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Hail hail.
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The true measure of ambition for a club in Celtic's position is how far we wish to go in Europe.
Winning the SPL is only a means to that end.
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All this podium malarkey is sooooo Blogger`¬)
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Almost...
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Actually, Michael's second post shouldnt count, so i'll take the bronze
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So it is Michael. I feel so empty now :~(
Poor Leeds, Twice on the brink of greatness, twice they couldn't quite take that final step. So hard for these smaller teams.....
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Paul - Any truth in the "Fernando Torres in talks" rumour?
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Paul
Interesting Article. Im only just after reading an article about Leeds' situation online just now.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/championship/article1723091.ece
Seth johnson and robbie fowler on the same day for a combined £18million. what the hell were they thinking??!!
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You are all cheats and im claiming first...taken from the last thread
At 01/05/07 12:38, Greenlion2 said…
im c;aiming a first on the new article I could not post
On a serious note. The article at the top of the page posted by Cajunbhoy about Gordon not knwoing what he was sent off for is very interesting. In my memory I can never remember us coming out with something like this before.
We are now calling into doubt the referees handling of the situation from an official capacity. Could this be another referee and laywer both appearing at hampden again.
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Also I ahve been sent a link to a book from Amazon for a book named
Tears in Argentina: Celtics Quest for the world club championship.
Has anyone read it and is it any good?
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Celtic_Gucks
Inadvertantly you hit the nail on the head.
You assumed they were thinking.
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Celtic_Gucks,
I don't think they were thinking at that point, they were just buying players for the sake of it. O'Leary had lost the plot with the amount of players in his squad. I think at that point they had Alan Smith, Viduka, Robbie Keane and Robbie Fowler, only Smith cost less than £6mill, they also had Danny Mills, Seth Johnson etc who cost them double their worth. They really showed how not to do it in terms of running a club. I believe they mortgaged the place on the future income from European runs and then failed to get back to the CL by which time the family jewels had to be pawned off.
They are alledgedly still paying Keane and Fowler!!! David Murray take note.
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Paul,
I remember Leeds had a few badboys on the team led by Smith, Bowyer and Woodgate, who were always in the news for their behaviour off the park.
I think this also played a part in the downfall of Leeds.
BF
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BF - did those three not "alledgedly" beat up an Asian student in a "racially motivated attack"?? I have no sympathy for Leeds...
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new post on www.thelordofthewing.blogspot.com
all the same lines that greed is bad for the game.
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Hi Paul,
Your article gives a good illustration of the perils that can hit any club through financial mismanagement, do you think a time could come in the future when a financially astute executive could be bought in the same way and with the same frequency that players are?
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EU,
No, you can't get rid of Murray on a Bosman........... ;-D
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Plus Leeds recently signed Tore Andre Flo.
A sure sign of a team in trouble...
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I don't think Smith was involved,or at least charged.Woodgate was convicted of affray,and did 100 hours community service.Bowyer was acquitted of assault.
I still think we should look at DHealy to replace Millerinho/Beats/ANother upfront.
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dunfydave,
I'm not sure of the culprits, but I think they were all involved at some level.
I don't know how they were allowed to continue in football if they were convicted of this type of crime.
BF
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Dunfydave, don’t know a thing about it.
Edward, a good chief exec is a must-have for any club. Losing a good chief exec might be a bigger blow than losing a top player. Top players can be replaced if you have the funds, chief exec's with experienced dealing with football matters are thin on the ground.
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michael,
thanks for the summary, never did like that crew after that incident.
BF
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I'll tell you a true story about Leeds at their height of madness a few years back.
A young apprentice (Celtic supporter as it happens) is being offered a professional contract. His dad (who told me the story) goes with him. Father and boy very, very excited. Their planning meeting was in the car 5 minutes before the meeting. The fatherly advice is along the lines of this being the first rung on the ladder, grab it, head down, work hard etc. Be nice to the Chairman.
The father has spoken to a friendly agent known to the Club. The agent meets them at the door and his advice is to let him talk about money, he is confident he'll get £700 per week.
Peter Ridsdale invites them into the office and pleasantries are exchanged, football chit-chat etc and then he gets a bit serious and says something like "Right, son, we're going to offer you your first pro contract. It's all about football at your age so don't be fooled by the media frenzy, I'm going to make you an offer and you're going to sign it. I really cannot put up with any nonsense at this stage in terms of negotiations, you're not at that stage of your career."
All a bit intimidating apparently.
"£1,500 a week. Take it or leave it".
The father, son and agent stare in shock and say nothing for a few seconds.
Ridsdale gets mad and stands up. "Bloody hell! Football has gone mad! Right, £1,800 per week but that is absolute top whack or get out".
The boy immediately tells him that's fine, where do I sign. All three leave the Chairman in his room and do a silent jig up the corridor.
The boy never made a first team impact and is now playing in a lower league, or perhaps now the same league as Leeds, I'll need to check.
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Blantyre Kev
That story you have told is identical to the story that has done the rounds when Seth JOhnson signed. Same thing,agreed with agent only to accept £20,000 plus per week. Ridsdale came straight out and said "right,we'r only giving you £30,000 per week,and no more".
Furthermore,if Leeds do go into administration,they are automatically docked 10 points. Is it inconcievable they get relegated again next season???!!
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Probably lends a bit of credence to the Johnson story, this must have been Ridsdale's tactic but he had so badly misread the market it is incredible.
I'm sure there's a few players around different clubs with similar stories but to do it on a wholesale capacity as Leeds did is astonishing.
Probably a real argument to be had again as to the merits of a board, a plc, sub committees etc as opposed to a maverick individual flying by the seat of his pants. I remember listening to Clyde a few years back and BFDJ and other buffoons talking about how important it was to have one man in charge. Laugh? Hell yeah, long and hard.
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Interesting that Leeds sacked David O'Leary despite never finishing outside the top 4 in the Premiership. 18 months and 3 managers later they were relegated to the Championship. They lost out in the play-offs last year before sacking their manager in September(Incredibly they then appointed Dennis Wise, but I digress!).
'I'd gladly see Strachan leave' - the phrase 'be careful what you wish for springs to mind'!!!!
Robbie Fowler is not daft though, whilst at Manchester City he was still being paid by Leeds!
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The Celtic supporters Trust had pushed in previous years for a fan to be on the board,to prevent issues such as what happened at Leeds presumably. I havent heard anymore about it in recent times. Perhaps Paul could shed some light on whether they are still pushing the agenda of fan representation on the board. I think I remember DD saying that this was not going to happen while he was at the club....
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If Leeds go into administration before the last game of the season they will suffer the 10 point penalty this season not next.
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celtic_gucks
Put me on the board and a repeat of the Leeds scenario is more likely not less !!
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If we're serious about playing 4-5-1 on a regular basis this chap could be the one:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent.jhtml?html=/archive/1998/06/25/swnflo25.html
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Celtic Gucks, the Supporters Trust did not propose a ‘fan on the board’ motion at the last AGM. I spoke to Sean Hammil (sp) from the Trust afterwards and he was in a very conciliatory tone, as he was when he spoke at the meeting.
‘Fan on the board’ is not the point in issue, as there are many fans on the board, the issue is for a supporters group to be able to nominate a person to the board.
I don’t think DD has said anything on the subject, though Brian Quinn has said on several occasions that a representative from a specific interest group (such as the Trust) could not be accommodated, as PLC board members had to be equally responsible for the interests of all shareholders.
It is a procedural point which I am surprised got as much attention as it did. Any shareholder can nominate someone for appointment to the board at the moment, but an organisation cannot nominate someone. In other words, as a shareholder, you can nominate someone, but you cannot do so as a club or Trust secretary. The board have the right to accept any nomination.
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i think that is my only real bug-bear with GS.
the lone striker.
we should never, ever play with one up front in the SPL, or indeed at home versus anyone.
JVOH certainly after the few times hes played that role is not fit for it.
henrik larsson on the other hand, maybe if MON had tried the 451 with him we may have went through to the next phase of the CL once or twice.
fernando torres???? why not just go the whole hog and get gattuso, kaka, C. ronaldo and cannavaro while we are at it.
sometimes it would be nice to have a multi million pound leader...oops.
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Celtic Guck
Do you think that if Leeds had a fan on the board he would have voted against all the spending leading up to their champions league semi?
Not a chance ! When we were £17mil in debt the fans were hoping for just another £5mil spent post Seville.
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Larsson -
I am fine amigo and currently goutfree. Happy Feast Day.
WG
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This happened 36 years ago today -
Scottish First Division
Celtic 6 Clyde 1
The Lions' last hurrah
Three for Lennox, two for Wallace and one for Chalmers in front of 35,000. I was there as a mere eight-year-old. Simpson was involved in the pre-match limbering up and Williams played in goal if memory serves. Auld had been given a free transfer the previous day and was carried shoulder-high from the field by the rest of the pride - again if memory serves.
These we have loved.
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I also recall this fabulous performance 25 years ago today
Scottish Premier League
Celtic 6 Hibernian 0
1-0 Burns (15)
2-0 Crainie (19)
3-0 Aitken (32)
4-0 MacLeod (41)
4-0 HT
5-0 MacLeod (57)
6-0 McCluskey (60)
Bonner, McGrain, Reid;
Aitken, McAdam, MacLeod;
Provan, Sullivan, McCluskey, Burns, Crainie.
I
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Nae Bread Nae Brains
I agree largely with the point. Ideally though,Leeds could have had a supporter on the board who could have said "hang on a minute,we'r already £80 million in debt. Whats going to happen if we dont qualify for the Champions League?" then again,they just needed someone on the board to have the club's best interests at heart. There is no way Ridsdale did,with his ridiculous approach to transfers,wages and having the goldfish on a lease deal!!
I personally dont think we need a supporter representation on the Celtic board. I have no doubt that the board members at present are as big fans as you or me and have the club's long term interests(and continued domination over Mister Moonbeam's mob) at heart.
Paul
Thanks for clearing that up.
Danny,
Im nominating you at the next AGM to be our representative on the board,with Peter Ridsdale as your financial guru. We'l take Kaka,Ronaldo and Carvalho to start. As any Leeds fan will tell you,you have to speculate to accumulate.....
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celtic_gucks
As opposed to Torres, Keane, Bellamy, Barton, Fletcher, Sidwell.
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TLW @13.33 :- Hope springs eternal as they say :-)
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rrdh-you may recall[if it isn't too painful]that after HL broke his leg Hoopslegend John Barnes played Mark Verruca upfront on his own,with some success against the Diddyteams.
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Edward, Curly
I see you've been visiting. Sorry, wasn't in, but I've left a message now.
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michael
i dont know what was more painful in your statement.
HL's broken leg v lyon (ayaa)
john barnes 4213212321 systems (ooof)
or the thought of that big good for nothing but bar tending, verruca.
(ouch)
ive tried to blot all that out as much as possible.
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id take the first 3 danny. we culd mayb have big jan the man up there to finish off any chances they create!! and,eh,scott mcdonald to come off the bench if things arent going our way!
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Paul 67
Is this another dig at The Mint and his running of that club while for the first time in a long time we turn a profit.
One more thing Paul but you probably haven't got a clue, is Murray intending to back Smith with money out of his own pocket.I keep hearing this and not only from BFDJ but from Celtic fans citing his personal wealth as the reason. Surely his creditors would have first say on the disposal of his income especially with the debt position of MIH.
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Dessybhoy,
With the size of his companies, it is unlikely that any of Murray's money/property has been used to support a personal guarantee to secure any loans.
He could put his own money in, but bearing in mind he has aready stated that he is priming the company to sell it, it would be a sunk cost, and he has not lost any money on Ran666rs to date.
It is more likely that he will use his contacts in the media to report inflated purchase prices on anyone they sign to satisfy their fans' hunger for spending.
Again, look at the last line of Paul's article.
Don't worry, the future is still bright.......it's green and white
TLW:BoringAccountantsCSC
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Dessybhoy, the financial plight of Rangers is not an isolated issue, you are correct to reference the near half billion pound debt of the parent company. If Murray was able to throw money at the problem he would have done so before now.
Refer the next person you hear citing his personal wealth to Companies House, where evidence pertaining to his businesses is recorded as a matter of public record.
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RRDH-And if HL doesn't break his leg..JB manages to keep his job..
Karma.You can run,but you can't hide.
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Paul, In my green tinted estimation Gordon Strachan put Leeds back up where they belonged and then they were unlucky not to ride the storm in the early CL years.They did not budget well. Newcastle might be in the same danger. But they are safe as long as they stay in the premiership or are they?
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Paul
Speakin' o' Geldt,remember whit Kojo telt?
Ye dinna recall?
Aboot Zsa'a Zsa's comin'... INELUCTIBLE FALL?
He reckons dis July, an' noo ah'll gae aheed... an' tell ye why...
Noo, everyboady is aware, that tae predict da future is verra rare,
But ah'll go oan,an' hiv a bash...
As ah know dat Murray needs da Cash!
A Consortium.. is dat da woid?.. is noo aformin', an' Chewin' da Cud.
They ur havin' sich a heckava time,
wi' thur argy bargy, maist o' da time!
Eventualeee, a group will be Awinnin'...
Den dey'll mak der play...
Fur da... IBROX MIDDEN!
It's gonna happen ,as sure a fate,
the G.A. must be rescued.... afore it's too late!
Fur da Mess dat Murray, has goat da goat o' da Goats.....
An'should it continue oan....
They'll be at each other's Throats!
So, as Dom has said, we will wait an see..
For Ibrox Park,to mak an impact,
Murray must Retire!...
An' pit away his Compact!
Fur he kin no longer COVER UP, wi' Bluffs and Mirrors...
wit' he has done... tae da Ibrox Sinners!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Tail's Awaggin'
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paul
Intresting article on LUFC.
However, bares no relevance to our own club.
We have made a profit.Are we still fools for expecting this profit to be re-invested into the playing squad?
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Collie
I've called you wrong before but I'm sure i have it this time.
The sfa are conducting due dilligence and will appoint the men in black to directly run the govan team once they are through.
Pandiani
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The Consortium?Was that not wee Jim Kerr and his halfwit buddies that were going to save us before The Bunnet rode to the rescue?
Or was it the Cartel?
Or the Coterie?`¬)
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Michael
Interesting you should mention karma.
And rintimtim
Where do Leeds belong?
I posted earlier about how difficult it is for smaller clubs like Leeds to make the big breakthrough. They've been on the brink twice (early seventies, late nineties) but couldn't quite make it.
(Any similarity with Rangers is of course purely coincidental.)
There are good clubs and there are great clubs. Good clubs are a product of their time and circumstances. Leeds United. Derby County. Nottingham Forest. Hibernian. Hearts. Aberdeen. Celta Vigo. All of these can point to times in their history when they did things above their station. And they should be proud of those achievements.
And there are great clubs. Clubs which, even though there may be periods of falling from grace, are the elite. Rod sang it, you're Celtic, United...... Barcelona, Real, Juve, would have ruined the song. We all know what too much football can do to a relationship.
Leeds were always destined to rise and fall. So are Chelsea.
In a way, Leeds are back where they belong. Let's see if their support can get them out of it.
(Any similarities with any other team are purely dharma.)
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Collie, long may Zsa Zsa reign over Ibrox, I will miss him when he departs.
Smelltheglove, no, it is not foolish to expect profits to be spent, but remember, this will be the first time we will see a profit since before John Barnes got his hands on the key.
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....at last I've broken the "The Blog say's no" hoo-doo (finally)
Celtic First : Hope you enjoyed P.A. Pity you couldn't make it up for the Killie game.
Greenlion2 : I've just received the book and intend to read it on my next trip offshore. IF (as I doubt) it's crap, don't tell me.
Poor result on Sunday but a great day out nonetheless. Rio state championship final, first leg. Botafogo (hooray) drew 2-2 with Flamengo (boo). Second leg this Sunday.
Watch out for the third goal of the Minas Gerais state final (Cruzeiro v's Athletico Mineiro). Definitely one of the most bizarre goals I've seen in a longtime. Mineiro scored a penalty and went straight back up the pitch. The ballboys provided a new ball (the other one was stuck in the back of the net). Cruzeiro kicked off, lost possession. The Mineiro forward runs towards the goal (Cruzeiro keeper now walking back to the goal to reclaim the original matchball) and slots it home. The goal stands amid uproar (apparently the second ball was not judged to be on the field of play). Maybe Noel or somebody can dig up a video clip. Worth watching.
Leeds? There's a season ticket holder here at work with us. No matter how much you may dislike a club you never want to see them go that way do you? (well maybe there might be one notable exception).
Ate mais.
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rimtimtim, Newcastle are sailing close to the wind. In their favour, they are still in the league and still have a healthy income, so a rescue should be easier.
Interesting comment about Gordon Strachan, I forgot he captained them to the league title in the 1990s.
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Chennaise-great clubs have soul.
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Imagine Sir David had bankrolled Le Guen?
Would he not have, if he could have?
What a season we would have had. And when the better manager had still won the league they would have been dead and their executors looking for a deep pauper's grave.
He didn't, because he couldn't.
But it's instructive. We learned our lessons the hard way, but we learned them. Fiscal and cultural.
Have Rangers learned anything, fiscally or culturally, or are they just, by force of circumstance, guarding the walls until circumstances become more favourable?
The next few years promise to be very interesting.
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Leeds were the last winners of the old first division,and Sgt Wilko the last English manager to win the title.
And there won't be an English winner next year,because Aston Vila are going to win it`>
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Michael
That deserves a link from pablo. Since he's not here, here's this.
soul
Still room for improvement pablo. Not the best video.
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Two entries from The Times Rich List(s):
Desmond, 56, is expanding after selling London City airport to a US consortium last year, making £736m, and divesting his stake in Irish food and property company Greencore to Liam Carroll (qv) for £112m, making £30m. A tax exile in Gibraltar, his Dublin-based IIU investment vehicle is evaluating new projects around the globe. His stakes in online betting exchange Betdaq and Barchester, a growing nursing home business, are worth £200m-plus. He has a £24m share of Toronto mining company Mountain Province and made £240m from selling stakes in Esat Digifone, Baltimore Technology, Manchester United and Golden Vale. Other wealth includes a share of a £2.3 billion oil refinery in Canada and 40.45% of Celtic football club, whose shares are down, valuing his stake at £8m this year. Properties, including a third of the Sandy Lane hotel in Barbados, horses, a jet and art have increased to at least £80m.
Murray, 55, has added £100m to his fortune in the past year, ranking him 95th equal in Britain and fifth in Scotland. Chances are that he paid a pretty penny for the pear-shaped, pink diamond engagement ring for his girlfriend Kae Tinto, a 34-year-old lawyer. His first wife, Louise, died of cancer in 1992. The entrepreneur has known his share of hard times. Murray lost his legs in a car accident in 1976 and says: “You could say it concentrated my mind on business.” In 1997, he set up the Murray Foundation, which provides support for amputees and their families. Murray, who was knighted last year, started work in an Edinburgh metal alloy company, earning £7 a week. His steel business, Murray International, was originally based on metals trading. He now has a portfolio of mining, property and venture-capital businesses. Murray International should show profits of about £50m in 2006-07 while his Premier Property Group is investing in London and Europe to the tune of £200m last year. Then there is his football club, Rangers. It has been overshadowed by Glasgow rival Celtic and failed to qualify for the Champions League last season, which left it with a £700,000 loss in the first half of 2006-07 against a £6.1m profit in the same period last year. Murray International, with Rangers included, is worth £350m, while his property portfolio, including large tracts around Edinburgh, is also valued at £350m. With personal investments and property, he is easily worth £750m.
Plenty of scope for ill-informed competition of the ‘Mine’s bigger than yours’ variety here.
More to the point: a person could spend many a long hour writing a dictionary entry for the word ‘worth’; and never, never assume that a journalist, especially a financial journalist, knows what he’s writing about.
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Michael,
There is more chance of the South Side Team winning it than Aston Villa and they do not even play in thae country.
STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS.
Martin.
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i agree fully with the sentiments of this article, but wastage is as bad os overspending. i watched paul hartley on sunday in disbelief we wasted £1m plus wages on this guy, he is a first choice yet has not had a good game yet, same applies to doumbe. if he was never gonna get a crack till all was done and dusted it represents wastage.
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Good article Paul. The Leeds situation is fascinating and is a real cautionary tale of over-reach and unblinking faith in your own future success.
The fact that they got into this position whilst playing in the richest league in the world is amazing in itself. Not even the riches from Sky can insure against such financial madness.
As for how this affects us: well, it would appear to vindicate a steady-as-she-goes approach, pioneered by the Board since Seville. On the other hand- could we conceivably fall as far as Leeds? Or will our fanbase always be there to save us?
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Bit off topic this one.
I was at the game Sunday and don't have Setanta. My mum watched it and there was an interview post-celebrations with Gordon Strachan, conducted by top investigative journo Stuart Lovell. There was reference made to John Hartson and something about a 'beep' or 'bleep' test?
I haven't seen it, just seemed to confuse the dickens out of my mum, bless her.
Any ideas?
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Bloke 109, I didn't see the interview, but a bleep test is a form of fitness test.
I can only imagine WGS was making a tongue-in-cheek remark about BBJ's fitness.
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Paul
Fantastic article Paul.
You are well aware that you and I are of the same opinion here.
We should chant Brian Quinn's name at Celtic Park. Even if it was only just the once. We would be the first support to show REAL support for a REAL Celtic supporter.
The Old Man would die happy.
Ternar
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Paul
To Ye ah gie a Wag o' ma Tail, fur thru thick and thin,
ye wullnae fail,
Fur Ye and da Boss, ye know da Game,
An' fur dose dat don't... der thinkin's Lame!
Aye watch da Bawbees, awe the while,
fur if ye don't yer Future's Vile!
Ye hiv battled fur da past Three Years,
An' soothed an' smoothed, awe "Nega's", Fears!
Fur thur are miny like him, who dinna know da Game,
if ya spend too much..... ye'll go doon in FLAMES!
Ye and da Boss,dae baith agree,
dat de Celtic Board... God(?) Bless da Name!..
Hiv saved us awe ,frae Impecunious Shame!
As ah hiv said, the Plan is clear...
Catch 'em young... before der DEAR!
So dinna expect, us tae pay big Dough,
Fer Well Known Players....
Dat's A BIG... NO- NO!
We must be content tae plug away, an' noo an' den... wan o' oor Yoofs... wull Mak Oor Day!
Oor plan is sound, because o' whose around...
In Pierre Lavalle...we hiv a man,
who has plenty o' SAND..
An' wull lead us awe...
Tae da PROMISED LAND!
Its' been said afore,but ah wull repeat it awe da same...
Folks, Listen tae Paul..
FUR HE KNOWS DA GAME!!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin',Awaggin'
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David Pleat talking about supporters inspiring players mentioned Liverpool and Celtic supporters.
I used to dislike him.
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Riskorrie at 17:52 I ahve not read the book yet I was hoping someone on here could give me a summary before I will buy it anyway.
For once actually enjoying a game involving 2 english teams. But you can just see Chelski snatching it.
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GM
Cheers - that fits the context.
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EDB,
David Pleat was blown away by the Celtic support at the Liverpool game in Wim's year.
He said that he had never heard singing like it, as it was actual songs they were singing and not the usual soccer chants.
He was in complete awe that evening.
The L'pool support are in great voice tonight, right enough. Let's hope it works for them.
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EDB,
Pleat always talks us up when he at Celtic Park. Called the atmosphere "the best in Europe" one night I seem to remember.
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Seem to remember Terry Venables also saying great things about CP on CL nights.
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EDB,
Tel was once doing the Weds night game at Highbury. He had been at CP the night before.
"This is like a library compared to where I was 24 hours ago" was his comment!
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We need to do what it takes, sensibly, to be a CL team every year.
Easy to say but not so easy to achieve.
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Cruzeiro v Atletico Mineiro
The incident that Rioskorrie mentioned happens about 5 minutes and 30 seconds in.
Mental !
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Deliasmith, as you suggest, that is a remarkable account of Murray’s “worth”. By the look of it they have added up the untested-value of his assets and ignored his debts.
Italiabhoy, the Leeds fans base has actually stayed remarkably resilient.
Ternar, thanks. I hope the sprightly elderly chap on our board has a lot more to do before he dies happy.
Collie, save us from “impecunious shame”. How often have we heard that high up in the North Stand; it has become a mantra for our age.
Peter has created a wee space for himself to give his manager the necessary resources without getting back into loss, which I am led to believe, will not happen next year either.
EDB, “I used to dislike him”. :-)
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Paul
I'm easily bought! (SP)
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I really feel for Michael Essien having to play in central defence so often.
Why is a club with so much financial clout having to play a class midfielder in defence?
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Never mind that EDB, he does a grand job there - what about Kalou? He offers nothing!!!
Even Liverpool as well have Riise, Finnan, Zenden and Pennant who are average players at best.
Just shows the impacty a manager can have on a team.
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Anfield tonight is a prime example of a crowd lifting a team and a team lifting a crowd. Raw emotion, that's what football is about.
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Tom the Tim
I agree with you. I don't think Milan fans can do that and probably Man Utd will get through.
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Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0 [agg 1-1]
End of 1st period of extra time.
Fascinating contest.
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EDB,
I'm sorry, I have to agree with you and I have a bad feeling it will be Chelsea they meet in Athens.
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Bellamy on for Crouch at the start of the 2nd period of E.T.
Come On You Reds.
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Tom the Tim
You're sorry to agree with me.
What chance do I have with the others?
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I'm in the unfortuntate position of feeling utterly cold about the prospect of an all English final but hoping Man Utd get to the final.
I don't know what to think about tomorrow night, Chelsea Vs Manchester United 3 times in a week will be garbage so it's a puzzle.
I think Milan's home record speaks for itself but Utd are just the type of team that can go over there and score. What a shame it wasn't the final.
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Penalties
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TMC-
I'll put it a different way-
Come On Anybody BUT Chelsea.
Penalties.
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Rat Bag Robben misses
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Geremi misses
Match Point...
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yes
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Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
FOOTBALL WINS!!!!!!
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London Huns Out.
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Delighted for Liverpool.
Are Chelsea still going to win 4 trophies this season?
What do they say about cheats prospering?
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No new team will join the elite of winners...
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My concern is that Liverpool and Man Utd fans will wreck Athens.
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EDB my moneys on Milan tomorrow night...
In truthfulness I dont really care as my worry was that they can no longer win 4 trophies as there is a certain club we all love as the only team to have done that and thats not including a few others
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EDB, Liverpool v Man United is the closest England has to Celtic v Rangers, it would be a great final. Mind you, Liverpool v Milan, with all that recent history, would not be too bad either.
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Think about it.
Semi-Finals Of The Champions League.....
at home........
win on penalties........
to get into The Champions League Final........
and get to sing This .........
Bring It On.
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My big worry now is that with the special 1 probably for the off will Chelsea come after the back to back title winning manager of ours..
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EdB,
I was only sorry to agree that Manu will probably go through, not for agreeing with you per se.
I'm even happy to be wrong about Chelsea.
There is no way in natural justice that an outfit like the Mourinho led Chelsea should prosper.
The Greek police can enjoy themselves if at is an all English final
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Despite the hype, 3 games between Chelsea and Man Utd would have been the anti-climax of the millenium.
Milan's home record is awesome and there is something special about Man Utd vs Liverpool so I'm relaxed about the outcome tomorrow night. Especially as I'll be on the golf course when it unfolds!
Rafa Benitez is a tactical genius because there are a few average players in that squad. Not only that he comes across as a decent character - spare a thought for Jose...a ha ha ha ha ha ha aha
I fancy red fireworks in Athens...
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Paul
I don't mean to disparage the clubs from a player point of view but I'm concerned about the likely behaviour of both sets of fans.
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EDB, I have an eye on our chances for Pot 2 next season, a wee rammy in Athens and two expulsions would help greatly :-)
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Robbie Keane, Robbie Keane dum de dum dum dum.
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Jose
What goes around...
Smell the glove!
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were on itv 4 against juve
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Fantastic to see Liverpool beat the Cockney Blue Noses yet again and even better to revel in Mourinho's defeat.
I don't like the man. Never have and my view is well recorded right here. Not up for debate. He's unpleasant and not nearly as clever as some would have you believe.
Yet again Mourinho, you are a loser.
Congrats all my many very dear Liverpool FC supporting friends. I guess I'd like to see them beat Man U in the final now but Milan will do.
Hail Hail
McGrain
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Paul
I realise that collectively these days we're having a bit of fun but I can envisage significant violence in Athens. Sun, alcohol, passion and an inherent dislike of the opposition doesn't make for good reading.
If we had to play our South Side neighbours in a European final just think of how low they would attempt to drag us down to,
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Special one my arse!
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Paul67,
Peter Ridsdale lost the head a bit. Thank god we aint got a heif exec like that.
Serious mis management. How did he manage get away with it? Surely somebody would have said something?
18 million Ferdinand, 7 million Seth Johnston, Fowler 12 million, Viduka 6 million, Robbie Keane 9 mill on, Danny Mills 4 million.
With better scouting you could have got a half decent team with Ferdinands fee alone.
Liverpool v Milan final for me!!!
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Paul
The Names they are Acomin'!...Acomin' down da line!
Ah gave ye, wan guid wan, yesterday,
Ah hope ye figured it oot, fine!
Noo,here is noo, anither wan,
Which is wan,who ah think we kin afford,
An' if he comes, den as wan who speaks da Erse,
den ANITHER, jumps richt aboard!
Although, dis guy's a striker,
dey say he's a Promising Mid-Fielder tae!
So, if we get Two men fur wan,
den in Ma BOOK.....
DAT'S OKAY!
His name ye want...
Thur wiz a Glasgow singer, ah dinna know if he still warbles,
Ah'm maybe wrang, but ah think he wiz boarn...
Richt there, ln da GORBALS!
It diznae maitter, wan bit or whit,
if dat singer wiznae boarn there,
His name is O' so APPROPRIATE!...
so, fur da rest, ah dinnae care!
Ah've made this clue sae easy,
'Cos da Other? It seems ye MISSED!
If HE comes ,ye'll be sae happy.....
an' tae dat... ah dae Insist!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin',Awaggin'
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I too share concens about the prospect of an all English final but at least nasty, nasty Chelsea won't be there. That's surely a better outcome for the people of Athens.
Oh and nor indeed will the special one be there. The special one will not be there. Special one my arse!
It's late here and the hay fever pills are kicking in.
McGrain
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Collie, that wiz easy, ghoan'y gie's a difficult one.
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Jose... we feel you pain ;-)....
Did i hear someone snigger there...:-)
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If its so easy tell us who it is? Then tell us how many of his clues have been spot on.
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Big embrace from Benitez to Bellamy at the end of the match. He sought him out to say well done. It´s great what a win can do.
I agree with mcgraininspain in that he was no sae clever tonight Mourinho. It was another titanic effort from the Liverpool team against a very solid and fit Chelsea team. But their Long ball to Droghba tactic would not be out of place with another blue team many posters have already referred to!!
Anyone for a long ball up to Boydchenko??
The well worked free kick was where Rafa got one over on Jose. Benitez has the squad, which he has built, and the savvy to vary the game plan.
Chelsea played well mind you, no wonder with that money behind them.
I also hope Aston Villa win the league next season.
´montheMONcsc
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Paul
Easy? Mebbe aye, Mebbe aye!
Ah noo it wid catch yer gimlet eye!
But easy or no... it is a Hoat wan, believe me... ah know!
It's goat awe da things gangin' fur it!
He is Young, He is Quick,, He kin leap...
An' savin da best, fur last ...
He is Cheap!
Noo, yesterday's wan? Ah'll gie ye wan mair, more,
He is Mature, He Kin Score...an' dat is da part dat ah ADORE!
But naethin' comes fur Free, but in dis case... Michty me!
Ah believe HE, is da exception, dat wull be!
Noo how dya like dat?
How peculiar wull be that?
Nevertheless, it is da truth,so dinna sit der,wit'yer ees wide an' stare,
Fur am tellin da truth dat's forsooth!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin',Awaggin'
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Collie
Robbie Keane is mature and can score.
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Anybody else thinking Ted Rogers in 3-2-1?
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Robert
Robert, Robert...is dat yer name??..
Whit's da maitter?...it's such a shame!
Kin ye no get into da spirit o' things....
An' no be sae petty amang ither things!
I think ye should chinge yer nomen,
tae wan ,aah think ye hiv much in coammin!
A wan dat's ye should accept wi' some aplomb...
Yes, ah'm sure ye should be noo known...
As....
Dootin'Tom!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Collie young pup
is it the rifle that's going free ?
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emu
Ah love yer name..it is shorter!...dat's bettah!...
Yer gettin' sae smart.
Fur some names are sae lang ...thinkin' o' writin' dem,
Ah'm pooped afore a dae start!;
Subject tae yer solution... it is wrang wan...ye see.
Fur fur Celtic tae get Robbie...
Dat's a t'ing that'll nevah be!
He is another jist like Miller...
An' he soitenly is nae Winner!
Naw. Robbie is no good....he is jist anither frantic dude,
Who should play bettah,but he canny..... an' ahm sorry if ah'm rude!
colllie.
Tail's Awaggin',Awaggin'
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Whitedog
Hello, tae you ole pard, go oan.. jist pick another card!
Though,the last Caird that ye picked, is a man dat we'd love tae have around..
But, in ma last clue his name, is absent... an' is naewhere tae be found!
Dat clue is so tough...... an' dat statement is right,
But, it's hidden richt der.... in da PLAINEST o' SIGHTS!
Ah used da advice o' dat Maister o' Mysteree,
Who invented the greatest Detective... in HISTOREE!
collie.
Tail's Awagin',Awaggin'
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Collie
A Glasgow singer frae the Gorbals, eh?
Well Lulu's frae Denistoun.
The Proclaimers are frae Leith.
Jim Kerr was Toryglen.
Frankie Miller was Bridgeton, I think, and we've already got his namesake.
I'm looking at Alex Harvey & Lonnie Donegan but they're not giving me any football surnames.
So that leaves only the Hurdy Gurdy man and an LA Galaxy player.
Or maybe it was Lulu and we're getting Lua Lua??
I think I've just won Dusty Bin.
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Well well!
isnt it interesting that the ghost of Leeds is once again dragged up. How many times is that Paul?
And what particular warning is this? Celtic fans have never desired the daft spends we have seen with Leeds or indeed Rangers.
And indeed Leeds seems to be a favourite topic for you Paul. Interesting you post this article but continue to ignore the repeated requests for the debate on the support/customer. Didn't you say you struggle for topics.
And to all of us - Paul is very well connected at CP - in fact increasingly so. This may be no bad thing- apart from the fact that, when the animals looked through the window they could no longer tell pig from human.
Another Leeds ghost story - just when we need to spend. Well I guess that tells us all we need to know.
Another close season of contraction - but remember how better off you are than some. Such ambition eh.
Paul states "Only fools think that transfer expenditure is a measure of ambition"
Well I am that fool and this season it will tell me all I need to know.
The old "beware of what has happenned to others" tales - so often repeated on this site - means nothing. Celtic profitted to £1.5M in the transfer market this season - will we spend? I think the answer looks like no.
Paul - for the last time - do you care for a proper debate or not? Or has your association clouded your judgement forever?
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PS - IF IT DOESNT MAKE SENSE IT DOESNT MAKE SENSE
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SettingFreetheBears
Ma ole pardner, jist think o' awe o'da glee and da fun,
dat ye ur havin' in delvin' in auld memories an' those by da ton!
Yer hivin' a ball, ah know dat fur a fact,
It's great tae hiv readers... who waant inta da Act!
The names dat ye uncovered are pithy but urny near right,
Fur da name dat ah waant... is nowhere in sight!
The Singer, as a matter o' fact, ah'll noo let ye know....
I did meet in real person ,jist efter his show!
So ah dae know he's Scoattish....an' ah suspect he's a tim...
But he is famous fur Anti- War songs.... an' going oot oan a limb!
Noo dat is a clue.... dat is so easy tae break..
Noo, ah've done sold da joiseys....
ye'll noo know his name...so I'll jist shut ma big mooth, fur it is tae blame!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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NegAnon....
You wrote: Celtic fans have never desired the daft spends we have seen with Leeds or indeed Rangers.
What kind of spends are these? Spends that would imperil the Club? Well, there are some (you included I think) who complained that we didn't spend more money after Seville. THAT, I believe, would have hurt the Club. The Club couldn't afford it.
Yet, some Celtic supporters don't care. They want it done anyway. And if it goes wrong, well, they'll complain about that too. And blame the Board.
Irresponsible.
The Leeds story is a fair one. It is topical after all. It is what happens if you make losses year after year after year. Which is what we have been doing until this year. But you didn't want that either. You wanted that money spent, too.
Thank goodness for Desmond, putting dosh into the club while we were making all these losses.
But we don't want him doing that either, do we. In case he ends up making a profit or something.
NegAnon, your vision for Celtic would not lead to a happy ending, I am afraid.
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Weeron,
You are an "auld haun" on this site.
You know my theories on the objectives of DD and the way in which he runs Celtic.
You are correct in my assessment on the post Seville season.
But you choose to ignore the debates we had on those post Seville accounts - where reserves where set aside - thus manufacturing an accounting loss.
I would not want celtic in £100m debt - but I do not want celtic in £0 debt - it is inefficient from a a capital perspective and makes no business or indeed footbal sense.
If the board do not spend (on transfer fees) between £15 and £20m this close season they are taking the support for fools.
As I say - not very clever!!
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Collie,
How about Landon Donovan? (although I think Donovan actually came from Springburn).
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20 million pounds on transfers...hmmm. That would create about 6 million a year on wages. Over 4 years, the life of these contracts, that would cost us 44 million pounds. An increase of outgoings by 11 million pounds a year.
Well, assuming that this years projected profits are sustained every year throughout that period (would mean hitting the last 16 of the CL every year)...then we could afford that.
However, there would likely be very little room for additional spending during that 4 year period.
That's the model we employed under MON. I don't think we are going back down that road.
Personally, I won't get too excited about reported transfer fees. (Ever wonder where the red tops get these numbers?)
I'll be hoping for the acquisition of a serious engine in midfield. Also, a striker that can score the garbage goals, especially these 60th minute 2nd goals to put a game away. That's what I'll be looking for.
I'll trust PL to get them for the best price possible. If he gets them for a lot less than 44 million pounds over 4 years, I'll be very happy.
NegAnon, an improved Celtic hitting three in a row, and still turning a profit. What's wrong with that? Those profits would allow us the chance of making team 4 in a row even stronger. Sounds like a good plan to me.
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an improved Celtic hitting three in a row, and still turning a profit. What's wrong with that?
It'd make it even harder to find things to complain about ;)
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Hehehe...good one, Martin.
they'll come up with something, though. If they are anything like Mrs Weeron....:)
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We beat Manure over 2 legs.
Milan only managed to secure victory over us by virtue of a single goal in extra time.
Tonight one will secure a spot in the CL final.
Are we so far away from the next step in our progress?
'GG delusional or hopeful?
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GG :- delusional or hopeful? probably delusional and hopeful would be better as that seems to be the mindset of every football fan every year for every club fro East Stirling up. It's all part of the inspired lunacy of being a football fan :-)
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What's the correct answer to the following question.
Why Celtic must go all out for a win against RFC:
a)Why give them one iota of optimism for the new season.
b) 3 points is better in our pocket than theirs.
c)Our history requires it.
d)To continue the domination.
e) Because we can.
f) Because its fun.
g)Makes for a 'Champion' Monday morning at work.
h) Lenny deserves another cigar moment.
i)All of the above.
Additional reasons are welcome.
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canajunbhoy,
All of the above, however I prefer because we can....
Hail Hail
SPC
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CanajunBhoy :-hile I'm sure those are all good reasons I'd refer you to GG's "delusional and hopeful" statement :-) 2 - 2 to Rangers is my prediction (which in GG's theory will put us up there with Man.U and Milan)(for pub argument reasons only lol) the game may be meanigless in terms of any practical effect but bragging rights at family dinners are always a powerful incentive to wanting a win.
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Right on singaporecelt.
Edward, you're up late my friend. Wouldnt be losing sleep over the game? You are dead right about the bragging rights. Theres no such thing as a maningless Celtic-RFC game for both sets of fans and long may that continue. Have good night Edward.
From CB, the delusional one.
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"meaningless" not "maningless"
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In the above it should have read 2 - 1 to Rangers, either it's a typo or maybe I'm being inspired by Delphi :-)
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CanajunBhoy :- OK That's the last I post without the spell checker being used lol
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By the way was Kojo referring to ONO in his cryptic message.....?
Anyone any idea what WGS said on Sunday...
Hail Hail
SPCwhoiscurious..
Edward - Champion Morning 8-)
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SingaporeCelt :- A very good morning/evening to you though from my point of view not such a champion one :-) I've just worked out that bye the time I can say that back I'll have been posting on here for three year so when it comes to choosing when to start posting on here I showed all the sense of timing of one of Mr Sebo's runs
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Ted-
get to your bed.
Morning Singapore Celt !
Canajunbhoy-
Just because -not a lot of [legal] things on this planet give you the same pleasurable feeling as giving Rangers a doing in their own midden.
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Noel90 :- I'm just heading to it soon, I take it from your post that your support will be needing a lot of illegal things this weekend :-)
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PC problems... Why my post appeared som many times is a mystery to me......
Hail Hail
ComputeriliterateCSC
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This Saturday's Old Firm game is irrelevant when compared to the SFA Youth Cup. The reaction to it will tell you all you need to know: A Celtic victory will be 'confirmation that Walter has a tough job ahead of him'; whilst a Rangers win will be 'a massive psychologigal boost for next season'. Note to readers, Old Firm wins this season are worth zero points towards next season's total.
A Celtic win will be a la Lubo in 01 whilst a Rangers win will be akin to our 3-1 Hampden victory in 95, utterly meaningless amid a period of domination by a superior team. The following season we supposedly ran them close - we didn't beat them once.
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May 2
St Athanasius, Bishop & Doctor of The Church
Beloved of ML8
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On the subject of The Most Prestigious Trophy in World Football is it true that Pele,Maradona,Cruyff,Eusebio,Platini,Gullit,Hagi,van Basten,Stoichkov,Zico,Weah and Beckenbauer are all coming to the game this weekend just to glimpse the Grail like Trophy as it's paraded round at halftime?
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tmc
I hope the Youth Cup proves to be irrelevant in the grand scheme of things as well.
I can say that now Edward has gone to bed.
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tmc
I hope the Youth Cup proves to be irrelevant in the grand scheme of things as well.
I can say that now Edward has gone to bed.
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ps Wee Bobby Charlton was going to come as well but he's washing his hair.
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Neg Anon from 1:08. Apologies for only picking part of your post but I was not part of your debate on Seville. SO for the part I have taken.
I would not want celtic in £100m debt - but I do not want celtic in £0 debt - it is inefficient from a a capital perspective and makes no business or indeed footbal sense.
If the board do not spend (on transfer fees) between £15 and £20m this close season they are taking the support for fools.
I want us to buy the correct players at a correct price. Would you have been happy spending the £12 m on Flo or even the alleged £2m on Thomson from Hibs when we thought his worth was £1m?
I want us to go and buy as big as we can get and afford at a price that is right not go and buy for buys sake so we can somehow appease the fans into thinking we are in the big market.
We wont get many top class players at the peak of their prowess coming to us due to the market we are in.
Lets just say this I would rather have a Lubo than a Flo...
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anyone fancy Joey Barton as the Marquee signing?
Trouble -yes
But talented, very good player
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You know what the team is missing for this weekend's game?
Players with a proven history of sticking it right up them.The King,big Johan,Bobo,Lubo,Sir Chris Sutton,Thommo,wee Shaun,Lambo and last but by no means least John Verylarge of Hartson won't be on the teamsheet for the kind of game they used to excel at.
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Antsman,no.no.no.no.no.no.no.no.no.
Makes Lee Bowyer look like a Corinthian Casual.
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antsman
I would love to see Barton at CP.
As you suggest he's a total looney but good player.
He reminds me a bit of Bellamy the way he attracts trouble.
On another subject.
I see the press have remembered there is a Rangers game on Saturday.
I am going to keep a list of the players who will be leaving CP and the transfer targets "stolen " by other clubs due to " Celtic's rigid wage structure".
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Weeron @ 0159
Now then, now then, talking sense on the subject of finance and transfers, and the transfer window not even open yet - don't be such a spoilsport.
NegAnon @ 0108
From one "auld hand" (semi-retired) to another, it's a bit boring to have to go over ancient ground, but just for the scratched record: you talk about an accounting loss being 'manufactured' post-Seville. There are two things you might be referring to, both of which we did to death years ago.
1 MON spent c.£25M in his first year or so at the club. Instead of declaring a £25M loss in that year - which would have been stupid, as Celtic held the players' registrations instead of the cash - we wrote the money off over the life of their contracts at c.£6M p.a. EXACTLY as every other football club in the UK does in its accounts. It's called amort... well, let's not go there again. It's called normal accounting practice.
2 Celtic had lost £20M or so over previous years. That meant that if and when we made a profit, we would 'save' around £6M in tax compared to a company that didn't have those losses. The accounts were showing that £6M as an asset. ON THE ADVICE OF CELTIC'S AUDITORS the board wrote it off, on the grounds that there was no short-term prospect of the profit being made - and indeed, losses continued for the next 3 years.
You made a big song and dance about this at the time, alleging that it was clear evidence of a board conspiracy to defraud other shareholders, which to date you are still the only person who has spotted. As this was beyond my own limited experties, I took the trouble to ask a senior tax partner at PWC (who has no interest in football) about it. He confirmed that a) he would have given the same advice to the board - indeed he would have insisted on it; and b) the only surprise was that the auditors had ever allowed the tax 'asset' to be shown as such. I posted this at the time, but you have ignored it ever since despite various reminders.
So, there is NOTHING in the Celtic accounts post-Seville to suggest that the board were 'manufacturing' anything other than a fair view of the club's finances at the time. Resurrecting these debunked claims is rather lame, even if you do have a deep-rooted suspicion of the board and ther motives. There's nothing wrong with that of course, so long as you retain a sense of balance and don't allow allow your scepticism to spill over into something more extreme. Unsubstantiated, and even disprovable, suggestions of criminal behaviour on the part of people who seem to be doing a pretty good job can only be damaging to the club we both love. Let's not go there again... pretty please.
Finally, if the board spend between £15M and £20M (net) in the transfer market, I will take THEM for fools, and will worry far more about Celtic's future than if the spend is more in line with our means - which is probably £5-10M net following a particularly good year. And as greenlion2 has just pointed out, how MUCH you spend determines what is possible, but how WELL you spend determines what really happens. I'll take a smart CEO and manager (IMO we have both) over a profligate or reckless board (and thank heavens, we have neither), every day of the week.
NeilR
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Morning Champions.... Oh and Edward...
Hail Hail
HappyClapperCSC
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michael he is a class player, he is creative and has the drive we miss. I know he is trouble but so as is rightly pointed out is bellamy
I see this morning its Danny Shittu again, Bobo mark 2. he has not impressed me at watford
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There's trouble,and there's trouble.Stubbing out a lit cigar on a teammate's eye is a bit strong for my taste.
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Collie,
OK
It's a Scottish singer who's "going oot oan a limb!"
Well, that could apply to recent John Martyn concerts- are we signing Obafemi Martens?
But then you said- "He is famous for Anti-War songs"
Did John Martyn record an anti-war song?
Was Edwin Starr Scottish?
Is Boy George Scottish?
Is Robert Zimmerman from the Gorbals?
Am I still losing it?
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Joey Barton - a class player or evidence of the dumbing down of football? Joey Barton would feature in my midfield of over-rated / over-hyped money pits along with Jermaine Pennant, Bolo Zenden and Fat Frank Lampard.
He may have a bit of energy and drive but he's nae class.
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www.thelordofthewing.blogspot.com
we should be jealous of Liverpool...
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Paul67,
You've added a link at thre top of the page to a petition that is hoping to get disabled Celtic supporters access to away games against our Glasgow rivals. Do you know any more about the subject?
For instance, are only Celtic fans not currently allowed access or does it apply to all away supporters?
Indeed are there any facilities for disabled home supporters?
Do disabled supporters from all away teams ahve access at Celtic Park?
Hope you can answer these.
Cheers
Bangkokbhoy
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Joey Barton the footballer would be an excellent addition to Celtic.
Number 18 - the most hated man in scotland.... to quote a not so clever man who said to me this morning...
"he would happily lunge two footed with studs up into that role"...
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Donovan
anti-war but Maryhill not the Gorbals.
Chris
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thismancraig
having watched him play alot, he is a good dribble, his passing is excellent and he has an eye for goal, everything out centre midfield isn't.
i think the fact pennant and zenden are only in because of injuries/suspsensions shows they are not that rated. Lampard may be over rated doesn't mean he is not a good player
look on your own doorstep as well for overrated - hartley,gravesen,pressley,caldwell all come to mind
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Donovan
...from another Galaxy.
Chris
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KevinG
I agree, somewhat, with the piece. I've often posited the idea of a 'singers amnesty' for season ticket distribution to my friends. My understanding of human nature is that a lot of supporters would apply for something like that to be 'amongst it' as opposed to be 'a part of it' - And that is not Celtic's fault, that's our modern society as a whole. A case of getting what you want rather than what you deserve. Although the swathe of seats that becomes empty at halftime for matters social and hospitable can be depressing.
But then, speaking as an ex-smoker - I can readily remember me rushing out my seat at halftime to accomodate my 'fix' so who am I to snipe?
Deserving or Well intentioned does not compare fiscally to affordability.
Here's a couple of instances of the free market economy that tell me the Jungle Bhoys pilgrimage will be a wasted journey.
A social and fiscal aspirant I know, of whom I was a friend at one time, took me out to his car to show me the two DVD players he had had fitted to the headrests of his car. 'Watch this' he said as he pressed play for some or other visual bullcack. He caught me smirking and this made him ask why. I queried the logic in buying these things when the furthest he would travel, ever, in his car would be the centre of Glasgow -And then very rarely with both his kids in tow. He replies 'I know but they look good.'
A chap who's initials are DP sells cars in ML3. Very expensive cars too. Like those Bentley's with the sleek back end all the footballers are purchasing. He has been heard to state that he feels he started selling those cars too cheaply (Circa 140-160K) as every Tom, Dick and Harry has one. It lowers the prestige of ownership.
So it would seem that it's not always the number of bums on seats - maybe more a case of how rich the actual bum is.
4 things at £100 and 100 things at £4 amount to same on paper but for anything corporate the first looks the easier/shorter road to travel.
Football I'm glad to say (At this point in time) needs both of the above - the guys with big bucks and the guys with just bucks. But God help us if we end up with ticket prices a la Spurs etc.
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Does James McFadden not come from the Gorbals?
Also I remember an interview a couple of years ago with a Portsmouth player who was from the Gorbals or his family were.
I think he spent time in Italy as a youngster. Haven't a clue about his name.
For anyone interested this month's 442 has a good article on the Lisbon Lions.
Also a good piece about youth development in Brazil.
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Bangkokbhoy taken from the petition sticky on Celticminde
I dont know if it is 100% factual but.
YOU'RE DISABLED, YOU'RE A CELTIC FAN, YOU WANT TO GET INTO IBROX..SORRY BUT YOU'RE BANNED;
EXCLUSIVE
RANGERS bosses have been accused of discrimination for banning disabled Celtic fans from Ibrox.
Celtic are the only club in the Scottish Premier League whose wheelchair-bound fans are denied access to the ground.
Rangers blame the ban on segregation restrictions during Old Firm matches - and say work will be undertaken in the summer to provide access for disabled Celtic fans in time for next season.
But last night, a spokesman for the Association of Disabled Football Supporters said: "This is discrimination. It's disgusting and we plan to write to Rangers about this.
There is no reason why Rangers can't accommodate disabled Celtic fans."
Disabled fans from every other SPL football side are granted access to Ibrox stadium when their clubs travel there for away matches.
Rangers say building work is required before access can be granted and promised the necessary upgrades will be carried out during the close season. Last night Celtic fan Joe Clark, from Chapelhall, Lanarkshire, said: "I need a wheelchair to attend matches. Ibrox is the only stadium in the SPL that I can't get into, yet every other club is granted access for disabled fans.
"Segregation is a serious issue and I know that safety has to be a priority for clubs. Why has it taken until 2007 to allow Celtic fans into the stadium?"
A Rangers spokesperson said:
"All Scottish clubs currently have access with the exception of Celtic, simply because of the strict segregation arrangements.
"Celtic are allocated the entire Broomloan Stand when they visit, but the design and toilet access at this location are proving more difficult to overcome. The club's architect is currently developing plans to achieve this."
Celtic, who provide access for disabled Rangers fans when the Old Firm play at Parkhead, declined to comment.
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neil
thanks for a very interesting and well-informed post. i've bookmarked it for future reference.
yesterday peter ridsdale was quoted as saying that if he was still in charge leeds wouldnt be in the mess they are now. where to start.
i spoke to my brother in law who is a kopite about the semi-finals and possible finals. he said he would rather get beaten in the semis than lose to man united in the finals - it would mean he would have to leave the country or give up on football entirely. when i said how much that suprised me he asked how it would be for me as a celtic supporter if we got beat by rfc in the cl final and if i would feel the same about it as he does.
pennant and zenden arent in because of suspensions. benitez chose to leave out xavi alonso last night and play stevie gerrard in the middle. it looked ot me that he wanted two genuine wide men on the pitch. it looked liek it worked as well - pennant gave "the best left back in the world" a torrid old night of it.
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Thanks GL2
hopefully that's not a piece of lazy journalism, but if it is true, then why is it only being brought to light now?
Hopefully RFC buck up their ideas there.
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This happened in 1891 :-
Scottish Football League
darnel 1 Celtic 2 (Madden,Dowds)
att - 10,000
We were docked four points this season along with Third Lanark and Cowlairs for 'rule infringement'. The title was shared between Dumbarton and the darnel after a play-off resulted in a 2-2 draw so one of their championships is actually half a championship in fact it's a onship
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What do you all make of the latest strike sensation to be linked with Celtic by the meeja?
Could we be looking at a new front line next season of BBJ & BBJ?
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wg
does that mean they have to remove one of the pointy bits from one of their five stars?
the scottish sun has us linked with signing 6' 4" nigerian born watford centre back danny shittu. they wish.
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NegativeAnon
“Where is my debate”.
Let’s not go into how overtly rude it is to continually harangue, moan and even threaten to withdraw your contribution to the site should the host not bow to your demands, but instead let’s examine the article of Monday April 23rd , 2007 entitled “Only God Almighty can stop Strachan now”
‘Your debate’ as you call it is one that you have admitted to already formulating a post on in respect of your position. To paraphrase you “Put up the post, Paul and I’ll issue my response”. Now I’m not sure what you were expecting as a stance from the site’s host but it appears to me that you really needed the original post to fit with your reply. Perhaps to champion the cause of the supporter against accusations of consumerism? I don’t know. What I do know is the opportunity was very openly given in the above referenced article. Let me quote you back a few lines from that article:
“While society changes around us and supporting a football team changes, influenced in some way by the internet, we need to try hard, harder than any of our forefathers, to make sure that supporting Celtic does not change.”
“We live in a time when adults behave like toddlers, demanding instant gratification because they live in a consumer society where they have been taught to demand such.”
“We are not part of the instant gratification society.”
“We need to ensure our words, “win lose or draw” remain more than empty platitudes.”
“Our manager, like our board before him, has endured the most begrudging acceptance from far too many people. Those among us who undermine his position must now cease and desist before God Almighty decides to punish them by giving them what they want.”
Now tell me NagativeAnon, what on earth would make you think that this kind of language would not make any comment on being a “supporter” relevant. Was the timing of the article wrong for you, or the wording? It came and you decided not to post. Why?
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bcuk
re lenny at iborx on saturday bbj said:
"It wouldn't surprise me at all if he was clapped off by the Rangers fans," he said.
cough splutter choke.
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Watchow, I think he meant "cr_pped on", not "clapped off".
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Ulysses- have pasted yer comments- most welcomed- on LOTW.
will comment there.
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watchow -
I would deem it highly undignified if the darnelists have claimed as theirs the championship awarded also to Dumbarton.
If they have then I'm claiming the withheld Scottish Cup of 1909 and the first team to win it three times in succession.
they'll be claiming a European Cup win next - what will they be after now, the Eurovision Song Contest ? after all their anthems have been the most studied in Europe this season.
I say ban them and spuds and mancers and mothers.
WG The Voice of Reason
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Anstman
Pennant and Zenden last night started Liverpool's biggest game of the season ahead of amongst others Zabi Alonso. Lampard, I don't see it - he is continually referred to as some sort of twin axis 'best midfielder' in the world. He's not even in the top 10, good players earn their reputations against top teams, not West Ham and Charlton.
Which brings me to your last point, shall I merely judge my footballing opinion against Celtic players? Anyway I disagree with 3 of your 4.
Hartley, Pressley and Caldwell are decent players, I've yet to hear anyone suggest they are anything more than that. Gravesen? He's Annoni for the millenium, as long as you've got a bald head and you're a bit of a madskull then you're a cult hero.
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tickets just arrived for saturday, don't know if I can make it, still awaiting arrival of grandchild No 1, no doubt he will make an appearance before saturday, long way from surrey to ibrox, never mind there's always next season, No 1 grandchild comes 1st.
oh nappy days
hail hail
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It looks like Naka's The Mhan... again!
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thismancraig -
Curly will be pleased
WG
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Been trying to post but encountered some technical difficulties.
NeilR - good to hear from you again - hope you are well wherever you are these days.
On your point - yes indeed you have repeated what was said - however the net effect of the write off was to make the performance look bad - we have also seen Celtic create reserves for Celtic TV (for what purpose we do not know) - and please don't pretend that accounts of companies tell the true picture - it just doesnt happen like that and thats what top accountants are paid for.
But I agree - lets not rake over old ground. I am not pleading for us to spend irresponsibly - I never have - but since Seville we have seen an incredibly modest spend for a club the size of Celtic - now, when we are being told that celtic have never been in such rude financial health we should be spending very modestly again. £5-£10M is it? We have seen debate after debate on this site about what a decent spend is - as I remember the general consensus was it was around £7M a year without CL money. Last year we made a profit on transfer dealing and yet we are being told to expect only between £5 and £10M.
It is absolutely correct that we should not follow clubs like Leeds and Rangers. However the fans invest their money every year and have a right to see that money invested in the team. In my opinion we are being short changed here. Bringing up the ghost of Leeds every time really is missing the point - and indeed makes me suspicious over motive.
As for how well you spend the money - well that really is crucial - who is disagreeing? Greelion - of course I would want as many Lubos as we can get!!
BlantyreKev
You tell me I am being rude - tell me what is the purpose of this site? Is it to debate points in an open and consrtuctive manner? Or is for us all to simply compliantly worship what we are told to worship.
If it is the latter then I'm off...
Paul criticised the celtic support in a previous post and I challenged him to a debate on this - which he accepted but did not have - I have reminded him several times and he again reiterated he would do so.
In my opinion the debate is fundamental to the club - I see a growing division within the support which needs to be healed.
I cannot see how my requests for a debate are rude.
On the substance of your post I do not agree that the "God Almighty" post was intended to debate what it is to be a celtic supporter - would there be any need to hide such a debate within another thread.
Quite frankly I found the wording on that particular thread rather worrying - I was reminded of the right wing christians in the States - who are simply another sect of religious fundamentalists - I did not enter the debate because I was sure that Paul didn't mean it that way. The general tenor of the article was to remind us how rare it is to retain a league title. I did note it contained some barbs towards the support - but I want this debate out in the open and on its own - not hidden away with some throwaway comments.
I am struck by the lack of respect certain sections of the support have to their fellow supporters - it smacks of an unpleasant snobbery.
So I will ask once again and for the final time - Paul - will you have the debate or not?
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An Interesting article from e-tims
E-Tims
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wee shug @ 11.42
Maybe a wee shove might produce a result for you before Saturday.
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Hi all,
Heard a rumour last night…. (It was from a man in a pub (sorry), but he did used to work at Celtic Pk and does have some contacts there). He recons there are plans to build a new stadium, at the other side of the Forge. Don’t think there’s anything in it myself, but I guess if there is, then this is the place to find out.
Paul, did I miss the business deal you were counting down to in Jan, is it still on the cards?
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Neg Anon. I just jumped on during my lunch and I saw your post. I probably wont be on again before 10 tonight if at all tonight but I am interested in what the actual debate is that you want to have with Paul as I think I missed the original point. Is it customer versus supporter?
Lets get it onto the table and then we can all debate it if it has not already been done before.... which I imagine it has and I as usual have missed it.
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settingfreethebears
My guess on the Scottish singer connected to the Gorbals who has recorded an anti-war song would be Fran Healy of Travis as the band's song Beautiful Occupation was about the war in Iraq.
This would give us David Healy of Leeds as the striker being linked.
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Thank God for the Blantyre Kev's of the blog, who can articulately respond to the incessant attention seekers who seek to bait Paul for being pro - Celtic.
My father used to refer to people who would stubornly refuse to alter their opinion in the face of refutable evidence, as " invincibly ignorant"
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wg
according to a recent on-camera quote from murray its now "52 and counting. we welcome the chase."
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watchow -
if McFlurry is 52 then I'm a darnelist mongoose ! He's also (along wi NAFOS) one of the few people I could chase and actually catch.....
I welcome the Real Ale festival.
WalkingpacedGemmell
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Hi Tom,
My dad used to have a name for those who slavishly accepted all wisdom delivered to them - gullible sheep!
Keep smiling!!
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new article posted.
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Greenlion - no debate yet - just a few throwaway comments!!
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Neg Anon from last post,
Baaaa,. :>)
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Neg Anon from last post,
Baaaa,. :>)
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hello! Em'day here?
It's awfy quiet the day, is it no'?
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Plato
Very very quiet.
