Home :: About :: XML/RSS Feed
'
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
'
'

Last Trade:

47.70

Trade Time: 47.70

Last change/update: Mar 12 at 23:53


Celtic PLC shares are traded on the Alternative Investments Market (AIM). Celtic Quick News cannot be held responsible for any loss due to incorrect information found here.
All information is provided 'as-is', to you use it at your own risk. Always seek professional financial advice before making an investment decision.



Previous Articles


:: Risky appointment as Strachan get the keys of the ... ::
:: O'Neill leaves promising excitement ahead for Celt... ::
:: The Martin O’Neill era ends ::
:: Long term strategic problems caused the collapse ::
:: Celtic face the harsh reality of failure ::
:: Our family history played out in Motherwell ::
:: Martin O'Neill answers on his future and summer si... ::
:: Survival of the FA Premiership now in doubt ::
:: Two Match Day Hospitality Prizes to be won by Celt... ::
:: The different approaches of Dermot Desmond and Mal... ::


Celtic Links

Sixtee7 - cool Celtic t-shirts

Dateline: 25 May 1967
Dateline: 23 May 1967
Dateline: 19 October 1957
Jimmy Johnstone
Brian Quinn interview
Martin O'Neill era ends
More thoughts on O'Neill
State of the club report 2007
BBC: Celtic win European Cup
Celtic 2 Inter Milan 1, Guardian
The Copydesk


Common Questions

 >>How to add a comment on Celtic Quick News
 >>Stevie21's Link Creator
 >>Subscribe to Celtic Quick News podcast •






WebCQN


[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Celtic Quick News: quicknews Archives

Recently in quicknews Category

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Paris St Germain banned from next League Cup Paris St Germain have been banned from defending the League Cup next season after some of their fans unfolded an abusive banner during this season's League Cup final, the French League (LFP) said on Wednesday. (Guardian)

| | Comments (0)

McManus targets top team return McManus suffered a calf injury in last week's 3-2 victory over Rangers but is confident he can play in Celtic's final three league games. (BBC)
| | Comments (0)

Last Trade:

47.70

Trade Time: 47.70

Last change/update: Mar 12 at 23:53

Celtic PLC shares are traded on the Alternative Investments Market (AIM). Celtic Quick News cannot be held responsible for any loss due to incorrect information found here.

All information is provided 'as-is', to you use it at your own risk. Always seek professional financial advice before making an investment decision.

Friday, May 27, 2005
Superstitions prove true for Celtic before several farewells

I am not superstitious, but every now and then some things get to me.

I am in sales, and if I hear that I have lost a deal I will not take a call from another prospect all day.

Once, on hearing bad news on the telephone, I ended the call, but the phone in the bin and went out and bought myself a new phone.

I think it was Phob who informed Celtic Quick News readers some months ago that we had not won the league in a year ending in a ‘5’ since 1915, and could expect some disappointing news around now.

There is some good news for us, though. Rangers have only won the Cup in a year ending in a ‘5’ once, that was in 1935 and they have not even reached a Final in a ‘5’ year since then.

Celtic have been in every Scottish Cup Final in a year ending in a ‘5’ since, only losing once, to Clyde in 1955.

I was at Hampden to see us beat Airdrie in 1975, Dundee United in that great final in 1985 and Airdrie again on that long day in 1995, so I’ll be wearing my lucky boxers tomorrow.

A fond farewell to Martin, John and Steve. Not to mention Paul, Jackie, Rab, John, Craig, Joos, Momo, Magnus, Neil and Alan (sigh).

With that much leaving the payroll the big spend I was talking about last year does not look so silly now does it?
Posted by Paul67 at 11:04 AM :: 

220 Comments:
  • At 27/05/05 11:12, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    do you actually think all of those players will Leave Celtic?

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:14, Blogger Sean.zo' 88 said…

    ''I am not superstious'';)

    With all those players leaving there is obvisously a huge rebuilding job needed.When should we expect the first signings to appear?(better be soon)

    Sean

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:15, Blogger Belfast Bhoy said…

    Yeah prob is now that there is an extra qual. round to navigate, by the time the players come back from their hols, not to mentions the old "waiting on agents who are on holidays" line, any replacements won't have much time to bed in. Assuming GS even gets teh assistants that he wants in.

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:16, Anonymous Adrian1888 said…

    Have to get my opinion in about GS, i dont agree with the appointment but i will give the man a chance he could surprise me.

    And thank tou Martin for the great years YNWA.

    That Craig you mentioned is that Beattie or Bellamy.

    You think it could be the end for thompson and jackie aswell Paul.

    They would be the two 30+ i would keep along with Sutton.

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:18, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Chris, Didier, Bobo staying ?

    mmmmmm

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:22, Blogger giggsy14 said…

    all the players listed some have been better for the hoops than others.

    Of the 1st team players listed really only Bellars Jackie, canny beleive we are letting him go, and Lenny maybe missed all the rest judging by this seasons performances are past there best and need to be moved on. Sorry Paul.

    Tomorrow is a time to thank them all for their efforts and the joys they all have brung to us over the last 5 years.

    Give them a reception that no matter where they go they will see it as a step down.

    Mon Martins Hoops one last dance.

    Then we can look to the future (which im now buzzing about)

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:24, Blogger Liam_H said…

    Paul,

    The list of players leaving...

    "Not to mention Paul, Jackie, Rab, John, Craig, Joos, Momo, Magnus, Neil and Alan (sigh)."

    Do you know something we don't?

    Paul Lambert - gone
    Jackie - Hoped he'd eventually take Lenny's role
    Rab - no shocks
    John - Kennedy???
    Craig - Never thought we'd keep him, shame though.
    Joos, Momo, Magnus - no shocks
    Lenny - pity, our most underrated player
    Alan - average season (by his high standards), will still be missed.

    If your list is comprehensive, does this mean that Fernandez will be staying?

    Happy to say this is my first proper blog! Nice green name at the top!

    Regards

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:30, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Lets just enjoy tomorrow and give MON a fantastic send off.

    The mood seems to be getting lighter. Things will change. Players will leave. New ones will come in. I, myself, am looking forward to the change in style at press conferneces. Here is what might expect. Courtesy of Big Kenny a Hibbie and avid CQN reader.
    "Reporter: Gordon, Do you think James Beattie deserves to be in the
    England squad?
    Strachan: I don't care, I'm Scottish!

    Reporter: "Gordon, can we have a quick word please?"
    Strachan: "Velocity" [walks off]

    Reporter: Welcome to Southampton Football Club. Do you think you are the right man to turn things around?
    Strachan: No. I was asked if I thought I was the right man for the job and I said, "No, I think they should have got George Graham because I'm useless."

    Reporter: Is that your best start to a season?
    Strachan: Well I've still got a job so it's far better than the
    Coventry one, that's for sure.

    Reporter: Are you getting where you want to be with this team?
    Strachan: We're not doing bad. What do you expect us to be like? We
    Were eighth in the league last year, in the cup final and we got into
    Europe. I don't know where you expect me to get to. Do you expect us to win the Champions League?

    Reporter: Gordon, you must be delighted with that result?
    Strachan: You're spot on! You can read me like a book.

    Reporter: Gordon, Agustin Delgado?
    Strachan: I've got more important things to think about. I've got a yoghurt to finish by today, the expiry date is today. That can be my priority rather than Agustin Delgado.

    Reporter: This might sound like a daft question, but you'll be happy
    To get your first win under your belt, won't you?
    Strachan: You're right. It is a daft question. I'm not even going to
    Bother answering that one. It is a daft question, you're spot on there.

    Reporter: Bang, there goes your unbeaten run. Can you take it?
    Strachan: No, I'm just going to crumble like a wreck. I'll go home, become an alcoholic and maybe jump off a bridge. Umm, I think I can take it, yeah.

    Reporter: There's no negative vibes or negative feelings here?
    Strachan: Apart from yourself, we're all quite positive round here. I'm going to whack you over the head with a big stick, down negative man, down.

    Reporter: where will Marion Pahars fit into the team line-up?
    Strachan: Not telling you! It's a secret.

    Reporter: You don't take losing lightly, do you Gordon?
    Strachan: I don't take stupid comments lightly either.

    Reporter: So, Gordon, in what areas do you think Middlesbrough were
    better than you today?
    Strachan: What areas? Mainly that big green one out there
    "

    HT

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:33, Blogger Tom64 said…

    The problem I find I have is I have played too much 'Championship Manager'. I now find myself very ruthless when is comes to players of a certain age and those players that have poor pace or stamina.I guess that is why I have a major downer on Hartson (spare me the goals he has scored, how many has he squandered or ruined for others?).

    I am not alone on seeing the current squad as passed thier sell by date, and I for one will look forward to the changes being wrought over the summer.

    All that '5' stuff is very interesting. Did you know I only have food on days whose names end in 'y'? ......just as relevant, is it not?

    Lots and lots of speculation on the Web regarding transfers. It's fun reading all that stuff but it does not amount to a hill of beans. It only becomes relevant when they hold up the shirt at the press conference and tell us how proud they are to be joing Celtic.

    I hear Charlie Miller is available.....

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:44, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Believe all will leave Anon. Hope signings will happen soon Sean.

    Belfast Bhoy, the extra qualifier will work in our favour.
    It will give us 2 competitive games before we play the really important game. As there are so many new players these games could be crucial preparation.

    I believe the assistant will come from within the club (TB).

    Beattie will be staying Adrian. Agree on Jackie and Alan, see when I am the manager…

    No news Anon 11.18

    Congratulations Liam on getting a blogger account!

    The John is not Kennedy (BBJ)

    Without Fernandez who would put out the cones in the morning? You guys just don’t know what that he does for us.

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:45, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Tom64,

    those of us with longer memories have even seen the strip being held up at the press conference only to see us being pipped at the post.

    KD FfM

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:46, Anonymous John_H said…

    Paul-why do you think Jackie and Tommo will be leaving?

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:49, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Shammy said:-

    Obviously there will have to be players moved on to freshen the team but what should be remembered is that this season's team again had the measure of the Huns.
    They might be that bit older and slower but on their day they still humped our friends from the dark side.

    That's why I think we have to be careful and not get rid of too many of our experienced players. They still have that hold over the huns. Take too many out of the team and you give the huns more of a belief that they can beat us.

    I would keep jackie, Thommo, Sutton and Lenny. These guys still have hunger to get back what belongs to them.

    Sorry BBJ, you can go.

     
  • At 27/05/05 11:55, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Can't say I share your superstious nature, Paul. I do hope you're right about those leaving, because, although people lile your own favourite, Allan Thompson, look to be leaving, and Jackie and Lenny, who are Celtic through and through, our squad are simply collectively too old. So, let everyone who has the privilege of a ticket tomorrow let them know how much they mean and will always mean to us for what they have given us.
    By the way, like yon Anon 1.02, could people simply ignore the ravings of David Murray on this site, please? Long may he be happy in their utter mediocrity.

    Parkheadcumsalford.

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:05, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Paul, if you thin kthats bad
    the last time Dundee were relegated (1994)...

    Rangers won the league
    Rangers won the league cup
    Falkirk got promoted from the First Division
    Stranraer got promoted from the Second Division
    Celtic parted with their manager at the end of the season and...
    arrrggghhhh......
    Dundee United won the Scottish Cup.

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:08, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Paul,

    The next time that you are going to put a phone in the bin, give me a shout, as I'll take it.

    Tony Mallaghan
    Cleland

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:17, Blogger McGraininSpain said…

    I'm supposed to be off CQN for a week - Mrs. McGraininSpain's orders, but couldn't resist adding a bit to your 5 theme.

    Martin O'Neill became Celtic manager on 1st June 2000 and his successor will take over on 1st June 2005....

    Also I had 5 pints last night and I'm going to have 5 more tonight.

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:26, Blogger Belfast Bhoy said…

    Seeing as most of think we'll need a new defenfer or two, over next few weeks, what about ramage from newcastle, or would him and kennedy at the back be too young, oh and he is 6'1" so he's not too small

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:26, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Ok then, I predict 5 nil to the Bhoys on Saturday.

    Wouldn't surprise me. Like the rest of us, they'll want to give MON a top send off as well.

    GM

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:28, Blogger Rohail said…

    Long time reader, first time post! loving the site Paul.

    Re: signings, Robbie Keane seems to be a real possibility as he has fallen out with Martin Jol at Spurs who are now chasing Andy Johnson of Crystal Palace.

    When is the transfer deadline for the champione league qualifiers?

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:35, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Think the better, older guys whose contracts are up will maybe take the oppo to move south (thinking Lennie in particular), but don't see what someonelike Jackie would gain from it...

    Tom64 re CM - let's hope Gordon's been practicing on it too...

    Will be a revolving door for a couple of years, but as I posted before, at least Wee Gordy has had the chance to see a hell of a lot of players over the last 18 months or so. Was initially a bit sceptical, but 100% behind him now...

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:35, Blogger richie8 said…

    Paul are the players you mention leaving your opinion or inside info?

    If its your opinion then I think its a bit knee jerk. Thomo, Jackie & Hartson have no reason to leave. I dont believe the only reason they are at Celtic is because of O'Neill although I'm sure thats a factor.

    Strachan wont be able to build a whole squad on £15M so I'm sure he will want to keep his best players especialy as so many squad players are leaving.

    Also where are those 3 going to go better than Celtic anyway? Not a team playing Champions League football anyway thats for sure.

    I think if Bellamy goes which he might not, Strachan will go for self confessed Celtic fan Robbie Keane who he had at Coventry and isn't happy at Spurs just now. So its not all doom and gloom as long as Gordon gets the money he badly needs.

    R

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:35, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I am superstitious as well. Only ever buy anything by mail order.

    Regards, John Manila

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:35, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Ref all the chat about who's leaving - did Thommo really have an 'average' season ? Been a great signing, but he can go now - along with Hartson, etc above. If we can keep Petrov, Sutton, Lennon, Jackie and Agathe - and the more promising young boys - Beattie, McGeady, Wallace, Kennedy, Marshall & (maybe) Maloney, that would be good. We should be freeing up the best part of £200k/wk in wages which we should use to tempt 5 or 6 high quality Bosmans.

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:40, Blogger RAB1888 said…

    good to see the dark clouds have lifted a bit and some of the banter has returned.
    i for one am looking forward to some big changes over the summer and a change of style next season.
    i wasnt sure about GS at first but lets all get behind him and go for it.
    im looking forward to net season already and we've still got this years scottish cup to win.

    hail hail

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:46, Anonymous Adrian1888 said…

    i would move on BBJ but keep sutton and play him up front.

    Get like 3 defenders two centre halfs and a left back a central midfielder and a striker.

    I am not for keeping Bellamy.

    I can just see him having a run in with Strachan down the line and he would only alienate the dressing room.

    I think Robbie keane and Sutton would be a deadly combination.

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:50, Anonymous BigSwee said…

    I do believe that the close season will see quite a few of the players you mention moving on.

    I agree re. the comments on the wastefulness of Hartson at times and I often find myself hoping he would be replaced earlier in matches and Chris Sutton being pushed forward with our other striker as I think he is far more potent for us in scoring and laying on goals for his team-mates.

    A few folks have mentioned Sutton being more injury prone but I think this may have been down to the fact he was being asked to play in midfield more often than not, even Henke struggled when asked to play there in game against Dundee when we were down to 10 men. Recall him pulling up with cramp and the whole Celtic support stopping breathing as we feared worse had occurred.

    In short my ramble is that whilst sad to see Hartson go, if he does we should look to hold onto Sutton and try to bring in another good quality striker to play alongside him with Craig Beattie and Shaun Maloney as cover.

    Thompson is a player I like and thought he and Sutton could provide some real danger in their play together but for me he has had far too quiet a season and has only really clicked in patches in very few games. Simply not good enough at times.

    Lennon is a player whom I admire for what he does and the way he has protected our fragile defenders in some of the games. He tends to get caught out when the other teams have pacy and quick passing midfields. They simply pass the ball around him and the others in an area where we used to dominate games.

    Would love to write more but don't want to bore you all and I need to get back to work.

    Hail Hail

    Will be singing heart and lungs out on Saturday and praying that the bhoys bring home the cup for Martin and his family (and those of us who have been his spoiled children for the last 5 wonderful years).

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:51, Blogger Estadio said…

    Apologies for going off topic, but I am now officially mentally, emotionally, and physically drained by the events of the last week.

    As I head off back over the Victoria bridge towards that Glaswegian Shangri-la aka the Gorbals and a reinvigorating Gunness or two in Sharkey's, I leave you not with one of my wistful nostalgic senile ramblings, nor with a rhyme or two of tribute to heroes of bygone years.

    For as well as being at core a Celtic supporting monster, Estadio (all great men refer to themselves in the third person) posses a smidgeon (I must remember that word if I ever need something to rhyme with pigeon) of antipathy towards those sad beings untouched by the Darwinian magic of evolution.

    So as I remeber that the first step to a full recovery is found in considering those less well off than oneself, I give you my take on such creatures.

    Hope you enjoy it...and Hail Hail.

    Ah wis barely oot o nappies when ah wis telt that the folk next door,
    Were no the sort tae mix wae, they were rotten tae the core,
    Their songs came frae the devil; their souls were black as sin
    They ate their first-born wean, and dumped its bones intae the bin.

    Their hame was like a midden, but it didnae smell sae nice,
    On Sunday they ate jobbies, and their hair ran thick wae lice,
    They cursed, they swore, they boiled newts, and cast their spells o’ doom,
    As midnight’s hour pressed doon on them, they’d rob a new filled tomb.

    And with that corpse jist barely cold, they’d conjure up auld nick,
    And slake their thirst wae fresh tapped blood, and gorge on cups o’ sick,
    They’d bow and laud their clove-hoofed boss and offer gifts of shite,
    And orgy till their evil lust had melted into night.

    But when the sun would crack the dawn, they’d scurry tae their lair
    For fear of turning into dust and lose their palms o’ hair,
    ‘And where’s that lair?’ o’ me ye ask, ‘where hides that evil coven,’
    A place of putrid fetid hate, ….it’s a fitba’ grun near Govan!

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:52, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I think you can add Rab douglas henchov, fernandez and varga to that list. In addition bobo laursen and didier.

     
  • At 27/05/05 12:56, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I agree that extra qualifying round will be to our advantage. It will give the new manager and players a dress rehearsal for the important final qualifier.

    I think this close season we will witness the largest turnover of players in our history and perhaps in the history of all big clubs.

    Of the 11 who started against 'well I can see only Sutton, Petrov and Varga being at the club in August. And Strachan may have to consider bids for the first 2 of these.

    JimV

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:05, Blogger Marzepans said…

    Why is everyone so sanguine about the possiblity of McNamara leaving? He has been our best defender for a number of years and I personally would like him to stay. He and Agathe compliment each other well on the right and if the team is to have a major overhall, the areas that don't work so well should be looked at first i.e. Central defence and central/left midfield

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:11, Blogger Tony said…

    There will be no one left by the time you get a new post done Paul.
    Just about every first team player has been mentioned leaving the club in the past hour and a half.
    I doubt GS would let that many go.
    I would like to see new players coming in and as many as possible but not a full first team with all the current players leaving.
    We have to keep a nucleus and whatever GS decides i am sure he will bear that in mind.
    I am still hoping that Bellamy will be around and hoping too that GS has a few europeans in his sights.
    It should make for an exciting summer though and a change from waiting until the last day hoping that we sign somebody.
    Tony, Latvia

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:11, Blogger GlassTwoThirdsFull said…

    I’m afraid I stand guilty of the 1915 statistic Paul. Sadly it turned out right....

    I’d get rid of Bobo and Stan (V) before Jackie. Not too worried about the others. Bellamy, good player that he is, I think we need a better finisher for 6 million and 40 grand a week. I also worry about him being a disruptive influence.

    I also think the extra CL round could work for us – remember how we started on that great run two years ago (see there’s me getting superstitious again!). By the way, Paul, will we still be in Pot 2 if Liverpool get in?

    Paul, if we get rid of Fernandez I’LL put out the cones!

    Hope your new phone is bringing you more luck.....

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:11, Blogger CanajunBhoy said…

    And Celtic will no longer be signing 6 ft. 5in giants as Wee Gordo has ordered the maximum height to be 5 ft 6in.
    Apparently it was that or he would need to be standing on a 2 foot stool when bawling them oot in the dressing room.
    Time to lighten up, eh.

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:14, Blogger bhoyobhoy said…

    Hi Paul

    When you were forecasting the big spend last year.I do not believe you were predicting to loose 10 players like you now suggest??

    Since MON said last year we needed a net 5 or 6 additions to the existing squad, and we got 2 (Bellamy and Henchoz bench warmer), then does that mean we now need to buy 14 players in?

    Using our £20m pot of gold, our average spend per player will be £1.4m.

    Of course very cynical I know!!!

    Good luck to all Tims for the weekend.

    Tip for Desmond stick a £1m on dundee utd half-time/Celtic fulltime at 28/1 and we can increase the pot of gold to £49m

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:15, Anonymous DAMIAN1888 said…

    Can anyone tell me when the transfer window opens?


    PS: Great site. Keep up the good work Paul.

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:18, Blogger Nominatim said…

    I think the challenge WGS and us as a club have to face is balancing youth with experience. IMO the successes of the last 5 years were built on the mentality of key guys who were "winners", (Henrik, Lenny, Sutton, Thommo). MON himself said this season that if we played all the promising youths we'd probably finish 3rd in the league. So for me, the wish list would be to get in the fresh younger faces, but to mix them with a core of existing guys with the menatlity of the last 5 years. For me this would invlove doing all I can to keep Lennon, Sutton, Thomson and BBJ at the park next season.

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:20, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    This is madness!! There are some folks on here advocating turning over the entire team.

    In my view this would be a recipe for disaster. We need some continuity. To bring in a whole host of new players who have never played together, have no experience in Europe or playing the huns is folly.

    We should at least look to retain a nucleus of Sutton, Petrov, Balde and Agathe. Aiden and Marshall have been on the fringes for a while and know the score.

    You're setting yourself up for a big disappointment if you expect a new manager and team to be successful from day 1, which is what is needed if we are to progress to the CL draw.

    Big bang changes rarely go smoothly and I for one would like to see some familiar faces in the team next season.

    GM

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:25, Blogger ExiledInAberdeenTim said…

    I was never superstitious until the whole Ken/Deirdre,Pope, Liverpool thing. Then an astonishing comeback and miraculous save by Dudek. So now I'm not so sure.

    In order to try and achieve some kind of serendipity(can you do that?) I'm going to try and drink eighteen pints tomorrow. The last time I did that was when Celtic beat Airdrie in the Final. (I think it may have been the old 3.2% stuff though). The ninteenth pint slipped through my fingers at about 3 a.m.-lock-in at the Railway Hotel(if you went to St. Modan's you'll know where I mean;wouldn't want to hamper a repeat tomorrow!)

    Or-to save my liver-lets millions of 'Tic fans around the world WILL a Celtic victory to mark the end of and start of another era.

    Come on the Hoops!!!!

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:28, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    GM - I'm not so much advocating huge turnover as pointing out that it is likely to happen.

    What I would say is that teams change much more frequently these days and that wholesale changes need not be a disaster.

    Yes it would have been better to have gradual change but this did not happen so we have to get on with it.

    Jim V

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:30, Anonymous Adrian1888 said…

    We have got to keep some core players we all know that.

    The two goalkeepers need to go hedman and douglas.

    Bobo and Varga are not good enuf, Bobo makes me nervous it used to be just in Europe but now it is in the SPL aswell.

    Keep jackie and Agathe, keep Thompson and sutton aswell.
    Not sure about Lenny, want to say yes but he is slowin down and with MON gone Lenny will more and likely follow.

    Keeping Petrov has to be a priority.

    But BBj has hit a peak, it's over for him.

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:39, Blogger brigtonbhoy said…

    1:11 PM, GlassTwoThirdsFull

    Even if Liverpool are allowed in we'll still be pot 2.

    We are currently No.14 seed for The Champions League, Liverpool getting back in would make us No.15.

    We need to be Top 16. to be Pot 2, Problem is we've got to qualify and that ain't gonna be easy this year when you see some of the unseeded qualifiers.

    Still I'm sue we'll do it.

    Hail Hail

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:44, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Anon 12.05, agree aaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh.

    Some phones you don’t want Tony.

    Welcome Rohail, don’t know about the CL transfer deadline.

    Richie8, ‘I am led to believe’.

    Usual good form again Estadio

    Apologies GlassTwoThirdsFull, just too “lazy” to look back and check.

    Damine1888, the window is officially open. New players cannot play until 1st June.
    Thanks for your support.

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:46, Blogger greenmaestro said…

    I thought 5ive were over rated, and I don't like Blue.

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:48, Blogger brigtonbhoy said…

    I'm sue??

    Who are you?

    Should have said "I'm sure we'll do it."

    Really should spell check before I post.

    Good to see everybody is in a much better frame of mind, as we head towards Saturday.

    Let's all get right behind the team or if you can't get a ticket, then get right in front of the telly.

    I'll be having a few "5 Alives" tonight and hopefully more than 5 pints in celebration tomorrow night.

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:51, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    No Stan Varga on the exit door list....that is worrying, really worrying !!


    Jeromek

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:56, Blogger rimtimtim said…

    Has McGeady been injured since the Hibs game? If not, I´ve a hunch Mon will play him. Wallace did alright when he came on at the Cup final last year and it could be the artful dodger's turn to get a chance tomorrow. But Maybe MON will stick to his tried and trusted troops and if it´s the last game for many...

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:56, Anonymous ghg67 said…

    I suspect Paul is right with regards to a number of those leaving.

    There clearly must also be a huge question mark over Balde although quite why anyone would want to pay him £1M a season after watching him this year is beyond me (why we were prepared to do it in January is another puzzle)

    I will be sad to see Jackie go as he is a rare breed of utility player that is actually useful in a number of positions.

    The rest - well they've had their time - some such as Neil, Alan, BBJ, Paul and Craig (great player but a hand grenade waiting to go off)I'll miss.

    Other such as Rab, Momo and Magnus, I'll still wonder what we ever saw in them.

    Agathe will have one year left on his contract this summer and we MUST either make a decision on whether to keep him or not. Give him a new contract which he must sign or ship him out and get "some" cash in.

    One last point - Sutton and Keane sounds a not bad partnership but both are likely to miss at least 15 games a season with niggling injuries - we will need other strikers as well as young Beattie who if he can stay injury free will hopefully improve as I believe (although I may be in the minority) he could yet do something for us

     
  • At 27/05/05 13:58, Blogger Sean.zo' 88 said…

    I think it is imperative that we keep Didier an Stan(p)who says he will decide what he is going to do when he comes back from his holidays.
    He knows that everybody has to impress the new boss to warrant their place in the team, though i don't think he'l have much bother doing that.

    Lennon would do another year, me thinks.Yes he is too old, but for what?He's never had pace and his whole game play is based on short passes and breaking up the opposistion attack.
    Maybe in Europe though this would be a problem.
    Paul Hartley, anyone??

    Sean

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:07, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Niemi's agent is touting a move to Celtic...the fun has started already:)
    T. Latvia

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:07, Anonymous Adrian1888 said…

    Niemi's name has been thrown around in NEWSNOW, makes sense worked for Strachan before plus he is a quality keeper, Marshall can only learn from him.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:09, Anonymous Adrian1888 said…

    You heard it her first even though i am below T.Latvia.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:09, Anonymous ghg67 said…

    Sean

    Have always thought that Lenny does a job for us. Yes he might lack pace but his reading of the game was superb

    If he does go, I personally will be very sad. This abuse and insults that this guy has had to put up with in Glasgow is a disgrace and a huge embarrassment to the city and to me it says so much for Neil Lennon that he never reacted to it.

    Will always wish him the very best and he should be remembered asa great Celt.

    As for Hartley - must confess that I am not really a big fan. Squad player at best and we need more than that

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:14, Blogger leabgarrow said…

    Paul, I was at the same cup finals, but cant be at tomorrow's. I hope that isn't an omen (i know - get a grip).

    Are the names mentioned definitely going?

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:15, Anonymous Adrian1888 said…

    Yep think were in agreement Hartley would just be a pool player.
    Someone for the squad.
    But not a bad player to have around.

    Derek Riordan also has had a great season dunno about the step up in class, Paul or anybody do you think he could make it.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:16, Blogger johnM said…

    One thing about GS taking over....which manager would ever fancy following an act like MON? To me, it shows he's got guts. Good luck to him.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:19, Blogger richie8 said…

    I hope Jackie stays and we get a few million for Hartson then Paul.

    I notice you dont mention Balde leaving. Does anyone know if he really has this leave for free clause in his contract?

    I would like to see him go personaly but would prefer to get a few million for him.

    Heres a though what about Lennon as assistant manager!

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:22, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    It would be nice to see Willie McStayt as assistant Manager.
    Tony, Latvia

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:22, Blogger The Bald Ego said…

    Hail Hail

    Glad to see a bit of sense, returning to the site, it got a bit heavy for a few days, for obvious reasons I fear.

    Nice post, 11.30 Anon, passed it around the mates in work.

    12.05 Anon, have to admit, I’m not the most superstitious person in the world but that scared me (still does actually). Not to put a dampener on the bhoy-ant mood at the minute but last Sunday was effectively a Final and we tripped before the line so I’m holding a few reservations about tomorrow…. But they soon pass, we shall overcome.

    Lets give Martin and his team, John and Steve, the biggest cheer they’ve ever had. I personally want them to wake up on Sunday morning thinking “Jesus, when can we go back?!”

    12.52 Anon, if we add Henchoz, Varga, Bobo, Laursen and Didier to the list we’ll be left with God knows who in defence (wee Aiden? Cos everyone else seems to be going too!). Although I’m still holding the faith that money will be made available, I don’t think it will be enough for a complete overhaul.

    When your garden, gets old and messy, you don’t exactly send for Ground Force, you weed it, feed it and tidy it up, our squad needs a bit of weeding and feeding, lets not forget the experience we have in our squad right now, that’s a valuable asset and should be exploited not thrown away. Ambition can also be blind.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:25, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Just thinking there - MON's first competitive game for us was against Dundee Utd (que twilight zone theme) - here's hoping he'll be able to sign off with a win just as he did on 30th July 2000.

    For the anoraks here's the team that day (swiped fae thon BBC Site):

    Celtic: Gould, Stubbs, Valgaeren, Boyd, Mahe, McNamara, Lambert, Berkovic, Petrov, Larsson, Sutton.
    Subs: Kerr, Johnson, Petta, Tebily, Burchill.


    Kevin Murray
    Near The Blackhill Transmitter

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:26, Blogger Tom64 said…

    KD Ftm

    I remember Mo Johnsthun very clearly. The 64 in my handle is my year of birth not some glorious Celtic achievement a'la 1967.

    Usually, almost always, when they hold the shirt up they actually join.

    I'm taking my eight year old daughter to Jackie Mac's game on Sunday. Makes me proud to introduce her to the glory that is Celtic football club. The next generation of Celtic fans has arrived.

    The future bright, its green and white .....and three foot tall.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:26, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    The last ever game my grandad got to see was the 5-1 game, and oh what a game that was.

    Prophet of Doom Bhoy owes me a fiver.

    We are allowed out away fae work at 4 instead of 5 today because it's bank holiday and scorchio!

    5 is your friend embrace the 5.

    Celtic will prevail.

    Hail Hail

    Martybhoy

    PS Estadio - great work.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:26, Blogger Sean.zo' 88 said…

    Adrian, ghg67,
    Point taken on Hartley, he ain't no world beater,ok at best.

    But the last couple of seasons he's been playing with dudds from the cousins of william.Just like Marshall would learn from Niemi, Hartley would surely learn from Stan who is one of the best midfielders going.(though he does run a bit funny,eh?)

    Anyway, according to 'the cousin of the great Fargo' he's a done deal.

    Sean

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:42, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Leabgarrow, I believe so.
    Riordan is the business Adrian.

    I am off to meet our old friend NeilR in the Drum & Monkey after 4 pm today if any of you are in town.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:42, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Why go for Niemi when we have already signed the Polish keeper, according to the cousin of fargo

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:51, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    The Bald Ego,

    I think BBJ has been fed enough.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:51, Blogger Tom64 said…

    Paul,

    When in the Drum & Monkey avoid the Grolschkkk(sic) it's rank.

    I was in at lunchtime. er....so this is breaking news.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:52, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hi Paul et al
    Great blog, although I'm worried that I may need therapy to deal with what has become an addiction!

    Looking for some info - I'll be down in England this weekend, will I be able to see the Cup Final anywhere?

    Cheers

    Jimbo.

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:57, Blogger brigtonbhoy said…

    Jimbo

    It's live on Sky Sports

     
  • At 27/05/05 14:59, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Cheers Brigton Bhoy

    Jimbo

     
  • At 27/05/05 15:01, Blogger Martybhoy said…

    Jimbo - Englands big, gees a 20 mile radius!!!

     
  • At 27/05/05 15:28, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    ETIMS Hunline
    Thought you'd like to know.

    ''wheres chick young, im gonnae bust him! Stephen Pearson, Reserves

    ''I hope no one noticed I was slightly enjoying that victory''Terry Butcher, Cloud 9

    ''The Board says every thing is great, so it must be.They know best.'' Paul 67, CQN

    U Should get them sorted!

     
  • At 27/05/05 15:41, Blogger BennyBhoy said…

    Any truth to the rumour that Celtic are, within the next week, going to give the SPL 2 years notice of quitting, so as to join a new look EPL in 2007?

     
  • At 27/05/05 15:45, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Bald eagle - sorry I gave the wrong impression re didier, balde varga and henchov being added to the list. Balde and didier are press speculation pic of removal van at bobo s house and the malaga connection again with didier.

    I personally would keep

    marshall
    didier
    bobo
    jackie
    lennon
    sutton
    petrov
    mcgeady
    wallace
    pearson
    beatie
    maloney
    bellamy if he can
    macmanus
    kennedy

    To this I would add a couple of the under 21 squad and then supplement it with the wee mans choices. Six new players in a squad of 21. We must also take into account the new rules that uefa are imposing on us re home grown players etc etc.

    I have been advocating a major cull in the squad for next year for some time now which looks like it could happen. I just didnt think it would be a new guy doing it.

     
  • At 27/05/05 15:52, Anonymous ghg67 said…

    Sorry

    But I cannot understand anyone wanting to keep Bobo.

    He has been abject all season resulting in his slack marking that was partially to blame for the McDonald equaliser on Sunday.

    Do you not remember Ibrox Nov 04. Seville, Lyon, 2002 Cup Final ? And if there had been a better referee, he would have cost us last year's cup final as well. He lets us down in nearly every big game.

    Why we gave hima four year contract I will never know.

    His one strength had been his power in the air and his man marking. Well this year it has been non-existant.

    If the removal vans are here for him - its not a moment too soon.

    Sorry if that sounds harsh but if we are to improve we must find better

     
  • At 27/05/05 15:55, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    exiledinaberdeentim - Ahh the memories of 18 pint binges. Waking up on a train hundreds of miles from home. Leaving the house with 100 pounds and waking up with loose change. Wondering if my head was actually attached to my body. A hunger that needed instant gratification. No hangover. Ahh the days of eighteen pint binges. Problem is I drink the black stuff and you do begin to waddle a wee bit on that stuff. Now as I reach closer and closer to my half a century of being on this mortal coil I limit myself to 8, shuffle off home and wake up on the lounger in the garden rather than somewhere north of watford.

     
  • At 27/05/05 16:04, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Let's not forget Pearson is kicking about somewhere.

     
  • At 27/05/05 16:08, Blogger BennyBhoy said…

    Pearson may get a game now that JR's going

     
  • At 27/05/05 16:16, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Tom64 & Paul67, The Drum & Monkey, I take it you's like some jazz? been it once a few xmas ago with my brother (wife's where shopping) 1 pint then the jazz band started up, downed the pint and off (oh I hate jazz :-)) oh well we all can't be cool. ha ha

    gerry
    (sorry for the off topic)
    Hail Hail

     
  • At 27/05/05 16:25, Anonymous John _H said…

    what really happened with Pearson-Ive heard many conflicting stories.

     
  • At 27/05/05 16:26, Blogger The Bald Ego said…

    Point taken about BBJ being fed enough, but the big guy gets more stick than he deserves.

    People seem to have short memories when it comes to pre season changes, for example, i would take 3 or 4 million for BoBo now if it was offered, but it would cost at least that to replace him, Boumsong cost £8m and i would put him in the same class bracket as BoBo (he's average in the EPL!) so, finances aside, we should concentrate on who's coming in and not who's going out.

    When the money's needed then we should look at selling players we can afford to replace. e.g. if we could get £1 - £1.5m for Malloney that would go towards keeping Bellamy I would take it. Same for Thompson if it would fund a better left winger, as for Pearson, cracking wee player, made boys out of Barca's defence, cant wait to see him back.

    Excuse the spelling and grammer mistakes its a rushed job, headin to the pub.

    Slán

     
  • At 27/05/05 16:28, Blogger ExiledInAberdeenTim said…

    Anon. 3.55 Stirring memories. I am clinging to my youth by still drinking pints of lager and attempting to kick a ball round a full-size pitch. It's been my last season for a few years now!

    The influx of continental lager did for me. Years of conditioning has meant that I'm obliged to drink a pint in circa 25 mins. That means at best I'm wheeled home now about three hours after I arrive at the pub.

    I'm hoping that nanotechnology stuff comes off and I'll soon be able to buy a new liver 'off the shelf'.

     
  • At 27/05/05 16:31, Blogger The Bald Ego said…

    John_H 4.25, this isn't the place for rumours to fester, but apart from his double hernia operation nothing officially

     
  • At 27/05/05 16:35, Anonymous John_H said…

    I know bald ego-think Pearson could do a really good job for us-was wondering if anyone knew the real story-was why I never revealed the different stories I had heard

     
  • At 27/05/05 16:39, Blogger Tony said…

    Bennyboy,
    You said you heard a rumour about us giving 2 years notice...where did you get the information from?
    T.Latvia

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:00, Blogger Marzepans said…

    "In January I gave a lecture to coaches who were doing the full Uefa badge about how we can 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." - From WGS column today.

    This is the last time I post a link to the Guardian (Promise) but for those of you who haven't already read this, you need to.

    http://football.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,4284,1493551,00.html

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:02, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    ghg67.
    a better referee at last year's final???
    what about petrov's disallowed goal and the foul on marshall for dunfermline's goal.
    a better referee and it would have been 2-0 for celtic at half time.

    lentilbhoy.

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:13, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Paul,

    While the likes of Jackie and Neil Lennon leaving saddens me, I would have thought that anyone watching Bobo's performances since he returned about 18 months ago from the African Nations Cup, where he was dire, would have had him first out the door. I have been saying that for months now. Here's hoping we keep Didier, whom the bulk of supporters are only beginning to appreciate. Here's hoping we can off load Momo & Fernandez & Hedmann and the others who are still on the books. Maybe WGS can get to work in bringing players next week.
    Someone was saying this site is addictive. Certainly is in these trying times. My mate, who can't get on the internet, is still in denial about Sunday. Somehow CQN has made life much more tolerable for me. Just one thing: never count your chickens where Celtic are concerned. Any "old timer" can tell you that. We have fallen at the final fence times without number.
    Here's to a victory tomorrow and the treble next season.

    Parkheadcumsalford

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:16, Blogger Bigchipsuk said…

    Any thoughts from anyone on the possibility of going for Dirk Kuijt of Feyenoord. Top scorer in the Dutch 1st Division with 29 (only 3 pens), in spite of the 2nd top scorer being his team-mate Kalou, with 20.

    Kuijt is only 25 and has some European experience - they were knocked out of the UEFA Cup at the 1/16th final stage by eventual finalists Sporting Lisbon.

    He wouldn't cost a fortune, and I'm sure he would love the chance to prove himself in the Champions League, which Feyenoord have missed out on, again.

    He also ought to know how to skin Buffel, as he's played with him often enough in training!

    Check him out on http://www.soccerstats.com/2kplayerdata.asp?league=holland&playerid=198

    And we don't have a bad track record with former Feyenoord players after all...

    If we went for Robbie Keane we get a player who is averaging around 1 goal every 3 games (hardly Larssonesque), with little more European experience than Kuijt, and who has a few years less left in the tank. He'd also cost more and demand a far higher salary, coming from the over-priced Premiership.

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:17, Anonymous FBICFC said…

    Assuming a 4-4-2

    The one thing that must be done is the defence must be completely overhauled. Keep Jackie, buy 2 CB, one of which must be a leader, new LB, McManus and Kennedy are a potential partnership for the future.

    Marshall has 'potential' to be the first team choice but I think he just does not have the command skills to boss the defence yet - How to gain the command skills is the key to Marshalls future I believe. We need another keeper in but I beleve that Niemi is too old now 35 I think, solid goalkeeprs are like gold dust and I don't really have any suggestions but then again I am not a manager.

    Stan should be made Captain of the team and given a pivitol role in central midfield he would have most other midfielders in his pocket from this position, experiment possibly with Pearson/McGeady in the centre. Buy Riordan from Hibs for the Left, Right side needs some attention possibly another purchase needed as I don't think Agathe's crossing is anywhere near the required standard.

    Upfront Sutton and Keane would be a nice combo, with Maloney/Beattie as backups.

    That's 7 new players required, but if you look at our stats this season the defence has been the thing that has let the side down, the midfield and strikers have still scored and created more than enough to win the league.

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:20, Blogger Bigchipsuk said…

    Any truth in the rumour that Bobo's house was burgled this morning by a gang posing as a removal firm?

    Apparently Strathclyde Police are looking for eye witnesses. A certain Daily Retard correspondent is keeping a low profile.

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:22, Blogger Bigchipsuk said…

    FBICFC... Niemi is 32. He has 2 or 3 years left in him and could be used to help with Marshall's development.

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:26, Anonymous FBICFC said…

    Bigchipsuk, you are correct, although I have just realised I am only getting £200 a week pay and not £500 ;)

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:27, Blogger ExiledInAberdeenTim said…

    Marzepans,

    Thanks for the link. Not sure he was entirely subtle with the parallels but they were good points well made. Interesting times ahead.

    For those who are worried about the wholesale changes I would say this. Quality players can adapt. It can of course take time for them to recognise how other players play. It takes a while to get that almost telepathic understanding.

    The secret is in the blend. That's for WGS. Time required-not much available for the CL, so lets hope that the Gods smile on us at last in the draw.

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:28, Blogger Bigchipsuk said…

    FBICFC... And wouldn't you just love to see an ex-hun save a penalty to secure three points for us at Ibrox?!

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:39, Anonymous FBICFC said…

    Bigchipsuk - you are assuming that with the new improved Celtic team that the hun's are going to be able to get into out penalty box to get a penalty in the first place.

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:46, Blogger rumoid said…

    To exiled...

    Most of the defence looked like they have never played together anyway...

    To all...

    If you feel a little cough coming on and dont think your going to make the game tomorrow e-mail me at rumoid@hotmail.com and I'll galdly make sure there are no empty seats..(except in the UTD end)

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:55, Anonymous ghg67 said…

    FAO Lentilbhoy

    And your point is ?

    Yes a better referee would have allowed Larsson's opener in the first half. And a better referee would have given Dunfermline a penalty after Bobo's clear hand ball which would in turn have prevented Larsson's equaliser.

    I wasn't inferring that the ref was pro Celtic. I was inferring that he was poor full stop and thus Bobo got away from a humdinger of a mess.

     
  • At 27/05/05 17:56, Anonymous Jack 73 said…

    Never mind about Didier's apparent lack of crossing ability; he's our only defender with real pace! When he was absent from the team this season our defence struggled and I can think of the home games against Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs when we lost crucial early goals due to lack of pace on our right flank. Another stat: played the Huns 5 times this year, 3 times with DA in the team and 3 victories! We lost the on the 2 occasions he wasn't playing. Let's get him on an extended cotract asap

     
  • At 27/05/05 18:09, Blogger may67 said…

    I was at those three finals too, Paul, with differing memories of them all. With apologies to T. S. Eliot, I have measured out my life in Celtic games.

    75 v Airdie. Big Billy's last game, carried off the park by his teammates. If memory serves (which it probably doesn't) he hadn't announced this in advance but the reaction of the team made it obvious what was happening. And the good old days pre the criminal justice act: standing in the North enclosure with a bunch of guys from the Glasgow Uni supporters' club, drinking a massive carryout.

    85 v Dundee Utd. Thanks, Frank. The good old days again - Hampden had just been re-developed and they let too many people into the Celtic end. Abiding memory is one of being worried about the crushing potential if we got a winner. It's a miracle nobody died that day. Ah, the good old terracing.

    95 v Airdrie. A dreadful game that we were so delighted to win, ending a trophy drought. Helps put Martin and the board's "errors" of the last five years into perspective.

    2005 v Dundee Utd. Prediction? I'll tell you in 24 hours.

    Hail! Hail!

     
  • At 27/05/05 18:09, Blogger McGraininSpain said…

    Sick of watching the Bhoys on my todd. Are there any Celtic supporters in the South Murcia area of Spain? Lorca, Totana, Mazarron, Puerto Mazarron.....

    ¿Am I the only TIm in this village?

     
  • At 27/05/05 18:13, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    i've just read your poem, Estadio and i can say that its a classic

     
  • At 27/05/05 18:24, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Where can you find Celtic's accounts on the internet?

     
  • At 27/05/05 18:38, Blogger rumoid said…

    Anon 6;42

    You can download a copy from the offissial celtic web site

     
  • At 27/05/05 19:10, Blogger celticwully said…

    jackie won't leave unless he's pushed, and he won't be, neither does he deserve to be.
    Absolutley agree that only now are the majority realising Didi's contribution - we are a far more fragile side without him. I believe he's been restricted in attack due to the obvious frailties of the back line.
    A priority for me is Stan promoted to captain, Chris, Didi and Lenny retained. Neil is underated and would be great to see him groom someone next year to take on his unpopular but essential role. Also feel big varga has been made to look poor by Bobo's bombscare of a season.

    Pearson has been a bad bhoy but I blame that on his burberry cap which he has mailed to TFOE i'm assured. I think GS will give him a chance as he has shown he has the pace and directness but he has to learn to release the ball to a hooped jersey which he'll find easier if he stops looking at his nice new boots when he's piling forward.

    We need a quality keeper that commands the area and instills confidence in the back 3, not four please (Niemi would do fine; a playmaker that can actually put his foot on the ball and orchestrate play (prepared to pay £5m odds)to release Stan; an experienced centre half to bring on Kennedy and Cuthbert and a striker that is explosive. Keep tommo if he promises to beat someone this year.

    I wouldn't advise on more squad players, let the youth fill that role, we've won 4 in a row with McStay and if they don't get the chance to make the first team squad we'll lose them, or we ought to if they have real ambition. 4, perhaps 5 big signings - quality, not quantity.
    thanks for the comments too Paul, will set to work on a few ideas.
    Celticwully

     
  • At 27/05/05 19:12, Blogger celticwully said…

    ps - Paul has a link to the list of Bosmans available. It's not pretty, bar Cafu...
    CW

     
  • At 27/05/05 19:16, Blogger Mick said…

    Just been on to KTF they say that Strachan's assistant will be KING HENRIK who will be registered as a player!

    Really Sorry Paul just wanted to let the site know..


    WELL ????

     
  • At 27/05/05 19:20, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Paul,

    I was hunting around the web trying to find a pic of Paul McStay lifting the Scottish Cup in ’95 and I came across a Mental Health website created by Dave Gorhol (thought it was Dave Grohl at first and had put 2 and 2 together…). This particular website made me chuckle. It lists Celtic’s achievements over our entire history and here they are:

    Founded 1888
    Under Willie Maley won 30 trophies in 43yrs
    Celtic win Coronation Cup 1953
    League Cup victory 1957
    European Cup victory 1967
    9-in-a-row achieved
    Beaten in 1970 European Final
    Under McCann, Celtic net £14m in share issue
    Euro Final defeat in 2003 in Seville but Fair Play awards won by fans
    May 13th 2005, Celtic become first ever professional football club in the world to grant a blogger access to their weekly Press Conference, Paul Brennan of CQN…

    A major achievement! Perhaps you’ll be on the ‘Roll of Honour’ in Match Day programmes now….

    (www.psychcentral.psypsych/Celtic_F.C.)

    TinneyBhoy

     
  • At 27/05/05 20:06, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    firstly great site cheaper and better than the therapy after sunday. Seems we are in for a period of change and perhaps badly needed as the only thing i would ever critise MON on was a relutance to break up the old favs.

    However given the short time until we have to visit some european backwater for the CL qualifiery players need to be brought in asap.

    We seem to have offloaded the entire squad which i dont think is achievable.

    Seems from what i see and hear

    Marshall stays learning under a new keeper (niemi would do)

    Kennedy comes back
    Rab gone leicester
    Hedman goes
    Mcmanus of to livi
    Balde off
    Diedier stays
    Jackie Sunderland on Monday
    Varga stays
    cuthbert gets a shot
    Joos off colounge
    Lennon off
    Petrov Sold to everton
    Pearson new start
    Thommo sold
    Sutton stays
    BBJ Stays if jaws wired shut
    Momo off leicester
    Fernandes stays as no one wants him
    Maloney last chance
    Beatie last chance
    Wallace last chance
    Aiden team build around him
    Sutton our leader

    Now i worry because where do we get the money to buy new players. GS better have a thick skin as the team will take time to gel and it will get worse before it gets better.

    Finally i can't spell but loved the keep the faith henrick rumour we all need to dream

    JJ

     
  • At 27/05/05 20:15, Blogger chennaiseabird said…

    Estadio

    Your poem. Stunning. In the underrated Scottish tradition. Burns, Hogg. Really, I'm not taking the piss.

    Just needs one more verse, about the awareness that actually they're the same as us. It's just that they think they were her first (short memories, but then some of us think we were here second. If you know the history.....) And so we support different football teams.

    So write the last verse. About when you (we, because we're all with you, well I am anyway) realised that actually they don't east jobbies on Sunday. Please. A man's a man for a' that. Let's stay with our club, but rise above the tribalism.

     
  • At 27/05/05 20:31, Blogger Timothy Malloy said…

    Concerns have been expressed on this site previously about John Hartson's weight problem. With speculation rife about the possibility of signing Antti Niemi, the photograph on the Setanta website:-
    http://www.setanta.com/content/setanta/website.nsf/systemcontent/newsarticle?open&articleid=7960629c7a0d6d418025700e00503ca7&folder=website-spl&parentfolder=website&noex&ref=rss&

    suggests he may soon have a pie-eating rival to contend with. Surely a bad photie?

     
  • At 27/05/05 20:36, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I was thinking about the logical conclusion to David Murray's ridiculous comments putting Big Feck on a par with MON.

    If he can get his chums in the media to believe it, will this mean Big Feck is touted as the next manager of Man U and linked with every vacancy in the Premiership??

    Somehow I think such a prospect would be far too incredulous, even for the laptop loyal.

    GM

     
  • At 27/05/05 20:48, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Link to GS column in Guardian, Re:His seasonal awards. Team of the season may be a bit of a taster

    Estadio Nacional

     
  • At 27/05/05 21:24, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    See if u check the stats for our defence this year u'll actually find that we did beter with ulrik laursen playin.I think that in over half the games he started we kept a clean sheet.No bad for this season!

    Keep him!

    Seto

     
  • At 27/05/05 21:28, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Is it a wise idea to let jackie go, argubly one of our most consistent performers the last 3 seasons? His versatitlty is invaluable for us and how would we replace him?

     
  • At 27/05/05 21:55, Anonymous U2 said…

    For all those bhoys and ghirls who are eagerly sending half our current squad down the M74 on the " no longer required " truck, bear something very important in mind. If WGS is going to let players go, he needs to have better players coming in.

    Wanting a player and getting him are two very different things. There are 4 or 5 non-regulars who can go - Fernandez, Sylla etc - but that aside, we need to be careful about wanting to punt first team regulars.

    Hartson should go in my opinion because he limits the way we play. He is also limited as a player, but for God sake don't let him go anywhere until we have sealed a better replacement. I'd rather have BBJ on the bench and coming on for a 20 minute bombardment against a tired defence than not have that option at all.

    Thompson has been poor this season. If he had been dropped in December he might have returned a better, more motivated player in February. But don't punt him unless you have a better replacement signed. Same for Bobo. Same for Varga.

    We should be moving out the deadwood and bringing in new, better blood for the first team, and let some of the above named players fight for their places or act as very capable cover when injuries, suspensions or form dips come along.

    We don't have a bad team, it's just not as good as it was. It needs freshened up guys, it doesn't need a mass evacuation.

    More ins than outs please.

     
  • At 27/05/05 22:05, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Who here thinks Robbie Keane would be a good buy for Celtic given that Bellamy is definitely not signing?

     
  • At 27/05/05 22:06, Blogger rumoid said…

    Sorry to hijack the post...

    Just a quick thanks to you guys out there who have helped raise £90 so far for the Jimmy Johnstone MND fund.

    Keep visiting:

    www.sixtee7.com

    Thanks

     
  • At 27/05/05 22:16, Blogger Celtic_Dave said…

    U2

    Dont know whether i agree with you on "more ins than out"

    I hope there are wholesale changes, and i believe there will be. If we do let 6 players go, say, and get 4 as replacement, i believe we can fill those 2 voids with some players from the youth team. We would be saving a heck of a lot on wages every week, which would go towards a better calibre of player in the first team .
    We need to desperately get these non starters off the wage bill, but i feel if we dont get as many players in as we let go, then so be it.
    As long as the players that come in are not as ageing and injury prone as some of our current first team squad, and that they can do a job.
    I admit, our squad isnt exactly huge . However, we have a good youth team but so many mediocre players picking up high wages for nothing.

    Hartson , Joos, Momo, Fernandez, lennon (only if we can get a replacement def midfielder), Thommo, and Bobo and the two keepers should be on their way. Hartson has provided a lot of goals, but if a premiership or championship team offered a good price, we would be mad not to take it.


    Rumoid

    Glad I could help, and the marvellous T-shirt I ordered is still intact after several washes.


    Dave

     
  • At 27/05/05 22:25, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    is jack73 the one and the same caiside jack????

    johnbhoy71

     
  • At 27/05/05 22:28, Blogger Tony said…

    Is it definite that Bellamy is not staying?
    I have not read it anywhere.
    T. Latvia

     
  • At 27/05/05 22:41, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Sure is johnbhoy71

    Jack73

     
  • At 27/05/05 22:44, Blogger Mick said…

    With regards to signings Celtic had been linked to a couple of Dundee Unt. players. I think the two were Robson and Wilson can anyone clarify if it was these two and were scouts watching them?

    I think Robson would be a fantastic player for Celtic pace, stamina, can hit a dead ball.
    He would be in the right age bracket and with nurturing playing for Celtic would make him a better player.

    Anyone shed any light on the above?

     
  • At 27/05/05 22:56, Blogger VertWolf said…

    I wonder if the ambition of GS to manage Scotland could be factored into all this - WS has plenty of previous for failure in Europe so one can imagine a future scenario where GS moves on and MON returns

     
  • At 27/05/05 23:01, Anonymous U2 said…

    Celtic_Dave,

    When I said more ins than outs, I meant from first team regulars. The list of high-earning-rarely-appearing are the numbers I want out. Sylla, Fernandez, Hedman, Valgaeren and Henchoz are earning a lot of money that should be saved, and obviously Lambert. Although I have fondness for Joos, he is vulnerable in defence and it would be best for him and Celtic to move our separate ways. That wee list leaves us short of cover if we have a flurry of injuries.

    Before releasing first team regulars, have the replacements in the Dugout with their new strip and number for the papers photoshoot. Then let one or two first team regulars go, but no more. We'll need them for the cover vacated by the list above.

    Healthy competition has been missing. As of the youngsters, McGeady and Kennedy are the pick of the bunch, but only one of them will be available for main part of next season. I think the best approach for one or two of the real promising youngsters would be loan spells to English Championship teams or Scottish Premier teams.

    If they're as good as we hear, send them over to Easter Road for a season and get Mogga to educate them while giving them real experience. Quinn, Cuthbert, maybe even Maloney if he hasn't forced his way into contention by Christmas. Being in a two horse race that goes to the wire is not conducive to taking risks with youngsters, although maybe Strachan will take more risks than Martin did.

     
  • At 27/05/05 23:10, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    www.thankyoumartin.co.uk

     
  • At 27/05/05 23:23, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Anonymous, 19:20

    Images of McStay lifting cup in '95

    http://www.celticcollectorsclub.co.uk/brochures/summerview95.jpg

     
  • At 28/05/05 00:17, Anonymous KerryTim said…

    Hey lads, Quick thing there, Mark (plastic paddy) Lawrenson was on the radio of here in ireland this evening talking things football, anyway they spoke about WGS and Mark reckons he'll do a grand job and that he's been spotting players one particular comment he made was "I don't know who the current celtic left back is but i know for sure he's being looking at some and been watching videos etc" Also we had Tony Cantscore-ino on it too, he was rattling on about if your the celtic manager you only have to beat one team etc, seems Tony has been on the sauce mid-week over the last few years and missed out on our trips to Europe.

    Thats the update from this side of the Irish Sea.

    Take Care

    KerryTim

    Do it for Martin

     
  • At 28/05/05 00:23, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Who is the current Celtic left back??

    Seto

     
  • At 28/05/05 00:32, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Seto,

    That would be an ecumenical matter.

     
  • At 28/05/05 00:48, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Tom64, only sampled the beer, thanks for the tip.

    Cheers Jimbo. Glas to hear I am not the only one with the same addiction. The site stats have gone through the roof this week. Which is proof that ‘bad news sells’, as every newspaper knows too well.

    When your income depends on it, you are going to go out there and find bad news.

    Anon 3.28, ETims are entitled to their opinion, always delivered with respectful humour.

    BennyBhoy, not that I have heard.

    Gerry, no JAz today in the Drum & Monkey. No sure I would recommend it, several journo’s hanging about.

    ExiledInAberdeen, congrats for getting Nanotechnology into a Celtic blog.

    On the subject of Bobo; he is a player who needs a new club. Celtic got the best of him.

    BigChipSuk, expect Robbie Keane next month. As I have been hoping for for some weeks, the future is all about pace in all areas of the team.

    May67
    Many thanks for the recollections. In 1985 I got into the game without paying (back in those days Cup Finals were not all ticket). So many people turned up that the police opened the gates to let the crowd in.

    Four years later the Sheffield police done the same at Hillsborough and tragedy resulted.

    TinneyBhoy, What a laugh. Oh if god the gift would gie us to see ourselves as other see us.
    Thanks for that

    Thanks JJ, the assistant will be TB not HL.

    GM, I am happy to propagate the ‘McLeish is great’ story. Better this than risk a change.

    Tony, Bellamy is moving on.

    Agree on Robson Mick. Not heard any news about him, though.

    Seto, Jackie Mac.

     
  • At 28/05/05 01:03, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    thanks for that KerryTim, was unfortunate enough to be at cascarinos finest moment in the Hoops in Neuchetal and its good to hear he's finally found his niche in life.Anon 12.05 Im not particularly superstitious but I really wish you hadnt pointed that out,its got me thinking. Good luck to everyone in the Green & White tomorrow, we've went through a lot of years when a Scottish Cup win would have been more than welcome.We've come a long way & theres a lot more to come.C'mon The Hoops Mark-F

     
  • At 28/05/05 01:13, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    there is a theory that if you take a loaad of monkeys and a load of typewriters that you will eventualy write the complete works of shakespere. Big Feck might win a consolation

     
  • At 28/05/05 01:13, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    there is a theory that if you take a loaad of monkeys and a load of typewriters that you will eventualy write the complete works of shakespere. Big Feck might win a consolation

     
  • At 28/05/05 01:19, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    walk with me oh my lord through the darkest night and brightest day be at my side oh lord hold my hand and guide me on my way

    DAV for president

     
  • At 28/05/05 01:30, Blogger Lisburn Lion said…

    Fond memories of 1985 Cup success. Made the trip for the semi-final against Clydebank (I think). Raining cats and dogs and a pretty dull game which we won 1-0. Can't remember who scored. Anyone?

    Back again for the final and stayed the weekend this time. Friday evening ferry from Larne to Cairnryan and many drinks later woke up in a flat in Castlemilk the next morning. Don't know who's flat it was but everyone called him Wee Man.

    Hot and sunny next day. Off we went in search of a cure. We'd drink anything so long as it was wet. Finally made it to Hampden where Davie Provan and Frank McGarvey (after a run and cross from Roy Aitken) score the all important goals.

    Won't be there in body but will be there in spirit tomorrow.

    Keep up the good work Paul. Don't let the negative posts get you down.

    Hail Hail

     
  • At 28/05/05 01:34, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Anon 1.13- Shear poetry,Ive heard that theory a few times and that proves it.If a load of media monkies type for ever thay will come out with something.

    Magic media monkey slating

    Estadio Nacional

     
  • At 28/05/05 01:42, Blogger bryanbhoy67 said…

    robbie keane would be a great signing in my opinion anon 10.05.
    but given his talent and many premiership clubs looking a better prospect than us right now, GS would find it difficult to get hold of him, in saying that, they worked together at coventry

     
  • At 28/05/05 02:05, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Agree Ive been thinking that Robbie Keane should have been the replacement for Henke for more than a year.
    If he is a Celtic supporter he will realise that he has made a fortune out of the various transfers without being a hero or fulfilling his potential.He would get less wages but career wise/morally he would be fullfilled,he would be Champions League and he would be remembered as a legend at the club he loves.
    No english club that is interested could ofer that,if he goes to an english club then we know where he stands.No offence but Id love him to sign, he'd be a hero.

    Estadio Nacional

     
  • At 28/05/05 02:16, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    lisburn lion, if i remember right it was our old pals M'well we done in that semi,think we beat bankies a few years later. great memories of the final though, think I'll dig out the tape as sleep is out of the question.
    Mark-F

     
  • At 28/05/05 03:13, Blogger Lisburn Lion said…

    Mark F,

    I'm an insomniac tonight. Almost sure it was Clydebank. Anyone? Did Frank McGarvey score the winner that day as well? McGarveybhoy you're sure to know. Can remember our bus windows were smashed as we passed through Larne that night. Sure what's new...?

    C'mon the Bhoys tomorrow. We shall not, we shall not be moved!

     
  • At 28/05/05 03:39, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    sorry lisburn lion I should have left it alone,just feeling a bit edgy tonight. i was at the games you mention and seem to remember beating the sons of motherwell over two games in 85.Didnt Walker score against Clydebank? No matter,Im going from memory here and have consumed somewhere near the 16 pints mentioned in an earlier post.Better get a few hours kip before tomorrows festivities.long live frank mcgarvey
    Mark-F

     
  • At 28/05/05 06:44, Blogger GlassTwoThirdsFull said…

    It was Motherwell we beat in the 85 semi - I think Clydebank was 1990.

    Well McGarvey getting the winner in the final could be another good omen - that was his last game, and there's a few guys today will be playing their last game.

    As for the superstition of not being able to win a championship in a year ending in 5. Wouldn’t 2015 be a good time to break the hoodoo, and nicely round off 10-in-a-row....?

     
  • At 28/05/05 07:18, Blogger paulw88 said…

    GlassTwoThirdsHalfFull

    It was Motherwell we beat after a replay and Frank McGarvey scored the winner in the final.

    The following week, despite finishing season top scorer, he was given an "insulting offer" to re-sign" and left to join St Mirren. Just checked "The Glory and the Dream" book by Campbell and Woods.

    Noticed earlier post on ThankstoMartin - opportunity to give our thanks to the great man.

    Getting the glad rags on to go through to Hampden. Can't wait!!

     
  • At 28/05/05 07:33, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Can anyone remind me how old Niemi is?
    I see they are at it again,Celtic saying they will let the manager pick the cup up,everyone was talking about where we were going to get the league handed to us and look what happened.

    Getting above our station once again,head in the clouds.

     
  • At 28/05/05 08:26, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Celticwully 7.10

    I am really surprised you cannot see that Varga is the weak link and not Balde...!! As he has been all season he was utter rank against Motherwell and anyone with a bit of pace leaves him for dead. Get rid I say... and quickly.

     
  • At 28/05/05 08:36, Blogger rumoid said…

    Anon-- I believe Niemi is 32....

    He has only been linked via the papers....his agent said "he would welcome a move" and "GS has not contacted him"....

    I really hope Hedman doesnt hang around.....

    On the morning of the Final and still no tickets.....anyone recommend a pub near hampden that I can go if I dont pick up a ticket at the ground....

     
  • At 28/05/05 08:41, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Expectations for next years season might have to be lowered if such a team building exercise is to happen.

    Would we rather keep the core of the existing team and battle it out with the forces of darkness fo another spl title, or build and use the season as a learning curve. I think we all want to see fast flowing attacking football. We must give the wee man time to bed his team in this might mean forfiting the title next year.

    The orcs will add 3-4 players to thier squad with the same going the other way. We are now in thier position of having to do major surgery the idea of bbj staying should not be on the agenda move him on and get somone who plays the ball on the ground.

     
  • At 28/05/05 08:43, Blogger rumoid said…

    8.26

    IMO I think they are both as weak as each other....both need to play alongside a strong confident partner.....

    Both have been shown to be bad passers of the ball as the midfield have been failing to come short and make themself available for the short ball....

    I would keep Balde and dump Varga....(but Varga i on a 3 yr contract is he not?)

     
  • At 28/05/05 08:54, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Robbie Keane might have pace but he lacks finesse - regardless of the fact he is Irish and can run about all day he is not the answer and would not be value for money.
    Ayrshirecelt

     
  • At 28/05/05 09:05, Blogger may67 said…

    Strange, and not entirely welcome, sensation of deja vu this morning. Up early after a restless night, in anticipation of a great day. Selecting which greenery to put on before getting the train through to Glasgow where the pre-match pub has been arranged. The pub'll be good - it always is (the Railway in Motherwell last week). Then the walk/taxi from the pub to the game. Still good crack. But in last week's version it's now that it all starts to go horribly wrong.

    Not today, Celtic. I know it's a cliche but do it for Martin. Hail! Hail!

     
  • At 28/05/05 09:15, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    at the risk of repeating myself i beleive it is the correct time for the chairman to leave the club.
    MON said he could not guarantee the league if he didn't get new players and he was proved correct.
    we need a chairman who is prepared to back the judgement of his manager. celtic supporters are pouring millions of pounds into this club on the understanding that some of that money will be used to bring in new players and for three years this has not been the case.
    we knocked liverpool out of europe 2 seasons ago. they invested and we did not. they will earn upwards of £20M this season from europe. how much did we earn?
    in season 2003/2004 when we were knocked out of the chamions league brian quinn said that if we have a good run in the eufa cup we might be able to buy someone. what he should have said is that we will buy first to make sure we will have a good run in the eufa cup.
    that is the kind of ambition he should have shown. we should have spent to try and qulify for the second stage of the champons league. that is where the big bucks are. instead we are trying to sell more and more replca tops. trying to squeeze more and more money out of the fans.
    a change of direction in the boardroom please.
    johnbhoy71

     
  • At 28/05/05 09:18, Blogger Big Joe said…

    Not going 2 say much,

    just

    COMEONTHEHOOPSLETSWINTHECUP,

    not for MON

    for CELTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!

     
  • At 28/05/05 09:32, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Does anyone agree with me that Thommos form left him when he was picked for England and he has never regained it.
    I would only go for 3 home players maybe not to play them all but for the squad, Riordan, Robson and Diamond and look abroad for others.

    Tims for the cup C'mon the hoops.

    GalaTim

     
  • At 28/05/05 09:37, Blogger Tony said…

    I was at the 1975 and 1985 finals too, i remember the 95 final being an achiviement to win something.
    It shows how far we have come under MON, let's wish him all the best and give him a proper send off regardless of the result.
    He has left us in a better place than he found us, i for one have gratitude for that.
    God Bless you Martin, John and Stevie and thanks for the memories.
    Tony, Latvia

     
  • At 28/05/05 09:51, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Diamond? not good enough for the Tic.

    must look for better quality than him.


    Pussy Willow

     
  • At 28/05/05 09:53, Blogger Mick said…

    Morning all!
    When the Celt's go up to lift the Scottish Cup Well be there!!

    Had to log on to CQN for my daily fix before going to the game.

    Will be in the Athena in Pollokshaws for a beer before the game, Paul why don't you get along and have a chat with your chums on Etims site.

    RE: Anon 9.32

    Agree Celtic need to go for home based players. Though isn't UEFA going ot bring in a rule that a percentage of the squad have to be home based?
    Couldn't agree more with your choices especially Robson who is a real talent... not today please!!

    COME ON THE HOOPS !!!

     
  • At 28/05/05 09:56, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Lisburn Lion, I remember the Cup semi against Clydebank, or to be more precise, I remember the rain. Not willing to say if the Bankies game was ’85 or ’90, though. Don’t recall a lot of talk about ‘the Celtic way’ back then, and let me tell our younger readers, it was a lousy game.

    The final in ’85 was a different story. When we were a goal down there were a group of guys behind me full of “I wont be back” type comments – and this was because we were losing to a very good United team. As I keep saying here, the core group of Celtic fans who will support the club irrespective of the product is not as big as many think.

    Both Celtic goals came in the last 15 minutes I think, great way to win a cup. Which has just reminded me, horrible way to lose a ….

    Thanks for your encouragement.

    AyrshireCelt, disagree on Robbie Keane, I have been a big fan since the 2002 World Cup.

    Johnbhoy71, a new chairman without new money would not have made any difference. BQ is an easy target and I would prefer he was getting blamed than the manager or players, but it all comes back where does the cash come from.

    Tony, what an achievement beating Airdire in 1995 was. For the weans out there we have not won a single trophy since 1989. My dad walked out to the concourse for a break during the second half as the nervousness had got to him, and this against Airdrie!

     
  • At 28/05/05 09:57, Blogger Brian74 said…

    Let's put on a show today and remind eveyone who the best team in Scotland really are. Let's do our best to put last week behind us and put on a performance worthy of the last 5 years. MON deserves it. The players deserve it. And WE deserve it.

    Come on the Hoops. We can do it. And we can do it in style.

     
  • At 28/05/05 10:00, Blogger Alabama Celt said…

    I agree with Ayrshire Celt. I was a big fan of Robbie Keane but although he has the heart he really doesn't have the ability to fill the role we need him to. Watched him recently for Ireland and he has lost the plot. Does a lot of running but has missed too many chances for us. I know he has done pretty well in the EPL but many of his goals were penalties and for Ireland, save the goal against Germany, he hasn't really scored against top class opposition in competitive matches.

    A good player but not a great one. In my opinion, we need better for the price Jol will be asking for.

     
  • At 28/05/05 10:20, Blogger Alabama Celt said…

    To add to that, c'mon the Hoops! Do it for Celtic, for Martin and for us. To anyone going to he game, I hope you have a great day. Enjoy!

     
  • At 28/05/05 10:33, Blogger rammiebhoy said…

    All the papers down here this morning are reporting that Everton and Newcastle are about to put in £5 million + bids for Keane (wages £45k per week).

    I like Keane, he is still young and learning (Henrik was older when he joined us)but not on that kind of transfer fee and salary.

    The general concensus over the last few days is that Bellamy isn't worth that level of expenditure, I doubt anyone would think Keane was.

    Paul67 - I am surprised by some of the names you have mentioned. I would be disappointed if they all left.

    I suppose we need to bow to the planning of the board and assume the have something 'up their sleeve' for the new manager.

    I also think they should be given credit for the way they have handled MON leaving and having a replacement arranged to ensure a smooth transition.

    Just unfortunate that it became public knowledge when it did.

    I was at '85 and '95 (bit too young for '75, honest).

    Panic in '85, spent hard earned cash on a special edition hoops top the day before the game. '100th Cup Final' around the badge, spent a lot of time during second half trying to work out how I could unpick the stitching and keep the top .....then up steps Provan.

    '95 - pre match meal at CP before getting bussed to Hampden (courtesy of a good friend), back to CP and a party with the players bringing the cup around everyone.

    The relief was incredible, especially the efforts of people like Peter Grant who ran themselves into the ground that day.

    We were playing Airdrie and still couldn't take anything for granted (especially after '94).

    The change now from '95 is remarkable, the expectation probably excessive at times but the confidence certainly justified.

    To everyone going to the game, lets hope it is something we are still talking about in another 20 years.

     
  • At 28/05/05 10:33, Blogger rammiebhoy said…

    All the papers down here this morning are reporting that Everton and Newcastle are about to put in £5 million + bids for Keane (wages £45k per week).

    I like Keane, he is still young and learning (Henrik was older when he joined us)but not on that kind of transfer fee and salary.

    The general concensus over the last few days is that Bellamy isn't worth that level of expenditure, I doubt anyone would think Keane was.

    Paul67 - I am surprised by some of the names you have mentioned. I would be disappointed if they all left.

    I suppose we need to bow to the planning of the board and assume the have something 'up their sleeve' for the new manager.

    I also think they should be given credit for the way they have handled MON leaving and having a replacement arranged to ensure a smooth transition.

    Just unfortunate that it became public knowledge when it did.

    I was at '85 and '95 (bit too young for '75, honest).

    Panic in '85, spent hard earned cash on a special edition hoops top the day before the game. '100th Cup Final' around the badge, spent a lot of time during second half trying to work out how I could unpick the stitching and keep the top .....then up steps Provan.

    '95 - pre match meal at CP before getting bussed to Hampden (courtesy of a good friend), back to CP and a party with the players bringing the cup around everyone.

    The relief was incredible, especially the efforts of people like Peter Grant who ran themselves into the ground that day.

    We were playing Airdrie and still couldn't take anything for granted (especially after '94).

    The change now from '95 is remarkable, the expectation probably excessive at times but the confidence certainly justified.

    To everyone going to the game, lets hope it is something we are still talking about in another 20 years.

     
  • At 28/05/05 10:37, Blogger celticwully said…

    8:26 AM, Anon…

    not saying that Varga is my no.1 choice for central defence and I know he's not had a great season but the guy was a revelation when he came, great first season and also contributed with important goals. It cannot help playing with a truly awful Bobo who has been terribly hesitant, wasteful, indecisive and seems to have lost the arial prowess and man marking that made us shuffle his raw weaknesses under the carpet. I think he needs marshalled by a confident, decisive partner and in that envionment would be solid enough.

    Don't believe you can play both in the same side and I'd bin Bobo of the two; don't believe we can bin both this season cos where do you find 2 replacements? Diamond? Not what we need in CL.

    Top drawer centre's are as prized today as top drawer forwards, perhaps even more so now. What has cheatin' Jose valued Terry at, somthing outrageous like £50mill? Man U payed £30m for Ferdinand, Nesta to Milan was only finances through Berlusconi's miliardi etc- the reality is that it's now arguably the most diffcult position to fill and one HAS to go this year, of the two I'd rather keep Varga as Bobo's mistakes have cost us far dearer and we might unbelievably get cash for him as even the Guardian today states that he's wanted by 'several premiership clubs'!

    Spot on earlier, sorry can't find the originator, that Laursen galvanised the defence - he didn't do much wrong when called upon and distribution was genrally positive up left flank. Should have started have been more often.
    CW

     
  • At 28/05/05 10:54, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Gi'en that Juninho has since departed for sunnier climes (TFFT), can we now call Gordon Stachan TFW?

    4-0 today, byraway. YNWA

     
  • At 28/05/05 10:55, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    D'oh! Meant to type TWF :)

     
  • At 28/05/05 11:07, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I've just had a phone call from my cousin in sunny Newarthill to say that Darren Huckerby is signing for Celtic this week.

    Have any of the CQN readers heard this or is there anything in the Scottish press?

    Chris McMorrow
    Mexico City

     
  • At 28/05/05 11:15, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    i don't see what everyone's prblem is with darren huckerby. I've liked him when he's been playing for Norwich this season, he's fast, got a powerful shot and he likes pulling out onto either flank and putting in top drawer crosses. All in all, i believe he can be just as effective as bellars even though he hasn't got the lightning pace, because he would put more of his chances away

     
  • At 28/05/05 11:42, Blogger Kano said…

    Evening paul, fellow tims,
    3 hours to go,and i am just as nervous as I was last week.
    C'mon the Bhoys,let's do it fot MON,let's do it for the fans,but more importantly,let's do it for Celtic.
    Celtic is what counts for me.
    Let's give the man a send off he will never forget.
    But win the cup for Celtic.
    For the ones who may be leaving,let me say a big thank you for your efforts in what has been an amazing five seasons.
    You will only realise what you have had when you go somewhere else,and best of luck to you all.
    C'mon the Celts.

     
  • At 28/05/05 12:33, Blogger Tom the Tim said…

    Of all the players suggested to move on this year, one man I hope stays put is AT. I know that his form his not been as good this year, but I'm convinced there are two reasons for this. The first, that often he has been played out of position in central midfield and secondly, and more significantly, the departure of HL, denying him the quick thinking, mobile target that benefits from his accurate passing. I think that his form improved with the introduction of Bellamy, who provided the movement and running that Henrik offered.
    On a complete non sequetor, while some posters are thinking up ways to create extra funds for the club, I would like to suggest a way to help the club and also put money back into the fans pockets.
    It is my personal hobby horse. Like most observers, I believe that Sky will be the driving force for change in football. We want them to recognise the potential increase that Celtic would bring to viewing figures and therefore insist that we should be part of any reconstruction.
    My point is, why should they bother? How many of us already subsribe to them without Celtic representation, save the odd cup tie. Where is the incentive for them? Two years ago I cancelled my Sky Sports package in protest over subsidising Manu, L'pool et al, al the way down to Barnet, Rushton & Diamonds etc. It has saved me money and I still have Eurosport. What would the effect on the Sky executives thinking be if a few hundred or thousand Celtic supporters did likewise, especially for the important, as far as contract negotiations is concerned, season ahead.
    Sorry for the ramble on Cup Final day, but I genuinely believe we can make a difference.
    To those going to Hampden, give an extra roar for me. I'll be watching in my local in sunny Donegal.

     
  • At 28/05/05 12:53, Blogger BankieBhoy said…

    Of all the players mentioned for the off the only ones I would be interested in retaining are Bellamy and Thompson.

    My biggest disappointment about the players listed as leaving is that the combined fee for them all,bar one,will be zilch.This was one of MON's few failures as manager.

    The first team squad currently sits at thirty players.Reducing this number to about 23 or 24 players but increasing the quality of competition and back-up should be GS's first area of concentration.Two players for every position and three keepers.

    Also,I have felt for a long time that if injuries kick in we should be promoting boys from the under-21 side to fill in.Surely,in a League so devoid of talent as the SPL is,we could include one or two youngsters and still get results?

    Anyway,come on the hoops,let's give MON the send-off he deserves for five years of real success and unsurpassed dignity.

    BankieBhoy

     
  • At 28/05/05 13:02, Anonymous Scott said…

    I would love to see Robbie Keane at Celtic. He has got talent and is a Celtic supporter (apparently). If he was going to cost £5m, I would leave him, but £2m was suggested on another Celtic website. For that price, he would be a great signing. I agree with the guy who mentioned Dirk Kuiyt from Feyenoord. I have been suggesting him ever since the Hearts game in the UEFA Cup. He has a great touch, he's fast, and he will score the 30+ goals a season that Larsson did.

    Riordan would also be a great signing. Hibs want to sell, and he's proved he can score goals in the SPL. £750K bid, rising to over a million, dependant on goals/appearances. Also, that Swedish winger that us and Spurs were linked with - I think it was Wilhelmson. He played in the friendly against Scotland and ripped us apart. He's young and wouldn't be too expensive, meaning we could sell Thompson. I'd love to see O'Shea at Celtic, but Man U would be looking for a fair bit as he's a regular now.

    Niemi would be another good signing for a year or two. We should also be scouting Europe more. There are a lot of great players in leagues like the Dutch, German, French, Portugese... even the Eastern Europe leagues, look at Stan and Lubo. Liedson from Sporting Lisbon would be a good signing. Anyway, any/all of those players would be great.

     
  • At 28/05/05 13:13, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Rammiebhoy, I still have the ‘100th Cup Final’ shirt, also bought the day before the game. There were very few of us there that day wearing them.

    Tom the Tim, I am a big fan of Thompson, but if change is in the air then let it happen.

    Hope Donegal is sunnier than Carfin today.

    Anyway, apologies to all you in far flung places, some of us have a Cup Final to get ready for :-)

     
  • At 28/05/05 13:24, Blogger GalaBhoy said…

    One very confident punter near heathrow airport has bet £160,000 @1/12 on Celtic at William Hills
    I'm confident but not that confident even if I could afford it!!!

    C'mon the Hoops

     
  • At 28/05/05 14:29, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    MichaelC

    nice reading about the 85 Cup final before logging on i was telling my wife about how good my memories of that day were.

    Went into Rowe sports in greenock on the morning of the match and bought my "100th Scottish cup final" jersey, then got into the match for nothing with my old man as the gates were opened. what a day.

    The immortal words of Archie on the highlights, "never in the history of the scottish cup has a goal been scored direct from a free kick. Is this a bit of history? IT IS."

    What a day, never to be forgotten.

    sorry for the soppy nostalgia but good to hear others recalling.

    Thanks martin.

     
  • At 28/05/05 16:53, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    shocking game, absolutely shocking. It actually is like losing

     
  • At 28/05/05 16:59, Blogger Derbyshirebhoy said…

    Stuck here in France where no-one cares I'm just pleased that the result went for us.

     
  • At 28/05/05 17:06, Blogger Lisburn Lion said…

    Anon Hun above at 4.53 get back in your cage. Great result. Nice touch sending Martin, John and Steve up first for the trophy. Brilliant send off. What more can I say.

    PS Over 5 mins injury time - you're having a laugh.

    Come on the Hoops

     
  • At 28/05/05 17:21, Blogger rammiebhoy said…

    Paul I do still have the shirt, must have shrunk though doesn't seem to fit now.

    Great send off for MON, I think I was more emotional than him at the end of the game.

    Oh well, hold on tight, another roller coaster ride coming

     
  • At 28/05/05 17:25, Blogger morethanjustaclub said…

    Today the football was ALMOST incidental! What an occasion.
    A coming together of everything that is great about The Celtic Family, the supporters were immense, only equalled by the contribution made to or great club since July 2000 by Martin, Robbo & Steve & the many great players they brought to our club.

    To one & all, thanks for the memories, they will be held close to my heart forever more.

    God bless

     
  • At 28/05/05 17:27, Blogger stephen74 said…

    Thought Martin, John, and Steve going up to collect the cup was the nicest touch possible... I actuallu said to the Mrs how nice it would be if MON went up first.... well what do you know... thats Celtic for you... Faithfull through and through...

    Hail Hail

     
  • At 28/05/05 17:37, Blogger Lisburn Lion said…

    What's Charlie Nicholas on? He's just after saying Bellamy is too good to play in Scotland and Celtic can't afford him anyway !! Paul, any chance you can have a wee word in his ear? :O)

     
  • At 28/05/05 17:54, Blogger stephen74 said…

    well lisbon... glad I, like a previous poster didnt subscribe to sky sports after they dumped the SPL so had to watch the game on the totally 'unbiased' bbc so didnt have to listen to Nicholas'es words... though that didnt stop me hitting the mute button...

    Congratulations to Martin, John, and Steve... all the best for the future.

    Hail Hail

     
  • At 28/05/05 18:03, Blogger Sean.zo' 88 said…

    After the match Alan Thompson was pretty adamant that he would be staying under Gordan Strachan as he still has 2 years left on his contract.
    Paul, do you know something that he dosen't?
    Or was he just saying it for the cameras?

    Thought Mark Wilson was really good today and he's not even 20.

    Sean

     
  • At 28/05/05 18:16, Blogger Tony said…

    The team knew what to do at the end this time, they did look tired though.
    If we can keep bellamy and get another couple of midfielders and strikers with pace we would be awesome.
    How many times did Bellamy get clear only to find no Celtic players could keep up with him and he had no options.
    Great result for all of us after the past week, a nice send off for Martin, John and Stevie, it's only fitting really. We have had one hell of an adventure with them.
    It takes guts for a new manager to take up the mantle and try to follow that. Best of luck to GS and let's get behind him, he knows all about Celtic, let's teach him what Celtic really means to all of us.
    It should be an exciting summer!:)
    Tony, Latvia

     
  • At 28/05/05 18:24, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    paul67.
    celtic earned £18M on their way to seville and not one thin dime was re-invested in the team.
    is that discouraging or not?
    p.s
    did our assisstant referee have good game today? NOT!

    johnbhoy71

     
  • At 28/05/05 18:29, Blogger stephen74 said…

    Johnbhoy...

    fair comment... but less than 1 hour after winning the scottish cup...?

    Enjoy this small victory, let Martin and co bask in it... thens lets start that old debate all over again in a few days time...

    HAIL HAIL!

     
  • At 28/05/05 18:33, Blogger chrisg said…

    Not a great game. But I think we looked a bit more in control than last week.
    For everyone wanting to get rid of 80% of the team, I would suggest an alternative.
    Hopefully we can keep the vast majority of the recognised first eleven - in the squad. And with the money Paul67 suggests may be available, improve the squad and the alternatives for the team WGS puts on the field. Although they are not as effective as in previous seasons there is still a vast well of experience there that can be called upon. I don't mean having Paul Lambert contracts, rather not chucking the baby out with the bathwater.

     
  • At 28/05/05 18:35, Blogger stephen74 said…

    ps...


    so much for superstition's

    Hail Hail

    Paul, time for a positive start for a new blog thread... Just how good can we expect to be next year?

     
  • At 28/05/05 18:51, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Congrats to Martin and the bhoys.

    Excellent way to bow out.

    Lisburn Lion, Nicholas often says that Celtic do not have the money for this or that. Truth is the picture is changing at Celtic. 12 months ago he would have been right, he needs to read CQN to keep up to date.

    Sean zo, I hope I am wrong.

    Johnbhoy 71, that old chestnut.

    Here is the problem:

    In the Seville season we spent every penny that came in and more. In fact we lost £13million that season. Nothing went on transfers because it all went on wages and other running costs.

    The club issued the financial statement but failed to communicate with the fans leaving a vacuum for the media to spin the ‘where did all the money go’ line.

    The actual sum earned from the Euro run was more like £11million.

    Stephen 74, absolutely brilliant.

     
  • At 28/05/05 19:01, Blogger Fargo said…

    Greetings,Paul67 et al,

    Great Day in the Morning!

    I am not ashamed to admit that there was not a dry eye in the house, after witnessing this bitter sweet ending to an era of accomplishment and outstanding achievements.

    The salient and indelible memory, being of course, the Noble and Gallant Setback at Seville.

    Ah, my Friends, that was indeed a true Beau Geste!


    Lovely touch, allowing Martin and his Two Faithful Retainers a Culminating Moment of Glory.

    They certainly deserved all of the wonderful accolades that the jubilant and vociferous Celtic Faithful, heaped upon them.

    Martin we will never see yer like again!

    You are the Sui Generis of the Soccer Manager genus.

    Martin, I am proud to have had the privilege of spending some memorable (oh so sweet moments,now) moments, in your company.
    They are the times, that I will cherish and forever remember, as the highlights, of my not too platitudinous, existence.

    My highest regards and best wishes to your lovely and gracious spouse.

    May God grant a happy denouement to your term of trial and tribulation.

    Vaya con Dios, Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill and Family.


    Fargo.

     
  • At 28/05/05 19:04, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Anon 4.53 here

    sorry guys, i was typing that within 10 seconds of the final whistle and the performance, but not the result, was at the forefront of my mind. I then returned to watch the presentation and goodbye and regretted saying what i did.

    It was great to give MoN, SW, JR and so many others a winning ending to their celtic careers

     
  • At 28/05/05 19:19, Blogger paulw88 said…

    Sat in front of Bellamy's brother, son, wife(?), father and mates (including Neil Jenkins).

    He's off.

    Wouldn't say where he's going, but he's going.

    Let them know that he couldn't lace Henrik's boots!!!

    Poor game - great result!!

     
  • At 28/05/05 19:25, Blogger stephen74 said…

    LOL anon 4.53... absolutely no problem... thats feelings for you... we all have em... we all feel differently after EVERY game... we come on... we post and discuss... thats what makes CQN better than any other Celtic site...

    (well that and the fact that to the best of my knowledge Paul doesn't go on and slag other celtic sites the same as they tend to come on here and have a pop at paul... shame on them... jealousy is a powerfull emotion!)

    We all... ALL of us, only want whats best for Celtic!

    HAIL HAIL

     
  • At 28/05/05 21:15, Blogger Paul's Brother said…

    For so long we have had people who left the club who did not mean anything to me.

    Last year Henrik and now Martin. I don’t know if it was the circumstances of Martin leaving, but today was very emotional. Thank you for five great years and especially Seville.

    It was very good to see that team go out winning. Players like Sutton, Thomson, Lennon and Hartson have all served us well.

    On Tuesday I will be looking forward to the Gordon era.

    Kevin

     
  • At 28/05/05 21:34, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Great performance and result, big relief. Not a dry eye in the house, even from Mrs Mac!

    If Bellers is going let him go. It was a good few months. He's good, fast, very fast, breath takingly fast. He can score a few goals, but he is not consistent enough and certainly not Henrik's replacement.

    If all Paul has alluded to comes true, he'll be the one regretting the departure in 5 years time.

    Here's to the next exciting chapter in our history.

    HT

     
  • At 28/05/05 21:40, Blogger Bryce Curdy said…

    Personally I thought it was a decent if not fabulous performance. Dundee United defended well, and any good fortune I thought they had enjoyed was cancelled out by the injury time shot (what an effort!) off the bar. Hartson and Balde did not do enough to change my view they should be sold if possible. From what others are saying Bellamy is not staying. He does have two good feet and great pace but I have a growing feeling that his inability to translate opportunities into relatively simple goals is a fundamental flaw. There were several times today when he shot when a cut back was the better option. Great monent seeing MON and his two lieutenants lifting the Cup. Five minutes of injury time (which actually ran to nearer five and a half)?

     
  • At 28/05/05 21:40, Blogger Tony said…

    To date Lennon & Thompson have said they want to stay, let's hope GS can see the sense in keeping them.
    If Bellamy is off then that is a pity but we need to bring pace into the team and there must be others out there.
    Tony, Latvia

     
  • At 28/05/05 22:08, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    paul67, the accounts have shown what we did earn and not what we could have earned if we had invested in the team.
    we need a chairman who will drive this club forward. if not, the new manager will have an uphill struggle.
    on another matter, things will not be the same without martin no matter how successful gordon strachan is.
    jackie's game is going to be soooooo emotional!

    johnbhoy71

     
  • At 28/05/05 22:11, Blogger ExiledInAberdeenTim said…

    An emotional and fitting finale to the MON era.Not a wonderful game but a game that Celtic dominated.

    Apologies if this has been posted before but this article gives an overview as to why the 14 out of 20 argument on TV rights means very little.

    http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=859&id=569172005

     

Post a Comment

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

<< Home

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   Home :: About :: XML/RSS Feed

  © Celtic Quick News 2004-2008. Powered by Blogger.