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These first posts are like buses!!
Well done Celtic, good business this month and no plans for £ shops!
cta!
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i happy more than happy after the window
we have strenghthened and the huns have weakened. can't ask for better than that. especially as they have weakened the first team and we have strengthened the first team and the squad
it was needed as i believe the huns were in pole position to win the league (especially with their recent record in head to heads)
i WAS worried as i want 3IAR badly (like us all) and the damage it will do to them is significant
however on a happy day i do offer some notes of caution;
1) we have a better team than them now but we already had a better team than them and couldn't get above them so it is up to how well the Manager does
2) We are happy that someone has come in to challenge the underperforming JVOH and the Robson can challenge the underperforming Donati and Brown. We also wanted someone to challenge the underperforming Caldwell and Naylor. We are glad that JJ has left and hope that Magc joins soon. We're dissappointed that Riordan hasn't left though. What is the common denominator above. Strachan brought all these players and they are all good players so because we buy good players it doesn't mean they will play well
Just having the best players doesn't necessarily mean we are going to deliver (although the better the players the better the chance no matter how the coach performs)
Sorry for a little negative on a positive day but the above is very true and a bit of realism needed.
I will end with a positive and say that before the window I thought Rangers would win the league and I now believe we will.
tonybhoy
PS talking about players in positions i would like to add two comments; Aiden can play just as good on the left but in my opinion Celtic play best when he is on the right and the team has more width as he hits the byline more (Robson on the left is an option now which gives us something we never had before - plan b) and while talking about M Wilson as cover for left back. I think M Wilson will end up a top drawer defensive midfielder for us in the future. He is mobile, good defensively and can pass the ball and has played their for Scotland u21's and I saw him put a man of the match performance in against Rangers at tannadice before.
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Oh well it looks like it's just you and me Paul!
I take it the banner revenue is keeping you (just about) afloat?
cta!
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First timer, but long time viewer.
Really pleased with our signs, particularly Koki, dreaming of a young Lubo! Hopefully.
Enjoy the daily raed more like a fix!
Here's to 3 in a row!
Hail! Hail! CQN
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Good Morning,
Sad to see Jiri go but this is tempered by a successful widow. Best wishes big man and well done Celtic.
Have the horribles signed anyone?
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Paul67,
Do you still think Magic will move to get games before Euro Championships?
I was at the shops this morning and looking at the Red Tops. They were hailing Davis as the big deal. Nobody should be in any doubt that they have a clear agenda controlled by Murray Spin. The actual Rangers fans I know are up in arms with the way their club is run, but this is well filtered away from the main headlines...I see no reason to complain as one day the house of cards will fall down ala Robert Maxwell...we should let the brainwashing continue and do our talking on the pitch!
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I hope everything works out for Jiri in Russia because he started to show what kind of player he was,especially in the big Champions League games.
He was a sort of enima at Celtic Park.You never knew what you were going to get with him.All the best Jiri.
Hail Hail
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Hail, Hail
Jarosik going may not have a huge influence on the team's fortunes, but personnally, I'm going to remember that at Ibrox last October he was arguably our best performer.
It does seem that we do now have a number of hungry players who have something to prove, either to national managers, or former team-mates in Scotland and England.
Samaras and Hutch will be champing at the bit and "competition and variety" may just light a fire under Big Jan.
Robson will also chip in with goals from midfield, something we are lacking to a degree.
Pity he's cup-tied for Killie - that's the kind of bllod and snotters game where he could show other players just what you need to get through the sometimes grinding nature of Scottish matches.
He'll get his chance.
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Paul67,
Do you think that Serie B side Brescia are considered "one of the best clubs in Europe"?
Any idea how much that actual fee was for Andrea Caracciolo?
The fee quoted first yesterday - £2.5m - was finally inflated to £7m by the time the BBC/Chick Young got hold of it later on. I believe that included:
£1m worth of oodles,
£2m worth of moonbeams,
£500k of tokens for the puggy machine in the Ibrox casino,
His wages for the proposed contract, and
A pound of succulent lamb.
At least they were thinking about their carbon footprint while racking up the airmiles on the 'private jet'
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test
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Negative head on here.
'Wherever you go in Europe, our players, our team and our fans are respected.'
Pity that doesn't apply at home, and I'm not talking about referees, mejia, or society's inherent bias.
I'm talking about Celtic Park.
Perhaps the suits could pay a little bit more than lipservice to recognising the many sacrifices that some of the support make, including those thousands who are almost totally priced out of attending or acknowledging their identification with the club.
I haven't got time now to list the areas that are obvious to anyone with a half-developed retina, but if they did, not only would a more positive, receptive, enthusiastic, younger and much more vocal support be the consequence, but they might find out that team performances would improve, and in short-time the amount of money received would correspondingly increase.
Hail hail
Estadio (who is now off to CP superstore to get ripped off, cause he's daft!)
BTW what ever happenned to a 'free' open day at Lennoxtown? What about doing it for kids only?
(The hundreds from all corners of the earth who used to gather at CP for autographs and pictures with the players have once again been marginalised and the soul of the club is just that little duller than before! Many no longer bother coming now and especially with the weans, the grain of sand for the pearl to form is lost forever.)
Free!!!! Kids running about the place!!!! My god, quick give him an injection, we don't want concepts like that taking hold.
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McManus69
Only seen one redtop today, and it seemed balanced to me.
Leftwinger
As I said last night, I wouldn't be surprised if Murray sent Smith and Bain to Italy to prevent them sitting at Ibrox frantically trying to spend money that's heading in the direction of banks and creditors etc.
It's reported that the Italian was on their radar for weeks. I don't believe that.
To maintain media spin, Murray would have been telling all and sundry that they were sweeping through Europe to get bodies in. Don't remember much of that being floated.
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on the goalkeeping front seeing we missed out on the american can i urge the scouts to get out here to oz ans take a look at the keepers out here on kid michael theoklitos from melbourne victory will very shortly take swartzers place in the national side hes ready now and would cost peanuts
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I've only been able to skim some of the contributions from yesterday but I gather that Oldtim has suffered a bereavement. My condolences to you and your loved ones, Oldtim.
I enjoyed much of what I read and hope the spirit in which most were written stays with us for the rest of the season. Too many of us for whatever reason are too quick to condemn too easily. WE ARE CELTIC and, as Paul says, we are seen as one of the best teams in Europe.
That may be hard to appreciate in Scotland, where the madia(sic) does its level best to belttle us at the expense of our bankrupt (in every way)neighbours. How did the BBC manage to recover from annoucing that they were buying a £7million Italian, only to have to retract this and annouce said Italian had opted for a second division team?
So, many thanks to Messrs Strachan, Lawwell and everybody concerned. You have done us proud.
Long may the feelgood factor permeate our dreams.
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Possilbhoy
I assume you meant 'enigma', although.....made me laugh anyway!
hail hail
Estadio
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The Caracciolo deal had the sound of a non-starter as soon as Peter Martin started going into intimate detail of the fee and salary.
'Walter Smith, Martin Bain and the club doctor are as we speak on a flight to Italy'
Just how stringent a medical was the club doctor going to undertake?
Sky reported as soon as he signed for Brescia that 'reports in Italy said the Rangers move never stood a chance'.
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aye like they bought that 40yo italian a few years ago
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Good Luck Jiri - thanks for the ............erm Memories!!!
Had to laugh at a few of the redtops today ie The Sun and the Daily Record. With regards to Rangers new loan signing from Fulham. (He cant get a game for a team that's 16th in the EPL). In one paper it states that young master Davis was rejected after a trial, however, the other one states that he was heartbroken to snub his boyhood heroes in pursuit of his dream in the EPL. NOW THAT IS PRICELESS MURRAY SPIN.
Oh yes, and will we hear the constant booing of Mr Davis in every stadium in Scotland?
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Yes,the big man had his moments but on the whole another dissapointing purchase and addition to the forgettable players list not fit to wear the hoops.
Did we ever find out who the nearly,almost big name signing was?...Paul?
I will quite happily sacrifice one life of the curious cat to put this one to bed.
www.howgoodisittobeatim.cfc
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Click The Ads!, I love your sentiment and thank you, but the ads are as close to a commercial waste of time as I have ever known. The celticfcbet.com competitions backed ads were a lot better; they generated no cash, but were better for the soul.
Welcome imatim.
McManus69, yes, Maciej will move to the US (who have a different window).
Possilbhoy, your work for today is to write ‘enigma’100 times.
TLW, :-)
Tomdick, the Madrid 1.
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Fighting Irish
There's not really any Murray spin on the Norn Ireland boy joining the Gers.
He's a fan and he's made it.
Neil Lennon said much the same things when he came to Celtic Park.
Murray can't spin this disastrous transfer window - even diehard bluenoses know that they are on their uppers.
Even his favoured writers are finding it hard.
I can assure you that one football writer was last night walking about his office with a mobile glued to his ear and his face totally tripping him from around 5pm
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Gerry:
It has been a while, but I promised I would get back to you; I know it is almost a month since we talked about this, but this is one of the sources where I got my statement from. Without tracking back, I believe your assessment may have been more accurate than mine.
Again, apologies with taking so long. I’m one of these guys that backs up my back ups and I’ve now got so many memory sticks full of all sorts of one line - throw aways’ and other useless stuff - it takes an age to find any of my files. I do have more on this subject, somewhere, and when I come across it I’ll happily give you a shout.
I don't think I'm breaking any confidences because it is all out there in the public domain that is the internet.
Amazing what you can find out there.
>Martin O’Neil’s Shares
Jiri Jarosik, I liked the man, I liked the footballer, I’m sorry to see him go, but I appreciate that it was probably - for the best - for all parties concerned.
Just wish that when an honest big guy like he leaves, somehow, the fans are given the opportunity to wish him well in person. Thanks for your efforts Jiri. Good Luck.
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OK we've won the transfer window but now for the only battle that counts.
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Paul67
The Madrid 1????
I know you have provided lots and lots of info over the past few weeks but does this mean the Madrid 1 is on the radar for the summer should he overcome his injuries.
Now that would be a "wow" signing.
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Paul67 & Martin42.
Did i hear you guys right saying you were brought up in Holytown?
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Kitalba,
From your article:
"O'Neill, who participated in Celtic's 2001 share issue, earned about GBP 512,000 before tax, based on Friday's share price of 32p."
Bet you he wishes he held off and sold them now when share price is more than double.
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Estadio
Agree with you totally about kids getting access to their heros, for some they don't get to many games so here was the chance to meet them and in the old days go to barrowfield and watch them training. I posted up about his when it was evident that Lennoxtown would go ahead I have lots of photos of my kids with players going back 10 -12years It was easy to get strips signed for the kids. I walked out of the ticket office having got tickets for the Celtic Seville match for Larsson and meet him as I came out he signed the tickets now hang in the frame beside a strip he had signed from 2003 signed. I once meet a Japanese girl how could believe she could meet Naka and get her photo taken. Yes we need the new facilities but the intimacy has been deminished.
Paul67 take it you had a busy day yesterday? How's the writing?
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I'm not sure how close we came to signing the Madrid 1 but if he regains fitness and starts for Germany alongside Per Mertesacker in the European Championships then I think we'll do very very well to even come close! Germany will take alot of stopping this summer!
As it happens, I think Madrid signed the wrong player in the partnership anyway!
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Just heard snippets from radio news in the distance and it sounded like this.
Sir..... Murray.....private jet...Italy........but alas...
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Estadio
that was certainly meant to read enigma. Doh!
Hail Hail
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If we had signed Metzelder, I think I might have been booking my ticket for Moscow this morning. Can't see it happening now. He would have been an answer to our defensive frailities.
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Paul67
is it o.k. to wait for the kids to come home from school so that they can help me with that bit of homework ?
Hail Hail
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inkybhoy,
I read the backpages of the Daily Express & The Star in the Uddingston Lidi this morning. Murray's poddles still managed to give the main headline to Rangers on the great deal to get Davis. McInnes who created the backpage is not a journalist in most peoples eyes mearly a data entry clerk for Murray to report his spin...If you think the papers are balanced - which paper discussed in detail the wasted trip to Milan, Rangers falure to get Samras and Robson despite bidding for both players. Investigative journalism seems to have long gone.
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Mort:
I never had the spare cash to buy back then, still don’t, but I know more than a few guys that bought when the price fell even lower but who refuse to cash in out of loyalty; even though they’ve tripled their gamble and could use the money now.
Still, I think there are a lot more who bought their ‘piece’ of Celtic when they first became available who don’t give a flying tosh what price the share.
To most of them, and probably, both of us, points are more valuable than pounds.
Kano:
thanks for being a mate. I owe you one.
Stevie!!!: If I'm not imposing: I'm not at work, if you could please send me thru' that number at my american address. It is important to me. Cheers. You really are some man.
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I've just come across a new 'Celtic' web site which the fellas at Private Eye would be proud of:- www.dailyhun.co.uk
The photo of Hutton arriving at White hart Lane is priceless.
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Five players signed and how many are going straight into the first team? One - Hinkel - the rest are either back up, in the case of Robson and Samaras, or punts for the future in Hutchinson and Mizuno. Our transfer business reminds me of the hun under Eck - loads of quantity with players in the 'do a job' category. Still no competition for Naylor at left back unless you include Wilson who is very far away from full fitness.
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new article posted.
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the judge
How do you know that Robson and Samaras don't start automatically? Both players play in positions which we are badly struggling in.
Similarly whilst I'd have been happy to see a back up left back, I struggle to remember any point when we have had two full backs in total never mind four. Which seemingly is the current target.
Reportedly Wilson is 2 weeks away from fitness.
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Paul67,
What happened with regards the Madrid 1? Fill me in please. How close was it?
FREE THE MADRID 1 IN THE SUMMER!!
FREE THE MADRID 1 IN THE SUMMER!!
I am sure we would stand an excellent chance if we go for him again in the next window.
Message to Peter, do it before the Euro Championships. Have it all in place for when the season finishes and the window re opens.
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judge
pre/throughout/post transfer window you are negative on all aspects of the celtic team, I have decided you will be the first CQN'er I will ignore as I have no respect for your point of view. I only wish there was an ignore status on this blog, I have suspicions on your allegiance but thats imaterial. This blog is, for me the probably the most cerebral online and a joy to follow, but the constant harping of mineshafters is spoiling it for the majority who are not blind to the deficiencies and do not need exagerated arguments. Your post is your opinion, but does not identify it as your opinion which from previous experience you might as well start your posts with FACT: .....
sickofthemumpingandwhingingcfc
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As a long time admirer of Jiri, I am sad to see him go, and at such a low price.
Jiri's skills were not suited to the frantic pace of the SPl,which is why some of his best performances were in European games.
Russian football is on the up, with plenty of cash being splashed at present. I hope you succeed Jiri, and speak kindly of Celtic, on your travels
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Paul,
What patronising comments you make about life in Russia, especially from someone who lives in bliddy Carfin.
Was there really any need to pepper your article with such condescending put-downs about a great country? When was the last time you walked through Motherwell of a winter's evening?
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When I consider the positions we have strengthened I’m optimistic that the players we have brought in have improved the squad and potentially the team. Hinkel looks class and just what we were after.
A work mate is a big Man City fan and he was glad to see the back of Samaras, but did concede that he looked good when he first arrived and he thought there is a decent player in there. I won’t go into the downsides according to him. It’s human nature to assume an unknown quantity is better than what you have and in his case I hope a few goals will bring his confidence back and he will bag a few.
Robson for Jarosik looks a decent swap to me, but as others have stated earlier, most of Robson’s goals have came from free kicks and penalties which he is unlikely to take with us. He has more to his game than goals though and I’m sure he will do a job for us. Jarosik showed his class in the big games. I’d settle for Robson to show his quality in the SPL.
I see Koki and Hutchinson as bonus balls who if they do enough to get regular time on the park then the top scouts we have brought in are starting to pay dividends.
Here is where some may start to go against me. We have one outstanding player at the moment and one who will be again once match fit . Aiden and Naka. However we also have a potentially huge talent in Scott Brown and here is the problem for me. The 4-4-2 system can’t accommodate them all.
People talk down Donati who has been up and down, but with the two luxury players on the wings, the central two really need to keep possession. Scott Brown looked great for Hibs with two holding midfielders around him, but he is not suited to a two man central midfield with no defensive assistance. Teams that rely on two solid central midfielders have one holding, and one more attacking, but neither give the ball away cheaply. In our case both give the ball away far too often.
At the moment Brown is driving me nuts because he gives the ball away so cheaply in games. I would actually try leaving Brown out for a game or two. If for no other reason than to show Broony how the team can play when the central guys hold on to the ball. I like Donati and would like to see him and Hartley have a game together with Naka and Aiden playing.
I was disappointed that no centre back or left back came in during the window considering the money was there. I’m pretty sure losing the league would cost WGS his job and for me, not strengthening those positions could be the difference. It would be a shame as I appreciate the part he is playing in our progress.
Bertie.
