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Isn't Ayrshire grand?
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Aw Naw, here’s another angle:
Aiden son, if the Pope himself questioned their content then it most certainly is… without contention… worth questioning.
The NOTW???
I remember being a paper boy in the West of Glasgow in the early sixties. There were about ten of us that did the rounds and anybody that had that newspaper delivered was laughed about behind their backs by worldly wise eight year olds.
Trust me; we never knocked their doors for a Christmas Tip. (Times have changed… I know)
Even at that age we knew nobody bought that publication for its news content. We held adult Beano and Dandy readers in a higher regard.
They may well be right when they say Manchester City is considering a summer move for Aiden McGeady. I would be surprised if the boy is not the talk of numerous EPL boardrooms. I’m almost positive a few continentals are also quite aware of his undoubted abilities and are also quite interested in his future travel plans.
But the NOTW - ever heard of timing.
Brian Kerr is quoted from questionable sources as saying he (Aiden McGeady) should leave Celtic, and now we have the NOTW announcing Sven’s intended swoop.
We must have a couple of big games coming up.
Aiden Shun… money itself won’t make you a legend. Take a tip from an Auld Yin… give your respects to the Beano and the Dandy. They, at least, don’t pretend to be anything other than a kid’s comic. And for the next four years, again, at least, stay home – There is nowhere better.
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I for one hope Robson does get a start in this game Paul. I think he may be just what we need in there.
mickthetic (from previous), you may as well get the dust covers on those clubs for the next couple of years! :-)
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Did someone say something about Ayrshire?
There will be trouble, mark my words.
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I don't see where Robson fits in as it's a straight swap Hartley for Brown alongside Donati. Unless you come to the frankly shocking conclusion that Paul Hartley is playing at right back...
This game is an enjoyable side show but I'm more excited about overhauling this 4 point gap right now.
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C1st- not me!:~)
We had another exciting cameo from Samaras on Saturday. He would be an exciting signing, but the chances are we'd have to free up some of the wage bill. As Paul points out central midfield is looking well covered with Brown/Donati/Robdon/Hartley so TGravesen is the one who really needs to clear out his locker
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Paul67,
Are you thinking PH may be playing right back?
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Not getting to many live games at all, can I ask you guys who see more games (in the flesh) than me if you think young Caddis is ready for a game this size? I say, if he is then he should be played. But will bow to you're judgement.
CelticTVreplays-R-us.csc
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According to the BBC transfer rumours we are going to have talks with Jussi Jaaskelainen.
They also report that Daniel Cousin will be able to sign for Fulham. How does the fact that he played last wed affect any proposed transfer?
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Jussi Jaaskelainen is an excellent keeper. I believe he is on a Bosman so would come for free. But I can't see him coming as a no 2 keeper.
So would we be happy with Artur leaving for say £10M and Jussi coming in for free as his replacement?
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Mort,
Hopefully not at all as I believe that the fact Cousin's manager chooses to play him shows how desperate they are.
On a side note P67 and all, I think i may be correct in saying that Mark DeVries at Dundee United played this season for both Leicester and Leeds (on loan), before joining Dundee Utd. The commentator (ahem) on TV commented on the fact (during the recent arabs v buddies game) that De Vries has scored for Leeds, Leicester and now Dundee United all this season. 3 clubs? Maybe I am wrong, or more likely the closet on TV got it a over t?
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Gordon_J
Don't believe this rumour as PL and GS don't let anything out of he bag this early. I do think that Artur will move on well before his contract is out. By the way we also need new cover as I don't rate Brown as a back up.
Hail Hail
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Mort
I would rather the deal did go through, leaving them a player down and no way of replacing him.
But if it does, I think it is the start of the disintegration of the transfer window - Benjani, Cousin and Tevez fiasco just shows that the rules are not being adhered to.
Just the same as the Inter Toto is not a recognised Euro tournament until after the 3rd round. It either is or it isn't.
A transfer window that allows transfers outside the stated period (or indeed allow the monies to supposedly transfer outside the period - Boumsong), is obsolete.
As far as Caddis is concerned, I would rather play someone in their natural position, regardless of age, than someone out of position and then someone else to cover them.
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Mort
This is what I don't get.
Rangers and Fulham have made a special request for Cousin to change clubs AGAIN in the transfer window just gone.
The fact that Cousin has since played for Rangers means that they must have an addition request in place to allow the transfer to take place OUTWITH the window (a separate question, surely).
Either way, they've got to be pushing their luck.
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McCurry sights bad view as excuse:
click here
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Rammybhoy- exactly. As Matt Busby said about his babes' you don't know what you've got until you put them in'. Round pegs in round holes, so Caddis before either PH or Protractor-Heid.
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Gordon_J:
If the white ‘Cafu’ can walk for a reported 9,000 Million, after having actually achieved… what exactly? in football; then if I were a power to be at Parkhead I’d be looking for at least 15 Million for the Holy Goalie. At least!!!
And if somebody were to offer me 15 Million for the man and he didn’t want to walk, I wouldn’t stick a million on his hip to trot a long, I’d stick two million, one on each, for staying.
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Gordon J Shun
I could not sell Boruc, even for £20million
the guy is a legend and it honestly would not be the same without him
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Mickthetic,
I've used the Uefa live feed 2 or 3times. It is pretty good quality, doesn't buffer every 5 minutes. They have a test screen if it works OK on your PC, go for it. This one you cannot miss. I'd be using it if it wasn't on SKY ONE as I don't use skysports, only Setanta. And this wee place in Ayrshire has no pub with Sky.
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Kitalba
cudnae agree more mate
the Holy Goalie is a Legend
as for McGeady I wudnae sell him either, esp with rumours of £10million offers etc
what lot of nonsense
he is 2footed, has all the skill in the world, scores goals, creates goals, is rapid,
Darren Bent £18million HA!
offers start at £25million
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Kitalba.
I suppose we all better get used to the headlines involving Aiden. For what is worth Heres my take.
Aiden will leave Celtic at some stage. I would say that time is a least 4 years away. He is a young man with an old head on his shoulders. He willingly signed his recent contract knowing that to do so would be the best thing for his career. Also an extremely brave young man as he would well have been aware of the forore his decision to play for ROI would cause.
He is determined to suceed and is not afraid to put in the hours to hone and develop his wonderful talent.
He is hard working, determined and honest. Everything he has done so far has been considered and well balanced listening to those around him - his father, GS - who can see the big picture.
He' ll be around for quite a few years yet. Lets all enjoy his wonderful skill and suppport him in those times when life will get difficult both on and off the pitch
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According to Soccerbase Mark de Vries has played for Leicester, Leeds (on loan) and Dundee United this season.
I'm not entirely sure of the rules surrounding transfers between lower league teams but i'm pretty sure the two teams in one season rule is for top flight teams only.
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I don't want to see Artur go, but he will sometime in the next few years. I would rather we got a decent sum for him and had a replacement in the wings, that's all.
On the Cousin transfer, how many requests have UEFA had to waive the rule? From what I've seen reported they have agreed every one so far. So the rule is the rule - unless you ask for it not to be!
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Another mahe/Mort,
I'm sure there is an agreement that loans between English league clubs do not require some type of registration, thus these loans do not count as a different club.
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Mort
Having looked at the leicester backgroud, I see that De Vries was "mutually consented" on Jan 25th. That being the case, I assume a free agent is not restricted by the 3 clubs rule. The huns should just sack Cousin, pay him off (HA!) and then sell Fulham a squad player in the summer for the Cousin fee.
Weneedanothermahedodgyagentsltdcsc.
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Leftwinger
you're probably right, although my plan seems much more in keeping with dodgy dave's deadline day deals. Dangnammit!
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WNAM,
Your plan would only be realistic with the involvement of an unnamed Monaco-based-Super-Agent..........
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Just on the rankers/fulham situation, I heard on 5 live yesterday that rankers loan signing Steven Davis has admitted that Roy Hodgson wants to take him back to Fulham early. A couple of games then back down Souf???
Coozan along with him???
Arf! Arf! (if true).
TTT
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left wing
shhhhh!
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Celtic_first,
I really don't understand how FIFA could now give the go ahead for Cousin to sign for Fulham seeing as he has played for Rangers since the transfer window closed.
It's a very strange situation.
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I would love to think that we could keep Aiden AND the Holy Goalie for many many years. They are well revered at Celtic Park just now, and they would most definitely become heroes in the Henke mode if they hung around. Its players like that that could take us higher still, back to the position a team like Glasgow Celtic should be in. Also if wee Skippy continues to play as he does just now then we have a guaranteed 30 plus per season goalscorer. The future`s bright, and it isn`t orange.
One small request, if I may, can people put a space between the words of whichever csc they happen to be at the end of their posts, Big Joe started it, one doing it is ok but now almost everyone seems to be doing it. I await with breath that is bated.
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TheTokenTim
Surely not.
In all fairness, Hodgson needs all the players and help he can get so maybe he will take him back.
Would be funny
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Lennondinho18: / lurgan53:
I’ve no doubt that the time may come when we will have to part company with Artur and maybe Aiden too. I sincerely hope it is not this season’s end and not the following one either.
I think, in my bias, ‘today’, we have one of the best young squads ever assembled at Parkhead. I’d love two, maybe three more seasons, to see where they might take us.
Another European Final… why not? Why the hell not? They just might have it and another couple of years will tell. And if they don’t make it, oh what fun, what heart thumping, throat cramping fun, we will have… trying.
After that - Artur’s value would be cosmic… 90,000 Million Sterling beer vouchers in Scottish Newspaper terms; and Young Aiden, Young Aiden would still be… Young Aiden. He’d be 24. If he stayed another year 25.
The world might very well be there for his taking.
But Aiden, at 21… fear is their key; those that will will us harm, will will him gone.
Not for his own good, not for the good of his career... but for theirs.
Establishment Leeches. I hate them trying to talk our employees out.
When they go after a few celebrations I'll will them well.
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Good afternoon bhoys n ghirls.
I dont see what the fuss is all about.
we all KNOW exactly what WGS will do.
So do Barca.
We will play the same as we did against Milan.
5 in midfield one up front with a designated support player.
Naka did in the san siro this time last year....
robson can play on the right.
my team would be.
Holy Goalie
Caddis
Caldo
Mick
Naylor
Robson
Hartley
Donati
Naka
Aideniho
Skippy
although i think WGS will favour caldwell on the right, and bringin in either elvis or bobo (sky saying he is injured though).
might use a different support player, but those 5 (for me) will start on Wed.
Jan has been in for, but i think we will be lookin for pace, and if we see any subs upfront, it will be Samaras coming on.
maybe he will surprise us all and play with 2.
But i doubt it.
Pad
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Bobby Russell,
What?
bigjoestartedatrendcsc
:)
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I see the Nach the Ned acting in the best interests of Scottish football.
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Paul67 - do you have an e-mail address? I've some snippets of info I'd like to send you.
Hail Hail
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I don't fear Aiden leaving in the near future, he must stay for another 3 seasons at least. He has listened to all the advice given to him from the club so far which has helped him to where he is now so I hope it won't change.
If Aiden continues to perform and develop along the same lines as this season and chooses to leave the club at 25 then so be it and good luck to him. However, I would certainly like to think that he would be moving to one of the top 8 clubs in Europe, a Real, a Barca, a Manu, and not a EPL also-ran, quite simply, he is better than that.
And I have to laugh at rumours he would fetch £10m at the moment! You have to love the biased press in this country. Aiden McGeady is one of the most talented young players around at the moment in European football and his Champions League performances show that. Nani and Anderson went for a combined sum of over £30m I believe? Both talented youngsters and not exactly playing in the top league in the world at the time in Portugal so I would like these £10m rumour mongers to talk me through their calculations.
I would definitely side with playing Caddis on Wednesday. Good performance against Killie and although Barca will be a different kettle of fish I go with the round pegs for round holes argument.
Although I do think leaving Hartley out of the team altogether would be a big mistake....
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newsletter,
send them to me. I'll no tell embdy!
:-)
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Thom The Tim - Not that I particularly want to defend Nacho "Nae Caps" Novo, but I couldn't see anything particularly wrong with the Ibrox Chihuahua's comments.
The inflammatory headline and false spin that his interview with a Spanish newspaper amounted to handing a "dossier" to Barcelona that would "be a valuable addition to their pre-match build-up" shows why Scottish sporting hacks are regarded with such widespread contempt.
According to his quoted remarks, he gave a reasonable assessment of Celtic, showing a fair amount of respect for our team in the process. I don't imagine any of it will have come as a surprise to Barca.
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Phil,
I agree about the Novo article.
I put it up more as a comment on The Mail than on Novo
He obviously hasn´t seen the "bus" that we take on our away games.
My information about Cousin and it is only unsubstantiated gossip from the offices of Fifa in Zürich I may add is that Daniel Cousin will not be going anywhere quickly.
Barcelona barcelona
Barcelona barcelona
Viva
I had this perfect dream
-un sueno me envolvio
This dream was me and you
-tal vez estas aqui
I want all the world to see
-un instinto me guiaba
A miracle sensation
My guide and inspiration
Now my dream is slowly coming true
The wind is a gentle breeze
-el me hablo de ti
The bells are ringing out
-el canto vuela
Theyre calling us together
Guiding us forever
Wish my dream would never go away
Barcelona - it was the first time that we met
Barcelona - how can I forget
The moment that you stepped into the room you took my breath away
Barcelona - la musica vibros
Barcelona - y ella nos unio
And if God willing we will meet again someday
Let the songs begin
-dejalo nacer
Let the music play
-ahhhhhhhh...
Make the voices sing
-nace un gran amor
Start the celebration
-van a mi
And cry
-grita
Come alive
-vive
And shake the foundations from the skies
Ah,ah,shaking all our lives
Barcelona - such a beautiful horizon
Barcelona - like a jewel in the sun
Por ti sere gaviota de tu bella mar
Barcelona - suenan las campamas
Barcelona - abre tus puertas al mundo
If God is willing
-if God is willing
If God is willing
Friends until the end
Viva - barcelona
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Paul67.
Paul.Am I right in thinking that we have two players celebrating their birthday on wednesday.
A good rendition of happy birthday is an ideal way to start off the game,Every country in the world knows that jingle.
Or, am I being too sentimental.
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Following Nacho Novo’s scurrilous betrayal of Scottish Football’s solidarity in the face of the European threat to Celtic’s potential dominance of the Champions league, word reaches our intrepid ear-to-the-ground investigator of some stirrings, shenanigans, and surreptitious phone-calls and machinations in football grounds in Barcelona and Glasgow.
“Frank, get yer big dutch backside intae ma office right away. Huv ye seen this?”
Rikjaard, still becoming accustomed tae Laporta’s accent, adopted almost 4 years ago in tribute to the cultural influence of Glasgow, its great Celtic team and its even greater supporters, rushed into the hallowed cloister.
Laporta leaned back in his black leather upholstered, buttoned, swivel chair, glamourously bedecked in his new hoops replica top, turned down his well worn original Glen Daly recording of ‘Celtic, Celtic, that’s the team for me’, and pointed at the A4 e-mail lying on top of Lisbon Lion’s mouse mat!
“Ah need a word in yer shell-like Frank. Ah think ye’ve got it a’ wrang! Don’t worry about McGeady, or Donatti, JVoH, 4-4-2, or 4-3-3. Through ma contacts ma spy in the camp o’ stalag Ibrox, has given me the hot aff the press inside diamond gen on whit exactly is comin’ o’er the hill on Wednesday.”
Frank picked up the sheet and read it carefully, slowly, and 4 times as a dawn of enlightenment suddenly broke over the horizon of his clouded mind.
“I find this most difficult to comprehend” he said finally, and looked at the big man who had now risen from his chair and was pacing the genuine Persian carpet bought from the Barras on his last trip to Glasgow’s cultural bazaar.
Laporta interrupted him.
“Ah’ve telt ye Frank, when yer in here it’s Parliamo Glasgow only. Anyway, it looks like aw that planning’s oot the windae noo. Bit o’ luck mind ye that wee nacho the nyaaf huz come up wae the goods an’ jist in the nick o’ time”.
Frank stared at his boss again. It had been almost 4 years since he had properly understood a single word Laporta had spoken, but the remarkable thing about the Glaswegian dialect was that the words were actually less important than the manner, emphasis, intonation, and accompanying stare with which they were delivered.
He could sense the triumph and sarcasm in ‘bit o’ luck mind ye’, the mockery in ‘Nyaaf’, and the triumph in ‘nick o’ time’, even though it was all double dutch to him!
Frank tried his best to effect a gallus Gorbal’s flourish but succeeded only in given Laporta a stomach aching bent-double fit of the guffaws!
“aw right son, geez a break. You can stick tae whit ye know best. So Whit dae ye think?”
“Well if it is to be believed…..”
Laporta creased again and spat out his Guinness all over the Henrik Larsson stained glass window
“Ugh a’m sorry Frank, but ye dae soud like a big girl’ blouse when ye try the language of the people….go on wae yer take on a’ things tactical”
Frank stared in bemisement, translated Laporta’s demeanour and stifled snigger, and continued…
“Well if it is to be believed it seems that we are up against a team that can tackle in defence, a Japanese playmaker who is quite good, and an aggressive midfielder. They also have a small centre -forward who is quite good and a goalkeeper who is usually good but can make some mistakes. Apparently all the rest are sub-standard…….I’ll have to change all my plans as I was expecting their Custodian to be useless, their defence to be toothless, their midfield to be quiescent, and their centre-forward to be the natural successor to Kenneth Millar”
Frank turned on his heel and left the room with the Laporta’s traditional phrase of good luck ringing in his ears……
“Frankgerootyatotalgalloot”.
Laporta picked up his Jinky-phone and pressed the direct dial shortcode.
Just over 1300 miles away in the East end of Glasgow, the capital of European sporting excellence and the home of the speshull fish supper, (BTW in an episode of Family Fortunes 100 rangers supporters were asked to name a fish beginning with ‘s’. 98 of them said ‘single’!), the phone at the other end of Laporta’s call rang to the lilting melody of the Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’.
“Oh it’s playing my song” Peter Lawell murmured as with a spring in his step and a razor sharp crease in his newly pressed mohair perfectly fitting suit trousers, he checked the caller’s ID, picked up the gleaming handset, and with a flourish and flush of expected success in his voice he greeted his peer on the other end of the line.
“Joan ma auld china, how’z it gauin son? Speak tae yer pal gasmeter and brighten up even mair, ma already sunlit and green-white-and-golden world of financial wizardry”.
“The deed is done an’ big Frank has bit the bait quicker than Jim Traynor efter a free hamburger supper. He’s away noo tae chop’n’change his tactics and all because o’ that brain wave of your’s tae git McGowan the clown tae print that guff frae Nacho Novo. But don’t furgett yer ain side o’ the deal. Peter.”
Peter smiled to himself, picked miniscule speck (he refused to use the word ‘fleck’ when at Celtic Park) off his tie and banished it dismissively and with a tch of disgust out of the window.
“Don’t you bother yer heed aboot that. The plans are afoot and you can take it as signed sealed and delivered that for ensuring Celtic’s passage into the quarter finals of the ECL, the Joab at Celtic Park is yours fur the takin, and I’ve jist checked that the religiously themed mansion in Easterhoose is in walk-in condition.”.
“Aye but don’t furgett the wee matter of the gift fur the missus, Peter” interrupted Joan. “Ah need tae oil the wheels and grease her palm wae that special wee sumthin tae bring a smile tae her eyes, a bounce tae ma step, and a bit o’ passion back tae ma ain life”
“Done and dusted Joan, believe me. I’ve jist been on the blower wae the very man. A craftsman of the first order and the only man ootside o’ St Petersburg who is officially certificated and qualified to personally design, manufacture and lovingly personalise a unique Faberge egg as a tribute to yer better half. That should be the very thing ah wid say.”
“Pure magic and dead brill” replied Joan “an aw’ doontae tae that wee unwitting jobby, Novo and his partners in crime in the meja. Life jist get’s better and better. Glasgow here a cum. By the way big man, when ur ye pickin up the egg..”
“As soon as we hing up here Joan, ah’m straight doon Paddy’s Market tae take delivery”
Laporta sighed!
“Aw ‘Paddy’s Market’, such an atmospheric romantic sounding name for an undoubtedly cosmopolitan magnet for the well-heeled and rich. We’ve got nuthin like that over here, Peter. My Gawd 2 hundred years and we cannae even git that giant ant-hill that Gaudi pretended wis gonnae be a cathedral, finished. See ye after Peter”
“Bye fur noo, Joan the Man” and Peter replaced the handset.
Now just who wis it that Rangers were after now. A wee spoilin bid tae up the ante was always good fur a laugh on a quiet day.
Hail Hail
Estadio
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oldtim
artur and massimo are birthday bhoys on wed both 28 ...i think
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Old Tim- you're right. It's Massimo's and the HolyGoalie's birthday on Wednesday. They will both be 28.
Ryan Brennan will be 6[I think ].
When Zybszek et al are over this week they can teach you how to sing 'Happy Birthday' in Polish.
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I've read it on here many a time, as soon as one of our players hits form its a stick on the media will speculate on their transfer. They've been at it with the Holy Goalie since he's been in the team, a temporary lull only when he was having that bad patch (e.g. Easter Rd). Naka had been their main target for ages until his form dipped after that summer tournament. "Keegan wants Scott Macdonald" was another one recently, and now all of a sudden its Aiden. BTW, you have to ask what Aiden is thinking about telling journos he would like to play in Spain at some point. Now is not the time Aiden, wait till your form dips, then nobody pays attn. A complete absence of speculation recently re Scott Brown is a worry, loosely interpreted it means they think he is under performing.
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Guys,
I know there's not much chance but if anyone knows of a ticket for Wed going spare I have been let down at the last minute for my ticket for Wed (not a season ticket holder I'm afraid, I share one with a mate and get it when he's not avaialable)
Anyway if for any reason you know of someone who can't go, has a spare or whatever get in touch.
Notholdingoutmuchhopecsc
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Just got my hands on the coveted ticket. Area 141 Row AA. Not familiar with that seat, but I think it's above my season ticket seat in the Jock Stein Lower.
Not much work getting done this morning. I know the league is our main goal, but there's something about Champions League Night,, when they start shaking that giant ball in the centre of the pitch and the "Anthem " is blasting out......
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The CQN birthday to have this week is tomorrow, when excellent CQN'rs reach the ripe old age of 27!
Anyway, such experience tells me we'll play 2 up front on Wednedsay. The AC Milan game was the most fluid formation of the season however it was in a league context and we were seconds away from an admirable jackpot draw. A result similar on Wednesday would not be very good!
I think our best chance lies in playing 4-4-2 as I don't think we have the players (in midfield or attack) to trouble Barcelona with 1 up top!
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FACup 1/4 Final Draw:
Sheffield United or Middlesbrough v Cardiff City
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Bristol Rovers v West Brom
Barnsley v Chelsea
I was hoping it would be Man U V Chelsea but it's been one of the better competitions this year.
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Phil, AWe Naw, Estadio,
Are youse tellin' me that Nach's dossier was slightly flawed and didn't highlight our hitherto hidden weaknesses.
Well bless his little orange coloured boots, which he must have raked out of Sam's bin.
Nacho (Behind Enemy Lines)CSC.
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Estadio
Now I can face Monday with a wide grin on my face.
'GG
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Spain may be banned from international competition if their government tries to intervene in the election process of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Fifa president Sepp Blatter is unhappy with a rule forcing Spain's non-Olympic sporting federations to hold elections before the Beijing Games.
"Spain would not be able to play at Euro 2008 and their clubs wouldn't continue in Europe," he said.
"A confrontation like this is no good for football or for the government."
Greece escaped a lengthy ban from international competition prior to the 2002 World Cup because of their government's involvement in footballing matters.
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For those who doubt do you remember this day?
Just click on the video.
Sons of Satan
Their football is comming back.
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estadio.
Your talent is endless.
You had me laughing from beginning to end,great post,no it wis stupendous.
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oldtim/dontbratt -
my bhoy, Aidan, is 15 this Wednesday
WG
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To anyone who saw the article on the Celts in Norway in the latest NTV here's a sample of the sterling work they're doing
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winningemmell.
what are you doing on Tuesday afternoon,and evening,also Wednesday.
Tried to phone you this morning, but could'nt get through.
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Thought it worthwhile sharing this quote with you.
If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion.
BY George Bernard Shaw
'GG
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WG- Young Aiden shares his birthday with Gordon Brown, dartslegend Ted Hankey and one of your alltime faves- Jimmy Greaves.
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anyone know who plays the music at Celtic Park,if you do tell him to play happy birthday,ten minutes before the game starts.
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I am going to stick my head above the parapit here.
Was good to see Mc Manus not taking any of Boruc´s petulance at the weekend. I think the Holy Goalie has to learn a wee bit about humility especially within the Celtic sqaud. I think he´s letting his growing reputation get the better of him. This is bad for team harmony.
I think he is a superb goalkeeper but he´s not the best we have had. For me he is yet to surpass Packie Bonner. Who could still learn him a thing or two about commanding the whole box and collecting crosses. I dont think he has improved upon this since he has been with us. The line about our full backs being too small has been trotted out and hidden this weakness for far too long. How big Danny Mc Grain was I´m sure Packie could tell ye.
He is the best shot stopper I have ever seen playing for Celtic of that there can be no doubt and he has kept us in many games. He has made MASSIVE mistakes this season mainly due to a lack of concentration. If we got a good price for him this summer I wouldn´t be unduly perturbed by taking it. The writing is on the cards that he will be offski. AC Milan struggling to even get a fit keeper for this weeks CL clash.
Artur Boruc owes Rab Douglas and Johnathon Gould a heck of a lot for his growing reputation imho. No man is bigger than the club.
Hail Hail
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oldtim -
I spoke to EDB at lunch time, I'll meet you for a drink in the evening but I'm not doing the eating thing.
WG
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Winningemmell.
I think I may be missing the meal also,so we can have a few
on our own,
There will be others who wont be eating either.
I need to leave space for a couple of drinks.
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I'm personally a fan of seeing Boruc and Mick argueing about that poor kick out. I don't think it is bad for team spirit, but actually shows fierce competetiveness amongst the team and a desire to win. WGS will not be complaining about it either, especially since they both seemed to have forgotten about it after the game. What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch! It's the only way to play.
We will beat Barca on Wednesday night
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When Schmeichel[another Pole!] was between the sticks for ManU the first thing he did when he made a[rare] mistake was chew out whichever teammate was nearest to him; keeps everyone on their toes and doesn't do morale any harm.
I used to think PB made very few mistakes until BBCScotland did a wee documentary on the Centenary team- he had a few howlers.
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MADRID, Feb 18 (Reuters) - Spain will be barred from competing in international competitions if their government continues to pressure the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to hold an early election, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has said.
'If the Spanish government, through their Sports Council (CSD), continue to interfere in footballing affairs they will have to recognise that their clubs and national team will be excluded from international tournaments,' Blatter was quoted as saying in Spanish media on Monday.
'It would be tough, but it would only take six hours to call a FIFA emergency committee meeting to hear and decide upon Spain's exclusion.
'Spain would not be able to play at Euro 2008, and their clubs wouldn't continue in the Champions League or UEFA Cup.'
Blatter's backing for RFEF president Angel Maria Villar comes after the CSD called for all sporting federations not involved in the Olympic Games to hold elections before Beijing 2008, which takes place in August.
'It (government intervention in football affairs) is not a new problem for FIFA,' he added. 'It first occurred in Portugal where a letter from us was sufficient to change the law governing sport.
'In Greece, we had to suspend their federation indefinitely and everything was sorted out in 48 hours.
'We don't have a crisis situation at present. The RFEF have called a general assembly to ratify FIFA's new electoral code and to call an election at the end of the year. We have a small fire but we don't need the firefighters yet.
'FIFA is like the United Nations but has more members and is more powerful.'
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Hail Hail
The team that WGS will put out on Wednesday will be.
Holy Goalie
GC, O'Dea, Mick, Naylor
Naka, Hartley, Donati, Aideninhio
Skippy, JVOH
The Team I would like to see him put out.
Holy Goalie
Young Caddis, GC, Mick, Naylor
Naka, Robson, Donati, Aidenhio
JVH, Skippy
I don't think WGS will go with a lone striker at home as both strikers are in form and it will be a tough decision to make on who do you drop. He will bring in O'Dea as he has had some european experience, the same with Hartley instead of Robson, by leaving Robson on the bench it gives him options in the midfield if Aiden or Naka pick up an injury.
Either team selection will win on Wednesday thus continuing proving my formula is worthy of a Nobel Prize ((X+Y)x(E = mc2)/Z x Q = 2008 CL Champions)
Had a good laugh a Graham Spiers column this morning when he was writing about Celtic's profits for the first half of the season.
"I wasn’t half chuckling at the weekend when Celtic’s figures were being heralded. Over in Edinburgh, within the plush offices of Charlotte Square, did I detect some familiar miffed noises emanating from Sir David Murray, he of the giant moonbeams?"
I love the line "he of the giant moonbeams" that and when he coined "Winnalot Journalism" should win him a 'Pulitzer Prize' for journalism.
ANNAOAN
I have to disagree with you when you said that "he is yet to surpass Packie Bonner". In my opinion the Holy Goalie is better than big Packie, he is not quite as good as Ronnie Simpson but he is getting there. All I know is anytime I watched Big Packie play I always had a sense of dread just waiting to happen, I always felt that in nearly every game he was always going to make one mistake. I don't get that sense of apprehension with the Holy Goalie (might be old age or the alcohol), I know Artur is prone to the odd mistake like any other goalie but I can only think of the Hibs game where he actually cost us.
Anyway I am sure you will agree with me that he is the most entertaining and insane goalie Celtic ever had.
Stand up for the Holy Goalie
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Aw Naw
Your memory of Pat Bonnar is slightly different from mine. My recollection is that dealing with crosses was one of his biggest weaknesess?
Having said that my memory is crap................oops can I say crap Paul??
Its not very good!
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oldtim-
I'll ring your mobile tomorrow, Teser voucher using tonight wi NAFOS
Hail Hail The Vouchers Are Here
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Ragnar, your memory is OK.
He usually dropped the ball at AMcC feet to score against use.
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DBBIA
Wasn't Schmeichel Danish?
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DBBIA,
I thought Schmeichel was Danish Mmmhhhhh... :-)
No I am not having a go at Boruc´s inability to hold his own hand up in front of 60,000 when he makes yet another howler. Thats his obvious weakness but his penchant for trying to pass the blame onto someone else. That´s just plain pitiful.
What I am saying is that he´s a great shot stopper but far from being the finished article when it comes to crosses and being commanding in his area.
A more commanding keeper and the general perceptions about Caldwell and Mc Manus not being commanding enough in their own area would not be so convincing.
BBC Scotland wouldn´t need to go to the length of making a documentary for Arturs mistakes. The Hibs game would suffice.
I´ll even go as far to say that Gould and Douglas had better levels of concentration than Artur. This is because Arturs is better than the both of them no doubt about it. It is not an excuse however for a lack of concentration.
Hail Hail
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Bonner,s ability in dealing with crossballs was terrible and the less we say about his dealing with passbacks when the new rules where brought in the better.The man cost me 2 sets of rosary beads after that rule was changed.He was a good shot stopper though not quite in the Boruc class.
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On Packie Bonner, all I ever remember, as hoopsididitagain pointed out, was palming shots out into the middle of the six-yard box for the opposition to score!
Nah seriously he was the 2nd best keeper I've seen at Parkhead. To think Macari gave him a free transfer for Marshall and Muggleton. Good to see the first thing Tommy Burns did when he took over was sign Packie again. Pity he never got Shay Given before he went to Blackburn as well. If we thought MON had a blind spot with keepers, what about Luigi Macari?
I cannot wait for wednesday, I felt like just sitting in my seat at the end of the Hearts match and not moving before Wednesday! I would have thought that Hartley would have been the choice for centre-mid with the experience of playing a holding role allowing Donati to get forward. I would be very surprised if Robson was in there and not Hartley but hey, that's why Gordon Strachan gets paid the big bucks. We just have to trust his judgement!
I apologise for this long cut-and-paste job but I see Laporta has been very complimentary towards us in an interview:
‘The Celtic supporters are fantastic, in fact the best travelling supporters in the world, as we have seen many times. We can assure Celtic supporters that they will receive a very warm welcome when they visit the city. I know that Celtic supporters are extremely passionate about their club, a club which I believe, like FC Barcelona, is different. We know that supporters will travel in huge numbers to follow their team, but we also know the great reputation of good behaviour which Celtic fans enjoy and clearly we are looking forward to hosting the Celtic fans in the city once again. I know that the city council, the police, Celtic FC and FC Barcelona have been working very closely over a number of weeks to ensure that Celtic’s visit will again be a great success. There will be special arrangements made in the city to ensure that we do all we can to ensure this is the case. We hope all Celtic supporters enjoy their visit to Barcelona.’
On visiting Celtic park:
‘It will be a real pleasure to visit Celtic Park and feel the atmosphere of a great UEFA Champions League night at such a great venue. We have very much enjoyed our previous visits to Celtic and I am sure we will do so again. In recent years we have developed an excellent relationship with Celtic, something which we hope to continue.’
Maybe it's my memory failing me but I remember no such comments before playing some other Scottish team they recently played!
2 more sleeps until Wednesday!
