 Sunday, April 06, 2008
Top six looks like finishing in style
It might have taken me 24 hours to look up the Hearts result yesterday, but I’m pleased they didn’t get the win that would have moved them into the top six. Falkirk will hold onto sixth place if they take a point at Pittodrie on Monday night but Aberdeen will overtake them if they win.
If Aberdeen make it, the final five games of the season will all be difficult; we’ll have the kind of real competition I was hoping for last week.
Regrets? We’ve had a few…
223 Comments:
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top 6 here we go
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from previous article:
TT, I don’t think there was any different in the reaction no matter where you were sitting; certainly not where I was.
Aqua Al, aye. We got it right in January then didn’t play the players. !*!*
Drillermiller, aye, it was not written lightly, but your point was key, I do think there is no way back.
Cruly, mail back to you.
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There's a slight divergence in opinion as to the root of our current predicament - the failure to invest millions more; the naivety of Strachan; the competence of some players...Someone mentioned that our current malaise has been festering for over a season now. How true. How often have some been berated here for the boring, dull and insipid football that has categorised Gordon "let's play exciting football" Strachan ? This is not a one season phenomena. Yes we have won two championships. But, yes, our only competition has been a rudderless and broke Rankers. Now they have a an old seadog back to captain their rickety ship and...we're all at sea !!!
But what about CL qualification twice in a row ? Pat on the back but we didn't exactly storm through. And in European quarters, who thinks our qualification has been treated as anything different to a Barnsley cup run ?
To remedy the problem, you must identify it. The problem is Mr Strachan. He has no managerial pedigree to speak of. Performing well as a t.v. pundit and providing critical analysis to the Guardian are not the equivalent to achieving success. To that end, he did not achieve at Southampton, Coventry or wherever. The big love-in he had with the then chairman of Southamton is not a reflection of managerial supremacy. Just as the SPL trophies collected are not an indication of greatness as a manager. Indeed, in his very first season when he has been presented with a challenge, he has flopped. The use of such an extreme word to describe his failing reflects on the level of that challenge - Weir, Daily, McCulloch, Novo. Papac, Thomson, oh where to stop with the list of such dignatories of world football ?!!
The Celtic defence. A charge which stands on its own. Again not a problem new only to this season. The grumps and groans of CQNrs have been longstanding. The centre of defence is weak in the air and is weak on the ground. The fear in the fans when an opposing team attacks is palpable. The solution ? Make one of these weak links captain. A captain who could not call on experience to rally the troops. A captain who could not rely upon an influential character to rally the troops. A fatal mistake if there ever was one. It is wrong to point any blame at McManus. Who could resist the offer to captain the Celts ? The blame attaches fairly and squarely to the individual who foresaw leadership qualities in McManus. These are absent. He has enough difficulty focusin on his own game to concern himself about the play of others. And, yes, during this torrid period, an influential captain may just have kept our championship dreams afloat. Only a fool would think they are anything other than sunk.
Money has been spent, good players (on the face of it) have been purchased. They have not been collected and moulded into a team. We are as rudderless as Rankers were last season - awful to watch and always willing to self-destruct. The manager was seen as the problem then and that may be the case (I don't really care frankly). What I do know, is that the manager is the root cause of the benign football we play nd which will leave us trophyless this season. EPL I hear you say ? We haven't managed a trophy in the SPL. With our financial superiority, that is an indictment of WGS reign. A man who the media love - why ? Because he performs so appallingly at conferences and because he is the weak link in the Celtic juggernaut that should have blasted all Scottish opposition into oblivion.
The solution is for WGS to fall on his sword. There is no rush for a new appointment, just a need for the right appointment this time round.
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Paul,
Don't think that it matters that much who we face. Every game will be a test.
Is Murdo on drugs by the way?
Hail Hail.
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paul67,do you have any news on whether the samaras loan will be made permanent ,and given how he is treated does the player want to sign full time with us
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Is it too late for Kipling ?
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wdh,cakes at this time of night?,thought a food connoiseur like you would know better
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malceye,
Excellent piece mate. Hits the nail on the head.
Thanks.
Lubo.
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Paul
Not sure if i'm treading on toes here..the shocking news mentioned on the forum last night which was bounding round the pubs after the game. Do you know if it's a private matter or do we have some more bad news about one of our Bhoys.
GAWF
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From the last article...
Awe Naw....,
A bit too obtuse for me.
Are you saying that a new manager has been approached or targeted and he has a low figure get out clause, or that we won't be looking for a new man.
My Hitz- Lam- Len axis was a bit tongue in cheek, or obtuse. A wee excercise in box ticking, involving European experience and a feel for the club, plus the fact that the three careers are linked.
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The worst aspect of the whol;e sorry mess we find ourselves in now is that it will now be very difficult and costly to get ourselves out of it.
As was stated earlier it will take around 4 million just to clear the ground for a new manager.
By my reckoning there are probably half a dozen or so players at the club who deserve to stay which will mean a large transfer kitty being required to fund a new managers spending plans and in a season when we are not guaranteed CL football.
Over the last 4 transfer windows the club have spent very little and it worries me greatly whether they will have the will or they menas to do what is necessary.
Dont discount another season of Strachan simply because the alternative is too costly.
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We have one last chance at Fir Park next weekend.
One final strand remains, albeit mostly in mind.
A rousing performance with Hartley, Robson, Balde and Samaras all in the starting line up.
Then there may be something to play for on the 16th.
Just maybe.
However, if it were my choice, I would part company with Gordon Strachan before the weekend as the probability of him picking the right team are remote.
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malceye,
I wish I could find a flaw in your post at 22.18. Unfortunately (for the Club, I mean) there doesn't seem to be one.
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gordybhoy64
exceedingly erudite comment.
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wdh,wish i knew what erudite meant
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Gordybhoy64, Samaras has settled in well and I believe Gordon was keen to keep him.
Whitegod, :-)
It's never too late.
Tomdick, point me in the direction of the comment, I have clearly missed something.
Malceye, I have saved your comment for reading when I have more time.
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cfc
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Paul,
You have mail.
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gordybhoy64
that's two of us.
Nice choice of word Paul.
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U2-1888
i hope now that Strach does not have a moment of clarity and make the changes in personnel and formation/tactics that we have so longed for not to mention the glaring emissions that should long ago have been made (eg jvoh).
For me this will make it all the sorer and add final insult to injury if performances and results take a resultant upswing.
It will add to the pain if the obvious changes are made and we (unlikely) put murrawell and huns to the sword in the forthcoming weeks with swashbuckling performances.
Would however now finally give DR a continued run of games to help us to see once and for all if he will make the grade.
Maybe hutchison, odea, JPDD, etc.
One final thought from me on yesterday. Imagine a 'proper' Celtic manager (cesar, jock.) having signed a relatively unknown from Motherwell and standing by less than 1 yeaqr later as he tossed his jersey to the ground in disgust and protest at being subbed.
I'm damn sure it would not happen a 2nd time as yesterday was the 2nd time skippy has done this in recent weeks. -
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Has strachan became a bad manager after one result?
Where are all the supporters he had,on cqn, last week?
Cmon bhoys ... are you going to call paul67 a hun or a mineshafter or a MrDailyRecord now?????
Will lessons be learnt from his appointment?
Because this time the new manager aint going to get the luck of facing le goon or a cash strapped eck.
Strachan played 10 matches in Europe this year he won 3.
That and a 5-0 humping from artmedia does not allow anyone to suggest he had a great record in Europe.
Get him out the door this week and we have a 10% chance of snatching this league (and denying them entry to champ league).
Paul67 your assertion that he was a better manager than the Barcelona manager was a shocker!
He aint a better manager than the Dundee Utd or Motherwell manager.
This is a manager that has given us Clyde, Artmedia, Virgo, Telfer and Camara.
I repeat, the debate has moved on,
Get him out this week---- not this season
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Firstly, long time lurker... lifetime Celtic fan. Paul, Thankyou for this addictive blog!! I have to admit I am disappointed with the vast majority of responses from the established posters on here lately, with regards to our teams current performance. However, I would just like to add how I feel at the moment. I'm afraid I do not have any option but to think that Celtic will win every game. Totally irrational I know.... but that's how I feel with regards to Celtic... My father was the same(God rest his Soul), and all my cousins and relations (South Uist) are the same. We know we are going to get beat some time, but as long as the team play "Football", I can accept that (ie Barca). However loosing to mediocre SPL team, including THEM is particularly galling. The above ramblings will, I hope, articulate that I will never throw in the towel or ever admit defeat until it is mathematically proven. It is just not possible for me to accept this!! I totally agree with “Jim Kerr’s” sentiments earlier on…HAIL.. HAIL We can still do this…
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My dear,friend ...U2 @22.31.
I am addressing this submissinon to you... however... in doing so I am also addressing this comment to all.
Do you really think that what is causing these painful and the Turgid INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES, that we have dolefully witnessed, being exhibited by members of this Celtic Eleven...will suddenly magically disappear...in tandem with the election of a New Celtic Manager?
A New Helmsman, who will have the UNCANNY AND RARE gift... of selecting a winning combination from the regiment of ineffectual players that we now have on our books?
My,My, I wish it was a easy as that...
No,pal...
It is not the present Manager's Fault... it is the Present... Players' Fault.
They are just not performing their duty.
Why?...I have no idea...
But the mere shuffling of the Pack, by a New and Skilfull Prestidigitator, will not woik!
Kojo.
yer pal...who is your buddy...but sure looks at things... a WHOLELOTTA DIFFERENTLY!
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McGrory
Away to your bed. You are now embarrassing yourself.
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EDB... im just up.
in what way embarrasing??
seriously
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Kojo.
If it's all the players fault, and if they are undeperforming, who's job is it to sort out and turf out the underperformers?
Who bought and picked the underperformers?
If it is all the players fault, do you believe the manager should stay and buy new players?
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mcgrory
Spelling. Leaving aside your plentiful, incongruous idiotic posts this year.
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I don't mean to depress you guys, but as things stand Celtic could be starting their Champions League campaign in July with a 2nd qualifying round tie against Dinamo Tbilisi... and then if they win that they could be drawn against Athletico Madrid, Fiorentina, Dinamo Kiev or Galatasaray in the 3rd qualifying round.
And all that just to earn a place in pot 4, whereafter they could find themselves in a group with Real Madrid, Juventus & Ajax!
But at least we are unlikely to have to face Shakhtar Donetsk next season, as they will probably be seeded the same as us in every round. Would anyone really look forward to yet another visit to Donetsk?!
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Did Telfer not work out in the end? :-) Was Virgo a not star sign(ing). Camara mmm.
Time for bed.
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Thom The Thim,
I think that WGS will get a stay of execution. He´s definitely kept them happy and played there tune. They will wait until after both OF games before deciding anything. I expect more of the same this summer and next season.
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The manager's time has come and gone
Even if the huns throw away the league he should be asked to leave
The big question is who next ?
For me it has to be someone who can win first and foremost in Scotland
Please let it be someone who is a real hard edged professional
Moyes or Hughes would be my choice
Then we have to spend a reasonable amount on bringing in the type of players required to put the huns back in their place
My biggest criticism of WGS is that he identified a year ago what we needed to beat the huns - to be bigger- stronger- faster
" transfer windows on we are still smaller - weaker - slower
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mcgrory-for-arsenal said @ 22.56,
"Where are all the supporters he had,on cqn, last week?"
Here I am!! Over here!!
If you want me to say you were right & I was wrong then here you are.
You were right & I was wrong. Congratulations.
As it happens I actually agree with your statement that we have a 10% chance of winnng the league if we ditch Gordon Strachan this week. The thing is, I think we have a 15% chance if we don't.
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Kojo,
Interesting question, and one which suggests you have missed the whole point.
Firstly, there is no argument that the players being selected by Gordon Strachan are not performing well.
Secondly, there is no suggestion that the immediate arrival of a new manager will suddenly result in these same players miraculously becoming wonderful.
The point - the first point - is this:-
Gordon Strachan continually selects players who are not performing. What happened to that fundamental, basic management tool - "you're dropped, son"??
The next point - the second point - is that a new manager, temporary or otherwise, would hopefully do what most managers do - pick the best players available to him to do the job required of the team. Something which Gordon Strachan has repeatedly failed to do all season long.
Thirdly - the final point for now - is that these players were brought to Celtic by Gordon Strachan, selected to play by Gordon Strachan and shaped into a 4-4-2 formation as a team by Gordon Strachan. They have failed, as you say, individually and collectively, with one or two notable exceptions.
They are on contracts which mean they cannot be removed from the club immediately - although why they have not been removed from the team is beyond me - but the manager can be removed immediately.
Perhaps removing the manager from the club will have a secondary consequence - those underperforming players can be removed from the team and replaced with the better, available players at the club - and maybe even a wee bit of flexibility in the playing system and the playing style.
Hey presto, the possibilities become clear....
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Lots of calls for WGS to go, naturally. But does anyone else think, like me, that throwing in the towel is not something he will do? His most obvious traits seem to be stubborness and an apparently unshakable belief in his own abilities/decisions. Strikes me if we say black, Gordon would say white. I may be wrong but unless the board make the decision for him we could still see him there next season!
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Whitedog, what would Dr Freud make of me?
TypoCSC.
I have just read you 23:15 submission and have taken a guess at what the news might be saying right now. I’m away to check the news page.
Welcome TrossaryBhoy, good to hear from you.
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mcgrory,can you tell me on what basis you figured out our chances of winning the league if gordon was to be removed,and did you build in any new manager into your equation,or did you just pull a wee figure from the air cause it might look good in your post?
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Moyes, Allardyce, Mowbray, Collins... your all having a laugh. What have any of them ever achieved to suggest that they can do any better than GS?
I might just give Sparky Hughes a second thought, but would only really feel pleased if we got Jose Mourinho.
Just imagine if he could get Celtic all the way to the CL Final, and if we beat Porto in said Final!
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Paul,
06/04/08 00:55, Blogger CaltonTongues said…
THEN I was in '67 after the game and we got the most horrendous news.
I dont know what to say but we're all in bits. Football means nowt! Tonight.
At 06/04/08 01:19, Blogger CaltonTongues said…
Benny Cake,
Honest, I'm the happiest of clappers on here. But, honest, I don't want to say too much but it's one of our own, think about it?
We were all shocked when the news came in (texted)!
#
At 06/04/08 01:44, Blogger CaltonTongues said…
Greenlion/Brenlox,
Thanks, I don't want to play on this but, you're right.
We were devestated when we heard tonight, kind of a puts everything else way doon the league.
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At 06/04/08 0
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Jose,
Your new challenge you wanted has arrived.
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Paul67 et al
Firstly, heids up everyone.
Had an account a while back but no comment access at work and the whole house move and wedding thing last year has restricted posting opportunities.
I have long been a backer of WGS, but now I think it is time for a change. Saturday was the turning point for myself. Wasn't at the game, however reports from the wife, faither, brothers and brother in law concur with most of the comments made on here.
I don't think Celtic plc can afford to give WGS a warchest this summer, with the risk being that he leaves 12 months down the line(voluntarily after proving us all wrong by winning the title convincingly next year, or sacked for coming second best again). The board would then have to fund another warchest to entice a new manager to the club.
To me the personnel have to take some of the blame also. No matter what 11 players we have on the field we should be better than scoring 4 goals in the last 6 games (3 against Gretna).
It is clear that the shape of the team isn't working. We have defenders, purchased on their ball playing ability as opposed to defending capability, who do not effectively initiate attacks. Regularily they simply humph the ball up the park. Please can we buy defenders who are quick, big, strong, intimidating and fearless. A certain Bobo Balde comes to mind. I would also advocate 3 at the back as domestically there is no need for a 4 man system, possible exception being trips to Ibrox.
Midfield. One true sitting midfielder to protect the 3 at the back, a la Neil Lennon. Paul Hartley is the man for this job.
Two central midfielders to support the forwards. Scott Brown & A.N Other.
Wide players. Aiden McGeady on the right. Although he has materially improved over the past two seasons (WGS and the backroom staff must take the credit for this) he is naturally right sided. I thought at Ibrox in particular he had the beating of Broadfoot, however when he was beating him on the outside his crossing was not of the quality to set up Samaras or JVOH. This meant he had to cut inside more often than not, making it easier for Weir and Cuellar to clear their lines.
Naka - posted before the World Cup that we should sell him. Proved me wrong with vital goals in the Champions League and SPL, however he is still too anonymous. Possibly retain him as an impact player if we are struggling to make a breakthrough?
Forwards - where do you start? We have the SPL's top scorer who isn't doing it at the moment. JVOH who suffers from the lack of quailty crosses into the box IMHO. Samaras looks good for me but is he worth spending millions in the summer? Is he a true 25+ goals per season? I have my doubts. Oh for a £750k Larsson or £300k Lubo.
As for potential WGS replacements, I don't have a preferred candidate at the moment. EPL condidates might be put off with the relative lack of funds. SPL candidates might not have the European experience & pedigree we require.
Meantime we need to remain faithful through and through.
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jose & celtic
marriage made in paradise
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Paul
He would prescribe Green Eggs and Ham.
Took the 23.15 down as it was not a Celtic post.
I despise that speech.Reminds me of the Reich.
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wgs, re: Jose, imagine the press conferences, especially after some of the establishment approved refereeing gaffes!
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My dear,dear,dear, friend WizardofOz
There is no question about it... there are no IFS about it...
It is solely and ineluctably...
THE FAULT OF THE PLAYERS, that we are in such a fine mess... Olly!
Whether they were picked by you. or Me, or Mr.Strachan, or Auntie Jane...
They are the ones who are responsible for taking the field in order to compete with others... in real time.
These same bunch..more of less...
Managed to compete rather well, and did achieve a lot of success, in the succeeding months of their employment...in fact by that success they had vindicated Mr.Strachan's perspicacity.
They were picked on their merits as seen at the time of their joining the club..
And you know as well as I do...
They did turn in very acceptable performances,for months on end.. Very adequate one..although, not always steller..
But those performances did JUSTIFY their signing by our now Embattled Gaffer in the foist place
So do not try to give me the old... "those bad players were signed by Mr.Stracha"..routine...pal....it won't wash.
The same players that we are discussing...so immaturely... carried our Banner very well in Europe...and did achieve lots of success in the past....
It is only since the latter part of last year that their Individual Performances began to wane.
The reason for this diminution of form by these same worthies is one of life's mysteries..
I have offered an educated guess as to the roots of our lads loss of form... elsewhere...which I believe is not exactly the whole reason...but I do think that my conjecture is close to the truth.
No pal...
It is the Players Fault.
I feel so ridiculous to say that ...over and over.
What is wrong with those people who want to put the SOLE, ENTIRE, COMPLETE blame on the Manager.
I will agree that he does share a part of the Blame... as owing to the succession of defeats and insipid performances turned in recaently and not so recently, by his team..
He has lost confidence..do you blame him....?
I sure don't!
He picks the team on what he knows of these individuals strengths and aptitude...
And then when his selectees take the field... they Turn into a bunch of Mr.Hydes, right before his eyes.
Galling?
Ya Betcha!
Ahch!
Why should I keep beating a dead h orse.... you guys just see things a whole lot differently, than me.
I have no quarrel with that..
I hope when you get your New Manager that he will turn out to be
EXACTLY AS YOU DESIRE!
Kojo.
yer pal... who like ye.
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Whitedoghunch
Anything to oblige
cold dead hands
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Dick...
thanks but i dont need you to tell me i was right.
just interested in why only dropping one further point behind rankers this weekend causes such a paradigm shift in the blogs pro-strach stance.
last week he was better than the Barcelona manager this week he aint as good as the west bromwich albion manager....
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Tomdickfoolery
prost
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What's this shocking news then?
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Kojo
Of course, once they take the field, it is the players who count.
As you point out, in the past they have performed to an adequate standard, and perhaps no more than that.
But now, when they are found wanting, who is the man who continually selects them,regardless of form, thereby placing them on that field of (now shattered) dreams.
Can the man who selects them not see that they can no longer be trusted to perform to the required standard? If he does not see it, then that is his failing and his failing alone. For that, he must accept the fallout.
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Kojo,
The players are at fault. Lets get rid of the players and get new players.
Who would you like to pick the new players?
The same guy who picked the current players?
He didn't do too well picking this lot, why do you think he will do better next time?
The players are also to blame, nobody is saying anything otherwise.
Some, if not most, of them need to go. With the manager.
The manager has shown he didn't do too well picking this lot of players and has failed to manage them individually and collectively when he was required to do so.
Would you have dropped Hartley and Samaras for yesterday's game?
Would you have dropped Hartley after his performance beside Brown at Pittodrie in the 5-1 win?
Would you have dropped McGeady for the first visit to Ibrox?
Would you have left Balde out of the team for months when we continually leaked goals against basic SPL style teams?
Would you have selected Nakamura to start at Ibrox yet again knowing he hasn't handled the physical nature of the games there previously?
Would you have selected a midfield with Naka, Jarosik and Donati knowing there would be a battle to win?
Would you have played Darren O'Dea at right full back at Ibrox?
The list goes on and on.
If Gordon Strachan had signed me and played me in goal at Ibrox and I had a nightmare - I've never been a keeper so I undoubtedly would have a nightmare - would you blame me for being rubbish or Gordon Strachan for signing me and playing me?
What if I was still in the team 5 months later, still playing rubbish and still being picked? My fault or his?
I am utterly convinced we would have won this league if the best players available had been selected and players in a poor run of form dropped when they should have been.
I am also utterly convinced I could pick better teams than Gordon Strachan will for our remaining 7 games.
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Bedtime for me.
Nite all.
WizardofOz
A Celtic supporter, yesterday,today,forever.
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My dear,dear,dear friend..TheWizardofOZ....
I am so disgusted that I forgot to answer your last and most pointed question, my friend...
I believe tha All things being equal... but, as you well know, they are not... Mr.Strachan should retain his present position...if not for any other cogent reason ,than, in obeying that old Canard...
"Better to be dealin' with the Devil that you know, than...etc.etc."
And he should continue to build on his fine work that he has already accomplished... then go out to Buy Newer and Better Articles at the Player Exchange...in the future Seasons to come.
However, that expectation is right up there with the possibility of George Bush running for the Senate...!
Mr.Strachan has lost Face!
Not an easy thing to try to find again...
His time is over... and according to most of the contributers on this site... It's...Good Riddance!... Thank Goodness...
I liked and admired Mr.Strachan's attitude...I will be sorry to see him go..
I believe, whether you agree with me or not..
That he as been dealt a rather shabby blow, by the same Players that he gave the rare and unusual gift of allowing them to experience the PULLING ON of A CELTIC JOISY over their Head!
To be honest I never Liked his Personality.... which is, as you well know..does take a little time, getting used to
But, being of the state of mind that I am always more interested in how much a certain party can do for me... rather, than how much I would like share his/her company, in a cabin in alaska ,especially during the winter months...
I had no qualms about his obsequiousness.
He did the job for me...
So that was sufficient.
I know that some of his critics at this time..are genuine Gold plated Bona Fide, ones...
Nevertheless..again speaking to you, Mano a Mano...
There is the stigma that he bears, that simply is pure Anathema...
To....shall I say... a select few...
Who are more than willing, to kick the wee man when he is down...
These are my thoughts... which are not necessarily...your own...
But, I must get my Ten cents in, somewhere!
Kojo.
yer pal...who likes ye a loat
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Kojo,
I don't subscribe to any kind of "good riddance" view of Gordon Strachan, nor do I think do many Celtic supporters.
He should be thanked for his triumphs and wished the very best whatever he decides to do next.
He has failed from a very strong starting position and continues to fail in the same manner up to and including yesterday.
I suspect Derek Riordan - the best finisher at the club according to Gordon - and Bobo Balde - the best defender at the club according to U2 - may have a good riddance viewpoint.
With some justification in their cases.
I bid you goodnight, but not good riddance.
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I was going to post a while back but Calton Tongues post brought me up short and I really did not feel like speaking too much about trivial matters like lost leagues just now.
However...
McGrory for Arsenal
I'll line up with Dick Byrne(who did not really say you were right, his barb seems to have gone over your head).
WGS needs to go as soon as Rangers have won the league mathematically or if we produce a miraculous comeback.
He needs to go for the sake of his own dignity because he deserves better than he's getting from us.
He will leave with my gratitude for 2 league titles or 3 in a row. He will leave me with memories of beating Man U., Moscow and Milan which I will add to the European nights under Jock and MON as that is where they belong. He will leave with my gratitude for his basic human decency and his non-complaining attitude to the support. In everything but feet and inches he's a bigger man than me and his critics.
But a growing number Celtic fans, supporters and customers have fallen out of love with him and there's nothing left to salvage but this year's league title.
The vile chant against him was started in my section by the young fella in front of me in Jock Stein Upper. I walked past him after the match in the Bus Park, hugging his mate and exclaiming, " Did you hear that chant? I started that and the whole f'n park joined in." To be fair to him, there must have been 20 to 30 % of those around me who were still left who did join in. But one thing I know. The chant of "We're Celtic supporters, faithful through and through" was started 20 seconds later by fans, supporters and customers as a rebuke to the vile chant they had just heard. And there were more fans joining in with that song, at least 50% of those who were left. It did include a few shame faced vile chanters who possessed some self awareness and a few more who did not know they were being rebuked.
So, though we have reached the same conclusion, that WGS needs to go. I have different reasons for reaching that position.
I'll end my post, as I started, by saying that Calton Tongues has reminded us that there's a great Celt out there hurting just now. My thoughts and hopes are for him just now. The league is a mere bauble.
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sftb
Forgive my ignorance, but there has been nothing explicit mentioned re that news. Apologies if slow on the uptake and without asking you to share if inappropriate, were we given a hint last week?
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bloke 109
Since Calton didn't name him, I'm reluctant to do so. But I believe Calton has good links and his information is sound that a member of the Celtic family has serious health issues. I hope he will overcome them with the strength he has previously shown.
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Clouseau: Facts,Hercule,facts.Nothing matters but the facts.Without them the science of criminal investigation is nothing more than a guessing game.
The body of Miguel Ostos was found in the bedroom of Maria Gambrelli.Fact!
Four bullets were fired at close range into his chest.Fact!
Maria Gambrelli was discovered with the murder weapon in her hand.Fact!
The murder weapon was registered to the deceased,Miguel Ostos.Fact!
Members of the household testified that Miguel Ostos beat Maria Gambrelli frequently.Fact!
All other members of the household and staff have perfect alibis.Fact!
Now,then,Hercule what is the inescapable conclusion?
Hercule: Maria Gambrelli killed Miguel Ostos.
Clouseau:What? You idiot! She is protecting somebody.
Jàccuse csc
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sftb
Appreciate that, thanks. Thoughts and prayers with him.
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Evening all.....
It is the middle of the night for most of you, so I thought I'd sneak in do a wee drive by post...
I'm disappointed. In yesterday's performance. In the fact that someone else may very well win this league. I am particularly disappointed because we really did start this season with many advantages over our rivals. Even in the transfer window, we strengthened while they weakened.
This is a results business, and Gordon will be accountable. I am hugely disappointed that he doesn't look like getting 3 in a row. He'd still have been hated by some Celtic supporters, but he could have left a winner.
As it is, those who have hated him through his (and our) successes will now have free reign. This saddens me, and leaves me more than a little uncomfortable. I know far too many Celtic supporters, both here and in real life, who 'just don't like him'. Utterly irrational and made even more so by frantic grasps at such logic as ' I don't like the way he gives interviews'.
Now that the team looks like failing, some are moved to at least try and put some football logic into play. He only plays his favourites, they say. Managers tend to do that. None more so than MON. How quickly we forget that we blew a cup final by going with the same tired, injured 'favourites'.
But MON was a different case. Celtic minded, we are told. Not much (any) evidence of that. But he was conveniently of a certain stock. As are many who are now being touted as Gordon's replacement.
If the manager must go, then so it should be. It certainly is about results. Although 2 out 3 isn't bad. Much better than our lifetime average. If promised that until I leave this world, I'm not sure I'd say no. MON's 3 out of 5 wasn't too shabby either. Collectively, the 5 out of 8 tells us that we live in relatively good times, compared to other generations.
But for many, it is simply not good enough. This is the first time in my life where we have witnessed the appearance of the 'partial supporter'. The one that says, 'I support the team, but not the manager'. Or Gary Caldwell. I don't recall this ever being the case before.
I KNOW that we all want to be supporting a winner. I understand the hurt and disappointment that we all feel. However, we need to remember that we are privileged to find ourselves as Celtic supporters. Our Club is special. There is no other institution on this planet that is as unique and with which we have a peculiarly emotional bond.
Part of this is a sense of family. We pride ourselves in welcoming all sorts from all over with open arms. And we look after our own. Alan Stubbs, Tony Mowbrey and Tommy Burns will all testify to that.
Well, I have news, folks. Gordon Strachan is one of us, too.
I don't envy the Celtic Board if they are indeed to be seized with the task of finding us a new manager. Their task won't be made any easier by how much of the Celtic support have treated Gordon Strachan.
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weeron
My first experience of the partial supporter was at an early season fixture after the Petrov huff cup final. This fan attended CP with the sole purpose of booing Petrov's every touch. I dug him up about it at half time and he left shortly afterward looking bewildered by his treatment. He would have been very much at home in the Motherwell fixture on Saturday.
I didn't then and still don't understand why people felt Stan had betrayed us. He gave us several good years and a massive transfer fee. Henrik, though a much superior player, was treated more generously though we got nothing for him when he left.
My one consolation here is that it is not just a Celtic phenomenon. There's a large proportion of Rankers fans who despise Wattie for the stagnant football even though he may deliver a title and some European credibility following 2 years without. There's a big percentage of Arsenal fans who booed Eboue at the weekend. He's a fine full back being played at right mid to accommodate young Sagna but he and Wenger are getting pelters for it. Rijkjard's CL success earns him no respite from the Barca crowd as the league title headds to Madrid, Swalex is criticised for playing Fletcher and O'Shea, and Avram Grant is not loved though his results are better than Jose's recently ( I don't know who the Chelsea boo boy is, I would boo the lot of them).
I blame Heat magazine, Watchdog, Claims Direct and any other useful scapegoats for the fact that Modern Life is Rubbish.
Need to get to bed now.
Keep the faith.
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Wee Ron
For a drive past post it was on target. Your bullets hit home.
I have the feeling that even the Pope would only be given three matches to turn Celtic around.
notacustomerofCFC
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seriously don't know what to say
could clip a few posters on here
but.............
what is going on?????????
change is needed
but who is gonna be the next don???
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Be careful what you wish for.
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As I expected the blues from the darkside dropped a point today but we failed our duties by not beating Mudderwell! This only adds to yesterdays collapse and again it comes down to how we perform the last 7 games.
Do I think we can still win the SPL, no not really but 7 wins and I think we may like some have suggested have a chance of retribution for Black Sunday!!
The fact that Motherwell, Hibs and Dundee Utd are all there in the running for Uefa Cup will mean all 3 games will have them playing as hard as they can and hopefully with the sheeps dislike of der hun tho the 2 Jimmys will probably be trying harder to beat us than them it is a run in to look forward to with interest!!
GS has the chance to bow out with 3inarow and stick it to the support like me who have not taken to him personally and how he plays the game, treats players!!
Of course all this could be in the outhouse if we have not taken care of business by this time next week!!
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Have been reluctant to look at the blog . I knew what I would see after Saturday. When I read about the vile chants from the Jock Stein Upper(Hope you are not turning in your grave big man) I was not surprised. Forget about TGFITW title bhoys and ghirls we have stooped to the same level as those we detest. I still think that it is unbelievable in the face of what Gordon Strachan has acheived that he is being reviled by many posters these last few weeks. How anyone can use the Daily Rangers oft quote of Artemedia is beyond me. He hadn't had time to get his jaicket off. How our own can quote that one makes me spew.
Our new manager , the one you would have today. He must win the SPL (convincingly and with style) and get to the final of a Euro competition and deal with the press and the greatest , nope I won't go there , all in his first year. Yes. Yes thats what you are saying. First sign of failure and he can expect to be insulted and abused and discarded and the next one can step up.
I think the choice is quite easy for Gordon Strachan. He would be mad to stay. He deserves better and he will get it.
Thank you Gordon Strachan.
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setting free the bears in the wee small hours.
I know it was off your main point but i would not dispute the right of anyone to give verbal abuse (not personal of course) to Mr Petrov just prior to his much desired departure to the sub bench at villa park.
I also loath this wretch. April 2006 is the only opportunity i have had to take my bhoy to see the presentation of a championship trophy @ paradise. We were seated main stand front immediately in front of the makeshift podium.
Mr P's pathetic show of petulance on the podium (head down all of the time) , no lap of honour , immediate disappearance down the tunnel left a sour taste in my mouth.
Also cannot quote verbatim what he said following his departure but the jist of it was he had asked to be taken off during a game at the end of afore mentioned season because he was and not focused on spl any more.
ps. how we could now do with his 20goals a season right noo.
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Gordon Strachan is still the manager of our club. For that reason alone he has my support as default. (Not that that actually means much; if the truth be known - it is probably worthless)
Booing a player or manager of Celtic Football Club is anathema to me. I think it both repugnant and toxic. And the consequences of what went on at the end of the Motherwell game will echo in stigma for decades to come. But it did happen and the infighting will only get worse. Supporters are turning on supporters, families even, are finding themselves at odds as to where their perceived loyalties lie.
Words are being said that although, with time, may well be retractable they are unfortunately, not forgettable. (Sometimes unforgivable)
For a large number of Celtic supporters, factuality, objectivity, compassion and patience has all but evaporated. The dissipation of these traits is a direct consequence of the lack of results and the inane manner in which points have been squandered. The discord and contentions is an understandable product of their frustrations and they are now most public and most ugly.
The malignant seeds of dissent have been ever present with some among the support. I have always thought that shameful and although I can understand where some drew their angst I could never condone it. Some of the things I have heard said against Gordon Strachan are nothing short of bigoted. Even if you were to deliver the championship this season, I fear that with many the cancer of mistrust and dislike are too deep rooted to ever be eradicated.
Unfortunately it would appear that those malignant seeds of dissent are but moments away from propagating serious unrest and possibly even violence at the extreme.
On that basis Gordon Strachan I think your position of manager is now untenable. I would ask that you consider the club and your own family above all else and resign forthwith; for your own good more so than any other.
Again it may be worthless but you would have my sincere thanks and best wishes.
In almost fifty years of watching Celtic I have witnessed many trials and tribulations, some moments of unparalleled joy and known pride that has swollen my heart. Diametrical to that was last weekend and the vile that was offered in the name of being a Celtic supporter. Since our defeat to Rangers I’ve been feeling pretty gutted.
Now I’m just saddened.
I wonder what breed of supporter is now being nurtured. I wonder where they will take our club. I wonder whose back is next for their long knife.
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Tauranga
Thanks for that.I agree.
Just a thought.
It seems that someone in the Celtic family has a serious health problem .I know no details.Only what I have read on here.
However,if the Celtic coaching staff and players were aware of this prior to Saturday`s game, then it might put a slightly different perspective on the performance.It might just give those sticking the boot into Gordon pause for thought.If that`s the Glasgow Celtic way,then you can stick it.It may also explain the petulance of wee Antipodean Scott.
We can just wait and wonder.
Cheers.
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Taurangabhoy and Stoir Mha Chroi,
Thank you for your wise contributions to the blog this morning. Glad to know there are still some Celtic supporters I can identify with.
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The baws burst.
Simply put, when a section of the support vocally turn against you then your time is up - rightly or wrongly.
Saturday was a painful one. Not because of the result but the manner in which we lost. At the very least, I expected a response from last week. Nothing. It suggests to me the players have chucked it and the manager can not get a response from them.
Some of, most of, our players need to take a long hard look at themselves and realise their efforts have not been up to scratch - never Celtic standard.
However, the manager has brought many of these players in and has fashioned them into the side they have become. Therein lies the ultimate blame and the root of the problem.
You've did a good job Gordon, and an excellent one in Europe, but Team 3 lost it royally and there is no comeback when basic mistakes are regularly repeated.
Who will pick up the cudgels? Better get it sorted sooner rather than later.
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Good post Stoir@8:21
I also intuitively feel that Strachan has never been made as welcome by all as he should have been. I also now fear for the future. What is so sad, is that it still feels that the league is there for the taking.
Over the last few weeks we've had comments like "10 games to win the leage", then 9 games, then 8 and so on.
Given the faltering form of our rivals over the last few weeks, I still believe if we win our remaining games, we'd come very close to beating them. However, despite the open goal, I |
