and strength of will we all hoped he would have in the first team. To me the poor guy was struggling with rank rotten luck in front of goal as he couldn't buy a goal up until yesterday. I have a feeling we may now see true quality emerging from this young man.
Hartson again showed why I'll never be keen... not withstanding his great goal total. He should have been shown the door at the end of this season with a big ThankYou.. To slow and overall if he's not scoring he's not helping. If the ref doesn't like his physical approach then he gets nothing all game... you can always tell within 5 minutes whether he will be allowed to use his weight/elbows or not.
Sick of Setanta... I'm sick of listening to the lack of balance from Hately and Brown. Not Hately's fault I might add. Setanta obviously opted for 2 commentators who would each have a pro-Old Firm bias. I genuinely believe they would have been shocked by Brown's anti-Celtic agenda. Yesterday to refer to the decision as 'Stonewall' was truly bizarre and you could instantly see it was at best marginal. This is the latest in a long line for Brown and I think most Celtic supporters are sick of it. Paul, I tend to agree with your take on it. No penalty but a rough yellow card.
If indeed there is a 15 million share issue happening there are big moves afoot. Otherwise, it would be madness to sanction another big spend as Celtic would surely start sinking like Rangers crippled under the massive interest repayments. There has to be a significant increase in revenue on the horizon to justify it... Premiership? It seems logical but also I'm struggling to see the benefit for the lower teams in that league.
M
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celticbhoy & boltonbhoy,
John Hughes may have been percieved to be an, at times, erratic finisher but I believe this to be an exagerrated urban myth. The man is Celtic's 4th highest post war goalscorer and played on the wing most of the time! To say that Beattie is a better finisher (celticbhoy), is in my opinion untrue, or at least presumptious and extremely premature. John Hughes is a Celtic Legend. Beattie is a sub.
regards
Yogi
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Id take the Boruc story with a pinch of salt. I'll believe it when I see it.
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are we talking about the same yogi hughes that we signed from falkirk? was he not a centre half?
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Hately I've no problems with, he's a Rangers man, we all know that and shouldn't expect any different, Jock Brown however is a disgrace, he is making comments that he knows Hately will agree with, he's a lazy git and can't be bothered to be objective. Craig Burley - not to sure about him, comes into the Murdo McLeod Charlie Nick category, has an agenda that only he knows about. The Hearts goalie coming up for the corner, we can't really complain about that, it made no odds to them what the score was, they were at home and had nothing to lose by having a go.
Joe 90.
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Had another CQN advertising idea!!
T-shirts printed with the site address and logo, available in time for summer holidays (always plenty of tops on display around the med). And worn next season on match days, fun to spot fellow bloggers nand believers. Up to you Paul, payment throuigh paypal??
Only an idea, you could wear one to CP for your press conferences
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Great to see you being invited to the press conference Paul. Im also glad that whoever was asked to read the various fan sites at the club chose CQN. I'm optimisic about you remaning anlytical and continuing to write thought provoking articles. Also, one of the reasons I like the site is down to your writing style and the fact you are not working to an agenda. Keep it simple and report the facts. As soon as an editor asks you to flower it up and add spin the trouble starts. Leave it to the posters to add the character. I hope this progresses the way you and the other supporters want it to.
There is, I believe, an air optimism sweeping in from the South. Its actually been quite amusing to look at the papers over the last few days since the Glazer deal. Theres been a scatter gun approach towards what the effect will be on Celtic. Also noted theres not been one story linking the old trafford sellers putting their money into Rangers. Surely if there is a benefit to be gained by buying into Celtic as we approach the Premiership then the same must be true of Rangers? I know theres different rules for the two clubs due to their listing but surely at the last Rangers share issue there would have been more takers than the Mint? I know this was a debt dilution exercise but would the buying of shares by investors at that time not have been an ideal oppotunity? I don't recall it being a closed offer. Maybe the reinvestement in Celtic by Desmond and others truely is an emotional one or are Rangers not going to be invited to the doo?
On the game yesterday, it was brilliant to see Beattie score another important goal. I actually only recall him missing one chance against Rangers and that one was as good a chance as Bellamy had in his first game against them. Anway, raking over old coals with that, well done to the big man for shouting to Bellamy to get out of his road and for taking the chance. Petrov created both goals from defensive starting postions yesterday. It was like watching McStay in his prime. The difference of having Beattie to his right and Bellamy left was astounding.
Paul, you have almost been vindicated. The truth is not far off now I feel. Hopefully when its all over there won't be the need for Daily Record style rants a la 'remember were you heard it first.' It must be frustrating and there is a need to remind people with short memories but hopefully we can concentrate on important issues like getting the atmosphere back at the home games after the money is released and not on tittle tattle about the 'soul' of the club. Let's do some soul searching on why 20,000 leave early, why theres no singing. Gets my goat that I turned up to watch the Biggins, Muggletons etc and yet some supporters can't seem to get a rise out of the team for a massive game against Hibs or Hearts. Lets get those hairs standing up on the back of necks again. Its the supporters that make this club. Manchester United supporters will realise the same about their club soon enough.
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Great to see you being invited to the press conference Paul. Im also glad that whoever was asked to read the various fan sites at the club chose CQN. I'm optimisic about you remaning anlytical and continuing to write thought provoking articles. Also, one of the reasons I like the site is down to your writing style and the fact you are not working to an agenda. Keep it simple and report the facts. As soon as an editor asks you to flower it up and add spin the trouble starts. Leave it to the posters to add the character. I hope this progresses the way you and the other supporters want it to.
There is, I believe, an air optimism sweeping in from the South. Its actually been quite amusing to look at the papers over the last few days since the Glazer deal. Theres been a scatter gun approach towards what the effect will be on Celtic. Also noted theres not been one story linking the old trafford sellers putting their money into Rangers. Surely if there is a benefit to be gained by buying into Celtic as we approach the Premiership then the same must be true of Rangers? I know theres different rules for the two clubs due to their listing but surely at the last Rangers share issue there would have been more takers than the Mint? I know this was a debt dilution exercise but would the buying of shares by investors at that time not have been an ideal oppotunity? I don't recall it being a closed offer. Maybe the reinvestement in Celtic by Desmond and others truely is an emotional one or are Rangers not going to be invited to the doo?
On the game yesterday, it was brilliant to see Beattie score another important goal. I actually only recall him missing one chance against Rangers and that one was as good a chance as Bellamy had in his first game against them. Anway, raking over old coals with that, well done to the big man for shouting to Bellamy to get out of his road and for taking the chance. Petrov created both goals from defensive starting postions yesterday. It was like watching McStay in his prime. The difference of having Beattie to his right and Bellamy left was astounding.
Paul, you have almost been vindicated. The truth is not far off now I feel. Hopefully when its all over there won't be the need for Daily Record style rants a la 'remember were you heard it first.' It must be frustrating and there is a need to remind people with short memories but hopefully we can concentrate on important issues like getting the atmosphere back at the home games after the money is released and not on tittle tattle about the 'soul' of the club. Let's do some soul searching on why 20,000 leave early, why theres no singing. Gets my goat that I turned up to watch the Biggins, Muggletons etc and yet some supporters can't seem to get a rise out of the team for a massive game against Hibs or Hearts. Lets get those hairs standing up on the back of necks again. Its the supporters that make this club. Manchester United supporters will realise the same about their club soon enough.
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Paul67 and the guys,
Great result yesterday and the coming of age for young Beattie at last.
I have no doubt that we will do the necessary next week and give us all something to smile about, however, what ever way wee look at it we have fallen over the finish line and will ultimately prove to be just 2 points better than one of the worst Rangers teams since the Grieg era. Not much to write home about and certainly not much to frighten our potential enemies in Europe next season.
I have had a look at the seedings and it is now certain that we will be in the second pot for the Champ League. What more incentive do we have to push the boat out and sign a couple of quality players to really strike the pot of gold. Look at Liverpool, they should make 30 million out of this years tourney.
Finally, Paul67 can you explain the implications if we do have the share issue and DD underwrites the whole lot (or maybe his Coolmore mates will get involved too)It seems to me that we are throwing ourselves down the path that Man U have over the last few years and leaving ourselves wide open to a Glazer type figure swallowing us up.
If you are right and there is a plan to get us to the EPL then our revenues are going to go through the roof , our share price is going to rise substancially and DD will clean up when he sells to the next corporate magnet.
Time for DD to come clean...is it love or is it profit
anyway heres to title no 40
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To the anonymous blogger at 1.22, better get that tub of Saxo ready as the Polish goalkeeper was indeed at Celtic Park earlier in the week and will be signed.
Larry Hagman's Dishwasher
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A great performance at the weekend, but Hartson's substitution set my mind thinking about whether he will be a Celtic player next season.
He has had his critics from Celtic fans, but a 30 goal per season striker doesn't grow on trees. However he is getting to the age that the club might see if beneficial in selling him.
Martin O'Neill may have seen enough of Craig Beattie to let him be the main striker.
Lola Connelly
Christie Street
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Well done to the Hoops.
2 more cup finals to play.
A question - How many Celtic supporters are there worldwide?
Just how big is our global support?
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Another good win for the bhoys yesterday. At this stage of the season it's results that count, not performances.
Anyway, Fir Park or Easter Road next week, I know where I'd rather be going to wrap up the title.
On another matter, do any fans on here have tickets for the home section next week. As I was unsuccesful in the ballot, I've bought 4 for the Davie Cooper stand, and am kind of hoping many others will have done the same.
I know some people may not agree with my method, but I couldn't bear not being there when we lift the SPL trophy...AGAIN!!
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Yogijunior3, No criticism of the Original Yogi Bear was intended. I remember him with great fondness. Like most great strikers, he did miss more than he scored, but at least he got into the positions to do so - and that from the wing more often than not too as you so rightly point out! If young Beattie turns into half as fine a player and Celt I, for one, will be glad!
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To anonymous at 1.54, I think that you will find that the vast majority of the Tommy Cooper stand will be Celtic supporters.
Michael Cronin
The Bed Shed
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Don't have a problem with niemi due to being ex rangers player, but the guy is 33. this is not the way to go.
Paul, something troubles me in the herald article from sunday about the share issue being needed to solve cashflow problems that will arise due to co-op bank reducing their risk exposure in football. Is there any truth to this?
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I remember John Hughes with great affection. Saw him make his debut aged 16 as I remember. He was also inadvertenly and with no little help from the proofwriters at the Evening Times responsible for bringing tears to my eyes after one Rangers Celtic match when I read in the early evening edition that he "set off on a mazy dribble leaving four Rangers defenders in his wake before finishing with a 20yd shit just over the bar" What a man!
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yogijunior3 You said “Beattie is a sub.” Is this not as you said “presumptuous and extremely premature” opinion of the guys potential worth to Celtic, if not degrading to a young Celtic player?
The comparison to John Hughes was meant to be a compliment to both players.
I remember Hughes doing some wonderful things and also hitting the corner flag with shots. Yes, John Hughes is a legend to me from my youth I just happen to think that at this stage in his career Beattie has more to offer, I might be wrong, after all Jock Stein was wrong when he wanted the board to sell Hughes and Johnstone too when he first took over.
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33 is not too old for a goalie, surely? Niemi is a fantastic keeper and I would be glad to see him at Celtic Park - thier loss is what would say. If he is considered to be too old what about looking at his international deputy Jussi Jaaskelainen who is a top class keeper also - what do they out in the water in Finland? Anyway - all of this is probably academic if recent postings about Boruc are to be believed.
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Boltonbhoy I agree after all what age was Ronnie Simpson when he joined celtic?
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Phob
The support is big worldwide. In my year in OZ in the Seville season our support was easily more noticeable than any other UK team bar of course Man U.
Take a visit to O'Reillys in Brisbane or the Celtic Club in melbourne if you are in the area.
I was amazed.
Even here in England the size amazes me. I grew up here in Rugby, one of the few Celts in the town who wore the Hoops every day if possible, Now the people I remember as Man U and City fans (thats Coventry by the way) are wearing the colours and asking me to help organise trips to CP.
I know for a fact that many Celtic fans in Scotland do not really appreciate how much this club means to those who live far waay from the ground.
Look at places like Corby in Northants there are 3 or 4 CSC's based there. i doubt if there is a single Chelsea SC one in the Rugby area and they claim now to have 2.9m fans in the UK alone. Where they get these figures from I do not know, as i cannot remember seeing one chelsea top during my year travelling.
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Are some of the posters recently 9 years old, just plain stupid or Glory hunters whos knowledge of Celtic begins with the signing of Chris Sutton?
(Apologies to the many 9 yr olds who know their history)
I have now read " is this the Yogi Hughes we signed from Falkirk?"
"And who is Brother Walfrid?"
How a celtic supporter doesnt know who Brother Walfrid is is laughable to me, but the more I think about it really worrying also.
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Phob, I think the marketing people at Celtic did some research a few years back at estimated 9 million as the worldwide fan base.
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Anon 2.25, Maybe some of those you mention did not have the privilege of being brought up with Celtic tradition and history as you and I were. Rather than chastise them lets educate and enlighten them about our history and welcome them in the spirit of inclusivity which is the heartbeat of this club that we love.
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Derbyshire bhoy, apologies for the very childish way I giggled at this quote, but I can't help it. What a man, indeed!
"set off on a mazy dribble leaving four Rangers defenders in his wake before finishing with a 20yd shit just over the bar" What a man!"
Agree with most folk on here about the weekend. Strong performances from strong players. But oh by God it is hard on the nerves and the heart. Here's to an early couple of goals at Fir Park next week to ease us home.
Paul67, am enjoying your small doses of cautious smugness over recent articles. Well done on calling these issues and sticking to your guns throughout all the "you're talking p1sh" comments.
I have also started to agree to an extent with Neg Anon's assertions about Dermot et al's motives for investing in our club. Time will tell what the outcome is, but so far, both Neg Anon and yourself have been proved right. What happens next? Onwards and upwards? Or sell out to the first person who offers some decent profit to our major investor? I like to think that DD will do what is right and stay with our club to move it forward, utilising all his business acumen and contacts. We are hopefully about to embark on a Double Double, and yet the only way is up for our club. I am feeling pretty optimistic about things today.
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I see that Craig Bellamy has been voted Player of the Year in the Talk of the Tyne poll! Some of the most interesting comments in the article (link below) are:
"The voting seems to have been more political than any we have experienced before, and certainly the number of votes cast is the highest for any poll we conducted.
Bellamy took an early lead probably because many fans do genuinely see him as the best we've had this term. Certainly no one player has been outstanding. But we know some fans voted for the Welshman as a way of showing their unhappiness at Souness and chairman Freddie Shepherd.
Then the Scottish vote grew increasingly by the day, with the Celtic fans latching onto a way to praise a player who has been a revelation north of the border.
At the final count Bellamy polled 2,230 more votes than second placed Shay Given."
http://newcastleunited.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=893&p=2&stid=8381097
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Great spirit shown by the players after Hearts equalised, and even though I'm a BBJ fan (..sounds like I'm in the minority) Craig Beattie gave us far better options up front on the day. I was delighted for him, although he has a long way to go to be half as good as Big Yogi.
My lasting memory of Yogi involved a substitution as well. Joe Davis scored from the penalty spot for Hibs against us at Easter Road circa 1968 to put Hibs 2-1 up with about 10-15 mins left. I was about 8 years old and the tears started flooding.
The next thing Big Jock brought Yogi on and he started making those crazy trademark runs down the left, going through the Hibs defenders as if they weren't there.
He scored 2 himself I think and set another up, after Big Billy had equalised from a corner. We won the match 5-2 and Big Yogi was always a hero for me after that.
One more game, Celtic.
We Shall Not Be Moved.
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Anonymous 2:25, think you should take that big fat hook out of your mouth, you`ve just been reeled in. Classic "schoolboy error"
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Made me laugh, but frankly embarassing track covering if that comment is from the same person.
anon 2:25
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I posted bout Yogi(joke), but would draw the line at Brother Walfrid, i`m a big supporter of the Brother Walfrid memorial fund.
Anon 1:26+2:54
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Anyone remember Souness' claims Bellamy can't score more than 10 a season and isn't a prolific scorer?
Well, despite having been here since January, he finished as Newcastle's joint top Premiership goalscorer, tied with Alan Shearer, with 7 (and 3 of Shearer's were Pens.)
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GOOD POINT, PLUS ALSO YOU NEED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE AMOUNT OF GAMES HE PLAYED OUT OF POSISITION ON THHE WING
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Scrappy game, but the points are in the bag, and with rangers playin hibs while they're looking for a point to secure uefa cup football next year, they're in for a tougher game than us.
Let's hope I'm not made to eat my words though.
Mon the hoops
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Celticbhoy,
Thats the sort of number I'd heard.
Why don't we all chip in £20 direct to the club, that would elevate us to near the top of the football rich list?
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Paul, pre-supposing the launch of a new league in 2007.
I would expect Celtic, as one of the primary movers in this scheme, to hit the ground running.
Meaning that the playing staff would have to be of a calibre to compete at this higher level. Since our squad at present is so evidently run down, and with only a few transfer windows between now and the start of the league in 2007. Would it be fair to assume that the players arriving at the club from now, will be with this new league in mind?
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Paul - last couple of predictions seem to be coming to fruition - so good work there. I'm keen to know your knowledge of signings we're chasing. I have been given 3 names - one of them was the Polish keeper who signed last week. I don't want to throw about names for the sake of it, but just curious to know if you have information of more substance you can share with us.
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paul, so many rumours are flyin around about 15 million for the summer. Can you enlighten us on behalf of this mater?
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Phob, you said "Why don't we all chip in £20 direct to the club, that would elevate us to near the top of the football rich list?"
Does that mean that I would have to chip in £60.00 as two of those 9 million are my sons? Would that also be on top of the season books I pay for me and my sons and also on top of the money I send each year on new strips, hoop memberships for the youngest son? Plus buying the View, Setanta, the odd away game, the cup games, the Europen games? Not to mention pies, pizza and programmes. If I do chip in £20.00 that will be the end of the very odd pint I can get before a game.
But then again if someone did organise this I most likely would.
The reason we are 13th in the football rich list is more than half of the clubs income comes directly from the fans which is very unusual for football clubs.
(P.S. plus next share issue)
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Test
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Just a couple of points:
1) Beattie was released by rangers and was heart broken apparently. Buddy of mine claims he has a rangers tattoo. We’ve had a few ex rangers players on our books over the years; Gordon marshall and alfie conn, So Niemi joining, if the Mole’s claims about Boruc are untrue, wouldn’t be a problem.
2) Maybe pressley’s dive was seen as a little more cynical and therefore warranted a booking for poor sportsmanship?
Fantastic result yesterday and best of luck to the Hoops next weekend. But I agree the Butcher’s words are not to be taken seriously at all, he’ll have them geared up something nasty!
Hail hail,Al
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Cambuslang is a Reality - possibles:
Oliver Bernard (Southampton)
Lucas Neill (Blackburn)
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)
Robbie Keane (Spurs)
Danny Murphy (Charlton)
Stelios Giannakopoulos (Bolton)
Lauren Robert (Newcastle)
Franny McGuire
Bathing the Wean (Craignuek)
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CelticBhoy,
No it would be included in the season book. However as you've volunteered ... :o)
But with sort of money coming in you would hope the price of season books would come down .. or at least not go up each year past inflation.
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3:41
I hope your wrong with every one of those
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If we don't get Bellamy - I would suggest that we go for Robbie Keane. He's very unsettled @ Spurs, and we could probably get him for 1.5 - 2Million.
Mark my words - he would score a plethora of goals in SPL & Europe, and his heart is in the right place. In addition, we would not be buying into the injury ridden past that is Craig Bellamy.
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Paul, I'm having a meeting later in the week with someone whose opinions may interest you. Can you give me your e-mail address to discuss a couple of things before I meet him.
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To anonymous, 3.38.
I agree with you 100%.
Terry Waite
Canterbury
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Cambuslangreality,come on ...please tell us all what you have heard.
It is good for us to see the type of player we are going after.
Adds to the excitment,we've not had much of that in recent transfer windows.
Tony, Latvia
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I see a lot of people are identifying Premiership players as potential signings for Celtic should this £15m budget for MON turn out to be true (fingers crossed).
For me, this is a road we should NOT be going down. The fascination with bringing in players from the EPL is the main reason why our wage bill is so high and MON hasn't had enough flexibility in terms of signings over the past few years in the first place. £15m spent on Premiership players would represent a lot less value for money than if we were to look to the continent where players valuations (and wages) don't seem to be quite as excessive, with the money.
I hope MON realises this himself, hence the reason why the majority of players we've been linked with recently have all been based on the continent.
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3:41
I hope none of your tips come to fruition, its a case of celtic returning to a well that bears little enough fruit but costs an arm and a leg, even robbie keane, i'm not sure if ye watch him for Ireland or spurs, he's not a great scorer of goals but a scorer of great goals, he could score a cracker, but messes up a simple chance, tries the fancy stuff too often and doesn't pull it off. mu opinion though, obviously if he's at parkhead i'll change my mind...
KerryTim
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Milkray, I have clearly got a lot to learn about press conference reports.
Suncan McNaughton, I heard it from the horses mouth. No idea who he is after though. I was led to believe that they are strategically looking away from the high profile leagues.
Cousin of the great Fargo, I see your prediction from last week arrived on time. No reason to doubt this one. I hope he is the business, as others have said, it has been a long time since Celtic have had a really great ‘keeper.
Monman, there is no benefit to teams at the lower end of the Premiership, there will be no vote. Progress will have its way…..
Love the T-shirt idea NE Bhoy, worth discussing to see if anyone would be interested.
Brendan, thanks for your encouragement. Rangers will be invited to the do.
Polmonster, I cannot comment on the share issue details, though I expect it will be a good idea to buy.
Couple of points to differential us from Man Utd:
Glazer will put his club in debt to finance his purchase, DD would not need to do this.
Glazer has been working alone, DD has been working with co-investors. This would indicate that DD will not be moving towards takeover.
Anon 2.05, the share issue is nothing to do with the bank.
Brian 74, many thanks for your support. Neg Anon agrees with what I predict for the future, but is all over the place when it comes to understanding the past :-)
CynicalCelt, I agree.
Cambuslang, no info on signings.
Anon 3.31, will be posting soon on this, though I have been saying much the same all season.
Anon 4.26, you can email me at 1967@lisbonlions.com
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I see some of the journalistic spin doctors are getting a tad carried away with themselves:
"The Steelmen just have to draw with the Hoops at Fir Park on Sunday to give the Gers a hope of stealing the Scottish title at the death.
Alex McLeish's men, who have a superior goal difference over their Old Firm rivals, would then only have get a point against Hibs at Easter Road to triumph."
According to Matthew Lindsay at the Evening Times. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/sport/6018251.html
Unless I'm missing something here and Mathematics at Holyrood Sec wasn't all it was cracked up to be, or the SFA are planning to give TFOD more points for a draw (I wouldn't put it past them!) surely a draw against Motherwell would leave Rangers needing the 3 points. Not that it'll come to that!
I do worry about the people who only get their 'Celtic News Fix' from these excuses for journos!
MMFYM
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ooh..ooh..ooh..
just had a thought (and appologies to anyone if this has been posted already)
IF we are going to the EPL (or a version there-of)
THEN this means the EPl won't be the EPL anymore.
THAT MEANS those smaller english clubs that we seem so worried about offending by playing in the big boys game WON'T NECCESARILY BE INVITED TO PLAY ANYWAY!
I sometimes surprise myself!!
I said in one of my first posts that I was going to look at the prices of season books in the premiership and how they compare to our own prices. Frankly, I was disappointed. They are fairly comparable. Except Spurs. And Ipswich. And then I thought "all the prices will be reassessed anyway, if we do go down there". So I kinda wasted some time.
Well down to the bhoys yesterday. One more victory and the league is ours.
Hail Hail
Georgiebhoy
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King Henrik
I think we are all pretty much in agreement that spending all our money in England would not be worthwile.Pleased to see that Paul is suggesting our eyes are focused abroad.
I've been doing a bit of checking on the Polish goalie and he seems to be a top player.Voted top keeper in the country by Polands' version of Sky Sports and Legias' most influential player.
These are just pointers mind you but he fits the bill in the right age group at 25 and for around £1 million would seem a decent investment.
Laurent Robert - if this one was true,does MON think that he can do what no other manager has done and get him to work hard?If he could you have a player,if he couldn't then he's blown a wedge of his transfer budget!!
The one thing I would say is that I have faith in MON's ability to add mental strength and fighting spirit to the other attributes that overseas players possess.In Eastern European players especially,I sometimes feel that is their weakness,Stan Petrov excepted.
On John Hartson,I like the big man but anyone who watched him in the CL this season can surely see that for us to adapt at the top level we can't afford to play him.How many counter-attack goals would BBJ score or create in Europe?
Beattie looks like an increasingly good option and his touch seems to be improving too so maybe MON will decide to cash in on Hartson during the summer and give Beattie his chance next season.
As stated here previously,this is a big summer for the club and our manager,the right signings could ensure another period of domestic dominance(well two years anyway!!) and improved European results.Fingers crossed we get it right.
BankieBhoy
P.S. cambuslangisareality - i'm with Tony,spill the beans!!!
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like the idea of the CQN t-shirts, BTW!
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bankiebhoy, agreed on the risk of laurent robert. But can celtic afford to give up those much needed 30+ goals from BBJ next year?
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bryanbhoy67
I think it comes down to whether you believe the goals can be found from other areas to replace what you have lost.
Sutton up front would certainly score more than he does presently from midfield.Petrov could chip in with a few more from a central position.In a full season for Bellamy I would fully expect to see him score at least twenty.
I believe Beattie would also score more with an extended run in the team,without checking stats his goals to games ratio can't be too bad at the minute.
And finally, a more mobile,harder working striker might just improve the overall team play.As i mentioned previously,i feel we carry the big man sometimes.If he's not scoring then he's not contributing.At CL level,that's not good enough.
BankieBhoy
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BankieBhoy, I agree with you on BBJ and I think he would as well, after all he agreed that he shouldnt play for Wales away from home as he doesn't have the legs, but does that make him an expensive luxury.
I also feel we should be exploiting the likes of Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus etc. They are now european (no permits) and it has worked for Hearts. Isn't Doctor Jo still employed as Eastern European scout???
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Andy Johnson from Crystal Palace would be a good bet.
Any guesses how many Beattie would have got if he got a run in the team ahead of Hartson?
I would guess he would not be too far away from BBJ total, given a run and the confidence he would be flying.
Most important signing has to be Bellamy, most of us would be gutted if we lost him.
Anyone got any more info on the share issue? Evening times are quoting a senior club official as saying it is just speculation!!
Tony, Latvia
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could not agree more on avoiding high fees for EPL based players. ( except Bellamy )
Lets face it we are unlikely to land the best of the best and even the ordinary cost a pretty penny.
Would far rather see a decent bosman. Even if they dont quite make the grade at CP then at least we have not blown what budget we have on a costly mistake.
That said, I have faith in MON the BIG transfers he has made gave us seville and put us on the brink of 4 out of 5.
On the CQN T shirt, do you think that Keith Jackson will have an exclusive picture!
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ne bhoy
To me that makes him an expensive luxury.Why shell out what we are paying him when we have a young, ambitious striker on the sidelines and the cash could be better spent on other areas of the team?
BBJ is only thirty.He should be able to last ninety minutes at the very least.I also think that his weight problem will curtail his career,so rather than see him leave for nothing in a couple of years i'd rather take some money for him now while we can.
Tony,Andy Johnson would be no replacement for Bellamy if we miss out on him.He's scored lots of goals but around half from the penalty spot.Someone like Berbatov at Leverkeusen would give you youth,pace,CL and international experience and for around the same fee,if not less,than Johnson would command.
As far as the share issue goes,I would imagine that Celtic would need to announce to the Stock Exchange first,therefore could not confirm anything at this stage.
Paul seems quietly smug at the minute,so the chances must be good!!!!
BankieBhoy
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Stuck out here in Geneva watching the last 2 games of the season in a local irish bar (Charly O'Neill's ) after being at the last home game of the season. I don't think i will last to the end of this week - much more fun celebrating back in Glasgow.
hail! hail!
Freddiebhoy
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Just a word on the BBJ substitution yesterday. As much as I thought Craig Beattie did a great job coming on, I don't think you can under-estimate the work that the big man did "softening up" the Hearts defense.
Craig Beattie on from the start would never have had the same impact.
Full points to MON for getting the best out of both players.
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Paul et al,
the site grows daily if the new names are anything to go by. It is time to utilise some of that power. We may or may not get the £15-£20M to spend, but an extra £250 wouldn't go amiss. It would pay Bellamy's wages for a month!!
http://www.coca-colafootball.co.uk/football_league_mailouts.asp
This is a competition being run by Coca Cola. You can log on every day and vote for your team. We are currently 4th after climbing from 16th when I first logged on. There is still a couple of weeks to go and leeds are romping it at the moment. I'm sure if the celtic support flexes it's muscle we can still overhaul them.
The 250K is one thing but the opportunity to show a global corporate how big the celtic support is, shouldn't be taken lightly either. Coca Cola have money and an interest in football. Let's grab their attention.
Hail Hail
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fair points ne bhoy and bankiebhoy. You may be forgetting that young guy's like beattie do not have the experince of a hartson, admitted he can greatly contribute next year. As for Andy Johnson, CP have said he is staying, but that may be just to raise the fee needed by another club to pry him away
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Regarding the CQN T-shirt, Paul, could you not have a wee word with our good friend rumoid and his excellent site at www.sixtee7.com .
Sorry for the link Paul, I promised ;)
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Paul - for once I won't rise to your bait.
Next thing you'll be saying I don't know the "facts".....
I quite like Mad Murphs efforts at the Coca Cola thing!!! - I'm off to register.
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Does anybody know where i can get some Bibliobus books? Supergoose is high up the wish list.
Hoss's Switch Caird.
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Was at Swinecastle on Sunday, but tonight I watched the full game on Setanta. I know it shouldn`t rankle/surprise me but I couldn`t believe Jock Browns ranting about the `stonewaller` at the end, the guy just didn`t shut up about it. He must have mentioned it about 15 times in the final 2 or 3 mins. Even when the camera went on to Thompson at full time he said `I wonder if Alan Thompson knows it was a penalty`. Must we have to listen to this p1sh commentary team next season? As for the incident itself, Elvis made the most of it but credit to Willie Young, he could have easily given it. I took back some of the things I had been yelling at him during the game. (Some, not all!} Now for Motherwell, who`ll put up a better display next week than this. Lets hope we get a couple of early goals in, I dont think i`ll have grown my nails long enough by then.
Hail Hail to the champions elect.
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Amid all the anticipation for a title shindig at Fir Park, can I perhaps prematurely poop that party just a little bit by asking Celtic fans to consider just how close we were to utter calamity on Sunday? We won by the narrowest of margins against a VERY ordinary Hearts side.
Our first half display was, frankly, embarrassing. A total lack of energy and pace about the whole team, with only Petrov seemingly able to rise above a trot. Bellamy was fairly anonymous until setting up the first goal although Lennon was his usual immaculate self. As for the rest? Do we honestly think our future Champions League rivals will be able to stop themselves laughing if they ever see a video of this?
Douglas was a fumbling wreck; Balde looks and plays like a cruiserweight boxer who has stumbled on to a football field; Thompson hasn't played a decent game since signing his new contract; Sutton is simply out of position in midfield, and Hartson's ever-diminishing mobility has become an unamusing parody.
I winced at the rugby union tactics of blootering the ball the length of the park to set up set pieces deep in enemy territory. There was no subtlety or grace to it.
And then, just when we had finally started to play some football, we lost one of the stupidest goals of all time as - from our own corner, mind - a Hearts player was allowed to run the length of the park past five ever-weaker challenges. Ricochets nothing. Do you think Cannavaro or Nesta would have let Nielson get past them 40 yards out? Varga and Balde are simply poor defenders. Their instincts are wrong. We need killers and organisers in there if we are to progress.
Thank God for Beattie, whose pace showed what can be achieved with a swift breakaway. Celic tend to play counter attacks on an ad hoc basis. At Chelsea and other top sides, they are organised with meticulous precision. Mr Walford et al, please note.
Even then, we had to rely on that prince of referees, Mr Young, to wave away the desperate penalty appeals of Messrs Brown, Hateley, McLean and Burley, even if the purported victim Pressley seemed unsurprised by his red card.
We got out of jail and SHOULD do it this Sunday. That doesn't hide the fact that this campaign has exposed the alarming frailty of the Celtic defence and the ever-decreasing pace and creativity of our midfield and forward line.
Young guys like Beattie, McGeady, McGlinchey, Ferry, McManus, Cuthbert and O'Dea should be squad members, if not first team regulars. I'd be looking at the likes of Milan Baros, Dietmar Hamann and Jaap Stam to complement them.
And, while I almost feel like handing myself over for execution as a traitor, I do feel that the magnificent, never-to-be-forgotten reign of the ever-to-be-revered Martin and his cohorts has run its course. His style of play and organisational ethos belongs to the 1970s. The game at the very top level, where we dream of belonging, is now so much more scientific, technical and pace-based. I would definitely welcome Co Adriaanse if MON decided to take a year out.
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Great effort by the team in difficult circumstances and an inspired substitution.
Now to finish the job in sunny Lanarkshire, and spent the summer contemplating and speculating. In ten years time when we look back at the record books and tell our grandchildren about Martin's reign, no one will care about how it was done, just that we did it again.
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On a totally seperate, but very important, note. Setanta have apparently buckled to hun pressure and have now decided to screen the Rangers match at Easter Road instead of the previously advertised game at Fir Park.
I'm sure i'm not the only one who is digusted at Setanta allowing themselves to be manipulated to by Rangers fans, so i'd urge the rest of you to send in an email and ask why the team who are actually in the driving seat for the SPL and favourites to win the league will be overlooked on Sunday for a match that will most likely be rendered meaningless!!
Email these cowards at the below address and make your displeasure known.
setantauk@setanta.com
Cheers.
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Hi again lads
Paul sorry to go off on a diff tangent but any news on how our co-effiency is working in regards to us getting a #2 pot in CL Groups?
All the best..Terry in Georgia
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Terry in Georgia, pse see article in today's (Glasgow) Herald reference our pot 2 chances. Looking very favourable!!!
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Terry in Georgia, Poetic Champions
I too admit to having being obsessed with the Holy Grail of Pot 2 but after reading the same Herald article I think it is time we forgot about Pot 2 and focussed on the possible teams that could put us out in the qualifying round.
I'll not tally up my chickens just yet!
PS Stonewaller my ar$e. Jock Brown is clearly a very bitter man.
Barney
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Good idea, regarding the t-shirts, as long as there not as expensive as the one`s on rumoid`s website. Some nice t-shirts on there, i particularly like the one with all the supporter`s clubs on the back as mine is on there, but too expensive for a t-shirt that prob cost next to nothing to make.
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I agree that adding celticquicknews.co.uk to the t-shirts on www.sixtee7.com is a good idea. However, to anon at 8.01am, I've bought a couple of the t-shirts and the quality is on a par with those available in the Superstore (mass produced) and they're available for £20.
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Anon 3.33
Where did you get this from? I can't see anything about it on their website.
Liam H
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Johnbhoy,
In the context of where we were before Sunday's game - i.e. needing any sort of 2 victories to win the league - most of what you say is irrelevant. There have been poor performances this season in certain games, and also some fantastic ones. I'm sure MON will be bringing in a few players in the Summer so the make-up of the team will change anyway.
-We just had to win on Sunday or face losing the league, which brings added pressure. we dealt with it well because we won the game - forget the performance.
Another poor performance but a victory on Sunday will do me just fine.
Then we can start thinking about next season.
We Shall Not Be Moved.
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paulw88
I tottaly agree that the t-shirts are pretty good, and was actually going to buy several for me and a couple of my mates, i was just a bit surprised at the price, a bit expensive in my opinion.
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What's this about Setanta? Would appreciate clarification from any of the bhoys.
Regards
johnnybhoy.ch
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Think some of the criticism of Hartson's a bit unmerited. He's not been great these past few weeks but, given a good close season, he's still a big asset to the club. Having said that, I'd like to see us start with Beattie on Sunday and BBJ on the bench. Knowing MON, though, he's unlikely to do that.
Was at Tynecastle on Sunday but have only just seen the Scotsport footage. That was never a penalty despite the best efforts of "journalists" to create controversy. Interesting to note that the professional footballers in the studio agreed that it was no penalty.
On a different note, did anyone else at the game on Sunday think that the Edinburgh police's decision to divert us away from Gorgie Road at the final whistle decreased rather than increased our safety, giving the Hearts casuals the opportunity to "ambush" in the Haymarket area.
Great site, Paul 67. Keep up the good work!
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Don't Panic! - fellow hitchhickers
Re the Setanta broacast on Sunday, The Tv copany have shown 37 of their alloted 38 game contract for this season, and WILL show the Motherwell v Celtic game as their final fixture on Sunday. They are however in talks with the SPL to show the mighty Hibees as an additional game. These talks are ongoing - See statement below
Setanta executive Colin Davidson said:'It is our aim to show both of these crucial matches live but that will depend on an agreement with the SPL.
'We are willing to pay extra for the rights to a 39th game but not over the odds.
'We've pumped a lot of money into the game and what we're looking for is some goodwill in return.
'The Motherwell-Celtic match is our choice for Sunday but obviously we would prefer to show Rangers, too.
'Fans want us to show it and I believe the police would prefer it also rather than deal with thousands of people turning up in Edinburgh trying to get in.
'It makes sense on almost every level.
Lets hope they get it, the more Rangers fans that get to see their team, loose the league , the better
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I apologise for the spelling errors -
I've just fired my typist, can't get the staff.
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Bankie Bhoy & Tony, Latvia - I cringe at doing this, so don't shoot me down if they don't come to fruition, but i have genuinely been informed of three players we're chasing:
Artur Borec (Legia Warsaw)- passed a medical, but still to agree personal terms
Scott Brown (Hibs)- an enquiry has been made
Timothy Atouba (Tottenham)- MON was impressed with him at Basle as he can play on both wings. He is out of favour at Spurs
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Terry in Georgia, we are sorted for Pot 2.
Thanks May67, great login name.
Looks like the T-shirt idea has some backing.
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Scott Brown!!??!!
Atouba!!??!!
I pray your info is wrong.
T-Shirts a great idea just had another look at Rumoid's 'Sixtee7.com" site to see if one had been designed as I was getting the impression that one was available. DOH!!
Here's hoping
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awaiting your e-mail paul...
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Good ghod, Anon 3.33am, Its too early in the morning to be putting up posts like that. Too early for me to be fizzing mad with injustices and
resentment.
You totally spoiled my morning routine. Coffee splatters all over my monitor, Jeez! I'm going to have to lie down for half an hour and start again.
Give yourself a good old fashioned clip round the ear!
Paul, Id be for the tee shirt idea as well.
Perhaps the posters on CQN could send in their design suggestions.
In my opinion this should be a non profit
making exersise. If there are to be profits then they could be donated to a charity of CQN posters choice.
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Celtic are guarenteed pot 2 if they make it. Only 14 teams above them can qualify and that's at the absoulte most. Possible stumbling blocks include Sevilla and/or Betis, Sampdoria or Udinese and Everton. The 3rd round is actually weaker than usual but some tough ties still remain.
Off topic a bit but, on the subject of Everton, i wish people would stop going on about how they're in the Champion League. They aren't going to be seeded in the 3rd qualifying round and so their chances of qualifying are very slim.
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UPDATE TO ABOVE POST:
As things stand the unseeded teams would be:
17 Sevilla Spa 36,326 C Q3
18 Basel Swi 33,889 C Q3
19 Wisla Pol 32,930 C Q3
20 Udinese Ita 30,144 C Q3
21 Partizan Ser 30,012 C Q2
22 Shakhtar Ukr 28,200 C Q3
23 M. Haifa Isr 21,218 C Q2
24 Everton Eng 20,816 C Q3
25 Steaua Rom 20,101 C Q2
26 Brøndby Den 19,676 C Q2
27 Teplice Cze 18,223 C Q3
28 Rapid Wien Aus 15,209 C Q2
29 CSKA Sofia Bul 15,118 C Q2
30 Debrecen Hun 14,389 C Q2
31 Vålerenga Nor 11,666 C Q2
32 Hajduk Split Cro 10,981 C Q2
This is assuming all the top seeded teams get through the earlier round and normally 1 or 2 will falter. Obviously the more seeded teams who fall in the 2nd round the better.
Also, should the worst come to the worst and the title isn't won, Celtic would play in the 2nd round but if they got through that (which the surely would) they would still be seeded in the 3rd round anyway in case anyone thinks they would be unseeded as not champions.
Lets just hope it doesn't come to that.
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Cambuslangisareality,
I hope that you are right about Scott Brown being a potential signing. He is one of the most under-rated players in the country and Neil Lennon rates the guy as the best young midfielder in the Country.
He is also still a young guy. We shouldn't be put off by his historical links with Rangers. After all, so did our match winner on Sunday.
John Blair
Carfin
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Can anyone confirm that Setanta are showing the Huns game instead of the Celtic v M'well game? Busy planning my weekend around the showing of the Celts game,it can't be right surely or is it a wind up?
Deeply worried
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Cambuslangisareality....
Scott Brown!!!?? Yer better of with Charlie Brown!! He's a zoomer! A "heid the ba"! Anytime I've watched him he kicks lumps out of Stan, Thommo and anyone else he sees in his way. I've not seen him possess any skill yet .
Do you think this is what we need?
