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I reckon that Fergusis in town not only to unveil the statue but also would be handy tp comment on the MIH accounts as tehy are publidshed this week.
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I really do belive that despite how bad Rangers play in Scotland they probably still will sneak a win an Slovakia.
Of course with Artmedia getting a man sent off , goal chopped off and denied a stone wall penalty! ;)
Sean
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I apologise for the typos in my first comment but I do remember Fegrus McCann allways saying that Rangers were a house of cards. I reckon, given the treatment he suffered in the press when he was Celtic, Fergus might relish putting in a few comments.
great game yesterday, exciting but a bit nerve-racking too.
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I'm surprised you have dismissed Hibs there Paul.
Until we sort out the defence i would not feel confident of making such predictions as early as now.
Rangers on form are capable of a result at Parkhead. raising their game against us would not be a suprise.
In early december, we have Aberdeen away and Hibs at home followed by a tricky game at Inverness, lots of hard work still to be done even before christmas, let's not count our chickens.
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If you had said at the start of the season that Celtic would be top of the league before the end of October with Rangers struggling in fourth place then you would have been accused of being slightly mad. Here we are however, head of the pack with Rangers struggling in fourth place. Most of this, in fact all of this must go down as the work of the manager. He efused to press the panic button after a disastrous start and has continued to make sure that the team play in what eveyone calls "THe Celtic way". WGS has refused to be swayed by reputations as BBJ and Thommo have found to their cost. Youth has been given a chance with the flair of Maloney being allowed to flourish.Whislt the two full backs continue to be the weak link we have the advantage of not having to worry about Europe so they can get away with it in the SPL. Surely with two good full backs - please sign Whittaker- and a years bonding, the team will be able to progress further in Europe as a second seeded team in the champions league
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Paul, can't agree with you about Naka. His benefit to the team is creating opportunities for him and others to score and that is what he is doing extremely well in my opinion. Let others take care of the defending. As for the 2 horse race with Hearts. Don't believe it. Rangers I am sure will rally at some point and Hibs may well be the real surprise package.
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Paul67,
I think it's harsh to say it was a mistake for their second goal. I thought the power on the shot made it almost unstoppable.
I do think though that Artur has looks less solid in the last 3 games, even though we hadn't conceded until yesterday.
Still, as the new matra says
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the S.P.L.
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Tony, Hibs are doing great, but they are never going to win the league.
I also think that the defence has sorted itself out (9 goals in 14 games is much better than 9 goals in 2 games).
Agree there is lots of hard work to be done, but I also believe that Celtic will continue to improve.
Sean.zo’88, I really hope that Rangers get something against Artmedia. I don’t care if they qualify for the knockout stage of the CL, and I hope the qualify for the Uefa Cup.
Keep them as busy as possible in Europe, they cannot live with two games a week.
Corby Bhoy, Naka is doing a great job for the team, but he needs to be a bit cuter defensively – especially if Neil Lennon is moving out of position.
They all need to defend.
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timgreen[from a previous thread]you're right-in the rest of europe the feast of st walpurga is 1st may
but apparently i am stranded in some parallel universe.
next thing i'll be hearing the pakora borealis will have become a starbuck's and the seafarers'mission will be one of mr murray's supercasinos!
southwest backing south or southeast 4
or 5
increasing 6 for a time.
rain later
good
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TMM, agree to disagree on the United goal, and apologies, I forgot;
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the S.P.L.
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Agree Tony. Hibs have done what we haven't this season...Twice!
As Gordon says the title is a four horse race, albeit one is actually a donkey.
But they won't win the league though...'cos we will!
Sensational news about Klos, when you think all they didies they are paying it does makes you laugh.
ps.well done dharma bam.
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One thing that is clear..WGS has a squad.
The other challengers, except TFOD, have more or less a self-picking first XI. WGS, on the other hand, has to make some hard decisions and it gladdens the heart to see a bench with some quality.
We also have the unfullfilled promise of Virgo, Du Wie and a batch of youngsters (including the Icelandic bhoys) waiting in the wings.
The future´s bright...it´s green & white !!
HH
Richie
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No one should discount the importance of yesterday's result and, especially, the manner in which it was achieved. Despite being kicked in the teeth in United's first two attacks, we refused to panic and, as the half progressed, played some lovely football.
In the first half, Sutton and Hartson were camped on the edge of the United penalty box and bullied their defenders mercilessly. A master-class in old-fashioned, but effective, centre-forward play. In the second half, however, United pushed up towards the halfway line and put a lot of pressure on Celtic's midfielders and defenders. A lot of crosses were played into our box but I thought the back four did their jobs superbly. How many saves did Boruc have to make?
I thought Strachan was a bit late in making his substitution of Hartson (who did very well), as Beattie immediately showed how much damage he could do on the counter attack. His failure to pass to Petrov on one break was more to do with a lack of composure than greed - I simply think he didn't look up. He'll learn.
And then Pearson became the latest young Scot to come on, do well, and be showered with praise by his manager. Such clever use and encouragement of our youngsters is expanding our squad by the week. Make no mistake, only Celtic have the strength in depth needed to go all the way in the title race. Look at Rangers, where the fans BOO their players on to the pitch! That is one demoralised place. We must now perform a mercy killing with two swift blows in November.
Mark my words, any win at Tannadice is to be welcomed, as United make things very difficult for other teams and they have some good players.
We are fit, we are strong, our tactics are right and morale is high. Moreover, we can only, and will, get better.
We're top of the SPL... and there to stay!
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Afternoon all.. just a few quick points/queries about the squad now and for the future....
We all now agree that artur, stan, naka and wee shaun are must starts, but that about all that is certain
Assuming wee davie is happy to stay, learn and bide his time the goal keeper situation is covered.
now comes the real debate, what is our cureent / best formation 4132,442 or 352?
For me (like most of you i imagine) the two most important facts in that equation are who is playing.
If someoene faster than lenny was the 1 in the 4132 and didi was happy, fit and playing i would say that would be the best, have a 4132 in defense that can change to even a 2152 in attack using two wingbacks (a role i think wallace is being trained for) however that relies on the DMC staying their and the TWOwingbacks being fast enough too get back of the potential RWB's at the club telfer, virgo and didi, only didi has shown himself capable of that.
If the other two get employed in that role and naka doesnt pick up the defensive game quick enough that could leave us exposed down the flanks.
I believe given the current squad it will eventually become
Boruc
Agathe Virgo Wei Camamra/Wallace
Stan (in his national role)
Mc geady Pearson Naka
Maloney Beattie
Subs Marshall Telfer Camara /wallace Thommo Sutton
I expect WGS to be sitting down very soon and having a look at this years bossies if he hasnt done so already..Idont expect lenny,thommo, sutty and bbj to be around next season and their are only three reasons they are still here (1) out of europe cost us a fortune (2) the unexpected capitulation of others (3) WGS's start would have made it difficult to get rid of/ replace and bed in replacements, that is not the case now. If the 5mill brummie story is even half true ill drive him myself.
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Thank you sean.zo'88, it was entirely by chance and I apologise if I took your place.
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sean.zo'88
You also have to remember the problem Rangers always have in Europe. Damn those neutral referees!
The thing that has pleased me recently (and again on Sunday) is that goals are coming from throughout the side. Five against Livi - 5 different scorers, Five against Motherwell - 3 different scorers and four against United - 3 different scorers.
Last season it was the brilliance of one man that won us the game at Tannadice. Unfortunately this reliance on one man let us down on Black Sunday. On Sunday it was a reliance on a team effort that got us the win.
Interesting news on Klos, Paul. Looking forward to our beloved press picking up on that one. Aye right.......
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Tell all the Huns you know
That we’re top of the league
And their… 4th!
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On the naka / defence topic, I think it was busby who when asked about the offside rule said "if he is not interferring with play, i want to know why" nough said
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Paul,
Is it just me or am I the only one worried by all the boundless optimism here? I still feel that the Celtic have failed this season when they've faced a challenge (Rangers, Hearts) and the prospect of facing Rangers in there present state makes me nervous, they're pride has been hurt and they will come out fighting to salvage their season and possibly their manager's job.
I'm also worried that McLeish will be sacked, they might get someone fairly competent in...
I'll probably only be certain when we're 10 points clear with 3 games to play!!!!
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I really hope McLeish lasts till the end of November at least. The longer they are in a mess the better.
I dont agree Paul67... I want them papt out of europe.. and with the prospect of no European football next year due to 3rd or 4rth place in the SPL it would be nice see.
WGS has to now win both OF games just to convince us that we really have improved and are becoming the best in the land again.
That will be the acid test.
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Bit early to say the forces of evil are out of the race.
After last season im not taking anything for granted.
Who's to say that when they bring in a new manager, that they will not get a tremendous boost and go on a great run?
Alot of points to be played for, and we all know that since we are only work in progress we will drop points as well.
but hey we can gloat how does that song go.........
www.thelordofthewing.blogspot.com
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test
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Paul67
Still along way to go to May.
We will have our sticky patch, how we handle it will determine the league winners. We are not yet a fully developed unit, some new blood will be required and some old faces will have to go. It will be interesting to find out if we are net spenders in Jan?
Main thing about this season is the fact that the rest of the SPL have caught up with the OF. Hertz have shown the way: a few stalwarts, some promising youngsters, this will provide the foundations for a real challenge. Add onto this the opportunities provided by the enlargement of the EU and a budget of £3-5mill to provide 8-10 real players and the OF monopoly will be seriously under threat for the foreseeable future.
£3-5mill investment = Stake money for entry into the CL.
Serious contenders (Crowds) = Hertz, Hibs, Aberdeen next year?
Surprise packages (Youth) = DU, Killie, M/well
Consequently every away game is now competitive.
Therefore any weakness in the OF now seems to be getting punished.
Last year Celtic got caught when things were not going well, this year TFOD look like they will be overwhelmed. One issue here is whether or not any new manager will be given funds by DM to buy some new faces. £8-9mill CL money and they bought was a has been/never wizzer? CB/nutter.
Some questions relating to the club are still open surrounding the football budget, what will it be in the medium to long term? As I have already posted there is potential to reduce this to £15-18mill if MON's big earners are replaced with the cheap and the young. The lower we go the easier it is for the rest to compete.
2005/06 = £25mill wages + £5mill player investment (roughly)
Consequently any thoughts on the budgets for next year?
Will the club follow TFOD down the path to fiscal security but performance failure?
What set-up do we want?
EPL + poss CL qualification
SPL + near certainty CL qualification?
SPL + certain mini Euro (play on a Wed) league?
Euro regional league + SPL "feeder" team?
Euro "Top Team" (play on a Sat) league?
TV rights - Individual or collective deal?
Just a few issues that I hope this site will be looking into over the next few weeks.
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Paul,
I see where you're coming from regarding wanting Rangers to stay in Europe, but I have to disagree with you.
In all likelyhood if they qualify they will be knocked out in the next round, which would only mean two midweek games. When you compare that to the potential (and financial) lift they would get from qualifying for the group stages i think I'd rather see them knocked out now.
Ofcourse, if they did qualify, the potential 10-0 thumping that Barca or Milan would dish out to them would be fun to watch!
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we've had past highs of overcoming greater deficits with fewer games remaining.
...we've had past lows of yeilding greater advantages with fewer games remaining.
...we experienced deep despair in the last minutes of the last game of last season when it hardly seemed possible to lose.
one game at a time...we've won nothin' yet...but we are going in the right direction.
...and will 'they' allow the house of cards to fall?
Chris
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Any info on what we can expect from the MIH results released in the next few days?
Predictions from most seem to suggest they will be poor (an understatement?) but does anyone know roughly what we're looking at?
Any "negative goodwill releases" liek the last Rangers accounts that we should be expecting?
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interesting to see spiers referring to murray as not showing up for the 2cd half at ibrox saturday. when mcclelland was chairman a while ago he wouldnt show up at their home games vs us as he knew he'd get it in the neck.
pressure is on him to replace eck but he knows the problem is more deep rooted. who does he replace him with anyway. craig broon to the end of the season!!!!
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Paul
Things are certainly looking up.
Nice post with a bit of arrogance, lets hope it doesnt come back and haunt us again this year.
You have thrown a grenade in your last post about klos.
Whats the deal?
Is he likely to be sold?
Where did your info come from?
If its solid, surely you have a wee friendly (tim) journalist who would be happy to "exclusively reveal" this over the coming weeks, ideally just before the next OF game.
get it out there and PILE ON THE AGONY
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It`s good to be at the top with Hearts and 10 ahead of Rangers but we can take nothing for granted. Any hint of a Rangers revival will get full backing from the media. It is healthy that Hearts and Hibs are doing well. I hope that continues
Last season Rangers beat Hearts, Hibs, Motherwell and Kilmarnock in every game, they were due to drop something to these teams.
Hopefully we can stay top after the game next Sunday.
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Belfast Bhoy,
No Zurawski?????
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On Nakamura, I wish folk would get off the guys back.
If any part of his game is lacking it would be getting in when the going gets tough and defensive duties, but I don't remember Lubo being the best at this side of the game yet he never got the grief that naka has been getting.
Give the guy a break bhoys and ghirls. He's probably never been asked to do this sort of thing before and it may take him a bit of time to adjust his way of playing.
/Bishop B
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Quite right John H got lost in train of thought there.... beattie on bench for sutton when majic is available
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As much as I am pleased with the current situation I think too many people are getting carried away.
The current position is great and we have certainly looked a much better team in recent week but yesterday marked the return of one of this seasons' main problems - conceding first.
Tannadice yesterday marked the SEVENTH time this season we have conceded the opening goal - and it's still October. While the fightback showed impressive character we simply can't keep giving other teams starts. More often than not you'll get away with it against the Utd's, Falkirks and ICT's but when the real crunch games come around we could well end up in a hole we can't get out of.
Lets not count any chickens just yet.
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Hi Paul
Like everyone else on this site, pleased to see us back on top. No, we ain't world beaters, but it's a big step in the right direction. WGS appears to be getting the basis of a real side in the making.
We can't take anything for granted, but give Burley his due. He did have Hearts better organised than any Hearts team for many years.
Now that he's gone, I hope they get Keegan. With Keegan in charge they will end up like any Keegan team. With a defense you can get a bus through. Not only that whoever becomes boss of Hearts won't really be the boss. Romanov has already stated he wants a lacky to take the blame when it all goes wrong, although he no doubt would want the credit if it goes right. Anyone who takes the job on this basis would just be prostituting themselves.
As for Rankers, well a lot of what is happening now has been on the cards for some time now. I don't think there will be too many on this site with much sympathy. As for Klos, I just can't understand what the Huns are up to. He was probably the best keeper they had for years, but now he is sitting around kicking his heels. I can only hope that this continues.
Hail hail
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As far as not taking things for granted between now and the end of the season, at lest let us bask in the short-term monday high for today:
Tell all the h*ns u know
were top of the league and their no
If andrews is fit they might make the split
and enter the Intertoto
Tell all the h*ns you know
we are top of the league and their no
we've got wee Shaun and Stan, and the king of Japan
and their stuck with nacho novo
Spread to the h*ns the word
they`re no` second, they`re no even third
we`re the top of the pack
Big Eck`s getting the sack
Nacho Novo`s a wee f*****g turd
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Does anyone know the details of the loan deals that some of the Hearts players have? For instance is Skacel on a 6 month or a year long deal?
It could play a big part in the league race if Hearts have a major turnover of players in January if loan players have to return to their respective clubs.
I was also heartened by the quote from Romanov in the Times at the weekend, "I don't think there is one manager or head coach out there who can be given a free hand to do the job on his own."
Thankfully our Board dont seem to share that view.
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Lawlerm, couldn't agree more - not long ago we played ICT at Celtic Park, and were fortunate to come away with all 3 points (should have conceded a penalty against them). Midfield to front, we look very good, a joy to watch. I'd agree the general standard looks better from a lot of teams in the spl this year, but much as others have improved, the type of game we're playing does allow for the opposition to try their version of a passing game too - even Falkirk the other week. This means we need the midfield to work even harder defensively - because our back line remains unconvincing.
That said, it's much beter than we could have hoped for, and long may it continue.
Hail Hail, and a special hello and thank you to my hero, Fergus McCann!
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Like most here I know we have everything to do yesterday was the first key game we have won and that was against the team that sits joint 3rd bottom in the league.
Nakamura,he can only get better and I would love to see him get the free role he got in his 1st game and the free role that Lubo got in the 5-1 game, like others here say we have to see him in the Lubo way and not expect the crunching midfielder tackle.
Paul the low down on Stefan Klos is very interesting well done for the scoop. Fergus McCann I'd love to see him get the recognition he deserves he did exactly what he said on the tin.
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I have to say Hibs will NOT win the league this year but could come in the top three. Hearts will NOT win the league this year but could come in the top two.
TFOD come to us on two occasions in November, the diddy cup and once in the league. We have an oppurtunity to deal them a devastating blow in the league and in regards to morale. Things to consider, as Paul quite correctly says Rangers WILL up their game against us, as do Hibs and Hearts against Celtic and Rangers.
Remember they will kick wee Naka and Maloney off the park, that will be the first instruction from big feck. They will get away with a lot of abuse, that they will dish out to the above two, and they will get decisions that make you want to pull your hair out (assuming you have any).
I am concerned that we will in all probability be missing both Magic and Beattie for both these games.
We will need a strong disciplined team to get all points. On the plus side going into the league game we should with a ittle bit of luck still be 10 points ahead, they on the other hand know a loss will be a disaster. Lets be calm, strong, disciplined and hammer another nail in their coffin.
In the abscence of Magic and Beattie we might have to shuffle things about a bit, nice to see Pearson back in the frame.
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Paul67
Where did you get your Klos info from?
1) Your long standing Club "Garage Freak"?
2) New Govan "Garage Freak"?
If (1) I wonder where he got his info from?
Could be the part of the end game regarding Eck and DM.
Getting some retaliation in first, keeping the hordes at bay?
Although wasn't that Willie Miller's job?
Interesting information none the less, I take it he must have a contract where the weekly wage is heavily dependent on him being in the team? Poss worth £10-15K pw to the club to keep him off the park?
I thought they were not playing him to try and force him out the door in Jan, obviously not cup-tied for the CL. Not playing him to save on the wages looks like penny-pinching.
However it all points to big issues in Govan.
Still can't see it lasting a generation.
Something will give in the mean time.
And somebody will pick up the wreckage.
Finally any info on the previous share issues?
Just looking for some numbers?
Any chance a CQN Reference Section?
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The return of Klos could be the impetus Ranges need to win at Parkhead because whatever one thinks of their team as a whole, Klos has been a class keeper, especially against us.
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Paul - thanks for the update on Klos. Bit surprised at the stance your taking on our Govan friends decline. I can definetely see progress with WGS team, but i can see a few similarities with the Jo Venglos era - so i'm not getting carried away till after the 2 old firm games.
There's definetely more rhythm to our play now & more possibilities going forward. The most notable aspect from yesterday's game was the fitness levels - the last 5 minutes we were zipping passses about in their half to see out the game. Compare this to last year's farce where we were defending in our own 6 yard box in the closing stages of some games.
Something that really irritated me though was Craig Beattie & Shaun Maloney's reluctance to play the easy pass on 2 seperate occassions that would've killed the game. That was really dissapointing because they would've got the same credit for playing the square pass as they would for scoring - i hope the manager stresses this point to them as we're likely to hit difficult games throughout the season & this kind of common sense could be the difference between 1 or 3 points.
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Paul,
In keeping with my credit where credit is due ethos - Well played. An excellent article. I disagree with a few points, but it's well thought out, objective andincendiary. More of the same!
I hope you are correct regarding Klos. Little would be as damaging to team moral as to know they were stuck with a struggling goal keeper, and with no hope of a change. I also hope that the news does not reach the Rangers support. Why? Given the recriminations surrounding the managers "decision" not to play "Der goalie", it's more advantageous for fans to resent the manager than be in reciept of the bitter truth.
There is a long way to go, but I'm glad we're top of the league. I sincerely hope Gordon Strachan proves me wrong and moulds a formidable side from our available players.
In the meantime I'm just enjoying basking in the warm afterglow of weekly Rangers crisis'. How many times have I told myself they must have hit rock bottom? How many times have they proven me wrong! :-)
...and no bold! Shurley shome mishtake!!!
/p
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As well as ourselves Hibs are the other team on the up.
6 behind both ourselves and Hearts having lost to both. A reversal of either result and they'd be second. Both defeats came early on, they've come on immeasurably.
Far too early to write Rangers off. They're not losing a lot of goals (Livi was a freak) so our double header remains as difficult as ever.
We need to shore up with decent full backs in January. Then we'll win the league.
But Rangers will drop points to ourselves and Hibs, as well as their inability to string a run of wins together against the rest and there is a real possibility of 3rd place. Hearts IMO have too many problems to keep it going and will fall away. Possibly the best SPL season ever.
Wee point on Beattie. When you see it again tonight look at the point he looks up to see who's in support. It's right at the point when he's crossing the part of the pitch where the sun is right in his eye. I think there's a possibility he couldn't see Stan? Just a thought, I think he's having a great season.
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have been waiting some time and missed two recent oppertunities to put the gers to sleep for some time.
november going well for us would see the end for murray as the fans superiority complex means they wont want to turn up and watch 2cd best team never mind 4th best. matchday income is everything to rangers,(unless they go on some mad CL run!).
with their very existence threatened expect some strange decisions a la dougal/dallas in the head to head games.
also heard something recently that suggests rangers new manager wont be the obvious one.
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Following up on Beattie, we have a striker who received the ball near to the half way line, bombed down towards goal and took the decision early to try and make the keeper make a save. Bear in mind that he was only just on the park at the time.
One year ago, Craig Beattie would have taken a poor first touch and most likely lost the ball early on maybe winning a throw in at best.
He should have squared it but at least he isn't afraid to take his chance.
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thismancraig,
you are correct.also beattie replaced hartson. imagine hartson getting the same ball in this position. zilcho.
remember beattie getting a ton of stick after ibrox last season. he had replaced bellamy, was on for 35 mins and missed three.
however bbj was on the entire game and had no chances. the bhoy works for his chances...give him a break lads.
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Guys,
on Beattie - I think the only thing to prevent him becoming a top class player is his decision making. What would Larsson have done in the same situation?
That said givemcgeadyagame hits the nail on the head. He makes chances through his pace and works his but off for them.
I'm glad BBJ and CS ahd good games yesterday as we may be relying on them for the next couple of weeks. Would love to see BBJ surpass the 100 mark well before we play TFOD.
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the S.P.L.
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Can I be a little bit contraversial and say I'm actually perversely quite glad and happy that weeShaun (as he must now be referred to) and Beatts are trying the difficult things and them not coming off once in a while. (discounting Beatts no-brainer non-pass to Stan)
Does this not mean the two lads are playing with supreme confidemce at the moment and are willing to try them from time to time.
I don't hear people moaning about Stan whacking the ball into the upper near twice in the first half yesterday? He is playing with supreme confidence right now (4 goals in two games and another decent performance yesterday.) so does that make immune?
I would much rather the young lads played with exuberence and were willing to try stuff. Sure, if the pass is on, do it, but i'd rather have beatts take a run and shot, than panioc and play with his head down and his confidence shot to pieces harald brattbakk style.
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Good point from yesterday I thought was that the big 2 performed well together - some excellent link up play.
Perhaps it can work with the two of them together if we support them with pacey back up play from Maloney, Namamura, Petrov and Pearson et al.
I thought that the ball 'stuck' excellently yesterday.
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From yesterdays thread……………….
Serutiku…………………………….
And………… Ayrshire Celt……………………………
Sorry if you don’t like what I post..
With regards to……………..
Big Joe and said disciples
I don’t know what 2 say…….
Apart from scroll down if you don’t like it……………………..
that’s what I do
when someone else posts ………….
stuff I don’t like………
Bigjoewhoissorry
Hehasspoild
YOUREday.
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Blantyrekev, I know were you're coming from but as you said it, they lost both games... and hearts duffed them... Hibs appear to be a hit and miss team.... I remember a few times in a last 2-3 seasons when the third force in the spl came to CP on went away 5-0 down or so.. with a few ..if thats the 3rd force comments comments following them
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evil rhum...not a lot wrong with 'mad dog'harald b's confidence when we played at rosenborg in the champs lge!
but i do think some players freeze when playing in front of big crowds
on the subject of craig beattie i thought a little bit of greediness was expected in forwards,especially young players trying to make an impact
on the subject of craig bellamy-should we ask him to guest for us in al shearers testimonial?
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Paul67 & Brothers in Green
Let”s make an offer for Klos. He would be a solid back up for Boruc. Seriously, I would make a very public offer just to contrast our strength to their weakness.
Drive them into fits of self-flagellation and teeth gnashing. I think the Rangers fans would react the same way too.
If we beat them twice on the trot I would make an offer just to deepen their gloom. Like when Murray said he would spend 10 quid for every five we spent, that was physiological warfare. Telling us we would never get from under their domination. Give up all is lost, resistance is futile. It is time to return the favour with interest.
Let’s take wind from the sail. Let’s make it so unattractive to any other White Knights out there with true blue blood to even consider throwing a few mill or more at them.. Cos they will know for sure the Celtic have moved beyond their grasp and their money would be sunk as would SS Titanbrox.
Let’s pit ra boot in – and place it well for maximum devastation.
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Paul,
You are spot on with your analysis of Nakamura.
However, the demands on the modern footballer are such that to be a 'class act' you have to be able to defend as well as attack - in a similar fashion to Stan - as you suggest.
Unfortunately we have not seen any evidence of this from Nakamura.
Not only does he lack pace, prefering to look for a free kick when he is left no alternative than to take on an opponent, he lacks physical presence, which allows even the smallest of scottish boys to push him aside when challenging on our goal.
Of course, we all want him to do well, and by his own admission he is only operating at 60%.
However, I can't help thinking that there are many who sit beside me who are blinkered by the PR machine coming out of Celtic Park about the Japanese superstar.
Neil Lennon has been immense in his new role, and in many ways does Nakamura's defensive shift ( as well as his own) for him.
I find it ironic that a player who is very similar to Nakamura, Eyal Berkovic, was treated in a completely different manner from our fans.
Let's hope Naka is the full monty when he reaches 100% fitness.
Meanwhile, I too, like yourself, am not getting too carried away with his 15 minutes of magic.
TERNAR
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this man craig - i admire the effort Craig Beattie puts into his game - he can't be faulted at all for that. A big reason why he's scored a few goals this season for us is down to his 'never give up' attitude, however at this stage of his development as a Celtic player i would expect him to show a cooler head in front of goal & to assess better options in the final third. He is an ideal player to bring on in games with his burst of pace, but if we're serious about winning trophies then we need a more intelligent player in this position. The argument that he runs all day is a weak one for me as i've seen a million players through the years at parkhead like this & if they don't have the know how at 21 then they won't have it at 31 either. A big flaw of the Celtic support is our perseverence with some players where other teams would quickly identify that an individual doesn't have the desired quality to be a consistent performer. Definitely a worthwhile squad player though
Paul - do you know if there is a return clause in Adam Virgo's contract?
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I think Beattie is alot more than a decent squad player already - he is a key part of our game plan whether it be from the start or off the bench. As you say, he is an explosive option off the bench.
I think it does him a dis-service to say that his key attribute is his 'run all day attitude'. I think he has it all - most importantly pace and he knows where the goals are! I do understand some people have their reservations as he is a bit rough round the edges (see yesterday).
I have to disagree on comparing Nakamura to Berkovic. I think that Nakamura has shown more commitment, application, skill, vision and heart in 3 months than Berkovic did in his entire career.
I think Namamura is a great player in the team - if there is another 40% to come then we are in for one great player that is for sure. The lack of physical presence is being massively overstated.
Finally, on Virgo - I think everyone is being far too hard on him. I think him being a lumbering lump of lard is overstated and he has been bought as a long term player for the club - same as DuWei. Virgo is the same age as Shaun Maloney remember. I haven't seen Du Wei however I don't think that he will be automatically sent back to China if he isn't a regular - its all about progression.
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I completely disagree with those expressing reservations about Nakamura.
WGS has repeatedly stated that Naka is doing the business and I agree with that view. His passing and movement are a joy to behold and he can certainly stand-up for himself. Not bad considering he is singled-out for some of the heaviest treatment I have witnessed in some time.
Interesting point Vargas Shampoo - what is the score with Adam Virgo?
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Having watched Du Wei in three reserve games it is no wonder McManus and Balde are performing so well. If one of them is replaced by DW for whatever reason they will struggle to get back in. WGS knows what he is doing with this guy and there is no way he will be sent back. It may just be the communication issue that is keeping him out at the minute.
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Please please don't get me wrong on Virgo, As I have repeatedly said, he is a player, but having spent time watching him regularly, he looks like he's seriously put wieght on and in the wrong places.
He looked more than the part at Brighton and probably would be with a bigger club anyway, even if we hadn't come in for him.
I think he certainly needs to be in a better physical shape (literally) and probably (being fair to the lad) needs a few run outs even as a sub.
And there is little or no chance of there being a return clause in the contract, Brighton are brassic right now. Although we're all off to Falmer soon.....
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Re
fourth in the SPL
fourth in the SPL
etc
is there a tune to go with this ditty?
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GarBhoy,
go west - pet shop boys.
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Ta for that evil
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Regarding Naka:
I think there will be a "bounty" out on him before long, he makes plays that no-one else can see and he gets back up after he has been fouled. Consequently I think some teams will try and up the pressure and kick him off the park.
Therefore if the MIB aren't going to protect him the rest of the team has to. Cheapshots and it should be open season on the perpetrators. Not pretty but ethical in the fact that it will ultimately reduce the level of foul play.
Finally to compare him to EB is farcical, Naka has shown a great appetite to try and do things, learn to live with different styles of play and culture. EB was
an over-hyped show pony who ran away from a hard shift.
Regarding our reserve CB's, surely a bit early to show them the door, DW appears to be very talented although half finished might be a more apt description in terms of the SPL maelstrom he would find himself in, while AV may need 12 months to settle down to the CFC style and pace after his recent surgery. Consequently it is good that we have not had to turn to these players with BB and Mick doing the business. However if they live up to the promise they will surely do a job for the club in the future.
One issue that hopefully been sorted out is that the share issue means that we can afford the £600K transfer fee for DW in Jan. To send him back after 4 months would send a poor message about who we are and where we want to go.
Another SH (Wigan) scenario in the making?
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Our squad is looking more capable but we can only ever play 11 at the one time. It is tough on Pearson, Agathe, Virgo and Du Wei. Hopefully they will be able to contribute when the chance comes.
Things have gone well in the past 2 months but the team have yet to win a crunch match. If and when they do, our confidence in this team will increase. Of course the way things are, it would be possible to have a successful season without winning a crunch match.
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evil rhum bum,
the info i have on Virgo is that he was akin to the odd packet of crisps , can of coke and mars bar when he arrived - during training!!. WGS quickly got him out of that habit... at least in front of his team mates. However, he has struggled to lose the correct amount of weight.
In the reserve games i have seen him, he does not look anything special. It is however difficult to judge players in reserve games.
However, the proof is in the pudding. As a £1.5m big summer buy, he has spent three months getting fit and cannot get a game. That says it all. Rafael Shiedt mark two. perhaps, lets hope not.
Young Mark Wilson from Dundee Utd, as has been suggested on these pages before - looks a far better prospect. A real talent.
TERNAR
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Evening Bhoys!
Anyone who wants to join in the BBC Predictor mini-league I've set up, go to the BBC sport Scotland website...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-perl/scotland/sportscotland/predictor/scotland.pl?season=spl20052006&action=minileague
search for "the predictorship" and enter the password....
mcjiylq5
Also anyone wanting the Herald transfer code for this week its...
(in not so cryptic clue...)
Four new WGS signings!
VIRGO
CAMARA
TELFER
MAGIC
Not quite yer Fargo cryptology right enough!!
HAIL HAIL
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ternar
Don't believe the hype.
£1.5mill was the max we would have had to pay for him.
The down payment was either £500K or £700K with further instalmenmts based on both the club's and the player's progress. I think the CL failure has cost Brighton £250K.
If he is a bit overweight the WGS and his sidekick are the men to sort it out. Here's hoping and if they manage to pull it off we can all mourn the loss that was Stevie Fulton.
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I'm surprised about his lax attitude to eating and training, maybe there's more to it than meets the eye... hmmn... will make some calls tonight methinks...
I would have thought under McGhee he's have had strict self-discipline as most seagulls players tend to.
I really hope he doesn't turn into Rafael 2 - That's harsh on anybody.
As for wilson, he's done nothing really to impress me whenever I've seen him.
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As I've said - I think the weight issue is overstated like it always is with Lennon and Hartson.
Similarly I think it is very difficult to justify playing him at present. Same goes for Pearson, McGeady, Thompson and Hartson (until yesterday). I don't think GS will change his mind on him after a total first team appearance time of 90 minutes.
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Ternary, Naka is a world better than Berkovic, he is the most creative player we have had since Lubo. Agree that Lennon does a lot of covering for him.
VargasShampoo, a “return clause”, do you think the guy is an (old) bottle of Bru? I understand that there is a retained part of the fee dependent on appearances.
GarBhoy, I am singing:
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the S.P.L.
to the tune of ‘Stand up for the champions’. Evil rhumm, I had no idea it was the Pet Shop Boys.
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Paul, a crucial question. Why does the fourth 'Fourth in, the S.P.L.' get full stops after the S, P and L, when the first three are simply SPL? Not lazy lyric writing I trust!
Hadn't realised it was to the tune of 'Stand up for the champions'. I was singing it to 'Born in the USA' which I'm sure you'll agree works well although the comma is in the wrong place. Should be 'Fourth, in the SPL'.
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Paul,
original tune is way old, but it was popularised by Tennant and his mate on their hit camp discopop record of the early 90's....
and then nabbed by West Brom fans and used by all soon after.....
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yeah i used the comma logic to base my tune, but The Boss' tune works adequately well also.
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Bryce, I am a primitive lyricist.
I suppose I should have appended some sheet music to convey not only the tune, but also, the elongated S.P.L. on the fourth rendition of Fourth in, the S.P.L., which I hoped the full stop would convey.
Bruce Springstein’s tune would also work well. When I hear him belt out ‘Glory Days’ I always think he must be a Celtic fan.
Thanks for the info evil rhum.
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Hi all,
Apolgies for going completly off thread, was hoping that some of the more technically minded among you would be able to help a fellow celt in need. After about an hour or so of logging into my pc - I get a message that says a user or application has turned off the firewall, would I like to turn it back on? - When I click yes, it re activates. However, ever process from even something as simple as opening up a folder, takes forever, so much so I need to reboot. - Has anyone came across this, or do they know what may be causing it? - I have ran several virus scans and all has come up clear, I am struggling on this one and would really appreciate some help. Yours in Celtic Guv2507
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Paul, what's the definitive tune to work with then? PSB or the Boss?
I'd go with PSB as it's the football fans' favourite....
just off to the bookies to have a punt on Eck being sacked by Xmas. Gotta love London Bookies, they are easily taken in....
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If in doubt, get the Ad-Aware out,
Download it from lavasoft.com
Always the first point of call for potential virus.
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Evil Rhum Baa Baa etc,
If Virgo was not pulling his weight (;-) at training, he would not even be on the bench. My information is that he is much fitter since his move and , let's not forget, knee op.
The reason he and Du Wei are not in the team is due to the form of Balde and McManus. Yet Bobo will be off in January to the African Cup. We will, inevitably, have injuries and suspensions and, dare I say it, loss of form.
We will need a big squad. To my mind, we have one. Here is a line-up of players who did not start yesterday's match:
Marshall
Agathe Virgo Du Wei Wallace
McGeady Lawson Thompson Pearson
Zurawski Beattie
And I would take that XI to beat any team in the SPL. Including them!
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Paul67
Excellent result yesterday and I believe it showed we have character and no shortage of ability to make and convert chances.Surely Naka cannot be expected to immediately find defending as a requrement, perhaps it is a flaw he will always have, I think we can allow one in the team who cannot defend.His passing and creation make up for this IMO.McLeish will probably be sacked as you say,derby games often do not follow form and I am concerned that we are getting to carried away about our chances. Remember Falkirk comes first, and IMO if they need crucial decisions to go their way they will.I am delighted WGS got the reception he did and I'm sure it meant a lot to him despite his comments to the contrary. Gordon well meant compliments should be accepted as such. Confidence is growing game by game and it is clearly down to hard work, hands on coaching and having a fit squad to chose from.
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Paul - you must have been drinking some of the 'daft stuff today' - didn't expect to see you gloat with the tune at the end.
My personal favourite at the moment was the one that rang out for most of the game yesterday:
Oh Rangers are s#£e ....... just keep repeating.
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Evil Rhum Baa Baa.
Stick a score on for me. I am good for it. You might get better odds if you pick a week. I would take the range 11/19-11/26.
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Nobody cares about my suggested bid for Klos from 3.35. Steal their wind!!!
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Naka vs Berkovic???!!!
To anyone who wants to begin comparing the 2-gie yersel' peace! You were probably comparing Magic with Wayne Biggins a couple of months back.
Craig Beattie will learn the composure required to be a top class Celt. I was raging with him at the time yesterday, but at least he had the pace and strength to make the run(I'm sure he will also have taken heed of what Stan and WGS probably said to him after the game).
Paul,
There is nothing better than a good gloat(or even a snigger into the sleeve)at the misfortunes of TFOD. I know they are in complete disarray on and especially off the park(the Klos news is total dynamite), but let's wait until after we have hopefully taken care of them twice in 10 days before we really begin to rub noses in poo-poo(See, I'm learning to control my language from my niece!).
I was delighted to hear the Hoops faithful chanting for WGS yesterday. If he can take care of ra gers in November then that would perhaps be the astronomical springboard for him that 6-2 was for Saint Martin.
Mr McCann, welcome back to town. I know you have had your fair share of criticism(myself included)but if you fancy an aperitif or two over the weekend I vouch that you will not have to put your hand in your pocket once, despite you being a we multi-millionaire tight-fisted wee stubborn git!
See you all on Saturday at the unveiling. It's great to be a Tim.
Hail Hail.
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with regards virgo
we should not underestimate the benefits of pre-season training and a run of first team matches, post-op at that.
just ask wee shaun.
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Guv2507, sounds like you might have a spyware problem.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/default.mspx
evil rhumm, go with PSB’s.
minesastella, no one enjoys a Celtic dominating Glasgow more than me, promise.
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the S.P.L.
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Tell all the huns you know,
That we're top of the league and you're fourth,
'Cos big ecks away,
An' klos cannae play,
So give big tel the job!
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Can Anyone confirm that Foulkes and Anderton have just been sacked at Hearts !
:) :) :) :) Happy Days
a resurgent Celtic
and Imploding Rivals
Hail Hail da da da da ......
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Just read on the offical site that Du Wei captained China to a 10-0 win. Anybody see the game?
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Yep - On Sky sports news. Anderton fired and Zebidee resigns.
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No Bread...
Anderton sacked- Foulkes resigned in protest . confirmed on Clyde
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BBC reporting that Phil Anderton has been sacked. Foulkes has resigned.
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What next?
Pressley and Hartley booted for refusing to shave the fuzz off their coupons. John McGlynn ousted for looking like a potato.
I know some talked of a bubble bursting, but this is more like a (lead)zeppelin combusting!
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speechless
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Sir Paul,
What you have pointed out regarding the Timid Tentative Tackles, that Naka offers, is part and Parcel with the extent of his Creativity Quotient.
I hazard a guess that Naka's "C.Q."
is about 88/100.
I have noticed this Trait, exhibited by other Artisans, of Soccer Finesse.
It seems to go with the Delicate and Skillful touch of the Master Strategist.
Personally I am not too dismayed.
After all, "Celtic Tick, when Naka Tricks".
I am told , that the famous C.T. was of a delicate disposition as well........ In fact, this source went on to say that C.T. very seldom was seen to Head a Football...... Now I come to think about it...... Naka is no Jimmy McGrory,either!
If any of our Estimable and Venerable readers, can confirm or deny the C.T. Intel.......Please do.
This of course is pure speculation....... But Naka's Reluctance to get Down and Dirty...... May be influenced by past experience....... As it is not UNKNOWN for Defenders to take the opportunity, during a close tackle, to "Gie the ankles of the Star, a wee tap, noo and again!"
That's it..... I believe I've got It......
It Figures.......Probably Cheekie Charlie found that out as well!
So all is Forgiven...
Naka is quite right to behave as he does........
Grant him a Free Pass.....No more Close Encounters of the Crunching Kind!
I enjoyed yesterday's affray, very much..... The United played a very open game....... First half was full of excitement.
But as I mentioned Previously.....
I was wonderful to hear 10,000 Celtic Fans, roar......."Gordon Strachan......Gordon Strachan!!" as the Game finished...
The Li'l Admiral must have been Very, Very touched!
He deserves all the accolades.
Hail! Hail!
Kojo.
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some talk of Anderton being too open with confidential club information when talking to Ranieri but surely thier talk would be covered by some agreement?
Foulkes resigns in disgust.
All of this seems planned does it not?
Has he control of the club yet?
If not hows the share price ?
Tynecastle Cala Meadows 2 bed £90,000
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Paul67, evil rhum baa baa, have installed and ran both of the recommended programs. Found alot of stuff that my virus scan didn't, will wait and see how it goes, thanks again. Guv2507.
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I am a bit disappointed that almost every time a team of the future is mentioned Virgo and Du Wei are inserted and McManus is missed out - e.g. not even on the bench for BelfastBhoy 12.44
For me McManus has been THE find of the season - we knew Maloney and Beattie would make it but he has come in held his place and kept two of WGS' signings sitting on the bench - he is an asset which I hope we have well managed
VertWolf
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I tuned into Real Radio on the drive home tonight in the hope of hearing a few glum Rangers supporters but believe me this is much better.
Tune in now bhoys and ghirls it's hilarious. Poor wee Ewan Cameron!
Boy this season started terribly but it just gets better and better.
Our rivals imploding and it couldn't happen to two nicer clubs.
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Caller to Clyde has just said that now is the time to get behind Rangers because "Hearts are imploding and Celtic have their own problems"
did I miss something then? what troubles have we got and what planet is he on?
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Phil Anderton for Celtic anyone?
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VertWholf
I agree about McManus. He has been sensational this season.
He reminds me very much like a young Richard Gough. A higher compliment I could not pay him. Gough excelled when he moved from full back to centre half - very much like McManus. Fingers crossed!
He truly does appear to be the best player to come up thru the youth ranks since Liam Miller.
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madmitch- I was the 67th person to look at your profile.
It is a measure of my life that I got some pleasure from that and that I am actually writing about it.
In answer to one of my own earlier questions Romanov owns 55% of the club
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Big Joe 3.23Pm - you didn't spoil my day, sorry for being so grumpy - you were conspicuous by your absence yesterday and the blog was all the balder without you!
Furrgetttabbbuttitt!!
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Malone 19. I don't know if you were being serious with your suggestion that Celtic should consider going for Phil Anderton. I hope not. Let's kill that idea right now. His successor at the Scottish Rugby Union called it "the worst run company I've ever come across". The guy is seriously out of his depth as a Chief Executive. His self promotion is wildly disproportionate to his dubious skills. You may have noticed that I predicted further turmoil at Slimecastle a couple of weeks ago.
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PS
In fact I had a pretty good day come to think of it!
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I make no apologies for "cutting and pasting" my comment on Romanov from exactly a week ago:
A wee bit of internet detective work reveals that Vladimir Romanov was involved in taking over a successful Lithuanian textiles company which went bankrupt a few years later with debts of 100 million pounds amid allegations of asset-stripping.
His Ukio Banka (which he owns, despite not being mentioned anywhere on their management structure) benefited from the Lithuanian president Pankas talking down one of their main rivals. Pankas was later impeached over his alleged links with the Russian mafia. Of which, I'm sure, Mr Romanov has absolutely no connection with.
However, he does admit to making his initial fortune through various illegal dealings on the black market during the Soviet era.
Basically, Romanov is a true Eastern European "mystery man". He has been trying to gain control of a Scottish football side for years but his approaches were rejected by Dundee United and Dunfermline and even by the administrator of Dundee. Why? Good question.
Yet now, for a relative pittance, he has gained control of Scotland's third-biggest club, who just happen to have a very marketable piece of real estate in the centre of Edinburgh.
Their 20 million debt has been removed from the books of a reputable Scottish bank and transferred to his own bank, whose credit rating was downgraded last year due to concerns over its "corporate governance". What rate of interest is Romanov charging himself? And what will the bank do if its owner is unable to service his own debts? Sell their ground? Who knows?
Now Romanov is trying to get Hearts off the Stock Exchange and take the club private, meaning he'll be able to keep their affairs "in-house".
Meanwhile, there seems to be no lack of funds for the club, with money flying in all directions and the chairman keen to take care of transfer arrangements on his own. Even to the point of sacking the manager who took them to the top of the league and buying his silence with a confidentiality agreement.
And so the club's debts, inevitably, creep higher and higher.
Now, this could be a fairytale.
Or it could be a horror story.
Are you sleeping comfortably tonight, Hearts fans?
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Just in regard to Rangers fans talking about Celtic and their problems.
When will Celtic ask the SFA, SPL to act in regard to Rangers featuring the words "Celtic know all about their troubles" in their club song?
I think that by continually playing this song it shows that Rangers lack ... dignity.
Just if they think we have troubles now jsut wait till we start singing
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the S.P.L.
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JohnBhoy, thanks for re-posting.Very interesting. My financial moles are mystified by Romanov's financial model. It may end in tears sooner rather than later. It couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of bigots.
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Rubicon
Definetly not on a CEO basis but I think he would be good in a marketing/PR type role. Not a serious suggestion though.
Can't believe it, I actually agree with something Ewan and Rughie have said! Kevin Thompson has a great future ahead of him. Good player and seems like the type who would progress as he gets older.
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Canny believe that Hearts get beat, the dark side scrape a jammy draw, we hammer Dundee Hibs and I didny get to see a single bit of it.
Caught up with the game tonight on Celtic TV. My younger bro Rossio called it right, the last 10 minutes we kept the ball, took the sting out of the game and didn't look like losing an equaliser at all.
Going to my first ever old firm game a week on Wednesday and getting pretty excited about it already. Waterreus was at fault for ICT's goal at the weekend and they might still keep Klos on the bench. Their defence is shaky although they haven't conceded too many goals lately. Their midfield and attack are both rank rotten just now but like Paul says it will be a completely different team that trots out at Parkhead next week.
Glad to see the Celtic PR machine getting its act together. The dark side canny win a game for love nor money and then we hit them with the share issue news. Perfect timing and with Anderton and Foulkes leaving Hearts with no manager and a psycho control freak at the healm we have just sruck the boot into both our title rivals when they are down. And what's more, the media couldn't even put their usual negative spin on things!
What about a CQN predictor for McLeish getting sacked. The closest to the correct time gets their name up in bold courtesy of P8ddy! ;-]
My guess is Wednesday lunchtime!
Port Bhoy
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Serutiku…………………………….
No worry’s M8.……………………….
As I have said B4.. ……..On here…
Life is 2 short………………….
Not 2 try……………….
And have some fun…………….
Furrgetttabbbuttitt!! What… I alredy have…
bigjoewho
hadcomputerproblemsyesterday
AGAINbutisOKnow.
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As much as i hate the moronic Hearts fans, i'll be quite gutted if they do indeed implode so soon. I would obviously much rather Hibs finished second to us than Hearts but Hibs are too inconsistent to ideally challenge for a top two finish. The fact that Hearts are now in turmoil will no doubt give TFOD a massive boost and second place a real posibility if they get a decent manager in.
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Hi Paul and all this happy band of Celtic brothers.
I have not posted for quite a long time now but I felt obliged to offer my support to one of the most talented players I have seen for a long while.
Shunsuke Nakamura
I cant believe some of the comments that are appearing here doubting this guy.
We finally have a player with the capability of replacing the great Lubo as "the brains" of the Celtic side but I seem to be picking up on some criticisms of his tackling back and defensive qualities.
Did you expect Peter Grant?
Naka seldom if ever wastes a pass and is ALWAYS looking for the killer pass.
He has fantastic vision in his passes and has the ability to carry them through even when tightly marked.
A fantastic player in my opinion.
Watch him shine when magic is fit again as magic makes all the runs for him pulling defences all over the place and seems to have tuned in very quickly to Naka's chain of thought.
Its great to see the blog in its present healthy state, thanks again Paul for all your hard work.
Has our old pal Negative Anon been on the Prozac?
Hail hail from sunny Craigneuk.
The Beverly Hills of North Lanarkshire.
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Before tonight's little delight here is nostalgia note no 1.
Anyone remember the old football cards kids collected in the 60's/70's ? You know, one Jinky Johnstone was worth ten others in a swap. The ones were the bubble gum nearly broke your teeth ? Got a full set only once and still remember the last card - Johnny Graham of Ayr United. Happy days........
Anyhow, onto this quiz.
Name 20 goalkeepers to have played in the Celts first team since the start of the prem league in 1975. Not bad tonight eh ? And by the way no friendlies or the like, proper first '11' games.
Answer tomorrow, 'cause I'm off to the pub soon to watch my fave English team, the best team in Manchester......come on City !
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While as any Celtic supporter would agree, things look good at the moment, I have a doubt about the Rangers in fiscal crisis mode.
If Murray’s empire is in such a state that he can no longer bankroll expensive flops (or successes in their 9 in a row phase), is there not a danger that some Bear with dosh could buy Murray out? Or they could have a massive share offer, and that would engender sufficient funds to genuinely mop up the debt and finance expansion. If Celtic can make x (lazy journalism here, donno the actual number) from our two share offers thus far, proportionately (and in actual terms) would a teddy bers share offer not have the potential to make more? That would of course require the mint to relinquish some or all control, but if he starts to get the abuse for persevering with big feckless (who I genuinely feel sorry for) he might think, as an obviously clever man, why put up with this crap and let some other mug, or set of mugs, play to the gallery down Copeland road way.
If you have some gems up your sleeve to say that wont happen, bring em on!
On the Fergus issue, I’m happy to see so many here shared the disgust I felt at his treatment when he unfurled the flag back then – couldn’t believe my ears.
Arra best
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15 certainties: Peter Latchford, Pat Bonner, Roy Baines, Alan Rough, Carl Muggleton, David Marshall, Gordon Marshall, Allen McKnight, Tony Warner, Robert Douglas, Jonathan Gould, Barry John Corr, Javier Sanchez Broto, Stewart Kerr, Magnus Hedman,
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Craigneukbhoy Must be the Airdrie Craigneuk of which you speak in such glowing terms. Since it is the Beverly Hills of leafy lanarkshire, pass my best wishes on to Fargo and Kojo. Avoid the Drumgelloch Bar.
I would like to add my considerable weight to those defending Nakamura san.
He is the vital mid field cog who can provide the spark to make the unexpected, telling creative pass opening up a defence and providing multiple options.
The closest we have had to a Lubo replacement, and he has still to reach his prime.
And as I said last week, beware the cornered snake. He still has a poisonous bite.
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Peter Latchford, Roy Baines, Pat Bonner, Gordon Marshall, Carl Muggleton, Jonathan Gould, Dimitri Kharine, Tony Warner, Alan Rough, Ian Andrews, Allan McKnight, Rab Douglas, Magnus Hedman, David Marshall, Barry John Corr, Artur Boruc
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Long time no post !
bigjoeyoumakemyday !
st.anthony hang your head in shame check out the hun banners that lot have at every game
st.domingo's the only team in engurland
gaz i've got your jacket
i hear beatts could be out for up to eight weeks
as for tell all the huns you know
better off not conversing with them
loved the priest at the match yesterday mad dub
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St.Anthonys
Ally Hunter ?, Dennis Connaghan , Hamish McAlpine
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Add Kharine, Andrews and Boruc (whit wiz Ah thinkin'?), plus a wee splash of Dennis Connaghan, and that's just one to go.
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hail hail jfk
i'll be over in the week
for the jacket
garybhoywhowastoo
drunktogetadrinkinthe
publastnight
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Vertwolf,
I fully expect mcmanus to take telfers role n the bench/backup as he is hardly a long term fixture, ut generally when a manager is rebuilding a team and is in the middle of it he needs to play the players he buys... otherwise its harder too pursuade new ones to come in... if didi is goin virgo can also play RB but hardly RWB so mcmanus could slot in their
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jmcsheaf
I think I'm right in saying that the last Rangers share issue was open to new investors/fans and combined these newbies managed to raise just over half a million pounds with £53 million underwritten by Murray.
Perhaps impending closure of the gates at Ibrox would rally the cloven hooved hordes but I'm not sure if you can buy shares with Provi cheques.I'll ask my bank manager.
Just a point on Naka.The only thing I expect from Naka is to get goal side when we are defending and make hiself an obstacle for the opposition.
If you want to toughen up the midfield to add more bite in the tackle then don't play him as this type of thing is alien to him.By the same token,don't expect Lenny to look up and hit a 50 yard defence splitting pass as he can't do that either.
If you want a midfield playmaker you have to accepth their limitations in a defensive sense.I watch Barca on a regular basis and i think I've yet to see Ronaldinho make a tackle.Do you think there are Barca fans on Spanish blogs questioning whether he could put his foot in a bit more often? I'd doubt it.They appreciate the strengths he brings to their team and so forgive him his weaknesses.
One last point,well more of a question really.Can someone explain to me how any fan of a Celtic persuasion can feel sorry for Big Feck? I really can't understand it no matter how hard I try and need someone to explain the logic behind it.
I'm strapped in and await your pearls of wisdom and enlightenment.
BankieBhoy
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re keeper the missing one is andy mccondichie.played one game in dr jo's time
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first time poster hiyall. does any of you guys remember a report in the herald business page about 2 years ago where dm loaned rankers sport £60m which was to be paid back when they in the black. is that the door?
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Bankiebhoy
loosen the straps - I think that anyone who looks dispassionately at what he has done (almost matched MON in the same period) with the resources and donkeys at his diposal would say that he has worked miracles - and then to hear the oh so entertaining phone ins calling for his head beggars belief.
I also dont think he has ever descended to the lowest common denominator in rallying his team or (ahem) followers
cheers
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Sir Paul,
Spoke to the Boss, today....
He says:
"Ray and the Sandman are both having a Set-To on Donkey Island!"
Your guess is as good as mine....
Hai
Hail! Hail!
Kojo.
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On Sunday morning, At 1:06 AM, BankieBhoy said…
I've noticed that a few people have made mention of this sympathy for Big Feck previously on here.
WHY?????
He is a crawler of the highest order.From the first days of his tenure at Ibrox,he knew he was not wanted by the fans,resulting in his fawning attitude towards them in order to ingratiate himself.I seem to remember a quote about their defeat to Berwick in the sixties hitting him hard when or just after he was unveiled.All a ploy to show the fans he was one of "them".
His unstinting sycophancy towards the worst elements of the Ibrox support was fine until the performances started to dip and now those fans who could never accept him are making their feelings known.
Notwithstanding his toadying towards the lowest incumbents of the gene pool,what about his "132 years of unsurpassed dignity" comment?
Aye right.
I think we all have a fairly well-rounded knowledge of the history of the establishment club and dignified is not the word to describe it.
As mentioned above,when you sell your soul there's no going back.All this talk of honesty and integrity where this guy is concerned is risible.How anyone could think otherwise defies me,but hey we are all different.
Help me get inside your head and think this one out as I really can't see it.Is it just me?
BankieBhoy
---------------------------------
Great post BankieBhoy.
With you all the way (when I catch up!)
:-Dialupcelt
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have to agree bankiebhoy naka looks great when we're going forward though only when the forward lines moving and giving him something to aim at.anybody got a progress report on magic seems very quiet.
on the twenty goalies front methinks some of them couldn't do a job if you played three or four of them at once.
bigjoedidyouget
toplaywiththelovely
mrs.joetheothernight?
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Great qulaity of psts today so please excuse me for making a post that is not entirely Celtic related.
There has been a lot of credit quite rightly given on these boards to George Burley and even some for the guy who keeps looking at his watch (btw that was brilliant post) :-)
Excuse me for meandering but 20 years ago there was a young Middelsboro Centre half who had the nickname "Tony No Brains" A big no nonsense bruiser he was. All heart no brain
Even with their lightweight sqaud I do fancy Hibs to push us all the way this year and I really do hope they do so.If they could get into the SPL it will balance things up nicely in Edinburgh financially and Hibs need it. It would be a great advertisement for our game and also give it a shot in the arm. UEFA would love to see a green and white contingent competing in Europe. Hearts will peter out this year I believe but next year they will be an even bigger threat regardless.
I think that our old man Tony will prove those old critics wrong and increase the size and quality of his squad as well as his own reputation and stay loyal to them. That coupled with Rangers's seeming decline would be good fortune for Walter Smith. If he picks them of course.
.. Am I only dreaming ... eternal flame
Hail Hail
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Regarding Du Wei and Virgo, Paul made a statement a few blogs ago that he thought that only one of them would still be with us come February.
If I recall correctly, Fargo (or one of his alter egos) claimed at the end of the summer transfer window that Bobo would be punted in January...yet his name is conspicuous by it's absence whenever the talk of saleable assets is mentioned.
Has anyone got the inside track on whether Bobo is definitely staying, or could he be a quarter Petrov in the January sales?
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that sould say CL ...oops
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guv2507, if the spyware suggestions don't fix the firewall then you could try uninstalling and then reinstalling the software (I'm assuming you have something other than the Windows XP firewall). Other places to try would be the message board or FAQ's from the software provider.
If you are using the Windows firewall and nothing else then try reporting the problem through the Microsoft help desk.
P.S. If you are taking down the firewall then best to disconnect from the internet while you do so! Just make sure from the manufacturers web site that you have the latest version downloaded first.
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someone made a comment in this blog about celtic's fitness towards the end of games.
i've noticed this as well and we seem to hold out quite comfortably when the score is tight towards the end.
i think the fitness is showing and the players are more focused towards the end of a game.
the players are mentally and physically in better shape.
you could see yesterday we still had plenty in us at the end and that's due to the pass and move game GS had us playing earlier on in the game.
we are finishing strong in games and this could benefit us in november.
any word on hartson and beattie's injuries?
Emjay.
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http://business.scotsman.com/media.cfm?id=2167202005
Here is an article that was in the Scotsman saying that the shares are a buy
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Re the debate about Naka. WGS said after we skelped four past Dunfermline, that we would not see the best of Naka until "he didn't have too worry about what was going on behind him", or words to that effect. The comparison with Berkovic is a joke. Is it only a coincidence that we have started to play better as Naka gets better? I, for one, doesn't think so.
Another great result yesterday. C'MON THE HOOPS!!!
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another test
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Paul, building on a theme, how about this for hearts?
Flats, on the gorgie road
big flats, on the gorgie road
big flats, on the gorgie road
en suite and a parking space
Apparently they will be built with some nice steel frames bought in a fire sale from some Scottish company with football links....
Wonder who that could be......
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Whilst there is no doubting that all except the occasional "guest" poster on here is a genuine Celtic supporter, there are some who haven't a clue about football. For example, what are you guys on about who require Nakamura to steam into tackles? Or as Paul would put it,to paraphrase," unsure about his defensive capabilities".
Craigneuk and Bankieboy said it all with regards to Peter Grant and Ronaldhino respectively.
I heard Eck bemoaning the fact that luck had deserted his club recently. I reckon that Big Marvin is the reason for this.
In my fifty odd years supporting Celtic, they have always possessed the luck of the Devil. With the coming of MA, I reckon he has exorcised the place and driven the Hoofed One out the door :>)
BTW would the addition to the song sheet not sound better phrased like this :
THEY'RE FOURTH, IN THE SPL, etc.
Finally, don't get too carried away with our expectations as we have suffered enough in that department recently.
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Quote of the day ,well for me anyway
It was concerning the dropping attendances and recent firing of Radio Clydes programme controller Ross Mac Fadyen
so the firer says;
"It's one of the top programming jobs in UK radio. Radio Clyde is Emap's largest station outside London. They have to - and will - bring in a big name to sort it out. Emap will not allow their largest station outside London to go squiffy."
The sad thing is is that BBC Scotland is what Radio Clyde should be "moronic" and Radio Clyde is what BBC used to be "squiffy". Although I only listen to them when the football is on.
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jfkcfc………………………………...
Cheers M8 ………………….
The check’s in the post…………..
BigjoewhoOnlyplays
WithMrsbigjoeWhen
MrsBigJoedecides
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Hey happy days.
Celts win and go top of the league.
Rangers continue thier recent run of form and let the Hibees extend their lead in 3rd place.
And finally Hearts have been beaten!woooo!
Even Mr Larsson gets on the scoresheet.
One thing about the game though....Craig Beattie.
He shoots, he scores end of.
(or)He squares to Petrov, certain goal, end of.
(or)He shoots and misses.
Now he is greedy, selfish, uncomposed, lacking in maturity etc.
But cast your minds back to last season(shudder) at Tynecastle.
In the must win game Celtic find theirselves level at 1-1 with not long left.
Bellamy breaks down the right and is about to shoot, before young Beattie takes a massive amount of pressure on to himself and fires in the winning goal.
Now Beattie is confident, brave, composed and very mature for his age.
Just intresting to compare the two incidents aswell as the reaction that has followed.
Sean
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jmcsheaf
I have a couple of issues with what you are asking me to do.The first is to look at Celtic and Rangers in a dispassionate manner.I'm sorry I can't.I care passionately about this club and therefore I can't look at Rangers' successes in an objective manner.
I don't care about the little money they had,his battle against a superior manager or anything else that made his achievements all the more remarkable.The fact remains that his successes were at Celtic's expense so I don't look upon him kindly.
The second is to believe that he has never pandered to the lowest common denominator at Ibrox.Who do you think the 132 years of unsurpassed dignity comment was aimed at? What about his praise for the Rangers fans after Lenny's sectarian abuse and the monkey chants for Bobo at Ibrox?
Are you suggesting that he never really knew what he was saying or how these remarks would be construed by the Celtic support and the "wee arra peepil" brigade at Ibrox?
He has always known that the rank and file held the key to his future and when required has pandered to them in a futile attempt to win them over.Like most superficial relationships though,the end will come when the rocky spell arrives and they realise all they ever had in commom was self-interest and that they never really liked each other all that much to start with.
No,I think it's fair to say that until I hear a better argument for feeling sorry for Eck than selective hearing re. his comments and apathy towards my team's success,if it's all the same with you,I think i'll keep those straps on for just a little while longer.
BankieBhoy
P.S. dialupcelt,not heard from you in a while .How have you been?
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Evening Bhoys:
My week so far:
Hearts;
Sack the ceo.
Chairman resigns.
and it's only Monday.
Just imagine ,the rest off the week.
Rangers set to sack Mcleish,and appoint the dream team........
Yes i can see it now......The dream team---Gough and McCoist.
and it's only Thursday
altogether now
Fourth in the spl
Fourth in the spl
Fourth in the spl
FOURTH IN THE S.P.L.
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Just want to give my envious congratulations to Dharma Bam on getting 1st post today
and being so modest about it...
Any sympathytowards mcleish went right out the window after his pathetic joke about the Popes death that he had the cheek to tell to schoolkids in Drumchapel two days after John Paul 2 had passed away.
Nakamura as a defender ?-
w h y ?
bigjoe-
weweregettingabitofflak
afterourweeshindigtheother
nightIdontknowwhyeitherdidwe
wakesomebodyup?didwebreakany
windows?somepofacedbitchthat
ownsnorwichandcanttellthedifference
betweenadoughnutandatattiescone
wastryingtoputthemixinIhopenorwich
endupinthevauxhallconferencealong
withthatmuppetdarrenhuckerbywho
thoughtthecanarieswerebetterthan
TheHoops!
noel.
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Is it true that Rangers are expecting a huge increase in their support?
My young lad couldn't sleep last night worrying about it.
Apparently the priest at mass last night said something about..........
" Go fourth and multiply ! "
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Interesting development at Radio Clyde.This is the first sign of new owners,EMAP, flexing their muscle. If I were Keevins or BFD I'd be worried as they may find their moronic utterances coming under the scrutiny of proper professional broadcasters at EMAP towers. Keep an eye,or an ear, on this one.
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LhadsIenjyoedyer
weebittittletattle
oansaturdaynight
letsbehavingyeah
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Nakamurajoinsalltheplayup.
I'll say that again more slowly
Nakamura joins all the play up!
He is at the heart of all of our attacks.
He passes and moves,
He supports others on the ball.
He offers an out for other players.
He brings others into play.
He rarely stops moving.
He makes great runs.
He drags opponents with him and creates room for team mates.
He is a creator of the first order.
Oh aye,who was it we were comparing him with again!
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JonG
q u a l i t y .
noel.
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What about the dream team then NOEL:
Gough and McCoist.
Rangers will turn inward for their next management effort and i think these two would sit well with their supporters.
What do you think Edward?
Personally i would love it really love it.{borrowed that one from Kevin keegan}
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I hope to be at the ceremony on Saturday.
If anyone is going i'll be the one with the name tag on,but i'll put a mask over my head so you don't recognise me.
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Noel……………………………….
Me old drinking partner……………………….
What a niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight……………………
Late September back in 63.………………….
It was just a big………………………………....
CQN party…………………that I hope every 1
NJOY’d………………………………...........
There's only one Nakamura,
There's only one Nakamura,
He's from Japan,
Nakamura-san,
Walking in a Naka wonderland.
Anyway ……………………..is it just me……………..
Or is everyone waiting till manana……..
And the lowly rangers crash and burn………………
Anyone……………………………….....
BigjoewhowasOntehlash
AttheCQNparty
Butwasrufffffffffffff
AlldaysundyButmade
ArecoveryandwatchedThehops
Gotop..
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Jon-
that pair of muppets remind of the last dream team -
remember them ?
I hope you are correct Jon and I hope they have the same lack of success as the previous holders of that title.
Top of the SPL...
We,re TOP of the SPL...
We,re TOP of the SPL.....
:)
noel.
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agree JonG..
everything positive that happens for celtic is through Naka.
we don't get on at lenny for not making the killer pass to open up defences or not whipping in a great free kick or cross.
certain midfielders do certain jobs.
if naka is not doing his GS will act on it.
he obviously is!
you only needed to see the players reaction when naka scored the free kick against butcher's boys to see what they think of him!
Emjay
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Big Joe-
sincewhendidyoustartsupporting
TheHops?
Needtogo-Mrs90ismakingsnideremarks
aboutstaringatthebackofmyheadagain
gooodexcusetonipinandwatchscotsport
SPLwhoistop?
:P
noel.
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A question re the share issue.
Dermot Desmond has offered to underwrite the issue to the tune of £10 million of the overall £15 million. Let's say that other parties propose to purchase £8 million worth of shares. Does this mean Desmond will only have to put up £7 million, or is his contribution £10 million regardless of interest from other parties?
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I tried calling for a prospectus today for the share issue, waited for about ten minutes in a queue and eventually gave up as i had some work to do.
I hope it's a sign that there is big interest.
Regarding Naka....Just after half time he was first to the ball with Robson and to me it looked like he shirked the challenge, robson wins it and crosses it and Samuel nearly scored.
I think that maybe he should just learn to make himself a nuisance to the opposition if he does not want to tackle.
In contrast Maloney has made a couple of good defensive tackles in the past couple of games at crucial time. I've been thinking it for a while..actually since the clyde game last year, he is going to be very special.
Does anyone know, is the share issue only for people resident in the UK?
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aye i'll be there with my mates on saturday.
might have a beer in celebration of brother walfrid(and wee fergus!!)
Emjay
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Well said EMJAY:
Each player as you say has his own role in the side.
What i do like though is the flexibility that WGS has introduced to that area.
I think Paul highlighted this the other day when he spoke of NL out on the right wing.
Have you noticed the difference from Nakamura to other players?
No matter what height or from what angle the ball comes to him at, it is instantly controlled or moved on to a team mate ,and as soon as he has made his play he is away into another space.
It's a great part of his game to watch.
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burtman...
as far as i know DD is putting in 10m anyway and if say 8m is made up by new/existing shareholders the extra 3m will go to reducing the debt.
saying that don't take my word on it. i told everyone that the brother walfrid ceremony was this friday!!!
Emjay
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JonG………………..
I totally agree…………………
110 %……………………………….........
He always passes…………………..
The moves into space…………………………
Just like me in my youth…………………………….
But that’s another story…………………
There's only one Nakamura,
There's only one Nakamura,
He's from Japan,
Nakamura-san,
Walking in a Naka wonderland.
BigjoewhoisLuvving
Beingatimthisweek.
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I'd say there's a fair interest, Tony. I've spoken to a couple of friends and we're all interested in putting a few quid in. Not much, maybe a couple of grand each.
I'm hoping that it's not confined to 'UK' (jeez I hate that term) residents as we're all resident in the Free State!
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Bankiebhoy, lets agree to disagree.
We're not all (whatever crap they call us), and they're not all (what ever some of us might call some of them).
I think a dispassionate view works - sometimes
yours hoopily
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Big Joe:
I have a great Rioja recommendation for you but i'm keeping it to myself until the weekend!
Just to give your liver a wee chance!
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JonG………………….
Well said M8.………………….
Where is EDWARD …………………
When you NEED him………………………
Bigjoewhoislooking
FortheHunsInTheMist.
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Posted this on Wed night after the Motherwell match -
'Spreading the play gives Nakamura the opportunity to find passes that others cannot see - he played some spectacular long ones today but also some subtle short ones that completely wrong-footed the defence - best game since his debut and I am so pleased he scored with the free-kick'
As WGS has suggested Celtic need to be able change their formation depending on opposition tactics so that space can be generated and players like Naka remain effective - this is a tough call but at least we have the rest of the season to work on it before the CL next year - ducking out of Europe this season is starting to look like a stroke of genius as we bring through a whole new generation of players with plenty of time to coach them into the team
We'll go forth in the SPL
We'll go forth in the SPL
We'll go forth in the SPL
And then in the C.L.2
VertWolf
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I think there is a ceiling of 15mil.on the share issue .
Wouldn't the club have to declare it to the Stock market if it was higher.
If this is the case then if all shares are taken up by others DD wouldn't have to use his facility.
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aye JonG..
i watched the game again on celtic tv and naka's touch is sublime.
he was able to get himself out of tight spots by his instant control.
yes he's was always on the move looking for the ball again.
the more we give naka the ball the more it will happen for us.
my englishbrother in law was up for the motherwell game last week and was raving about naka after the game.
he said his range of passing and control was as good as anyone in the premier.
he also said he'll get kicked from pillar to post up here cause you're refs are crap!
couldn't disagree with him there either!
Emjay
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"Ducking out of Europe this year is starting to look like a stroke of genius"
Vertwolf:I'm off to bed with these words singing to me.
As i said earlier,it's only Monday and the week is off to a bang!
Hearts to be spread all over the back and front pages tomorrow,and Rangers to be spread all over them on Wednesday.
How much better is this week going to get!
Thanks for that one old son.
Hail Hail
JonG
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My dear friend,Burtman and others,
The Conditions of the Sale are very clear on this point:
When one party offers to UNDERWRITE a particular Issue of Stock, it simply means that the party Underwriting the Issue, GUARANTEES to buy Stock up to and including a Stipulated Guarantee....
In Demetrius Case.........TEN SHMOLIES!
In other words........
The UNDERWRITER will Buy any and all UNSOLD STOCK of the ISSUE in question....up to 10 SHMOLIES!
Looking at the Best Possible SENARIO.......
If ALL of the ISSUE is taken up by Other members of the PUBLIC...
DEMETRIUS would NOT BUY any stock of the NEW ISSUE at all.
Actually, Believe it or Not....
This would be an IDEAL situation for Demetrius......
As it would prevent any chance of He Having to make the Decision to Announce a Complete Takeover of the Celtic Co....That is predicated on he having to UNDERWRITE THE NEW ISSUE up to his stated Guarantee.
However....Do not despair, as the above Scenario is Far From Likely.
Before it would come to that, the Rules of Take-over would be altered by a 75 per Majority Vote of the Celtic Shareholders.
That is why when present Celtic Shareholders are Requested to Vote their Shares IN FAVOUR OF THE TAKE-OVER RULE CHANGE, at the Upcoming Meeting later in November, they should hasten to do so.
Thus preventing any chance of Demetrius Having to make a Take-Over Decision.
I hope I have cleared up the matter to your satisfaction.
I Remain, yours faithfully in Celtic.
Kojo.
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I seem to recall seeing a keeper called Graham Barclay playing, a sunday game v Clydebank Scott. Cup ?
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Bankiebhoy
Your comments on Eck are interesting. I met him not so long ago when he managed another club and I found him a modest and highly likeable guy.
To be honest, I feel a bit of sympathy for the bloke. He was brought in to manage decline and failure. He surprised the mint, himself and, sadly us, by coming up with two jammy league wins, aided immeasurably, it should never be forgotten, by the MIB.
BTW, don't you find it so funny when TFOD on phone ins talk about how Eck beat MoN in trophies won? How much the diddy cup means to them these days! Swap for Seville and a 7 in a row whitewash?
I do think Eck has tried to ingratiate himself in pretty undignified way *nice ones Paul!)with the lumpen majority, which is a shame as I'm sure he'd never share a pint with any of those guys in a million years.
Great to hear the fans chant for Mo and Pearo, two guys whose game can only improve with the fans behind them (I wasn't one of them, sniffle).
Its one of the ironies of life that the guys who do so much for the team are so rarely sung. Let's give it big for McManus, a true star this season. His problem is that he doesn't score often. He behaves himself and doesn't make the tabloids. Hopefully John Kennedy can come back too. What a partnership that could be.
And great to hear the chants for Strachan too. The sound of a lot of guys eating their words, me included. Great.
Lastly, what fun to se those Jambos get emptied! Donald Trump are you watching! Burley, Anderton, Foulkes...and McLetchie too. Youre fired!
-
Me neither EMJAY.
Gnite all.
JonG
-
JonG………………….
Ok M8.………… I will have a wee
Rioja manana if the FOD founder
Once again………………
I will swap you…………………..
I have a good Rioja… Crianza
2002.………………….
Bigjoewhoishomefrom
The rigs……SoheHasaMonth2catchup.
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Last week and this week I've heard adverts for match day tickets for Rangers home games against Livingston, and now Aberdeen, on the commercial radio stations. Just how low are their home crowds these days that the current SPL champions cannot sell out all their games in advance and have to resort to last minute advertising?
If things go the way we hope in November then they'll be giving away free gifts with the tickets!!
Alex Miller (Liverpool assistant) for their next manager anyone?
-
I caught a bit of the Fergus interview tonight.When asked how he would like to be remembered by the fans he said all he was really interested in was the supporters being able to be proud of our club.
Say what you want about the wee man he delivered on everything and certainly left us with a club to be proud of.Compare our club with tfod on anything - stadium,squad,finance,history,support....etc.NO COMPARISON.
That's why I was able to go to work after black sunday with head held high and tell all that I supported the greatest team in the world.
No one can take that away - for that I am grateful and the wee bunnet played no small part
-
Ok time to go……………………….
From CQN and the big Joe show….
Lets have yaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
goodnightevery 1
-
Dialupcelt,
100% on Big Eck. " I wiz greetin like everyone else in Barrhead that day". "132 years of Dignity". "The Rangers fans were great today" ...as they mocked the death of thousands by throwing potatoes onto Celtic Park and made "Zulu chants" coincidentally when Bobo touched the ball. Oh and Red Hand salutes which are not really Nazi salutes are they? He deserves NO sympathy from us!
SB
-
....and he wins the prize for the scariest mask tonight!
SB
-
Evening All, just back from 5 a sides.
Craigneukbhoy, good to hear from you. Hope you are keeping well.
I agree, Naka is marvellous, though if I may add, especially to the point from Kojo and Tom the Tim;
He gets too close to opponents. Stand off them and match the run. This way you hold up play and allow the defenders to re-group. He is very quick to ‘arrive’ at his opponent.
When I grow up I want to be a coach.
Welcome Frank Cosgrove.
Martybhoy, I seen some big yellow trucks rolling along Gorgie Road when I was leaving Edinburgh this evening. Wonder where they were heading?
Kojo, thanks for that info on the plans of Demetrius.
-
Paul,
Nakamura....defensively?
I believe this part of his game was discussed with him, or GS, in an interview a couple of weeks ago.... He was told to be defensive by working hard to close players down and reduce their options, defensive play is not only tackling...He can be seen doing this more now...Add his creativity, and his professionalism...? Enough for me to say thankyou Nakamura San I know you will get even better!
Interesting news about Klos...and the Skint Mint...whatever next?
I am delighted with the way the squad is shaping up and the philosophy of the gaffer...And yes I have been enthused by at the pace of change..
Wee concern about November though....Our injuries will be the true test of the depth and cohesion of the squad....I do believe that come the end of the season we will all be happy with the progress and success achieved...BUT I also think there will be a few disgrunteled voices on here before the end of the year...Perhaps even in November....As this new squad adjusts to the rigours of change...Just remember Bhoys ...KTF...Its a work 'of art' in progress...We are doing very well, but it is the begining of a journey...
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Jon G and Kojo,
Thanks for clearing up how Diarmaid's underwriting will pan out.
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Sir Paul and my Compadres,
I have been watching the Performances of Magic on the Reruns on a Chan 67.......
It is wonderful........ One can re-run ad nauseam ...... I love it.
Anyhow.... I watched Majic, over and over, in particular......
Hold onto to your Chapeaux Mes Enfants!
Magic will be a greater Goal Menace that Henrik!
His close tricky footwork and Speed....Yes Speed.......
He has it all!
He will be a very LARGE Player in days to Come..........
And you can take that to the already quite bulging Bank!
Hail! Hail!
Kojo.
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I would say middle to front we still have the biggest and best squad but wouldn't want McManus or Balde to get injured.
I would also add Hibs have as much chance of winning the league as Hearts, especially if there Home form improves.
It is still going to be an interesting championship.
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Kojo,
I agree as regards Mr Zurawski. I was ridiculed when he signed for saying he would be the top scorer in the SPL this season. I reckon that's still a good bet.
I'm afraid your boss's Sandman and Donkey Island references were a bit too obtuse for me, although I certainly hope nothing trivial is involved. Any clarification?
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taggsybhoy
Not seen you post on here in quite some time,trust you are well.I think I should put my comments on McLeish in some context.
Before he went to Ibrox,I always found McLeish to be a particularly decent guy whenever interviewed.My lack of respect for him is not due to the fact that he is Rangers manager,but that in an effort to try and win their backing and support he has ceased to be the man he was and tried to be the man he thought they wanted him to be.
When you cease to be true to yourself,that's when people lose respect for you.
All the talk of Berwick Rangers and unsurpassed dignity is absolutely laughable and was just an attempt to convince them he is just like them.If Eck had said at the beginning "I'm not really a Rangers fan but i'll try and bring success to this club" i'd have wanted him to fail but if they drove him out for that I could have respected him for being true to who he was.But he didn't.
Contrast his attitude to that of WGS admitting that he wsn't a Celtic fan but that he felt that might also be beneficial as he wasn't bogged down by the Celtic culture.Some fans didn't like that but at least he was up front about it and didn't try to kid us on.
Simply put the difference is honesty.Honesty breeds respect but sycophancy breeds contempt.Which is why I find McLeish so contemptible .
BankieBhoy
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Stephenwithaph 8.10pm
Not sure but think Hamish McAlpine only played in pre-season friendlies for Celtic.
On Naka..he must be the best around when it comes to releasing a ball just at the right time. His ability to play a first time pass into the path of a colleague without the latter breaking stride is as good as it gets.
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My dear friend Johnbhoy,
As I said at the time of writing........
Your guess is as good as mine...
However...... One of us did say in a past submission...
Ray, because of his possible mounting debts.....was heading for Donkey Isle.
Sandman.........Must certainly be Our Dear Alex McLeish.
Where Donkey Isle is located......I guess its the place where all bad boys end up.....
Because of their Lying and Cheating ways........A la Pinnochio!
Could be the set-to refers to a Break -up of some kind.......
And soon.
That's the best that I can make of it.
And the Boss will go no further in his comments.
Hail! Hail!
Kojo.
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Kojo,
Many thanks. But did Ray and Sandy get to that island on a Ship Called Dignity?
I'll get my pyjamas...
Sweet dreams!
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My dear friend, Johnny,
That was excellent.........Can I use it?
Don't worry ........I will!
Good Nite and God bless!
Kojo.
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Whew....another big day on CQN. Some fine posts indeed.
Paul, if rangers can't afford to play Klos, are you saying he is on a pay for play deal?
Re Naka not being a 'defender'.....sorry guys, EVERY player is a defender. Larsson defended. When the other team has the ball, every player has a changed role, that is, return to the defensive 'shape', and make it difficult for the opposition to play through your piece of real estate. That part of his game will improve. The manager will make sure it does.
What is more of a worry, is his shirking tackles when chasing a loose ball. He'll hurt himself, as opposition players will take advantage of his fear.
It is a fair point to bring up and discuss....along with his sublime skill and range of passing.
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Hi Paul,
Once again an intereting article, the new on Stephan Klos came as a surprise, I suspected it was for financial reasons, but to be honest hadn't thought on wage savings, my own idea had been to keep transfer value in Europe by not cup tieing him.
JohnG 10.10 To be honest I'd think that more of a nightmare apointment. Sorry about the delay in the answer, I have been having PC problems for a couple of days.
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t
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noel.
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Sorry to be a bit negative, but am I the only one concerned about the prospects for success of the share issue.
£5M from the ordinary fans seems very, very optimistic. Bear in mind a few issues:
1. This will be our fourth issue in 11 years.
2. Dignity FC's recent share issue raised less than £1M from investors other than David Murray.
3. £5M of the £15M is earmarked for debt reduction. Paul and others can argue all day how important this is, and while they may persuade me, they will never persuade the average fan.
4. People like me who invested in 2001 will NEVER forget that we have already paid for the youth academy. We also at that time paid to strengthen the first team squad which is rather more than extending contracts of existing players. Lucky for the club that the Sale of Goods Act does not apply to shares.
5. Fans buy shares for emotional reasons; they want to own a piece of their club. They may also like the idea of having voting rights and attending AGMs/EGMs. It doesn't really matter therefore whether they own one share or 10,000 - the emotional bond and the priviledges are the same. Fans who already own shares are unlikely to buy more. They are not a good investment.
I will try and find a couple of hundred quid as the Youth Academy is a worthy cause (assuming the club will actually deliver on their promises this time around), but my enthusiasm is not great, and I suspect I'm not alone.
bryce
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Morning Lhads and Lhasses
Well, this has been a ride and a half over the last few days!
Basil Romanov over at Faulty Towers (hopefully) pushes the self destruct button by firing the fans champions (well, the only ones that were left after Burley was hooked). This after them getting gubbed by the Hibees - sweet! Loud popping noise out east.
Getting close to January as well - is it not true that a few of the hertz players are actually loan deals until then? Won't their clubs be wanting them back then since they have been playing fairly well?
Our southside friends drop another 2 points at home, and then there is tonight. What chance of them pulling something off tonight? Hopefully none. Never thought I would say this, but "Come on Artmedia". Sorry for shouting there. Another loud popping noise out east - pleeeeeze?
Would I want feckless to get the heave-ho tonight? Why not. Who is the mint going to get to replace him?
Someone mentioned Gough & McCoist, but would they want that poisoned chalice? No money to spend to replace the dross currently incumbent at Mordor? Who else is there? Tel from Well? He might do it, and I think he is a half decent manager, but again - no dosh.
You can just imagine Emperor Murray fiddling (did I really put that down? Can he sue me for libel now?) while Mordor burns!
As long as we can complete the double over them this month, (and winning every other game of course!) I will be a happy wee Tim.
We have to beat them however, in order to put them in their place once and for all. All we need is some protection from the MIB for our stars -oh dear . . . . .
Bring 'em on!!
Hail! Hail!
Curly
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CC The Boxer - yir predictor code issnae workin!
Also some has nicked thepolarbear name!!
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match review and month review over on www.thelordofthewing.blogspot.com
hail hail
