 Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Why Celtic are enjoying their greatest league lead since the 1930s
Ever know Celtic to be 10 points clear after only 12 games?
I don’t think it has ever happened; it certainly hasn’t since the 1930’s. There are two reasons why this season is proving to be such a one horse race.
Celtic are a very effective football team. Eight consecutive league wins is form reminiscent of the procession to the title we enjoyed in season 2003-04, when the Martin O’Neill team peaked (not during the ‘Seville’ season, as is commonly believed).
Hearts, the only team to beat Celtic in the league this season, were only three points off the pace until they imploded three games ago. Instead of playing Celtic next week to go joint top, their players have now publicly admitted to mess their club is in.
This has cosmetically enhanced the gap at the top of the table.
Then there is Rangers.
Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine that Paul Le Guen would assemble a sorrier collection of misfits than Alex McLeish deployed last season. After 12 games, they are currently two points down on their corresponding tally last season.
On Thursday they play the team currently ninth in the Israeli league with only two victories to their name all season, a game they will surely win, but on Sunday they face what could be a career defining moment for Le Guen.
Saturday’s home draw against Motherwell was the start of a three game league programme against the bottom three clubs. Failure to beat Dundee United or Dunfermline in their next two games might just push the Ibrox club over the brink.
Le Guen has given Rangers their worst start to a season in 23 years, a historic achievement, I am sure you will agree, and one I am genuinely grateful to him for, but if his magic is to continue for an extended period, maybe it would be better if Rangers collected six points from Dundee United and Dunfermline.
257 Comments:
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damn
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Sign O’ The Times….
new article posted on www.thelordofthewing.blogspot.com
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Surely the question must be asked....."Why are we so good"
But I think it's down to hard work / talent myself.
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Surely the question must be asked....."Why are we so good"
But I think it's down to hard work / talent myself.
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go on my son
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Paul,
Let's just IMAGINE that tfod fail in their next 3 games... nice isn't it! :-) ... Do you think that PLG would be dismissed?
I'm not so sure. Can they afford to pay him off? (seriously!)
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Mike, it was your ‘Lost Weekend’ comment that got me thinking. Do cult figures ever know that they are anyway? And if they did, would they be happy about it?
VC, I’ve still got it. Not watched it for years though.
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Hi Paul,
This is a repeat from the last thread but it was quite near the end and quite a few folk were asking about it.
A few of you have been asking about what happens if teams finish level in the group, all rules can be downloaded from the link below though you will need adobe reader to get them.
C.L Regulations
I've copied the relevant section Page 9 paragraph 4.05
If two or more teams are equal on points on completion of the group matches, the following criteria are applied to determine rankings.
a)Higher number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams in question.
b)Superior goal difference from the group matches played among the teams in question.
c)Higher number of goals scored away from home in the group matches played among the teams in question.
d)Superior goal difference from all group matches played.
e)Higher number of goals scored.
f)Higher number of coefficient points accumulated by the club in question as well as it's association, over the previous five seasons
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They won't (can't) sack him, they couldn't afford either the severance pay or the adverse publicity ("Murray makes mistake" simply aren't about to happen). There's a better chance of him walking away, we've already had one training ground bust up, and pundits such as the fat man are suggesting that the likes of Durrant be brought in to help with training. Doesn't sound like all is well at Auchenhowie.
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Maybe losing those 2 titles on the final day will be a blessing of sorts over the longer term. Rangers have been in the grubber for 7 years, and stealing 2 titles seems to have disguised this fact to their 'support'.
To think we could have been sitting on 7 in a row, with no prospect of being caught soon.
It will take more than mr murrays famous tenners to get them out of this mess.
Lets enjoy the view from the top, because we know it doesn't ever last too long.
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So they're in a worse state that they were this time last year.
They then had the worse November ever in their history, failing to win a game in the calendar month, including losing in the league and cup to Celtic, and dropping points at home to Aberdeen amongst others (i remember that game specifically as it cost me £600).
Let's hope PLG follows suit.....
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Although the Arabists are struggling they have got the Indian sign over the plucky wee team from Govan in the past few seasons.A draw will do nicely.
I think the team that finished against Killie[have we anybody out through suspension?]will start against Benfica.Stephen del Pearo is more of an impact player coming off the bench; he'll appear in time to score the winning goal in the last minute after the Hoops have survived 89 minutes of incessant Benfica attacks.
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The other thing for Rangers to keep in mind is that a team tends to over perform when they have a new manager to impress, one further slip will surely see them start to tumble down the table.
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In the 80's and 90's Celtic played a number of teams in Europe who were inferior yet we still lost.
I reckon this was lack of confidence, experience and a fear of the unknown. On Thursday night Rangers play a team that is probably inferior but there is no confidence, not enough experience and Israeli football is realtively unknown. At 4/1 aren't Maccabi worth a fiver?
While I'm making predictions I had a dream (genuinely) that Copenhagen beat Man U 1-0!!
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While walking my dog one day, I suddenly remembered.....
The great white shark is a streamlined swimmer and a ferocious predator.
This much feared fish has a torpedo shaped body, a pointed snout, a crescent-shaped tail, 5 gill slits and 3 main fins; the dorsal fin (on its back) and 2 pectoral fins (on its sides). When the shark is near the surface, the dorsal fin and part of the tail are visible above the water. Only the underbelly of the great white shark is actually white; its top surface is grey. This is useful in hunting its prey. The great white usually strikes from below and its greyish top coloration blends in with the dark water, enabling it to approach the prey unobserved.
Great whites do not chew their food. Their teeth rip prey into mouth-sized pieces, which are swallowed whole.
A big meal can satisfy a great white for up to 2 months.
The great white shark has a squad of 3,000 teeth at any one time. They are triangular, serrated (saw-edged), razor-sharp, and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.
The teeth are located in rows. The first two rows are used in obtaining prey; the other rows rotate into place, as they are needed. As teeth are lost, broken, or worn down, they are replaced by new teeth that rotate into place.
The great white's nostrils can smell one drop of blood in 25 gallons (100 litres) of water.
Great whites are usually solitary animals.
(What is the point of this?....Ed) (Away back and annoy Kojo Ed!)
The point is this, Celtic were seen as a big fish in a small pond, along with Ranjurs.
Now that TFOD have regressed back down the food chain, Celtic have evolved from being a big fish to become the ultimate predatorial fighting machine. For this to have happened while swimming in the stagnant backwater of Scottish Football is a truly remarkable development.
These masters of the sea roam around for months on end making do with carrion and pathetic little morsels, Ayrshire sprats, Dundonian kippers and French chum etc.
However, every once in a while they are faced with a titanic struggle against more worthy opponents. Orcas. When these creatures meet, although the encounters are bloody and brutal, they are also a beautiful expression of the power of nature at the pinnacle of evolution. Every ounce of energy, cunning, strength and skill is required to succeed in these daunting encounters.
So, is the rapacious Celtic shark ready to dispatch the traumatized Iberian orca?
Hell yes. Even as we sleep, the torpedo shaped predator is circling, calculating, contemplating. The orca, although once a mighty and majestic Portuguese animal has made it's first and ultimately, decisive error. Doubt has entered the mind of this beast.
If one drop of blood can be detected in 25 gallons of water, then fear can be smelled from much farther afield. The orca has retreated up the river Tagus and now knowingly awaits its fate. The die has already been cast. The Celtic shark will be swift and merciless.
Bring it on.
Monteblanco
Whomanagedtosayrapaciousinhispost
Round you Blantyre;o)
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Timmy7
Gotcha! No that's a personal thing! I refer to that period as my 'Lost Weekend' purely because it coincided with my move to London and having other things more important to worry about, like trying to make it big in the music biz, and getting married, and having kids.
My return to supporting Celtic came funnily enough round about when wee Fergus took over at Celtic, and my oldest started playing football. My brother gave him his first Celtic top at about the age of 7, so it made me start following Celtic again.
I called it that in reference to John Lennon's self-styled 'Lost Weekend' which lasted for about a year and a half when he was seperated from Yoko. That in turn must have been nicked from the Ray Milland movie of the same name about alcoholism.
Why, who did you think I was?
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StevieS, good point, not sure if Rangers can afford to get rid of PLG.
I suspect that Murray would embark on a replacement strategy first, especially when they are still in Europe.
Edward, thanks for the intel. on previous article.
Ardoch, the “should have been 7 in a row” is a valid point, of course it should have been, but I don’t think it will make Rangers fans feel better about their predicament and, as you have alluded to, it has not changed the dominant team in Scotland over this period.
Monteblanco, I enjoyed that, thanks.
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MonteB-you were on the Indianapolis!!??
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Sorry to carry over from the last thread again but, Ardoch you wrote that Anton 'turned away from the dark side' Are you not thinking of Allen McKnight, or am I having a whoosh moment here?
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Almost halfway to a generation of dominance then Paul. ;o)
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Timmy lets not open that can of worms for the sake of CQN.
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Paul67
I disagree with you, if these current form figures continue at TFOD then he has no option to offload P.LeGoon, as we witnessed last week the hordes were screaming their discontent but dare I say it " the lazy journos have aired no such opinions ....not even the GH's son of the manse GS
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Monteblanco-
A CQN Classic.
cheers.
noel.RapaciousCSC.
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Did anyone read the Rangers V Motherwell match report by Darrel King in last night's Evening Times?
Talk about objective journalism...NOT!
This was a piece straight from the stomach, and no mistaking what it was that caused his wretching.
Poor thing.
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Firstly, Well done to GS, the team and the board. Let's not get carried away as there is still progress and improvements to be made to this team.
On the subject of rangers I feel DM has a bit of a dilemma on his hands. If plg continues to underperform does he make a new appointment and incurr the financial penalty of compensating a failed management team or will he support his current coach?
I feel he will do the latter but it is difficult to imagine DM reverting to a high risk financial strategy at this current time. The more one looks at the situation the more it looks like DM is being financially prudent to attract a buyer.
Why not let them finace a new manager?
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If anyone needs a little tonic... (Edward, do not follow this link)
TRY THIS
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For sure RFC are in a sorry mess.
PLG has underestimated Scottish football, overestimated his own abilities, has alienated several of his team, his handpicked new signings have fizzled and the fans are close to rebellion. And by the way they have no money , which means no 'Hail Mary' pass to get out of it.
Long may PLG's reign continue.
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OK, Try This Then
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Monteblanco, superb, from Great Whites to Great Green and Whites and not a seam in sight.
Mike, I put two and two together and came up with one of Lloyd Cole's commotions.
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The reason we are so successful so far this season is because the players are so adaptable.
We can play a patient passing game, we can play at high tempo, we can slow it down to protect a lead, we can get physical when necessary and we have players capable of the act of surprise in Naka and Aiden.
As for Rangers I think Le Guen is safe because as we all know David Murray never sacks managers.
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BBunnet,
You're so right.
The last paragraph commenting on the scandalous refereeing is equal to the impartiality of 'Billy fae Bridgeton' calling Radio Clyde to ask BFDJ why his beloved Rangers are not at their rightful place(sic) at the top
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Far be it for me to offer a solution to Govan dis- United's current travails, but I reckon DM's only solution, considering he can't afford to sack PLG, is to call in the services of Big Ron Manager to Follyfield Park.
The television pictures would be inspirational and educational to all clubs.
TTT, being iRONic or downnright sarcastic.
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TLW
I rather think the guy wrote this the morning after a major steam. It's got hangover remorse all over it.
You get more impartiality in a Bernard Manning script.
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BBunnet
That cheered me right up, King is close to completely losing it there, and the bit at the end about the ref.... enough said.
VB
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The Battered Bunnet, I read the ‘Times piece and thought it was actually quite balanced. The penalty complaint I viewed differently, and the subsequent verbal assault on the referee was awful, but the rest was as full an explanation of Rangers troubles as I have seen from the old media.
It was also good observational writing.
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Request for help!
Does anyone have a link to THAT picture where Billy McNeil lift the Big Cup at the presentation? I'd love to get a re-enacted picture on Wednesday and would like to see it to compare.
Thanks in advance!
Martybhoy (t minus 15hrs)
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Darrell also missed out the key question
Where has the JJB money gone?
OB1972
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ThebatteredBunnet :- Unfortunately I can't find anything to disagree with in that article. He was spot on, poor players, poor technique, poor tactics and a poor referee, that last isn't an attempt to try and blame the ref he is just a bad ref, it's something Gavil Guy and myself posted on last night. I think the only way things will improve is change at the very top. maybe like players and managers chairmen have a shelf life as well.
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Podium?
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OB72
'Gone West' I imagine!
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Podium shouts are getting more and more desparate.
Paul Le Guen must stay.
This will be the decade where Ibrox crowds return to 30,000.
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This may be of no interest to some as it is the thoughts of one of the great unwashed realising that he is indeed smelling the familiar aroma of a large espresso !!!
So if you do not wish to share in his pain....................Scroll on by............ :o)))
Lifted from celticminded.com
"David Murray – His Last Performance?
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After yet another week of disappointment and underachievement, the debates have been raging once more about whom to blame for said woes.
The culpable parties range from Paul Le Guen to Charlie Richmond; from Filip Sebo to the RST. Mainly though, bit by bit, the attention is moving to the invisible man himself – David Murray.
It is interesting to read and listen to the wide range of opinion regarding this interesting character. Some suggest he’s the Messiah, others say he’s the anti-Christ. Myself, I prefer the middle-ground, but by the day I can feel the atmosphere getting hotter.
Where is our chairman at the moment? Is he basking on the slopes of his south facing French vineyards? Or he is working by candlelight in his Charlotte Square offices while the property market and his ever-increasing portfolio make his Murray International Holdings group even more money? One thing is for sure; he won’t be at Ibrox finding out why our club falls further and further behind in the financial backwaters of the Scottish Premier League.
I think it was during the heady days of 9-in-a-row that this particular business magician assured us that while he remained in charge he’d spend £10 for every fiver Celtic spent. Days of yore, indeed. I remember the 1990s well. An incredible run in the inaugural Champions’ League. Brian Laudrup, Paul Gascoigne and a record equalling league title run. Millions upon millions spent ‘chasing the dream’. I loved it – we all did.
Unfortunately, it couldn’t last and it didn’t. We took our eye off the ball and Celtic made their comeback. Their stadium was suddenly bigger and over an incredibly short period of time, they were the ones contesting UEFA Cup finals and spending the bigger money. Our success was more sporadic but no less enjoyable in some respects – hiding the cracks indeed. Times changed, mistakes were made and things would never been the same again.
Suddenly our excellent businessman had our club £80million in debt. Downsizing was inevitable and necessary but surely ambition and support would remain the same? That doesn’t seem to be the case any more and my goodness it hurts. Badly.
We are a club in crisis – make no mistake. From the top down our club is rotten to the core. Our chairman and his right hand man are AWOL and don’t care. Our security chief sanctions arrests against our fans while opposition supporters sing songs about disasters in stadiums built in our absent friends’ memory. Our once proud shops lie empty and vandalised shaming the badge that now hangs sadly above. The ticket office charges us for services that should be free. Our PR team embarrasses us and only exacerbates our worsening and unfair reputation. I could go on all night.
There are of course some bright lights. We do have an excellent training facility and our manager, despite obvious problems, is one with the knowledge and expertise to turn our fortunes around. But it seems he’ll need to do so without fiscal backing from a man who can’t keep his promises. From a man who lies to his own so-called ‘Rangers family’.
No matter how obvious the problems appear to some, others won’t hear a word of criticism. ‘Not David Murray’, they say, ‘He bought us the glory days and loves the club the same as us’. All half-truths of course, but their hero won’t correct them. He has a business to run and a reputation to protect.
What they fail to realise is that David Murray isn’t a fan of Rangers like you or I. He isn’t in our family. Family members stick by their kin and ensure their development selflessly. Our owner doesn’t do that. Maybe he did once – the waters are too muddied to be sure.
Yes, he’s invested money but he’s made just as much. He has spent around £70million including a few share issues and buying the club. If he sells for £50million he gets most of that back. Add the Club Deck steel money, the RHL call centre money, the Albion car park money, the Azure Catering money and his various companies’ increased profile and prestige from being associated with Rangers, I think one won't be far off matching his overall investment.
When one compares that to OUR investment it doesn’t come close. We spent around £25million minimum every season. We don’t do that to make money – it’s an emotional investment – one we make in hope and expectation – not in cold blood and hard cash. Murray's investment, both from a financial and emotional perspective, doesn't come close. As such, although certain aspects of his tenure deserve credit and should be remembered with fondness other parts remain questionable and the respect afforded to him should be realistic. Not given blindly and cheaply.
One thing is for certain – David Murray does not want to be here any longer. Ergo, he can leave his legacy in a few positive ways or he can prove the negativity above is fair.
Firstly, he can invest £10million in the club in January. It’s not a great deal of cash to a man worth £650million. About 1.5% of his total wealth - around the same percentage as you or I may invest each season.
Secondly, he can sell the quickly club at a realistic price. Not at the £80million or more he may think it’s worth. I’m thinking more about the £20-30million mark – high enough to make the profit he wants but low enough to attract a buyer who’ll then have money left to make the improvements Murray can’t or won’t.
Finally, if he really feels part of a family and really cares about the rest of us, he should donate 10% of his holding to the RST ensuring genuine supporters’ representation in the future. Representation that is deserving of fans that do give their all for the club and who don’t make money back through outsourcing and other backdoor deals.
Smoke and mirrors is a description I often hear about David Murray. In many respects it’s certainly apt and our very own magician still has some time to pull something out of the hat and ensure the early part of his performance isn’t sullied by the actions of what appears to be a tired and uncaring con-man.
The lights are dimming on the stage. Has David Murray already left the building? Or does he have one last performance?"
pablophanque
No.1 This day in History
Dilemma - Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland. 2002
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Paul,12 points ahead after 10 games.
Surely that is only beacause everybody else is rubbish?!!
Canny possibly be because we are any good.
Could it?!!
Paul,I think it would be better if they collected no points in those two games.
I really don't think Murray could afford to sack Le Guen.My thinking would be,Le Guen has an extremely handsome insurance policy against just such an outcome.
And I STILL think the muppets in the press would be saying,give him time,he is better than this,and also a lot of Rangers fans too.
I don't want to underestimate him in the slightest,and the more they lose and the further behind us they are,the better.
Besides,if they do drop points in those games,I actually think it will be Murray's blood they are baying for,not Le Guen's.
This would make a certain window in January extremely interesting.
P.S Timmy7,no woosh moment,you are correct.
Allen McKnight supposedly came from the Shankhill,and he roomed with Anton Rogan.
Anton was not the one who "turned"
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Apologies StevieS,
hadn't seen your post re Le Guen.
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Martybhoy, here you go.
Click here
pablophanque
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11:45 AM, Nuclearfalloutbhoy previous post
Thanks for pointing out the value of diversity of opinion including my own contributions. It was a very timely boost and is much appreciated.
ticktacktickto..
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12.18 miketw10 previous post
You are right about your second point. I think I did say that I would never reply to your posts again. But, hey, that didn't mean I wouldn't defend myself if attacked (real or imagined).
Otherwise, no problem. I am happy to let the matter rest and hopefully we can both move on.
ticktacktickto..
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Pablo,
Cheers.
There is another one from futher back that has better perspective of where he is standing have you got that too by any chance? I think it was taken from beneath him looking up, or maybe I am recalling the video??
Thanks
Martybhoy
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Kano, at his media conference (see, I am learning the lingo) on Friday, PLG said he would not be buying in January, stating that the players he had brought in needed to work.
Pablo, interesting post. I will be able to shed much more light on things in a few weeks.
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MonteBlanco
You and yer dug must have been fair puggled, by the time you got home!!
It must have been one helluva walk!!!
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I'm puzzled!!
When our bleating Rangers supporter writes about "opposition supporters signing songs about disasters in stadiums built in our absent friends' memory"; whatever does he mean??!!
Can emdy help??!!!
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Am aware of that Paul,I was thinking more of us ramming it home,therefore increasing the pressure on Murray.
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Hey pablo,have you got all your papers settled yet?
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platowasatim
I think it's areferecen to a song the Sheepies apparently sing.
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Edward
I heard Billy Brown a few weeks ago comment on the quality of refs. Not that I'm a big Billy Brown fan, but his view was along the lines of "..the referees understand the rules perfectly, but they don't understand the game"
Rather philosophical I thought.
Paul, the ET article did represent the current state of Rangers fairly well, and I'm prepared to accept that it provided a fair report on the game, but the closing remarks really betray an inability to separate events from personal impact.
Regarding Le Guen. There is no doubt that this guy knows how to run a football team. Equally, there is no doubt that his start at Rangers has been woefull.
As with Strachan last autumn, he will come to terms with what is required, and will eventually make a decent fist of it.
Meantime, we can make a little hay.
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A nice wee read for those that were lucky enough to be there...........
League Decider 1979
Martybhoy, still looking.
pablophanque
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The_view_from_440
Cheers, my friend!
I was genuinely puzzled as to whom he was referring!
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Martybhoy,do you have an aemail address.
Will send you a couple of pictures
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The Battered Bunnet, it was Bill Shankly who originally said, “Referees understand the rules but they don’t understand the game”.
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Marty-
try a screenshot from here-
Estadio Nacional
noel.
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Hi Kano, still waiting on my work permit coming through. Eleven days in to a potential thirty !!!
See civil servants ????
pablophanque
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Pablo
re. the league decider, ten men won the league.
i was young, my memory of it was hearing my mother going absolutely berserk with my dad, who you could say he had a few shandy's returning from the game.
as me and my sister had an early rise for school the next day. she wasnt best pleased.
my mother was never into football. she had a hard time in our household. football 24/7.
this site reminds me of those days, with posters sharing their stories. Quality.
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Pibroch-
I'll accept your "move on" comment as well and withdraw any offhand remarks aimed in your direction.
As in my word for Thursday night-"Shalom ".
noel.
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platowasatim
celtic fans have themselves a few songs about a ground after Mr Stein scored a goal not just the sheepies.
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Rangers are still not in the state or the place we were in the early 90's. I hope there is more to come for them.
Slightly off topic, but I'm sure someone can fill in the blanks on here. There was a discussion about JJB's financial performance and the stalking by the owner of Lillywhites/Sportsworld. My attitude is that I don't want to see anything happen to JJB and The Mint regain control of their 'brand' by default.
What was the final story behind NTL and the £30 million ( I think that was the amount) loan given to them. I seem to remember it was all being disputed or even forgotten about? Does it still appear on their accounts as a debt?
For anyone going tomorrow, enjoy it. The Estadio Nacional is inspiring and I hope WGS takes tomorrows team to visit just, to show them that dreams really can come true.
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Exactly when did the Celtic fans last sing a song about the Ibrox disaster at Ibrox?
Never in my memory.
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Anyone not seen this yet? Funniest Video ever!
Adventure In The Irish Sea
You'll need sound, unless you're fluent Scandinavian.
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Some reasons for our success so far this season:
Good players playing well-Lennon,Mcgeady,Boruc,Nakamura
Players playing above expectations-
Naylor,Miller,Caldwell,Mcmanus,Telfer[!],Sno
As a result players who have been injured[as someone else posted this is quite a few!]have not been missed-Gravesen,Balde,Wilson,JVH,Maloney,Beattie.
and players whose form has been'patchy'-Jarosik,Pearson,Zurawski,have not significantly weakened the team in terms of results.
It has to be said it's this seasons over-achievers that are making the difference
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Martybhoy, can't find any better than this at the moment.
Click here
pablophanque
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Seem to be having a wee problem posting,if this appears,
Martybhoy,you have mail,can remove your email address if you wish
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Pablo,
flight booked?
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Kano, can't be done until I have the WP...............:o(
DBBIA, it was I.
Why am I up to my knees in olive branches around here !!!????
Or did my love-beads work.............. :o))))
pablophanque
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Noel 3.17
Agus tú féin. Síocháin!
ticktacktickto..
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PlatWAT-my so-called musical expert!On the recommendation of yourself and your wee bud Aldo67 I typed'Helmet'into my search engine.
WELL!
After a brief,painful but necessary perusal of the'results'all I can say,in the words of the fragrant Shania Twain,is'that don't impress me much!
In future I shall stick to the Devil's music I know.
Buttf##k Railroad,indeed!
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gordon quid
I have not heard any of these songs, so I will bow to your superior knowledge!
Are they still sung? Or have they beeb consigned to the dustbin of history?
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dont
try
helmetmusic.com
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Naka Vs Del piero
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plastwasa tim
the good news is they are no longer sung in the ground so it just proves that it can be done with other songs. if we all try
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brattback
It was aldo who made me do it!!
Honest guv, itwisnaeme!!
Try helmetmusic.com, where you can listen to some of their music for nada, gratis, and indeed, free of all charge!!
I hope you have recovered from your traumatic experience, though I accept no liability if you start too suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome, at a later date!!
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From the official website:
Kennedy makes comeback
David Friel
Scottish Premier Reserve League
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Fir Park, Motherwell
MOTHERWELL…0
CELTIC…2
(Sheridan 51, 65
JOHN KENNEDY made a long-awaited comeback to competitive football as Celtic reserves secured their tenth league win in a row.
Debutant Cillian Sheridan grabbed a double in an impressive individual performance, but all eyes were on Kennedy, who made his first appearance in a Celtic strip since playing in the 2-1 win over Rangers on March 28, 2004.
The 23-year-old defender, who has undergone four operations on his left knee, played the last 16 minutes of the game after over two-and-a-half years out of football.
Kennedy, injured while making his Scotland debut three days after playing in the derby at Ibrox, received a standing ovation as he appeared as a substitute and looked sharp as he made a left-footed clearance within seconds of taking to the field.
Looking composed and strong, Kennedy coasted through the rest of the game. His return is a massive boost for Celtic and Scottish football in general.
With several regulars away with the first team in Portugal, the Celtic line-up had a youthful look about it. Under-19 starlets Mark Millar and Paul Caddis were both handed a start by Kenny McDowall, while towering Irish striker Sheridan made his debut at this level.
Youth players Jason Marr, Paul Skinner and Paul Cahillane were also on the bench beside Kennedy.
Sheridan, with eight goals in seven games for the Under-19s, has been a revelation for Willie McStay’s side this season and showed up well in the early stages.
Standing at well over 6ft, the Irish teenager has a deft touch for a target man and he had Celtic’s first attempt on goal with a left foot shot that was blocked by Willie Kinniburgh.
With Kjartan Finbogason partnering Sheridan up front, the Celtic attack had a huge physical presence and the Icelandic striker was next to try his luck with a looping header, which just missed the top corner.
Finbogason was involved again as Celtic almost took the lead in the 18th minute. Collecting a long pass from Rocco Quinn, the striker spun and fed compatriot Teddy Bjarnason, whose raking drive flashed inches past the post.
However, ‘Well responded in determined fashion and Shaun Fagan’s point-blank effort produced a fine stop from Hoops goalkeeper Scott Fox.
Yet Celtic, despite their relative lack of experience, were continuing to pass the ball about confidently and Quinn’s 18-yard drive was beaten away by Graeme Smith. Sheridan then tested the ‘Well No.1 with a left-foot effort.
Nicky Riley was linking up well with Caddis on the right flank and one foraging run saw the midfielder home in on goal. Smith, however, denied him with a one-handed stop.
Celtic had finished the first half on top, but Motherwell had a glorious chance to open the scoring at the start of the second period. Jamie Murphy showed searing pace on the right wing and Darren Smith was inches away from converting his cross at the back post.
It was a huge let-off and the Hoops made the most of it by opening the scoring in 51 minutes through Sheridan. Bjarnason split the defence with a superb through ball and the debutant finished in style from the edge of the box.
Adam Coakley blazed over from six yards as ‘Well chased an equaliser, but it was Celtic who added a second in the 65th minute. Millar swept in a corner and Sheridan curled a shot into the top corner for his second.
Millar, who looked comfortable on the left flank, then fizzed a fierce drive inches past Smith’s left-hand post as the Hoops searched for a third.
Despite efforts from Sheridan and Riley, the goal never arrived but that won’t have bothered Hoops boss McDowall.
The return of Kennedy and a 10th consecutive win in a perfect league season made it a memorable and positive day for the club.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Cillian Sheridan
MOTHERWELL (4-4-2) Smith; Soutar (Murray 72), R. Donnelly, Kinniburgh, Fitzpatrick; Connolly, Forbes, Coakley, Fagan; Murphy (Archdeacon 85), Smith
Subs: Coutts, Nixon, A. Donnelly
CELTIC (4-4-2) Fox; Caddis, Reid, O’Carroll, Richardson; Riley, Quinn, Bjarnason, Millar (Cahillane 70); Sheridan, Finbogason (Kennedy 74)
Subs: Skinner, Marr, McCafferty
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Platowasatim :- Not to sure on that one myself without seeing the article you are referring to, the only thing I can think on is the Aberdeen fans disgusting habit of singing about the Ibrox disaster when playing against us. While I accept the criticisms that quite rightly come my clubs way for sectarian behaviour and singing I have always found it strange that the sick behaviour of the Aberdeen fans goes largely unreported.
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thismancraig,
It's the Aberdeen fans who sign about the Ibrox Disaster
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gordon quid
Have you asked our Honourary Life Presidente, brattback, if you can join the esteemed KERRANG! CSC??!!
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vclxi
Fantastic news on JFK!!
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I know that Lennoxtim but Gordon at 3.17 suggested otherwise.
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