The day Sir David Murray put money before the league title

2nd 1st?

Come on the hoops!

First?

so near............

WOOHOO! Now to go and read the article.

Joke from the Herald diary this morning, aplogies if this is an old one:

Rangers have asked Manchester Police to play them in a close season friendly. Manchester Police are the only folk Rangers have attacked in Europe this season.

Paul67

Another quality article. 'Schadenfraude' - if that's how you spell it. I know it's wrong but I love it.

That said, I'm still not counting any chickens. Hope the Buddies do us a turn tonight - I'm not proud - I'll take the title however it comes.

I know you get much thanks and praise for this site Paul but I'd like to echo those sentiments again. I came off my motorbike and broke my leg and smashed up my knee about 5 weeks ago and have been out the hospital for about 3 weeks. CQN has kept me sane, amused me, annoyed me, upset me and made me proud to be a part of the Celtic family over that time. The first thing I do is tune in in the morning and the last thing I do is switch it off before bed. One request to all the CQNers out there - can you post even more than you already do - you are all great entertainment.

Hail Hail

SwanseaBhoy

when is the announcement on the new 700m stadium due.

The peepil deserve an answer!!

I think their behaviour in Manchester has cemented the Murray dynasty at Ibrox forever....no one is going to buy him out now!

I turned on Clyde to hear the last few minutes of the Rangers game and kept it on for a little bit to hear the aftermath, funnily enough they were quite defensive of Rangers in a manner quite unlike their treatment towards Celtic when we fell behind in the league race. They acted as if Rangers dropping points to Motherwell wouldn't mark a big shift on who is favourites to win the league. Anyway one thing which I remember was a Rangers caller phoning up and claiming that the sale of Hutton was the reason why they are on the verge of losing the league, amazingly they quickly shot him down and defended Murray claiming that they couldn't refuse a bid like that and using the Uefa Cup run as an excuse as to why they haven't missed him. I can understand the defense of Murray because Rangers whether they like it or not needed the money, but surely the sale of Hutton deserves discussion in relation to the outcome of the league? Kirk Broadfoot has cost them points much the same as we did when Caldwell was playing RB. The topic of conversation could have went onto why was Wittiker not playing RB considering that's his position. No wonder Clyde is a station in decline when their football show is unwilling to discuss football matters. Jesus wept...

That is a very good point hoof hearted. I don't know if it was possible for that brand to become even less appealing to potential investors, but Wednesday will have achieved that.

I agree with OSMM on last article let's keep our powder dry for another time.

"SwanseaBhoy" who loves Celtic and has a dodgy knee....

Are you BBJ??

Having booked a day off after son's Communion, I'm heading over to Celtic Park today to see the tributes & sort out season tickets.

Im preparing myself to be v upset

But Ive got a ticket for Thursday as long as Im the driver! Bring it on

SwanseaBhoy, on a nervous Monday morning that is a fine sentiment. Thank you for your kind words. Sorry to hear about your motorbike accident, I hope the recuperation is showing signs of progress. See motorbikes….

hoof hearted minty moonbeams, excellent point. I suspect we might hear more about the £700m development on Friday morning.

bhoy sean, correct. The Hutton sale made all the difference to the league race this season; think of the outcome if we had decided to sell any first team player and they were out strengthening.

mutton was good business for them, they would have been crazy to turn down that money for him. As in the old saying " form is temporary, class is forever". mutton was only having a run of form ( half season at best), so why not cash in on that.

The rankers supporting media will of course blame the number of games in a short period as the reason for their losing the league and by doing so take credit away from Gordon and the bhoys. However, today's game is the only occasion that they have been asked to play a extra game. Arguably they blew the league over the past few weekends and not tonight.

I am still a bit worried that mcpherson will not have his team up for the game(as opposed to lying down)and they manage to score a big victory. Listenng to the reports of Mark McGhee's much needed half time team talk- it is easy to believe that st murren might not be as motivated as we would like.

I really do not eant to have to chase a big victory as in 2003 on Thursday, would not wish to have to rely on the jimmys getting their team motivated 2003).

If anyone is interested in cheering St Mirren on tonight tickets are still available.

A win for St Mirren would mean they would finish the season in 9th place. This would be as good a reason as any to go and see them tonight...

Playing a blinder Paul.
Nail on the head so far as that very unlikeable arrogant egotist is concerned.

Where ARE Duffield, Peat, and the other SFA beaks. They would be falling over themselves to get Celtic banned from Uefa competition if the boot was on the other foot. Laughable!

Bhoydell

On John Hughes,
Anyone who says 'We got wur arse's felt oot there' on live tv after a defeat is ok in my book.

Cant believe we might be champions tonight. St. Mirren got a credible draw up at Inverness on Saturday. That shows a bit of form. Anything is possible at Love Street.

I also think its worth putting something on Q of the South.
Against Aberdeen they seemed to love the open spaces at Hampden.
Hopefully by then Rangers will be a shattered outfit.

The main prize though is in danger of evading us if we go into the last day overconfident. EVERY celtic player must be 100% on his game. Beating Utd in their own yard is arguably the toughest away ground in Scotland right now.

Getting agitated...

Robsons - St Mirren have an excellent home record to defend. And is this not the last game at the stadium? They'd want to leave with a bang, not a whimper.

Sorry, meant to add a warning that there are images in the above link that some viewers might find disturbing.

Paul67,

The odd thing about the Hutton sale was why they were so keen to sell him in January. Surely they held the upper hand in the negotiations and given their league and Uefa cup aspirations could have held on to him until the end of the season.

Also why were Sours, who had very little to play for since January so desperate to have him then, when they had a couple of players already in that position. Also given the fact that Juande Ramos said "Who" when quizzed about his potential transfer and that a few English papers are running stories that Damian Comolli, Spurs Director of Football, has his jacket hanging by a very shoogly nail due to the quality of signings made.

It all sounds a bit odd from where I stand?

hey Danny Gall wots that you sayin, you have a ticket for thursday and want to give it away. haha

Have to agree with you on this Paul. Hutton was Ranger's MOST effective player all season. Even when he was suspended for I think it was three matches his absence was a severe handicap - so David Murray pursuing his sale after this was bewildering to say the least. It has had a massive effect on the title race. You only have to look at the impact Aiden McGeady had on the two OF games in Hutton's absence to realise the importance of him to the Bad Guys. I mean to say Broadfoot or Hutton?

I rest my case.

weeminger-hope you are right, just getting nervous.

Bambi- I recall this point being discussed on here at the time and I think you are right that this was an odd transfer-dark forces at play. Of course Spurs did pick up a trohy afterwards with mutton in the team but that didnt merit that size of spend. Biggest laugh at the time was the media suggesting that mutton was holding out for man utd.

Paul

Mibbees aye, mibbees no.

I agree that they were weakened by the sale of (at that point) their best player. The money on offer, was ridiculous and if anywhere near what was quoted they were right to take it. Where The Mint let his manager down was that none of this was offered to strengthen the squad.

The Mint has even rubbed their noses in it by stating (when he believed they would win the league) that a £10 million kitty would be available for next season, basically the money from Hutton. The likelihood that even that will not be available.

Let them stew in their own problems.

Make sure we keep the focus and the faith.

I know Gus MacPherson still rankles at suggestions of Dunfermline lying down in 2003 and I do not believe that he will let it happen tonight.

1-0 Dargo after 76 mins

Don't get too cocky Paul. Dundee Utd won't lie down for us and St. Mirren conceeded 5 against us earlier in the year. They could get a shedload tonight.

robsonsfirsttouch

I agree you can't be too harsh on Rangers for taking the money as they are a club in need of it; they aren't in a position like we are that they could turn down offers for players at that price. If soemone came in with a 10m bid for Boruc or McGeady we would refuse it unless they particularly wanted to go. We wouldn't have sold Petrov either unless he didn't force himself out.

Consider this though, if Rangers lose the league and then fail to make the Champions League then that is 10m at least which they stand to lose. The financial benefits of the transfer would be gone through that loss(especially since they paid him a million to go)and they will be one good player down to show for it. A reasonable amount of money will be needed to be spent to find a suitable replacement. The very least they could have done was sign a right back in january as they are unwilling to play Wittikar there.

I disagree with your views on Hutton's talent though as I think he is a very good player and one who will continue to develop. In the market today that is the going rate for a young in form talent.

Tamstered,

soory mate - I most certainly will be driving. The last time celtic won a trophy and I wasnt there was 21/05/79, so I want to keep that record up (please please please)

I don't think this is St Mirrens's last game at Love Street. As far as I'm aware they won't move into new stadium until January next year as won't be ready for the start of the season and they have to play each team once before they can move. So I've been advised by a Buddie.

Hopefully St Mirren's defensive record will come into play tonight, I don't think they've conceded at home for a few games, with any luck they'll keep this up and we can all look forward to a paaaaaaarrrrty on Thursday!

savo01 - agreed....we haven't won anything yet

I'm nervous already and it's only Monday!

I'm not counting the Dubai Gold Cup here - domestic trophies only!

While we're on the subject of transfers, I suppose the Artur Boruc to Milan stories can finally be put to be, France Football are reporting that Lloris of Nice has agreed a four year deal with the Rossoneri for a fee of 5mill euros. The fact that there will be no CL football either will hit Milan hard financially.

Of course they could always get to the Uefa cup final and make £20 million a la the huns.

Danny will you be driving the trophy back to paradise

Corrib 04, agree, beating United will be v difficult. We will have to raise our game one final time.

Bambi, why in January is the key question. It has the look of an unsightly grab for cash.

Lurgan63, good point about Aiden.

tooheys_new, it was rubbish money if it cost them the league. Rangers would have been able to sell for the same in not more this summer.

Savo01, never suggested they would, in fact I have repeatedly suggested that the Dundee United game will be v difficult.

The whole Hutton tx smacked more of pressure being applied on Murray from ENIC rather than a "normal" transfer. By that I mean, I am not sure Murray had any scope to say no.

Looking at it objectively, he could have held to the end of the season, assisted Walter Smith with this seasons challenge and still got the money (perhaps even got into a bidding war with other teams and maximised the sale)...however, I think his hands where tied due to commitments he has to ENIC after the dilution of their shares in Rangers. No business takes that kind of hit and walks away without leaving some future agreement in place to recover some of the loss.

Coincidence (or not) is that Tottenham seem to be the main club interested in their most sellable assets (McGregor, Cuellar).

Wonder if we'll ever see the full value of the transfers...or if Murray is being forced to part with his prized assets on the cheap to service past follies.

Setting Free The Bears, Awalkacrosstherooftops and Der Kaiser from about 1 in the morning (when I was already in ma scratcher) - cheers for that info. Was going to post a query about just that this morning, as am arriving in Paris Nord about 17.30 Thursday.

SFTB: that sounds like a recommendation from personal experience, yes?

Der Kaiser, would be good to meet your relatives and enjoy 3IAR in good company.

Regarding Liddle, and we should probably let it go and be careful about what we get dragged into, he was the editor of the Today programme on R4 but had to be "mutually consented" from that; I'm struggling to remember why but have a feeling that there was some controversy about him. Maybe he became the story and that's usually fatal. Since then he's made his living peddling opinions in various media but without too much observable consistency; whatever pays the bills.

JohnnyBhoy

That made me laugh.

One of the boys at work knows Hartson and has the odd pint with him. Anyway, the Monday after I got out of hospital he came round with a framed and signed Hartson shirt - worth the pain of the injury. Absolutely made my day. Can't wait to get it hung.

My mate here is a huge Tottenham fan. Phones home quite a bit to talk to ees ol man who goes to White Hart Lane . The old geeza started and owned Yeading , that wee team that took on Newcastle in the FA Cup , so knows a bit about the game. Anyway he rates mutton and has many times said that he is a great buy for Spurs. He could have been the difference for them this year while we were getting used to new players. rangers have over achieved big time this year .They do have a few good players, McGregor, Davis and Ceullar and a few others that aren't completely mince but too many who won't get better or younger. They need to spend but will the debtors let them ? Celtic will build from strength . Going into the group stage of the CL , it will be a second season for a lot of our younger newer squad players and I expect even greater days to come to Celtic park next year. Good to hear Gordon Strachan talking about the last eight. Might just mean that he wants to be with us next season and go for four. No way the arabs will lie down to us but I expect Tannadice to be rocking and the players know what this means , it has to be ours.

I for one am not counting any chickens, won't watch the Huns tonight although did watch the last fifteen of the first half and all of the second half on Saturday, definitely not good for the blood pressure!

Best we can hope for tonight is a narrow win for Rangers to maintain a decent goal difference advantage then concentrate solely on the Dundee Utd game on Thursday.

RobinBhoy

No matter what kind of value McGregor and Cuellar go to Spurs for, you can rest assured it will mean at least another $15M into "Watties Warchest" (accoring to the laptop loyal).

What with massive transfer income and the £2155Gazillion they've earned from the UEFA run, Wattie may well be buying battleships and tanks rather than players this transfer window - which would fit in to his system nicely. We should be worried... not.

The only thing about this season that can be predicted with any confidence is it's unpredictability- unless I've missed a great deal of excernment we are not exactly striding majestically towards this title; we have put ourselves in a position where even if the Shame get beat tonight we might still only win the League on goal difference.

This is going to be a tough week for the Club emotionally.

The team will have to be at their best on Thursday- we need a performance like the 4-1 defeat of the Mothers.

robsonsfirsttouch

Can't agree that forcing Hutton the door against his will - he is after all a Rangers man and really wanted to stay and win a SPL title (which looked quite possible in January) - was good business. If we win on Thurs their fans will turn on Murray - and Smith - for after all he was complicit in the deal - and with good reason.

Peter Lawell however. He punts Kenny Miller for £3 million. He's worth half that - which is £1 million less than the Bad Guys are about to pay to bring him back to Ibrox!!

Now - thats good business!!!!

RobinBhoy,
sorry to disagree, but the best result is for a StMirren win by 6 goals and the trip to dundee is just to collect the title, regardless of the result.
But thats not going to happen so we just need to keep up the good work and win the title like we set out to do.

londondave- Liddle resigned from Today in 2002, over an article he had written about fox-hunting.

When he was editor he employed Andrew Gilligan, whose work eventually led to the Hutton Enquiry with all its consequences for the whole BBC, not just Today.

Anyways, enough about Liddle.

Let's have some Larsson, Lennox,Latchford and Lynch..

Lambert and Lennon..

Lubo..

lubo

you might think great minds dbbia but you'd be a fool

Exactly! Can never have too much Lubo in the team..

Lawson[ Paul]..

Lynch[ fils]..

A bluenose in work told me that Hutton got punted in January because he failed an internal drug test and Rangers wanted things kept very quiet and he thinks they pulled off a masterstroke by getting the £9m and keeping it all out of the Media. I've only heard the rumours about Boyd and hadn't heard this one before.

Has anyone else heard this or am I being wound up by hunnery?

Lurgan53 - fair point and if you think you can get that kind of money for him elsewhere or six months later. rankers were in need of the cash. As a comparison, do you think he was worth more than what villa paid us for stan? On that basis, could they say no?

My point re mutton is that i don't think he is as good a player as he has been potrayed in the media. a good player- yes but not worth the transfer price allegedly paid. They perhaps felt it was a good decsion because they did not really expect to be in with a shout of the league at this stage, no doubt they did not expect their european run.

Paul Robinson at LB for Naylor??? (The Herald)

Very unlikely i suspect.

One Star Means More: re previous thread on journalists, Murdoch etc.
To be clear – I don’t say journalists shouldn’t work for big business, or for right-wing publications. As you say, that’s unreasonable.
I do say that you shouldn’t work for, or patronise in any way, Murdoch output - because of his attack on trade unionism at Wapping all those years ago.
It must be me in my ivory tower, I guess, but since then I’ve never bought a Murdoch paper, paid a penny to Sky, bought a Harper Collins book, watched Fox.
I learned recalcitrance at my father’s knee, who learned it from his mother – hers was possibly the only house in Govan never to buy a copy of the Sunday Post (same reason – anti-union).

See Govan Stalinists? See Sicilians?

Lynch[ fils]..

Bless me Bhoys for I have sinned!!

A wee while back I was browsing through followfollow and noticed a very interesting post re Hutton. The poster was of the opinion that the transfer was made solely to keep ENIC off Murray's back and that the 'fee' received was simply a write-off of debt, i.e. the huns received nothing for him. Given the circumstances of the transfer it would make perfect sense and whilst it should be obvious from the annual accounts whether a fee was received, I wouldn't bet on it.

KTF

PS - scunnered to hear I backed the Hoops last month at 4/1 when I apparently could have had 10/1!!

That's it, DBBIA, thanks. I would have never guessed as far back as 2002; that is a function of the aging process.

After posting, I had a feeling that it was linked to the Gilligan affair and onwards to Hutton.

Et alia ... not having been able to read everything over the last three days, am wondering where things stand regarding the proposed Lennoxtown renaming, in honour of TB?

Sorry Paul67 can’t agree 100 percent with your lead article. Although that nutter turned out to be one of their better players this season their squad had neither the depth nor the class to justify winning the league. A feat they could yet do.

Regardless they are still no very good.

Committed hammer throwers aye but football players… well that is stretching it a wee bit. (Not that you said they were – football players)

As we come to the end of this season, I wonder how many of the Strachan, Strachan, GTF Bhoys, are feeling shamed and remorseful. I wonder how many still hold to that conviction.

I wonder how many of them will celebrate his and Celtics glory should we win this league. And if we do, I wonder how many of them will serenade the Dundee skies with Strachan, Strachan, GTF.

If we win this year’s league, although I’ll be in the dark as much as anybody else, I might just have a wee double on four in a row and Gordon Strachan to still be our manager.

Wouldn’t it be nice to win an almost unprecedented quadruple? That would be two times twice what some of us thought wee Gordon would ever achieve.

Returning to Mr. Hutton: With his transfer to Spurs an evil presence left Scotland.

lhondondave

Yes! the bar was recommended to me by other CQNrs (Tom the Tim and Celtic First, I believe). Mine Host, Lars, was good company and keen to talk with all new visitors. There is another Irish bar nearby but it was more of an Irish bar than a Celtic bar.

Paul,

The other strange Rangers transfer gamble which paid off for us was their attempt to move on Cousin against the rules. They made themselves look really desperate for cash ( I assume Fulham would have paid real cash whereas Spurs was debt serviced).

Anyway, Cousin staying meant Wattie preferring him as back up to Darcheville and fewer opportunities for Boyd. I know there will be good managerial reasons for doing so but, when you annoy your only natural goalscorer and destroy the confidence which is his main virtue, you really harm your team.

I don't expect points dropped at Love Street or a barrowload of goals. A routine 2:0 for rangers, I fear. Doesn't matter much cos, unless St. Mirren win, we still have a job to do and, after Tuesday's sad events, we must return our focus there.

Must dash now!

Troy, if you were a fish you'd be a perch right now - they'll swallow anything too... :)

Troy Bhoy, completely untrue and even if it was true I would prefer to stay away from such topics.

Kitalba, I am sure we can agree they have been a very effective team this season.

troy bhoy

their has been rumours re boyd for sometime in ayrshire re some recreational but it does seem far fetched as he has been on the bench regularly, even if not playing. Dont know much about this sort of thing but surely if it had any truth then it could not be covered up.

Paul - you're spot-on that their League and Europe chances were weakened by Murray as they opted to cash in on that transfer.

But.....I'd rather keep counsel and wait till Friday before talking about them blowing anything.

Can anyone enlighten me on what hangover Murray has from the ENIC deal?

SFTB - What did you mean by 'Spurs was debt serviced'?

I think the answers to these questions could give me much pleasure.

Cheers

SwanseaBhoy

SwanseaBhoy, spot on with shadenfraude, one of my personal favourites...

Trying this again from the last thread - go on, you know you want to!

'Big favour to ask. Would anyone going to the Dundee Utd game be able to purchase me a programme? Of course I'd reimburse cost and postage to sunny Melbourne.'

Got a response from Setanta Australia to confirm that the Dundee Utd game was the live game on Fri morning here, with the guy signing off 'Yours in Sport'!!! nice to have friends in high places!

Believe!

Thanks, Tony, catch you later.

Paul67:

the same could be said for Hitler and Attila the 'daddy' Hun.

Effective... I would begrudgingly concede them that, but how effective would they have been had the rules of the game been consistently applied?

On another note, AC Milan failing to get into the CL could yet mean that the Hoalie Goalie is at Paradise for a further season. This time next year his contract is still "protected" and would not lose any value.

I really hope we sign Vukojevic and some more like him for next season. We are in a strong position and we must build on it.

Recreation ?

In Ayrshire?

Far-fetched?

Aye right.

I'm only passing on what I've been told. I couldn't care less if true or not. In truth, there was obviously more to the deal than meets the eye but I think they have nearly got away with the gamble of punting him as a few weeks ago we were all demoralised on here and a lot of people were saying Strachan had to go. To come back in the way we have is a testament to the Managament and the players and I think we've got too much momentum to throw it away now.

Viewfaethewindae..............First on the training ground this morning, Strachan, Lennon and Pendry..........the wee man is fired up, no question about that. Let's hope he transfers that to the players

I think they will win tonight, and as long as they dont score too many that's fine. It leaves us needing a last day win and we can do that.

One result I really don't want tonight is a draw. That would leave us only needing to draw at Tannadice, and I always think that is an awkward situation to be in. I would rather have us going for the win.

And another wee one that I hope does not evaporate too quietly:

Are the Manchester Police taking over from the City of London Police in their investigations of all things Rangers, or are they going to waste good public money with independent inquiries?

We've got Johnnie Stalker in the wings; we've got Johnnie Stalker in the wings...

They said the longest public inquiry ever was Heathrow Airports T5, well it is being laudably chased by Rangers private inquiry into San Siro’Gate.

Aye, and can anybody tell me when that 700 million expansion is due for completion; before - or after - the Glasgow Commonwealth games?

Don’t go soft on them. They wouldn’t be so kind if their issues were our issues.

And another wee one that I hope does not evaporate too quietly:

Are the Manchester Police taking over from the City of London Police in their investigations of all things Rangers, or are they going to waste good public money with independent inquiries?

We've got Johnnie Stalker in the wings; we've got Johnnie Stalker in the wings...

They said the longest public inquiry ever was Heathrow Airports T5, well it is being laudably chased by Rangers private inquiry into San Siro’Gate.

Aye, and can anybody tell me when that 700 million expansion is due for completion; before - or after - the Glasgow Commonwealth games?

Don’t go soft on them. They wouldn’t be so kind if their issues were our issues.

apologies Paul, when I posted that initially I got a yellow warning saying 'immovable type' Failed.

Paul,would just like to say wee done once again for keeping this thing you have going.

It has enabled me to be helped out by a man we know as Winningemmell.

WG,you are a complete GENT.

Thanks again

Of course I meant "well done" Paul

hoof hearted minty moonbeams 10:17.

my plans are in place and I am looking to move this, the second biggest institution in this country to an existing all purpose building on the east side of the city, unforunately the pitch and stands may need some upgrading to cope with the amount of reaRangers fans who will turn up. As of season 2008-2009 my gloroius team will be playing at what IBROX village. You currently know it as Barlinnie. Turns out that's were all our fans will be.

Paul67 :- It's not often I find myself agreeing with posts you make on Rangers but on this one I think you have it spot on. As someone who long championed Mr Hutton even when many in our own support were running him down after his injury I share your opinion it was a false economy to sell him when we did. Without him we have a weakness down the right flank, your statistics on the away games were quite dammning, Mr Broadfoot is not a right back and never will be and we have lost more than a few goals due to this.
I honestly feel if Mr Hutton hadn't been sold we would have the league wrapped up by now, as it is it's crossed fingers time.
Either way we will soon know whether it's myself or your Dad who needs the comfy chair next season.

Another wee Tommy story from the Herald:

MEMORIES of Celtic's Tommy Burns, continued. Ian Barnett tells us that when his son played for a local boys' team, Mearns United, the coach was ill and Tommy Burns helped out for a few weeks.

When Ian's son came home from the first night's training he explained that Tommy had taken every player's boots away.

The mystery of why he did this was cleared up at the next night's training when Tommy turned up with all the boots signed by then Celtic star Paolo di Canio.

Ed

Any insight into any ENIC hangover. Genuine question.I was under the impression that the relationship with ENIC was severed but there ares some posters suggesting that Murray is somehow still in hoc to ENIC.

SwanseaBhoy

DBBIA :- Of course we have recreation in Ayrshire. Even when we tire of the beautiful sea views and lush rolling countryside we amuse ourselves by telling jokes about those poor souls south of the border who are unfortunate enough to live in that gate to hades knows as D & G :-)

Swanseabhoy :- Sorry I can't help with that one, I have no idea at all about it. Paul would probably be the man to ask.

Cheers Ed

Hi Paul,

was just wondering if you've heard anything from the top level regarding Celtic not taking up their away allocation for Ibrox next season and not allowing huns fans into Paradise for the derby games?

After Wednesday's disgrace and UEFA's shameful ignoring of the facts (and virtually saying to other hooligans fight as much as you want in the city, just not at the stadium), I believe that almost all of the teams who have the misfortune to draw the huns in Europe next season will almost certainly say no tickets for away fans. Which city in their right mind would allow another Manchester to take place??? I think Celtic would be perfectly within their rights to do the same. It's time to separate ourselves from them.

Never has the word hun been a more accurate description for them.

Anyone else think the loss of Cuellar tonight might just swing it for the Saints? "Big Punt" Weir looked shocking on Saturday (losing his temper more and more each game) and without his mate to bail him out - who knows...

Not that it matters too much, Celtic will beat a surprisingly tame Dundee United on Thursday - I go 3-0 and expect Naka to score - he's got a great record at Tannadice.

Celtic need to start the game at a good tempo on Thursday and try and get a couple of early goals. This will help relax the players as going into the last 20 mins of the match only 1-0 up or god forbid worse, we could start to see a few nervous bhoys out there.

I have every confidence that they will do the business.

Hail Hail

Mort

Copy of my email to the press complaints commission, i've had enough of this, STANDING UP To whom it may concern,

if anyone, in this sectarian void we call a democracy.I am appalled that in light of the shameful scenes we all witnessed on wednesday in Manchester, we have Rod Liddle of the Times no less, glibly espousing his crass narrow minded and sectarian views in a national newspaper.When policemen are being viciously attacked by a baying mob chanting U U UVF and singing Rule Britannia, that whatever his odious views are he should be reminded at the very least that writing in a national newspaper carries a responsibility he doesn't seem to be aware of, or care about.

There's a great picture on the bbc website with the story Reid Lauds Strachan and Burns. GS has a rye look on his face after obviously cracking a joke and TB is beside him laughing his head off. I have saved it as my PC background and will leave it there for a long time to come. For me it sums up the friendship they must have had and it speaks a million words for me. I reckon if we are not playing well on thursday night GS will have them by the all by the throat in the dressing room at half time. And if we are struggling for a winner late on he's go on and score it himself to ensure Tommy is properly honoured.

they did the same in 05 with Boumsong and still won the league. and this side is every bit as poor as them. We can only concern ourselves with our game and make sure we win it. I can imagine that Aberdeen will be fired up regardless of tonights result so they are not guaranteed to win there. Hutton for me is a fine player and I was glad he left them. He has done well for Spurs and played well in the Carling Cup Final. I can still see clubs sniffing around Artur and if we are offered £10-12m we would have to take it. I'd grab Kuszczak of Man U as a replacement to keep the Polish link and he has played for a big club and in the Champions League.

Regarding the match tonight, I just can't see StMirren rolling over. Rangers should win it but it won't be a stroll in the park and they'll need to get off to a good start.

I have a good mate who is a Buddies fan. He reckons there'd be hell on if they sat back and took a beating. He's looking forward to sticking another steak into their coffin(his words).

On the transfer front I was working with my mate from Newcastle this morning. Damien Duff's house is up for sale in the North East so he's definitely on the move and it won't be to local rivals Sunderland. He says that Celtic are still the team being mentioned with him in 'the toon'.

savo01

I was thinking about Kuszczak when it was first rumoured that AB could be going to Man U. I thionk £12m plus Kuszczak for Artur would be a fair price.

Regarding Rod Liddle, is this the same character who wrote a very anti- Irish article for some magazine a few years back in which he continually referred to "the Oirish" in an openly racist and demeaning manner? Haven't seen his latest masterpiece so don't know for certain.

It's only Monday but can't stop thinking of Thursday night already. Was there in '79,'86 and '98. Suffered in '03 and '05. 3-2 to us then. Let's go for the 4th.

Knew TB since he was "that wee rid-heided guy whose a good player". Very sad.

Paul I believe we should seriously protest at Carlos being suspended for tonight... as tonights game is a postponed game form a previous round in the competition against inferior opposition ie. not in the top six...his suspension should be instad carried over too thursday.

Liddle actually criticised Dida at the time and was funny with it but now he's having a go at the Celtic fan who attacked him. Yeah Spiers is not afriad to put the boot into the HunGers but even he was outdone by Tom English (he's Irish) in Scotland on Sunday.eg "the vermin rump of the Rangers support" ; 17 arrests at Ibrox "and the club failed to cope". Oh, it restores your faith in journalists

Paul67:

do you now have the capability to link back beyond the change over?

Was doing a bit of digging on ENIC and linked back to CQN 2004

"Sunday, September 05, 2004

Celtic Transfer Budget 2005

The accounts just published confirm that this will be the last year Celtic will be paying for the transfers made during the John Barnes folly and Martin O’Neill’s first two seasons in charge. During last...."

hunza rugli

I'm pretty sure that there are rules in place that mean teams have to offer a percentage of tickets to away fans. I seem to remember that when Murray banned the Celtic fans from Ibrox back in 1994 he was threatened with the same from Celtic in return. He then went to the League and got in a rule in place that meant a guaranteed percentage for away fans.

I forgot Cuellar was suspended for tonight. I know I shouldn't but I'm starting to think St Mirren might do it tonight. Their big striker, Mehmet I think, had a good game against us and Boruc had to pull off two or three great stops to keep it 0-0. As a Greenock bhoy it's usually not easy to cheer on St Mirren but tonight is a definite exception!

Let's ensure we don't count any chickens until they have come home to roost, Paul.

On the topic of the previous thread; I am getting a little uncomfortable at the speed with which we jump on the literal meaning of columnists words to demonstrate a slight.

We seem to leave absolutely no room for the possibility that there may be a context that the words are set within, or that the writer may be using irony or similar to make a valid point.

In the case of the bead rattling Hoopy, while it was ill-advised to use the term, the meaning was perfectly clear, and the point - that for some misguided 'fans', Celtic Minded = Roman Catholic - was and remains valid.

In the Sunday Times article yesterday, the writer is again making a valid point that belittles 'sectarianism' and those who practice it.

Celtic is a club open to all, except those who use dodgy words to demonstrate a valid point that we don't agree with.

I suggest that in a world where we want intelligent debate, informed opinion, and open mindedness, we are in danger of redefining Celtic Minded as Closed Minded.

I'm just about to watch 'The Birthday Bhoys' on celtic TV and was wondering who are the posters on here who contributed to it? I know Paul is on it but not sure who else. Will be strange to put a face to the typing!

With respect I think Rod “RentAGob” Lidl should be ignored – He’s a joke commentator just trying to draw attention to his rapidly disappearing media career.

Is it just me or have we got a wee bitty to sensitive this past season?

Forget Lidl and his ilk - we're one hard fought victory away from seeing THE BIG FLAG FLYING OVER PARADISE FOR THE THIRD SEASON IN A ROW

From e-tims latest article about Rangers in Manchester.

This was taken from a Manchester forum:

" Now I'm not the prettiest of boys myself but I think the worst thing about this gathering was the abject ugliness of the Rangers fans - I turned onto Newton Street during the mass exodus from Piccadilly Gardens around 8pm and thought I'd wandered into the land of Shrek. Their womenfolk were even worse - every one of them was the spit of Biffa Bacon's mam. Last thing you want to see after a long day's graft is a big boned lass with the hem of her skirt tucked under her double chin squatting over a gutter in a side alley off Dale Street. No wonder these people have to resort to converting so much alcohol - they must have to be perpetually beer goggled up to co-habit. "

SwanseaBhoy

Get well soon and get back on the bike too.

The Battered Bunnett,

"that for some misguided 'fans', Celtic Minded = Roman Catholic - was and remains valid."

The point made is a correct one. But the use of the pejorative term for RCs was the issue that many of us (including non Catholics) had with the article, not the point that the "journalist" was making.

Cheers elbhoy

Porridge

My cousin Terry Oneill is on it.Bye the way on a previous posting you mentioned being a young Morton Player and recollected a game were two players fought on the Park.One of them is someone I know very well Alex McEwan.Hes some man Alex and still has a few connections in the game and has given me some exclusives.

was just doin some digging in the garden(should have been done months ago according to the wife) Then the postman came with a few letters one was my season book renewal(just got a half season ticket at christmas after a couple of years away)
and everything has stopped, got it filled in and posted as quick as a flash, What about the garden i hear my wife SCREECH, garden garden i say back the garden will still be hear when i am long gone.
BUT THE HOOPS ARE HERE AND NOW

Three points clear having played one game more.

Perfect

We have them in our sights and will hunt them down like dogs

Tally ho! Celts TALLY HO!!

Porridgeand

Terry O'Neill and GL2

I wouldn't waste time on doing a textual analysis of Rod Liddle. He used to have a grwon up job editing the Today programme but was either sacked of forced to resign for a controversial article in the Guardian. He now earns his living as a rather pathetic contrarian.

Meanwhile, I noticed in today's (London) Times:

"Rangers FC said last wee that those involved were not people with a history of following the club and some supporters have suggested that English football casuals were to blame.

"Inspector Dave Sacks [!] from the Manchester force said ... 'Ultimately those were arrested were all from Glasgow - or at least Scotland - and they were not picked out indiscriminately, they were picked out because they were involved in trouble.'"

nelsbhoy

I just seen him there. You know sometimes people are not how you imagine them too look, Terry looks exactly like I imagined.

If you ask Alex about that night I'm sure he'll remember. I'm sure John Gaughan started moaning at him for not getting the ball sooner and it really kicked off! If Mr McGraw hadn't shouted to the ref he was subbing them then they would have been off. I remember being surprised at him leaving Morton as he was a good goalscorer, not sure if maybe something happened behind the scenes or not.

Ive also just realised greenlion2 sits behind me at 10am Mass every Sunday! Small world!

Kitalba: Returning to Mr. Hutton: With his transfer to Spurs an evil presence left Scotland.

Couldn't agree more. I saw him on Match of the Day shortly after his move to Spurs and he was talking about how well he was getting on with Robbie Keane despite the fact that "Keane is Irish and I'm Scottish"...Go figure eh. Only in a hun's polluted wee mindset do all Scots hate the Irish.

Good riddance tae the Kurgan.

P.S. Congratulations on the site Paul. Absolutely sterling work.

EDB

thanks, just saw them there!

I need help from fellow CQN'ers that are fishing fanatics.

This is totally true. I have a Russian friend who is a big Zenit fan. He lives in the States now but is coming over in September. He's bringing me a Zenit UEFA cup winners 08 scarf, :).

Anyway, he's coming in September and is wanting to go to Parkhead. This shouldn't be a problem. He's going to Ireland first (I’ve never been to the home of my maternal great grandfather’s family, which is County Mayo in Ireland) and then onto Scotland. But he wants to go trout fishing when he's here!??!

I know nothing about fishing. Is there anywhere I can take him fairly near Glasgow in September for some trout fishing...?

Can someone let me know, has everyone received invites to renew season Tickets??

I bought my first season ticket this season (I thought I had jinxed the club when things were slipping away!) but received very little from the club commercially. I only got the Season tickets and a slip of company paper. Is this normal?

I hope I've not been missed for renewing my Seats as there are some very fine fellows around me (As I'm sure there are everywhere else!)

Mucker
St Petersburg to St Mirren, not a bad week so far!

Macleod Whiz bang

Hows your Ribs and Fingers after falling out my house before the last OLD firm Game ....and has the scabby face cleared up YET ???

Keep off pints of SPICED RUM and CIDER and you will be OK you SPACEMAN.

Don't blow my cover

Ab

Just got mine in today mate, I assume they've posted them in batches rather than at the one time as the wee fella got his last Thursday.

Not often you have to give any credit to our good friend Darrell King at the Evening Times but I think he is the first journalist to print anything like this in a scottish newspaper.

----------------------------------------------------------------

"A couple of years ago, Rangers were in serious trouble with Uefa. Continued sectarian chanting among their support had the beaks in Nyon threatening closure of Ibrox after they pursued the club upon monitoring discriminatory' songs in Villarreal.

It was a watershed moment for Rangers. And those who run the club, Sir David Murray and Martin Bain, declared that the days of singing about the Pope and Fenian Blood had to end - or the club would suffocate itself, and die.

There has been a huge improvement from the Rangers fans in terms of the song-sheet, though there still is an element locked in the past.

The club were fined in Pamplona just over a year ago for one distasteful song after the final whistle, and there was an SPL reprimand for more sectarian nonsense at Inverness on the first day of this SPL season.

Sectarian singing was also evident on the streets of Manchester, but it was eclipsed by the violence which erupted.

It's as if these people feel compelled to rile up against anyone attempting to change them. But, as one fan I saw bellowed back at such a group of morons: "You don't deserve to wear that jersey".

The decent majority have had enough.

Those who continue to sing about Jock Stein within grounds and belt into the FTP numbers need to have a right good look at themselves.

It isn't clever, and it has no place in society or football. It's as if they believe the street is somehow different from a stadium, and this is something Rangers struggle to control.

It is a social problem, not just a football issue.

----------------------------------------------------------------

And theres a cracking picture of McCoist in tears to accompany his article.

Well,.. being a celt who lives in manchester, ill be watching the game in o'shays on Thursday with many good friends. If celtic dont win, the police and picadilly gardens better watch out.
:-)