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I'd like to see Robson, Hartley and Brown in the centre of midfield myself, plus McGeady and then Naka after 70 minutes
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Sorry Paul this is from the last thread but you changed it just as I posted.
Kojo :- I think if N. Novo is playing he will be more likely to be on the right wing attacking your left back, I would prefer him to cut inside a bit and run straight at your centre backs as I feel a small nippy runner has a good chance of either getting through or forcing the defender to give away a foul.
If as some on here are calling for, Celtic go with JVOH and Mr Samaras I would try to counter this by having D. Wier pick up JVOH especially at cross balls, for Mr Samaras who I haven't seen much of but get the impression he is the better of the two on the ground I would have C. Cueller keep an eye on him as I feel his timing of tackling could prevent a scoring chance.
This would still leave A. McGeady on the left I feel a double of Davis and Broadfoot on him would mostly nullify his threat.
In the midfield I think we are strong enough to win the battle no matter who you play as a central pairing and think this is where the game will be decided.
All of the above assumes that two pro managers are stupid enough to set out their teams to suit my argument :-)
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... on the grounds that the first three know what it's like to beat Rangers from a position of underdog, and that all four of my starters at least understand how important the matches against Rangers are.
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paul..this may prove to be correct as the likelihood is that sb will miss both games at cp against edsXI..BEARING IN MIND THAT HIS SUSPENSION STARTS ON APRIL 6 NOT 5...
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NB First three posts not interested in podiums and other infants school contention.
Teddy Bear's post reinforces my post, I think. I rather think messrs Hartley and Robson will
a) react appropriately when kicked
b} know how to administer a few sore ones without being instantly dismissed
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paul sorry for the caps didnt realise...
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EdwardUrsus,
Samaras is the better of the two on the ground, but he's more than a match for Cuellar, who has been a great player for your lot so far.
If Weir is marking JVOH, I still think the Dutchman has the legs to beat him.
And please, please let Broadfoot be up against McGeady. That's a gift to Celtic, and I don't see the Carmyle Cardigan being so naive..but who does he have instead? Davis? Not got what it takes for this one I'm afraid.
Smith know she has a limited squad, hence 4-5-1 this season.
Granted, you have a settled midfield, but I think that Boruc and Samaras will be two key Celtic players that can't be matched.
STANDING UP
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Of course, that should read..
Smith knows he..
Not trying to imply the rangers manager is some sort of Les Dawson/Roy Barraclough drag act nightmare...or am I?
STANDING UP...in a nice chiffon number
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inkybhoy
Some of us have trouble getting to sleep at night.
The thought of Wattie in drag will scar my fragile defences.
Has Chico been dug up about his Celtic minded coments yet?
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Gordybhoy
Lent finishes on Palm Sunday- 40 days from Ash Wednesday (40 days in the wilderness and all that)
You could have had a beer last week my friend......
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SFTB
Apologies. If it's any help, poke your mind's eye out with an imaginary stick, that should do the trick..
Chick Young? Who'll dig him up? Who cares? Even his hero Walter Smith thinks he's a youtube.
Best bet would be emailing BBC, but to be honest, futile.
Best way to make Young hurt is a result on Saturday..
STANDING UP
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Inkybhoy :- The idea od Mr Smith in a chiffon cardigan is just surreal :-)
I agree Mr McGeady is a dangerous player for you which is why I said I'd double up on him. The player I didn't mention which you did is Mr Boruc and at his best I agree he could make a difference though I don't see much difference between our keepers, both are very good shot stoppers, both have very good reflexes, both I think have a bit of a weakness at cross balls. Where I think Mr Boruc shades it is in his ability to make himself big when it comes to a one on one.
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Kojo
Can't agree on Naylor. He won the league with us last season and has thus simply proven he is a winner. Limited footballer, perhaps, but if we look for small signs, the first goal in an important away match at Hibs proves to me he has something. Now on Brown and Donati, I don't so much see them as losers as 'how much do they want to win'? The Rangers side is full of players whose sole tally of medal is a CIS cup. We have players who have been over the course and won the thing. One of three things will win us the league. Whether our 'winning virgins' want it enough, whether our Champions want it enough again, and whether these two groups can bring it together and win it together, upping the game and mental strength to win when the going will get tough. I think there's enough in the team/squad to do it.
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Kojo,
last night you stated I should be "careful" when I suggested you may be dense.
You have just suggested Lee Naylor, Scott Brown and Massimo Donati, "Losers"?
You are advocating, playing Caddis next week, and criticising Gordon for giving Conroy, one game only so far.
You reckon Novo requires special attention?
This is all from a self confessed non footballing, ten pin bowler?
Careful? you're having a laugh !
PS, dinnae care if ye like me, love me, wanna have ma babies.
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inky re dawson/barraclough saw some newspaper pics of mr vegas paying homage to that double act..hed ditched the monkey and put curlers in..
ps ever seen steely dan??
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EdwardUrsus
I agree, the chiffon is surreal, but more practically, it creases up really bad under a blazer.
Regards goalies, McGregor has had a fine season, but there were times in the CIS final where was a lack of communication with defenders/lack of concentration which I take succour from.
You can't say the same about Artur, can you?
STANDING UP..creasefree
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my old friend bloke...
concert hall july??
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awalk..
Ah, the majestic Mr Vegas, a prince amongst comedians
Steely Dan? Do you mean the band or the device from which they took their name?
STANDING UP
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inky.becker and fagen..
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awalk..
Just clarifying, and yes I have, not live but pix/footage kinda thang
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awalkacross
Evening sir. Usually follow the school holidays for holidays and the plan is to leave June 30 for a fortnight. Darn and blast it, I dunno. Haven't booked holiday as yet, but have BN tickets for the 10th. May leave morning after for holidays...
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One scurrilous rumour on WGS' departure is that Mark McGhee has been recommended to the Board already.
Now, how will his reputation with the Celtic fans be effected if M'well were to take points off us and not them in the run in to this title?
There's a dilemma for Mr. McGhee!
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inky..no worries..was just a cryptic question to see if you were who i thought you were..
bloke...have tix for the friday and cant wait...an all dayer fair friday or not in prospect
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awalkacross
You into captain?
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Inkybhoy :- Apart from games against us I only see Mr Boruc for the odd game on the telly so I can't comment with any great authority but from comments on here I would say that weakness with communication between him and his defenders does happen at times. I'm not in any way dismissing the contribution Mr Boruc makes, I think that was shown when he was out injured.
I think it will be close and for the reasons I gave above plus home advantage I think we will edge it
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awalk..
And am I who you think I am. Are you who I think you are?
Ed..
Can see where you're coming from, but I think we'll win. Just a hunch.
STANDING UP
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bloke cant get that to load...
ok other bands/singers im into..
l and m/james grant/bathers
pearlfishers
ian dury
clash
lindsay/big dish
steely dan
silencers
boss
american pianoman..ask pjbhoynyc
doves
diesel park west
minds
ewf(still the greatest dance band of all time)
stevie wonder
eagles
secret machines
the who
amongst others..
if its good..
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inky i aint..
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WHich of the three following games will attract the highest Hampden attendance:
1. Scotland-Croatia on Wednesday (21,000 tickets sold to date)
2. Scottish Cup Semi: Aberdeen v Queen of the South (the latter have home capacity of 6,412)
3. Scottish Cup Semi: St Johnstone v Partick Thistle :)
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Awalk..
Neither am I. From the list of bands you posted I would guess your initials are not PE as i was thinking..
It matters not, I assume you are
STANDING UP.. which is good
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bloke just got that to load..will delve deeper later not familiar at all..
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inky..most certainly standing
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Inkybhoy :- Thanks for the discussion tonight, it makes me wonder why we pay our managers so much when you and I and almost every football blogger knows how to send out the perfect unbeatable team. Championship Manager has a lot to answer for :-)
Time to hibernate now, night folks.
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poise and steel in midfield next sat,,its essential.
Sno,Hartley,Robson for me,all 3 of them with Aiden,and the 2 big fellas puttin themselves about the park.
Biggest league game in years,been looking forward/dreamin about it for months now.
God its great.
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ed to quote gene hunt the other night..
"dont have nightmares..well actually do have nightmares because theres scum out there and we need to nail these b******s"
ashes to ashes csc
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At 24/03/08 00:20, Ross Common said…
Gordybhoy
Lent finishes on Palm Sunday- 40 days from Ash Wednesday (40 days in the wilderness and all that)
You could have had a beer last week my friend......
* saw the original question and then had tae pop out tae Mass.
I was a member of our local RCIA for years and the forty days does not incude Sundays.
Also having seen Lent finishing at both 12 noon and 12 midnight on Holy Saturday the last I heard was it was now midnight on the Wednesday of Holy Week as told to me by a priest who went on the become an Archbishop before sadly passing away.
The next three days are known as the Tridium.
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also when im quoting tv shows..if anyone gets a chance to see the curse of steptoe do so..brilliant..
phil davis(quadrophenia) had wilfrid brambell to a tee stunning..jason isaac as harry h. also brilliant.
next in series is ken stott as hancock bbc 4 wed nite 9pm..also to come david walliams as frankie howerd and a show on hughie green..
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Sean South At 23/03/08 18:37,
No doubt you will be surprised at a self confessed happy clapper agreeing with much of what you said, about today’s performance.
Turgid, uninspired, casual at times and lacking creativity.
Thank God Artur used route 1 and settled nerves at HT.
As far as Saturday’s downstream trip is concerned I still believe that fielding a team of footballers is a far better option than choosing a side of triers, even well organized and dirty ones.
Selection will be down to injuries, travel fatigue and whoever shows in training that they have the hunger and internal fortitude to go out, compete and win in a hostile atmosphere.
However, Aiden will be our most crucial player, the key to the game.
Fortunately he will have this short break to recharge his batteries and reflect on some of the indifferent and mediocre outings he has offered us lately.
Rangers will adopt the tactic of double teaming him and hoping to reduce his effectiveness. If that fails then the license to baulk, trip, kick and maim will be invoked.
The Govan full backs will be having sleepless nights thinking about the roasting they could suffer.
Should Aiden regain the early season form that made him the POTY contender, then it will not matter what midfield Gordon selects or how Smith elects to counter the Glaswegian Garrincha.
I am looking forward to a lively week of both optimistic and pessimistic opinions expressed, as CQN oscillates in its collective resolve from outright confidence to quivering fear.
Add in a pinch of intrigue from our ever balanced media, a couple of sensational headlines to upset Celtic fans.
Spice it up with Murray Moonbeams, a large dollop of over confidence from Rangers’ ranks and endless posts about selections and tactics.
And we have a traditional clash with loads at stake which, in comparison, reduces 300 to a mere bar room brawl.
I am prepared for the regular mood swings, which I will experience numerous times a day.
I will feel the elation of anticipated victory and the queasiness of a dreaded defeat, before a ball is kicked.
The stomach churning will peak at kick off and have no rest until the final whistle.
I fully expect our champions to stand firm and not be bullied as we were last time.
I do not expect protection from the MIB.
Victory will shatter Rangers’ winning streak and preface a gargantuan collapse which will overshadow even that of Leeds’ 1970 late season failure.
‘GG confident.
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Blogger GG,
Read your missive with growing mixture of wonder: how can someone else so mirror my own feelings? I hate our meetings with Ed's mob, because I am always a nervous wreck until the final whistle. I KNOW beforehand that they will be given every decision going (and plenty more besides) and that the media will do everything in its power to undermine us (a la Broadfoot in today's Herald). The next game has been made worse for me because we know they are desparate to win the SPL at all costs and, although they seem to be poor by all accounts, every advantage is being accorded them.
I hate to say it but I do think we will have to put out a team of battlers. To me, that means the likes of Hartley and Robson in midfield, and Samaras and JVOH up front. The 2 Scotts are due a rest. So, too, is Aiden McGeady but he is TOO important.
For 1 week, please, let us all focus solely on supporting our team and getting behind CELTIC. Leave the rest for another time.
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I read this morning skippy has pulled out of the Australia game with a calf strain, supports the thought of Samaras and Jan
I think this is the right choice, Benzema showed that the Ranger's defence can not handle players running at them. (that's not to say samaras is as good as Benzema).
The Scott Brown suspension, should it be a worry? He has not been in that good form that it can be considere a hammer blow.
The things I think that are critical for a result at Ibrox are.
Full backs improve crossing - hinkel's was shockingly bad on Sunday
We need to use the wings, broadfoot and papac are weak links and not even proper full backs. Aiden and naka/another need to play well
Passing needs to improve
Jan needs to take chances not need 4-5
Robson needs to play, and get in amongst Barry Ferguson
Get high balls into the box at times alleged POTY candidate McGregor will come out and flap he always does.
My concerns are
Barry Ferguson gets a free reign
We can not keep hold of the ball
Burke gives Naylor a torrid time
Novo is made to look a player
Gordon tries some stupid line up and goes 4-5-1 and we rarely keep possession
On the balance of the weekend, Rangers remain favourites to win the game and ultimately the league on Sat.
I think we must score the first goal to have any chance of a result.
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Samaras has to start on Saturday.
Personally I would play him up on his own with a McGeady supporting but thats probably why I'm not paid to pick football teams!
McDonald and Hesselink together don't pose enough of a threat to justify a 4-4-2. If we are going to have a man less in midfield then the forwards need to even that inbalance out.
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My worry is that we start with Naka.
I would have Robson on from the start.
I have been very disappointed recently in the midfield and feel Naka and McGeady playing wide put too much pressure on the central players.
Robson won't hug the touchline and playing a bit narrower will help the others.
I would keep Naka on the bench as recently he has done nothing till the game stretches in the last 15 mins.
It's down to heart and not being afraid to pass the ball on Saturday.
You need to be brave to take the ball in to feet at Ibrox, assuming normal two falls or a submission rules apply.
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I think we all know how they will play: 4-5-1. Only the personnel changes, not the system. I wonder whether Whittaker may play RB instead of Broadfoot? And the wide men will probably be McCulloch and Adam, with Burke and Novo on the bench.
So Hinkel will need to match up with McCulloch making late runs into the box. He is an experienced international defender so he should be OK.
The first goal is always massive in these games, but it even more important the way they play. We know that if they score they will sit in even more - but if we score first they need to come out. That's they key!
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Paul67,
Kidnap WGS tie him and say this is how were going to do it:)
JVOH and Samaras upfront
Bobo in at centre
PH in for Naka.
Go for it Gordon!!
FREE THE OWEN 1!!
FREE THE MADRID 1!!
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Maybe a we bit too bold for WGS but I would change to 3-5-2 for this game.
Boruc
Balde, O'Dea, McManus
Heartley
Hinkel Naka Brown McGeady
Samaras Skippy
inkybhoy,
JVOH has not got the legs to beat a new born baby.
Edwardursus, firstly you mentioned your token attack in Nacho Horrible and then like a true Rankers man all you could consider is countering us. But I suppose playing 4-5-1 breads anti-football even in the minds of the fans. Countering Samaras & JVOH. Doubling up on McGeady. Hmmm says it all for me. Is it not time for some imagination in your team rather than defending. I know it seems to have worked this season but God I just could not and would not pay to watch that dross all season.
Seems anti football is the way forward in this backward footballing nation of ours.
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Sorry mistake in my mid for this one.
Hinkel Robson Brown Mcgeady
with Naka coming on with 30 to go to score the 3rd from 30yrd free kick.
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Assured team to beat the rangers.
G/K - Boruc
R/B - Michael Jordan
L/B - lENNOX lEWIS
C/B - Bobo Balde
C/B - Frank Bruno
C/mid- Mike tyson
C/mid - Mags Haney
l/mid - Joe calzaghe
r/mid - marvin hagler
Forward - Jackie chan
Forward - 007.
WGS theres the team to the billy boys.
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Just in case anyone is interested, ML2 really is the Centre Of The Known Universe ! Thanks for a great weekend WG. That is all.
pablophanque
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How many chances does JVOH need to score with his head?
His timing and 'spring' is shocking
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Paul67
Don’t know if anyones already posted this.
Rangers went thru their 5th match on the trot
on Saturday without receiving a booking. That’s
450+ minutes of incident free football they have
just played. Funny that!!
Over the course of the season so far:
Celtic bookings 39
Celtic’s opponents bookings 49
+10 to Celtic
Rangers bookings 32
Rangers opponents bookings 61
+29 to Rangers
You are twice as likely to be booked
as an opposition player in Rangers
games
Fouls for Celtic 363
Fouls against Celtic 322
+41 for Celtic
Fouls for Rangers 404
Fouls against Rangers 304
+100 for Rangers
Looks like every team Rangers have played this season has tried
to kick them off the pitch???
Monthehoops
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2 factors for next week.
1. The park will be a mess down the middle, only the flanks will be half decent.
2. Is Naka up for the big occasion?
If the answer to 2 is yes- which I think he is- then we should play Naka behind McGeady, they stay together as a pair, on either flank, together both have the ingenuity to cause problems and Naka is always available to Aiden in a tight spot for an out ball. Both full backs will need to push on to supply support to the midfield.
Too late to tinker with CB combination.
Samaras as an impact sub.
Team (4-3-1-2)
Boruc
Hinkel
McManus
Caldwell
Naylor
Robson
Hartley
Brown
Nakamura
McGeady
JVOH
Subs, Skippy, Samaras, Sno, Hutch, O'Dea, Killen, M Brown
awalkacross 01:33- I only caught the last 20 mins, superb- hopefully will be repeated, I also recommend.
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monthehoops10;26
incrediable just incrediable
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Monthehoops,
You just beat me to that ! My figures are slightly different though the trend is the same.
Celtic bookings:44
Opponents Bookings: 47
Orc Bookings: 33
Opponents Bookings: 61 !!!!
Celtic Reds: 0
Opponent Reds: 3
Orc Reds: 1
Opponent Reds: 1
Celtic Pens: 4
Opponent Pons: 3
Orc Pens: 5
Opponent Pens: 2
If you take a rough scoring method of -1 for a Celtic Yellow, +1 for an opponents yellow, -2 for a celtic Red, +2 for an Opponents Red, and -3 for an Opponenys Penalty and +3 for a Celtic Penalty we end up with a positivie score of 12. The same scoring method gives the Orcs a positive score of 37 !!!!!
Not sure what it proves except that major decisions in gales this season are without a doubt benefitting them over us to a ratio of 3:1.
Paranoid are we.....
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9 games left...
'til we have a stronger and more loving world...
9 games left...
3 goals, 3 points, 3 goalscorers
equals 9
9 is the magic number
We're taking the chances we're getting...
9 games left.
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Anybody else think that "rfc will bully celtic off the park" is nothing more than an urban myth
Compare each team
Back four rfc, all around 6ft +
back four celtic, 3 over 6ft and naylor
midfield rfc
burke, novo, adams, hemdani, wee bazza, davis, mccullough, et al, I seem to be missing something here hardly giants both midfields compare
Upfront rfc the hound darcheville
or bodychenko
Upfront celtic (hopefully) jvoh,
and samaras, definately a height advantage.
Maybe people like keevins and co are confusing brawn with the will to win
In summary, the defences compare,
the midfield compare with celtic
having a height advantage up front
Cmon the tic find the will to win and three in a row
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Games obviously......
Not sure what decisions they've had in Gales. Not been tracking that on my spreadsheet........
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boruc
hinkel caldwell mcmanus naylor
hartley
brown robson
mcgeady
jvoh samaras
2 - 1 celtic
who is the mason in charge?
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G Spiers ...Times today
he has done an article on the great hun ticket giveaway.......he only tacitly mentioned the fact that they have a dreadful away support in Europe and the scam is being dressed up to look like benevolence ....i suppose at least he mentioned it in that sense others wouldn`t dare
There was one aspect of his discussion with the suntanned cowboy which i found interesting ....it was to do with the ticket pricing for snake mountain next year and in particular the juvenile ticket which is to be reduced by one third (£81) next season .Whilst you couldn`t pay me to go there it is interesting that they are trying to arrest the decline in attendances .
I go with my son who has an U16 ticket and it costs me a damn sight more than £160 for him ......i go in a larger group of 6 and for my 2 tickets it costs me over a grand ...not to mention CL games .Whilst i`m more than happy to pay for my teams success, i can`t fathom how the huns can charge much less than us for their season tickets yet spend more in the transfer market .
The hun support vote with their feet if things are bad ...we don`t
Prehaps Celtic are just taking advantage of our good nature ....pay more spend less
I know e have better financial figures but up to a point i don`t give a hlot about that ....imo a football club is an unusual time of business .....unless your Ron Petrie
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Mickybhoy
I don't think Rangers have the matching of Samaras - his movement, his disruption of defenders easy reading of a game, his come and get and give - will help players like Aiden have much more impact on the game - Aiden/Broadfoot I am looking forward to.
But I hope WGS views Naka as the good wine you bring out at the end - just like the wedding at Galilee (It is easter after all)
As strong a midfield as we can field without a complete capitulation to creativity is my hope...
U.
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Should just add that I am looking at League games only.
Still shows the helping hand they are being given.
Monthehoops
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bhoys
our last attendance at snake mountain was a comedy of errors
FFS we had:-
O`dea at RB
Cousin dishing out cranial trauma with impugnity
Aiden on the bench
SB playing 4 different postions in the 2nd half
NAka ..ineffective
Donati and Sno ...spineless in midfield
not to mention the right rev and his yellow cards
and we still had enough chances to win the game
a bit of common sense in our approach to this game , keep it tight and get the ball to our flair players and run their back line ragged
for me
THG
no change to the back four ( too late for BB to be brought in )
Aiden/Robson/S Brown/Hartley
JVOH and Sammi
a good strong bench
if he plays SB and MD in the middle with SN and AMCG on the wings we will be overrun ....common sense should dictate please
my main concern is that a draw suits the hun after our DU faux pas 2 weeks ago
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Judging from the Hibs reaction, playing football will not be enough. Our team must win the tackles and each player should dominate their direct opponent. Can Celtic play like this?
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Ulysses McGhee, indeed.
9 IS the magic number.....
.....Samaras!
Come on Gordon!
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Monthehoops, I didn’t know that, thanks. I’ll maybe use that fact if you don’t mind.
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test
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Goldstar...it's too late to change CB combination but not too late to change formation that we've played all season?...if I were given the choice I'd bring Bobo back but stick with same formation....Ibrox for most important game of the season isn't time to start tinkering with tactics.
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monthehoops, I would like to do some research into bookings to compare Rangers current record with other teams in the league, is there a site that lists bookings?
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Hail Hail
I have noticed the last few days that the all of a sudden the Laptop Loyal are coming to the defense of WGS, which is ironic as they are the cause for much of the grief that WGS has to endure this season, for the Laptop Loyal are always stoking our support by constantly ridiculing WGS decisions and press conferences. Now all of a sudden they are saying that how can you get rid of a manager that has handed you 2 league championship. They are trying to make out that they have nothing to do with chasing WGS out, that it is all the fault of those nasty Celtic supporters.
Winalot Journalists like Traynor and Chic are coming to WGS defence, Radio Call-ins are only allowing the anti-Strachan Celtic Supporters on to the shows so that they can be lambasted as being unreasonable and nasty. Lot of sensible Celtic supporters have legitimate reasons to want WGS out but the call-ins are just allowing the anti-WGS nutters, this portrayal of foaming rabid anti-WGS fan puts all sensible pro and anti WGS Celtic supporters in a bad light.
And what is the cause of all this anguish about WGS the Laptop Loyal say? because he is not "Celtic-Minded", Minty's pack of Gobbels-like creatures scream. They imply that "Celtic-Minded" is something sinister, like some secret organisation that meet behind close doors and perform strange rituals (mmmm... that sounds like another team I know in the SPHell).
I do not know what the rest of the CQN think but I hate that the Term "Celtic Minded" has all of a sudden been dragged through the mud, that it has connotations of sectarianism. Well you know what? I am Celtic Minded, for most of my sad 50 years of life Celtic has been in my mind, matter of fact probably my support of Celtic contributed to the end of my marriage. Everybody on the CQN is Celtic Minded barring those like Ed U.
From Sean South and Tiny Tim to Paul67, winningemmell and Kojo, regardless your view on WGS or if you are a Happy Clapper, Mineshafter or even a Towel Thrower. We are all "Celtic Minded" for we all care about Celtic. This is another attemp by the Laptop Loyal to demonise and divide the Celtic support (must be a big game coming up)and the sad thing is that some of our own support supply them with the ammunition to fire at us.
Well I got that frustration out, now to calm down, anytime I feel angry I take a trip to Grantchester Meadows and let Mister Floyd Music soothe me, I highly recommend it for all you worked-up CQN.
And for all you Anti-WGS CQNers here is an article on a possible future Celtic Manager.
Wycombe boss Paul Lambert reaches the milestone of 100 games in charge today - and is on course to be their most successful manager since Martin O'Neill.
"Lambert, 38, is following in the footsteps of his former Celtic boss O'Neill as his win ratio is 43 per cent which means he has a better record than former bosses John Gregory, Lawrie Sanchez and Tony Adams.
That has made Lambert one of the hottest British managerial prospects outside of the Premier League, especially as he is following in the footsteps of his mentor O'Neill who cut his managerial teeth at Wycombe.
Ex-Scotland captain Lambert is also a European Cup winner after winning the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund, played for Aston Villa boss O'Neill at Celtic and has turned to him for help and advice
Promotion-chasing Lambert, whose side take on Stockport today, said: "I've been here for nearly two years and it's a terrific grounding.
"People say I'm a Champions League winner, but I started my playing career at smaller clubs and worked my way up.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to come here in the first place. The game's all about players and fans and I'm so grateful to them. We're doing fine.
"Martin O'Neill started in the lower leagues, he built it up and Brian Clough worked his way up.
"It's a terrific little club.
I want to get us out of this division and I want to make this club as successful as it can ever be. We've put ourselves in a position now where we might be able to do it."
But, ahead of the visit of in-form Stockport today, Lambert added his playing days count for nothing.
Lambert added: "I don't tell my kids what I did in my playing career because they'd get bored stiff.
"I honestly don't know where my caps or medals are. Now I'm looking forward and this is a great challenge for me.
"We're right in the mix.
Last season fell flat after we lost to Chelsea in the Carling Cup semi-final but this time I believe we can do it."
Mon the Hoops
Ummagumma CSC
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Now is the time for GS to show he has learned from previous encounters with them.
I just listened to his comments to the BBC after the game yesterday and he said this game can chew you up and spit you out if your not prepared for it physically and mentally.Heres hoping this message gets through to all the players
We must have our toughest most mobile midfield playing on Saturday if we go with both Naka and Aiden we will be over run.If we can win the midfield and put them under pressure at the back we can win this.
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Surprised it took so long but just announced - Ferguson, Dailly and McCulloch all out of Scotland game. Apparently all carrying injuries.
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Shock news:
Ferguson, McCulloch and Dailly all withdrawn from Scotland squad
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albabhoy, henceforth known as 'scoop' :)
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Broadfoot is priceless in the Herald today, in one breath -
"Confusingly, Bobo Balde is regarded as an irresistible pillar and a man who should be instantly restored to first-team duty; the same Bobo Balde who was emphatically declared not Celtic class' after a series of costly gaffes on the big stage."
Later in the same article -
"Balde - despite his failings - may offer the brawn to quell the brute strength of Jean-Claude Darcheville."
Contradicting yourself in one article could be viewed as a career-limiting trait for a journalist.
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Edward U
I cannot believe that you (and some of my Rangers supporting mates) think that there is little difference between our goalies.
Artur is miles ahead of McGregor, although McGregor is younger. But will he end up being one of the best in the world? Doubt it.
You are forgetting his performance v Lyon in the CL quickly...
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Surely the blatant and cynical action of withdrawing Rangers players has to be looked at.
Am I right in thinking that at one time if you missed an international call up you could be stopped from playing your next domestic game?
I seem to remember Craig Brown or someone threatening this years ago.
Now is the time for Celtic to show some balls and either withdraw all Celtic players or demand that the Huns attend.
I have seen it all now. This season they are not hiding anything.
I hope the Scotland fans remember this when the competitive Scotland games come up.
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lubo1977- If BB was match fit I would have him there, but alas, too late now.
Aiden invariably gets crowded out by 2/3 defenders, and he runs himself into trouble because of lack of support- Naka is the 1 player who can give him an out, take a pass at any angle/height/strength and control it with 1 touch and keep the move going.
Anytime I see Aiden/Naka work together they appear to be on the same wavelength which is one the hammerthrowers cannot tune into.
Saturday IS a time for a wee bit of the unexpected IMHO (just like your good self in the 5-1 game in '98)
Cheers
goldstar10
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so they've left McGregor Boydichenko in the squad. Are any of their other players 'internationals'.
We can assume that three of our midfield will play on Wednesday night plus our two centre backs
Other internationals affecting our players, the Dutch, the Polish, the Greeks, and the Germans have a game. I'm assuming Aiden no longer plays for the Republic's U21 team.
Is Naka playing anywhere with Japan?
Is it confirmed that Skippy hasn't gone to China?
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Reading these posts has only gone to make me more nervous! Not less confident mind! No 2 son and I have already had a disagreement on Saturday’s team selection. This is probably the first of many which will see several changes of opinion before Gordon Strachan puts us out of our misery. No 1 son will phone regularly from Manchester with snippets he has heard from fellow Tims. I’ll glance at the clock at approx 14. 30 every day and say “This time 5 days we’ll know” “This time 4 days we’ll know” …………….
The OF game is the last thing on my mind when I go to bed (no sarcastic remarks please!) and the first thing I think about in the morning. Slightly OTT - but I’m sure you know what I mean. I’ll be trawling CQN hoping and praying that Bawwwaayyy will have picked up some serious injury in training. You’ll notice its already proving successful with C Dailly a doubt with his big toe. But still some work to be done there but I’m confident the Big Man can come up with something
The wife really enjoys OF games. She can get away with - well anything really - but usually makes do with some seriously aggressive retail manoeuvres safe in the knowledge that I cannot care with something so trivial! Every so often during the week she’ll ask ”Feeling confident about Saturday?”. This is usually followed with a baleful glance from myself before rushing to the little boys house.
Then Saturday morning. Up early, work completed early, visit the old dear, 10.30 mass - just for extra assurance. Light lunch - very light. Favourite Celtic T - Shirt, up to the pub.
Deep breath. Deep, deep breath!
Nerves atinglin’
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Paul67, I think the SPL site list bookings.
http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ClubDiscipline/0,,10002~20073,00.html
still can't do the linky thing.
