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Glad to see a new thread has started that puts the incident of earlier in the week behind us.
Paul, any news on when the next press conference will be? I've heard there was supposed to be one today but I fear that was just wishful thinking.
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Paul67,
I have read your site for tha last week or so with interest, it being one of the few rational sites around.
I am normally quite reserved when it comes to criticising the board and broadly support many of your observations however I must confess to becoming evermore worried as the close season drags on.
Firstly the JM affair was again handled badly by the PR dept whatever way you look at it. The facts are GS wanted him to stay and we believed that his tradition would keep him at the Bhoys and that we could that him with disdain.
He got a better off and good luck to him...all this running around trying to match it at the last minute made us look un professional.
Secondly where is all the new arrivals. While most teams are out there signing players we again seem to be sitting on our ar*** doing nothing. GS has had 6 weeks now to evaluate and move on players and still there is no white smoke on a daily basis whils all the players worth signing are doing just that... signing for other clubs.
I personally think that Celtic are waiting On Bellamy to commit as this is a large part of the summer budget and will dictate what is left over.
Lastly I would like to see Balde go.. he has been a rock for us these past years but had a very poor season last year and is commanding a huge salary which would be better put to use on someone else... the reason we had such a bad year last season was because we leeked so many goals (we scored just as many as when Henke was still here). The defence needs totally re-built and wee GS should be doing all he can to get some quailty in that dept into Celtic. EVERY great team is built on a rock solid goalie and defense.
I hope I am wrong but the signs do not look good so far.
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Read that WGS has been looking at Boruc as a new goalie for us - not overly excited about this as I don't think he offers anything more than Marshall does. I would rather have someone like Niemi onboard who can bring Marshall along that little bit more that he needs.
I believe the only 'big name' signing we will have this season will be Bellamy if he decides to stay (hope he does). The rest of the signings will be SPL and lesser known names from further afeild. Not necessarily a problem but we have waited a long time for money to spend and unforunately we have so many places to fill I can only see us getting lots of cheap replacements.
PLEASE LET ME BE WRONG!!!!!!!!
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Polmonster, I think your being a little bit cynical in saying we seem to sitting on our ar** doing nothing, while currently GS is in Poland looking at no less than 5 players, including a keeper and I think we all agree that Eastern Europe is the best place to be looking as far as the wages are concerned.
I'm not sure if anyone picked up on the comments from Broto the other day "my hope is that Strachan remembers me" and if it came to a choice between Real Madrid and Celtic he would definately choose Celtic, sounds very willing and we know he's able, as IMO he was prob the best keeper we had for a load of years now, he's not young but experience is what we need until DM is a bit older. Strachan looked at him when at Southhampton and he's available for free. Might be worth a go. ???
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Polmonster. agree completely.
Balde wants it all his own way. He is on a very good salary and , after the abismal season he's just had, should consider himself very lucky to be on the salary he is on. However, he should realise that other clubs will be all too aware of his past season as well. So, one wonders if any of them are actually going to sign him anyway.
The JM affair is now getting ridiculous. Why on earth does every Celtic signing (or re-signing of current players) have to be like a soap opera. Now it would appear that every player who leaves on a free(or is sold), appears to have a story to tell as well.
Lord it will be great for us to be actually talking about football again. roll on the new season
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I would rather see names come through the door that I know little or nothing about than go for medium quality players from the bottom half of the EPL or lower. How many knew much about Larsson when he came, or Lubo or Petrov? All great signings and arguably better quality and value than the Hartsons and Suttons of the world. I would rather go for an unknown quantity (as long as they have been scouted well) than a mediocore player who comes in just for the high wages.
Don't know much about Boruc but I'd just be looking for someone between the sticks to show a little consistency. As for the PSG midfielder - looks good but some top European clubs have been looking at him and I doubt we will get him.
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Hi Paul,
Your Blog (Tuesday, February 01, 2005 - Balde signs new 4 year deal)in your view seemed to be - "Financially a good bit of long term business" for Celtic.
I had my doubts and responded with :
At 7:07 PM, Freddiebhoy said…
Hi Lhads,
This may be a bit of good long term business for Celtic but I bet it's even a better bit of business for big Bobo - This man (or his agent) must be very shrewd indeed - he seems to have taken Celtic as far as he possibly could to get that special deal - does anyone know the financial breakdown?
I believe Paul that there are still a few twist and turns in this story and as you suggest he will be searching for a better deal elsewhere along with his 'very shrewd' agent.
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The bauld ego.
I totally agree with you, Broto was the best keeper we have had for a long time. Something must have happened with MON and hime though for MON to get rid???
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I THINK JM WAS TREATED REALY BADLY BY CELTIC AND I'VE READ THAT HE IS WORRIED THAT CELTIC SUPPORTERS WILL THINK HE WAS BEING GREEDY AND PIERRE LIKE.I DONT THINK THAT JM NEEDS TO WORRY ABOUT THAT FROM ANY CELTIC FAN HE WAS A GREAT SERVANT TO THE CLUB.GOOD LUCK JM
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Taken from Reuters
Celtic ponder bid for Poland striker Zurawski
Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:25 AM BST
WARSAW, June 17 (Reuters) - Polish champions Wisla Krakow are in talks with Celtic over the sale of international striker Maciej Zurawski, the club said on Friday.
Zurawski, 28, has long been regarded as the Polish league's biggest offensive threat and has attracted interest from Turkey's Trabzonspor and Austria Vienna.
"We have had initial talks with Celtic," Wisla chairman Janusz Basalaj told Reuters. "For the moment we have no official offer from them, although we may know something more later today."
Asked whether it was likely Zurawski would go to Celtic, he said: "This is a question of whether he wants to go and whether Celtic's offer satisfies us. It would clearly be a good move for him."
Polish newspapers reported that new Celtic manager Gordon Strachan watched Zurawski in this week's Polish Cup semi-final, in which he scored.
He has scored 13 goals in 42 internationals.
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Interesting post on getting control of the dressing room. It was obvious for the whole of last season that things were not right - the players were incredibly sullen and there was very little enthusiasm.
I had out this down to O'Neill and his situation - but clearly he kept a lid on it.
I actually agree with Paul here - there is NO room for petulant players here - if they are not happy then out you go.
But the board must be more professional in their dealings - get it sorted out now.
As for Jackie - truth lies in the middle - board made a mess of it - but Jackie should just shut up now - advice for the board - don't react and GIVE US A SIGNING NOW!
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One problem we could have is that Bellamy will be on 45k a week and the next highest earner will be on half that, with the majority on a quarter of that. Just hope this doesn't create dressing room unrest.
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Here's something that may be of interest to u all.
Last October my brother, (works for fire brigade as fire prevention officer including CP) mentioned in conversation that he had heard from CP that MON would be leaving Celtic and, wait for it, GS would be his replacement! At the time I thought mothing of it, however it happened! Lucky guess, or was this planned for a while, which raises questions that MON may have left for more reasons than his wife's illness??? The plot thickens!!!
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I have read recently that there are a number of players unsettled in the dressing room. Don't claim to have any inside souces but the team spirit that got us to Seville was sorely lacking last year. Too many players letting their heads go down at important times for the season. (Sorry for the cliche.)
Can you shed any light on this Paul?
I hope that the players we bring in over the close season have the same work ethic that was instilled in the Seville team with perhaps a touch more flair. I am not necessarily calling for a return to the Tommy Burns days of cavalier football, although I have to say that it was the most beautiful I had ever seen, but surely we should be looking to play the Celtic way. I think that the comments made on this site with regards to our over reliance on the 442 system were spot on. A little more value for money on the product that we all invest in.
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Alistair
I don't think he left for other reasons (IMO). But I do think, and have said before, that he knew he was leaving earlier (more than likely in January or before). Hence the poor form of the team and the fallings out etc.
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Spot on Neg.Anon Re JM
Celtic and JM should have the dignity / intellect not to react to papertalk.
Can't wait for the first game to see all our new signings. I'm certain that there are going to be many. WGS and the board know the pressure they are under. you can therfore be sure that ther will be quality new faces, a new manager could not survive a cock up of this nature.....not at our club anyway.
the bonus is the there seems to be no transfer activity in the south side, at least we know that re-enforcements are en-route.
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MON was a great manager and if he has left for other reasons then good luck to him.Lets not forget what he done for us and that his wife is ill
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Regarding GS replacing MON, my concern is if the story from last Oct was true (and not a lucky guess) why all the pr when GS signed? Plus it would also explain the smooth hand over and why GS knocked back all those other clubs last year!
Paul, can you shed any light on this?
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Lubosghirl.
Don't get me wrong. Iam not having a go at MON or anybody, it is just a bit of interesting gossip!
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Alistair, I have no doubt that your story has a fair bit of truth in it, MON said himself he wanted to leave to look after his wife last season hence the rolling contract etc. but I think your reading a bit too much into it I don’t think he had any ulterior motive. He after all helped select GS for the job to make the change over as smooth as possible and all the PR was expected for a new manger. I don’t see anything sinister in this.
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What does everyone make of Moyes saying that he would like to manage either of the old firm one day
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Lets just hope that WGS has a better start to his first OF game than MON did
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Does it relly matter exactly when MON decided he was leaving to take dare of his wife and when WGS was offered the job.
The main thing is that there was an easy handover and that it was well planned so there was no rushing about trying to find someone at the last minute.
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Forgive me for stating the obvious here but what has happened that has led many to believe that there has been an 'easy' handover?
We have not played a game as yet, let a number of players leave the club and no reinforcements of quality in.
THe clubs PR is agreed to be generally of a poor standard and our new manager has gone on holiday as soon as he signed on the dotted line. IF GS had come straight from another football job, I would defend his right to have a family holiday as much as the next punter but he has worked as a part-time commentator for the MOTD2 crowd since he quit Southampton, thus hardly in need of a 'holiday' when he has just taken on the top job. Surely, as would most people, when you take on a new job, wish to get your teeth into it. If he knew that he was going to get the job before MON's announcement, as it has been suggested, then why didn't he take his holiday prior to MON leaving? As such we are lurching from one 'Media crisis' to another with no obvious leadership showing the way at CP.
If there was such a seemless transition as many seem to think has occurred, why have we as a club allowed this situation with JM, CB, Bobo, Lenny, McManus and all been allowed to happen? Seemless to me would involve the quick replacement of the quality we need to compete in Europe next season. Has this occurred? No.
Hope things work out for GS and his signings take us on to the next level quickly but as yet we seem to be a ship without a rudder
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awe_naw.....at 12.06pm.
If OF stands for Old Firm then it would be great if Celtic didn't takes as long as the 1st minute in which they scored in O'Neills first OF game. That should give Strachan some breathing space.
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Christ baldymeister you didn't hold back there. Shooting the man down before as you say a ball has even been kicked. The change over went smoothly as in we are now concentrating on recruiting players and not running around for a manager and the two week overlap allowed GS to get up to speed before signing the dotted line.
As for the contract situations and players leaving surely they are problems inherited by GS and not caused by him, it was all inevitable even if MON was still in place.
He has only been in the job 17 days and new signings appear to be only a formality now.
You may be completely right but I'm reserving judgement 'til things pan out.
Only Jesus could turn water into wine and it took him 30 years, you expecting GS to do it in 17 days!
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Celtic Signings imminent.
Who does he play for?
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Er as a Cov born Celt I am hardly over the moon over GS, whereas I was really chuffed with MON when we got him.
It took me ages to accept that he was really the next boss as I was so angry, couldn't sleep as I always felt he was not in our class. On some of the threads further back I went way OTT in my vitriol on him. Since then accept him as boss, wish him well and hope that he gets it right quickly, if not well....
My issue of leadership, though, is not with the ginger one - its with Lawwell, Quinn etc. What is it with Celtic bosses and mobile phones. You'd have thought with the CEO of T-mobile (UK) on the board, we should be able to use them properly and communicate effectively Celtic's msg to a wide a fanbase (market) as possible.
These guys are allowing the Media to effectively drive our marketing and promotional brand both domestically (Scotland and Ireland), nationally (UK) and internationally. This is where we have no leadership. Would you want to sign for Celtic at present if you can get the same or more money elsewhere? All i want to see is some leadership, clear support for GS ( if he is to be successful, he needs tools to do the job) and a clear strategic overhaul of Celtic's PR.
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I would say it was an easy handover in respect of the fact that we were not scrambling around during pre season interviewing candidates for the job.
Its maybe time to calm down a bit with regards to not signing any new players yet its only the 17th of June,theres plenty of time.
I dont think we can really speculate about what WGS has been doing over the last couple of weeks either.im sure he didnt just turn round on his first day in charge and say 'thats it time for a holiday'.i imagine he's known about this job for while now and has been coming up with a game plan.
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The real GS here.
Will everybody get off my bloody back! I'm only in the job!
Regarding my holiday. After all the pressure of travelling to Glasgow I needed a holiday. Now that I am back from my trip from Poland, all signing will have to be put on hold as I need another holiday! See you's all in two weeks!
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Baldymeister. most managers are usually allowed at least a honeymoon period. I know GS was not most people's first choice to replace MON, but he's there now.
Depsite all the will they, won't they sign debacles going on at the moment, GS needs to be judged on how the team performs on the field.
I think we have to give him the benfit of the doubt right now, and assume that a lot of the unrest is something he has inherited.
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Hi the real GS again.
That's better, cut me some slack. Signings are underway, trust me. Shhh Don't tell the press but I'm trying to bring back larsson, aye gen up, that would get my managerial career off to a flyer...
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Don't want to set off another JM debate, but has anyone else seen that the Celtic V Wolves friendly has been postponed till next year?
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I think we all need to be patient about prospective signings. Whilst we would all love to see new faces in asap, it is much more important to get the right players in. I know this usually sees us scrabbling around on 31st August for bargains, but I think part of that was down to MON struggling to find value for money signings that were better than we already had. We don't have this problem this year. But we still need to make sure there are more Petrovs and Suttons than Scheidts and Camaras. This takes time.
If you look at the transfer market as a whole just now, there has been very little movement. People are on holiday and when they come back they spend time weighing up their options. I have no doubt that we will sign new players. Like everyone else, I wish they had signed yesterday. But I am not going to lose any sleep over the lack of activity unless it continues well into July. Then it would be time to panic. But I can't see that happening. We need a new team in time for the CL Qualifiers and I believe we will have one.
As for Jackie Mac, thanks for the effort, and good luck in the future. However, I wish you could have left without making the comments you did. As a Celtic captain, you should have known more than most what the media would do with those comments and if you feel your name is being 'dragged through the mud', then you only have yourself to blame. Hopefully all parties concerned can put this to bed now and maintain a dignified silence.
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Alistair,
According to The Mole who very often posts here, the Strachan deal was decided at the beginning of last season, and he would have been asked to step in at any time should MON have to leave unexpectedly.
Incidently, I notice now that Strachan has been running the rule over the Polish goalkeeper Boruc, did The Mole not say this about 6 weeks ago?
The rest of his / her stuff has still to materialise, but does anyone have a concise list of what he / she has predicted? The same would apply to The Insider.
Paul - Are you aware if Celtic had to pay off John Robertson and Steve Walford?
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Why, why why all this stuff about the amount of players who have left?
Take a step back
A. Henchoz – an obvious one – it just didn’t work for us or the player
B. Sylla – Did any one want him to stay – good luck to the man
C. Big Rab – As above
D. Lambert – we all knew he was retiring
E. Jackie – yes, a shock, badly handled – not irreplaceable by any stretch
F. Joos ( not yet off but soon) – did any one want him to stay ?
Therefore, why all the hysteria ??
We knew/expected/wanted this to happen.
Granted we will have to wait and see what transpires on the signing front, but please keep the exodus in proportion!
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I wonder if Celtic are just waiting to announce a number of players at once, and possibly are awaiting a 'big name' until any announcments are made?
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Hope so but as i stated I now am behind GS and hope he can deliver what he couldn't elsewhere.
My problems lie with the lack of direction outwardly shown by the Board.
I do not really have an issue to bare with their prudent financial controls except at times they seem bereft with new ideas. ]
My present ire is directed with the continuing lack of control placed upon our promotion. We have continually allowed our PR agenda to be hijacked by the largely unfavourable press and do nothing to allay it.
Consequently we allow ourselves to be tied into the poor 'old firm' brand which suits them more than it suits us at present e.g. the recent publishing deal, Carling etc. Allowed the MON story to break the same day as the most important game of last season. No 'Celtic Spin' is ever successfully put into the media and we suffer as a result. Even those distribution channels that the club possesses, The Celtic View, the Web site are poorly constructed, updated infrequently and poor in terms of access, navigation and advertising etc. Do we really have a marketing department or is it really just a bunch of mates who have read 'Dummy's guides to publishing and Website hosting?'
As a club we have to take control of these issues or we continually allow 'media crisis' such as this JM one to taint ourselves. Hopefully they must realise this and are working out a strategy now. If not, then we are going to let our agendas be decided upon by the Editor of the Record or the Sun as usual and all we possess is a crisis management strategy, reacting to their developments as we have at present, rather than promoting our position as potentially one of the world's biggest footballing 'families' and brands.
Would rather that we were setting our own agendas rather than allowing hacks to continue as they have over the pasy 100+ years.
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jm is gone but i dont feel he will be that greatly missed if we sign a half decent left back then there is no place for jm in the back 4 as agathe will occupy right back
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1:03 PM, TimOTay
The Boruc interest had been posted elsewhere as well. I beleive what The Mole said is that the deal was done and he had already passed a medical and signed (which now appears to be utter nonsense). It amazes me why people beleive things just because someone tells them they have "a source". Just like other people on here whose sources tell them such nonsense as we're going to sign Matthew Upson etc.
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Yes, things are messy right now and there maybe some more before the dust settles. The quicker Wee Gordo gets a grip on the dressing room and lays on the line what he needes/expects from the PR department the better.
Once the signings come the focus will change. Right now Jackie type stuff is the fodder for the rags and all it serves is to get our family upset.
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Alistair or is it GS? - Lay off the drink.
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If the club had any players already signed they would announce them pretty much asap. They know the fans crave signings and that the longer it goes without announcements the more restless they become. Keeping any deals quiet makes no sense from their point of view.
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Lawlerm - agree. Not even our shoddy PR team could fail to realise that any kind of signing at the moment will douse the current bad press.
I don't believe we are waiting for a big name signing first. We are just waiting on a signing.
Still ages to go yet but at least one signing now would let all of us rest a little easier!
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Baldymeister - wrt Strachan's holidays, I was thinking the same thing. The best Bozzies (TM) are being snapped up and our Ginger Wean is sunning himself (albeit in Poland...)
Anyone else here the name Pascal Feindouno (Guinean int. - plys for St Etienne). No? OK.....
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as a fan of JM and GS and Celtic I wish all parties would bury the handbags and stop making all concerned look bad.
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Paul posted a while back two players were all but signed and they are being held back. Maybe he would be able to enlighten us as to why they are being held back.
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Has anyone seen the haircut on one of the Pole's we are interested in? Have a look at the pic on here:
http://www.celticfanzone.com/cgi-bin/newsnow.pl?showrecord=10210
shocking!
A bowl cut with a Mr Magica topping - outrageous.
I for one will not stand for this type of signing. Next you will be telling me he drives a Ford Ka!!!!!!!!
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Not sure why we should be asking the fans to show patience. What we are going through now is exactly the same as what has happened in the last three summers. The fans are eager for signings the club drags its heels and try to get a few overpriced hasbeens on loan deals at the last minute.
This PLC board,imo, stand accused of almost criminal neglect and certainly gross incompetence, in the way they have allowed things to deteriorate since Seville.
I believe that Martin, and the board, knew in January that he was for the off and they have sat back and done nothing to date.
I also believe that the game plan was for a summer share issue that would provide the funds for new players but, becuase Desmond is now in the huff, he will not underwrite any issue and it will not now happen.
It seems that this club is now run according to the mood of Dermott Desmond. I am happy to be proved wrong but where is the evidence of any long term strategy? We seem to stumble from one disaster to another.
The PLC board are nothing but yes men for Mr Desmond and if he is not playing then the are in a quandry. I will not hold my breath waiting for any big name signings until someone puts the dummy firmly back in Dermotts mouth.
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Lawlerm,
I don't neccessarily agree with you that things don't make sense to the board. This board couldn't run a sweetie shop therefore I wouldn't put anything past them.
Ultimately IMO the biggest problem with Celtic is that they adopt this cloak and dagger pr style. They realise that the fans need to 'know' the goings on regarding the team, yet they decide to keep quiet allowing the press to have a field day winding the fans up!
Surely, without the fans there is no club, therefore they should treat the fans with more respect and information should be forthcoming - even only to inform us of who GS wants to sign. Who cares if they fail to sign all their targets, at least we know whats happening instead of all this guess work and anxiety.
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Buzzbomb.Consider this.Celtic have a share issue and all clubs currently in negotiations with them for players suddenly up the price as they think we are minted.
Conversely,Celtic negotiate on a level playing field for all their summer signings and after all business is concluded announce a share issue.
Which one is the most beneficial scenario?
As it is,Paul has mentioned here previously that any share issue at this stage is not for player acquisitions,so I don't think it has any bearing on anything that is going on at the minute.
BankieBhoy
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Culled from an anonymous posting on CQN on 13 May; seems to be backed up by this week's events:
I know that I have had my critics on here about future signings which have not come off. Sometimes things just don't work out for various reasons.
However here is a wee exclusive for you all.
Legia Warsaw and Poland keeper Artur Borac was in Glasgow this week for 2 days for talks and a subsequent medical with the club. He was here with his agent, former Celtic favourite, Darius Wdowczyk.
Talks went well and he passed the medical with flying colours, so don't be surprised if he is our first signing of the summer.
For all the cynics out there, the two of them played golf at Dullater golf club with Raymond Sparkes and a friend.Wdowczyk stayed with an old friend not a million miles from your abode in Carfin, Paul.
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What's that Corporal Jones? Don't Panic!!
Come on bhoys and ghirls lets not get all het up for no reason. I firmly believe that things are going on in the background and signing will be announced in the near future, so lets not all start flapping about like wee lassies ( sorry ghirls).
IMO the club should be doing all they can to quell the hysteria that seems to have kicked up this week, but I'm sure as the signing's start to roll in we'll have forgotten all about JM stupid wee tantrum.
The main thing is that WGS has a firm idea of who he's after and judging by the Polish trip I think he might have a few players at a good price and with a bit of pedigree.
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Regarding the fee/terms agreed for a midfielder from the other day - I
saw Paul Hartley in Sainsburys (middle class) in Hamilton (also middle class) on Wednesday night, I brass necked it and asked if he was signing, "mibee" was the reply accompanied with a big grin. He had a loaf of soreen in his basket as well as various dairy products (fatty) but could not see any gillettes or bic's to take care of his don johnson stubble. If he does sign I hope we pay him a decent wage...he was driving a blue(!) vauxhall vectra, and we don't want another pearson situation on our hands - do we?
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First posting here.
Like many other celtic fans, I too am starting to get worried about the fact that we haven't publicly announced our first signing.
I think I am right in saying that during the first press conference with GS and Lawell, they had said that they had targeted players to sign and were busy working on these deals.
I hope Paul is right in saying that some of these deals have been done and they are waiting on the 'big' signing before anouncing anything. I'm also glad that we are looking outwith the English leagues for players and searching the eastern european countries - a route many people on here have urged the club to take.
We really need the club to say something publicly soon to put our minds at ease.....but given their pathetic PR record, it's extremely unlikely.
Also, could someone within Celtic please do something about the official website. The board keep on telling us how celtic have such a massive worldwide fanbase, yet their website is an absolute disgrace for a club of celtic's stature.
How many celtic fans actually log on to the official website on a regular basis....I certainly don't and i'm sure not many others do either.
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Pearson situation ? or Juninho ?
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Bankie Bhoy.From my recollection, Paul has been suggesting for some time that the share issue was imminent. The success of any issue probably depends on it being underwritten by someone most likely DD.I am now firmly of the opinion that he is now no longer prepared to do so hence his petulant childish outburst on the official website. The share issue if it was going to happen would have done so by now. It won't happen so wherever that money was to be used we will now need to find it from somewhere else.
I also find it hard to believe that we have also finalised the signing of two players but won't publicise who they are. Given the hellish week we have had in the press this board must be crying out for some positive news stories. A signing or two would help but as i said earlier i will not be holding my breath.
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I think that should we go for the three Polish players we must be mindful of mistakes from the past i.e. Darius Dziekanowski (spelling??)
Coming to the west with a massive weekly wage let to distraction and destruction of an unbelievable talent.
This time (should we purchase these players) we should keep an eye on their extra curricular activities, boozing etc.
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let war commence...
http://wolves.soccer24-7.com/general/4026
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Bald Ego, there is no chance of them announcing a press conference until a couple of hours before it happens.
Polmonster, fear not, there is lots going on in the background.
Freddiebhoy, no doubt that Bobo is still looking for a move.
Neg Anon, you impatient old devil. Deep breath.
Ryn, without venturing into the realms of harmful gossip about Celtic, I am sure spirit in the dressing room was well below par following the Ibrox game.
Alistair, I am sure GS has been kept informed of the possibility for many months, though I believe the final decision that Martin would go was only taken in the last few weeks of the season.
Awe Naw No, Agree, 53 seconds is too long to wait for a goal.
Bald Ego, Celtic have agreed terms with two players and clubs, awaiting Celtic to conclude. They will do this as and when they are ready.
Buzzbomb, come back and show me where the money would come from the last couple of years and come back on 31st August to say Celtic how well Celtic have done in the transfer window. The share issue will not be announced until any big signing deals have been done.
Welcome highlander88.
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An interesting article from Sportnetwork.net (see below). In the circumstances it's just as well it's not going ahead this pre-season, lest one of their new signings should break an ankle on his debut!
"Pre-Season game with Celtic - Information
By Scott Cooper - June 17 2005
WE have been asked to confirm the details involving a pre-season game between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Celtic.
The two sides were set to meet this summer as part of the deal which took Henri Camara on an, albeit unsuccessful, loan deal last summer.
However due to the SPL starting early because of the 2006 World Cup, the pre-season game this summer was put back to next summer.
The game will take place at Molineux.
Wolves have replaced the pre-season game with Celtic by confirming their attendance in a new Scottish Cup competition.
Wolves, Sheffield United, Dundee and Dundee United will all battle it out in the newly formed "City Of Discovery Cup" over the weekend of 23rd and 24th of July. All games will take place in Dundee.
To see more details of the key dates for this summer, please visit our "Summer Dates" page."
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1:05 PM, Celtic-Mas-que-un-club
Couldn't agree more, we have already taken millions out of our salary budget, with more to come.
Glad to see the Polish net spreading to players from more than one team. I would rather we were cherry picking than taking job lots from mediocre teams, going back to first point, Paul Lambert and Jackies wages alone would cover Polish signings salaries.
On moles etc., folks, I would take these with a hefty pinch of sodium chloride. I have a cousin in a top coaching position at Celtic park and he wouldn't dream of telling anybody idle tittle tattle about the club and I respect him all the more for it.
The type of people at the club telling tales would not be the type of people to believe on any topic, even if now and again they hear something credible.
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forgot i was reading the old post and sent my comment in! doh! here its again...
from reading the posts earlier it looks like we're waiting till monday before we see signings. i was looking forward to a press conference today. was it jock stein who made sure we had good news on a friday so the hunday papers would HAVE to write positive news about us? i think we should have had the signings today.
we as fans deserve to see good news now!
also i'm going to the pub with my dad tonight and it would have been nice to discuss our new signings over a couple of beers!! monday's aren't good for that!!!
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Don't panic don't panic you all cry, ok I agree a little with that, that signings if any will come.
But incase its escaped anyone, you can sign bosman signings on the 1st of January. People keep going on about making the best of our money so why don't we ?
As my mate says, has any team in Europe done worse with Bosmans than use, we seem to just lose players. For six months we've been able to get players on pre-contracts, GS wasn't no last minute appointment he's known he's been coming here for a while so moves should have been made.
I'm not really that fussed that JM is gone, it was the way it was handled by the club that got to me and if Lennon is going to, fine but we shold handle these proceedings a little better, but if he does who'll model our new strip on the webby now ?
My main concern is now that teams will know we need new players and can now play poker with us.
Interesteding times not exciting, yet.
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Paul
As i said on my first post I would be happy to be proved wrong and if they do well during the transfer window then i gladly come back and acknowledge this. Why wait until August 31st when the window closes? We could be out of Europe by then!! The board have known for some time that we would need to replace Martin and that some key players contracts where up for renewal. Why did they wait until now to try and do something about it? Why have we never had the ability to tie players up on pre contract agreements?
You ask where we would have found the money in the last couple of years. Is that not what we employ a CE and pay for an expensive board of directors? We could have borrowed some? I know you don't like the phrase but speculate to accumulate might have gotten us into the knock out stages of the CL. Perhaps I am just a romantic gambler with a desire to see my team being succesfull.
Why don't you tell us when the share issue will happen then? Have you had it confirmed by anyone on the board? I will come back to you and remind you when it has NOT happened this year.
Lastly, and I apologise for asking so many questions, why are we not divulging the identity of our two new "signings" when the fans are screaming out for something to happen?
It may help those who only last week where sent reminders for not renewing their season tickets, to make up their minds about parting with their hard earned cash one more time.
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Looks like Joos has gone now as well - supposedly a 3 year deal with Bruges!
I always liked Joos - sad to see him go but he wasn't performing and no point having him on the wage bill!
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Highlander88 2.16...agree with you about the official website. i find myself hardly reading it now because there's not a forum like this on it. apart from reading articles that appear in the papers a day later and the supporters comments there's not much else.
i know you can pay extra to see celtic tv but you can see all the lst team's games on sky/council tv now so there's no benefit(maybe apart from pro-celtic commentators!).
what i would like to see is regular footage of our u21's and youth teams to promote what's coming through and a list of where they are playing their league games for the whole season so it gives us the chance to go and watch them.
maybe a period of activity in the transfer market would boost the website?
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change "sky" for "setanta" on my last post!!!
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Would I be right in saying that at this point in time we only have four senior team defenders?
Balde
Varga
McManus
Laursen
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Emjay, I agree that there could be more detail of the reserve and youth teams, and that the fixtures and results could be updated more regularly - I don't think the league tables have been updated for the end of season positions yet! (Although I think the tables are maintained on an external website.)
Often it takes 2 or 3 weeks for the results to be updated, which was incredibly frustrating towards the end of the season when I was trying to follow the respective teams' progress in securing their championships.
If people would like to see different things on the official website, or things already on there done differently, then write to or email the club with your thoughts and ideas. If enough people contact them with good suggestions then hopefully they'll do something about it. Although I did email them last summer to ask if they could reverse the order of matches on the results list, so that the results were listed from most recent to oldest. (It's really irritating having to scroll all the way to the bottom to get the most recent result.)
Needless to say, nothing happened! But if loads of fans email them they might just listen...
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BradBhoy - To this day I will never understand why Joos was played at left back. He was never the same player after being ripped apart in the CL in Porto.
Amazing we never had a proper left back in MoN's time at the club. Gray being ripped apart in Lyon also springs to mind.
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I think Macmanus is being courted by Livi .. is that a loan deal or a permanent one?
Lausen has made wait and see statements and Levein is waiting in the wings
SO really it leaves us with two and if Schalke/bayern make Bobo a deal matching his Celtic wage (which they might not!) he will be off !
Leaving Stan Varga
.. but hey 3 weeks to gel possibly 5 new different players from 5 different countries and a new manager with a new style and new background people to knock out say the likes of Udinese in the CL ... nae bother
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every close season we see the back pages of the papers spin the usual "crisis club celtic" - even when we win the treble.it was probably no different in 67 either.
i must say that this year i really do think we are in crisis and i am surprised the papers havnt picked up on it yet...
whether jackie should have left or whether he was any good is missing the point - we simply could NOT afford to lose him at this time. even if we sign lennon and keep balde and bellamy i reckon we need at the very least 3 quality first team players and another 3 squad players(try writing the 22 man squad down minus all the guys like sylla, douglas, etc. we are in big trouble here. give the new manager 30 million and we are still in trouble! go on, write the squad down...just imagine, we might not even be in a position to let laursen, etc go - we might actually need them at this rate!
if balde goes who do we have in centre of defence - whether they be any good or not? even if wee gordon makes six signings he will be goosed as soon as he gets a couple of injuries.this is not speculation - its fact! champions league? are we being serious?
lets imagine lennon, balde and bellamy all leave(which might very well happen)the situation becomes absolutely frightening. it really annoys me when dermot d harps on about us getting into the premiership - he has a neck. our team has been aloud to wither to the point where it makes wee gordons job just about impossible. he will need at least three seasons. i am bracing myself for a season of "crisis club celtic" on every back page every damn day. i dont like blaming anyone at the club and i do think sometimes we tend to blame the board for everything just because they are a bit more private than the honerary chairman and his spindoctors. but surely someone must take responsibility for the state of the current sqaud?
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To all paniking about signings
If what Paul has said is true, and we have all but signed on the dotted line for two players. Then it would be reasonable to presume that we are waiting on a big signing coming through. I would think that if we do no hear anything over the weekend then we will have to wait till just before July 1st. This would IMO happen for two reasons: 1) shirt sales would increase with a big signing. 2) income generated from names on the back would also increase.
I think it will be 50-50 whether the board do hold off signing news of big stars till nearer the time the new strips are on sale. If not then I think it would make sense to do it at the start of the weekend to supply the Sunday papers with some positive PR.
Paul would you agree with this?
Also, to those who want any sort of signing announced straight away this is fair enough, and I would want the same. But I know the negative reports that would follow and the bad PR just wouldn't be worth it. (Not mentioning fans unrest with the 'no ambition brigade' at full strength - I must admit I can be part of this at times but that's only to do with new markets not being explored and nothing to do with a lack of spending).
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I must admit Awe Naw, looking at the latest feature at http://tinyurl.com/d8465 does make slightly worrying reading. It's far too heavily weighted towards up-coming prospects who may or may not realise their anticipated potential! Or established players coming into the twilight of their careers.
And I suspect that Laursen will be staying now that Jackie has gone.
But I'll be reasonably happy if we get Bellamy, Riordan, Diamond, Zurawski, Boruc and Baszczyñski, plus a couple more to add to what we already have.
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i hate to burst anyones bubble but its regards craig bellamy - i think he is an excellent player and really all the stuff about him being a bam pot are not what we should be worrying about if he choses to stay. look at the guys record at any club he has been at and the guy is ALWAYS injured. i hope he stays but its maybe something to bear in mind if he decides to move on.
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johnjoseph23, Bellamy will stay if he really WANTS to stay and play for Celtic. And we NEED people who WANT to play in the hoops. Bobo take note.
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Tom64, you can effectively add Didi to that but point taken...
Bi point here that should have an obvious answer: does anyone out there really believe we should be publicising our proposed targets and risk inflating prices and attracking unwanted attention.
Hold y'all, we will see serious activity, of that the can be no doubt.
CW
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joos valgaeren almost deserves a thred to himself, "the mysterious case of joos valgearen". i can honestly say i have never in about 15 years of watching football, seen a guy fall from grace so spectacularly. at first he was one of the best defenders i've seen at the club, strong, fast good in the air, and great at bringing the ball out of defence. got the odd goal too, seem to remember him curling one into the top right, but cant remember the opposition. what happened to that guy to make him the nervous, bumbling wreck we've seen over the last 2 years, that change is not down solely to injury or being played out of position. i honestly think the guys mental state can be called into question. is he depressed?schizo? the only comparable sustained loss of form i can think of was the great jackie dzeikanowski (i dont know if thats even close to the right spelling) and we know that was because he was a playboy!
i hope he goes on to recover his form at brugge, maybe we'll see him in the CL at some point. and on the bright side it frees up another million per year in wages.
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Malone. Just for the record I am not panicking at all. I will turn up and support whatever team we have like I have done for the past 30 years. I am also not concerned at all about anything the anti Celtic media have to say about signings, big or otherwise. I just find it hard to accept that we have already made two signings but have yet to publicly announce them. It does not make sense.
I think that Paul is flying a kite here with that story but it is one he will get away with becuase even we will need to sign some players even if just to make up the squad numbers.
I can understand that some peolple might be panicking as our track record in transfer dealings is more conference than champions league. It seems to take for ever to close a deal but we are now being asked to be calm as we will make 5,6 or 7 signings in the next few weeks.
Corporal Jones I am not but I do believe that Captain Manwering could have done a better job running our club than, Desmond's lackeys, the present incumbents.
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Brummbhoy: depressed? schizo? sustained loss of form? .... Marco Negri!!
BigChipsuk: i would be DELIGHTED if we got the names you mentioned (with the possible exception of the Baszczyñski)
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Not that i like looking across the city at that manky mob for inspiration but we can look at them if we want some reassurance. Before Christmas Rangers was abysmal, completely shocking and only Boumsong was holding them together. They made a couple of reasonable signings over the chirstmas period and it gave them a buzz which kept them in the race. They also had out collapse to be fortunate about as well.
But it just goes to show you how a couple of signings can change the whole outlook of things. No doubt we have an extremely bare squad but i'm not too worried. Just because we havn't heard any activity doesn't mean there isn't any so i wouldn't be critical at us for signing anyone yet. I don't believe Paul's stoy of us already having two players but players will come in soon enough.
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Regarding the share issue.............
I think it will go a head after 31st Aug. (i said that last thread)
why should we show other teams what moneys we have?
I have a felling this money will go towards redevelopment of around CP, the East End and a new training ground, I hope we take a leading roll in this.
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Edvaldsson, is that because you wouldn't know how to pronounce his name or because you couldn't afford the lettering costs on the back of your shirt?
Mind you, think of the score you'd get if you played a Celtic themed scrabble game!
I think it's pronounced Bash-chinsky, nut I suspect he'd be known simply as "Baz" or "Fenian Bazza" by TFOD fans!
I'm assuming that Baz is the 32 year old left back at Wisla? Now I know people have expressed reservations about signing a 32 year old defender, probably to replace Jackie, but if we can get an established international defender for say a £500K fee and £8K pw wages, is that such a problem?
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For me Joos was never the same after he played for belgium against scotland at hampden.he was given a torrid time by billy dodds (i think).i suppose that would be hard to recover from
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is Tomasz Klos not the 32 year old at Wisla? Or is he the tight-back?
BTW what does TFOD stand for... one of those ones where when I find out it will be plainly obvious I know!
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The forces of darkness
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*Plays the Empire music from star wars*
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I take it we're a bit late in the day for a press conference to be arranged.
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I dont think we should be going for 30 somethings, internationals or otherwise (lubo was an obvious exception, but the average age of that tean was reasonably young when he went into it).
We need players in their mid 20's, preferably with international experience. We need to bring down the average age of the team or wholesale changes will be required again in 1-2 years.
No i dont know of any, hopefully GS (cant make my mind up on the abbreviation) is on that particular case. Wayne Bridge on loan? I know, expensive. I'll need to watch more Eurosport.
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malone19 said...
"is Tomasz Klos not the 32 year old at Wisla? Or is he the tight-back?"
Yes I think you are right Malone. My mistake. So who the hell is this Baz fella then?
Whoever we get, we could do with a "tight-back", as you say. Two in fact - one for each side of the defence. Last season's big problem was that our defending was far too loose!
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Evening Times website is stating -
Jackie claimed he was warned during contract talks that Celtic had two cheaper young right-sided defenders lined up to replace him.
Music to my ears.
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RAB1888, I suspect so. Looks like another weekend of wild speculation from the chip-wrappers then.
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Bigchipsuk: his age was my main concern, though the name didn't help. You might well be right about the experience and cost. The main thing is that we do sign a left-back and one with pace.
Joos never could stop the crosses coming in, but I always thought he was a good enough central defender.
Generally, i am positive about the promise of several new faces and am not overly concerned about those that have left (would still like to see Fernadnez go, and even the likes of Maloney and Wallace if GS does not have a place for them: better to get even a modest fee for these guys now rather than have them leave for less after another year in the reserves). At least this year looks like beating last year's panic buys of Camara and Juninho when MON took his eye (perhaps understandably) off the transfer ball for almost the entire summer.
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Bobo Balde has shown how commited to the club he is by putting that clause in his contract in the first place
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Brummybhoy: Joos curled the first goal into the top corner of the 6-1 game against Hearts....Cameron gave them the lead early on with a penalty I believe.
As far as new signings are concerned, I too am anxiously waiting for news of any kind. However, to suggest that the club make a statement regarding intended targets is crazy....it is right up there with announcing your transfer budget. Both MON and Pendrey have come out on record now and talked about "exciting" times. MON never talked about anything like this in the past, so something is afoot. We just need to be patient...as difficult as that is :-).
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on the subject of Jackie.............god one from him giving the Daily Record the story, what's that all about.
I know the saying, selling your soul to the devil, but giving it away free. (todays record) :-)
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Have you seen who the cheap replacements for JM where to be Steven Whittaker (HIBS) and Mark Wilson (DUNDEE UTD)
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If Celtic are looking to sign Zurawski does that mean GS has given up on signing Bellamy
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as much as i want bellamy to sign i'm a bit worried its taking too long waiting on him being the first big signing. we need to get moving on the transfer market and we can't be seen waiting any longer on him committing to the club.
bellamy signing will not make me buy the new strip any quicker than i normally would but i understand why Celtic would want to show they mean business by parading bellamy first.
paul you have said there's a contingency plan if bellers doesn't sign. where would plan b take us?
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lubosghirl...my mate's an arab fan and he says mark wilson is the standout every week in the utd team. seems to be a signing for the future if we were going for him. i think we all would like to see a bit more experience down the right side but he ticks all the boxes. pace, composure and two-footed.
steven whittaker i'm not so sure of!
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Lubosghirl, not seen it as yet, it was just a snippet preview earlier.
Emjay, I'm the other way round on this, my boss is a big Hibs fan and raves about Whittaker, says he can play on both sides of the defence. His performance against McGeady at CP was fantastic. Negative is neither of them looked great playing for Scotland u21's the other week, but could be various reasons for that.
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Food for thought:
Poland are ranked 23 in the world (just behind Croatia and Germany). Most of the international team is home-based. As far as I can see, ALL the potential signings are in the current squad. They currently top group 6 of the world cup qualifiers, 2 points ahead of England (albeit with a game in hand).
Wales are ranked 79 in the world (just behind Bosnia and Chile). We spent half of last season with their two main strikers in the first team. We were linked with Robert Earnshaw and no-one seemed to panic about that. Wales trail Poland in the world cup qualifiers by 16 points.
Scotland (McNamarra)and Guinea (Bobo and Momo) are ranked joint 83 (behind Kenya and Estonia). Steven Thompson can't get a starting place in the team. (Sorry that last point was gratuitous!!)
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Good point Edvaldsson. I was just concerned we were taking a job lot of 3 players from one club (a team that has done much on Euro stage). If we are cherrypicking some Polish players, I think that is a great idea.
I'm starting to feel more positive, the Polish keeper and striker, also 2 young, gifted, and more importantly natural full backs, that will do for starters, before real money is spent!!
Money saved on released players would pay for these salaries, bring the age of the squad down AND leave change for more signings.
I think this is what most of us have been looking for.
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apologies leabgarrow what i meant to say is i couldn't picture who steven whittaker was but after you mentioned the game against mcgeady i remember now. he didn't give aiden a sniff that day. well if yer boss says he's good enough....
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Steven Whittaker is the star of the Hibs defence. He had McGeady in his pocket last month at CP, and earlier in the season (on the other wing) ran us ragged. He also hit the post that day.
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Leabgarrow: Glad if I helped cheer you up!
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Feasgar Mhath,
I have a friend in Show Business, who tells me this:
"Every time I am in a scene that calls for tears, I just select one of my Nostril Hairs and give it a swift tug..........Tears will be guaranteed, believe me!"
I, of course, countered with this:
"I am a Gold-Plated Member of the Fourth Estate and every time I want to 'Pull the Chain' of the Celticfc Supporters, I write;
Innuendos, Gossip, Half-truths,Lies,and even Darned lies.
And that is just for a start.
The Suckers read this and fall for it........ EVERY SINGLE TIME!
Pavlov's canine---Eat Your Heart
Out!
My Arch Enemies, Sir Paul of Carfin, and The Mighty Fargo, have cautioned the Celtic Support to be mindful of my Wiles.
Their warnings have gone unheeded, judging by a few Posters to this Illustrious Blog!
I am only concerned with achieving Dissention and Rancor in the Glasgow Celtic Following........ and ..... Do I Ever!!!!
I am Having a Field Day at the Moment with Mr. McNamara' immature and petulant comments!
Oh! Goody For Me!Oh! Baddy for They!!
Yours in Turmoil,
Rory Invergordon
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Paul
If we have all but signed 2 players then why don't Celtic come out and say as much, they don't have to name them all they need to do is say that we are at an advanced stage with 2 players.
This would keep the natives happy that we are about to sign someone instead of this deafening silence.
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Paul: Is that glowing report on Whittaker a prelude to your revelation of the first 2 signings??!
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Couple of points on the current situation at the club and Paul's view of it.
First is that I don't know how many times during the last year I was reminded of Hamlet when watching/reading about the club:
"something is rotten in the state of Denmark"
After 4 years of more or less continual progress the trials and tribulations of club seemed to suggest that something was not quite right and that possibly we were on the slide. Poor results were not unknown previously but instead of being isolated incidents soon forgotten a pattern seemed to be emerging where one reverse led to another. The biggest issues were the loss of a seven point lead, coming last in CL group after a poor display in the Ukraine, the surrender at Ibrox and a defence that was almost a contradiction in terms.
I think it was just the fact that the club could not survive a convergence of a series of blows. These included the loss of a talismatic striker, a non focused captain and manager, unlucky signings and some bad fortune (Milan away?) If this was compounded by strife in the dressing room then the job facing WGS is bigger than I thought.
Therefore the main point is that we have hopefully left this all behind, 04/05 was really about survival 05/06 should be about renewal. Consequently I hope that the board realise this and pull out all the stops to get us moving forward again. £10mill net minimum.
Like many posters before me I am apprehensive about the lack of news on signings but hopefully it is a sign that we are becoming better at the news management game. I really do hope that PL has put in a hard shift today getting somebody onboard. This should be signing number 5, the other 4 should be in the bag waiting the right moment to be unveiled.
However one issue not helping is the amount of unfinished business held over from last season, that NL, CB and BB are not tied down is a worry, but it should be bigger worry for them.
We should work with what we have at the moment, that is committed to the task in hand winning back the league and not looking for their next move.
Where we are at?
4 2 3 1 (SM in the Scholes role)
Marshall
Agathe / Sutton / Varga / Laursen
Petrov / Thomson (Pearson)
McGeady / Maloney / Beattie
Hartson
Consequently a bit thin but it is better to work with the willing than the distracted.
All we need is the annual two gems from the reserves, the best of the bright young things of the SPL and a trawl of last years CL underachievers.
Well here's hoping.
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emjay, no problem, my boss is a bit of a doom merchant so any praise from him takes a bit of doing - i hope he's right, geez i'm sounding like a crawler now.
edvaldsson, yes, you made me see a big chink of light, thanks.
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Just got this off the BBC website
New captain Lennon to sign deal
Neil Lennon agrees a new contract with Celtic and will will be the new club captain, BBC Sport believes.
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Haven't had a chance to read through all this threads mail, but have heard that the big Greek cheat has signed for Panathiniakos.
Hey Malone19 what does the daily dead fish wrapper say about that or is it stuck away in an obscure corner and the JM story is still headlines ??
Wouldn't be surprised!
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I think making Lennon club captain is a good move by Strachan. That will motivate both him and the team. He is very vocal on the park and he is more of the traditional "captain type" that we have not really had since Roy Aitken. I know a lot of you guys fancied Petrov, but his time will come, in a years time maybe when we "do a Jackie" on Neil!
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before galabhoys post was going to post about how i think WGS has already lost the dressing room, well MON's men anyway, over the Jackie Mac thing.
Making Lennon captain proves that WGS felt that way as well and a salvage operation has been put in place to regain the dressing room.
Making a popular figure like Lennon captain instead of going for the real captain Petrov, shows that WGS had to act quickly to get the old guard back onside after bad mouthing one of them.
Just read that Lawell is on Holiday????????
who is sorting out the contracts to all these signings?????
another shambolic bit of planning from our PLC.
leadership / PR / Planning
none of the above at CP.
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Got to agree giggsy on the Lawell situation, surely this guy earns his corn during the transfer window. Hit the beaches during the season, we're all due a holiday after all.
Don't agree that there was any subplots in making Neil the captain. Natural choice.
Cant wait for the first game at Ibrox now!
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Big Joos has now signed for Bruges.
Good luck to the big man, a great player before injuries slowed him up.
To me Mjallby and Lagaeren were a much better partnership in their heyday than Varga and Balde.
More money available from last seasons salary spend.
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Lagaeren = Valgaeren
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Correct me if I'm wrong but Peter Lawell isn't incharge of the finer details of players contracts. Jime Hone was the contract guy a while ago so there must be someone else incharge of contract negoiations.
Anyway do you giggsy and stepjam seriously think that PL will swan off somewhere and leave noone else in charge.????
Why don't you think for a minute
Cant understand the thinking of some fans
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Impressed by the clearing of the decks at Parkhead so far, still some deadwood/deadbeats/deadheads to be culled from the squad.
We are at the start of revolution, last years abismal displays will be brushed away and in 1 years time we will be rejoicing another treble winning season.
*Celtic have money available
*New quality players will be signed
*Highly motivated manager who dosen't suffer fools
*Massive new sponsor
Lots to be positive about, forgot the rubbish written by the gutter press, they are terrified because Celtic are about to unleash a football team that will crush TFOD.
Viva la Revolution!
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just seen on celt tv that mcmannus is leaving
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Rory,
Just read your post.
Thanks for the tip-off.
But I am afraid your confession, will still founder on deaf ears.
I read the Press, but always withhold my counsel, until verified by Celticfc.
Certainly,I would never ever post info. on this site, that I have just read in the Tabloids.
Just asking for trouble.
Hail! Hail!
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Mostly guesswork based on media stories on contracts etc.
Lambert £28k per week
Henchoz £20k per week
Douglas £12k per week
McNamara £12k per week
Valgaeren £18k per week
Sylla £8k per week
These may be way off track thanks to our friends in the meeja, but we are looking at £4-5m off of last years wage bill.
Juninho £35k per week
Camara £25k per week
More than cover Bellamy's salary if he stays.
There is a lot to play with before we get into the new money available and terminating (can we not try selling?) contracts of Hedman, Laursen and Fernandez etc.
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Mick,
If you are a CEO of a PLC you do not delegate critical negotiations that form your main job function and could help decide the success of the forthcoming year for that company to a more junior member of staff. It shows, and not for the first time poor judgement on his part.
This is the time when we need the key men giving 100% not swanning off to barbados.
Jim Hone is no longer at the club and i understand there was not a direct replacement for him but a re-distribution of duties. PL is in charge of contracts.
Anyone running a business, I do, will programme breaks in to the year to best suit the company and the pressures, deadlines that are particular to your business (ideally never!), otherwise you are not doing your job to the best of your ability for your shareholders or customers. We demand the best from Celtic. Are we getting it?
Cant understand the thinking of some fans!
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Had the customary read at the E-Tims rumour mill today and one caught my eye.
Apparently Wullie McKay has offered
Modeste Mbami to Celtic.
He is a tremendous midfield powerhouse currently with PSG.
Seen him terrorise Lizarazu
at the Stade De France while playing for Cameroon and watched him at the African Nations.
Only 22 and is one helluva player,
scores goals Tam Gemmell would have been proud of.
I usually dont pay any heed to rumours in the close season having seen it all before, but that one.... heres hoping.
Have a good night fellow Tims am off to quaff some of the black stuff .
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I cannot believe we are getting worked up about a comment passed in the Evening Times. How do we know that PL is off on holiday? Is it true just b/c the Scottish media said so? There is no way PL would be allowed to leave in the middle of negotiations, so either everything is already wrapped up, or this is more crap printed by the media.
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So buy your rational since PL is away on holiday we will not be signing anyone since he's not there?
If that has been left to a "Junior" member of staff who's to say that Junior memeber of staff isn't capable of the task.
I can see where your comming from but do you know for sure that PL is away on holiday.
Surley you must wonder at some of the posts on here thats where the
"Can't understand the thinking of some fans"
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Lubosghirl,
Saw it reported on CelticTV?
Now that I can believe.
Good for you ghirl, you will go far.
Thanks for the strong intel.
Hail! Hail!
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If PL is the contracts manager then is he not in Poland with WGS.
Reuters reporting that the Wisla President has admitted that celtic have been in talks about Zurawski, no official bid made but he says it will be in Zurawski's interest to come to Celtic.
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Sad to see the back of big Joos. As leabgarrow says, he and Johan were a much more solid combination than Bobo and Varga, even if Stan is the best footballer of the 4. Joos gave his all and mostly out of position.
Still, now is not the time for sentimentality. So, his going should free up some more money for good additions to the team.
On that front, here's hoping for excitement. FORGET THE TABLOIDS, PLEASE.
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Skelly2, Mick, Parkheadcumsalford,
ChelticBhoy,
This is to inform you, that you have been added to my Arch Enemy Ensemble.
You are now,indeed, in pretty heady company,joining Sir Paul of Carfin and the Mighty Fargo.!
It just proves the old,old canard.......
"You can Fool Some of the People, Some of the Time,
And, You can Fool All of the People,
Some of the Time,
But You cannot Fool All of the People,
ALL OF THE TIME!"
Oh! Rats!!!
Rory,
In a Tizzy!
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Rory you cunning old fox. Gotcha again I see. Celtic Quick News can take a horse to water…
Fargo and myself will get round everybody one at a time, just you wait and see!
Galabhoy, the club are ignoring all the distractions at the moment. Chill and let them get on with it, signing news is less important than getting the signings right.
Edvaldsson, the view on Whittaker is a personal opinion only.
Giggsy14, why do you go from PL holiday to shambles in twenty words? It is not a shambles, it is a summer holiday. Everyone in football has one and anyone who cannot manage has not discovered the art of delegation.
Before you use these words against Celtic stop and think: might they have a facility in place to deal with holidays?
If not Paul67 can get them sorted with some Blackberry’s or the even better Windows Mobile :-)
Skelly2, thanks for that snippet about where the holiday story came from. Are people really getting wound up by a newspaper over this? Head in hands.
Fbicfc, thanks for that positive comment, very pleasant change.
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Hells teeth - the possibility on getting a few new signings and still the great fat one pies his trade. As for JM - are folks getting upset about his leaving or the manner in which it is being treated, not clear at all. NL as captain would be an excellent move - have any of you folks been on the recieving end of one of Neil's 'you need to get your arse in gear' speeches? Where JM failed, this man will succeed.
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A/ If Lawell is on holiday, IF, is this the reason Jackie macs situ went pearshaped?.
B/ If the rumours that young Macmanus is out of contract and off to sheffield then its time to say who s manning the ship here.
Yes its ok to try and put forward positive vibes about the club whilst batting away the negatives. However a time comes when questions must be anwsered, its the out of contract bit that is worrying.
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Paul67
Keep fighting the good fight and my compliments for keeping the impatient bhoys and ghirls in check re signings.
How long did we wait for Harald's clincher against the team from Perth ?
10 years...thats how long.(But it was worth it ...Cheerio to ten in a row etc d:-b)
IMO it's who we sign... not when.
I think we're all anxious for the season to begin, but when it does let's get back to what we do best...SUPPORTING THE TEAM !
"Their (Celtic's) support shouts louder, when their team get's a corner, than when porto scores a goal" Mourhino - Pre match interview - Bhoys from Seville DVD
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Always think its a shame when players like Joos leave without a chance to say goodbye to the fans or for us to thank them for their input.felt the same when big Mjallby left last year.
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Prevarications-R-Us
It just proves the old,old canard.......
"You can Fool Some of the People, Some of the Time,
And, You can Fool All of the People,
Some of the Time,
Oh really thot that's what the hun hacks REALLY like doing.
Anyway looks like I'm in good company!
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folks from the official site, so I Think we can take it as read...
Lennon deal agreed
Stephen Sullivan
Celtic Football Club is delighted to confirm that Neil Lennon has agreed a new one-year deal with the club, which he will sign on his return from holiday.
The midfielder, 33, has been a hugely influential figure at Celtic Park in the four-and-a-half years since moving from Leicester City for £6 million on December 8, 2000, a transfer which came to rank among the most significant of Martin O’Neill’s five-year reign.
Lennon’s time in Glasgow hasn’t been entirely without incident or strife, of course, but his status as a firm favourite of the club’s fans is well established and confirmation that he’s to prolong his career at Celtic Park will be greeted with delight by those who’ve gladly grown accustomed to his steadying, authoritative presence at the heart of the Hoops midfield.
No-one, however, will be more thrilled than Gordon Strachan, whose admiration for the combative Irishman was made clear from the day on which he was unveiled as Celtic’s new manager.
“I’ve never been lucky enough to have a player like Neil in any of my previous sides,” Strachan said then. “We tried our best to make people like that, but it is a special type of player, a special discipline.”
Lennon, an ever-present throughout Celtic’s ill-fated Scottish Premierleague campaign last season, will now return to the club he’s supported since boyhood aiming to add to his already-impressive current tally of 222 appearances in all competitions.
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Mick,
Oh! How I hate smart People!
Rory,
In High Dudgeon!
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"HATE"
Really Rorry ;-~
Such an emotive word to use!
I'd rather use LOVE... Love of Celtic
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themadmurph,
This is to alert you to the fact, that you are now a Bona Fide member of, Rory's Arch Enemy Ensemble!
Crivvens, Gotta stop the rot!
What to do? What to do?
Rory,
NonPlussed.
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oregonbhoy
No afraid not =P, my guess is still the JM story, will prob run for weeks!
BTW did someone email me at work?
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I really dont get this hysteria over Jackie McNamara. He claimed earlier to have only been offered a one year deal but now he's talking about the terms of the third year not being right.
He claims not to have felt welcome shortly after 60,000 fans turned up to honour him and hand over £1.5 million. Our new manager is understandably busy but spoke to him first to let him know he was part of his plans. The contract wasnt up for negotiation until now because of the situation with Martin O'Neill.
Now Jackie is talking to the daily record and giving them all the ammo they want to shoot at Celtic yet again. On the same day the huns had to back out a deal for a player that has slotted into their team the DR still lead with ant-Celtic comments from Jackie.
And he was 25% of the worst Celtic defence for years last season. Peter Lawell was supporting Celtic when McNamara was follwing hibs and I know who i believe.
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JohnH,
I totally agree with you. Johann Mjallby was a fantastic servant to our club and left without so much as a thank you. Joos, too, was great in his time. I'd much rather see these guys get some recognition than some others who have been talked about here over and over and over! Zzzzzzzzzzz.
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Hello the House,
I know that some new members of this elite site are probably in need of an explanation apropos to the miscreant character known as, "Rory".
For the edification and clarification on the subject, of the identity of "Rory Invergordon
, please pay attention to the following:
If truth be told, "Rory", is a Personification.
The name Rory in Gaelic, signifies, a Red Headed King.
"Red Top".... the name "King".
Get it? Got it? Good!!!!
Noah the Gnu.
Celtic are the Bhoys.
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I think part of the problem last season was that we didn't defend from the front.
When we had the King of Kings, he used to chase defenders and keepers.
Now we sit back and don't get into them until the other team is on our 18 yard line.
Hopefully WGS will correct the lack of pace and fitness required to chase a football for 90+ minutes.
Hail Hail
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Noah the Gnu
Thanx for that always knew he was a tosser!
By the way did you know his knickname is smudger,his pals affectionate name for the toad.
Have you ever heard him on the radio?
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Mick,
No, I am happy to say, that I have never suffered that displeasure!
I only know of him, by reputation.
Also, I am always in the receipt of excellent intel....... thanks to my influential informants on all things "Anti-Celtic".
First rule of combat.....
"Know thy Enemy".
As to who really writes the "Rory"
arcane compositions, that, my friend .......
"Is a thing Ah dinnae Care to Speak Aboot!"
Noah the Gnu,
Heading for Birmingham.
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OFF TOPIC......DISCLAIMER......Was playing catch up on some of the posts, and immediately after my last post, JohnBhoy said he had just had a beer with me, and that i`d scored in the 4-2 game. Let me tell you, JohnBhoy, had I scored in that game it would have been 5-2. Bobby Russell (Not and neverwas RFC)
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Hey BuzzBomb - you stealing my thunder??
Paul - Impatient yes - but old!!!
On a more sinister note did anyone else catch the somewhat buried story about the cops who refused to show up 3 times to let off the racist/bigot?
For those of you who love this little backwater we live in see attached.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4086896.stm
Scotland eh - clamping down on racism and sectariansim (unless the coppers are sympathetic). Jack you must be proud.
(To the Legal Minded Negative Anon is at pains to point out that this is only allegedly a point of view!!!)
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NegativeAnon
great post. They were probably trimming their moustaches and working on their lack of personality in front of the mirror.
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we were a joke in the eyes of the greater football world until MON came. Spent 10 yrs in Spain. Suffered through 'Cambuslang' Hayes, Muggelton, losing to Partick Thistle etc. Now my Spanish friendsw wear the hoops. I think we owe MON a hell of a lot. Tommy B's team played nice f'ball, but I was at a friendly against R Madrid in Malage and it was embarissing. Thanks MON!
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Larsson defended from the front, hartson doesnt.
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Banging out the threads Paul - big thanks from exiled tims around the world.
Looks increasing likely that we are after Zurawski, so thought I'd post a couple of stats (if anyone else has already, apologies for repetition). No knowledge of Polish football but the boy is seriously consistent and is descibed as 'having a lethal shot and is also a threat in the air'(BBC)Quite liked that. Scored against Ingerland and Real. Top scorer by a long way this year (approaching a goal a game I'm sure I've read on CQN somewhere) and last three years stats:
2001/02
games/goals: 27/21
Polish Cup Top Scorer
2002/03
games/goals: 28/22
Championship/Polish Cup top scorer
2003/04:
games/goals 26/20
Championship Top Scorer
Seems good business at £2m but BBJ can score 30 in SPL so is it a case of lies, damned lies and statistics?
With Joos away and likely to be joined by Bobo, Fernandez, laursen and Hedman we should be around the £200,000+ per week (including Juninho and Camara deals).
Buckle up for the ride.
an increasingly positive CW
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Celticwully, what I find hard to understand is why no other decent teams are looking at this guy... not even Bolton, who seem to be after everyone who is mentioned.
I remenber being impressed with the Polish team when they played Wales in Cardiff, not sure if their league is as competitive, but then he is only coming to the SPL , I hope !
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had been murphy2403, but i lost my login so start again:-
phob: you have hit the nail on the head! The difference beteen us when we had the king and us when we hadn't was that! Hen defenced from the front, the guy ran his arse off!! who have we had since the king, who does that???
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Shammy,
i agree, if he was that good, where were the big boys???
I am concerned! if this is it.... what have we got??
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fair point Shammy but who was looking at Lubo/henke/stan?
scoring 1/3 for Poland, who top their WC group so, no way the big one, but at £2m and realistic money I think may be good value.
jinkynewton, i'd be mortified but there's got to be a box office signing - even a CFC cannot be so blind to see where we are as a club right now and the level of expectance.
Their actions (proactions I believe)this summer will be assessed unlike ever before by the masses, well in the last decade at least and they can't afford to blow it.
Still positive
CW
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My God,is this the start of a wave of optimism I see before me?
Glad too see a few us getting a bit more upbeat about the signings situation.We are looking in the right direction.International quality players or young up and coming players who can fit into a team framework,develop their game and make us a better team.
As previously stated,it's not about signing people quickly for the sake of it,it's about signing the right people.Let's keep this wave of optimism going.
BankieBhoy
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Bankiebhoy - careful - it is the board after all - always a sting in the tail.
Damn my glass is half full....
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Just to point out that the Poland season is still going so maybe reason for players potentially being signed but not being paraded. We wouldn't like it if JM agreed to join wolves before the last game of the season.
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First post but this logging in thing is harder than it should be (and I work in the IT industry). Anyway, lots of thoughts and comments running through the old grey matter but at this stage I would like to say that I will also miss Valgaaren -despite the fact that the goals from Bordeaux came from his side. When footballers are played out of position (trademark Petrov c2005) then what else can we expect? Joos was a brilliant centre half - maybe the best we've had since Big Paul - but how often did he play there? Answers on a postcard to ....
P.S. Paul67, lots of posts seem to imply you come from Carfin. The Grotto I assume?
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Riordan or 'Magic' as a replacement for BBJ?
I'd go for both, Magic for just now and Riordan for the future (and the SPL).
Does anyone actually know anything about the other Poles we are looking at?
Surely we aren't just looking at Polish players? Fair enough if they are on cheap wages but there is more than one eastern country to look at - why has all the gossip been related to Poland?
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Just seen confirmation that Joos has left. An other one bites the dust as they say. Joos was good but for the last season or two has lost his self belief. Over the last few months it has became obvious he wasn't going to regain his presence. Good luck to Joos and I'm sure he will do well at Brugge. He gave us a few good years and was modest enough to realise when it was over.
Onwards and upwards for the hoops!
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STRATEGIC ADVICE TO WEE GORDO, FROM THE NEW WORLD TO THE OLD WORLD.
In football (N.A. variety), there is a long game and a short game.
The long game is a long passing game with high risk and high rewards. In the short game you run the ball, grind it out a few yards at a time..low/medium risk and reward.
Some will say to you "We are pinned back on our own 1 yard line, throw the Hail Mary pass and go for the touchdown in one step".
Others will urge " Steady,let's grind out a result one play at a time".
My advice is take a balanced approach in preparing your game plan. Have both strategies available.
Indeed there are some immediate short term steps to be taken to get some quick first downs(dressing room solidarity, new players signed, control of the backroom e.g. P.R.).
As we move up the field of play, sprinkle a few long balls (bombs) to probe the defence..there's nothing like a long bomb to ignite the crowd.
No pressure Gordo, you have four quarters to win the game, however you are already into the first quarter.
Good luck wee man, we are all behind you.
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tommyl. dead right.
Joos was a victim of his own ability, or Varga's and Balde's lack of it.
For a centre half Joos had an admirable ability to use his brain and the ability to control, pass and run with the ball. I am very sad to see him go. I honestly believe he is a far better centre half than either of the 2 we played there for 2 seasons now, BB and SV.
But as was the case with MON there were players that just played, end of story. Others just had to make room. Joos didn't become a bad player over night, he just wasn't O'Neill's favourite and playing out of position has sadly taken away a huge part of a career that should have been so much better.
Some have said there's too much emphasis on playing out of position, he should have coped. Nonsense. Can you imagine Bobo or Varga playing full back? Laughable. Joos was a better centre half than both IMHO and by virtue of also being a better player he suffered as a makeshift full back.
Good luck Joos, I hope you get the respect you deserve at Brugge.
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MY GOD, 4 hours without a post, have I woke up in an alternative universe? I'll have to do something quick and we will lose credibility. Found this on celtic 24-7 site. I've just cut and paste it. I'll need to look into these tiny url things!!! Anyway, makes your heart proud and gives some more justification to our claim to be TGFITW...
Updated Information on the Vila-real CSC Celtic Celebrations
For those of you who know nothing about this I would like to run through some of the stuff that will be going on during the Celtic weekender ( thurs 8th to Mon 12th of September ) in the town of Vila-real in Eastern Spain and to give a bit of background to it. For those of you who know about it already there is also some practical info as to accommodation and getting here.
Background
This occasion has come about as a reciprocative gesture from The Celtic Submari CSC of Vila-real for the magnificent hospitality afforded them by Celtic fans , Celtic FC , Glasgow City Council and many more when they visited Glasgow in April of this year.
The Glasgow visit was a way of being welcomed in to the Celtic family for this new CSC which was formed by rival Villarreal FC fans after being overwhelmed by the friendliness and great behavior of the visiting Celts fans during the visit for the UEFA cup quarter finals. Those of you who were there will remember the great feeling of seeing their fans lining the streets to applaud us after the match.
Their experiences after the visit to Glasgow have only compounded the sense of brotherhood and friendship between the two towns and teams and it is in this spirit that the open invitation to all of the world-wide Celtic family has been made.
Planned Events
The dates for the Celtic celebrations have been set to coincide with the annual Fiestas of Vila-real which in themselves are a spectacle worth experiencing.
Every street in the town becomes a focus for fun and partying . Houses , living rooms and work places are turned into makeshift bars by the ‘Penyas ‘ - a Penya is a kind of Social Club made up of groups of friends - where many a paella and many a beer are devoured, whilst watching the nightly bull run ( not obligatory to watch ) . It is normal for Penyas to invite other people to join them for Lunch, Dinner (and as the festivities go on to the next day, sometimes breakfast!) as well as a few beers from there own pumps (free beer! they are even learning essential Glaswegian phrases!) In the evening makeshift parties complete with DJs and flashing lights kick in all over town and the locals dance to the wee small hours The atmosphere is very friendly and the people very open. It is also a child-friendly environment and we will be making crèche arrangements for parents (or kids ) that require them so families are welcome.
Alongside these celebrations we have planned several Celtic centric events which will include , concerts by Celtic bands brought over from Glasgow and a couple who are based in Spain , an open-air CSC dinner –dance in Labrador Square which is in the shadow of the Madrigal Stadium , a football tournament played in Villareal FC’s magnificent training complex between teams made up from Celt visitors and local lads and of course the return charity match between a Celtic 11 ( Huddleboard FC ) and a Vila-real CSC 11 after the success of the one played in Glasgow ( which went some way in raising the 10,000 Euros for the Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow ) . Rumors are going around that the Villareal team may hold some big surprises this time!
There will also be a Celtic Beach Party held at the nearby Burriana Playa and , if it coincides with a Villareal FC home match , a chance to watch the likes of Riquelme , Jose Mari and Forlan in action..
We have been given the use of an events hall that can fit 5 thousand people in which we shall create our own Penya (and bar) and invite the whole town to join us in an evening of green and white merriment and general good-humored hoopery.
A visit to this region would not be complete without partaking of paella so we will be organizing a massive one to be shared by all comers to our newly -colonized HQ at the events venue.
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thanks Kev, you made my 4 hours statemnet look silly now!! Oh, good morning.
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I hope that I am not repeating anything on this thread but has it not being confirmed that Neil Lennon will be CLUB Captain (Paul Lambert) as opposed to TEAM captain (Jackie Mc)? Surely room then for Stan to step up to the mike on match days...
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Yet another day without a signing.
The wee man should just go out and buy anyone as long as its a signing.
Now for the real world. We dont have money to burn, so we have to take our time and get it right. I just hope that wgs is not feeling any pressure to produce signings now. He has stated that he has done this in the past and the music to my ears, is he has learned from it. If it takes time to find the right people then so be it. People like you and me will just have to HOLD UNTIL RELIEVED and get on with the gardening or what ever fills your fancy.
Obviously checking out celtic news and in here every few minutes just in case.
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Mick-Paul67-stepjam Will apologies for my rant yesterday long day all that rubbish etc etc lack of drink etc etc.
Point I was trying to make (badly I made it) was that Celtic are a massive football club who are in need of revamping which means all their main men being on the ball.
Lawell is one of those main men and if he is in Portugal playing golf gives the impression, as it did to me, that there is nothing going on.
Right in this day and age anyone is contactable anywhere in the world, sadly even when your having a fly pint, but it is all about impression. The 1st impression.
Imaging if rory got hold of a picture of the go between the manager and board lying on beach. They would have a field day.
The 1st impression is something Celtic don’t do very well, they wait for the preverbal to hit the fan then react like a bull in a china shop.
Do we all really think Celtic give off the impression of a big club? For me its no and the reason is bad PR and just in general what seems like bad handling of contract / signing talks.
For me I expect nothing to happen until 1st July when the nike deal kicks in.
But the overall Celtic’s PR and own media outlets need improved to stop this pre season madness.
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Thanks LifeBHOY, I was talking about singing “Cheerio to ten in a row” on the streets of Hamilton that great night.
Noah the Gnu, some intrigue from you last night. “Know thy enemy”, a wise counsel. What about ‘keep your enemies close’? Short of buying all the ‘papers early in the morning I suspect this tactic might have some merit.
Raymond O’Rega, totally agree. O’Neills legacy is great.
CeltcWullie, Ciao. And Grazi for that.
TommyL, welcome. Logging in is a pain that I plan to fix for the start of the new season. If anyone has trouble email me 1967@lisbonlions.com and I’ll send instructions.
Not to Grotto Tommy, those nice hooses just out of town.
Giggsy14, good to hear from you in better form today.
Peter Lawwell is an ambitious Celtic fan. Nothing is being left undone right now. This is not a Kenny Dalgliesh scenario we are in.
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TheMadMurph
Anymore info on who to contact about a bed to sleep etc.
I've made a date to be there at that time for business,so will look forward to it.
Cabbage
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What is the obsession with the first of July? Umbro have already sold all the stips that they are likely to sell,so I don't see what difference it will make parading a player in a Nike jersey one week before the deal officially kicks in.
Any delays at the moment,if you can call them that,are probably more to do with players going on holiday and awaiting their return before anything can be signed.I would imagine that there will be a press conference next week if Neil is going to sign on the dotted line,possibly this guy Zurawski too.
BankieBhoy
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Punchline missing from yesterday's essay:
Can we afford Craig Bellamy?
In pure financial terms yes, the £5mill cost is 2 years strip contract increase.
But does the club want to put a large chunk of its budget into one player. Especially one player who will be taunted / targetted mercilessly throughout the season?
Bounty on him already?
I would still go with it but the number of players needed to bring the squad up to strength means that the rest of the money will have to be spread thin unless the Board surprise us all.
Best team / definites for next season as of now (IMHO):
Marshall
Agathe / Sutton / Varga / Laursen
Petrov / Lennon / Thomson (Pearson)
McGeady / Hartson / Beattie
Consequently still thin.
Need 6-8 new faces to bulk up the squad. Can vouch for Wilson, DU fan in the extended family has raved about him for 3 years. Huge ability now starting to be delivered.
I do have faith reinforcements are on their way. Just worry about the timing.
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according to Wirlo Kiskla site and sky sports the Zurawski jets in on Monday for talks.
if he signs hope he doesn't find victoria's or the truffle club....
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I've cut & passted this from a short time ago,there are a few others but I can't find them just now,I actually forgot about this one.
You read,you decide.
"I have got it on very good authority that Stilian Petrov will be leaving Celtic Park in January for pastures new. Inter Milan are currently favourites to get him, but he is being seen as the ideal replacement for Steven Gerrard at Anfield.
Stan's replacement at Parkhead will be Andy Reid of Nottingham Forest. Reid is a Celtic die hard in the Alan Thompson mould.
This information came from Petrov's agent who had a heated argument with the player before the CIS cup game against Rangers. Petrov wanted to play in the game despite carrying an injury, but his agent thought that by playing this could jeopardise any January move if it made the injury worse".
The Mole.
-----------------------------------
Paul67,I've been away on business and not been able to catch up with a few things.
I notice that there is talk of there being a few big "TICS" or should that be swoosh on one of the stands,I guess it would be on the "Jungle" Stand so all the corporate investors can see it when at the games and on TV.
How much would this type of advertising cost standing on its own?
Must be more than the hording around the ground,as this looks part of the stadium makeup.
Is this included in the Nike shirt makers deal? If so,would this not bring down the actual incoming finance from Nike for the shirts,I know from Celtic Plc reports there is a minimal fee of 5 million.
It's still a great deal we are getting with the added exsposure we will get around the world.
We may even get a stadium sponsorship from them if we do well in the CL in the next few years.
Lots of ichy keyboards out there in the Celtic family,less than a month has gone by since we last kicked a ball in competitive football and no one has been signed,must be disaster!
Give Celtic some breathing space.
No news is good news.
Lots slag off the Celtic PR which is only acceptable due to their history,but when there is NO news,for once in my life I feel VERY confident they are doing things right for a change.
Lots of scouting going on regardless what others may think,the goods will be produced.
WGS on Holiday,must be easlier to think straight on a sun lounger with a mobile in your hand and the wee black address book than getting all the distractions sitting in CP with ragtags following all your moves and all the Celtic moles grassing you up at every opportunity to the redtops or making it up anyway.
Peter Lawwell,Playing golf(Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden)
in Portugal(again)
That's twice he has been living it up in the last few weeks in Portugal you say.
Do you think for a second he would be sitting on his rear at such a crucial point of Celtic' history,
Business being done in the sun.
Hmmm,what other Celtic shareholder is Portugal based?
Cabbage McFlabbergaster
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Laursen wanting celtic to pay up the remainder of his 2 year contract. Think its reserves and squad player for that young man.
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Hope you are right Cabbage! The player traffic has got to start moving in the opposite direction sometime soon.
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Cabbage: thanks for reminding us of some of the fabricated nonsense that the mole "leaks out" from time to time, it annoys me when I hear predictions like that, altho' there are a couple of posters who consistently get it back on - True Tim springs to mind.
Mad Mitch, I firmly beleive that the board are waiting to see who they can/cannot sign before they make such a big financial comitment on Bellamy. It would be another PR disaster if early on in the Summer they had an offer for Bellamy refused, better to get another few players on board first and make the announcements at the right time. It would adversely affect the prospects of other big signings if this was to happen. Hence the pending status of the Bellamy Saga.
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Mcgarveybhoy
You are right about the Bellamy deal,he only has another 12 days before he has to get another club or returns to Newcastle,if the deal falls through with Celtic,I'm sure we all have the patience to wait less than a fortnight for an answer.
If it's no then we MAY have another quality player to ask in his place,if not then you will see the players start to roll into Parkhead,a few more if Bellamys' wages are off the bill.
Regarding Balde,I think he has come to realise that he won't get better wages in Germany,if that's all he is after then Celtic is his "first love".We will find out soon enough when they find out what he wants.
It makes a big difference as to when we announce our new players,Nike want the publicity and the sale of Nike shirts with the new players on them.Umbro will try for it also but it's a lost cause for them in everyones eyes.
How can Celtic parade a new player at a Parkhead press conference without a Celtic shirt?
Do you think Nike would be happy if it was done with an Umbro shirt with the new "swoosh" in the stand in the background.
It's not going to happen,so we will have to sit on our fingers for now.
Cabbage McFlabbergaster
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I think we are being bounced by the media into a lot of hysterical comment about recent contractual business.
I have nothing against JM as a player but he was barely first choice and spent a number of years marked absent. Good luck to him getting a better deal at Wolves but why did he have to start briefing the media about how he was dealt with by Celtic? The news that Lennon is re-signing is far more important. Sure he is slow and can't score to save his life but he is a class apart at the role he fills and in Europe there were several games where he single handedly dragged us back into games when we we were in danger of being over run early on (Lyon at home being a good example) There is no comparison between the relative values of a JM versus an albeit ageing Lennon. I also think that fans who go to the games have a better appreciation of Lennon than fans who are restricted to watching games on TV as his real value is often missed on the small screen.
I agree with the comments about Joos being played out of position, MON's legacy is immense but the playing of players out of position was one of his more frustrating traits. I wish Joos well.
The news about a Polish forward is interesting but does this mean BBJ is on his way out even if we don't get Bellamy?
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I certainly HOPE BBJ is being sold. His total lack of pace / movement is a BIG hindrance to Celtic both in Europe and domestically. I think with WGS having studied the game in his year off will realise the benefits of PACE. Put it this way, if BBJ was playing against us would anyone actually worry about it ???
MON did a fantastic job for Celtic, signed players at key times who did an excellent job for the bhoys. The work has now moved onto another level, BBJ and some of those who have left could not take us any further. They have been well paid, done the job asked and should be moved on to make room for the next stage. No greeting to the press, no tantrumsm, no wailing from the stands... Anyone who saw our CL games v Bayern, Barcelona, Milan, Lyon etc will know we were some way short of the required standard. Lead on bhoys let the rest tag on in our dust.
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Cabbage, glad to hear you were away on business and not away in the huff :-) The Nike ‘tick’ is part of the shirt deal.
‘The Mole’ is getting a hard time today. Transfer information, even genuine information, is always subject to a caveat; circumstances change.
Five weeks ago if someone had come on and published a story that Bobo was going to Bayern Munich he would have looked very good in the days after the cup final. There was a real chance Bobo would go to Munich but it will still not happen.
No idea which Celtic shareholder is based in Portugal.
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Paul,
I need to agree with your views on young Whittaker of Hibs. He is a ready made replacement for Jackie Mac.
I have watched him carefully this season and as you rightly say, didn't give McGeady a sniff in the last game at CP.
I was a bit disappointed to read that Neil Lennon will be the Celtic captain for next season. Not that I have an axe to grind with him, as he has been an excellent player for the club, but I feel that Stilian Petrov is the ideal man for such a job.
My one concern about Stan in that role is that at Fir Park he did get a bit carried away in geeing the team up, as was the case in the European Championships when he got sent off as captain of Bulgaria.
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TheMadMurph just read your essay
It definetly is something to be proud of and it's shows everyone I think what is missing in football. There is so much hatred everywhere and greed such things like community and friendships get overlooked which is a shame.
I for one would love to see Celtic to do everything they can to progress this new found friendship with vila-real. It is for the benifit of everyone envolved.
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It was nice to see Stan show so much commitment and determination in that final day of the season. But he did no one any favours by going after Davis and attacking everyone.
He was better suited keeping his head focussed on getting hold of the ball in midfield and keeping possession.
Lennon is at the end of his career this will most likely be his last contract here and deserves to be captain.
I expect Stan to take over afterwards.
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I'm ok with Lennie being the captain next year. He has an old heid on his shoulders and as a dyed in the wool Celtic man can instill our club history and belief system into all the new guys who are coming in.
Stan can watch how it's done on and off the park and take over when Lennie rides off into the sunset.
It's also a good sobering reminder for Lennie to watch his social behaviour in his spare time as his responsibilities are much greater now.
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I may have misunderstood,isn't Lennon going to be CLUB captain? not team captain.
Cabbage McFlabbergaster
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Paul67,So if the "ticks" are part of the shirt deal,then how much would that type of advertising on the main part of the ground be worth on its own?
Take that away from what the deal for the shirts is and you will have the real price,only a couple of million more than Umbro gave us,still it's better than what we had.
So do you think Barrowfield is worth 5 million?Celtic don't have a choice do they?That is the contract they signed with the council.
Looks like my new houses overlooking the training ground will be getting double glasing.
Will probably need it if big Bobo is staying at CP.
Jakarta in the morn,off to bed.
Cabbage
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TimOTay
You are right that Petrov shouldn't be flying off the handle as he did but his commitment showed in those games. He epitimizes the want to win attitude MON endorsed at CP over the last five years. He is also the type of figure-head we would want to bring to our football club - young, talented and true professionals. He seemed to be one of the only players who cared against Motherwell and was attempting to drive the team on.
IMO good captains can either push the team on vocally or lead by example like McStay. Petrovs workrate is second to none and his attitude is spot-on, I think he meets both these criteria as he can be vocal as well as leading by example.
Aside from this, Lennon would make a good captain as well and it was probably put in as part of his contract. Either way one will be captain and the other vice - let's hope nobody goes in a huff about it!
I see that talks with Magic are to start on Monday, if this is so and the reports of Bellamy deciding what he is to do are true, then I believe it is one or the other. If Bellamy stays I don't think we will sign magic but if he goes we will. Would be a shame to lose Bellars but he will take a very large section of the budget.
On another note - it seems like Hibs are looking for a high sum for Whittaker.
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Cabbage
Don't know the ins and outs of the deal but the £5m is just the basic payment. I would fully expect more to be added to this figure based on performance and sales. But that's just me...
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Just noticed that Broto is available on a Bosman. Would you get him as a back up or has that ship set sail into the night?
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Cabbage and anyone else looking for info on the villareal trip look
http://tinyurl.com/9qlok
sorry guys, I've been out and about all day. Hope this helps. I'd love to go myself, but I'm hoping for a few euro trips this year, KO stage of CL etc. As out Poles dance round the best teams in europe.
I just thought I would throw in some positive thinking. Did you like what I did there though eh? PoLes dance eh? I crack myself up sometimes. MAYbe that's why they keep my in this padded cell.
Hail Hail Troops,
themadmurph...
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malone19,
Agree with your captain comments.
Not sure that it's either Magic or Bellers. We could have both if BBJ is moved on. I see the pole as a straight replacement for John.
TimoTay,
I would take Broto as a squad player. He has been at the club already, knows the scene in Scotland, knows some of the players (less so every day!)
Wee Gordo seemed to have an interest in him before.
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CanajunBhoy
I totally agree with you that 'Magic' would easily replace BBJ. My thoughts that it is either one or the other are based on the timing. It seems strange to stall until Monday to start talks - maybe it is just coincidence that Bellamy is reportadly giving his decision on Monday. I suppose from a glass half full view you could say that there is the possibility that both will be signed and announced on Monday - we'll just have to wait and see.
Does anyone know the level of wages the Polish players are on just now and their potential salaries at CP?
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malone19,
Don't know what the Poles earn domestically, but it has to be very low.
My guess would be that we could pay around the Jackie level and it would be a King's Ransom for them.
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I would be hoping that we could pay about momo's level £8k and get a first team star. I think then that player can be rewarded, much in the way stan petrov has. Came in on lower wages and has had a couple of payrises/new contracts/extensions whatever.
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I wouldn't be offering anything more than £10k, players usually come to the old firm and triple their wages - I think we need to sit down with players and tell them we are trying to bring the wage bill down and they won't be earning silly money. Once the presidence is set I think new signings will accept this (as long as they aren't getting offered more elsewhere)
