New non-EU work permit rules require players to speak English
The government have announced that after
this summer's transfer window, non-EU players will need to be conversant in
English before being granted a work permit, which would see an end to players
like Shunsuke Nakamura being shadowed by an interpreter everywhere he goes.
Immigration minister Liam Byrne outlined the proposal to set a
higher bar for skilled non-EU workers to pass before they can join the UK
workforce.
Media conferences might become a whole lot scarcer for some signings in future.
first?
First
There are a few local players who can't speak English. Wil that be a problem for them?
Edward
It will be interesting to see 8 000 Russian fans making the crowd during the game. Below you will see the quote from their official site. If you take into the consideration that the average gratifications are about 500 Eur you will know how they admire their club.
Fans and fan groups' representatives have informed the club about intolerable situation, which formed around ordering charter flights for UEFA Cup final in Manchester. Most of organized groups haven't yet received confirmations of their flights, while conditions, offered by aviation companies and mediation offices, as of 6th of May, have grown from Eur 500 to Eur 1250 per person for return flight.
Club consides this situation as intolerable one, and asks Transport Ministry of Russia and all responsible authorities to investigate this situation and assist the Club.
Off the topic.
Italiabhoy or anybody who lives in Italy. I tried to find two rooms in a hotel in Rome fro 21st of May. I'm lost. There are thousends of hotel, everyone is newely renovated and placed in the central place of Rome - Termini. Anybody knows an safe place for the family?
Second like the huns
John67 First like the Hoops!!!
Que?
Half the Scottish population can't speak English!
Why would Burley be concerned that Scotland's Shame have 7 games to play? He is naming a squad for a game on 30th May and I would have thought that his players would still be match sharp.
If ScotShame had been allowed to dictate fixtures most of his squad would have been playing on 27th May thus creating greater possibility of withdrawals because of injury.
And the only conclusion to be drawn from his comment is that he is a R******** man first and Scotland manager second.
McCulloch and Ferguson are screwed..
From last thread:
Faithfulthru&thru: pretty sensible stuff. There should be some provision whereby any cancelled match must be rescheduled at the time of cacellation to a fixed date no more than two weeks from the original.
Also, any club that fails to provide a suitable ground on more than three occasions should be fined £10,000 per game with the option of having future matches played at an alternative venue.
don't be too hard on yourself Walters Demise!
I drifted off looking at some new mac toys...came back on and thought i'd have a go!
Afternoon chaps, posted a few times in the past but went back into hiding and became a long-term stalker!
The positivity emanating from the site lately has dragged me back into the open - I want to be part of the feel-good factor!
Been reading Gus McPherson's quotes on the last thread and i am now a tad perplexed - has the St Mirren v Rangers game been moved SINCE the now infamous extension?
Welcome MacLeod Whizz Bang Shot GOAL!! What kept you so long? Thanks for the belated.
1977, behind you!
bhoy4life.com, of course.
My Bhoy Damian, good to hear from you. Not surprised at all.
Yes, my youngest is now at the school nursery; a big bhoy now.
Bryce, no, I have not. In fact I remember Rangers getting quite a hard time under Greig and Souness.
Gordon J, no, no problem for existing players.
Tony Bhoy, welcome back.
It's a bad day for Fabio Capello, first the F.A. request at least a semi final place and now this.
What do you mean Italy is in the EU? Outrageous.
Therags...
I have found a solution to appease both Burley and Murray, and have called a cheese & whine party to present my proposals to them, viz:
We simply delay Rangers final three SPL fixtures from this season until the first three available Wednesdays next season on which they can be bothered to get out of bed to play the games. In the meantime we declare Rangers Champions for UEFA purposes by virtue of their higher average points per game to date than Celtic.
From the last thread. Was off topic then.
Off topic 1
The English media is beginning to get on my Earthas
From the Guardian
"South American, African and other non-European footballers who cannot speak English will be barred from joining Premier League clubs from the autumn under the new points-based immigration system detailed by ministers yesterday"
So are Scottish leagues exempt from UK legislation? Or maybe they don't think that we speak English either.
Off topic 2
The English FA is beginning to get on my Earthas as well
From the Guardian. AGAIN (must have a quiet word with thon McCarra bloke)
How is this for arrogance?
"Fabio Capello last night welcomed the pressure of having to restore England's self-respect after his employers demanded he come within two matches of winning a World Cup or European Championship.
....according to the targets set out by the FA's chief executive, Brian Barwick, that involves "at least" a top-four finish in the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine, with a major tournament triumph required before the 2018 World"
Tony Bhoy
moved to monday 19th may ..... setanta requested this.
And Murray has said,"Look there is a precedent, they are helping Setanta more than us"
One star, thanks, took me about 2 minutes to think it through, I like your suggestion re specifying the date of re-scheduled game at time of cancellation - nice stuff.
should also add
5. No ground sharing
6. No minimum ground capacity - we can't even half fill games outwith Celtic and Rangers visiting away grounds
7. No extensions
Hail Hail
Thanks John67
but it still hurts being second now I know how the huns will feel at the end of the season!!!
On the subject ofGeorge Burley..... What does it matter to him, the last time he picked a squad every r****** player bar Kris boyd was withdrawn due to fitness, and were available 3 days later for league duty. If it suits them and their picked they'll play if not they will get "signed aff by ra doctir".
2 WINS!!!
6 POINTS!!!
3-IN-A-ROW!!!
HAIL!HAIL!
C'MON THE HOOPS!!!
Cadizzy: Not sure about arrogance - I think it just makes the manager self-sacking if he doesn't meet the criteria. cowardly, maybe, because they are hoping that all the fingers will be pointed in Capello's direction rather than their own if he should screw it up.
Amca, any other national team manager would see it was in his interests to get the league and cup finished sooner rather than later, friendly or no friendly
I see Tony Mowbray has told Deek where to go.
“I don’t want to be disrespectful to him, but at the moment I don’t see Derek at a level where he is going to play in the Premier League for my team,” said Mowbray.
“I would suggest we won’t be phoning Celtic this week to ask about Derek.”
Repost from last thread.
If anyone is interested in watching tonights game for Scotlands Shame (and has the absolutly free p2p programme SOPCAST) I found this on Google -
Scotlands Shame -V- motherwell live
*note that this is a link to the google find, the live feed is not linked to here on Celtic Quick News.
Celtic Quick News takes no responsibility for the contents of Google*
Imagine Chelsea, the FA and The Sun newspaper bandying together against the English premier league, it's clubs and it's fans to extend the EPL season in favour of Chelsea even though Man Utd can still win the league. The EPL make a league extension announcement two weeks previously much to Man Utd. consternation. The FA say and do nothing regarding this unprecedented in 130 years move. Chelsea then play a EC semi final and win it. The FA say nothing on the evening of Chelsea qualifying for the final. They say nothing the next morning
or the next morning, the next morning Chelsea drop points in the league, the day after that the FA through The Sun newspaper applies pressure on the EPL to carry out its wishes. Its wishes are Chelsea´s wishes. The EPL says look there is no alternative there is nothing we can do. Chelsea have never even brought a proposal or suggested an alternative. We already extended this season last summer to accommodate the FA cup. We extended the season two weeks ago on the fly against our own boards regulations due to the severity of the issues. We have inconvenienced our other members by telling them they will have the season extend by a week. EURO 2008 begins early June, players must be released for their national squads ... so what can we do ?
The FA without consultation because Chelsea are playing a diddy team in their own end of season showpiece final. A
competition that the FA has yet to find a sponsor for next season tell the EPL they´ll be willing to reschedule that
final if it helps Chelsea. The diddy team are up in arms when they finally receive word. The FA does not give a toss. The other EPL members still involved in the competition threaten legal action if this were to happen. The FA back down.
The next day the England head coach who has just experienced 6 withdrawals due to Chelseas lack of commitment to his squad comes out onto the BBC stating that Chelsea have been "punished" by the EPL
It would seem that the mafia for the mediocre is in a right tizzy about this one.
Why dont they just give Rangers the prizes in August that will leave all the other teams knowing exactly where they stand. There would be no fuss and no anxieties .. no competition mind but it would save a lot of bother. Nothing else would change. Rangers fans can be enjoy seeing the trophies been paraded in the August summer sunshine, every year. They can make advanced orders on the number of stars on their JJB shirts. No problems regarding fixtures. Celtic player will not be denied caps. Scottish public would be happy knowing that there was less likelihood of Rangers players withdrawing from the national squad and more chance of seeing them play for their country. The referees would not be under the microscope. There would be no fuss about what T-shirt somebody chose to wear etc. ..... ah sugar I forgot about those uppity tims ..sorry ... nearly a good idea though.. dont you agree
After 43 years supporting Scotland they can now well and truly GTF. I hope they never qualify for another tournament. I will now actively be supporting the team that plays against them unless its Northern Ireland EVERYTIME and I´ll be influencing my son too pick up the German national team rather than the Scottish one. Its a tiny minded orange hovel of an association and we should not be giving them the use of our players.
Faithfulthru&thru, on your point (7), I would proffer that Henrik Larsson was an even better player when he removed his (hair) extensions. But as Minty is so partial to extensions, perhaps he should visit here.
Back posting again after only viewing ("lurking" in today's parlance ) during the blogger days
still a great site and open to all (for you edward)
This has perhaps already been posted but hadn't seen it on my browsing
www.scotlandsshame.com
One Star, you have a point but they are setting targets that fly in the face of history. (1966 is ignored to suit my purposes obviously).
On the topic Paul raises
"....which would see an end to players like Shunsuke Nakamura being shadowed by an interpreter everywhere he goes"
I am more concerned that it would see an end to players in his situation coming to Celtic at all. If those rules were in place 3 years ago, we would never have got him. Already we are disadvantaged re non EU nationals in comparison to other EU states (the playing for country thing). This is going to make it even harder to compete with Holland etc
Back posting again after only viewing ("lurking" in today's parlance ) during the blogger days
still a great site and open to all (for you edward)
This has perhaps already been posted but hadn't seen it on my browsing
www.scotlandsshame.com
Awe Naw - spot on
as someone who has considered himself to be more on the Scottish divide of the Celtic family, I am appalled and disgusted by the brazen favouritism given to Rankers recently.
International call-offs - you could set your clock by them prior to the Rankers v Celtic game
Scott Brown being played for too long in the match
all other Celtic players playing for too long also
George Burley has already done his bit to try and help Rankers win the league, No comment would have been the diplomatic way to go - Not in this best wee small country
the SFA, Cadete affair seems timid in comparison, but all are never the less quantified in one word - CORRUPT
Hail Hail
Does that mean that refugees too will be subjected to a test of their knowledge of the English language?
Whit aboot Bazza, can he no get deporteed fair his defishenshees in awe, ye no?
"why would burly be concerned..."
cos hes a dirty bluenose appologist scuttlebag.
sitting in the row in front of smith and murray every game.
didnt you know where his loyalties lay?
in there alongside peat, g.smith , traynors, leckies, darylls (2), ramans, wishart, daily record etc etc ad infenitum.
were gonna win the league
were gonna win the league
you really must believe us
you really must believe us
you really must believe uuuuussssss
WERE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE.
happybirthdayforyesterday paul67
BigChipsUK
agreed - Henrik was much better without them. Extensions are for one sport and one sport only - snooker
come to think of it, that just about sums up Rankers - they are snookered behind the brown ball
here's to six points and hopefully 3 in a row
Hail Hail
One Star Means More (from previous) - BFDJ doesn't actually bother me very much. He doesn't try to sound impartial. He does what he says on the tin. He isn't very bright and has little credibility or influence.
I find Darryl Broadfoot far more malevolant. While he is pompous and nothing like as good a journalist as he thinks he is, neither is he a fool and many of the words he says and writes seem very carefully chosen. I remember his comment that 'republican songs are not deemed sectarian'. Take the word 'deemed' out that sentence and the meaning is completely changed. There are numerous other examples of this with him. Quite subtle but venomous nonetheless if you're not on your guard.
It seems to me that in the media in particular it is acceptable and your career will not be held back if you openly favour Rangers, while anyone who tends to lean towards us (Keevins, McGuire/Martin) knows they will be out of a job if they show it. How much pressure was put upon Graham Spiers by 'Sir David'? Is his position in the Scottish version of The Times a demotion from Chief Sportswriter for The Herald? I wonder how the salaries compare.
I wonder if it's the same with referees. Kenny Clark (my second least favourite current referee after the honest reverend) is widely rumoured to follow Celtic, but you would not imagine this for one second on the basis of his decisions. It is as if he knows the consequences if there is even a suggestion of us being favoured. Or maybe he is just rubbish but nearly all his mistakes go against us/for Rangers. Expect calls for 'the senior referees' (ie McCurry, Clark and Dougall) for the remaining fixtures. And whatever did happen to Andy Davis. I know he was rewarded for his season-defining honest mistake with the Cup Final that Season (the sheer arrogance of the authorities!) but has he been heard of since?
bryce
Cadizzy: The EU rule might also play havoc with Rangers "buy-to-sell" policy that has been so successful for them.
Aw Naw:
passion on the sleave and I love it. I almost agree with it but for one small detail.
It is not their fechan country... it is ours.
They just think they are the people, but talk to the boys and girls from Dundee, from Inverness, from Edinburgh, from Aberdeen, from Dumfries, from....
They despise, like we despise, and the country is slowly but surely getting sick of them.
If the truth be know, slowly, but surely, they are getting sick of themselves.
Give Scotland back to the SCOTTISH.
Zbyszek - Rome's fairly walkable and has a good subway system. Avoid the area around the railway station unless your budget is very limited.
amca
Thanks, I was unaware of this change. I already have a self-imposed ban on purchasing any papers so didn't see this. Was much made of it?
If I'm being cynical (ok I'll admit it - I am) then this move seems to have levelled the playing field between R*****s and St Mirren, both of whom now play Saturday and Monday. This asks the question, as I believe Gus already had, of why St Mirren are being punished when they have no fixture pile-up to speak of.
Also R****** also have an extra 24 hours to prepare for their visit to Pittodrie. It's almost as if someone somewhere sat down after the initial extension and could see the pressure building...
I'm sure I smell Mints.
Was there a reason Setanta could not screen the game on the Tuesday?
Bryce Curdy: My "man in the know", who is reliable on this sort of stuff, tells me that Spiers left of his own accord, albeit in an atmosphere of jealousy and back-biting on The Herald sports desk where they just lo-o-ve Darryl. That, I would suggest, tells you much of the standards of the day.
He tells me there was no pressure from above on Spiers but there was a lot of whining from people who really just didn't seeing him on the telly all the time.
However, when The Times came a-calling, they were promising a major Scottish operation, which they then pulled when they had brought some high-profile people on board. It is reckoned, though, that Spiers got a tonking pay rise to go to The Times.
Kitalba,
Bazza has apparent imunity from all punishments.
He's unbookable in the SPL
He can call off from the Scotland squad yet be available for the next club game, and remain Scotland captain.
He can publicly rebel against his boss and it's the boss that get's the sack and he remains club captain.
The Home Office doesn't scare Captain Unbookable.
Faithfulthu&thru,
over the years I have always compromised. Telling myself that things were getting better. That the sectarian stance was always softening that attitudes were improving etc. That me personally taking a hard line was not the way to go. Dont be insular .. fight within etc. Well I have been fooled along with every other Celtic fan that supports this association. Well no more. I´ll also be making damn sure that my Bhoy doesn´t pick them up either. He´s still young enough to be influenced. I´ll be informing him over the next couple of years that supporting Scotland means damage to Celtic and that Scotland national association are a bunch of corrupt right wing fascists who have an active interest in seeing Celtics demise. That´s all I´ll need to say.
He´s big Dr. Who fan and I recorded the "who yo you think you are" once it was finished he asked me if Dr. Who supported the Rangers ? LOL
there's a good article today on the etims site by hector bandito
http://www.etims.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2208&Itemid=2
(hope the link works,i don't want to cut and paste in case it's too big for the page)
i don't know how accurate the information is, but it touches on something we discussed here yesterday, the part played by celtic in this affair
if this article is accurate, our club deserves a great deal of credit from not just our fans, those those interested in the credibility of the scottish game, for the way they stood their ground
if we did contact eufa,and were prepared to take the matter to the courts, and were anticipating this is the kind of scenario happening ,then very well played indeed.
i grew up not trusting the celtic board pre-fergus,clearly these days are long gone
whether we win the league this year or not,the mineshaft should be bricked up
"After 43 years supporting Scotland they can now well and truly GTF. I hope they never qualify for another tournament. I will now actively be supporting the team that plays against them unless its Northern Ireland EVERYTIME and I´ll be influencing my son too pick up the German national team rather than the Scottish one. Its a tiny minded orange hovel of an association and we should not be giving them the use of our players."
Ridiculous comment.
You must not have really supported Scotland for those 43 years, because a true supporter would never support the opposition. I actually can't abide sentiments like that. Oh, how some of us have grown in the last few years!!!
What you have just said is similar to what a Rangers fan came on and said on the radio. He would no longer want Rangers players to play for Scotland because of how they have been treated.... blah blah blah.
Our national team has a long and proud history, If you don't want to support them, fine, we dont need you!
Der Hun are changing their name to Re-aRANGERS FC
Boo Boom tshhhhhhhh!
Marvin,
true, but his bathroom mirror is less scared of him than he is of it.
One day he too will get old.
Burley joins the usual suspects.
The SFA is a laughing stock, always has been, always will be.
QED
From PA:
Rangers Supporters' Trust released a statement today on the news that non EU players will have to be able to speak English.
"Its only write n a that they imigrents will huv tae speak the Queens tung. If that rule wuz in place years ago we wud still be the peepul. An anyway that Liam Byrne. Whur duz he cum fae wi a name like that??"
Sir David Murray commented that the rule was clearly being brought in to disadvantage Rangers as they are so busy playing games right now, and called for an immediate extension for three additional years.
Gordon Smith, Chief Executive of the SFA backed Sir David's call, commenting that certain governments clearly had their own agendas.
ends..
Zbyszek - I stayed at the Radisson SAS just next to Termini a few weeks back, and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. It's 3 mins walk from a subway which will take you across Rome, but in general everywhere's walkable. Maybe not the most family friendly (it was just me and the wife), but I suppose that depends on the age of your kids. Have a look for places to eat before you go, as most places are tourist rubbish.
Back on topic, anyone any news on McManus? Is he going to make it back for either of our remaining games? After Bobo's performance - he can't come back quick enough.
Der Kaiser,
I never mentioned the national team I spoke about the association.
is this your first post ?
are you a Rangers fan ?
do you want my 4 Silver Debenture for free. I only have them for another yaer (I Think) and then you can issue me with an apology so that I can tell you to fu(K right off to your face? :-)
Der Kaiser
Hear Hear
Celtic supporters are often accused of being anti Scottish. Lets not give in to the stereotype.
All these first time posters? :-) :-) my oh my oh my
come on the Cezch´s
We´re going to deep fry our culture
We´re going to deep fry our culture
Zbyszek
Not sure what your budget is but have a look at:
http://www.yourhomeinrome.com/eng/?
These are apartments at pretty reasonable rates and look quite nice. Not been there myself, but I've got family going there shortly, so might be a good option for you.
Awe Naw
do not confuse Scotland as a Nation with the small minded bigots currently in office at Hampden Park. They have always been there but many proud Celtic players have pulled on the jersey.
There is a serious issues with incumbernt blazers.
The world probably laughs at Scotland but only because we appointed somebody with obvious leanings and no noticeable qualifications to the Chief Exec role. The SFA were obviously bowled over by the (ahem) Media-Savvy side of Smith as this is the only qualification he has for such a role. The SFA demanding talks with the SPL should have happened long ago then the SPL could have advised that having appointed somebody with Media Skills (Roger Mitchell) does not make them ideal Chief Exec material or good at dealing with the media.
Any opinion that from English press that I have viewed certainly questions the original extension never mind any request for further. Meanwhile the lapdog loyal will happily quote Zenit without any names or references to ex Rangers manger/player and how they find it unbelievable there was no extension. Yet they do not offer any other solution that would benefit nobody else other than Them.
The Ranger today goes further, obviously still smarting that the ambush did not work:
McGhee knows he will be on the receiving end of a torrent of abuse from Rangers supporters who believe he deliberately chose a weakened team to play Celtic in last Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Fir Park.
The Well boss makes no secret of his close friendship with Gordon Strachan and has never hidden the fact he's been a Celtic supporter since childhood.
The reports from Saturday were that we were lcuky and outplayed for most of the match. McGhee got his tactic right. but now they face the Scum he is quite obviously a cheat.
I can say honestly that I have never read anything by Keith Jackson before and know of him only by having seen him once on Setanta's press programme and by reading comments on here. However, in the same way that your attention is drawn to a roadcrash on the motorway, even though you know it's wrong, I looked in on his article today.
I was totally prepared for the blatant one sidedness but I did not expect the quality of his writing to be so poor; analogies that were so contrived that they were not analogies; swipes at Celtic and Dundee Utd disguised as recognition of their right to fight their corner and dressing up the whole thing as a fervent patriotic need to see another Scottish victory in Europe (apparently he played and played for months the video of Aberdeen's CWC victory).
His lack of ability is truly astonishing and a sad indictment of what is supposed to be a national newspaper. It is lucky he is already here otherwise he could well be on the wrong end of Liam Byrne's proposals.
Aw Naw:
simmer laddie, simmer. There are a lot of good folk who know your mind.
Just received this by e-mail. DM may be right and Europe may be laughing this season but I don't think it is at the administration of the SPL.....
Big Jock's words after Lisbon have never been more pertinent: "There is not a prouder man on God's earth than me at this moment. Winning was important, aye, but it was the way we won that has filled me with satisfaction. We did it by playing football. Pure, beautiful, inventive football. There was not a negative thought in our heads. Inter played into our hands, it's so sad to see such gifted players shackled by a system that restricts their freedom to think and act. Our fans would never accept that sort of sterile approach. Our objective is always to try to win with style."
Rangers' greatest ever player - John Greig
Celtic's greatest ever player - Jimmy Johnstone
Enough said
Craiginho
tooheysnew,
of course not. Its the association. I´l be telling any Scottish Celtic player that I come face to face with that I am proud that he got the call up but it is in my best and his employers best interests that he refuses.
Scotland becoming a footballing non entity is the onyl way that we´ll get rid of these cheats.
Come on the Cezch´s an Historic bon accord humping pleeeeze
The following article by Glenn Gibbons is worth a read as well. I hope and pray that Motherwell can do us a favour tonight......
Believe it or not, Celtic can win the league this weekend
Glenn Gibbons
Chief football writer
THE edginess that seems to have afflicted Rangers in recent weeks is unlikely to be stilled by the realisation that Celtic could win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League championship as early as Sunday. It is a possibility that has arisen almost unnoticed, like a mugger padding towards a victim from behind.
A widespread pre-occupation with the Ibrox team's matches in hand, together with an assumption that they would win them, has tended to lend a sense of artificiality to the lead their fiercest rivals have established, even the Parkhead side's successive victories in the last two Old Firm matches apparently insufficient to dispel the impression of Rangers as notional champions-elect.
The scoreless draw with Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday, however, has clearly brought awareness of the closeness of the duel for the title; Celtic's seven-point advantage suddenly appearing much more formidable than before.
It is, indeed, so useful that, if Walter Smith's team lose both their matches this week – at home to Motherwell tomorrow night and Dundee United on Saturday – and Celtic beat Hibs on Sunday, the latter will retain their title, ten points ahead with Rangers having just three fixtures remaining.
While this outcome looks improbable – and anyone betting on it will be offered handsomely rewarding odds – it is self-evidently not impossible.
Rangers' progress in the cup competitions at home and in Europe has almost certainly deflected attention from domestic form that has been both unimpressive and damaging. Only two points have been garnered from their last four league matches, which include the losses to Celtic and draws with Dundee United and Hibs.
In fact, they have won only two of their most recent ten games – against Sporting in Lisbon in the Uefa Cup and Partick Thistle at Firhill in the Scottish Cup. Their failures have included the draws with United in the CIS Insurance Cup final, St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup semi-final and Fiorentina in the European semi-final, all settled in their favour in penalty shoot-outs.
In those ten matches, too, they have scored just 11 goals, in four of them failing to find the net. It is a run that is reminiscent of Celtic's difficulties through March and the first week in April, when the Parkhead side seemed to be caught in a downward spiral, seemingly helpless in the matter of avoiding damage even in matches in which they were largely dominant.
During that desperate period, Gordon Strachan's team achieved one victory from seven outings – by 3-0 over Gretna at Almondvale – and failed to score in five of them. These included the defeats by Barcelona, Aberdeen, Rangers and Motherwell and a 0-0 draw with Dundee United that brought their elimination from the Champions league and the Scottish Cup and the loss of eight league points.
The reversal of fortunes began with the 4-1 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park, since when they have completed a five-timer that includes the double over Rangers, a home win against Aberdeen, and another at Motherwell last Saturday. The run has also yielded 12 goals, with five conceded, helping the Parkhead side to extend their goals difference superiority over Rangers to eight.
Smith will be more cognisant than anyone of the need to pull out of the dive, but, in these circumstances, the controls are not always immediately responsive. And the manager's attack on the SPL fixtures planners in the wake of the Easter Road match hints at the onset of a certain anxiety.
Smith's renowned sangfroid should not be mistaken for insensitivity. He will surely be feeling that his team have not been accorded the credit they deserve for their efforts this season, his understandable pique prompted by regular criticism of the defensive, generally uninspiring, style they have adopted.
But, as with the vast majority of managerial outbursts, Smith's is flawed by self-interest. It is, for example, quite irrelevant to compare the League's sanctioning of Celtic's bringing forward their match with Dundee to allow them more time to prepare for the 2003 Uefa Cup final.
Five years ago, there was a blank midweek, Dundee were amenable to the switch and it is much easier to bring a fixture forward at the end of a season than it is to put one back. As for the SPL's four-day extension to the present campaign, the chairman, Lex Gold, and the secretary, Iain Blair – the men responsible for the re-arrangement – insisted that they had to consider their other members, to save those clubs from having to wait 17 days between their penultimate and their final outings.
Despite the popular perception of a European final as a fillip for the entire country, executives of leagues and national associations will invariably make their own flagship tournament their priority, because that is their primary remit.
Rangers' schedule over the next 16 days – five league matches and two cup finals – is unquestionably more demanding than any club would consider ideal, but it is the consequence of a conspiracy of circumstances, rather than a plot to ensure their downfall.
RANGERS' LAST TEN GAMES
• Hibernian 0, Rangers 0
Premier League, 4 May
• Fiorentina 0, Rangers 0
(Rangers win 4-2 on pens)
Uefa Cup semi-final, 1 May
• Celtic 3, Rangers 2
Premier League, 27 April
• Rangers 0, Fiorentina 0
Uefa Cup semi-final, 24 April
• St Johnstone 1, Rangers 1
(Rangers win 4-3 on pens)
Scottish Cup semi-final, 20 April
• Celtic 2, Rangers 1
Premier League, 16 April
• Partick 0, Rangers 2
Scottish Cup quarter-final, 13 April
• Sporting 0, Rangers 2
Uefa Cup quarter-final, 10 April
• Dundee Utd 3, Rangers 3
Premier League, 6 April
• Rangers 0, Sporting 0
Uefa Cup quarter-final, 3 April
Played 10, won 2, drawn 6, lost 2
Craiginho
Craiginho. You wouldn't think so much history, rivalry and difference could be summed up so succinctly...but you did!
Rangers' greatest ever player - John Greig
Celtic's greatest ever player - Jimmy Johnstone
I missed the cut off from the last thread.
Paul, great new look to the site and more popular than ever.
I expect a few posters have played football at all levels. Having played at Junior level, and had extensive runs in the West of Scotland and Scottish Cups. This success bringing a back log of league and domestic cup fixtures at the tail end of season. This comes with the territory of success, all players want to compete and win as many trophies as possible. Sometimes the fixtures take their toll, having lost 2 league titles this way, sometimes it's better to have the points in the bag as Celtic have at the moment. Rangers know what they have to do, it's in their own hands.
That's why Walter Smiths "Keegan-esque" moment surprised me, he is sending out all the wrong signals to his players, is he starting to feel the pressure? After the Motherwell defeat I thought like many others that the title had gone, but credit to Gordon Strachan and the players, momentum is a great thing to have in football.
Rangers can't cry wolf, they have already been granted an extension. I would love Celtic to be in a similar position. As was quoted by Ronald de Boer and Alex McLeish in 2003 "we would love to be in this position". All players at all levels of football want to win everything they compete in.
Maybe Walter has realised that their slump has came at the business end of the season, and feeling the strain. Celtic just have to do their own job and win their next 2 games.
hail hail
Hokey Koki
Kit,
gen up ... I´ve never been cooler. I always felt slightly uncomfortable convincing myself that the nation is moving in the right direction. Things are getting better. Its not. NOTHING HAS CHANGED a leopard cannot change its spots. Its a relief that I can see those spots clearly now.
SFA_GTF_CSC
I am a Celtic Fan and I also proudly support Scotland. Both teams have given me an immense amount of pleasure.
You stated that...
"I hope they never qualify for another tournament. I will now actively be supporting the team that plays against them..."
Now, that is in my opinion supporting against Scotland the team, not the association. I assume from your first post you would support England if they played against us. If this is the case, then you will not find an apology from me!
The sentiments you raised are exactly those that Rangers fans are ranting on about right now...
"I'll never support them again" and "Our players should never play for the country again."
Well, some of our players who also play for Scotland might also want a voice, maybe they enjoy and find it an honour to play for their nation. If we stopped our players from playing for their country then that arrow of shame would be pointing at us and not them!
Last night I heard J Templeton speaking on behalf of R******* Supporters Assembly and I paraphrase ..... as for what happened to other teams in the past, it does not matter whether it was right or wrong because what matters is right now and what is happening to us.
And to be fair to him, he has probably summed up pretty accurately how this fixtures business has been approached by Scotland's Shame and their protagonists.
stupid stupid question....I know i've been told but...
If we are 7 points ahead..Huns have 3 games in hand...if they lose tonight..does that mean if we win all our games we win?
It would leave them with 7 points with 2 games in hand = 6 points??
Am I been really thick here?
Der Kaiser,
I cannot help the fact that you are a racist. Why should that be my concern? Why cherry pick England? I cannot be held responsible for your and any of our players misguidedness with regards to supporting an association that is openly anti Celtic.
As long as the SFA remains Rangers protection racket I hope Scotland get humped by all and sundry especially England and at Hampden. I will now cheer their humping as much as I cheered them on and look forward to seeing whatever Rangers fan is in charge of them greetin into the TV screens. If you dont believe that I am a Scotland fan ask anybody on here. I met a few of them last November at the Italy game. I haven´t missed a meaningful game for years. That´s what having silver debentures assures you ;-) If any of our players misguidedly agree to play for that association I now only hope that they dont get injured. I´d prefer if they now refused the invite.
Whatever you do is your business and I have respect for that. It´s a pity as a Celtic fan you cant respect mine ? can you hear the chorus to stairway to heaven
Does anyone think Rangers will field weakened sides against Motherwell or Dundee Utd in prep for next weeks games? Interesting team selection for the cardigan.
In any event WGS has made it a more interesting end to the season than I thought possible after the defeat to Rangers and Motherwell.
Does anyone else feel that it was an eternity ago?
Anyway its what we do that matters to me although it'll be great for WGS to make it 3 in a row.
Scotland Squad for Czech Republic:
Goalkeepers: Gordon (Sunderland), Marshall (Norwich)
Defenders: Anderson (Sunderland), Berra (Hearts), Caldwell (Celtic), Dailly (Rangers), Hutton (Tottenham), McManus (Celtic), McNaughton (Cardiff), Naysmith (Sheff Utd), Whittaker (Rangers)
Midfielders: Fletcher (Man Utd), Hartley (Celtic), Morrison (West Brom), Rae (Cardiff), Robson (Celtic), Thomson (Rangers)
Forwards: Boyd (Rangers), Fletcher (Hibs), McCormack (Motherwell), McFadden (Birmingham), Maloney (Aston Villa), Miller (Derby
If we stopped our players from playing for their country then that arrow of shame would be pointing at us and not them!
yet Rangers can do exactly this without fear of retribution ?
There´s a lot of weak cap in hand Celtic fans still out there. Remembering their place. Let them point their arrow at us. It sure as hell does not bother me. Their arrow
Their being the lowest scummiest cheats on the planet
I think we would have beaten Rangers at Ibrox if our players were not so jaded after the Croatia game ?
Whilst I don't go as far as the stance Awe Naw is taking of supporting everyone Scotland plays against (apart from NI), I am frustrated at what we can do in the face of clear and unashamed bias against Celtic and for Rangers by the SFA.
I'd love the Scottish Celtic players to show a devotion to the club and tell Lawlell they'd all be prepared to pull out a Scotland game the next time the SFA shows such blatant bias.
Think what a crafty street fighter like Lawlell could do with that threat as his nuclear option....
Aw Naw:
Maybe like me you don’t do the domestics, me myself, I’m a garden man. But my wife keeps telling me, when you pour the bleach down the ‘pooh pan’, it does not run, it creeps. Slowly, but surely, it creeps, and all the waste, the germs, the slime, the bile, the boak, the spew, the crap, all that it comes into contact with, is sanitised.
It is a slow process and it is branded as ‘Civilisation’, and even some of the huns are now using it.
I hope I live long enough to see it (bleach) redundant.
I hope I live long enough, to see a man, a man, for aw’ that.
I am not better than they, but sure as OUR God will be OUR judge… THEY are no better than me.
Until then, somebody has to daily clean the ‘pooh pan’.
Your county is your country mate (friend) let no barsteward ever deprive you of that.
What the Celtic player that get an international call up to the Scotland squad should realise is that the more you step in shite the further it spreads
Did Burley actually ridicule the lack of extension or was he referring to how the situation arose. If merely the latter he probably has a point.
What the Celtic player that get an international call up to the Scotland squad should realise is that the more you step in shite the further it spreads
Kit,
lets get this straight I am a proud Scot and as a proud Scot I will no longer support a corrupt organisation. What´s wrong with that? All true Scots should be proud of me. If not why not ?
Well, the news is finally out... the Celtic Ladies' team has qualified for the Scottish Ladies' Cup Final in their very first season. They will play Hibs Ladies in the Final at McDiarmid Park on May 17th.
So if any of you ghuys fancy a day out a week on Saturday, rather than enduring a hun inflicted Celtic void on that day, why not take your families along to see that game. Having myself been to see Arsenal Ladies' team play a few weeks ago, I can assure you that you will be surprised by the quality of some of the play.
And you never know, they might just swap shirts after the game...
Bryce,
he was a lot louder today than he was when rangers got 6 squad players excused before the Croatia game. I think your looking for excuses for him. Just new in the job. He needs to keep his trap shut.
"I cannot help the fact that you are a racist. Why should that be my concern? Why cherry pick England? I cannot be held responsible for your and any of our players misguidedness with regards to supporting an association that is openly anti Celtic."
First of all, I picked England as this is our oldest and nearest neighbours, that isn't racist, its rivalry. If you can't see the difference, then shame on you. I think you will find that the reasons behind me 'cherry-picking' England are more legitimate and sporting than you choosing to highlight Northern Ireland previously.
Proudly, I can say with 100% certainty that the Scottish players that play for Celtic would play for our national side as they unlike many supporters can rise above this.
I do respect everyone's opinion, we all have a right to voice one. Just because I found your opinion misguided, jaded and old fashioned does not make me racist. An acquisition which is founded upon your own hypocrisy. We could continue arguing this long into the night, but it will be fruitless.
jinkybhoy
Am I been really thick here? YES
If Rangers get beat tonight, but win the rest of their games, and we win our two remaining, we would win the league by a point. But if we lose one of our games, Rangers would win the league.
Cadizzy from last thread :- You said
"How is this for arrogance?
"Fabio Capello last night welcomed the pressure of having to restore England's self-respect after his employers demanded he come within two matches of winning a World Cup or European Championship."
I agree it is quite arrogant, probably the nearest I can think to match it is.
Despite the rarity of it happening Celtic fans demand G. Strachan provides a third title in a row otherwise he should be sacked.
Sorry jinkybhoy just read your comment again
i'm the stupid one not you.
Bryce,
I think he was joining the chorus of SFA men in telling everyone how unfair it was that they had to play so many games. I also was interested in his line "Europe's changing with the Champions League and the UEFA cup so you've got to change with it."]
Does anyone know what that actually means? Or is it just the drink talking?
Bryce Curdy
Thank you very much for your advise.
dirtydogdaveut
Cheers mate. I have checked Radisson SAS.Bigger family is a joy but ties with limits...sometimes.
MDCCCLXXXVIII
Thanks, Sir. I'll check that site.
Der Kaiser,
I used to support all the home nations until Neil Lennon received death threats for being a Catholic who plays for Celtic. So no more Nothern Ireland for me .. is that ok with you ?
I supported Scotland wholeheartedly until today. Today the camels back was broke by a tanker load of hay.
I hope you dont mind if I dont waste too much time on your pitiful assumptions it betrays you.
Why should I support a corrupt organisation ? Please answer without making hunesque assumptions about me?
I presume that doing so would be hypocritial of me as well ?
I´l presume that this will be beyond you and that this discussion will prove fruitless. Orangeless unlike the SFA ;-)
George has been told to speak up
George Burley gets on the red white and blue bandwagon -
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7387838.stm
"They are being punished for their success in reaching the UEFA Cup final"
Suggests that Mr Burley is firmly in the Rangers victim camp.
Ironic really after the utter contempt with which the same Rangers FC treated his national side. True colours shine through...
Ed, I see your point but only to an extent. The quality that England face, especially in a world cup, is greater than they themselves have at their disposal whereas the quality that WGS faces.....well, you know where I am going with this 0:-)
To be more serious, I think disillusionment with a manager in the third season is more understandable given that he is working on a platform of 2 wins and being in the ascendency in the eyes of the fans. When the team is winning, fans never see any reason for it to end (even though they know it surely must). Take the example of out NIAR or yours. Perhaps two even better examples of arrogance if looked at from the viewpoint you set out. Even then, the difference is that my examples and yours are in respect of fans who are allowed to be unrealisitic, indeed it is their job!...and I don't like the FA on this (south) side of the border either.
Zbyszek :- I think that shows that when it comes to football nationality doesn't matter, we are all mad as hatters and spend far too much to follow our teams :-)
Craiginho :- Mr Greig wasn't voted as Rangers greatest ever player he was voted greates ever Ranger a big difference.
OccamsRazor :- I'm liked, disliked and tolerated by different folk on here, everyone is an individual and the posters on here aren't a homogenous mass.
Awe naw
you sound as though you always thought that it couldn't be true - not in this day and age and encouraged the bairn to think likewise.
I too have had this attitude up until now, the priority for the SFA is to ensure fairness and integrity for all clubs competing in Scotland. deliberately too little too late in the hope that opinion would force the necessary change which would help Rankers win the SPL, because let's get it right THIS IS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE UEFA CUP FINAL, IT IS ABOUT HAVING YOUR CAKE AND EATING IT AS FAR AS RANKERS ARE CONCERNED. How many other clubs through history have failed in Europe because they were fighting on multiple fronts? I know one very well Celtic 2003
Rankers win CIS cup against Celtic, game was played right in the middle of the Liverpool games
O'Neill changes the team for the Scottish cup game at ICT, right after the Liverpool game - we lose and exit the cup
Celtic lose late goal to Hearts and end up losing the league on goal difference
all because we had to prioritise with no help from the authorities e.g Boavista then Ibrox game (R DeBoer - stop moaning and get on with it)
so Rankers win a treble in 2003 because we had to choose, where was the media outcry? still waiting
as Freddie Davies used to say " I'm sick, sick, sick, right up to there with it"
It's Celtic for me and only Celtic for me now
Hail Hail
Cadizzy :- You say "Ed, I see your point but only to an extent. The quality that England face, especially in a world cup, is greater than they themselves have at their disposal whereas the quality that WGS faces.....well, you know where I am going with this 0:-)"
Owch and touche :-)
Rangers New Calender
finally got linky working
Aw naw
Who exactly are the home nations if you dont mind?
And in the death
As the last few corpses lay rotting on the slimy thoroughfare
The shutters lifted in inches in Castle Greyskull
in sleazy Goven Town,
And red mutant eyes gaze towards Manchester
No more league win
Fleas the size of rats sucked on rats the size of cats
And ten thousand Hunites split into small tribes
Coveting the highest of the sterile skyscrapers
Like packs of dogs assaulting the glass fronts of Celtic Park
Pissing and spewing all over Manchester
Family badge of sash and red hand
Any day now
The year of the Diamond Dhogs
(thanks to Dhavid Bhowie)
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_No,
The crux of the issue is you seem infuriated by the stance of the SFA have taken, whereas I disagreed with them but that's where it ends with me. I can differentiate between the organisation and the team. I may be naive or an old romantic, but I'd never openly support against my own country, just as I wouldn't support against Celtic. I don't understand how a discussion about domestic fixtures has anything to do with Scotland's bid to get to a World Cup.
Hoping Scotland as a nation to do well is not supporting a 'corrupt organisation'. Its supporting Scottish football!
Scotland's performances this season have helped the Old Firm and visa versa, long may it continue. Also, may I add, I have made no assumptions about you as a person. But you accused me of being Racist.. ;)
benjy bhoy
should'nt that read 'The shutters lifted in inches in Snake Mountain'? as greyskull is where the good guy He man lived.
Occam: Cyrillic alphabet!
Anyone see a resemblance here? They certainly act the same way!
Picture 1
Picture 2
I wonder why the former is not treated the same as the latter. Disrepute charge anyone?
Der Kaiser,
It's hard to differentiate beteen the SFA and the Scottish national team as they are the same entity.
The head of the SFA/committe men pick the manager, he in turn picks the team. It seems that suitability for the job and getting it are two entirely different things. This is also the organisation who stopped a Celtic player breaking the record of a Rangers player for consecutive caps. It's also the organisation who saw no problem in one team making wholesale withdrawals for a game whilst sending a fit player from another club home. It's also the organisation who saw fit to give Scotland's greatest ever goalscorer 5 caps.It's also the Organisation who have yet to chase up compensation payments for the loss of their manager to a member club.
Do you see where I'm going with this one???
Faithfulthru&thru,
the biggest influential factor on the SPL destination in 2003 was BBC Scotland announcement after the Rangers game with 5 games left to play that it would be screening all of Glasgow Rangers games until the end of the season. Thereby meaning they and the referess knew what they had to do.
I knew it to be true but I statistically lied to myself that I should be prepared to accept this. Demographics etc and that things were getting better. Not the first time I have been conned btw
I was a big Scotland fan .. ask WG I met him last November before going to the Italy game. Long way to go for one game that lasted 3 minutes !!!
but alas no more. I´ll now be treating Scotland with even less respect than I have for Rangers.
They got excited. They got ahead of themselves. 36 years since their last diddy cup appearance. They lost composure. They ousted themselves.
If the Scotland national football team consisting of 11 Celtic players never ever scored another goal again. I wouldn´t care that´s how I´m feeling.
Hail Hail
I've re-read the quotes attributed to the Scotland manager and it makes me think that the talk about all those rumours being unfounded is itself unfounded and is more likely that the rumours are indeed founded. Everybody clear on that?
Bambi.
If the greatest ever goal scorer in scotland you are referring to is the one and only J McGrory, I think he actually got seven caps, only scoring seven goals, hardly a good enough record to be retained :)
Irving,
My apologies, I knew it was a paltry total but to be fair I don't think there were as many international games then as there are now ;0)
Der Kaiser
I think you are fairly new on here so here is some free advice,
The poster you are currently 'exchanging views' with drops bait on here daily hoping someone bites (disagrees),
If they do, bingo, free flowing contentious clap trap for the rest of the day
Your best bet is to ignore, unless of course it’s a cyber punch up your after,
In which case you've found the right guy.