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Thursday, May 1, 2008

Paris St Germain banned from next League Cup Paris St Germain have been banned from defending the League Cup next season after some of their fans unfolded an abusive banner during this season's League Cup final, the French League (LFP) said on Wednesday. (Guardian)

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McManus targets top team return McManus suffered a calf injury in last week's 3-2 victory over Rangers but is confident he can play in Celtic's final three league games. (BBC)
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Thursday, January 31, 2008
Bi-polar hawkers of Ibrox tilt title towards Celtic


My friends in Celtic, I would be the first to tell you that transfer window plans do not always work out. Sometimes you get to the finish line only to find the deal slip through your hands; even the best of clubs will not get it right every time.

In fact, it is not always important to get it right. Last January, with the league title in the bag, and the Igor of Milan to face in the Champions League, I suggested we would be better to save our pennies for the summer.

But I have never, ever, known a club to get shot of their most valuable asset, giving him a kick-back in the process, just to get their hands on the lucre, when involved in such a tight race for the league as Rangers are currently in. Not to mention that they have tried to flog their top goal scorer like some cheap tat to be hawked around the doors.

Meanwhile, they had a £50k bid for Hearts goalkeeper Steve Banks fail, could not convince now unemployed Dundee United ‘keeper Gregorz Szamotulski to join them and eventually landed Neil Alexander, who must have heard about the famous private jet flying players into town; something to consider during his long motorway drive from Ipswich.

They also signed Christian Dailly, whom even the official Rangers web site damned with faint praise by saying he “is almost a year younger than Ehiogu at 34”. Good grief, get a copy writer; they could at least have said he has a good head of curly hair for an older guy.

I often say that long term football domination depends on money. In Glasgow, that means our business model being better than theirs, our ownership structure being more stable than theirs. This week, with every Rangers supporting friend I have telling me “this season is our best chance”, we are seeing the force of finance in action.

More than a few of us felt that business done this month would determine the outcome of this season’s league title. While I am happy with the way things are heading, nothing can be taken for granted, the league will still need to be won on the field, but what we are watching from our principle opponents is another bizarre example of bi-polar football roulette. Not for the first time have they gorged themselves on signings only to be forced to sell like mad a short time later.

If Sir David Murray banks the £7m (net) he receives from Tottenham without spending a significant amount strengthening his team today, he deserves the Freedom of Jersey for tilting the closest title race in years in Celtic’s direction.

Coincidentally, today is the last day in Murray International Holdings financial year.

I am away to check if that photo of Her Majesty is on eBay.

Labels:

Posted by Paul67 at 9:34 AM :: 

260 Comments:
  • At 31/01/08 09:37, Blogger CaltonTongues said…

    Morning All,

    Impartial colleague in work ICT fan, said ref was the same for both teams last night.

    They just don't get it.

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:40, Blogger Nae Bread Nae Brains said…

    rumours gathering that Jiri Jarosic is off to Russia - If so bad mistake, he has been coming into form and in a Champs league team I would rather have Jarosic than Barry Robson to face Barcelona - no disrespect intented to Robson, just think Jarosic is a better player.

    Just realised I'm hypothesising on a rumour :-)

    Paul any info to support the Jarosic for the off?

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:41, Blogger mcgrory-for-arsenal said…

    can any1 confirm for fact that
    A. mccurry is former season ticket holder at ipox
    B. his father was in orange lodge
    C. he is a cheat?

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:43, Blogger CaltonTongues said…

    Paul,

    Were we not interested in Gregorz Szamotulski? At the recent game at Tannadice I was sitting above the tunnel and, when the teams came out he waved to the Utd fans then turned and started applauding us seemed a strange thing to do unless...

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:44, Blogger paul said…

    Paul67,

    Glad to hear we have got Robson onboard, I think he will be a good acquisition.
    So if this signing get confirmed today that will be 4 new players in with another on a pre-contract, so my question is this.

    Will we see a mass exodus of some of the surplus players in the next few hours?

    Zurawski, Riordan, Naylor, Mark Brown, Balde, Gravesen, Jarosik, Sno..

    /p

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:44, Blogger McManus69 said…

    Paul67,

    Great article - Why have the media never discussed any of these facts? Never mind that they failed to get Robson & Samras? Walter Smith looked even more gloomy than normal last night when asked about transfers...

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:44, Blogger Bhoy_Molloy said…

    Paul67,

    This just further heaps the pressure on Strachan to retain the SPL. Surely a desperate selling club cannot stop a buying club from winning the league???

    Unless Mike McCurry intervenes.

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:48, Blogger mackybhoy said…

    if jiri leaves and barry robson comes in, then, im not so sure the quality has been enhanced, or declined.

    one thing i am sure about is that we will have a hungrier type, more scottish type obviously...


    this is something we have all been crying out for.

    and is something massimo, and jiri, and too much gravy son, all lack.

    for me, robson and brown will complement each other brilliantly,

    altho i expect naka to be under the bosses microscope more now, than ever.

    i am over the moon with mr lawwel and mr strachan.

    but heh: im old school.

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:49, Blogger Bhoy_Molloy said…

    BTW Gregorz Szamotulsk, get him signed as backup. I cannot stand the thought of Boruc getting injured and Mark "High Five" Brown standing in.

    I take it Guzan is not coming??

    Paul67 I has lost your e-mail addy, please say hello at bhoy_molloy@yahoo.co.uk

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:49, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Welcome F5 key, from the previous article. Funniest comment I have read in weeks.

    NBNC, no info on Jiri.

    Paul, no reliable info on any leavers.

    McManus69, I thought I would publish something early today in the hope of influencing how some in the media view Rangers month.

    Bhoy Molloy, as I said, the league will still be won on the field, all you can do is prepare on paper.

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:50, Blogger mouldy67 said…

    Pleased at progress in the transfer window.

    Just hope we can start to get some games played in coming weeks, allowing for us to build up a momentum and heap pressure on that bag of mince from G40

    Hail Hail

    Mouldywhothinksthatmincemakegoodburgers csc

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:53, Blogger danny said…

    All great fun mocking Rangers, certainly easier than finding aspects of our play to praise.

    Sobering thought Rangers beat Hearts 2-0 in the CIS Cup whereas we ...

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:54, Blogger pfayr said…

    Paul67

    Such mockery ....not your usual style

    Love it

    GIRFU.THEM

    STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS

    pf ..who is happy with transfer window for a change

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:55, Blogger The Narrowbhoat Tim said…

    Paul love the picture, you should use more pictures when you post an article, especially if we sign a foreign player.

    What is the story with Robson, or are you pulling another fast one like when you had most of the CQN upset with your article about us almost signing Lafferty, then out of the blue hit us with the signing of Samaras. Are you going to surprise us with a different signing than Robson. I knew ghirls that acted like that mmmm we had a word for them it escapes me now.

    (following on from previous thread about Seville trip)

    My own trip to Seville.

    East Minlands Airport(packed with Celtic supporters)to Murcia, hire car to Granada (the spanish city not the studio that makes Corrie) , next day drove to Seville, spent most of the night after the game in a niteclub till getting kicked out about 3.30am, found a Park that was open, kipped on the smallest park bench ever, got bitten alive by mozzies. Woke up at 7.30am, found out that I was locked in the park (I ask you who locks a park up after 4.am in the morning) climbed over a 15 foot iron rod rail fence with spikes (brought back memories of childhood of climbing some of the fences at the back of tenentments) wandered around lost for 3 hours trying to remember where we parked the car(stopped for a few Cuba Libres, the look on the barmans face at9am), met lots of other bhoys with the same problem of being lost looking for cars, hotel, train station, airport etc..

    Eventually found car with cousin sleeping in it (he moved it so it would be under shade), drove back to Murcia.

    All in All besides the result a wonderful time was had by all.

    Nostalgia CSC

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:58, Blogger 31003 said…

    Off topic I know....I'be jes duscivered I cin tipe wiv ma feet

     
  • At 31/01/08 09:58, Blogger chris said…

    Barry Robson at 29 is still in his prime and given that players rarely stay longer at a club for than four years I would argue we have got him at the right time.He knows the SPL and after all winning that title is the only route to CL Nirvana and the manna that goes with it.as Canned Heat said 'Lets work together' HailHail!

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:01, Blogger the right rev. david hay (preaching pure football) said…

    paul67
    should i stay in tonight beside my laptop (cqn)
    tv (SSN)
    & radio (radio scotland)

    will it be worth while?
    i know (u never know how these things could go) but if there is a wee chance of another "hogmany" ill stay tooned.

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:01, Blogger Marktim said…

    On the contrary though, I think from Rankers it is actually a good selling Mutton for 9 million. He might have been a prize asset in financial terms, but not on the pitch. He had a wee purple patch, but lets dace it, thats all it was. He is no world beater, in fact, Whittaker is technically a better play, more skill better passer just without the headless chicken aspect for which the laptop loyal pandered after.

    If a player like Mutton (Naylor for instance) played for us and we were offered silly money from a silly league. I am sure we would have done the same.

    That said I think the title will be paradise bound, and most titles aren't won by fullbacks!

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:05, Blogger 31003 said…

    Itd actally easuer woth mu shois un socks ofg

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:07, Blogger Theragswerepublicansdisdain said…

    Kojo,

    (from last thread)

    The bluebird café I remember was (and maybe still is) on the corner of Cathcart Road and Calder Street in Govanhill. I used to go round when school let us out for lunchtime.

    Therags

    HolycrossprimaryCSC

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:07, Blogger Big Wavy said…

    Paul67,

    Yer post. That's a cracker. You, as well as the management team, are playing a blinder this month. Well done.

    I resisted a kneejerk post about Barry Robson last night (in isolation I've not been keen) and allowed myself some time to reflect on the totality of our work instead this January...to date.

    We've brought in speed and crossing ability in Mizuno which will give us variation and maximise the forward line more.

    We've bolstered an attack with a guy who has everything to prove and will provide the kick up the behind Mr Jan needed.

    We've added a bit of scottish tenacity to the midfield with Robson that will help us in our 'cup finals' with teams away from Celtic park.

    We've now got a right back beyond our wildest dreams. This guy is top drawer and once again I can't believe we aren't drooling more about this steal.

    A youngster from Boro, our keeper signed up, no big name exits, maybe the top keeper in the states (who breed them well) and clearly we've worked to build on our weak points.

    A left-back today would be nice and an experienced centre-half would be greedy but that's me :)

    And finally, can the weather, the other GOD, the SFA, the infrastructure, etc just let us play some games !!!!!!

    Big Wavy

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:09, Blogger ian_in_budapest said…

    Sorry for the repetition but this just missed the cut on the last post:

    I see there's a myth evolving on CQN and amongst the wider community of Celtic supporters - that Paul Hartley is a poor player. It's interesting to note the utter conviction with which some posters put forward this view. Needless to say they rarely, if ever, back it up with any reasoned argument more often preferring the hackneyed "SPL journeyman" slur.

    This is the same Paul Hartley who was central to one of Scotland's best ever results in Paris last year, the same guy who performed so well against some of our Champion's League opponents and the player who our coaching staff frequently praise for the unselfish, but effective, role he plays in the team.

    If you listen carefully you can already hear the cocking of pistols ('SPL journeyman going through a purple patch') as our informed critics take up their positions to snipe at Barry Robson as he misplaces his first pass or hits his first shot off-target.

    These trigger happy critics need to get out and play the beautiful game more often to develop the knowledge, empathy and understanding that they so clearly lack - it might make them better supporters. Failing that, it will at least raise the level of debate.

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:15, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Bhoy Molloy, you have mail.

    Narrowbhoat, I would really like to use more pics, but I don’t want to use without permission. Our thanks for the above pic go to whitedog’s good lady.

    Rev Davie, I will know more later.

    Big Wavy, cheers :-)

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:19, Blogger Bhoy_Molloy said…

    Bhoys and Ghirls,

    Deja Vu. I am reading the exact same praise for the Robson character as was dished out for Paul Hartley.

    I believe these players will go the same way at CP.

    One decent performance every now and again but generally mediocre.

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:22, Blogger Big Wavy said…

    Hi Ian,

    Enjoyed your post. Good points. Last para comes across slightly condescending but hey ho...

    I think, and drawing similarities to Hartley, we need to understand that Robson's goalscoring ratio may have peaked this season as he faces packed defences, MIBs, doesn't take penalties and free kicks and may be used more in the midfield destroyer part. He'll play his role, like Hartley, and act as a spur hopefully to those in the team already that their place isn't safe - such as Massimo and Scott.

    The idea that the boss will have made him a worse player for the rest of the season due to the above will be the inevitable, depressing line peddled by the perennial doomsayers of the mineshafting persuasion...

    3-in-a-row csc

    Big Wavy

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:23, Blogger mackybhoy said…

    last nights orcs game, did sum up how the whole nation is rooting for them.

    one moment i had a laugh at, was when the 3 worded striker sliced his cross onto the bar, and someone mentioned about the audacity and skill shown !!!!!!

    altho tbf. billy dodds, was mistified by mccurry at some points.

    the penalty incidents are actually quite clever editting by the bbc.

    the hearts handball in the 1st half was shown and shown, with the penalty being the shout.

    the ugly CH who brought down nade, was outside the box, but the player was in !!!.

    the hearts handball before the goal was inconclusive, but wee barrys handball, before a great strike, would have been chopped off in any other country in a semi final.

    then theres the cards:

    adams two footed lunge on neilson would have been red carded in england.
    whitaker would have been yellowed for the high arm.
    adam would have been yellowed for the handball from the goalie.

    the 3 worded striker would have been sent off for a head to head challenge. much worse than thomsons on lovenkrands.
    mcculloch would have been yellow carded for the challenge on the keeper.



    the list goes on and on and on.

    is it any wonder that we play kick and rush football in this country, and its far too physical in nature to any other league, and therefore we get penalised in europe for committing too many fouls.

    in england, there is an emphasis in cutting out the physical nature of bad tackles, and trying to introduce flair into the game.

    will we ever do the same.


    as for hearts, velicka looked like a £40 player last night.

    and mikoloonas (lol) looked their best player, but got taken off ?????

    its all very strange.

    from a supporter who has finally asked for an appointment for the paranoia tablets.

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:25, Blogger celticlover said…

    10:07, Theragswerepublicansdisdain

    I remeber the Bluebird Cafe very well but did you ever progress to be admitted the the Albert Cafe in Cathcart Rd? Probably different generations but at my time it was frequented after school by the likes of Harry Hood, Denis Connaghan, Jim McCalliog and also Hilley, Harley and Gray from Third Lanark. What a great juke box!

    Oh, there was one other personality, a very good right back but his name escapes me:>)

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:28, Blogger thismancraig said…

    It's just a good job Paul Hartley saves his good performances for the big games then as he was a stand out in our SUCCESSFUL Champions League group campaign!

    There's a blind spot about the Celtic support at the moment (though it has always been there with young players) in that we are far more harsh with home grown players (e.g. Hartley and Caldwell) and youth graduates (McGeady and McManus).

    Robson fits nicely into this category in that people would much rather we were signing some EPL flop than an SPL success. It takes a balance to win the league and until now we've not had it this season so I totally understand the rationale behind signing him.

    As far as not hitting free kicks, don't bet on it - his delivery is exceptional and should remove our total reliance on Nakamura. Have we scored or even threatened the goal with a free kick since September?

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:33, Blogger the green room said…

    Paul 67,

    That niggling doubt still keeps gnawing away at me....

    Rangers full back to Tottenham for £9 million.

    Tottenham owned by Enic.

    Enic owed by Murray.

    Hmmmmm. I wonder......

    Surely not?

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:42, Blogger NatKnow said…

    Paul67 -

    End of paragraph 8 - "titling" I assume is a little tit. Not sure which of the Rangers management team you refer to here.

    Please delete yourself for language violation!

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:43, Blogger Bhoy_Molloy said…

    At 31/01/08 10:23, Blogger mackybhoy said…

    as for hearts, velicka looked like a £40 player last night.
    _________

    What a donkey he looked last night.

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:45, Blogger bmx said…

    McGrory -

    Answers to your questions;

    A - Unknown, but I understand his brother still has one.
    B - His father passed away a while back, the story I heard (third hand, from someone who knew someone at the service) there was a flute band playing and one of the speakers praised the deceased for his stance against Catholicism.
    C - Depends how you look at it. If he's referring a game between two teams that will have no bearing on Rangers then he'll probably be fair. It's only when they fall into the picture that his vision becomes blurred. I guess I'm saying he's not a compulsive cheat, more of a selective cheat.

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:49, Blogger OttoKaiser said…

    The Green Room - exactly what I have been thinking.

    As far as I remember Murray had a liability of £5.625m to ENIC/Levy dependent on CL qualification to Season 09/10 and an element linked to joining the EPL. Also there was a payment due if there was a share issue which valued the shares above 77p.

    I'm thinking Spurs have actually paid the GA say, £5m for the Kilbowie Cafu and Levy has cancelled Murray's liability to make any future payments to ENIC.
    So Murray has his friends in the press report a £5m as an £8m, transfer - £3m being my guess-timate of the outstanding liability.

    Paul67 - any idea if I am wide of the mark here and just being petty?!!

     
  • At 31/01/08 10:54, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Bhoy Molloy, so you think Robson will win the league and score a vital Champions League goal for Celtic then?

    He is a ‘here and now’ player, maybe that would not be a bad return.

    NatKnow, thanks.

    Otto, the liability to ENIC was <£1m.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:02, Blogger The Narrowbhoat Tim said…

    OttoKaiser

    You called Mutton the Kilbowie Cafu, it is bad enough that Clydebank is known as the home of Wet Wet Wet (between the ears)why have you now lumbered Clydebank with Mutton. I thought he came from across the river. Did you buy a dodgy kebab in Clydebank once and always hold a grudge, what's the Clydebank connection?

    Singers CSC

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:02, Blogger OttoKaiser said…

    Paul67 - are you sure on that figure?:

    Under the terms of the agreement with ENIC, Murray has agreed to provide ENIC with some protection in the event of circumstances changing substantially from the present position.
    Certain contingent payments will be made if there is a future sale or flotation of Rangers at a price greater than 75 pence per share.

    In addition, further payments of up to GBP5.625 million will be made if Rangers qualifies for future UEFA Champions League tournaments and/or becomes a member of the FA Premier League. These possible future events have been identified by ENIC in view of the effect that they may have on the value of Rangers shares and do not reflect any current plan on the part of Rangers or Murray.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:08, Blogger malone19 said…

    MON goes for the Bolton scouting approach to sign up Guzan... shame!

    They've also signed Routledge so maybe there's an increased chance of getting wee Shaun... but then we would get Maloney and Robson, we'd be far too top heavy on wingers.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:12, Blogger Gordon said…

    mcgrory-for-arsenal @ 9:41...

    McCurry?

    A. I cannot confirm as fact that he was a sesaon ticket holder at Ibrox.

    B. I also cannot confirm as fact that his father was in the Orange Lodge.I understand though that he may have been a chaplain to the Black Order.

    C. Neither can I confirm as fact that he is a cheat.

    However I can confirm as fact the following :-

    After we lost the 1999 Scottish Cup Final (The first one back at the new Hampden) myself and three friends drowned our sorrows in a few hostelries in Pollokshaws Road (The Taverna & Heraghty's to be precise).

    Near closing time we went to the Panda House Chinese restaurant, also in Pollokshaws Road, for a meal (very good it was too).

    There was a group of four sitting at a nearby table, clearly in celebratory mood, and three of whom were sporting their Rangers colours.

    The fourth, wearing more formal attire was Michael McCurry who was just making his way in the game at the time.

    This story proves nothing, it is perhaps circumstantial evidence that he is a Rangers fan.

    I don't actually have a problem with that.

    However after his performance at Ibrox in October when he applied a dual rule book approach I seriously question his impartiality.

    I also object to Mr Donald McVicar asking us to suspend belief and accept that referees adopt an air of impartiality when they put on the "referees uniform".

    Referees do have a difficult job, particularly these days when there are cameras covering every angle of play.

    Also, supporters of all clubs gripe about referees which confirms that that they make genuine errors.

    They are human after all (well most of them).

    However, having said all that I have still seen far too many decisions over the years, both on and off the park, which simply defy belief and leave me very firmly in the paranoid camp.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:16, Blogger Estadio said…

    NatKnow

    'titling' is the present continuous (I think) of the verb 'to title' as in Once again Celtic are titling for the SPL.

    TMC.

    Almost totally agree. However Aiden has his bar, post, and goalkeepers desperate fingertips a few times.

    I wouldn't mind betting he is at the moment trying to perfect or even enhance Ronaldo's outstanding ability to hit ball with straight foot making it dip dramatically over the wall.

    That sort of shot is on the cusp of unstoppable, especially if the taker can swap the kicking foot when he sees where the goalkeeper has positioned himself.


    I know that because once again I scored at least seven such brammers in last nights dream!

    Hail hail

    Estadio

    BTW its snowing in the Gorbals, then its sunny, then icy rain and then storm force blasts of wind.

    What's betting if this keeps up they cancel the Killie match just as I park up at Rugby Park on Saturday.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:17, Blogger newsletter said…

    Paul67 - Smashing article

    Your penultimate sentence says all that needs to be said about SDM's priorities.

    How long before the masses (oops - maybe they don't like that collective noun) realise that Rangers are simply a collection of assets to be manipulated for the greater good of the crumbling empire.

    Anyone care to guess how long it will be before SDM (metaphorically) tumbles off the back of his yacht?

    Hail Hail

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:18, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Otto, that figure is the total which could have been earned over the period. It has been a while since I visited the Rangers accounts, but recall there being only a small potential exposure for this year.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:20, Blogger antsman said…

    Paul67

    Given that Barry Robson was a Plan C player (I think) that we are already overloaded with midfielders what was the point of this signing?

    No assett management involved, I can not see him getting a game why pay £1-1.25 plus wages for a player 30 this year?

    Seems to go against out financial purdence MO

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:21, Blogger scottishleaf said…

    Celtic have been given permission to talk to Barry Robson per SSN ticker

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:23, Blogger scottishleaf said…

    Nothing to do with the 'tic, but golden balls has been left out of Capello's first England squad.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:24, Blogger NatKnow said…

    Estadio -

    Many thanks for the clarification. I still think I'm right though!

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:26, Blogger Theragswerepublicansdisdain said…

    Celticlover,

    It's definitely another generation! I don’t remember the Albert, but I will check with my maw.

    Who is this mysterious right back you allude too?

    Therags

    whippersnapperCSC

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:26, Blogger oldtim67 said…

    paul67.

    You have mail.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:26, Blogger malone19 said…

    antsman

    How often do you think we get plan A players? I'd guess one, maybe two if lucky, in ten.

    Having someone further down the list doesn't mean you don't want them, just that there's one or two other that if available at the right place you'd go for.

    I think he'll do a job, and in 18-24 months we'll still be able to sell him and recapture most of the fee.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:35, Blogger bhono said…

    Re comments on Paul Hartley.

    Against Kilmarnock the other week, Paul started at outside left, ended up at right back, and finished the game winning us a corner inside the Kilmarnock penalty area. I don't think anyone could ask for more from a guy who clearly loves playing for Celtic, and is prepared to risk criticism by playing out of position, and giving 100%, regardless of how uncomfortable the role he's asked to fulfil might be for him.

    To an extent, the same could be said for Gary Caldwell - and, last season at least, about Jiri Jarosik.

    With the right formation, Paul can still be an excellent sdigning for us.

    As for Barry Robson - last week, I'd have said no thanks - based on it potentially being our only signing. This week? I'm delighted -much needed dig & shooting power - provided we don't play him at full back, where he is as questionable as any other non-full back in that position.

    Glad last nights game was off, Motherwell playing every game like a cup tie just now, and in that weather, I feared the worst.

    Finally, last night's ref in the Rangers v Hearts game. I was speaking to a Falkirk season ticket holder yesterday - he had very similar views as us about the ref's performance last night - only he had them about Sunday's game against us. Bottom line, we, and only we, are going to have to sort Rangers and their secret society crew out - we may as well get used to it. After the last few days, signing-wise, I'm a lot more confident that we have the personnel to do it.

    Hail Hail, Bhono

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:35, Blogger stpatricksbhoy said…

    Setanta claiming Celtic have been given permission by DU to speak to Barry R.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:37, Blogger porridgeandbananas said…

    I see that Brechin have now been kicked out of this seasons Scottish Cup.

    That should ease our fixture congestion by ensuring the Aberdeen game goes ahead next midweek, weather permitting!

    Feel sorry for a small club to get put out this way but they really should have stuck to the rules.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:41, Blogger TheLeftWinger said…

    TheRags...

    WhipperSnapperCSC???

    This time next week, you'll be:

    IntoYourFourthDecadeOfBeingATimCSC


    I'll ask my mam about the Albert Cafe too. Probably skived off school to go there!

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:42, Blogger Michael__67 said…

    The Rags

    Lets no pretend your THAT young. With a milestone birthday coming up this week - You're certainly no young haun anymore (like myself)

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:43, Blogger Michael__67 said…

    Left Winger

    Great minds brother....

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:43, Blogger Thom The Thim said…

    Gordon, You said

    "Referees do have a difficult job, particularly these days when there are cameras covering every angle of play."

    It's this impunity that worries me. In earlier times it was only those who were at the matches and witnessed the cheating that knew what went on.

    Certainly there was no way that it would be reported ,other than to give birth to the paranoia myth.

    As I said in a post yesterday, there is always another referee bubbling under the surface, like the Lotto balls, waiting to take his place, once the incumbent either retires or in Dougal's case, becomes completely indefensible,vís a vís his crusade against GS.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:48, Blogger porridgeandbananas said…


    >Kilmarnock Weather Forecast Today and Tomorrow



    >Kilmarnock Weather Forecast Saturday


    Anyone else going to Kilamrnock on Satruday better wrap up well if this game goes ahead! I doubt it though if this is correct.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:48, Blogger malone19 said…

    Referees

    We all know refs don't have to make huge decisions to influence games.

    How many times have we came across the foul a minute refs giving fouls against us for any slight contact, particularly in the air when a lot of the time, if anything the foul should do our way? These cheats break up the flow of the game giving the hammer-throwers a better chance yet they get away with it even more than your grand master McCurrys'.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:50, Blogger Theragswerepublicansdisdain said…

    Michael_67 and The Left Winger,

    You are both correct, it is only a matter of time before I am married and losing my hair. ;-)

    Therags..

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:51, Blogger hamptontim said…

    Paul & Estadio

    I see the use of 'titling' as far more insidious - it is a continuation of this awful American habit of turining vowels into nouns.

    For example - Celtic have 'titled' for the last two seasons running - or alternatively - Barry Ferguson could commit murder without being 'carded'.
    Both examples are factually correct, but gramatically disastrous.

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:54, Blogger malone19 said…

    Am I missing something? Since when did tilting = titling?

     
  • At 31/01/08 11:58, Blogger Paul67 said…

    newsletter, cheers.

    Antsman, plan b.

    Scottishleaf 11:21, shocker! 15 hours late!

    Hamptontim, I hear that Barry Robson has declined a move to Glasgow as a result of reading some grammatically disastrous blogging.

    He hasn't don't worry.

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:01, Blogger rimtimtim said…

    Title also exists as a verb in the passive form, meaning "to give a tile to". So Celtic have been titled twice consecutively in the last two seasons.

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:01, Blogger Theragswerepublicansdisdain said…

    I notice Alex Ferguson was careful to point out that Ronaldo's freekick was only the best he had ever seen in the premier league.

    We all know this was the best he's ever seen.

    Therags...

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:01, Blogger rimtimtim said…

    sorry my "t" was oot in my last post

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:06, Blogger hamptontim said…

    Paul, Estadio..

    That should of course have been turning 'nouns into verbs'...not 'vowels into nouns'.

    Pots, kettles and black come to mind.

    If Barry Robson is really a grammar nut, then I have blown it - sorry guys.

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:06, Blogger Chris Nixon said…

    Imprtant story from down South

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7217238.stm

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:07, Blogger thismancraig said…

    From Sky...

    Celtic midfielder Jiri Jarosik is reportedly set to join Russian club FC Krylya Sovetov Samara.

    Although the transfer market is open until mid-March in Russia, it is believed the player's agent Pavel Zika wants the deal to go through as soon as possible as Celtic have already targeted a player from the Russian club to swap in the deal with Jarosik.

    Anyone???

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:10, Blogger chris said…

    re Chris Nixon link. we are alreadt owned by the fans are we not?

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:12, Blogger Henriks_Sombrero said…

    On the MIB theme. I've started compiling a list of yellows, reds and pens for and against us and the Orcs to see what the actual figures are. I know these don't tell the whole story, and if I get time I'll try to expand on it towards the end of the season.

    Celtic Yellows 37
    Opp Yellows 34
    Celtic Reds 0
    Opp Reds 3
    Celtic Pens 3
    Opp Pens 3

    Rangers Yellows 32
    Opp Yellows 53
    Rangers Reds 1
    Opp Reds 0
    Rangers Pens 3
    Opp Pens 2

    Not sure there will be many other teams in the world with so many yellow cards awarded to opponents at this stage of the season.

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:12, Blogger chris said…

    That should of course say already its the blog its got a mind of its own ..I do hope Barry isnt reading this!

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:12, Blogger Mort said…

    Thismancraig,

    KRYLYA SOVETOV PLAYERS

    Any of those boys take your fancy?

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:13, Blogger Big Wavy said…

    Paul67,

    Apologies if already answered but Sky reporting player plus fee for Bazza...

    Who is the player ???

    Riordan or Killen would be my bet.

    Big Wavy

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:13, Blogger Larrybhoy said…

    A warning for the Right Rev McCurry (aka Tait Modern),

    It's the last home game of the season for Rangers; locked in battle for the title with arch rivals Celtic, they are struggling to find any way through and the game is dwindling out to a draw; there is hardly any time to add on, and they can't even get the ball into the box to allow the obligatory penalty award; Do you

    a) Let things take their natural course (and trust in God) ?, or

    b) Add on 5 minutes of stoppage time, (in the vain hope that the mighty Gers will conjure up a moment of bliss) ?

    Careful now, we all know what happened the last time somebody tried that !

    I have a funny feeling this sort of blatant bias does come back to haunt some people; would that it could be repeated in some form this season :-)

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:14, Blogger Mort said…

    Geoff Horsfield has joined Scunthorpe.

    Another one bites the dust!

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:14, Blogger thismancraig said…

    Big Wavy

    Early reports are that it's G82's own Jim O'Brien.

    Need to find a new pole to dance around soon!

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:15, Blogger porridgeandbananas said…

    big wavy

    Jim O'Brien has joined them on loan until the end of the season.

    Makes sense as he wouldn't have played much for us and gets him further SPL experience.

    Everyone wins.

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:16, Blogger Cadizzy said…

    big wavy, another site is reporting that Jim O'Brien is the player going to Utd.

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:18, Blogger James Forrest said…

    Just downloaded the Murray International Holding accounts for last year. I am going to peruse them and see what I can make of them.

    I will, naturally, post when I find what I am looking for.

    In the meantime, in honour of Mr Murray, and based on the state I hear they are in, this is for them, and for their fans:

    Excuses Excuses

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:21, Blogger Big Wavy said…

    Cheers TMC,

    makes sense and hope it works out for him.

    I see the Russian site has both a Schevchenko and an Pablo Escobar :)

    Interesting....must be their left-back / centre half I'd have thought....

    Big Wavy

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:22, Blogger the green room said…

    From Sky Sports site...



    Celtic midfielder Jiri Jarosik is reportedly set to join Russian club FC Krylya Sovetov Samara.


    Although the transfer market is open until mid-March in Russia, it is believed the player's agent Pavel Zika wants the deal to go through as soon as possible as Celtic have already targeted a player from the Russian club to swap in the deal with Jarosik.

    Zika confirmed in Sport: "It is set to be signed."

    So, another new face today?

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:26, Blogger Paul67 said…

    Big Wavy, no info on Jim O’Brian.

    Mort, :-)

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:27, Blogger The Narrowbhoat Tim said…

    Mort

    I'd take Escobar, I think he was a big player for Medellin Cartel in Columbia.

    Charlie CSC

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:28, Blogger Nae Bread come on the 'tic! said…

    Hope Jim OBrien is only a loan - Tommy Burns was saying just last week that he is becoming a real player

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:30, Blogger porridgeandbananas said…

    Paul

    I know you are a busy man, and I know I'm getting greedy but do you think there will be any other incoming business today other than Barry Robson?

    I'm heading out to work at 5pm for my backshift on the taxi. Will it be worth my while tuning into Charles Young at 10.30 for his 'through the window' programme?

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:31, Blogger scottishleaf said…

    Paul 67 re 15 hours late,

    That's why we all come here first :-)

    Keep up the good work.

    BTW any news on a left back?

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:32, Blogger Mort said…

    If true about Jiri, I would like to wish him all the best.

    His goals against Hearts last season and the screamer against Shaktar will live long in the memory.

     
  • At 31/01/08 12:32, Blogger Theragswerepublicansdisdain said…

    porridgeand