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Strange the way everthing went all quiet on the corruption scandal.
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Zbyszek,
nah, blood pressure has returned to normal and normal neighbourly relations have been restored.
Maybe they'll invite me round next time :)
Mike
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'ello 'ello 'ello....
( we're not the billy boys )
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Paul67
I sense you know more than you're letting on..
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if nobody else has beaten me to it
sorry Paul
this is a must read
I am recording all these anti-Aiden diatribes to re-post in the not too distant future when we have one of the fully matured stars of European football on our books - and a dyed in the wool Celtic supporting one at that.
Let me just put a marker down here!
Aiden McGeady does not have 'the excuse' of being the young up and coming star any more in fact I never subscribed to that view anyway; basically if you are good enough etc...
He does however deserve the recognition that in the first half of last season he not only performed at a consistently high level but was touted week in week out as Naka's only serious rival for Player of the Year.
After the New Year he faded. In fact so did every other 'creative' department of the team, with the one shaft of light being the resurrection of Shunsuke's sunbeam at Killie.
In fact so much were we on the back-foot during that period that Lee Naylor rocketed to main challenger to Shunsuke.
If you really think you want rid of Aiden, I suggest you sit through every game last year again and see who it was that had the fans on the edge of their seats wherever and whenever he got the ball, who even at CP caused a rumble verging on roar to go round the cloistered silence, who NEVER hid, and was always available to receive the ball and go on that 60 or 80 yard run and relieve the pressure, or even who would turn games at Hibs, Falkirk, Motherwell, Inverness and who in the first two games against 'them' was simply a class apart.
For those who wish to categorise his ability into the pigeon hole of statistics, I again suggest that you go back and watch again, this time with the negative filters removed.
Don't just count the short passes under/overhit, don't just recollect the long sweeps that were misdirected, don't just remember Alan Hutton having one and a half good games, and for 'being an apology for a footballer', 'Having no football brain', 'punt him', these sentiments do not even deserve a response.
Look instead at the number that find their target, look at the change in demeanour of the crowd and the attitude of the team when he comes on, look at the two or three opposing players who are dragged out of position, look at the frantic gesticulation in the technical areas, see the cut outside, the cut inside, the massive improvement in tackling, the team support, the effort and the desire, and most of all probably since De Canio hear on a regular basis, and always said with a broad grin, ‘did you ****** see that’.
Aiden needs to score more, shoot more, and do more.
The thing is that every season since his debut he has done exactly that! Shot more scored more, tackled more, passed more, crossed more!
He has also stuffed more blinkered opinions back down the throats of irrational critics every season since he was 15.
And yet every year the same opinions from the same mouths are regurgitated in the hope that the vomit will stick. Why?
What is this thing that we have against him! This seems more than a football opinion. I don’t believe it is but when I reprise the negative opinions to any non-Celtic fan, home or abroad, I am accused of essentially winding them up.
Yes he was overawed at Manchester, so were a few others. But he was magnificent in Milan as were a few others. Yes he does something brilliant and then will maybe lose the ball or see a pass go astray. That is the profile of players who live at the cutting edge and are constantly trying for that one move that will bring that one opportunity that will result in that one goal that will make that big difference.
Keep trying it for Celtic’s sake Aiden!
I don't know if he will go on to achieve what I believe he is capable of, but the chances are that he will, especially when he is at a club that he loves and one that hopefully will encourage and support him.
I also hope that Deek develops into a player that we can laud from the slopes of Paradise, but those who think he is not in because of some irrational 'grudge' must also think that Gordon Strachan would prefer to lose a match, perhaps lose the dressing room, and ultimately lose his job because of a 'grudge'.
Derek is not playing regularly because he is judged at the moment not to be contributing enough and on the evidence of last season I would say that while he also excites, his delivery leaves a disappointed hollow feeling 'so far'!
It’s clear that opinions and judgements on Aiden are polarised.
After all some (and again I have sympathy for the player in that only 11 can be on the park) now see Teddy B as a natural and more effective replacement.
Teddy is a superbly skilled player and like Aiden played most of his reserve and u19 games in the middle of mid-field.
I think he should be given a regular chance and even a reasonable number of starts but until he has gone through that learning process and played with the big Bhoys who 'must win' every week, then no way does he merit a de facto first pick position. But what a marvellous player and what a great Celtic bred duo (well one and a half) to have.
2 years ago Man U wanted rid of the 21 year old sand dancer, one trick pony that was Christian Ronaldo. Inn 2001 PSG hawked the 21 year old Ronaldinho around clubs because of his waywardness and lack of discipline. In 1965 Jock Stein wanted rid of 19 year old Jimmy Johnstone.
JJ and Christian Ronaldo stayed to prove in the most emphatic way possible just how wrong their critics were.
PSG were lucky because 2 years later when he was 23, Ronaldinho moved on for 21 million big ones having proven himself on the world cup stage. He is only now approaching his peak!
In terms of natural talent, I don't think I have seen better coming through the youth than Aiden McGeady.
'Perfect player, do no wrong, untouchable' - No! That applies to no-one.
'Marvellously skilled player, who can be a match-winner, plays football the Celtic way, frustrating, fan with boots on, Alex Rae's dentist, Bazza's nemesis, probably 6/7 years away from being at his best, THE example to every single wean with the glint of glory and the passion for kissing the green grass of paradise, ' - absolutely!
Let’s not look back in years to come to regret the day that Celtic, the club, the team, and the support became no more than a short-termist spinning door with no visionary eye to the future, and no romantic notion of the past.
After all are we not 'more than a football club'.
Hail hail
Estadio (a wee bit of an Aiden McGeady fan)
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Pgtips
You blame the coaching staff at Celtic Park for Aiden McGeady’s failings.
How magnanimous of you.
Natural athleticism is hereditary, it cannot be coached.
Just doesn’t work that way.
You either got it or you haven’t.
In the past certain individuals gave Aiden a hard time for being too lightweight.
I had empathy with their observations.
Aiden bulks up a bit and looses a half yard in doing so.
Aiden is now too slow.
You can’t have it all.
Short passing, he equals and surpasses that criteria.
Long passing, he is not a play maker.
Shooting, he draws two sometimes three opponents, if his midfield team mates find it hard to keep up with him and if his strikers can’t lose their markers and give him an angle, that is not his fault.
Anticipation, of what?
Teamwork???????????
Strength?????????????
Tackling, when did he become the ball winner?
Stamina now your having a laugh.
Somebody else moaned that he heads for the byline before cutting back.
Yeah and your problem is?
Was it not one of the late, Great Jock Steins favourite stratagies?
Get the ball to the byline and cut it back for others to run onto.
Or was it only effective then?
Have you ever stopped to think that he may be playing to instruction?
Have you ever stopped to think about the number of fouls he draws?
Have you ever stopped to think that in a fair and equitable league where MIB actually do the job they are paid to do, his style of play would account for, Numerous, Numerous, Yellow and maybe even the odd Red card?
And all the time he is the one who takes the hits. He is the one that goes back for more. He is the one that has to endure unqualified, and cynical crap from so called supporters.
From your list you neglected to include
Skill
Passion
Vision
Heart
Effort
Fear of disappointment
Commitment
Confidence
Professionalism
Will to win
Attitude
With the exception of Confidence he has all the above character traits in an abundance.
I could go on but I can’t think of much more to say.
I think it is all the fault of my English teachers They didn’t teach me right.
I don’t know if the boy is going to be another Jimmy Johnstone.
I doubt it.
But maybe if we cut him a bit of slack he might just turn out to be Aiden McGeady.
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Hanif, still laughing at your first comment.
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Hey Pablo,
where ye been?
Surely no another forward Paul.
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At Wattie Smith's interview for the job...
DM: Walter, do you have a Police record?
WS: Yes Dave, I do.
DM: Well actually I have their first two albums, but the second one was on CD. Personally I prefer Sting's solo stuff.
WS frowns.
WS: (Mutters under his breath) Not that type of record ya wazzock.
DM: Sorry Walter, did you say something.
WS: Er no, it was just my tummy rumbling.
DM: Right. Now where were we. Of yes, what newspaper do you buy?
WS: None actually, I get them all delivered free, courtesy of the various editors. We have a special relationship.
DM: Excellent, obviously a man of influence.
WS: Something like that.
DM: And when can you start?
WS: Where's my office? Oh, and can you make sure my name isn't on the door please... I'd prefer a wee sign that says "Laundry Room", just in case any undesirables come looking for me.
DM: Of course, no problem. I know exactly what you mean.
DM winks.
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Paul
It is so transparent.
I know five year old kids who display more imagination than what Rangers pay their PR �experts� for.
I actually wanted them to sign Naismith. I really did.
He would not have come cheaply no matter how much of a Rangers fan he says he is.
A tactic and eloquent retreat, but a retreat none the less.
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Aiden is one of the brightest talents celtic and the republic have.
We might see more of this talent if he played in the centre. I think his amazing skill wil see him develop into playing in the gap behind two strikers.
MCGeady will be a celtic legend if we don't force him out first.
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It seems like Rangers were still having informal discussions with Naismiths agent over the weekend but talks broke down again.
Apparently the agent couldn't meet Martin Bain's personal terms...
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Singing telegram for Mr. Naismith...
Naisy, Naisy, give us your answer do,
Our man Martin - he's on a nice wee screw,
His stuffed envelopes are manilla,
And he likes a holiday villa,
He's got one in France,
But there's every chance,
That he'd like one in Ayrshire too.
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Hi Kano. Stuck in deepest, darkest Dumfries and Galloway. Only got back on-line a week ago. Due to work restriction, ie don't want to get caught frittering my time on 'tinterweb (changed days !!!????), I can't post.
I may be nearer to you in the not-too-distant future, fingers crossed.
pablophanque
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Told you to consider it a wee while ago.
Best of luck
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Pablo
welcome back
KL Petronas Twin Towers,1997, Yes?
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The Bungs have painted themselves into a corner with this Naismith business reminding me of our dear departed custodians cack handed parsimony.
Surely a crisis when a club of their stature cannot afford a decent drink for everybody involved.
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Kitalba, Estadio, gweedorebhoy - agree absolutely on Aiden - I'm sure I'm not the only one to look forward to seeing what he can do every time he's on the pitch.
Caught a glimpse of him at the weekend on one of Setenta's SPL snapshots - it was the old firm game remembered by me for Kenny Miller's goal - a cracker (just a shame it was one of the few). Anyway, what I'd forgotten was that it was set up by Aiden picking up the ball in defence and driving the length of the pitch, jinking past some scattered huns and playing a lovely through ball to KM. He also set up Graveson's goal that day I think.
I hope to see more of the same this season and for many years to come - I agree he's improved every season and can't wait to see him in action back where he belongs in paradise.
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Aiden Mcgeady is what makes punters like me pay Setanta a monthly sub and travel to CP from the south of Europe a number of times a year.
He'll never play every game like George Best at his peak (did Best ever do those wonderful things 40 games a season ???) - but he's the best on the left we've had in donkey's....and he has still to mature.
Leave wee McGreedy alone !!!
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Are the contributors who wish to see the back of Aiden Mc.Geady the same scribes who hanker to see football played " the Glasgow Celtic Way", I wonder?
For the guy who thinks that getting to the goal line, before crossing, is a fault, then I'm afraid he's following the wrong game.
It is the most difficult ball to defend against and pre-dates Big Jock.
Anyway, must head out soon to meet Mr.90. We'll pay our respects at the site of the cutting of the centre circle for the refurbished Celtic Park.
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Estadio,
I owe you an apology.
In my haste to copy your post, from the last thread to this one, I did not highlight the fact that those written words were yours and yours alone.
I salute you, your passion and your faith.
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Regarding Aiden, can I just add that over and above the general mailaise that overtook our team in the latter half of the season I, countless times, saw Aiden, as usual courting minimum two opposing players, having no outlet for a pass - NL and PH sitting very deep, with Naka on the other side and no midfielder who pushed on like Stan (Though Tommy G did in the first part of the season).
For all this Aiden still tried to do whatever he could, and yes it broke down a lot, but with no midfield support or 'cute' forwards to drag and make space then most times it was going to break down. I don't, could not, mind any Celtic player trying and failing and this is the category that Aiden has fallen into, but not through his own making. There were a few guys in the hoops that simply were not trying last season - Zurawski for one and for a 'different' kind of not trying, Tommy G.
I look forward to Aiden playing alongside Massimo and Scott Brown and having McDonald up in front of him. And if this is the season where he polishes his crossing ability and scoring then well and good. Talent - plain and simple.
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Afternoon all,
I can see the attraction in bringing in someone with the attributes of Naismith. He is very quick, very direct, scores goals and has plenty of SPL experience behind him. He is the very definition of 'potential' much like Scott Brown is from the midfield area.
Looking at the Celtic squad right now, I will put on my totally unqualified hat again and offer an opinion in the pace available:
Genuine pace = Milller and Brown
Quick = McDonald, Gravesen
Fast = Wilson, Balde, Hartley, McGeady
Now i know being quick isn't the key ingredient to making a good player but I still think the squad may be a little light on genuine pace.
Miller should be the kind of attacker for us that can sit on the shoulder and make penetrating runs (with or without the ball) but his goal and chance creation return just hasn't been up to par so far.
Further, neither naka nor Aiden have the kind of out ball where they can knock it wide and run their man down so perhaps this is an area where our manager is looking for such an option?
#8
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Estadio.
Brilliant as usual.
Aiden should have you in the room when he negotiates his next contract.
The word I want to use is nurture.
Instead of jumping on his back every time he loses a ball we should be encouraging him to win it back and try again. His is an unique and exciting talent and we should enjoy, savour and marvel.
'GG who needs to get back to the grindstone.
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The Guardian (a thoughtful English newspaper) runs a sportsblog, where articles that may or may not appear in the print version are published as the starting-point for debate. They've just put up a piece about WGS:
Explain yourselves
It might be worth putting in a few comments apropos the writer's comments on 'cultural background'; also Seville, and 6-2 and managers who wear 'heart on sleeve'.
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I just watched 1969 cup final against the huns on Celtic Tv.
"the Glasgow Celtic Way" consisted of a lot of long balls and counter attacks. Beautiful football it wasnt.
We won 4-0 mainly due to rangers ineptitude but I'll be controversial and say they played the better looking passing football.
Yet Celtic knew how to get the result. Playing "the Glasgow Celtic Way" when unraveled rather differs than the Myth used to berate our current side.
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Paul,
I'm not sure you are your usual accurate self on this one.....
I'll bet you a pint.....not just any pint.....I'll bet you THAT pint that Naismith signs for Teddy's mob before this transfer window closes.
All you have to do is find a pub,,,::))
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Big Liam,
The team of that era was built on pace and counter attacking. This was particularly true against Rangers who had some particularly good sides during the late 60's and early 70's.In the particular game you mention we were without Jinky and Yogi stein adapted the tactic to play Lennox wide left and Chalmers wide right stretching the Rangers defence by continually playing diagonals .
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deliasmith
good article however the author does exactly waht he accuses celtic fans of doing and sees all the good in strachan and none of the bad.....exactly what he is saying the celtic support do with o neil
there are also various contradictions
playing thommo despite form - sound like what wgs done with hartley/pressley
he also neglects to mention 2 of the most embarassing results in out history hammered by bratislava and humbled by clde whose whole team practically was from a mass trial that summer
it was interesting but i felt unbalanced
I agree with some people just don't like gordon strachan the person and thats it
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I have to say, I would pay more to see Derek Riordan actually perform in the left MF role than to see Aiden, for the most part, fail to deliver the final ball
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Phone call from my man who's up at CP at the moment.
1. If you relocated this year check if your 'points' have been transferred to your new card. His 500 or so trading points have gone up the flu' and he is not a happy chappy. The queue outside the ticket office is very long as well!
2. If you are staying overnight in Newcastle (he's decided to go after all)be aware that on the Friday there is a Signalman's strike which will affect rail services on the way back through Scotland. He's taking the car, but this is nothing to do with the strike since he is intending to get battered and stay overnight anyway.
SW
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kitalba,
you forgot about the AC Milan game in the san Siro where MgGeady was allowed to play in his natural position 'in the hole'. The experienceed Milan defence did not know how to handle his energy, ball control, trickery or vision. i also notice that Aiden will play on the left without moaning purely because it means he is playing in the team he loves, this cannot be said of other players in the past!
I also have to agree with Ulysses McGhee in that a large majority of the support do not seem to be aware of the role that aiden provides when playing on the left. He usually has 2 or 3 men man-marking his 'Zone' when he is on the ball. This should enable him to slip the ball inside to the supporting Central Midfielders but alas they do not always support his efforts .
I sometimes feel alot of the grief aiden has to put up with is due to the fact that he choose to play with Eire rather than his country of birth. Sometimes people with a strong scottish heritage do not understand what it mean would mean to those with a strong Irish background to be able to play for the republic. Would the same criticism's be given if it were A socts-indian choosing to play for India, i think not. I for one would love to be in Aidens shoes being able to play for Celtic and for the Republic.
D_D
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dziekanowskis_dazzlers,
Great point re Aiden's lack of support at times. It often appeared last season that he was the only out ball, and that other players expected him to beat three men every time.
With Brown & Donati in central midfield I can see Aiden attracting players to him and then playing a quick pass inside into space. I think he will revel in a quicker midfield.
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I think a big part of the problem is that Aiden, Deek and Naka are all played in a rigid 4-4-2 which suits none of them. For my money Aiden and Naka adapt best to this tactical decision.
I would like to see a bit of experimentation in format, especially against side we know are going to defend with 10 men behind the ball, and a thug up front kicking evrything that moves, hoping to score from a set-piece i.e. TFOD
I also think that a lot of the plaudits Naylor was getting was down to Aiden creating space for him.
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I think a big part of the problem is that Aiden, Deek and Naka are all played in a rigid 4-4-2 which suits none of them. For my money Aiden and Naka adapt best to this tactical decision.
I would like to see a bit of experimentation in format, especially against side we know are going to defend with 10 men behind the ball, and a thug up front kicking evrything that moves, hoping to score from a set-piece i.e. TFOD
I also think that a lot of the plaudits Naylor was getting was down to Aiden creating space for him.
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Estadio
So, ye dinna like jist whit ah say,
aboot da man dey ca' McGeady?
You like da guy? Well, den dat's o.k.,
but, AH tell it like it Lays,
His play da NOO is worth a BOO...
Nae maitter whit Ye SAYS!
Me?
Ah dinna care fur HISTORY,
Aboot whit he did in DAYS GONE BY!
An' tae compare him wi' ither players, is no germane, an' frankly..maks me Sigh!
It only tells me ye are Stretchin'.
in yer Defense o' him...an' disnae prove a thing!
It's Nuts, it's disnae amount tae wan whit....it's boarder, DING-a-LING!
Boattom line:
Tae many times, HE LOSES DA BA'!
He needs tae get it Together!
He Hesitates, He VACILLATES!
He is often....
IN A DITHER!
Ah hope ye RECORD, awe whit ah say,
although dat disna mak much Sense!
Fur EVERYBOADY knows jist how AH FEEL....
Fur ah ayeways talk in THE PRESENT TENSE!
Da PAST is GONE!
Thank, Boab fur dat!
And da FUTURE is still tae come!
BUT RICHT HERE, IN DA PRESENT TIME...
MCGEADY IS PLAYING LIKE... A BUM!!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin',Awaggin'
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23/07/07 15:31, dziekanowskis_dazzlers said
I sometimes feel alot of the grief aiden has to put up with is due to the fact that he choose to play with Eire rather than his country of birth. Sometimes people with a strong scottish heritage do not understand what it mean would mean to those with a strong Irish background to be able to play for the republic. Would the same criticism's be given if it were A socts-indian choosing to play for India, i think not. I for one would love to be in Aidens shoes being able to play for Celtic and for the Republic.'
I really didn't want to say what I have been thinking for a while...that BECAUSE he chose Eire he gets an easier ride from certain posters, shamrocked-shaped specs if you like.
So Aiden is now a cental-midfielder who needs to sit in the hole, oh well so we better get a left-sided attacker then.....midfield is getting fair crowded.
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Re Aiden
Anybody else tired of seeing Aiden cut inside and go for that curling shot that even your grannie could save ?
Well if you can, go back to our 3-1 win at Motherwell in early 2006. We were struggling at 1-1 when Aiden comes on as a sub. He goes inside and looks for the shot but is closed down. He goes back outside and hits a stunning shot with his left foot. He does it again a couple of minutes later. More than coincidence, I think.
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Sick-bag at the ready !!!!
The reprehensible Dawal King says...............
"WALTER SMITH spent his summer doing the transfer-market spade work that has brought nine new players and renewed belief to Ibrox.
Now the Rangers manager has just eight days to lay the foundations for what he hopes will be a path to the Champions League and a victorious SPL campaign.
Smith fielded five of his exciting new recruits in the starting line-up in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Falkirk in Alex Totten's testimonial - Carlos Cuellar, Lee McCulloch, Jean-Claude Darcheville, Alan Gow and DaMarcus Beasley.
And by the end of this competitive friendly match, Roy Carroll, Kirk Broadfoot and Andy Webster had all featured, leaving back-up keeper Graeme Smith as the only new acquisition unused.
Given that two of the other starters, Davie Weir and Kevin Thomson, only arrived at the club in January, Smith's stamp is now all over this team. A team full of quality, pace, brawn, guilt edged athleticism and technical ability.
But the major test for the Rangers boss is to get his players to hit the ground running...with the crucial first leg of their Champions League clash against either Zeta or Kaunas looming a week tomorrow at Ibrox. Rangers, almost certain to progress will want to use this game as a warmup for the real business in the following round.
The sands of time have shifted quickly, as they always do in pre-season. So just where do Rangers stand as they head into the final two warm-up matches against Ajax and Chelsea this week?
There were more positives than negatives against the Bairns, even if some players still have a bit to find and others must bring more to the party. Although the game was a draw, if the referee was to have scored the contest like a boxing match, Rangers would surely have carded a unanimous and resounding victory.
It is also obvious that another couple of additions are needed, especially on the right of midfield and up front - Steven Whittaker is very much on, Steven Naismith, foolishly has missed out on what would have been a dream move for the player. Sources within the Rangers camp are known to be incensed that he did not show the same determination that Julien Faubert showed during his protracted negotiations, which although ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrated his unequivocal desire to join a bigger club.
As for his favoured line-up, the Rangers manager appears to be edging towards a back five of the inimitable McGregor in goals, Alan Hutton, Weir, Cuellar and the re-invigorated Sasa Papac. In Hutton’s case this is like a new player for Smith. His progress has been nothing short of astonishing, with some commentators commenting tongue in cheek that he isn’t unlike a young Cafu, although I don’t think they are a million mile away from the truth. This is a player who will be one of the mainstays of this Rangers teams for years to come.
Skipper Ferguson, who looks as lean as he has in years and a couple of yards quicker, is certain to start, as is Lee McCulloch - although that could be in a number of positions, as he played three different roles at various times on Saturday after scoring the quickest goal of his career in just 22 seconds.
Kris Boyd, for all his overall game has to improve, is still the major goal threat at the club and is likely to get the nod. On the evidence of over 100 minutes of football in Hannover and Falkirk, the strong running and imagination of Darcheville would, all things being equal, provide Boyd with exactly the kind of partner he needs. He has all of the tools necessary for a powerful centre forward to ply his trade like a master craftsman. He has pace, guile, an eye for goal and I’m reliably informed that his nickname may well become ‘Donkey’, much in the same way as Tony Adams was given this honour in the Arsenal dressingroom of the 90s.
So that may only leave two positions up for debate right now, assuming Smith sees things in the same way as those of us who have watched Rangers come together over the past two weeks of pre-season.
The manager appears satisfied with where his preparations stand although, such is any gaffer's want, he would no doubt love to add a few more players before Wednesday’s Champions League deadline. He is known to have considerable funds left over from the unsuccessful attempt to lure Faubert to Ibrox and from the sale of Fernando Ricksen and Karl Svensson. That cash, combined with the probable funds from the sale of Thomas Buffel could amount to in excess of £8m, but it is unclear whether or not Smith will elect to use these funds in this window.
"It's going to take us a little bit of time to get everything right, certainly more time than we've had already, but there are a few things developing well," Smith said.
"We are starting to get a few things falling into place. There were good parts to our play at Falkirk, and some poor parts as well.
"Overall, I was pleased with the game and the run-out at the weekend. We used 21 players in total.
"We are now, effectively, finishing our pre-season. So we have two games where we will have to settle down and try and get as close to a team as we possibly can for our Champions League game a week tomorrow."
McCulloch has wasted no time in settling in. He took his tally to three in three games with a stunning opener, just as the fans were settling into their seats.
A quick break involving Darcheville and Ferguson saw the Scotland skipper clip over a cross from the left which was not cleared by the Falkirk defence.
McCulloch came on to the ball on the right hand side of the box and struck home a sweet shot that nestled in the corner of the net.
In the opening stages, Rangers played some incisive football, Darcheville hitting the post, as Ferguson broke forward almost at will to combine with his forwards.
But the shape of the team changed when Kevin Thomson went off, the former Hibs man collapsing and being sick after the effects of an ear infection before the game took over him. Before his departure the team looked to have a better control of the midfield and, although he is a different player than Scott Brown, he looks like he will fit much more snugly than Brown into the sleek Ibrox jigsaw.
Cuellar certainly looks to be a player capable of dealing with the physical side of the game. He was winning almost everything in the air and making good blocks, but switched off just four minutes into the second half, allowing Pedro Moutinho to hook a leg around him and lob the ball over Carroll.
The big Spaniard was raging with himself and he must learn that, in this part of the world, concentration is a must at all times.
In saying that he was one of several Gers players who were left shaking heir heads as Falkirk keeper Robert Olejnik proved to be a one-man barrier. Many of the saves were down to good fortune rather than any acts of heroism by the Falkirk stopper, after quite fantastic strikes by the Rangers forward line, which under normal circumstances would have bulged the net.
He defied McCulloch, Broadfoot, Adam and Cuellar with fortunate saves, while Burke and Boyd should also have scored when presented with good chances late on.
Falkirk boss John Hughes felt that Rangers were vastly improved on the team that has been pipped to the SPL title by Celtic in the past two seasons, and that they still had a couple of gears to find.
Smith will hope that those are moved through this week, with crunch time just around the next bend."
See............care-in-the-community just doesn't work. Get this clown out of Murray's a**e now !!!!
pablophanque
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Tobi
When it comes to AD and shooting my mind goes to banjoes and cows backsides missing each other.....
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Pablo,
It's a wind up mate, the guy took large chunks of King's article and "embellished" it a little. Although it's the sort of stuff he would write if allowed to.
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AM of course....
Time to lay off the bhoy from me. Let's see how the whole team develops over the next few weeks and months. For the record I think AM is a good team player, but rather limited in the skills some say he has.
He can only get better.(?)
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Pablo-do you feel the same way about DK that you do about Russell Brand?
I think he's right about the Pondlife having more brawn.This is not going to be Total Football,more like Ultimate Fighting.Another reason to look kindly on Dianbobo.
Anyways-if you've a spare minute try looking at www.maryportblues.com
One of the bands listed is Prussian Blue,but I thought they were those mad American twins who are white supremacists.Must be some kind of misprint.
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sdstim,
it does perhaps swing both ways but he is by far the most talented youngster we have produced in recent years although I feel Teddy Bjarnason may prove to be a better allrounder(although no tricks). To say he gains favouritism because he chose to play with the republic may be true in some respects but i say this as a son who has a passionate Donegal man as a father who had a smile as long as the clyde when Aiden 1st broke through but he is starting to have his doubts about him. I disagree with my father when he has doubts about McGeady and feel i look at it objectively. My father is well known in certain football circles and has helped find some of scotlands unknown talent that now ply or have plyed their talent in various scottish divisions yet when he starts to moan about Mcgeady not playing the way a Donegal man should, losing the ball etc. and I point out he has 2 or 3 players on him and that the midfield are not supporting him he usually concedes I'm right. He then usually reminds himself of the memory's he has of McGeady playing in the centre of midfield (alongside Beattie!) throughout his celtic youth career! so he is not "now a central-midfielder" he has always been one...currently playing out of position to the best of his ability and playing it well!
Collie, take into account McGEady playing out of his natural position, look at how he shields the ball under pressure, ask yourself how many times it is taken from him and then look at where McGeady's teammates are postioned when he has the ball at his feat, how many men are on them and around him and then ask yourself 'WHY' McGeady "is often....IN A DITHER", why 'HE LOSES DA BA', Now look at what i have written above!
The boy has talent and if supported cvorrectly will be a bright light for years to come...but he needs support...he is still a pup!
cheers,
D_D
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hee hee hee
"...like a young Cafu..."
LMAO here!!
G.
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Pablo
That's it then.
Where do we surrender?
Is there any point in unfurling the league flag?
Where do we send the league trophy?
We're doomed. Doomed I tell you.
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Tobi,
I think you've just answered the question about why he seemed very good at the start of last season, then faded...
Maybe the opposition managers just got wise to the predictability of his style of play and learned how to nullify it. The argument that other teams put 2 or 3 players on to him only serves to prove the point... They know he's going to shoot, so they just guide him inside and the goalie's ready for it.
SDSTIM...
Snap! I just didn't know how to put it as well as that.
And I don't hold to this argument that it's everyone else who's holding young Aiden's progress back. There's been plenty of times I've been screaming at the telly, "Give it!" when he's been in possession of the ball and a fellow team-mate has been in a scoring position, only to see him decide to take on one too may players and subsequently lose possession.
The argument regarding playing him inside against AC Milan? How many goals did he create?
The lay-off to Miller for the goal against Rangers only serves to prove that he is capable of brilliant play, but for some reason chooses not to. When he learns that, like Ronaldo and Cole did, he will be some player, but I disagree that he should be playing every week until he DOES learn that. No-one else gets that luxury. He should be made to sit on the bench until he learns it's a team game. Then watch the bhoy go!
I say this not as a McGeady-baiter, but as a Celtic fan who knows we've got a talent on our hands who doesn't know how to use it.
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Ach collie ye dun took me wrang, when like a whupped wee mut yae sprang
Tae yer defence like Rangers back when Aiden shimmies tae attack.
Tae pick upon wan o’ eleven when ither ten are playin’ like seven
Is nought but home of lazy thought where many teams now lie and rot.
The simple facts I lay before upon that threshold at yer door
For you to ponder and their ilk like newborn babe wae mither’s milk.
For history may matter not tae you who cares not wan wee jot
But it’s whit oor Club and hence this blog are built upon and is wan cog
In the mechanism that makes us tic, repetitively making Rangers sick
For nothing beats wan of oor ain, inflicting deadly thrusts o’ pain
And watch the hellish pyres o’ bills come home to multiply their ills
As in their soulless ignorance oor Celtic led them wan mair dance.
When looking at the current day forget at peril history
When living in the days bright sun remember faults that once were done
When planning for a future bright, regard the keepers of the light
The ones who lead with magic flame, or like old yeller ye’ll end up lame.
Always in Celtic yours
Hail hail
Estadio
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its remarkable how quickly it is forgotten how on fire aiden was at the start of last season
he then got a vital goal at falkirk
Aiden is the most skilful player in the spl, his crossing could be better but what wingers couldn't be
remember aidens mazy run and shot which came back of the post for JVOH to score against hibs on his debut
his run and through ball for kenny miller to score against rangers?
aiden is often the outball and tracks back hard. he may dribble and lose it when he has been the out ball but still relieves the defence and gives us a chance to regroup
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Our style of play will become predictable-even the diddy teams of the SPL will be able to work out our tactics,so we need to think about switching around our more effective players,usually SN or AMCG,next season.Play them on opposite sides,through the middle,run them from deep,run them ragged.
GL2s highlights showed a really good interpassing movement by the Chi-lites.We should be more than capable of playing in a similar way.
Howsabout for the Mags or the Hams we play DR wide left,and let Aiden play behind the front 2?
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Collie ,
McGeady is actually one of our sharpest players this preseason. The panic season seems to be in full swing.
If your think he is playing like a bum , what about the other 10 bums on the pitch with him?
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Estadio
Superb!
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Pablo
Welcome back, and calm down ;o)
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Pablo...
Falkirk boss John Hughes felt that Rangers were vastly improved on the team that has been pipped to the SPL title by Celtic in the past two seasons, and that they still had a couple of gears to find.
Pipped to the title? That's not the way I remember it! Is he for real? I thought that was a joke post at first!
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BTW Pablo, good to hear from you again!
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Afternoon all,
Continuing my interest in all things from the dark side…the following is an interpretation of the angriest man in the world’s last two seasons in top flight football.
A short statistical enquiry into Kris Boyd for the past two seasons:
• 93 matches played (20 for Kilmarnock, 8 for Scotland, 65 for Rangers)
• 67 goals scored (39 in 2005/06, 28 in 2006/07)
• Of the 67 goals, 10 have been genuine match winning goals
• Of the 67 goals, 27 have opened the scoring for his team in a game
• 1 goal against Celtic in 5 matches
• 2 goals in 10 European matches (Livorno, Tel Aviv)
• 5 international goals in 7 matches (Bulgaria 2, Faroes 2, Georgia 1)
• Of the 93 games played, Kris has failed to find the net in 48 of them
• He has therefore scored at least one goal in 45 matches
• He has scored 15 doubles
• He has scored 4 hat tricks (Dundee Utd, Peterhead, Aberdeen, Killie)
Kris Boyd is a talented goal scorer but doubts remain over his all round ability to play at the highest level. I support the boy when he plays for Scotland and always hope that the chances will fall to him but the above stats do leave a little room for concern.
Only 2 goals in 10 European matches, only 1 goal in 5 against Celtic, only scoring against the lesser lights of international football. It is in games like these where the top marksmen make an impact – the clutch goals to borrow some American sporting phraseology.
My opinion? Kris Boyd is a player I would trust to get me goals in the SPL but I would be inclined to use a more rounded and quicker player when looking to win tight matches. He has a great ability to open the scoring but is not often the player to score the match winning goal.
I will be happy if he keeps bagging doubles in 4-1 wins at Dundee Utd or 3-0 walkovers of Kille. As long as he keeps up his poor record against Celtic and European opponents then Rangers will struggle. I wouldn’t mind him bagging a match winning brace in Paris in September mind you…..
#8
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Sorry Ghuys, mea-culpa !!!
That's what happens when you have to blog-and-run ???
Real article HERE
pablophanque
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As a goalscorer KBoyd couldn't lace John Hartson's boots.
Still neither could a few of our current forwards.
The squad has to have some tactical variety,which usually boils down to swapping wee tricky ghuys for big bruisers,and vice-versa.
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dzie... dazzlers
Ah am a simple dug!
Ah only report oan whit ah see!
Ah dinna look fur hidden meanings,but if ye dae.. den dat's okay!
When ah watch a gemme, ah only want da Celts tae WIN!
So when a see a player who is playin' poorly.......
Den ah RESERVE DA RIGHT TO MAK a DIN!
Against da Fire... McGeady wiz nae use, he wiz as playin' like a little Loast Boy...like wan o' Peter's Muckers'
He couldnae penetrate da Fire's Defense,his attempts tae dae so.... wus only jist, fur Suckers!
Along, cam Deek!
In twa shakes o' a Lambie's Tail..
Da game hid turned aroon...
He did whit wiz da SIMPLE THING..an' didna try tae shoot fur da MOON!
Dat is da FLAW, in McGeady's game!
He over-elaborates!
He should tak his time an' look around...an' mebbe PASS TAE WAN O' HIS MATES!
Der is a time fur Tricks, and a time fur Flicks!
A Time tae Pass, an a Time tae No!
Even Mr. MAGOO... oan his woisest day...
Kin see McGeady, fails tae mak it so!
If ah hid ma druthers, ah wid drap da lad, the day....
He needs tae re-orginize his thinkin',
Fur da way he's playin' at dis time...
IT SOITENLY DISNA PAY!
collie,
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Big Liam
If tae compare him wi' others is yer ploy,
Den it proves ye hiv NAE Case!
Fur it's ONLY, McGeady... we ur discussin' here.....
it's no da WHOLE Human Race!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Anyone out there need tickets for Newcastle (Celtic section)?
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Just heard the finer details of why the huns pulled out the Naismith deal.
They lost out for £100,000.
Huns wanted 2 x £50,000 payments to be paid after 20 games and another 20 games. Killie said "Nope" cash up front. Huns walked away.
Dont know what the cash down was though - Anyone know what the cash release was?
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Just a reminder that CELTIC TV are showing the 2 games from the States tonight starting at 6pm.
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WG and anyone else who are congregating in Newcastle on Thurs afternoon, let me know where and maybe we can have a wee brown ale or something.
I'm hoping to get my new shirt at CP in the morning and then drive down. I'm staying at the Swallow Hotel in Gateshead but will be dropping the car off and heading back towards the centre of town.
If it is anything like the A.Shearer testimonial we should get a great welcome from the Geordies.
Hail hail
Estadio
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Estadio - always enjoy your comments.
Disagree with you somewhat on Aiden though. I agree that he is the type of player who creates expectation whenever he gets the ball, the problem is that he fails to meet that expectation far too often. He is often careless in possession which results in attacks breaking down and our defenders and midfielders being caught out of position. I noticed in the US that he was working hard to get back when he lost the ball so the coaching staff have no doubt highlighted this as an area for improvement.
At the risk of alientating myself from many posters on here :) I would suggest Aiden is a luxury we can ill afford at this time. I like the Brown and Donati combination and Naka is a shoe in for a place in the starting 11. Aiden's contribution mat well be off the bench this season.
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mncelt
Well argued and rational opinions are what sets this blog aside from most of the others.
I'll argue my case. You argue yours.
Its the ones who just write him (and others) off as if he was a nonentity with no pluses, nothing to offer, and is a drain on the team.
But they have no thesis sitting behind their stance.
My God even Collie has a reason, albeit in my opinion an extremely myopic view that would mean, if applied as a rule to our club, changing the whole team every second game.
Hail Hail
Estadio
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Collie ,
He was an individual in a TEAM. The TEAM didnt perform first 45 mins against the fire.
It was all Aidens fault then though wasnt it?
(Big Liam still scratching his head)
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By the way I haven't seen Derbyshirebhoy posting.
Anyone know if he lives in the area of the floods?
Hail Hail
Estadio
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Weeron, you’re on.
It's a good job Aiden has not been around to read this, he would be round to see a few o' you!
Go watch the Jimmy Johnstone DVD (the recent one) when he talks about player development.
The Greatest Celt Ever was not always so.
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Big Liam
Stick tae da Subject, which ah know is a Chore....
We are discussin whit is BAD aboot McGeady present performance...
Nothing LESS and Nothing MORE!
He is playing BADLY!... dat's whit ah dae say...
An' ah think dat he should be DROPPED!...
An Deek pit in MCGEADY'S PLACE...
WITHOOT ANY DELAY!
Ah hope dat ah Mak masel clear?????..
So, In MCGEADY'S DEFENSE....
LET'S SEE IF YE KIN ADD SOME CHEER!
collie
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Mncelt-given the poverty of our performances last season if AMG is a luxury then I think I'll book myself in for root canal work rather than go back to CP.
He is a young player with great potential who needs a push to get him onto the next level;or as JS might have said'to be the man he can be'.I think the support should be chipping in to help him;as should the backroom staff.
Unfortunately since the departure of our favourite Bulgarian we have not had a midfielder who will add his weight to the attack-I thought PH might have done it,like he seemed to do regularly for Hearts,but a lot of the time he was doing a man-marking job on NL.
So next season,just like CRonaldo seems to have learned,I want to see Aiden skin the fullback then look up to see 3 or 4 players in the opposition box.
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same beach in mallorca
same sleep
same dream
boruc mendy balde mcmanus naylor
please get the defence sorted
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An Ode to a Collie:
Ach Collie; we're sick o yer whines,
and calling oor Aiden a bum,
Awa hame back tae yer kennel,
and munch on yer pedigree chum!
Ah write this in rhyme,
Coz a ken ye'll understand,
Yer no ma Hero like Lassie,
An fer sausage meat ye should be canned!
Another Ode to a Collie:
There wiz a wee dug called Collie,
Wha could think o nuthin' thats jolly,
He ca'd Aiden a bum,
...In disguise are ye a Hun?
Or are ye simply jist aff yer trolley?
Sorry mate, but I think it even more amazing that Aiden can play as positively as he does when he's got whingers like you on his back. Give the guy a break and look up the dictionary for a definition of the verb to SUPPORT... Here, I'll help you: SUPPORT - Give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to... or how about... Be behind; approve of...
Perhaps whinging is just a British disease that some Scots are particularly well trained in, but true support breeds confidence which allows people, not just footballers, to SHINE!
Collie, let's help Aiden to SHINE, or will you gain a peculiar satisfaction, ("Ah tell't ye so!"), if you contribute to him losing his sparkle?
I don't really want to start a blogger sparring match with you, but rather, as a friend-in-Celtic, agree to disagree, and hope that what I've said might help you to re-assess (or should that be pre-assess?) the positivity and advisability or otherwise of your comments.
Yours in Celtic,
Jim.
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Estadio
Ah challenge yer yer opinion o' me!.....
Ah am defo no Myopic..
It's da Faur AWAY things, dat a canny SEE!
Ah gie ye wan Wag o' da tail...
Fur at least ye admitted,dat hiv gied MA REASONS, why ah think dat McGeady's performances,
have RECENTLY started tae PALE!
Ah hiv nae room fur Sentiment...an am sorry....
but dat is da way my personality is Bent!
So if ye disagree, den dat is OKAY WIT' ME!
Ah ALWAYS TELL IT LIKE AH SEE!
Noo,whit if MCGEADY cams oan GOOD?
Den dat's okay....
AH'D BE ECSTATIC... IF HE WOULD!
Ah dinna hiv any axe tae grind..
Ah always speak whit's oan ma mind!
And whit ma mind tells me dis day...
DAT WEE MCGEADY has loast it...
And should be DRAPPED ...until he hiz found it....
And den brocht BACK, withoot Delay!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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The comment re. Ronaldo is a fair point. He was another player who did not deliver the finished product in his first few seasons. However, Awex allowed him time in the team to develop and they are all reaping the rewards. We all know Aiden has talents in abundance, lets see if he can develop the final product this season.
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Collie
If mcgeady has lost it what about
Pressley
Wilson
Hartley
Jarosik
Gravsen
Miller
Zurawski
JVOH
They have played pants for months while Mcgeady has done all that has been asked of him.
He has scored important goals and made some great assists. Also he is a bright light shining throught the darkness of no entertainment which has desended like a shroud over paradise.
Watching celtic can be like pulling teeth and while some of his tricks don't come off at least he trys. He moves in a forward direction which most of our strikers seem to have forgotten to do.
If MCgeady deserves dropped then there is a long queue that need to join him.
Gweedore Solidarity CSC
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gweedorebhoy,
Pressley,
Hartley,
Jarosik
Gravsen,
and Miller
Have NEVER had it since they pulled on a Celtic shirt. They have all failed to deliver
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Jim the Tim
Yer rhymes are great... a tip o' ma hat tae ye, mate,
But, der are ithers who wull opine,
the opposite tae whit ye incline...
So ye wull jist hiv tae live wit' dat....
it is a fact o' life...
So please dinna get personal aboot ma thoughts,
And insult and decry them,
Fur tae dae... says more aboot YOU dan ME........ and in dat, it says a Lots!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Anyone read Hugh Wilson's article in G2 in the Guardian. www.myfootballclub.co.uk is a website where you can donate £35, along with 49,999 others, in return for a share of a football club, as part of a friendly society. £1.4 million will be raised and they will then take over a club (League or Conference side mooted). It is the brainchild of Will Brooks, who says 'my own experience is that fans tend to be proved right. If you have 50,000 people voting on a transfer, chances are the aggregate decision will be a good one.' The current favourite is Leeds, as per the previous thread.
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jonnymac
I do not disagree I personally think that apart from JVOH and Wilson they should be punted.
Zurawski is a shadow of the player he was.
Wilson i have hopes for and i believe his form is down to coming back from injury.
The motley crew are a drain on our wages and if we are lucky enough to get them of our hands i will be delighted. However whilst the big rumour is pressley is off to dundee unt as a coach I think that most of them apart from jarosik and gravesen ( who will be paid off) will still be at parkhead come kick off.
Scary thought!
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Johnny Mac/Gweedorbhoy
Ah agree one hundred percent in whit ye say...
But it's the DISAPPOINTING MCGEADY dat we ur DISCUSSING...dis day!
Ma opinions are NO IN CONTENTION....
regarding, the the CONSISTENTLY POOR PERFORMANCES, OF DOSE DA YOU MENTION!
Dose guys are useless, an' wull soon drift away....
It is the FRUSTRATING MCGEADY...
dat Ah am disscussing DA DAY!!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Collie ,
No doubt , you have CH67. Go watch Aidens preseason. He's been bright and looking nearly ready!!
He had an average 25 mins against the Fire yesterday and the world has ended !!!!!!!
Drop him for not performing about 20 mins in a preseason bounce game !!!!
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Collie
A bit harsh.
McGeady has only had a bad game. It's pre season let's see how he does against kilmarnock et al before we want him dropped.
I do agree a space should be found for Riordan but i think he will leave.
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Paul
Ah ask ye TWA questions...ah am no settin' ye up!,
Fur tae admire yer veracity,is easy fur dis pup...
How old is McGeady?
and whit wiz da age when J.J. made da Foist Team!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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The dug as usual is just being his controversial self. Jumping up and down looking for attention.
Best just to scratch it behind the ear once and then ignore it.
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collie fur a dug you do far too much fishin'
and to the rest of you please stop bitin'
the best advice to be givin'
is to ignore this dug bark, it's goat rabies and is migin'
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A few positives from last night:
We have two very good goalkeepers;
Donati looks a very good player - strong, direct and a crisp passer of the ball;
A Brown/Donati central midfield has me rubbing my hands;
McDonald will be an excellent addition to the squad.
On the downside, I was disappointed by the first 75 minutes. I know it was only pre-season, but after 4 games I was expecting a bit more than I saw - it was very reminiscent of last season.
Whan Donati came on we looked a lot better, but still lacked a cutting edge.
Cue the exit of McGeady, Zurawski and Hartley and the last 15 minutes gave me cause for optimism.
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GweedoreBhoy/Big Liam
Dese complaints dat ah am Filin' against McGeady,
ur no NEW.....from dis Pup,
Ah wiz Voicing dem aboot him ,as LAST SEASON, WOUND UP!
It has just goat so obvious, dat ah hid tae repeat...
Fur he is no IMPROVING, wan whit....
dat ah kin see frum ma seat!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Collie ,
Thankfully you dont pick the team.
On the subject of the defense. With O'Dea , Kennedy , Caldwell all unavailible and no full backs currently on board and the possible exit for Balde who did we expect to partner McManus yesterday other than pressley??
Some people think this is our first choice CH pairing for the season.
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pablo@ 16.08
Such a pity the Darryl King article was a spoof you posted:-
"Given that two of the other starters, Davie Weir and Kevin Thomson, only arrived at the club in January, Smith's stamp is now all over this team. A team full of quality, pace, brawn, guilt edged athleticism and technical ability."
I loved that phrase, guilt edged athleticism. They have so much to feel guilty about.
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GM
I agree with your assessment of the last 15 minutes last night - but as a one-off regarding Aiden.
Moreover, the other thing to happen, apart from those coming off, and Riordan coming on, was the introduction of two players. Teddy for me, though not great, looked lively. The other significant change was the introduction of Killen, and presto, the ball stuck and he was more mobile than JVOH. Not having a go at Jan, I just feel that a fitter and faster side must have a fitter and more mobile striker than the JVOH we have seen in recent times. It can still be him.
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Bloke109 ,
There was a change of tactics , we played 4-3-3 in the last 15 mins of last nights game which helped along with Chicago fire making a lot of changes thus giving "Deeks" a little more room than Aiden had. Riordan wasnt marked or doubled up on by 2-3 opposition players.
(Collie, take note.)
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GREAT NO 8
i posted last week abotu being a "significant striker" if u read it link it to your piece on boyd interesting reading between them
On riordan, riordan was good on the left in a 4-3-3 as we know with no responsibility to track back he just floated about doing as he liked
anyone have a link to his goal last night?
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Big Liam
If ye kin abide whit ah say aboot OOR Defense,...
Listen tae dis... an' see if it makes any sense.
Ah think da Center Backs should Be ...
O'Dea and Big Kennedy, who are baith oor VERY BEST,
Fur Big MICK is too slow.. and Elvis hiz faled awe his tests!
Mr. Wilson wull no dae... he is too fragile o' Stature,
Let's hope he's replaced by Pierre's Latest Capture!
Fur Pierre's closing in, at dis very same minute...
Oan a full back who'll compete fur da ba'
an' hiz a good chance tae win it!
Naylor gets a fair PASS, as he is a Hard...Nose?
He is stuffy, an' competes an' disnae tak Sass!
So wid dae ye think, pal
Ur ma Men at da Races?
Dae ye like dey players ah suggest???...
or
Ur dey NO at da RACES?
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Marcella.
I need two tickets.
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liam
Agreed. I'm happy with Aiden and was more making the point on JVOH. I'm of the view re Aiden that any player who can turn a game is worth his weight in gold - and for that I'm willing to take his lesser moments. Because every creative player has them, and must be allowed them.
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Collie, I see you are back on form tonight.
Aiden is just past his 21st bnirthday. A few months older than Jimmy was when Jock arrived at Celtic Park and dragged him away from reserve team football, though his elevation to first team regular was not immediate, he sat in the stand in the ’65 Cup Final.
Now you and me both know that Aiden is not Jinky, but neither was Jimmy Johnstone in 1965.
GM, agree on the goalkeepers, Brown and Donati.
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Big Liam
Ah did tak note o' whit ye jist wrote.
Noo listen, ma friend,
h dinna know Tactics, frae Hiking!...
Ah only go wit' ah saw ...
And ah saw Deek's performance, was Striking!
Simplyfy...
McGeady..... NAW! NAW!
Deeks...... MAIR! MAIR!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Paul/Collie while Jimmy onlyy became a regular under Jock, he did in fact make his debut aged 18yrs and 6mths in March 1963.
Aiden made his in April 2006 versus Hearts in a 1-1 draw in which he scored.
Jimmy scored his first league goal against Hearts as well in April 1963 but we lost 4-3. Chalmers and Divers being the other two scorers.
After that JJ was used occasionally but as I said it was only with the advent of JS in 965 that he really gained a foothold.
Hail hail
Estadio
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Sorry forgot to say that Aiden was 18years and 25 days on his debut.
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Tinytim,
Can sort you out with two tickets. How do I get in touch?
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Looking forward to Ajax pumping the huns the morra nite, just been announced it's live on cooncil telly here in Nederland.
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Newcastle v Celtic is on Setanta Sports 1 on Thursday night.
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AND I meant Aiden's debut was in 2004 NOT 2006.
That's it my brain is stewed.
Back on the drink.
Take care
Hope yer nose is wet Collie.
Slan go foil
Estadio
-
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Paul
Dey is nae foolin' you... but ye know dat ah studied under da Master...
Who taught dat a Complacent and Happy blog...
IS A RECIPE FUR DISASTER!
Der is da Big "C" dat Fargo taught us way, way back...
It worked like a treat...
Fur de continued Popularity o' yer Blog.....
Stands as da sound(?) proof(?) o' dat!
But der is another wan o' da Boss's suggestions...
It's called da "D.A."
And it's use kin cause some people tae hiv, Indigestion!
Ah'll leave it at dat..
An' ah know ye get da whit that is...
Ye kin see dat it
WOIKS.....
Fur a loat o' faces ...
UR LIKE FIZZ!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Got that Tinytim. You can delete your number now.
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Bloke 109, I agree with you on young Theo Bjarnsson, he put Hartley to shame.
He looked fitter, hungrier, more skillful etc. etc.
Hartley will be an interesting test case for our asset management policy.
I understand our manager said Capone would only get a contract if he was better than what we already have.
Since arriving at Celtic Paul Hartley's perfromances have ranged between poor and average.
From what I've seen, which admittedly isn't a lot, Copone looks a better prospect.
My working assumption is Mr Jiri and Gravesen go leaving starting berths for Brown and Donati with Sno, Hartley and Bjarnsson as cover for central midfield.
Thus, sell Hartley and hopefully recoup our £1m outlay, then sign Capone on a free.
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Collie, you don't need to tell me that one!
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big liam
Your post at 19.18 reminds me of something said by beer_goggler 1888 on KDS earlier tonight:o)
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A fitba' brain.
Yiv got the Jinky kind, where it's aw in the feet. As wan o' his LL colleagues sed, "he didnae know hissel whit he wis gonnae dae next, so whit chance did we huv?" Wi' brainy feet like that an' the speed o' Lennox an' Chalmers, the wit o' Bertie, an' a' they other talents, whit else dae ye need?
Then there's the kind o' brain epitomised by the Kings, Kenny and Henrik. No' only did they know whit they wur gonnae dae themselves before the ba' got tae them, they knew whit everybuddy else wis gonnae dae as well.
An' the Bobby Murdoch kind o' brain, or Paul McStay, imperious, that kin' hing on tae the ba' long enuff fur everybuddy tae think o' sumthin clever, an' then release the pass that makes it happen.
Noo Aiden. Ah've watched him try the feet kind o' brain, an' he's no' bad. No' as good as Jinky, but there's nae shame in that. But as even Jinky fun oot, when it goes wrang they're no' slow tae get oan yir back.
Ah've seen him dae the Kenny Henrik kind o' brain as well. Wan wan touch pass (a single twoser Collie) he played intae the box, against Berne ah think it wis, wis electric. Unfortunately the Kenny on the end o' it wisnae Dalglish.
But then, last night he got a ba' from the wing in a threatening position on the edge o' the box. It needed tae go forward in an instant, he needed tae have it thought oot before the ba' got tae him. He hesitated then played it wide, oot o' the danger area. When we needit incision, we got indecision.
Aw ahm sayin' is Aiden still has a bit o' work tae dae tae become the kind o' player his natural talent deserves. An' ah' think the work needs tae be mainly in his heid.
He'll get there faster wi' oor support and encouragement. Whit a loss it wid be otherwise.
He's nae saint, but he's no' enough o' a sinner tae be sae condemned.
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Marcella.
Thank's very much.
I will see you on Thursday.
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Collie
If your approach is that of "D.A" (not hard to decode that one!), then why would we entertain the prospect that you are serious next time you advocate a selection or tactic?
If you're approach to team selection is on a par with Imelda Marcos's approach to shoes then we'll never have a stable team or team pattern.
Yes, controversy produces bites and nibbles but it does not promote HONEST debate. Please just give us your considered and genuine opinions not made up controversy. This is not a Shock Jock site.If Aiden read this he might show the same reaction that Jamie Carragher gave to Adrian Durham. I hear he's currently taking night classes at this place.
doggie discipline
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Just returned from the summit meeting with Noel and family. Very pleasant experience and much pertinent Celtic topics discussed.
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Estadio
Ye ur a Font o' interesting an' intriguin' Waatter!
And by da way, pal.....
Ah'm a BIG FAN O' YER PAATTER!
Thanks fur yer enquiry aboot ma Salubrity o' Condition...
Ma Nose is jst Poifect... Accordin' tae my Lady Physician!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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SFTB,
You are very quickly becoming the beacon of sense and probity on this site.
First impressions of people are very often correct.
Keep it up ,my good man.
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Tom The Tim
In relation to what?
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EDB ,
One and the same ;-)
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SFTB
That was really cruel I liked it.
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Tom the Tim
If you think I've started to make sense, I'll suspect you and Noel have drunk Annagry dry :-)
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Tinytim,
In relation to what is a seriously considered point of view for discussion, rather than the Devil's Advocate's position of controversy for controversy's sake, which can often be used as a get out clause for an indefensible point of view.
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The one and only time that I saw Aiden McGeady in the flesh I seem to remember that he lined up at outside right in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle. THAT is where he should play in my opinion. Why is he playing on the left? Is he more left-footed than right-footed? He scores most of his goals with his right foot and is good with his left as well.
Riordan is a natural goalscorer and McGeady is a natural goalmaker, we can get a lot out of both of them.
Stay hungry the pair of ye.
Celtic, níos mó ná club
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SettingfreetheBears
Wit' ah say ah say...
If ye hiv any doubts aboot it's veracity,
Den how ye should react?...
Is Faur Beyond dis Dug's Capacity!
Mebbe, whit ye figgered is no right?
An' mebbe it wiz ,for ah believe ye ur Bright!
Jist read whit ah say an' respond wit' some fervour,
Dat wull mak dis wee dug happy.... an' pleased wit' his endeavour!
Ye wid need tae visit da set o' yer favourite Talk Show...
An hear wit' da Producers instruct tae, da Guests....
Ach! Ye didna really waant tae Know!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Sftb,
Unlike you who I presume has recently drunk Canada Dry, I think we left a few litres for th rest of the tourists to the region.
I expect Noel will post pictures from the Sod Site in Mulladubh when he gets back to base.
I have waived the mask of anonimity should he chose to post.
It's only fair to my many fans.
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Paul
Hope you don't mind me mentioning this.
Just read a good article on celticunderground about a book Foul by Andrew Jennings showing up the corruption within FIFA.
Have any CQNers read it?
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tom the tim
My ah nevah evah thocht o' dat!
Why ah am indebted tae ye forevah... dat ye cam up wi' dat!
Whit is dis Devil's Disciple or whatevah is it's name?
Whaur kin ah get wan?... ah kin gie it da blame?
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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test
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What the producer may say to the talk show guest-brevity is the soul of wit?
I can't see SN getting back to the UK before next Tuesday-there's no chance he'll be asked to play against Killie,is there,with our summer cup final coming up?
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Well Collie,
The only other usage of D.A. refers to a teddy boy's haircut (No you, Edward!). So, if it's that, then it will be just water off it, as far as I'm concerned.
But seriously, there are so many good posters on here with plenty to talk about. I don't think Paul has ever needed a pot-stirrer. Leave your Bill O'Reilly act at the door and you'll get more of a welcome.
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Interesting stuff re Aiden.
I am watching the Chicago game on Celtic TV just now.
I'm sorry but based on this game only.
So far, Aiden looks like he's running in quicksand ,and he has given the ball away several times.
On one occassion Carr hit the bar, directly from his loss of possession.
I don't agree with referring to him as playing like a bum,but on this performance Collie makes a solid point about him giving away possession,too often, and too cheaply.
On a positive note,he never hides.
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Evening bhoys.
Paul67,
Isn't rather interesting that several players were not played in the two recent friendlies?
Could it be that our management don't want to get them 'damaged' as they may be moving soon?
And/or a huge hint that unless they move they will be enjoying lots of games from the stand?
PS
Does anyone actually believe that haranging players will them perform better?
(Enough questions I think)
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EDB-This is his website:
http://www.transparencyinsport.org
Feel free to invite him to look more closely at recent events in G51!
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Apologies should have said
'Encourage' them to ....
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dbbia
Thanks for that. Actually the celticunderground article makes pertinent mention of Bung FC LOL.
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Collie,
Tell me we are getting rid of couple of centre halfs and bringing a quality one in?
Mendy what's the script?
Molly surely not?
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settingfreethebears
Gosh! Ye mean dat ah am no welcome here???....
Ah dinna know dat ye were a thought-reader or a seer!
Ah hope dat ah dinna upset ye too much,
for ah wid hate tae be the wan who wid wid upset THOSE AND SUCH!
Howevvvvvvvvvvah...
If ye think dat ah wull change tae get yer O.kay?
My advice tae you lad...
Is dream on..... an' dream away!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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I think the fact that we're sitting here comparing McGeady with Jinky says something... how many young Scottish Celtic players have we compared with Jinky in the last 40 years? (That's a genuine question for the older posters, but if it were a rhetorical question I'd say "not that many, surely.") Dont lynch me for this, but I imagine that in the modern game, where players are builty for speed and athleticism, a "pure skill" player like Jinky might struggle to fit into many teams. I think it's a difficult burden that McGeady carries.
I'm no master tactician, but if there's a problem with McGeady's crossing ratios etc then wouldnt it make sense to play McGeady on the right and Naka on the left?!? (I know the question has been asked before.) Then they'd have to cut in less. I think it would be great if they could get some kind of system whereby they swap as and when it suits, on the break or just to confuse markers. That would really fox teams!
I also think that both Naka and McGeady look menacing when they play inside, in the hole behind the strikers. How about a 4-3-3?
Boruc
Mendy (!) Balde McManus Naylor
Brown Nakamura Donati
McGeady JVOH Riordan
No?
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collie
That's just passive-aggressive feigned offence.
I'm not a banner of posters. If I offer advice and you think it's poor,
c'est lavvy.
Now then, Is the Parma game included in the season card or do I need a ticket?
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Tiny Tim
O' course ye agree wit some o' my points....
Why dyae think dat wit ah hiv said...
His pit quite a few Noses oot o' Joint?
Because da TRUT' AYEWAYS HOITS like Hades!
An dat is whit brought oot o' da Ire
frae Tam and Wull, an' even a couple o' Sadies!
Ma idea o' a Bum is hiz different meanin' frae you....
Oan dat wee point we differ, but ah know da rest is TRUE!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin.
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BSM71, I am sure the message has been delivered loud and clear to those our man wants to move on.
There are plenty of negotiations still to do before the window closes.
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SFTB-Think Fr Noel Furlong.
FTFS88-Jimmy Johnstone was not renowned as a crosser of the ball,which given the size of the Celtic forward line may not have been a major handicap.When JS had a big centre-forward in Yogi he moved him to the wing,with sometimes great effect,especially if it was muddy.
AMG might have more joy cutting it back from the byline,low and fast,for Gerd Miller to put in the stand;~)
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SFTB-on the card mate.
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Paul,
A few days ago, I think (?) thay you alluded to knowledge that one player we are still in for would be a surprise to many - a bit of a WOW.
If it comes to pass, great - if it doesn't, will you let us know who it was?
I am sure that many are like me - mssing the occasional gossip fix from e-Tims.
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Wgs
Ah am gled ye asked, indeedy,
Fur a chinge o' pace is in sorely needy,
In proaper sequence, here is da lay....
Ah'll say it wance ... den walk away!
No!!!!!!
Yes!
No, No... a Thousand times NO!
collie
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Now that the Herald's dropped their fantasy football competition, is there any alternative which includes the SPL teams? For obvious reasons, I don't want my boys having to go to the Record or Sun to continue playing this game. Nor do I care much to do a competition containing only English teams.
What about last year's winner, Vertwolf, Any ideas?
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fighting the fuzz,etc.
As I have posted before, the answer to the "wrong way round" wingers,i.e. Naka and Aiden, is for the wing backs to get to the goal line and fire in the crosses.
Owing to the reluctance, or instructions from the bench, the latter have not been fulfilling their side of the bargain.
This leads to a narrowing of the play when SN and A Mc.G. cut in and Naylor and AN Other crossing long diagonal balls, which are meat and drink for defenders .
Collie,
Learn to accept advice when it is generously offered. You know it makes sense.
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Paul67,
I am looking at hopefully the following going:
Tommy G
(providing deal struck over remainder of contract)
Jiri
Miller
Magic
My assumption is funds are available for the manager to get a full back and another midfielder he wants.
Should he get rid of the dead wood above it will allow for another two players potentially a striker and a centre half?
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EDB
Well worth a read.
The 'allegations' are hard hitting on almost every page specifically in terms of Jack Warner and his manipulation of votes, control of tickets and circumvention of financial controls.
The charges that jennings lays directly in the hands of Warner stretch from government interference to the recent guilty malpractice verdict in the sponsorship wrangle between Visa and Mastercard.
The bully boy tactics are aptly demonstrated.
In this he is protected and supported by a group headed by Sepp Blatter. Jennings directly accuses Blatter.
It should concern every football fan.
But the biggest concern for the future is that the Man at UEFA, i.e. Michel Platini, is Blatter's man.
It is clear having read the book that Blatter could never usurp the power of UEFA.
Once you have read it you will make up your own mind on recent developments but this here are a couple of mine.
What Blatter effectively did was to get Platini, firstly into FIFA to learn the ropes and now as his manm he has ousted Johannson.
And what is the first thing that is now touted by FIFA - a Euro league - previously anathema to UEFA but one that could be an attempt to undermine the G18, CL, and the clubs attempts at marginalising FIFA' use of players in national squads.
Also the recent vice president election which resulted in the undermining of John McBeth.
McBeth was right in his statements and it must be one of the most yellow bellied surrenders of all time by the Scottish media not to support the integrity of his claims.
Hail hail
Estadio
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Re the Aiden critics:
For those of you who may not have seen one before - this is a genuine 24 carat, fully fledged, intelligent, ambitious, ultra-talented footballer. The Real Deal.
I blame no one for not recognising this immediately because it is neigh on 35 years since you last saw anything like it. Not since Big George, KK & Daniel Fergus cast off their stabilizers to play with the big boys have we produced anything of similar stature.
I'm not being a smart ar$e here (well maybe a bit) because I was that soldier. I was particularly negative with KK. "he passes when he should shoot; how can he be so greedy; somebody should tell him it's a team game; etc. etc."
I didn't realise then that these "errors" were because he was so talented he didn't think there was anything he couldn't do!
Of course nobody could persuade me to change my opinion...except the players themselves
(BTW: 3 footballers of the first rank raised by us within 3 years of each other, playing in the same team. Don't you just wish?)
Naturally this means it is up to Aiden but remember he is still young & still has some 'smarts' to learn.
All I am saying is give the boy a break. His mistakes endure, his efforts appreciate & his gifts relish because sooner than you'll know and sooner than you'll wish he'll be gone.
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Estadio
You describe accurately the gravy-train industry, the one in which everyone gets lots of stamps on their passports, lots of air-miles, a nice dinner every night with someone else always paying.
Nice work if you can get it.
One of the football jobs would be great fun, but you can also get lots of jobs like this at the United Nations, the IMF, the ECB, the WTO, the WEF, the European Commission.
There's a lot of it about.
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Collie,
You realise if the centre half pairing aint from Balde, Kennedy, O'Dea & McManus we are doomed.
Still think our best pairing would be:
Bobo with JK
JK with O'Dea
Bobo with O'Dea
As i said yesterday we do not stike fear into opponenets with McManus and Pressley playing. Neither win the first ball in the air unlike Bobo.
We need a defence the way MON built. Big, strong and imposing. We have not got that just now. Something i fear could be our downfall this year.
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i believe we can take a few certainties from the pre season so far.
Balde - gravesen are not in the managers plans
Jarosik - Miller and majic might be for the off considering their playing time and efforts.
there are 5 other centre halves therefore there will not be another signed.
i hope that the monies made from the sales of above go into two quality full backs and cover for Naka.
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been away for a while and wondered if anyone had heard any more on bellamy ?
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Estadio-do you not think Mcbeth unfortunately allowed the force of his argument to be dissipated by the furore over his choice of words,enabling JW to use the big R in his defence?
It used to be patriotism that was the last refuge of the scoundrel,now it's victimism[if that's a word!]
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63thirds
I agree with you, but it's a shame to miss out Paul McStay.
The important point about all these players is that they forced their way into the first team as very young men.
Aiden may not be automatic first pick for every circumstance, but the game is different now. It's not just about your best first eleven on paper, if it ever was.
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unless of course he's already been transferred to someone else... in which case I'll go back into the cave
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Wee Craig is now at WHU,as is wee Ferdy LJungberg
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Cheers DBBIA - hadnt read the papers and didnt realise it haad gone thru.... fingers uncrossed, back to the cave now.
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Hamptontim, if nothing comes to pass, there is little point in us talking about it. Let’s wait and see what happens next….
WGS, if he can move on your list of players, the possibilities are significant.
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Fuzz Fighter 21:07
Jinky may have been a skill player but he was built like a bantam weight boxer. Broad shoulders, deep chest and strong thighs. He also played like one occasionally. I can recall more than one incident where he took matters into his own hands when he felt the ref was not giving him the free kicks he deserved. One over the ball effort against Dunfermline at East End Park still sends shivers down my spine. Be in no doubt Jinky could have fitted into any team on earth today where the manager had Jock's ability to keep him playing.
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bloke109
Having Aiden in the side...would you rather they lost to Boavista and have a "creative element" in the side or Seville sans "creative element".
Given we have both Nakamura and McGeady in the side, we create far fewer opportunities for our strikers than when we had workmenlike midfielders like Agathe, Petrov, Lennon and Lambert. Even if they did have Henrik/Hartson and Sutton to aim at, they still found their targets, something Nakamura and McGeady do not achieve as regularly, particularly at corners for five years a strength, now a considerable weakness.
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I say corners were a strength, what I actually mean is that we were the best in the world at for a few years.
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Celtic First:
Good shout re Paul.
Will always be a superhro to me as he is one of those Celts in history who circumstances dictate had to play whilst carrying most of the team at the same time, particularly the latter part of his career. I think it is because of this and his exceptional (misplaced?) loyalty he just failed to reach all the places which were possible for him.
I reckon Paul marks a watershed for our club. After Paul no great Celts would/will allow themselves to endure what Paul ended up with.
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superhero even - d'oh
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pgt-you're forgetting Thommo,a very accurate crosser of a football.
The player wee Davie Beckham dreams of being;~)
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just watched the game
defence a shambles, naylors distribution was awful
riordans goal stunning, only player at club who could of done that
zurawski was really poor as well, boruc was just boruc - brilliant
blanco moved like a pensioner yet ran the game that was embarrassing
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And of course Lubo.He could land a ball on a hedgehog without bursting it[the ball,that is.]
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dbbia
:-) yes exactly many a great cross and finish from the LHS.
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antsman, how did Aiden McGeady play:-)
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WGS
Earlier ah posted my ideal twa...
Kennedy and O' Dea, dey are da best abune dem awe!
Ah dinna see a need fur another new Stoapper...
If we goat wan..(unless, we paid a quite a Mint)...
He could turn oot tae be jist anither Interloper!
Maist o' da goals dat come agin us ur through da middle....
An it's because, baith Mick an' Steve are rooted tae da spot... or tryin' oot a noo Fiddle!
Da two goals agin us in Denver, were illustrative o' dis....
Snitchy and Snatchy were slow aff da mark,
Dey were slow as molasses ...they wur caught oan da hop,
An' der opponents took advantage...
of a wide open Shop!
Der tacklin' is poor, it's da pits ah adjure!
In Baith der style o' Tacklin', is composed maistly o' FOULS,
So when an opponent gets by dem,they kinna stoap him in der inimitable way.... or it wull be a adjudged as a penalty ,tae oor jeers an' howls!
So.....
Kennedy and O'Dea are da BEST PAIR FUR ME!
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Tom the Tim 21:23...
I understand the logic of the "inside out" wingers, as you term it, and the attacking full-backs. I think that would be g-r-r-reat, as it is attacking football in its purest form. I also think it's improbable. British full-backs generally just dont have the fitness, athleticism or confidence to work that shift, getting up and down the park all night. Naylor does ok, Agathe used to work hard (even if his final ball was woeful) and Macnamara had a good partnership with Donnelly under Jansen, but none of these examples yielded the results of some of the great attacking teams of the continent.
Without counting chickens etc, if you google "Mendy, Carlos, Youtube" there's an encouraging bit of footage, if Paul Le Guen will do us a favour!
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Wow signings? who needs them!
Ulster-Celt
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antsman
Yeah, go ahead!....dinna be scared,
Tell us in your honest estimation, how McGeady had fared!
collie
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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WGS ,
MON didnt build a defense that reached the CL last 16 without conceding a goal at home on the way. Credit were its due.
Pggtips ,
I nearly choked on my drink there when you said "Workmanlike" and "Agathe" in the same sentence !
To be fair if Aiden and Naka today had Henrik/Hartson and Sutton to aim at they'd have hit their targets too. Naka is on record stating how much he loved crossing for Hartson.
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Fighting the fuzz...
Interesting that Agathe's final ball was woeful
Who set up Larsson's 1st goal in UEFA final?
I would be very interested to note Agathe's OPTA successful crossing stats, in comparison with much more skilful players like Nakamura or McGeady (scoff!!!!) and these players don't even have Agathe's work ethic, or pace, or athleticism.
i.e. Agathe's weakest atribute is better than Nakamura/McGeady's supposed premier attribute, their 'creativity'.
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DBBIA
Re John McBeth. You are spot on.
His ability to be the politically smooth operator with an eye to gradually gaining confidence and then from a position of influence, hitting them hard, was all too clearly lacking.
Funnily enough I think that that may be even more to his credit. Perhaps he naively thought the plain honest truth would be the victor.
Not one pipsqueak from the Press up here, and guess who is now paddling in the sewers and is laughing with every mouthful of muck ,Geoff Thompson of the English FA.
Will he muddy the waters. Like hell he will. The EFA wouldn't get mud on their wellies.
Their activities during the 2006 world cup bid showed them in the clearest light. And also remember that losing that battle against Germany, except they didn't, they were eliminated in the previous round, caused enough polarisation to disrupt the SA bid.
Big comps are awarded on the basis of who the 'management want' not on the intrinsic quality of the bids.
England were owed a favour and guess who sits on the Olympics committee, and who 'surprisingly won the 2012 games'.
Answer 1. Blatter
Answer 2. England - Not London, Not Britain. ENGLAND
South Africa was always going to get the 2010 world cup after losing out (by one vote) the last time. That vote - the Australian delegate's is a story in itself since he actually didn't appear for the vote thus saving Blatter the embarrassment of having to use his casting gavel.
Still it's only a game!
Hail hail
Estadio (who is angry and rambling now).
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Can anyone help? Are Celtic playing Dumbarton in a friendly in the near future?
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big liam
Your definition of work rate is different to mine.
Mine is not just about the 90 minutes on the pitch, its about what you did since you were 14 years old.
Like it or not Agathe didn't get his quads and glutes by magic. His were huge because he probably went to the gym at least twice a week since he was in his late teens right through until the back end of his career.
That is work ethic, the unseen stuff, the dirty stuff, the uncelebrated stuff, the very easy to get incredibly bored stuff.
Can Nakamura or McGeady say they have done the same amount in the gym?
Nakamura may stay behind an extra half-hour after a match, can he achieve this because he didn't play to his maximum effort during the 90 minutes.
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EDB - Reserve match . 7.30 Strathclyde Homes Stadium July 30th
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Pggtips,
I stuck up for Agathe a lot when he played for us. You're right, his workrate was brilliant, but that was about all he had, especially after his pace evaporated. He got to the line a lot in his early Celtic career, but he did tend to just hit and hope (he rarely even looked up when crossing.) To be fair, he was aiming at two out of three of the best target-men (in Larsson, Sutton and Hartson) any of us have ever seen. Imagine Naka picking out Larsson with his passes/crosses? Pfft!
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Paul67,
Out of my list how many do you think he will manage to get rid off?
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Collie ,
McManus and Caldwell to start of the season.
O'Dea and Kennedy to finish it.
Injuries and form play their part over the duration so all 4 are integral to our season.
pggtips ,
Agathe was crap at crossing and dont take my opinion on it , take a qualified person like Danny McGrain who told us in no uncertain terms that Didier was crap at crosses.
I'm sure someone here could ask him .
If I had a possible scenario for to repeat the UEFA final it would have been to have had the opportunity to bring Nakamura on , rather than Maloney. Imagine Nakamura standing over the freekick which Maloney took in extra time.
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Estadio-I remember it as the NZ candidate who either abstained or put his'x'in the wrong box,against the wishes of his own federation.He was a Scot.
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Paul67,
What a fantastic site.
Regarding the recent friendlies, I think we all need to get a grip, they are/were money making/profile raising/hello America exercises after all. No player in their right mind is going to bust a gut in one of these. Its last years panic all over again. Remember - we are a big scalp for the American sides to take, so tey will be up for these matches.
Anyway, interesting as always.
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DBBIA
Your probably right on the antipodean nationality. I remember he was a scot.
I must admit I was sure he didn't turn up and was sighted getting off a plane somewhere exotic when the vote was actually happening.
It could be mind you that they have corrupted my mind.
hail hail
Estadio.
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big liam
I find it sad to say but there is a queue, beginning at CP and ending somewhere near Wick of bitter ex-Celtic players waiting with baited breath at the thought of someone asking them to diss Celtic or their players in some way.
Either that or it could easily be a personal feud. All I can say is I have never seen a player wear the Hoops who could have created the two away goals against Stuttgart that Agathe did.
No-one has even come close.
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Agathe was hit and miss with his crossing. As already stated, his cross led to Larsson's first in Seville.
I also remember his cross for Sutton's header against Ajax, and for one of the goals in Stuttgart. He burst to the byeline and crossed for Hartson (I think).
If Agathe could have been relied upon to always hit an accurate cross, he would have been worth millions and we might have struggled to keep him.
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DBBIA
Just checked my library (the shelve behind me).
Charlie Dempsey the name.
Golf was the Game - He didn't turn up!he flew to singapore to play Golf after he had been mandated by his association (the Oceania region) to vote for SA.
Germany won the vote 12-11.
If he had voted it would have been 12-12 and Blatter would have had to use his casting vote which he had promised to Mandela, but told the Germans privately that he would vote for them, because he needed the European vote during the presidential campaign.
hail hail
Estadio
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pggtips,
I knew Agathe set up at least one goal in Stuttgart and I had an idea it might have been both.
I think Agathe's best performances for Celtic were in Europe and there aren't many Celtic players of which that could be said.
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Estadio
Thanks for that. I hoped that would be the case.
Daughter number 1 (agewise) was in the same year as Jim O'Brien and Ryan Conroy so we'll make the nearly 4 mile trek from the The Vale to Dumbarton.
Maybe Chennai might attend. And/or TMC and the Godfather.
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EDB
I'll probably be there.
The suave sophisticated one with the well fitting top, distinguished hair, and the educated look of a real football aficionado ....you can probably discount.
I'll be standing beside him.
Hail hail
Estadio
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Estadio
Nearly forgot what I was going to ask you - so upbeat about the Tic coming to Dumbarton!
Do you think Nigeria (can't remember the City) will beat Glasgow in the race to hold the Games? I think they will for Blatter like dealings?
P.S.
Any spare seats in your car for Newcastle and a spare ticket?
EDB on humble pie
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Big Liam
You wull not dat ah said dat "Ma Ideal Pair" viz. Kennedy and O' Dea
Grudgingly, ah admit dat ah wull no get ma wish,
But ah cannae agree with you on Caldwell,
Who ah think is, Fried Fish!
Na... we must grin an' face facts...
It wull be Big Mick an' da Ersatz Edition o' Elvis...
Dat maist unworthy o' Acts!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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WGS, I think Maciej will stay, the rest will go if there is a suitable suitor.
Welcome Mybhoysnowatim. Fantastic review, thanks.
Agree on the preseason games.
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new post questioning the value of the stateside trips...
www.thelordofthewing.blogspot.com
it's below the highlights....
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Thought I was getting the cold shoulder there.
We'll be UP for the new season when the festivities kick off, thats for sure.
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Just watched the re-run of the chicago game.
I didn't think aiden played that badly.
there were a lot worse in that first half than him. a lot worse.
it just looked like riordan made more of a contribution because of his goal. a fine goal it was too.
what i did notice was that the game got a bit tasty in the last 15 and because of this we started to control the match.
this was very encouraging as it's something i'm worried about this season. a lack of dig and fight.
for that last 15 we got some meaty tackles in and they weren't so keen anymore.
we created a lot more due to our bullying.
i liked it!!
right after that game was a celtic v rangers game from 2005. a scottish cup tie.
we won 2-1. goals form sutton and hartson. rangers equaliser was from ricksen.
young aiden was playing and he gave hutton a torrid time.
what i noticed was he didn't hold onto the ball as much. the crosses were fired in early and what a difference it made.
simple passes. taking on his man round the outside.
to be fair he had quality around him.
i'm hoping with the likes of donati, brown and naka playing alongside he will not feel the need to hold the ball as long.
We need to do our bit to help this lad.
There is no one in Scotland at his age who comes near to his ability on the ball.
If the other half had a player like him we'd be jealous.
Emjay
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EDB,
I think it is Abuja.
They seem to be a bit naive in their dealings, even outstripping us in that race.
The commissioners of the games were in Glasgow last week to check on progress and discuss the documented bid.
All of a sudden the Nigerians arrived offering them additional tickets to divert their homeward journeys to make an extra visit to their city.
But wait for the best.
The Glasgow committee made arrangements for a formal meeting between the commissioners and the nigerian fifth columnists.
The Games committee were extremely unhappy, one actually proclaiming 'I will not be bought.'
I think Glasgow may be favourite on this one, purely because one of the genuinley major aims of this award is 'regeneration'.
Now Abuja undoubtedly has areas that are candidates for that injection far more than even our east end. BUT, nigeria and Abuja are by virtue of their oil 'rich beyond the dreams of avarice'.
I would think that the lack of investment of that wealth in their own country may prove fatal to their hopes, and that is why thay are trying the inducement approach.
There again, I am no more than a common layman trying the appliance of common sense.
As for Newcastle, I will know by tomorrow night on whether I have seats, perhaps 3.
I am leaving Glasgow at about 10ish and staying in Newcastle overnight.
But if that's ok and the seats are available (and you like Verdi/Puccini), you are welcome.
Hail hail
Estadio
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EDB
Forgot.
Unfortunately, no tickets. But I would have thought that some would be available down there
hail hail
Estadio
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Is anyone else beginning to doubt if Jan the Man may not actually be the Man after all?
He had a difficult task to follow in BBJ, Sutty and Henke, but we seem to have a big guy who is not that great in the air and a conveyor belt of strikers who have failed to strike up any kind of partnership with the big fella.
Maybe a new combination is required, perhaps a new striker entirely. I hope Derek Riordan does not become 'the one who got away'. He is the only striker who strikes with any consistency but fails to displace others who don't. Can't work it out.
I fully expect to see the Zurawski we witnessed a couple of seasons ago now he's had the benefit of a summer break.
Zurawski and McDonald are worth a go, with Riordan supporting from the left. We need partnerships, teamwork and movement. I wonder if JVOH should be plan B instead of an immovable plan A?
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I actully think JVOH and McDonald are the makings of a good partnership from what i have seen so far.
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Estadio
I'll travel down with you if poss. and stay in the Swallow if there's a room.
Have a mate in Newcastle so hopefully a ticket will be o.k.
Noel and WG will vouch for me.
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pggtips ,
I liked Agathe , he was a top player for us way back. When everything was right in his head he was a great player who commanded some fantastic personal performances in europe. Infact I remember him more for his tackling rather than his woeful crossing. He was lovenkrands worst nightmare. By 2004-05 he was our resident sicknote due to repetitive strain injuries which many thought at the time to be suspect. When he did make the pitch he was mostly half-fit and didier did have a hand in that fateful day in may 2005.
Didier Agathe was one of the laziest trainers Celtic ever had. Martin O'Neill is on record stating this as fact. Didier had wonderful natural stamina but like many other players the high life of football got the better of him. Where is the guy now. He didnt even bother turning up to a trial for forest with his old mate Lenny.
He couldnt be arsed kicking a ball after MON left. He forged himself a wonderful career thanks to Martin O'Neill's belief in him. MON even gave him a 2nd chance at Villa.
He used his "work ethic, the unseen stuff, the dirty stuff, the uncelebrated stuff, the very easy to get incredibly bored stuff to fail under his mentor because he couldnt be bothered and had a social life to keep up. He failed at trials for blackburn , villa , roma due to severe lack of fitness and effort.
Nakamura by all accounts from everyone who knows him is a consummate professional athlete who , if you read up on his career in football worked immensely hard to get where he is today. McGeady is learning from the best on how to be professional.
Indeed my definition of workrate must be different from yours.
If Didier was this imaginary person you say he was , he wouldnt have wasted his limited talents in the final years of his career due to lack of effort and fitness.
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Macdonald is going to be a good acquisition, that I'm sure of.
I might be greedy but I want Naismith on board too.
Good account of the game Emjay, maybe the real Celtic gave notice of what they are really capable of in the final 15.
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Estadio,
If you take E D B to Newcastle with you, then,
BE IT ON YOUR OWN HEAD.
Just ask Tinytim, he took E D Bfor a night out and he is still regretting it.
BE WARNED.
Cheers,
Martin.
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just for a moment lets put all differences aside, watch the following clip, and remember that we are all supporters of the GREATEST team on earth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLXh-JUub3M
hail hail
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U2_1888
I've never been clear on exactly what it is that makes a great centre forward.
I suppose apart from the greed, self-confidence and the ability to control and strike a ball from a 360 degree spectrum of delivery, the most mystical attribute was the anticipation and arrival in the right space at the right moment, from exactly the right direction.
No matter how the defence formed, no matter their shape, no matter their communication, just one brief blur and there was the space.... here comes the ball....how did he get there?
Goal!!!
Cue massive back four arguement as Maciej turns to soak the acclaim of the Celtic thousands!
That was Magic in the second half of his injury constrained first season.
If he could recapture that form for a whole season, 30+ would be a formality.
That would be good.
hail hail
Estadio
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u21888,
Jan the Man.
i'm a big fan of his. i think he would have scored loads with Thommo and Agathe supplying the crosses nevermind partnering Henrik.
that's why he's struggling a wee bit. there's no supply from the wings. getting to the by-line and whipping it back for the big man.
i think he's an excellent finisher. he does look a bit out of sorts at the moment mind you.
if there's anything i want the big man to learn from the legacy of Sutton and BBJ it's being a wee bit smarter.
a bit sneaky you could say. especially Sutty. he was brillant at it. getting us fouls in and around the box.
letting his man bundle into him gave us countless fouls that thommo duly put right on messrs. Henrik, Sutty and BBJ's heads.
our set piece threat would instantly return.
we need to maximise Naka's dead ball ability more by using this tactic.
JVOH may be just a bit too honest on the field.
Emjay
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I had my say on Aiden back on 12/07/07 but as he seems to be 'topic of the day' I will re-post my thoughts now!!
'his final delivery is rubbish, no point in having all that skill if ye cannae deliver the final pass ye know' is an oft used quote I hear.
No point in seeing the fear in opposition defenders eyes when they've given him that bit too much space and he is in full flow about to leave them on their erse.
No point in watching the opposition manager alter his tactics to put 2/3 players on him in attempt to stop him.
No point in sitting on the edge of your seat every time he get's the ball. I'm glad to see I am not the only one who is filled with anticipation EVERY time he gets the ball.
No point in giving him yet another season to see if he can fulfil his potential... Damn right there is!!
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E D B,
How are you?
I hope you and the women in your life enjoyed Mexico.
It does not seem like three weeks since we last spoke.
You missed a great day at the golf,you would have enjoyed it.
Pass on my best wishes to M and Gordon.
Paul told me that you mailed him asking after me.
I have not posted lately because of the mineshafters, they really drive me potty.
I find them so Self B****y Righteous.
Cheers,
Martin.
Nice to see you back
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EDB def got one seat.
I used the folowing site for booking the swallow. (£53.00 bb)
http://www.aboutbritain.com/hotels/hotel7006.asp
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Estadio........
Love the thought of you filing away those 'anti-Mcgeady' comments for (hopefully) later publication......can't wait!
My approach to Celtic is not one of favourites (thought Henrik was fab) or dislikes (struggled to be convinced about Peter Grant) but simply one of supporting The Hoops and hoping every player tries his hardest. I also do a Match Report which goes out to ex-pats around the world and I have decided to go back to the beginning of last season and refresh my memory on how I thought Aiden had played. Here are the first lot of assessments:
MATCH REPORT> CELTIC 4 KILMARNOCK 1
McGeady: Lot of hype before the game about how this will be his make or break year. Worked very hard, had some delightful touches and passes, but in the main, it wasn't really his day. Wasn't a failure but...... THE BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT IS HIS DESIRE TO WORK FOR THE TEAM AND I THOUGHT HE DESERVED A 7
MATCH REPORT: Inverness 1 CELTIC 1
McGEADY ……….6 MOM How frustrating for him. Every time he gets the ball he's fouled (I think 3 players were booked for fouling him). He kept his composure and kept trying throughout the match.
MATCH REPORT: Man U 3 CELTIC 2
McGEADY 3 This was a golden opportunity for him to show his class but he failed once again in Europe.
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 Rangers ...
McGEADY 8 He really is turning into a great Celtic player in these games. He is much more physically developed, he can last the full 90mins and he's is learning when to release a pass. Had a great attempt on goal which just went over and was unlucky not to score with his header which led to the goal.
MATCH REPORT!! CELTIC 1 COPEN 0
McGEADY 8 The player that caused Copenhagen the most problems with his direct running and astute passing. His linking up with Naylor is one of the main reasons his form is so good.
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 ABERDEEN 0
McGEADY........7 MOM He was the only player who carried any threat and was always willing to have a shot.
Match Report: copenhagen 3 celtic 1
McGEADY........3
had a horror game against Man U but was even worse to-night. On these two displays I doubt if a First Div club would take him.the most disappointing part came when he refused to go into a 50/50 tackle with the goalkeeper.
MATCH REPORT: Dunfermilne 1 CELTIC 2
McGEADY........ 7 Bounced back well from that terrible game ot Copenhagen and scored the very important first goal. Glad to see he was not frightened by Lennons' attack.
MATCH REPORT: Rangers 1 CELTIC 1
McGEADY........ 7Was always covered by two or three opponents but he never stopped trying and he was prepared to work back for the team. Rec'd no protection from the ref.
Those games brought us to the end of 2006. To-morrow I'll try to do the remaining games.
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Emjay,
I think you may have hit the nail on the head. He is constantly playing with his back to goal.
We seem to have run out of runway with the rightsided player on the left and the left sided player on the right. In fact, we ran out of runway just around the time Paul Telfer left. Amazing, don't you think?
Without real energy at full back it fails to deliver danger where it matters - in the box. Getting to the byline is not an objective in recent months, or if it is we are failing in that objective.
For Jan to play with his back to goal you must have fantstic movement around him, not just from his strike partner but from midfield also. For some reason we haven't found that combination with him or for him.
We need to change the style of play to make getting beyond the strikers to the byline a priority or we need to change the personnel up front to offer more movement and understanding.
Estadio,
You have just described Henrik. And Ian Rush. And Jorge Cadette. And Jimmy Greaves. And Denis Law. And (startlingly) Steve Archibald. I hope you have not described Kris Boyd, but if he stays away from the pubs you just might have. Buy him a pint if you see him - you know it makes sense!
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Someone mentioned being frustrated about Aidens wingplay. Kingoh hit the nail on the head. He is only frustrating to those clowns who expect him to be Messi or ronaldo going down the left flank even though he double or treble teamed every week by the opposition.
Its a fine compliment of your ability when you see opposition of the quality of AC Milan giving Aiden McGeady the respect he deserves by doubling up on him over two legs of CL football ,When you see this you know you have a player.
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Celticlover,
I wouldn't disagree with any of that.
A point here a point there, maybe the occasionally different perspective but it matches my memory.
The European games strangely enough for me, obviously the biggest disappointment are also the biggest conundrum.
I think that Aiden feels the weight of expectation more than he would care to admit and that is a mind game that he is going to have to win.
It is probably in these games that having been such a success early on (the AC game 2004), he actually has to take a step backwards and build his game slowly.
The carefree approach which was so successful then, fuelled probably by youthful bravado was successful because it was unexpected by the crowd and was as stated carefree.
He now cares, perhaps too much. Some of the greatest sportsmen I have seen have found at times their legs jellified with the expectation and hopes of the masses on their shoulders.
Those that overcame it did so by remembering their own enjoyment in what they were doing and accepting that the applause and adulation, brilliant as it was, would fade and quieten but the memories of their talent would forever light up their memories.
Those that failed, failed because they forgot their own investment and enjoyment in what they were doing.
Aiden can get there as well by focusing on himself and what he can achieve.
That will be the next rung on the ladder.
Hail hail
Estadio
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Bhoy o Bhoy
Reliving that made my hair stand on end. Even the missing follicles stood to attention.
It's been quite a day with the AM discussions and the rhyming dug.
My own favourite collie was Black Bob from the Weekly News I always read in my Granny's on a Friday evening. My reward for going out to the oilman for the sticks and lifebouy.
Not being clever enough to create doggerel I thought this wee tribute to the canine would keep the blog ticking over.
The tither was a ploughman's collie-
A rhyming, ranting, raving billie,
Wha for his friend an' comrade had him,
And in freak had Luath ca'd him,
After some dog in Highland Sang,^2
Was made lang syne,-Lord knows how lang.
He was a gash an' faithfu' tyke,
As ever lap a sheugh or dyke.
His honest, sonsie, baws'nt face
Aye gat him friends in ilka place;
His breast was white, his touzie back
Weel clad wi' coat o' glossy black;
His gawsie tail, wi' upward curl,
Hung owre his hurdie's wi' a swirl.
'GG who is not Burns
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It amazes me that we are talking about Balde getting a start. The guy has been a liability since the day he signed. He has cost us so many games, some people seem to have short memories.
Now, I do not know what our best defense is, but some people seem to forget that through the whole of last season or best defensive spell was with Telfer / Caldwell / McManus / Naylor
9 of the 20 games at the start of last season, we did not let in a goal. We only let in more than 2 in the games against Man U and Benfica. Then what happened? Caldwell got injured. In the 32 games after that we only had 9 clean sheets and let in 2 or more in 6 games. Coinsidence?
I personally think that Caldwell brings out the best in McManus. I also think our best pairing will come from Kennedy, Caldwell, McManus and O'Dea.
There is a lot to be said with a 4-3-3. My personal preference is (from the squad we have):
Boruc
Wilson Caldwell Kennedy Naylor
Brown Nakamura Donati
McGeady JVOH Riordan
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JohnnyMac...
most insightful post of the day. If 4-3-3 puts Nakamura in a free role, I think we may be on to something!
G'night all......
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Been AWOL on the beach.
Weeron & Johnny Mac: I Concur
A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man
He was a breath of fresh air against the All Stars....On a night when a gulp of air was in short supply. I have said before that he has huge potential... and I have high hopes for him.
Some players are more than professional athletes, they are Artists.
It sems to me that negative comments about any Young Artist are detrimental to Hope.
And what is Hope....? (Apart from being a very Human quality)
Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in a deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good.(@V. Havel)
Quietly nurture the bhoy and help him grow into an Artist.....Hopefully.
PJB who will be in Glasgow for three weeks this Friday
Roll on fiba in the flesh.....
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SMITH CLOSES DOOR ON NEW RECRUITS - According to the Sporting Life. Paul67 looks like the immediate talent acquisition strategy has been set at Ibrox. But perhaps you already knew that.
PJBhoy
Switching the Boogie Down for Rain Town?
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PJ are you an English Teacher in da Bronx? Very poetic your ode to hope.
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Haven't read any comments this morning but I have been amazed at BBC Scotland's attempts to promote our sou side neighbours and the pressure they are trying to exert on Kilmarnock to sell Naismith to them. It looks to me as if Smith's saying the matter is closed is only their latest attempt to pressurise Kilmarnock with the willing connivance of the player's agent and the Scottish media. Dreadful stuff. Should our dignified SFA not intervene and come to the support of a member, who has acted uprightly, as far as I can see?
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PCSalford
We've even got quotes from his Da that Killie's behaviour is causing his son sleepless nights.
The huns, sfa and media are a disgrace. Have they paid up full for Boyd yet? For Killie it's a case of having their fingers burned once before, cash on the nail or no deal, what the heck is wrong with that??
Killie should make an official complaint.
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Nothing new in this tactic, but it will make it all the funnier if they don't get him.
Are Hibs still in for him? That would be brilliant.
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A good wee video to start the day
Lisbon
From Yasser on CM
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Cue Barbra-
memories,light the corners of my mind,misty watercolor memories of the way we were..
Whenever a bone of contention crops up[MoN,Bobo,Aiden,the Telfmeister]eventually'some folk have short memories' will crop up,on both sides of the debate.
Which makes me wonder if there is any value in witnessing something yourself,because the chances are the person sitting next to you will come to a completely different conclusion!There must be a psychological explanation for this.
Anyways,FWIW,if the Pole in the goal had posted on here after the Chicago game he would have been in the distinctly unimpressed with the performance camp;which is good to here.No celebration of mediocrity,as Pablo would put it.
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whooosh> yo! peeps what gives???
Yo! paul
Yo! sdstim (u got mail)
Yo! pablo...wherever ye are..
Yo! noel..on holiday..
i am now officially on holiday from bedlam, for 3 weeks now..
however the downside i am on standby for other bedlams if i am needed...
bit quiet on the news front...
like most peeps i guess i am missing my fix of rumour mill from etims....
i start getting setanta on 26/07
live match updates will be better quality now! :-)
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Apolohies for delay in returning comments last night to GM/Collie
I thought mcgeady was average made a few driving runs but with no real threat he was far from the worst player on the park but he never done much at the same time.
tho i felt even scott brown was subdued
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dbbia> yo! you are correct, the explanation can be highlighed as such here>
young girl or old hag?
keep on rockin!!!
hows yer ould mucker plato?
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Aldo-so in the end you see what you want to see!You think such-and-such a player is an ace,you don't see his faults.You think another player is a dumpling,so no matter what he does you sit on your hands.
Me ole'interweb stalker PlatWat is either lurking at the back or got off the bus completely,nursing his tinears in the Platcave.
In true rock'n'roll tradition the Kerrang!CSC is having the difficultthirdalbumblues,but hey!
Life is STILL Green!
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Three games in October
Oct 13th Celtic Reserves Away to them!
Oct 20th Celtic Away to them
Oct 30th Celtic U19s Away to them.
Now that would a nice treble!
Hail hail
Estadio
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Dbbia> yup! im more of a 'gestaltian' kinda guy,lol..
the whole team is greater than the sum of its parts......
hmm 3rd album indeed...
are we going to be..
' masters of reality'?
or are we going to have a 'sheer heart attack'.. ' on the road to ruin'???? :-)
this could take all day, lol
and i cant even remember what the 3rd steps album was called !!!
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Nah,really hoping for a real change in direction a la LZIII!
light and shade,ying and yang,the scalpel and the piledriver.
And,happily enough,El Gordo has got to come up with a line-up for his'difficult'third season!
Is it the Celebration day or the Gallows pole?
Some techwiz posted 8+ minutes of HL last night,a truly great Celtic player,but one who perhaps didn't achieve superduper greatness until he had a team to thrive in.
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Dbbia> HL was afforded hero status.. but initially there were doubters...
personally its 'celebration day' for me as 'thats the way' 'friends'celebrate an end of season party 'out on the tiles'..
after a season of 'bron-y-aur stomp'ing over the 'tangerine'foes...
and of course a 'hats off to roy haper' if we sign him!!!!!
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Do contracts of employment mean nothing in football these days? It seems as if being under contract is no impediment to arranging to join another emplyer. I won't get into Tevez, but look at the stories with Heinze and Naysmith.
Heinze was apparently told by the club that he could leave if a certain fee was obtained. The story is that this was in a letter and not in his contract. So his agent has been trying to arrange his transfer. Seems perfectl legal on the face of it. But did Liverpool approach the player's agent before the letter, and therefore tapped him up?
Naysmith is, according to the press, so desperate for a move that he cannot sleep. But he has three years left on a contract he signed. And presumably accepted a signing on bonus at the time. So should he be allowed to move now, just because he wants to. Or are Killlie justified in not selling their best player?
The player has all the power in these high money days. What club is going to keep a player who wants to move? What club will put an expensive and highly paid player in the reserves to see out a contract knowing they will lose out financially?
So what's the answer? I think some restructuring of the whole contract set up is required. If a player is given a signing on bonus, this should be seen as advanced wages over the length of the contract, If a player leaves by his own desire half way though he should repay half of the signing on fee. And in these days of transfer windows, why not have a notice period like most of us have? A player could be asked to give notice to leave x days before the start of the window. That way the club knows the score and can seek a replacement.
I'm sure there are other ideas in this knowledgable blog.
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aldo
Got your email from Friday, get back to you tonite, working at the moment, allegedly:) Cheers
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sdstim> cheers, no worries :-)
Gordon J> part of the problem is the way agents are employed..good and bad..
...and the transfer system at present isnt the best but i guess it is the best outcome between players interests and employment rights balanced against the employers and their business plans..
what contracts anywhere are worth the paper they are written on??
recent voluntary/ mandatory redundancy policies in the health care sector have highlighted this..
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from pravda>
reserves to face airdrie
Gregor Kyle
THE reserves’ pre-season warm-up will continue tomorrow evening (Wednesday, July 25) against Airdrie at the Excelsior Stadium.
The game kicks off at 7.45pm with the Celtic support being housed in the East Stand and with Willie McStay’s side once again playing their home games at the Excelsior this season - it will provide the players with invaluable experience.
Admission prices are £10 with concessions at £5, so if you can, get along and cheer on the Bhoys as they begin their preparations for the season.
The reigning Reserve League champions then face Albion Rovers at Cliftonhill this Saturday, July 28 (kick-off 3pm) and Dumbarton at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium on July 30 (7.30pm).
The friendlies will then continue in Ireland against Finn Harps at Finn Park in Donegal (Monday, August 6, 7.30pm) and Galway United at Terryland Land Park in Galway (Wednesday, August 8, 7.45pm).
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Adam Virgo now saying,
"I want to prove I,m Celtic Class"
Kenny Miller.
"I want to prove I,m Celtic Class"
Tommas Gravesen
"I want to prove I,m Celtic Class"
Jiri Jarosik
"I want to prove I,m Celtic Class"
Are we being to soft or do all of these I want to stay brigade deserve another shout.
KittochWhoWantsTheClearOutToStart
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Kittoch-this is a bit like GorJs post about clubs letting highly paid players seeing out their lucrative contracts in the reserves.
So far we have not yet seen the best of AV-as for the others they have had plenty opporchancity.
The other 3 are all seasoned internationals,not youngsters making the grade.
Ithink it's time to roll out the Deadwood stage.
Whipcrackaway!Whipcrackaway!Whipcrackaway!
DBBIA/Calamity Jane CSC
PS Aldo-the last I heard of PlatWat he was going to LiveEarth,to see SpinalTap.I hope he hasn't spontaneously combusted!
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Estadio
Agree with your comments re. McGeady. When a person has the natural ability he has, the most important aspect of his development is how he is handled, i.e.is he the type of person who requires nurturing or the type that needs to be challenged, harangued, etc. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that he is the former and although he is a cocky individual he requires the appreciation of his peers and supporters to bring the best out of him.
He will never be given the full backing of the Celtic support for whatever reasons but he has the potential to make a huge, positive impact on the Club over the next few years.
Here are the reports for the remainder of the season:
CELTIC 4 DUMBARTON 0
McGEADY........5 Could not get the better of a stuffy Dumbarton defence and it was well into the second half before he threatened the goal.
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 5 ST MIRREN 1
McGEADY ..... 6 Whilst he will be pleased with some of his passing, some of his shooting and of course his goal, I just feel he will be a bit disappointed with his inability to skin the full-back.
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 HIBS 0
McGEADY …… 6 Too often was caught in possession but the natural genius that he has produced a bit of McGeady magic out on the wing resulted in that cross which led to the goal.
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 0 AC MILAN 0
McGEADY …… 6 Had a poor first half when he found himself marked by two players but it was his poor defending that worried me more. His second half performance was much better when he came inside a lot.
MATCH REPORT: Inverness 1 CELTIC 2
McGEADY ….. 6 Replaced Jarosik and bought a directness to the play which was much needed
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 Dunfermiln...
McGEADY …… 8 Took a lot of hard tackling but never stopped going at the defence. Set up the first goal when he ‘ghosted’ past the right back and laid the ball on a plate for Millar.
MATCH REPORT: AC MILAN 1 CELTIC O (AET)
McGEADY …… 7 Played inside for most of the game and was always a threat going forward. I feel he is another one who will feel that he could have used the ball better. Was exhausted during extra time and his passing suffered.
MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 0 Rangers 1
McGEADY …….. 6 Had a great first half but then drifted almost totally out of the game. Probable cause was lack of good service.
CELTIC 1 M/WELL 0
McGEADY …….. 8 MOM My ‘Young Player of The Year” and he confirmed that to-day. He was the only one who went fwd at every opportunity. Was very influential in making the goal.
MATCH REPORT: Killie 1 CELTIC 2
McGEADY….. 4 Hoped he was going to be the catalyst to victory but stuggled to have any real impact
MATCH REPORT: Rangers 2 CELTIC 0
McGEADY…. ……3 What a disappointing end to the season he is having. He gave the ball away and allowed himself to be pushed off the ball too easily.
CUP FINAL: CELTIC 1 DUNFERMILNE 0
McGEADY…. ……3 Again my last Match Report comment applies: “What a disappointing end to the season he is having. He gave the ball away and allowed himself to be pushed off the ball too easily.” He is in danger of becoming a very exciting young player who failed to realise his full potential. It’s interesting that he becomes one of many players who once they sign a new contract their form dips. Keeping my fingers crossed for him next season.
So there you have it. A season in which he turned in some wonderful performances but sadly, as the season drew to a close, he produced some unacceptable performances.
Some people remember the last kiss of the romance and not the first!
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Dbbia> or maybe he couldnt find live earth and spent the day wandering around lost shouting
'Hello cleveland!!'
smellthegloveCSC
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Celticlover
If you have made this clear above, I apologise in advance, but what is the source of these comments and performance marks?
If they are all your own work, I heartily agree that they have as much validity as anything appearing in a newspaper, but that still proves Estadio's main point: it's just your opinion and it carries no more weight than that of someone who would mark Aiden 10 out of 10 every performance (his dad, say).
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Hope one of you guys can help - Bought a new season ticket this year after a few years absense due to family reasons. Paid by credit card a month ago.
No sign of it with a game looming on Sunday.
Celtic Ticket Office experience unchanged - 24 mins on hold then rings out for 10 mins once I am at the front of the q. Then hung up/disconnected on.
Are there a few people out there still waiting ? I know at least 1 person who changed seats and has no ticket yet...
Any advice appreciated ....
Cheers lads...
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I don't know how close you are to the ground Hoopy but if you want to be sure of getting sorted then experience has taught me that the best method is to go in and try and sort it out on a face-to-face basis.
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Lies damn lies and statistics...
it is true that we cannot as fans look at players in a match clinically ..our own perspectives and prejudices colour our judgement..
even using opta stats or similar, we can interpret the information as we see fit....
for example someone..lets say LN in 90 minutes completes 100 passes and 100 of them find a team mate then is he a better player than say..
AMcG who completes 40 passes in a game and only 20 of them find a team mate?
The fact that NL kept his passes short and repetitively played a one two....
while AMcG had to beat players and run down the wing and cut inside to find a team mate.......
who is the better player?
we can extrapolate what we want to , even from sources of data provided by clinical analysts that objectively collect the data...
Im getting deja vu about the Aiden baiters.... seen all this before with creaney,fulton, burchill,et al...
the pessimists protect themselves by saying ' this guys a dud...'
and if proven correct they say..'see ah telt ye so'...
the optimist will say' wait and see'...
for me, optimism is the better option...
like i was optimistic when we signed lubo...and praise the efforts of aiden...
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PS or being a major leagur rapstar you could get one of your homies/crew/posse to go in for you;~)!
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Hoop Dogg
Sorry to hear of your ticket confusion, But are there tickets available my lad is bursting for his first season ticket.
Kittoch
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The quote on Sproting Life from Unlce Valter, is the same as the one that was on the Herald website this morning:
"There are one or two situations that we're still looking at, but there are now a group of players at the club," said Smith, when asked about other potential signing targets. "We maybe need to lose one or two before we bring any other ones in."
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Kittoch
Yes
Drop e-mail to customer services (see fishal site) and ask them what areas of ground are available.
Even better if you go up to the TO they'll show you a diagram with your seat position.
Most of the full season tickets (adult or under16) left are in single seats, but I think there are a some family seats in the LL and there are definitely 'special' season tickets going.
Specials are full tickets without the hatefests with the Govan mob.
Hail hail
Estadio
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I saw the US games last night for the first time and like the Swiss games last week I was wondering what all the fuss was all about ? They all seemed like decent pre season performances to me. Absolutely diddly sqaut to worry about apart from maybe losing Atur Boruc for 20m, hope he has a few nightmares before the season starts for sure .......... which brings me to my alcoholic fuelled dream from last night. I met Jiri Jarosik wearing an Eintracht Frankfurt top!!! in a pub in Frankfurt naturally, as he needs to travel so as not to be disturbed when having a relaxing pils and I was being my usual nice polite self to him buying him drink and not daring to question his diet etc. He was very cagey and uneasy and I thought that he was worried that I´d blow his cover for his secret drinking rouse. I told him it was cushtie with me and relax but he said that he also had that Jingle Jackson on his tail with a Record photographer in tow and if WGS found out, he´d be in the papers etc. I start to ask him about Prague and Chelsea etc. and he hasn´t a scooby .. can´t answer me any questions and he can hardly recall any team mates at Birmingham or Chelsea ... complete haverer ... he then asks me if I can keep a secret and invites me to the mens toilet - yes exactly !!!... I am starting to think ah that´s why he´s over here and does this explain TG´s poor form and is his wife leading everone astray - it was adream ok !!. Jiro being a big lad, I am making sure I have my back to the wall when Jiri urges me into a cubicle....I start to get more than a bit worried and he assures me everything is going to be just tickety boo ... I am worried that Jingle Jackson is about to pop a camera over the cubicle and get me a lifetime ban from CQN ... possibly Celtic Park ... when Jiri in Mission Impossible fashion, I think even th etheme tune was being played, removes his face mask only to reveal that he is really Vidar Riseth ... who loves Celtic so much he´ll do anything to play for Celtic and I have to keep his secret .. his accent changes to Norwegian glaswegian and the rest of the dream involves arond me and Vidar having a great night around Frankfurt... It must have been the acquavit. Great stuff .. woke up clear headed bright eyed and bushy tailed.
Hail Hail
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Celtic_First
The comments and marks are taken from a Match Report I send out, mainly to ex-pats, just to give a feel of how things are going from a Celtic perspective. I had earlier posted to Estadio, who was correctly fighting McGeady's corner, to see how the season had penned out from my opinion and the last post is for the second half of the season. I know well that my comments and markings are not accepted as accurate by quite a few of the recipients but that is what makes the world go around!
There are only two group of people whose opinions matter and they are the Referee and his linesmen and the Manager and his coaching staff but this Blog would not exist if the posters did not believe in their opinions.
I firmly believe that what I write is accurate.
I firmly believe that I should be managing the team
I firmly believe that I should be playing at right back (and Captain of course!).
Enjoy the experience of being a member of a wonderful family and C'mon The Hoops.
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Awe Naw,
That is magnificent.
Were you on the cheese before bed last night?
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Pizza beer and Acquavit ... I think it means water of life .. I have to stay clear of that stuff!! :-) Girlfriend says I was definitely having fun. I think she was a wee bit pissed off that she wasn´t invited.
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awe naw....excellent...
quite intruiging dream sequence...
what if your girlfriend was in the dream...and her mask slipped revealing ..vidar!!!
terrifying stuff....
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aldo,
ok ok ok you´ve convinced me no more water of life for this bhoy
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Estadio
I'm afraid I'll need to give Newcastle a miss this week. My employers reckon my work commitments take priority on this occasion.
Maybe catch you at Strathclyde Homes Stadium.
Cheers.
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Estadio
Thanks for the Ticket Info. One gratefull son. I had been advised that there was a waiting list and so nothing doing.
Kittoch
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EDB
OK
Room cancelled.
Mind you after what Mr 90 told me about your 'previous' I may have had a narrow escape.
See you at Dumbarton
Estadio
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Fiscal site saying £220 for my lad but not obvious how much for Adult seat, anyone advise on average adult price.
Holding on phone getting nowhere.
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Kittoc
Different grades of tickets.
I was group 1 which was JS end upper tier (near the front) £550. That i would imagine also applies to Main Stand, North stand (level with Half way Line (near the padded seats as opposed to me who needs a padded cell)
I Moved to Group 2 North Stand (Level with Celtic end 18yard box - £530.
I believe that the prices go down to £430
Not sure of last bit.
Hail hail
Estadio
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Is anyone else having a looooonnnnngggg lag on refreshing the site, or am I working near the event horizon of a black hole?
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Estadio
Thanks again
Also suffering from Loooooonnggg Lag.
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Just spent 25 mins on the ticket office hotline, then, finally, someone answered the phone by lifting the receiver and I then got an engaged tone. Had to dial again and I,m now 20th in line. ABSOLUTELY SUPERB SERVICE......NOT
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Kittoch
If you get really desperate...
http://tinyurl.com/33ls7s
Hail hail
Estadio
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Nike Wednesday?
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Estadio,
I couldn't get on all day, the page was just "timing out".......will see how I got on using the "comment page" now I've made it on, maybe Noel has left behind a wee gremlin.
I thought for a minute doggy Dave had CQN shut down...but no truth there was a polis raid on CQN today. :-)
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Varga
What do you know???
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I DON@T BELEIVE IT. SEE PREVIOUS COMMENT RE TICKET HOTLINE. ITS JUST HAPPENED AGAIN. WTFs GOIN ON DOWN THERE?
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31003
Ticket line is a joke. Trying to sell season tickets won't answer phones. I too gave up
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Estadio at 18.01 yesterday
Much appreciate your concern. No floods for me fortunately. Its quite appropriate and telling that only I would say of myself that I live "on higher ground" though in all seriousness there are many around my area who have not been so lucky.
My absence has merely been for the mundane reasons of getting ready to go away then travelling by car and ferry to Brittany on my regular missionary visit, hoops at the ready don't ye know.
First words from the elderly voisin being "C'est beau n'est-ce pas?" and indeed it is and a blessed relief after the monsoons of the past few weeks.
Downside of course is I will be bereft of seeing the games and will be relying on the opinions of tinlord tiny tim hail hail et al for a balanced impartial view of how Team 3 is developing:>).
Must go - the amazon that is my back garden needs a little attention.
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In defence of the Ticket Line I must say that I had a very positive experience the other day. I noticed that the money for my ticket hadn't been taken out of the bank, so I phoned to check it out. After being on hold for five minuttes I spoke to a very competent woman who hooked me up with a better seat than I originally had. And very pleasant she was too.
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HoopDoggyDog
Have a sniff here.
http://tinyurl.com/33qeyb
Hail hail
Estadio
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CelticLover
Say Pal...you have the Eye...
The Eye dat looks and sees whit RIGHT,
An' disnae believe in Pie in da Sky!
Ye believe whit's der in FRONT o' ye...
An' no whit COULD BE... or MIGHT!
Ye ur Richt aboot da Descent o' McGeady....
His last HALF A DOZEN GAMES... were Painful an' ... SEEDY!
Dinna believe dat nonsense by the Tinted Spectacle Crowd......
Yer opinion is so CORRECT,and shout it rather LOUD!
McGeady needs tae straighten up, and fly on a straighter course..
He is NO IMPROVING...which is bad,
An' in tryin' tae encourage Him....
Ah'm gettin' rather HOARSE!
He has awe de Talent to make de Grade,which ah agree is MOST ESSENTIAL!
HowevvvAh.....
Ayeways, remember, dat de Talent he hiz goat is...
MERELY JIST.... POTENTIAL!!!!
He must IMPROVE, He must IMPROVE...
Repeat it o'er an' o'er!
But dey way dat he is Playin' Noo
Has turned my FORMER APPROVAL o' him from SWEET... tae BITTER an' SOUR!
Pal, yer Reports ur Accurate!!...
An' dat's whit Nags at the wan's
who mak dispute,
Fur der "See No Evil" opinions are WRANG!
Which, yer Reports dae Triumphantly REFUTE!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Haven't posted for a while but I do read the contributions.
Anyone else bored with the McGeady debate? Round and round we go with it.
On other issues:
the best partner for JVOH (or Killen who is a similar type of player) is clearly McDonald. He will score a lot of goals this season. What a steal at less than 1 million. However, I would like to see Riordan given a chance to play alongside one of our big centres, like McD he has very fast reflexes --- I cite the goal in Sundays match.
we shall never get the best out of Majic or Miller, for that matter, until the team learns to play balls over the top for them to run onto. This is absolutely essential for Miller but less so for Majic. Majic can forage and score within the box. I have watched Majic both in Poland and at Celtic and he makes intelligent runs. At Wisla he had someone who understood how to give him the ball. He has lacked that at Celtic.
Are we really missing Lennon? There is virtually no effective defending in front of the defence. No midfielder is effective in tackling, or slowing opposing forwards. As a result, the defence has to deal with forwards in full flight racing toward goal. They are not effective at dealing with this. The forward pushes the ball past Presley or McM and they are either through on goal or its a foul/penalty. WE shall lose a lot of goals this way against ball playing forwards who run at us. Lots of evidence of this in the two US games. Both Kennedy (pre-injury) and O'Dea are better at dealing with this than the original two CBs.
Sadly, I do not think that Capone is the answer to the "missing" midfielder problem. He disappeared in games and if the intention is to have someone play wide on the right, that is not his natural position. He drifts inside too much to be a wide player. Still he was worth a looksee, and he would have been desirable last season.
What is wrong with Whittaker of Hibs as an option for fullback? Will Hibs not let him go, especially to us? He is over 6 feet, can tackle and also move up the park. Is there something happening in the background, Paul?
Brown looks like an excellent backup for Boruc--an excellent piece of business in case B leaves at some point.
Why is our most aggressive midfielder forced to play in his own penalty area? That says a lot about a) the play of the team overall, b) the organisation of the team. Look at SB in the two US games--what a waste!
Anyway, things do look a lot brighter than they did last year. Let us be careful not to become victims of our own expectations -- don't set them too high at this stage of the season.
Rebus
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Being more of a reader than a poster I've really enjoyed the past few days on here. There have been some excellent contributions from around Friday onwards - as well as some of the usual nonsense of course.
Felt I had to stick my oar in regarding Aiden though. Celticlover's notes indicate a decline in his performance levels towards the end of last season. This was the same for just about every player in the team. Maybe he was hanging on to the ball because there wasn't a pass? Other midfielders sitting too deep and forwards not showing.
An example of limited options, albeit on the other side of the pitch and with another player: During the first half of the Scottish Cup semi, due to the position of my seat, I had pretty much the same view of the pitch as Gary Caldwell. Every single time he got the ball in the right back position and looked up the wing it was empty. Naka had moved inside and the covering player for St Johnstone had blocked a pass to him. Caldwell's choice was either lump it up the wing in the hope that someone might get there or, more often, the short pass inside to Lenny. I'm sure this lack of movement was not restricted to this game or this side of the park.
Also, if there are two men on Aiden someone else must have space. We need players to take more contribute. I'm reminded of the DiCanio days when his team mates gave him the ball and waited for him to do something rather than taking responsibility themselves
I'm firmly in the happyclapper camp (i.e. being a Celtic supporter is the cake AND the icing - anything above that is pure cherry) and I'm looking forward greatly to next season as I believe we do have the players that will assist Aiden - and others of course
Off now to a five-a-side game to kick anyone who even comes close to emulating our young star in the making ;¬]
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Anyone else disgusted by the other lots handling of transfer business.
They have been doing their negotiatons in the media rather than in private, as reputable clubs do.
They continually put in bids that are well below the asking price or the market rate, leak the details to the press, leak stories about bids being their last offer, get players to come out and state how much they want the player at their club, doing everything that they can to unsettle the player to make the other club let them go.
This is not something new (remember Lee McCulloch, Thomson, Gow and Naysmith in January....Sebo and Papac last summer), they have been doing it for years. Then they try to make their offer reliant on appearances. I think we all remember the Michael Ball affair and why NO club is willing to enter into such an agreement with them any more.
They are obviously a club in a dire financial position and as such have to act in this unethical and unprofessional manner. It is shocking to me that the SFA are doing nothing about it and that the press feel the need to feed into it.
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Have been keeping a low profile for several months, but have to share tonight's first Clyde phone-in caller with the rest of you.
"Lee McCulloch - world class"
"132 years of unsurpassed dignity"
He then asked whether he could discuss the "corruption raids" but was told this was impossible because Rangers were 'helping London police with their enquiries". You couldn't make it up.
bryce curdy
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Freddie Shepherd has been let go by Mike Ashley at Newcastle. Not that I am implying anything about it being anything other than a routine decision and one unassociated with the recent corruption raids. Nudge nudge.
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Varga's
Have you been to the darts yet ?
Whats this about Wednesday. I heard there was to be a press conference today but that obviously didn't happen.
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I also fell into the trap of driving home bored + scanning stations = Radio Clod phone in - Daryl "God Save The" King states "if you take the best starting 11's there nothing between Celtic and rangers".
Now THAT you couldnt make up.....
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Bryce,
that call on Clyde was a wind-up from a poster on another board.....brown Brogues...:-)
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John Brown on the Radio Snide phone in.
"The sun is shining down on Ibrox, as it always does."
Has he BEEN in Glasgow recently? :)
What a ridiculous statement on national radio.
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Timmy7
Yer Observations,ur Wise an' Sound,
an'with shrewd an salient points,
they dae abound.
We need more input from guys like you,
who can argue well, their point o' view!
If ah may add a little snip... dat ah hiv noticed...
so, read dis tip!
"Dae not gie da ba' away.... on da cheap!
If ye dae... da PUNISHMENT, wull be DIRE, an' also, rather STEEP!"
Dat richt der, is my main complaint
aboot McGeady's Current collapse in form...
Fur tae Gie Away da Ba', tae him has NOO, become da NORM!
Ithers as weel are jist as Guilty... nae doot aboot it,
Thur ur Graveson, Jiri, an' ah must mention... McManus also... is included!
So here it is, simple Terms,
De trouble wi' Celtic????
It's in Cheaply gien away da Ba'.....
DAT dis da HERMS!!!!!!!!!
It's no da Sterlin' Play o' the ither Team ,at awe!
It' dat we PERSIST, in
GIFTIN' DEM DA BA!!!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Bryce Curdy
STEP AWAY FROM THE RADIO!!
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gerry - are you sure it was a wind up. You're average Rangers fan is so deluded that they do believe things the rest of us recognise as tosh. I heard the reference to brown brogues but thought he was just making reference to the earlier 'banter' between the 'experts' when one of them was slagged off for their dress sense.
bryce
PS Kaunus 3 Zeta 1 (LS) (Agg 4-4)
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Loved the back page line in the Evening Times: "Grant pulls out of Riordan bid"...maybe it is just me, but how can you pull out of something if you have never entered it in the first place?
As for the comment by King regarding the starting elevens. How would he know? Smith has already stated he does not know his starting 11 and hopes to finalise it in the next 2 games. The same goes for Celtic. No one knows the Central DF pairing or the Centre Forward pairings. The guy is embarassing.
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Apologies to all who could not get on to the blog today; problems at Blogger.
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Kittoch - why? It's a guaranteed giggle which is more than you can say for the Record.
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Bryce
It is for your own good, You may end up like them and start believing some of the tosh.
Stevie67 are you lurking or drinking Stella.
KittochWhoHasAllTheBhoysInterestsAtHeart.
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Like others, I can't believe the media treatment of Rangers transfer dealings. Naismith is under contract to Kilmarnock and if they don't think Rangers offer matches their valuation why the hell should they sell him? If David Murray or Walter Smith or you or me was selling his house and somebody offered him significantly less than what he thought it was worth, would he sell? Would he hell.
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Oops! Rangers will face a team that can score goals!
Rebus
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Bryce
Depends how much is in the plain brown envelope you slide across the table!!!!(Wink Wink nudge nudge ,know what ah mean?)
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Rumour from a guy on Real Radio:
We sign Naismith for £1.5m, loan him back to Kilmarnock for a year.
Probably not, but it makes a change from the 'Naismith must go to Rangers for the good of his health and the Scottish nation' tosh that's coming out.
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There's potential and potential.
There's my potential to be a better tennis player than I am, because I've got two arms and two legs and I've never played the game. Potentially I could be better, but still not much use to anyone.
There's Thomas Gravesen's potential to make better use of his arms and legs than he's doing at the moment. Apparently he has done so in a past life, but I missed it. What's reverse potential?
Then there's the potential of someone who is very good at something and could be better. Aiden.
Murdo McLeod. There's a non sequitur, you might think. Murdo never ever had potential. He had focus. He just did what he did very well from the start, and never promised more. And was appreciated for it, from Dumbarton to Celtic to Borussia Dortmund. Murdo was Beaujolais Nouveau.
Shame about the journalism. Nothimg worse than Beaujolais Nouveau, Vieux.
Aiden is not Murdo. Aiden is infinitely more gifted, but hasn't got the focus yet. With his talent, he deserves the time to mature. He is not Beaujolais Nouveau Murdo, he's Chateau Lafitte. Put him down if you must, but gently in a cool environment.
Aiden, among other things, is a metaphor for our team. A vintage is not produced overnight. Even three years is a bit young. Fergie (spit) was given the time to produce a real classic, one with a long finish.
I'm enjoying the uncertainty and triumphs of the early sips, and look forward to the mature vintage in a few years.
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Johnny Mac, Bryce, can you imagine the treatment we would be getting if we were undermining other SPL clubs players?
Blogger still has problems, though they seem to be lifting slowly.
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That's Lafite of course.
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Shug
How much is a bottle of Chateau Lafitte in Chennai?
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Indeed Paul.
My analogy about selling houses was actually kind to Rangers and the Scottish media, as Kilmarnock, at least officially, are not looking to sell the player.
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Shug
Apologies for the spelling error.
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James recently of Mehico.
A bottle of ordinary Jacob's Creek costs around 30 of your pounds in Chennai, and that's with my connections. And as an Australian wine salesman said to me last week, the word ordinary there is tautology.
So Lafite, if it's here (and it probably is) would cost as much as a Rangers centre forward. But you wouldn't be allowed instalments. Well you might be, but not me.
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Collie,
You expecting any new comings in the next week or so?
McGeady??? You reckon he might end up like Jamie Smith and just miss the boat?
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WGS
Something sad hit me about your post.
Not asking for Collie's opinion. But Jamie missing the boat.
About a year ago I was in Goa for the weekend. The driver who met us at the airport was wearing a Napoli shirt. On the back window of his vehicle (car isn't quite the right word) he had an Arsenal sticker.
When he dropped us at our hotel, he naturally asked for repeat business. Could he pick us up tomorrow? I said yes, as long as he wae wearing a Celtic strip.
The next morning, 10 am, Vilas arrives. In his Celtic strip. With a faded number 39 on the back. And the name Smith. It was an old strip of Jamie's, delivered by his uncle Billy who coached Aruna FC. A team which plays in India, in the hoops.
Jamie didn't miss the boat. He got off early. But he got on it.
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WGS
Comings wull come...fur dat is whit Comings ur fur,
An' der is rumblin's dat mak me,
wit' your your Timeline concur!
Ah feel in ma Bonies, dat Pierre has da Cajones,
Tae pull aff a Shock,
Der are mumblings aboot and it isnae jist Talk!
We wull soon get oor man, who wull shore up da Defense,
Fur da negos are gettin' mair Tense an' Intense!
Na, McGeady is far frum fa'ing victim,
tae da Fate o' J.Smith!
Fur Aiden has a type o' Talent dat
Jamie jist Mithed!
Young McGeady could come good, but he needs a wee Rocket,
Fur mebbe his his Heid is tellin' him...
He has da Startin' JOAB, in His Pocket!
O'er Confidence in his AIN Stature, could be his Failin',
Dat's why it wull dae nae harm, tae gie him a RAILING!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Shug
Life hasn't been easy for you has it? I trust the taxi driver received a monetary tip?
Anyhow I'm going to meet up with Estadio at Strathclyde Homes Stadium on Monday - or better still a bar nearby but not the Stag's Heid. Will you be home on time?
Estadio if you're out there, we could have a beer or two in the Celtic club in the town if that suits?
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I've got Rangers and Ajax in Chinese. It's making sense, except apparentl Rangers are 1 up!
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Darcheville booked for assault. Funny.
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A couple of great posts from Chennai there. Well done that man.
Kaunas will face Rangers in the Champions' League second qualifying round. Don't know who's home when.
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I checked the Kaunas score earlier and apparently they had won 4-1 thereby facing the darnel. Just had another look (Livescore.com) and it seems the score was 3-2 meaning the darnel will now face a team I've never heard of.
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Celtic_First,
Kaunus beat Zeta 3-2 tonight and as a result it is Zeta that go through 5-4 on aggrigate.
Rangers are at home in the 1st leg on the 31st with the 2nd leg in Montenegro a week later.
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Paul
Ur ye der?
Den Listen tae dis...
An'when am sayin' dis.....ah'm no dishin', Nae Fish!
Da Boss done said dat it wull nae stretch da trut'
Fur Celtic tae CONSEEDER! tae raise a Noo Team in....... Daluth?
Well dat is no exactly wit da Boss he did say...
But da talk is dat Celtic MAY!! open a Celtic Franchise.
IN DA GOOD OLE U.S.A.!
Da Latins hiv started da ball rollin' steady,
(Dey hiv Chivas... and someboady else, soon...)
So why no Da Celtic?...
fur we hiv a FANBASE..ensconced der Already!!
Hmmmmmm?
Maks a wholelotta sense, tae Horses and Dugs...
If we dinna tak advantage.,
Den ah think we'd be Mugs!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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You can never accuse the Celtic support of having a lack of patience. The fans have withstood the barren years of the fifties and early sixties and the crisis of the early nineties. And the support has matured and are now recognised as connoisseurs of the game ( check out chennaisebird and EDB and their fine wines.)
I say all this because I suspect that even within the realms of the possibility of an oncoming G.O.D., patience will need to be exercised to the hilt.
Estadio's recent research into the comings and goings at UEFA highlight how deeply corrupt aspects of the game are. At the very top our representatives do not have the best interests of the game at heart.
Who can we look to for inspiration in the world of football? We found no-one came to our aid against Racing Club, Atletico de Madrid or Rapid Vienna. Our disillusion at those moments was enormous
Strachan is going to painstakingly, and here comes the patience bit, build up this football club on the basis of fair play. The similarities with Don Quijote are worrying but what is the alternative?
Estadio´s further research, he´s as on Fire as Chicago, from the last match were telling. Celtic committed 5 fouls, in an albeit friendly match. The US outfit commited 14 fouls, almost three times as many.
Let´s face it the foulers can often win the day. Brazil outfouled Argentina considerably in the last America´s cup final. Outfouling Argentina, that is some doing!!
All this will take a long time unravelling but I am in for the long haul.
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Just saw the Kaunas - Zeta score on Sky Sports. Anyone know anything about Zeta? Hopefully they will give a good account of themselves next week.
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Carmina Burana at Ibrox.
God they're desperate. Do they know it's Latin?
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Chen..bird,
Perhaps what we are experiencing now with Chateau Murdo is a strong aftertaste, maybe the bottle is even "corked!"
My advice, don't order a case.
Enjoy your humour.
Rebus
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Sorry for lowering the tone, but this atrocious piece of journalism appeared in the ET this evening, under the bloated byline of Big DJ. Not only is it an appalling piece of writing, an affront to the Queen's (and everyone else's English), it presents such a biased view of the Naismith situation that it could have been written by Martin Bain himself.
DJ appears to be under the impression that Rangers have the absolute right to sign a player regardless of whether
A) they can meet his club's valuation
B) the club actually want to sell in the first place!
Note the line about the club's bankers keeping an eye on the situation...
Hold your nose and try not to vomit...
Naismith is the loser in power-play
THERE are three different losers out of Steven Naismith's collapsed move to Rangers - and none more so than the player himself.
Who knows what's going on in the young man's mind as he reads Walter Smith's quotes yesterday saying the move was now officially over.
Of course, in football, you can never say never and there might be a twist or two yet before the various signing deadlines, the final one being when the transfer window closes on August 31.
But I don't care which player it is, be it a young, promising talent like the Killie kid or a seasoned pro - once your heart is elsewhere you are just never the same player for your current employers.
Steven is going to have to get his head around the fact that he'll be starting the season as a Kilmarnock player, unless something happens in the next 11 days with Rangers - or one of these mystery bidders' that Killie claim to have.
I don't think that is a scenario the 20-year-old envisaged when he banged in that late goal against Rangers towards the end of last season, just as the speculation mounted that he was Ibrox bound.
On almost a daily basis for the past eight months he's had to read and listen to the latest installments of the saga, every time hoping he would finally be given his dream move.
There is no doubt Naismith wants to be at Rangers, but he is firmly stuck in the middle of this sorry mess and probably just wants out of Rugby Park now - to whoever matches the valuation Killie have.
I don't think Rangers handled the situation very well at the beginning. They went in with a ridiculously low bid of £400,000, virtually unbelievable.
But the Ibrox club then started to get closer to the figures Killie wanted. If it's true they matched Killie's £1.5m valuation only for them to move the goalposts, then you have to point the finger at chairman Michael Johnston.
Yes, they are entitled to look for top dollar for their only real asset. But what is the point in telling a club what you want, then asking for more when they meet the price?
So Killie right now are losers on two fronts. They claim to have other offers, but from where?
Why have they not accepted these offers if, as their chairman says, they were higher than Rangers' bid? The Killie chairman is making a real mess of it now.
So they have lost out - at the minute - on decent money, and I believe their bank manager will be keeping a close eye on the situation.
More importantly, they have one very unhappy player coming back to their ranks. I don't care what Jim Jefferies says, the lad is going to be feeling the effects of all this.
Rangers? Well they have lost out on a player who I believe would have been a big asset. I still think they are light up front and need to get another striker in. Likewise, the right hand side of midfield needs strengthened.
Steven Whittaker, of Hibs, appears to be the favoured option and I think he'd be a great buy, but is maybe not the most creative type of midfielder.
As for Naismith, there is no doubt he'll be all over the place even though I believe he'll get a move somewhere before the end of August.
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Sorry for getting that result wrong. Same source as EDB. They have now amended.
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I'll tell you what.
This Norton computer security thing I've got. Every ten seconds it comes up telling me I've got worms on my computer.
Just 'cos I'm watching Rangers.
Intuitive software. Well done Norton.
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Talking of fouling
I'm watching the other side, on some Dutch internet station, and they are a big physical side who can put themselves about.
I have no doubt we will be in for a far tighter title race this year.
The margin might even come down to single figures...
Then again I get delusional during the close season..
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It is Zeta Rangers will face?
or is it kaunas?
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Ajax have just equalised
Not that many people will be bothered.
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Oh look. It's one each in this meaningless friendly and here comes Beasley.
Why does that name rewmind me of Harry Potter?
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ItaliaBhoy,
I noticed that article too. Again, it is a pathetic article, designed to undermine the player and a further example of the underhand tactics of Rangers.
He almost repeats, word for word, the comment from the players agent about "Why have they not accepted these offers if, as their chairman says, they were higher than Rangers' bid?".
Just a couple of points to that.
1) Their offer may have been higher than those of the Rangers, but still not meeting their valuation, so why would they accept them.
2) Do you think that the other clubs involved stipulated that they want to do business in private and not in the press?
3) He talks about the Ibrox club getting closer to the Killie valuation and then makes the leap that they matched it. Killie have consistantly said that Rangers have not met their valuation and that all fee's must be money up front. We also know (although he does not talk about it) that all Rangers offers had add ons for appearances.....and as I said earlier, we all know how reliable Rangers are at paying on those agreements....just ask Everton.
DJ is a joke and a this article just goes to show who is still passing him some back handers.
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EDB, Kaunas were 3-0 up after 19 minutes and blew it, they lost the final goal in injury time.
Collie, just back; putting the boys to bed.
A US franchise makes a whole lot of sense; oor good friend from the US, Pete, has gone one further, a franchise in both genders.
Gordon J, I was hoping for Kaunus. Zeta are participating in Europe from the newly formed country, Montenegro. If it was not for the fact that Rangers are capable of plunging great depths, I would reckon Zeta were up against it.
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EDB
If you're there.
Sounds good to me. I was going to take the train to Dumbarton East.
But give me the name of the bar/club and time of getting there and I will arrange as appropriate.
Italiabhoy, I haven't really involved myself in this sordid little soap opera that is Willie Wontie Naismith as I was (and stil am) of the opinion that he will end up at Ibrox.
I really believe that he sees this as his ambition, the agent sees the green backs, Arsenal didn't want him and while I've no info to back this up, it wouldn't surprise me idf maturity was one of the criteria.
Finally Killie need the cash and will give in.
However I feel that I may be missing out on some real sewerage raking going on by the various pathogens who spout for the media.
So should I click on the ET/DJ gutter-boak?
My future sanity is in your hands.
hail Hail
Estadio
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Italiabhoy
Naismith, Kilmarnock and the darnel deserve what ever is coming to them.
Sorry, but screw the lotta them as George Galloway might say.
And to criticise the Kilmarnock chairman who has to put up with Bain, Smith, Murray and the darnel supporting establishment. Come on!
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Uefa are reporting (and one would hope that they of all people would know) that the final score tonight was 3-2 to Kaunus.
http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15102/match=301012/index.html
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Boyd off Sebo on to roars of approval. Does Ajax have that big a travelling support?
Surely Noel hasn't infiltrated that much?
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Shug
Will I tell you who died in the final book?
I'm happy, my favourites pulled through. They're all Tims coincidentally ha ha.
Wisnae best pleased when Dumbledhore died a couple of years ago!
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Johnny Mac
You would think so. Sky sports, further to my earlier link, are hedging their bets. The main headline says Rnagers to face Zeta, the report says Kaunas. http://home.skysports.com/football/
Just think of the Rangers fans, those not at the Ajax game, not knowing where to book flights etc to.
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Italiabhoy
What a stunning piece of literature.
Now I'm not the most educated man in the world - and neither the least...
But...
...my wee head's getting sore trying to fathom - 'virtually unbelievable.'
I would take my hat of to BFDJ but it is at present stopping my head from exploding.
What a big bare bum that man is.
U.
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Rangers 1 Ajax 1. FT.
Only a pre season friendly.
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Estadio
Can you call me.
07843.205391
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do ajax go through on away goals and we get all the money from the pot? :-)
damn blogger is slow....
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Paul
Tell Pete dat he goes, tae da Top o' da Class...
Why didna ah think o' dat one?
Och! Ah'll let dat wan pass!
A Celtic Team fur da Ladee-os, wid add Ice Cream tae da Pie,
We can capture da Whole Familee,
an' place oor Popularitee, oan High!
Neverdaless, da thought o' a Franchise, is Percolatin' away,
But dinna watch it Bilin', too closely!
Fur ye know whit they say...!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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And the silly money strikes again in England:
West Brom (them of the Championship) are to buy Leon Barnett (a 21 year old defender) from Luton Town (them of the 1st Division) for 2.5 Million Pounds. This is a guy who has started a grand total of 51 games for the 1st team.
Remember, in old money that is a 2nd division side buying a player from the 3rd division.
It is just friggin crazy.
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Evening all.
Good to see the huns getting passed off the pitch tonight. Pity Ajax didn't get the win their play deserved. Only a great save by McGregor denied Ajax the win.
On another note - is it just me or are McGeady, Riordan and Naismith for that matter all much of a muchness? - I don't see what all the fuss is about these three players. They all have some great attributes and they all have their failings. If Aidan played for one of the provincial clubs, I'm sure a lot of our fans would be crying out for him to sign for us just as a lot were for Riordan. Naismith would go the same way in my opinion if the lad were ever to sign for us or them. I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole.
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Jim jeffries gave an interesting response to the press coverage today.....so much for his lack of sleep and inability to focus...DJ must be spewing his guts up at this:
"I have heard nothing official about Rangers withdrawing their offer, but there's no animosity over this. It is just a case of two clubs having different valuations of the same player.
We have never put Stevie up for sale and we do have other clubs willing to pay what we are asking for. We are a good bit down the road with one, in particular, and we hope it can be sorted out one way or the other quickly because we're all frustrated by this.
If we agree a fee and Stevie doesn't want to go that club, so be it. We'd be happy for him to stay. Rangers have known from Day One, when Walter called me, what we are looking for. I don't think it is an unrealistic price given what the boy, who has now made it into the Scotland squad, has achieved over the past couple of seasons.
Perhaps Rangers see him more as one for the future and don't want to pay more. I don't know. Let me say that his attitude has been first-class all the way through. He was buzzing around in training this morning and has always given everything."
BTW, I see Killie lost 3-1 at home to Notts Forest tonight...Forest goals came from three penalty kicks in the space of 13 minutes. Lennon played all 90 minutes.
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Cao
Funny, how each wan sees different differences,when observin' two men,
Wan wan sees somethin'... aboot which da ither, dinna ken!
Ah see McGeady as a Creator,o' chances!
An' signin' Naismith, wull assure dat oor Goal Tally Enhances!
Ah wid tak Naismith as dey say, like a shoat..
Besides, if we goat him...
Den we'd inflame Murray's goat!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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hi paul.fellow celts.
kitalba, gweedorebhoy, respect to you regards your defence of aiden mcgeady,and your support for all that is celtic. now may i make a few points of my own. yes i agree that aiden has all the talent in the world,but for me he doesnt show it often enough ,and indeed imho flatters to decieve, it will never dampen my support for him as long as he wears the hoops .but i just dont share your enthusiasm, must do better gets marked on his card.but i am sorry to say he is not alone ,i have watched the usa games and we have been dreadful,some players have overstayed their welcome with us .and as far as i am concerned a right good clearout is required. i posted last week that i thought we had the basis of a good team .but g.s has afforded certain players with more than enough chances.many a good manager would have seen this by now and acted accordingly.never in our clubs history have we been in the position we are today with total financial supremacy over our greatest rivals,coupled with their troubles off the field we should be putting miles of daylight between us and them, finishing them off. but its not happening, how much longer is that defence going to worry the guts out of us before something is done about it.have we the right people leading us,have we the people in charge who know what they are looking for in a defence, imho i dont think so, we should have back heeled those sides in america, and given our vast army of ex pats who btw deserve full credit for the loyalty and backing they give the celts from so far away,many of them overly excited at the thought of seeing their team, only to get let down at every turn.i understand that playing in the league we play in that we are never going to attract 5***** players, and i do know that big money was paid for some of these (as i can only describe them ) flops, i also know that big jock ,ferguson , wenger or the chap from chelsea would not have given as many chances to some of the guys who regularly get played in our team. whether we like it or not ,whether we want to face up to it or not ,for all their troubles they will hound us more closely this term ,make no mistake about that.i only pray to god that we can rise to the challenge, and dont let this golden opportunity pass us by .
hail hail
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Jim
Somebody dies? No point in reading it now then, is there? What a waste of 795 rupees.
How much did Sebo cost?
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Chennai
Yes, there's a bit of dying, but one of the Weasleys signs for Rangers, so it's worth hanging in there.
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Shug
I've asked Meghan to tell you who dies but she renegues. Suffice to say all the the bad guys, Murray, Bain, John Brown, Keevins, BFDJ, the King sisters, the guy with broad feet have all kicked the bucket.
It's a great read.
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Rebus (your second name isn't Taggart is it?)
I'll leave Murdo to his whines ordinaire. But his deciding goal in the 4-2 game was exquisite, so I can put up with a mild bitter aftertaste.
Jim, to my great regret I can't be there when you visit my home town and entertain Estadio. I hope that you oil and fill your wallet beforehand, so that no embarrassment besmirches the occasion.
The sound of squeaking leather, the flutter of grey dusty mothwings, these should not be evident. But you know that.
Next time, I hope to be there. Do trhey do discounts for cash in the Harp?
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I´ll be in central London tomorrow and I am looking for the name and address of a pub that will be showing the game on Thursday night ? preferably a Celtic pub :-)
Can anyone help ?
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Celtic-First
That wouldn't be Kirk Broadfoot would it? He definitely has the Weasley look.
ron
Speaking of whom, can you imagine the reaction if we signed a player who's first name was Chapel?
Chapel Boruc.
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jimtim
Miles of daylight between us and them you want?
The distance between us since the advent of Gordon Strachan has been at least two sunrises. Wrong metaphor if you want to be critical, my friend.
Two meaningless games at the fag end of last season cast no shadow.
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Shug
Kinda thinking of a freebie for Estadio.
Disnae seem right btw.
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Jim
The King sisters? You've lost me there.
I've only read the first book. The rest of my knowledge comes from the films, the most recent of which I saw last week in Chennai.
For the price of a cinema ticket (120 rupees, one pound fifty pee) you get a film and unlimited access to the cellphone conversations of all of the other patrons.
And an intermission, so they can go outside and use their cellphones.
Remember intermissions? Ryan's Daughter, just when it was getting interesting with Sarah Miles and the Brit in the woods, lights up and time for an ice cream.
But they don't do stuff like that in Indian films.
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Awe_Naw
Don't know about Celtic pubs, but the Sports Bar on Haymarket, just off Picadilly Circus, is ok. I've been in there when there have been three different games on at the same time. Good atmosphere.
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PS
But from memory, the beer's not cheap.
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The protracted attempts by Rangers to sign Naismith and the one dimensional reporting of the pantomime by the media is as pathetic as it is predictable.
To be fair, the emotional plea by the agent today seeking compassion from Killie (to their cost) in order to end a young players torment and permit his "dream" move to the club who values him less than he values them was if nothing else a new angle.
It really is cruel for a club, who had faith in a fledgling talent and committed to provide him with a secure income for 4 years, to have the outrageous front to seek to achieve their own valuation as a result of that commitment being belatedly rejected.
Anyway, the story will probably peter out in the next few days. Given the criticism levelled at Celtic by the media following wins against Basle, QPR and Peterborough and a draw against Chicago Fire, you can only imagine the pressure they will level at Rangers - wondering how a team without a pre-season victory so far against a full time/professional team will be able to turn things around for a CL game in 7 days time..........
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Johnny Mac
silly money. TFOD spen £3m for Cuellar. 60 odd games, not first team pick for (usually) below average team. It's all about seller maximising amount. Note very few (if any) buying from England other than English.
They are also being out bid by a fictitional team for a player tha they want to make their signature signing now that Brown 9sopyright tabloids) wouldn't fit naturally into their midfield.
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Johnny Mac
silly money. TFOD spen £3m for Cuellar. 60 odd games, not first team pick for (usually) below average team. It's all about seller maximising amount. Note very few (if any) buying from England other than English.
They are also being out bid by a fictitional team for a player tha they want to make their signature signing now that Brown 9sopyright tabloids) wouldn't fit naturally into their midfield.
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Sorry I have just sat my jacksie down for the night well 30 mins before going to bed.
Hugh.... Ryans daughter I was too young at the time to understand why my dad said we should go and get the sweets. So you must be old.
I heard a wee bit of a phone in tonight between changing clothes but I think we should shut down Kilmurnock how dare they stop the dark lords gryphendors get their player..... Quiddoch would not be fair unless they do......
Sign Ron Weasley he is magic....now to read back the way...
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i see there are rumours going around about JVOH moaning behind the scenes
dependig who u listen to he is
getting sick of having no proper partner to form an understanding with
questioning the quality of the rest of our strikers
this link offers a very interesting take on the moral in our camp
http://www.celticforum.net/celtic-news/1579-celtic-team-spirit.html
rangers get zeta lets not forget serbia is a country of greater footballers than us in scotland, tho how many were developed since the break up i am not sure never been good on history
lets just remember them being beat by Viktoria Zizkov with a mutch better team than they have now, the team was for anyone interested
Klos, Moore, Konterman, Amoruso, Ricksen, Ferguson, Arteta, Numan, de Boer, Arveladze, Lovenkrands
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Last bit of my rant before I go back...
While out running tonight a question got asked if we paid £4 million for Scott wh yshould the huns not pay more for a guy who was deemed as young player of the year before him. Yet they are griping about 200k, 400k, etc all in installments..
Why dont the media ask if the Scottish Pele full transfer fee has been paid to the ayrshire Goblins yet.
Harmoine would be a good physio
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gl2
Old? You young pup. I'm just mature with a good memory, a rare combination.
Now, where's that bedroom.....
Good night all.
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ANNAOAN
The best pub for you is likely to be London CSC No1 based in the Cock Tavern, Phoenix Road, Euston.
There are a lot spread round both north and south of the river, for instance if you are in the Shepherds Bush area, the length of Uxbridge Road accommodates numerous Celtic tilted bars. (Princess Victoria, British Queen, Conningham arms)
Hail hail
Estadio
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Hugh haha ... you know im always nice to my elders.
Estadio I saw you were looking for tickets for the newcastle game. there were more than a few handed back today I heard to the ticket office..
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Agh you've got to laugh !!
A gem from follow follow (courtesy of Badgeman on The Jungle Bhoys
Picture the scene...........
Kaunas 3-1 up well into injury time 4-3 on agg so the huns steal a march on the airline companies..........
Originally Posted by adastra
See all you guys in Kaunas. Just booked Liverpool to Kaunas out 7th back home 9th for £160.00. A bit worried that we wouldn't be 3-0 up after 28 mins if we were playing Zeta, come on the Bears, we will have to pump this lot in the 1st leg.
Bang! 3-2 Kaunas out
Still he should get plenty of legroom on the flights.
Hail hail
Estadio
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Thanks for the info Lhads.
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Hmm...
I kept out of the Aiden debate. I saw very little football savvy in either side of the argument. Not many coaches here.....
While I am being difficult....people here are a bit off on their take on the Naismith thing. KILlIE were the club that took this public. It's a bit rich to be slagging the huns for that. Fun. But rich.... Get in here, Edward and defend your rotten lot....:)
All quiet on the bung thing. Someone who knows a lot more than all of us put together said...if the huns have any thoughts that they'll come out of this in one piece, they'll come out swinging.
If they think they might be sunk, they'll keep schtum.
Hmmmm......
Big signing on the horizon for us?
G'night.
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The silly season sequel. Despite the resumption of real life half paced football, stupidity, no rank stupidity, continues apace.
The bleeding heart media, led, at a slow pace, by that bastion of impartiality and objectivity DJ, are pleading for a speedy end to the Naismith saga. Having been lambasted and insulted in the press and treated like a minor bit player by the second biggest institution in Scotland, the integrity of its chairman questioned, Kilmarnock are entreated to part with their biggest asset for the sake of the club. (But which one?). The player is purported to be unsettled despite the manager’s statement to the contrary and the bank is said to be closely monitoring the situation, despite no evidence to support that fact. Perhaps the manager, the bank manager that is, has great hopes that Killie will soon see the balance of the money due from the Boyd transfer?
These self appointed experts in football player evaluations (often unseen), are telling everyone and convincing no one, that with their signings Rangers have closed the gap on Celtic’s obvious class and points advantage and that the league chase will be a tight contest this season.
Last season’s under achievers have been augmented by Carroll, Smith, Darcheville, McCulloch, Gow, Broadfoot and Cuellar? Not an established or accomplished internationalist or household name among them. Unless you remember Carroll from one of the world’s worst refereeing decision in disallowing an obvious goal.
However, they do know the score in Scotland and will fight for the jersey's according to popular mythology.
Following their short lived ride on the PLG bandwagon last season the hacks are hedging their bets, which can only mean Celtic are runaway favourites for the title. Will they dare print that and risk losing succulent lamb privileges? Or readers? Or their jobs?
Are the media ignorant of or simply ignoring Rangers’ previous credit record and negotiation reputation?
Michael Ball being dropped to avoid appearance payments?
Installments on Boyd being paid late and only following leaks which threatened to find their way to the back pages?
Low ball hard nosed offers when the market has moved on?
Have our steadfast reporters ever questioned any statements from the honourable chairman Dave or mentioned his banker’s scrutiny or oversight of his business?
Don’t even bother to put any thought into your response.
One of my neighbours recently sold his house for a figure never before seen for a house in our development. (Closing prices are public knowledge in the US of A.) That has now set a marker for future sales.
Brown’s transfer figure has set a base figure for the evaluation of young Scottish talent.
Is our real bonus Rangers’ elimination from the marketplace as they are unable to compete with Celtic and the big boys of the EPL or Championship? (That was a wee bit tongue in cheek I admit. Well the Championship clubs reference.)
Can we look forward to Rangers continually being gazumped in the transfer market and the media spinning the “We will not be held to ransom” statement from Edmiston Road?
Endorsed of course by their bankers.
'GG relishing the chase.
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Great post 'GG
Fox and Hounds springs to mind.......
And 'cunning' is one of my favourite words....
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Morning/Afternoon/Evening GG PJB
Outside of words associated with Celtic, my favourite words are:
Polemic
Antediluvian
Synergy
Larder
I used to have a penchant for penchant, but the penchant faded!
Anyway just got into a polemic with the Slabbery Woman over who should paint the ceiling of our Antediluvian toilet which used to be a larder.
She pointed out that the synergy of working as a team would probably reap its benefits.
As usual she is right since we can then psyche ourselves up for the reserve match against Airdrie Utd (1st team I believe)or whatever they are called now.
Most bigoted board in Scotland by far.
hail hail
Estadio
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Aldo
If yer about this morning.....
internet probs at home but working on my response here in between work duties, you'll here from me today.
Cheers ma man.
Doesn't Darcheville look a dangerous fella, if you were in a boxing ring...:))
Hail Hail
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antsman re: Celtic Team-Spirit post
I actually believe Celtic are where Rangers were at when MON first came to the club.
Celtic have bought players in areas they already had cover. Riordan is right to feel aggrieved due to Strachan purchasing two more strikers and not letting any go. Rangers bought a whole series of players, none of whom were any better than was already at the club e.g. Colin Hendry.
With the exception of Scott Brown this appears the case here. When you swell the number of squad players, the club becomes like the EU with lots of scope for arguments to be stirred up and players to take sides, hence splits in the dressing room. Wouldn't be surprised if this finished Strachan and it'll be a new manager who is forced to clear out Strachan's excess.
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I'll add that Strachan doesn't to me anyway seem the kind of person who can accept he is wrong.
Therefore the idea of him selling players he has bought that have under-achieved, he'll feel slighted as his judgement of a player is being questioned.
Such that elements of Team 1, 2 and 3, some of whom have been generally poor, still have a home at Celtic at a time when Strachan should have had the good grace to admit he was wrong and punted them, before he is punted himself.
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Right
You've got ten minutes before head uo to CP Ticket office.
Does anyone want any questions asked AND answered. Post now.
That is questions about ticket related matters NOT about GS's signing policy, Peter Lawell's travel plans, imminent press conferences,possible targets, dressing room splits, over training, or labouring jobs in mineshaft drilling.
I will ask these but I will be keeping the answers to myself.
Hail hail
Estadio
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So is today Naismith Wednesday then? The rumours are building!
I agree with previous posts though, I'm not sure where he'd fit in. I don't rate him any higher than McGeady or Riordan and I think McDonald will probably do as good a job up front. If we do get him, as pggtips says, it's bringing with it the chance of causing some real unrest.
It also makes me think that if WGS is really thinking of using any one of these 3 in his starting 11, a move to a 4-3-3, especially in home ties, would be really beneficial. I don't think any of them fit in too well as a winger, they're probably too lightweight to play inside and none of them are out and out strikers. Mind you, of the 3 I'd play McGeady every time - I thought he really improved his tracking back last year and bar a slump in form towards the end of the season, was one of our best players.
What really annoys me about the McGeady debate over the last few days is the number of contributors willing to jump on a young guy's back. I bet a good few of you are the same ones that get on his back at every game. I have a feeling we'll only ever truly appreciate McGeady when it's too late...
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pggtips
Am I not correct in saying that there is virtually no substance to the 'split' in the dressing room?
So Strachan hasn't admitted he was wrong with Jeremy Aliadiere, Adam Virgo, Mo Camara, Thomas Gravesen, Derek Riordan or Jiri Jarosik? All Strachan signings who have been overlooked with preference to non Strachan signings.
I also think that having Scott McDonald and Chris Killen is going to be far more potent back up than Kenny Miller, Magiec Zurawski and Craig Beattie. So, for me - the squad has improved.
I'm utterly baffled by the 'before he is punted himself' comment, Gordon Strachan has delivered everything in his job description and is as 'untouchable' as any Celtic Manager in my lifetime (that will be a choice of 1 then). Winning the league this year (we are overwhelming favourites again) would be an incredible achievement - as would matching last year's progress in Europe.
Our biggest opponent this year may well be our own support, so lacking are we in perspective and balance at times.
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I didn't say there was a split but when you have 7 forwards playing for 2 places and 7 centre-halves competing for 2 or possibly 3 places the chances of splits increase as dissatisfaction is allowed to fester.
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p.s. How many non-Strachan signings are in the CFC 1st XI?
Two, Balde and McManus. McManus having played nine competitve games under O'Neill.
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I'm like most fans......really appreciate McGeady has that great ability to really entertain and create chances, but as with most young players finding that cutting edge form week in week out is part and parcel of being a young player.....and stepping up to the next level.... McGeady is no Wayne Rooney (sadly), but even the lad at Man Utd has indifferent patches of form...
As much as McGeady would never be far away from my team sheet when on form, I can't see how we can play NAKA and McGeady every week and expect our midfield to dominate against the SPL hammer throwers....some games yes it works for us to play both McG + NAKA but I'd like to see us bully teams with some muscle in the middle and when we're on top and ahead introduce our flair players. We were so predictable last season...albeit we are CHAMPIONS !!! :-) Oh yes we are......and don't let anyone forget it.
I'm no tactician but a 3-5-2 would surely afford more scope in the middle IF we had real decent overlapping fullbacks...with pace....akin to Agathe when he was on form.
The whole Naismith saga is incredible......we may not get every guy we go in for, but I've yet to here anyone from within CP bleat to the media the way our unfortunate neighbours have been. ......embaressing or what for that club with unsurpassed dignity!
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pggtips
That's an irrelevant question plus you also missed Aiden McGeady who was a far more regular player under O'Neill than McManus. He's been manager for 2 years, it's natural that the squad is mostly made up of his signings.
The more interesting question would be how many non-strachan signings should be in the first XI? My answer would be nobody, other than McGeady and McManus.
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tmc
I didn't miss out McGeady...
I don't think he's good enough for a CFC 1st XI place ;-)
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pgg tips
I'm not very impressed by Zamasbhoy's Team Spirit? article.
At least the author has the good grace to use the subjective phrases:-
"The pre-season friendlies thus far have hinted (sic) at an alarming lack of team-spirit"
'at Parkhead the PR team appear (sic) to be working overtime to keep stories of unrest within the squad out of the news."
"If (sic) the player has any self worth he will agree it's better for both him and the club to move on."
So the article is a thesis based on hints, appearances and possibilities. All of this is filtered through the fertile imagination of someone who doesn't state what their management credentials are. Have they ever run a team at any level? Are these squad selection undercurrents not par for the course in any football squad in the land currently and throughout history?
Now, all is well and good if this was just a personal opinion column of someone who doesn't like Strachan and filters all his "facts" to arrive at the conclusion, in bold print,
"Is it any wonder there is a lack of team spirit?"
Well, he's obviously convinced himself and a few who were already of like mind.
Everyone is, of course, entitled to their opinion, and, if you agree with Zamasbhoy's complaints, you are entitled to air them. Where he lose any support I could offer to a presentation of the current defects in the squad and manager, because they both surely have them ( to be human is to err, after all), is when he does not get his facts straight. In fact, he lies to fit his thesis.
The whole story about WGS and his supposed inability to instruct Gravesen on his team role is a lie. Go back and read his quote. It is not subtle. He is telling the world, without naming Gravesen either, that any "Senior" player who does not "get it" after being told "it" clearly on 4 previous occasions is not worth telling again. In other words, it would be a waste of his breath. And that is not a WGS original view or idiosyncracy; it was attributed by WGS to a well respected european coach. WGS just happens to agree with it.
So why does the author over egg his pudding by including that lie? Could it be that he recognizes the weaknesses in his own argument? Could it be that there are perfectly plausible alternatives and arguments in favour of acting as WGS and PL have done with regard to these failing players? If you haven't surrounded yourself with people of like minded view, you must have heard them.
So why not try, like some of WGS's critics on this forum, to be, at least fair, to a manager who has delivered so much to this club. You don't have to like someone to admire them.
I happen to like and admire him. I hope I'm still capable of detecting problems with some players we have and to be puzzled by some managerial actions where I would have acted differently. Yet, I'd still hope to have some humility to say, what have I ever done in the game to be so cocksure about my views?
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pggtips
Same reason I omitted the mythical Bobo of Balde :-)
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It may well be easier to pick a starting 11 when you have 11 outstanding players who pick themselves week in week out when fit.....but last season I really found it difficult to put any more than 6 players down on my team sheet.....blame guys like Graveson and JJ and Miller for not delivering what was expected...and making team selection a difficult task.
I think we've a big squad of good players, but sometimes I wish we'd a smaller squad of better quality players....I know money \ finance makes bringing in real top quality difficult, but i see us having a fair few decent CB's but none I'd say is anywhere near class....JK needs time to find himself again...he should not be burdoned with CFC defensive frailties just yet.
How many times did we see players come back from long term injuries and run on adrenilin before hitting the brick wall for form....The guy needs to be handled with care..
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SFTB
I cannot comment on instances as I take media reports with a bucket of salt anyway.
All I will say is as long as you have a huge surplus of squad players, even the greatest managers have a hard job in keeping a lid on disputes.
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Wonderful quote from Jim Jeffries on the BBC site about the Naismith saga:-
"Rangers haven't offered enough, it's as simple as that and all their offers have been final offers!"
Is it wrong to revel in their embarrassment?
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SFTB
HERE HERE!!
Well said that man
Kittoch
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new article posted.
Pggtips, there is one important difference between where we are now and where Rangers were when Martin O’Neill took over. Then, they were losing £30m each year, we are now in considerable profit.
They looked the part on the surface, but if you read their accounts you would have seen the inevitable crash. Their future was unsustainable, ours is.
As for your Strachan does not admit his mistakes comment...
Gordon Strachan admitted he was wrong and Peter Lawwell was right over their assessment of a player last summer.
I have never heard any other Celtic manager publicly admit they were wrong in assessing a player.
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SFTB:
I remember feeling so jealous in the late 80's early 90's when the 'unsurpassed dignity' crowd struck like hit men in aquiring players....you just heard on the news they had signed someone and that was it..he was at Ibrox.....well that's how my memory plays it back...wheree as we always seemed to haggle with clubs over a couple of bags of coins for everyone we bought......now the tables are reversed they must really be finding it hard to gather enough coinage to haggle with.....and if as Paul67 has alluded to, that the outcome of this investigation into 'unsurpassed dignity in economical book keeping' hits them hard ......it just might keep them away from buying players for a wee while....Wayne Biggins where are you...Walter wants you :-)
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whooosh>Yo! peeps... what gives??
is it just me or are things too quiet on several fronts?
seismic 'dignified'silence from FC bung....
will we get a right wing back before the newcastle game?
IMHO the starting X1 wont be known until nearer resumtion of hostilities..... some more fine tuning reqired....
sdstim> good on ya...i will be here or hereabouts..i am building a gazebo out the back today....need my superstrength rivet gun and welding kit ready ;-)
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pgg tips
good reply.
The cry has been going up for some time now- "He's rubbish! Just punt him!"
We have posters on here who wanted Beattie and Pearson freed, Maloney let go, and Petrov sold for a fiver. As fans, we have the luxury of not having to think in the round. Our club custodians have to do better than that.
If you put a player on the transfer list, is there not a possibility that you are putting yourself on the back foot in future negotiation? You are signalling that you do not rate this player and that you'll accept any low offers. Cue a derisory bid on the never never from the direction of govan.
Could it also be that there are contract clauses which disadvantage the club if they are the ones putting the player up for sale rather than the player requesting a transfer? I have no inside info that this is the case, I am just speculating.
In any case, there needs to be a willing buyer before there is a sale and there needs to be a player willing to go.
The fact that Balde, Jarosik, Gravesen, Miller, Zurawski etc; are not agitating for a transfer could mean:-
We are paying them too much and can't get others to pay this (unlikely in the current mad climate at English clubs, I would have thought)
They are proud to be at Celtic and want to stay and prove themselves.
They want to leave but are hoping the club will sell them cheaply if they continue to train and play badly.
A quiet agreement has been reached by player and club to seek a mutually suitable transfer and quiet negotiations are being carried out under the radar of press and fans.
All possibilities. I don't know which is true. Do you? Does Zamasbhoy?
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Paul 67
Do you honestly feel that a franchise in the USA is a better option than the low cost purchase of an English League side?
Football in England is a mature market where the potential is limitless whilst it is for me largely unproven that football of the round ball variety in the USA will ever produce the potential of comparable profit or opportunity for Celtic. But then I do have a vested interest and no knowledge of the comparative costs:>) I just feel that we might find the management of a franchise at that distance taxing both financially and practically.
