Celtic need normality in the abnormal

90 minutes away from 3 in a row.

Yes it will be tough. But we would have gladly taken this situation after the Motherwell defeat.

1st?

have bottle of champers on ice for thursday..hangover fri..can't wait

my first bronze...i'm overwhelmed..it so unexpected...

Walter Smith was 100% correct in his post-match press conference yesterday, no assumptions can be made that the league challengers will pick collect maximum points in their remaining games.

Positive spin... they are the challengers now, no? I'd be more than happy for his assertion to be true, starting tomorrow night! :)

Could Levein's sense of injustice not maybe favour Celtic?

I know if it was me, I wouldn't have my team as fired up but then I'm not as professional as Levein probably is...

I have a feeling Hunt won't be as energetic as he usually is though..

Yes, Paul, quite true. Never count your chickens and all that. Still, we must give it our best shout; all of us have to be totally focused. We have put ourselves in with a real chance of 3-in-a-row. Roma are now in pole position for winning the scudetto, after months of it seeming a cake walk for Inter.

I was watching the game yesterday, Rangers were devoid of pace, guile and utterly lacking in conviction. They are a spent force, as someone here said they have been found out.
This could be over before Thursday. But I for one will not be counting any chickens, the last time I posted was after the 1-0 defeat to Motherwell, plenty of towel throwers on here that day.
I was not one of them.
I said that day I will not be throwing in any towel until it becomes mathematically impossible.
We have given ourselves a chance, anything could happen yet, so keep that champagne on ice, at least for now.

More positive spin... we have a GAME left, they have GAMES left! :)

politiciansupremeCSC

For anyone thinking that the more Celtic friendly lads in the Dundee Utd team wont be giving their all 2 word, Scott McDonald.

These guys are pros and they will be at their best trying to beat us. Celtic are the team they really get to test themselves against and they will be desperate to come out on top.

Its going to be VERY DIFFICULT.

from last post on last thread

I logged on to vent my spleen about the Rod Liddell article in the Sunday Murdoch but decided to catch up on a day's worth of posts first so I have seen that others have brought the article up already...and I have calmed down somewhat anyway. It is a disgraceful piece of journalism that relies so much on the "they can't answer back" philosophy and will inevitably colour the views of people who don't know any better with regard to Celtic supporters and,indeed, Scotland supporters. The hoary old chestnut about Wembley 77 was also dragged out of the attic. Maybe Mr Liddell doesn't know, but supporters associations of Scottish clubs arranged collections to pay for all of that damage. Hey, there's something that David Edgar and the RST could copy.

Watched Birthday Bhoys on tape. I understand Terry and Paul being on but imagine them letting somebody from Greenock on the programme. He even sounded slightly sensible. Must have gone to a good school.

PS I still have that Paul Weller ticket for Thursday night if anyone's interested.

from last post on last thread

I logged on to vent my spleen about the Rod Liddell article in the Sunday Murdoch but decided to catch up on a day's worth of posts first so I have seen that others have brought the article up already...and I have calmed down somewhat anyway. It is a disgraceful piece of journalism that relies so much on the "they can't answer back" philosophy and will inevitably colour the views of people who don't know any better with regard to Celtic supporters and,indeed, Scotland supporters. The hoary old chestnut about Wembley 77 was also dragged out of the attic. Maybe Mr Liddell doesn't know, but supporters associations of Scottish clubs arranged collections to pay for all of that damage. Hey, there's something that David Edgar and the RST could copy.

Watched Birthday Bhoys on tape. I understand Terry and Paul being on but imagine them letting somebody from Greenock on the programme. He even sounded slightly sensible. Must have gone to a good school.

PS I still have that Paul Weller ticket for Thursday night if anyone's interested.

Cadizzy - think you're on your own with the Paul Weller ticket!

sorry about the double posting... this apology is merely my attempt at the first 3 in a row of the week

Well said Paul

There has been a lot of talk this week about fate, about them finally crumbling under the pressure as we knew they would, about how other teams may or may not have anything to play for and may or may not do us "a favour".

Fact of the matter is we have to go out and win a game of football. One game. We should not be deflected from that fact.

It will be tough, but I have no doubt the players have the ability and the desire to do so, but the focus has to be on winning the game. This focus may be the hardest thing of all to achieve under the current circumstances..........but achieve this and the league will surely follow.

I have a feeling the Phil O'Donnell match will be THE most emotional event in Celtic's history, win lose or draw on thursday, and by God that is saying something.

3inarow,shouldbe8csc

watching the game yesterday and I hope to Ghod that they keep Couisins (sp) as he is the most useless fecker to ever grace this planet...a liability

Just wondering as well what sally mccoists role is at ibrox..all he seems to do is shout "c'mon"..Future looks bright with him been touted as the replacment to Sir Walter...

Paul, How much do you reckon rangers will have to spend next year as obviously the 20 million been bandied is absolute rubbish..
A sizeable amount will be needed as they will have to strenghten every area especilly defence as Weir may have another season but will be out with injuries more often and ugly betty will be off as well..

Midfield is non existant - even captain fantastic is looking past it

Upfront arsevilles isn't fit enough and boyd will be away if he has any sense...

The GOD you posted at the start of the year is looking a bit more realistic now Paul.

and Boltonbhoy also ruins my 3 in a row attempt. Let's hope that is not an omen. Actually my daughter has offered to go to the concert in my place. Dear Deirdrie, what should I do?

LeFrandPierre - Surprisingly good article from Waddell, thanks for the link. However I don't doubt we'll be on the receiving end next week. But he deserves praise for at least mentioning the famine song and putting it in the context of the same sentiment being aimed at Africans.

I have a fear that we could be in the firing line next week. If we do finish the job on Thursday there will be a lot of unhappy huns travelling down the A92. Any trouble, which would no doubt be instigated by them will allow the media to drag is into the hooligan debate [which is already happening] Make no mistake the media will be delighted if there is trouble between us and the Orcs on Thursday.

R*ngers are already disgraced, they have nothing to lose. If there is any trouble it will be the perfect opportunity to talk about the "Old Firm" problem. It'll probably be used to balance things out in the samy way a wrongly awarded corner balances out the triple whammy of wrongly disallowed goal, non-award of a penalty and no red card.

Make no mistake, I have every confidence in Celtic supporters but I can picture the scene - a group of embittered Orcs attack some Celtic fans at a petrol station and the media goes into overdrive, speaking of provocation and heavy-handed retreating by Celtic fans.

Talking of media apologists I had the misfortune to be in a taxi for a while last night with the radio tuned into Real Radio phone-in. I think it was Ewan Cameron(?) but the guy was a sickening disgrace. Why does he need to shout at callers?? Well obviously becuase his arguments are mince. A Celtic fan called in and was shouted down - Cameron shouting "how do you know that Celtic fans wouldn't have reacted in the same way?".

Well, Ewan, we can have a lengthy debate about the nature of reality and whether I'm actually sitting here typing on a computer or lying in a tub of saline with tubes going into my head in a perpetual state of lucid dreaming, but let's say.. "I just know we wouldn't and we have a UEFA Fair Play Award to prove it".

Needless to say his stance was the trouble was ALL Manchester's fault. He had a hackneyed phrase that he used over and over again... "There is absolutely no excuse for that kind of behaviour. But..."

i.e. There's no excuse for that kind of behaviour, well actually there is...

I can imagine him in one of those TV adverts aimed at benefit cheats [along with Keith Jackson, Jim Traynor, Dawyll Bentfoot et al.]

"There's no excuse for that kind of behaviour, but..."

"But.... if.. it isnae fair...but... Celtic are justiz bad...ah've goat film frae Barcalona..."

NO IFS NO BUTS - RIOTING, STABBING AND SACKING A CITY CARRIES A TWO SEASON UEFA BAN

Tony, let's hope that the distance between Dundee and Aberdeen means that we're all home and celebrating while they are all still travelling..or stuck at the side of the road throwing beer at their broken down hunvee (see DBBIA post on Friday for explanation).

I can categorically say that I think that Ewen Cameron would have rioted if he had been in Manchester on Wednesday.No sense to my statement whatsoever and that is why people like me who make such ludicrous statements don't get to host talk shows....oh, wait a minute....

Posted this on the last thread. Blowing my own trumpet and leaning agaisnst an already open door....

Ladies and Gents
Picture the scene if you will.......
You have arranged a family get together and have invited everyone you know is related to you. Unfortunately, due to some outside pressure, you have had to invite the cousins from the north, you know the ones, permanent embarrassment and occasional disgrace.
You resisted at first, putting forward what you thought were cogent and sensible arguments, there's too many of them, where are they going to sleep? What about the catering?
You are assured by their patriarch that they will sort out their own arrangements and will add colour and vibrancy to the occasion.
He wants to show the neighbours across the way that his part of your big family can behave as well as his lot did when they all went to Spain for a large family gathering a few years ago.
The other senior members of the northern delegation wheigh in saying that they had been to several big parties recently and nary a bad word was said about them back home.
You however have niggling doubts, a wee itch that you can't quite get to to scratch.
The pressure builds and eventually you accede and try your best to lay on for them extra facilities at your bash- at your own expense of course.
You think to yourself, 'what the hell, they are part of the family, how bad could they be?'
Anyways, the big day comes and all your family are gathering, the sun is shining and everything looks to be in place. Then, in the distance you hear a rumbling, distant cacophany building, you strain your ears to listen, the sound builds and what comes over is the family anthem, only not as you've really ever heard it before. The majestic rises and falls in melody, the cadence and beauty have been replaced with a gutteral, aggressive yelling as down your street comes rumbling people you barely recognise as your own. There are striking similarities, they are wearing the family colours prominently and proudly and many of them have brought their own refreshments!
Your unease begins to grow when they get closer, you see that they really have been 'celebrating' coming to meet their southern cousins prior to their arrival. You extend the hand of friendship to them and welcome them to the old pile. A good few of them accept your welcome with grace and gratitude but quite a large amount of them seen hell-bent on reminding you exactly why you were reluctant to invite them in the first place.
They are indeed the rowdy and uncouth bunch that you vividly recall from earlier days. Belting out the family anthem and dragging your old aunties up to dance, even though they are clearly unfit to do so.
You can hear smashing as the dinner service gets broken in an act of 'boiterousness'. You seek the patriarch to ask him to have words with his flock but he is nowhere to be seen. Turns out he went to another do just down the road where he was made to feel like an emperor.
You decide that you really must act and try and speak to a couple of your cousins. This is when it gets really quite frightening. When you approach them one of them shoves a canape into your face and the other hits you over the head with a bottle of your beer that you have provided for them. Oh the irony! The naivity!
Your local coisins get involved and after some quite tasty scenes your northern cousins are expelled from the party, leaving you with a hellof a mess to clean up. All your neighbours demand apologies and you are issued with a couple of writs for the damage your cousins have done to their property.
You are left with no alternative but top speak to the patriarch only to find his telephone constantly engaged. Eventually his wee cousin contacts you and tells you it was all your own fault for inviting them in the first place and that the beer was warm anyway. He tells you that he is ashamed to be part of the family.
Up north they are making a fool of you, telling everyone who will listen that you are a permanent embarrassment and occasional disgrace and if it wasn't for them, the good family name would be mud by now.
You go into your study and take out your great uncle Cecil's old service revolver.
As you put it to your temple your last thought is: 'please let the family be put asunder, let us expunge these cousins from our records and never have anything to do with them again'.
You close your eyes and pull the trigger........
The family crest pops out of the barrel and nearly takes your eye out. Chuckling you put it back in the drawer and pour yourself a stiff one.

Cadizzy - hope it is the only three in a row attempt that is spiled this week. I've a funny feeling that you will be able to go to the concert on Thursday as I might just get a surprise birthday present tomorrow night from Love St. They were out on their feet at the end of the game yesterday, even those that didn't really feature in Manchester.

Paul,

This week is going to be difficult for Celtic for the obvious reason of TB's funeral.

However, Thursday is all about the game.

I have read suggestions that Celtic line up with everyone wearing the number 10 on their shorts.

I don't agree. There will be time to pay tribute,before the game for instance, but only a cold, hard and focussed attitude will be required during the match.

Hopefully we will prevail and Sunday's Tribute match for Phil O'Donnell would be an ideal time to mark our respects.

As for the possibility of trouble from the Dogfood Providers, I think that the Dundee Police will have the Celtic buses out of town immediately after the game, giving the Celtic fans a head start on them.

The fruits of my labour

Quietly smug in the absence of games - Thursday yet to come, and them to play in between that. The smugness will pass by Wednesday - then it is all business. But for now...

...it's a BBQ today - after having erected/drilled a basketball hoop for Cara... and me. Beers and a feeling of contentment, galvanised by the words and thoughts of my fellow CQNers.

I've learned a lot about myself as a Celtic supporter this season, and in light of recent news being a catalyst I'm so glad to have Celtic and by dint this forum and by dint friends.

To the garden to banish thoughts of Thursday 'til... well tommorrow at least.

Go claim the summer.

1
G
L

PS

I will always laugh when I see that clip of Fergus saying 'Luigi Macari'

Rangers are still favourites for the title in my view. I expect them tomorrow to get a few goasl. It will be all out attack with Boyd, Novo, Darcheville or Cousin all playing at the same time.
They also got a matter of Jimmy Calderwood again on Thursday.

Paul67,

Give that £20 note a wee rub again tomorrow night.

Watched the game yesterday, reaRangers were ok for 45 mins then the heavy legs seemed to set in, after that performance I think they will struggle 2morro given St Mirren's recent home record, regardless we will still have to go and put in a solid performance on Thursday night. It will be interesting to see both sets of fans travelling up and down the A9 on Thursday, possibly some taunting going on....Ya Think!

Onward to 3 in a row.

God bless Tommy Burns.

Boltonbhoy, happy birthday for tomorrow. Is that a 1 after the 5 now? Still not made contact with Chalmers etc. but have not forgotten. Love St playing a big part in a Celtic championship has a nice ring to it.

I'm no legal eagle (clearly) but could these so called journalists who are saying that "Celtic fans would have done the same thing" not be sued for defamation of character, as they are making completely unfounded allegations in print, with absolutely no proof to back them up?

There is no libel law in Scotland but you can be sued for defamation. Not sure who would be able to instigate these proceedings...the club, a fans group.

Just a thought.

Cadizzy - ypu are probably right but I wonder will there be a trophy presentation if manage to win? Could delay the departure.

Hypothetical question - suppose there is trouble on Thursday, do you think it will all be swept under the carpet and blamed on the SPL's poor scheduling of fixtures?

Jinkybhoy, Levein is too professional for that.

I’ll keep my powder dry on G.o.D. for the time being. No idea how much Rangers will spend.

Sir Jock, correct, blank out all other games and concentrate on Tanadice.

WGS, it’s not my £20 note.

A couple of thoughts about yesterday's Motherwell v Rangers game.

Rangers are running on empty. If the effort they undoubtedly possess does not overcome the opposition early on then desperation creeps and then floods into their play.

The professionalism of the 'Well players was impressive, most particularly the ex Rangers players Hughes and Mc Lean.

This is a double-edged word in its way. We can as others suggest maybe expect similar from the Dundee Utd players but in the same way neither St Mirren nor Aberdeen will want to be seen as letting themselves down in front of their own supporters.

All in all I cannot see Rangers taking full points from these two matches so that the pendulum has undoubtedly swung our way. Above all I cannot believe that psychologically the underlining resentment felt by the Utd players after Ibrox will be any stimulation for them to raise their resolve to the heights I expect from our own team. I cannot and will not believe we will let it go now.

Three in a row is assured and for those about to celebrate

GORDON STRACHAN We salute you.

Tony, it won't be swept under the carpet. It will be clearly our fault

We have one game left. One difficult game, no doubt. And it will need maximum endeavour, skill and courage from our players to win it.

Just like they have shown over the past few weeks.

At one point the championship looked lost. But now we have the chance to win it again. And I have confidence that our team, players and coaching staff alike, are up to the challenge.

When is the Phil tribute game?

Paul
Sorry to be off-topic, but you stated there is a uefa meeting today....Have you heard anything, can we expect the events of Manchester to make it onto the minutes? Do you expect uefa to let rangers walk away from this one scot-free?

Sir Jock on May 18, 2008 2:50 PM

regarding your defamation point, defamation laws are set up to protect the individuals reputation, therefore you are unable to defame a class of person generally, so no possible claims. Thats my understanding of the position in england.Its been a while since i studied the scots position, but tort and delict are fairly similar and would be surprised if it were different. Will look into it for you if you want.

As an aside and looking to the summer, have been talking to a newcastle supporting friend in light of the stephen carr video posted on here. Given that he's a free agent, what would peoples opinion be of him as a potential summer signing for left back, as he's quite versatile? My mate was of the opinion he would have been good for newcastle but due to injury he seemed to lack drive or passion for the club or game. The youtube vid would seem to suggest otherwise if he was to sign up for us. As i said not sure what my thoughts are and would be interested to hear others' view?

Did anyone else know that the home section at tannadice is pay at the gate on thursday? Get there early enough and your guaranteed to get in....as long as you dont have any visible Celtic colours of course.

Not sure how this would go down with the locals mind you.

PC1888

Sunday 25th. Its a complete sellout.

Sorry Paul meant tomorrow's uefa meeting.............

Good article in SoS from Tom English

Tom English pulling no punches

David Taylor is reported on the Beeb just now as "confirming" that Rangers will face no punishment from UEFA, as, despite the scenes being "disgraceful", of course, they did not take place inside the ground.

Pontius Pilate would be too principled for a job in that organisation, an organisation that is about to let Rangers compete in the CL qualifiers without so much as a one thin Euro fine......

And an even better one

Tom English pulling no punches 2

I rate Carr alright..wouldn't be a bad player

Carr always looked decent to me, as long as he is fully fit. Don't know what his wages are like though.

dav

cheers for the clarification. the costs involved in such a case would no doubt be prohibitive for the man in the street, unless the club were of the opinion that they were bringing the name of Celtic Football Club into disrepute.

as for Stephen Carr, would be a decent signing maybe more of a squad player than a first choice.......on current form a vast improvement on Naylor. Only cost Newcastle £2m so dont see his wages being too high either and he would obviously play for the jersey

3inarow,shouldbe8

Just got this off facistfacist (I admit to be one of the timposters), but what a happy place Ibrox was even before the beamback...

I did end up at Ibrox, what a disaster, stood in a queue from 1.30pm, and at 4pm a huge number of fans decided they had waited long enough and barged, kids got lost people were hitting each other over the head with there beer bottles, it was rediculous...

Great articles in SoS Larry.bhoy.

I cannot comprehend UEFA's decision to let the events of Wednesday night go unpunished.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7405259.stm

The footage on the BBC is sickening!! 11 arrests my arse, final arrests should reach in the hundreds after the footage that's been made available to authorities.

Sure does Cadizzy and your calculations are spot on. Just going out for a meal in a lovely spanish tapas bar - and no work tomorrow. Good weekend all round - and it will just get better this week, I'm sure!

Doherty's 7,

The beamback shambles largely seems to have slipped under the radar, though Tom English mentions it in his 2nd article above.
Murray Media apologists deliberately ignoring it I expect?

Why did RFC not issue tickets for this? They had the time to organise this.
Once again they are totally culpable.

I can't wait for the match on Thursday night. I believe the players now go into this game in a totally different frame of mind. Before yesterday's result they faced going into the game full of uncertainty. Not knowing for certain if anything they could do in the game would be enough. Now though they face going into the match full of determination. Knowing exactly what they need to achieve to secure three in a row.

Determination is a much undervalued characteristic. It's also this something our team has in bucketfuls at this minute in time. I've never seen our central midfield as determined as it has been recently with Paul and Barry pulling the strings. Naka seems more determined than ever to be involved as much as possible in our build up play. Gary Caldwell and Stephen McManus's determination not to lose goals has shone through in recent games. Even big JVoH has shown the determination to challenge and win his fair share of high balls and not to get so down with the ridiculous amount of free kicks that is given against him.

Neil Lennon knows the heartache involved in losing a title on the final day. His determination to make sure it doesn't happen again will be transmitted to every player in the squad.

I'm not saying it's going to be easy. Utd are a good team at home but.... we're the best team in the league away from home by some distance.

One final thought, as many people have pointed out on here, teams like St Mirren and Aberdeen are on fine runs of form at the minute. Dundee Utd have 1 win in their last 9 games.

I have a lot of time for Craig Levein after the way he came out against the blatant cheating that faced his team and their supporters at the Deathstar but I hope with all my heart that his team will end the season with 1 win in their last 10 games.

Two reasons for us to be totally focused on Thursday.
First almost all professional athletes strive to win all the time, the exception being payoffs etc and I don't believe anyone at Tannadice will do anything but their best to win against the best team in the SPL.
Second, in the extremely rare chance that UEFA sanction Rangers for the actions in Manchester Dundee Utd. will want to solidify their position in the league

sir jock
You're very welcome. Don't hold me to it though, scots law is full of wee intricacies that may allow it. I'm sure someone else with more expertise will be able to clarify. The point of standing you raise is a good one however.

Also, the good thing about Thursday is that, barring injuries, the team is totally settled and basically picks itself, the only question is who plays LB if Hinkel is fit.
The players have had 11 days to relax and focus and after yesterday's result you just know that in particular Robson, Hartley, Caldwell and JVOH are just bursting to get at them.

Simply can't wait!

Cadizzy
Don't know if you caught it but Alan Greene on the Five Live phone in was equally scandalous.

1. Claimed he walked in with Rangers supporters from the match and the atmosphere was wonderful.I've no need to question this as there were no reports of trouble at the game itself.
2. Blamed infiltrators eg Stoke City supporters with Rangers tops for a lot of the trouble.
3.Blamed Manchester Police for not being prepared
4. Questioned the video evidence presented by Manchester police. The insinuation here was that the video evidence was selective and there was no video evidence of police heavy handedness being presented.
5. Questioned the integrity of the police chief (forget her name)

I swear to goodness I was furious!! Aw hell! I'm stopping listening to these phone in's.

Just thinking the other day, does anyone know who the oldest living Celt is?

Just thinking the other day, does anyone know who the oldest living Celt is?

thanks walkacrossrooftops

North men, south men, comrades all
Soon there'll be no airborne towels at all

Lurgan, fo future reference:-

Green = orange

WG

Paul, excellent blog.

Thinking ahead to Monday's game, Walter has a bit of a conundrum i.e. his team are not exactly prolific in front of goal so does he try and claw back some of the goals for which Celtic have banked(which would open space for St Mirren to exploit) or does he keep it tight try to win by a single goal and hope DU help him on Thursday.

Hopefully, some of this indecisiveness will translate to the team on Monday and along with nerves will make and interesting game.

My dear,dear,friend....Dav

Here are my thoughts on Stephen Carr.

It would be a complete waste of time and money, should Celtic seek to acquire this man.

Here are my reasons for the above statement.

One... His present Team...Newcastle... NO LONGER WANTS HIS SERVICES.

Two... His Fee is in that ridiculous... 1 to 2 Million Pounds bracket, maybe even less.

For a player of his ADVANCED age,( 32 years old,this Aug.)and as I have already pointed out...THE VERY IMPORTANT FACT THAT HIS PRESENT EMPLOYERS WISH TO UNLOAD HIM... tells me...it would be a complete folly for us to even consider making overtures.

A bit about ..Those, YouTube Clips...

Using one of those,as an incentive to acquire a player,based on his performance as shown in that particular clip... is not the most intelligent way to judge anyone.

Na!

It just ain't too Smart.

We have been stung, in that respect... On Too Many occasions...

Like....

Donati, Tommy, Jiri...

Youtube clips?

Fugggggggggetttttaboootdem!

Kojo.
yer pal....who likes ye.

I believe Green supports an unholy trinity of Liverpool, Linfield and Rangers.

..... so he'll try to stick it to the manc authorities aussi.

He is a snake.

FREE THE MADRID 1

Wg new blog

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/towelcollectorsanonymous/messages

Kojo totally agree on Carr. Well past his best. There are people who will sign any old Eire international without looking at the facts even although he is clearly past it.

goldstar

the team does indeed pick itself. the names of......

Strachan

Boruc
Hinkel
McManus
Caldwell
Naylor
Nakamura
Hartley
Robson
McGeady
McDonald
Vennegoor of Hesselink

....may trip off the tounge as easily as.....

Stein

Simpson
Craig
Clark
McNeill
Gemmell
Johnstone
Auld
Murdoch
Wallace
Chalmers
Lennox

.....after thursday night.

we even have our own version of Jinky in young Aiden.

this team have the chance to be legends and be revered all over the world by millions of people for years to come.

all they have to do is win one game.

easy?

3inarow,shouldbe8

Kojo,

In complete agreement about Stephen Carr. A large resounding no.

However, regarding a fee(although hopefully it won't be an issue), I thought he had been released by his club. I was certain that was the case.

Since the company I work for is based in Newcastle I have a few mates who are season ticket holders at St James's and they were delighted to see the back of Stephen Carr.

He may have been a decent/good full back a few years ago but not anymore.

p.s. The A's are back to winning ways. ;)

Paul
If you're about could you provide a link to Estadio's wonderful piece about Tommy?

Mrs Lurgan is keen to read it.

Thanks in anticipation.

I'm just glad Rangers sold their marketing and merchandising rights to JJB.

Imagine the financial boost as a result of sales to the non-Rangers supporters who must have bought Rangers tops last week.

They truly are the people.

Hail, hail

A couple of days ago, I wrote a daft post positing the scenario that Dundee Utd would deliberately let Celtic run all over them as a GIRUY to Rangers.

It was only a joke and I don't think it is likely at all.

The main reason being, Mark McGhee gave the essence of his half-time team talk on Saturday. He gave his players a roasting and told them 'You won't get to play for Celtic or Rangers if you play like you did in the first 45mins.'

That's always going to be a good motivator for players who don't have the good fortune to wear the Hoops, or have a misguided notion that they'd like to play at Ibrox.

Thursday will be tough..but I think Celtic will do more than enough to win. Forget about Rangers, even though they do look as if they have lost some of their self-belief, momentum, whatever you want to call it.

Celtic winning on Thursday should be enough to win the SPL. End of story.

STANDING UP

Stephen Carr is available on a free.

Still think on current form hes a better option than Naylor. However im sure I read on a Wolves blog that Naylor is prone to having a good season, followed by a bad one, then good, then bad..... and so on.

Not convinced its worth gambling on this continuing in the hope that he will return to the form of last season.

WG

Aware of his Linfield leanings. His wife is I believe of the one true faith however.

bambi

my late brother in law's brother played for the hoops in the 1940s name George Hazlett. George is alive and well living in London aged 87.

Sir Jock,

Stephen Carr, as far as I'm aware, is more or less a RB.

That's where he played for 'the toon' at any rate.

Lurgan53

from the home page it's the 6th post down.

11.47 on the 15th

Stephen Carr can't play left back. I seen him play this season against Aston Villa at that position and he was chronic. Newcastle got destroyed that day. Couldn't use his left foot.

stephen carr cant play right back either

new poster, just like to commend Paul67 and the many regulars for such a fhantastic site. I too think Craig Leveins team will play to their utmost on thursday,not to do so would leave him wide open to accusations from the press and rangers,who let's face it, would love to denigrate him after McCurrygate. He's got too much integrity to fall into that trap methinks and rightfully so,also we don't want a poisoned chalice either not at any price. Tommy Burns's integrity and morality should dictate how we go about our business, players and supporters alike,we wouldn't want it any other way. C'mon the buddies i can't wait to see Chick Young scarf and all roaring on his team on monday:)

My dear,dear,dear,dear friend... Chris Sutton.

Chris... I have no idea if there will be a fee involved or no, should Celtic make a move ...when I said that Stephen Carr was in that "ridiculous 1 to 2 Million Pound bracket:..I was referring to the FEE, that I understand Newcastle had paid to acquire him.

I take a very dim view of any "OLDER PLAYER", whose worth falls within, that price range.

I have already explained my reasons for this aversion... many times in the past.

Suffice to say any player who is up for sale,with a price tag, that falls within that "ridiculous" range...and is on the RAINY SIDE, of 25 years old... I would never show any interest.

Sure, there ARE exceptions... but, I was never a one for taking a chance...especially, when the spending money was involved.

Money is far too hard to obtain.

Oakland, are picking it up,right enough.

I am happy for you,pal.

My Team is not doing too shabby, either.

It is a long season... 162 games... a long, long, way to go.

Kojo.
yer pal....who likes yer style.

I

All this talk of winning trophies
It's getting me down my love
Like a cat in a bag, waiting to drown
This time I'm comin' down

And I hope you're thinking of me
As I lay down in my sick
Now the screens don't work
And we miss Chris Burke
And my mate has chibbed my face again.

Now the screens don't work
Our quadruples fucked
But I know we won the diddy cup.

But I know I'm on a losing streak
'Cause I passed out on the street
And I missed the show, but we all know
The team this year has been mostly pish again

Now the screens don't work
They just make things worse
And I think the Russians scored again

Now the screens don't work
And we miss Chris Burke
And I think we've lost the league again

chris sutton, WGS

ahhh.....in that case, no chance, we've got better right backs coming out our ears at the moment

WG

Mr Green is Man Utd supporter. His father is a big Linfield supporter and he mentioned them on 606 just a few weeks ago

Zaragoza's nonsensical attempts to get the season extended results in a 30-minute delay for them in Mallorca (a bit of rain).

Where does that leave the honest clubs?

It's electric on relegation decider day in Spain.

Where's BoltonBhoy when he'd needed?

Off at some tapas bar, one gathers.

Tapas are what you have BEFORE your dinner, as BoltonBhoy knows all too well.

Kojo,
i was aware when i posted that he never met your test (of which i'm a whole hearted proponent) and was going to add that point as an add on, though in between the studying and posting forgot.

Re 1)It is my understanding that he has been freed and henceforth no transfer fee.

The reason for asking was the topic was a subject of debate down here in the pub for a good half hour. No firm conclusion was reached wth various arguements beng bandied. Think the general consensus then was that wages allowing he could be a useful squad player, possibly having a good influence on younger players coming through and knowing what the club ethos meant(the you tube clip i spoke of is the one showing him as a supporter at CP).

The point about him being a natural right back was also made, but the geordie was adamant he was versatile and was known to be able to play anywhere from lb, cb, to rb.
As i said, not really sure what my own thoughts would be, was just interested as to other views, for which i thank you kindly.

dav, who likes ye mair

I assume we're all kicking off at 5.30 instead of 5.00 (our time).

This is a quiet end to the Spanish league.

Real Madrid - champions, confirmed.
Villarreal - runners-up, confirmed.
Barcelona - third, confirmed.
Atlético Madrid - fourth confirmed.

That's the CL places decided. Seville could go level on points with Atlético, but it's the head-to-head that counts in Spain.

WG

Apologies you are probably right, after a quick visit to Wikipedia.

I have to say his opinions on Liverpool and especially that of Rafa are not very pleasant. He always seems to get very excited about Man U though.

Basically he gets on my wick. End of story

Seville are confirmed for a UEFA Cup place.

The other UEFA Cup place up for grabs is between Racing and Mallorca.

Mallorca are at home to Zaragoza.
Racing are at home to Osasuna.

Both of their opponents are threatened by relegation today.

Paul67,

Better warn Laporta to be expect a big onslaught from Sir Moonbeams etc... if they blow this league. Tell him i am expect nothing less that a class put down to whatever is thrown at him.

Pass on my congratulations as i don't think i have ever witnessed board memeber or chief executive that has got under the skin of Rangers fans. When you start hearing Rangers supporters talking about him, he must be really getting to them.

I hope DD rewards him whatever it takes to keep him on board and be at the forefront of Celtic for a number of years to come.

Although, i still reckon he and WGS kind of boobed last year with the strengthing last summer. My view on that will never change.

Next challenge is to break the african maket and pick up the next Findi George, Michael Essien of the worlds. Quality of player is breathtaking. Would make a kings ransome on transfers as well when selling.

FREE THE MADRID 1!!

To round-off this set-up before the big kick-off, two of the three relegation places are already decided: Levante (whose players are threatening to ruin Real Madrid's end to the season by going on strike) and Murcia.

The third team to be relegated will be any one from: Zaragoza, Osasuna, Recreativo de Huelva and Valladolid.

Valladolid, the favourite of the priests of Scotland, is in the best starting position. Away to Recre, a draw is enough, and a defeat will only put us down if Osasuna and Zaragoza both win.

My dear,dear friend... Slayer Celt.

I am glad that you agree..vis-a-vis, my non recommendo.

Mr.Naylor,if he does not leave at the window... is living on borrowed time,anyway.

He will not be our regular first pick for the Left Back Berth..

His form, this year has been very poor.. and his general distribution of the ball, has been appalling.

There is just no way that he can survive,while continuing to turn in bad performance after bad performance.

Unfortunately, I am not a believer in Mr. Wilson..

He has not improved, in the manner that I expected.

In fact, his distribution of the ball is not up to the standard that I am looking for... in an overlapping full back.

I do not think that Mr.Wilson is the answer to our problem Left Back position, either.

Unless, he shows me more of an improvement...for to be fair...he has had injuries to contend with...

I would be looking elsewhere.

Kojo.
yer pal....who thinks yer swell.

I don't know if anyone has seen this footage of rioting in Manchester but clearly there are no football colours on parade. Aye right!!!

Manchester Riot Hero

Hail Hail

Any Bundesliga followers on CQN?

I see Nurnberg lost their fight against relegation. They signed a guy from Bochum at the start of the season. He's an attacking midfielder or deep lying forward that has scored goals consistently for three seasons in the Bundesliga with smaller teams.

He's only 25 and was the captain of the Bosnia national team. Other Bundesliga teams are likely to be sniffing around him but I think he could be a really good signing for a club in the UK.

Kojo,

I'm going to suggest a name to you here who i believe would enhance the squad like Barry Robson has, and his name is Stephen Hughes of Motherwell. I have been impressed with Mr Hughes this season and yesterday i thought again he was very good.
Dick Advocaat rated this boy very highly and an act of Folly by McLeish let him go for a bargain down to Leceister where he was again impressive.

I seen a determination in the guy yesterday. I reckon Gordon could do a lot worse. PH isn't going to be around forever. I believe we need to recruit a class midfield general to bring Mr Brown to the fore next season. Watch Mr Brown go from next season just like Stillian did. Add the class midfield general to Robson and maybe one other say Hughes and you have a no bad central midfield.

With Naka and Koki battling it out on the right and McGeady and maybe say a Bystrov or somebody of that ilk battling out on the left. We will be cooking in that area of the park. I mean burning my good friend.

I believe Mr Hughes would be a sound addition. Considering Tommy G, Donati, Sno are for the off at the end of the season Hughes would be an ideal relacement for all 3.

Sorry about the link. I just cannae seem to get them right.Hopefully this one works.

Manchester Riot Hero

Back in 1961 the nasties went down to Wolverhampton for the second leg of the ECWC semi final with a 2-0 lead from the first leg. They tied a very strong Wolves side 1-1 to progress to the final, this was no mean feat as the home side had been league champions in 1958 and 1959, and in 1960 became the first team to pass the 100 goal mark for three seasons in succession. Coming agonisingly close to a hat-trick of titles and the first "double" of the twentieth century, Wolves finished just one point behind Burnley having to make do with a fourth FA Cup win, beating Blackburn Rovers 3-0 in the final hence their entry intae the ECWC.

As I said this was no mean feat and there’s even a song about this however what is not mentioned 57 years later is that in their celebrations they wrecked Wolverhampton, causing an English sportswriter then tae label them as similar tae the marauding huns that Atilla once led.

This behaviour has not went abated, Newcastle, Barcelona, Leeds, Dublin, Tranmere, Bradford and now Manchester and many many more places and dates in almost 60 years.

And always the same excuses, it wisnae us, it was a big bhoy that did it and he ran away.

Now the following season after Wolves, 1961/62, our own supporters, and Gordon can correct me here if I’m wrong, went uptae Dundee and caused mayhem.

Later on that season they invaded the park at the bigotdome in an effort tae avoid the hail hailing of bottles raining down and not as the myth tells us tae have the game abandoned.

We had a very nasty element tae our support and one of the reasons my da forbid me from attending Celtic games on my own was because of the threat of injury from our own, we were the raining champions of Scotland, bottle raining that is.

This all changed on the Big Mhan’s arrival and not necessarily because of the success he brought but more so of the education we were getting through the View, Celtic supporters were being advised to self police ourselves. It became quite common when violence broke out to see Celtic fhans fingering the culprit(s), this was not seen as ratting on yer mates but preserving the good name of the club.

Until Bainocchi and company rid themselves of the “britishness” and triumphalism over there and admit they have a problem, until decent bluenoses out the trailer trash that hangs on to their club there will be further Manchester Martyrs.

WGS,

If those three are to be sold then I don't think we'll have trouble getting suitors for Donati or Sno. Tommy G is a different kettle of fish. His trip down south this season did little to help our cause in moving him on. He may see out his contract here after all.

Paul67/Anyone, seen a couple of mentions of "G.o.D" in posts today and previously.

Paul67 @ 2:53 - "I’ll keep my powder dry on G.o.D. for the time being."

Anyone care to explain in laymans terms what it means? Its been doing my head in for a while now.

Hail Hail
Gogo

From the official website, sorry if it's been posted recently,

funeral broadcast at celtic park

The audio from Tommy Burns' funeral on Tuesday, May 20 will be broadcast live back to the outside of Celtic Park and will be heard on giant speakers around the car park and outside the main entrance.

The space limitations of St Mary's Church in the Calton are such that very few Celtic supporters will be able to hear the Requiem Mass. The decision to broadcast the sound from the service back to the ground means that more people will be able to participate.

And those supporters and friends can be in place when the funeral cortege returns to the park between the church and Linn Cemetery at around 1.45pm on Tuesday. The Requiem Mass for Tommy begins at 12noon.

Please note this will be audio only outside the stadium - there will be no live pictures.

My dear,dear,dear friend... Dav..

I am glad that you took my submission on the Stephen Carr case,
in the spirit in which it was intended.

Strangely enough, I have nevah seen Steven Carr.

I am only basing my objection on my Criteria, which I believe is sound.

There are no free lunches in this world.

There is a tale...as told by Da Boss...that explains it well...

First Impressions always require further investigation,before one can be quite satisfied.

He refers to this approach, as "Looking Further UP THE RIVER"

What one sees .....IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT ONE GETS!

Here is the Tale:

Two gentlemen, out for a walk by the river... were suddenly confronted by the appearance of a Body ,which came floating by.

With difficulty they retrieved the Dead Body..and laid it on the bank.

"Well, this is a fine kettle of fish.."

" Yes, you are right,pal...never seen anything like this before."

Just as they were getting over their surprise..

A SECOND BODY...came floating past.

Acting swiftly, they managed to get this one onto the Bank as well.
and Laid it beside the First one.

Before they had a chance to catch their breath...

Right on cue... A THIRD BODY, came floating by...

Again,our two worthies... grappled the body ashore...and laid it on the bank beside the two others..

The First Gentleman,after a little thought... started to walk up the river in the direction from where the bodies had floated.

The Second Gentleman said.

"Are you going for the Police, to report the appearance of the dead bodies?"

"Indeed I am not... I am going up the river.. to find out ...

Who the Heck, is throwing them in!"

Kojo.
yer pal...who like ye.

FREE THE MADRID 1

hi,

Second time poster, but did anyone see the interview of WGS about Tommy on the BBC, he was in tears and i was too
Well done WGS,

Haicut

Gogo

GoD = Generation of Dominance

Apologies once again but copy & paste the link to the story.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1050123_riot_hero_just_did_my_job

Hail Hail

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear friend.. WGS

I agree One Hundred Percent... Mr.HUGHES is One for the BOOK!

No question...he is a most worthy target.

Incidentally,pal... I mentioned Mr.Hughes and his Partner... Mr.McCormack as potential Targets a few weeks ago.

I referred to them as...

Batman and Robin!

They are a wonderful double act... who will improve with age.

I noted their outstanding promise against Cetlic a few weeks ago, when they Scythed trough the Celtic Defence... in a pincer movement... completely bamboozling BIG MICK... and MASTER MCCORMACK finally accepting the return pass from MASTER HUGHES before guiding the ball, skilfully, past ARTHUR.

Two Young guys,that I would would be pleased to see at Parkhead.

BatMan and Robin, indeed!

Kojo.
yer pal....who likes ye aloat.

GoGo

It means generation of domination.

Chris Sutton.

It's a great idea to have the audio played to the crowd at Celtic Park.

If anyone reading this has the power to organise it in time, it would be brilliant if the people at Celtic Park also had the opportunity to receive Holy Communion.

WGS,

You never know. Madrid are supposedly chasing either Garay or Caceres ... or both!

Kojo

His shot was going wide

Love

Kojo,

Who needs Ray Clarke??

Time for WGS to employ another WGS to find him players:) :) :)

Just spoken (Or text) a friend who plays for motherwell. i told him i have forgiven him for the OG against Ran*ers earlier in the season! apparently i owe him a few pints

My dear,dear, friend....The Spirit of Arthur Lee.

Wide or no wide...

A Goal was the result.

I still say that Both of these young men...are well worth a punt...

Kojo.
yer pal....who likes ye.

Sutty,

FREE THE MADRID 1!!

Oh Mr Lawwell, please Make it happen.

Gordon,

Wee man if you are looking at his post, this is the defender that will allow your team to flourish. Metzelder is the Bhoy and make him captain why you are it. Have a think about Mr Hughes from Motherwell as well as a usful squad addition to replace Donati and Tommy G.