 Monday, July 23, 2007
Celtic could yield police raid dividend
As Jim Jeffries told reporters last weekend that Rangers were close to raiding Kilmarnock for Steven Naismith, Strathclyde Police were preparing their own raid on Rangers. Less that one week later Walter Smith tells us his interest in the player is “finished”. It could take years for all the repercussions of last week’s police raid to be realised, but the movements of Steven Naismith will provide a fascinating weather vane on how the Ibrox club view their own future. Negative expectations will result in Walter Smith being denied any more budget. If Celtic’s interest in the player extended beyond muddying the waters for their Glasgow rivals they may benefit from a police-raid-dividend. Kilmarnock will have one fewer serious bidder to consider, which will drive the price down.
399 Comments:
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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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