 Monday, October 31, 2005
Celtic peak as Rangers become a mid-table nonentity
After Bratislava, and again four days later after Motherwell, there were, to put it mildly, serious doubts that our manager would be able recover.
While we have yet to beat any team who will be competing for honours this season, and we have benefited from epoch defining events elsewhere, we have slowly ascended to the top of the league and each passing week produces more evidence that there is a system ‘in-progress’ at new-Celtic that might just deliver at a higher level.
The first half performance against Dundee United was reminiscent of the midweek victory against Motherwell. Nakamura, Maloney, Camara and Petrov ran incessantly, Neil Lennon moved from middle to right wing and the ball never stopped.
After opening his game with a dreadful defensive header past his own ‘keeper, Chris Sutton appeared to have a point to prove, and played his best game of the season. Maybe he should start every game with a few shots at Artur?
Stillian Petrov picked up where he left off on Wednesday; winning two challenges to the start of the move that led to John Hartson’s equaliser.
In keeping with the Halloween motif, Artur Boruc appeared ghost like when he was beaten for United’s second by a shot that went straight through him – the goalkeepers first bad mistake for Celtic.
Shunsuke Nakamura is key to everything that works well at Celtic, but I have yet to see him be effective in a defensive situation.
Opponents seem able to draw him close and knock the ball past him. The command that players like Petrov have over opponents who dare take the ball close to him, is completely absent from Nakamura. If our new system pulls players like Neil Lennon thirty yards out of position, Nakamura must learn not to be drawn onto opponents, and to stop attacks advancing too far up field before his team mates have time to regroup.
The last Rangers team who finished mid-table were, ironically, managed by a man who won the treble against a great Celtic manager. Jock Wallace (who won two trebles) held the upper hand over Jock Stein during their head-to-head seasons – the parallels are remarkable.
It mattered not; Wallace was sacked. He was later thrown out of Ibrox following a game, the indignity the man suffered. The same fate awaits Alex McLeish, possibly within the week, definitely within the month.
When we play Rangers twice next month we will face a far more formidable outfit than the poorly motivated shadow of a team who have dropped points against five of the six teams in the bottom half of the league. As always, they will raise their game for Celtic.
The problems at Ibrox are all down to money, or more specifically a lack of it. Following the debacle of not being able to afford to play Michael Ball and the appearance clause that threatened to scupper the signing of Sotirios Kyrgiakos, Celtic Quick News can reveal that they cannot afford to play former captain Stefan Klos for the same reason.
Klos is an enormously popular figure in the dressing room and in the stands. He has enjoyed the support of his teammates through the indignity of his work-to-rule, where he has refused to play for the reserves and refused to warm-up on the pitch when picked as substitute.
This has devastated dressing room morale.
While more accounts information will be published this week, we already know all we need to know about the finances at Ibrox. They are in severe trouble that will see them in our wake for many years to come.
I was far more pleased at Hearts losing than Rangers drawing at home. They are now our only challengers this season, and have a fortitude about them that has propelled them surprisingly far.
It would be a mistake to assume that they will crumble after their first defeat, but their shortcomings will start to bite. Hearts have a small squad and a smaller number of key performers; they will suffer more than most when injuries, suspensions and loss of form arrive.
These factors auger well for Celtic. If Gordon Strachan has a good November – and that means beating Rangers twice – he will win the league.
He will have another two transfer windows to fine tune his squad and hone his system before he faces the final part of his recuperation – doing so well in Europe that we forget about Bratislava.
Anyway, it has been twenty years since Rangers have been a mid-table nonentity, make sure they know all about it when they come visiting next week;
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the SPL
Fourth in, the S.P.L.
382 Comments:
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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 a |
