 Thursday, August 16, 2007
Moscow the key to Celtic stepping up their campaign
What a great goal.
The cross from Scott McDonald, his first active move in a Celtic shirt, was delicious. He chipped it, like a golf shot, high and deep. Vennegoor of Hesselink made the run to the front post, leaving a space in the heart of the box.
McDonald was outstanding; few of the many great players we have seen in recent years made such an impressive debut, and none on as daunting a stage. When the draw was made, I quickly figured that Scott would not have had a chance to play before this match; a real regret. I know our manager has high hopes for him, but I couldn’t see him make his debut in such an important game.
The decision to play him was captivating for students of the game, comparable to substituting your captain in a cup final. This guy makes brave choices.
Early in the game Paul Hartley made a 40 yard run to close down the Spartak goalkeeper, it was one of those unheralded moments in a game, but he would be rewarded a few minutes later when he made the same run for the goal.
As that high and deep ball dropped there was still a lot to do. Hartley was running at pace, making a controlled touch difficult. His jump was obscured by a defender, who tried to out-muscle him.
Goal! What a header, very reminiscent of the Sutton header in Amsterdam, or the Thompson one in Munich. ‘Fastidious and precise’, Paul Hartley now owns a fine piece of Celtic history.
It is hard playing for Celtic, especially if you arrive after a trip around the less fashionable outposts of Scottish football. Hartley had yet to reach the heights at Celtic he previously achieved for Scotland and Hearts, so I am genuinely thrilled for him. He has been a Celtic fan all his life and will know what that goal will mean to every one of us.
Take a bow at Pittodrie Paul.
While each area of the team played well, it was their shape that secured the draw.
Hartley for McGeady was a horses for courses decision and the right one. McGeady up front late in the game was also the right decision. Aiden’s pass for Scott Brown was sublime. Scott was disorientated when he collected it. His first touch was poor, he then showed the ball to the goalkeeper instead of keeping his body between ball and keeper, and the shot!
But, I’ll forgive him. It was late in the game, it was a 90° day, he ran the length of the field to get into position and must have been exhausted to the point of collapse.
The five minutes before half time were Spartak’s best. They pushed Celtic deep, resulting in a free cross and free header; concentration dropped and the game was level. If Mark Brown felt he could have done better at the goal (and I am sure he was not the only one in the team to feel this way), he redeemed himself midway through the second half, making a big target to save on his line from six yards.
Spartak only had a couple of chances in the second half, none better than those which fell to Brown and Vennegoor of Hesselink in the last few minutes. Celtic deployed two banks of four which their hosts found increasingly frustrating as the game wore on. The home crowd were a real highlight and never let their support drop, but they must have realised it was not going to be their night a long time before the final whistle.
It was an excellent performance. What’s more, if you think you have seen the best of this team, you are not thinking at all.
It’s that time of year when we say a big “cheerio” to our friends who spend all summer telling us what a thorough shambles Celtic are. You take care now and we’ll speak again in June. Labels: Match Report
270 Comments:
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1st
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goals again
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As I said. The small marsupial would have us all loving it:-)
C'mon Skippy lets see if we can rescue some shafters from a mine:-)
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Watched the game in a great Irish pub here in Praia De Rocha, and now taking a wee break from the pool-side and the sun to post.
Great result, great team spirit and commitment, and to be honest a fair bit of luck on the night - but as often as not teams make their own luck.
Credit must go to Scott McDonald for his workrate and ability to win, hold and use the balls that come in his direction. I think he has staked a fair claim to a starting jersey!
I've previously commented that I have been fairly uninspired by Paul Hartley since coming to Celtic - he also deserves credit for raising his game and making the lung bursting run to finish a great piece of counter attacking play.
Defence is still a work in progress. The back four still don't play as a unit, but they too can take great credit for resisting the onslaught on a surface which must have been a defenders' nightmare.
I should get back to the sun before it disappears - but there still isn't a cloud in the sky, been like that all week. Cmon the hoops!
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Well said Paul,
excellent summary of last nights heroics. I always had a good feeling about SMCD regardless of how depressing he made Black Sunday.
I agree wholeheartedly with your opinion on the teams potential and lets all give a big two fingers to the doubters in the press.
Do you think there will be any other signings before the close of the window and if so who?
The return leg is massive, I think we will se a re run of our performance against Benfica last year where we sit tight for a while before administering the killer blows-prediction 2-1 Celtic.
Hail Hail
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Still walking on air this morning and mightily proud of the Bhoys.
Well done all.
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"Paul Hartley now owns a fine piece of Celtic history."
Not yet Paul, the goal will barely be remembered if we fail to finish them at home. But of course, you are an optimist to the extreme!
Pretty spot on analysis and heard some of the same words muttered last night from an elder statesman! High praise for McDonald was also flooding in, I think we are on to a winner here.
Once again Strachan has excelled himself on the tactical front. Some Celtic fans must be really disappointed to see him do so well...........
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Agree with you Paul, a great result, and which one of us would not have loved to be in Paul Hartley's boots (at least once the ball hit the net). Overall, a good performance, but not a classic night. We defended very well, and limited Spartak to only a few clear chances. The central defence were robust and the central midfield gave good protection to the middle of the park. We were a bit limited in creating chances, but that happens when the midfield lies deeper.
Good points:
Scott McDonald showed what an excellent first touch he has, how strong he is back to goal, and that he is an intelligent player. He will be our best forward this year
Scott Brown and Paul Hartley both supported the defence very well, and provided options for out balls for defenders. Would like to see both back themselves to run with the ball at defences.
Mark Wilson linked well with each of the midfielders who sat in front of him, and there was limited threat from the Spartak left wing
Stephen McManus and John Kennedy had their best game in tandem, though they both were marking thin air when the equaliser was scored.
Naka again offered for the ball in tight spaces, though found it harder to link on occasion, and consequently gave the ball away once or twice.
Jan Venegoor showed well and linked better with SM than with Magic, but still looks cumbersome and doesn't create anything like the problems for defences that were caused by BBJH or Chris Sutton. For me, the jury is still out on him.
Mark Brown had an OK game, but showed why Artur Boruc is clearly the first choice, especially as a shot stopper.
Lee Naylor still looks like he is now being found out at the higher level. He struggles against players who run at him, he has real difficulty preventing the cross from wide, and he is increasingly limited in his ability to play the ball out of defence.
The tie is very much alive, which is probably what most fans were hoping for before the game. I was fearful of a repeat of the Shaktar Donesk away game.In fact the balance is slightly in our favour.
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Great stuff from us last night, well done WGS and the Bhoys.
Only slight concern is that we all feel we are already through- there's still a lot of work to be done.
If JVoH is injured (hope not), then Miller and MacDonald is a partnership I reckon would give real problems to that Spartak defence.
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there is no doubt, scott mcdonald was immense. he holds the ball up like sutton. the question is now, who is good enough to play of him ;-)
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Jinkynewton, enjoy your holidays.
Killerheels, I am sure there will be more signings this month.
TrueTim, a reversal in two weeks would certainly cast a shadow on the memory of that goal, but as you say, I do not entertain such thoughts.
Send my best regards to the elder statesman.
bringontheweeman, agree on the central defensive partnership.
This morning, Oor Kevin was arguing that we should bite the bullet and let them settle into a partnership, “How else do you develop players” being the argument.
Bhoy Molloy, good to hear from you in such positive tones, thanks for sharing your views. I recall you words when Scott was signed, one of which was "raging". It must have been 'a hot summer's night'.
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Paul
"He chipped it, like a golf shot, high and deep" Could this indicate that the other great game is starting to take hold? Can we look fwd to you teeing of at Aberdour?
Take care
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paul67
i was so impressed by his strength and intelligence last night that i was blown away. scmd showed more in one game last night than our other forwards have shown in a year. lts not like me to be won over in one game but he was very good. Scott if yer out there, sorry lad and keep it up as you looked the biz.
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It's hard to know where to turn for a recent parallel to our Champions' League situation.
Our big victories on the Road to Seville came when we played away in the second leg: Stuttgart, Liverpool, Blackburn, Boavista, and Vigo (I know we didn't win the match but we secured qualification).
Last year we didn't have to qualify and the Milan tie also involved the second leg away from home.
The answer, really, is Artmedia.
Four-nil on the night was a stunning result, if you think about it. The team stood up to the situation and the crowd blew Artmedia away.
Let's have that again, please, one and all.
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Bhoy Malloy
Good man.
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Great game lastnight. But a wee word of caution. Paul, just as the mineshafters are criticised for doom and gloom at every turn, one swallow does not a summer make. Its a start. But there is much more room for improvement. What I think will become apparent is that we are going to have a dominant midfield like we have never seen in my lifetime. Its good to be a follower of the Champions.
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I see the ref has been rounded on in moscow and blamed for the defeat!! typical
paul67
have to disagree slightly on letting them settle making a big difference, as the fact none of them have the ability to dominate in the air will not change because they get to know each other better. thats the main problem high balls and crosses cause panic
However i full agree Gordon Strachan made brave decisions and got it spot on. I think he deserves alot of credit as u can be sure if the result had not went our way he would of been rounded on by plenty branded tactically naive
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Well Done Gordon.
Credit where credit is due. Having watched Spartak I felt it would be a mistake to play with with one upfront so I was delighted when we set out with two upfront.
I previously stated that if Spartak played to form this would be an extremely difficult tie so credit must be given to Gordon for his tactics and selection. We needed to stretch Spartak at the back in order to keep the pressure off the defence and prevent them being camped in our half.
I think we can now look forward to the second leg with cautious optimism.
My concern still remains the central defence as although we only conceded 1 goal I felt we were poor at dealing with high cross balls into the box.
So once again well played Gordon and the boys.
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btw, l also think strachan got his tactics bang on last night with a good use of subs. i really hope he keeps it up. now for the negarive, the back four needs serious sorting. all ar sea so many times last night. how many times did kennedy leave wilson to pick up 2 sm players and these crosses came from naylors area far to often and easily.
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using a pda so sorry for my mistooks.
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I just want to offer a further thought to what I said a moment ago about the Artmedia game being the inspiration for what we do next. The home game, I mean.
It's strange how often this happens: something that has been painful for us all to think about can now become a real source of inspiration.
It's a funny old game.
And so is football.
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Morning all
In defence of Lee Naylor.....
Yes it was a poor game from him and his winger certainly was on top for most of the game but.... Lee's natural defensive style is quick tackling, quick pressing and then a long slide tackle if the guy knocks it past him. All three of these techniques were pretty much useless last night.
Having to stay on his feet meant his slowness in the turn was exposed several times and he couldn't slide to make up the ground. I am confident that he will keep his man in his hip pocket when the playing field is levelled at Celtic Park.
#8
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my major concern with JVOH is the number of times he fails to out jump the opposition CH and flick on. He's got a real predatory instinct when given a goal chance but I would like to think he could be coached into jumping higher and improving his timing of jumps.
re Skippy, I think it was either Tosh Mckinlay or WGS himself who predicted great things from him.
Paul 67,
Glad to hear your optimism on deadline signings, could there be a WOW or two in there especially if we overcome the Spartans?
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A word for Noel.
The wee man will be grand. Schools are great places these days, full of computers and colours, stories and songs.
Miraculously, some genius worked out that belting tiny weans with a big fat bit of leather was not the best way to educate them.
And if anything goes wrong with any of the school laptops, wee Martin will be their man to fix them up.
All right, maybe they'll be full of Youtube clips of Celtic when he's done, but they'll work.
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Paul67:
Ya wee fibber yea.
Last night you said, that you were confident of achieving a result in Moscow.
Or words, to that effect.
Come on Paul, is that 100 kosher. I saw your reaction to the draw.
Come on, admit it you harboured concerns, maybe only wee ones, but concerns none the less.
I’ll let you into a wee secret. I was concerned. Hoped for a win of Ajax proportions, but realistically thought, a score draw would be the extent of our prayers.
Well… Paul Hartley et all, answered them.
Can’t bring myself to agree without reservation, with you leader. I wouldn’t go with the words excellent performance, I‘d go with your summation of yesterday: a thoroughly professional performance.
An excellent performance, to my mind, would have seen us beat them, but for one non-kick of the ball, we might very well have achieved that.
Now that would have been an excellent result to compliment a professional performance.
Semantics I know, but you too, can be a stickler for them.
Like most people, I prefer to play the first leg away. However there are inherent risks in doing so. The away goal is your, perceived, Ace. It can also be your Joker.
Any ‘Brag’ player will tell you so.
Spartak, now know, exactly what they have to do to reach the group stages.
We unfortunately, do not.
I personally don’t think the trip to Moscow was easy, but I do believe it was the easier part of the equation to qualification. We achieved an enviable result.
We now have options to progression that are no longer available to Spartak.
Therein, lies the danger.
I now think, as we take the game back to Glasgow, that, this, will prove a defining moment for Gordon Strachan, only four games, into our season:
Should we progress irrespective of the result, he has licence to impose himself not only on the team but on the club and its ambitions.
Should we lose… Then for Gordon’s sake, we better win the league.
The next three games are vitally important.
I actually think we will do both.
Progress to the group stages and win the league. I also believe that we will win at least one of the cups on offer.
My point being, we have achieved nothing yet.
Moving on:
Next up is Aberdeen, a very capable team, then the wee wanabees, also a very capable team and then back to Spartak.
100 per cent commitment and support from the fans is not a prerequisite in these three games it is a critical and obligatory, necessity.
If you don’t agree and adhere, then you haven’t played your part, and the right of criticism, can then only be exercised with the finger of hypocrisy pointing right at YOU. (not you Paul).
Bottom line: our support on the night may be the difference between qualification to the Champions League, or merely, qualification by dedumped, to the other cup.
Spartak, are nobodies mugs. They are not, Red Star in disguise.
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We have a great platform on which to build. A very positive score at half time in this tie.I have never ever blamed SMcD for Black Sunday. The blame lay with the overpaid, unfit underacheivers of that season. Scott was distraught in the dressing room when the realisation of the consequences of his goals set in. However he was paid to perform for Motherwell. I have always found him to be a complete pest!! With better players around him, he can go on and join the illustrious band of ex-Well strikers we have signed who excelled in the Hoops...McBride, Deans, McClair and Walker. Go on Wee Man!!
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It's an achievement to get out of Moscow in August with a point and an away goal.
Well done Gordon, you achieved something Napoleon and Hitler couldn't!
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ah, reading reports it seems smcd got the gig by default as miller was injured. all i can say is thank god for that.
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Anyone complaining we didnt make a WOW signing today? In my mind we sure did, Scott McDonald. WOW is a media conspiracy that unfortunately too many fans swallow. They equate it with a big money signing. I equate it with getting a new player who WOW's the expectations. When we saw Scott in Denver we knew he would be a WOW.
Have to hand it to the manager. Real gutsy decision to play Scott throwing him into the deep end. If it hadnt turned out, the long knives would have inched closer.
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Inthedark,
well done for popping up above the parapet. Have you started to cover any of your bets for this season yet ?
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all fingers and toes crossed in the hope of seeing the huns get chinned in Serbia.
same again in anticipation of our participation in the group stages.
all relevant monies in our bank.
hopefully also we have the time and are poised to add quality to the squad to ensure another league victory.
lets bury the huns while we can.
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I think last night was definitely one for the newer players.
Wee Scott McDonald to me was MotM, his holding play, closing down, runs and overall awareness was a breath of fresh air. The one thing I was so surprised at was his body strength for such a wee lhad.
He held most of the defenders off when he got the ball and I think will win us some crucial free-kicks as the refs are more liable to give a free-kick to a wee guy getting fouled than a big guy like Jan.
Scott Brown had another good game in tough conditions. With an early booking I, probably like many, thought that he would either be seeing the changing rooms sooner than his team mates or that he would go right out of the game trying to hard to keep his nose clean. However he did neither of these two things and harried and hasselled the midfield the entire game. His miss at the end can be forgiven as I think tiredness and the poor surface had a lot to do with this.
The final newby that I thought had a good showing was Mark Brown. Although many will criticise him for the goal I would say he wasn't given the protection he needed by his defenders. Fair enough Artur probably would have saved it, but comparing Mark B to the Holy Goalie isn't a fair comparison in my view and without the his intervention with the late chance for Spatak we might not all be waxing lyrical about our chances at all.
I also think a mention has to be given to the manager again. IMHO his team choices and decision making cannot be questioned at after last night.
I think it's a brave man who drops a player after the type of performance that Kenny Miller had at the weekend. But WGS did just that and Scott McDonald's performance justifies that beyond any doubt.
The substitutions were also very timely and putting McGeady on with his quick feet and passing was nothing short of genius and almost paid off but for the pitch and tiredness.
I think it is sometimes so easy to turn on the man at the helm but last night I think he played a blinder.
/Bishop B
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A cracking peformance from the guys last night, one that gives us a right chance of qualification. We are far from through yet though, and it will take another Celtic Park power show to get there.
Spartak were not half the team I'd expected, and looked more like the Russia Olympic Diving Squad.
It must be in Russia that Jarosik was schooled in how to fall on his archie every 2 minutes, and I hope this morning Stephen McManus told him to get it right up him for grassing on us.
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Now, taking on the Russian champions wae all their oil money was bad enough.
But then we also had to master the effects of the travelling, the temperature, the early season for us and midway through for them, changing the pitch conditions just before the game, kicking off at a ridiculous time of day, and almost worst of all – me not being there.
5 European debuts, 1 first team start, the memory of Bratislava, and my piles playin up, but then what do we find when we take to the pitch?........
Only that Gary Pendrey has jumped the broomstick and become their head coach.
Flippin double agent!
Nurse bring me the plutonium 210.
p.s. met BlantyreKev and Carlton Tongues in Failte!
Top top blokes, knowledgeable, passionate, and the epitome of Celtic!
However the adjective that shouts at me is…..Dapper!
They did drink funny wee bottles of beer mind you!
Pps. So where is this CQN Huddle taking place before we play the macaroons at home?
Hail hail
Estadio (now heading to Whistlin kirk for a livener)
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Kitalba - we know exactly what is required in the 2nd leg to progress. A win or a no-score draw.
Spartak need a win or a score draw greater than 1-1.
Pretty simple for both sides to prepare for that, I'd have thought.
We have no need to chase the game. Sit in and play them like we did our 3 CL games last year and we should be OK.
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.
I've a good feeling that Naka will deliver us a cracker to take us to the group stages :)
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Not often I end up a discussion of a game by praising the ref, but that is what I did last night with my mate. We wer eboth in agreement. He is the best since Collina. I would have him ref our game any time.
By the way, apart from both of us agreeing about most things relating to our performance, we agued about 1 thing. My mate reckoned MacManus and Kennedy were immense; I reckoned because of their being exposed badly in the air we could have lost a couple of goals.
Still, congratulations to the manager and team for a great Celtic performance last night. You done us proud.
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Kitalba,
your dead right on the twelth man issue for the return leg, its absolutely vital the crowd create an almighty unrelenting din!
I dont think the Spartans will have experienced anything quite like it, they are used to playing in Olympic style grounds, running tracks and all that. I think if we come out the blocks and get all over them along with the crowd it could be too much for them.
An early goal for us could see them cave but I dont see it going like that, I think it will be more like the Benfica game where we sat back a little.
One things for sure it will be an incredible night.
Bring it on!!
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Antibes
If only it were that simple.
It is for Spartak.
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Killerheels,
Re: Neg Anon:
trust me, it was most complementary.
Without my toungne in cheek.
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Paul
Jist goat aff da phone,from da Boss o' Bosses,
He agrees dat da Pitch accounts fur Sparta's Dearth of Home-field, LOSSES!
He took in da game, an' Diane an' Kelso, were also der,
They agree da playin' field wiz SLICK an' SLIPPERY!...
Dat SLY Sparta wur responsible ....fur,
OOT AN' OOT TRICKERY!!
Dey say dat is Why OOR BROON wiz in two minds... when Aiden's pass rolled into his path...
Tae his Horror he did find,
He couldna controll da Skitey Thing!...
So he ended up ...
Daein' a HEILAN' FLING!
Dese ur no Excuses... which we abhor,
Dey are SOLID provable Facts,
An' ur no da DRIVEL, dat is dished up by HACKS!
Fur anywan who wiz in dat Stadium,
could see dat da Pitch wiz as hard tae Haundle...
AS Blinkin', URANIUM!
Dey say dat Mr.Strachan proved WANCE AGAIN,
dat his Soccer Knowhow...
EARNS A GREAT BIG TEN!!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Tail's Awaggin'
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Just back from the game.... and I watched it in Glasgow City Centre. Met Estadio in Failte and then moved on to the Barras with CaltonTongues. Conversely to many of the posts on here I actually will have no abiding memory of last night's game and for me there are serious questions still to be answered, like:
1. How did I get home?
2. What was the score?
And here was me thinking if I stick to bottles of Miller on top of the bottle of Frascati and 2 Peroni at lunch time I'll make it home to bath the wean and put her to bed. Well I'm back and it's still 7 hours to bath time, good going, eh?
Two points from last night in Failte. The five absolutely gorgeous girl dancers from London who were brought into the pub by their equally stunning Celtic supporting pal seemed to have a great time, and trying to explain the offside rule to them was a conversation I wish I had taped. They are all fully converted Timettes now I'm sure.
Estadio and all the guys at the top end of the pub watched the game in reverse since the screen that hangs in the middle of the pub has the picture beemed onto it from the opposite side. This confused me no end to the point where I was explaining to him that Celtic actually scored first!
All in all a night to remember all the things I've forgotten, I think.
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Like everyone else thought McDonald was super last night. When you have a striker who can keep the ball, score, create assists & is generally a nuisance to the opposing defence - it gives his team mates & the fans confidence that something can happen in the final third.
We definitely rode our luck last night, however the team were really resilient
One thing that really pleased me last night was Hartley running to the substitutes (Mcgeady & Sno)to celebrate when he scored. For someone who worries about the personality & chemistry of this team, it was great to see a bit of team spirit
It's only half time mind!
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Good to see all the positivity on here this morning, fair play to all the guys who have come on to say they were wrong, it takes guts to do so.
Well done Gordon and the Bhoys.
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Paul:
Will the other Paul, Hartley of that ilk, like being compared to a killer queen?
Celtic First:
I make that four posts this morning. Nice to see you're busy getting your desk clear for your holidays!
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BlantyreKev
A night in Estadio's company remains long in the memory!
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Just wanted to comment on Spartak's goal yesterday. Quite a number of people have commented and and I think a number of them haven't watched it closely or don't really understand how defences work. It was Mark Wilson's job to cover the back post. Scott Brown had also tracked back there covering his man. That left two defensive players marking two attacking players at the back post and everything was under control. Just before the cross was delivered Mark Wilson left his man (I'm not sure why, but he seemed to anticipate the ball being pulled back to the edge of the box and was going out to charge down a shot). This left Scott Brown marking two men at the back post and resulted in the goal. Wilson had quite a good game but he was definitely the most culpable person in the goal. Nakamura was also excellent but he could have done better in preventing the cross. The centre backs are getting the blame from some people for the goal but they were correctly positioned.
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Bringontheweeman I agree with virtually every word of your player summary. However I think your summary is a bit pessimistic as we are strong favourites now with parity and an away goal in the bag. We do have to do it on the night though and I am not counting any chickens yet.
CanajunBhoy well done on spotting S McD's ability so early. I was happy to see us sign him though I have to say I thought he would be a squad player and expected him to be an aggressive wee pest who could score goals in the SPL. Last night I was staggered by his upper body strength and even more so by his intelligence. Ball retention away from home by your front men is pure gold and Skippy did the business.
Finally got to add my congrats to our manager. Got all the big calls right and you cant ask for more than that. Thankfully he is smart enough to know that there are those who will never be won over, a minority I argue, and that he knows better than them.
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Blindlemon
Who's counting?
I'm actually at my busiest for about two years, but am prepared to sacrifice some valuable work time for the Celtic cause.
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CF
methinks you doth protest too much.
Anyway, I'm 'at my piece' as we say in Ayrshire, and, because I'm 'lousing' early, must be off to get on with my part in International Commerce.
Don't you be overdoing the inernet poker now.
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Speaking of holidays, I'd welcome word from BoltonBhoy, if he's around, on the likelihood of the Scots College in Salamanca having upgraded to Setanta yet, and if they're likely to let scruff like me in these days.
Otherwise, I could be struggling for the return leg. Unless McGrain knows an alternative.
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Noel ah wiz talkin to the missus the smornin about how it seems like only yesterday that ma son Terry wis going to school for the first time and in a couple of weeks he is going to Uni for the first time.
It goes by in the blink of an eye.
Kids can disarm you with their innocence and logical thinking,on Terry's first day he was genuinly shocked to discover he had to go back to school the next day,he thought it was a one time only experience.
Ruffle the wee mans hair for me.
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We need a few of the mineshafters on here to liven the place up a bit, all this sweetness and light is doing ma head in.
Happyclappers and Mineshafters, its an excellent mix and makes this place very interesting. I've noticed that the mineshafters very rarely try to chase away or frighten off the happyclappers, its always the other way around, kinda ironic that.
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Almost a day after the result, and it seems to me on reflection that the big thing going for this Celtic team is HUNGER.
You look at guys like the Broons, Donati, Hartley, McDonald, Naylor, Wilson, Kennedy and McManus - and they all have something to prove, both to themselves and us.
When hunger is allied to a fair bit of skill, we have a very potent force working in our favour.
The job is only half done, but a lot of our players will have got the flavour of what is possible last night. I really don't fear complacency with this squad - but let's keep everything crossed that they can finish the job in style.
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Cant we all just play nice now.
Then we could be.
Shaftclappers. Or Clapshafters...oops.
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itz @13.55
As Fargo has said..."If there was no Devil.... Then God-- WOULD!--- be DEAD!"
"Conflict and Controversee, compose an Interestin' Geminee!"
"Life, without an occasional Ripsnorting MAGILLA... wid be boring an' Vapid... an' just Plain Vanilla!"
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Richard81
Or Happy Shafters?
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Richard81
Or shafters with the clap....better not go there.
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Serpent's tongue,
Even better. :-)
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collie
I see you get a mention in Hugh MacDonald's piece about the game in The Herald.
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I hope Tommy G finds a new club soon. It is obvious that nomatter what you or I think of him he doesn't feature in WGS's plans and he's too expensive to have as a squad player.
If he stays on it will be for the money, and everyone of us whether we like himn or not will know it, regardless of bravado quotes like "I'm going to fight for my place". The fans will turn against him I'm afraid and it could get messy. He'll be looking for a pay off I'm sure, brinkmanship already underway I'd guess. Doesn't help our future planning though.
Ditto Jiri.
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Shappy Clafters?
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Paul - The transfer window closes on 31st august, which will be only 2 days after we find out whether it's Champions League or UEFA Cup for us this season. Clearly two days is insufficient time to recruit new blood?
Just wondering if we have provisional deals on the table for targets who have stipulated that they will join only if we are playing Champions league Football?
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Clatty Shafpers?
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i see we have been linked with ian harte AGAIN!!!
rish international Ian Harte hopes to have a new club sorted within the next week.
The former Leeds left-back has just left Spanish side Levante and is now locked in talks with a number of prospective employers.
Sunderland and Celtic are said to be heading the chase for the 29-year-old.
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could they belt out
''skippy, the bush kangaroo''
tune. everytime wee scott scores at celtic park?
what a signing.
and to think of where he could be playing...........
their other target had his best game in the hoops, but to be fair, that wouldnt have been too difficult. one swallow and all that but i really hope 'j.r.'s dream works out.
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Why should we get worked up on how much players are paid? Peter Lawwell agreed the contracts of every single player at the Club. If the Manager has changed his mind on their ability, then that is his perogative but questions his overall judgement of players. GS and PL agree to pay TG a certain salary. Why would Celtic fans turn against a player who signs a contract in good faith?
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Paul67,a very good description of the game.
And a heart felt one at that too.
I am with you,for very different reasons,as you have a go at the "August prophets of doom".
But I have to say,bearing in mind that I am one of their biggest detractors,and I was one of the biggest annoyances to their utterances yesterday,(Tinytim,you were more noticable by your absence in the last few days,maybe,just maybe,you had a hint of the confidence I had,although,you wouldn't admit it publicly),that just about every one of the team's and the manager's biggest detractors have been on here in the last day or so,and said(mostly without qualification) that we done good,and more importantly,the people they had been bagging(players and management)had done good.
This is infinitely harder to do than saying I told you so.
So,to be honest,I think your leading article is a wee bit triumphalist.
I know what you take,and what you ignore,but credit where credit is due.
It is a lot harder to publish your views,when you are retracting most of what you have spouted on here in the past,rather than offering congratulations for what you expected to happen in the first place.
I have not read everything since yesterday,but the biggest moaners(don't take this the wrong way guys),like Michael Collins,Negative Anon,Tiny Tim,BhoyMolloy and numerous more,that I can't remember(sorry)have been man enough,and honest enough,to come on here,and admit,that they were wrong,and happy to be so.
I know that it will be a while before the recognition of the "administrative" staff may be congratulated in the same way,but,really,you cannot beat a good start.
Well done lads,you have taken more than your share of criticism from me in your postings on here,sometimes deserved.
But it is a lot easier for me to come on here and say,I told you so,when we have done well,than it takes to say,I told you so,when we don't.
In deference to your oft stated opinions on our defence,and your magnamanious posts on the result,I will come back with the fact that,as opposed to Saturday,I thought that was a poor goal for our defence to lose.
Don't get me wrong,the way the game was actually played out,a 2-1 defeat would probably have been fair.
But where I will differ,probably,from your criticism of the goal conceded,would be in the fact,that it was entirely the goalkeepers fault,not for failing to save the header,but for allowing a header from a big looping cross to take place in his six yard box in the first place.
As I said,everybody has their criticisms,you people having more than most,but,once again.
Well done lads.
The ability to admit mistakes and being wrong,is a damn site harder than gloating about predicting a good thing.
Paul,maybe a wee bit of recognition of this would not go amiss.
I know sometimes you think you are banging your heid against a brick wall.
But that is part and parcel of the fun of being a Celtic supporter,and a died in the wool one at that.
But,a wee bit of credit,for the wanderers among us,may do more good than harm occasionally,as I said,it is a lot harder to say you were wrong than I told you so.
Well done the "mineshafters".
We know that you care about our club,and we are glad.
Sorry if that sounds sanctimonious,it is not the way it was intended.
Oh,and well done the players and management,that was probably the best away game I have actually witnessed in the Champion's League(having not seen the game live in Amsterdam).
And that wee ginger guy has balls the size of medicine balls.It may not come off a lot of the time,but at least he tries it.
I really hope he is there until he decides to leave(which I believe will not be his decision).
As we have said many a time.
We really don't know what we have until it is no longer there.
Well done everybody,the team the management,the supporters(those who made the journey,and those who didn't)and those with balls bigger than mine,who came on and gave us the credit we deserve.
Shelbourne1916?
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danny @14.21
Ye know whit they say....
But,den...mebbe ye dinna...
So, Here is whit is printed oan ma Auntie Meg's Guid Pinnie( A former Thespian wiz she.... As a Juvenile, she wance served Sarah Bernhardt wit' a wee cuppa Tea!)
"Ah dinna care whit ye WRITE, about me..... nae Slight or Aspersion, wull get me tae Fight!....
As long as ye hiv da civil Curtesee...
Tae...mak siccar, tae see dat ye
"SPELL MA NAME .... RIGHT!"
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Tail's Awaggin'
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kano,
So I am a moaner? I see myself as more of a perfectionist just like Roy Keane :-)
There is always room for improvement, and the happy clappers can stop cause its only half time.
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Paul - as one of the fans you're having a dig at, I will be delighted to hide away until June or longer, but you need to remember the job is only half done and the grounds for pessimism were based on several months of at best lacklustre performances.
I am on holiday in Italy and did not see the game, but from all acounts our performance was highly laudable in very difficult circumstances. As things stand, however, last night was the exception rather than the rule but I look forward to being proven completely wrong with my fears in the weeks to come.
bryce (who is delighted to interrupt his holiday to inform all on CQN that he may have been incorrect. The fact that it's over 90° with no wind may also be significant)
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i got 3 things from the game
1. Great result, perfromance and management
2. Scott Mcdonald - if we paid 5mil for him he would have looked the part
3. Defensive concerns
On 3 - I rate every defender we have including O'dea - however, i'm not sure if its a learning process with the young centre lads or if we need a strong more dominant character in there.
we could easily have lost 3-4 goals yesterday but for some good goalkeeping, poor finishing and a wee bit of luck.
I agree with Kitalba and others - we cannot be complacent and we must shore up the defence. Stopping the crosses coming in from wide areas would be a start.
so exceited about the season ahead with this team!!
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Happy, I'm happy clapping
Happy clapping all day long.
Happy I'm Happy Clapping
Happy clapping all day long
And thats with a hangover.
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I see the clear skies are under threat. There is a large slow moving black one on the horizon. I am being drawn to the mineshaft.
Iain Harte. NNNNOOOO!!!!!
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Some great first leg results regarding the teams above us in the coefficient table for CL we need two teams above us to lose in the third qualifing round for Celtic to be in POT 2.
WERDER BREMEN 2 v 1 Dinamo Zagreb
AJAX 0 V 1 S Prague
BENFICA 2 V 1 Copenhagen
All 3 have tough away games now.
If we can do the job at Celtic Park & results go our way could be POT 2!!
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I failed to mention a couple of things.
Inthedark,good stuff.
Bhoy Molloy,I have heard you doing U-turns on two players now,Naylor and McDonald,well done man.
I will refer to my earlier predictions of our signings.
Can't copy what I said,as I can't find it.
But the gist was.
Brown,maybe our best signing for the best part of ten years.
Donatti(sp),I fear will disappoint.
McDonald,he will surprise most people,and be a big surprise.
Killen,the same.But not to the same extent.
And Brown,probably the second best keeper we have had since the sixties(or something similar).
I happen to be more hopeful of the "parsimonious" signings(including Hartley) our board have been accused of making,may well turn out to be our aces in the pack.
I only hope they will get the credit they deserve for this,regardless of their origin and their cost.
Then,we may be a formidable force,with an even more formidable support.
Even if our boos does have ginger hair,and did once give us a few goings over with Aberdeen.
(I refuse to mention that he treats the "press" with distain).
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Kano
Big Freudian slip there, bhoy, writing 'boos' instead of 'boss'.
I think the mineys have got to you.
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I remember you posting that Kano, you might be not far wrong though I think Donati is already underrated by the support and press in general. Overshadowed as he is by the 'bargain' Scott Brown.
I see we're linked with Ian Harte again, August is it? I'm sure I saw Robbie Keane at lunchtime, he was having lunch with Stephen Appiah and Dion Dublin in Princes Square....
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Just wondering whether our friends in the South side offered us some training time on the Astro Turf at Murray park before we headed out to Moscow?
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A fantastic team performance and result last night. As one who just couldn't see Celtic getting a result after the Kilmarnock display I have to admit, I was wrong. As always, well done WGS, well done Celtic.
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I see Wagner Love is being chased by two prem sides. I wanted us to have a pop at signing him!!!
Vedran Corluka anyone? I am not sure if he is CL tied yet
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Peter F Ridsdale strikes again...
"But Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale has confirmed to BBC Wales the club are close to securing the signature of the former Chelsea striker.
He will have medical today and if he passes that will sign for club as soon as it can be completed.
Ridsdale and Hasselbaink were together at Elland Road when he was chairman of Leeds United and the pair are set to link up again.
Bluebirds manager Dave Jones vowed this week to bring in a new forward before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
And it looks as if Hasselbaink will become Cardiff's latest big signing with former England internationals Robbie Fowler and Trevor Sinclair already at the club."
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Corluka signed for Manchester City the other week there.
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Just seen :(
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emu
Can't fault your logic but I think that the amount of money players receive impacts our perception of them. When someone's playing well we don't care, when they aren't we tend not only to see the negative impact on the team but also their burden on resources.
How many discussions about Bobo don't at some point make reference to his wages? If he was on £5k a week I don't think there's a Celtic fan anywhere who would want to sell him.
Jackie Mac's testimonial was long arranged. How many of the fans hold the money he got from that against him when he left?
Money is a factor because it's our money. Much of the affinity we used to have with players has gone because there is a clear separation now in terms of finance. Had Stan Petrov played for Celtic in the 80's on £500 a week the stands would have rang out with 'Petrov must stay' when his transfer was first mooted. I honestly believe his petted lip and search for more money put paid to that notion. Nothing to do with his football ability. Likewise Shaun.
Tommy Gravesen contributing nothing to the team would not bother anyone of he was on £5k a week. Sit him in the stand or bench for the season on £40k and frustrations will be voiced. That's just the way of it. Tommy must see the writing on the wall. If he effectively gives up a season of his career to collect his perfectly legitimately entitled wages then it will nevertheless still be seen as the act of a mercenary. One who as you rightly point out, signed a cntract that was offered to him and in good faith, but that will be the perception none the less from some.
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Paul67
Well said my friend.
It was great to see Paul Hartley and Scott MacDonald play so well.
I am tired of defending these two signings to some folks.
The real winner yesterday was our manager. I was so pleased for him.
Hartley must be first choice for left midfield from now on, in my opinion. I have also noted that Aiden plays his best stuff for us when coming on in the last 15 mins.
All I want now, is for Riordan to get a chance...but for once I can see that it would be difficult to budge on yesterdays starting line up...our most impressive in years.
Ternar
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If I was fantasy asset managing I'd flog Tommy G to Valencia for cash +/or Canizares or Hildebrand and then offload Boruc to the gooners.
net profit c.15m
watch this space...
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Bhoy Molloy.
As I said,don't take it the wrong way.
I see you as a moaner.So what!!!?
I am well aware it is only half time,and I am also well wary.
But,I am a lot happier at half time than I was before the first half started.
I tipped us to win in Moscow,and have a score draw at Parkhead.
I can only hope that I was wrong on both counts.
As I said,it takes a lot more balls to come on here and say,I was wrong,than it takes to say"I told you so".
Good on you.
The fact that I may perceive you as a "moaner"should not make the slightest difference to the way you post,and I hope it doesn't.
I certainly don't make posts according to what i think people may perceive them,and if you start,then you are becoming some sort of idiot.
Although I may call posters(although,mostly I am referring to what they post or think)fools and idiots,moaners,a disgrace,and several other descriptions(correct or not),it should not be taken as some sort of personal insult.
I will let posters know(in no uncertain terms)if I think they have looked down upon,or abused me,the players,management,or the "Celtic support".
As I said,it is far easier for me to say,I thought it would go well,than it is for yourself,to come on after a bad result and say"I told you so".
This illicits bad responses,abuse(of a personal,and character nature)and a question of your loyalty.
Now,don't get me wrong.I will give you heaps,treat you with distain,and have sly wee digs at you,if you spend your time having a dig at my team.
But,if that is your job(as you see it) as a Celtic fan,so be it.
I have no problem with that sort of agenda.
Only with most of what you post.
Bhoy Molloy,I do not agree with most of what you post.
But plaese,explain to me why should give a flying f*** if I do or not?
I have had some people claim to leave the site due to my "aggressive" posts.
The reason I post here is not to make other people not post,or fear what I have to post,but to have a barney with other Celtic fans.
If I am going to discuss my/our team and it's performances,business acumen,overall standing,future prospects,management performance,board performance,and just general Celtic stuff.
I would rather do it here.
Even if it means I have to spend most of my "beer" night explaining to you why I think we have a good thing here.
As I said,you done well.
Good on you.
But you are still "a moaner".
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