 Thursday, May 26, 2005
Risky appointment as Strachan get the keys of the kingdom
I have kept my counsel on Gordon Strachan as his name has littered Celtic Quick News in the past few days. His appointment is an enormous risk, though it could be argued that the same would be true of any candidate.
There is a wee secret in business: when recruiting for a really important position, move mountains to make sure you get the best possible person for the job.
Get someone who would be sought after by all of your competitors. Find out what it will take to get them and do it.
Check their history; speak to lots of people who have worked with them. If they have failed, find out why; though look for many more successes than failures.
There is only one football manager in the world who earns more than £4million per annum, most of the worlds great managers earn significantly less than this. Apart from four managers in England, three in Italy and two in Spain, almost every other manager in the world would be available for the right amount of money.
The right manager makes you money. The right manager might cost you £3million more than an alternative, but he will earn you more and will cut out expensive players sitting in the stand.
When you have identified the right man, make sure you are the last thing he thinks about before he closes his eyes at night and the first thing he things off when he wakes in the morning until he agrees to join you.
Sell yourself to them, let them know your vision and why joining you will be the best move they could make irrespective of the massive pay increase they will get.
I love the way Chelsea go about their business at board level. Last April Peter Kenyon took a lot of flack from Chelsea fans who did not want Claudio Ranieri sacked. He had done well and was in the Champions League semi-final.
This was immaterial to Chelsea. They wanted the best manager available. ‘Got a good guy in place? Don’t care, get the best’.
As it happens I believe their current manager will soon reach his limits and founder, but Chelsea will recognise this and move heaven and earth to get the next ‘best manager in the world’.
The Celtic manager should be an indisputable, irresistible winner.
Martin O’Neill is one of the world’s great football managers. There should be no doubt that O’Neill has had a significant influence in the decision to recruit Gordon Strachan.
He worked with Strachan for the BBC and will be familiar with his football philosophy, which, I am led to believe, is not too far away from his own.
Celtic have offered Strachan only a one-year rolling contract, lessons have been learned from buying out John Barnes contract. They have taken O’Neill’s counsel and tempered it with a short term commitment.
Following O’Neill’s comments about wanting to return to football and his proclaimed total commitment to Celtic, some have already assumed he will be back one day.
What Martin has ahead of him right now cannot be seen past. There will be no private agreements between him and his good friend Dermot Desmond. Gordon Strachan will be given all the resources available at the club to build a team for the next few years.
I spend a lot of time here backing the financial position of the board. We can expect losses for the last six years to reach £40million, a result of expenditure reaching unsustainable heights.
They are clearly not scared of financial speculation, anyone who tells you different does not know what he is talking about – several years of ‘Where does all the money go” in the media seems to have convinced many not to bother looking in the accounts.
This appointment has nothing to do with money, it is simply the case that Dermot Desmond, Peter Lawwell and Martin O’Neill believe Strachan is the best man for the job.
As O’Neill himself said, Desmond got his appointment right and, frankly, what do I know about football management compared to Martin O’Neill.
It pains me when I hear people complain that the Celtic board do not spend enough money, especially when the financial health of our club has been so precarious over the last few years – and all the information is available on the Internet for anyone to read for themselves.
The support I give to the board, however, is nothing compared to the support I will give here to Gordon Strachan, despite my concerns that we should have gone another way.
One thing I know for sure; from this day on he is ‘a Celtic man’.
He will be baited in the same manner every Celtic figure is. His first game, his first defeat, his first Rangers game, the first time he goes a goal down, in fact, the first time a pass goes astray during a preseason friendly, the old ‘Celtic in crises’ clichés will be dusted down.
Be in no doubt, if you have any feeling for Celtic at all you will support Gordon Strachan thought the thin times which will inevitably appear at some point. To do anything less, is to do the work of our opponents.
The best of Celtic luck to you Gordon, I hope Chelsea are pestering the life out of you next May.
214 Comments:
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Think you've succinctly stated the situation. There is absolutely no point now in debating the suitability of Strachan, that MON had a hand in his appointment is certainly a good omen. To expend energy arguing over who might have been the better candidate is pointless. This has been the season of rumours and half truths which some of us seem to have taken gleeful pleasure in spreading. I would rather concentrate on the reality of the situation and deal with any problems if and when they arise.
Mr McCue
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Paul, as you rightly head this up, no matter who we appointed its a risk. Using your business analogy, the financial press is littered with pay off's to the "right man for the job"
The "special one" himself was Bobby Robsons interpreter not so long ago.
Lets give GS the courtesy we would all expect in a new job, a chance.
Taking the positive from previous posters:
a quick appointment by the board,the whole summer to plan and bolster the squad,
a manager who has had the time to look around at players,
a manager who has something to emulate,
a manager with a reputation to build rather than laurels to rest on,
a fanbase that expects success rather than hopes for respectability,
a manager who will expect no less than he gave as a player; 100%
a board that surely knows it will be crucified if they dont back THEIR selection.
When you put these together, the cloud and rain that was appropriate for yesterday may well pass, the sun may shine on paradise sooner than we think.
PS
I know its wrong but some times you can take consolation in those less fortunate, no not the huns( well ok the huns, I mean would you want to look like one)
I am talking about milan, if that was us my head would be in the oven!
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Paul I believe that all Tic fans will get behind him if we get the results. But can you imagine the amount of stick he'll get if we have a bad start to the season and do not qualify for the CL?
The one thing that gets my goat is that GS must have informed his best mate AM who then knew MON was going before we did. Would you put it past AM to leak the story to the NOTW on Sunday which could ultimately only help Rangers win the league?
Sound far fetched? No it does not. Our new manager could possibly unwittingly or not have helped to lose us the league. there you go, conspiricy abounds already.
I grieve for MON and probably will keep doing so until I see the results with hopefully top class signings
NAAS
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Paul,
Apologies for the repetition, but I think this thread is more appropriate for the comments I made earlier:
"GS seems to be starting with a supportive but, at best, lukewarm reception due to his perceived failings as a manager. I must admit that I think he'll do well for us. 2 Coventry season book holders who are colleagues of mine have nothing but good things to say about him, despite getting relegated under his management.
They pointed out that when GS took over at Coventry, their debt was £75M!! When he left, that debt was down to £30M. I know we haven't employed him as an accountant, but it speaks volumes for the constarints under which he was operating due to the profligacy of the previous manger (Ron Atkinson). He was forced to sell all his best players to keep the club solvent. Trying circumstances for anyone to cut their managerial teeth. The fact that he managed to keep them in the EPL for so long is worthy of plaudits.
Strachan has a good eye for players and knows how to spin them for a profit (see Keane, R and Bellamy, C). He is also a very keen and astute observer of the European scene and seems to be one of the few TV pundits who actually talks sense. I can't help but think that GS was approached with MoN's blessing.
One sour note. There is no way that CB will stay with Celtic now that GS is manager. CB was scathing in his critcism of Strachan when he left Coventry (complaining he was constantly played in the wrong position - sound familiar?).
I think wee GS shares many of MoN's traits.
1. He is the master of the media, not their puppet.
2. He is enthusiastic in extremis.
3. He is coming to Celtic with no Euro experience.
4. For the 1st time he is coming to a club with a genuine chance of Championships and Euro football.
He may not be a Celtic man (yet) but given real support and encouragement, maybe he'll become one.
He's got a very large set of boots to fill. I hope the support are patient enough to give him a real chance to do so."
My thanks as always, Paul for your insight and efforts.
Kind Regards
Liam H
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The Gordon Strachan appointment was first rumoured in the close season last year. At that time the story was along the lines that MON was taking some time out and Strachan was taking the helm on a temporary basis. When MON joined the Celtic party on tour in USA, although later, and began the season this story rightly dissolved.
MON now sadly and very reluctantly has to depart at the precise time when planned changes are about to be deployed in view of both the financial and the European qualifying prospect are at a crucial stage…..but wait a minute, if the rumour above was actually an option should MON have taken time off last season and the wee guy who was going to stand in a year ago was still interested and available…see where I’m going
Now reading interviews and articles about Strachan that are around various sites today I noted that among his well quoted quips was a rebuke of one interviewer at Southampton, “….I’m not a manager, I’m a coach….”
Now it’s clear MON is a manager and carries his own coaches, so if MON were to return who would be doing the coaching?
Looking at the coaches and comparing the deficiencies of the team over the last season makes interesting reading.
Terry Genoe Goalkeeper coach, hardly set the fire alight there.
Steve Walford Defensive coach, need I say anything.
John Robertson a wing wizard who’s strength was his crossing ability, another department we need some help.
“will ye no come back again”
The Grassy Knowle
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As a republican (note the small "r") all I can say is the "King is dead, Long Live the King".
I'll be behind Strachan and I hope he will build on the platform that MON has left. Sure we need to rebuild but I'm hoping that Strachan has done his homework and that we will soon be back to playing football the "Glasgow Celtic way".
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Good Morning!
I was going to say that being a Celtic Supporter is a lot of things to a lot of people.Though when back home after a shift at work the FIRST thing i do is to log on to the PC and check out CQN.
Well something is seriously wrong Isn't it ?
Anyway BankieBhoy i wont ask you how your doing Ithink were all in the same boat! THOUGH
"If he is truly a Celtic supporter and understands us how can he believe that we would welcome this appointment and give the board his blessing to appoint him?"
Bit harsh (i think) but Martin has been quoted talking to GS so MON & the board must have been in discussion for a while???
I know i may be castigated here BUT watching the game in the final minutes the players were waved back to defend. If the Defense had moved 20 yards up field i dont think we would be talking about waht happend. When Stan P was injured why was he not moved in field.Why was Beattie not played on the right as he was against the Dons.
" I'll finish off with this - How many of you are confident in our ability to make the Champions League with a guy possessing next to no European experience at the helm?"
How much did MON have before he joined us?
I know were still hurting after Sunday. The hunz in work talk that we bit louder and laugh that we bit louder when the bhoys are near by. You talk about losing the title as the dominant force in Scotland, but they flatter to deceive. Maybe I'm clutching at straws but we gave them the title.
I don't konw what will happen with GS as manager, suffice to say that if we restore normal service WHO will give a toss!
Paul why so dismissive of the Davy Hay? Even if the players turn out to be like the trio we can get shot of them for £££s.
Ps Jackie has to stay !
Seriously need to go to bed the last few days have been hell.
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NAAS, what a post, probably not a grain of truth in it, but you will get a few tongue's wagging.
nice to see the conspiracy theorist's are alive and well.
Have you got any more?
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alright Paul, long time reader,first time poster. The Khing is dead, long live the Khing. Even if we offered wages enough to attract the best managers, would Le Geun and his contempararies accept our 2 million and scrape around for bargain transfers? anyway, the french league have just signed the biggest television deal in the world so, although I'm sure you're correct about us having some cash to splash, he'd have considerably more at Lyon. As you say, the most important thing now is for our support to get behind the wee ginger mentalist. My only reservation is that we have possibly one of the best youth squads in britain, if not europe, and i think its often underestimated in football just how important for a manager to know his players, particularly the youth. by this i mean we really need a member of Wee Gordon's staff to be familiar with the young bhoys, to know for example, that Beattie needs encouragement and a wee arm round the shoulder, whilst McGeady needs a boot up the arse sometimes. the rumours of Mcghee and Steve Wrigley joining us make me wonder if this has been overlooked - there needs to be a member of the first team coaching staff who knows the players inside out.
And having read the highly unlikely rumour on one thread that the great man himself not only reads, but posts on this site, I'd just like to say thanks Martin, for giving us our pride back. I hope the matters that REALLY count resolve themselves. Hopefully, situation permitting, you'll be on call just in case WGS has teething trouble, and needs a hand kicking Jim Traynors fat arse (forget the football, THAT was the ghilight of the past 5 years!).
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Just wanted to add that if I hadn't have rambled on in the post above, I'd have been first on this page. And that MikeW9 beat me to the 'king is dead...' comment while I was typing. If yer no fast yer last, eh?
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Hi Paul,
Long time since my last post. New articles on the site every time I go on, and lots more contributions than in the past, so struggling to find the time to read through everything.
Well a lot has happened in the last few weeks, so apologies for the lengthy post, and also if I’m repeating anything anyone else has said in other posts (will try to catch up!). Unfortunately my scepticism about our title chances turned out to be true (too many defeats and goals conceded). After 1980 counting chickens before they’ve hatched has been avoided by me! Mind you, the way it happened still came as a real shock.
When I first read the rumours about MON leaving I thought maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing (and this was BEFORE Sunday’s game) – maybe a good time to get a new start, clear out some of the players who have done good service (and the ones that have not!), and start afresh. That’s not to say I would ever have asked for him to be sacked though.
Then, after reading your article about all his achievements, and the good times we’ve seen with him at the helm, I thought maybe I’d have liked him to have stayed on, and rebuilt with the money which he has basically earned. I certainly felt bad about him having to leave, and in particular the circumstances around it. I hope things work out well for him and his wife.
Strachan? Well he wouldn’t have been my first choice, but I don’t think Wenger, Mourinho or Capello were knocking on the door. Out of the candidates that we could have (realistically) got he’s probably not that far off the top.
No, he hasn’t won anything yet. But in twelve months time he WILL have. A league championship and at least one cup. Anyway, what had McLeish won three and a half years ago?
Yes, he got Coventry relegated. But I think the key word here is "Coventry". Had he got Man Utd or Arsenal relegated then we might have reason to be worried! Coventry had been fighting relegation every year for as long as I can remember, more often than not only avoiding it on the last day of the season.
He did a decent job at Southampton – and look where they are now. Okay, he doesn’t have any European experience to speak of, and that’s the only real concern for me. But reading that Guardian article that Marzepans posted the link for on the previous topic, he’s obviously a guy that is looking to learn, and not afraid to look at new ideas. Not only looking at methods abroad, but even going outside football and looking at other sports. That can’t be a bad thing. And nobody can doubt his passion.
Let’s give him a chance, eh? Like it or not, he is the manager of our club and deserves our support.
Not too sure if the strawberry picking will be of much use mind you.....
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Hi Paul love the site,going to miss martin big time,He brought pride back to the supporters,never thought id see 25,000 celtic fans here for the manu game,it was as surreal as seville,Martin raised our profile here in North America......Will Peter Lawwell,be playing a larger role in the future?,,will you take some of our questions to the press conferences,all the best keep up the great site.
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As with any new manager, it will take time for him to adapt the team to how he wants it. Im not going to jump on his back too early, because Strachan must have thought long and hard about this decision, as being the manager of CFC is one of the most high pressure jobs in football.
Looking past the Cup final, i wonder if Celtic have got the pre-season tour to America scheduled yet or if thats impossible due to the qualifying for CL? I know Leicester has been lined up, but anyone else at this stage.
These pre-season friendlies should give Strachan a bit of time at least to experiment with the way he wants to play. Also we will be able to see how any new signings , if any ( and no its not Neg Anon here), respond to Strachans managerial style.
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I believe the North American tour will be a non starter, given the 2 qualifiers.
In picking really good people you often see something in an individual that is not obvious or apparent.
I am going to believe that Martin sees something in GS that he believes will make him a winner at Celtic.
Martin is as big a fan of the club as you and me. Surely he would only want the best for the club.
Let's all get 110% behind the new wee man.
One thing is for sure, it will be a new chapter, new players, hopefully a new style and I'm going to be optimistic.
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Greetings, Paul et al,
Wonderful summation of the developing situation, also several pungent points, being made in the process.
The intrinsic effulgence of your immortal soul, radiates grandly and shines through your mortal coil
("Now who was it that said that, boss?") asked Vito.
I just did.
"Seems familiar."
"No more interruptions from you."
Paul, my friend,you are indeed,"a man to ride the
River with..."
Being a fully fledged member of "Let's run it up the Flagpole,guys and see if it Flies",
contingent...... I shall reserve, judgment of the Case In Point.
This is not the time or place, for hasty conjectures or strident speculations.
As Dom would say........
"Waita til' the End!"
No, mon ami,I am more inclined to emulate the action of the Antagonist in the following Parable.
Ready?
"Ready when you are C.B.!" Called Vito,
A New York denizen of the Jewish Faith was visiting Jerusalem.
"Say pal, how long will it take me to get to 'The Wailing Wall' from here?
he asked a passing Israelite.
The man stopped,said not a word, and proceeded to stare at the New Yorker intently.
"Well, how long do you think it would take me get there?" The American insisted, becoming increasing agitated by the Israeli's dilatory demeanor.
The Israeli, did not move a muscle and still proceeded to stare in askance, at the by now enraged American.
Suddenly, the New Yorker, his patience exhausted, could not contain his temper any longer. He brusquely strode past his silent tormentor and hurried swiftly away.
"About 10 minutes!". Yelled, the now smiling Israelite.
On hearing this piece of information,the New Yorker halted in amazement.
He retraced his steps,and once more confronted the now friendly and helpful Israeli.
"Why did you not give me the answer to my question, much sooner?" thundered the puzzled and aggravated American.
"Had to see how fast you walked!"
was the, oh so logical, reply.
En passant,mon ami......... Dear Diane,got it right after all...... ("Hmmmmm.... Very interesting.....!") murmured Vito knowingly.
Fargo.
And Yes, I will be at the Cup-Final.
I gotta get out more often,Getting Cabin Fever.
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Fargo,
Didn't "Diane" say that MON was headed down to the London area for money - an offer he couldn't refuse?
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As someone who has memories of Strachan in my Buckfast fuelled youth , I probably have no nice memories of the then wee nyaff !
However he is now part of the Celtic family and my days on the Bionic Tonic in the past they shall remain .
Still would like to know if he had any competition in his selection process . Always have the feeling that our history of cheap solutions has been found to be a major contributor to our times of crisis .
Agree with the poster on PR . Maybe in this new beginning we could get some flow of information to the fans . As this excellent site shows the word can be spread easier to the faithful here than in the gutter press .
Let the ex nyaff have a chance . Show us the deadwood stage departing with the passengers in residence at CP presently . Show us the new arrivals ready to die fur the jersey . Show me the money ! ( Copyright . J . Maguire . )
We still have dreams and plenty songs to sing . The big cup is still the aim . Never mind anything else , that is the Benchmark . It is our destiny .
Coatbrig Bhoy
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Of course, having spent the last 5 years pestering MON bout when he's leaving Celtic, it's only a matter of time (35 days?) before the stories about him coming back begin.
The appointment of GS (we've got to find better initials that that, they've got a bad association)will make that more likely. He fits the profile of an interim manager more than a top European manager would.
He isn't one of the world's great managers, but neither was MON when he joined us.
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Of course, having spent the last 5 years pestering MON bout when he's leaving Celtic, it's only a matter of time (35 days?) before the stories about him coming back begin.
The appointment of GS (we've got to find better initials that that, they've got a bad association)will make that more likely. He fits the profile of an interim manager more than a top European manager would.
He isn't one of the world's great managers, but neither was MON when he joined us.
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Could someone please hide NAAS keybaord and give him/ her medicine back!
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I am feeling slightly better this morning after reading MON's comments in the Scotsman regarding GS.
WE have to give the man a chance.
For him it is an opportunity that he has to make the most of or his managerial career could be over.
I don't accept that he is similar to MON was before coming to Celic.
MON started making a name for himself at Wycombe, getting them into the English league and promotion the following season too, then leicester winning two cups and another cup final as well as leading them into Europe.
No comparisons there for me, MON had proved himself at different levels and i was delighted when he came to Celtic.
I am sure that GS has a lot to offer, he has been studying the game and the fitness things as mentioned earlier, he has his own ideas and if he can persuade Bellamy to stay then that would be the best possible start.
Given money i am sure he will do well, no particular reasoning for that other than what is stated above, i was one of the first to express my horror on here when i heard the name Strachan.
I have a good feeling about it now and willing to give him my backing as any Celtic manager should get.
Our expectations are very high thanks to MON.
Strachan is a brave man for taking the challenge.
He has enthusiasm and has had a break, he will be coming into it with fresh ideas and wanting to take this chance and try to keep a job he may think himself very fortunate to have, as well as the chance to use his education in the past 15 months to get the best out of the players.
I for one wish him well.
Let's hope for some real excitement in the transfer market before the last day of business and maybe just maybe we will get our very first bosman:)
Tony, Sunny Latvia
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I think it is very unhelpful to our new manager, any future manager and our club in general to speculate about MON returning to Celtic at some point in the future, an extremely unlikely event despite his comments about looking to return to football in the future. The constant speculation about him leaving since he took up post has been unsettling enough. Please can we put a stop to it on this site for starters.
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What I want to know is who did he support as a laddie a boy a wean a youth a young man etc etc etc.
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As far as I kow, Strachan was a hibby, but the matters very little now.
He's the new Gaffer and I will give him my full backing, I'll be the first to admit, he was never my first choice and go as far as saying I didn't want him as the gaffer but I will support him fully as he's now one of us.
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As much as I would have wanted Le Geun, Murinho, Co or even now a Benitez I think even though our profile has been raised in Europe these guys are maybe still out of reach.
Any manager that would be attracted to the job would be taking a step up from his current employment and that always attracts a risk.
The board could have waited and advertised the post then sifted the applications to see who would have applied. That might have thrown up some interesting names or just the usual suspects.
Im going to give the board credit they have picked the only Scottish manager with a high enough profile to do the Celtic job also more importantly they have picked a man who knows what he is letting himself in for.
Nothing will come as a surprise to him.
And they have acted swiftly so the man can hit the ground running.
Anyone with doubts read the Guardian article that is doing the rounds, that’s giving me hope for the future and also im sure next Wednesday when Gordon is paraded at CP his comments will echo for an exciting time ahead.
As Dylan said the times they are a changing
Welcome to the Celtic Family Gordon you have our full support and good luck.
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Of course Strachan gets my support - its a done deal (whatever I may think). I just hope he's ready for the bile from the sectarian media.
As for your post Paul - well you can keep saying how wonderful the board is all you want. Maybe you think if you say it enough it will simply become perceived wisdom.
The board are guilty of gross negligence - simple as that. They have MANUFACTURED accounting losses through the use of odd reserves, they have lied to supporters (see the last share issue), they have damaged MON's legacy with parsimony more extreme than anything I have ever seen.
Even recently - the early season ticket renewals because they knew what was going to happen. I might want us to keep buying the season tickets but once again they treat the support with nothing but contempt.
They have no ambition apart from their own personal gain - as I have outlined in previous posts. They (like Fergus before them) are protecting their investment at cost to all of the support.
Paul you say in your post "They are clearly not scared of financial speculation" - yet Quinn states "we will not speculate to accumulate" - which one is it then?
They have lost my faith completely and unless they get the finger out and show some ambition they will soon feel the wrath of the support - and with Celtic supporters being the cash cow they are - thats something I would take very seriously indeed!
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Agree totally with Bellshill Tim. We have to give GS a chance. My mate is hopeful of a return to some Celtic old style footie with the prizes thrown in. Come on the Bhoys on Saturday. KTF
Ian Old Kilpatrick
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Paul in your post you quoted:
As Martin O'Neill himself said
"Desmond got his appointment right"
"Martin O'Neil believes Strachan is the best man for the job"
However if you read a quote from MON himself in the Scotsman he says also.
I was involved in the process of picking my successor,"
"And a number of names came up. But we thought Gordon was the right choice."
I DON'T KNOW HIM PARTICULARLY WELL, BUT HE WAS AT COVENTRY WHEN I WAS MANAGER AT LEICESTER"
so I know his work as a manager well enough.
That type of comment doesn't instill confidence in the manner he was chosen for the job.
Not saying he isn't the man for the job,as I do.but you must report the facts from both angles.
FARGO,
You up to your old tricks again with "I told you so" via one of your mutiple blogger names(how many is that now,must be close to a dozen)Diane was found out a long time ago(YOU)along with the others, get your act together and show a little respect towards the "Celtic Family" everyone talks about on here.If you have something to say,then say it.
Go on spit it out.
Not enough attention coming your way?
Bobs yer Uncle
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show a bit of respect and you in turn will be given some.
Bobs yer Uncle
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I agree with neg Anon about the early season ticket scheme knowing full well that MON was leaving.
Sure we should support the club and only if we spend money can the club prosper. But the manner in which they are working sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. Not telling the truth comes very close to telling lies in my opinion.
As i said before, it's a thin line between backing the board and getting on their case, a lot will depend on what funds Strachan is given and whether we can keep Bellamy.
Tony, Latvia
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Regarding Bellamy leaving now that GS has taken over, I hear that he would not have been offered a contract, regardless of who was the boss. He was described as an accident waiting to happen and has already wound up a number of senior players (including one who will enjoy a testimonial on Sunday) with his comments on the amount of money that he's making.
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anon 1256am - you are a joke mate. big eck leaked the story to the press about o'neill leaving?
get a grip. dignity is eck's middle name.
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Anon 9.55 - What's his first name? 'No'?
I hope Strachan has players identified already so that by next weekend, we have some solid player news to go on. Maybe he can tempt Niemi up here?
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Paul (and Negative Anon), I'm wondering your take on this. At the end of last season Martin didn't want to continue and had made no preparations for this season. At this time last year I heard the same stories; that MON was for the off and that Strachan would be his succesor (although I choose not to believe).
This leads me to surmise that the board did not sanction a spend last season as the changes at the last minute meant Martin had to work with what he had and he accepted that.
As a result of the above the subsequent signings of Junhino and Camara were hasty and knee jerk. They didn't work and Martin moved quickly to remedy them.
I don't think this is necessarily parsimony but the club was obviously in a state of flux. If this is the case I'm interested to know what both of you would have done differently to prevent this?
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Neg anon - here here, were not all convinced about the performance of this board not by a long shot. They might try to shout you down but this is a democracy we live in well of sorts keep up the good work.
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Paul
I agree with just about everything in your article.
Suppose we've just go to grin and bear it and hope Strachan does the trick.
You are also spot on with regards to the "why don't we spend money" nonsense.
I would point anyone in the direction of our wage bill which at present (although I suspect it may change radically this summer)is not sustainable
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Anon 10.12AM, this is a web board not a democracy and what you have just done is 'shout down' the board without giving a reason.
Tell us your gripe with them and let us know how you would fund your plans. This is what CQN manages to achieve without resorting to non-specific abuse.
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Morning people
Have camed down immensely since news of the departure and appointment.
Liam H, as a Coventry born and based Celt, when was the City debt ever £75m? Yes it temporarily reached over £50m but not that high.Plus, wasn't GS was hounded out by the Sky Blues fans, and remembered by many here as a failure, who lost the support of the players.
BUT enough of my negativity. Today I am going to give the man my support to do the job but it won't be unconditional, like i have with every other signing that Celtic have ever done, including players like Berkovic, when I would argue blind with my old man that he could do a job for us. I pray he brings me the success I hope all Celtic fans want in Europe. The SPL is to me now just a given. I expect us to win it! Arrogant i know as we have no right to but after growing up in the Rangers 9-in-a-row then having MON I demand success. All successful teams demand this, if you don't then simply you will just have to settle on hopefully winning the odd trophy every so often as the team did until my mid 20's and MONs arrival. If we do not see ourselves on the European stage then what is the point?
Watching liverpool last night just made me even more jealous. Yes they were lucky but congratulations to them. That is where i want this club to be and if they can do it with that squad well we have to at least be aiming again for 2nd round of the CL as a minimum of success.
So thanks to the CQN Samaritan Line, I haven't done anything silly except get told off for my face tripping me by the Missis yesterday.
Here's to the Cup on saturday which i will be watching in a pub in Denmark and good luck to GS for next season.
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To every one who is complaining about the board keeping the O’Neil situation quiet until after the season ticket deadline – did you not stop to think that it may have been MON’s choice to wait until after the season was finished before any announcement was made ?
But due to the story breaking in the press they had no option but to end the speculation.
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On early season tickets, I believe what keeps the majority renewing is simply the fear that if you give up your book you wont get it back.
The danger in this is that the moment the majority believe they can pick and choose their games and seasons, a rapid fall off in season books might ensue.
It wont take a mass rebellion, just a small dip in demand.
Ive said before that I feel the fact that the fanbase provides the lions share of the income is our greatest strength.
We are at a crossroads and if the board, as neg anon claims, are filling their pockets at our expense. They could see season books fall off far faster than they imagine.
They must do and be seen to be doing all they can. The first step is better communication.
They have acted quickly in putting GS in place, lets hope a sizeable budget is in place. If not the attraction will go and the fear factor along with it.
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Celtic-Mas-que-un-club it's a good point but either way the paying customers deserve to know what they are paying for.
It's the boards decision to renew the tickets early, all i am saying is that it should have been done with the people spending money knowing what the situation, or if they cannot do that because of the delicacy of the situation then do not bring the renewal dates forward.
I just think it could have been done differently and not leave themselves open to the suggestion that Neg Anon has stated.
Tony, Latvia
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Tony, I take your point on board, but we buy our season tickets year after year not knowing who will be signed, sold or whatever and its fans of all clubs who are in the same boat. It’s an emotional attachment irrespective who the custodian’s are at that point in time. Also if as paul stated in a previous article if the earlier renewal's ensure that their an increase in the budget then i am all for it.
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Maybe we're old fashioned, but my mates, my family and I renew our season tickets because we support Celtic through thick and thin. It's automatic. Some might think we are being gullible but not supporting the team on match days seems to be the worst form of protest.
There has been some talk about the core 16000 or so who were proud to stand by the team in the lean years. Reading some of the comments on here we must have been fools. It's easy to follow a successful club. It also seems easy for some to walk away in the name of protest. However starving the club of funds only justifys a boards lack of investmet. And has been pointed out by Paul and others, this board has invested.
So if waiting for the latest signing or who the manager will be is how you define yourself as a Celtic supporter do us all a favour and find some other bandwagon to jump on.
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DD has given Strachan a complete vote of confidence by say that nobody is looking over his shoulder. (Except for 53,000 season ticket holders.)
Ian Old Kilpatrick
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After watching Liverpool's 2nd half performance last night it reminded me of the type of gutsy attacking football we witnessed from the hoops in the Amsterdam Arena, 6-2 game, on the road to Seville etc. While I'm sad at MON's departure & will never forget him, i feel it's time we strived towards putting a team on the park that will make us feel as good about watching Celtic as it was in MON's early years.
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Big Joe, Says…………
MON was the man, the messiah, a Celtic legend.
He took us from finishing 21 points astern of, TFOD to a European final.
My point is, I cant remember every 1 jumping through hoops, sorry, the first few days after his appointment.
I think GS will be fine, he is a proven manager in the Premiership, lets just see how it all pans out.
Paul you must be on overtime with all the posts, keep up the good work.
Is it true, that MON posts here???
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The die is cast.
I now have great hopes that a new broom/hoe will sweep through the senior team and do the weeding (that's what the hoe is for) that MON was feart to do.
I have always loved GS media skills (anyone that gives the fourth estate a good kicking is okay in my book). I have been negative about him becoming manager but that is changing. Reading a number of his articles shows me he has a 'football brain'. However, the final test is a year from now (treble first year anyone?).
I'll hold judgement just now but give the man my support....afterall he is manager of the world's greatest football club.
CB going after the Final..shame, but the world turns and life goes on.
Celtic Football Club will endure.
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Anon 10-22
Web boards and democracy, what are you saying people have to toe the party line?, to post on here?.
Regarding your snide remarks, re the board, you are happy with their performance over the last five years?.
You are happy with the financial commitment made after the seville run?. You are happy at the state of the facilities outside of the ground?. You are happy with the distribution of funds raised by share issues?. Season ticket renewals?.
It is not my job to put forward plans for funding as you so put it. It is the job of the board. See above for gripes.
Non specific abuse?. Did you just make that up on the spur of the moment, probably.
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Paul,
My thanks to you and, in particular to giggsy14 and Rob71, for reminding me of why I'm a Celtic supporter. (Apropos of us legendary 16,000 remnant, my mate always reckoned it was about 25,000 but that the board issued the lower figure for tax purposes.)
Here's hoping Gordon Strachan comes up trumps. If Liverpool can do it, so can we; not satisfied with YNWA, they're now copying the Huddle!!
Parkheadcumsalford
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Didn't MoN talk about a list of summer signings he had in mind at the last press conference. Will the names have been given to DD with Strachan's consent, i wonder?
It's just that we really need to have our first signing(s) in place within a week of GS' appointment.
on another note: Celtic-Mas-que-un-club, do you mean Celtic-MAIS-que-un-club? (unless i'm wrong and my french is failing me)
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A few wee titbits of information.
Gordon Strachan was approached by Celtic 9 months ago to be on standby to take over from Martin O'Neill, due to personal circumstances. (Those personal circumstances had no right to be aired in the public domain by the Scottish Press).
Make no mistake, Gordon was a Hibee when he was younger, but as many of you will know, his father in law runs a Celtic Supporters bus in the North East, and into a bigger Celtic family he could not have joined.
As many of you will have read Strachan's fantastic articles in the Observer, you will know that over the past year or so he has travelled the world viewing all sorts of coaching methods, not just in Soccer, but also other sports. This mission work has meant that he has been casting his eye for potential targets for when he became a manager again.
He will bring in many of his own players, but sadly as well as it being the end of an era for Martin O'Neill, it will also be the end of an era for many of the players.
Lambert is obviously away, and it now seems that Lennon, Hartson and Thompson will follow suit. Thompson has indeed asked for a move back to the Premiership, where his old club Bolton are keen to resign him. Bellamy will also be heading back down south, and it looks, surprisingly, like Arsenal could pick him up.
So if our squad is breaking up then who will replace them. Apart from the names that I have already mentioned in my articles, that have been watched by the clubs scouting staff on a regular basis add the ones of Robbie Keane, Darren Huckerby and Davie Weir.
I know that the Robbie Keane rumour has circulated since about 1985, but he is set to be Wee Gordon's first signing to show that he means business and get the Celtic fans on his side.
Strachan is keen to bring as many players into the club as possible before pre season training starts in around 5 weeks time. After all, our first competitive match will be in around 7 weeks. Loan signings may also feature, Wayne Bridge is one that is a strong possibility, and he has also dealt with him in his time in England.
Finally, the club were in touch with Mohammed Camara of Burnley, who is holding out for a move to CP, but it is unclear as to whether Strachan wants to follow that one up.
All the best for the Final lads, and hopefully the players can give Martin the send off he deserves.
The Mole
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Annon 12.06 – its not French – so its not failing you J
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I have it on good authority that it was a board member who leaked it to the notw what he had to gain from it I will never know.
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Wee Gord must be helluva brave stepping in to the shoes of MON.
And a one year rolling contract is not short term, it means that either party has to give a notice period of one year. He could be here for many years to come.
I wish him all the best.
Annonimoose
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Baldymeister,
As I said in my post, this is what I was told by the two Coventry season book holders. You may be right regarding the level of debt,I honestly don't know. The following is a link to the 'official' club history, which has the debt figure at £60M but who knows if that's right?
http://www.ccfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ClubHistory/0,,10269,00.html
This also goes on to explain how the club was asset-stripped to reduce the debt while Strachan was in charge.
As you are based in Cov, perhaps you're better placed to judge the mood of the support wrt Strachan. I could only pass on what I was told by two guys who travel to every game. Granted, its not a stastically valid sample size!
Any way round, as manager of Celtic, wee Gordon will get my full support and, if I can manage it, a bit of patience as well, until such time as he demonstrates he deserves neither.
Liam H
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I know that there are people on here who use a nom de plume as a disguise, but does anyone actually know if any of the bloggers are anyone from inside the club?
Certainly, there are two that have posted here in this post that I have serious suspicions to be a former chairman and a senior member of the backroom staff. Both feed a lot of red herrings, but the other information that they give is spot on, from the source that I have at Celtic Park.
Frank McCallum
Stonehaven
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Hi Paul,
GS would not have been my first choice either,agree with your sentiments entirely.
That said he is now GS-Celtic manager,that gains my respect.
I always found his newspaper column very interesting.He proved himself insightful,knowledgeable and a keen student of the game.
He is a man who is deeply interested in systems and how various teams operate.
Probably he could'nt implement or test this knowledge at previous clubs as relegation battles or strict financial inhibited him.
DD has given him full authority to run the club HIS way.
So all his experience could be hugely beneficial to us.
We are giving him the ideal platform in which to realise all his hopes and ambitions.
At Celtic i think you will see the real GS.He is a winner and will be a breath of fresh air to us.
I'm confident he will respect the traditional playing style of the club and give us back exiting,skillful football.
Roll on next season,i can't wait!!!
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Those seemingly transfixed by Gordon Strachan's past should perhaps ask which team Jock Stein supported as a boy. Enough of this nonsense - he's now part of OUR family.
The situation is perhaps similar to that endured by children when their parents split up. Off goes much-loved Daddy - and then mum introduces her new boyfriend to her grieving brood. He could look like Brad Pitt and have the charm of a saint... but those weans would still HATE him, and he'd have a heck of a job convincing them he wasn't a time-waster. And how often would the kids ask mum: "When is Daddy coming back?"
Wee Gord's on a hiding to nothing for the first few months from the press and the cynics within our support. It is up to all of us who truly want to see our club prosper to get behind him from Day 1.
The Mole, you make several interesting points. Bellamy for Arsenal makes sense if Thierry Henry is off. Weir for Celtic may cast dread into some hearts but we certainly need a LEADER at the heart of our defence. Personally, I'm looking forward to young Scott Cuthbert getting his chance.
My apologies to the lads scrounging, er, sorry, looking for tickets but I'll be in Glenties, Donegal, on Saturday, no doubt crying my eyes out and hopefully celebrating at the same time.
The future can wait. Let's give Martin (and Jackie) the mother and father of all send-offs.
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I’m a reader of this site….. a peruser if you will.
I like the tag line ‘Celtic news, not lazy journalism’
But oh dear God, if this guy Paul67 thinks that simply investing copious amounts of time pouring over balance sheets then spinning out any old tosh to fit his latest rant makes him anything but a typical lazy journalist (or in his case a wannabe journalist) he is having a laugh.
For anybody who has a spare 40 minutes, read back on the pronouncements of this Paul67.
Given the track record of pish spewed forth he’s clearly Hugh Keevins in disguise.
Give up the pretence of this site being anything more than just another site for Celtic fans to vent their opinions – not a bad thing I agree – but the pretentious ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’ Paul67 likes to think he utters is just tosh.
I give you a few examples:
Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: Friday, May 20, 2005 ‘I have never heard Martin confirm his plans for next season in such unequivocal terms’
Reality - O’Neill leaves.
Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: ‘Renew your season book and apply for a Celtic MasterCard or Apply for a season book (or join the waiting list) and a Celtic MasterCard and win a meal.’
Reality – get yer money in before we tell you MoNs off. You got stitched up there eh Paul67?
Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: Wednesday, February 09, 2005 ‘How Celtic can buy their way into England - Our editorial position here is that this will happen, and that Celtic are currently in a position to make it happen by 2007’
Reality – wait and see. But I’d put my mortgage on this being more Paul67 pish.
Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 ‘So here goes, a wee risk from Celtic Quick News. With only six days to go, Celtic will not only sign players, they will strengthen their team as well, a rarer achievement.’
Reality – Well done Paul67. You have now attained complete pish level!
Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: Sunday, October 24, 2004 ‘I know the hard of thinking will accuse me of being Henri Camara's brother for this, but the bhoy is something special.’
Reality – Stick to talking pish about balance sheets as you know F all about football
I’m getting bored of this now – but I leave you to compare, contrast and make sense of the following dribblings from Pau67 – CQNs very own Hugh Keevins:
Thursday, December 23, 2004 This paper exercise might just wipe out our loss this season. In doing so it would reduce our gearing (the ratio of debt to assets) and might just increase our borrowing ability………… which means we can spend more.
Friday, October 08, 2004 I would also like some confirmation/dispute on my belief that we will have a significant transfer budget next summer.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005 Now in our sixth consecutive year of returning a loss, I believe that simply spending more and running up ever higher losses has not been an option.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 If you have not done so already, get your renewal in. You, me and Martin O’Neill have been waiting on this spend for four years, this is no time to procrastinate.
Monday, April 04, 2005I would like to see them do the same again – present Martin with more than just with one year’s budget in the summer.
Friday, April 01, 2005 It is now clear that Celtic have scope to strengthen the team in the summer
Wednesday, March 16, 2005 The figures clearly show that we will have more money to spend than we have had since 2000. This may turn out to be less than £20million, however, it will be in this magnitude.
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Terrific quality of posters these last few days. Estadio, your poetry is brilliant!!
Following your logic Paul, why didn´t MON move on from Celtic after a couple of seasons? Did he not get better offers? (sounds a bit like Graham Taylor there)
Fortunately economics is not a science and the human factor has to be taken into account. If we measure ourselves against the Abramoviches et al then the game is a bogey.
MON was special because he showed us that you can say NO, that is why he outguessed the media , they have weaned us on the idea that money rules the roost. Football success is not measured in power and money!! Don´t believe the hype!! Denmark in the European championships in 1992 was the big one in my generation. But the 1950 World Cup Final is the most incredible example of all. Celtic´s only chance to make it higher in world soccer is to be different off the park as well as on the park. Of course we cannot be luddite in our approach to the modern economy we live in, but let´s box clever. Let´s start by getting our own sponsor instead of sharing it with a team that makes our lives a misery, when they can get away with it!!
Yes, why not change the name of the stadium as long as it´s a sporting name like the Reebok stadium at Bolton. We WILL still use the names Celtic Park, Parkhead and Paradise. I agree with poster KiwiMick when he says that The Celtic fans in Seville were responsible for a rallying point against "a corporate conglomerate enjoyed only by the rich and the free loaders" The Celtic support can reclaim the game for the people, if we WANT to do it. But maybe the rest of the world is not ready so let´s limit ourselves to building the best team in the world to match our support. Liverpool are a credit to football. It is a club that respects us. The first ever Liverpool team in 1892 consisted of eleven scots..... We know the history...
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Good luck Gordan
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NAAS, I do not expect Strachan will have leaked the story to anyone. Far too shrewd.
Lets hop you are right Liam H
Good on you Mick. I have a pavlovian reaction to the ex-Dunfermline manager that got me into a lot of trouble here last time I discussed it. Promised then to give the guy a break.
Good to hear from you brummiebhoy, maybe you’re right, but I would have had a really good go at it.
Thanks SeattleCelt, not sure Peter Lawwell will become more of a public figure, as far as I can gather he is more the operational head.
Good advice by parable Fargo. Need to go find out what effulgence means now.
Your cousin has been good enough to keep us right on a couple of matters, please pass on my thanks.
Looking forward to the Cup Final myself (sorry, no spares).
As GlassTwoThirdsFull correctly said, might be worth re-visiting one of your earlier tales.
I have my ‘Celtic moving to England’ story all ready for after the Cup Final business is taken care off.
Yes, Gordon was a Hibs fan, and probably still is, so he will hate Rangers almost as much as an Aberdeen player would have back in the 1980’s.
Blowing against the tide, I know Neg Anon, all I can hope to achieve is to make people read the accounts for themselves and come up with their own answers. Much better than taking my word for it, or the word of the press.
Oh, and Quinn has speculated to accumulate – read the accounts, the evidence is all there. Where on earth did you pull the ‘reference’ from?
VargasShampoo, totally disagree, we are in need to the best manager in the world, than anyone and should aim for someone who is in great demand (just as MON was).
MartyBhoy, the board did not have the money to spend last summer. Also, Martin had chased five players who were supposed to come into the first team as Bosmans/loans. The who plan fell apart.
Thanks ghg67
Sing it from the hills Rob71. A great example to all.
Big Joe, who knows for sure. Have you and MON ever been seen together in the same room?
The Mole, lots to go on there. The only concern I have is Davie Weir. Glad to hear the clear-out will be as thorough.
Frank McCallum, I sure have my theories :-) I am keen for everyone who would like anonymity to be able to have it.
Anon 1.02, who has spent so much time researching my work. Sorry, got to the first profanity and scrolled on by. Family site, family club.
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The Mole - you're spot on - the players were aware of MON's departure some time ago. Hence the reason why Lennon, McNamara, Thompson, Hartson, Bellamy are all for the off.
Davie Weir, Mo Camara, Huckerby were all earmarked by Martin O'Neill as possible summer signings, however i'm not convinced that Strachan is thinking along the same lines.
The Polish keeper & Hartley are signed. Robbie Keane will be announced as the first signing. Keep your eyes peeled for a Frenchman & German of top drawer quality
The Cousin of the Great Fargo
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Anon 11.52
I don't think you are getting into the spirit of CQN,no need to get personal towards a fellow supporter.
I think the point has been made, If you have a point then give your reasons why, for/against.It's not constructive just to say this is bad or that is bad without giving some sort of explanation,we are not looking for a full break down of your comments,if you give some sort of reasons you will find other supporters will say ye or nae to you and the conversation maybe taken up by others.
Show us all the great Celtic supporter you more than likely are.
Cabbage
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Paul67 et al, first time poster long time reader. Paul I have been reading your site for a long time and have always been impressed with your analysis of any given subject, debate or argument. This site is a real breath of fresh air and on a few ocassions has made me seem like the worlds best autority on current Celtic issues down the local. Anyway on to Mr Strachan, he is not my number one choice but life goes on and we must all support him 100%, MON is gone and he leaves with all our blessings. I heard last June that MON was stepping down to look after his wife and GS was taking over, I think this has just carried on and MON has stayed in the job for as long as possible. GS has been lined up for over a year. I personally would have gone foreign, I feel we need a manager who can exploit a foreign market and pick up a few Petrov's but its not to be. GS has my full support but on saturday sitting in Hampden, it will be emotional seeing MON for the last time in his 'tic tracksuit. Hail Hail.
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Well done Paul67 - a perfect example of lazy journalism!
Having said that the twaddle you come out with is almost as good as Etims Rumour Mill
Yours in Celtic,
Anon 1.02
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Anon 1.02 I think you are "wee Hugh" :-)
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I very well could be.
I'd certainly be learning new methods of ignoring previous twaddle I'd published.
I reckong this site must be the internet equivalent of the Daily Record... as readers seem to have very short memories of whats previously been written.
Anon 1.02
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Robbie Keane? I just hope it's not another one of those summers of over priced EPL players.
One day in the job and some think they know who GS is signing already.I'll buy you both a pint the first time I see you if you are right.
More wise after the fact
ps Why is Sutton not on your list?
Cabbage
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Anon at 1.02 - bhoy o bhoy, your bittereness drips from every word.
Give the guy (Paul67) a break.
It takes a lot of time - more importantly bottle - to do the work he does and share his views in a public forum such as this. He has achieved on both counts.
It takes a lot of time for you to analyse all those posts - more importantly requires a degree of respect and courtesy to engage in constructive debate. You've failed on the later.
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A number of posters have come on here anonymously and accused Paul's articles, sometimes in more colourful terms, as being rubbish.
However, rather than engaging in proactive debate, they leave it like that.
If you disagree with any of Paul's posts, then don't just say, it is rubbish, then back up your argument with some facts or basis, and we can get a good debate going. The type of statements demonstrated are very negative.
This is what makes this site unique in comparison with many fan sites (not just Celtic ones), and the quality of Celtic related conversations is excellent.
Chris McMorrow
Mexico City
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Cabbage - without revealing my source & getting him the sack all i can tell you is that i'm close to a decision maker. You can buy me a pint of Caffrey's should they come to fruition or a pint of Baileys should they collapse at a late stage.
Sutton had agreed personal terms with Norwich however this was conditional in them staying in the premiership
The forward line will be Sutton/Keane - another pacy striker will be signed.
The team will have 2 quick full backs & 2 wingers
The Cousin of the Great Fargo
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1:45 PM & Nominatim
I wouldn’t say I’m bitter – I’m more disappointed.
Disappointed that nobody else seems to have looked at what’s been written in the past and question it.
Surely you have to question how somebody can think Camara is a ‘player’ and then ask us all to get our money in for renewals.
As for constructive debate I’ve posted dates and times……. Go back and read for yourselves the posts.
The tag line here is ‘Celtic news, not lazy journalism’
I’m questioning whether that is true.
Everything here is not as it seems.
You have been warned.
Beware of the pied piper.
Anon 1.02
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anon 1:02
very funny
yes, paul's got a high opinion of himself, and dribbles a bit from time to time.
on the other hand i suspect he's not nearly as toweringly self-important as you. and he provides a forum for debate that is clearly popular with his target audience.
and etims rumour mill is my literary highlight of the week, regardless of how well or ill-informed it turns out to be.
pimlico bhoy
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sorry Celtic-Mas-que-un-club, i thought you were trying to say "Celtic is just a club".
anon 12.06
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Evening Paul, fellow tims,
please bear with me, 8 pints of kilkenny seems to make this a lot more different than usual.
Paul, you state that we should spend whatever it takes to get "the best manager available"
I happen to think that we have.
Available being the operative word here. Carlo Ancelotti,Arsene Wenger,Jose Mourinho,whoever else would be considered above who we have just appointed, are not available.
Regardless of wages offered,we would have the same trouble appointing a manager of world standing as we have of attracting players of world standing.
Absolutely none.
Even if your pipedream of EPL participation comes to fruition,there would still be 5 or 6 clubs where the top people would rather hang their hats.
I happen to think that Gordon Strachan being appointed as our manager is a good thing.
His experience is largely similar to that of MON's before he became our manager. The only difference being, he doesn't have a player of Henrik's calibre to pull him out of tight situations, as MON did when he took over Celtic.
The contribution of Henrik cannot be underestimated when people, in the future, look back on MON's tenure at Parkhead.
MON will probably take the plaudits as did big Jock,in the annals of history,but as big Jock was the first to tell you.There would have been no Jock Stein without the players who gave him so much success.
As far as I am concerned Gordon Strachan is now our manager.
If he doesn't win the first Celtic-Rangers game by a margin of 6-2 or greater, he will be castigated by the "press" as a failure.
It is up to us to make him a success, and this will only be achieved by every last supporter giving him our full support over at least 2 seasons.
We have lived through probably our most successful five years since the seventies. And during that time there has, with good reason,been varying degrees of criticism of MON and his tactics.
Very successful as he has been,I do not feel that we have been watching the best team we could have been watching during his tenure.
If Gordon Strachan does not get our full support,and I mean full,he will not be a success.
It will be down to us as much as him, and really, as the old saying goes,we only get the man we deserve.
Hopefully, we will deserve Gordon Strachan.
Good luck to you Gordon, and may you remain at Celtic until the day you retire.
For if you do,there will be many a happy Celtic supporter.
Kano
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anon 1:02
Have you just read the da vinci code????
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The Mother of all personal attacks conducted on Paul today. Disgraceful.
This is not an attempt at objective opinion but a character assasination attempt. No context, no balance...straight for the jugular.
Smells to me.
The first rule of war is create havoc in your enemy by going after the leader.
This is nothing but an attempt to disrupt this Celtic family site.
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pimlico bhoy
The ‘toweringly self-important’ are those that present drivel as highly researched high minded news from the inside.
Etims Rumour Mill is great reading – not ‘illuminati’ posturings found posted here as editorials.
Anon 1.02
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Liam,
I have probably been extra sensitive due to the fact that taking flack from Cov fans is something I have not really had to endure before. Believe me when it takes until your nearly 30 for it to happen over football matters, it is a hell of a culture shock.
Have done some quick research about the debt and I have seen one fig. at about the £60m. But looked at the local Cov. Evening Telegraph archives, have access due to my job and even their figs vary according to different correspondants from £30m - £62m.
Anyway, Enough! I am now feeling positive and great, out of my depression brought on by the weeks events and had to laugh when my brother pointed out look what happens when you appoint a 'German' Pope. The thoughts I had yesterday about 'Dwarf Throwing' are now honestly out of my head.
Can't wait till Saturday except the idea of having to pay £4 a pint in Aalborg for a Guinness, while watching the game.
Hail Hail
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Paul, two points, nicd to see the Sun got the WIGLEY story right :O), do you think GS will have met with board to discuss money, players/agents/mon to discuss the current playing staff futures or will he not set foot in th eplace till the 1st?
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Anon 1.02 You are not alone. There does appear to be a systematic dismssal of any critical posting on this site. I suspect this site of managing Celtic news in the boards favour also.
Gerry McNee
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2:03 PM,
No - but David Icke is a good read!
anon 1:02
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Anon 1.02, Anon 1.33 here just joking :-)
just a small word on MON
I think most of us are still sore because we know MON was one of us (a fan) and when we felt pain so did he, when we where happy so was he.
Right then all yous bhoys that aren't happy about our board (PLC),
who do we get them out? who do we get in? who buys out DD?
Please tell us.
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Anon 12.06 & 2.01pm. I think it's Spanish for "more than a club".
Re: Wigley...
(From the BBC Sport site)
"Man City give Wigley coaching job
Wigley left Southampton this week
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has given a backroom role to ex-Southampton manager Steve Wigley after ending Asa Hartford's long stay at the club.
Hartford will step down as reserve-team boss after spells as player, coach and caretaker manager totalling 18 years.
Wigley, 43, will replace him after leaving his youth-team role with Saints earlier this week.
"I am simply delighted to be joining Stuart and City," Wigley said. "It is most definitely a club on the up."
It's good to see that Willie McStay's position is safe - he got my UEFA Cup Final programme signed by all the players for me, so I'd hate to see him pushed out.
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anon 1:02
seems to me that you have trawled through a lot of Pauls material, and concentrated on finding the negatives in all his work.
Maybe you would like to trawl through all his work again and write down the positives this time.
We cant be right 100% of the time, and now with Paul in the press conferences, i expect a more accurate degree of information.
As not being a financier, i am able to read on this site some of the complicated financial side of celtic in a fundamental way.
He is a fan, just like all of us on here, so im sure he wants the best for the club.
A lot of the information you have posted relates to the summer. If im not mistaken, the summer has hardly even started yet my friend.
Dave
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2:14 PM,
I don’t believe there is any conspiracy here.
No – no conspiracy.
It's and ego trip for Paul67.
For the simple reason that the drivel published as editorial here is invariably 100% wrong (at least Etims is entertaining).
Surely the Celtic board can’t get that amount of things wrong or contradictory?
Can they?
anon 1:02
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With regards to Willie McStay, no one can question the excellent job he has done with the youth guys at CP. Is this not someone we should be looking at promoting up the food chain so to speak and utilising him more with the 1st Team Squad?
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An aside here,
Canajunbhoy, I know you don't have a lot of time for me, and you think every criticism is of a personal nature, but you should not dismiss criticism of writings as a personal attack.
Disagreement is a fine thing.
If there is personal abuse,so be it.
Speak up in defence of your pal.
But the whole reason this site exists is due to differences of opinion.
It is called debate.
All decent societies have it and grow and learn from it.
Stifling it will do no-one any good.
I see nothing personal in stating previously published statements and then, with the help of hindsight, proving them to be wrong.
The only thing I will criticise the poster for is that he doesn't have the gall to put his opinions and forecasts in print in the way Paul has done, and let history decide who is right.
Paul puts his neck on the line by publishing his thoughts.
Criticism is something that happens when you do that.
Just ask anyone who writes for the Daily Record.
No one on this sites opinion should be dismissed.
Regardless of how you may feel about it.
It is what makes sites like this work.
If you disagree with what has been said, do not dismiss it as merely "personal attacks".
Disect the argument, point out where it is wrong,and enter into a
discussion.Usually there is common ground even among people who so vehemently disagree to start with.
And also, Paul is big enough and ugly enough to take care of himself, otherwise he would never have started this blog.
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Anon 1:02
Very easy with hind sight to look back on predictions on this site (its all there in front of you) also very easy to hind behind anon non de plum and critisise.
I have leaned more about the wheeling and dealing at Celtic in the last six months from this site than I have of reading tabloid journalism for forty years where there is absoloutly no comeback on the lies, distotions and mad predictions.
Nice put down Paul it is all that the post deserved.
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Mayo D,
I assume the issue of my using a nom-de-plum is tongue in cheek.
As for ‘mad predictions’…….
…… you make my point exactly.
Have you actually read any of the ‘mad predictions’ which are supposed to be editorials here?
I’ve given you dates.
Go read them.
Anon 1:02
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One of the enjoyable things about posting to this board is that the vast majority of fans identify themselves, so that you can almost discern their personality, hence the conversations become more like a chat between friends down the pub than a self-serving exchange of tirades and foul-mouthed diatribes. However, there are exceptions. And pretty poor ones at that.
Paul started this site as a forum for discussion. He posts his views and we either agree or disagree. As he has admitted himself (Re Camara etc), he doesn't get everything right. Now that his identity has been unveiled in the press, it is clear he is a businessman with no direct links to the board. The fact he, by and large, supports their strategy has been a source of continuing and often heated debate (God bless you, Negative Anon). But our differences of opinion are aired, in most parts, with respect for fellow fans and in language that is acceptable on a forum open to children. Again, there are exceptions. And most of them are "Anonymous".
For one fan to have invested so much time, effort and bile on such a strictly personal attack on Paul is both pathetic and revealing. You have issues, my friend. Envy and an attention-seeking disorder are among them. At a time of sadness for our club, your vindictiveness is grossly out of place.
I have never met Paul in my life and have absolutely no connection with anyone at Celtic Park, but I am sure I reflect the sentiments of many on this board when I ask you to please take your invective elsewhere.
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So Paul thought Camara might turn out to be a player? So did lots of people and , frankly, sometimes he is. Paul's heart overruled his head and made him interpret MON's comments as meaning he'd stay. Understandable. Paul thinks we'll be in the premiership sooner rather than later. Who knows? Anon, I don;t mind you disagreeing with anyone but your tone is nasty and this is the wrong place for that sort of thing. Can I politely ask that you take your attitude somewhere else?
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I was going to make a point on here in the aftermath of the defeat and MON departure. I was basically going to say I wonder when the punters the bhoys the lads would turn on each other.
I decided not to make such a statement, as I believed although it could happen it would not due the loss we all feel. But true to human nature were at it already.
I might not agree with all Paul says and indeed I hope and pray that some of the things he says comes true, but to attack him in such a manner is out of order.
He has taken the time to set up this forum, he has taken the time to investigate and analyse the accounts and he like every one of us is entitled to his opinion on the playing staff etc.
I say carry on the good work Paul.
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Anon 1:02
Just ignore him he`ll go away.
beetlejuice
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FAO Anon 1.02
If we all were held to our predictions then there wouldn't be any of us that didn't look silly.
Re Camara,- he did have a 5 game spell when he looked as if he at least might have something to offer - then came Ibrox for which he was never forgiven nor in all fairness did he look as if he was that bothered.
On one significant area I back Paul all the way. It is the very notion that the Celtic board have a biscuit tin mentality and don't back the manager. Check out the wage bill. Invariably its only been Paul that hs regularly pointed this out instead of going down "where's the money" tabloid nonsense.
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re anonymous postings
it's been debated before. it's the nature of the medium. frankly, johnbhoy, you could be darth murray for all any of the rest of us know. or my brother brendan (if you are you should be at work!) just because you've got a blogger name doesn't make you any less anon than the rest of us. there's no point in moaning about anon bloggers.
anon 1:02 . . . admit it, you think you're god's gift, don't you?
(you're not my brother brendan?)
pimlico bhoy
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You accuse me of a pathetic and revealing personal attack on paul67 and then…. proceed to inflict one on me!
The irony!
You are a perfect example of why drivel written as Celtic News passes here as you can’t remember what you wrote on your last line!
Having said that – I generally speaking – am not too critical of the Board, given the vast majority of us have ambitions for Celtic which are at the moment above our station.
Anon 1:02
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Sorry Pimlico Bhoy, old chap, but even putting a nom de plume at the end gives us a clue and personalises the faceless offerings from cyberspace. There will always be those who don't even want to do that. Personally, I've found it easy to ignore the vast majority of them.
Anyway, that's enough attention-seeking for me today. Got to pack for Donegal (is your brother Brendan going?)
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Only with the ladies pimlico bhoy, only with the ladies.
Anon 1:02
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Long time reader and first time poster, love the site Paul, keep it up.
by this stage of the day the discussion has gone askew and I’d just like to try, though probably in vain to pull it back. I think WGS should be given our full wholehearted support. He is after all a Scot and will have a better idea than most of the foreign managers, which have been touted on here, of what Celtic means to us, the fans. It’s not just a club it’s a lifestyle and I think WGS will appreciate that. One small, maybe far fetched, comparison is Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard have grown up supporting Liverpool and last night’s game clearly meant so much to them and it showed, they were the best two players on the pitch IMO.
Anyway I’l leave on that point and look forward to posting again.
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I believe and have done so for a while now that Gordon Strachan had been lined up to replace MON.
Gordon Strachan has been courted for most of the EPL jobs that have come up and a few that aren't even vacant. But he refused all attempts to hire him.
MON resigns and he is the Celtic manager in the blink of an eye. Negoitiations of this nature take some time and I think MON had decided to return to his family earlier in the season and stuck with it to see the season through. I think at that point the search and decision was made and GS was the chosen man.
The same guys who hired MON have hired GS and this time they had MON to help them. Enough said really.
When I heard the news that MON had left to return to his family my first thoughts were, quite right to and good luck to you both. I then hoped that my hunch was correct and the GS would be manager. Hey Presto, and the man is installed.
I don't understand why people don't like the idea of GS as our manager, other than petty issues regarding his Abredeen days. Guys move on.
Ask the Southampton fans if they would have had him back and you can be sure that they would bite you hand off.
My final word is this. All my best wishes and prayers go to Martin and his family. I for one will be writing to CFC and suggesting that a charity match with the proceeds going to the appropriate charity would get my support.
Hail Hail
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Anon 1.02
Do me a favour and sign in and get a blogger "handle" so we have an idea who we are talking to or at least sign off with a name to stop the confusion with all the other"ANONS" in the future as you seem to have valid points that can be discussed in a proper manner now or in the future,many are well aware of Paul67 posts in the past(but not all) as said,he's not perfect.
I don't always agree with him but do wait for him to trip up and tell him so on various occasions,maybe you should read not only his posts but all the others in between for the reaction he gets,especially the ones regarding DD,BQ & Co.
As said,get a "handle" that way we look forward to hearing from you and we can debate your side of the story also.
You may well miss the point also, PAUL67 isn't the be all and end all of this site,it all of us,if Paul67 has come out with a strange tangent then he is either shot down or someone else brings up a better story.
Many have said,if PAUL67 "crosses the line" or is "found out" to be of dubious nature,then he will be removed and someone will take his place,Paul67 knows this,we all know this.do you really think we are all sheep? baaaa baaaa!
BUT at the same time,I don't agree with the board on many things,however I would prefer to be pulled in one direction by CELTIC that someone of more dubious intentions from some scumbag newspaper or other
"scottish organisation"
I do believe we have learned a lot from the past boards and their mistakes.
It's too easy to be completely negative like you have been,but more difficult to be POSITIVE.
Is NEGATIVITY going to take our Club forward?
Just like MON,Paul isn't perfect but at least he is trying and for one I haven't bought a Daily Reco*d in over 4 years now.
Take your pick,it's PAUL67 and the rest of us.You can join in with or you can listen to the likes of the "commentators" on Radio clyd*,Setanta,BB C scotland,The stun.
I'd listen to Paul and others every day of the week than any one of those cretans.
Take your pick
Cabbage McFlaggergaster
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Anon 1:02
You sound like a very, very worried person to me!
Maybe your a journalist worried about his pitful existence?
Maybe you think if you discredit Paul you will somehow save your self from signing on once celtic fans stop reading the popular press?
Whatever your motive, I think you will find that most people here agree with you to an extent. I agree, Paul has made some howlers and your quotes support this. However,Paul calls it as he sees it.
So do we all.
I tell you this for free my friend I'd far rather discuss and debate with like minded people interested in the welfare of the football club than someone out to stir the proverbial, just because they have nothing else to contribute. If you have an alternative view please express it, contradict Paul, this is what CQN is built upon.
Until such times as Paul is caught with his pants down in the boardroom (no, not literally)I will continue to exercise my right to read this site, debate on it and inteact with fellow CELTIC fans.
In Paul's defence at least he has taken his own angle, viewpoint and raised some interesting discussion. He's thinking.
He is expressing an opinion. And the problem with that is?
At least the club has sat up and realised there is an avenue for media that is not a red top!
My friend is the beauty of t'internet and news on demand.
If you don't like this or it offends you I suggest you exercise your right to "do one"
Yours in Celtic
Martybhoy
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well said Martybhoy.
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PAUL67 OPENS NUDE CHIPPIE
Critics of CQN's ringmaster and ego-in-chief Paul67 have been shocked by the announcement that he is to open the internet's first nude chippie. It is thought that rather than doff his cap to Messrs Quinn and Desmond, he will instead focus his attention on the purveying of deep fried muck to the fortunate punters of Carfin. Said Paul, "I have been punting rubbish for months now, at least now I'll get paid for it and I'll get to be bollock at the same time."
Wee Lola
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Actually, I agree with Anon 1:02
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I'm having trouble logging in so if this appears more than once I apologize
Anon 1.02
I see you've gone back close to a year and pulled out the negative aspects (in your opinion) Paul67 has posted in that time.
If you estimate two and three posts a week then your short list is realy not all that bad, something the rags couldn't claim.
But what I think is more to the point, is that I don't believe you're a Celtic fan... not to say you must to post on here, but perhaps you could have clarified that.
Those of us who are regulars on this site don't need someone to point out discrepencies in articles we can do that ourselves, however if you must do so then be a man and do it while the topic is current and not eleven months later when you have the advantage of hindsight.
Chic67
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Hit the proverbial nail on the head MB
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By the way, can anyone give me a quick guide as to how you do all the fancy italics and bold fonts that some of y'all snazzy bloggers do?
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Anon 3:19 - so do I.
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Anon 3:23 - are you anon 1:02 ?
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Anon 1.02....you said "Etims Rumour Mill is great reading – not ‘illuminati’ posturings found posted here as editorials"
does that mean by saying "here" that you are from etims?
perhaps another celtic supporters site?
Tony, Latvia
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First of all would like to thank True Tim once again for breaking this story some weeks ago when he informed us of Steve Walford's son not renewing his school renewal form, and for letting us know exactly when the announcement would be made, keep the news coming mate.
Paul, great article and the manager is indeed the most important person at the club, personally I am a bit disillusioned by current events at Celtic Park particularly with regard to Celtic's prospects in Europe next season, but think if anyone has the character to pull it out the bag it is Gordon Strachan!
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i think news of CQN has finally reached those fine fellows on ff judging by some of todays posts
ignore
great site paul
ilikekingkongandicannotlie
cmon the hoops
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To Anon 1:04,
Your interpretation of the various comments made by paul seems a little skewed to me. Perhaps you haven't been entirely objective? For example;
Anon 1:04 wrote "Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: Friday, May 20, 2005 ‘I have never heard Martin confirm his plans for next season in such unequivocal terms’
Reality - O’Neill leaves."
Wishfull thinking perhaps but so what? Simply an interpretation of MON's comments.
Anon 1:04 wrote "Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: ‘Renew your season book and apply for a Celtic MasterCard or Apply for a season book (or join the waiting list) and a Celtic MasterCard and win a meal.’
Reality – get yer money in before we tell you MoNs off. You got stitched up there eh Paul67?"
You have a cheek to even mention the word reality. Paul was simply pointing out that the club receive money from the Celtic Credit Card and that as well as the season ticket receipts, this money is used for the benefit of our club.
Anon 1:04 wrote "Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: Wednesday, February 09, 2005 ‘How Celtic can buy their way into England - Our editorial position here is that this will happen, and that Celtic are currently in a position to make it happen by 2007’
Reality – wait and see. But I’d put my mortgage on this being more Paul67 pish."
So you don't have a clue then? The method of moving to the EPL that is being referred to above wasn't even written by Paul. He simply stated that his opinion is that it'll happen.
Anon 1:04 wrote "Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 ‘So here goes, a wee risk from Celtic Quick News. With only six days to go, Celtic will not only sign players, they will strengthen their team as well, a rarer achievement.’
Reality – Well done Paul67. You have now attained complete pish level!"
And you are an idiot. Did not the signing of Bellamy strengthen the team?
Anon 1:04 wrote "Paul 67 ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’: Sunday, October 24, 2004 ‘I know the hard of thinking will accuse me of being Henri Camara's brother for this, but the bhoy is something special.’
Reality – Stick to talking pish about balance sheets as you know F all about football"
Pot, meet Kettle
You then go on to quote more extracts from articles that the majority of people here have already read and commented on, seemingly at random.
I have no idea why Paul's stated opinion should excite you so much but if you had a point to make I'd say you demonstrably failed to back it up.
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I think we should move on from the discussion about the quality of CQN (my opinion is - good in parts not so good in others - to paraphrase MON).
Anyone of you bright sparks with relaible sources (or is that contacts ?) have the gen on signings and coaching staff.
I see Wigley has gone to Man City. MgHee has also been mentioned - but is he not under contract. I think a decent idea is TB turning his back on Scotland and be the the N°2 to Strachan. Promote McDowell to youth head ?
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Anon 1.02.
If the information on this site is all guff, why do you read it? Please stop spoiling the enjoyment for the rest of us. You may be right and we may all be simple minded for believing some of what we read here to be true, but at least we are happy and simple minded.
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Re Anon 1.02
I see that we have been blessed with the thoughts of the esteemed Voice of Authority of Scotland's down market tabloid.His bludgeoning, heavy handed, rhetorical style is a dead giveaway and to think that he sat down, or had one of his minions sit down, and research CQN's archives to find contradictions in the postings,illustrates both the desperation of his failing circulation and the fear of intelligent debate amongst Celtic fans.
Even if this gentleman(I assume) forwarded a sample of his DNA to disprove his identity, one can only presume that he/she has been cloned for the purpose of spreading dissaffection amongst Celtic fans.
Come Saturday let's Walk On with Martin and on Tuesday, Move On with Gordon.
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Anon 1.02
Are you outing Paul as a Board toady, as has been done already on the Huddleboard and Kerrydale Street? Surely not!
Have you forgotten Paul's other theories?
1) The 20million credit facility, recently described by Lawwell as "tosh", which is ironic as only Tosh McKinlay bought into it.
2) The pan-European league theory, which conveniently appeared after Celtic had been humped by Shakhtar Donetsk. Smokescreen journalism, not lazy journalism. This was also a great theory, save for one problem - only one team from Germany, which happens to have Europe's biggest TV audience!
DOH!
Might we yet see Paul's photo in the posh seats where he's a guest of the PLC? Can you deny that, Paul?
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Tom the Tim
I'm sure Paul would be able to trace
the location of said disgruntled journo
without to much bother. But, really
why bother.
Hail Hail
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some of the posts are too long.
keep the concise.
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Anon 1.02
regarding Pauls amateur attempts at journalism, he has thought about, researched and created a lot of so called editorials that the so called pro journalists could never come up with.
Hence the growth of the site.
We are all asking better questions about finances now than we ever have with the crap we read from the so called pro journalists.
We debate on here, we see the possibilities and we agree or disagree but very rarely does it get personal, apart from the anons and so called pro journalists of course.
Tony, Latvia
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it's not all doom and gloom. big eck will be rangers manager next season.
things could have been a lot worse for fernando ricksen. his parents could have named him "chiquitita".
lentilbhoy
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it's not all doom and gloom. big eck will be rangers manager next season.
things could have been a lot worse for fernando ricksen. his parents could have named him "chiquitita".
lentilbhoy
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it's not all doom and gloom. big eck will be rangers manager next season.
things could have been a lot worse for fernando ricksen. his parents could have named him "chiquitita".
lentilbhoy
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Firstly to those who are criticising the predictions Paul has made - stop talking nonesense. No one has a crystal ball and no-one knows it all (I include you in that Fargo). The future is not written (I think thats a quote from the clash).
Paul I know you'll ignore these jibes as you ignore me when you think I'm talking mince.
I made some predictions through this season - some of them came true (and still make me feel sick) - but none of them came true for the reasons I thought they would.
On to my point - Martybhoy - if the board really knew or cared what was going on why didn't they act? Why didn't they offer MON help? Why didn't they explain?
Others have pointed out that as paying customers we should be told the truth - most of us would have bought the season books anyway - the board acted dishonestly - simple as that - we are their cash cow.
Paul - you say Quinn has speculated. I could not disagree with that more. Others seem to think that I made up the "we won't speculate to accumulate quote" - I remember it well - but if you choose to rewrite history then thats up to you. As for the accounts - well I think by now you know what I think about these "factual" figures. Accounts can say anything you want them to.
Perhaps you are bored with my continual references to the strange financial reserves? Also you seem to think my theory about protecting their financial interests aren't worth talking about.
Why?
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Back to football - 4-4-2 --- 5-3-2
take it to the byeline. Set out your stall. diamond formation.
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It's interesting that Anon 1.02 uses the third party in his original post and is not directing his observations, carefully selected observations at that, to Paul but is directing them at everyone else on the site. Much as I am with this response.
"If this guy Paul67..." is how he starts his attack. An unusual way of addressing him, bearing in mind Anon 1.02 claims to be a "peruser" of the site and is clearly very familiar with the content over a long period of time. Very unfamiliar manner for one so familiar with the site content.
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Dear Paul,
I would just like you and the other regulars on this site to know that you have helped me enormously since Sunday. I haven't been able to face even Graham Spiers' columns. Maybe the Final will let me back at the papers. I want to thank you because whether what you predict comes to fruition or not, you write it obviously with a love of Celtic. There's little enough of that perspective in the scottish press (and I couldn't even face Kevin MacCarra's article in Monday's Guardian, although I know he's as mad as the rest of us, in the right way).
Parkheadcumsalford
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Today, Steve Wigley has been named as the new reserve team coach of Manchester City.
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Paul, regarding McNamara's testimonial, obviously the money made from ticket sales will go to Jackie('s charity).But there are several different ways of making money on match days other than gate receipts that will go to Celtic.
And Anon 1:02, as the scousers say 'Calm Down, Calm Down.'
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Look anon 1.02 - this is pretty simple - this is our game, it's Paul's ball, our game and if you don't like it, go on and play somewhere else. We like playing here. I'm not debating it. Go away and play somewhere else. And everyone else, can we get back to the game please?
McGrain
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test
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Baldymeister,
I don't envy your position one bit. looking on the bright side, you can ask those Cov fans how they'll be doing in the CL this year!
Anon 1.02
A rather bitter attack on Paul. Sure, you may disagree with him, but no need for the vitriolic nature of the assualt.
Paul67 has, IMO always made it easy to distinguish between what are facts and what are conclusions and opinions he has drawn. His predictions may not always be correct (who's ever are?) but he is just as entitled to make them as anyone else.
You really seem to despise this site, its author, contents and contributors. Fair shakes, we all like/dislike different things. If something I don't like comes on the TV I switch off or turn over. You may choose to do likewise...
The debates here are lively, but civilised (the ongoing Neganon/Paul battles being an example) there has rarely, if ever, been recourse to the bitter sniping that you have chosen to post.
If only we were all blessed with your exceptional 20/20 hindsight, eh?
Regards
Liam H
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look, anon 1.02. Are you a Celtic fan? The fact that all of your postings have had F all to do with the club, GS, MoN and our future is worrying. All you've found to say on this is Paul's wrong, he's a bad man etc..
This is a Celtic Forum, where we all have a good bit of banter and, (surely not), we sometimes disagree. Paul has been wrong and he has been right. But one thing you can't deny, if you ARE a celtic fan, is that the debates we've had over the past months has helped us get throught this most troublesome of seasons.
So if you want to talk, talk in a manner that we can all say "hmm, i see where you are coming from but i feel its a bit more to do with..."
westim
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Big Joe, Says……………
Paul. I feel offended by Anon 1.02pm
This is a family site
Cant this rant be removed
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As much as I love this site, and everything we all discuss. I think I'm just going to wait and see what happens over the next few weeks. The signings, the manager, the back room staff, the friendlies. Just take it all in and figure out where we stand.
We are all nervous about whats going to happen, and on the back of sunday, its been a bad week.
Onwards and upwards.
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help, if Liverpool get into next years chap league will it affect our seeding? with England having 5 teams in it
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No, they'd still be seeded in both Qual. rounds and still be potentially Pot 2.
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My initial reaction to Gordon Strachan was negative, but that was only because he is not MON. Martin really felt our pain and jumped with us for joy, I don't know if we'll ever have that again. I will miss it immensely.
Now MON is away, I am worried we slip back to the less than mediocre state of the 80's and 90's. 1st round euro exits and the odd Scottish league title being the highlights. Don't give me a trophy haul as statistics when talking about MON (Livi won a trophty in Scotland last year!!), even league titles (but how 4 would have been more fitting), I'll remember playing Rangers with no fear, 77 home games undefeated and going nose to nose with Europe's finest.
We have lost our leader.
wee Gordy has some task to follow. Daft analysis here, but I can remember having doubts about John Barnes simply because he talked mince in tv commentary. Wee Gordy always comes across as
insightful and is on another level tactically.
Here's hoping.
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Paul, Could the Liverpool victory last night be viewed as a further dilution of the CL, in that the new holders are looking to both the English FA and UEFA for a back door qualification, and furthermore could this rift perhaps be exploited by those seeking a new league set-up?
Or am I just trying too hard to see the signs? No harm in optimism.
Keep up the good work. CC
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No! Liverpool wont be allowed into the Cahmpions league to defend the Cup.
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Just on a lighter note, when driving up the road after work I heard Real Radio had an EXCLUSIVE with Murray!
When all the limelight is on Celtic the chief goat fiddler just can't take it.
His new vision for the future is not
"I'll throw down a tenner for every fiver Celtic puts down"
NO
Now its
"Purso and Novo cost us 400 grand fantastic bit of business" !!
Yes that's right David you screw the club for all it's worth and line your pockets.
The FOD were banging on about all the players that they were in talks with... They flatter to deceive!!
We gave them two leagues let normal service resume next season.
Oh by the way Eck is now a success as he's won the same as MON... Aye if you count league cups.
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Paul67, what do you make of this....
"Almost 92,000 shares traded today (26 May). Ah tell sumthings big's
about to happen. "
Two percent of ordinary shares have changed hands in the last 10 days or so.
from the COTH board (sorry burghcelt)
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Subject:Search for the Perfect Candidate for the Office Of Silly, Insipid Remarks...
Mayday, Mayday.....
Subject or Maybe Object... Sighted......
Subject or Object Identified........
Subject or Abject Object using Sobriquet...Anon 1.01........
Reporter: "Noah, how did you find the Abject Candidate so quickly?"
Noah:"Oh! Very Easily, my good Man.
Just followed the Yellow Trail of
Drivel and Green Slime of Vitriol, that the Abject Object left behind in the execution of his histrionic ravings.
Unfortunately, this Site will need a thorough Fumigation, because of the envious and self- seeking Pestilential Abject Object, Known to all and sundry as:
Anon 1.01
Summation by the Learned Scion of Solon, will follow:
"This Abject Object is verily intoxicated by the Exuberance of His Own Verbosity.
There can be no Favorable Prognosis to the malady of which the Abject Creature, known as 1.01., suffers.
Afraid the only course of rectification must be the Ultimate...
Send the Blighter to Coventry!
Total utter and comprehensive rejection of the scribbles of this
Sorry Abject Creature, known as Anon 1.01!
So it is written, So it shall be done!
Paul67,your whole personality is the Antithesis of the Creature now known forevermore, as the Abject Object!(previous pseudonym:Anon 1.01)
I apologize sincerely on the behalf of all of the other members of this wonderful site.
It embarrasses me, no end, when the intelligent subscribers to this, I repeat, wonderful site, are subjected to the nonsense, emanating from this Abject Object.
Begone, Abject Object, henceforth you are a Carbuncle on the Backside of Humanity!
"Out! Out! Damn Spot!"
Noah the Gnu.
Leaving in High Dudgeon!
-
Subject:Search for the Perfect Candidate for the Office Of Silly, Insipid Remarks...
Mayday, Mayday.....
Subject or Maybe Object... Sighted......
Subject or Object Identified........
Subject or Abject Object using Sobriquet...Anon 1.01........
Reporter: "Noah, how did you find the Abject Candidate so quickly?"
Noah:"Oh! Very Easily, my good Man.
Just followed the Yellow Trail of
Drivel and Green Slime of Vitriol, that the Abject Object left behind in the execution of his histrionic ravings.
Unfortunately, this Site will need a thorough Fumigation, because of the envious and self- seeking Pestilential Abject Object, Known to all and sundry as:
Anon 1.01
Summation by the Learned Scion of Solon, will follow:
"This Abject Object is verily intoxicated by the Exuberance of His Own Verbosity.
There can be no Favorable Prognosis to the malady of which the Abject Creature, known as 1.01., suffers.
Afraid the only course of rectification must be the Ultimate...
Send the Blighter to Coventry!
Total utter and comprehensive rejection of the scribbles of this
Sorry Abject Creature, known as Anon 1.01!
So it is written, So it shall be done!
Paul67,your whole personality is the Antithesis of the Creature now known forevermore, as the Abject Object!(previous pseudonym:Anon 1.01)
I apologize sincerely on the behalf of all of the other members of this wonderful site.
It embarrasses me, no end, when the intelligent subscribers to this, I repeat, wonderful site, are subjected to the nonsense, emanating from this Abject Object.
Begone, Abject Object, henceforth you are a Carbuncle on the Backside of Humanity!
"Out! Out! Damn Spot!"
Noah the Gnu.
Leaving in High Dudgeon!
-
Mick, Why the aggressive answer, I merely asked about a matter I thought was relevant to the post Paul has coming up on the new league set up?
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Paul67 keep up the good work don't let the buggers get you down.
Strachan has a massive job to do with the team. He needs new players but also he has to give the promising youngsters a chance.
Money has to be made available for WGS. Your Sylla's and Hedman's will go and I'm hopeful of quality replacements. WGS will have a scouting network that is different to MON's so lets what gems he can unearth.
Pussy Willow
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Does anyone have suspicions about the fact that the News of the World broke the O'Neill Goes-Strach arrives story on the morning of the Motherwell match?
Celtic's PR department obviously tried to keep the lid on the story for some time, but by saying nothing they allowed it to be used to do maximum damage on the day of our biggest game of the season.
They allowed a frenzy of rumours to build up that was at best unsettling and at worst the cause of our collapse.
Would it not have been better to have released the story with four games to go when we were five points ahead and exulted the players to go and win the championship for Martin?
People I know in the newspaper world are adamant that the story was leaked to the NoW from a man with powerful Rangers connections.
Worrying given McLeish's close friendship with Strachan.
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92000 shares changing hands....something big happening?
For every share bought a share is sold who is selling so many shares?? if something big was going to happen why sell now?
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well done fellow celts, rounding on anon 1.02 (Leckie/Cosgrove lovechild?) proves our unique and magnificent camaraderie. Can we see a wee bit more of that at CP next year please? Feels good eh? Getting together for a common cause, making a lot of noise, even if what's on show ain't perfect. GS and the bhoys need our support, let's make CP a fortress again.
well done too Paul67, fantastic effort.
Any chance of a CQN tee-shirt for me hols?
Celticwully
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Anon 7.54
The shares may have been sold at a higher price than purchased. This is called profit.
Fergis bought a lot of shares in his takeover, was nothing big happening at that time?
Tony, Latvia
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Elaborate Tony. Don't know whether, your answering the question or hinting to something bigger.
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Haven't had the chance to read through all the comments as yet so apologies if it's repeating opinions already here.
I'm not thrilled by Strachan's appointment, we have a manager, like MON, who learned his managerial trade in England, will we not end up with the same issues as Martin struggled with, an obsession with signing players with EPL experience, your average Joe coming to the SPL to shine then fall on their faces in Europe.
MON was a Godsend, he's a huge loss for all Tims, but in the cold light of day we're also losing his experiences managing a losing Celtic team as well as a winning one. I'm gutted he won't have the chance to take us to the next level.
With GS we're starting all over again.
Co Adriaanse doesn't sound so bad after all but I think LeGuen would have been the man.
Hope I'm wrong, maybe it's just the gloom from Sunday, unfortunately I dreamt M/well won 2-1 so you can imagine how I felt when we were hanging on at 1-0 and the first of McDonalds goals went in.
So good luck to MON and his family, and good luck to our new manager, Hey now we've got a "ginger genius" as well, AW NAW!!!
Currently being pursued by the only Hun in Oregon, who for some reason wants to speak to me???, so I'm offski.
Oregonbhoy
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A bit off topic,
but doe no one else see the lack of drive in celtic over the last couple years?
Liverpool, a team we put out of europe two years ago, have now just won the champions league, while we are out of europe after 6 matches, and haven't even won the SPL!!
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hoopy the round ...i was just pointing out that it could be what Paul has been talking about for quite a while now.
The anon made a fair point but i am quite positive of something happening and look forward to Paul's post next week about it.
A lot of anons are thinking that Paul comes up with positive posts after negative events, and many of them believe it is a deliberate ploy and he is a friend of the board.
Despite the quite abusive tone coming from them a lot of the time i am starting to think they are just as addicted to the sight as many of us are:)
Tony, Latvia
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Hi all,
Glad to see things starting to move on again on this thread rather than it being all about the anon attack on paul... (he says before dragging it back to that very matter...sorry) as was said above, were all wrong at times, we all put theories up on this board, some come to fruition, most don't... but singling out Paul was churlish... someone has to start off the conversation!
Half the time I post on here its in response to someone else who's posted in the previous few entries... I cant even remember what paul wrote at te start of this thread it was so long ago...
Keep up the good work EVERYONE who contribute's and continues to keep a thread flowing and diverging...
Hail Hail
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Tony point taken on profit but i repeat why sell now if something big is going to happen....even more profit to be made. Unless shares were bought when @44p then not much profit..original shares sold by the bunnet have made a loss even with the 12p increase in the past fortnight.
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Hail! Hail! the Celts are here what the hell do we care now?
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Are you anon 1:02?Where's Paul?
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Glad to see a healthy change in tone: a couple of days ago there was outright hostility at the mere thought Gordon Strachan would succeed MON; now most folks appear to be open minded and prepared to give him a chance.
On another note, I'm a wee bit concerned about us holding on in hope that MON will one day return. It reminds me of when I was dumped by my first love. I refused to accept it and spent a couple of years going round in circles and not really moving forward, hoping she would come back. Celtic can't afford to do this.
Indeed, as my old granny used to tell me, "what's fir ye won't go bye ye" and I'm now happily married to a great girl.
I suppose the moral of the story is that when things change and people move on, there's little point in standing still. Be grateful for the memories and walk on.
On the subject of the Abject Object, I'd be absolutely delighted if some of you were correct and he was indeed a tabloid journalist.
Paul and the rest of us can be rightly proud that we've riled up the tabloids so much that all they can do is resort to petty abuse. It shows we've hit a raw nerve and they know there days of churning out crap are numbered as more and more of us seek out objective analysis and debate.
All the best.
GM
p.s. sorry for the mush Bhoys, it's been an emotional week.
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I am not a fan of the board-but over the last few days i have come to the conclusion that they are no more secretive or underhand than any other board.All boards in all walks of business have different mind sets than the rest of we mortals.we only think our board is the worst because it is ours.every other clubs fans feel the same.this is not to say that they never get it wrong-in my view they do frequently.Paul67 tries to put aside the emotions and look at things objectively-i do not think he is an apologist for the board but sees that they may be approaching what we all want from a different, more long term strategic angle and also bear in mind that much as we dont like it-Celtic FC is a business and must be run like one.
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With my term on suicide watch consigned to history,thought i'd pick up on a few things seen here today.
Summer signings - Can't think of any top drawer Germans except Ballack and possibly Sebastian Deisler.Like the idea of Hartley, although i'm not sure he'll be a first-team regular.Davie Weir,Huckerby,Camara.No better than what we already have,no thank you.
The idea that the story OF MON's departure has been leaked by someone in power at Rangers infers that McLeish has been told by GS.If that was indeed the case and he is the leak,I would imagine that would mean the end of their friendship and the beginning of a ferocious rivalry.
The wee man to me is a man of principle and if someone has abused his confidence then I for one am sure he would not be happy.
Now a request.When idiots like the Anon who was on earlier keep posting,can I ask that everyone does not respond directly to their comments.
I like to get home from work and read through ALL the comments(yes,sad I know) and it's far easier if we don't dedicate a quarter of our comments to feeding the egotistical ramblings of someone who clearly cares not a jot for our club and delights in thinking he is getting to us.
Finally,I have read and re-read the link to GS's column in the Guardian.I'm now feeling a bit more positive about the future.If he can articulate his ‘high-brow, hand on chin deep in thought type musings’ on the beautiful game to his players,he might just have a chance!!!
BankieBhoy
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Had Strachan followed any of our other recent appointments , all Celtic fans would be in 7th Heaven.
I think he'll do the job - let's face it we've not got much to do to be better than Rangers?
Give him a chance!
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With impeccable timing I left on Tuesday for a wee break in France so I’ve missed much of the media chat and reaction and if truth be told there’s no way if my marriage is to survive that I can possibly catch up on all comments on what must surely have become the premier site for Celtic aficionados. So my apologies to all in advance if its already been said.
Firstly a long ferry trip as the news first crystallised gave me a little time to reflect on MON’s time and to remember my comments when his appointment was first rumoured. I said then
“So what do I think of the prospect of Martin O’Neill as coach?
From what I have seen he is very much his own man which any successful manager needs to be. He is young articulate forthright and passionate in all that he does. He has managed in one of the world’s toughest leagues taking Leicester from relegation regulars to a regular top 10 placing, moulding them into a team no one likes to play and winning two league cups along the way.
On the downside you could argue that he has little European experience but if we are brutally honest in the past twenty years neither have Celtic. In any event that is not the job in hand at present - the prime task is to make more of what we have and can afford to recruit to become credible challengers and eventual champions. His relative youth and his other qualities of honesty integrity and loyalty offer the prospect of long term stability, a pre-requisite of success for both the football club and the plc
.It may be a first for the plc management but I feel that the appointment of Martin O’Neill would be positive news for investors and fans alike.”
I think everyone would agree that I wasn’t wrong and that without a doubt in terms of a time frame for a return to success he more than exceeded expectations. I’m glad I kept a copy and can only add that for me now his two greatest achievements in his time with us was the restoration of our badly dented pride and the safety of our public image in the hands of a sincere and intelligent individual. To some extent the two things went together.
I need to say however that in this season in particular I was less than happy with what was on offer and his decision making. To that extent I was frustrated but in retrospect I can hardly begin to conceive and hope I never have to, the effect of his wife’s illness upon him. In that regard I would have been more than pleased to see him have the opportunity to make me swallow my criticisms whole. Alas that’s not to be.
For him and his family I wish them everything they’d hope and pray for, for themselves.
And so what do I think of Strachan? Quite simply I believe we will not be disappointed in him. I have been consistently impressed by his public persona his tactical awareness his passion and his willingness to have a wry laugh at himself. He seems to have the ability to make his teams punch above their weight and I would certainly not condemn him on his performance at Coventry.
There are so many ways in which he reminds me of MON and I have to admit that after last years rumours I paid even more attention to him. After the Ron Atkinson / Marcel Desailly situation he took over big Ron’s column in the Guardian and has consistently demonstrated an open questioning analytical mind. I very much look forward to what may well be a breath of fresh air around Paradise. I certainly do not expect BBJ to be with us for long if his fitness does not improve and I certainly expect to see a deal more wheeling and dealing with poor performers not being allowed to rest on their laurels..
I completely agree with Bryce Curdy that speculation about an MON return should not be entertained least of all here. After all if Gordon Strachan is as successful as we all hope he will be and we are playing attractive football will any of us want it to happen?
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First chance to post for a couple of days (and momentous they have been).
First of all deep heartfelt thanks to Martin, Steve and John - they gave us pride back and we should never forget that! Martin, you and Geraldine will be in my prayers.
Secondly big thanks to paul67 for this site. Without it the pain of the last few days would have been so much greater. It has been a very cathartic experience reading and posting comments on ho we were all feeling post Sunday and up to and after the news of Martin's resignation. The site has helped ease the pain and serves as a great reminder of how disparate and united the Celtic family is - thanks Paul!
Finally, had the privelege of spending a few hours in the company of Gordon Strachan many years ago while he was still at Man United- an evening that ended up with him sitting on a piano in a nightclub in Manchester belting out the Celtic song for myself and my brother. A unashamed Hibee he did not hide his distaste of all things Rangers and also spoke of his envy of the support that Celtic received!No sure if his distaste continues to this day given that his big pal is now in charge over there but he certainly had no warm, feelings about them then.
He is now a Celtic man - lets all get behind him and give him our complete support. I have a good feeling that this is going to be ok - after all - he was earmarked for the job by MON himself! And lets make Saturday a day that neither Martin, Steve or John will ever forget either.
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Does anyone know if there is to be any imminent announcement on Celtics' new training facility?
I remember BQ saying that an announcement would be made before the end of the season when announcing the interims.
BankieBhoy
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What happened to Celtic Quick News? I go to the tranquil banks of Loch Fyne for one day and come back with my increasingly fragile ego dissected and limping along.
Thanks for your support Nominatim, Celtic Dave, Mayo D, JohnBhoy, Jaunty, ghg67, Cabbage, Chick67, King Kong, Marzepans, Bryce Curdy, Liam H, Westim, Pussy Willow, Stephen74, GM, Boltonbhoy and Chris McMorrow, hope Mexico City is treating you well.
Pimlico Bhoy, I’ll try hard at being more humble.
Nope, can’t do it. Back to the dribbling :-)
Cousin of the great Fargo, thanks for your previous good counsel on the site, the first pint of Caffrey’s is on me.
Cannot argue on Strachan Kano. Do you think they sell see-you-jimmy wigs on eBay? Completely disagree on my own ugliness, though, and always appreciate people who try to balance personal attacks.
An interesting point there Canajunbhoy and U2….
Belfast Bhoy, I believe a whole lot of transfer business has been arranged. Would be wanting answers if they were not.
Welcome The Bald Ego, agree.
MartyBhoy, trousers down in the board room! What a thought.
Cheers McGarveybhoy, agree credit to TrueTim.
Tom the Tim, you mean this guy is not my dad afterall?
Neg Anon, The financial figures are factual in the following: Wages were in fact £40million last season, Running costs were £24mllion, Amortisation was £11million.
I have never heard your Quinn quote, but why would he spend so much on wages if he was not prepared to speculate?
You know what, if I had his job I might just have spent more money. I might have pushed the bank a bit harder, I certainly wanted him to sign some players.
As for financial self interest, no arguments. I am sure that there is a serious amount of money to be made out of Celtic over the next ten years, I just don’t see the problem over the last ten.
Also, thanks for your support.
Cheers Parkheadcumslaford
Fair enough Sean.zo, but they wont make that much from the pies.
Big Joe, I know, I know. If the guy was not having a personal go at me I would have removed it for his language. As a few have said, the site will change with more people coming on, though the vast majority are excellent contributors.
I have been reluctant to remove the personal attacks, primarily because their collaboration theories are unworthy and I have nothing to hide.
If these guys are a one-off occurrence there is nothing to worry about, if not I’ll remove them.
Not sure how the Liverpool situation is going to play CynicalCelt. I suspect Uefa will stick to their guns, though you might read this quote being thrown back in a few weeks :-)
BurghCeltc, you know what I think about that surely. Business is being done.
Noah the Gnu, thanks for that, brought a big smile.
CelticWullie, T shirts are in production.
Bankiebhoy, the deadline mentioned about the training centre at the AGM was this financial year, which ends 30th June.
My guess; training centre, share issue and lots of money spent all becoming clear soon.
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My initial reaction when I heard Strachan's name was disappointment.
But I was as low as it gets, less than 48 hours after the horrific experience that was Sunday.
Having let the idea of Strachan ferment for a day or so, I'm starting to think that it could be a great appointment.
First of all, he was a fantastic player. He was the engine of that truly excellent Aberdeen team that used to routinely hump us on our own park and won a European trophy, beating no less than Real Madrid in the final. Aberdeen beat Real Madrid in a European final! I know! How ridiculous an idea is that??!!
And Strachan was the fearless terrier who epitomized the spirit of that team.
Then he signed for the biggest club in the world during a period of enormous turmoil and helped drive them back towards where they ought to be.
He then signs for Leeds at the age of 32 and inspires them to become English champions for the first time since Revie was manager.
No too shabby a playing career I think you'll agree.
So what of Strachan now?
He cut his teeth at in the PREMIERSHIP at Coventry, made mistakes no doubt, but could obviously spot a player - Robbie Keane, Craig Bellamy to name but two. Let's not forget that MON's first steps in management were with an AMATEUR team before a spell at Wycombe Wanderers!
Then onto Southampton, where he lifts the perrenial relegation-flirters to 8th place, An FA Cup final and European football. MON achieved much the same at a similarly provincial club - Leicester.
Strachan has established himself as a favourite pundit for the BBC in their Premiership coverage, not unlike MON before him.
I don't pretend to be a skillful student of the tactical niceties of football, but I have always been impressed by Strachan's analyses of big games in his Guardian articles.
Strachan is coming into this job with everything to prove - it's his first really big job. He knows what's at stake.
He has always struck me as totally passionate about football. And I think we can be pretty certain that next season we will see a far more attractive footballing side than we've seen in the last couple of seasons.
I will be eternally grateful to MON for what he did for us. We were on our knees and he transformed us into treble winners and European finalsits after years of utter misery. The man is a legend.
But Celtic Football Club will go on and we must give Stach our 100% backing. I think he might just prove to be a great manager for us
Paul 67, I don't always agree with you, but I sincerely appreciate the time and effort you put into this excellent site. It is easily the best place to come for a stimulating debate with fellow tims.
Anon 1.02, please do me a favour. Set up your own website and instead of snipe at someone who obviously loves the club, do your own thing. It's not difficult.
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Just came back in after seeing my son and heir's primary school team lose 2-1 after being 1-0 up with five minutes to go. Someone up there is having a laugh!
My apologies for responding earlier to provocation from someone whose priority is obviously not the club we all love so much and are prepared to sacrifice so much for ... even our own egos.
BankieBhoy (I think) is right in that we should completely and utterly ignore these attention-seekers.
My advice: Respond only to those whose log-on or sign-off you recognise or respect.
This site is a vital lifeline for those all over the world who eat, sleep, live and breathe this wonderful institution. To maintain its integrity, we must quickly identify a malevolent interloper.., then ignore them.
As for Gordon Strachan, I know the guy spent his 15 months out of the game studying American football, Real Madrid and so on. He's a clever wee guy who has filled his head with clever wee ideas. I believe very interesting and successful days are just around the corner. And I will certainly give the wee man every support. As will anyone who truly wants to see our club move forward.
Reverting back to earlier posts, the suggestion that Strachan had any part in the leaking of the 'MON to go' story is as ludicrous as it is libellous.
The story had been leaking from Celtic Park for many weeks. It was only when a source within the Celtic board confirmed it that the News of the World reported it as a "World Exclusive". The minute the Sunday Mail heard the NOW were going with the story, they piled in as well.
Highly unsatisfactory. An inquest is ongoing, I'm told. But to tarnish wee Gordon with any scintilla of blame is simply wrong.
Before you ask: I have contacts high up in the media biz.
Finally, before I head off to the land of Tir Connaill, best Cup Final wishes to Paul and the rest of you marvelllous bloggers.
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Anon because Im not sure of my login details.
Thought about WGS the last few days and I think the board realise its 'more than a job' and MON pointed them to a whole hearted fella who knows the game and (I think this is undervalued) the'media'. Admittedly he does have a hard act to follow.
He will give as uch and more than he gets.
Note: the last few years many of the sport sections editorials have said he was magic and never miss a chance to quote his 'Strachan crackers'.Jumping on the Stachan for Scotland band wagon until they realised who was getting the job.
But I wonder how many of them will be of the same opinion this time next year when cheating, diving, over celebrating Robbie Keane is the spl top scorer and the treble has been won?
Almost a full week of 2 visits to the newsagents,had to go for Racing and Football Outlook and Hamilton Advertiser (but thats on the touch and go list) never looking at the chip wrapper stand.
Only reading this and another Celtic site,and trying to avoid any other Scottish media, its starting to feel like Im ready to check out of the media priory.
Not even cold turkey it was so easy and its the future.
Estadio Nacional (probably registered with wrong spelling) and sorry Estadio, for the name didnt know anyone else had registered the name.
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I cannot believe that something very important such as the assistant manager has not been debated here.
OK it has been mentioned but not as much as it should be as it is very important.
My choice would be McGhee. In fact I would be over the moon about McGhee. People in the game say he is one of the most tactically astute managers. Why has this never made him a great manager? I don't know. Maybe personality. Maybe other things but someone like him would be great as a number 2 and he's a Celtic diehard to boot.
Don't think it'll happen though and I don't want Burns. Sorry Tommy you're doing a good job at the moment but I don't think it would work as I don't think he would bring much to the table.
Tonybhoy
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Not thought about it much liked the ginger duo idea, but McGee would be ideal I think he has always been looking for the right job. But as you say maybee the personality thing has been the problem, so it would be down to how GS and him got on previoulsy.
Estadio Nacional
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RE CynicalCelt
Sorry didn't mean to sound aggressive, my dinner was going to get binned, thats why it was short and sweet.. nothing intended.
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tonybhoy
I was going to add a comment earlier on this but thought I had already said enough.
As with a lot of things Celtic,my opinion on TB is completely to the contrary.I remember when he was in charge,talking to a friend of mine who said the players loved his training routines as he let them work with the ball where possible.
Seems like a novel idea to me given they are supposed to be playing with it on matchday.
As a manager he may have been flawed,but I think as a coach he would be a fantastic appointment.GS will have his own ideas,but again we have to back his judgment whoever he decides on and hope that together they are successful.
Paul,thanks for the info on the training ground.The piece that GS done in the Guardian seemed to suggest that he sees fitness and facilities as a major part of preparing his teams.Lets hope we come up with the goods.
BankieBhoy
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Most folk reckoned MON had made many mistakes. Some reckoned his time was up.
Most folk seem not too excited nor optimistic about WGS.
Compare this with the reaction to The King's replacements - rumoured and real.
We weren't really happy with any of them - Rivaldo, Juninho (I know he wasn't a positional replacement) and Henri without the special k.
2 things -
1.MON, like The King will undoubtedly be a hard act to follow. As someone pointed out - his biggest failures were always by baw-hairs. His achievements were immense.
2.WGS must be given time to get things right - none was given to Juninho nor Henri by both MON and fans. If Camarra had been afforded the leeway given to Bellamy then who knows (stop sniggering)
So lets get behind the wee man and lets have some PR with him and his footballing/drinking hero - Jinky to rival MONs PR concerning his father's famous advice.
StephF
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Paul67, look forward to publicising CQN in the Eternal City!
Sean.zo made a point of other ways of raising finance and perhaps i'm putting 2 and 2 together and coming up with 67 but it's always struck me on european travels that:
1) considerably more direct funds can be raised for the club.
2)'budget' airlines that unashamedly exploit the celtic masses could deservedly lose our patronage.
I realise that CFC are not travel agents and admit that I have no understanding of the airline business but if we take say an average of 10,000 to away games times 2 qualifiers and 3 group stage fixures (I have faith GS) and potentially another 3 (even faith has limits)second group stage we are talking about the potential of 60,80 perhaps even 120,000 (realistically far higher depending on success, draw, ticket allocation etc)seats with the majority flying from Glasgow, London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Dublin and Manchester. Is there not potential in CFC chartering their OWN flights with profits reinvested in the playing squad and more attractive prices as major carrots to travel timair? A ball-park figure of say £150 return x 80,000 = £12 million. Celtic ditch Thomas Cook/Lonsdale, employ 2 or 3 staff to coordinate plus a consultancy for counsel; publicise initiative via supporters clubs/matchday/internet/CV etc and surely there is serious money to be made that currently ends up in the pockets of the unscrupulous airlines that rub their filthy mits and increase fares ten fold as soon as celts head into europe.
Why not look at the costs, organisation requirements? Can't be that difficult if plenty other charter firms survive and profit. I do think that our much maligned board take a fair amount of unwarranted stick, but do not believe that there is enough 'thinking out of the box. Or perhaps I'm just out my box (a few ales consumed making my way through 180 replies to this meandering thread!)
Answers on a postcard please.
Celticwully
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Hopefully final word on Anon 1:02.
Come on Keith stay away from the web, you know it only gets you into trouble.
As for predictions, they are only wishfull thinking based on personal interpretation of current situation or educated guesses based on previous experience. Either way that's what gives us the diverse opinions and entertaining debate that makes this site as popular as it is. It's also scaring the hell out of the hun-ins and red tops.
Now on to more important matters, we should now be preparing to produce the biggest Hampden roar of all time. 90 minutes of non stop support to carry the Bhoys over the winning line and ensure MoN gets the farewll he so richly deserves.
We never walk alone.
Bhoysbackability.
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Johnbhoy said
Reverting back to earlier posts, the suggestion that Strachan had any part in the leaking of the 'MON to go' story is as ludicrous as it is libellous
NAAS says
Why is it a ludicrous suggestion? Keep the Faith seem to have gone with it too. If you had the Celtic job lined up could you keep it to yourself? Wouldn't you tell your closest friend about it? Only this time the closest friend is about to be bumped for underachieving so decides to break his promise of silence in an attempt to save his own skin,It's happened before and I'm sure it will continue to do so.
I actually wasn't going to ask but since you brought the subject up JB, why do you feel the need to tell us about your Meeja pals? Is it to make you look and feel important in this community? Ludicrous eh. Jeez everyone and their uncle,cousin, niece or hamster here seems to have connections to someone.
Me. I'm just NAAS
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Been away from www. for a few days but thought it appropriate to comment without reading previous postings so apologies if I'm repeating what has gone before. My thoughts and prayers are with Martin O'Neill, his wife Geraldine and other family members.
The man will be remembered by me as someone who brought us from nowhere to again respecting ourselves. I will be forever endebted to him for the joy he has arisen in me once again as I remember conquering England, Germany et al. and the never to be forgotten experience of Seville.
Here's to a new phase - personally I'm excited.
BF_BHOY
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Paul67, almost forgot, any chance of a future thread along the lines of 'how we can raise more funds for first team quality players? Ideas that don't involve us spending any more of our green pounds but rather, or crucially, robbing Peter to pay Paul. Shareholders United very active in draining funds from Man U sponsors/destroying Glaser and interesting to see how much is being raised by collective determination. Any idea how successful the celtic credit card has been? There is a big green and white think tank on this website.
Celticwully
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NAAS,
I only mentioned my connections because I was informed from a very high source where the story came from. And it had absolutely nothing to do with Gordon Strachan.
To suggest so would seem to be an attempt, without the slightest proof (because it does not and cannot exist) to undermine and demean our new manager.
So what team DO you support?
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As for the big conspiracy theory, board gate. It is bloody obvious that wee strachy had to let the bbc know he was scadooting, jumping ship from his contract with them.
Lets face it, it was for a media organization that he worked for, a friend of leckie or someone after a quick buck has told him that wee strachy is offski. After last week when MON stated are you asking me if im leaving for another club the anwser is no. Leckie boy puts 2+2 and walla a story thats on the button is born. Even sewar rats get lucky.
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The story about Martin leaving has been going about for months. Even this site has had inklings about Steve Walford's weans moving school. I heard the MON out, Strachan in, story a month ago from a source in Northern Ireland. But the press were too scared to go on rumour, less MON rip them to pieces.
His equivocal comments on the Friday before the Motherwell game ("I'll not be going to another club") gave the Sunday tabloids (not Bill Leckie - he works for The Sun) the first inkling that confirmation was in the pipeline. From then on, it was a chase to see who could be the first to stand the story up.
The only reason the News of the World went with it was because they got confirmation from within Celtic Park.
Those are the facts. To suggest otherwise is, at best, misguided, and, at worst, malevolent.
If you wish to drag Gordon Strachan into this then you are no friend of Celtic. And fellow-bloggers should treat your half-baked theories accordingly.
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Hi All
Let me apologise for going off-topic but I figured that the more relevant articles have already been read by most.
I have set up a tribute site for MON at http://www.thankyoumartin.co.uk
It has a guestbook for fans to leave messages of thanks and goodwill to Martin and his family - with a view to having the messages printed and bound to be sent to MON. I have only just published the site so please help it get off to a good start - and please spread the word.
Sorry for the hijack, Paul, keep up the good work. I've got a lot of reading to catch up on on this site as I have been busy the last couple of days building the site.
Thanks all, lets give MON the very best of send-offs this weekend... then remain strong in our support of the new manager as we look to the future.
Hail Hail
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My bags are packed my cup final weekend starts in less than eight hours "personaly i'm excited" an understatement.
The last few days seem like a distant nightmare, come 4:45 Saturday they won't even be remembered.
Come on the Celts
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I've just read Boltobhoy at 10.21 and it's crystallized something for me. Like everyone else I was in blackout mode after Sunday. Easier for me here in Chennai (that's Madras to anyone old enough to have been at Lisbon)than for people back home, but still, I avoided the daily round of the media websites.
During that though, I still got my daily fix from CQN. Like minded people (mostly) coming to terms with hurt, the shock of MON going and WGS (better than just GS)coming, the initial disappointment at that and now the growing excitement...
So I agree completely wih your third paragraph Boltonbhoy. This site is something special, particularly when your stuck out here. Thanks to Paul and all contributors of good will.
Incidentally, does anyone know of any Tims in Chennai?
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Regarding the leaking of the MON leaving story. Certainly disappointing, whoever was responsible (don't buy the Strachan theory though). However, I really don't think that cost us the league. We lost the game because of bad finishing and bad defending. The same as we lost to Aberdeen and Rangers at home. If we'd won those three games we'd have won the league by 11 points.
One thing about Strachan having been lined up a year ago - if this was the case (and I'm not saying it can't have been), why did he go for the Scotland job?
rintimtim - agree about getting our own sponsor - definitely more to gain than lose going that route.
Cousin of the great Fargo - hope you're right about Weir not coming. Not too convinved about Robbie Keane, but we'll see. Top drawer French and German players - can we expect Henry and Ballack? :-)
"or a pint of Baileys should they collapse at a late stage." - You're not Amoruso are you?????
Paul/CynicalCelt - Liverpool WILL be in the CL next season, and England will get five teams. I'd be amazed if this is not the case (will be delighted if you can quote this back to me in the future!). How they think they have a divine right to be there as holders (when it's not in the rules) is beyond me. If they're good enough to win the CL they should be good enough to finish in the top four of their league - not 37 points behind the champions. There is no UEFA rule that says the holders get back in, and the FA's ruling says the top four in the league get in - why is there any debate about it at all? If they get in, then Real Zaragoza should kick up a fuss about getting pushed aside for Real Madrid in 2000. Hope this doesn't come across as a personal attack on Liverpool, I just believe that the rules should be followed.
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chennaiseabird,
Where is Chennai????
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CelticWullie, I fear the travel business might push our board a wee bit too far.
I like the way your mind works, though, keep it coming.
As far as coming up with ways to raise money without it coming directly out of you pocket or mine it is an excellent idea. Every time I do this (or NeilR does this) I get accused of all sorts.
Please drop me a note if I have not done an article on this in the next couple of weeks.
No problem Rosco.
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Big Joe
India.It used to be called Madras.I'm out here trying to curry favour with the local (cricket fanatical, football challenged) community.
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Paul, and fellow tims,
Sorry if this is off track a wee bit but
I think we had a spy in the camp, yesterday, from the “hidden agenda” side of the media.
Should we just ignore that type of thing, or try and turn it back on them some way.
chennaiseabird , sorry havent been as far afield as India, the Costa Blanca dose me fine :-)
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Keep it up Paul, Hope you enjoyed Loch Fyne, I used to play shinty against Inveraray, Great spot. I can recommend 'the George' for food and drink.
Well its cup final time again. Back to football at last.
I started to recover on Wed night watching Liverpool win the cup. Cant tell you how pleased I was for our scouse brothers.
Watching the strain on the fans faces during extra time reminded me how we felt in Seville (and some of you in Milan) when we were so agonisingly close to winning the cup...but they did it and good on them.
I am op'tim'istic (how 'bout that for a tag name..yours if you want it) about WGS.
I think he is a great guy and remember him terrorising us at Celtic Park wishing he was one of us. Now he is he has my full support. We are in for a few laughs as well, he is going to rip the hacks to shreds, he just cant help it!
Chennaiseabird, did you ever get to see the unfortunate Motherwell game?
Last of all, the first time I read the post accusing McLeish and WGS of being involved in a leak I had to laugh. Sorry, I don't mean to patronise but your going to get people thinking us tims are a paranoid lot with that kind of talk :-)
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Anyone read Archie McPhersons biog of Jock Stein? (stein: the definitive biography), bought it on Wednesday to cheer myself up a bit. It's fantastic, well written and fair-minded. Only £7 as well for the paper-back...starting to sound like an advert here, but I highly recommend it for those feeling a bit fragile after the events of the past week.
Stephane Connelli
Mossend
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Here’s an insightful look into Strachan’s way of thinking… No doubt he will take the same approach to the Celtic job. This was written after he got the nod. Anyone think this was thinly directed at Celtic fhans? Reckon he’s gonna do a top job.
“One thing that's helped Benítez is being detached from Liverpool. He's not someone who's going to claim that if you cut him open he bleeds red and white. There's none of that nonsense about dying for the shirt. He just wants to do the best he can, and it would be the same for him in any job.
You won't manage a club better because you played for or supported them. In fact not having links with a team or community can help. That way you don't have to deal with the disappointment of letting down friends and people you know. It makes it easier to take the pressure of losing.”
“In January I gave a lecture to coaches who were doing the full Uefa badge about how we can get British coaches to the level where they can work with a Champions League team. Bryan Robson and Dave Jones were among the people there. I think if you get a chance at a club with European potential, you have to jump at it.”
TinneyBhoy
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well said young skywalker...
may the mumps be not with you.
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Looking at the share price,
If you had a spare £ 20K, would you buy some Celtic shares, and what will the price be in say 1 year????
Anyone???
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Now this could be quite controversial... what if the charter flights/fans charter/credit card and associations could be brought into one big idea.
By that I mean that, as far as i'm aware most new credit/smart cards have a chip inside them that can store more info. that what they used too. So what if when you used the card to buy anything officially celtic you get points added to you're score, this should then determine your ticket rights.
The problems....
* I know of quite a few celtic fans who go over regularly but, who I doubt would be able to get a credit card
* If we are supposed to be a welcoming all encompassing club the credit card idea would as far as i know exclude the muslim community..not allowed to borrow
* This would probably mean the removal of the old "if you go to the quarter final/ semi final you get to the final" theory
* it may possibly help deal with ticket touts, if you had to produce the credit card with the ticket
* hell it may even mean the end of season "books" (the actual paper) and change to an electronic one
* quite a few people have suspicions/ a dislike of the associations.. or rather they think that a few off the top men have a you scratch my back mentality
* this may mean us heading towards a very "teh more money you spend the better the supporter you are" mentality... not very celtic/bro. walfred
* if celtic start organising buses/planes and there is a problem at the airport/port are they then going to have to find room and board for a few thousand people ?
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