 Monday, October 30, 2006
Zurawski below par as Celtic find it all too easy
Kilmarnock moved the ball 70 yards, right through the heart of the Celtic team, to allow Colin Nish to score. Nakamura was robbed, Lennon was outpaced and McManus, too slow to move left to offer cover.
Nish shot well, but Boruc could have blocked instead of allowing the ball to pass beneath his body.
While Celtic looked to have their minds on other things for most of the afternoon, they deployed enough to overcome a Kilmarnock team who were hoping for a win to move into third place in the league.
They no sooner looked to be in trouble from the loss the Kilmarnock goal, when Shunsuke Nakamura showed why he is one of the best free kick experts in the European game, converting after Shaun Maloney won a foul with a deft turn.
It was Maloney again, who turned the Kilmarnock defence for Celtic’s second goal. Substitute Kenny Miller found the kind of space and finish he could not buy earlier in the season to ensure Celtic moved an astonishing 10 points clear at the top after only 12 games.
Jiri Jarosik and Maciej Zurawski did not make the most of their chance to shine up front in the absence of Vennegoor of Hesselink, Miller and Beattie. I am reluctant to be too harsh on Jarosik, who is clearly not a striker, but I expect he is likely to find opportunities even rarer after the Champions League group stage is finished.
Zurawski is almost unrecognisable as the striker who could not stop scoring last season. I remember writing about his mobility, those runs he would make allowing Celtic to play the quick out-ball.
Whether it is fitness, or confidence, I am not sure, but he is a player who needs to be coached back to his best.
304 Comments:
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Previously posted on the Bermuda Triangle blog
Any dubiety surrounding Graham Spiers objectiveness can be put to rest on reading his match report in today's Herald.
It has all the hallmarks of someone who realises that all hope has vanished for this season and he can scarcely conceal his pain.
He alludes to Gordon Strachan getting his selection wrong and having to admit to changing in the second half. He also describes Killies thuggery, unchecked by the ref, as "harrassing" and takes delight at NL being "dumped on his backside" a few times.
No mention of Razor Wright's assault on Jiri and the tasteless aftermath, which was worthy of an initial red and subsequent yellow, if that is allowed.
Of course, Caldwell's tackle gets the full treatment and I fear that the media will conduct a witch hunt on the lad and endeavour to unsettle his confidence for upcoming games.
That just leaves Glenn Gibbons and Patrick Glen, in the Observer, as reputable reporters on the Scottish game.
Fair play to Yogi Hughes on Setanta, who put the tackle down to mistiming, following DF moving the ball just before the tackle.
The vital component in the incident was the fact that GC stayed on his feet and did not fly in or through the player.
Spiers' mask slipped today.
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Podium?!?
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Tom don't know how to break this to you - but Glenn Gibbons is Patrick Glen. He writes under both names.
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I was worried by the amount of times we were caught in possession, have we forgotten how to shout 'Man On'? A results a result though, roll on Benfica!
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I think, hope, Zurawski is still suffering from a World Cup hangover and that we'll see the best of him in the New Year, by which time he'll have had a rest.
There's a LOT still to come from this team, and that doesn't take account of window signings.
40th anniversary celebrations next year. Am I getting carried away?
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Tom The Tim,
I came to the same conclusion when reading the article.
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Tom the Tim are you off your head?
Heavy paranoia there.
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Paul,
I think there might be something wrong with the site as I couldn't get access to it directly, I could only access it through the newsnow site.
SVoC
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Can't agree with the comments about Graham Spiers. I still reckon he's always pretty fair. If he is disappointed about the lack of competition, I think its probably from the point of view of a neutral observer. My only problem with his articles today is the bit where he says Strachan's views on the Fernandez/Caldwell incident aren't shared by Jefferies or Fernandez. He then goes on to quote Fernandez, who pretty much seems to share Strachan's views. That confused me a bit. Don't expect anything but moans from Jefferies, so that bit was accurate enough! But all in all, I still think Spiers is a good and fair journalist. Perhaps I'm being naive, but I really dont think I am.
LGS
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Sorry guys, I can't go along with the Graham Spiers thing.
Spiers has never made any secret of his alliegence to Rangers. I have always interpreted his critique of them as the honest assessement by a supporter of the realities surrounding his team.
He could see and admit before many others just where it was all going for Rangers. He was brave enough to say it, and so he upset them.
When it comes to reporting on Celtic I've always found him equally objective. I don't have any problem with his report this morning either, although I admit not to seeing the Wright tackle (channel67 problems).
Changing the subject a bit, does anyone else think it's good to see a Celtic defender going in hard and walking away? Mistimed yes, but not malicious, and shame it was Fernandez, but I'd rather we did it than had it done to us.
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Every player goes through a tough time. Zurawski is no exception. Did he not win the game for us at Motherwell last week?
Maybe better to to start him from the bench on Wednesday with just KM up front on his own.
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Zurawski is a one-dimensional striker. He is excellent at latching onto through balls and when 1 on 1 with the keeper.
Apart from that:
Heading - pretty poor
Holding the ball up - average
Workrate - average
Fighting Spirit - haven't seen any
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Wheres Mulder and Scully! Comments lost in cyberspace in much the same way as Rodriguez and Papac loose forwards. Houston, sorry Paul we have a problem!
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From Glasgow Underground website:
The Inner and Outer Circles will be shut every Saturday and/or Sunday until further notice.
This is due to a massive points failure at Ibrox.
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That´s interesting as I was on the same train as Glen Gibbons and Patrick Glenn during the world cup. How does he do that? I think that Spiers is just desperate to be loved by anybody. Celtic walking away with it meeans less sales and therefore less comission for Britney.
Mind you they do know their blogger names on that Bum Paper.
I will be whoring myself good and proper as of tomorrow night.
Do hullo supermodel novo lá, Há alguma possibilidade que eu posso estacionar meu penis de doze polegadas entre seus pés?
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Very nice support, worth to see it. Instead of Eintracht Frankfurt, Celtic Glasgow is also OK.
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this is a test- oppenheimer
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zbysek , i was in that crowd!!!
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Paul67, The new blog is not on the main CQN home page - need to click in via celtic newsnow. Good comment about Zurawski. What was your view on Pearson and is Preston offer still open to us?
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RogerMilla
Is it new from them. I have different memories of German support from ligue and World Cup games.
Lucky you.
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I was pleased that, in the second half, we found a system to play all three of our flair players - Naka, Aiden and Shaun.
It wasn't that long ago that it would have been considered madness to play all three at a venue like Rugby Park.
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Noel90
I have no problem taking stick from other posters – I realise that such exchanges of opinion are a vital ingredients to the dynamic of the CQN site. I made several posts last week in response to EdwardU' s FARE posting to CQN and spent much time outlining my views. Whether I was right or wrong in what I wrote is beside the point. I did so in good faith.
On the subject (FARE and EdwardU), (and previously when criticising another sacred CQN cow, G. Speirs) I was not impressed on how my words had been twisted and mischievously misinterpreted, Again, I suppose it goes with the territory although I shouldn't have to explain to you the difference between literal and metaphorical .You were particularly brutal about my post (FARE) and, although taken aback at the vehemence of your language, I had no problem as such in responding to you.
I do take exception though to the type of ridicule that you subjected me to in your exchange with EdwardU on Friday night (5.17). I think it takes a certain mentality for you, as a Tim to so eagerly invite ridicule of me, a fellow Tim, from a Bluenose, (however popular he is on CQN), and to devalue my posts in such a nasty way.
You overstepped the mark.
ticktacktickto..
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Whitedoghunch..Nice!
Paul, I must say I love your writing style and your use of the word 'astonishing' is spot on.
Its also astonishing that the Scottish media
apart from Speirs, Gibbons, and Hugh MacDonald (who I have on good authority has his heart in the right place)have not dissected this calamity that is RFC with more ferocity.
Someone on this blog (hat tipped) compared the negative media column inches towards Barnes/Dalgiesh to that of the PLG era. Well its a well beaten path but suffice to say although there appears to be disquiet amoungst the laptop loyal there is also no willingness for PLG to fail.
Paul, I suspect you are getting increasingly frustrated with Maciej. My own opinion is that he seems to be suffering from the lack of a proper rest from football. When we signed him I dont think he had a close season break as the Polish league had just ended. Then after our season he was at the WC.
As for Jarosik. I saw him play for Birmingham a few times (on RTE) last season and the guy was a lung busting right midfielder tearing up and down and to me the most effective player in the team. So much so I was excited at the prospect of having him here.
Well the poor guy looks totally miserable and downbeat and isnt even faking an effort. I dont know the ins and outs but I agree Paul Id say his days are numbered..Pity
By the way. How about an article on the Telfmeister, el terferinho himself. This guy has endured the most wretched treatment from so called Celtic supporters and never flinched, never bottled, showed true grit and determination in the face of it.
Telfermeiser - the indomnible spirit
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Noel, when I said he has a house full of the stuff I was using a bit of artistic licence. He has won a houseful but he goes through it rapidly (not always with my help). However, if you ever make it to Cumbernauld I’m sure he’ll pour you a large one. That last one must be bad right enough if there are still two left in it.
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I can't agree on the Zurawski criticism. Nakamura has scored most goals at the club this season, then comes Zurawski.
A hell of a shift against Benfica followed by the winning goal against Motherwell. Then played against Killie alongside a, ahem, makeshift striker and I felt his touch with back to goal and closing down their defenders was excellent. Tired early in the second half having done most of the front work on his own.
A class, intelligent striker.
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Blantyrekev,
WELL SAID. GIVE MAJIC A BREAK.
HIS PERFORMANCE AGAINST BENFICA WAS MORE THAN HEROIC. IT SHOWED THAT HE REALLY REALLY CARES.
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Dunno what to think about Magic. I'm inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt as he's consistently shown that when he's been out of the Team it's taken a lot of games for him to regain his sharpness. Is he BBJ mark II? :-s
As regards Spiers' article, the only beef I have with it is the way he says that neither DF nor JJ could exonerate GC, then promptly quotes DF saying it was a 50/50 and that he'd had to go for it.
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I feel sorry for Majic. He's added a lot to his game, his workrate is much better and he now supports the other players in the team much more effectively.
I'll be honest and say that I don't think any of our strikers have shone, and it's worth noting that we have frequently looked a little toothless in games. Is this a problem? Certainly not when we're winning games. However, a little foor for thought -
Season Goals Scored
2003/4 42
2004/5 33
2005/6 31
2006/7 23
This isn't simply down to Majic. The team have a habit of over passing and being overly elaborate. We have lost a certain directness that makes it difficult for our strikers. Especially as we don't have the same physical edge we used to in the midfield. I'm thrilled that we're playing well and our stats tell us that we are doing very well. The Champions league results especially have been encouraging, but that doesn't mask the defiencies in the team. For me, a midfield containing Nakamura, Maloney and McGeady is a compromised unit - it takes the strikers away from being offensive to having to do more supporting work in the midfield area, sometimes too much. How often to we see Majic or Miller out on the wings attempting to fire a cross ball infield (when there is no one filling in in that position?) To my mind, we have yet to adequately replace Alan Thompson, and Didier Agathe masked other problems due to his blistering pace. However, a midfield containing Thompson, Petrov and Lennon made a nice amount of room for A.N. Other to fill the more creative role, whilst Thomson and Petrov created chance after chance (especially with Thompson working the left channel so effectively)
I'm not complaining really, you can't argue with good results, but the team does now have a habit of making the strikers look a little useless. I'm more than sure that if we were creating the chances Majic would be on the end of them - the problem is that he's having to work to create chances which a. isn't his forte and b. means he can't be there to convert them.
/p
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Pibroch,
You seem to take offence quite easily, and also appear to find it hard to accept anyone else's viewpoint. By viewpoint, i do not mean on a specific point, but more as someone's general outlook.
As the old saying goes, 'once a tim, always a tim'. That is a given on websites such as this.
You do however seem to have a problem with EdwardU's participation, and the unreserved acceptance of EdwardU on this blog.
Your comment; 'I think it takes a certain mentality for you, as a Tim to so eagerly invite ridicule of me, a fellow Tim, from a Bluenose'; seems incredibly childlike, and indicative of your mentality rather than anyone else's.
Let's have more positive comments and thoughts on here.
Remember Remember, it's over before November.
Celtic FC - SPL Champions 2006/07
29/10/06
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Not questioning Spiers allegiance, as he is open about that. Rather I am highlighting the lack of objectivity in his report, a quality for which he has been, in the past, rightly praised.
The point that I was making was the extent of the pain he is feeling on realising that it is all over for his team this season, owing to Killie being unable to halt the juggernaut.
His negativity towards Celtic jumped off the page and it is that which betrayed his inner feelings. Plus, no mention of of Wright's aggravated assault on Jiri.The mask slipped. We all have one you, you know.
Sanguine, no heavy paranoia in this ward and according to my pschyciatrist, I am not off my head, just suffering from delusions of adequacy, due to my first, first post.
Where's Noel when you need him.
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zbysek i have to say that for league games the atmosphere is not bad but for the recent cup semi-final and the uefa cup games it has been top class with the supporters really putting on a show . the best part of the brondby game was after eintracht got the second penalty and the stadium erupted into the theme tune from the TV show "The A-Team".
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Tom The Tim
Get real - Spiers is decent and has no bias whatsoever - I know him personally.
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Lads,
Just been offered a few tickets for the benfica game if anyone is short. I'm in London but can meet the person on Wednesday anytime after 1pm. 4 available.
Cheers
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lacklustre performance alright.
well 1st half anyway.
i thought it was pretty clear from early days the way the game was going to go, but managers never seem to do something about it in the 1st half and make a substitution.
has Maloneys form 2nd half given WGS food for thought as to what to do on Wednesday?
Has Zurawski just played his way to the bench?
Can we play McGeady, Naka and Maloney in the same team away from home?
The obvious answer is no.
But
What Miller, Maloney and McGeady will give you, or what they wont give the opposition more to the point, is a seconds peace.
And our alternatives are pretty thin on the ground, and im talking tactics and game plan here.
I thought Lennon looked off the pace, and still sleeping or hungover!
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As usual, Paul, you identity a source of worry to us all: Magic's seeming loss of form. He said recently that he needed a rest. I hope that is it. Mind you, yesterday, our manager, the one and only, had him playing in the first half with Jarosik, whom I think we would see more from if he were having a run in midfield. I think he would offer more than Pearson, whom I thought was woeful yesterday. If only he had a right foot, he could have tapped in from a Jarosik pass!!
As I've said before here, I think Spiers is the best football journalist plying his trade in Scotland. His analysis of the Caldwell tackle and his misquoting DF may not be how I saw things but I think his record over the years stands against anyone. He has told it how it is over Ibrox way repeatedly and succinctly and got into trouble for his trouble.
Oh, I'm of the opinion that playing Naka, Aiden and Shaun in one team, if feasible, ought to be the norm. They are our samba players. They are what Celtic are all about: entertainment and quality. Gawn yersel, Mr Strachan, and bring us back a victory from Lisboa. Billy McNeil wasn't too far off the mark. This team can go places.
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Paradisecumsalford,
I think that over the last 20 years no journalist can hold a candle to Glenn Gibbon and Patrick Glen. Having admired both from afar and then having very recently had the chance to speak at length with both gentleman I was not disappointed.
But Hey I think Paul Telfer is magnificent.
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, CFC62,
I am a Celtic supporter, I am biased towards Celtic.I lack objectivity when I discuss Celtic, therefore would not make a good journo.
GS is a Rangers supporter, he is , as you can testify, a decent chap; no reason to dispute that.
However, in his report today, his objectivity slipped, imo, betraying his inner feelings. Doesn't make him a bad person, rather, he had a bad day at the office.Perhaps he was reflecting the reality of the league situation and bemoaning the one horse race it has become.
I am not familiar with the man or his previous record during the other niar to know the extent of his concern for monpolies of league titles.
Irrespectively, it's all a matter of opinion.
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*monopolies
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awe_naw - well done on you're new found fame today.........
This time tomorrow I will be in LISBOA, the city in which CELTIC became CHAMPIONS of Europe.
21 Hours Till "Touch Down"
Ohh and yesterday was one of they games that wins leagues (CHAMPIONSHIPS)
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One day you'll look to see I've gone.
For tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun.
Some day you'll know I was the one.
But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun.
And now the time has come
And so my love I must go.
And though I lose a friend,
In the end you'll know, oooh.
One day you'll find that I have gone.
For tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun.
Yes, tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun.
And now the time has come
And so my love I must go.
And though I lose a friend,
In the end you'll know, oooh.
One day you'll find that I have gone.
For tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun.
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Paul 67,
I agree with your post on magic. His goals last season ensured the title and I believe he is a good player. But no more than that.
Think you sligtly overate him to me his all round game has a few too many weaknesses to be considered a ply think he carries to much weight.
Off the park, reading between the lines of recent inteviews he does not seem to be the most hungry striker in the world. Think he lacks an aggression that top strikers have.
Still an exremely useful player though, especially domestically. Also our expectations of stikers is sky high due to us being blessed with Henke for 7 years.
Also I have been on here in the past lamblasting one certain Neil Lennon. All I can say is that humble pie has been on the menu for quite some time now and I am begining to develop a taste for it!
Off to portugal tomorrow. Prediction : Benfica 2 Celtic 1
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McManus69, I expect Stephen Pearson to move to Derby in January.
Cheers corrib04.
Baz67, what are you up to this week?
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Re. Speirsy
I've met Britney a couple of times and he's a good, honest guy.
He's from a traditional Church of Scotland background and in the past has admitted that it 'influenced' what team he supported as a lad.
HOWEVER - he's the one hack who has the courage to slaughter rangers and the rST for their poisonous bigotry.
He's not sensationalist ( no 'Thugs and Thieves' )
He's a friend of Neil Lennon.
He's insightful.
And do you know what - I don't even have a problem with a rangers fan who makes it clear he despises the clubs sectarian culture and will fight it at every opportunity.
After all, if rangers and their support evolved into a non-sectarian Glasgow club, we'd all be much happier - wouldn't we ? Or is that too much to ask.
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Zurawski's work rate is top calss. He is constantly making runs and always chases the ball. He is still the most clinical finisher in the hoops at the moment and will still be one of the top scorers this season.
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The Zurawski riddle Is quite simple, when the going get's tough, he neither has the botle or the heart for a fight. When we beat Dunfermline 8-1, sure he'll grab 4 goal's, but when it's tight at Tyncastle he won't raise his game and stand up and be counted.
Some of you may be suprised to learn tht his strike against Motherwell last week Is only the second time where his goal has won us a game. The other being against Rangers at Ibrox, where the Rangers defence gifted him the goal.
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awenawannoni,
I would't take anything from either Glen Gibbons or Patrick Glen. I enjoy Graeme Spiers' style more than I do the other 2. Personally, as I've said before on here, none of them match the peerless Hugh McIlvanney, sadly gone from the Observer for Murdoch's Sunday Times, where I could not follow. At least he was with the Observer during the halycon years. He was the icing on the cake.
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http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Heart-of-Midlothian-Players-Mostly-Lithuanian_W0QQitemZ230044330726QQihZ013QQc
Let's get a CQN kitty together and see what we can raise.......
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At 2:15 PM, TheLeftWinger said…
Pibroch,
You seem to take offence quite easily, and also appear to find it hard to accept anyone else's viewpoint. By viewpoint, i do not mean on a specific point, but more as someone's general outlook.
'General outlook?' Could you please explain what you mean?
As the old saying goes, 'once a tim, always a tim'. That is a given on websites such as this.
'That is a given' Could you please say what you mean?
You do however seem to have a problem with EdwardU's participation, and the unreserved acceptance of EdwardU on this blog.
Again. Please outline your reasons for saying this. If you can't do that, please don't misrepresent me.
Your comment; 'I think it takes a certain mentality for you, as a Tim to so eagerly invite ridicule of me, a fellow Tim, from a Bluenose'; seems incredibly childlike, and indicative of your mentality rather than anyone else's
In the above passage you have mischievously taken part of a sentence and quoted from it. It is very easy to score points when quoting out of context as you have done.
Let's have more positive comments and thoughts on here.
Could you, please?
ticktacktickto..
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Zurawski's goal tally speaks for its self. He has nothing to prove. He has been worth every penny. not like JJ.
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I've mentioned before that I've had my doubts about Zurawski since watching him in the world cup.
However, I don't think he was the main culprit for what was a pretty poor performance.
Step forward Stephen Pearson.
I do not think it is a coincedence that Neil Lennon had probably his worst game this season playing alongside Pearson.
I also do not think it is a coincedence that our worst display thus far this season (at ICT) took place with Pearson in the starting 11.
I can sort of buy in to the 'Champions League hangover' cliche, but now we're now needing to find excuses for poor performances AHEAD of CL games.
As p&ddy alludes to above, we are far from the finished article.
I mentioned over the weekend that proceeds from the sale of Pearson could be put to better use.
Nothing I saw from him yesterday made me change my mind.
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Anyone heard anything about this? Is it just another agent drumming up interest in his client with the January transfer window fast approaching?
From FansFC.com :
Celtic keep tabs on PNE youngster
08:23 October, 30, 2006
Midfielder Simon Whaley has reportedly caught the eye of Celtic's scouting network
21-year-old Whaley joined Preston North End from Bury in January 2001 and this season has established himself firmly as a regular with the Championship club.
The midfielder has netted 6 times as Paul Simpson's side have climbed to second in the table.
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan, who saw the Bhoys extend their SPL lead with a win at Kilmarnock on Sunday, has shown in the past that he is not afraid to take a chance on players from the second tier of English football.
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Celtic great to watch at the moment, not because there are playing breathtaking stuff but because of the hunger within the team.
So many young players who do not have a 'name' for themselves yet is so refreshing and extremely healthy for a team.
We are watching a team who can only improve with age and experience.
The only down side is the treatment of JJ. I've seen the big guy around Parkhead and he looks lost. Looks like his lack of relationships of the park is affecting his performances of it. The only hope is that he gets a run later in the season in place of Lennon. It is an experiment that will need to happen as we prepare for life without his first team presence next season.
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Lifted from celticminded.com............. Don't laff too long now !!!!
Daily Record 29 Jul 06
PREDICTIONS
ALLY McCOIST
SPL: Rangers
JIM McLEAN
SPL: Rangers
MURDO MACLEOD
SPL: Celtic
KEITH JACKSON
SPL: Rangers
DAVID McCARTHY
SPL: Rangers
NEIL CAMERON
SPL: Celtic.
HUGH KEEVINS
SPL: Rangers
COLIN DUNCAN
SPL: Rangers
GORDON PARKS
SPL: Hearts
EUAN McARTHUR
SPL: Celtic.
GARY RALSTON
SPL: Celtic
ANTHONY HAGGERTY
SPL: Celtic
TRAYNOR'S PREDICTION
SPL: Celtic
TITLE: Sunday Mail 23 Jul 06
MARK GUIDI
IT'S a tough call, with many twists and turns before the transfer window
shuts on August 31, but I tip Rangers to end up with the strongest squad.
Celtic have lost too many experienced players to cope with the Champions
League and the domestic title defence.
Champions: Rangers. Runners-up: Celtic. Relegated: Falkirk.
GORDON WADDELL
THERE'S scarcely a punter outside Parkhead who believes Celtic will
make it
two championship wins in a row. And after following them for five
pre-season
games I'm not sure I do either.
Paul Le Guen has enough quality to see him through. Just.
Champions: Rangers. Runners-up: Celtic. Relegated: Dunfermline.
EUAN McLEAN
I'M tipping Paul Le Guen to be the latest Old Firm boss to win the
title in
his first season. The Frenchman can emulate Dick Advocaat, Martin O'Neill
and Gordon Strachan who did it with a new squad. Celtic look ill-equipped
for a campaign on two fronts.
Champions: Rangers. Runners- up: Hearts. Relegated: Dunfermline.
GAVIN BERRY
IT will be a major surprise if the SPL isn't a shootout between the Old
Firm. Celtic have lost a few experienced troops while a new manager always
brings fresh impetus - the last FOUR Ibrox bosses have all won the
title in
their first full season.
Champions: Rangers. Runners-up: Celtic. Relegated: St Mirren.
SCOTT McDERMOTT
IT'S shaping up to be one of the most fascinating, compelling SPL seasons
EVER.
But Rangers midfield looks key to their hopes with the likes of Jeremy
Clement, Barry Ferguson, Brahim Hemdani, Libor Sionko and Thomas Buffel.
Celtic's isn't as dominant.
Champions: Rangers. Runners-up: Celtic. Relegated: Dundee United.
TITLE: The Scotsman 29 Jul 06
Prediction panel
GLENN GIBBONS
Champions: Celtic
When the portents are as hard to read as they are this season, it
often pays
to stick with the holders.
STEPHEN HALLIDAY
Champions: Hearts
With both Celtic and Rangers in transition, Hearts will never have a
better
opportunity - if Vladimir Romanovallows stability at the Tynecastle club.
ALAN PATTULLO
Champions: Rangers
Paul Le Guen's arrival has made some believe all the Ibrox side have to do
is turn up to win the league, but his impact will be based on hard
work and
he won't take anything for granted.
STUART BATHGATE
Champions: Rangers
Le Guen's tactical acuity will help a moderate squad to excel
pablophanque
No.1 This day in History
Sleeping Satellite - Tasmin Archer. 1992
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hanif
exactly. we all want rangers to stop being a bigoted club, or do we? then some of us would fall off our moral high horse with an almight crash.
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My 'once a tim' comment was an introduction to my next two points.
Everyone who claims to be a Celtic fan on here, is exactly that....A celtic fan. No special treatment nor allowances will therefore be made on the premis that the individual is a Celtic fan.
I think it takes a certain mentality for you, as a Tim to so eagerly invite ridicule of me, a fellow Tim, from a Bluenose, (however popular he is on CQN), and to devalue my posts in such a nasty way
That is your final paragraph in full. Context restored. This comment again emphasises my two final points. I have no intention of replying to any correspondence regarding these matters. I wish no ill-feeling, nor lengthy 'he said/he said' retorts.
I have made my points, you have responded with questions which i have now answered.
No one on this blog deserves special treatment (beit positive or negative) except Paul67 for maintaining it and providing us with a platform to make positive, relevant and meaningful comments and thoughts......primarily Celtic-related.
I'm away back to work before my timesheet is investigated!!!
Remember Remember, it's over before November.
Celtic FC - SPL Champions 2006/07
29/10/06
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Magic looks knackered. Can't fault his efforts and can't forget the goals has has (and will) scored. Perhaps he needs a rest and some but not sure what that would do to his confidence.
I think we can play Kenny, Shaun and Aiden together at least for part of a game.
On Graham Speirs - no complaints from me, I have met him on a number of occassions and found him very pragmatic in his approach to our game and a good guy in general. If you want to know how someone even approaching fair reporting is reviled by the Ipox 'people' just listen to the vitreol spewed out at Graham Speirs on a regular basis from that quarter.
Celtic don't need a fan with a typewriter, quality reporting of the kind produced by GS is a breath of fresh air - I don't always agree with what is written but I would give him the benefit of the doubt.
Hail hail
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Paul67,
you said you expect Stephen Pearson to move to Derby in January. Who do you expect to come in and replace him? Scott Brown a possibility, seeing as we appear to have some money to spend in that window.
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From previous thread.
At 9:47 AM, TheMadMurph said…
Anyone else in the same boat? Anyone booked and got all their particulars?
I was in same boat managed to contact them last Friday after couple of attempt they finally got itinerary through to me.
Don't think it will be same for everyone sure there is more than one charter flight but for mine, and to give you an idea, details below.
Checkin 5.55am
7.55am Depart Flight No TCX467G.
Arrive 10.50
coaches to town center.
18.00 coaches to stadium
19.45 kick off
Straight after match coaches back to airport.
23.30 depart
2.30 arrive glasgow.
Hope this helps
J
These are the contact details I had for TCook.
Tel: 0870 752 0924 (lines open mon -Fri 0930 -1700)
Fax: 0161 489 6262
Email: match.breaks@thomascook.com
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Bias does not equate to bigot.It means "a leaning towards", no more, no less.
Amen.
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Just out of curiousity, has Kenny Miller now overtaken JVoH for career CL goals?
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Pibroch-
I stand by my comment on your original post-"ignorant,offensive and untrue".
Thats it.
If you give it out-and it's been noticed that you do like to give it out-be big enough to take it back.
noel.whosayswelldonetoTomTheTimonhis1st1stpost.
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my motherwell supporting mate has just made a fantastic analysis of the rangers plight.
"they are nearer a relegation dogfight than a fight for the championship, just look at the
table. great isnt it"
yep it is.
mid table outfit and no mistake.
pearo out in january???
unfortunately the guy has just never had it. i have just watched the game and thought he looked poor. but pops in with a couple of good runs and passes now and then. same old same old. if he could do this throughout a game, but if yer granny had....u know the rest.
id like to see jarosik with a run in his right position to see if he can cut it. so far from him he shows great technique and skill. not much else.
majik is off the boil. still a good forward though.
paul, is gravesens extended length of time out due to him running around in the scud. (naturist)
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Have a spare ticket for Wednesday's game in the Coca Cola stand - porta 24; Piso 1, Sector 30, Fila H, Lugar 6... It's the stand that I think a bunch of fholk from this site booked into. My mate's had a baby girl and can't make it so it's a €60 ticket going at cost price...
Any takers (and I actually have it in my possession - my colleague lives in Protugal and I wanted to avoid any scrum on the evening :o) ) - post on here and we'll work it from there....
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could be wrong jackd but did magic not score the only goal of game in 1nil win against aberdeen at parkhead last season shortly before he got injured, even if not winner wouldnt have won game without him.
Also, yeah he popped in with 4 goals at dunfermline but were 2 of them not the first 2 and had he not scored them would we have went on to win so comfortably?
I also recall him earlier in season scoring his first goal for us at east end park, a game we won because of his goals.
Sometimes the first goal is far more important than the 3rd goal which might not have happened had the first one went in. Not sure if that reads sensibly but my point is he might not have scored winners but scored a helluva lot of important goals (equalisers, opening goals)and quite a number of decent headers for someone slagged for his aerial ability (won majority of headers against benfica.
I'll admit that he could still do more and needs to show at tynecastle etc where it maybe counts more, but for a foreigner coming in blighted by injury and no rest the last 2 summers then his goal per games ratio must look quite impressive.
Lets not be so quick to criticise our own, i think his lazy reputation is cos folk dont see the amount of lung bursting runs he makes off the ball when he doesnt receive pass, 10% of them found him and he would be in double figures this season.
clear by one less than 13, and its not halloween, so less of the negativity!!
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Just reading NEWS NOW articles about Celtic and notice that 90% of news items are about Gary Caldwells "horrendous tackle" on DF
For what its worth, IMHO, I loved the fact that Celtic where chasing Gary Caldwell, and was even more delighted when we managed to sign him. When watching him playing against us for Hibs he gave nothing but 100% I LIKE THAT. Now Beckenbaur he aint, but what he lacks in skill he more than makes up for with honesty, integrity and 100% grit and determination. One thing he is most certainly not is dirty. He may get carried away sometimes but its always as fair as possible. His style will lead to some type of injury whether to him or to his opponent, but it is never deliberate. If he were to change his style now he would become a lesser player. EVERY team in the land has this type of player, (though not all neccesarilly as good as Caldwell) and unfortunately injuries can happen. Dirty? NO. Aggresive yes.
Keep up the good work big man
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Pablo did you drowse off there ?
Half the southside just went down
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Given the recent discussions on this board relating to commercialism versus idealism, I wanted to bring to CQN readers attention a story on the front page of the FT Companies & Markets section from the weekend…
BARCELONA NETS €150M DEAL WITH NIKE
“Barcelona have announced a five year deal worth £101m with Nike – including additional undisclosed bonuses and royalties, with a possible 5 year renewal which would further extend the relationship to 2018.
the deal marks a convergence of marketing strategies between the two signatories which has been developing since the politically ambitious Mr Laporta was elected president of Baracelona in the summer of 2003.
Nike has been trying to distance itself from past associations with sweatshop labour by branding itself a champion of ethical trade. Barcelona wants to be a club that people follow not just for its football but because of its social commitment as well.
Yesterday’s deal follows Barcelona’s signing last month of a five year agreement with Unicef…
…Behind the philanthropic gesture is a business calculation that the deal will expand the club’s international following and throw up further marketing opportunities including TV rights. (my italics)
While the Unicef logo will feature prominently, Barcelona will continue to carry, more discreetly the Nike logo.”
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Simplyabhoy, I do not expect Scott Brown to arrive in January, if at all.
Jocky bhoy, interesting comment from the FT. Shirt sponsorship has been a hot topic in Barcelona for some years, with the fans regarding it as a commercial step too far.
Laporta seems to have been able to find a way of introducing it in an apparently non-commercial way while still enhancing the value of his clubs brand.
Clever man.
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4.23 noel90 said...
Pibroch-
I stand by my comment on your original post-"ignorant,offensive and untrue".
You misquoted yourself. (What with Leftwinger earlier, inexact quotations seem to be infectious.) What you did say was
that is one of the most shocking ,untrue and ignorant items I have ever read on CQN.
Really??
Thats it.
So that's it. Dismissal from the cyber hard man.
If you give it out-and it's been noticed that you do like to give it out-be big enough to take it back.
In the four or five weeks that I have been posting I have withdrawn remarks and apologised to other posters at least a dozen times. I think we need a bit of perspective here. I live in the real world and believe me I have to take much more than I am liable to get here. So don't worry on that score, my back is broad enough to 'take it'
Hey Noel, YOU should be big enough to take it –especially when you have your wee cyber gang there to back you up.
ticktacktickto..
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Juan Laporta = the poor man's Peter Lawwell :-)}
It's a bit quiet here.....you would think there was a fair contingent off on their autumns holiday to somewhere warm like Portugal, where it's to be 21c and sunny every day this week.
I hope it's as warm in Copenhagen in early December..........somehow i doubt it though
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Pibroch
In the four or five weeks that I have been posting I have withdrawn remarks and apologised to other posters at least a dozen times
The very fact that you've had to withdraw and apologise for so many comments within such a short period of time (speaks volumes about the content of your posts.
And while i said i'm not going to get into a slanging match with you, i quoted you directly....you then asked for context, so i copied and pasted the whole paragraph which backed up my point.
The primary reason for posting is not to take issue with everyone else.
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The LeftWinger 5.21
Again you misrepresent me.
You know very well that the comments I made about apologising was in answer to a charge (by Noel)of 'giving it out' but not being willing to take it back. I have posted a copious amount of material in that period of time and covered many different issues I don't think that the level of contrition neccessarily means that I am usually wrong (or usually right).
That you still haven't outlined your reasons for the name-calling in your potted profile has me wondering if you can articulate your case beyond rhetoric and soundbbites.
ticktacktickto..
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Sorry about this, I haven't been online since Saturday night and I forgot to post the answers in the excitement of the Hearts & Rangers results...
The 3 Lisbon Medal Winners apart from the Lions were John Hughes, Charlie Gallacher and Joe McBride. (The one no-one got)
The 1966-67 Squad was as follows:
No. Position Player
1 GK Ronnie Simpson
2 DF Jim Craig
3 DF Tommy Gemmell
4 MF Bobby Murdoch
5 DF Billy McNeill (captain)
6 DF John Clark
7 FW Jimmy Johnstone
8 FW Willie Wallace
9 FW Stevie Chalmers
10 MF Bertie Auld
11 FW Bobby Lennox
12 GK John Fallon
-- FW John Hughes
-- FW Joe McBride
-- MF Willie O'Neill
-- MF Charlie Gallacher
-- DF Jim Brogan
-- DF Davie Hay
-- GK John Kennedy
-- FW Lou Macari
-- DF Ian Young
And obviously, Charlie Gallagher was the odd-one out because he was the only one who wasn't Scottish.
Interesting to see the formation, when it's laid out in front of you...
It's a 4-2-4, but could conceivably be the forerunner of today's 4-4-2. Man, that Jock Stein... What a visionary!!!!
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Pibroch-
Maybe I just find you offensive and ignorant.
Yup-that just about sums you up.
"cyber hard man" take a look in the mirror.
Every one of your posts seems to be trying to pick a fight with other posters on Celtic Quick News-rather than commenting on threads and the team performances-go back read over them-See what others see.
tick-tack-tick-tosh.
goodbye.
noel.
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Pibroch 94
IMO, you are getting too hard a time from some of the more established CQN posters, not to sure why that is apart from having a go at Graham Speirs, but even that's fair comment as surely we are all entitled to an opinion.
Maybe, if you threatened to quit CQN they would be less hostile towards you - it certainly works for some of the other guys who threatened to quit!
Guys - please lighten up - Pibroch94 is fairly new on here and so far has made this blog a more interesting read - lets not chase him away.
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