The big management decision of the week, perhaps of the
season, was Gordon Strachan playing Paul Hartley and Barry Robson in central
midfield on Sunday; it's not an easy decision to put your two most expensive
summer signings, Brown and Donati, on the bench and replaced them with less heralded
names.
For months I've lamented the various central midfield pairings,
which failed in every combination and seemed to afflict every other area of the
team.
The forthcoming games are every bit as important as the
Rangers game on Sunday, each against opposition with everything to play
for. We have no margin for error, Robson
and Hartley again please.
The double jeopardy of signing expensive players who can
take a season to acclimatise, but playing them ahead of a more productive
signing should be avoided.
Battered Bunnet.
Whilst partly agreeing with your earlier comments, I feel a major difference lies in numbers.If you were to take our worst hundred `fans` and compare with their worst hundred then there would hardly be a difference...all ignorant,hopeless scum.But take 10,000 and the difference would be massive. I honestly believe, based on evidence of their away support at Celtic Park and home support on all occasions,that their 10,000 would not be significantly different from their 100.At Celtic Park,thousands affect hundreds; at Ibrox, hundreds are deafened by thousands.
Finally, just a pedantic note on the `unique`;`historic`;`unprecedented` quadruple.Inasmuch as it includes the UEFA Cup, then it would be unique (for a Scottish club anyway). Ours, as we all know, was the European Cup, not the UEFA so technically the Laptop are accurate.
Finaly,finally,I don`t want extra time and penalties; I want The Hun to get hammered (7-1 would be lovely) as I think the confidence drain would be greater than the physical drain of extra time and Glorious Defeat for Heroic Hun (!) headlines which would follow (follow).
100% in agreement.
Gordon, you know it makes sense. These 2 are solid and 100% committed and have shown they are effective. No more tinkering until the close season. Hartley and Robbo has got to be !
Barry & Paul all the way to the end of the season. Long Time Lurker
We're now in a situation in which the midfield, and practically the whole team picks itself.
That scenario never lasts the whole season and it's how you adapt that makes the difference. But when it clicks and you can keep it going, the result is a run of form and a run of results. Three more please Celtic.
Paul67,
Do you think Massimo will be given this season as acclimatisation or will he be on the fist plane back to Italy at the end of the season?
I think he has something different to our other midfielders, ie the ability to switch play quickly and accurately, unfortunately he also doesn't appear to to have the necessary steel required in the SPHell and appears to want that wee bit of time on the ball that you don't get in our league. I like what he can offer but I feel he has no way back with some of our support who are very vocal in their condemnation of him. A bit like Gordon and Gary really. No matter what they acheive here they will never be fully accepted and at the first sign of a mistake the crowd will turn immediately on their backs.
For this reason I believe if we win this title Gordon will go, I for one hope he doesn't.
Donatis style of play just does not seem to suit the SPL. He wants time on the ball and looks to play a pass rather than a hopeful punt. Maybe some of the team need to show more for him and he would be less likely to get caught in possesion. Personally I like the guy and think he could still be a part of our future team
New site looks great Paul, but I'm going to miss the frequent articles as this is my daily fix for Celtic news.
Question about Arur Boruc............
I watched re-run of Derby-Arsenal on Setanta yesterday and the commentator said that Fabianski (arsenal goalkeeper) is going to Euro championship next year as Poland 3rd choice g/k behind Dudek and Kuszczak (Man U). I thought Artur was their no.1.....has playing in a diddy league worked aginst him or is it just English commentator ignorance ?
testing again
from last thread
Battered Bunnet,
It is a rhetorical question surely ?
When contacted Celtic employees throw me out of Celtic park along with the two racists that I complain about.
If not then where should we start ?
Kind of convinced that this is going to become a Sunday post ... it starts with the parents type of debate
Celtic First,
do you have girls ?
My son always tells me ... not to bother about it as I will only get my head kicked in again. I think he´s more bothered about that than seeing me doing good or being prepared to accept lower standards. Personally I think its a great education for him.
Tic Talk
As I said in my closing post on the last thread, it's about self respect, not comparitive standards.
Ladies And Gentleman
I give you the famous teser Vouchers
I have 41 pints still to drink at £1.49 a pint
Love Drink
Awe Naw
Aye, three girls.
Celtic_first
Three in row !! My heart bleeds for you bud !! ;-)
Sectarian, racist or equivalent behaviour by Celtic fans should always be condemned.
But I was wondering...
...If you were an internet lurker from the darkside then an obvious tactic might be to shift the focus onto the (undoubted) shortcomings of a section of the Celtic support. You would most likely do this at a time when your own club and its supporters were indulging, or complicit, in some of the worst sectarian and racist behaviour of recent years...
If you were a journalist with an allegience to rangers then an obvious tactic might be to shift the focus...
If you were in media relations and employed to promote Sir David Moonbeams and all things rangers then an obvious tactic might be to shift the focus...
If you were a racist, sectarian bigot then an obvious tactic might be to shift the focus...
Or maybe not?
If Celtic, in terms of ethos and support, were equivalent to rangers, then I would not be a Celtic supporter.
Chris
Been out all day, I’ll catch up with comments on the previous article tonight.
Welcome The Ghreen Pharty.
Bambi, I expect Massimo will be looking for another club, although you can never tell how these situations will turn out.
Warringtim, maybe the grass itself has something to do with Donati’s play.
Mascot88, I’ll try to continue to post regularly.
Arthur Lee -
real ale vouchers £1.09 per pint
Bibo Ergo Sum
Bobo Ergo Sum
Bono Ergo Dum
Novo Ergo Bum
(_._)G
Quiz
SHAM CONTEST
OUST THIS STENCH
DEATH DIARY HELL
TORY DRIED LEACH
SEXY TIDAL HERPES
GIVEN IT SEMEN
Guess the rag ?
RRDH- Be my guest- let me know how you get on!
Battered Bunnet [and others]- the main thing to remember is that the good ghuys have to continue turning up, home and away, to support the team the Celtic way.
God knows, we have plenty Celtic songs to choose from; more club songs than any other club in the world.
'Hail, Hail the Celts are here' is the only football song that can be heard from Outer Space.
The respective form of messrs Brown and Donati cf Robson and Hartley should have made the decision easier. In central defence recently we have looked more comfortable when either Dianbobo or Darren were on the field. Time to unleash the Killer Ds!
Ladies And Gentleman
I give you the famous teser Vouchers
I have 41 pints still to drink at £1.49 a pint
Love Drink
For me we've got to stick with Robson and Hartley. Now is not the time for Donati, who I think is a decent player, but just not up to speed with exactly what is required in the SPL.
When either Robbo or Hartley are tired stick on Scott Brown and watch the opposition get run ragged by his energy in the final 20 minutes or so
Is it just me, or does anyone else thing that the SSM is rubbing his hands together at the thought of having replicas of Artur's new strip in the Celtic shop by the weekend?
Maybe they could do a matching towel featuring 2 holy goalies, there seems to be a demand for new towels right now.
I'm all for responsible drinkining but Teser Vouchers plus Holday Weekend = Double Jeopardy
and
The Timaloys Are In Town !!!!!!
Make mine a Treb.......er, maybe not..!!
Well said Battered Bunnet. It seems to be the norm these days for people to take offence but not to be bothered about offending others. Much has been said about why bother as it won’t make any difference as the press and powers that be in Scotland will not change. Well I disagree.
Why bother? Because I care what people think of my club. We have a reputation to protect and it is a good one, we are known and respected everywhere we go and I would not only like to see this continue but nurtured and grown, what better way to fight our enemies.
Why bother? Because people outside of Scotland can see what is happening, can see the sectarianism and I know because I also live outside Scotland. If we behave like them it gives them what they want, do not give them ammunition to tarnish our good name.
'drinkining' is what they do in Lanarkshire when the boss nears one's PC
An unusual request, which might be construed as sectarian and likely to cause fear & alarm, and maybe a riot:
Am going to Rome tomorrow and am wondering if anyone knows of a place to watch the Hoops at the weekend?
Lhondondave (formerly daveinlondon)
Holday is how long we drink on a Bank Holiday Monday
Serenity,
do not give them ammunition to tarnish our good name.
I´m not using this as an excuse to permit deplorable behaviour but they dont need ammunition. They make it up
So I ask again ... in the hope that it doesn´t descent into a "it starts with the parents type of debate"
When a contracted Celtic employee trashes the offender and the offended as they are trained to do. Where should we start ?
Stuart -
The Shroud of Turin will hopefully be replaced by The Fluffy Facecloth of Florence
WWW.TOWELRETRIEVAL.COM
veronicafaceWipersofGreaterwishaw
29th??
Ulryc
For me one of the most disappointing aspects of this season has been the performance (or lack thereof) of our midfield. This, more than our defence (who I believe are leaden footed in the centre and cannot clear their lines - another debate), has been, for me, the main reason why we have not controlled games with more authority and capitalised on our possession. I believe most would agree.
Donati - yes, I have seen a lot of play where he has made a well cushioned, incisive passes. But, equally, I have seen long periods where he lets the game pass him by or seems bewildered. Is it adapting to a new country/team/style/pace or is he 'off form' or, most worryingly, does he generally play in such a fashion.
Brown - I massacred Gravesen for playing like this, but Scott has been given a whole season now and I can count on one hand the games where he has been 'on form'. Another 'season to settle in' etc... Not good enough. He's is getting paid, reportedly, £25k per week FFS.
Bottom line, we are suffering due to having two paasengers for the majority of the season in central mid. Now, Hartley (who I am not convinced is the answer either, but is due a lot of credit) and Robson (a revelation - he does what it says on the tin) have hauled us back into the race and given our defence a break and our forwards some hope that they are not plouging a lone furrow.
Maybe Donati and Brown are to be exonerated and 'Strachan blamed' as has been the common reaction. But not so fast. I think Gordon has been let down by a lot of players at the one time this year and we have suffered our injuries. Wheras the Orcs have led a charmed life which has only recently unravelled (not to mention some unprecedented help. Don't start me on Barry The Unbookable).
One more season for Gordon. A kick up the erse for Brown and Donati. Train tickets for Naylor. And........a win for La Viola.
PS. Well made point on E-tims re. Marvin Andrews religious messages. What about Kaka's 'Jesus loves you'. Hmmmmmmmmmmm
Lhondondave,
check a website called celticbars.com it may be called celticpubs.com
I get the feeling that im not helping much!
TheMaestro
From the last post. Well put in your letter derbyshirebhoy, I loved your use of Robert Burns, a Parcel of Rogues indeed. I almost dislike the silver tongued Herald/Scotsman/Guardian snidey types than the spit and sawdust Daily Record hacks so I hope your eloquence sticks in their craw.
Paul, it is never easy juggling a squad but Strachan has a lot to gain if he plays the best players and not the best signings. Competition for places is essential and if the lifestyle for the players at the club is fine, there is no reason why players won't wait on the bench until their chance comes. Barry and Paul are the experienced players so it is logical that they are proving their worth. Donati and Brown are great prospects but in this age of "player power" they may feel "uncomfortable" being on the bench. You can only hope that it makes them fight harder for a place.
By Subterranean on April 30, 2008 12:33 PM
well said.
the media onslaught against us this season has been relentless.
can't wait to win this title.
Ulster-Celt
I also feel a bit sorry for Donati...one of Celtic's biggest problems is there is not enough running OFF the ball. This is particularly noticable in the CL where opposition teams have about 5 or 6 players running into space when a team mate has the ball.
How many time have you seen this scenario:
Boruc rolls ball to Naylor, McManus or Caldwell. They look up - no one running into space so launch a long ball (either to no one or the smallest man on park - Skippy). Celtic lose ball.
Or the slight variation - McManus, Naylor or Caldwell play the short pass to central holding midfielder (Donati or Hartley) who turns and is left with same dilema - no one running into space so launch a long ball. Celtic lose ball.
The only exception to this is Naka - which is why we should hold on to him for next season.
Hello all. Figured after 3 years of reading various informed rants, ravings and rallying cries that I would join in.
Hello to Paul67. Hats off to Roy Harper, an excellent site and articles that always are thought provoking, and clearly get the Bhoys singing from their keyboards.
One thing that unites us all is our love of Celtic and the fairytale of our club. I cannot think of many clubs that have such passion. Even where we disagree with one another, I think we at some point recognise that it is because we care sooo much, and we each have our own view of "the way forward". To me that is a strenght that should be celebrated - "in diversity, strength".
This is surely what sets us apart.
Nice to see Babity Bowsters getting a few mentions. I have many a happy memory of that place over the years (being sober after the 6-2 game in particular) , and since Rab Ha's has gone all "commercial", it really does stand out.
Anyway, hopefully onwards to TIAR. I also hope we take stock of the season either way over the summer, as there is a lot to consider for our contiuned progress.
The Provocative "H".
PS - lay of the wine, BobbyEwing...
Can I just clear up something regarding Artur Boruc:
Sunday was a remembrance day in Poland for John Paul II. The specific time of this remembrance was at 12:45. Unfortuantely Artur was busy at 12:45 so he chose to carry out an act of remambrance after the game.
This fact makes the media look even more stupid than they already have over this issue and puts certain suggestions to bed, such as:
He was taunting
It was only becuase we were playing Rangers
This was to cause trouble
This was a parting shot as he is off in the summer (Hugh Keevins)
Our uneducated and ignorant media look really stupid now, as well as a lot of people who have been debating it since.
I'm Back
At Last Paul Shun your new host lets me in!
lubo1977
good point, did you watch Barca last night? Their off the ball movement is terrifying. The thing that impressed me most was Man U's determination to pass the ball to a team mate's feet. They do that everywhere. In situations where Big Mick would turn the ball out for a corner, they look to get a pass and retain posession. i wonder if any of them are going cheap ;-)
Thought i was back in but my comment didnae show
argghhhhhhhhhhhhh
AntibesBhoy 9.29 - Interesting story about the banners in France.
BBC Scotland very helpfully pointed out in the course of their well balanced sports coverage last night, that under FIFA rules anyone revealing slogans of a plotical, religious or personal nature [i.e.anything at all] on the field of play should be punished by the domestic ruling body i.e. the SPL.
Thanks very much for that summary BBC, particularly managing to avoid any unsavoury discussion concerning the poisonous agenda of those who may be offended by the specific incident that occurred last Saturday.
Some of the more devious huns i.e. those with more than 1 brain cell, have taken to holding this up as the reason why Artur should be punished. Nothing to do with bigotry, no sir, it's just that it's stated in the FIFA rule book in black and white that this simply MUST be punished. No agendas here. None. zip. zilch. Some helpful orc even copied and pasted the relevant sub-section onto the BBC 606 discussion website. Obviously he was not a bigot himself. He was only acting on behalf of bigots you see.
About as convincing as Bill Leckie trying to deny that he's a hun on radio 5.
This is all very well, but this level of familiarity with the FIFA rule book seems to be absent with regard to banners of a racial and/or religious defammotary manner. The BBC did not helpfully point out through any of its various media channels that the recent Voodoo or Naka efforts from the dark side blatantly contravene FIFA's edicts. Strange that. The orcs don't seem so keen to discuss this either.
Show the red card to racism right enough.
Battered Bunnet, I agree wholeheartedly that it is about respect and not about being better that them. We’ll never get a fair hearing in the media, but it doesn’t mean we should lose our self-respect.
Awe Naw, I’m afraid it really is a Sunday Post type of “it starts with the parents” thing. Although I can’t claim to be the greatest role model, I do try; although there may be some out there sniggering as they read this ‘cause they’ve seen my attempts. At least the wee man can stand beside me and sign the whole of ‘over & over’.
With regard to Donati, I’m in a bit of agreement with Warringtim. Donati is a player who wants to pick out a proper pass that will come to something; for this the team needs movement and people to show for a pass. Very similar to how Sno plays. However, too often I feel that our players play a pass and then stop in the position they were in, rather than making space to get it back or moving away and taking an opposition player with them.
In saying that, I don’t think we should split a winning formula at the moment and keep with Robson & Hartley.
I'm in!
It works!!!
Hi Paul
Congratulations on your new home. The site looks great, you must be pleased.
I feel the inclusion of either Hartley or Robson (with the later my prefered option) to be essential. Our team has been to young of late, this bodes well for the future but the balance was wrong in the present.
Leadership and direction are an essential part of our team and I feel our managers search for the required mix of the dampening hand of aged and the firebrand of youth to be the real chalenge.
How would Robson and Brown manage in the middle I wonder?
Celt33
Maestro, thanks a lot (reply @12.45) and I do know of that site, but it's often out of date. Have always received much better info on here. Anyone else got any tips?
TrueTim @12.52 -- that is an excellent point which I, for one, didn't know. I hope that it becomes widely known. Together with the obvious fact that THG made no attempt to flaunt anything in front of the opposition supporters, it should bring to an end all the rage & ranting. Aye, right.
Test
test hope this works
Suart - I agree was thinking the same thing myself but by pointing to Man Utd and Barca as examples people will claim it's beyond us.
Teams with less of a budget than us in recent years (Porto, Benfica, Anderlecht) have passed us off the park.
Man U and Arsenal have played this style of football in Enland which is a physical league and in the long run it really helped them but as they were building the team...they had some barren spells as a footballing team was kicked off the park by hammer throwers. Would the CP faithful have patience if we tried to play on the deck, pass and move football?
Paul 67
I have posted before in a Different guise on the old format, I felt that If the site was getting a revamp then my identity should also, I stopped short of having my breasts done though.
Agree 100% on the midfield selection we need a bit of dig for the last 3 games.
Also, if big Mick is out for the season, what about the CB position, Bobo? O'Dea?
I reckon We should set loose Bobo.
WD
Ps love the new layout but Where's all that lovely Emerald Green???
Scott Brown is a quality player who is struggling for from. Leave him out for a while and watch him come back stronger
www.bhoy4life.com
Congratualtions and thanks Paul et al for the new website. Much easier to be work shy and view articles and comments at work due to the white background ;-D I can also post comments from work as well as home which is much better.
Nothing less than 3 points on Saturday and we are 8 points ahead. Simple as that.
SurveyorCelt
testing testing
TrueTim - was not aware of the rememberance day in Poland for JPII - if this is the case, why haven't the club made some sort of statement, or should some of our number break habit and inform some of the down-market phone-ins and tabloids of this extremely pertinant fact?
BhBh
mcgraininspain?
Present, sir!
Great to see three generations of the EH12 bhoys and ghirls on Sunday pm, after having successfully negotiated pre-match, the vagaries of safe pub selection in Corstorphine. Post match, the IB was jumping and the Guinness flowing.
So, we're still in with a shout. WG - I assume your towel retrieval service is inundated with requests. Mine's remained wrapped firmly around this ample girth, save for when slipped off for a wee skinnydip in the pool.
There's a image to conjure with.
Paul67 - CQN looks a bit funky. Good for you.
mcgraininspain
TBFTL,
so when a Celtic steward expels me out of CP with two overt racists. Much older than me I may add.. then there is nothing more we can do ? All parents being dead.
I fail to see where this is helpful.
The law is in place. It is not being implemented. If I may make a suggestion. Why does the ex home Secretary not make a statement urging all Celtic fans that hear or see any kind of illegal behaviour to report it to a policeman and ask for an official complaint to be made exchanging all details. Your and his name. His police number. Your address etc. while in the stadium and to subsequently complain to a Celtic Park steward if the Police refuse you your rights. Can I also suggest that this is done via the clubs official we site and the week before we next play Rangers.
Great new site Paul a lot quicker than the last one. Anyway listening to Real radio while taking my son to training on Mon, and some of the callers comments were making them look even more stupid than ever. One caller says he has no problem with Arturs signing of the cross "cause he does it every ground" but he has a problem with the tshirt. Ewan whitever his name is told the bigot that he must have a problem with the pope and that he must be a bigot "priceless" NO the guy says honestjust the tshirt could have caused a riot. So ewan hits back " why you must all have a problem with a religous leader and that is being bigoted. The guy wiz stuttering trying to make excuses. They are getting shown up for what they and we all know,they are bigoted and horrible nasty evil human beings.
As i said on Mon Big Artur to me wasa showing the tshirt to us and not once turned to them as also i think the tshirt was in relation to the song he loves so much.
Scott Brown is great player who is struggling for form.
He will get back into the team and prove this.
Love the new look
www.bhoy4life.com
Paul.
I'm loving the new look and so glad i don't have to post 20 times for it to show up.
I agree that we should continue with H & R in the middle for the remaining games with brown coming from the bench to run teams ragged.
Also, news today suggesting that Mick is possibly out for the rest of season. I personally would put in O'dea for the remaining games as i'm sure Bobo will be gone soon and as much as i think of what he's done for us in the past, O'dea has proved he is more than capable of holding his own there. With caldwell leading him, i would have no worries of maintaining our position of having the best defence in the league.
Which then leads to the captaincy issue, I personally would have Barry Robson!!! He has shown that he has the bottle, the personality and the talent to do it. Knowing WGS though, it would go to Caldwell. I would have no real issue with this as long as he shows the same display as he did in the last 2 games against rangers.
Anyone have any thoughts??
MC
McGrain
Welcome back, man. I've missed you.
Paul67,
Congrats on the new hoose.
Sadly we may keep Robbo in the team but Donati or Brown will be the one you see on Saturday alongside him.
Lets hope it doesnt bite WGS's bahooky at 2 on Sat.
Great Site Paul - looks a lot more professional than the last one, although I'm sure the content will be of an equally high quality.
From a personal point of view - delighted that I can now log in while at work, a facility that was sadly lacking with Blogger (for any lurkers, obviously, I mean at lunch time!)
On the great midfield debate, I have always campaigned for Scott Browns inclusion in our midfield and to a lesser extent also that of Massimo Donati.
On reflection, I think this had more to do with the fee commanded by both of their clubs than anything either has shown in the hoops. I don’t know why, but I always felt we had to play them to justify the outlay made to secure them.
This should not be the case, the answer is simple - pick the team on merit and play the guys on form, all teams do this, why at Celtic should we expect it to be different?
I don’t doubt the potential of Brown and "vision" of Donati - however, that’s an argument for another day - for now it has to be messers Hartley and Robson in midfield until the end of the season.
I was never a fan of signing either of these players - nothing personal just the thought of mediocre SPL journeymen playing for my team (who in my wee Celtic world are still a major European Force!!) provided a reality check to what we actually are, one that perhaps I didn't want to acknowledge.
I was wrong though - Robson over the past few games has been a revelation and Hartley has been Mr Reliable - filling in wherever he is needed - long may it continue.
While Celtic have to win the remaining games they have, something I no longer doubt a possible feat, I still think the league is Rangers to loose - however, I am much more inclined to believe that they will do just this.
Onwards and Upwards to 3 in a row!!
This should not be the case, the answer is simple - pick the team on merit and play the guys on form, all teams do this, why at Celtic should we expect it to be different?
I dont doubt the potential of Brown and "vision" of Donati - however, thats an argument for another day - for now it has to be messers Hartley and Robson in midfeld until the end of the season.
I was never a fan of signing either of these players - nothing personal just the thought of mediocore SPL journeymen playing for my team (who in my wee Celtic world are still a major Eurpean Force!!) provided a reality check to what we actually are, one that perhaps I didn't want to acknowledge.
I was wrong though - Robson over the past few games has been a revelation and Hartley has been Mr Reliable - filling in wherever he is needed - long may it continue.
While Celtic have to win the remaining games they have, something I no longer doubt a possible feat, I still think the league is Rangers to loose - however, I am much more inclined to believe that they will do just this.
Onwards and Upwards to 3 in a row - Believe!!
Guv2507
PS - I dont think its a bad thing for big Mick to have a rest
Well done Paul. Had a few problems posting last night but looking at the amount of posts I think things went into meltdown.
Your efforts are very much appreciated.
Ironbhoy
Long time lurker, I figured if you went through the effort and trouble to set up this new site Paul, the least I could do was sign up and thank you for your efforts!
Not much to add just yet, Robson and Hartley in the middle for me and O'Dea in place of Mick. Oh, and an early goal Saturday would be nice as well.
Is it possible that our friends from Govan will take the opportunity tomorrow if visiting Florence to take in Michelangelo's statue of their esteemed Chairman ( or was that a different David? )
Great new site Paul!!
^ What Tupalev said!
So if Liverpool and Chelsea draw 1-1 AET tonight, should they let Barnsley contest the CL Final instead...?
Compliments on the new site Paul...very plush.
My team for the rest of the season:
Artur
Nails
Bobo
Caldavarro
Hinkel
McGeady
Hartley
Robson
Naka
Skippy
JVoH
...was swithering with Caddis/Hinkel and O'Dea/Balde but experience won out in the end. I do, however, think that Caddis and O'Dea have big futures which will hopefully be fulfilled in Paradise.
That team would also leave us with a strong bench - Brown, Samaras etc.
Hail Hail
ST
ticketyboo,
Me and my mate were saying the same, he is not a GC fan but admits he was impressed with him over the last 3 games and would keep him in and rest Mick. Darren did a great job on Sun winning everything in the air also i noticed GC stepped up a gear and some of tackling was 1st class.
Lets give the BHOYS the support for the way we have fought back to the top, which i think few believed could happen
So who are the priority signing targets to fill the priority positions-left back anyone? We are top-heavy with right backs; John Joel Pierre Doumbe, Andreas, Mark; not to mention some young lads who have done well. I just think Lee needs a kick up the bum which a new signing would bring. Is big George our 3rd striker or not?
Win or lose I vote another year for WGS!
Here's another lurker prompted by the efforts of the new site etc. to come into the fold. All going well until images of McGraininspain skinny dipping fair ruined my tuna sandwich. Anyway, here's to the new site Paul, and on to Saturday where a victory could well deliver the kind of double whammy that leagues are won from!
I know there are a lot of people on here who - and they are PERFECTLY entitled to - defend Scott Brown. I HOPE against all hope that I am wrong here BUT....
I don't think that SB has what it takes to perform week-in week-out at a level good enough for Celtic. I repeat that I hope that I am wrong but SOMETHING keeps gnawing at my train of thought: -
Chris Killen - GREAT player for Hibs, virtually NIL at Celtic
Derek Riordan - GREAT player for Hibs, virtually ZIP at Celtic
Gary Caldwell - GREAT player for Hibs, NOT good enough for Celtic
Scott Brown - GREAT player for Hibs, ........................?
I will probably get shot down in flames for this but it IS my honest opinion, which I think I'm entitled to, but at the very least the jury must still be out on SB.
C'mon Broonie - make me eat my words. I'll GLADLY do it BELIVE me!!!
Pass the salt and pepper?????
Jake
It's probably already been commented on, but the reserves lost 0-1 to a late goal by Hearts this week, leaving them needing to win their two games in hand in order to take over top spot, and move closer to their seventh consecutive Championship win.
Perhaps they should have a word with the Rangers players on how to cope with the pressure of needing to win games in hand.
Then again, perhaps not!
Jimbo
Agree...if we win on Saturday I reckon their bottle will crash (if it hasn't already).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhwg6E5MhgQ
(Don't try that at home, kids)
Awe Naw,
I’m getting a bit confused. My comments were general in their context in that we should have respect for ourselves and others; and also pass that on to those whom we are in charge e.g. weans.
You obviously had a situation where an over zealous steward/employee has piled in without thinking and taking stock of the situation. I sympathise and understand your anger; and hope that it wouldn’t stop you pointing this kind of thing out in the future.
I don’t know how much further you took this, but I would have contacted Celtic directly and asked for them to speak to others sitting around me. Whilst this wouldn’t have been much compensation for getting hauled out, it would probably have been some vindication of your actions.
Hail Hail
Paul,
Whilst Hartley and Robson have clearly worked I think this is because of two other players and the instructions they are being given. In the recent 2 rankers games Aiden & Naka have clearly been given instruction to play 5-10 yards in, off the line. Whilst most of the season no mattter who the opposition they've played with white-wash on their boots. The results were clear for all to see, Aiden & Naka linking up with the rest of midfield, winning second balls, playing in triangles, pulling oppo centre half out of position ( Sunday's pen. for instance) and allowing some space of our fullbacks to overlap or drive into.
Too many times this year I've watch our midfield being overrun and chase shadows as its been essentially 2 v 4or5. Many times we've had the best players on the park but to allow 2 against 5 even myself and four on my mates are going to keep the ball off SB and Donati for very long periods.
As I say this has been allowed to happen and it is a clear tactic by WGS one which I find unfathomable. I feel , but what do I know, that we must win the midfield and the ball before we can play our style of football. Why the change to the tactic only for the rankers games, reverted to not supporting the mid-field pair against the Dons and it nearly cost us, could it be the last chance saloon, the pressure from Smith or just the had to do something different?
These are just my thoughts but i was wondering if similar had crossed anyone else's mind.
I missed my welcome hello. BTW FeelingleftoutbutstilldelightedwithyoursiteCSC
Jake,
On Sun Broonies contribution was to commit a stupid foul on the edge of the box, luckily cam to nothing but again he does these suicidale tackles, i feel he is more of a risk but who knows maybe next year ??? Look at Aidan last year there were folk on here wanting to get rid of him, including the wise Kojo, but hindsight is a great thing.
Lubo
Our lack of movement of the ball has been a long term problem.This is a coaching issue as perhaps playing zonal is beyond the grasp of our players.True zonal systems rely on players understanding when zones are vacated and how to rotate to fill in vacated areas.Perhaps our coaches cannot translate the system to players to make it effective?
Personally i think zonal systems don,t work and our attempts on Sunday at defending 2 identical corners just reinforced my view.Our defending of corners and set pieces with zonal marking has been terrible all season.
On Sunday i also thought that we looked far better when Brown replaced Hartley as we retained possession so much better.I think Hartley has done a good job since coming in but he still gives away far to much possession to opponents.
Again on Sunday in 1st half our central defenders defended to deep and caused us problems.It got better towards end of half and seriously improved when O,Dea came on.
Movement off the ball require intelligence and there is no better player in the SPL than Naka but it can be coached and this is an area requiring a huge improvement for us to get better.
Thanks for new format Paul.I can now contribute
Let's not fall apart on Saturday after all the hard work of recent games against [SS] Scotland's Shame. A repeat scoreline of our last visit will do me fine and let's hope the Hibees do us a turn on Sunday!
Didn't mean for that to come over just as negative as it did.
4dguilders
Pangur,
Fair point about Aiden "chopper" McGeady - here's hoping Broonie can cut out the silly fouls and stupid bookings and becomes what we ALL hope he should be.
Jake
I think on Saturday we stick with the same team albeit with O'Dea in for Mick as felt he did well when he came on.
On a different note, following Broonie's indifferent season does anyone feel this is due to WGS wanting him to play a different type of game for Celtic in comparison to how he played for Hibs? Also if a Premiership club were to come in and offer big money e.g Newcastle should we sell him?
LTL copywrite Spongeboab.
I've been trying to post for years now........at last my efforts are rewarded. Anyway, here is my tuppence worth, does anyone here really think that the boy Larsson can play ? I'm not so sure now after he gifted that goal to Charnley last saturday.
Paul, appreciate the efforts, excellent site. Its the only site to keep up to date.
Edward, don't you go disappearing now...its about to get very interesting.
TBTFL,
my experience of Celtic stewards is not a +ve one.
I agree with your sentiments but even if we managed to achieve a sanitized support I am still 100% convinced that the unacceptable bile would still be allowed to rain down on us unchallenged. This may make you general term feel better about ourselves but it does not address the problem.
As I have already stated the law is in place. It just needs implemented. Strathyclydes finest and the CPS dont want to know anything about it. John Reid should start applying political pressure to make them arrest their own. A joy to behold and maybe the penny will drop that such behaviour is no longer acceptable even if the discrimination is towards Irish and Catholic in modern society.
I´m sure if our chairman was to take on such a crusade I wouldn´t need to take the matter further.
Hartley and Robson to start on Saturday.
Armband for Caldwell.
Paul,
Congrats on the new site, but looking forward to the continuance of excellent articles and posts as previous!
I, like you, have long been championing Barry Robson and Paul Hartley as first choice midfielders.
The last few games have vindicated this and to change this winning formula would be folly.
Much as I believe Scott Brown can and will be a great signing for us, next season will be his time, not the next 3 games!
As for Massimo, I rate him as I think he is a very good passer and is good on the ball but I don't think the hustle and bustle of the SPHell is suited to his game. I may be wrong, but fear he will be consigned to the ranks of ex-Celts come the start of next season.
Onwards to 3IAR Bhoys!!!
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
PS - Awe-Naw, due to other committments and an email requesting my presence PDQ, my visit to Cologne has been brought forward to such an extent that I am typing this from my hotel room in Koeln Centrum. Meetings tomorrow and fly home tomorrow night. Sorry for not contacting you before now.
Celtic First - you're kind. I've not been far and indeed popped in once or twice this month. I always look out for your wise words.
Jimbo - Tuna Sandwich? My hairy tanned one - mince pie supper more like. BTW - JY came up trumps for WT.
All hail!
Awe_Naw “but they dont need ammunition. They make it up”
Like I said, “Because people outside of Scotland can see what is happening” People are not daft they can see through most of it. It is also up to us and the club to make sure that the “Truth is out there”
Awe_Naw “When a contracted Celtic employee trashes the offender and the offended as they are trained to do. Where should we start ?”
Did you complain to the club and if so what was their reply?
TTT.
no excuse. Me and the heavier Awe Naw prototype will take this as a slight and will never talk to you again :-)
I MIGHT be over for the Phil O´Donell testimonial or the weekend we clinch the SPL. So I might see you sooner than you think. I´ll be in touch and we can go for pint or two ?
Next time your over in Köln I demand you come down.
Or maybe even the German pre season tournament ... not been one for about 4 years ?
fan-a-tic - re the two corners on Sunday - before both of them I asked the guy sitting next to me WHY there was no-one on the near post..... a body on the near post would certainly have prevented the 1st goal, and with the 2nd, if there was someone on the near post, Artur could've concentrated on the middle of the goal, instead of diving to that side....
Don't understand why in certain games we'll only mark one post with a body on the line.
Can anyone enlighten me?
BhBh
Spongeboabgreenpants :- I'm not going to vanish now when I finally see a chance of stealing the sign off from Martin42 :-)
However the season goes I'll be here to either dish some out or take it back and then no matter what happens it all gets forgotten about as the build up to the new season starts.
My forecast for tomorrow, rangers to go through on away goals though it may go to extra time.
TroyBhoy - you may be correct, but shouldn't a player of Brown's undoubted energy and supposed talent be able to play as instructed? I appreciate that our back line's inability to clear balls into the box sucks him back into our half but,
1. He does not score goals
2. His tackling is erratic and reckless
3. He is behind play instead of ahead of it
4. He rarely offers an 'out' ball a la Naka
5. His positional sense is often naive
6. He cannot keep his mouth shut
On the other hand,
He has boundless energy.
As for a Premiership club, I would give him another season, but everyone has a price.
Going back to the point about playing as instructed, I realise that square pegs don't fit into round holes but, Naka and Aiden have added to their all round play under Gordon and Hartley has adapted to the role asked. To play for Celtic a player must have more that one string to his bow.
Yet again,Gary Caldwell NOT good enough for Celtic.
Good God,WHEN will this guy be given a break.
He is a good solid defender,who is more than capable,and more than willing to carry the ball out.
He is also a far more suitable candidate for captain of our team than most(including the one currently wearing the armband).
Nice new place you have Paul,by the way.
Maybe I will be able to tipex the F5 back on to the key again now,and it will stay there.
Still haven't noticed Sean South's "dissertation" on our club after the Rangers game.
Perhaps some difficulties posting on the new blog????
Not that I am desperate to see it mind you.
MFA,at least you had the "decency" to come on and scoop a large helping of humble pie into your gob.
That was good to see.
Kingoh and Whitedoghunch.
You ain't been alone in plowing the furrow for Mr Caldwell.
Even Kojo has managed to talk some sense(well nearly) on that score.
He is well on his way to ramming the abuse back down the throats of many on here(and elsewhere)who took great delight in his horrible moments in a Celtic shirt.
Have been saying for yonks,should be Robson and Hartley plus one other hard nut(Brown or Sno) in midfield for the harder away games in the SPL and against Rangers.
If this leaves room for only one of either Naka or Aiden.
So be it.
Time to stand up and do away with the idea,once and for all,that we have no physical presence.
Drat - EdwardU found us on the new site... :-)
"away goals?"... surely you mean "away goal" EdU? Personally, i'd be happy for you to progress, if it takes your eye off the big prize. We were, afterall, continuely told during our Seville run that thee UEFA cup is but a mere bouble.... ;-)
I did not hear, is big Mick injured for the weekend?
Personally I would play O'Dea regardless. Then again I'm a Bobo fan as well. Gary Caldwell has been excellent recently, but he caused us some grief earlier in the season.
I'm committed to Robson / Hartley in centre midfield. I stated some months ago on this site that playing both McGeady and Naka was a luxury we couldn't afford.
I now change that opinion, ONLY if the centre mid is Robbo and Hartley.
They are the missing ingredient for a commanding/attacking midfield.
Skippy seems to be back BETTER then before and although I'm not a huge Jan fan, he gets the nod, for now, before Samaras, who's strentgh seems to be as an impact sub.
In the long run, we have Sno, McGeady, Caddis, O'Dea ect..
all very young talents.
The future is bright, ach níl sé oráiste !
Serenity,
I contacted them and they said they would investigate. I was then told that the steward who kicked me out had done what he thought was appropriate and that was that.
Marvin Andrews was playing for Livi at the time
Anyway as I say this is all a side issue the real issue is that the law is there. The police should react to a public complaint regardless if its Celt against Celt or Celt against Ger and visa versa
How come some people have a green name??
And where's ma bin gone?
while we will hear nothing else in the press this week other than how bad hun injuries are....a big worry for me is Hibs are struggling big time with injuries and suspensions
http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/Hibs-crocks-set-to-take.4029692.jp
I had Easter Rd away as one of the most likely places for them to drop points...
dbbia
the blue spanner clique is indeed a worrying trend on the new blog
another clique started up right enough already, i see.
i don't want in the clique but where's my wee blue double sided spanner?
or is it only for cqners with a my space profile?
downwithcliquesCSC
How come some people have a green name??
And where's ma bin gone?
Awe_Naw
I concur
Awe_Naw,
Bit harsh esp as it was Awe_Naw The Elder I was really hoping to see anyway :-)
If you are back over that weekend give me a shout as I'm sure we can manage a beer or two. The good thing is Mrs Token can't realy complain if I am going out with her elder cousin visiting from The Fatherland now can she????
I will give you more notice next time and shall indeed try to nip down for a Kolsch or two with you my next visit to Koln.
In fact i am considering a possible weekend visit in June with Mrs Token as a birthday pressie(Neil Diamond is playing there in June I believe and she is a big fan). I'll keep you posted.
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
Awe Naw
I concur
Uncle Benjy, I agree with you that he should be able to adapt. I'm not convinced his best position is centre midfield and feel he might do better on the right but on Naka's current form he wouldn't get a game there at the moment. Hopefully next season he will show up in a better light but like you say money talks and if we were offered £8 or £9m then I would jump at it.
hi paul
Love new site even I can work out how to use it. Hi to Token Tim thanx again for ticket last time we were at maithers park.
Hope Robson and Hartley are on from the start on Saturday.
Did I see the ghost of the poster formally known as Noel sneaking in on the last thread?
Shoorly No.
How to join the wee blue spanner clique?
In "Your Profile", just add a website URL.
You can make limited changes to "Your Profile" by clicking on your green underlined username just above the comment form.
Chris
celticCliqueNews
TTT,
sounds good to me and your always both welcome. I´ll even babysit if thats an issue. If you want I can put a few cushions up my jacksy dawn the lip stick and get a mop head if your missing Awe Naw the elder that much.
http://www.viagogo.de/Konzert-Tickets/Rock-und-Pop/Neil-Diamond-Karten/E-80312
This is on the 31st May .... I will be at the EURO 2008 two or three times during June but I dont see that as being a problem. In fact you might prefer it ... more romantic etc.
I´ll have to find some non Celtic bedspreads mind ;-)
Subterranean,
and what do you get if you join the Ian Fergsuon club ? ;-)
...or; wee white spanner on a blue background clique. the wee blue spanner clique are rubbish ;-)
I did not hear, is big Mick injured for the weekend?
Personally I would play O'Dea regardless. Then again I'm a Bobo fan as well. Gary Caldwell has been excellent recently, but he caused us some grief earlier in the season.
I'm committed to Robson / Hartley in centre midfield. I stated some months ago on this site that playing both McGeady and Naka was a luxury we couldn't afford.
I now change that opinion, ONLY if the centre mid is Robbo and Hartley.
They are the missing ingredient for a commanding/attacking midfield.
Skippy seems to be back BETTER then before and although I'm not a huge Jan fan, he gets the nod, for now, before Samaras, who's strentgh seems to be as an impact sub.
In the long run, we have Sno, McGeady, Caddis, O'Dea ect..
all very young talents.
The future is bright, ach níl sé oráiste !
Ted
did you send me your bebo Photos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qpYuGhoJOE
I think PH & BR have stirred up a bit of passion on the team. Or does that have something to do with a certain ex-ca