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Brian Quinn.
A great Celtic fan who we are lucky to have.
Lubo.
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Seconded
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Dammit...I read the article instead of going for first. What was I thinking.
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Paul
Obviously no mention of the investment you have alluded to at the start of the year.
Has this investment completely gone up in smoke?
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Paul
I have a feeling you will have rattled the cage of Mr Quinn's usual preferred media outlet, the Today programme on Radio 4, by scooping this.
Well done.
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Lovejoy, that was a commercial deal, not an investment. No idea where it is.
Celtic First, thanks.
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Well that's never happened to me before! The wee box said my comments have been saved, yet it doesn't appear in the comments window or the main forum!
Spooky! And I was first too!
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Miketw10,
Me neither, I was trying to post to you to say that the BMC club is opposite McDonalds on Gorgie Road just before you get to Tynecastle. I work not far from there so if you need any details etc let me know.
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Annoying anorak moment - it was four years without reaching a cup final not five; 1990 League Cup Final defeat to Rangers - 1994 League Cup disaster against Raith.
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The missing post read something along the lines of:
Paul, well done. Nice interview.
Just shows that the Celtic Board DO have a strategy after all.
And you were worried about a board meltdown today. Seems a few posters put in a pre-emptive strike last night! Still, the day is yet young...
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Excellent article. Clearly a very committed Celtic fan.
One day in the future we will look back on the era of Quinn, Desmond, Lawell and Strachan (and MON) and realise how lucky we were....in the meantime lets enjoy it and spread the word of websites, like this one, publishing proper Celtic news rather than the rubbish that the majority (there are a few exceptions...honest!) write about us.
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Bambi...
For starters... What is it?
By that I mean is it a British Legion-style social club, or is it more like a health & fitness club??
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so why didnt we spend more money?
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Mike,
It's more a working mans club type place. It was linked to the brewery I think which is just around the corner. I don't know if you have ever heard of the Tartan club, which was huge a few years ago, that was part of the Scottish Newcastle brewery and had bands on every week. It was mainly used by people as a starting point for the night, ie cheap drink before you head into George Street, Rose Street etc.
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aview...
"Of course, healthy finances give us more freedom to maintain a strong football squad over time and we will do that when the right people become available at the right price - and that includes salaries as well as transfer fees.
"Some players work out better than others and this can alter your budgeting during a season.
"So you have to stay alert and agile during the year to keep things on track - not simply empty your pockets when they have something in them."
Says it all really.
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Thanks for that. It's nice to get Celtic-speak without the usual scottish-media spin on it.
We all know not to believe everything we read , from whatever source , but at least we know that you both approach it from the position of affection for and a desire for the greater good of Celtic FC.
Paul , are there any plans for open days at Lennoxtown yet ? Are dates confirmed yet ?
JP
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Bambi...
Blimey! Strange place to be booked into then. It means I can't have a drink during the Rangers V Celtic game as I'll be driving the van!
Hope the result(s) go well that day. All I know is that we'll be arriving as Tynecastle is turning out!
Thanks for that! Appreciate it, as I like to 'research' venues before I go there.
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Great interview Paul.
This is the sort of information that I am sure our daily tabloids will avoid. I started paying more attention to our accounts/wage bill after Seville when we were told that even though we had made it all the way to a final we still lost around £8million. At the same time the chip wrappers were giving Celtic pelters for not building on a successful team, obviously looking for us to go down the Leeds road.
Great credit has to go to Desmond, Quinn, Lawell and Strachan for turning the position around. The wage bill has been slashed since the O'Neill days and we are now able to bring players in whilst O'Neill was happier rewarding his squad with large contracts.
The Rangers board must be envious when looking across the city as they are light years from our position.
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Is the bottom-potters budget'only 5% of Celtic's'?!
"The budgets are conservative in the assumptions they make about success in European competition, so that if we do not make progress in those competitions it does not have difficult and dangerous implications for us going forward.
-does this mean that unless we have qualified for the group stages as of right future summer windows will be UEFACup scale,rather than ECL scale,as qualification can not be taken for granted?
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TEST.......................
joethelarge
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Howsitgoingeveryone…………………………………………
Been trying to post for 2 weeks with my new Vodafone internet thingy
AND ITS NOT BEEN HAPPENING……………………
BUT…………………………………………………..
NOW…………………we are in.
Been ON HOLIDAY…………………………………………
Still on holiday……………………………..actually.
What a week……………………………………
The Mosco game was…………………………unbelievable.
Missed the first 15 mins………………………………….
Mrs Big Joe………………….was doing her HAIR..
Them ½ way through……………………………………
The second ½…………………………………….
She says…………………………………………………..
Wait for it……………………………………….
Where is the guy with the red hair…………………….
Neil something…………………………………..
Just when I thought she was beginning to grasp it…………….
Anyway back to the boat……………………………….
bigjoewhoISboatingAbouttheMED
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Paul,well done if you hadn't asked about dividends,I would have come over there and ripped your tights.
"The Board decided that our dividend policy should not change despite the return to profitability last year.
"Any retained profit will be added to reserves and made available to continue building the club".
There was a dividend pay out a few years ago,was that a one off related to a share issue?
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Big Joe....
Off to Tabarca tomorrow morning, are you drifitng that far north?
CB
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Andrew, apologies, I had blanked out that 1990 moment.
Cheers Miketw10, celticbhoy72.
Sannabhoy, I have heard that there are plans for a Lennoxtown open day, nothing formal announced yet.
Thanks Mark.
Dontbrattback, I believe so. Over budget income will then be factored back into the finances.
Big Joe, Good to see you back.
Kano, Celtic are contractually obliged to pay dividends on preference shares and the Convertible Preference Shares, which will soon convert to ordinary shares.
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Don't know if anything on this has been posted. It's certainly a strange one. Stephen Kenny, Dunfermline manager looks like he is going to sue whoever wrote a recent match report in The Herald. Unfortunately it's unlikely to have been Mr Broadfoot, but this could have legs.
Stephen Kenny story
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Good for Stephen Kenny. More power to his elbow.
It would have been nice to read the original Herald piece of tosh, but let's hope this smartens them up a bit. Too late for that, I fear.
They obviously believe they can just keep saying what they like about people, regardless of whether it's true or not.
I hope Stephen Kenny wins a big enough package to encourage others to do the same. Not just against the Herald either.
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Well done Paul and thankfully no retirement issues. I think the boards present financial and recruitment stratedgy is the way to go. Giving HL 40K a week is fine (i´d have ironed every note if it meant he had stayed longer) but for the likes of Tommy G, Raphael Scheidt, Ian Wright etc. and the usual mercenaries has always appalled me. Celtic should only be rewarding loyal servants at that level of finance.
I hope the stratedgy with regards the Lennoxtown Academy and developing our own players is never regarded as finished. I hope the negelect in this area over the previous decades is readdressed and that the club keep going down this track and never give up. It should be part of the very fabric of our club. We need to produce more of our own and when and if they make it we need to be in a position to pay them a competitive wage.
Paul67 I hope your next scoop is an interview with Billy Connolly and that our social and charitable responsibilities are highly publicised as well.
What a wonderful club. :-)
That´s why it is with great delight that I announce that I will be attending the Celtic V Inter Milan game on the 3rd of October having managed to secure a brief. It will be the first time that I have seen Celtic play in the Champions Cup at CP since a certain Martin O´Neil was part of a team that managed to squirm past us. I remember vividly that night having to choose between an U2 concert in the Barrowlands or watching Celtic V Forest. Really looking forward to seeing how the CL atmosphere is at CP for a CL game.
Hail(o) Hail(o)
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Paul67:
I expected there would be an open day...can't wait to see it, what we have all paid for and own, unlike Murray Park!
Only thing is I reckon they'll need to hold more than one as I anticipate a few bodies will want to go along.
Keep the Faith
Hail Hail
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Paul67,
did you manage to dig out what is happening with barrowfield ?
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Paul
Sincere congratulations on a couple of levels:
The questions were not of the 'succulent lamb' type. They produced information and an insight into our Boardroom.
The interview shows just how far you have taken your creation. How well it has developed and its success in attacting such a widely held set of opinions by, on the whole, a truly committed set of Celtic supporters. There will no doubt be a variety of differing views on Brian Quinn's answers but that is to be relished.
From one who prefers challenging views rather than the docile approach of acceptance I say sincerely, WELL DONE.
Take my advice go home to-night, play with your kid(s), tell them a bedtime story, open a bottle of chilled Chablis and have a romantic evening with your wife........leave the web alone.
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Paul, Excellent well done on the interview.
By the sounds of things it seems like the Gravesen, Jarosik signings have taught us something about how we(the board)spend our money.
From this scoop, you have provided the supporters with some insight into they way forward.
BF
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celticlover
I believe Paul is playing with the kids tonight.
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awenaw-we're playing Inter AND ACM on the same night!?
..That's got to be worth something to the co-efficient!
I was at the NF game as well.It was the last time my dad was mobile enough to get to CP.
Was it not a UEFACup tie?
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Awe_Naw
Is it a measure of your importance and the status of the occassion that you have managed to swap the Milan teams for your comeback match?
Only joking, I'm sure you won't be dissapointed!
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I metnioned Darrly Broadfoot in my post about Steven Kenny. I then went to the Herald site to read Broadfoot's article on the death of Antonio Puerta, and other sudden deaths in sport. It is quite the most preposterous, risible article this guy has ever made up. Read the comments after the article, he gets a doin'!
Broadfoot
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Aw Naw
Enjoy the Inter game, but we'll all be watching the real Celtic against AC Milan that night.
Somebody's stitched you up good and proper.
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Thanks Awe Naw. I didn't ask about Barrowfield!
Good call on the charitable publicity.
I remember that night against Forest, what a disappointment after playing so well down there.
Ignore the jibes about Inter.
celticlover, chilled Chablis? I'll try it.
Thank you for your kind words. There is no point asking questions of our chairman if you do not reflect contention that exists, even if I do not agree with it.
If there is nothing to hide, and there is nothing to hide, let's have it out.
The web will be left alone tonight.
Cheers Bhoysfour.
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I mentioned Darryl Broadfoot in my post about Steven Kenny. I then went to the Herald site to read Broadfoot's article on the death of Antonio Puerta, and other sudden deaths in sport. It is quite the most preposterous, risible article this guy has ever made up. Read the comments after the article, he gets a doin'!
Broadfoot
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Paul
"Thank you for your comments on our financial results," said Quinn.
Mr Quinn to you!!
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I always have "Inter Milan" and then "one" in the head whenever I talk about Milan! I wonder how that could be ???? I need to speak to a therapist to see if he can uncover this brain block that I always have have.
Inter Milan one ...
Inter Milan one ...
Inter Milan one ...
Celtic too ..
Celtic too ..
Celtic too ..
See !!
actually maybe I should check that brief again .... !!!!!
rippedaffandbuttonedupthebackagainCSC
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20 million pounds of investment in players and infastructure. That must mean 20 million pounds investment in infastructure because investment in players was almost completely cancelled out by sales of players.
Nice of Paul to show how close he is to the board but really where were all the searching questions like why did we have a net spend of one million pounds in a year of 15 million profit.
There's nothing new here that wont be said at the up and coming agm where just as here there will be no right of reply.
I honestly thought last night that something exciting may be about to happen at Celtic instead of Paul giving BQ a platform for another scary debt story.
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Paul67.
A well written article,I would'nt get anxious about anything I read in your post.
As far as I'm concerned Celtic are going in the right direction,I would be more anxious if we got in the same monitary mess that another team seems to be in.
I'm happy with the way things are going at present,and with the result we got last Wednesday, who would'nt be happy.
I dont see what the big deal is about Celtic not spending enough money in the close season,they brought in some players and they have improved the way the team plays,as far as I'm concerned,"job done",
I'm happier, the way Celtic's finances are now,than they've been in a long time.
The talk of keeping cash in biscuit tins was the most embarrassing time in Celtic's history,a big bonus to the tabloids who relish something like that.
Yes,I'm happy the way the board is performing,it would have been nice to have brought in a couple more players,but Que sera.(sp)
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Fascinating stuff Paul67 well done indeed ! its great to hear from the horses mouth ,so to speak ,the real machinations of our club.
I take it then there was no mention of Mr Quinn retiring?
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Due to the unprecedented demand to visit the new complex at Lennoxtown, Celtic fc have decided that entry will only be made available to the 5 lucky recipients of GOLD TICKETS hidden underneath scotch pies sold inside Celtic Park.
Winners will be met by Dermot Desmond in a Willy Wonka costume, meet our youth team players in oompah loompah attire and at the end of the tour Dermot will reveal how he wishes to pass on the ownership of the club to a small child, who will spend all 'our' money by diversifying into sweets.....
Celtic will get relegated but the mineshafters will live happily ever after..
Big Wavy
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Nice one Paul.
I like Brian Quinn. I like the fact that (as I think is obvious to anyone
who spends a bit of time in his company) he is a Real Supporter, rather than
simply a sharp business operator doing his job. And I also like the fact
that he doesn't milk this in public - direct & professional, and sharp as a
tack.
I really do hope he postpones his retirement for a few years more: the club
will miss him when he steps down...
In fact - whatever our views on matters of financial tactics, or our
expectations for success on the field - one thing which is shiningly clear
is the quality of the personnel-backbone at the club.
Brian Quinn, Peter Lawwell, Gordon Strachan, John Park.
How many of our richer southern neighbours would like to poach some of that
talent!
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Good interview Paul, some illuminating details from Mr Quinn.
It speaks volumes for your creation Paul that our chairman was willing to give of his busy time. I'm sure he knows how many of his fellow fans he has spoken to as a result.
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Emu, better tell Etims that’s me off the Valentines list this year!
Michael Collins, I don’t know if you go to AGMs, but it doesn’t sound like it. There is a right of reply, indeed at the last one, each board member stayed until the last shareholder who wanted to, asked his or her question.
If you are going to make a complaint, stick to something that is actually wrong at the club, all this firing off in different directions and missing the target and only adds to confusion.
Mr Quinn (see that emu) did in fact answer the question about player investment – and I did in fact put it to him. Please read the article again before having a go at me.
Oldtim, agree.
Chris, changes on the board would be announced through the Stock Exchange, not a humble blog.
Hoopla, football executives pay has rocketed in England. It is a concern.
Gordon J, I get the feeling Mr Q loves talking about Celtic.
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Citibhoy.
I've just sent you an e-mail.
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I don´t want op open up another MON v WGS debate but WGS has brought in more money to Celtic by selling our youth products than MON brought into Celtic. Wheeling and dealing is part of the modern game and their is nobody better at it than Arsene Wenger.
If we want Celtic to remain in our hands and not be open to a hostile takeover then look no further than Arsenal, for an example. They dont need to sell up to an American or Russian and now have the situation where a level of interference will now take place. An irritant rather than a calamity. WGS has often commented on doing things the Arsenal way, personally I dont see that as a step back. We could learn a lot from them.
Spending money just because you have it is folly. Arsenal never spent much this summer. Did they spend much last summer? SAF is just out of the papers saying that he had to accept the 16.5m offer for Jaap Staam because it was too good to refuse.
Wheeling and dealing in the player market is an integral part of the game at the end of the market we are playing.
So we only spent 1m net but is anybody going to say that team 3 will not surpass team 2 or team 1 of course not as it´s really team 123.
Hail Hail
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Good Interview.
No doubt it will be re-invented in some shape or form in rags in the coming week.
Time to re-invest a little profit into certain areas of the team. We're always one or two players from a really good side. January with no extra fullback challenger(s)is inexcusable. Even Mr Quinn would agree with me there.
Even though we are on solid foundations we must not stand still.
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We're fortunate to have such sensible heads running the club with real business acumen.
However whilst we're really good at patting ourselves on the back, it still tears me apart that the club were a goalkeeper & a centre half away from winning the UEFA Cup.
Managing the club properly is paramount, but sometimes we do need to speculate to accumulate & by that i don't mean crazy amounts of money. It's all very well congratulating ourselves for acquiring quality players such as Boruc, Donati, Brown & Nakamura, but if we're narrowly edged out in this seasons Champions League campaign because we haven't addressed our weaknesses, it would be a complete waste of time to me. I don't have unrealistic expectations of Celtic & when we were put out by AC Milan last season i could live with that. However It's abundantly clear where we are short & this could be the difference in us qualifying for the last 16 or not. I really think that we are so close to acheiving big things with this group of players & that's where my frustration lies. Can you imagine the current team with Jorge Cadete up front, Alan Thompson wide left, Danny McGrain at Right back & Marc Rieper at centre half
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AweNaw-I think Arsenal have spent a lot of money on the new stadium and don't have as much spare cash as the others in the'big4'
What they will be grateful they still have is a manager who is peerless in his ability to find young players and then polishing them into 24 carat diamonds.
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Vargashampoo,
I dont think that any the players that you mentioned would have brought anything more to the table against AC AC AC Milan in the San Siro last year.
Full backs were not an issue. Telfer and Naylor were immense all night. We were beaten in the middle of the park (once) where the best player in the world Kaka (how much for he?) managed to outfox our most inexperienced and most experienced first team players. Sno and Lennon. Full backs were not a problem that night in fact our defense including O´Dea were magnificent.
Mind you our 15M profit is about 8 months of Kaka´s wages...obscene..Brother Walfrid take note .. and that´s without a transfer fee! We´ll need to wait 15 years before we can recruit him (Kaka) for Celtic on a years long loan deal so that we can play him in the reserves.
Hail Hail
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DBBIA,
it´s all relative compared to what they are earning. We´ve just built the Lennoxtown academy and no arabs helped us with the finance.
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awe_naw
why did you mention arabs and finance as regards rangers.
I heard colaberation between such parties was looked at.
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Awe Naw - i was really proud of Celtic in the AC Milan games last season & I have no qualms at all about being second to a team as good as that. You're right - we had a number of players who were excellent against them & contested both games - which is all i ask of any Celtic team.
I'm not advocating Celtic to spend money they don't have, but we have a number of quality players in the team like Donati/Brown/Nakamura & for the team to really demonstrate its potential, these players need to be surrounded with quality. We're not that far away, but having a proper Centre Forward in the team could be pivotal for us. Our defence as much as they are criticised are really resilient & have shown so against the very best. Bring back Cadete!
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Why stop at Cadete, can we not just have Pierre back?
I've a nagging doubt that the opposition only foul us on one half of the box now :)
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Paul
Ye've Pulled aff a COUP!
Which means a Cut!
Who first said dat ... Must've bin sumkinda... Nut!
However, ye know exactly whit a mean....
Ye've done Real Weel...
Whit ye did...
IS Richt OAN DA BEAM!
Ye ur a TREASURE!
Yer Blog's a TREAT...It Canny be Beat!
It's DA TOPS...It's even Bettah dan ICED LOLIPOPS!
It's HIP HIP HOORAY!...It's A SUMMER'S DAY... it's a Walk oan da Pier....DOON ROTHESAY WAY!
Noo, ma Two Bits......
"If Ye dinna believe in Mr.Quinn, den ye are Committin' a Mortal Sin"
Wha said dat?
Kojo did... and also Sid!
Jist as Kojo laid afore, afore....
Ye MUSTN'T SPEND EVERY PENNY ...dat comes through da DOOR!
A LEETLE DEBT, disnae dae nae Harm~
In dat, Kojo an' Brian ur ARM an' Arm!
SPECULATION is No da WEY TAE GO!
AYE PRACTISE MONETARY PRUDENCE AND MODERATION... for TAKIN' A CHANCE IN LOVE OR MONEY....
IS NEVER DA WAY TAE GO!!
"Tak care o' da POUNDS!... an' forget aboot da PENCE!"
Noo, DAT ADAGE... Maks a loat o' Sense!
A SOUND BUSINESS PLAN IS A MUST!
ONCE IMPLEMENTED,DER WULL BE NAE DEVIATION!
OR DAT FOOLISH GAMBLERS' PLOY..
KNOWN AS... RISKY SPECULATION!
Mr. Quinn is a Wise, Wise, STEWARD!
Look how SPECULATION,HAS Zsa Zsa's Reputation ..... SOO-ERED!
Mr. Quinn, ma Bonney Lad..
YE ARE DA FINEST CHAIRMAN...dat CELTIC HAS EVAH HAD!
Ye hiv dat ELAN,Ye hiv da FLAIR,
Withoot YE WISDOM....
CELTIC WID NO BE GANGIN'...
ANYWHERE!!!
Ye hiv built a Commercial Team dat is SECOND TAE NONE!
And hiv ensured,OOR BELOVED CLUB,
WULL OVER-SHADOW OOR RIVALS....
An dat's....EVERY ONE!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Tail's Awaggin'
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Collie
Coup means 'blow', as in 'strike a blow'.
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Whitedoghunch,
Not to sure why you mention Rangers.
Varga,
Of course, but I can remember being on CQN before the AC AC AC Milan game and saying how I´d be watching our CB´s play through my fingers.
Next day I had 2 or three different Italian passers-by being very impressed by our defence.
Lets hope that Mac Donald who cost 150k more than Larrson is about a tenth as good.
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aw_naw
I thought you understood there to be arab money used to build murray park.
My mistake
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whitedoghunch,
I can only hope that it was built on arab sand. Shifting ones at that ;-)
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I agree with the frustrations at not strengthening one or two areas of the team but isn't this just, in PLC parlence, a 'football operation'issue?
Or is there a feeling out there that money was actually held back from WGS?
That for me is the crux. If you feel money was held back then I'm all ears for the evidence.
If it wasn't then it sure is just a football issue. WGS seems an honest guy and he said that the right players just weren't available at his perceived value of them. Simple, no? Annoying, yes! But the Board's fault?????......
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Paul,
The BQ interview is a great scoop for CQN,congratulations.
He is indeed a steady hand on the tiller of the good ship Celtic.
A true Celt as well.
We are indeed fortunate to have such a capable team off the park.
The club has never been in better shape.
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BK,
I think it´s important to analyse deeper WGS statements about this and that was he wasn´t keen in bringing in a better paid player who would HAVE to had sat on the bench as he wasn´t about to drop either Wilson or Naylor. It´s player loyalty and at that level. I.e the playing of CL champions it´s scoring that the problem not defending.
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Brian Quinn is a cautious man,leading a cautious board.
They realised what a difficult tie we'd been given in the qualifiers,and decided to settle for the players thay had already brought in at the start of the window.If we had had an easier draw than Moscow we may have been more active.
So while BQ is not a gambler,he would agree with the great Kenny Rogers:
You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when youre sittin at the table.
Therell be time enough for countin when the dealins done
DBBIA/CowardoftheCountyCSC
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Fair enough Awe_naw
I was making a more general comment on much of the debate about 'net spend'. I don't think anyone yet has come up with any kind of argument at all, let alone a rational one, that the reason for little net spend should lie with the Board. I think it was just football circumstance, and if you like I'll expand this into thesis on why 'net spend' is a tabloidesque red herring anyway!
All Hail Brian Quinn! We should be freeze-drying or pickling that guy to make him last longer.
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BK,
If WGS is coming out with statements like that then it leaves me with the impression that it was all down to him. Even his subsequent backing of PL after KM mouthed off. Mind you it´s all supposition.
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Celtic First
Ah hate tae disagree, but in yer correction, ye hiv bin a wee bit hastee!
"Coup" is from da French verb.."COUPER"... fur " tae CUT"
"Coup de Grace"... originally meant
tae tak pity oan yer duellin' OPP-OAN-ENT!
It meant tae "CUT HIS THROAT".. so he widna SUFFER too MUCH!
It wiz conseedered de rigueur,
amang da Toaffs an' Dose an' Such!
Der ur miny ither meanin's as ye mentioned....
But da FRENCH FUR "CUT"
WIZ MA SOLE INTENTION!!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Paul, humble Blog indeed ! We are very lucky to have someone as passionate about the Club as Brain (should that be Brian)Quinn, and as usual ,just like Fegus before him we will realise this 10 fold when he is gone (not Deid Mind) So thankyou Mr Quinn.
And I for one am grateful to you Paul for providing us with the opportunity to debate( and lurk in on) on ALL things CELTIC long may it continue .
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Citibhoy………………………………….
Tabarca………………………………………..
Passed that to Starboard 2 weeks ago……………………
And will be doing the same on Monday or Tuesday…………..
Where u watching the ICT match……………………..
I should be in Paddys P………………………
Big Paul………………………………..
Cheers for the great site……………………………
Its just champione !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Been reading for a fortnight………………………………
But had some problems trying 2 post……………….
Much 2 everyone’s disappointment………………….
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
BigJoewhoisSailingupTheWastCoatsBUTnotONdignity
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Collie old pal
Coupe, as in coupe de cheveux, means cut (noun).
The verb, as you say, is couper, but un coup (noun), as in un coup d'état, means 'a blow'.
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Celtic First
So yer gonna hang me, fur da absence o' an "E"?
Ah canny argue wi' dat... In dat ye are richt...
But, if ah wiz Paranoid,
Ah wid think, dat ye wur jist oot tae GET!...at... leetle auld me!
Say it's no True!
Or, ah may chinge ma view o' you!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Collie, too true, "the blog's a treat, it canny be beat"
Like it :-)
BlantyreKev, the real pleasing aspects of Brian’s answers was his plans for income-not-spent.
We had concerns over dividends, but if what we debate is how and when to use the same budget, we have narrowed room for disagreement.
It might be better to buy Player A at Price X now, or wait and hope for a better player or better value.
This is a technical argument, not a fundamental one.
I could also say that it is an argument with no 'correct answers'. We would never know what would have happened if we chose the alternative route.
Even Vargas' very tempting argument begs the retort, but what if we bought Magnus Hedman? Hmmmm.
Thanks Gordon.
Dontbrattback, those Kenny Rogers lyrics are enormously insightful.
Chris, you are more than welcome.
Big Joe, hope you meet up with Citibhoy and Mrs Citibhoy, they are part of a very fine family.
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Yes,Derek Riordan could do worse than take this message on board:
Promise me, son, not to do the things I've done
Walk away from trouble if you can
Now it won't mean you're weak if you turn the other cheek
I hope you're old enough to understand
Son, you don't have to fight to be a man
I'm sure the Gatlin'boys are available on a Bosman.
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Collie
Out to get you?
No way. Not me.
I'm not out to get anybody.
You said in your original post that you weren't sure why we used the word coup, as in Paul has pulled off a coup with his interview of Brian Quinn.
I was just trying to explain.
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paul67
excellent interview, isn't it funny how our people feel comfortable in talking to someone who won't twist their words or ask loaded questions....i had taken a punt yesterday it would involve brian quinn, i thought he might be stepping down...i am delighted i was wrong....i think it's clear we have been trying to add to the squad....equally not just for the sake of a cheap headline and to buy some time, and it's frustrating we didn't manage that in the last 2 weeks of the window.....maybe the unintended benefit of being the recipient of so much unfair negative press in the past, is that it innoculates you against cheap shots and stops you making knee jerk reactions....i think we are clearly seeing a reaction from ibrox which is inspired by fear of a backlash.....which leaves nothing is reserve for a downturn...
i asked the now absent and non responding neg anon twice yesterday to let us know what his budget would have been for
1...summer 2007 and january 2008 transfer budget
2....what the target for net debt would be for june 2008
3....what the target for net profit was for june 2008
4....what the free cash flow target for june 2008 was
and what the strategy should be to achieve growth
he didn't reply but there was a response from abovethemineshaft
"barca boy
can I answer your questions?
1-£10m
2-£10m
3-£3M
4-work it from the above....
Attempt to grow the company by means other than relying on ticket revenue- make the product more attractive (wow signings and wow football), address the spl structure as the premiership aint happening, look into diversification ie a celtic pub chain....(just a few suggestions)"
thank you for your response....we will have to wait and see what january brings before we can see if you are in sync with the board....my own view is that non related activities like celtic pubs are fraught with potential problems, licencing issues means probably having to buy an existing site and rebranding, would it be a target for mischevious vandalism or worse, and could we run a pub business better than those in the industry already.....i think the big gains will come via technology and the growth in internet broadcasting, when speeds and quality improve, and we can possibly sell advertising in these broadcasts and sponsorship rights....empty seats should be taken care of with a more competetive spl...
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Kenny Rogers lyric's
Reminded me of a butt numbing experience I encountered a while back on the M8 to embra
"You picked a fine time to pass me loose wheel"
stillhere csc
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Official Statement
Management of the board wish to announce that control of the blog has been regained.
A coordinated determined takeover of the blog by a group of mineshafters, has been successfully repelled this morning with the help of the chairman.
The invaders although despatched, are thought to be regrouping and preparing for another attack from their secure underground positions.
Management wish to remind subscribers that they should make appropriate preparations and ensure they are well stocked with enough food and liquid refreshments to last until the International games are over.
'GG
PS Thanks to Mr Quinn and Paul for the interview.
More power to you both.
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Celtic First
Gee, dat is a relief... noo ah Feel much Bettah!
Der wiz naw herm done...
Noo, it's back tae Kippers and Custard!
Dey've run oot o' Black Bun!
Ah Accept wit ye say...
Da matter is noo cleared up....
Tae da Contented Satisfaction, o' DIS WEE PUP!
Loats of Luv tae ye.....
Ah haste tae add.... Tn a Proaper Canine Way!...
Dat's tae mak sure der is nae Mis- understandin'.... ah'm funny dat way!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Barcabhoy, the popular old media seldom have the time to dedicate to these subjects. If you hear Brian Quinn (apart from on the Today show) his words are usually clipped by the editing machine.
Mickybhoy, go stand in the corner for that one.
‘GG you are welcome.
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Thanks Paul - An excellent article in this very dull fortnight.
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Paul - great interview.
Don't go getting used to these 'lunch breaks (sic)' now..
IMO Mr Quinn's slightly cautious approach will prevent any chance of a. boom and bust cycle that mostly couples finances with success on the field followed by anything up to 10 years in the wilderness.
Sustainable spending will point us towards GOD - its just a little nervy a journey.
My recollection of a few years ago was losing players on Bosmans whilst the other lot got some money in - how times have changed.
Mr Quinn impresses me more every time - see him quoted.
Thankfully I still have the ability to work out whether someone is good at what they do all by myself and not have to rely on my Happy Clapper Club membership.
TB
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Test
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Paul,
Excellent interview and very reassuring that our club is being well run.
I am by no means a mineshafter, but one question left in my mind is the agility of our decision making process.
Celtic give the impression of being 'managed' by a very competent committee - but when you only have 48 hours left of a transfer window after qualifying for the CL, maybe the Murray dictatorship model works a little better?
However, no doubt in my mind that I would rather be in our position than theirs.
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Hi Paul,
As you can imagine today's interview isn't the most enthraling from my point of view,. What I would say though is I doubt if you ever imagined this site would lead to such interviews. Kudos to you and well deserved too.
-
Rangers have definitely improved as a team. In personnel and increased team spirit. They haven´t played anyone of quality yet except Red Star Belgrade and they didn´t look very good to me.Murray has yet again gambled and spent their 10m for next years revenue up front. He can afford too. If it doesn´t work Murray can add it to the price if he wishes to move on and embellish any exit statements. If Rangers dont win the SPL or qualify for the CL next year they are back to the nightmare scenario and with a beaten team.
If come the next transfer window and we can continue in the vein of removing ineffective wage earners off of the payroll and replacing them with more effective players.
If come Christmas Rangers are on top of the SPL then we still have a lot of scope for improving the team during the transfer window without necessarily paying transfer fees. Rangers I do not believe have many exorbitant high earners within their squad. They´ve been skint for a long time so to speak.
If this scenario was to unfold and we had already qualified for the latter stages of the CL then we are in a position to push the boat out in order to improve our chances within the SPL. It would be a less inflated market before the summer madness and giving us a leg up for this years especially crucial qualification for the CL. No glamour signings though as they´d all be cup tied for Europe.
I think we´ll walk the SPL. Still be in Europe after xmas and look back on how excellently the board panicked Murray into poor decisive evasive action after our long and well calculated action meant our man(WGS) got the players that he wanted and got them in early. Haven´t seen any retractions in the media after questioning Celtic´s lavish spending on an untried Scott Brown. Rangers never got their MAN. WE DID and he looks like he´s having fun. We should all join in.
Hail Hail
Hail Hail
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Paul,
The leaden weight of this interview's import must hang heavy on the fourth estate...
Or maybe they could laugh/pass it off as a tim website serving tim needs and tim ears.
But no.
Well done. Honestly really well done.
Their beds are burning and they have not the sense nor the wherewithal to wake...
And of course you'll take some pelters from some our own quarters (Either written, spoken or thought)
offering that you are this or that's mouthpiece.
Forget that friend - this is a monumentous shift in reportage - Celtic reportage!
I'd rather dissect what I read here (travelling hopefully as I do) then waste my coin on an outmoded form of news transport.
Mr Quinn on the web - that's cool.
Mr Quinn on CQN - that's the future.
I raise a glass to you, and to what the future might be...
Ulysses McGhee - A demographic of three (My wife says to say that)
and as Groucho said - You can quote me as saying I was mis-quoted.
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Thanks mncelt, Travelbhoy.
Hamptontim, it is an interesting question, I suppose it depends on the calibre of the dictator. I remember Murray using the media to advocate his ability to make decisions. He did not name Celtic, but referred to other clubs who needed a committee agreement.
My understanding is that the board do not get too involved in day-to-day decisions; that is the remit of Peter Lawwell and Gordon Strachan.
Edward, I certainly never expected to be interviewing the chairman when I started Celtic Quick News, in fact, I only started it because I thought the board had dropped the ball when it came to explaining their strategy.
They have come through a few communication iterations since then.
As has been said above, when we eventually lose people like Brian Quinn and Peter Lawwell from the board they will leave a big hole to fill; which is a whole new risk.
Ulysses, thank you, honestly, really, thank you.
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paul 67
excellent article
it only serves to remind me how poor the current media are
well done pal a great insight it answered many of the questions which i felt were left unanswered at the close of the transfer window
i`m now certain that we were frustrated on Friday rather than inactive
one question though .....
do you think it was wise to produce our financial figures before the close of the transfer window?
i`m concerned that the teams whom we were in negotiating with knew we had made a significant profit , had money to spend and tried to squeeze us ...that `s not to mention the agents
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It's also worth pointing out that Mr Quinn has initiated a number of meetings with some CSCs, the pro-activity of which is laudable. Those, plus this one suggest that Celtic are on the ball when it comes to stakeholder communications. The nitty-gritty of that concept though is to continue it when the going's tough.
Can I ask, Paul, as I was unclear. Was the process to interview initiated by yourself or by Mr Quinn?
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Evenin all.
Excellent interview Paul and kudos to you sir.
It was a reassuring affirmation of my belief in this borad steering the club in the right direction.
Confidence in the manager, confidence in the team and confidence in the board.
I am an unashamed happy clapper who, unlike some, sees no doomsday scenarios waiting on the horizon.
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Congrats and the greatest respect Paul.
This is what the integrity of CQN has earned.
Well done to Brian Quinn for having the confidence of using a Celtic medium for Celtic business.
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Great interview, Paul.
I have had several talks and correspondence with Brian Quinn and I have always found him to be very honest and forthcoming with his answers.
Among the business community (those that matter) he is, despite his small stature, regarded as a veritable giant but, above all, he is a dyed-in-the-wool Celtic fan!
We are,indeed, very fortunate to have him as chairman.
Like a lot of great Celts,however,the fans will only really discover his true worth after he has gone (which I sincerely hope is not for a few years yet!).
Hail! Hail!
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Paul -
Any chance you could interview Murray ?
All in the interests of being even handed.
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With apologies to Jeff Wayne and Richard Burton (Well known Celtic fan)
Eve of the War
CQN JOURNALIST: No one would have believed, in the early years of the
21st century, that Celtic’s affairs were being watched from the nether worlds of Govan.
No one could have dreamed our squad and accounts were being scrutinized, as someone with a microscope studies creatures that swarm and multiply in a drop of water.
Few men even considered the possibility of football ability down Edmiston Road and yet, across the gulf of class, minds immeasurably more warped than ours regarded our success with envious eyes, and slowly and surely, they drew their plans against us.
At midnight on the twelfth of July, a huge mass of luminous gas erupted from Mulguy and sped towards Celtic Park.
Across a century of unsurpassed dignity and privilege, invisibly hurtling towards us, came the first of the missiles that were to bring so much calamity to Parkhead.
As I watched, there was another jet of gas. It was another missile, starting on its way.
And that's how it was for the next ten weeks.
A flare, spurting out from Mulguy – bright green, drawing white hoops behind it - a beautiful, but somehow disturbing sight.
Strachan the manager, assured me we were in no danger.
He was convinced there could be no class footballers on that remote, forbidding field.
"The chances of a challenge coming from Rangers are a million to one," he said.
"The chances of losing the league to the ‘Gers are a million to one –
but still they come!"
'GG who needs a life.
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P67, Kudos on your exclusive, a very informative, and reassuring, piece. Have you considered getting a little (C) at the bottom of the page, to discourage any lazy members of the 4th estate from picking quotes? Or is it not that simple?
I see no reason why you should do their work for them.
It's only a little thing, but my respect for Mr Quinn sky-rocketed when he appeared with some guests in the beer garden of Babbity Bowser's following last season's victory at CP over the Grrs. He seemed on great form, and my mates and I stood close by were delighted the club was in the capable hands of such a keen and enthusiastic fan, evidently relishing the victory.
(thankfully he left just moments before the appearance of the hun 'casuals' who inevitably descend on the Merchant City on such occasions - they'd just attached McChuills. As far as I could tell, and I'm generally no fan, Strathclyde Polis dealt with them quickly and effectively that day...)
-
"attached" equals "attacked"!
Slaps forehead.
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Sunday, October 31, 2004
FERGUS FLIES INTO EXILE... ECONOMY CLASS OF COURSE
HeadLine: FERGUS FLIES INTO EXILE... ECONOMY CLASS OF COURSE
Daily Record, 06/04/1999, p21
by SHAUN MILNE
THEY think it's all over - it is now.
Celtic supremo Fergus McCann finally bowed out of Scotland yesterday taking his young family with him.
In doing so, he avoided extra time in Britain which would have cost
him £5million in tax when he sells his shares in the Parkhead
club this summer.
He's made his millions by being careful.
And in true Fergus McCann style, he indulged in one last act of
thriftiness as he substituted life with Celtic for a new life abroad.
At Glasgow Airport he checked in himself, wife Elspeth and children
Ishbel, three, Juliet, one, and 12-day-old Malcolm George, at Sabena
airlines' economy class departures desk.
Staff never batted an eyelid as the millionaire handed over the
tickets which would bring down the curtain on his life in Scotland.
Struggling with a dozen or so bulging suitcases, he muttered thanks
to those handful of Hoops fans who wished him Bon Voyage.
Elspeth took a stolen moment to rest her head on Fergus's shoulder as
he cradled his children.Then with a hug and a handshake to a friend,
they walked up the ramp leading to flight number SN682 bound for Brussels at 10.50am.
Clutching his two eldest children, Fergus strode forward towards his
new life, Elspeth red-eyed from her goodbyes at his side, new-born
Malcolm strapped to her chest.
And the Fergus McCann era was at an end.
His shares in the club will be bought and sold, the uncertainty over
the team manager remains and a championship is still to be decided.
But, a world-class stadium and a league title means he will live on
in the hearts and minds of Celtic fans. A fitting legacy for the man
who took control in 1994, saving the club from bankruptcy.
Yesterday he awoke at 7am knowing his time in his £250,000
Glasgow house was at an end. A paperboy delivered his Daily Record,
allowing him to ponder over a picture of himself inside.
Fergus, 57, had spent much of Easter Sunday packing up his family's
belongings.
If he had stayed in this country any longer, he would have faced the
huge tax bill when he sells his interest in Celtic.
He will pocket £40million when he severs his shares link after more than quadrupling his £9million investment in just five years.
Fergus stepped down as managing director on Wednesday leaving the
club in the hands of chief executive elect Allan MacDonald. He'll
complete the sale of his controlling interest in the next few weeks.
But first Fergus and his family will arrive in Brussels before
heading to the south of France for a holiday.
Friends say they will then head to Hamilton, Bermuda, where he owns a
luxury apartment before their expected final destination in the US or
Montreal, Canada.
Fergus refused to answer any questions as he left yesterday. But he
couldn't resist a wry smile when asked if he would be checking the
Celtic score on Saturday.
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Celtic share sale 'delights' Fergus McCann. BBC Scotland's Bob Wylie reports from Glasgow
Fergus McCann promised to sell to a wide range of investors
Former Celtic managing director Fergus McCann says the sale of his 51% stake in the club has been a resounding success.
And the former Parkhead chief applauded fans for seizing their opportunity to buy into the club.
Mr McCann confirmed, as expected, that Irish businessman Dermot Desmond now has just under 20% of the holdings to become the club's new main shareholder.
Of the 9,997,728 ordinary shares put up for sale last month, a total of 7,525,880 valid acceptances have been received - just over 75% - generating a sum of £21,072,464.
[ image: Dermot Desmond: Biggest single shareholder]
Dermot Desmond: Biggest single shareholder
But with the shares being underwritten it means none are unsold and all went for the same price, £2.80 each, with Mr Desmond upping his 13.8% stake by 6% to 19.8%.
Mr McCann said that about 17% of the share total has been taken up by city institutions, which was lower than anticipated, but he stressed that the fans will collectively own more than half the Glasgow club.
After saving the club from bankruptcy in 1994 it was always his intention to distribute his shares among supporters and on Friday Mr McCann said he was delighted with what he called an "overwhelming" response.
"I am pleased with the overall result of my share offer and placing, especially with the take-up by supporters who have invested more heavily than in the initial offer by the club in 1994-5," he said.
'Great potential'
"Although the actual number of shareholders, 5,300, is lower than expected, the average investment per person was higher which shows their great confidence in Celtic's future and satisfaction with the share performance up to now.
"Shareholder supporters will now own approximately 63% of the share total.
"Institutions will own approximately 17% of the overall share total, their strong interest in the placing and offer reflects the strength and great potential of the company.
"Dermot Desmond will own 19.8% of the share total.
[ image: Fergus McCann: Satisfied with the club's progress]
Fergus McCann: Satisfied with the club's progress
"I was happy with how I was able to assist over 3,000 subscribers through the interest free payment plan.
"This helped to ensure that a solid majority of the shareholders of Celtic will be supporters.
"I would like to thank them and the supporters in general for responding and backing my plan over the last five years."
The disposal, which was underwritten by institutions for £40m, gave current shareholders an opportunity to increase their portfolios and allowed season ticket holders and staff an opportunity to purchase a stake.
Current shareholders were able to buy one new share for every three currently held.
Mr McCann has agreed to gift a potential £1.5m of the profit to help fund a Celtic football academy.
-
Paul67,
Wonderful interview with Brian. We will miss him when he goes.
Lets hope his successor is of the same quality.
Thom
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Paul67
I am envious of you having spoken at length with such a great Celtic man.
Mr Quinn is a true legend, up there with James McGrory and Paul McStay.
Many thanks for this fantastic post.
Ternar
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Paul67,
Cracking interview and good read!! Well done!!
Off the record though, did you mention how that many fans were disappointed about no new arrivals for the up and coming CL games? Had players been earmarked but changed their mind and Gordon decided to kepp the ching till January?
Did you ask about Shaun?
-
Okay, seems quiet on here...
Doubt anyone's interested, but since I mentioned my attendance last week, I've decided to fill you in on the comings and goings at the inaugural Connect Music Festival, Inveraray Castle, Argyll, August 31 to September 2nd. If you have no interest in machinations of modern music (or tortured, over-extended footy metaphors)...feel free to skip.
The competition
Described in the pre-match programme as a boutique festival, Connect seemed to be basically envisaged as a grown-up alternative to T in the Park. Although it certainly achieved the grown-up part of the equation, as 30/40/50-somethings were everywhere, the promo literature's promises of boutique was bound to fail, what with this being Scotland and all: mud, booze and loud music were the orders of the day.
The pitch
Well, it was stunning. Shores of Loch Fyne, in the gardens of Inveraray Castle - the perfect location for a music fest. The main stage was perfectly situated: as it had been placed at the bottom of a gentle slope it meant that anyone, even the shortest members of the fairer sex, could have a spot-on view of the onstage action. Loads of the acts commented on the beauty of their surroundings, and whilst this is no doubt one of the first elements of stage-craft ("you've been a wonderful audience!") it seemed genuine.
The terracing
Uh oh. Due to some rain showers the day or two prior to the festival, the campsite turned into a bit of a mudbath. Now, if you were in the trenches of Pachendale, or at Glastonbury '99, it wouldn't have seemed so bad, but it sure wasn't ideal. Still, we coped. There are two tricks: 1/ don't dive headlong into the mud at any point (I'm convinced photographers take wads of cash to bribe people to do this at Glasters), and 2/ don't try and avoid it - you're going to get a bit (possibly a lot) muddy, have a drink and chill out.
Our tent was still standing at the end of the weekend - couldn't have been that bad.
Bovril and Capri Sun
The drinks of choice at the festival were: Tuborg Lager, a fairly standard Danish brew and, Koppaberg Cider, the (seemingly innocuous, actually lethal) Swedish pear cider sold by the crate load down at Ikea. The Koppaberg went down a bleeding treat let me tell you, but I'm feeling the consequences yet. £3.50 a pop, and rarely any queues.
There was also a Loch Fyne Real Ale tent and a whisky tent, for the true believers.
And a Red Bull cocktail tent, for the mentalists.
Pies and burgers
The scran at most festivals is barely one notch above that served outside CP on match days. Connect upped the ante significantly in this department. On the menu: Burgers, Pizza, Risotto, Stovies, Noodles, Haggis & Neeps, Smoothies, Veggie-stuff etc.
The real trump card was the Loch Fyne Tent, divided between several local producers - the quality of the food in here was fantastic: oysters, beef and lamb, salmon, cullen skink, local sausages. Green Trumpet and acquaintances spent a fair bit of time in here...
The Enemy
It's late summer (hah!), you're in the west of Scotland, so you know what's coming... midges.
Nope, there was no sign of the little blighters all weekend. Can't account for it. Can't say that we missed 'em though.
Next...The Players
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Hi Paul,
Have met Brian Quinn and his good wife on a Celtic related visit to Sligo and Ballymote for the unveiling of the hometown bhoy Andrew Kerins statue and I found he has a BIG respect for the followers of our great club as well as the founder.
cheers
Freddiebhoy
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Well deserved victory for Argentina in the RWC,over France,and the result will confound expectation in the group.
A blueprint[greenprint]for us to emulate by going to Donetsk and winning.
-
Connect continued...
FRIDAY
CSS mid-afternoon, the sun is shining, and it's the perfect time for CSS. The ideal band to kick start our fest. Mrs Trumpet's (not sure she'll like me calling her that..) favourite current band.
A wondrously cheery Brazilian band, playing dance rock. Or possibly rock dance. The singer wore a spangly jumpsuit, and they played a cover of L7's long lost 'Pretend We're Dead'.
Green Trumpet Rating: 8
If They Were a Team: Brazilian flair - Santos
Jarvis Cocker Never was a fan of Pulp, but Jarvis gets grumpier and nastier with age, which suits me fine.
His final song, the title of which would get me a lifetime language violation from CQN(it's also the last song on his recent solo album) made for a unlikely poignant moment.
GTR: 7
If He Was a Player: ungainly, but strangely effective - Peter Crouch
The Jesus & Mary Chain As they played, dusk descended. The sky turned through reds, purples, and blues whilst the Mary Chain blasted out 'Some Candy Talking', 'Just Like Honey', and a final, mighty 'Reverance'. Feedback reverbarated across the loch. Perfect.
I can't claim to have been a huge Mary Chain fan, I have a couple of albums, but they were a band I had never seen live, and was determined not to miss. Wise move; an amazing experience.
GTR: 9
If They Were a Team: a great team with a dark heart - Italy '06.
The Beastie Boys Well, these guys divided opinion in my crew - half of us wouldn't have bothered going to see 'em. I was delighted though: their ancient b-boy patter is super slick and, at times, hilarious. At heart though, the Beastie Boys are a proper band and their diversions - rap, rock, 70's soundtrack funk - are all carried out with real gusto.
GTR: 7
If They Were a Band: er....The NY Knicks.
-
Freebird.
Did embdy play Freebird?
-
CSS?
Creedance Seawater Survival?
-
NAE FREEBIRD!!!
Jeez!
-
aargh, lost my 'Saturday' post answering dontbrattbackinanger.
am away in the huff.
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Ternar 21.38.
Repeat your comment out loud 10 times and then pause for thought.
Paul, to have our chairman on a 1 2 1 on our obsession is a great achievement and heres hoping,as has been said, he remains at the helm long enough to see John Reid oot.
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23.05 was my comment
jonnybhoy
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So good to get an interview without the old media guff. Well done indeed Paul.
The Green Trumpet, cheers, enjoyed reading your posts.
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CSS.Cansei sur sexy,a translation into Portuguese[Bra]of a quote from Beyonce that she was'tired of being sexy'
I can identify with Ms Knowles on this.
Creedence Clearwater Revival-great band,great choons.John Fogerty is a G-E-N-I-U-S.
GreeTrum-sounds idyllic-you've just had your succulent lamb,the midges have all gone to the bingo,the beauty of the scenery is only surpassed by the glorious sunset-only one thing can bring the gig to a triumphant conclusion..fifteen minutes of triple lead guitar and piano driven rock'n'roll mayhem.
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DBBIA im just on are Carlisle playing tomorrow and should I back them?
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GL2-Oh ye of little faith!;~)
They are at home to Tranmere.A tricky fixture but confidence and team spirit should be high and I think the halfmanhalfbiscuit XI will be trudging back down the M6 after a 1-0 defeat.
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RE QUINN, LAWWELL and DESMOND
I have never had as much confidence in a Celtic board as I have in these men.
Big money signings, investment in a Training complex and an expertise that we have not previously had. I hope they are all there for a very long time to come.
As for Carlisle Utd looking forward to a wee trip down for the Nottm Forest match Nov 18th - free weekend for the Celts.
Maybe CQN could arrange a get-together.
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Kevtic- I would be up for that.
A couple of beers in the Beehive and the best teabar in the country;watching the game from the Paddock,leaning against the stanchion.
What could possibly go wrong..
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Green Trumpet
Fascinating stuff.
Any Finnan Haddies available?
'GG
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DBBIA I dont know if you saw my post last Saturday about ten to 5 when I was looking at Carlisle and Leyton b's doing me out of a 10 team acc. Then Carlisle scored in the last minute to let me eternally hate LO.
As usual I will go with your Carlisle vote
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oh the joys of a jumbo landing during a typhoon...
ek!
still dont think it was as hairy as the pens against Spartacus!!!
mmm... soba!
tbdT
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I laughed at the fact that you all fawned over one another to congratulate Paul without even for a second thinking about what was said.
The message is - dont ever expect any ambition from us. Judging by the last 3 years that means we will never spend above net.
Now when we buy our season tickets you should bear it in mind.
Not good enough Brian - wallow in your own self congratulation and get your lackey to tell us all about it.
The future is bleak indeed.
Barcabhoy - tell you what you answer those questions first and then I'll follow.
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NegAnon
I can understand superficially your position and for one am not going to knock it, even if I don't necessarily agree.
Can I ask what you think is behind any lack of ambition? What, in other words, is the end-game if indeed there is one as you see it?
Is the calf being fattened?
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A quote from Alex McLeish in tomorrow's Times;
"There is no hiding place at this level in international football. I know that, and I’m big enough and ugly enough to handle it."
On this occasion (and on this occasion only)I agree with some of what Big Eck said...
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R81: cheers mate.
DBBIA: fifteen minutes of triple lead guitar and piano driven rock'n'roll mayhem. sounds good to me... Also, you just taught me valuable newbie lesson: use 'Word' for long posts.
'GG: Finnan Haddie?
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The Brian Quinn interview was a good interview for the shareholders.
Now hows about an interview for the fans?
The interview was indeed a scoop and valuable insight into things financial but reading it the phrase "Prudence" jumps from the screen. We all know the club is being run well , very well infact , so why the need to keep telling us? We all have great confidence in these guys but facts and nice figures don't automatically register among most of the masses. They want to hear about the game on the Park.
I'd like to ask what about when the 5 year plan is up. Whats next now that we are on a fine footing? We should be planning to move up a level , IE keeping us on top.
"Running a football club like Celtic, with a need to satisfy shareholders large and small, supporters with disparate views, the manager, sponsors, the league and Uefa, and to do so while being expected to win the league year after year is close to impossible, and is a frequently thankless task."
Satisfy the shareholders first?
What about the fans?
"So you have to stay alert and agile during the year to keep things on track - not simply empty your pockets when they have something in them."
Two full backs to play a possible 60+ games? Say one or both gets injured? This isn't keeping things on track. Suppose its fine because we have a heavy pocket.
One final question, Our chairman previously told us , "That profits will be re-invested into the team/Celtic football club. Every last penny."
What happened to this? Has policy changed? I am not advocating spending crazy money , just addressing potential squad problems or potential weaknesses to the Product (For shareholders).
It may have been probably was down to unavailability of targets for a multitude of reasons but we should have been told as fans. It seems we have been left in limbo as to where the player acquisition strategy is at the minute.
These are valid honest questions as I myself am feeling sold a little short on certain issues.
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What The Times reported -
"I know that, and I’m big enough and ugly enough to handle it."
What Eck actually said -
"I know that, and I'm big enough and ugly enough to have handlers."
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NegAnon
What do you see as ambition?
Where do you see this ambition you crave taking us?
Should be be aiming to outspend the English,Spanish and Italian teams to maybe win the champions league? and maybe once more take our club to the brink of closure.
Or should we maybe improve our playing squad every year at the same time as providing them with fantastic new training facilities, maybe bringing down debt, perhaps even posting a profit.
You seem to be hung up on a 'net spend.
How much would you like the club to spend? and with what aim.
We already have a better and stronger squad than our rivals with more than enough to win the league.
Are we going to win the CL even with a big spend? I think not!
There are far to many negative people on this blog and at the games that seem to only want to criticise the club at every opportunity.
The future is bleak indeed
This statement says a lot and I'm afraid if every Celtic supporter held your views the future really would be bleak.
TNBC
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Neg_Anon ,
The futures Bright , Green and White.
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Neg Anon
do you remember the 90s?
I'm starting to think you don't!
What exactly do you want our club to do?
Seriously, what do you want them to do?
I do enjoy your alternative view to whatever is posted on here, but I'll say again
WHAT DO YOU WANT OUR CLUB TO DO?
I for one am comfortable with the way things are going, especially when you consider where we've been in the last decade.
Will you ever be happy?
Peat
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Once again, a post of total negativity from the arrogant one who not only guarantees failure, but can also now apparently tell that those of a contrary view are incapable of original thought and the ability to understand plain English.
If I truly believed as NA believes, I wouldn't even bother getting up in the morning. That much negativity would give me a constant sore head.
As for the "lackey" jibe... crass and infantile.
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Report from the lookout post above the South Stand.
It's dark in the car park, but there is a movement astirring.
Something is disturbing the Force.
Camouflaged by the dark, vague shapes are scurrying around the car park, furtively seeking a wireless connection.
The occasional gasp of delight is heard, as exclamations of
"I've got a logon to CQN"
break the eerie silence.
Furious keystrokes precede a dash to the shaft and high fives before the poster descends below ground.
'GG on the late watch.
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GG
Just catching up with this evening's posts having spent several hours in the Merchant City tonight welcoming Chennaiseabird back to his roots.
I can report that negativity didn't turn up, but Estadio did so therein was an immediate difficulty to deal with.
The great man did promise certain things to be delivered shortly, keep your eyes on E.Tims. hmmmm
Nice to meet Curly or whatever he calls himself these days but to be fair he does seem o.k. in his kilt
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Sounds like the basis for a wartime blockbuster there, GG.
"Mein Schafter - A Novel"
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Neg Anon - are you by chance a "White" or a "Kelly"??!! They took us for more than Broony is worth now x10. FACT. And their family still try to justify it.
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PS Sorry Mrs Kelly!!
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A night with Estadio is a night to savour.
How I would love to put a face to the pen.
Did anyone asked what has become of his two unfinished novels?
'GG keeping an eye on any trolls advancing from the car park mineshaft.
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ASK. Duh
My only excuse is that I had one eye on a mineshaft entrance.
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Having fallen asleep for the last half hour, I fear it's time for bed.
Nite all.
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The Green Trumpet,excellent posts. As an Ileach and a music fan, I am always interested in such events, especially when they happen 'out my way'.
I was at the Runrig concert at Drumnadrochit recently. You have got to hear these Vatersay Boys.
For those who have mentioned Freebird. Don't ever knock that song. Not ever. Some things are untouchable.
NegAnon....
I realise that you rarely answer questions that are put to you. But please answer this one:
When have things ever been so good - post Mr. Stein?
G'night
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Hoopla said
Googling SCHAFTER provides this info (slightly edited to fit my personal agenda. It seems to be an accepted practise)
I am a Bot from Mandavi in an automatic mode. I am supposed to help spread relevant information between the national Wikipedias faster through putting the Featured Article star () into the interWiki.
and
It is not a sock puppet, but rather an automated or semi-automated account for making irrelevant repetitive edits that would be extremely tedious to do manually.
OK I added a word. Guess which one.
'GG Yankees in Kansas lead Royals 3-2 bottom of 8th.
Car Park dark and quiet.
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Hoopla said
Sounds like the basis for a wartime blockbuster there, GG.
"Mein Schafter - A Novel"
'GG hoping Yankees close out this game so I can get some sleep.
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Free Bird Live
'GG Pablo I am not
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Mariano Rivera attempts to make his 24th save of the season bottom of 9th.
Closes out KC's 3 final hitters.
Yankees win 3 - 2.
'GG leaving his post and trusting the morning shift to keep watch.
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At 08/09/07 00:52, enrico_annoni said…
Enrico, did you really read the transcript of the interview? The answers to each of your questions are right there in front of your nose.
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Thanks pfayr.
Interesting point about releasing financial information which could be held against you. I had not considered it, but of course they would.
Bloke109, I initially had an interview with the chairman in 2005, after which he committed to doing so again at an appropriate time. I met him during a prawn sandwich moment at the end of last season and he suggested now would be a good time.
Thanks WIzardofOz.
Tom the Tim, I should share the thanks with all of the CQN readers and contributors who have mentioned Celtic Quick News to Mr Q, I understand he hears about it regularly – which helps me enormously.
Tobi, Ha! Murray may yet agree to an interview, we live in a strange world.
TheGreenTrumpet, I thought about putting a © on the page, but then thought that I would be happy for the interview to have as wide a reach as possible.
Thom Maley, many thanks.
Ternar, I enjoyed every minute; mind you, Mr Q clearly loves talking Celtic.
WGS, I spoken to him about fan expectations not being met. Irrespective of what is right for the club, expectations cannot be ignored. If they are not to be met, the club needs to reiterate the plan – as above.
I did not ask about Shaun.
Freddiebhoy, he sure is. His family were Kerins’ from Sligo.
Jonnybhoy, indeed.
Richard81, agree.
Enrico annoni, you asked: “Our chairman previously told us , "That profits will be re-invested into the team/Celtic football club. Every last penny." What happened to this? Has policy changed?
In his interview, Mr Q. said, "Any retained profit will be added to reserves and made available to continue building the club.”
Why do I bother?
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I will post first and then read the previous comments, but I take no comfort from our chairman's comments; indeed he has confirmed my fears.
First of all, at least in terms of budgets, we are downsizing. I obviously understand that £48M lost over 7 years is a very good reason to do so, but at least we now know.
I disagree with the strategy of 'conservative assumptions' regarding European football. If you budget for the UEFA Cup that is exactly what you will get more often than not. It is exactly what we would have got this year but for the equivalent of a toss of a coin. We did not even get the UEFA Cup two seasons ago. I hesitate to mention 'speculate to accumulate', but when determing the wisdom of such a strategy, you have to consider how much you are speculating, and how much you will potentially accumulate. If the speculation is small, and the accumulation is large, then in my mind it is a 'no brainer' unless the consequences of failure are disastrous which clearly does not apply to Celtic in 2007. It is the equivalent of being offered a bet at a far more favourable price than should be the case and not accepting it.
Finally the chairman's comments are entirely consistent with my belief that we were not seriously trying to strengthen the squad in the final days of the transfer window. I do not know this with certainty, but the more I hear the surer I become. If this is the case I am disgusted at what can best be described as a criminally stupid mistake and at worst is a case of putting shareholders ahead of supporters. For the record I am both. We had the money, the squad needed strengthened, we did not do so, it now seems likely we did not even try.
bryce
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At 08/09/07 00:20, NegativeAnon said…
NegativeAnon, you increasingly come across as a bitter man with a deep grudge against the Celtic board and Paul.
Every time you've been invited to flesh out your position on the club you invariably decline or fail to deliver an argument of substance. If it were to turn out that there's truth in your assertions regarding plans for the club, it would be really sad on many levels. Will you enjoy being "right" knowing that you failed to get your message over? Or could you enjoy being wrong by becoming truly open to the debate and weighing your ideas against opposing views?
Your latest comments about Paul being a lackey and many of us fawning and wallowing do little to promote your position. If anything this only serves to put distance between you and the people you aim to enlighten.
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Have now read.
Looks like I'm in a pretty small minority then.
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Paul67 -
my thanks again
WG
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It seems as if some people are outraged about us not adding to our squad before the transfer window closed. As has been pointed out before, who exactly would these people have bought?! Can one of the doubters point to a player with proven ability and say 'we could have signed him' with overhwelming certainty?
The facts are, we should only buy if it is an improvement on what we have. We cannot go out and spend £10milion on a player, we cannot offer ludicrous wages, and we can only sign from Europe or a player from a top 75 ranked country in the world who has played in a high percentage of international games in the past two years.
99% of the players in the world will not improve our squad. Of the remaining 1%, we face a horde of rivals vying for signatures, and the various limitations of playing in a small nation on a smaller revenue-scale.
Signing a world-class player is not easy, it is, I can only imagine, a near-on impossible task that we have been unprecedentedly fortunate enough to do a few times in the last decade.
Let us not forget, back in our halcyon days as leaders of European football, that we offered Alfredi Di Stefano the world, and yet it was not enough. He didn't fancy the weather.
Some things are outwith the control of the club.
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At 08/09/07 09:07, Bryce Curdy said…
Bryce, I'd be grateful if you could show me where in Paul's interview anyone says we were budgeting for the UEFA Cup. Given that profits have been retained and placed in reserve, I was left with a very clear impression that we would spend when we believe that we can get value for money. Participation in the CL is a very clear goal and it is obvious that we are preparing as well as we can within our means to meet that objective. It is clear from the interview that no value for money was obtainable in the last days of the transfer window. This is not the same as having no intention to strengthen.
Noting your disgust and suggesting a "criminal stupid mistake" is pretty emotive stuff. So, in addition to not understanding how you arrived at your conclusions, I'm perplexed as to how you managed to get so worked up about them.
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Paul
I am not a regular poster on here but I would have said I am usually an opTIMist. Nonetheless the Chairman's interview has left me unmoved. He has presided over a period of great success both on and off the field, with only a couple of blips on the record book and rightly deserves praise for this.
Nevertheless we had an opportunity to put clear green water between ourselves and Rangers this year. Rangers have spent this year, or at least commited themselves to spend in to the tune of £10m circa. Whilst we have spent we have also brought in money whilst we had made a profit.
I am liking the product on the park without a doubt but somehow my confidence is not what it was. The last two years at the start of the season I would have confidently predicted we would win the league by a country mile. This year I am not so sure.
An organisation/company would want to do a bit of horizon scanning to see what opportunities lay out there. If Mr Platini's vision becomes reality then winning the league will be an essential prerequiste for the club to continue to advance. Not planning for success in Europe (by which I conservatively mean getting into the group stages) is a think myopic. It is where we want to be....becuase the UEFA Cup is poor fare in comparison and the SPL is well our bred and butter but we all want a bit of cake now and again.
There is the old adage that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. In my head I think we will regret not have made another couple of quality signings before the transfer window shut. Probably a centre back and a full back but Eidur G would have been that "some player to have put pressure on JVoH".
Anyway I hope I am wrong...we do have some excellent players right through the team and we are playing excellent stuff. Maybe I just need to see the doctor for SSAD. Start of season Adjusted Depression.
Maybe a tour round Bobby Lennoxtown will cheer me up!
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is a relativley successful football club that is showing profits an intersesting prospect for a russian/american/far eastern "investor"
show me the money!
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Does anyone know what we will do with Barrowfield once move to Lennoxtown?
Could this be used as a potential sale, or land for the Commonwealth Games bid?
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Bryce, one of the things I was keen to hear from the chairman on was whether the profits would reward shareholders or be used to grow the club, his answer could not be clearer.
Your assertion that our summer business was “at worst is a case of putting shareholders ahead of supporters” implies you missed the relevant quote.
We can argue about whether we got value for money on specific players, or whether more money should have been spent on a particular area of the team, but do we need to ignore what the chairman has said so quickly on the subject of profits being retained in the club?
I agree, ideally we would have recruited cover in more areas, but I would want the right player at the right price.
There are no right or wrong answers to this one, no one knows what an extra spend of £Xm would achieve, but as long as the decisions were made to spend on a player or retain budget for future use, rather than your suggestion that the decision was made to reward shareholders rather than buy players, we are arguing over a narrow variation in strategy - and doing so with incomplete information.
We may have reached the CL group stage as a result of a ‘coin-toss’ type decider, but we still succeeded against the one team I said here we would do well to avoid before the draw – so some things are being done well.
WG, you’re welcome.
Steelica, clear green water between us and them has been there each of the last two seasons, despite summer predictions to the contrary by many. I genuinely believe it will be there again this season.
Roll on 20 October.
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Morning all,
Great to meet some old and new faces last night and will be recommending that restaurant to all friends and family.
Might need Chennai to jot down what we had but it was excellent. I'll never have a vindaloo again!
Anyway each morning I receive an e-mail from the BBC with a selection of headlines and related stories all grouped in my own handpicked categories,
One of those categories you will probably be less than surprised to discover is 'Celtic'.
Today's headline and main story under that category is "East Fife host Rangers in CIS Cup".
A letter from Mr Unhappy of the Gorbals is at this moment being brought to the boil and will soon be screeching through the ether to land in some unsuspecting editor's in-box.
Hail hail
Estadio
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All you bhoy's that are having a go at Neg Anon for having a go at Paul.
It is to Paul's great credit that he allows such open criticism.
He is correct in allowing it.
His stance has always been an open one.
Part of the blog's purpose to show Celtic's point of view.
That automatically means that he is pro-board.
His motives for taking this stance are irrelevant.
Whether he is running the blog for philanthropic reason's or some mythical self gain are irrelevant.
He believes he can provide a positive spin on Celtic's behalf.
That being said Neg Anon is entitled to question his positive spin.
Having met Paul ,i know that he is a ten out of ten individual.
At times,i myself, see much of his threads as expectation management,and getting a positive message out through an alternative media source.
That is not a criticism,it is what i see.
As a business owner myself ,i think that DD,Mr Quinn and PL,are doing a fine job.I respect there achievements.
Infact,within the financial constraints of his job,so is Mr Strachan.( He has still wasted millions on players who have flopped)
However it cannot be denied that he has been successfull so far.
But as someone once said,on here.I want more Jam.
Don't attack Neg Anon,for having a go.It is easier to be sychophantic,especially when things are going relatively well.Than to continue to question and seek improvement.
Neg Anon makes many great points ,at times they may seem a little personal.In my opinion he should continue to question,and as already stated .Paul is correct to accept ,the question's.
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Tinttim.
I do hope you will be joining the "great unwashed" for the CL games as your rapier wit is being missed.
It was good to see Baba, briefly, at the Spartak game. I forgot to ask him how he enjoyed his Golf Day prize.
jonnybhoy
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"grow the club"
as in potassium grow bag grow
develop fan base grow
grow our benefits with the bank
or grow our squad...ah right.
got it. save for something better
in case it becomes available
rather than get something we need.
now i know exactly where we are going.
thanks paul.
my questions and reservations have been well and truly answered. we have now become truly boardroom.
after all its just a business isnt it?
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i think our men at the helm have done a magnificent job.
they just need to get some ham haws
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Tinytim,
I agree whole heartedly with your last post. Absolutely superb. Your behaviour is that of a good Tim. A Tim that can be held up as a shining example. Negative Anon on the other hand needs a few lessons in this direction. He might be frustated at The board and at CQN but the personal snipes and the condescending tone of his posts show a lack of respect to fellow Celtic fans who hold a different opinion.
I myself have been on the end of a few these attacks due to my own held views with regards The boards policy or lack of it in certain areas and have been regularly "virtually press-ganged", harangued, laughed at for holding that opinion. Ocassionally I will retort in a stronger way. I have said before the blog leaves communication sometimes open to interpretation.
Negative Anon´s posts I always enjoy. I love his passion for Celtic and no one can doubt that he only wants the best and feels that the Board are taking us for a ride. An opinion he is entitled too, an an opinion I too have held myself in the past when I felt it was warranted.
The blog (imho) could do without the haranguing and the personal insults. We are better than that. Negative Anon is better than that and should know better than to behave like a happy clapper.
The minehshafters have set the standard on Paul67s blog for good behaviour. He should leave the cheap insults too the Happy Clappers :-)
Hail Hail
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new posts on www.thelordofthewing.blogspot.com
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Ian in budapest ,
The answers are the same as 2005 , the same as the annual statement every year , basically nothing new. Nothing is answered.
Paul67,
Thanks for a reply. Mr Quinn may have said "Any retained profit will be added to reserves and made available to continue building the club.” but the brakes have been put on during the summer.
You cannot tell me that you were not disappointed by no players arriving to fill the obvious deficiencies in the squad.
The board are jingling the sound of money in their pockets and giving back slaps all round when they had a summer to release funds to secure the players we need.
They didn't.
After ins and outs around 1 million net has been spent. Criminal in my opinion. There was a failure to recruit before the CL Qualifier for fear of posting a loss. We gambled with our CL qualification and it paid off. Still no deals were forthcoming. The manager was refused funds.
You , I , Every Celtic fan was disappointed. Brian Quinn needs to be aware of this. We're not asking for the bank to be broken. Targets were available within budget , but the board reneged on release of funds. I'm not talking the world here , our club could have easily spent up to a further 5 million conservatively.
The boards refusal to speculate relative pennies to secure future pounds could cost us silverware. They could splash at christmas , it could be too late , out of europe and a bit behind in the league?
How could the board explain themselves then?
We are standing still , you know it , I know it , we all know it.
We didn't try for any permanent deals in august. If Celtic had not made the CL , the board would be equally to blame as the playing squad. We have now 2 years back to back CL participation. The money is there to Improve the squad and keep the pockets lined.
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Tinytim,well said.
But it is not merely what you say,that attracts abuse,but how you say it too.
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enrico,
I agree with the gist of what you are saying. I dont agree with you however that we are standing still. I look upon Brown and Donati as excellent acquisitions. They came at a combined price of 6.5m. Not peanuts. If they had cost more and at the end of the window. I believe many Celtic fans would have been happier.
If BB, TG and JJ had moved on earlier then maybe we would have had more scope to bring in two or three more players. All of the deadwood mentioned above still have long term contracts, unfortunately
I´m thankful that we are in a position where we can refuse generous bids for our best players. I´m thankful that we can bench a big time earner who is not producing the goods.
I´m thankful we can take on an average player on a bosman and sell him for 3m.
I´m glad the mistakes from the last transfer window where TG and JVOH were hurried in at the last minute were not repeated.
We do have three full backs. One off them having played at a reasonable level. A Cameroonian international who has played in the French league and has scored the winning goal in a SC final at hampden.
Hail Hail
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Paul,
Good interview – always interesting when BQ talks, a passionate supporter tempered with real solid business common sense – even better when you can trust the reporting.
We seem to be well on schedule in an effective and sustainable FOOTBALL plan.
"By restructuring our scouting set-up; by hiring top fitness coaches; by adopting the innovations in sports science; by focusing the efforts of our reserve squad on graduating to the first team squad, rather than always winning the reserve league - although we have managed to do that too; by providing a top quality training facility at Lennoxtown; and by giving our up-and-coming younger players an opportunity to feature in the first team while still relatively young."
As you discussed recently we need a different approach to compete with the Top leagues – it seems to me that as soon as the possibility of joining the FAPL looked like an unrealistic option, the visionaries in charge of our club began serious work on plan ‘B’ and here three years later we have a solid, workable alternative FOOTBALL plan.
NOT
That it’s all bad news playing in the SPL on the plus side, CL qualifying is a real expectation EVERY year and we are not run by American Bankers but by highly proficient Celtic supporters!
Chairbhoywhothinkshomagetothechairmhan
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Dunno if anyone's posted this before but worth a look for a giggle:
Dolmio Glasgow Style
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Weeron, cheers. It was great to be up in that bit of the world.
If nobody objects too much, I'm going to finish it off with a quick resume of the Saturday and Sunday, at some point over the next day or two.
Not footy related, but hey. I thought international weekend might be relatively quiet in cqn-land, but did not reckon on P67's mineshafter-enraging interview...
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Wow! We can be quite a judgmental crowd when we consider that someone else's judgement has been mental.
First of all, Neg Anon, did let himself down by the jibes about lackeys and unthinking agreement.
Some of us who disagree with the position taken by Neg Anon, do so after we have considered the arguments expounded on both sides. It's frustrating, Neg Anon, when you consider your position to have been well argued and that you have facts to fit, that people still disagree with you. How can that be? It must have been that they're just sheep and falling behind the Svengali like tactics of BQ or Paul 67 or whoever is in your sights. You let your argument down when you react like this.
Second of all, Neg Anon could still prove to have been right. I believe some of the people responding to your post have conceded that point. We have left money unspent: We can accept BQ's view that it is in reserve to be spent in future or we can accept your view that the money was not spent to make us easier to sell as a relatively cash rich club. Only time will tell.
So what would corroborative evidence look like? Here's my take.
Do you think BQ would have put himself out there with such statements, at this time, if we were on the brink of being sold. If I was about to pull such a scam I think I would be playing it quietly, not saying much, and planning to leave the country. Now if you have evidence to that effect, I'll become more suspicious.
But, what will your position be if you are proved wrong again this year and DD is still on control? Do you keep to the doomsday prediction and merely advance the date of when the prophecy is due to come about? Your argument risks becoming less convincing every time you interpret the runes and predict today is the day. That could be why there are fewer readers in agreement on this site. You have not yet been right about the end game prediction though you have got some signs right along the way.
Or is your doomsday view independent of whether there is a sale? Do you believe that DD and BQ are so anti debt that they hope to make money out of Celtic by retaining ownership? Now, that would be an achievement.
I would welcome your considered response. I might not be as worthy an adversary as Paul 67 but, I hope that, by asking you politely, you will feel there is merit in you replying.
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Before my last comment I should have posted my thanks to the guys I met up with for beer and curry last night to celebrate channaiseabird's return to the land of the one and only Paradise.
I hope that breaking bread ( or whatever that large joint like thing was?) in the company of such does not make me part of any clique or cabal which sets the tone on here. Getting such disparate (I think that's the right word) posters to agree on the order was an impossible task. Getting them to coordinate a Machiavellian plan with added spin to dupe the rest of you would, I assure you, be beyond the skill set of the guys I met.
Thank goodness, Chennai and WDH took charge of the food ordering and we just satisfied ourselves with consuming the stuff.
If you are suspicious enough to see some kind of metaphor there, then you can go on believing that Chennaiseabird and WDH must be the manipulative brains behind this operation. I could not possibly disagree.
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Oh and well done to the U-19's in progressing in Italy.
Under 19's
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i am not sure what more information the interview was likely to lead
if p67 had given him a hard time then mr quinn might well have decided that in future he'll stick to his friends on the today programme.there was a bit of gentle tip-toeing into the waters on both sides.
i'm also not sure if it is within mr quinns remit to answer questions along the lines of why haven't we signed the new larsson/mcgrain/rieper.he could reasonably reply these matters are for the manager
what would be interesting would be to read similar interviews with significant people from the clubs history-fergus mccann would be fascinating,and so in a trainwreck way would be michael kelly.
perhaps with a bit of organisation excellent cqners could suggest questions to be asked?
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Big Wavy
Your golden ticket comment had me in tears....well done! Funniest thing i have read on here
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dbbia
Questions for Fergus:-
Were you really Saddam Hussein in your spare time?
How thin was a thin dime?
Could you no wear your bunnet at a more jaunty angle?
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OK, let's try that again
Video footage of last night's CQN get-together.
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John
One of my uncles ,who liked a rum 'n'pep,had a the same parting words for years.
"i'll see yi ,when yur better dressed."
I will be alternating my seat,throughout the season.Where i sit will depend on the guest that i am taking me to the match.
There is no doubt that it's not the same as with the rank and file.
I have sat or stood beside Davy for 25 years.
Not being able to share the celebration's at the Spartak game hit home.
I will be back.
Missing you already XXX.
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setting free the bears,
Second of all, Neg Anon could still prove to have been right. I believe some of the people responding to your post have conceded that point. We have left money unspent: We can accept BQ's view that it is in reserve to be spent in future or we can accept your view that the money was not spent to make us easier to sell as a relatively cash rich club. Only time will tell.
Too true BUT BQ tackled that point!
"So you have to stay alert and agile during the year to keep things on track - not simply empty your pockets when they have something in them."
There is more than just splashing the CASH – we wanted a top player ergo top salary, we did have cash to spend but selling Miller and Gravesen going out on loan on the last day of the transfer was too little too late as far as clearing out is concerned.
It must be difficult for Strachan – whose big match prep is legendary – to prepare for an important CL qualifier and pay close attention to the transfer market!
DontB,
’if p67 had given him a hard time then mr quinn might well have decided that in future he'll stick to his friends on the today programme.there was a bit of gentle tip-toeing into the waters on both sides.
As a pro-Celtic site I don’t see it as Paul’s job to give BQ or anyone at Celtic a hard time, I enjoy this site because it supports Celtic – if individuals REALLY deserve criticism so be it – BUT BQ is hardly in that category.
We should have bought a top striker* why we didn’t I don’t know but we should’nt be discussing the nuaces of or transfer trials and tribulations on a Public form!!!
C’mon the Celts!!!
McManus, Hartley, Brown, McGeady and O’Dea!
* In McDonald maybe we did – time will tell EH! STBF!!!
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Aw naw.
The context of what the poster print's is often lost in the translation from mind to keyboard.
Humour and candor can often become identical twins.
We should all keep that in mind.
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tinytim
will you be appearing on TV this weekend? Just so I'm ready for it!
-
When I said ’We should have bought a top striker* why we didn’t I don’t know but we shouldn’t be discussing the nuances of or transfer trials and tribulations on a Public form!!! I did of course mean the Board and Management – NO! US! We can say whit we want.
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Chairbhoy
I think I've confused you with my own poor grammar.
I should have stated Neg Anon could still prove to "be" right.
In the near future, if DD sells Celtic in order to make a (more) massive profit, Neg Anon will be somewhat vindicated.
I do not think he has vindication for his views at this point in time.
I hope that clarifies.
It does boil down to trust. If BQ has just told us porkies and the club is soon for sale, then the argument that football matters were sacrificed to financial considerations will have a lot of backing.
At present, I'm backing BQ. I have seen no convincing evidence not to, so I'll stick to my default position of being a supportive supporter.
-
EDB
Tune into Kingdom FM radio.Fife's most listened to radio station.
I do a live show every Wednesday between 2pm and 3pm.
It's called The Delmor property shop.
My fame ,know's no end.
-
tinytim,
Wish I had asked for your autograph in Babbity's now.
For those who missed TT's appearance on Celtic TV last week, here's a brief extract.
-
Dick Byrne
Brilliant.
-
Anyone else bored enough to be watching the Scotland game? Pretty poor fare so far. McCulloch missed a sitter with a header inside the six yard box.
And Weir has been called for more fouls than he has all saason. Great things, neutral refs.
-
I can't fully support a team containing Hutton, Weir and Boyd.
A poor first 30 minutes.
-
Fair play to boyd. Well taken headed goal from a good cross into the box.
-
EDB - you missed out McCulloch...
-
Dick
Forgot about him. That makes it even worse.
-
Enrico, as I said earlier, the argument about when to spend money is a fair one, I would, of course, have preferred a few more players, but this is different to you earlier point.
There are no right or wrong answers on this one, spending an uncertain amount on more cover at full back might have been great business, but we don’t know what options were assessed or why decisions were made.
However….
Unlike last week, we now know that they money that came into the club last year will not be spent on dividends; it will be retained in the club for future use. This is an enormous point.
Your speculate to accumulate point is also worth debating, but it is no quantified. Last month Gordon Strachan said he was quoted £4m for a full back he rated no higher than Mark Wilson. If that was his decision you can understand why he did not make a move.
It would also to fair to say that many critics suggested Celtic would lose to Spartak is they did not spend more, and that they would lose the league to PLG if they did not spend more and that they would fail in last seasons Champions League group stage if they did not spend more.
When I put these points to the chairman he referred me to the record of progress on the field and how he planned to continue the trend.
His comment about not increasing budget when you earn more money nor decreasing budget when you earn less, but adjusting the plan over a five year period might not be everyone’s choice, but it does sound like a more sensible way to plan sustainable improvement.
You would be hard pushed to argue that increasing budget when more cash became available and decreasing it when income fell was a sure way to build sustainable growth.
It might be, but when you listen to the man responsible for making these decisions weight up the choice, it does not sound like it.
Chairbhoy, good to see you got back on.
-
Guys don't you mean..
McCullochY
HuttonY
WeirY
BoydY
...or should that be WeirdY?
-
Or WEARY?
-
Where's Naisy?
GG do you have the game over your way?
-
1-0
Tears in the HT Bovril at Brunton Park as Tranmere score a late first half goal to take a 1-0 lead into the dressing room.
DBBIA will be hoping for a comeback
-
We should drop the lazy nicknaming of just adding a Y or O to a player's surname. As an inclusive modern nation, I think we should adopt the patronymic style of our visitors today.
So our goal was scored by Boydelevicious, our centre half is Weirvicious, our right back is Huttonsvicious and our left midfielder is McCulloughsathugandvicious.
-
EDB
Listening to it on radio, while watching Sky Sports News on FSC, reading CQN, BBC News Site and trying to ignore the better half.
Links to UK Radio Stations
'GG multi tasking
-
I think they have different patronyms so, in the interest of avoiding repetition we can have
Brownlikesus
McManuslikesus
& Maloneyusedtolikeus
-
EDB Update
Now about to be thrilled by Russia Macedonia tie.
Three points for Russia could put a considerable dent in England's qualification hopes.
'GG cheering on Russia and Israel as the Bonnie Bonnie Banks ring out round Hampden
-
I'll be incredibly generous to Weirvicious (courtesy STFB) and say there's little to separate him and Gary Caldwell in terms of ability! I don't believe that but it suits my point.
Why then, if Weirvicious is no better than GC, aren't we playing a recognised club partnership at the heart of our defence?
-
I signed up to scotlandfootballtv.com to watch the game today. The quality is variable as it keeps cutting out, but it's got the Sky image and commentary.
The best bit is that they forgot to turn off the mikes at halftime. You could hear all of the random chit chat, including one of the summary team asking for some powder as he was "burning up".
Class.
-
Russia score in 6th minute through someoneorotherski to put an even longer face on Steve McLaren.
'GG
-
Bring on Caldwelllikes us, a guy with 3 consecutive L's in the middle of his name
-
GG,
Was that Yuri Someoneorotherski or Igor Someoneorotherski?
-
GG
That was Vasil Berezutski from CSKA. Not to be confused with Alexei of the same surname!
-
Penalty for Lithuania.
hearts player dived and Derek is surprised.
1-1
-
I think simulation is thebterm these days GG! But he blatently conned the ref, who looked to be in a good position.
-
Awful decision by the ref but Lithuania had a very good penalty shout turned down in the first half.
-
Will Duffield have Scottish referees make an example of Mikolunas?
It amazes me that ex Rangers players should be so irate after an incident like that. I am only relying on commentary BTW.
I suffered for decades from dubious awards to Rangers and denaials of blatant penalties to Celtic.
'GG lapsing into paranoia.
-
and denials even.
-
TinyTim,
fair points. However.....
I think you do Paul an injustice by implying that the main function is to get across a pro-board stance. Whatever that may be.
What (IMHO) sets this blog apart is it's appetite for informed discussion. People who make sweeping accusations get asked to back them up with facts. The whole thing about the 'Seville money' is an example. I think that we have all become better informed as a result of dropping into this blog from time to time.
So, your assertion that people are having a go at NA for having a go at Paul is at least partially incorrect. Some, such as myself have asked him to provide context for his views/claims/complaints. Whether my questions get answered is irrelevant. What is important is that we continue to challenge lazy assertions. That is what, in my view sets this place apart.
So while I'm on the subject, I'd just like to highlight this one from Enrico
The manager was refused funds. You , I , Every Celtic fan was disappointed. Brian Quinn needs to be aware of this. We're not asking for the bank to be broken. Targets were available within budget , but the board reneged on release of funds.
Enrico...do you know this to be true? If so, please elaborate.
Just so you know where I am coming from, I was disappointed by our transfer window business. I'd like to better understand our strategy over the summer. I had hoped that the interview with Mr. Quinn would have shed light on this. I was disappointed that it didn't.
It may be that people presume that the board refused any more spending. That may be true, and I'd want to know.
But an informed discussion requires facts, so let's be sure that we know the difference between facts and assertions, wild or otherwise.
-
Goal Mick!!!
-
Great goal from Big Mick.
Well done our captain.
-
McManus scores from a Maloney cross. 2 - 1 Scotland.
-
Maloney to McManus 2-1 to Scotland.
M&M double.
-
Paul67 ,
At the time when we signed Scott Brown I remember thinking that Gordon Strachan would have to twist Brian Quinn's and Lawell's arm up their backs for this lad.
And I may have probably been right.
Its as if we are resting on our laurels while we are in a position of strength. Previously in our recent G.O.D we have been caught short and lost trophies by small margins. From previous lessons we should know not to leave ourselves short. The fact that we knew we were short in the full back department for almost a year now means that the board not allowing funds for new blood in this area is inexcusable.
Operating in the last month of the transfer window is a dodgy business. Last year we got lucky in signing 3 players late and unlucky one was a dud. You wouldn't see Scott Brown in a Celtic jersey if we had waited on this boy to august. We waited until the last month and had been priced out of targets whilst other alternatives had gone. We had extensively scouted fullbacks for this summer. Its hard to believe a club like Celtic fell short.
Now we are short. Another board gamble.
Everyone of us including yourself believed that we would spend appropriately on the squad this year. We all felt rangers would be blown away and a good european run was within our resources. But the sound of pennies in the pocket must feel better in the boardroom.
Why cant we spend a little more for accumulation. We already have acquired some healthy assets in the player pool. So we have further strengthened resources. Surely the board can see this.
Your interview has raised more questions than answered. Its all in Gordon Strachan's hands now. He must work his magic with the squad and earn his pay the hard way. He will dig the board out of their hole but in my opinion he shouldn't have too.
The manager should be provided with the correct resources. End of.
I accept we are in a position in January to strengthen but will the board allow it? Or will they continue to gamble?
The end of season will be a great time for debate, Murray gambled the money to try and gain success , Celtic collected the money successfully but refused to spend any of it to gain success.
Success in the boardroom or on the pitch. Shrewd gamblers could easily get either but the smart ones know how to get both.
-
3 - 1 great strike MacFadden.
-
Terrific goal from McFadden.
-
Sir Paul...
Haloo!... Back in my stamping grounds,once more.(Stamping Grounds?...ed)( Don't ask!)
Marvellous, just Marvellous!
Ya done good, kiddo!
I see that Mr.Quinn agrees with our fountain of Financial Knowledge.. Mr. Skeetzik.
Who said...
"One Never SPENDS ONE'S PROFIT.
Profit is RETAINED..."
Foist....a PREFACE:
The following advice is given in the understanding that the person receiving it, is capable of understanding the following.
CURRENT BUDGETS ARE SPENT....
as they are PREDICATED(Usually!) on LAST YEAR'S EARNINGS..
Next YEAR'S BUDGET is subject to....
Ya GOT IT!
To this Year's Earnings......
Or in Celtic's Case...as explained by Mr. Quinn...
AS ALLOTTED, IN THE FIVE YEAR PLAN,which is Current,(but no doubt... FLEXIBLE!) on the SUBJECT OF TRANSFER BUDGETS...Their KITH AND THEIR KIN.( Ah know whit "Kin" is...but, wit the heck is a "KITH") ( You set 'em up,pal....an' ah'll knock 'em down!...If ye MUST KNOW!... It is a KITH FRUM A SWITH MITH!)
In light of this, then it was quite in order... that Celtic refused to deviate from their forged plan, and unwisely,spent profusely,last Aug.. solely based on their gratuitous return to Profitability.
The fact that last August's Budget remained veritably ... UNSPENT...
is Icing on the Gateaux!
Usually, an UNSPENT BUDGET MEANS A REDUCTION IN THE CONSEQUENT ONE...
But in this particular case and at at this juncture, I am confident that that will most soitenly... NOT BE THE CASE!
However, I digress.
Mr. Quinn is of course the DOYEN of
SAGACIOUS PARSIMONY.
MY KINDA GUY!
His Worth to Celtic is unbounded.
It is way up there, beside....
Cellophane, Thawpit... Oxo Cube... Bovril...
In a woid...
HE IS INDISPENSABLE!
Cometh the time, Cometh the man!
Kojo.
-
Who is this clown of a referee?
-
I cringe when they sing that stupid doe a deer etc.
-
Russia take their 1-0 lead into HT.
All we need is for Israel to get a result and sackcloth and ashes will be the order of the day down south.
England toiling home in 7th ODI. Set a target of 188 they are 157 for 3 with 7 overs left to het 31 runs. 4.5 runs per over or thereabouts.
What do you mean "Who cares?"
'GG
-
Mea Culpa!
Fur "Consequent".... read... "SUBSEQUENT"...
Tut! Tut!
"Ready,when you are... C.B.!"
Kojo.
-
If I watch Engerlund it will be with the sound off.
-
Hi All,
For the life of me I cannot see what Brian Quinn has said wrong to upset some of the posters on the blog. His vision and the business plan make complete sense to me.
Its does not immediately spring to my thought process that its the boards fault that Gordon Strachan and his team could not find a full back better than Doumbe as back up to put pressure on the incumbents.
Also its not the boards fault that the management team were not able to find a better full back than either Naylor or Wilson, or that Jiri Jarosik couldn't find a club despite stating his desire to leave and that he had several chances to move, or that Bobo Balde does not seem to want to play another game of football in his career!
Some of the people on this blog should get a life!
RobinBhoy
-
So how did Scottie Broonie perform today?
Or Big Mickie McManuslikesus?
'GGlovesCeltica
-
FORZA LATVIA!!!!!
Ulster-Celt
-
Come on Israel.
-
Dick Byrne
Very Funny.
Weeron
Good point.
-
Enrico, I totally agree with your core point, I would have liked to see another full back, but only a forensic examination of the scouting, prioritisation and negotiations over the summer would reveal why we did not sign one.
While accepting this frustration, I don’t think we should extrapolate these feelings beyond the answers we have. I know Mr Q has private views on the players which he has shared with me on occasion. Just like you and me, his views are remarkably unremarkable in that they are similar to every other Celtic fans’, why would they be anything else?
But, he lets his manager manage, and his chief exec frighten people. What players we sign for which positions has nothing to do with those who set the budget.
I have been fortunate to debate these matters first hand with the decision maker and listen to the man run through alternative strategies and various potential scenarios. Getting it right is a lot more complex than you might imagine.
As I said earlier, he reassured me on whether the money available would be staying in the club, and of his vision for where he wants to take us, he also explained why decisions that cause frustration are made.
I’ve enjoyed our debate today.
Welcome Kojo (back to wherever you are) .
Brian done very well explaining a complex budget strategy, not an easy thing to do unless you are from the Zsa Zsa school of financial planning.
-
GG
He had a decent first half and was anonymous for most of the second.
Now Stephen Mcmuanus was a different matter.
He has a goal saving tackle and scored at the other end.
MOTM The captain of The Mighty Glasgow Celtic.
Kojo, how d'ya like them apples?
-
Paul67
Where to from here?
Interviews with PL or the summit WGS?
With CQNers submitting questions?
'GG asking for the moon?
SMACK Duffield.
-
England win the 7th ODI by 7 wickets with 3.4 overs to spare.
Russia miss 3 great opportunities to cement their lead, just after half time.
Djokovic and Ferrer US Open semi final about to start.
Don't you just love Saturdays in September?
'GG
-
My dear,dear, friend, Tiny Tim...
I luv 'em!
But ONLY... when they are of the Fiji Variety!
Sweet! Sweeter! Sweetest!
Not the DREADED.. GRANNY SMITH!
And, if what you say is true regarding Mick's Pleasing Performance... They are defintootly of the Former!
How did Scott Brown perform?
I should not need to ask...
But, I will!
Kojo.
Yer pal... who is busily, Stamping Away... why? ......why not?
-
Mea Culpa.... Part 13...
"Fiji?"
Should be " FUJI"...of course!
"Ready, when you are, C.B.!"
Kojo.
-
Luciano-
Nessun Dorma
He can now.
R.I.P.
-
'GG, good call.
-
I see that Georgia got a last minute equaliser against Ukraine - a good result for Scotland.
-
Paul67 ,
I enjoyed the debate. Maybe our AGM will provide some answers.
-
Psych music update on Celticdelia.
SHACK DUFFIELD
-
WG
Any sign of your buddy who's no a fan of sumdy?
-
EDB -
naw but I've only been to morning Mass and back home. Maybe catch him in The Teser later but he's more likely to be scoopin wi his Fartin Army compatriots in the Wood of Gird.
Non-Catholics, Atheists and Tartan Army Commandos Are Welcome, Indeed, LOVED here.
WG
-
Luciano Pavarotti and James Brown-
Get Down !
-
Ghuys -
any injuries from the games so far ?
God(no God) forbid.
-
Oh aye -
Curly is/was LARSSON
-
detest international weeks, a drain on our players' energy and fitness
-
THEY ARE NOT BRAZIL THEY ARE THE NORTH OF IRELAND!
Ulster-Celt
-
WG
Nothing obvious to our guys but it is a worry.
-
.... and there's still the midweekers for futher fretting
:-(
-
Ulster Celt
Forgive my naivety but does both sides of the divide get behind the NI team?
If it's only the darnel lovers how do they take to the team wearing the colours they wear.
-
Will Brown make way for Bazza in Paris?
I hope so. We have a far more important game a week later and I want Brown fit and rested.
Plus that may just inspire him to prove a point in October.
'GG underwhelmed by Scotland's win
-
Yo
-
Paul, just wanted to add my support for you as I've seen a few places with people knocking you for the interview with the Chairman. You are joining a unique club!!!
I thought the interview was good, I'm encouraged that the money generated will go to the club not the shareholders even though they including Mr Desmond would be massively entitled to a fair chunk, not something I've read before or to my mind has not been made clear.
The tabloid rags may even have to resort to "Scoundrel Quinn to squander shareholders cash on team"
One point I feel may have been glossed over a bit was when you asked about empty seats, unless I've read it wrong. It is a concern and maybe there is an artificially high need to have almost a celebrity type signing. I suppose that means different things to different people, personally I would have loved some of the profit to have been spent on Craig Bellamy, others would hate that. Still it's always worth remembering what he took over from and what we've had in the years prior to the last seven or so, so fair play to him and yourself also.
Hope this works, this new blogger log in stuff is doing my nut in. Much easier when I used to log in as thedominie but can't remember the password etc.
PS Kate and Gerry (via any friends who may read this site) I have no doubt you're innocent, may the truth come out soon and your beautiful daughter be returned to you. You are definitely in our thoughts.
-
-
GG
Regretably I think Scott will play on Wednesday and Teale will drop out for ferguson.
-
GG -
did you read my St Pat's, Coatbrig post ?
WG
-
EDB
If that's the case I feel he should be rested against Gretna.
We have sufficient depth in MF to give him the day off.
Naka, Donati, Hartley, Riordan with McGeady and Brown on the bench. Let them both have a wee stretch late in the game.
'GG as Djokovic advances to final in 3 straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-3
-
WG
Re your father being an alumni?
You are definitely blessed.
'GG staying out of the heat.
-
WG
Are you looking for trouble big man.
There's only wan St.Pats and that's Dumbarton.
St.Patrick's for ever.
STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS
btw Martin42 asked me to do that while he's in Blackpool with the weans. But Paul and Kevin are still at home ha ha.
-
GG
Next game in Paradise is against ICT.
Is there a sport you don't enjoy.
-
Fantastic duet there Noel, the world is a less colourful place without that Sass man Brown and the Big Man.
Looking forward to seeing the Mick McManus goal later. Boydsysomethingorother is paid money to score goals, Captain McManus ain´t. I love the cold blood running through our Steph.
If you know your history about Donetsk...... The city was founded by Welshman John Hughes in 1869. We need to inform the Ukrainian team that Big Yogi was from the same family, to spook them.
-
Shack play Glasgow Classic Grande October 29
-
EDB -
Did you know there's a St Pat's chapel in Strathaven ?
-
Goalless (barely) in Slovakia, Irish goal under threat
-
If want to you know your history about Donetsk...There are 125 slag heaps, according to Wikipedia. Sergei Bubka is from there.
I liked the Brian Quinn interview by the way Paul. Great to hear it from the horse´s mouth.
-
WG
I didn't but do now. Just googled it.
I'll have a closer look later as am oot the back burgering burgers.
Eh, is it o.k. to say that?
-
What were the four Darnelites doing in that team today? Didn't it used to be the case that players were picked on merit?
Weir: A liability! An accident waiting to happen! If he plays like that against France, we will be embarrassed. What must Caldwell think sitting on the bench to make way for that? Is Weir not going to be too old next year anyway? Someone else said it... Why not play a recognised club partnership, which will last into the future???
McCulloch: Just what was he doing? The only time I saw him or heard his name mentioned was when he was giving away possession. Similarly Paul Hartley and Shaun Maloney sitting on the bench too.
Boyd: Only narrowly gets pass marks for taking his chance and scoring. Did nothing else for the rest of the game. He must have thought he done enough.
Hutton: The only Darnelite with any sort of respectability playing-wise today. But why is Mark Wilson not considered for that position? He's certainly miles better.
Someone asked the question earlier regarding Barry Ferguson. Who is he going to replace on Wednesday? Scott Brown was brilliant in the first half and did enough in the second half. Darren Fletcher put in a great shift too and I know that Alex Ferguson happens to think a lot of him. Has Barry ever played on the wing? Can he do it? Certainly not ahead of Hartley. Maybe Gary Teale, who may not have been at his best today.
To sum up...
I am getting heartily sick of seeing the obligatory Rangers players being top-heavy in the Scotland squad when they're evidently not good enough. I know WHY it happens, I'm just getting fed up with it.
Don't suppose I can argue though as the result was the right one, but even that was when an ex-Celt came on an reminded us just what we as Celtic supporters are missing.
-
I went upstairs to change and it's 1-1 in Bratis
-
JamaicanKangaroo@19.23
I only saw a thread on Kerrydale Stret about the CQN article, I haven't seen it discussed elsewhere.
I will not slag off a whole Blog of Celtic fans, but a fair few let themselves down by combining the complaint
BQ did not tell us anything new, and
We already know what BQ's gonna say.
There's nowhere anyone can break that chain of logic. If BQ gives an interview, he'll get told to shut up and get back to his real job. If he keeps quiet, he'll be told he's keeping info back from us.
Some people are only happy when they've got something to complain about.
David Frost routinely got more info from leading politicians than that tool, Jeremy Paxman, ever did. The critics have mistaken a non-agressive interview for a patsy interview.
There are more than a few good posters on Kerrydale Street. I hope they will have the good grace to revise their opinion and read the interview again. A patsy does not invite the Chairman to comment on the problem of empty seats at SPL matches. It seems you would only satisfy some if you asked the question "Haw you, ya wee (insert favoured cheap insult), how come you're making such a mess of things if you're supposed to be so good?" And they wonder why they didn't get the scoop.
-
Oh, and the burgers will be topped off with Galtee cheese.
yumyumcsc
-
Galtee Cheese ?
Hmmmmmmmmmm........
Keep me wan.
-
Come on Our Aiden, is he playing?
-
Think my tv's on delayed transmission - 1-1 half-time
-
Mike this quite bizarre but the other day when I saw you posting about your upcoming gig in Edinburgh the name Robert Palmer came to mind!
ARE YOU ROBERT PALMER or was my daughter's sherbet more than that?
disturbedcsc
-
Right I'm off out to watch a telly that works.
Free The People
WG
-
No, but I am "Simply Irresistable"!
I've never been on the telly, but I am good friends with or related to a few who have been and are household names.
You got any of them there cheeseburgers left?
-
Another point about today's game...
I thought that the Derby left-back James McEveley did okay, and I hope WGS was watching.
-
Mike
Sorry, scoffing as I type.
Hope your gig goes well but what a bad day for it!
EDBwhoknowscurlywillbewreckedcsc
-
SFTB
Got up to speed with CQN when I got home last night. Then checked KDS. They don't appear to contain guys I'd like to meet up with for a few beers and a curry.
Disappointing that supposed Celtic supporters would have a go at Paul's interview with Mr Quinn.
-
Just recovered from a High Priority Interrupt.
My grand daughter has just left.
As someone on here I believe once said "She plays a tune in my heart when I see her."
Back to the sport.
Roger Federer dropped his first service game but has recovered the break and we are back on serve with Roger, the greatest tennis player in living history, now leading Davydenko 4-3.
My remote is now about to get a workout as I check the college football and baseball channels.
For the record I think basketball is the only major sport that I turn off.
'GG
-
t 08/09/07 17:08, tinytim said…
G
Now Stephen Mcmuanus was a different matter.
He has a goal saving tackle and scored at the other end.
MOTM The captain of The Mighty Glasgow Celtic.
At 08/09/07 19:09, winningemmell said…
detest international weeks, a drain on our players' energy and fitness
Hey WG up yours.
Shame the Litouwen keeper doesn't play for Arsenal, huh??
Scotland AND Celtic FOREVER.
Teser Celebration. Maybe you will feel left out, it being in Scotland.
GIRUY.
-
EDB
I know! I only realised that the other day, when I checked my diary.
I'll have to watch the game at my brother's house, then leave straight away. Good job it's on at half twelve.
Does that mean you won't be getting a contingent of the CQN Social Club together to make the trip up to Embra???? 80(
-
Federer, serving for the first set, fails to capitalise on a set point and is broken.
He still leads 5-4.
'GG switching quickly to San Marino
Vs Czech republic where it is 2-0 to the Czechs with 10 minutes to go.
'GG
-
sdstim
Hopefully you are drunk!
A GIRUY to any Celtic supporter who posts on here is way out of order.
I've become a friend of WG through CQN and I can assure you that he works far harder to further our cause than you ever will.
Be ashamed of yourself.
You've really riled me tonight.
Away and support the darnel where you'll be welcomed with open sieg heils.
-
sds tim - you may not always agree with WG opinions but he has style. You are lacking it there.
-
Quick check round channels reveals:
Tiger Woods leading BMW at 13 under.
Florida Marlins lead Philly 1-0 with nobody out top of the first inning.
Oregon lead Michigan 3-0 midway through first half.
More later
'GG back to tennis.
-
Roger breaks Davydenko in 12th game to take first set 7-5.
'GG in awe.
-
Going back some years and due to visits to family members in Toronto I became a fan of the Blue Jays.
Doesn't half make a difference when you're made aware of the rules and get a grasp of the tactics.
Have a shirt from way back in time with Joe Carter on the back.
-
Mets beat Houston Astros 3-1. Most of the games are played this evening.
Toronto at Tampa.
Davydenko double faults to hand Federer a 2-0 lead in the 2nd set.
Iceland and Spain taking the field.
'GG channel surfing.
-
EDB
Ashamed? No chance. Drunk, maybe.
I know who and what WG stands for(through these pages) and not a greater Celtic man, CFC organiser an' all that...BUT he insulted me and all usual, normal uncorrupted by catholicism CELTIC fans the day he swore by an english keeper, 'cos he was Arsenal over a Scotsman missing a penalty in Euro 96.
It wasn't a joke. He portrayed what Scotland meant to him, on the football field. NOTHING. My comment stands and welcome his defence but in my eyes since that day I lost all respect for him, as a Scot. Voila.
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sdstim
Give up. You're a better person than your posts tonight.
WG is a smashing guy and you might also be.
If we met tomorrow we'd get on well.
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EDB
And for your your seig heil comment....you are joking surely! WTF! You live in the biggest fascist, anti-democratic land in our poor, consistently destroyed world by the land you adore.......I have been a registered anti-nazi, socialist all my life. You carry on patronising...what is it you do again??? Bet ya it's cool...
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And please don't have a go at any faith on this site.
Are you a bigot? Your attitude tonight certainly leads me to that conclusion.#
EDBwhoisangrywiththisperson
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Roger takes the second set 6-1.
Looks like he will advance to tomorrow's final.
Should he win tomorrow he earns a $1 million bonus on top of his prize money of $1,4 million, having won the open summer series.
Do Swiss banks need any more money?
Iceland and Spain still at 0-0. I believe Spain had a man sent off while I was spellbound by the tennis.
'GG
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sdstim
You have no idea where I live.
You clearly don't support Celtic.
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Time for some humour, me thinks..
Calm down
Lubo.
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Thanks Lubo
Thought Curly was in there.
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Xavi Alonso was sent off for Spain on 20 minutes.
10 man Spain come close as keeper turns shot round post.
Gudjohnson gives Iceland a 1-0 lead on 39th minute with a diving header from nice cross.
Poland take lead 1-0 in Portugal on 44th minute. Lewandowski.
Good news for Zycbek. And Artur
Italy and France finish 0-0. Advantage Scotland.
'GG surfing
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-
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EDB
'You clearly don't support Celtic'
Qualify that statement. Congrats, you couldn't have insulted me more if you said ny brother was my sister:))(you work it out!)
xx
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Jinky At Bairds
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Th. Henri picked up another yellow tonight, so misses the game on Wednesday - but France still have talent in abundance. For the likes of Skoosh and Mick, Paris will be be part of their learning process - don't think we'll pick up any points though.
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Roger drops serve 3 times in a row and at 4-5 he faces 2 set points.
Davydenko making a game of this showing incredible energy and court coverage.
Roger saves the two set points and follow up with an ace. Set now stands at 5 games all.
Portugal even the game at 1-1.
'GG sports agency
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'GG-
have Alonso and Hamilton made the 1st bend yet ?
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Sixtaeseven-
Henry who ?
Bazza,McCulloch,Hutton and Boydichenko will sort him at Ibrox.
and his mates .........
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Federer takes 3rd set 7-5 and plays Djokovic tomorrow in final with 2.4 million dollars at stake.
Roger in 4th consecutive US Open final.
Now to get back to Iceland Spain game.
'GG looking forward to tomorrow's final.
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EDB,
Cheers. Can't say I know curly, but I've always imagined Noel with a perm and an overgrown mustache :->
GG,
What a shift you have put in today my friend. Do you ever get any sleep in between sport?
Lubo.
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Ronaldo put Portugal 2-1 ahead of Poland 73rd minute.
Sorry Zybeck
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Lubo
Sports Channel surfing on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
Not to mention an hour or so with my beautiful grand daughter at lunch time.
'GG
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Lubo-
I saw THIS on a t-shirt when we were down at Old Trafford for the Champions League match.
With the words " Stand up if you have a job,.....or ever wanted a job....or ever knew someone who had a job...."
Typical Manc dig at the Scousers.
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POLAND EQUALISE IN 89TH MINUTE.
BTW Artur was booked on 20 minutes.
'GG apologies for for shouting
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Iceland defending deeply allowing 10 man Spain to push forward.
And they pay the price as Spain equalise following a good passing movement right through the middle of a flat defence.
Iniesta.
'GG
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Daft question but what is The Teser?
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Full Times.
Portugal 2 - 2 Poland
Iceland 1 - 1 Spain
Good results for Poland and Northern Ireland.
Now for the baseball channel. Then the women's tennis final.
'GG
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Serutiku :- The Tesser is a pub in the district of ML2 much frequented by our good friend WinningGemmell
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Noel90 @ 22:30
Just got that one.
'GG who doesn't get to see F1.
Phillies lead Marlins 4-1 going to bottom of 7th.
Twins lead White Sox 7-5 in the 5th.
Kojo's beloved Dodgers lead Giants 3-2 in the 9th.
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What's up? Personal abuse shrapnel all over the blog and I'm not even mentioned.
GettingAComplexCSC
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Paul, you're a *!**!$*!! !**@&^**!
happytoobligeCSC
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Thanks Edward - thought it was some kind of code/ acronym/ anagram.
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Dodgers get 3 insurance runs top of te 9th and take a 6-2 lead to bottom of 9th.
'GG who will be having pizza brought in.
'Get the door. It's Domino's."
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Hi Paul,
OK you are a tim and a Celtic fan, I know most on here won't agree but in my book that's some pretty eavy abuse
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Serituku
It is a secret code connected with the higher orders of Opus Dei ;-)
'GG conspiracy bomb thrower
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to make it orse in the above post eavy could even mean heavy :-)
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orse should read worse and I'm now giving up for the night, I no longer believe in the J. Daniels boost your memory potion.
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Zybeck,
Sorry if I mis spelled your moniker. Just back in the hotel having watched Portugal vs. Poland in Wroclaw in the boozer.
Have to say the Poles were a bit lucky but the Holy Goalie faultless for the two goals.
Great atmosphere in the pub, Polska belted out constantly, good luck for Wednesday!
RobinBhoy
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King David
BBC1
Now
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sdstim -
I stick by my views on Scotland but those views not make me a bigot. Some of my best friends are Scotland supporters and I was with a new one last night.
First time I've been taken to task for being a bigot who is not anti-England.
I have no problem with you whatsoever. My problem is with the SFA and has been for many years. I cannot bring myself to support a team that represents that mob.
As for GIRUM..... so be it.
My day will come.....and soon no doubt.
WG
EDB - ta but leave this, amigo.
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Last night of The Proms earlier, superb
Papal flags for
edWard elGar
and to think the darnelists would be lapping it up in their ignorance
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WG
Like you, I have a problem with the SFA (you only need to see my posting earlier to see that), but I am also a proud Scot who supports his national football team IN SPITE of the powers-that-be trying to ruin it for me and my type.
I won't allow them that satisfaction.
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Good to see Richard
WriGht
miketw10 -
good on ye amigo
but not for me
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Fat Old Sun -
Lord, that takes me back
Superb
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Great end to the night
Wishy Were Here
Nite ghuys
Hail Hail
WatersGilmour
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Gavil thanks for all the updates.
phew
that's me all up to date now.
ust settling down to watch the ladies final.
Carol king geein it laldi right now.
Pizza ordered.
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LB
It has been an exhausting day, even indoors.
No surfing baseball channels though as Mrs GG wants to see tennis uninterrupted.
'GG wondering how I'll manage to survive NFL Sunday AND the final.
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Henin breaks Kuznetzova twice to take an early 3-0 advantage over the Russian.
Could be a short night unless the Russian finds a way to halt the Belgian.
'GG might get to see some baseball after all.
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4-1 Henin
GG might get to change the channel yet.
LB
wondering where the pizza delivery guy is.
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Papa John's Delivers !!
I'm away to eat.
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Henin wins the 1st set 6-1 with fleetness of foot and some telling deep backhand shots.
The Russian doesn't help herself with some basic unforced errors.
Let's hope she overcomes her nerves and makes a better show next set.
'GG
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Henin at 5-3 in the 2nd set serves for the title, but is faced with 2 break points.
Unforced error from the Russian, (can you spell Kuznetsova?)takes it back to deuce where Henin double faults for the third time in the game.
Kuznetsova again makes an unforced error. She's had more misses than Kenny Miller.
Henin at Championship point serves and volleys to win.
'GG from the sports desk.
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All Quiet on the Western Front ......of the bus park.
A menacing silence has descended over no man’s land between the bus park and the western corner of the Main Stand. The Mein Schafters entrenched in their secure bunkers are regrouping after a day of losses.
They suffered a series of defections during the day, partly due to a cunning plan from the Happy Clappers and partly due to some unique circumstances.
As day broke on Saturday morning, a daring, well coordinated raid by some Happy Clappers, used the morning mist as cover, to leave propoganda booklets at each mineshaft entrance and ventilation shaft. The booklets consisted of extracts from the Chairman’s interview with Paul67 on CQN, copies of the latest accounts and a detailed analysis of transfer money spent since summer 2000.
The booklet was wrapped in a green cover and entitled
“The Thoughts of Chairman Brian” but is popularly known as “The Wee Green Book.”
A follow up booklet “The Principles of Amortisation” is being prepared for Monday if the Mein Schafters are still in place. However civil rights organizations have got wind of the contents and are protesting its release as forcing people to read it may be construed as
“Cruel and Unusual Punishment.”
A demonstration led by Michael Kelly and Tommy Sheridan in favour of the underground protestors took place before noon. Marching around the bus park they chanted “Two four six eight, who do we depreciate.”
A counter demonstration by the Sons of Donegal, led by Noel90, eventually caused the dispersal of Tommy’s Troops. Noel90 used his laptop and a wireless connection from the board room to show YouTube videos of the penalty shoot out against Spartak.
The cheering for Artur’s penalty save attracted defectors from the tunnels and along with Tommy Sheridan, Noel treated them all to a pint in the Merchant City.
Tommy offered to put some colour back in the miners’ cheeks by taking them to a private tanning salon he knows.
Shortly after noon a contingent of kilt clad “Turra Tims” enticed a considerable number of mine shafters to leave, promising them a barrel of single malt, an exciting match and a good time after Hampden. The defectors all promised to return after the game, but were last seen stopping the traffic in Argyle Street as the sun went down and forming a huddle singing “The Bonnie Bonnie Banks.”
All is disarmingly quiet at the moment, but the Happy Clapper leadership has warned everyone to be on guard. Patrols earlier intercepted a camouflaged ice cream van attempting to resupply the rebel faction directly from London Road. After a thorough search, the van was found to contain, slabs of Kestrel Lager, a case of Black Label, a couple of iPhones, chilled steak pies, burgers, beans, Lexmark printers, A4 paper and laptops. But no ice cream.
Faint sounds of “We shall not be moved” can be still be heard escaping from the ventilation shafts but the number of singers and their supply of spirits appears to be low. Perhaps tomorrow will see the end of the siege allowing peace negotiators to bring both sides together to settle the dispute amicably.
‘GG reporting for CQN from atop the Celtic Main Stand.
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Paul67 - Great article, shows how far the blog has come - Not lazy jounalism indeed!
Kojo - Fuji was just fine when I passed it the other day.
Met a Rangers supporter the other day, masonic ring - Engerlund flag on shirt et al, over a beer he was complaining bitterly about the amount of "POSITIVE" press Celtic get in Japan - shortly after which Celtic featured on local news -hoopy days!
Fair play to the guy he was kind of embarrassed when I mentioned the St Georges cross sleeve to him, but strangely enough passed on my offer to assist with it's removal :-)
Oregonbhoy
hotandsweatyinNipponCSC.
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Where was Friday's CQN curry night? Was the grub good? A couple of earlier comments suggest it was tops. My own Glasgow favourites are Mother India and Balbirs.
Sorry to start a restaurant review section, but it is international week.
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Two questions for what will probably be a quiet day on CQN:
On a scale of 1 (ultra cautious) to 10 (Leeds Utd.), what level of risk do you think the board is taking with its current strategy, and what level of risk do you think we should be taking?
I think we're taking a 1-2, and should be taking a 4-5.
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WG,
I noticed the Papal flags at last year's LNotP. Do you know what is the significance, if any?
Should anyone be in any doubt about the mean spirited and downright dishonest attitude of successive SFA regimes, they should get a hold of Gary Imlach's book, My Father and Other Working Class Football Heroes.
An insightful story of how footballers were treated in the 50's and 60's, both by their clubs and ,in Stewart Imlach's case, the SFA.
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Next CQN Curry Venue
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TomTheTim :- I saw the papal flag last night and I assumed it was just another one among the many flags on display in the crowd. I don't think there was any significance to it.
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At 23:24 edwardursus said.
“Hi Paul,
OK you are a tim and a Celtic fan, I know most on here won't agree but in my book that's pretty eavy abuse”
a tim and a Celtic fan! Hmmm
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Richard81 :- You think perhaps I was being too harsh on him? :-)
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Edward, whats a tim again...?
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Richard81 ;- A term of abuse for blog owners? ;-) I know they are normally counted the one and same but I was slightly intoxicated last night, I'll try to stop repetition in future insults lol
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Cheers Edward,
And there was me thinking bad thoughts. Shame on me. :-(
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http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_080907103034.aspx
Can anyone with direct contacts at CP or in Italy find out what happened last night.
BTW Curly.
Hows yer heid this morning. Great result(s) for Scotland. Bit of a wee reverse for The Repunlic and a real downer for Israel against our southern neighbours.
Talked to a couple of mates in London this morning and while they were delighted that England won, they felt that the day of Steve McClaren's reckoning may have only been postponed. They are very concerned what may happen against Russia.
They also think That Scotland will BEAT France and The Republic will win against the Czech version of the same.
Sharkeys was buzzin enough yesterday. If those results all come in on Wednesday, well anyone digging underground nearby better watch out for the roof caving in.
Hail Hail
Estadio
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Hey
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GG.@3.46Thought I detected a distinct anti mineshafter slant in your recent missive from the front.This is in thebest traditions of Scottish journalism.Congratulations! In spite of that,enjoyed it muchly. Your foreign correspondent etc.etc.etc.
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Lucky? Me?
You better believe it.
A certain Mr Wang Tianpu of the Sinopec Export Company Inc only wants little old me to be their sole representative/book-keeper for all their transactions in, and I quote - 'The Europe countries'
I would be what he refers to as their 'Payment receiving officer'
And all I have to do is send Mr Tianpu all my personal details - easy peasy. Then I just have to sit back and watch the cash (10% of every transaction!) roll into my bank account (Details of which he needs me to supply to facilitate easy transfers of said cash)
Jealous?
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Doggone it Ulysses,
I wanted that job.
He must have rejected my application.
Right heading to Whistlin to drown my sorrows!
Hail Hail
Estadio
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Ulysses
the least he couldve done was let me know Im sacked.
After all the money Ive put into that company as well.
Peat
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new post on www.thelordofthewing.blogspot.com
why, maybe us Celts don't care aboot internationals
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TOAST
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Hi Kano, howz tricks?
Anyway…………….International week………….Not too bothered by it all…….don't really support Scotland but its good cheer for my Dubai based Scotland supporting pals when they win, fine, they’re happy..........It's my choice eh! Well it's more than an interventionist choice of where I was born.......after all what contribution did I make to that particular happening.......C'mon the Hoops...........This thought although 'inspired' by the 'CQN Scots are us brigade' was brought to you by "if you discharge yourself from hospital, that's up to you, ok we know you are bored but take this med when you get home and don't mix it with the Jameson's son"......TBM
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Estadio:
According to a post on KDS we got beat 3-1 in the semi.
KDS
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Yon Kevin Doyle looks disturbingly like a young Barry Manilow
WeekendinnewenGland
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We finished 3rd in the tournament after beating Atalanta 3-1.
Celtic started toda's game with 5 lads aged 16 in an under 20 tournament.
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Didn't realise the play-off had taken place. Well done to the lads. Bodes well for the future.
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GG @ 03:55
On a boring day you brought a wee smile. Thanks for that.
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Noticed a few posts about Last Night of the Proms.
The crowd in Glasgow GFreen looked, on TV, to be having a good time. I said to Mrs F: "Look, this is remarkable. No union flags."
This proved to be unfounded optimism. When the young choir gave us the Skye Boat Song, two butcher's aprons were clearly visible near the front, totally swamped by saltrires and lions rampant, but there nontheless.
I thought this was a shame as it looked to me as though a change was taking place with regard to Scotland's place in the false union.
However, it was noteworthy in the extreme that, while Rule Britannia got big licks in the Albert Hall, at Swansea, at Carrickfergus Castle and at Middlesbrough, they didn't link up to Glasgow for it.
Even a couple of years ago, that wouldn't have happened.
The times they are a'changin.
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Celtic_First,
Re: your surprise at British flags in Scotland...
Maybe some people in Scotland actually still like the idea of Britain? Maybe these people are not BNP supporters or even Rangers fans? Maybe they are jolly decent folks who don't see themselves as walking barometers of cultural change?
Maybe people do not exist in easily defined stereotypes, even in the, ahem, "new" Scotland?
Maybe they were just enjoying a glass of chardonnay, some good music, and a fine late summer evening in the park?
Why read anything politically significant into a bit of knees-up on Glasgow Green?
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Funny things about Donetsk ...
There is a hotel in the North of the city called Great Britain , built in 1883. I don´t know if they do renditions of Rule Britannia on a Saturday night or if you can get a six pack of Ice Breaker Malt Liquor Beers
Terrific post in the wee wee hours GG!!
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Sack Duffield
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The Lanarkshire Proms of wine, music and evenings in the park stretch from March till October and outwith those months on funeral dates for deceased Promenaders.
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Onee of the best was when we were waiting for our transport to Aberdeen on a snowy morning (December 22, 2001) around 8.30am.
Promanders, I hazarded.
Hark, surely not?
But it was indeed.
All on the council tax. Roam on the rates.
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Sorry - I meant POMANEanders
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Purgatory Card, laters amigos
AN-CAAAWALH
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GG -
Yes... "Mein Schafter" is shaping up into the genre-busting phenomenon we all knew it could be.
I know you'll bear me in mind when you need a representative to PITCH THIS MOTHER to Harpo Collins...
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You're In My Heart......
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macjay @ 11:58
I am on record, unlike the Scottish media, as a Happy Clapper.
I can't be anything else for two reason:
I have a positive disposition, glass half full type
I suffered enough barren years with Rangers dominant through Struth, Symon, Souness and Smith managerial tenures, to have confidence that Strachan can emulate the Stein achievements, except maybe 1.
(Eerie. Everyone of those managers have S as the first letter of their name.)
'GG wondering
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ItaliaBhoy
You pick up correctly on my tendentiousness: I believe the union is a sham and an anachronism.
You could very well be correct. The union flags could have meant nothing more than a desire to join in the fun. Mrs First said: "You can't deny it [Rule Britannia] is a great tune."
I agreed it was, but said the triumphalist, supremacist, opressive lyrics wasted it. Add to that the predilection for them of a supremacist Rangers support, it would be hard to get away with the 'just a bit of innocent fun' thing in Glasgow in 2007.
Also, if it all meant nothing, can you suggest a reason why the powers at the BBC chose to link to all other waystations, but not to Glasgow for Rule Britannia at the end?
There could be a plausible explanation, but I can't come up with one.
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Hoopla
I was trying to think of something to replace the old "SS Celtica Log Entries" I used to do at night.
You gave me the idea for the Mein Schafter reporting.
I hope to get as much enjoyment out of it as I did the SS Celtica posts.
'GG reporting for CQN. Will CNN notice and sue?
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Celtic First
Saw a tee shirt in the supermarket car park today with the logo:
Come over to the Dark Side. We have the chocolate cookies.
Maybe we could add:
and the best tunes
'GG gearing up for NFL Sunday.
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Fine words JamaicaKangaroo. Parenthood is full of joys, but I cannot imagine what they are going through.
Cheers Oregonbhoy.
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GG
Agreeing that it's a rousing tune in the Albert Hall (the dirge ensemble at the Brox doesn't do anything for me) is not the same as saying the Devil has all the best tunes.
I don't agree. Anyone who thinks it's true needs to buy a couple of Monteverdi CDs.
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Paul67,
Read Shaun's interview today with the Sunday's. Would appear that him MON not seeing eye to eye these days.
I reckon now your comment after the windy shut about maybe going back for him in January could be a goer after what i read today. Sounded like a bhoy who is really miserable and realises the mistake he has made. That interview was a cry for help in my eyes!!
My opinion was that it would be it dead in the water if it never materialised in the summer.Look like i might be wrong. Not for the first time.
I wonder if he bumped into Gordon at yesterday after the game at Hampden??????
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End of 1st Quarter at the Meadowlands.
New England 7 0 NY Jets
NE converted on their first possession, oterwise it looks like a typical 1st game of the season.
'GG
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Jets block a NE field goal attempt with 10 minutes left in the half.
NE dominating possession and yardage.
Pittsburgh lead Cleveland 17 - 0.
'GG on the CQN Sports Desk
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A fantastic piece from Estadio over on ETims.
Well said that man.
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Surprise shock and disbelief
Jets equalise. 7-7.
It's a bit like us dominating Rangers for 80 minutes and then losing a late goal. We can all equate with that.
'GG for CQN Sports America.
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New England restore normality with a 6 yard touchdown pass from Brady.
Oops. Hold on it's being reviewed but it looks like it will stand.Ruling stands Touchdown New England.
Point after good and New England lead 14 - 7 with 1 minute left in the half.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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El Diego-
yup.
Estadios Explains What Big Jock Knew
Well said that man.
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EDB, cheers for the heads up on Estadio's superb article on ETims -absolutely up to the standard we've come to expect from the great man.
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winninggemmell
Duffield Watch:
1. When interviewed post-match yesterday about the Mikolaunias dive yesterday, McLeish said 'it's not a problem in Scotland' which sounds a wee bit off chief exec script.
2. Duffield appealed to the 'tartan army' not to boo the Lithuanian anthem and respect the tune. His appeal fell largely fell on deaf ears, judging from what I heard.
His career with the SFA is a follow-on from his miss for Brighton, missing the wide-open goals of the real issues in contemporary Scottish football. He's yet to hit the target.
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WOW What a start to the 2nd half for New England.
From the kick off NE return for a
108 yes 108 yards touchdown breaking the NFL.
Ne 21 7 Jets.
'GG for CQN Sports
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108 yes 108 yards touchdown breaking the NFL RECORD of 106 yards.
'GG
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Estadio, that piece you wrote for ETIMS is an absolutely superb article. Well done sir, I wish I was half as eloquent as you.
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Brady airs it and has a 51 yard touchdown pass to Moss.
NE 28 7 Jets
Bigger blowout than Henin's win over Kuznetsova last night.
'GG for CQN Sports
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RobinBhoy
Thanks for your support and nice comment. True, Portugal were excellent team, no doubt. We were bit lucky. They have better players we have neter coach, that was the difference. I was much impressed by their right winger Jose Bosingwa. Excellent player. I think he will not play too long for Porto.Sooner or later there will be a club fro UK which will pay more money to him.
P.S.It seems you know nice places in Wroclaw. Don't forget about me when you come to Warsaw.
GG
Thanks for your loud support. I hope your neighbours are Okay.
Goals from the game Portugal v. Poland
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Last season whilst in Lisbon,the Celtic fans gifted a huge shirt in tribute to the player who died playing for Benfica,to the Benfica fans.
If anyone from the group is out there?
Are you interested in doing something for Madeline McCann,and her parents?
I believe that the McCanns are innocent people.
I can only imagine the world that they are living in.
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I see a post on Kerrydale St suggesting that we should look to bring in James McFadden as part of any future sale of Thomas Gravesen to Everton. Any thoughts? I'd be in favour.
BTW - well said, tinytim.
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Zbyszek
Glad to lend my support.
I have a Polish neighbour and I asked after the Spartak game whether I should hug and kiss him after Boruc's penalty saves.
Fortunately my enthusiasm had dwindled by the time I saw him. I'm not sure whether the moustache would have tickled or not.
BTW Why was Artur given a red card?
'GG
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NE Blow out Jets on opening day 38 -14.
Miami Washington tied at 13 - 13 with 30 seconds left.
Come on Marino oops wrong era.
Goint to OT I fear.
'GG
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GG
Think it was a yellow card.
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Great job, Estadio on the Big Jock knew article.
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TT
I agree with your view but no one knows the end game to this. I wouldnt get involved.
sesor
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GG
It was yellow for wasting time in a first half. IMO Artur did not deserve it.
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test
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Redskins convert a 40 yard field goal in OT to beat Dolphins 16 - 13.
Now for Roger Federer strutting his majestic game on teh tennis court.
'GG resuming NY sports coverage for CQN.
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test
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My mistake on Artur's card bhoys.
Too many distractions.
Re Estadio's article, I have no hope that the mentality will change for a "minority" (hopefully) of Rangers fans.
However, people like Edward Ursus illustrate that there is hope that a sizeable majority can change attitudes.
What is missing for me is clear direction from the club that there will be zero, and I mean zero, tolerance for the thugs and hooligans who perpetuate bigotry and intolerance.
So Murray, stand up and condemn the rowdies.
Ban them.
Take the short term hit in the finances.
Your legacy will be all the better for it.
'GG getting off the "orange" box.
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test
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Anyone else think SadiesBhoy's a bit testy tonight? :-)
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Estadio,
Another wonderful article. Keep telling it like it is.
tinytim,
Well said. I totally agree with your sentiments. The McCann's need our continued support. They must be in a terrible place right now.
I believe it was the Jungle Bhoys who prepared the banner for the tribute to Miklos Feher.
Lubo.
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Yes! Yes! I'm back at last after wandering in cyberspace for 40 days and 40 nights! Mwahahahahaha ....
-
Now for the Main Event.
On a perfect sunny day in Queens Federer is attempting to win his 4th successive US Open title.
Stay tuned to CQN Sports Channel for regular updates.
'GG for CQN Sports
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EDB
My excuse is that I can't go out when it's too sunny.
Wireless connection on shady deck keeps me in touch.
Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams in attendance today. No doubt among others like Greg Norman and Chrissie Evert.
Routine start to match as Djokovic holds to make it 2-2.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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GG
Your post in the small hours was excellent following on from your SS Celtica posts in past days which I enjoyed so much.
-
5-4 to Federer. Djokovic to serve next.
It's a cat and mouse affair as we get to the sharp end of the first set.
Both players are holding their serves comfortably.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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dJOCKovic for me GG . Are you wearing one of those Howard Casey headmikes as you report in all the news that's fit to print?
More mince on Donetsk....At one time, according to Wikipedia, it was known as Stalino. It has a population nowadays of about a million .. and if we can only just look at this like an away game up at Tannadice ...
Goodnight and may your Ghods go with you!
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Zbyszek ,
The referee in your game was the same Signor Rossetti that handled the Celtic- Spartak game. He gave many strange decisions night night also, including non free kicks.
He certainly is not the new Colina.
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Estadio I read your post on e-tims.
Im very proud to have read your books and also to have met you. I very seldom meet Celtic supporters who are not good Bhoys and I have nevr me ta bad CQN'er but your piece makes it all hang together.
Ed I know you are disgusted with this campaign but it would be intersted if you posted Estadio's link on your preffered forum and saw the feedback. Not as a bad thing but just for a litamus test.
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GG,
I'm afraid your benign Rangers supporter is on record as saying that these people believe that the slur to Big Jock is true. As if that somehow excuses them.
The evil tree does not bear forth good fruit.
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GL2
Good to hear from you. All's well?
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Champions League Group E
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Federer beats off a break point at 5 all.
Then makes an unforced error to give Djokovic another break point.
Hits yet another unenforced error to give up the break.
Djovic to serve at 6-5 after the break with the opportunity to take the first set.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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tinytim
Good point. Such a banner may be displayed al over, but Benfica home, and especially away, sound like ideal locations.
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Morning Campers,
In Dubai heading to Singapore.... Had a great week met my famly friends and collegues.... Great week!!
I also want to say Scott Brown is going to be a star........
Hail Hail
SPC
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apologies about the spelling, had a few....
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Djokovic goes to 40-0 and then loses 3 points in a row.
Deuce. Can Federer get it back on serve and take it to a tie breaker?
'GG for CQN Sports.
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GL2
Got your response. Having PC problems so will reply later.
Cheers.
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Federer beats off 5 yes 5 set points and takes it to a tie break.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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EDB no probs as usual im doing the usual
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Eagerly anticipated by, well, no-one...Connect Music Festival coverage continued...
SATURDAY 1st SEPT
The Hold Steady it's another sunny afternoon, and a smallish but enthusiastic main stage crowd has shown up for this US band. Their latest album, 'Boys & Girls in America' is a corker, and I'd been playing it constantly in the run-up to the weekend.
Each song is like a short-story set to music, tales of small-town life in the States. The music is garage rock at it's most thrilling. Seriously recommended.
Green Trumpet Rating: 9
If They Were a Team: Gordon Strachan's Team 3 - already looking stunning, just how big can they be?
Primal Scream Saturday was a bit of a lost day for TGT and his compadres, I can't quite get my head round it but we managed to miss everyone else until the Scream headlined. I think we may have caught a couple of Teenage Fanclub tracks, but I really can't recall.
We got it together for the Scream of course, good Tims that they are. A festival wouldn't be the same without 'em, and I need only report that 'Shoot Speed Kill Light', 'Loaded', and the awesome 'Burning Wheel' were all present & correct. 'Movin' on Up' as well, which always makes me think of our beloved Hoops.
GTR: 8
If They Were a Team: Celtic Seville Team - totally experienced and battle-hardened.
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Noel,
You're a legend.
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3-3 in tie break as both exchange mini breaks and change ends.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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3 set points to Federer at 6-3 in tie break.
Djokovic may have cause to regret this 5 missed opportunities.
Roger just misses with cross court backhand.
6-4.
Double fault hands Roger first set.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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Tom The Tim
Rossetti was very scrupulous in both games, but more scrupulous yesterday to the detriment of two teams. Fortunately, of two teams.
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Djokovic comes out to start second set.
Those 5 opportunities must be weighing heavily on his mind.
Federer leads by 1 set to nil.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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Both players hold service and Djokovic leads 2-1 as they take a break.
This game is smouldering awaiting a spark.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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Djokovic breaks Roger in 4th game to take a 3-1 lead.
He consolidates the break to love.
4-1 to Djokovic and Federer is making an unusually high number of unforced errors.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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Zbyszek,
True, but his decisions were an irritation to both players and fans and interrupted the flow of both games. Although, his penalty decisions added to the excitement and on balance ,cancelled each other out.
Well done to Poland. They reminded me a lot of Celtic inasmuch as, although faced with opponents with superior skills, they showed great courage and stuck to their task.
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TomTheTim :- Firstly can I say I'm no ones benign Rangers fan, I'm a Rangers fan pure and simple, who enjoys posting on here and enjoys mutual digs along with many other posts on here. On my previous post I'm afraid you are correct' in that there is a sizable number of Rangers supporters who do believe it. I'm on record both on here and on a couple of Rangers sites as stating openly I don't. As for my opinion of Mr Stein my very first post on this site under the name KilwinkieHun was on my admiration of him.
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3 break back opportunities for Federer.
He only needs 1 and we are back on serve.
Djokovic leads 4-3 in 2nd set.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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I've been travelling (still am) and came late to this thread. That's a shame, for me at least, as I'd have liked to take part in several of the earlier discussions on this thread. I'd still like to make a couple of points though, for anyone who can tear themselves away from the tennis updates.
Paul asked in his article - "Will we see profits retained for the development of the club, or will dividends absorb the spare cash?"
Paul and various other people have expressed relief that the £15M profit is all going to be retained. My understanding is that the board had no discretion in this matter, as paying a dividend would have been illegal. Dividends can only be made out of ‘distributable profits’ (accumulated realised profits less accumulated realised losses) and there must be sufficient profits to cover the payment in its entirety (Section 263, Companies Act 1985).
Even after last year's profit, Celtic's 30 June 2007 balance sheet shows accumulated losses of £24,514,000. I'm not an accountant, and stand to be corrected on this, but I believe that Celtic will have to make future profits of £25,000,000 before any dividend to the ordinary shareholders can even be considered.
Whether dividends should be paid once that happy position has been reached is another question. I believe that for the good of Celtic they should; or at least, they should be seriously considered when that time comes. But perhaps I should leave THAT proposition for another day.
Paul, well done on securing this interview, and on securing so much interesting commentary on the board's strategic thinking. The one thing I would have liked to see getting more prominence in the article is the following quote from Brian Quinn, who spoke of your drawing a "...false distinction between commercial success and football objectives They go together rather than being in opposition - that is surely the story of the last few years at Celtic Football Club."
The financial debate on CQN has moved ahead hugely in the last couple of years, but sometimes I despair of this fundamental truth ever becoming common currency amongst the support, even here. Perhaps I'm being too pessimistic, though; the very fact it can be mentioned in the article without causing a storm of dissent is something that surely couldn't have been contemplated a few years ago.
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Federer holds serve to love.
Djokovic holds his service and leads 5-4 as once again we get to the sharp end of business.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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Dick Byrne
Last night I was in the company of a friend who knows the McFadden family well.
He told me that WGS enquired about the availibility of James McFadden in the transfer window andhe was told that business could be done but only at the price of £5M. McFadden was apparently kean but WGS not so kean at that price.
This may of course be unfounded rumour and gossip mongoring but thought I share it any way.
If You Let Me Stay - Terence Trent D'Arby
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neilR
I think your post will be a welcome relief to many.
Hopefully your thoughts won't get lost in the debris.
Federer serving at 5-6 to try to take it into another tie break.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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...again, feel free to skip if you aint too bothered about rock...final dispatch.
SUNDAY 2nd SEPT
Regina Spektor I was dragged to see this Moscow-born New York chick by the missus. A bit too arty and kooky for my liking. Tori Amos-ish.
For one song, she played the piano with her left hand only, whilst using her right hand to hit a kitchen chair with a drumstick. No doubt very clever, but not my thing really.
GTR: 5 (Mrs says: 9)
If She Was a Team: No sporting analogy springs to mind!
The Polyphonic Spree
You may have encountered these guys - there's around 30 of them onstage; they have a bizzare, cult-like conviction to everything they do; they have harps, trombones and a theremin onstage. They used to wear flowing robes, but now they wear army-style fatigues. Certainly unique.
New stuff flowed past in a nice enough way, but the songs from their first album, especially 'Soldier Girl', sounded tremendous.
GTR: 7
If They Were a Team: Oh, this is getting ditched!
Big Star
The band Teenage Fanclub have spent a career rippi... sorry, being influenced by. We could only stay for around half of the set unfortunately, as we had to leg it back to the main stage, but I've now heard Alex Chilton sing 'When My Baby's Beside Me'. Perfect.
GTR: 7
LCD Soundsystem
Our decision to watch Polyphonic Spree and Big Star meant we had to miss the weirdness that is Bjork, which was a pity. We were back at the main stage though for LCD Soundsystem. A perfect headliner to bring the weekend to a close.
Hypnotic, uplifting, euphoric. It's dance music, but played by a real band on real instruments. I caught these guys in the Barras a few months ago, and it's sometimes curious how certain bands can't really fill a bigger stage, or an outdoors venue.
No such problems here. 'New York I Love You, But You're Bringing Me Down' brought the show to a close, and there was nothing left to do but repair to the cider tent for another several Koppabergs for a nightcap.
GTR: 9
The Result
Well there you go. We spent the weekend sleeping on the deck, constantly drunk as skunks, and covered in mud... so you didn't have to.
Apparently, they're going to do it again. Anyone considering it next year: go for it.
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block109 -
cheers amigo
he hasn't a clue, frankly
WG
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Federer faced with 2 set points serves an ace.
Federer survives a ball less than a mm out and saves the game to take it to a 2nd tie break.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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no-one got it in for me tonight ?
Oh well, there's always tomorrow....
LOVE to all
Nite
WG
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ni
TTD
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GG @ 17.53
Same disposition as yourself, and similar vintage. Remember Symon and his successors...including wee Davie White, in fact knew Scott Symon's son. A very pleasant fellow. Cant remember when Struth retired. My first game was early fifties, and well remember the drought after the 7-1 game. I was lucky to have attended in the care of my older brother. Looking forward to the fiftieth anniversary of that game.
Perhaps the 'S' you refer to may mean devilish. As a matter of interest, which of Steins achievements do you feel may be beyond wee Gordon? When i read Brian Quinns interview above I just started to feel a little...whisper it...Jock Stein moment. orrabest.
macjay
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having survived another 2 set points Federer now has a 2nd mini break. Leading 6-2
Wins set with a fabulous backhand drive down the line.
Federer incredibly leads by 2 sets to nil.
He has looked beaten in both sets but has recovered remarkably to take them.
He plays with the same belief as Celtic.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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macjay
The BIG ONE on May 25th.
Symon succeeded Struth in '54 or '55.
My first game at CP was against East Fife in 53.
'GG for CQN Sports.
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WG Were you into terence or different stuff when you were about 22
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Eventually got this reply from Setanta after complaining about the non-showing of the QPR friendly after they avertised it heavily on their website. They are talking rollocks of course.
"I can only apologise that we did not show the Celtic match I believe that it was shown at a later time but was not shown live due to lack of interest."
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Updates interruptus as my beautiful grand daughter has appeared.
Normal service will be resumed later.
'GG for CQN Baby Sitters.
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Edward,
You are many people who post on here's benign Rangers fan and I never said that you believed the slur.
Only that you used that as a form of justification for those who insult humanity. No excuses for these people. Zero tolerance.
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justnippedoot...etc;
To be fair to Setanta they don't state a lack of interest "on whose behalf".
I can just imagine their PR man saying "We've had to keep on telling our countless callers that there's no demand for this sort of thing."
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macjay,
The Glasgow Cup
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sftb
They have lied about it being shown at a later date whichever way you look at it.
Thier committment just isnae there now they have the EPL gravy train tae worry aboot.
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All
Ah told ya! but ye didna listen,!
Dis MEANINGLESS CRY dat da G.A. ur noo Howlin' and Keenin'
Should be IGNORED AND FORGOATTEN, 'cos it JIST HIZ Nae MEANIN'!
Ye couldna charge dem wi' LIBEL, for da Judge he wid laugh,
An' if ye tried tae pursue it....
He'd soon tell ye whaur tae get aff!
Think aboot it!
Ah masel' dinna hav a clue whit they ur oan aboot...or whit dose woids imply!
As faur as ah am concerned,in those woids there is NAE SENSE TAE BE HAD!
Der is no enough Information given,
tae mak me even a Teensy Weensy MAD!
How kin dey dey INSULT Ye... if there is NAE UNDERSTAUNDIN' TAE BE HAD??
So, TREAT IT WI' DISDAIN, an' leave it Alane,
Fur tae try an' mak Head or Tail o' it.....
COULD DRIVE YE INSANE!
If ye put dose Three Woids into a Computer an' asked it fur da meanin'!
It wid reply:
"Why dinna ya ask me an easier question... like...
Whit wid be da best way tae stoap da Tower o' Pisa... frum. A- LEANIN'?"
Na, STOAP even mentioning da SUBJECT oan dis SACRED BLOG!...
An'Dat is da Final Woid,oan dis...
Frum dis wee furry DOG!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Cheers for that GL2
TTD was the man who made making the "difficult second album" more difficult than anyone in popular musical history.
My Love Lives In A Dead House - LOve and Money
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On Estadio's post
I have accepted the advice of my wise elders, even though there are fewer of them left, and my
