 Thursday, November 08, 2007
Benefits of Champions League progression mostly intangible
I know the intangible value of Champions League football; if Spartak Moscow won that penalty kick competition we would currently be participating in the anonymous Uefa Cup group stage, which has failed to register on my horizon. The same is true for progression to the knock out stage. We enter the Champions League proper planning to advance, not to pick up a compensation prize, but the tangible value of the Champions League knock out stage is less concrete. Celtic earned more money from their Uefa Cup games against Liverpool and Barcelona, when they were able to sell TV rights, than they did from the Champions League knock out tie against Milan last season. The Uefa Cup is also much more generous when it comes to handing out coefficient points. Factor in the higher probability of progressing further in the Uefa Cup and the advantages become clearer. Of course, if you draw, and lose to, a club from a small nation with low TV revenue opportunities in the Uefa Cup, these advantages disappear. I want Celtic to progress to the Champions League knock out stage, but I am neutral on Rangers prospects. A Uefa Cup run is likely to earn them more money and coefficient points; maybe two Scottish teams in the Champions League knock out stage would be the best outcome.
Did I just type that?
Labels: Finance
232 Comments:
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Blog Blog
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Just noticed!
Awful quiet on here of late! Where are all the usual doom-mongers? Especially after a great midweek result!
Maybe they're all on their way back from Spain?? 80)??
(In the spirit of Mon 5th, lights blue touch paper and stands well back...)
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A few words from our departing Chairman:
"Outgoing chairman Brian Quinn says he is leaving Celtic in safe hands after hailing manager Gordon Strachan as one of the world's top coaches.
"It's very important Gordon remains," said Quinn.
"Gordon's style irritates some people - he's a wee bit idiosyncratic - but there is no better coach in football.
"He leaves the financial side to Peter Lawwell. It's a great division of responsibilities. The best two signings I've ever made? I'd say so."
On the rearranging of this week's fixtures: logic would suggest that the St Mirren - Rangers game be played on 4/ 5 December or 18/ 19 December as neither side has a midweek fixture. Interesting that no decision has been made as yet.
But I'm sure they won't want to leave it until after the 2 January meeting at Celtic Park. We are currently three points clear and if we have played an extra game could be going into the match at least 6 points ahead.
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You make a good point about Rangers, Paul. I spent a good deal of time during the game last night sending texts back and forth to my brother debating the merits of the results of Lyon and Stuttgart and how best to stop the non-footballing team of Glasgow progressing any further in the CL.
In the end, it was just too complicated to call, and maybe it IS best that they progress to the last 16.
In that way, they'll finally be up against a decent team who'll now know the Wattmeister General's tactics, and, as it is knockout, they'll be found out since they'll have to come out of defence at least once!
Still can't believe they got the easiest group possible and we got the hardest!
As my other brother is always asking himself... "Is Walter Smith a good manager, or is he just damn lucky at it?"
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Mike
One of the comments in the Spanish sports press was that even Scottish teams had sussed these tactics now, as Rangers' recent away form proves.
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C1st...
It should also be interesting to note how they do against Lyon and Stuttgart in their next 2 fixtures, now that their game's a bogey! Surely those 2 teams can't be as bad again.
I reckon Barca watched them against us and were just happy to come out unscathed against them, 2-0 being just enough to get the win. Why risk serious injury?
I even noticed Cousin launching himself at their goalie late on last night!
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Eh, apologies if someone noted this on the last thread...but doesn't this sound a wee bit familiar:
The man who added pace to McGeady’s bag of tricks
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They have had their success already(qualification for Uefa)this will be their excuse after Lyon overtakes them for second spot.
BF
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Gordon_J
Nice story about BQ! I agree with him totally! Unfortunately for the GS detractors, there's absolutely NOTHING they can sling at him constructively in a footballing matter, so they just come up with "I don't like his treatment of the press". The same press they all claim to hate with a passion!
Also, I didn't realise that was the only 2 dates available before the end of the year! Do you reckon the powers that be are waiting to find out what kind of result they'll need in the CL before deciding the date of the remaining fixture?
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Martin
The bit at the very bottom is good:
"© All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited."
Quite right too, Herald. You wouldn't want upstart blogging sites stealing your article ideas, now, would you?
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"Before, Aiden would be trying to beat a player two or three times in the same area, but if you do that then there's a greater chance that one of the times it will be taken off you. Now he just does it once and he's away, tearing the heart out of them."
And this was always my complaint regarding Aiden. Not just him, but I've witnessed at schoolboy level in my son's teams, the coaches don't seem to want to coach this out of players. To me it's just a simple philosophy... Play as a team!
At professional level, Joe Cole and Ronaldo have learned it and it's improved their game. I always thought that once Aiden learns it too, we'll have a prospect on our hands! Good to see that he has! Still not the finished article, but not a long way off!
Getting back to Dupont... If he's learned all of that philosophy from the same French school of thought that Arsene Wenger has, then the future is indeed bright!
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I hope Rangers lose every game they play.
Can't be fairer than that.
WG
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this could even mean the mothers avoiding relegation.
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Do you think Binya was ready for the toilet when looking for Skoosh ?.
From BBC Website
"I tried to look for Scott Brown at the end of the game because I wanted to excuse myself," said Binya.
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Paul,
First time contributor but regular reader for a long time...
Normally I would agree that qualification for the Champions League is better. But, this year we lose all our coefficient points for the run to Seville. So, next year when the draw comes round for the Champions League group stages unless we get a good run this year, we could well be in Pot 4.
So, for this year only, I'd prefer that we get 9 points in the group, get knocked out on goal difference and then get a good run in the UEFA Cup.
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Miketw10
To be fair to young Aiden, in the past a lack of sheer pace, and/or great upper body strength, meant that once he had beaten his man, he often seemed to find it difficult to get away from him.
Considering the 'god given talent' he has, it was no surprise to me that to beat him again to try and get free was his preferred option.
Now, this incredible close control had been supplemented with BOTH increased upper body strength, and an extra couple of yards of pace(and the know how to set it off).
I think this is a major reason for his change in style rather than a previous lack of team play...
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Look at this link for the stats from the CL group games so far:
UEFA group stats
Celtic's stats look pretty underwhelming compared to the other teams in our group, but positively exceptional compared to Rangers' stats!
CELTIC:
2nd lowest goals scored in group
Least shots on target: 17 vs 28 (av. of other 3 teams in gp)... (-39%)
Least shots overall: 38 vs 57 (-33%)
Least corners won: 19 vs 25 (-24%)
Least offsides against: 5 vs 8 (-38%)
Least ball possession: 28 vs 31 (minutes per game) (-10%)
So Celtic have had generally about a quarter to a third less than the average of their opponents in each of these categories, which together give an indication of how attack-minded teams have been.
However, we do have the best disciplinary record in our group.
RANGERS:
2nd lowest goals scored
Least shots on target: 13 vs 28 (-54%)
Least shots overall: 26 vs 51 (-49%)
Least corners won: 10 vs 25 (-60%)
Least offsides against: 5 vs 13 (-62%)
Least ball possession: 25 vs 35 (minutes per game) (-29%)
Rangers have had generally less than half as many in each of these categories as the average of their opponents.
And the worst disciplinary record in their group!
The above stats make for a pretty dire assessment of each of our Scottish teams in the Champions League... but also indicate that the most positive & attack-minded teams don't always prevail, as we could yet see both our teams qualify from their groups in spite of the stats.
And we can also take a little comfort from the fact that there were 13 Scots and only 11 Englishmen (by my reckoning) in the starting line-ups of Champions League matchday 4, in spite of the fact that here are twice as many English teams taking part!
So the next time one of your English colleagues tells you about English clubs being the best in the Champions League, you can remind them that if this is indeed the case, it is only so because there are hardly any English players playing for them!
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Michael_67
Fair point, but as far as I'm concerned it's always easier to pass it to a team-mate after you've beaten an opposition player.
I don't buy it that Aiden found himself in an advanced position, only to find that team-mates couldn't keep up. I noticed plenty of times that he just didn't pass when he should have.
Even one of the presenters on STV the other night (Sorry, don't know who it was) said as much. To paraphrase... "We just used to put 2 on him and show him inside all the time, but he seems to have added that (decision-making) to his game now".
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If Wattie's duds, as they were being described by many on here, qualify then they will have matched the achievment of Big Eck's team. This puts the "Holy Grail" of qualifying for the last 16 into context. If it was a magnificent achievment for a Pot 2 team to qualify last year then what would a pot 4 team going through mean?? We cant have it both ways!!
I happen to believe that Benfica are at best a decent team and I'm glad we were paired alongside them out of the other seeded pot 2 teams. We gave them too much respect in Lisbon in my opinion. If TFOD were drawn against Spartak in the UEFA Cup then that might affect their progress.
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Big Chips,
Interesting stats!
You're obviously a guy with time on his hands...
...and one of the englishmen was playing for us.
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As regards Binya...
He's only said that to try and soften the blow, because he knows that UEFA are going to study the tape of what he done!
And if they study it properly, they'll see that he actually checked his tackle midway through (When his knee was raised) and changed direction so that he could do what he did!
I'd ban him for the rest of the competition!
Is there any truth in the rumour that Wattie's agent has already approached him regarding a January move???
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Difficult one on the CL form of Dignity FC. It is impossible to wish them well, but there are pluses and minuses to them qualifying for the CL last 16...
PLUSES
1. They will get knocked out quicker, therefore will not make as many points as they would do in UEFA- where they could actually go quite far.
2. Erm... that's it.
MINUSES
1. Increased profile for TFOD- endless crowing about being "back amongst the big guns" etc.
2. Knighthood for the Cardigan
3. They could get lucky, and fluke a QF place.
4. We might not do it, therefore there will be claims that the pendulum of power (or whatever) is swinging back across the River Styx.
5. Might make them more attractive to deluded over-priced foreign imports. (Or is this a good thing?)
All in all, it might just be better to get two teams in the last 16 this year. Great boost for our league, and for Glasgow- how many other cities could boast 12.5% of the CL last sixteen? Milan, London, maybe Rome if both Roma and SS Nazio make it. But none of comparable size.
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Apologies Paul67 this is a day or so late:
If you don’t like whinging… maybe best if you scroll right on by.
This is a little late but the first chance I have had to post it. Should
not be taken out of context.
Dropped in after the defeat to Benfica. Did so again after our defeat to
Hearts in the meaningless cup. Neither of those times did I hang around too
long. Got the impressions there were a few man bags flying and didn’t want
to get involved lest I break a finger nail responding to some of the
drivel.
Got to confess I used to look forward to a few hours here. Now however, I
find the negativity and the emotive and aggressive apartheid of pride and
optimism, quite tiresome, repulsive even. At times I am left with the
impression that the lunatics have taken over the asylum.
I have always been told the measure of a man is the company he keeps. I was
also told that another measure of a man was the way he handled adversity.
When subjected to adversity does he toe his mutt in the butt in anger? Does
he abuse the wife or kids or all and sundry in his perceived grief? Does he
inflict on others his knee-jerk inimical opinions? Does he sit there with
his head in his hands greetin and wailing, woe is me?
Don’t know, not sure any more if I even care.
However, I do know that stoic acceptance of pain and adversity is a virtue
worth embracing. Tolerance with pragmatic acknowledgement of the true
extent of the harm is not an enigmatic trait known only to a few; it is
instead inherent in all of us; if we only choose to recognise and practice
it.
Remember the good old days and the good old ways when you never let them
know they hurt you. We didn’t whine and moan.
We gritted our teeth got up, got on with it… and got even where we could. I
remember those days and those people fondly. Time, however, waits for no
man; the evolution of generations dictate change. Sometimes good, sometimes
bad. Freedoms are granted, whilst others, are withdrawn.
Closet whingers of old have never known such freedom as that afforded them
now. The shackles of morality no longer weigh as heavy now as they did
thirty years ago. It is now no longer PC to tell a moaner he is a moaner.
Laconic observance of social etiquette is now ever so vogue and championed
by an ever increasing and ever so vocal number. Society is ever more
becoming self-serving, cynical and complaining.
Used to be whinging whining, moaning, groaning, bleating, bleeding were all
frowned upon. They were seen as a pox. A flaw, a weakness in ones
character; something to be avoided, lest it contaminates. People would be
embarrassed, mortified even when forced to endure such social excrement. To
be subjected to this pox with no avenue of escape is a torture of the
tolerant.
Selfish and crass compilations of considered whinging is no more than that.
Selfish and crass.
Not any more though. Nope, not at all. Those days have gone. Now, whinging
is an art form protected under the right of freedom of speech. Whinging is
encouraged not only on these pages but on other blogs. Morons are
advocating whinging being good for you and an essential emotion requiring
to be exercised. Exported and distributed whether the eventual recipient
wants it or not. To counter it is becoming oh so wearisome.
Well I advocate before you subject others to your drivel. You print out
your art and recite it to yourself in front of a mirror. If you can do that
and not feel remotely stupid maybe then you have something worth sharing.
Maybe in these days of affordable technology you should record the moronic
bile you spew from the stands. Most gut wrenching of all, you spew it down
on our own players. Go on, I dare you… record yourself and then in one of
life’s little quiet moments, when you find yourself at a lose end, play
back your vocal support of Celtic and then tell me you didn’t think
yourself as much a plank as I did listening to you on that day.
The art of class is dying. You most definitely don’t have to be affluent to
have class. It is free to anybody who wants it.
The art of conversation is dying. Ditto, above.
The art of debate is dying. Ditto, above.
The art of social etiquette is dying. Ditto, above.
The art of manners and respect is dying. Ditto, above.
The art of whinging is alive and kicking. There are now 6th dan ninja
whingers and like Morris Dancers and Campanologists these former pariahs
are more and more prevalent out with the asylums walls.
Derision, envy, greed, dissension, cynicism, doubting, hypocrisy and denial
are some of the tools to perfecting the skills required to be a whine
artist. Whilst decorum, tolerance, perspective, consideration, reason,
prudence, responsibility and class are mere obstacles that have to be
negated or ignored as the artist pursues the mother of all whines. They
just cannot keep their intellectual flatulence to themselves. Just got to
get it out there and share it with the masses irrespective of the
ramifications. A plenitude of sad pontificators, polluting the minds of the
young. Nurturing a second generation of educated greetin’ faced
barstewards.
Let me ask you…if you were aware that your, ‘bleeding’, contributions were
having a detrimental influence on youngster, would you knowingly, after due
consideration, continue to belatedly, ‘negative post’? Belatedly, because
most whinging is proffered post event, following ample time for due
consideration. They are not a spontaneous voice of dissatisfaction or
disappointment; they are instead premeditated displays of calculated and
crass moaning. Their purpose is beyond me and beggars explanation. The
bile on the page is worse than the bile in the stands. Ten fold. You have
had longer to digest, reflect and manifest your opinion in whatever form
you choose. Your choice reflects on you. Made to measure to inspire or
depress.
Is it your intention to belittle and deride others for your own personal
gratification?
Do you perceive the literal castration of another human being a sport to
aspire to?
After all those months of ridiculing Aiden McGeady, calling him a fud
amongst other niceties, do you not now, think yourself, just ever so
slightly, a bit of a fud yourself.
After all your carping about Lee Naylor don’t you think yourself a wee bit
of a diddy after his displays of late.
After all your relentless, bellicose baying for the head of wee Gordon
Strachan don’t lose your own head when you set out on that quest to engage
your last decent brain cell. There must be hundreds of craniums being
subjected to a sphinctorial death squeeze today.
What never ceases to amaze me is how some can take an anorexic thought and
convey it in such obese articulation. I just know it is all your own work
too. Your pride would not allow you to phone a friend, nor plagiarise from
an alternative site. How sad would that be if a whinger was found to be
borrowing a fellow whingers whine, whilst being neglectful of due
accreditation to the original author. Now that would be sad don’t you
think? One greetin’ faced git stealing another greetin’ faced gits whine
and purporting it as original work.
Tut, tut. Couldn’t possibly catch on… could it? Naw, didn’t think so.
The subject matter is oft shallow and insidious. The articulation is
robotic and defeatist. Apriority is a stranger to conclusion. Bile is ever
present and pessimism is the flavour of the professed prognosis. All good
stuff eh?
Tailor made to inspire hope?
Pre-posting, do you prepare yourself with a perverse ritual of self
castigation; fine tuning your pessimism and cynicism, resulting in a
cataclysmic eruption of woe and grief.
You’re pissed off and you want to share it with us all. Great, we can all
be part of a global, mass manic-depression.
How magnanimous, how thoughtful?
No.
How nauseating; emetic even.
On posting, life without a smile, do you lay back in your chair, hands
clasped behind your head, rereading your insidious offerings and think to
yourself… F.I.G.J.A.M.
Bet you do don’t you? Come on you can tell us… you know you want to.
A sad satisfied expression of delight and pride creases your face on
viewing your latest literal leprosy on that screen in front of you. Then
you go all red and apoplectic returning to the keyboard thrashing out a
most public apotheosis of hypocrisy.
Why?
Oh that’s simple. Sad, but simple.
Some other more tolerant poster who has mastered the ability to endure, to
smile; who does not fell the need to debase them self or others, actually
had the audacity to either contradict, or correct you. Or maybe he just
pointed out that your posts were repugnantly depressing and he wished he’d
never had the displeasure.
Somebody of a pleasant disposition has something good to say and you want
to hang the geezer. Screaming and spraying at your now, saliva covered
screen, you remind us all, that it is your opinion and you’re entitled to
express it; even if it is nothing more than puerile whining. In between
throwing you toys from the pram, toeing your mutt in the butt and wiping
the slaver from your chin with the back of your hand, you declare a Fattah
on all non-pessimists. A crusade to the grave in defence of your gloom.
Better take a time out there, No Life, half your screen is covered with
half you kebab and Blue Nun.
Time out! Time out!! Take a moment, simmer and take a few deep breaths. In.
Out. In. Out. Oxygen to that lonely brain cell.
There now, now you feel better. Now you can think again and generate more
of your unadulterated intellectual flatulence.
Simmer laddie. Calm down… if you pop a blood vessel now, you’ll see nought
on that polluted screen of yours.
Here. Why don’t we do a few pre-posting exercises, so we can determine, to
what level, we will pollute the minds of the young and easily influenced,
today.
This exercise is called comparisons:-
1) Encourage or Criticise
2) Class or Crass
3) Support or Detract
4) Ambition or Fantasy
5) Tolerance or Angst
6) Contentment or Envy
7) Benevolence or Cynicism
8) Optimism or Pessimism
9) Devotion or Apathy
10) Enthusiasm or Lethargy
11) Charity or Selfishness
12) Faith or Apostasy
13) Appreciation or Derision
14) Objective or Subjective
15) Promise or Denial
16) Humble or Vain
17) Reasoned or Dogmatic
18) Hope or abject, obtuse Despair
19) Honest or Not
20) Perception or Preconceived
21) Witty or Facetious
22) Informative or Condescending
23) Acknowledge or Discredit
24) Advance or Retard
25) Accurate or Gossip
26) Fact or Libel
27) Our Way or Their Way.
Quite a lot to consider eh?
I am well aware that it would be hard to adhere to all the appropriate
choices. I also know that perceptive constipation is becoming as epidemic
as whinging itself ,but surely, guy who has forgotten how to laugh, you
must be aware that your osmotic pontificating will have some form of
negative influence on others. Your perception easily translates to your
reality. Your reality is dark, damp, foreboding and unwelcome. I’d rather
live my life with my lights on.
Some geezer of old once penned these words, wonder what he meant by them?
Some have meat but cannae eat
Some have nane that want it
We have meat and we can eat
So let the lord be thankit
Are you alive, man of many moans, or has life gone to sunnier climes?
Some of the diddies that go on the Radio and claim to speak on behalf of
all Celtic supporters. Well hold on there mate. At least do me the courtesy
of excluding me, when you so publicly malign any player or employee of
Celtic Football Club. Because mate, this is one Celtic supporter who does
not agree with you, your methods or your opinions. So please feel free to
do and say what you want, just don’t tell the world I agree with you. I
most definitely don’t.
Now before some of the Hardcore Mineshafters reach for their automatics to
take a pop at me… ponder this… You defend your right to whine under the
cloak of, freedom of speech and the right to voice your opinion. I too,
claim likewise. I claim the right to whine but I also reserve the right to
pick my subject matter. Excuse me if I don’t subscribe to precedent and
join you in maligning the old favourites of Brian Quinn, The Board, Paul
Telfer, Aiden McGeady, Lee Naylour or any of the other well worn whinges.
No I choose whinging as my subject matter. I want to moan about the
moaners. The afore mentioned rights are non-exclusive. So, before you start
popping away, remember the minefield of hypocrisy stands between us.
I am not WGS, I am a Celtic supporter, who wishes him and all who are
employed, in whatever capacity, by Celtic Football Club
The very best of luck and all the good fortune their god can bestow on
them. For all their time with our club and beyond.
Being a supporter entails enduring the bad, whilst celebrating the good.
Before you scream your pathetic and crass bile try and remember two things…
‘enemy’, abuse… inspires… whilst ‘friendly’ abuse… deflates. Not
too hard
to understand. Secondly, as you spew your moronic filth at one of our very
own players, (the ones who play in the hoops, for those who find it hard to
differentiate) take this thought away with you… most people, who heard
your filth, think you a ‘pure tube’. A pox on civility.
The best supporters in the world? Somebody somewhere is having a laugh. But
you’ll have to excuse me while I gag, then clean my blood, from my screen.
Hypocritical celebration by the ignoramuses; now that is laughable. If it
were not so sad.
If you view it so bad why do you bother?
What a tube. The answer just dawned on me… you want to be a supporter on
the good days. How obvious.
Now if there are any who are not offended I’m up for a beer before the
Aberdeen game.
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Jesus , Kitalba ,
Not surprised you where a day or so late , you must have broken more than one finger nail writing that epic , Im on lunch now for an hour so I'll have a read through it
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Dubaibhoy, and one of the Scots was playing for Man Utd (to cancel out Naylor for us).
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Now for a short post
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Interesting stats BigChipSuk. I don't think they tell the whole story though. For example we have the least shots on target and overall, and I know it's subjective, but I don't think I've ever seen Celtic create as many clear cut chances as we have at this level. We could have scored a number of goals against Benfica in both games, especially in the second match. We managed to get two goals against Milan when I thought we'd be lucky to get one. We created numerous chances against Spartak Moscow also.
I think possession is the main issue for us and I don't blame the midfield or the strikers for that but the problem lies with the defenders. All too often do they punt the ball up the park, or hit a slack pass to the opposition under pressure. The loss of possession, often in dangerous areas allows our opponents to pile the pressure on us. This for me is why our opponents create so many chances against us, not so much bad defending. I don't necessarily think they're bad passers of the ball either, just too often they don't do the simple ball. More of a mental thing I think.
I feel sorry for Jan because of some of the criticism he has received since the game. I thought he linked up well with McDonald and the midfield, and won a number of headers. He had long periods out of the game, but this was because he wasn't getting the service (because our defenders were losing the ball before sustained pressure could happen)not through a lack of effort from him. He faded out of the game in the second half, probably due to tiredness and Strachan was right to take him off for Killen. I stillt hoguht he was less effective than Jan though except for wasting the last few minutes.
Jarosik was one of our better performers as well. He showed great composure, and won a number of challenges. He done the simple things and done them right. He also won us a few free kicks in good areas which was important as set pieces were always a against Benfica because our height difference was much greater than theirs. He tired as well around the hour mark, but the midfield looked more disjointed after he went off. There was one moment which Jarosik had me raging though; he didn't close down the winger who put the cross in which Cordoza missed a free header from. I guess that was tiredness sinking in.
All in all I was happy for everyone as I think they worked hard for the win. The first twenty to thirty minutes were nerve wracking but with the odd exception I was generally comfortable after that. We have a little break now for our players to get some proper training for the first time since the beginning of the season. I hope we will be working on improving the way we move the ball from defense to midfield. It was an issue for MON's team as well but we often had two holding mid fielders in Lennon and Lambert so it was not as noticeable.
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Kitalba,
Whilst acknowledging your obviously strongly-held and well-articulated views, don't you think you are geting a bit carried away?
Fans moan, all the time. That's our lot. Secretly we all "know" we could do better than whoever is on that pitch, if only the beer/birds/lackofability hadn't got in the way at 17 years of age. Our response is to moan, complain, and then celebrate wildly when things go right and we all reserve the right to reverse all of our previously articulated views.
That's football. It's not a matter of life and death, despite what a great man once said.
If you don't like the tone of a post, either a) argue like hell against it, or b) ignore it.
That's what blogs are for. As another great man (nearly) said: We are all Celtic fans, we all inhabit the same planet, we are all mortal, we all breath the same air.
Chill.
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Emu - to be fair mate, got to disagree with your comments. Last season we where against a very good man u team and a good benfica team, was a tremendous achievment 9 points, 3 wins.
Mcleishs huns qualified with the lowest points total in the CL history and without winning a single game, and the 3 teams in the group where rank, porto where the no 1 seeds and they where awful.
This season we are up against a shaktar team that spent £40m in the summer, the CL holders and a fairly decent benfica team. Again qualifying will be a great achievment.
What i will concede, even though stuttgart and to a lesser extent lyon are humpty, if the rats do come 2nd (which they wont) this will be a remarkable feat. but as i say, they will get beat in germany, and lyon will pump them.
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speaking to friends in Barca no rangers fans seem to have made their way to their michelin starred eateries last night.
I also chatted with a rangers supporting friend who left ibrox the other week disgusted at the filth being directed at ronniedinno racist etc.
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Kitalba...
That's what I was going to say!
No seriously, well said!
Just be careful now that you don't get labelled a 'board apologist', 'having blind faith' etc etc
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bazzabhoy,
Agree. When McLeish took them thru they carried an incredible amount of luck. Porto were gash, but still played them off the park in Portugal. It was the luckiest point in CL football I've ever seen. Seven points to go through- a once-in-a-lifetime fluke, only Dignity FC could get away with it.
However, if they go through this year, it will be a real achievement. Despite Lyon being in decline and Stuttgart being exceptionally poor German Champions, to qualify when seeded fourth out of a group that includes the champs of Spain, France and Germany would actually be pretty amazing. Has any fourth seed ever qualified for the last 16...?
I think they'll do it. If they don't, it will rival Advocaat's hilarious failure a few years back, and McLeish's own first-to-fourth-in-a-night performance in the UEFA in the snatching-defeat- from-the-jaws-of-victory stakes.
That's enough hyphens for just now.
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Taken from CM since its a quiet day.
A rivalry with roots in kings and coal
Richard Stonehouse traces a great enmity between fans that predates football Sunday October 23, 2005
The Observer
At 1.30 this afternoon, about one million people in Tyne and Wear and an additional million more from the North-East's diaspora, will watch and listen to what they consider to be the most important match of the season. Yet, to the rest of the watching world, the outcome will be observed with indifference.The Tyne-Wear derby may be perceived by the uninitiated as parochial and unsophisticated, but like the world's greatest derbies it has a historical conflict as its bedrock. And if anything, as a basis for a rivalry, the Sunderland-Newcastle derby is the most legitimate conflict anywhere.
Some of the great derbies are based on issues that are trite and irrational. The historical class difference, for example, between the Milan clubs - Milan traditionally unionist and working-class, Inter upper-class and conservative - is now moot, given the chairmanship of the right-wing Silvio Berlusconi at Milan. Their historical reason for difference has dissipated, as it arguably has for Juventus-Torino, Real Madrid-Atletico, and Panathinaikos-Olympiakos.
The Celtic-Rangers rivalry has been written about extensively, and needs no elaboration. Other than to say that if football can act as a metaphor for international and jingoistic warfare, then the Old Firm is the most articulate. But the Tyne-Wear derby wins in its secular and concise regional conflict.
It does, after all, predate football by 226 years. It is a conflict that has divided two cities, 12 miles apart, for more than three centuries.
In the epoch before the 1600s, King Charles I had consistently awarded the East of England Coal Trade Rights (try to contain your excitement) to Newcastle's traders, which rendered the Wearside coal merchants redundant. People died because of it. Coal and ships were Sunderland's raison d'etre.
But when, in 1642, the English Civil War started, and Newcastle, with good reason, supported the Crown, Sunderland, because of the trading inequalities, sided with Cromwell's Parliamentarians, and the division began.
It became a conflict between Sunderland's socialist republicanism, against Newcastle's loyalist self-interest. A purposeful enmity if ever there was one. Unlike rivalries between other clubs, the differences between Newcastle and Sunderland date back to fighting based on the necessity to live and feed one's children, and benefit one's city.
The political differences between the two culminated with the battle of Boldon Hill. A loyalist army from Newcastle and County Durham gathered to fight an anti-monarchist Sunderland and Scottish army at a field equidistant between the two towns.
The joint Scottish and Sunderland army won - and Newcastle was colonised by the Scottish. It was subsequently used as a Republican military base for the rest of war.
And while this is a lucid basis for two cities hating each other, it has, like every other modern-day derby, developed profoundly irrational manifestations.
It has been noted that some Newcastle fans refuse to buy bacon, because of its 'red-and-white appearance' - the pinnacle, regardless of any jovial flippancy, of irrational behaviour. Likewise the past Mackem boycott of a particular breakfast cereal, because of the Newcastle-orientated marketing of its brand, is silly beyond words. However, these are benign occurrences.
In March 2000, more than 70 Sunderland and Newcastle hooligans took part in some of the worst football-related violence ever seen in Britain. It was not even a match day. What the police called 'usually respectable men and fathers' had decided to meet in mutual territory with their enemies, to fight with knives, bats and bricks.
Sunderland fans boarded a ferry towards Tyneside, found the awaiting 'army', and fought. One man was left permanently brain-damaged. Dozens of people were arrested, and years upon years of prison-time was sentenced.
The continuation of tension involves a new sense of injustice. For well over a decade, Sunderland's population has bemoaned that they have been paying their local taxes to finance both the Newcastle Metro and airport.
A perceived bias towards Tyneside in the regional and national media further compounds a feeling of inequality. It seems that history is repeating itself for the people of Sunderland, albeit in a less livelihood-threatening sort of way. Perhaps a more trivial, city-image sort of way.
But this makes little sense. Let's just hope that despite the hijacking of the game by the corporate class, and the working-class ostracising that comes with it, there remain terraces from which Mackems and Geordies can vent their invariably abusive opinions of each other without violence and civil war.
Why Mackems and Geordies?
The derivations are uncertain, but both have theories based in historical political allegiances. 'Geordie' because of Tyneside's staunch support of the Hanoverian King George II during the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion - 'Geordie' is a common diminutive of 'George'; and Mackem because of Wearside's accommodation of the Scottish 'Blue Mac' army during the civil war.
It is more likely, however, that the origins stem from aspects of the shipbuilding and coalmining industries. The Tyneside coalminers preferred George Stephenson's 'Geordie' safety lamp over the more widely used Humphry Davy lamp. And it has been accepted almost universally that Mackem is derived from the phrase Mak(e)'em and Tak(e)'em, coined by Tyneside shipbuilders to insult their counterparts on the River Wear, who would build the ships and have them taken away by the richer classes.
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Sean,
I think half of our problem is in not getting the ball under control quick enough! This is a talent that continental players seem to develop from an early age and it always seems to give them an edge.
In the spirit of Mr Dupont's coaching philosophy, I hope they are being coached this, as I feel it would add at least a yard to any player's game. Too many times when we gain possession, the ball seems to run a couple of yards ahead, and this allows the opposition to close us down quicker.
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Kitalba
Just what I was trying to say in my post at the start of the last thread, although sadly I cannot put it across in quite the same way !
I blame the schools.
TNBC
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The fans debate gets me sad because we all want the same things. Obviously there are some who consciously or unconsciously want Celtic to lose so they can vent their frustration and be proved right. But the majority will say when we have a great result or a player really does turn it on that they are wrong. McGeady would be a good example because he is a player with a lot of critics but his performances against Benfica have earned him a lot of praise. But it's sad that it takes world class performances for people to appreciate winning because in our financial situation we are not in a position to demand any more world class performances than we get, we're lucky we get as well as it is. Partly it's down to Celtic being stuck in such a small league, no one can appreciate the difficulty in playing Aberdeen and Hearts because it's taken for granted that they are easy victories. With Celtic and Rangers being the only two really large teams, and also having the majority of the support in the country means that the spotlight is always on us. Every slight issue will be done to death in the press and it gets to the fans; they become impatient and demand success straight away. The reason Martin is treated on Saintly terms at Celtic because when he took over, we were not used to winning the league nervermind European success. It's to be expected and Strachan does get stuck with the pressure of our ambition fuelled by the media. Contrast between positive fan and negative fan is nothing new, it's something all teams have and Celtic have always had. Living in our goldfish bowl heightens it but I think Celtic fans are still coming to terms with the new technological age. You have always had certain fans who like to mouth off and shout derogatory names to certain players but with the internet they now have a platform that means their opinions stick, it also means that news outlets have a lazy access to negativity. Before their negativity would be quickly forgotten but now it sticks for everyone to read and remember. As fans we have a responsibility to make sure our criticisms don't become personal attacks, and that they show some level of rationality. It's easy to forget in the heat of the moment, but if you're going to be critical maybe it's best to wait a while before you post to make sure you're not speaking spontaneously. Secondly other less negative fans need to be more tolerant to people who complain, they need to differentiate between those who are serial complainers who just like the sound of their voice and someone who is just generally worried about what's happening at the club. Their is a level of egotism on both sides of this 'divide' which makes it impossible for interaction. I put the 'divide' in quotation marks because it's not a real divide. We all want the same thing and we all are passionate. We just need to be a bit sensible.
For the Benfica match there was a guy in the pub shouting all sort of abuse at Caldwell and Jan and anyone who make the slightest mistake. I constantly heard 'you w***er' and 'you p**k' being dished out to more than a few of our players. At least he was equally abusive to the Benfica players and the ref. He had a look of hate in his eyes for every Celtic mistake, and looked like he could of had a stroke or just simply smash the tv if Benfica were to score a goal. He was certainly more than happy to celebrate our victory though and praise Caldwell for a very solid tackle in the first half. So he was not all bad, but the aggression leads to an uncomfortable environment, especially considering he was a big lad who could easily look after himself.
Basically there is no need to lose passion, and you can certainly complain and shout, but some fans need to work on the feeling of hatred that they evoke, it is really uncomfortable for everyone else and it's not necessary.
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Kitalba
FFS - is your well written but seriously long-winded blog per se not just one big moan?
Brevity being the soul of wit and all that!
Did you per chance have the same English domino as Graham Speirs?
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Reading all the laptop loyal version of events and the Dignity's FC press release... who do you believe ?
FICTION ?
Trust Praise Magnificent
Travelling Support
Thursday, 08 November 2007
The Rangers Supporters Trust would like to express its pride in the actions of the travelling Rangers Support this week. The 20,000 Bears in Barcelona - a record number for a Champions League group match - behaved impeccably, with Police reporting no arrests at the Nou Camp. The Trust awaits the media joining us in congratulating the support, as we are sure they will rush to praise us as quickly as they rushed to criticise in previous seasons.
The Rangers Support will demand no awards for their behaviour, secure in the knowledge that we are Simply the Best. Well done to each and every supporter who travelled and now on to Stuttgart!
FACT
Glasgow Rangers Fans Spill Blood In Barcelona
7th November 2007
The scuffle begins ahead of the main event.
Three Rangers fans were injured in Barcelona today after the visiting Scottish team fans became very troublesome as they were in high spirits ahead of the Champions League cracker against Barca at camp Nou. The incident became more serious when a segment of the Gers supporters stormed the area, leading to some bars and all-night newspaper kiosks in the famed 'Las Ramblas' area closing their doors in response to the atmosphere of danger. Up to 700 Rangers fans were reportedly involved. The Guardia Urbana Barcelona and the Mossos d'Esquadra, the national and local police forces, have seemingly yet to make any arrests.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona have closed their ticket offices to Rangers fans, apparently on police advice, to ensure that there is strict segregation of supporters in the Nou Camp.
Rangers fans have had a history of violence. As far back as 1972, the club was unable to defend it's Cup Winners' Cup title which it won in Barcelona against Dynamo Moscow, due to violent clashes between supporters and the Guardia Civil after the game. Some Rangers fans came under fire for their conduct in Villarreal last year, earning their side a 19,000 Euro fine in the process.
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Kitalba
dear dear Prudence.
thank-you.
printed and read.
the measure of a man.
I know a few I respect and care for.
They are different.Who knows.
It is a little genetic a funny recipe .
Asversity 100% throws the real person inside to the forefront faults and all.
Stoic acceptance of pain ?
That's 1940's talk.
Don't accept it beat it. Win.
Anorexic thought - outstanding.
Blue Nun made me smile.
gong back to the art of class is dying Blue Nun is actually being lauded amoung well heeled pallete's recentely.
Kebabs enjoy some of the finest pieces of the animal in their make up.
4)ambition or Fantasy -same thing
just be careful
26)Fact or Libel
same thing
just be careful
try sitting in my seat
chin chin siempre
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Sean,
There was one point quite late in the game where Artur managed to irritate the referee (and risked a yellow card) by deliberately moving the ball to the opposite side of the box at a goal kick, to waste a bit of time, after a Benfica player had hurried the ball back to AB. Then shortly after this AB had the ball in his hands and simply hoofed it high into the night sky in the general direction of Benfica's half of the pitch.
This is a classic example of not knowing how to retain possession, as that kick immediately became probably a 40/60 ball for Celtic, rather than AB playing the ball out to a defender so the team could build an attack from the back... and retain possession!
Most of the continental teams play the ball out from the back, but the British teams seem to want to just punt it up the park regardless.
I also felt that one of the key differences between the two teams on the night was that the Benfica players kept the ball moving at all times, often with 3 or 4 players in close proximity pinging the ball back and forth as they do all the time in training. The only time this was really noticeable in terms of Celtic doing it was when we did it wide on the left near our own goal line... which made for a nervous few seconds for the watching thousands!
Perhaps our players should practice 5-a-side more often, as that's the ideal way to develop this skill, and the ability to think 1 or 2 moves ahead of the ball and learn to pass & move instinctively.
Hopefully the extended break now will enable the team to avail themselves of the new training facilities to just that effect.
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I agree with much of what kitalba says and generally dont see much point in over doing the whingeing but we are not a homogeneous group. we cant all like the same things or see things in exactly the same way.
I must confess that much as I try to fight it, I just cannot take to Gary Caldwell and I dont just mean in a footballing sense. Probably totally irrational and he is probably a lovely guy but ........
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Kitalba,
Just finished reading it now in between number 7s from the coffee machine and some cold Kolbasz.
I agree with you that the moaners and groaners can be overly negative especially as you say post mortem but the other question is if they didnt exist either would blogs like this.
Imagine it
" We lost to Gretna today but the players could have played worse"
" I agree , put the bovril there is still one of the best"
Obviosuly I exagerate for affect but the idea behind CQN and others is to encourage debate.
What I dont like is that unfortunately it is an easy medium for the constant nay sayers. I admit to at times posting negative comments on here and on other sites but, and this is just my opinion , as long as they can be justified ,are reasonably thought out and are not bucky fuelled rants I feel no shame in them.
What is a lot worse is when what you read posted by negative folks on here , is regurgitated nearly verbatum , in the stands during a game when we are not at our best. This is the element that would be celtic detractors thrive on and this is what makes me cringe.
The place to bitch and moan is on these blogs , express your opinion but do it in away that is respectful to other posters , supporters and to the club. If you need to vent , then vent but not when the team needs a voice and a cheer behind them.
Here endeth the rant.
Hail hail
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Some or most of us have two loves in our lives. One is Celtic, the other being the significant person; wife, girlfriend, partner or whatever.
Do we treat both with the same level of respect, tolerance and understanding?
Or is there one different definition of Love for each .
Therein lies the answer.
If the dinner isn't ready, the shirt ironed or any other aspect of the home life not up to scratch, do we moan ,complain or berate our loved one for failing to please.
Is it , " I love you, but you'd better shape up or there'll be trouble".
Or do you understand if he/she is having an off day or there are circumstances in their life that are affecting their mood. of course you make allowances, because you love them, don't you?
Of course, there is always the other guy. You know him. He's henpecked at home, ignored at work so he takes out all his pent up anger and frustration on "his" football club, all from the anonymity of the stands or the keyboard.
Which one are YOU?
Kitalba, well articulated and Italiabhoy,
sometimes "chilling" just doesn't work.
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Some good points there.
I think part of the problem is that in the SPL most teams don't press us high up the park, they are happy for us to keep the ball in our own half. This means that our defense are not used to having the ball under intense pressure as they are in the Champions League.
I think your proposal is something that is already done in training but we've not had any proper training for nearly two months I don't think. We're playing two games a week most weeks and in between this there has been a lot of traveling. What training we have done has probably been practicing set pieces and just keep the players warm. I'm quite relieved that we're getting this break as I think we'll come back much stronger from it. For the first time since the begiing of the season we get to work properlly oome of our troublseome areas. It will also give a chance for some of our tired and injured players to get fit
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The problem we have with keeping possession is that it is entirely alien to our home grown players and most of the supporters in Britain.
Players at an early age are not encouraged to retain the ball and the shout of get it up the park remains a constant from under 8's to the professional game. There are times when instead of playing a ball down the line, a nice simple pass of 5 yards inside to a centre half would keep the ball in our possession but unfortunately you can count the number of times this happens on the fingers of one hand.
In fact I seem to recall Neil Lennon taking abuse from our support in a Uefa cup semi final for having the audacity to keep possession of the football rather than "getting up the park".
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Hear! Hear! Bambi. I was thinking "Neil Lennon..." as I read the 2nd paragraph and then you went and said it for me!
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gl2
Thanks for that. I'm going to that match Saturday!
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Scotland squad for italy , a lot of current and ex bhoys in there , always nice to see,
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland AFC), David Marshall (Norwich City FC), Allan McGregor (Rangers FC).
Defenders: Graham Alexander (Burnley FC), Gary Caldwell (Celtic FC), Christian Dailly (West Ham United FC), Alan Hutton (Rangers FC), Jay McEveley (Derby County FC), Stephen McManus (Celtic FC), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United FC), David Weir (Rangers FC).
Midfield: Scott Brown (Celtic FC), Barry Ferguson (Rangers FC), Paul Hartley (Celtic FC), Lee McCulloch (Rangers FC), Stephen Pearson (Derby County FC), Barry Robson (Dundee United FC), Gary Teale (Derby County FC).
Forwards: Craig Beattie (West Bromwich Albion FC), Kris Boyd (Rangers FC), James McFadden (Everton FC), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa FC), Kenny Miller (Derby County FC), Garry O'Connor (Birmingham City FC).
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Kitalba 13.59 Excellent post,
Italiabhoy 14.14 excellent reply,
Well done guys.
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Aye Terry, but just a shame they're not good enough for Scotland until they leave Celtic...
That's why we're paranoid!
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BigChip,
Too true unfortunately,
ItsonlyParaniaiftheirnotreallyafteryouCSC
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Wot? No Darren Fletcher??
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Kitalba,
lighten up.
Marca website has interesting video footage of the great imperialist ambassadors boxing in the streets of Barcelona. "We're so proud" - RST
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In yesterday's HM Daily Telegraph[SIMBT] there was a very full obituary on ACM legend Nils Liedholm. In much less'scientific' times he was able to play almost to the age of 40, such was his devotion to training. Once the daily practice session was finished, NL would work on his allround athleticism- he would throw the javelin,shot putt and work on his high jump! The story goes that he did not misplace a pass for over 2 years- when he did he got a standing ovation as it was such a rare event! He seems to have been a real innovator in his attitude to training, and he deserves to be more well known.
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Bloke 109 is it your first time at 1?
I'll be interested in what you think about it. I ahve been to a SUnderland game before but never the derby.
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Libel blog laws
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test
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http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2007/11/08/videos/1194511163.html
must just be a matter of time before they get honoured by uefa
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Paranoid!!
who me, never, I'm just wondering why at this stage of the season last year each story about rangers had at least one reference to "Kris Boyd, Scotlands most prolific scorer" and yet this year not a mention of who is Scotlands most prolific scorer,....hmmm I wonder why?
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Martin, ha!
Welcome Stephen; a reasonable argument.
Kitalba, stop sitting on the fence, tell us what you really think.
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barcabhoy
That is them on their best behaviour, their normally 10 times worse. On ff their discussing declining any award that Uefa might offer them, because they dont want to be seen in the same light as us.
What kind of award could Uefa possibly consider offering them?
Answers on a postcard please.
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Been lurking on FollowFollow. The following is the end of a post by one of them recounting with pride his trip to Barcelona. just about sums them up IMHO...
"Eventually got back to Los Cortes metro and jumped on. The pickpockets targeted a bear but got an absolute pasting - him and his gypsy wife were in tears lying on the subway train. He deserved every punch he took for being a theiving b*stard and especially for him and his pals ruining many a bears trip. One of his mates charged at us with a pole (i'm sure many of you seen that.), but he soon met a charge of his own which resulted on him being leathered and down on the metro lines, hopefully the train were quite regular.
After the game La Ramblas and squares were bouncing, still in high spirits with every bear smiling with pride downing their 40's or cans of that cheap red lager in the cans.
Left Barca early this morning and finished off with a bouncy on the plane just after we landed.
Also met a lot of good guys from FF, some that i haven't met before.
Brilliant trip, one of the best i've been on...
We Are Rangers, We Are The People.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Celtic have been to Stuttgart, Lyon and Barcelona in recent years so it will be possible for the inhabitants to compare and contrast the deportment of our support with theirs. They really are horrible, horrible people. I know our supporters are not all angels but the cheeky Bears are a candiru in the jacuzzi of European football.
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Brilliant and far sighted planning by Duffield and brithers, interesting tae note that engurland play Austria in a friendly and then a possible tournament decider against Croatia which is as big as Scotland/Italy and yet their leagues continue. It’s also interesting to note that Serie A has a full card this weekend. Absolutely stinks.
Gordon (Sunderland) - Playing in a derby game against the Toon on Saturday;
Marshall (Norwich) – Away tae the Pilgrims on Saturday;
McGregor (Rangers) – Day off tae recuperate fae a pounding in the Nou Camp;
Alexander (Burnley) – Away tae Leicester on Saturday;
Caldwell (Celtic) – Day aff for nae significant reason;
Dailly (West Ham) – Away tae Derby on Saturday;
Hutton (Rangers) – Day aff tae practice his diving;
McEveley (Derby) – Home game against the Hammers on Saturday;
McManus (Celtic) – Same as Caldavaro
Naysmith (Sheffield United) – Away tae the Potters in a late game on Saturday;
Weir (Rangers) – Day aff tae recuperate fae having a new backside inserted;
Brown (Celtic) – Same as Big Mick;
Ferguson (Rangers) – Didnae play at the Nou Camp so disnae really need a day aff;
Fletcher (Manchester United) – Home game against Blackburn
Hartley (Celtic) – Same as Skoosh;
McCulloch (Rangers) – Same as bammy;
Pearson (Derby) - Home game against the Hammers on Saturday;
Robson (Dundee United) – Probably suspended anyway;
Teale (Derby) - Home game against the Hammers on Saturday;
Beattie (West Brom) – Monday night game away tae Coventry;
Boyd (Rangers) – Day aff tae pull the splinters oot of his chorus;
McFadden (Everton) – Sunday game away tae Chelski;
Maloney (Aston Villa) – Derby game away tae Brum on Sunday;
Miller (Derby) - Home game against the Hammers on Saturday;
O’Connor (Birmingham) – Derby game home tae Aston Sellick.
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Paul67 - Any chance you could give us figures for total revenue (including TV money) for the Liverpool and Barcelona games, and total revenue (including bonus CL group qualification points) for the Milan game?
To all other CQNers - please don't tell me what happens at the end of Kitalba's post of 13:59. I've read the first few chapters and am going to finish it tomorrow.
Hail Hail
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Basically, they have never gotten over the success we made of Seville. Green with envy and looking to trump us at every (overseas) opportunity.
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Wee Joe McGoebbels will be desperately spinning like a hamster in a tumble dryer to equate the recent visit of the Corinthian Casuals to our trip to Seville.
Any mention of any unpleasantness will be carefully airbrushed out.
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Meanwhile back on planet earth, the decision by the authorities not to confront the "thousands of Rangers fans" who caused public order offences for two days solid is turning into a political set-to in Barcelona.
This story is about the two opposition parties having a go at the socialists that run the region for their passivity.
Heads could roll.
By law, anyone drinking alcohol in the street should be fined. Using streets, squares, venerable monuments to local heroes and the doorways to churches as open-air urinals is pretty much no-go too.
http://www.lavanguardia.es/lv24h/20071108/53409808008.html
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Kitalba;
Took the words right out of my mouth.
However,you missed out John Reid.
Hail Hail
JonG
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kitalba.
Loved your post,exactly my thoughts, but I could never have put them into words as you have.
You sound a bit disallusioned with some posters on here but do'nt let them get you down.
I'm up for that drink,just name the place and I'll be there,BB's is a nice place, but it's your choice.
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Thats twice that clip has been posted and twice it has frozen after 20 secs, meaning I have probably missed the best bits!! What happens? Does it have a happy ending, or are they still alive(and kicking)?
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This one reports that Barcelona city council have complained to UEFA, to FC Barcelona and the UK consul about having to cope with thousands of people who, having turned up without a ticket, have "no reason to be in the city".
The politician mentioned is the one who took the decision to stand off as the Rangers fans created "four tonnes of rubbish" in the Pl. Catalunya.
http://www.lavanguardia.es/lv24h/20071108/53409773537.html
Perhaps the Follow Follow posters expect some kind of award for generating the largest amount of garbage ever by a visiting support.
A big crowd gathers in that square for the bells on 13 December. A very big crowd.
It usually generates 25% less than the Rangers fans managed. That surely is worth some kind of award.
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13:23, Stephen
You are right re. dropping off the Seville year but the situation re which Pot a club is in, is decided by several factors the most important of which is Scotland's co-efficient
The country's co-eff decides where it is in the league. If a country is in the top 8 then the champions of that country go straight in to the Group Stage (the Pot is decided by club co-eff).
My calculations (SCOTLAND'S CO-EFFICIENT ) show that Scotland is unlikely to drop below 12th position (lower means only one club qualifies and will have to play in the qualifying stage) or rise to 8th pos (this means automatic Group qualification for the Champion club).
Apologies if you are already aware of all this but it may help others to appreciate the importance of Scotland retaining a position between 9-12 to assist Celtic's continued drive for GOD.
So how about this wish.......Rangers qualify for the UEFA Cup and earn a few valuable points for Scotland and meanwhile Celtic qualify for the last 16, earn the bonus points and with our home record let's not be afraid of any team at C.P. and we earn a few more points.
Everyone is happy except WinningGemmell!!
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As previously alluded to by Martin42 ..
05/11 Paul67 writes article about the effect of Gregory DuPont's methods on Aiden McGeady.
08/11 By astonishing coincidence, Martin Greig of the Herald writes an article about .. er .. the effect of Gregory DuPont's methods on Aiden McGeady.
Paul67, if I may - your next move is obvious - Publish a piece tonight contrasting the attitude of Spanish people to visits by Celtic and Rangers fans ...
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Perhaps not everyone will be surprised to learn that Scott Brown is in joint 4th position for the players who have committed the most fouls in the Group Stage of the C.L.(he is also in j10th pos for being fouled) What few ,or any, will be aware of is the name of the player who has committed the most fouls per minutes on the pitch. Clue: he plays in the SPL. No Googling, just have a guess.
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It's either McCulloch or Hutton surely?
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Good call Sean but no.
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N/letter- wee Joe Macgoebbels, who is a very cunning character, could post a wee made-up bombshell on [eg]CQN, causing consternation amongst the support. He then writes it up in his'newspaper',saying that it is an item that's appearing in the Timternet, thus pushing the blame for the origin of the disinformation back onto ourselves.
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My dear friend, Kitalba.
I have just written this to say...
I am in total disagreement with ...say... 98 per cent of what you have mentioned in your..? ( Diatribe?...ed)( Eggzactlee!)
Stuff and nonsense, old chap...
One must always have the Yin and the Yang...the Wall to bounce the ball back... the Salmon that swims...Down-Stream!
This blog would soon become a fond memory ... if we did not have dissension among the subscribers.
So.....
Put me down for......
Vive la Difference!
Kojo.
Yer pal......who thinks yer swell.
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Celtic_First
'four tonnes of rubbish'?
But Kris Boyd didn't play.
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Interestingly in our group Shaktar has proceeded the most goals with 7, the rest of the teams have 4 goals. So it shows that they certainly have their weaknesses which hopefully we can take advantage of.
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I wonder if any of our Spanish hoopsters can provide some idea of the gist of this article?
My Spanish is not good, but it seems pretty damning to me...
http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/web/gen/20071108/opinion_53409675639.html
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Spartak Moscow have beaten Bayer Leverkusen 2:1 with Pavluchenko getting the first. He scored the goal against us and two against England. It may have been a penalty but he gets the goals in the big games. I don't think we should underestimate how good a result beaten them was for us. They should be in the Champions League with us.
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gl2
Yes, been to a game there before, but never the derby. Sitting opposite the main stand, well in with Sunderland fans. First 'non-Celtic' derby and really looking forward to it - I'll let you know.
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Well Hoopla the title says 'please, they return never more'
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Here's the full translation
http://www.randalstowncsc.co.uk/modules/news/article.php?storyid=76
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not a pretty sight
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celticlover, Chris Killen
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Paul
I wanna point dis oot.. mak sure ah get it oot... dat Da Dundee Jam-Woiks, hiv withoot a doot...
A Player dat we ur playin' Suit!
He is a Hartley clone.... he is in dat Zone...
He has mair Chuztpah... which we need... A mid-field battler... we need tae Succeed!
JJ an' Donare ,are French Gateaux, who look da part... but, ur No...Ye Know!
We hope we get 'im...although, he kin sing nane!
He jist is saddled wi' a famous name...
WEEL.....No Exactly... but close enuff.....
If ye still dinna know who it is.....
Den ah'll jist forgetttaboutit an' go in da Huff!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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sean.
Your right about about the Celtic result against Spartak Moscow,after the result I bet Spartak at 50/1 to win the UEFA cup,because they were a good team when they played Celtic, and it was unfortunate that one of them had to lose.I really fancy them to win the UEFA cup.
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Séan,
I agree re: Spartak Moscow, that's why i put a couple of quid (each way) on them winning the UEFA cup before even their first UEFA cup match. I got 66-1, although i would imagine they would have shortened by now
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OldTim,
Good to see i was not thinking alone.
I hope you win yer bet ;-)
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Surely to be a legend you have to be significantly resigned to the past? Well if this is the case then it's too early to claim Larsson is one as he's still banging them in at a high level. He's scored into Galatasary. Half time: Helsingbourg 2 - 1 Galatasary
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Sean, thanks very much for that link.
I think - with thanks to Mr I. M. Larsson and the Randalstown CSC for the translation - I will give it some room here...
El Mundo, 8/11/2007 -
"PLEASE, DON'T EVER COME BACK AGAIN
Dear Rangers supporters- never come back to Barcelona again. And not because your players themselves aren’t a legitimate team. No, it’s not because of that- the Nou Camp frequently hosts teams who are lazy, boring, who only defend, who run and kick their opponents, and who shouldn’t be in elite competition. On top of this, Rangers merely defend, run at the opposition and play dirty. Their defenders are butchers, their midfielders, heavy-footed; and their strikers just stand there like the furniture.
But even apart from the footballing aspect, the best thing would be for Rangers never to return to Barcelona, because every time they do, they make a mess of the place. 35 years ago, you (the Rangers supporters) destroyed the seats at the Nou Camp. This time we have enjoyed no less than 48 hours of brawls, provocation, rackets, fights and common drunk women throughout the whole city, which you have fouled however you pleased.
Stay at home and vomit in your own living-room, urinate in your sitting-room corners, fight with your neighbours, the Celtic supporters (who deserve a prize just for putting up with you) and foul the streets of Glasgow instead. Don’t come back here again, because it is not a laughing matter. And, by extension, don’t play in the Champions’ League either. You are not at that level neither in a sporting nor human sense.
There are noisy groups of supporters who, although they drink vast amounts of beer, make friends at the same time. But you? Not you, because everywhere you go, you turn into a rubbish tip. You are undesirables. And so are those who fraudulently sell, or “rent out” their tickets. These people screw Barca over, because they trade their season tickets illegally. And in doing this they cause massive annoyance for other members of the club. A true Barcelona fan would not re-sell their ticket for the match. If you are not going to the match, give it to a family member, or you could even use the 'Seient Lliure' service (an automated ticket service used by some Spanish clubs including Barcelona).
From now on, the responsibility lies with UEFA and the club itself to ensure who the ticket is sold to. The best thing for all of us would be that you as a supporter, in a moment of lucidity, decide not to travel if you do not have tickets. As that is never going to happen, those who sell the tickets illegally must be brought to justice. But the best thing would be if we never had to play Rangers again."
"You are undesirables."
Don't think I could've put it better myself. ; )
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Collie
Prince Buaben or something similar?
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Paul67-
I salute your intangebility !
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EldiegoBhoy
Ah'll see ya later...gangin' oot wi da gang...fur a Baked Potato!
Ah love dem...god fur gie me!... but da taste is great... it's almost unseemleeee!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin',Awaggin'
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Collie if your talking about Barry Robson then al be happy he is aggresive,skilful and ideally suited to playing in the SPL.
Donati at the moment is Jarosik wae a tan,ah hope he gets better maybe as Gordon Strachan says he needs more time to adjust to playing top flight games week in week out.
Paul Hartely is now playing like a Celtic player after an intial time when it looked as if he might not cut it,thats why am prepared to cut Donati some slack,Jarosik he can get the next bus.
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BigChipSuk (13:31)
Just goes to prove UEFA have it in for the rangers club.
~
16 days to go.........
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http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.1818170.0.0.php
Paragraph 7 - Aidenho referred to as a "mercurial Irishman". Commentator on Sky called him Irish the other night too.
Is he Irish, or can I call myself Italian on the strength of my Great-Grandad being born in Rimini?
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When Teddy gets into the midfield, he'll be hard to shift. Another stormer from him against M'well reserves.
Sno looked good too, as did Bobo.
Maciej scored a fantastic volley after a great move involving O'Dea, Riordan and Teddy.
Robson..Mmmmm... No.
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Noel,
The egg must still be in flight.
Strong Westerly winds may make landing difficult.
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Helsingborg 3-1 up away to Galatasary. Great result so far for the KOK.
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Tommy-
˙˙˙˙˙sǝuıʌoq ǝɥʇ uo puɐl ʎuuɐɔ ƃƃǝ ǝɥʇ
-dıɹʇsɹıɐ uuıɟʞɔıɹɹɐɔ ɟɟo sooɔ ǝɥʇ ʇǝƃ
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Paul,
Collie has just been touting Barry Robson from the Arabs but they also have a brilliant young forward in their ranks who would crawl over broken glass to get to Parkhead and that is CRAIG CONWAY!
He has been out for the last month or so with a leg injury but is now back to full fitness.
Believe me, he is a young man with two-footed ability, great potential and willingness for hard graft like Aiden.
The best of it is that both players could be had for less than what JVOH earns in a year!
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Paul - an interesting discussion. We all know the importance of the CL group stage, but I have also often wondered about the relative financial and coefficient rewards of last 16 CL (and likely elimination) and UEFA Cup (with the potential for a lengthy run).
When you say that Celtic earned more money from their UEFA Cup games against Liverpool and Barcelona than from the CL knock out against Milan, are you adding the money from the Liverpool and Barcelona games together, or did we earn more money from both games individually?
Do you (or anyone else) think tomorrow's decision re Glasgow's Commenwealth Games bid has any significance for Celtic?
Kitalba - you obviously spent a lot of time preparing that post. I'm sorry, but I'm getting just a little bit sick of smug, holier-than-thou types implying that I am some kind of a second class supporter because I sometimes criticise the board, the manager or a player. I totally agree this needs to be done in a constructive manner and NEVER, EVER during a match. I detest the way some players have become targets for our fans while others are immune. Otherwise I don't agree with you at all. Pretending everything is fine when it evidently is not is both stupid and unhelpful.
The board are doing many things right, but in my opinion their ultra prudent strategy is a gamble.
Gordon Strachan is doing many things right, but in my opinion his team selection at Ibrox was wrong, and he has failed to improve a weak defence.
Aiden McGeady (to take one example of a player) is doing many things right (very many things very right on Tuesday) but in my opinion I agree with the widely held view that the end product often dissapoints.
These are constructive criticisms, similar to 90% of the criticisms on CQN. I do not have children, but I imagine supporting Celtic as rather like bringing up a child. Praise, encouragement and constructive criticism delivered in a timely manner all have a role to play. Ignoring faults and sticking your fingers in your ears when something is clearly not right is not the best way to get what you want from your child or indeed your football club.
bryce
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We are very much a mixed bunch.
Some are happy to sign SPL players like Barry Robson while others only want world superstars like Scott McDonald!
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Celticlover,
Cousin or Bawwy
BF
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Terrymac
Don't think Collie is thinking of a forward player and what has Craig Conway got to do with singing?
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Bryce,
Winning the Games for Glasgow will bring a great deal of investment to the East End, which can only be beneficial to us. It would also bring thousands of visitors to the area, and I'm sure given our world wide reputation that many will visit the ground, buy merchandice, etc.
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re: McGeady
I don't mind the idea that his final ball often disappoints, if McGeady gets by the defender 15 times per game and only hits 3 successful crosses, that means the forwards have three chances to score. Besides that, for me the most important task for a McGeady-type player is the ability to take the ball forward, beating players but equally as important, creating more time to bring other players into the game. It's no coincidence that with the improvement in McGeady's game has also seen an improvement in Naylor's. Images of last year with Naylor overlapping his winger happened more on Tuesday than in all of this season so far.
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Hoopla @1828, many thanks for that link - it's a complete classic, right up there with the famous "ragged army of insanitary pests" article from the 1920s and all the better for being contemporary and written by a neutral.
Here's my own translation, which I had almost finished by the time I saw the other from Randalstown CSC. I've corrected a few minor mistakes in that one. No doubt I've added my own, but both versions capture the flavour of utter contempt that drips from every syllable.
El Mundo Deportivo, 8 November 2007
PLEASE, DON'T EVER COME BACK
Dear supporters of Glasgow Rangers, don't return to Barcelona. Not because your club is a real gang of thugs, though it is. No, not for that reason: the Nou Camp abounds with lazy, boring opponents, who only defend, run and kick, and who should never be allowed to sneak into competitions for top teams. It is because Rangers run, defend and kick badly. Their defenders are butchers; their midfielders, ankle-breakers, and their forwards pieces of furniture.
But above all, it would be better were Rangers never to return to Barcelona because each time they come, they cause huge problems. 35 years ago you (Rangers fans) destroyed the seating of the Nou Camp, and this time there have been been more than 48 hours of brawls, provocations, rows, fights, and loutish drunkenness all over the city, which you have besmirched in every way that took your fancy.
Stay at home to vomit in your own living-room, in the corners of your sitting-room, pick fights with your Celtic-supporting neighbours (who deserve a special mention just for enduring your presence) and foul the streets of Glasgow. Don't come back here, because nobody likes you. And given all of this, don't play in the Champions League. You're not at that level, either in a sporting or a human sense.
There are exuberant supports who make friends even while consuming huge amounts of beer. But not you, because you turn everywhere you go into rubbish tips. You are undesirables. And so are those who fraudulently sell or rent out their tickets. These people are ripping off Barca by selling their tickets illegally. And they cause major hassles for other members. A true Barcelona supporter wouldn't resell his ticket. If he doesn't go to the game, he gives it to a relative or friend, or, like many, uses the club's official ticket reselling system.
The responsibility for who tickets are sold to should lie with the club and with UEFA. The best thing would be for you, in a moment of clarity, were to decide not to come to Barcelona if you don't have one. As that is impossible, it's necessary to go after those who sell tickets illegally.
But the best of all would be if we never draw Rangers again.
______________________________
Mistakes or not, I'm e-mailing this to every football fan I know, juxtaposed with today's delusional press release from the Rangers Supporters Trust.
O wad som Power the giftie gie us
To see ourselves as ithers see us!
It wad frae monie a blunder free us
An' foolish notion:
What airs in dress an' gait wad lea'e us,
An' ev'n devotion!
Robert Burns: 'To A Louse'
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Dear Kitalba,
Your post 13.59 is immense.
About 5 days ago I tried in my own way to express my feelings on this disease of negativity that seems to befall too many people on this blog and at CP. Thinking over this again; I wonder how much of the behaviour witnessed among our own is a social problem out with footballing criteria. We are both fans and supporters, who are by and large Celtic born. Fans rant and rage it’s in their make-up, that’s their enjoyment, but they also abuse the very thing they hold dear, it’s something I can’t get my head around. But I know this - they are not supporters; supporters don’t verbally express livid hatred against a Celtic player simply because he receives the ball, or comes onto the playing-field.
CQN is fairly mild compared to the filth spewing forth from the mouths of fans at CP. Unfortunately, I too don’t have the opportunity to see Celtic very much, and therefore glean a lot of pleasure from reading most of the comments on here from Celtic minded people. But..., the repetitive tone from many on here, their continual moaning carried with a depressing morbid satisfaction, has on occasion forced me away, I’ve got better things to do than read doom and gloom from demented fans.
I just wanted to say I am in agreement.
HHB
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edb
craig conway also uses the alter ego of russ douglas who is "only sixteen" and can play the piano with eight and a half fingers
Howevah he cannot sing old man river dee like mr robson
wheres the tennent's csc
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Kojo 18:16
Damn 'n' blast, but I have to say I agree wid ya:) Everybody and anybody is entitled to express their neg vibes, if that's how they feel, internet wise. Abusing our players at CP although is a totally different, always been an encourager than a moaner, 'live' as you might say.
Watching the Aberdeen - Lokomotive match, some lovely, fast, crisp passing movements from both sides early doors,end to end, nice game. Oh and it's just started snowing.
Spartak won 2-1 by the way, 2 pens.
Oh, goal foe the Dons, nice one.
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Eldiegbhoy
Da Gaff is Blown, da Horse has fled...
TerryO has hit da GONG....wit' whit... he said!
An' TerryO,if ye ur der... ye ur lookin' sharp da day an' whit is mair...ye must be guid lookin' an' hiv Curly Hair!
My buddy, Kevtic..ye ur oan da Ba'..... as Pierre agreeeeees wi' ye... an'.... Me, anawe!
Da Times we live in...it's upside doon... noo CHEAP, is in...An dear is OOT!
Larsson and Macko, hiz proved it!.... withoot a Doot!
If we could jist git back... hoo much we spent.... on JJ, Tommy an' dat Italian Gent!
An' Jayvoh tae...dat enigmatic Giant....
Who canny Jump fur Toaffee!..ya know... he really can't!
He canny dribble...he is muscle bound...an' yet he cost......
Three Million Pound!
Noo add up awe dat dough.. an' wadya know?
We could Buy every guid young SPL Player.... frum Kelso oan da Boarder.. tae da reaches o' Scapa Flo!
Ah'll tell ye dis... an' dinnae forget....
A Lotta Money, disnae guarantee Qualiteee.... Ain't dat da trut'?
Ya Wanna Bet?
Ah swear, Forsooth!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Good to see the King of Kings continue his european scoring exploits with the opener for Helsingborg in a surprise 3-2 win at Galatasary tonight.
-
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sdstim
Kojo, wiz here...but noo he's not...
He is oot wi' a Lady...who is Hot tae Trot!
Whit diz dat mean?...Ah really canny say..
But dat's hoo dey describe her... doon
Kentucky way!
Yer right, ma young Solon...yer thinkin' is swell....
Withoot a dab o' contraverseeeeee...
Dis Blog wid go......
Tae, H...!( If da kiddies are watchin?... it's also known, as da Big Bad Fire...as well!)
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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TheLeftWinger.
I put a tenner on them at 50/1,I wish I'd gone to your bookie as it makes a difference,if they win I'll lose 150 quid just because I picked the wrong bookie,Wm Hill was the bookie by the way,
Who was offering the 66/1.
Just looked at the betting for Celtic to win the CL 150/1,I do'nt really fancy them, but I think the'll get into the last 16.
Rangers are standing at 125/1.
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And so it begins.
With Mrs GM out and about this evening I thought I'd settle down with a beer and a pizza to watch the Daily Huddle and catch some clips of Tuesday's game.
Alas, no Daily Huddle for two weeks because of international break.
To amuse myself I tuned in to the Bayern Munich v Bolton game on Channel 5.
I had no idea what a strong team Bayern have and wouldn't be too confident of an extended UEFA Cup run if we drew them after Christmas.
Unfortunately for them their manager made a terrible decision and substituted Franck Ribery, who was running the show, for some young pup with half an hour to go.
Bayern fell out of the game and Bolton equlaised to draw the game two all.
I know the Bayern manager is highly regarded, but even I could see it was a dreadful decision.
I then tuned in to BBC Radio Murray where Richard Gordon, Murdo McLeod and some other bloke were beginning to hype up the game against Italy.
What a lot of delusional tosh.
The other bloke opined that the there was now an international and European feel good factor with Celtic supporters cheering for Rangers and Aberdeen, and Rangers supporters were cheering for Celtic.
Eh?
I couldn't give two hoots about Aberdeen. If they do well, good on them.
But personally I would prefer to see Rangers being completely humped in every game thay play.
It managed to get worse from there.
Richard Gordon remarked that the Italy game would probably be the biggest game most of players have ever been played in. But not content with that, Murdo McLeod went on to trump this hyperbole by saying it will be the biggest game the players will EVER play in.
I could only shake my head and long for the build up to the Aberdeen game to begin.
It duly arrived with the opening sentence from the commentator telling us that Rangers had at least qualified for the UEFA Cup after Christmas and that they were the "only Scottish team to qualify from the group stages".
It's going to be a long two weeks.
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p.s. please not Barry Robson. I would classify Kenny Miller and Steven Pressley as former Rangers players. Robson, however, is a Hun. He was almost apologetic when shaking hands with them at the end of game two weeks ago.
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Despite the Murray Sponsored Scottish Media Blackout-
small snippets of what REALLY happened in Barcelona are being sneaked into the country-
A Constant Embarrassment And An Occasional Disgrace
Click on the Rangers video.
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Collie,
U disappoint me!! You seem to be giving up on Massimo Donati.
Noo here this!! The guy is class. He is adjusting to his surroundings. For people to compare him to Jiri is ludicrous. The boy is much better. Just wait see.Watch him go.
I'm willing to say that Massmio will come good after the new year. Thought he done alright when he came on Tuesday.
Robson!! Stay clear. We have Teddy!!
Deek is on his way and passing him coming in will be a hurt, battered little soul from his time time in Birmingham.
We need a defence. No if's or no buts. WGS has to get his defence sorted in January or it will cost him dear.
WGS
Who's tail is awaggin with anger about people giving up on Donati.
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WGS
Ma sainted Ma...she hid dis sayin',
She used it oaften....it became jist like prayin'....
"Live Horse....and ye'll get Grass!"
An' ah dinnae think it needs explainin'!
Donati, is no Woikin' oot...
it is as plain as Ah need... a Guid Noo Suit!
Ah aye believe in cuttin' yer Loasses,
Da meat should be guid..withoot da Sauces!
Donati needs plentee o' Ketchup.. tae sweeten his Welcome..Ah Betchit!
Fur he is fur too lazy,and laid back... like da famous... Step an' Fetchit!
Tae play fur Celtic, ye need plenty o' Get up an' Go!
Skoosh is an example o'whit we need....
As am ah'm sure ye know!
Hartley has shown dat he kin cut da Mustard!
Donati and Jiri... ur jist TWO Cowardly Custards!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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I think Jiri has been playing well since he came back into the team. He was unlucky to be dropped after his performances early in the season..., put in a good performance against Benfica on Tue. Gives us a bit of composure in the middle and has shown some class in the CL games. I like him and hope he stays
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Newsletter, ha! I doubt that one would be picked up by the dailies.
Collie, aye, I know that famous name.
Noel, cheers. I think.
Terrymac, I’ll look out for Craig Conway, thanks.
Bryce Curdy, the Liverpool game earned more than the Milan game, as did the Barcelona game.
Yes, the Commonwealth Games decision has a significant financial bearing for Celtic; the club have been ‘hoovering up’ land around the area for some years.
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WGS, totally agree re Donati.
Roy Keane commented on how hard it was to setttle at a new club, never mind a new country.
Even Hartley took time to adjust to his new surroundings.
Donati will come good.
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WGS
Oan da subject o' whit we need...
When Charlie Grant's Name's oan da Sheet...
Den ye'll see a lad... who KIN COMPETE!
Charlie is da Missin' Link... when he plays.. oor Fight an' Backbone ...wull nae longer be oan da Blink.
Dat is whit da Celtic Need...Fur oor Fightin' Prowess...
HAS GOAN TAE SEED!
It wiz lackin' when we played... Don'ask!
We wur simply overcome ...by da enormity o' da task!
We must get oor act the Gether...
When Don'ask comes,we must nae Dither!
Go fur da Jugular, froam da Start...
We hiv no room Safties....
We Must SHOW HEART!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Paul
I hope we add an "Air Space" fee to any sale of land!
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Paul67,
Getting near that time again!! Have you heard any good whispers going around that might please us.
Not asking you name any names.
However, do you know if we are pro active in the buying market for January? Is there any light at the end of the tunnel regarding getting this DEFENCE sorted?
Don't think i could go all the way through to the summer watching games through my fingers and from behind the couch anymore.
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Collie,
I'll be honest. See if WGS could get a solid defence like MON did to go with Boruc then i reckon he would be on the verge of greatness.
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noel 21:38
In addition to yours:
#1
Comment from Jose
Cómo puede ser que estos supportes del Glasgow Rangers no puede comportarse como su rival de la ciudad, el Celtic de Glasgow que se magnífica cuando visitaron Barcalona?
#2
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All
Whit's da reason fur gien up... oan Donati....
By dis Wee Pup?
Here is ma answer... in awe it's glory...
Donati is a WOOS....!
END O' DA STORY!
Why dae ah say dat?...
Here is ma reply....
He BACKS AFF, OAN A 50-50 BA'!
He Hiz nae Spunk...
He disnae TRY!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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18:33, Graeme
Correct. Amazing, isn't it?
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Kevitc, "Air space", there ain't no air up there in space, it's a vacuum :-)
WGS, I am v reluctant to wet your whistle on this one; the best of plans have not always materialised, as we discovered in August, but.... at least we have the best of plans.
Celticlover, stunning.
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WGS
Ye know in whit ye jist said...
Ah am oan yer side,
We need tae strengthen oor defense,
Fur whit we goat...Ah canny Bide!
Believe it with' yer hert an' Soul...
Gordon WULL STRENGTHEN, DER....
Ah goat dat MESSAGE, FRAE MA MOLE!
We hiv mair Dough tae spread dis Time...
But, Guid CHEAP Defenders, are as Elusive, as Slippery, Harry Lime!
So dinna be suprised...if we raid oor Cousins...
NORTH AND SOUTH,
Fur da British SCENE, is where we'll put oor money.... an' no oor Mouth!
collie.
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'
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Aberdeen have scored two goals in their last six UEFA Cup matches and haven't scored more than one goal in a European tie since 1996.
Someone look up 'co-efficient' and e-mail them the definition. Their contribution to the party, in a 'not-giving-much-of-a-monkeys-about-them-really' kinda way would be most welcome.
Did I hear that right about the Russian league? Zenit St Petersburg closing in on the title, the 6 Moscow sides in 2nd to 7th position? Pure amazing.
16 long days to go til a Celtic game.
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Anyone know what has happened to KTF?
It hasn't updated for a few days, and there's a wee message on the front page saying: "Contrary to rumrous, Keep'The Faith will still contiuue as a vibrant website that gives the Celltc fans the info they want"
Dodgy spelling aside, it's a site that I enjoy a read at.
-
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A comment from alocal Barca Supporters Web
"Now that most Rangers fans have left Barcelona I suppose I should share my thoughts. First I’d like to say that the Rangers fans who have posted comments on this site have nearly all been polite and I’d like to thank them for taking part in the debates and not getting involved in any slanging matches with their critics.
Unfortunately the fans who came to Barcelona seem to have left a bad impression on the locals. OK they didn’t smash up the stadium or cause a major riot, and the vast majority came with the intention of having fun and nothing else. Rangers fans are not the first British supporters to come here and drink copious amounts of alcohol, sing in the middle of the night when neighbours are trying to sleep, and urinate in the street.
So, what was the difference? Having spoken to a few locals today I get the general impression that what has annoyed people more than anything is the ‘if you don’t like it, you can f*ck off’ attitude. They obviously find it difficult to understand that anyone would want to get as drunk as some fans were, but more than this I think they just found the Rangers fans unfriendly. Please note that I am talking generally here, this doesn’t mean everyone behaves the same. I don’t know how much this has to do with the Protestant/Catholic thing, I had understood that things had improved a lot in Glasgow over the last 20 years. What I find difficult to understand is why some Rangers fans would want to sing “Catalonia is Spain”, unless they just like winding up the opposition. Having said that there were also a few Barça fans who wore Celtic colours, they must have similar mental problems if you ask me.
Anyway there was no major riot so perhaps we should be grateful for that, unhappily the chance to make friends seems to have been lost. Surely now in the 21st century football should be about bringing people together and not alienating each other, making hooliganism and sectarianism a thing of the past."
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From the same Blog
"One of the things I always enjoy about Barça playing British teams is the opportunity to compare the British and the Spanish press. It is interesting to see how the papers tend to write what they believe their readers want to read, rather than reporting impartially what they have seen.
A lot of the British press saw yesterday’s match as a heroic performance from Rangers, and I feel I have to say I don’t agree. Granted that Barça have the Messis and Ronaldinhos and on paper should win every game 5-0, but we all know that in football anything can happen. If Rangers are capable of winning 0-3 in Lyon and beating Celtic 3-0, surely they could have given Barça a run for their money in front of their own fans. Scottish football can’t be so bad if their national team can beat France home and away, and, at the risk of offending any Rangers fan reading, Celtic can beat both Manchester United and European Champions AC Milan this year.
The truth of the matter is that Rangers decided from the beginning that a draw was a good result for them, given the Group E standings at the start of play. They came out to defend in numbers and to their credit they got what they played for. They now know that whatever else happens in the group if they beat Lyon at home they will be through to the last 16.
Personally, I was quite happy with the result too. A draw leaves Barça in an excellent position to finish top of the group as two of the remaining three games are at Camp Nou. However, last night’s game as a spectacle was a big let down, I expected Rangers to be fighting for the ball in every inch of the pitch from the beginning, but instead they were content to let Barça have the ball except in the last third of the pitch where there were usually nine blue shirts defending.
This is not meant as an attack on Rangers, they had every right to use whatever tactics they saw fit, and they got what they played for. I just find the British press are treating their readers like idiots if they thought that the performance deserved the adjective ‘heroic’".
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a well written and well thought out article by a Rangers supporter
"What is life if you dont take a few risks, Walter?
As a Rangers fan I was genuinely embarassed by the way we played last night, and please do not give me the playing to avoid a heavy defeat nonsense!
We were woeful, clueless and far to respectful of Barca who can be beaten comfortably as Villareal proved only a fortnight ago. This is football without courage, ambition nor any semblence of panache, if this is our future, thanks but no thanks!
Rather than send a squad of well paid senior professionals to bore the ar$e of the Spaniards why did we not blood some young players to give them valuable European experience? Resting some of the senior guys would have helped two fold in terms of the national side and the SPL campaign.
I know I will take stick from fellow Rangers fans, but CL after Christmas for what? To timmidly hide from big European names in the name of survival? Last night was 'anti football' and the boo's of the Barcelona fans as we retreated backwards at every opportunity made me cringe.
Rosenberg went to Spain last night and won 2-0 against Valencia who are a top drawer side. The manner of our SPL performances so far could best be described as turgid and workmanlike, but certainly not entertaining. As a Rangrs fan I have never enjoyed games where a lesser SPL side comes to Ibrox and with 10 men behind the ball spoils for a draw!....
Why should the Barcelona Fans?
What is the point being in the Champions league if we are going to play with fear and not passion? Surely there is a balance between being organised in terms of not getting thrashed and at least presenting a threat to the opposition?
The Lyon result was fantastic, though I am starting to wonder whether it was one of those nights that everything just went our way! Football is an entertainment business and as things stand Rangers are not particularly entertaining!
I guess merely taking part is not enough for me, to not have worked the Goalkeeper for 70 mins is nothing short of scandalous. Of course Barca have superior players and technique but as Villareal showed they are not invincible and that in real terms it is eleven well paid professional human beings against eleven of the same!
Are we never to see skilful creative players like Buffel and Burke under Smith with his preference for big athletic players? Will Gow and Naismith stagnate along with the likes of John Fleck, Stevie Lennon, Dean Furman et al, bright young talent who at this point are miles from the first team squad?
Bojan is seventeen for crying out loud and looked as if he had played at CL level for years! Smith is not a risk taker and without the cash of the nineties will favour what he sees as the safe option of good safe average pros over fresh faced talented youth.
Rant over!"
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Anyone looking for a game this weekend can go to Firhill on Sunday at 2pm. U-19's play Partick Thistle in Youth Cup.
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I find it utterly astonishing to read comments from a few Celtic supporters stating that they hope Celtic get 3rd place in the group and are parachuted into the UEFA Cup, just to preserve our co-efficient.
Someone please tell me these guys are joking.
Are they seriously saying they would like to see Celtic LOSE, so that in future CL campaigns they will be in a higher pot, then hopefully they will lose again, and continue to lose, just so that they can stay in a higher pot, but never go beyond that?
Sorry, but sometimes I despair at the small-mindedness of some Celtic fans, I really do.
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Hear,Hear Thomas. It beggars belief.
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Thomas McLaughlin, I think the point some are making is that our future Champions League chances are dependent on the coefficient we achieve in advance.
It is a statistical probability that Celtic will earn more points dropping to the Uefa Cup than remaining in the CL. While I certainly want Celtic to progress to the knock out stage, you have misinterpreted the point others are making, they are not advocating Celtic “never go beyond that”, but that if Celtic are to “go beyond that” and progress beyond the group stage in future, they may need a better coefficient.
We have only progressed from the group stage once, and that was when we were a Pot 2 team. Failure to reach Pot 2 has meant failure in the group stage. Consider our best chance to prevent failure in the group stage.
It is an interesting paradox, not small-mindedness.
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Thomas
Indeed, but to play devil's advocate I think people are just voicing a possibility. Clearly getting through to last 16 is possible and preferable. I hope no-one is suggesting UEFA as a more acceptable alternative.
However, if we were to finish third - for the record I think it will be second, but just 'if' - I think it could prove beneficial for the club financially-ish and for a young group of players. I've always thought of the CL as no different from the UEFA in that it should be treated as a home/away tie. Win it overall and you'll more than likely progress. Some experience of the directness of this in the UEFA would be no bad thing - most of our squad have played more CL games than UEFA, a remarkably high standard stat.
I fully agree with your point and would never want us to lose. Entering the UEFA, in my glass so half-full it's brimming kinda way, would be a good challenge, albeit in a 'didnae get into the first choice dancing, end up somewhere boggin but hoachin' way, as someone once put it. CL last 16 is not our goal - we did that last year!
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Celticlover Thanks for those interesting contributions from our amigos.Rangers intention in the Barcelona game was simple : The avoidance of humiliation,which would have had a knock-on effect both in Europe and domestically.It would certainly have given me a good laugh.By the way,is it not time you were in yer pit? I`m off for lunch. Cheers!
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Celticlover,
Thanks for the article by the gers supporter, very well written. My problem however is I felt the same way after playing Benfica away.
Too much respect aqnd teams will roll over you
BF
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Of course I was having a whinge earlier, didn’t I say so in the first line
of my post proper.
It was not my intention to appear superior. I can moan like the best of
them. I can swear and rant and rave too. I was brought up on Parkhead’s
terracings’, so I had a long, varied and colourful education.
In my book there is a gulf in meaning between Ambition and Fantasy; Fact
and libel.
Attitude and Class, along with Friend and Supporter, are words to which I
attribute great meaning and a degree of affection. Amongst others, I use
them with the caution of their worth.
Sometimes I take layman’s licence with their meaning. My definition of some
words is not always reciprocated in the dictionary.
Class for example: to me… Class means doing/saying the appropriate thing
at the appropriate time whilst seeking no personal favour.
I do not advocate a whinge free world, even I, am not that naïve to pretend
everything is perfect.
Proportionate responses to all situations and issues, should be just that:
Proportionate. If that entails a whinge, so be it. But why the repetitive
crassness as individuals fall over themselves to present the most miserable
prognosis of the same cadaverous dissentions?
Inimical rants are oft the order of the day devoid of understanding,
empathy or compassion.
Depression is the second order of the day.
Reason is a faint and distant memory, often totally ignored. As stated
earlier, perception and perspective are constipated, 2nd class emotions,
blocked behind virulent animosity.
It is no individual in particular that I contest; it is, in particular, the
thoughtlessness and the bile.
Whinge away if that is your want but don’t deny me my right of reply.
I don’t have the access to the internet or the time today, to respond,
accordingly, to those posts that required a response. No doubt, another
time will present itself to indulge debate.
Italiabhoy:
I am chilled. Literally. R.O.M.F.T.
Kojo:
2% is better than nought. I agree, there should be differences of opinion.
How you express and articulate them…therein lies the problem.
Oldtim67:
I will call.
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Where is WG?
Where is DBBIA?
Ah well, Nov 9, Feast of the dedication of St John Lateran, the cathedral church of the diocese of Rome (not St Peter's).
Stick with me. John is obvious, right. But Lateran is the name of the family thatt donated the land for the church to be built on.
Lateral, nearly the same, is the Spanish for full-back, much in vogue for us. So today is the feast day of full-backs called John.
Pro-Con Dowie
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Con! - Arne Riise
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A bit of lateran thinking going on there, C1st. Too early for a Friday morning.
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Eck reveals in the Scotsman that he learned about Binya's appalling challenge on Scott Brown by means of a text message from his son.
Fair play to the young McLeish for being on the button and for his description of the tackle as "scandalous", but why wasn't his dad actually watching the game, at least on TV?
Eck couldn't be there because he wanted to attend the game in Barcelona, 24 hours later.
Sorry, but did he really have to rely on SMS messages from his son to follow events at Celtic Park?
Or is it just me?
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I mean, really, wouldn't you have thought that, insisting our players take a break after the Benfica game, he'd at least bother his bahookie to take a wee look at how they were getting on?
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So Eck was in Barcelona watching the team that sacked him for getting to the last 16 of the CL.
I wonder if Gordon Smith was there as well ?
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Oldtim67,
I was out at football training last night when you responded (or more accurately, sitting in stationary traffic on the M8 for two hours)
It was Coral who was offering 66-1 on Spartak to win the UEFA cup, even after the draw was made for the group stages.
It's looking no bad now.
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Celtic First Your observation is spot on. Then again,what would expect? What you can`t change , accept.
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I don't think Eck being at Barca is any surprise. Self confessed undesirable (c El Mundo) who was on a freebie or exes.
Also while he might not have got to see Celtic, being at Barca he would have least got to view the tactics he will undoutedly use next Saturday.
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Tooheys News
Aye, but that was the next night. Could he not at least have watched on TV?
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Celtic_First
I am not disagreeing that the Scotland manager should have shown more interest, just not surprised. He seems to have go a text to tell him of the inury but none about Aidens goal or the result.
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These International managers can`t win. Steve McLaren even got pulled for going to Disneyland! Where was Gus Hiddink this week? :-)
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Where is Edward Ursus?
Edward,
I am aware over the last few days I may have posted some fairly derogatory comments about your club's supporters,
Please be assured that this is in no way aimed at your goodself,
The target was the yob element of your support, and I'm aware that CFC is not yob free,
When I get annoyed with our lot I normally take a quick trip thru FF,
And then I realize our lot aren't that bad after all :-))
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Ah Paul 67. The dilemmas faced by the pig trying to stay at the top of the dung heap. What scenario might benefit the good Celtica best you ask and which might be harder to swallow.
Short term/long term different choices eh! The danger as always is sliding off the heap and being replaced.
In the short term Celtic need to finish top of the league. That can be benfited in two ways. First exiting Europe thereby minimising the wear and tear on the team whilst that other big Sow fae the Sowth should play as many games as possible to increase wear and tear suggesting a wee UEFA run.
But..... in the long run......this affects our co-efficient so harms us whilst promoting their co-efficient so benefiting the Sowth Sow. NO league guarantee either.
Then you need to factor in your view that only the rich prosper so a different strategy would be hoped for in a plan that maximised our income whilst impoverishing the imposter. However, the max startegy for that cannot now happen since the Sowth Sow cannot be eliminated at this point. Bear in mind that more dosh can equal more players in.
So Paul. Which feature is to the most benefit of Celtic? Maximum chance for the league this year, maximum positioning in Euro co-efficiency or maximum spondoolies in the bank?
The manager is clear: the League is the priority.
The Board is clear: Spondoolies is the driver
The fans are (pretty) clear: going further and better than the South Sow in any competition entered.
Oh Look. Some expectation management required I think.
Personally as a fan I want us to progress and win (even if that defies logic), but would first defer to the manager (this is still about football and winning) and then the Board (since I don't understand money and am always in debt).
But what aspect does Paul 67 favour?
PS: It's the type of article emphasis preparing the way for a finish outside the top two and suggesting that would not only be favourable but desirable, yet it wasn't so long ago you were suggesting that the South Sow made peanuts from such a competition only recently?
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C1st- have I not to get any work done?;~@. Mini-swatch at the Timternet brings up this wee gem:
'the Lateran Palace was eventually given to the Bishop of Rome by Constantine. The actual date of the gift is unknown but scholars believe it had to have been during the pontificate of Pope Miltiades, in time to host a synod of bishops in 313 that was convened to challenge the Donatist schism, declaring Donatism as heresy.'
A schism that continues today; with opinion divided as to Massimo's value to the team! Personally I hope he comes on next season, the way PHartley has done.
Anyways, Pope Miltiades=splitter
Con- the'greatest living rANG#R'
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DBBIA
Donatism. Brilliant.
Wait till Bolton Bhoy sees that and puts his Augustinian hat on.
Sparks will fly.
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Is that St Augustine of Hippo?
Anyways, today is the 10th anniversary of the death of Helenio Herrera, the creator of'catenaccio' and the reason why TMC is wearing a black armband ;~)
His control of his players diets,drinking and smoking habits was innovative.Like Muhammad Ali he would predict results well in advance[and was often right] and he once dropped a player for telling the Press' we are looking forward to playing in Rome'-HH thought he should have said' we are looking forward to WINNING in Rome'
His Inter team of the mid60s is remembered as 'La Grande Inter'; and but for the intervention of an equally innovative manager and his 'Grand Old Team' Inter would have won the EC 3 times in 4 years.
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The desired outcome, for me anyway, is us to finish 2nd; I am happy to face any team over two legs. Secondly, der hun to finish third in their group; I’m sure any team will be happy to face them over two legs. Spartak Moscow, for example, would be nice.
On the financial side, is it a result of having to share the CL TV money with them this season that makes the UEFA Cup a better prospect?
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I only get nervous when watching Celtic on television.
European Cup matches at Celtic Park are special and I love every last nail biting minute of them – win, lose or draw.
The only time that I felt like leaving a Celtic match early was the infamous Hugh Dallas league decider; the referee’s performance had me transfixed in disbelief.
I stopped listening to Scottish radio football phone-ins almost 2 months ago. It took about one week’s adjustment after a habit of 25 years but all that has changed is my perspective on Celtic; Celtic is a passion, a pastime, an important part of me, but not the be all and end all. And Scottish football journalism is dire.
The Kerrydale Street website used to have a thread monitoring football phone-ins. That thread was stopped recently, I suspect as more Celtic fans realise the trashy futility of lowest common denominator, controversialist broadcasting. Scottish radio football phone-ins are a dreadful product and reflect the dire state of Scottish football journalism. If no one listens to Scottish radio football phone-ins then the product must change or die. I won’t be shedding any tears.
If Celtic supporters travelled en masse to anywhere in the world and behaved in the same way as the Spanish press have reported the behaviour of the Rangers fans in Barcelona then I would be ashamed. If Celtic supporters behaved en masse in a similar way, and there was no condemnation or sanction from the Club, then I would seriously consider my support for Celtic; we are more than just a club.
The RST report their increasingly marginalised propaganda to an increasingly marginalised audience. They contribute to their own marginalisation, ably supported by a cloistered (sic), parochial and insular press. The World is a much bigger place. No one that matters in the mainstream football world will notice or be influenced by the RST.
Well done to Celtic against Benfica. Let’s make it count against Shaktar.
Chris
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No black arm bads here, still trying to imagine how I'll manage to juggle my desire for both Scotland and Italy to be at Euro 2008 next week though :)
On the UEFA consolation, every Celtic fan will celebrate if we reach the last 16. There's a strategic argument that in the long run, gaining extra coefficient points in the UEFA Cup will allow us to progress more smoothly in future. I don't view it like that, I'll be devastated if we end up in the UEFA Cup. Have I mentioned how weak I think the Champions League is this year...
More seriously, spent most of last night delayed at Heathrow returning from two days work down there. The sight of Rangers fans with Barcelona scarves saying 'more than a club' and carrying Union Flags shows that maybe they do have a sense of humour :)
Was sitting near Brian Quinn on the flight down, clearly as much of a Celtic supporter as any of us!!!
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I listened to the Barca game on radio Scotland. Wee chick young was excitedly telling us that he was watching the riot police go into the crowd because cans were being thrown, he also reported at least 2 rangers fans being dragged out & arrested. He blamed the Barca fans for any trouble cos they had an Irish flag!!! My point is, has this been reported anywhere? Did the BBC report it? Did it really happen? Did I nod off and dream it?
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It hasn't been mentioned on here[yet] and I may need to lie down in a darkened room after posting this but it is not impossible for us to finish TOP of the group!
Which would really put the soap amongst the Darnelists.
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Look, we need to spend as much time at the top table as we can.
Maybe the CL pots are over-rated. Paul's right to point out that we made the breakthrough as a Pot 2 team, but, sorry can't remember who, made another good point: Rangers and Shakhtar Donetsk are in a good position to go through as Pot 4 teams.
The point is to enjoy the CL spotlight for as long as we can.
This week's trail of devastation in Barcelona brought a few plaudits, by way of comparison, for Celtic, most notably in that editorial column in El Mundo Deportivo, which, you may have noticed, has disappeared from their site.
Let's call a spade a spade. Before Martin O'Neill, and in spite of the Lisbon Lions, many in Europe would have taken the trouble to draw the distinction.
The CL is the only game in town. Ask Seville if they'd fancy dropping back down after Christmas for a crack at three UEFA Cup titles in a row. I know what they would say, and so do you.
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Sorry, not "many in Europe", I meant "few in Europe".
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Anyone heard about this big left-back, George Elokobi, that we may be signing?
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You mean this lad:
http://www.football.co.uk/colchester/players/george_elokobi_109402.shtml
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George Elokobi is a left sided defender who plays for Colchester United and is comfortable either as left back or on the left side of a central pairing. He was born in Cameroon on 31 January 1986.
George (nick name Big George) joined 'The U's' in 2004 from non-League Dulwich Hamlet after only arriving in England from Africa in 2002. He spent a short period during 2005 at Chester City working under Ian Rush, where he made four appearances, including his professional debut.
George made his debut for Colchester United as a late substitute versus Cardiff City in the Carling Cup on 24 August 2005. His full debut came three days later against Oldham Athletic, which included a clean sheet.
The big No. 16's first goal came in a 1-1 draw against Huddersfield on 24 September 2005. It came from a blistering header against the promotion rivals.
Since breaking into the team, George has played a part of the squad at Colchester that won promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship in 2005/06 making 10 appearances (2 as sub) and in the 2006/07 campaign, he made 8 appearances (2 as sub).
Whenever George scored a goal he would do the Roger Milla type celebration around the corner flag. He says that his footballing hero is Diego Maradona but he shows great respect for Milla
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'Colchester defender George Elokobi feels he has been left with little option but to demand a transfer.' It says on the timternet, or is it Football Manager 08? Sounds like his agent is trying to stir up some action.
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Celtic_first, I agree.
If it was just about money then we'd be better pulling out of the competition and playing televised friendlies all over the world!
I remember when we dropped out of the CL a few years back (when Bobo gave away the last minute pen to Lyon) and I said to my friends there and then "the only way there will be any consolation here at all would be if we won the Uefa Cup and nothing less." The tournament doesnt even register in anyone's radar until the final and, even then, the result is forgotten within a few weeks.
We're one of the big boys, so we should be playing with the big boys. CELTIC: EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 2010. I'm off to take my medication.... :)
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DBBIA @10.51
I think that is has been conclusively proven that Constantine`s Donation was a fraud.
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Dumbhoy, I don’t mean to be rude, but if you think I write articles in order to get you thinking in a specific direction, or indeed, that I believe I have the power to do so, you have a little too much time on your hands. I write about what interests me.
To answer your question; I don’t believe European competition is a significant determinant in the outcome of the league, despite 2003, where European football seemed an obvious excuse for the loss, but a goalkeeping fumble or two, and 3 strikers playing against our 3 defenders contributed significantly.
Indeed, I believe European success helps domestic form.
As Gordon regularly says, look at the results before and after a European game, Celtic get results.
Your point about my previous reference to the comparative poverty of the Uefa Cup relates to earnings from the group stages of each competition. Incremental rounds in the Champions League and Uefa Cup after Christmas have similar income profiles.
The real point to ponder is how far can we go in each competition? We would be seeded in the Uefa to at least the quarter final stage and would face a group winner in the Champions League. Could we get to another Uefa Cup semi, or better?
Fortunately this is not our choice, we enter the group stage aspiring to qualify into the knock out, as it should be, and as I stated was my clear preference in the article above.
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Druiddude
The very man.
Do you think we could come up with a heretics XI?
Apart from Massimo DONATI, I can only offer NESTOR Sensini.
I can't think of one for the Albigensians.
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or there's this:
http://www.cu-fc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Press/0,,10424~1106874,00.html
He won't have had much opporchancity to do his Milla-time this season as he has scored fewer goals than Hoopslegend[ and fellow U] Adam Virgo[ 1]
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Celtic First
I guess Judas would be first choice a captain
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Afternoon lads, I was feelin annoyed this morning so emailed the bbc, the daily record, the sun, the herald and the scotsman that article from El Mundo.
Believe it or not the record has replied to me, asking if this is an open letter to rangers fans, an articale in the paper or a fans letter to the paper.
Can anyone help ( i can only ask for a beer in spanish) so I can get back to the record, never know mainstream media may even run with this.
might shut that david edgar up.
cheers
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CelticFirst :- You could also have Luther Blisset and at a push Archie Knox
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Arthur Albigensian
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Thierry Henry VIII
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Paul & Dumbhoy ...
Is it not the case that, this season anyway, Celtic have been pretty successful after playing in Europe in midweek whilst our rivals have been a little less so.
I've not looked back at the results so I could be wrong here but its just a feeling I have.
So perhaps a longer run in Europe for both suits us best.
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DBBIA;
Helenio Herrera, known as "El Mago"(The Magician) won two leagues as manager of Atletico de Madrid as early as 1949. From 1958-60 he managed Barcelona and won two Leagues with them as well. By the time he got to Italy he was in his prime. He was a great football man and has become a legend. He is best known in Spain for this post match phrase, which possibly loses something in the translation ...
" We beat them without having to get off the team bus "
There are many great motivational phrases which he made famous, Gordon Strachan should stick a few up on the walls in the Celtic dressing room.
He hung up his tracksuit in 1980, after a second stint at Barcelona.
Celtic's achievement against his Inter team is all the more remarkable. Maybe he was first unnerved watching Celtic clinch their league title just prior to the final with an immense Jimmy Johnstone in the Hoops.
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Celtic First
There was Eck who trounced Luther in the Leipzig debate but went on to manage Satan`s Slaves.
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paul67
will there be any announcements from within celtic park not long after glasgow is awarded the commonwealth games in 20 mins?????
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Any news on the Commonwealth games announcement?
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Right rev,spooky
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The Commonwealth Games announcement is due in 10 minutes or so ...
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Jean Claude d'[Joan of Arc]heville?
Mind I'm not saying the Maid was actually guilty of heresy..
Scott[ Giordano]Bruno?
Salm Iain Rush-die?
RTT-another quote from HH-
"who doesn't give it all, gives nothing"
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Saul Campbell
Bill Fall Struth
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Bob Ian Paisley
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Kitalba
'Class for example: to me… Class means doing/saying the appropriate thing
at the appropriate time whilst seeking no personal favour'
I always seek favour when saying something.
Often for me or the person I am speaking to.
As most people conversations, including my own, bore me it is a requisite to keep on moving.
Donati Donuti
chin chin siempre
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Glasgow wins!!!
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Calvin Keegan.
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Well done Glasgow !!
Six years in the waiting and BBC missed the announcement!!
White Riot - The Clash
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If Glasgow has won then they'll probably switch the Aberdeen game to Pittodrie or sumthin similar......
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Alrite lads
Does that mean we get our new Main Stand?
Do our Season Books get us into the Opening Ceremony? haha.
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BBC managed to miss the actual announcement!
Now we have John Beattie and Michael Kelly (yes that one!) commenting on our won.
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.....we have to have an on-going land survey of G40 & District and all Celtic home games will now be played away from home
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Let´s hope the East End of the Dear Green Place gets the benefit.
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Michael Kelly=[celticminded]splitter
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Ni, Gordon
Typical balls-up, they couldn't even build up the tension by having a reporter live for 10 minutes or so from inside the Conference Room, getting a feel for the announcement.
Instead we get 'We'll cross live to Kheredine who's in the room' but before he speaks we see the Scottish party celebrating!
Hopefully their coverage of the actual Games will be better! haha
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....Wishaw Sports Centre to continue hosting the synchronised bevvying
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Mark(of the Beast) Hately
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..... Springfield Vaults lounge to be given Commonwealth makeover
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There is a sharp-suited man on the telly, discussing the Commonwealth opening ceremony at Paradise. Yaas!
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Peter Lawwell talking about the opening ceremony in Paradise.
martin Bain talking about the rugby at Ibrox (insert joke here....)
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...... SPRI GFIELD VAULTS sign to be given new N that's been missing for yonks, funds raised by public conscription and second collections in ML2 Parishes
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Rugby 7s played at Ibrox, proudly announced by Martin Bain.
No change there from a typical Saturday at Ibrox then.
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...... new First Bus express service from ML2 to G40 ( 7.5 minutes), complimentary trolley service....mini bottles of South Devon Red, Freddos and cheese-and-chives Pringles
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C'mon Paul,you can let it out the bag now.
What is going to happen round about Parkhead
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Bazzabhoy
The piece was in El Mundo Deportivo, a completely different entity from El Mundo.
El Mundo Deportivo is a respected Barcelona-based sports daily.
The piece in question was an editorial article, a comment piece.
It has been taken down from their site, but the videos are still there of the well-behaved Rangers fans singing 'Hullo Hullo' etc.
What a piece of junk the Record is that it should take the trouble to respond to you but expect you to do all the chasing.
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If I may be allowed to return from my huff induced self-exile (again!)....
WG,
Your "SPRI GFIELD VAULTS" post just send coffee all over my keyboard and monitor. Boss doesn't look happy.
Thanks for that, really brightened up my morning!
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new article posted.
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Kano- well this place has been chosen as the heart of the Athlete's Village:
http://i2.tinypic.com/xcn87n.jpg
And already rachitic urchins are learning how to say 'lookafteryirjavelinmister' in 16 different languages.
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Thanks Celticfirst, Ive passed this information onto the record.
I agree, bit lazy of them not doing any digging for themselves, but lets be honest its all that we would expect from them.
I just want this to be noted in the media, to be disected as much as 1 fan being arrested at Aberdeenm or 1 moron doing an impression of a plan etc.
I don't think, however, that we will ever read or hear of this anywhere else other than Celtic websites.
But you never know, someone somewhere might just have some impartial journalistic integrity. Wont hold my breath.
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smelltheglove
I believe there is something to do with the abilty for teams to enter the stadium without leaving their bus.
Hampden has I think an underground car park and at Ipox the bus can be driven straight into the park
Maybe??
Penthouse and Pavement - Heaven 17
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