 Friday, August 17, 2007
Game-on-game improvement sought for Pittodrie
I am really looking forward to the Aberdeen game on Sunday. The game in Moscow was mentally exhausting for me, never mind the players, and statistically a team is most likely to drop points when playing away from home after an away European game, but the game-on-game improvement in Celtic is tangible.
The players will be tired, but desperate to get out and play football again.
After a defeat in Dundee and a home draw Aberdeen cannot afford to lose this game. One point out of the opening nine would cast an enormous shadow over their season after finishing third last term. We can expect them to defend as though their mortgage payments depend on it, a motivation that no longer works at Celtic Park. Labels: Match Preview
194 Comments:
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what's wrong with blogger?
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2-1 for the hoops
Skippy for his first goal.
Hail Hail!
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The random fixture computer has us playing away from home the weekend after most of our potential CL games.
Paranoid, moi?
Donati to finally get his shooting boots on this weekend!!
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Zbyszek
No surprise that story has not been reported here. Lazy journalists are one of the main reason sites like this do well. I am guessing that Fandel feels an attempt was made to influence the officials through the hospitality that was provided. Sounds a bit like the old Juventus trick of giving match officials Rolex watches to help tell the time.
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Come on the Hoops.
I'm glad CQN is back up; I've been getting far too much work done.
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MadMurph ,
Donati 40/1 with one bookmaker for first goal on sunday , betdirect I think!
Might interest some:
Gordon Strachan in todays press conference (aberdeen game) mentions the fact that he accepts "criticism as an opinion but criticism which is abuse is not an opinion".
He goes on to say he'll take criticism from people who know about the game but not people who are bitter , those people he'll take no notice"
He goes on to mention his amazement after "watching Sky sports news today that managers such as Martin Jol , Martin O'Neill , Alan Curbishley are taking huge flack after one game of football , This is crazy"
He goes on to say "Martin O'Neill , One of the legendary managers of all time Brought up the Phone-ins , today , the curse of everybody in football. "
In reference to Jimmy Calderwood being the victim of fans on his back after 2 games he states in reference to the press " Fans can be easily manipulated by you,(press) You can start wars you people , never mind going for managers "
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BRING BACK MARTIN42
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andycolo
I don't want to say too much about my impressions about that story, but it looks that the tale about the car with a blue lights and a trip under convoy was a "move in advance". You know what I mean?
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Apologiges for the lack of Celtic Quick News today, and the poor access in recent days.
Hosting company in meltdown.
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Noticed arch-darnellist Calderwood stirring things in media along the lines of ".......what does Gordon Strachan have to do to win over the Celtic support...win the Champions League? "
The media feeds the myth of "Celtic Fans" (i.e. the perception that it's as a whole, or at least a majority) not being happy with WGS.
This is based on the logic of maybe 6 or 7 phone calls to radio stations per week in Scotland, from a Celtic support (including non-attenders) of numbering what? -around 250,000?
Whilst I'm on a rant......I clicked on a newsnow link earlier on - Daily Express - that had "Celtic Can Dominate In Europe Says McGeady" as a headline......
In the detail of the report, Aiden does not use the word "dominate". Neither does he comment on how well Celtic will do in the CL this year, other than saying we did well in Moscow and we've given ourselves an opportunity to progress to next stage.
The link has since been pulled, but I bet a good few ill informed opinions have since been formed on the basis of the headline.
Anyway, great week so far for the bhoys and I'm looking forward to Aberdeen.
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Zbysek I think I get it. I will keep an eye on the UEFA website and the news lines.
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Antibes:
My reply to your post previous thread.
I’ll begin to answer your post with a question. Where, exactly, in any of my posts,
do I state that ‘Spartak’, have an easier task than us? I would be curious to know?
I won’t play with semantics; I was categorical in my posts. Somehow you must have misread them or somehow misrepresented them.
You say that all Spartak need to do, to go through, is either win, or record a score draw greater than one goal each. You are of course… correct. Now I have being playing football and watching it for more than forty years. I’m sure, knowing that, you would be generous enough, to extend me the courtesy of accepting that I too, am more than capable, of working that one out, all by myself. You also inform me that an away goal gives the home team the advantage in the second leg. Cheers for pointing that one out to me too. There are times, when stating the obvious can be necessary but in both those instances believe me, it was not required.
You use statistics published by L’Equipe to support your posts. There was no need; I would readily accept your word on that. I am well aware of the value and importance of scoring an away goal. However, I personally, am very careful how I interpret statistics. Statistics and records are fine, and well, and safe, when viewing something… retrospectively. They do, however, have a habit of coming back and biting you on the bum when used in argument, in advance of an event. Martin O’Neil had a remarkable record of not being beaten at Parkhead, for so many games. The statistics behind that run were phenomenal. Somebody forgot to let Aberdeen into the phenomena though, because against the odds, they came to Parkhead and comprehensively beat us in MON’s penultimate year in charge.
I’ve yet to see a game of football, where a statistic, or a record for that matter, scored the winning goal. Or any goal.
Depending on statistics, in promotion of predicting a result in a football match, is fraught with dangers. If there was any science to it, it would be applied to all our fixed odd coupons and we would all be rich.
I put no faith in statistics prior to an event and if the truth be know the more they favour my hoped for outcome the more I fear them. Reason being, I am also a great believer in the laws of averages. Murphy’s Law too, has a habit of showing up.
However, I agree with both yourself and L’Equipe, with the one, away goal advantage, we have a statistically better chance of progression. I just wouldn’t have quoted it in advance though.
When we use the term, it is only,’ half time’, ‘half time’, is being used in the metaphorical sense rather than the definitive sense. If somebody wants to argue, whether its use is technically accurate and correct or not, they are welcome to do so. Me? I use the term purely in its metaphorical sense. We are, half way through, a two legged, knock out cup tie.
The first leg is over and as it stands we are through and Spartak Moscow are out.
As it stands, Spartak Moscow knows, unequivocally, what they have to do, to progress.
They have to come to Parkhead and play to win; in front of what I hope will be the most hostile crowd they’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.
They either play to win or they may as well not show up.
Their choice is simple, simply because, they have no choice.
Your earlier synopsis is correct within its literal confines. The permutations of circumstance and events, that one can construe to negate your summary, could be argued by some, as infinite in the abstract. Simply put, there are too many potential pitfalls. (oh naw!!! No down the shaft… pull my finger nails pull anything you want… but not that. Not the shaft of the apostasically damned) it is a game of football that is being discussed. A game which is populated with uncertainties and unpredictability’s in an abundance.
How does one in all sincerity, play for a no score draw, with a ten million pound side bet, as part of the equation. I’m not saying it can’t and won’t be done, but how do you do it? What would be the fallout, and who would be the victims, if it were ultimately… unsuccessful?
Or does one through caution to the wind and go for the jugular and wear the consequences, again, with the same ten million pound mill stone, round your neck.
This is not a four digit inthedark bet, this is an eight digit wedge of very heavy and real, pressure.
Only two men, matter. Only two men, gets to play their hand.
I have no idea what pressures the Spartak manager is being subjected; I could not care less. My concern is for our very own manager and how it will affect his decision making under the duress.
There is no bluff option available to Spartak. I reiterate, they must and will set out their stall to win. If they take the lead, then they may very well fall back to their eighteen yard line and try to shut up shop. Somehow they did not strike me, as team who would deploy such a strategy, proficiently. They are most definitely not… AC Milan. If I, were they, I would take the game to Celtic for 70 minutes and if in front at that stage, then I’d attempt to keep Celtic out. An attacking natured team, such as they, might just get away with defending deep, for twenty minutes. A wee injury here, a wee bit of time wasting there. A couple of botched attempts at substitution. Maybe a couple going down with that gremlin of gremlins…cramp. Talk to the ref as much as you can in broken play. Adopt and practice, every ploy available, to run down the clock. We’ve seen it done a thousand times.
Now this is the part where I suggested we might be viewing the same problem from different angles:
If Spartak decide to go for the 1-0 win, then it's they - not us - who have to open up. If they wait until the last 20 mins or so to do so, then it could work against them. ie. we score.
Let me get this right. A team, that as it stands, are technically out of the competition, yet they are going to come to Parkhead and defend a deficit for 70 minutes. Please explain that one.
It absolutely beggars understanding.
They do not have the option of sitting back as you suggested. As it stands they are out. They must score. They must come at us from the off.
Don’t forget Kilmarnock kept us out for ninety minutes and they are not as good a team as Spartak.
Forget setting out your stall for a two each draw. That is beyond imagination and not worthy of another keystroke.
We, however, have the problem of choice. Knowing, that we can defend our lead, and as you say, sit back and soak up the pressure. Try to take them on the break.
In front of a baying and bellicose, Parkhead crowd. It would be a very brave Gordon Strachan that would engage this strategy.
Do we match them man for man and try and slug it out? Probably.
Do we go hell for leather with the bugles blowing. This would be my preferred choice but prone to induce heart problems. I personally would be so gung ho, Napoleon, Ghengis Khan and the 7th freaking cavalry would all want to be in my gang.
But then hey… my job, and my reputation, and my livelihood, are not on the line.
Having the choice in the first place… therein lies the danger..
As it stands Spartak are out. If Gordon Strachan calls it wrong, with the devotion to the club that is being shown by many, then….?
I could dissect each scenario open to us and present all the pros and cons, but this post has gone on long enough.
Just ask yourself this question with your coach’s hat on.
Would I be happier to pursue success in isolation of all, or would I rather have the option of failure through my own mismanagement?
Keep in mind… as it stands Spartak are out.
You are most welcome to read anything I post and pass comment or challenge. In doing so however, if you want me to extend credibility to your challenges, at least read what I have said and challenge accordingly.
(For what is worth:
I too, anticipate getting a result and progression to the group stages. I am also prepared to face defeat and its consequences. Are you too, ‘prepared’, to accept defeat?)
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paul67
no press conference details today in the normal friday slot?
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Antsman,
Check my post 14:19. Some comments from todays press conference.
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big liam
cheers
looks as tho gordon is regretting his comments a bit when he overgenarlised, something i said at the time was offensive and still believe is.
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Andycol
If you've unravelled Zbysek's mysterious posts, any chance you could enlighten the benighted?
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Antsman ,
I dont think so.
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test
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test, No 2
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Celtic_First
I think Zbyszek means that the Spartak maybe offered the referee a gold rolex and the company of a nice girl or two for the night in exchange for being a homer.
That's guess work from me but it wouldn't be the first time that that has happened.
Good on the referee for not being bought.
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Alright then E D B,
Looks like I could be back,
Thanks for the prompts yesterday and today,
STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS
Martin42
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antsman, with the blog not working, I decided to take care of that first.
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Kenny Milne red card reduced to a yellow card. `It wasn`t a goal scoring opportunity` Why did he pull Jan back then?
On to the Aberdeen, come on the Bhoys!
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If Cryptic Zbyszek was implying that Spartak were in any way attempting to corrupt the officials,then it beholds the ref to inform UEFA and for them to dismiss the Russians from the competition forthwith.
It wouldn't be my favoured way of proceding to the group stages, but it would be a timely reminder to other clubs who would consider this ALLEGED practice.
TtT ( Justice CSC).
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It wasn't a goal-scoring opportunity?
Did these people not see the game against Man United at Old Trafford?
Of course it was a goal-scoring opportunity.
These people are numpties. They've just given all the SPL bench-pressers carte blanche to commit crimes against football.
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My dear friend,Pistol_Pete
Please be so kind as to follow the following:
Re-read my critiques ,concerning my being UNCONVINCED, as to whether Mr. Donati, will prove to be an IMPROVEMENT in what we already have in his position.
Assuming that you have obeyed my urging.
You will find that my PARAMOUNT EXPRESSION OF DIS SATISFACITION, against MR.DONATI'S recent performances ....
HAS BEEN.....
Hold on to yer hat!
HE GIVES THE BALL AWAY ...at the most awkard and inconvenient times ...and that Attitude, if it continues....
DOES NOT GO DOWN WELL...NOT AT ALL, IN FACT... if I knew how to underline a woid, which I do not... and Mabel is still in Europe... dash it!
I would underline the Following sentence.
I DISAPPROVE VEHEMENTLY of what to Mr.Donati has become a CARELESS and DANGEROUS HABIT... Which, can become CHRONIC, if not attended to.... speedily......
OF GIVING THE BALL AWAY TO AN OPPONENT,thereby not only killing stone dead our nascent attacking movement...
It also is most definitely...
NOT CRICKET!
I had a similar complaint against Mr. McGeady... fortunately, he has now succumbed to the advice of his coaches, and has in recent games, bucked up mightily in being a wholelotta more choosey to whom he releases his final pass!
In Mr.McGeady's case, his youth and greeness of bark, can ...and is... offered as an excuse...although, my threshold of acceptance regarding Excuses... in general... is a Monumental one!...
Nevertheless, Mr. McGeady's promising promise, does make it worthwhile to patiently await,in his expected maturity, the final extirpation of his juvenile faults.
However, an experienced and mature performer, as MR. DONATI certainly is, can expect not ONE TEENY OUNCE OF PATIENCE,from yours truly, regarding the over-looking or the granting of allowances as to his blatant Predilection of SELECTING AN OPPONENT FOR HIS FINAL PASS!
I expect...NAY DEMAND!.. an improvement, tout de suite, in MR.DONATI'S final telling pass.....
If it does not occur ... IN THE VERY NEXT GAME!
Then you can expect further Protests and Complaints against Mr. DONATI'S continued GUARANTEED SELECTION, in the FIRST ELEVEN!
Kojo.
Yer Pal.
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cannot wait for Sunday
Theres a Buzz about the place as the Maestro once said
Al be sticking a fiver on a Scott McDonald HatTrick
Price TBC
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Kitalba, you get my vote for CQN coach, I like your analysis of the strategies available. I think your conclusion is obvious, but understanding the detailed reasoning behind it is not.
I think Spartak will come out the traps like a raging bull again, as they did in Moscow. We'll be ready for it, and they won't have their dodgy sneaky pitch to unbalance us initially. I think we'll suck that up for 20 mins then hammer at them till half time.
I still miss the king of kings. I was impressed by SMcD on Wednesday, for a wee guy, he has great strength, like Henrik had. I think that it's all about balance, these guys allways have a solid platform to use their strength from. I used to say to my dad 'Henrik Larsson is not a winger, but if he was, he'd be the best winger in the world!' I think that any winger in the world would be happy with SMcD's cross for Hartley. Speaking of which, any striker would be happy with Hartley's finish.
I'm a happy man! Bring me 2-1 from pitodrie, Skippy & Brown to score, please.
/S
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paul67.
Your right about the next game after a european tie,it's hard for the players,when they come back from a long trip such as Moscow and think there will be no after effects.
Celtic seemed to cope with it well last season,although I do'nt think they travelled as far last season,as a trip to Moscow.
Gordons press conference to-day was to the point, and he handled the questions well,all this hullaballoo about him being gruff to these reporters when they ask inane questions is a load of crap,he's not lippy enough for my liking.
I've asked Paul why they wont state their name and what paper the work for, before asking their sometimes laughable questions,but Paul say's they wont give their names,do you ever wonder why.
Gordon gave it "right up em" to-day,well said Gordon,I for one respect you.
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For real comedy read this blog from Guardian website.
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/08/17/the_trouble_with_barry_ferguso.html
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testing
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big liam 14.19
Well it interested me.
Parting remarks...
"Fans can be easily manipulated by you, (press) You can start wars you people , never mind going for managers"
This manager of Celtic declared a Profound Truth.... He has what all Great Managers require ... The Power to Communicate.
Anyone who says his style with the press is abrasive, rude, arrogant or not good PR....Well, they need to wake up to the world they live in.
I applaud his terse succinctness.
Well said Gordon Strachan.
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Celtic gubbing Aberdeen followed by the dismissal of jimmy lookslikewood sounds like a plan to me.
Aberdeen 1 Celtic 3.
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My dear friend, OldTim..and ..Sir Paul..@ 15.23
Being an avid, but now fortunately, no longer... An Inveterate Pursuer of Wealth, by my Naive Participation, in the Sport of Kings...
I can say this, with a certain amount of...well...certainty..
Trends do change!
No believable or Provable explanation has ever been offered, as to why Trends suddenly cease to.... why, Trend!..of course.
Aberdeen will discover to their Horror and Consternation ,that my above claim is bona fide and true, into the bargain!
Kojo.
Yer Pal.
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Have to agree wholeheartedly with Oltim67 about our manager's badinage with the "press". I haven't read today's remarks but generally he is asked the most inane questions and his answers are going to be twisted by the rags to create problems for Celtic and himself.
It should be mandatory that they give the names and the media they represent before they speak.
Glad to hear it wasn't me that was having problems this morning. I was having withdrawal symptons.
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Here's a conundrum.
Michael's Choice
If this young man does choose New Zealand over Scotland, will he get the Aiden McGeady treatment around the temples of football loving Scotland?
If not (and I suspect not), what does that tell us? And if so, what does that tell us?
Good luck with your decision Michael. We'll support it anyway.
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But is that the real Martin42? Would the real Martin42 please
STAND UP....
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I too used the dwontime today to catch up with some of the interviews on C67. I have always find Gordon Strachan entertaining, on the park or in interviews, and today was no disappointment.
But it was the one before the Spartak match that really struck me. How relaxed he looked, like a fish in water. What a help that must be to the team before a big game.
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ianinjesi @ 15:07,
I saw this story too and it seems to have slipped under the radat a bit. Question i would like to ask is, I thought video replay wasnt to be introduced until Jan 1st. Has video replay been used in this instance to rescind the red card? Also agree with celtic_first, it was a clear goal scoring opportunity no matter how many defenders were around JVOH, another couple of yards and he would have shot at goal, clear goal scoring opportunity to me.
nakagod
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Channaiseabird,
I wonder if Mc.Glinchey's experience at the recent World Cup in Canada have any bearing on his decision.
If you recall, manager Archie Gemmell adopted the hammerthrower selection policy over a more skillful
approach.
This involved playing fullbacks in midfield and right backs at left back. The main victims of this policy were, Ryan Conroy and more so, Mc.Glinchey, who only played a cameo role in the final game.
Michael publicly criticised the manager for his selections and claimed that his omission would impact on his career, as he had hoped to use the tournament as a springboard for his Celtic and International prospects.
I fear that only at Ibrox can you complain about the manager and prosper, therefore his future under the SFA could be pretty barren.
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kojo.
I love to read your's, and collies posts, but that last post of yours went over my head.
chennaiseabird.
Michael was born in New Zealand so there should be no debate about it.
Aiden chose Eire over Scotland when Scotland were in the doldrums,maybe he would choose differently now,now that Scotland are the better team.
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ChEnnaiseabird,
Sorry for the misspelling.
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Andrew15.26
The REAL fun are the Comments after the article about Barry Bawheid.
Well done!
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Very interesting story that about McGlinchey, I wasnt aware that he had the opportunity to play for NZ. Imo and its sad to say this but i think we should let this bhoy go to pastures new. The times ive seen him playing doesnt fill me with confidence that he has the ability to get into the first team. If he really does have ambitions which i am sure he does he must be thinking the same himself. I wonder though about his outburst at gemmill, since reading this story of his ability to play for NZ could this be a reason for that outburst?
nakagod
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oldtim67,
The story of Aiden choosing Ireland has nothing to do with doldrums. It has been well logged and goes back to schoolboy and youth level football and is connected to the policies prevailing at those levels.
Don't propagate the mischievous myth surrounding the boy. He has enough to contend with without being misrepresented by his own supporters.
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Tom, naka
Good point, I'd forgotten about that. More echoes of Aiden, who also wasn't very impressed by his handling if I remember correctly.
oldtim
I agree the case for Michael's choice might be stronger, but it's still a choice.
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parkheadcumsalford.
I can't understand why people who think what gordon said to the press corps is over the top.
These guys who complain about his attitude regarding the press, must be the ones who buy the redtops,and read the dross that they write every day.
To-morrow,the papers will have a big back page, about Gordon saying, "the press cause all the trouble",and I think Gordon meant in other areas, as well as football.
I just need to remember the stories that was in the redtops after some Celtic players had a night out in Newcastle to know what like they are.
I've the same respect for the press as Gordon,none whatsoever,I have'nt bought a paper for years.
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A WARM WELCOME BACK TO MARTIN42 - I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!
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Off Topic...
What have Preston NE and Leeds in common?
After Morecambe knocking Preston NE out of the Carling Cup this week, and Dennis Wise taking Leeds down would it be fair to say that they both play in white but Preston were gubbed by Morcambe and Leeds were gubbed by Wise?
Just a thought ;-)
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"if the grass is on the pitch lets play "
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Rumour Mill is Back
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test.
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My dear friend, Oldtim
Your mystification is perfectly normal.
My mental arrows,sometimes suffer a loss of impetus,and fall to earth, failing to hit their target.
I guess I must learn to allow for the tensile strength of my bow-string.
Kojo.
Yer pal.
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testing,testing
STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS
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Kitalba
Not sure what the original thread was but you have raised tactics and dismissed (rather quickly) the prospect of SM playing for a 1-0.
This is a strong possibility for a continental side. They know they only have to win 1-0. The most important side of this equation is actually zero. If they fail to maintain zero they have no chance of achieving the score. They could score one in the first five minutes but then go on to lose three. Therefore in a 1-0 game plan, defending deep for two thirds of the game and then using the last third to try to get the goal is a gameplan much favoured by continental teams and coaches. They also use substitutions to support such a strategy. Drawing 0-0 on the back of this is also less likely to have repercussions for a coach whilst going for it and finding youself 3-1 down at half time is more likely to be 'get your coat' time.
A team like SM will not consider a strategy of 'trying to catch us out' and therefore a more risky attack minded strategy will not be favoured.
Celtic then have 3 strategies (at least) to consider. Defend tightly to kill the game and get a 0-0. Play the Celtic way and go for the throat from the off. Be tight and patient looking out to land a killer blow at the most opportune time.
We opted for the first when we played Ajax and lost by a goal. The last approach gave us three against Benfica. The Celtic way saw us lose to Bordeaux, Valencia, Barcelona, Hamburg and others.
However, I'm with WGS in this. Be less concerned with what your opponent will do, but be very very clear what you will do yourself and play your game.
Playing your game (once you've decided it) is the route with least risk.
On the Milne red card, I may be a Celtic cynic, but it surely had more to do with who he would not be playing against the following week than whether Jan might have scored. I believe this is the correct decision. With two defenders in attendance outside the box it was harsh to define it as a definite scoring opportunity. If it was McManus and Kennedy in with Novo with a similar score I think I know how the thread would be shaping up and it wouldn't be favouring Novo.
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tom the tim.
I'm sorry if you were offended by what I posted regarding Aiden,it was neither mischief making, nor propogating a myth.
It was my personal opinion,nothing more nothing less,and surely I'm allowed to express an opinion.
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The old Rumour Mill may be made-up keech, but it's got me grinning from ear to ear.
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all, meant to post earlier but the blog was down
update on my Moscow trip, a truly great three days
decided to go on my own steam rather than Harry Hynd as I wanted to get a bit of time in Moscow proper, I think it was a wise choice
flew out from Edinburgh and met a few of the bhoys on the connecting flight in Amsterdam
We decided to get a taxi into the city as you get a good feel for the place as you drive rather than sneaking in on the underground
I was in an hotel in the centre of town, and decided to go down to red sq that night to see if i could meet some fellow bhoys, ! none
first time on a trip with no amigos in the bars, ohh well back to pushkin sq where a few of the locals bought me some drinks and asked about the brotherhood of tims
Next morning straight down to red sq to see Lenin lying in state!!! He doesny look awfy well since joining Forest!!
bumped into some of the bhoys at last and understood why there had been no one there the previous night, everyone was staying outwith the centre and everyone was only about250 of us!!! Therefore chances of bumping into hoops was much less than previous trips
Next mission after red square was to get to the embassy and get the valuable tickets
The underground, stunning as it was , was a mare
Try getting to somewhere that the Guidebooks say iis Smollenska but the sign says is CMONEHCKR, and that R at the end is back to front
After passing it 3 times back and forth i eventually got off at the right stop, then promptly got lost again
Had to phone the embassy and get talked in, no massive q just about 8 of us, it then ocurred to me that we were few in number and that there would not be a throng of us at the ground!
Spent the next hour helping stragglers navigate the tube and get to the embassy
Got on the underground to go to the
game about 5, hoops stood out a bit and got a lot of attention, most of it friendly
At the ground after walking through
four lines of stormtroopers I met two lads from south london who were doing the trans siberian railway route via moscow, both tic fans from parental coaching
Disater, the ground was dry, we had to go back through the stormtroopers and a stop on the metro to get a beer, I got one Scottish B,,,,,d at this point the only agression directed towards me the whole trip
When we got back on the metro to go the one stop back the place was heaving with spartak fans
they were mental
i was slapped on the back, chants of we hate rangers the queens team we love celtic the peoples team, they were so welcoming
everyone wanted the hoops off my back anything celtic
and then they wanted a pic with us
eventually we got into the ground and felt really small against there huge support
they sang the whole game, the noise was immense the atmosphere really amazing, when the offside goal went in the flares went off and they went mental, they did nt really finf out it was chalked off till another three mins after
Needless to say the bhoys performance was great and just helped us have an even better time
At the final whistle the Harry Hynd bhoys all jumped on the buses and lef about 30 of us to walk back to the metro and through the swathes of Spartak nutters
We were a little bit tense, as we walked in I thought here goes 1 1 draw grief coming
No way, these people were all over us, we did nt get to the station for an hour as we had to have our pic taking with what seemed like every spartak fan, his girlfriend son, dad and grandad, we literally couldnt move forward without cies of pic!pic!
Again the pleading for anything with Celtic on it, I had scarves thrown round my kneck from the Spartak troops was immense, what a welcome
Eventually we made it to the metro and got a really friendly police escort all the way into town, the bhoys had their photo taken with the female russian police with their hats on it was a scream
Eventaully made it back to Pusinkya Sq where, Dan, Mick, Dixie, Dec, Paul, Charlie, Nikki and I drunk Baltika late into the night
Massive hangover next day but well worth it
Lets give these boys a big welcome some have spent a lot of money to go to Glasgow and the fans have genuine affection for the club
A really great trip
Hail Hail
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Bieniex-
Great post-thanks for sharing that with us.
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OldTim @15.23 :- I like that idea, perhaps it should be normal manners for a reporter to state " Joe Smith, Daily News" before asking a question. I believe this is the protocol followed in news broadcasts at least in the states and feel it would help here. It would give an idea of who is asking what and give a better way of judging journalistic standards.
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Well done Bieniex. Sounds like you did us proud.
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Edward, it has been standard practice at every press conference I have ever attended: about 900.
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oldtim67,
I wasn't "offended" by your opinion on why Aiden is playing for the Republic of Ireland and not Scotland.
It was not because Scotland were in the doldrums, as you put it, and tha Ireland were a better team to play for.
I would credit the boy with having more character than that.
The facts surrounding his choice are out there and the fact that you go with the cheap shot that you did,has me somewhat bemused, rather than offended.
In fairness though, perhaps you are not aware of the Schools Football- Youth Football progression present in the SFA at that time, in which case, you can't be blamed for not having the full facts at your disposal.
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Celtic_First.
I only watch Celtic press conferences, and to my knowledge they never state their name and paper first,unless Celtic edit the questions after the conference.
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I can't help being amazed at the Aiden McGeady story. He joins Celtic, gets heckled with shouts of 'fb' and 'go back to Ireland'. Then he decides to play for Ireland and the same people now say he's a traitor to Scotland.
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oldtim67
I work in business publishing. Maybe we're just a lot weller brung up.
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that wee creep from real radio nearly got me to bite.i nearly phoned but then i realised thats what he wants.
apparently Gordon Strachans comments today meant that football fans worldwide are not entitled to free speech.
radio off.
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celticfcnumerouno
You better delete that comment, near-namesake, before the men in white suits come for you.
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Paul,
Quick question about finances of the club.
I'm not really one for keeping up with the financial side of things but as i am currently watching a replay of the spartak match on C67 and its at the time of the loss of pictures i was wondering to the club include revenue from subscribers to C67 in the uk in the accounts. Do they also include revenue from subscribers to C67 from outside of the Uk in the accounts and is the new premium service included or will it be included in next years? What section of the accounts do these income fall into? Like I said I'm not really one for financial breakdown of the club and I apologise if this has been discussed before on the blog but I find this one interesting especially as we are in the internet age. Do they club own all incomes from internet viewing? Do you have any info on subscription numbers worldwide at all Paul. I would be interested to find out exactly how many Celtic fans are viewing C67 worldwide and if these figures will be included in future club financial statements.
nakagod
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Celtic_First
Would you be happy to see Gudjohnson at CP?
Whit dae ye mean it's aw made up:o)
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BigLiam,
I got some of that. £1k coming my way hopefully!!
TMM
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EDB
Aye, and Fletcher, and Rothen.
It's a shame it's all a lot of nonsense.
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EDB
What`s this Gudjohnson Lillian Gish?
one of my pals called me on the way home from work to say that gudjohnson was at CP today
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Tully57,
I agree with you. You get a couple of "fans" phoning radio stations and they start a feeding frenzy with the press, or at least are enough to perpetuate the myth that he is not accepted by celtic fans.
Paul67,
Can you not run a straw poll of the guys on here to see how many are happy with WGS. Is the Jury still out after only winning the league each year he's been here and the odd cup? Or should he just go now?
For myself, I liked the way, from the start, WGS spoke about how he's like to play the game. I worried that we might not be able to afford the player to play that way. But he has lowered the wage bill and the age of the team (and still won the title) and changed the pace we play the game and the movement in the team.
I think he's doing just fine. Anyone else have an opinion before Paul67 does a poll?
TMM
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pfayr
It's simply ETims Rumour Mill at the wind up.
Have a read as it is pleasantly amusing.
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Bieniex
lucky bandit!!
sounds right up there with the great Celtic Euro away nights, and you even got a result ...magic
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Noel,
I suppose you'll be stuck in the house all weekend helping 02 with his homework
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too late celtic first.im in a padded cell as we speak.
too much time listenin to radio phone ins has pushed me over the edge.
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CelticFirst :- Thanks for that info, maybe one day we will get good football reporting up here rather than the mess we get fed each day, even a small step like the introduction would perhaps make some think in a more professional way.
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tobi.
I'm Scottish and was disappointed that Aiden chose Eire over than Scotland but that was his choice.
If,and When Scotland plays Eire,I'll do as I always do, and that is cheer for my country,but you can rest assured that I wont be calling Aiden a F----n B,or get back to Ireland.
I think there is a big problem on this site regarding Aiden, if you happen to criticise Aiden,all hell breaks lose,all you will do is entrench those who have a bad opinion of Aiden.
You're all needing to get of your high horses, and let people have an opinion, whether it's the right opinion, or the wrong one.
I could tear strips of a number of Celtic players,and not a dicky bird would be uttered,mention Aiden and then reap the vitriol.
For gods sake give people a bit of slack.
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CelticFCnumero
I've listened to the Clyde phone in for years but haven't done so once this season and don't intend doing so again.
I do miss Terry O'Neill winding up Keevins but having a few beers and a curry with him has made up for that.
The phone ins have had it for me - although if a certain mob go into meltdown then you never know!
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themadmurph,
I think Gordon Strachan is doing a great job at the club, although I have had a couple of Doubting Tom moments.But that's my problem.
I posted last week about a Becker episode I had just watched, where our hero got caught up in a racist controversy that eventually ended up on a phone-in show.
Becker's view was that there is only one thing worse than a phone-in show and that was the morons who phoned in.
No offence to Terry O' Neill as I know his motives for doing it, even though I don't agree with them.
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i hadnt listened to them for a good while but during the PLG era the became compulsive listening.
time to bin them again i think.
if Gordon says they're garbage thats good enought for me.
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Bieniex - great post. Loved the Lenin bit...
TB
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Oldtim-
That you having a go at wee McGeady ?
ootside now.
Tom-
02s homework is lying in his bag-
he's out playing with his new Celtic away strip on.
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Tom the Tim
Terry has a go at Keevins quite justly in my opinion and I was probably wrong in saying that Terry is on simply to wind him up.
Terry actually takes issue with Keevins on particular comments from him that are clearly detrimental to Celtic and I see nothing wrong with him doing that.
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Bertie Auld
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I'm persevering with Real Radio for now.
Cameron: 'Martin O'Neill was never as highly strung as Gordon Strachan.'
Rough: 'Martin O'Neill used to pongo on the touchline.'
Cameron: 'Pongo? You mean pogo?'
Rough: 'Aye, that.'
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oldtim67,
If ever a Celtic fan complains about the way WGS treats the media, ask him how he felt with "Thugs and Thieves"?
Ask him hew he felt every time he saw a cracked crest? Ask him how he felt when club officials were being compared to Saddam Hussein?
Then ask him how he would treat low life like that.
Personally, I think WGS is quite reserved!!
TMM
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Jusr listened to the Clyde phone-in for the first time. I lasted about 2 minutes. There is some guy on giving Keevins the opportunity to sound like a good balanced well intentioned journalist, who can still get in the odd jibe about our manager while trying to suggest that he doesn't know why the Celtic support 9or some of us) c=don't like our manager. Why does the guy give him the chance. Can't take anymore.
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I see that Adam Virgo ,has joined Colchester on a six month loan deal.
My old friend Kojo, will be disappointed at our "future captain's", lack of progress.
Me, i'm just concerned at the waste of money he has proven to be.
I wonder if Mr Strachan will put up Mark McGhee's dig money?
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Tinytim-
"Mark McGhee", "dig money" ?
Everyone knows he's worth a million pounds.
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Noel,
First days at school are wonderful days indeed.
I well remember Paul and Kevin's first day.
There was a real sense of achievement from Moira and myself about what was happening.
Both boys took to school without any bother and back in the early seventies there was no such things as Nursery Schools.
Last year Ryan started school and within a few weeks he had regular homework.
We would gather in Paul house to watch away ties in the C L and Ryan was busy doing his homework under the guiding eye of his mum.
It will not be long until Martin02 is doing the same.
Enjoy such wonderful times.
They pass so quickly.
Cheers,
Martin.
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Noel.
It'll get to the stage where I'll be afraid to compliment him on playing well.
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E D B,
Will mail you later.
Got to go, grandchildren creating HAVOC.
Cheers,
Martin
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tinytim
I have just unsuccessfully tried to e.mail you at the address you gave me.
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Oldtim-
I was kidding.
But you knew that anyway.....
Cheers Martin.
One On One With Gordon Strachan
from FourFourTwo-
loved the last answer.
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Real Radio men of genius:
Rough: 'How would you feel if people criticised you after a 4-1 win over Falkirk and coming back after a one-nil draw in Russia?'
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Dont know if anyone caught this on soccer am last weekend but i wish JVOH and the rest were this accurate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN3M0Wdlt3A
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