 Friday, May 13, 2005
Press Conference report, O’Neill on future signings and fitness for Sunday
The press conference started with many minds focussed on some old information which had been regurgitated as news this morning. The contract Bobo Balde signed in January will only run to 2009 if certain unspecified conditions were met, a fact which was published by the club six weeks ago.
The spectre of Balde leaving in the summer for free, which has subsequently been dismissed by the players’ representative, was put to Martin O’Neill, who declined to comment, citing contract confidentiality.
There was then a list of players presented to the manager as potential leavers, “I would not be sure about anybody, we are going to have a look at everything”.
Exactly what I was hoping to hear.
He confirmed that Rab Douglas had spoken to him about the contract offer from Leicester City, which was for “a number of years” and that he was happy to allow Momo Sylla the opportunity to spend a couple of days with his old club.
On the goalkeeper position O’Neill said “David Marshall (is) to be the man in charge next season” and went on the say that one goalkeeper would not be enough to go into the new season with.
This seemed to confirm that big Rab will be moving on, that he had forgotten about Magnus Hedman altogether, and that there will be a new goalkeeper signed.
Officially we learned that the fitness of Agathe, Sutton and Thompson was “not too bad”, and that Craig Bellamy had joined the rest of the squad for training yesterday. I would expect all to play on Sunday.
When asked if he had summer signings in mind he confirmed that he had spoken to the board about specific targets. Again, good news, lets hope we are not scrambling around on the 31st August this year.
Ah, one sharp listener thought, “Does this mean you will be staying next season?” Martin replied, as he always does to this question, with a polite refusal to be drawn on his future.
How would you interpret that? Quite positive I thought myself; the man has just confirmed that he is planning for next season. Any reason to interpret it in exactly the opposite manner?
After Martin left there was a long wait before Crag Beattie was produced, a lot of time for minds to idle as it turned out.
Beattie was first asked a few pleasantries about Sunday before the missile attack arrived; “The manager has just hinted that every position will be under review, including his own, does that worry you?”
Stunning!
Many thanks to the media people at Celtic for letting me attend today. I seem to have caused them some extra work, apologies for this.
Today’s experiment was a real innovation by Celtic in finding new ways to communicate with the fans, a failing I have criticised them for in the past.
The traditional media is dying, their revenue streams and client bases are going elsewhere – if you don’t believe me read what Rupert Murdoch
has to say about it. As such all football clubs need to find their way in a new environment.
As I have been saying here for long enough, Celtic fans need to win control of the Celtic media agenda, as control has been in other hands for far too long.
While the Internet is an unruly and unstructured environment, it represents the future of media relations for all football clubs. Celtic can claim to be at the forefront of this opportunity.
I would also like to thank they guys at ETims for their kind support today. I have never met, or spoken to any of them, as such their generosity of spirit tells you everything you need to know about supporting Celtic.
Three points on Sunday please!
126 Comments:
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All very positive as you say Paul. I think it is very important that we sign early and show what we are all about.
Hearts are in total turmoil and are there for the taking, the last two games will take care of them selves. So really it's all about Mr O'Neil moving sharply and wisely.
Time to Party
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So, Paul,
What exactly were you asked to do? Were you simply there to listen, I take it you weren't able to ask any questions?
If they merely wish you to report on the Press Conference is this to make sure what was said is more accurate?
It sounds like it went well and you have reported the main topics of conversation. I'm just not sure what role Celtic see you playing?
Can you clarify please?
Three points also for me!
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Congratulations to Celtic for taking this step I feel it one way forward to enhance communications with the fans.
We certainly need to be able to put an informed fan based agenda to the media as they always give over the air of `being in the know.
Information is power and if celtic get the right message over to the fans we will have the power to take on those who have dismissed us for generations.
So good on you and again on Celtic.
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Paul,
You know fine that some of the guys in there are Celtic supporters, I trust that you will report on these press conferences in an honest way rather than using them as a hack attack opportunity. I get embarassed by the PR our club provides to be honest
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Paul - I was involved in some press conferences (mainly post match) a number of years ago and I had forgotten how certain subjects or isolated comments are twisted (or is it called spin nowadays?)
Reuters have a story headlined 'O'Neill casts doubt over Celtic future'.
No wonder Celtic are looking to communicate directly to supporters, it looks like the traditional forms of media are going to be hurting even more soon.
Good luck with it, I'm sure it was an eye opener
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Hope it went well Paul - The news on Marshall being given the Number one jersey next season is a major worry. I have no confidence in him whatsoever & i concede the argument about his age, he's still learning etc, but we really need a top notch goalkeeper if we're serious about next season - Bring back Broto!
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Hope it went well Paul - The news on Marshall being given the Number one jersey next season is a major worry. I have no confidence in him whatsoever & i concede the argument about his age, he's still learning etc, but we really need a top notch goalkeeper if we're serious about next season - Bring back Broto!
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Interesting contrast of views. The newswires are already running "O'Neill casts doubt over future" headlines. How predictable.
GM
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An excellent move by the club to try to get the message out to the fans in what we all hope will be an untainted form. How did it all come about?
It will be fascinating to see how your presentation and content differs from the normal media brigade.Rammiebhoy has already highlighted the contentious Reuters headline.
Anyway long may it continue I see it as due reward for your trying always in the fierce of some stiff criticism at times to present a balanced view of matters important to all Celtic fans.
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I'm sure it was a good feeling getting into the Press Conf Paul, however, dont forget that as John Major said it's easier to have them in the tent peeing out than outside peeing in.
Once you are given a privelege(that's what it is)then you are expected to behave accordingly. Whether you accept it or not I think you're views will be influenced by this allowance. I dont think it is fair to compare it to the likes of the Record or The Sun who get entrance because it is a commercial necessity for the club.
Having said that though, I dont think you've been especially sycophantic so far but it may weaken things. I hope this conduit proves a useful resource for both CQN visitors and the club.
On another matter, can we stop the use of swearing (including stuff like calling the record the R*tard), this site has always been a cut above the usual nonsense of other boards on Celtic. Lots of people read these boards at work and it doenst go down too well. Also, some people find it offensive. If you are a new visitor then please desist from abusive, exclusionary language. Although people will argue their point at CQN they do so without resorting to name calling. Lets nip this in the bud and keep up the tone whilst new punters come on board.
Jimmy The Riddler
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It's O'Neill's fault that there is always media headlines about his future. A simple 'I like being here and have no plans to leave' would have saved nearly 5 years of speculation.
JimV
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Paul , don't be afraid to ask the burning questions , Hell they won't answer them but no harm in asking!!
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Negative spin on Clyde 2 tonight also
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Sounds good and positive. Always read your site. Can't help but think anyone reading it though could get a wee bit cynical. You are invited to a press conference by the club. Two stories up you're telling us to renew our season tickets quickly to aid cash flow. Insightful and always a good read. Three points for me too please. Sadly we 'invest' by whatever means - season tickets, shares, shirts, pies - plea bargaining by a fan to aid short term cash flow can't be right for a PLC.
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Any method of bypassing the establishments ’medyuh’ has to be a good thing and I welcome it whole heartedly. Too often the support (and many fandans ) are swayed by the Dark Side. We have all been there. You can’t help looking at ’that’ newspaper or listening to ’that’ radio program, to feed your addiction for Celtic news. Don’t buy that rag don’t let that dial fall on that phone-in show; you‘ll feel a whole lot better for it.
Also, it reduces their revenue in the long run - which has to be a good thing.
Long may CQN and other True Celtic News sources exist.
Turn away from the Dark Side Luke!
You know it makes sense.
Jimmy the Riddler - I know you have taken moral high ground; and you are right there. However, sometimes the ONLY words that can truly express an emotion or feeling are expletive in nature. I don‘t like to, or want to, see huge barrages of 4 letter word on here or anywhere else. Yet there has to be room for free expression. That is one the major reasons why we are here after all ( apart from getting our ‘fix’ ;-)
At least there is usually an asterix in place and there is usually a true reason to release vexation.
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Paul67,
The Plot Thickens!
Denouement approaches on the Wings of an Eagle!
Sadly, Icarus is frolicking with the Gods!
Daedalus beckons to the danger.
The best laid plans of Mice and Men......Or something like that!
Remember the auspicious "Riparian Interlude", down by the Riverside?
Time to recapitulate the Musings therein.........
Noah the Gnu,
Prayin, in St. Chad's?
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Sadly nowadays the easiest way to feed the masses media spin is over the internet. Just because someone can get a bit of broadband rather than choose a red top doesn't make it alright or smarter. 3 points on Sunday. A long summer of contemplation. Many changes I feel coming our way. We'll be fine.
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PaddyBhoy, I was not asked to do anything.
Thanks Celticbhoy.
Anon, 4.37
I never indulge in hack-attack, however, I watched this one being planned and executed. It was right to report it, as even good agencies like Reuters carried the alternative version.
There are a couple of Celtic supporting reporters I read (‘RC’, ‘H’). I have an advantage over these guys in that I can say what I like without having to worry about upsetting the peer group or an editor. Some others are truly awful and would sell the club short without thinking.
There has been no opportunity for balance before. Promise to keep it honest, maybe time for the Celtic supporting reporters to rise as well?
Thanks rammiebhoy/Derbyshirebhoy
VargasShampoo, I would not take the comment on Marshall too literally. There will be a new ‘keeper next season.
Jimmy the riddle
Agree with your comments on language, remember it is a family site, children will read whatever anyone writes.
Will keep your thoughts in mind.
Noah the gnu
I remember the interlude by the riverside well. Seem to remember that I called the initial Fargo left first time.
Is the gunslinger back in town?
The denouement draws close as you say.
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Trackback:
Scots Blogger Granted Press Pass
http://scottish-independence.blogspot.com/2005/05/scots-blogger-granted-press-pass.html
excerpt: "... The dead-tree journalist closed shop takes another thwacking... "
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Hi Fellas,
Long time reader, first time poster.
Paul,can you tell us, how much "the bunnet", got for each single share of his, when he sold?
I know that he made a fat over-all profit.
Can anybody answer my question?
Hail! Hail!
EetTheBreed.
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He took a big wage. But you see that seat you sit in...Never was a Fergus defender but..We needed some immediate short termism. Perhaps better than the short termism we have been used to of late. At the minute who would want to invest in us. It's a kinda deep breath period.
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Paul, In what way did you cause our media people more work? Im just a bit curious to know what part if any you were allowed to play in proceedings? Its certainly a step forward that ordinary supporters can have honest reports on these press conferences and its full credit to yourself that we have this. Are we to be afforded the opportunity to ask some pertinent questions in the near future or are we to be seen but not heard?
Mark-F
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Thanks Stuart Dickson.
EatTheBreed
I’ll get this wrong if I try to answer from memory, sorry. The figure never had relevance for me.
Mark-F, for diplomacy reasons I hope you mind if I don’t answer your question, I am in enough trouble (contrary to what a few people think). And some were worried I would ‘go native’.
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I would like to back Vargas Shampoo to the hilt...Bring Back Broto Now. Whoever was responsible for letting this guy walk away at the time should have been sacked on the spot.
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No problem Paul, I realise youve probably had to compromise a bit Hope youre right about the player selection for Sunday.
Mark-F
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Fergus did exactly what he said on the tin - he came in and rescued Celtic when nobody else was willing to take the financial risk, said he would stay for 5 years, leave the club with a new stadium and on a sound financial footing and he would make a lovely profit into the bargain.
If we were all asked on 4th March 1994 if those were acceptable terms, including details of the profit he would eventually walk away with, we would all say "Yes Please".
He will be seen in due course for the absolutely vital, pivotal and life-saving role he played in the history of this magnificent club on the back of a humiliating, embarassing and downright unworthy period in our history.
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Paul
Your effort and commitment to ensure that Celtic stories are reported without the usual Keevinsesque spin to supporters is unbelievable!!!
If the Celtic board have realised that they need to improve their communication with the supporters,do they have any plans as to how we should receive the information from Celtic Park or how they are to reach the biggest possible audience?
With regard to the previous topic,can any of the guys talking about tradition explain to me what they exactly mean by that term?
If we go to the EPL,leaving behind the small-mindedness and institutionalised bigotry of the SFA and its member clubs and supporters,is this not a good thing? Is being a rich club competing with the best in Europe something to be ashamed of?
Or are the daily battles with these small-minded idiots something that we should seek to desparately cling onto as it's all we've ever known?
BankieBhoy
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Paul67
Surely some posters are misinterpreting the point of you attending the press breifing today.
You were among the hacks that all Celtic people and supporters dislike with a degree of intensity.
You have shown in your report how they twisted MON's comments and used them against young Beattie, yet these posters expect, and indeed, encourage you to ask MON awkward and difficult questions in such an open and hostile environment.
DO they want you to do the hack's job for them. If there are difficult questions to be asked there is, no doubt, a proper time and place to ask them, and a press breifing about Sunday's game is certainly neither the time or the place.
If you attend more of these breifings Paul, just tell the Celtic support what really was said by the club official taking part in the breifing. I would rather have you ask no questions but tell us truthfully what MON or whoever else said. More power to you and keep up the good work.
Roll on Sunday, and a good victory, and wasn't it good to hear Big Eck cry into his coffee over the upheaval at Tynacastle.
Martin 42
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MON allowed Broto to leave,I suggest that we look out the "MON must go" banners before Sunday in recognition of this heinous crime!!!
From what I can gather,the Getafe fans are not particularly impressed by Broto.He was probably better than Hedman but that's not really saying much!!!
"Broto" and "top class" in the same sentence,never thought I'd see the day that happened!!!
U2,totally agree,did Fergus tell us any lies? Talk of taking money from the club when he sold up,as suggested by a previous poster,are wide of the mark.That was ten years ago and some people still haven't got to grips with the fact that football is a business,not just a sport.
Without Fergus,where would we be now? I think the threat of "going global" and possibly being taken over by the Coolmore mafia would be the least of our worries if he hadn't stepped in when he did.
He deserved respect not condemnation.
BankieBhoy
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Could someone enlighten me - do Reuters send their own reporters to the conferences or do they syndicate from one of the local rags?
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Paul, big pat on the back to yourself. We heard first hand what went on in the conference then, shock horror, Martin is leaving in the news! Who cares what they say?! Bring on the hearts! Interesting times ahead but times which I'd rather be involved in,
'mon eh hoops!
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bankiebhoy,you are agreeing with my point about McCann and disagreeing at the same time,of course he left with money,that is not in dispute,
How can this be wide off the mark?Like to know your opinion on this?
Very simple what I'm saying,if you can put up with the McCanns/DD/Magnier/Magnier/Glaser of this world,putting investment into our club,building it up to a greater level then selling on for a profit then we will be all happy.Is going to happen anyway,all I'm saying is get used to them taking money out,as they are the ones putting it in when needed.
If these very guys don't invest,who is going to?Do we want to stay well behind the rest.
Last call for the Gravey Train, the doors are closing,do you want to get on or not? I'm certainly not going to be one of the doubters left standing on the platform whilst the Gravey Train puffs it's way out the station on it's way to some European destination with a few stops in england along the way.
"Excuse me sir,where is the bar on this train?"
Cabbage.
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Martin 42, I fully appreciate having Paul present at todays briefing,(all credit to him) However, and no disrespect here,I have the same information from the teletext tonight.I was merely asking if theres a possibilty that sometime in the not too distant future we"ll have someone there who will be able to ask the questions we want answered.
Mark-F
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We need to be more lucrative the ePL is attractive but,and I have no Irsh in my family Im totaly Scottish, joining the ePL would be saying 'were brittish' moraly that is unacceptable(a country is a country).Hope thats not out of order but Im tempted as in a big league we would be huge But at a cost moraly.But where do we go?world wide scoutng although we have a bit of catching up to do with our rivals (ACM,Barca and manU,etc) but we have to find kids, get them into our renound system(check the titles, without a pitch in Milingavie)All good Scottish kids must be found by Celtic and made into the stars of the future.Show them the results of the youth system (well up to revserve level)and they will come through if good enough,A.McGeady is all I can say.
Estadio Nacional
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I agree, but my mate lost his cat the other week, only one person on this site said they might have seen it, that was 2 weeks ago.I thought we were all in this together?the daily retards back page on Saturday has a story about a dissilusioned (Friday night spelling) cat who was quoted as saying'Celtic shuned me and they dont have a chance of the league.
the whole club is a shambles and Craig Bellamy is a fella that texts and every thing, bloody hell Im thinking about turning into a sacrificial goat'the cat later (see pages 37to39)goes on to say that It would love to keech at murray park as the grass is top notch for rubbing yer erse. All I ask is a bit of effort to find my mates cat.Bloody hell find the cat the season could depend on it?
Help the cat you know it makes sense.Eggs
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Fergus sold his shares for £2.80 each.
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All very well getting invited to the press conference paul but did you have to pay for your tea and yoyo biscuits?.
PS Ewan cameron hun maquerading as a jambo or are they the same thing lol. Roughie hun masquerading as a hibee, hibee ma ass.
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In addition to Paul's comments on the press conference,
why not check out the video extracts on:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/
http://www.celticfc.net/replay/webcasts/
However, it's true that MON's style of answering leaves his comments wide open to interpretation IF YOU WERE THAT WAY INCLINED.
Anyay, please, please, please 3 points on Sunday, 'cos understrength Motherwell will lose by a barrowload today.
Let's hope that Aberdeen can get 3 points from Hibs as well to keep Hibs'interest 100% for their game next week.
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whether we win or lose the league this season the celtic chaairman should do the decent thing and resign. for us to be neck and neck with rangers at this stage of the season is unaccepatable.
if the positions at the start of the season had been reversed. if celtic had £75M of debt, if rangers turnover was £10m higher than celtic and if rangers average attendace was 10000 higher than celtic then rangers would be out of sight by now. our current situation is down to the lack of ambion and over caution of the chairman. i firmly believe that david murray will wipe the floor with brian quinn. does anyone doubt that rangers will seriously outspend us next season and if ythis happens where will this leave MON.
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Lot of posters making a lot of good points over the last two articles.
Sorry to go back but I find it quite strange that Man Utd fans and even Tims on this board are worried about the club losing there traditions and history if the big bad world of business see our clubs as money making opportunities.
For me Man Utd lost their soul a long time ago and Celtic no longer adhere to Brother Walfrids vision due to nature of today’s world.
If Celtic had followed his vision in today’s world we would be further behind Europe’s elite struggling domestically and would be like Fc St Pauli a club so bound by it’s ideals and tradition that it’s nearly went bust 3 times.
The board stopped listening to the fans a long time ago, we are cash fodder no more no less, and it’s only the support that carry the tradition and history of Celtic in person. The club are no longer a club of ideals but another name on the gravy chain looking for a bigger piece of steak pie.
What makes us different from the Arsenals, Chelskis etc is the support or a majority of our support.
We need to reclaim Celtic’s identity but now we need to do it within a different environment than when we reclaimed it 10 years ago.
This means working with DD and the board, getting close and engaging in conversation.
Hopefully the fact that Paul was allowed at the conference, the trust are in discussions with the board regularly and the rumour that the Celtic media dept are looking for a direct route to contact fans is the start of this happening.
If a share issue is to be announced then we have to be ready to work with the board and its time for a group along the lines of Shareholder United was formed (or the Celtic trust become more proactive), not for a radical approach but for a approach that regains a say in the club but at the same time takes us forward.
Remember it was Celtic that killed amateur football in Scotland for money, so leaving Scotland again for Financial gain is not dishonouring or history, it should be really expected.
Ps Paulw88 and Estadio, for every cubic and pacific there was an only rhyme that bites!!!!!
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Cabbage
I can't see how selling your legally held shareholding to another party for more money than you bought it for constitutes taking money from the club.
They pay you directly for your shares,where did this fallacy start that he somehow took the money from Celtic directly?
BankieBhoy
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Nice one celtic ultra - although I'm sure there was two - the remix version being the better!
I agree with the most of the rest of your post. Business and football are here to stay - as long as the paying public subscribe to the like of Sky, businessmen like Abramovich and Glazer will see the opportunity to make money.
There have also been some concerns about whether DD is being altruistic or business-like in his investments in Celtic. Let's not kid ourselves on here. It may be an emotional investment, but he's in for the long term and must see a way of maximising his returns (other than the Dividends he's receiving). Most of us will also be receiving our annual preference dividends, so why is it wrong that he does too?
I think Glazer will be good for Man Utd - he will ensure they exploit their brand worldwide, so providing him with his return. He's not naive either. He'll know they will only achieve this by being successful.
I've said on previous posts that Abramovich has the bargain of the century. A hugely successful club, one with huge potential; unlucky not to get to the Final of the Champions League and all for £350m - less than half of what Glazer has just paid.
As a shareholder, I have a financial attachment to the club as well as an emotional one. However, if I thought that some sugar-daddy could come along, buy up all of our shares, take it private and make it the most successful in Europe - he would have my shareholding by return post!
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U2, total agreement on Fergus.
I have no doubt that he stood on a few toes, but as the saying goes, you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.
Many thanks BankieBhoy
I am not sure if Celtic have any specific plans to improve communications – or if yesterdays experiment will be repeated. Hope so.
You call it right with Fergus as well, he took no money from the club, he took money from new shareholders who now own the club.
Martin42, report what the manager has to say accurately is all that is needed, as you say.
Anon 12.09, Reuters do not send their own reporters, they will pick up from someone else.
Thanks Franko67.
Cabbage, never thought of it in your terms before “last call for the gravy train”. Very appropriate, who would want to be left on the platform?
Estadio National, if the board play their hand well over the next ten years Celtic will be bigger than Real Madrid or Milan. I truly believe that we have the potential to take our place at the very top table.
Anon 7.47, no tea or biscuits
Johnbhoy71, how much money should Celtic have budgeted to lose this season, or over the last five? They will probably lose circa £7million this season, and close to £40million over the last five.
I am also surprised that Rangers are as close to us right now, but I cannot see how we are underspending when we continually lose money.
To answer your question, I am totally convinced that Celtic will outspend Rangers this summer, as for the first time in a few years we can afford to.
Interesting point Paulw88, I would also welcome Glazer to Celtic Park. The trouble at Manchester United is that they are so valuable he needs to introduce £540million of debt to the club just to buy them.
We are not in that position, no-one would need to go into huge debt to buy us.
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I notice that Uefa are expected to change the licensing rules for participation in European competitions from 2007. Clubs could potentially be excluded if they have high, unsustainable debts, which are not showing any reduction or indeed are increasing.
Obviously, the story is being discussed now due to Glazer's funding structure at MU but any ideas on what the criteria would be Paul?
Is it possible that whilst we have been embarking on a period of debt reduction and the 'Mint' has had to hide their still vast liabilities, this change has been considered?
It's also good to see some realism coming into the thread. Regardless of what happens, Fergus is the man who put us here. I have absolutley no problem with someone investing money and stating their exit strategy from the outset, delivering and exiting. That's all he did. His importance in our history has never been recognised properly.
The difference with Glazer is he has not made public, his strategy, I'm sure he will after the Cup Final.
Maybe that is what everyone, including Celtic supporters are apprehensive about, should any new investment come in.
Finally, I notice that some of the papers this morning are going even further in-depth regarding MON's comments yesterday.
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Rammiebhoy- an insight into glazer's plan could be something that i heard last night.
a Mexican team has joined the MLS and will play in Los Angeles where there is a massive Mexican population.
Could it be that Glazier is looking to do something similiar with United?
Not move from Manchester no but a Manchester Utd USA playing in the MLS? Base them in Seattle or somewhere where there is a massive Brit Community.
imaging the amount of merchindise that would be sold.
Paulw88- never heard the remix but if it had Mc Tunes on it don't think it would be up to much.
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Interesting Celtic Ultra.
Been tried many times, I seem to remember that Utd had an agreement with Antwerp and TFOD with Sydney or Perth.
Same kind of thing but exploiting the name and use it as a feeder possibly.
No conflict of interest as far as competitive fixtures are concerned.
Simple but effective. On the face of it, thats a potentially very lucrative proposition.
Given Celtic's standing in the States, we could also do that. Hey what about Boston Celtic...
Ok, let me put a little more thought into it
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Sorry everyone else - last post on this from me:
Celtic Ultra - not sure who remixed, but I do (vaguely) remember hearing it (late) when I was a little 'tired and emotional'.
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"For me Man Utd lost their soul a long time ago and Celtic no longer adhere to Brother Walfrids vision due to nature of today’s world.
If Celtic had followed his vision in today’s world we would be further behind Europe’s elite struggling domestically and would be like Fc St Pauli a club so bound by it’s ideals and tradition that it’s nearly went bust 3 times."
alternatively of course, we could be like athletic bilboa, having managed to hold our heads high in the toughest league in the world for generations, without ever feeling the need to sell out our principles, and indeed fostering our fervence by doing so.
to paraphrase the "i'd rather die like manchester united than live like AC milan" quote from earlier this season, i'd rather die like barcelona, a club owned by, controlled by, and supported by the fans, than live like manchester united, a club owned by and controlled by a man who hasn't bothered turning up to watch them play, and supported by a mass media inspired diaspora who couldn't locate manchester, let alone salford with a map and compass.
or have i misinterpreted the meaning of "club?"
putting a positive spin on inevitable events doesn't make them right. it's true that celtic are a big business and could indeed be much bigger. but i don't support them because of what the could achieve, i support them for who they are. and every day, that more and more celtic fans see the greedy lure of murdoch's millions, takes us one step further from the hopes, ambitions and ideals that the club i thought i supported were created for.
"gravy trains" and "everyone else is doing it so why shouldn't we?" excuses are fine, but roman abramovich couldn't afford to buy my soul. sadly, so many here would seem to advocate selling the soul of one of my loved ones.
jock tamson
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Rammiebhoy
Though the Man Utd debts are high, they sustainable. It pans out like this:
If they get their own TV deal they will repay the debt, if not they will be in trouble. It is a risk the Man Utd fans could do without, but I have no doubt about them getting their own TV deal. Glazer would not have found lenders otherwise.
I got a big bit of info on where things are going. Will check it out and report next week.
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Jock Tamson, have a read at "Morbo" - can't remember who by - about Bilbao.
Bent the principles to suit themselves, in terms of birthright and tenuous family links, to allow them to pick the players they needed.
I'm afraid in this day and age, it's adapt or die. It's not nice at times, and can cause the more....self aware?...to question the process.
More power to you for trying to hold on to your principles in the modern age.
No offence meant, BTW.
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Paul, an extremely high percentage of Celtic fans rely on tabloid press and such like for the reporting of all things Celtic. We've even heard Hugh Keevins "categorically" state on air that there is no possibility of Celtic signing Bellamy on a "higher-purchase agreement" as no club buys players and pays up over a period of years... (he obviously doesn't read this site). This is a prime example of the need to inform Celtic fans of the truth, or to report fact in a truthful way without tabloid spin.
So... here's an idea...
At the cup final, or even the Motherwell game, unfurl a 20ft banner with "celticquicknews.co.uk" spraypainted on it. Simple, pre-historic even, but effective. You only have to look at the large sporting events, such as Wrestling, and the placards in the crowds and the sublime use of advertising. Doing it at these games, where every Celtic fan worth their salt will be watching, will increase the catchment area that this informed site can access.
Just an idea...
TinneyBhoy
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Celtic Ultra
Well put. Agree entirely. Everyone needs to accept that the heritage that they go on about and wish to preserve so dearly resides entirely in the minds and hearts of those who have been brought up in and absorbed the romance of the original ideals and the subsequent triumphs and tragedies of our heroes in the hoops. It has absolutely nothing to do with the ownership of the club whose intents are now and always have been for gain where the football club is simply a vehicle to achieve those ends.
As with the GLazer situation both parties aims need not be in conflict for a football club can best maximise its profit by being succesful in its sphere which is surely consistent with what supporters also want. I completely agree that what is essential is good dialogue so that divisions are minimised.
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Paul67
I certainly don't think Glazer has entered into this with his eyes shut or to lose money. I also can't see Uefa banning Utd because of debt, regardless of what their 'rules' will say.
If the rule is to be implemented, it will be teams outside the elite. Just made a link with what the Mint has done and how Celtic have traded, maybe no connection.
Im in agreement with you that certain guarantees have been made in the negotiation of the purchase of Utd shares.
I also wonder how much this was 'sold' to him by the likes of Cubic, rather than Glazer just being a predator.
Once his plans are clear I'm sure there will be a change of mood (hope so, they're all too bloody miserable to drink with at the moment).
My only interest in MU is the potential effect it has on us.
I like Ultra's comment about creating a team for another league e.g MSL, not thought about it in any depth but the possibilities could be significant.
I'll volunteer to do go over to the States and assess the potential, if you can mention it next time your with your pals at CP.
It's a sacrifice but someone has to do it.
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Jock Tamson @ oi:ii
Not sure I'd be happy if Celtic were run like Barcelona, their whole system where chairmen, managers and even players are hired or fired at the whim of their very fickle, emotional, tempremental (latin) fans, chairmen are elected on the promises of what BIG name players are brought to the club, it's all a bit chaotic for me, and don't think it would work at Celtic park.
Barcelona also have access to greater funds than we do, maybe Paul can do a thread on this one, and you only need to be reminded of Real Madrids manipulation of their training ground sale to get an idea of where their riches come from, Celtic on the other hand have US, no huge TV deals, no Roman Abramoviches, just the long suffering, ever faithful fans.
For all their riches are Barcelona a better CLUB than Celtic, and how many european cups do they have in their cupboard for all their multi millions spent.
No, think I'll die a Celtic fan.
C'mon Motherwell
Oregonbhoy
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I don't believe that Glazer's moves on Man. U. have a significant U.S. strategy attached to it. While he may very well establish a Man. U. type of team in the MSL, that league and the sport will likely never be a winner in terms of dollars in the U.S. or Canada.
I think he has simply gone after the Global football darling, has seen it being undervalued and wants to take it to the level of value that it's Global potential has.
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A thousand thanks,JC67,
That piece of info. that you provided is very, very , significant.
I am afraid that is did not register properly with the rest of Bloggers.
Maybe the penny will drop, in a few days.
Thanks, again, JC67.
Hail! Hail!
EetTheBreed
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almost every paper today has the MON casting doubt on his future line.....
I saw an extract from the conference.....seemed to me he was having a laugh when asked if he would be here next year...his reply was something like "everything will be reviewed in the summer"...said with what could only be described as a twinkle in his eye!!!!
I think he is staying and that he KNOWS that he is getting money to change it big time in the summer!!!!
bring it on tomorrow..
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TinneyBhoy
Thank you very much for your inspiring support. I have tried a couple of promotional ideas and have a few more to try.
The giant banner might rub some people up the wrong way – and set a less than ideal precedent that less worthy causes could pick up on. Instead just “Tell all the friends you know”, we’ll get there soon enough.
Rammiebhoy, the US market is on his mind, but not in the way Ultra has indicated. I have something to write up next week.
Oregonbhoy, a small critique of democracy there. Have you ever read ‘The Prince’?
What is better, to have rule by many, none of whom are individually accountable, or to have rule by commercial pressure?
Not sure, but democracy sure has it’s limitations.
Canajunbhoy, there is a key global strategy underpinning what happened this week – one which Celtic will be involved in. Here is a wee clue - what if I said there will be 30 league games a season, what would you think?
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I know that I have had my critics on here about future signings which have not come off. Sometimes things just don't work out for various reasons.
However here is a wee exclusive for you all.
Legia Warsaw and Poland keeper Artur Borac was in Glasgow this week for 2 days for talks and a subsequent medical with the club. He was here with his agent, former Celtic favourite, Darius Wdowczyk.
Talks went well and he passed the medical with flying colours, so don't be surprised if he is our first signing of the summer.
For all the cynics out there, the two of them played golf at Dullater golf club with Raymond Sparkes and a friend.Wdowczyk stayed with an old friend not a million miles from your abode in Carfin, Paul.
The Mole
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i'll admit that sounds a bit more genuine, Mr T. Mole. I'm sure you'll understand why some of us have taken your suggestions with a bit of scepticism, but keep on posting, because you could be a valuable asset to the site.
Kingtim
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Hi Paul
As an addictive reader and sometimes contributor to CQN, I've noticed that a couple of times during this thread you have alluded to the fact that certain actions on your part, may rub some people up the wrong way . Forgive me Paul, but I've always been a nosey bugger. Can you be a bit more specific. Are you refering to the club or to other Celtic sites ?
and do you feel that you have to be more politically astute with what you now write ? Maybe I'm way off the mark Paul, but there are hundreds of us who regularly read and value your opinion, and would hate to see anything jeopardise this.
3 points tomorrow - Nae bother
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Hello the House?
Magister, you brought it up; Best form of Government?
No question, my dear fellow: A Philosopher King!
Democracy: A predictable future Disaster!
"Cannot please all of the People, All of the time!"
Who fits the bill at Celtic?
Why The Hirsute One, of course~!!!
Doctora Detroit.
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Slightly off topic, but I note Bayer Leverkeusen only drew tonight, which I think guarantees Celtic pot 2 in the Champions League if we can qualify.
Rankers 4-1 win means it is very unlikely for us to win the league on goal difference, and we will simply have to win our final two games.
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Funnily enough ‘The Mole’, my Dad knows the friend Darius has in these parts and told me he was over. I didn’t hear that he had brought a chum.
Don’t worry about the critics, I have lots and exercise the right to keep on scrolling.
GlasgowDave,
The club – you know the make an omelette, break some eggs analogy?
In terms of being compromised, far from it. In fact I am feeling more encouraged to push on.
I have a couple of objectives:.
1. The media needs to be balanced. I made good progress this week, though there are no guarantees I will get back, so the initiative may yet stall. Celtic do not understand the web community or how to work with it. You and me need to tell them – there is an idea for you, tell them, they need to hear it from as many as possible.
2. The board need to be examined on the matters they are not delivering on, at the moment they are being examined on red herring issues – like not spending money.
For example, renaming the stadium is money for nothing. Celtic have no plans to assess the proposition (apologies to ETims story to the contrary from Friday, but I followed this one up, the club are nowhere with it).
I know there are many who disagree with it, but the proposal needs to be assessed. If 87% of Celtic fans backed the proposal we need to force the subject with the club.
Aye Doctor Detroit, a philosopher King? Have you ever spent time with a philosophy student (or a royal for that matter)?
I’ll stick with the hirsute commoner. Though that still leaves us with the problem of succession…...
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Interesting times. Football as a sport and as a business is constantly evolving, and recent events at Old Trafford do indeed give some pointers to the way things are going to progress.
Ultimately EPL teams, of which we may be one sooner rather than later, will get their own TV deals and will then be on an equal footing with top continental sides in terms of this revenue stream. Just as the EPL has kept the major clubs in England happy since it's launch in 1992, so too has the Champions League kept the major European clubs happy since it's format was revised in 1992. Clubs readjusted their budgets in accordance with projected incomes, and maximised their gain, but they are constantly seeking to further increase income. Even the Scottish format has been tinkered with for the best part of 20 years.
These changes have highlighted the gulf between rich and poor, and ultimately it will not be possible for clubs to remain within their leagues and continually boost earnings. A 10-year cycle seems to be about right before stagnation sets in. The next step will of course be a Eurpoean league for the elite, to replace the Champions League. This will probably have c.22 - 24 teams in one or two groups and could prove to be a financial blockbuster for another 10 years.
However, this is only the beginning. Financially football remains essentially a European sport, but the untapped potential is immense. Many attempts have been made at penetrating the lucrative US TV market, but until now it has proved to be unsustainable. About 10 years after the creation of a G24 and some European League, expect to see Asian, African and American (North and South) clubs invited to compete in a World Series which will replace a European League. Football will be a massive corporate global moneyspinner, and in the run up to this we may indeed see some clubs relocate in order to satisfy new markets.
The prawn sandwiches of today will become the macaroon and spearmint chewing gum of yesteryear...
KD FfM
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The Sunday Herald is leading with a story that DD is pumping £15m into the club in the summer, specifically for the purchase of new players. If MON played poker he would clean out every casino in town.... Big Frank Cannon
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Very interesting developments, and gives a lot of credence to Paul's argument about what COULD be spent at Celtic Park in the summer on new signings.
The Daily Record will be gutted that a semi-positive Celtic story has broken out on the eve of a big match.
Desmond commits to £15m Celtic cash injection
EXCLUSIVE: By Roddy Thomson
DERMOT DESMOND has agreed to underwrite a £15 million cash boost to Celtic’s impoverished operating funds this summer.
However, there remain major doubts that this latest fundraising committment will be enough to keep Martin O’Neill at the helm with the manager refusing to deny he is leaving or confirm he is staying.
Key investors have confirmed that the Irish financier has guaranteed the success of a new issue of preference shares – the club’s fourth since slipping to within eight minutes from insolvency in 1994.
This represents a substantial change of heart on the part of Desmond, although crucially, the preference-shares mechanism allows him to replenish the “biscuit tin” without increasing his 29.6% ordinary shareholding. Under Stock Exchange rules, any enlargement of the latter would automatically require him to lodge a full takeover bid.
Long-standing boardroom fixer Eric Reilly has been drumming up backing from the same group of private investors who raised £22.52m in January 2002. Desmond took up the lion’s share then, with O’Neill himself acquiring a £2m stake among a tight cabal of blue-chip figures whose funds effectively operate as long-term loans.
Mixed success for Reilly had left the project’s initial aims in some doubt earlier in the spring, but Desmond has now rubber-stamped renewed investment – coincidentally, just as Malcolm Glazer completes his Manchester United takeover. As with Coolmore associates JP McManus and John Magnier, Desmond has sold his stake to the American buccaneer.
“This is 100%, it’s new money and it’s coming in this summer,” said one of those investors. “The manager has been making his play, and this will mean money for the team – that’s the deal.”
Chairman Brian Quinn was quick to deliver a rebuttal to persistent rumours he would stand down and make way for new director Brian Wilson on June 1 – but refused to deny the closed share issue preparations.
He said: “I’ve got no comment to make on this, which you can interpret as you will.”
About the expected end to his five-year tenure, though, he replied: “I won’t be 70 until November, it is wrong as a matter of fact to say I am standing down.”
Quinn’s age has been mooted as a legal requirement obliging him to end his stint as chairman, and he underlined: “I will remain on the board until such time as I am no longer wanted.”
Originally, about £3.5m was earmarked for the completion of stalled plans to finish the Parkhead main stand’s refurbishment. A new boardroom and a fresh raft of corporate seating – with new executive members already signed up – were to be built on top of last season’s £500,000 provision of state-of-the-art dressing-rooms.
Further upgrading of the club’s training facilities at Barrowfield is also required. But with the most radical squad overhaul since O’Neill began his reign needed within the next nine weeks – if Celtic are to secure their all-important Champions League group stage participation – where this money is used, and who controls the way it is spent, will determine how serious a crossroads the club is at.
A huge 10% dividend was paid on the 2002 preferential shareholdings last September, and investors such as Portugal-based leisure and telecomms multi-millionaire Denis O’Brien are understood to be chipping in once more.
Eddie Jordan, Pearse Flynn and Thomas G Lynch were the other headline investors in 2002, although Flynn’s new-found status as Livingston owner – he formally secured the rival SPL club on Friday – may represent a conflict of interest in his mind regardless of his maintenance of a prior stake in Celtic.
The money is required as cashflow primarily because Celtic are under growing pressure to reduce their reliance on increasingly restrictive Co-operative Bank borrowings. The bankers have told Celtic and Manchester City – their only other top-tier football client – that they want out of the soccer industry.
Quinn had already warned in the preamble to their last half-yearly results that trading conditions for the second half of this season would be poor given the failure to qualify even for the Uefa Cup knock-out stage. It is also clear that Desmond’s dream of taking Celtic into the Premiership is now dead, a view forcefully expressed by Uefa chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson on these pages last weekend.
As Celtic go into today’s Hearts match at Tynecastle, with SPL championship triumph carrying with it a higher seeding and later entry into the Champions League qualifying rounds, fans will welcome any cash injection. But with Friday’s deadline for season-ticket renewals – and as much as £4m in sales still to be gathered – fans and potential signing targets still need clarification on who will spend it.
O’Neill could have put the debate over his future to bed on Friday, but didn’t. Asked if he would be staying at the club, he said: “We are going to have to look at everything in the summertime.”
There remains perisitent talk of Dutch coach Co Adriaanse having been sounded out as a potential replacement. However, Celtic executive director Peter Lawwell last night categorically denied the latest rumour that O’Neill had already handed in his resignation. Whether Bobo Balde or Neil Lennon fall into the same bracket has yet to be revealed.
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