Barcelona announce Crosas sale to Celtic

http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/english/noticies/futbol/temporada08-09/08/n080805102726.html

First???

Thank you Barca for impeccable timing.

GOAL

Paul, in principle.

Subject to medical, I assume?

I'm actually buckled.

Bournesouprecipie

Direct her to my myspace to witness my beauty and listen to Bat for Lashes. :^)

How are you mate?

Radio Scotland has joined the Meltdown, it's a chain reaction of Chernobyl proportions.

Paul

Mac Crosas? He's naturalised already? Are you doing your bit for the beleagured SFA?

PAUL67

WHAT`S THE BUY BACK CLAUSE DETAILS

SORRY CAPS

All sounds good but note the use of "almost reached an agreement in the article linked above.

P.S. Woohoo First!!!

shanghai hoops & Glen Daly

If you go to the BBC Radio Scotland website, do not click on listen live, click on Sportsound Kaunas v Rangers in top left.

Thank God we didn't sign Craig Bellamy who is out after doing a hammy pre season!

PF Ayr

They can sign him back after 2009-2010 for €2m.

Just 25 days until we get a shot at them!

I can't wait.

More good news!!

Can i Just say something

I love the Huns getting beat

Thanks

Methinks a few more tickets may be sold for tomorrow night.

I've just decided to go to the pub an extra half hour earlier to join in the fun and frolicks.

Should be a wonderful atmosphere tomorrow. :)

Can I just repeat to get all of today's threads

TRUST WALTER

Does the sell back clause mean we have to sell him back in 2009-10 or only if we want to sell him?

Paul,

Is that "Devine intervention" as in Bishop Devine?

Salamanca CSC.

Wish the Huns were at home on Saturday. They won't be a happy bunch.

Paul loving your work.

Is that Bishop or Sydney Devine intervention?

Spellingbeecsc-Canny help myself

Paul - this possibility was very much in the public domain. Did you have any inside information about this signing, or does the inside information you've referred to in the last couple of days refer to other possible signings?

Meanwhile on Radio Scotland a Rangers fan is putting the boot in bigtime to 'Sir David', asking in particular why we've heard nothing more about the three quarters of a billion pound redevelopment of the bigotdome.

CelticSepiroth

I wil I will

Cheers M8

"News management can be a tricky business to get right, but sometimes you have to wonder if Devine Intervention is at work."

I didn't know the Bishop was involved in the transfer but I'm sure he's pleased.

Quick question: what would feel like the longest journey - the bus back from Aberdeen at the end of the season or the flight from Lithuania?

I think an important point that you missed Paul is that Barcelona can buy him back in a couple of seasons for 2 million euros if they want. This means they can look on it as a 2 year loan deal and which most certainly favours them.

celtic first

what is the duration of the contract

am i right in thinking that if he is brilliant then they simply buy him back we make a minimum 600K euro lift

like a loan deal that you can make a profit on

Fergus slayed the blues, seen the link afterI posted on last blog, Thanks.

Does anyone know anything about this bhoy Crosas?
Will he go straight into the team or will he be kept in the reserves for a few months before we see him and is he a defensive or attacking midfielder? I have seen it said he is both!!

NEIL MCCALLUM: Fair point but I agree with the other posters who say it shows how highly Barca rate him.

Radio Scotland are now announcing that Celtic are no longer interesting in Tamas. A bit late aren't they, they're still to mention Crosas.

Boltonbhoy

They have the option to buy him back. They don't have to. We have to sell if they do want him, and they don't have to buy him if — God forbid — he should fail to set the heather on fire and we are unable to find a place for him in the team.

First time on the blog for over a week. What a moment to come back on! All these texts coming in saying somethign about easyjet shirt sponsorship ... I thought the rearrangers' game was later tonight. Then Paul says something about Sydney Devine ... eh?

First mention from the old media of the Tamas deal being off (Traynor, Radio Scotland).

Co-efficient wise which countries do we want to have a bad season to ensure the SPL winners qualify automatically for the CL once Platini's revamp comes into effect ?

they just did

Radio Scotland announce Celtic no longer interested in Tamas. They're buying Paul67's line joshyboy. More fool them, eh?

Is that the bhoy comedian from Celtic TV on BBC Scotland gloating and announcing the Crosas signing and the news that the Tamas deal is off from last night?-CQN lurker.

Celtic_First - thanks for clarifying that. As PFAyr said - a loan deal we can make a profit on then.

I watched Barca pre season and Crosas look like a defensive midfielder that likes to spray the ball around.

He's quick intelligent and always looking for the pass forward.........but NOT the finished article by any manner of means.

A great aquision and i would be suprised if he ever went back to Barca again. If this season goes well look for a new improved contract to be on the table - pretty quickly.

PF Ayr

They haven't specified a length of contract.

They have their buy-back option after two seasons, for a minimum of €600k profit (less wages).

They also have a 25% share of any sell-on fee we get for him.

Right Paul67,

Centre back, left back and Shaun next please.

Then put the cherry on the cake and announce that Crespo has signed.

P+B I saw your question last night and I was in the gym tonight and the answer is no way will I be doing the run but I saw your name up in lights ...ya show off.

5th August 9.40am...first currant bun on a phone-in calling for Walter to go.

dermots tache

is it the guy called Des ...something

another rangers fan justifiably launched into murray for the lies about the stadium redevelopment....they want murray to answer and are asking for his removal....sick of murray hiding behind martin bain the chickens are coming home to roost for the re-arrangers couldnt afford the extra 500k for steven davis and they wont get him now.......

Rangers fan caller on Radio Scotland:

'Walter's never signed a decent centre-forward'

Bo Andersen, Salenko, some of the current bunch.

'If he plays the boy Fleck, it'll be at left-back'

It's a shame about the buy back clause but if it's the only way we could get him then I guess that's what we had to do. I do think it's highly unlikely that Barca will try and buy him back though as let's face it they will have bigger fish on the agenda.

Did anyone see the Aiden from boy to Bhoy show on Celtic TV.

Pure class,excellently narrated by Gerry McDade.

Aiden's dad has done a magnificent job there.When his mum spoke about her pride in watching him,i had a lump in my throat.

It's just a pity The Bhoy took his looks from the male side of the family.

As a wee aside ,every time i hear Darren O'Dea speak ,i think ,what a well mannered and humble young man he is.

I really hope he makes it with us.

Celtic First,

You've got mail

Just listened to Radio Scotland tonight The Jim Traynore show .. first time in about 4 years.. cant get this out of my head

That's great, it starts with an earthquake, birds and
snakes, an aeroplane and Lenny Bruce is not afraid.
Eye of a hurricane, listen to yourself churn - world
serves its own needs, dummy serve your own needs. Feed
it off an aux speak, grunt, no, strength, the Ladder
start to clatter with fear fight down height. Wire
in a fire, representing seven games, and a government
for hire at a combat site. Left of west and coming in
a hurry with the furys breathing down your neck. Team
by team reporters baffled, trumped, tethered cropped.
Look at that low playing. Fine, then. Uh oh,
overflow, population, common food, but it'll do to Save
yourself, serve yourself. World serves its own needs,
listen to your heart bleed dummy with the rapture and
the revered and the right, right. You vitriolic,
patriotic, slam, fight, bright light, feeling pretty
psyched.

It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.

Six o'clock - TV hour. Don't get caught in foreign
towers. Slash and burn, return, listen to yourself
churn. Lock it in, uniforming, book burning, blood
letting. Every motive escalate. Automotive incinerate.
Light a candle, light a motive. Step down, step down.
Watch your heel crush, crushed, uh-oh, this means no
fear cavalier. Renegade steer clear! A tournament,
tournament, a tournament of lies. Offer me solutions,
offer me alternatives and I decline.

It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.

The other night I dreamt of knives, continental
drift divide. Mountains sit in a line, Leonard
Bernstein. Leonid Brezhnev, Lenny Bruce and Lester
Bangs. Birthday party, cheesecake, jelly bean, boom! You
symbiotic, patriotic, slam bug net, right? Right.

It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel
fine...fine...

One Star Means More - Totally agree. I'm delighted to have him even if had just been on a one year loan deal. I just wanted to all aspects of the deal to be known.

Hail Hail

PF ayr

Sounds like him; just declared he's a Celtic fan and he is really gloating.

I wonder of crosas is in the sno mould in so much as not expected to come straight into the first team, tho i suspect why would he come given he has been out on loan at Lyon fo first team football if he was not considered a potential starter

Paul

gone from Marc to Mac already - the bhoy is going to fit in well

Where is Italiabhoy tonight?

VertWolf

can't do the link thing but found this 10 mins ago
for sale 5 acre site near govan Glasgow, planning application pending for £700 million development.
Spanish gardener thrown in free ,although he has a 2 week sick line in at the moment .
the rest of the squatters will be locked out of the site tonight as they are out of the country at the moment .
any serious offers accepted .NO TIME WASTERS .

Really looking forward to tomorrows game now as I am going to miss the league opener as I am being dragged away for the weekend.

Anyone been to Ribby Hall and will the pub there have setanta or will i need to find somewhere outside it to see the game???

Hail Hail

Tell all the huns ye know
Inverness is as far as you'll go
There will be no heat rash
underneath yer da's sash
and yer going to wish ye'd sebo

It's no Des Clarke. Traynor said the bhoy on the e-mails was Mark (or Martin). Traynor also outed Annie McGuire as a Celtic fan??

Paul - another question you maybe can't answer, but I have a sense tonight that the frequency of posts tonight on CQN (even allowing for duplications, triplications and worse) is about as high as it has ever been.

rangers' new shirt sponsor has been announced as Easyjet.

In and out of Europe in 3 hours flat.

One sad note for me tonight is that my Dad, who died just under a year ago, wasn't about to see it. His parents were Lithuanian and he was very proud of his background. Still, I'm sure he and his sisters will be dancing a wee jig in heaven tonight!!

craggy island gaa, they are hurting.

West Wales Celt, :-)

PF Ayr, no details.

St. Michaels Bhoy, too exceited.

Bryce, I heard of this possibility last week. Was waiting on him arriving in Scotland for the details to be sorted.

This could come second behind Manchester in May.

SFTB, Martin on R Scotland, it is a good friend of mine, and the fabled friend of CQN I refer to occasionally. He sounds like a man who enjoys his work.

Happy enough if we do indeed get another signing in the door but is Crosas any better than say the likes of Sno? Will he get a chance after all he is a young player with little 1st team experience. I've read like everyone else he was on loan at Lyon but does anyone have stats on number of games played/started etc....(Lazy Bull)

I don't wanna put a dampener on tonight at all but just curious. If he does play a blinder, after 2 years Barca have him back for 2m Euro??

Go on Paul67 tell us who else we are looking at we won't tell anybody else honest!

Crosas is a first teamer. He aint bought for the future. If that was the case he would have stayed at Barca. Far better player than Evander. Get Maloney back as well then you are looking the our midfield will have a lot of legs in it if you add Brown and Robson as well as Naka and Koki.

What about Donati though? Will he be around next season to partner Crosas. So many options now in the midfield if Shaun is added as well. I reckon it will be between Robson and Brown to partner Mr Crosas. Might see us a adopting a 4 3 3 formation as well as a 4 2 3 1.

Been waiting for this since the day Graham Souness arrived at Ibrox. When my general dislike started turning to something more.

Milk it!

One for the night shift - great music from.... Club Exit Kaunus :-)

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=bT7VLkgKsEY&feature=related

GL2, haha I used to do those stupid challenges in the gym all the time and thought I should try it again. Couldn't get out my bed this morning though!

Awe Naw

I Prefer Orange Crushed

RangersEyeMoaning

Kaunas, many congratulations, and thank you for the added bonus of a £2.7m-odd financial windfall. I strongly suspected this would accrue, but naively thought we would have to wait until the 3rd qualifying round for confirmation.

Paul,

Great timing indeed re: Crosas

If anyone wants to check, I posted after full time and I did happen to mention I was enjoying a bottle of fine Estrella Damm beer, which as the label says is "Premium quality beer brewed in Barcelona"

I know God works in mysterious ways, but is he really revealing his grand plan to me in the shape of a bottle of beer? Is it truly Divine Intervention?Or have I just enjoyed one too many?

Loving your work, friend

onlyonmythirdbutitsearlydoorsCSC

Paul

Ah done tole... Ah done tole...

That... Mr. Twain wiz joinin' oor Fold!

Is dat no too, TRUE?

Whit a Fine Howdya Do!

Ah guess ye could ca' it a Lucky Shot,
Tae Pick the Correctomundo Name... right oot o' the Pot,

Fur, thur wur only... FIVE ITHER NAMES... dat Ah could Pick,
Hooever this Wee Lucky Dug...
He did Nick,
Gosh! Wiz dat NO SLICK?

The Wan an ONLY WAN... dat wiz TRUE!

Whit Luck!... Dae ye think it coulda happened tae You?

An' Noo awe Ma Detractors ur Shufflin' thur feet,

wi Faces, da color o' a Beet!..

collie
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'

WGS

Sno has more experience in the CL and league than Crosas

how can you possibily say that he is far better

not having a go ....just interested

BoltonBhoy

A wee prayer for your dad tonight. He would be proud indeed.

Paul

Your friend Martin, if he's recognisable, might need the assistance of a few hefty minders when he leaves the studio tonight.

I love it when our fans in the media do not disguise their background. He is up their with BBJ at the moment.

BTW Your fabled friend in the media isn't Traynor, surely? :-)

GL2, haha I used to do those stupid challenges in the gym all the time and thought I should try it again. Couldn't get out my bed this morning though!

WGS

Hope im wrong but i thought Crosas looked very similar in style to Donati but with more running in him.....which would be no bad thing.

Mo can pass a ball but positional play, tackling and box to box running is not his style and thats what i think Crosas will do for us.

Expect good things.

What a night.

Hi Paul

I believe the financials and add ons have been agreed but as yet personal terms have not been fully agreed. From previous reports I believe there should be no problems. After the Tamas personal terms fiasco I hope everything on this one runs smoothly.

I wouldn't be too worried about Barca's buy-back option on Marc Crosas (after this close-season's dealings, I'll believe he's signed when I see it announced on the official site).

If he doesn't turn out to be a world-beater, it won't have been too expensive. If he does, it could turn out one of two ways - he's brilliant, but Barca don't rate him highly enough to want him back. We keep him, or maybe sell him to someone else for mega-bucks.

Or, he's so good, Barca want him back, in which case, we'll have had him for two years.

No lose situation for me.

Awe Naw...

RIGHT!

A fan on Radio Scotland making the point that Paul Le Guen should have been given longer. Who knows?

The Spirit of Arthur Lee

:-)

Ibrox = Ignoreland

Paul67

Have Celtic been waiting to see if The Darnel failed to qualify before committing to going after preferred signings?

We obviously have approx £2.7million now, than we could bank on 3 hours ago.

I think I will have to change my moniker to
KUANUS SLAYED THE BLUES .
nighty night bhoys no sleep tonight just lying in the dark gloating .

owen, I’ll think about telling only you….

Collie, you and I know well luck has nothing to do with it!

SFTB, no, only Martin. Not sure it was fair of Traynor to ‘out’ him like that but I’m sure Martin is too happy to be worried right now.

Freddiebhoy, aye.

TT, no, nothing to do with them. Our man has been pretty upbeat recently.

Oh The Blue Room is Bare!

Genius, sheer genius, never thought i'd say this but thank you Vladimir Romanov!

Outplayed, outhought, outfought, they played it like it was a pre-season friendly - well felloy Bhoys, Wattie got his come-uppance for playing anti-football. GET IT RIGHT UP EM.

I had my concerns about our depth of squad, but a couple of decent signings and its another one in the bag for WGS and the history makers.

***BREAKING NEWS***
Rangers tonight announced new sponsors for the 08/09 season. Easyjet, cos they get you in and out of Europe in 3 hours.

Tell All the Huns ye know
That we're gonna make 4 in a row
The Tims are all glad
Wattie got humped by Vlad
We're Champions League Bound and yer NO!!!

Thanks Celtic_First - appreciated. And he would be indeed.

Tell all the huns you know
we're in the Champions League and your no
along wi the Queens we'll not wreck big screens
and your stuck wi Wattenaccio/Nacho Novo

Just clicked on Setanta Sorts News and couldn't believe the comments along the bottom on ticker. Walter and Ally are not flavour of the monent with most but one dingbat actually said "rangers will coast the SPL, watch out Celtic" This guy really needs to up his medication quickly, or maybe he should reduce it as the hallucinations are going to be the death of him.

Paul

Oh... anither thing..

That REPORTED... Buy Back... Thingy?

Disnae hiv... a True Ringy!

Paul, baby....Ah dinna hiv tae tell, YOU..

Dinna Believe awe ye read...
Fur Rory ayeways likes... tae pit a Fly in yer Feed!

collie
Tail's Awaggin',Awaggin'.

Feeling cautious re this signing.The lad can thread a lovely pass but we were told that of Donnati.Also dont forget the Hammerthrowers he will face week to week.Think his best games could be at home.

Its still positive news though.I have a feeling we will be feeling pretty good about ourselves by the end of the week.

The Aiden programme was brill.Make a point of watching it.

Govanhill boys are the best.

Had a Guinness in the Imperial in Airdrie wi Traynor before, although not a Celtic man he is no lover of the Darnel.

WullieGormanCSC

nelsbhoy

you by any chance from Govanhill:¬)

MON the Kaunas!

WGS - I'd like to echo pfayr's comments. I haven't seen anything of the Barca lad, but I've high hopes for young Evander. If he doesn't make it with us, then I think he will elsewhere.
I worry that players like him and Darren will not get the chance to establish themselves in the first team the way I expect Paul Caddis to do this season. (Jury oot on Herr Hinkel for me!)

Boltonbhoy - hope your da is having a jig and a laugh with TB.

GL2 - you've got mail in response to your e-mail. Cheers.

TTTT

Not only are we around 2.5 million up Rangers are at least 10 million down. A 12.5 million difference between us and them is enormous.

Hail Hail

MON the Kaunas!

Arthur,

Brilliant LOL

but you owe me a new monitor -spat my beer all over it :-(

Follow me, don’t follow me
I’ve got my spine, I’ve got my orange crushCSC

Paul,
I am a bit disappointed at you replacing the article so quickly. Although I have far too much, err...dignity to mention it - I did get the podium thing last time round. Then you start a new article.

How can one go from getting to the yoofa cup final one month and getting knocked out the next? It's just not fair.....:)

I don't know if you can see
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days I've been afraid
That they might nick one away
So I've been telling old stories, singing songs
That make me think about where I came from
And that's the reason why I seemed
So far away today

Oh, but let me tell you that I love it
That I think about it all the time
Lithuania you're enthralling me
And now I'm on the wine
Just because you beat the Rangers
You know that it has made me less than sad
Lithuania's beaten everything
I've ever hated

(Chorus)
Now I'm sitting here before the fire
The empty room, the phone-in pyre
The flames that could not get any higher
They've withered now they've gone
But I'm steady thinking my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When the hands are shaken and the kisses flow
Then I will

go and shout for Celtic

MON the Kaunas!!!

The sweetest part of this victory is the fact that they were caught out at their negative game.

Never thought i'd say this but...

Congratulations Mr Vladimir Romanov. Bravo Sir.

Pf

Aye.Not born but bred.

A nice touch from BBC tonight....i thought.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Iiz4nGw8YQ

Can anyone see Kaunas ending up in our CL group?

Collie

The buy-back clause is on the official Barcelona announcement. It's not Rory-speak.

Just watching the 2nd Kaunus goal again, how sweet that it's 'Nacho' who should have cleared it off the line. While I despise Rangers as an institution, I can generally rise above it for individual players etc. Novo, however, is an obvious exception.

Just back from work (relied on CQN for the "Big" match coverage)
Trying to see if the highlights were on the Telly.
Eventually looked at R*ngers TV-showing the highlights of the Liverpool game.
Have these guys not suffered enough?
Evidently not!

Anybody any idea if the "highlights" are being shown anywhere?

Headline on E-Tims;
Adolf Hitler - Your Boys Took One Helluva Beating

I'm really enjoying CQN tonight, wish I had access to radio Scotland .

Not since 1945 have Security forces and the general population of Europe's major cities breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Hi all.havent posted since just before that incredible night in Dundee a few month back.
Loved the site Paul ,its been fantastic stuff,just back from the pub in this orange stronghold that i live.
I have to admit guys tonight im as happy as a dog with two c***s.
Keeeerching.... absolutely priceless that was!!Keep up the great work Paul.

lifted from

http://www.barcelona-football-club-tickets.com/FC-Barcelona-News/

Two footballers

Both Marc Crosas and Julian Lopez de Lerma are in the running for places in the first team line up. Julian Lopez is being watched closely by first team coach Ernesto Valverde. One of Julian’s key characteristics being his ability to read the game.

Marc Crosas gave his thoughts on his opposite: “he’s an important player who has a strong character and a lot of quality. He has great vision of play, plays fast and takes a lot to stop. He sees the errors made and he takes full advantage of the free space. Julian Lopez was also not short on praise for the blaugran player: “he’s a player with great technical ability, he knows where his team is and always knows where to position himself on the pitch. He also has a strong defensive game”.

Can anyone see a downside to tonight's result?

- The wheels are well and truly off the Wattenacio band wagon
- They're £10m down
- We're £2-3m up
- Carlos Cuellar (player of the year) looks like he'll need to go to balance the books
- Ferguson is reportedly out till Novemeber
- They don't have European football to attract new players
- In fact they don't have money to attract new players
- They have Kenny Miller this season
- We don't
- They have SDM
- We have SSM

Nah, Didn't think so.

Now how any bookie can offer the same odds on them as they do on us to win the SPL is beyond me.

Raising delusions of grandeur to an art form. "...we have too many average players."

Rangers fan's comment on Setanta Sports News

tommytwiststommyturns - he sure will be!

OK, now that I've stopped laughing, some more serious views on tonight's game.

They started very well without making too many chances, but seemed to think the game was over at 1 - 0. McGergor made a hash of an earlier FK that went just wide and I think he should have done better at the goal, which came from a long way out.

In the second half Kaunas were the better side, but didn't seem to have the confidence to shoot. They exposed Rangers' flaws, running straight through the middle with pace and making a few chances before they scored.

Rangers weaknesses are clear: no pace at the back, no creativity in midfield and nothing up front.

The pressure is really on them now. If they have a bad start to the league season, and there's a very good chance of that, we could be out of sight after the first derby match.

Have I missed something tonight,been trying to get on to my favourite Celtic sites and they are all choc a bloc.
Something big must be going down.

www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/aug/06/fbkkaunas.rangers
This makes for good reading.

Paul67

I told ya.

I went onto my BT Yahoo homepage,then linked onto the football headline .Rangers crash out of Europe.

Half a dozen comments down. A poster has copied your best ever putdown, headline.

If anyone is happier than us hoops tonight it has to be Mad Vlad.

His diet huns could/would never have pulled off a result like that tonight.

NEIL MCCALLUM

That`s before you take into account superior gate receipts, merchandising and replica strip sales

devila advocate 10:18

The European Glass and Glazing repair industry might have to lay off a few workers now.

Italian champions Inter have been ordered to pay damages to a Napoli supporter, who sued for "existential damage" caused by offensive chanting and banners displayed by Nerazzurri fans during a league match last October.

Inter have been ordered to pay €1,500 to the fan, who has chosen to remain anonymous, after their supporters showed banners at the San Siro calling Naples the "sewer of Italy". Other banners read: "Ciao cholera sufferers" and "Neapolitans have got tuberculosis" in reference to a crisis in which the streets of the southern Italian city became deluged with rotting refuse for several months following a dispute involving Camorra-run waste disposal service companies, landfill sites and the government.

The fan's lawyer, Raffaele Di Monda, said the chanting and the banners had left his client feeling "indignant and deeply hurt". Inter, who won the game 2-1 thanks to two Julio Cruz strikes, had already been punished by the Italian league, which ordered the sections of San Siro where the banners had been shown to be closed for the following home match, and the Milan club's defence argued that the Naples court did not have the jurisdiction to make the judgment. However, the club must now pay compensation as a consequence of the behaviour of their supporters in addition to the maligned supporter's legal expenses

Follow Follow in meltdown?

Isn't there anyone lurking on the permanently raging FF that can do us a cut and paste job of the meltdown over there?

Anyone else change their prediction. I had given rangers a chance but i'm now right behind Falkirk to win.

Anyways...

Hi,

Michele Cocozza has invited you to play in his Fantasy Premier League called CQN.

If you aren't already playing the game then you can register at
http://fantasy.premierleague.com

Once you have logged in and entered your team, click on the 'Leagues' link on the the right of the page. Now enter the code 252447-58193 to join the private league.

Or if you fancy a spot of SPL predicting then click the link below.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/predictor/index.shtml

This league is also called CQN and the password to enter it is 5pxaqsjf.

Enjoy the games!!!


Mic

nelsbhoy

i watched the aiden programme, like yourself,a good watch

it was pretty scathing about the abuse aiden gets, which was fair doo's

i'd like to see it again, i got a bit distracted towards the end ;¬)

Mazy

Ah Diggy - you read my thoughts before I even posted them!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRXCQsqZcOY
This is the utube goal.

Anyone got a link to the goals ... I dont usually watch them but i'll make an exception tonight

was working late tonight,
fortunately some rangers supporters brought a t.v. in,
OH UNBRIDLED JOY !

There I was sitting tonight moaning about my youngest playing fitba down in Ayr this weekend Saturday and SUNDAY , working out how we can get to the game and see the flag going up love these early kick offs not

, should he get himself sent off on Saturday or feign injury or will we risk the average speed cameras and go for a late dash on sunday

anyway who cares sunday will take care of itself we will get there somehow

haven't enjoyed a phone in so much one guy demanding traynor drags murray into the studio to allow the fans to quiz him on the stadium and where has the money gone

looking forward to work its going to be superb tomorrow

Great night Bhoys,

I got to go to bed :-)

Europe The Final meltdown CSC

ibrox staff have now started growing their own potatoes..
this is so they have something to lift at the end of the season !

BBC national news just highlighted the rangers game - oh joy - bet there are a few folk in manchester seeing that lifting a glass to kaunus just now ;-)

CREDIT CRUNCH UPDATE !
riot police all over europe are fearing for their jobs after rangers were knocked outy of europe tonight !

as well as a poor team performance

does anyone think that Mcgregor looked very dodgy tonight

apparently he has been like that all pre season

maybe he`s reverting to the dud we all thought he was

Sorry devils advocate spelt your name wrong, a thousand apologies sir.

weeron, :-)

Lynott67, cheers.

Gordon J, watch out for the knives aiming for McGregor. He was to blame for the goal that got Kaunas back into the game.

TT, :-)

Boltonbhoy

For Grace, Joe, Tessa, Mary, Alf, Margaret, Mary and dad

From his wall...

Lietuva, tòvyne musu, tu didvyriu Ïeme!

Is praeities tavo sunus te stipryb´ semia. Tegul tavo vaikai eina vien takais dorybòs, Tegul dirba tavo
naudai ir Ïmoniu gerybei.

Tegul saulò Lietuvos tamsumus prasalina Ir sviesa, ir tiesa mus Ïingsnius telydi. Tegul meilò
Lietuvos dega musu sirdyse.

Vardan tos Lietuvos vienybò teÏydi.

English:

Lithuania, my homeland, land of heroes!
Let your sons draw strength from the past.
Let your chidren follow only the path of virtue,
working for the good of their native land and for all mankind.

Let the sun banish all darkness from Lithuania,
with light and truth always guiding our steps.
Let the love of Lithuania burn in our hearts
And for the sake of our country, let unity blossom.

some darkness was sure banished tonight!

I've read a fair few stories today about 'Primates At Risk Of Extinction'.

http://www1.uefa.com/magazine/index2.html

I heard Kaunas's winning goal was scored by Phlebitis?

That can be nasty. Causes pain and redness and may be long-lasting.

Paul

*After Manchester, Rangers expelled from Europe*

a fantastic example of Karma

Through the law of karma, the effects of all deeds actively create past, present, and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain and joy it brings to him/her and others. The results or 'fruits' of actions are called karma-phala. In religions that incorporate reincarnation, karma extends through one's present life and all past and future lives as well

Ref: Wikipedia

VertWolf

Larry.Bhoy is there any glass left in Manchester?

ManchesterstreetcleanersCSC

Mic, cheers I'm in on the bbc.... someone nicked bull67 so for one season only i'm thebull67

C'mon Falkirk, then to enjoy Sunday...c'mon the hoops

Diggy

Been trying to log on there all night. Created an account in the past few days in anticipation of this result. The comedy on there can wait until tomorrow!

Man On on August 5, 2008 10:27 PM

Take your chance with the average speed cameras. Apparently if you switch lanes after passing a camera, they can't determine your speed. I'm not guaranteeing this - just passing on what I've read. Not sure if I read it in the Daily Record or the Sun :-)

I know how this messed up our finances...the club then went to the fans to raise money...knowing that the Rangers fans do not like to put their hands in their pockets....what now?

Mic, cheers I'm in on the bbc.... someone nicked bull67 so for one season only i'm thebull67

C'mon Falkirk, then to enjoy Sunday...c'mon the hoops

RRC
you lurking?

English translation from official Barcelona site

05.08.2008 21:09

Signs of an agreement with Celtic for Crosas www.fcbarcelona.cat

FC Barcelona and Glasgow Celtic have almost reached an agreement on the transfer of Marc Crosas for half a million euros fixed plus 900,000 in variables

The Barcelona club have almost come to an agreement with Glasgow Celtic for Marc Crosas transfer to the Scottish club. FC Barcelona will receive half a million euros fixed and 900,000 in variables depending on the players appearances, qualification for the Champions League and titles won.

On the other hand, FC Barcelona reserves 25% of the economic rights depending on a possible future transfer and an option to buy him back in 2009/10 for two million euros.

abbot

however you spell it

the commentator made it sound like PILLOWBITER ...which gave me a laugh

not as much of a laugh after he put the second one in though

Celtic-First

Ah believe ye ur fluent in Spanish,
so Ah know dat whit ye say is whit ye read...

But, efter tusslin' in Court over a Personal Contract,

I find dat...It disnae necessarily mean... whit it said!

collie,
Tail's Awaggin', Awaggin'

Alright guys,first timer here,thought i'd break my duck tonight as i'd heard the waters lovely!

Diggy, cheers if I get a speeding ticket i'll put in the post :)

anyone see the game, the corner kaunas scored from dailly tried to chest a ball down to whittaker under no pressure 10 yards from the byline and it came off him like a bullet straight out for the corner.

quality ball skills :)

cant stop smiling, wife thinks i have been hitting the port

Larkin1907 - fine work. Brought a tear to my eye!

Mr vito said in Lietuvos Rytas

316. vito 00:41 08-06 IP: 92.13.55.45

to be sure we dont care about the rengers supporters, we didnt beliefed we can win, we all are surprised for it`s just briliant!! meny tnx for all supporting FBK Kaunas!!!!

hey paul and all,

first time poster, long time lurker. love the site.

tonight is a great occasion of schadenfreude!

i was privileged enough to be sat in the same restaurant as a certain Mr Strachan tonight (Stravaigin) and was checking my phone to find out the result, at the final whistle GS was all over his phone (texting) then popped outside to take a call and came back in with a big smile on his face! what a guy, then returned to a family engagement in a very composed manner, i would love to have had a wee chat about what he's gonna do with that extra £x million and got a bit of banter, but i'm sure after his bratislava experience he would not have stuck the boot in to the forces of darkness.

we still can tho! :)

from FF

some interesting comments

Rangers crashed out of Europe tonight, suffering without question their worst-ever European defeat 1-2 at the hands of Lithuanian side Kaunas.

It is scarcely comprehensible that this is the same Rangers team who marched so proudly to the UEFA Cup Final less than three months ago, although perhaps the seeds of tonight's exit were sown last season when Rangers were burdened with a crippling fixture list and suffered from a manipulated schedule.

It was both wet and miserable in Kaunas tonight - the old stadium offering virtually no cover whatsoever for the rain-soaked spectators.

Manager Walter Smith made just one change from the first leg with Nacho Novo replacing Jean-Claude Darcheville, and the little Spaniard almost made it a dream start for the visitors when his cross-cum-shot was touched over by home goalkeeper Marian Kello.

Rangers, wearing all-blue, made all the running in search of the crucial opener - and it might have arrived in fourteen minutes when Christian Dailly played a through ball to Kenny Miller only for the forward to lob over the bar.

Two minutes later, Rafael Ledesma's 25-yard free-kick was held by Allan McGregor.

There was no letting up of the rain, and in a mostly uninspiring period Miller's grounder from a Sasa Papac cross was held by Kello.

Kevin Thomson opened the scoring in 33 minutes when hesqueezed the ball home from a tight angle after good work by Novo on the left.

Rangers appeared in command, yet six minutes later Ledesma's inswinging free-kick was missed altogether by McGregor but edged narrowly wide.

That warning went unheeded however - Kaunas equalising in 43 minutes when Nerijus Raszius' thirty-yard free-kick bulleted past McGregor.

The Lithuanians now looked the likelier, and only the width of the crossbar kept the scores level in 54 minutes when a mazy run by Marius Cinikas ended with a shot that struck the woodwork.

Kaunas had the edge - five minutes later Adrian Mrowiec's header from a Nukai Makchkava cross was held by McGregor.

Andrius Velicka replaced Charlie Adam in 65 minutes, and should have marked his return to his homeland fourteen minutes later when he shot over with the goal at his mercy from a Papac cutback.

Similarly Dailly should have put thetie beyond doubt in 82 minutes when he sliced a Velicka knockdown over the bar.

Sixty seconds later Ledesma was inches away from connecting with Raszius' driven cross as the tie balanced on a knife-edge.

The world came crashing down around Rangers in 87 minutes when a Ledesma corner was headed home at the near post by Linas Pilibaitis.

In a last desperate throw of the dice both Kris Boyd and Kyle Lafferty were brought on for Miller and Novo - but time had run out on the Ibrox men.

Manchester now seems light years away, and afterwards a crestfallen Walter Smith commented:

KAUNAS Kello; Raszius, Bagitis (Grigalevicius 65), Zelmikas, Manchkhava; Pilibaitis, Luksa (Mamic 76), Mendy, Mrowiec; Ledesma (Zubavicius 87), Cinikas

RANGERS McGregor; Whittaker, Broadfoot, Weir, Papac; Novo (Lafferty 87), Dailly, McCulloch, Thomson, Adam (Velicka 65); Miller (Boyd 87)

Might be getting a name as a bad moral example here, but after the success of my last two tips, it would be plain mean to deny you all another one.

Falkirk win on Saturday - 13/2

Can anyone see a pattern emerging in my betting? : )))))

Man On,

Regarding the corner and how it came about,

I thought at the time I'd love to see Kaunus score from this. What joy. The make-up of the typically anti-footballing footballer came through in time for them to get humped out of Europe.

alibhoy,

Welcome. Its fine weather for ducks tonight.

Be it tears of laughter or sorrow the waters are flowing.

http://celticunderground.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=619&Itemid=35

how much is sean maloney worth?

ulster-celt

On that display tonight I reckon most SPL team will think they can do the same thing. They are in for a very rough time this year.
Walt Didney could be be most Celtic friendly hun manager since John Greg.
Could this be their season
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Vemi01A7eH8

:oD

Haven't posted for ages (still an avid reader) but can't resist tonight. They were absolutely awful, and if they continue like that any team in the SPL will be capable of taking points from them.

I have to agree with fellow posters advocating a decent spend to really ram it home.

By the way Noel, SFTB and Thomthetim, I was in the vicinity over the last few weeks as I have a mobile home in Min na Leice. Would have been nice to hook up (Pablo has my number) but another time will do. Thom I usually frequent Sharkeys for the Celtic games to guarantee viewing. I must catch up with you for a few jars before the summer is out as I think you are resident roundabouts?

A win for Ard Macha on Saturday along with Falkirk and the Bhoys on Sunday will round of good week. Am I being greedy.................Don't care

Schadenfreude rules ok.

Ard Macha

Mr vito said in Lietuvos Rytas

316. vito 00:41 08-06 IP: 92.13.55.45

to be sure we dont care about the rengers supporters, we didnt beliefed we can win, we all are surprised for it`s just briliant!! meny tnx for all supporting FBK Kaunas!!!!

Don't know if anyone has taken this up yet - I'm trying to keep up on a rubbish computer / connection. but...

Wasn't it sweet that this tie went exactly the way of the run to the UEFA Cup Final - 0-0 at home, 0-1 away, 1-1 away. I had my wingeing lined up about how they could only get through any tie this way....when Bang! Last minute. What they deserved all the way through their "unprecedented" run, happened.
Anti-football: come uppance at last.

Not a problem Oven ;)

I knew there'd be a downside! All those glazer could be employed to build us a new trophy cabinet though!

hoopla

are FALKIRK 13/2 AT HOME AGAINST THAT ROTTEN MOB ....worth a score i think

Alasdair MacLean

I agree - Karma- see above

VertWolf

"Barcelona will receive half a million euros fixed and 900,000 in variables"

Great news re: Crosas tonight, but I take that to mean that Celtic will pay c.£400k up front and c.£700k subject to certain conditions in the contract, making a potential total transfer cost of £1.1M. And the buy-back clause is essentially tantamount to Celtic having a two-year loan deal in place with the option to keep him if Barca don't want him back... but if Barca do want him to return, they simply refund our outlay plus an additional c.£500k (effectively a contribution towards some of the wages Celtic have paid out) and they get him back again when the 2 years are up.

But I would expect him to stay, if he actually arrives in the first place (I'll believe it when I see it)... and as long as he doesn't do a Gravesen!

back in the dark days when they signed Gascoigne from Lazio our reply was John Hughes from Falkirk.
Graveson should have been our Gascoigne but he has been a disaster.
We cant afford another BIG mistake.
IMO Gordon should take his time and get it 100% spot on,
We will win the league anyway so if we are to spend Big then it must work out.

Is this the worst result in Gers European history?

with all the free time the huns now have

will they call for an extention of the marching season?

schadenfreudeCSC

Mazy

It's not all bad news over Ibrox way - they have just announced the 'Didnaeland the CL money zone' as an extension to the renowned Didnaeland super mega theme park.

Let's face it, it just gets more and more fun over there - hard to take for us Tims.

Kaunas

If Tommy G, Bobo, Deek and Donati leave for fees soon (except bobo of course!) then this will have been a significant week... IF we can invest wisely.

Hoopla,

I'm already on it. I reckon the best you'll get by saturday will be 5/1.

13/2 is way too big based on tonight. Big Yogi must give it right go.

PF ayr -

Aye - Betfair price on Falkirk has collapsed to 5/2 (not a true price, all the money has just been swallowed up), but some bookies still offering 13/2 - Paddy Power, Stan James, Bet265.

Might not get that price in the morning I suspect, I've already reinvested some of my winnings from tonight....

You can bet your boots Mr Hughes will have the troops whipped up for this one - "We'll NEVER get a better chance to beat them - they're on the ropes" etc...

Paul67.

A very good day for me,This morning I decided to check my premium bonds,hadn't won anything for a couple of years but this month I won a prize,I was happy at that.
I then decided to have a punt on Kaunas,managed to get 6/1,then the best bit of news was them getting gubbed,Falkirk must be a certainty on Saturday.

Are you going to BBs tomorrow before the game,if yes,I'll see you there

Evening gents,

what an evening it has been...Rangers press the self destruct button again(they seem to be developing an uncanny knack of falling at the final hurdle!) and we announce the signing of Crosas.

If I were a Rangers fan I would be livid, just what was Christian Dailly doing giving away that corner! Moments of slackness like that can prove so costly, and Kaunas made him pay big time. Time will tell as to just how damaging this defeat will be, but one thing is for certain, the balance of power has swung well and truly into the East end of Glasgow.

They really are a club in disarray; no European football, an ageing squad, very limited income, no flair, no leadership on or off the park, a dusgruntled fanbase...the list could go on!

Fingers crossed Gordon and Peter can secure a few more additions to our squad in the coming weeks...that really would hammer home our competitive advantage!

Hail Hail

Dev -

Heh... great minds post alike...

I've been thinking tonight about last August when the mighty hun qualified for the CL by beating Red Star and we still had to overcome Spartak in that night of nights at Celtic Park. The CQN community was very concerned, some were even angry and blaming our board for under-estimating them.

Tonight we're all ecstatic. This blog was in meltdown earlier. We hadn't played a game, hadn't signed Crossas at that point or anyone else and from 8.22 to 9.29 there were 249 comments. Very nearly 4 per minute!

I'm not trying to start anything. I'm just amazed at how much attention we pay to them and their fortunes. And, I do it as much as anyone.

PonderersCSC

Credit crunch, interest rates on hold, falling property prices and glut of commercial premises available, banks losing money hand over fist and the Rearangers missing out on the CL golden honey pot.

Seems Murray is caught in a perfect storm - in the book the boat sank.

Man on

My oldest Bhoy is playing down in ayr sat and sun
for the tam o'shanter cup or something. I will be there on sat
but on Sunday will use exscuse that my youngest is playing a friendly.
His manager who was in manchester knows his first aider's will be at parkhead
to see the flag so expecting a early kick off

mcgrory-for-arsenal 10:54

I certainly hope not. Next year they might get knocked out of intertoto cup by a team of Icelandic fishermen and lawyers with a bit of luck.

VertWolf, thank you for that entertaining lesson on karma. I also enjoy that humorous TV programme dealing with the subject, in fact, I am developing a respect for it.

Welcome alibhoy, enjoy your swim.

Welcome HoopTime, good to hear from you.

Great wee story about Gordon.

Oldtim67, great stuff. No, I will not be in BBs on Sunday, a better offer :-)
Enjoy.

Cuca_67, I saw a chirpy Christian Dailly after the first leg chatting and smiling without a look of embarrassment at what had just happened on the field.

He didn’t convince me he was up for the fight.

Abbot, aye.

Another post from Lithuanian guy.

vito 00: 54 08-06 IP: 92.13.55.45

lot of laugh we know the rengers supporters going crazy and they can`t change anything as proof we got a video, today Lithuania are happy and unfortinately rangers and scotland sad sorry for them

paul67
excellent banner headline - Manchester / Expelled etc.
Pure quality man, you're now forgiven for removing some of my blogs!!

We're now in a position to hammer home our obvious superiority and look forward to another GOD; I can honestly see us humbling the hun every league game we play them and hopefully we'll draw them in the diddy cups too.

I won a few bob today tipping Hearts reserves at 9 / 2, I'll stick the lot on the Bairns at whatever Wm Hill are ofering me.
Onwards and upwards Hooopies The Future is here the future is GREEN.

What a great night.

I give you; the world premier of;

'Scotlands Shame, Stayin at Hame'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jch4NUgUxg

vertwolf,

Got you. I'm actually using a telly connection! Very accommodating these young engineers!

You're not related to the ex-England manager by the way, are you? Can't remember his name - celebrating here with local brew! (Smiley) Hoddle..Glen.

Was in Blantyre tonight, and some rotter was letting off celebratory fireworks round about FT. That's just mean :o)

Not had time to read all the posts from today, just on this thread, but I'm glad Paul's last article mentioned Manchester: it's worth recalling that the huns should have been allowed nowhere near European competition, for at least this season & probably a couple more.

That strange whooshing noise you hear is an entire continent breathing a collective sigh of relief.

Zbyszek,
maybe you could ask the kanaus fan to post his video on u-tube so we can see them going crazy too.

Here's hoping the sleepy city of Kaunus makes it through tonight unscathed.

one or two of us had a wee drink to celebraate this evening. pitty about my hun in law being sick though. Not,,
his bhoys called to rub it in when he was still with me,called my phone cos they knew he would't answer

Estadio Nacional -

Heh...

"Out before I've had ma dinner"

Paul67,

Here's a few headlines for your next articles you might want to consider :) :)

MADRID 1 FREED

SHAUN SHANK REDEMPTION

RAT CAPTURED AT CELTIC PARK

SUPER DARIO

BASA, BASA, BAAAAAAAAAASA.........!! (Tune to Barca FC)

Green Trumpet,

Either that or the fireworks....

As Tommy Docherty used to say

2Home before the postcards"

tee hee

Paul

Shouldnt SDM be on the phone to George Peat to complain about the pre-season fixture pile up?

I belive thats 3 games in under a week they have played?

Benjybhoy, cheers. That GoD looks more and more possible.

TheGreenTrumpet, indeed.

WGS, who knows!

I can't stress enough how much we must TRUST WALTER

I hate to admit it, but Hately was right!

RANGERS DISPLAY ADMIRABLE CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY, BOTH LOCALLY AND ABROAD.

In one fell swoop Rangers have displayed an unprecedented degree of concern for their fellow citizens throughout mainland Europe.

Lionel Messi? - your worst fears are allayed for, at least, another year. Look forward to playing football against other like-minded teams. They may not be equally good but they will try.

Overworked police? Look forward to some time off.

Local taxpayers? You won't have to find the money to pay for all the "extras" which Rangers and their supporters entail.

Plus some extra millions to Scotland's Premier Club.

No, no, Bhoys and Ghirls, give credit where it is due.

Rangers have performed wonderfully, plus credit is the only financial term they know.

Anyone anticipating stopping laughing long enough to fall asleep tonight?

Cheers

Alex

Benjybhoy.

I just had a look at the Wm Hills site and Falkirk are 5/1.

I can't stress enough how much we must TRUST WALTER

I hate to admit it, but Hately was right!

Abbot of Clomacnois-I,probably like you & many others enjoy watching their MISfortunes-Hail,hail.My sides are still sore-what a night.

Paul - with HBOS meltdown (SNP reckon that they can prop them up??!! Aye right - no ready!!) DM's empire is creeping close to the brink - watch this space.

Another weekend in the south east next May -

http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1358969,00.html

DavieL

Paul67.

I meant Tomorrow night.

Good night bhoys !

Mick,
correct :oD

Allan McGregor looks forward to another European adventure

What are the chances of The Green Brigade or The Jungle Bhoys rustling up a banner at short notice for tomorrow night?

:D

G'night Mick. Sleep well.

Oldtim -

Yeah the guy that sets the odds at Hill's has spent the last fortnight offering the best bookies' price on Rangers for the SPL - trying to tempt in the unwary. He suspects how bad they are.

Hence not a great place for our purposes...

Paddy P was the best for Kaunas To Qualify - also the best for Falkirk at the weekend...

does anyone else think that Barca may still be so peeved with the rape of their city by the blue hordes that they are only too happy to rub it right in to Rangers?

This smacks of a SSM ploy. The unseen hand indeed!

Perhaps it is more to do with our excellent relationship with Barca at official level (no to mention fan base as well).

As I posted first thing on Monday this is going to be a good news week for Celtic. If nothing else happens this week I am proved right.

Something else will happen. At least one thing. Possibly two. And we'll be 2 points clear of the Huns come Saturday evening.

Night all.

Still can't get into ff. Here's the topics they are discussing.....Not sure which one I'd want to read first....:)

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Neil McC 9.28. That is my opinion too. This is a loan deal but lets enjoy it while we can.

Europolicefederation (relieved dept) CSC

Clomacnois - Without trying to state the obvious they are our rivals and if they lose they lose financially and we can only gain from that.
Also I just hate them and all that they stand for.

Hail Hail

Ard Macha,

Would look forward to having a pint with you.

Smelltheglove, aye, maybe he should.

DavieL, it’s all getting v interesting.

Oldtim67, ah! No, working gets in the way of early evening social activities.

Neil McCallum

Well put.

Here's to a great season for Celtic FC.

4-in-a-row is all set up. It's just a matter of 10 months and the continued input of our brilliant manager.

Cheers!

weeron,

As I scrolled down that list my smile grew wider and wider, until by the end I was in fits of laughter.

Comedy gold to be had on there for sure.

Never lurked on that site. Considered it tonight and still couldn't bring myself to do it. Hopefully some of the bhoys who are made of sterner stuff than I can bring us the odd snippet cut and pasted.

DavieL

That's good news for me as I live in the South! :-)

It's been an excellent night, I've been sitting enjoying some Glenmorangie while enjoying the carnage tonight. I think I'll go and settle down and watch Pirates of the Caribbean 2

Paul ... yep, they're turning on McGregor on FF ...

HUMIE 05-08-2008 23:00
Mcgregor??

3 mistakes in 3 games would you drop him?????????

I wouldve dropped him after the 2nd. Alexanders done nothing wrong in my eyes.

Anyone else agree with me????:blink:

ChicagoBear 05-08-2008 23:01
Re: Mcgregor??

He's a player I wouldnt be upset at losing.

mussybear 05-08-2008 23:06
Re: Mcgregor??

It will take him a number of games to get back to how he was last season but I would have no doubts in Alexander coming back in as he was a good replacement

rangers for life 05-08-2008 23:07
Re: Mcgregor??

The Kaunas second goal was a shocker no leadership no attacking the ball.

davieboy1873 05-08-2008 23:08
Re: Mcgregor??

He was very poor at Liverpools second also. GK's should never be betean at the near post from distance.

However we should have been able to field a side without a goalkeeper and beat Kaunas over two legs:mad:

Smiler 05-08-2008 23:10
Re: Mcgregor??

Alexander is very very average

I wouldn't be overly upset if McGregor was sold, but Alexander would be our worst number 1 in 25 years

Caniggias lucky lock 05-08-2008 23:16
Re: Mcgregor??

If we got over five million I'd sell. He is poor at crosses and living off a few outstanding performances last year,

ChicagoBear 05-08-2008 23:19
Re: Mcgregor??

Quote:
Originally Posted by Smiler
Alexander is very very average

I wouldn't be overly upset if McGregor was sold, but Alexander would be our worst number 1 in 25 years

And thats a bad thing when compared with Woods, Goram and Klos..... why?

roberttressell-Think we'll have to wait till Sunday evening,but I can wait-Hail,hail

I cannot wait for the first rendition of...

"No huns in Europe oh yes theres no huns in Europe"

....tomorrow night and on Sunday.

There pain makes for endless joy.

BB

I was tring to think of a wee song for David Murray in light of his latest misfortune and I can't get the line from my old mate Shane's song out of my head....

"If you lend me ten pounds, I'll buy you a drink,
And...."

Paul67 -

The current parallels between Rangers FC and their banking providers are quite striking.

Siege mentality, poor results in foreign parts, fears for the upcoming domestic results, morale disintegrating.

Might make an entertaining article.... ; )

Hehhhhh-heh-heh-heh-hehehehhhhhh....

Surely it's only a matter of time before the laughing policeman makes a return!

Hampden In The Sun, the need for a scapegoat was predictable. Thanks for the nod.

Hoopla, aye, cheers.

A typical comment tonight from FF

"Dailly, Whittaker, Adam and McCulloch should be punted as soon as possible. Each of them are absolutely sh*te.

We got what we deserved, we go and take on a pub team with a Defender (Dailly), a Striker (Novo), a terrible footballer (Charlie Adam), a guy who doesn't have a position he's that bad (McCulloch) and Kevin Thomson in a five man midfield.

Incidently Miller and Novo did ok.

But I feel sorry for Thomson, yes he was sh*te tonight but he was actually the only person in that midfiled who is actually a midfileder, McCulloch, Dailly and Adam could make Zidane look sh*te in that midfield.

We need changes and massive ones at that, for Sat if Smith had balls and didn't have his lovechilds he would make them to give the shower of sh*te a kick up the ar*e.

Some of those young boys in the reserves must be wondering what they have to do to get a game ahead of those monkey's.

We are an absolute shambles."

Liked the Zidane line and his take on "Elbows McCulloch"

Paul67 How are you today? (I always think it's rude not to ask)

As the owner of this community it must do your heart good to see these moments captured on it. The meltdown at the second Kaunas goal is well worth a re-read.

Chris Sutton -

Considered signing up for FF myself tonight - but I reckoned the timing might alert their suspicions.

They are a very touchy lot over there...

Evening All,

Thought I'd echo some of the sentiments expressed tonight. Best laugh I've had in ages, and for the second week in a row, Kaunas have boosted my online account with a modest wee sum :-)

It'll be very interesting to see how the press and Rears PR Team try to spin this one. This is nothing short of a financial CATASTROPHE for them.
They've already frittered away £8.5m on 4 players. I'll reserve judgement on Bougherra as I haven't seen him play, but the 3 'strikers' (I use the term v.loosely in their case) they've signed seems crazy when other areas of their team were screaming out for fresh legs, flair, and a bit of talent. It's not as if they didn't know Ferguson was crocked, and it is doubtful that they'll spend the £4m required to get Davis now.

The mint (small 'm' these days) has sold just about anything that's not bolted down, and other than selling the stadium and leasing it back (which could be complicated given the hugely inflated value that's it's valued at on the books), he really doesn't have anything else to punt other than guys like Cuellar, McGregor (whose value is declining by the day) and Boyd.

Karma has been mentioned a few times tonight. I well remember the dark days of the 90s, and the mint's boasts of the money he could spend. Look where it has ultimately got him. He's up a proverbial creek without a proverbial paddle or even a proverbial canoe :-)

A share issue in these credit-crunched times is likely doomed to failure.

As if timed by the Big Fella upstairs himself, we announce the Crosas deal tonight. As we know from personal experience, there are no guarantees in football (see Gravesen,T.) , but this young guy is a potentially cracking player, so much so that Barca have kept an option on him.

It does show that we are trying to get the younger, faster, fitter maxim to work.

As for Rears, they are lumbered with an ageing squad, lacking experience, consistency, and quality.

Karma ? It's a real swine David.

Me ? I'm loving it :-)

harryhood

Hoopla.

Hills are the biggest bookie and the tightest,but I still bet with them.

I'm punting these on saturday.
Falkirk 5/1.
Aberdeen 4/6.
Motherwell 5/2.
Killiev Hibs 21/10.
£10 stake.
returns= £1085.

Paul67,

During the dark days of their 9 in a row, i often felt that we were reduced to singing songs that we have now left behind. Now that the G.o.D is under way,and knowing how limited their song sheet is, do you think they could be in trouble off the park (again!)as well as on it?

alibhoy.

I see the BBC website has now stollen the stories from Paul67 from last night and tonight. 24 hours late....poor old BBC.

I bet Josh is wetting himself at the BBC for falling for Paul567's lies.

Happy days , rearangers humped I had Kounes at 11-2, its great to be a Tim

Hail hail
Ps Come on Murray get the war chest oot

Hoopla.
Should have said Killie v Hibs,a draw.

Paul67, no ... McGregor is waaay down the list of scapegoats - he has Adam, McCulloch, Miller & Wattie in front of him

Ulster-Celt on August 5, 2008 10:47 PM
Not everyones fav but I hope wee Shaun is true. As for the other, possibly not truth to it, but if another return I would take him. Some players only suit certain teams.

roberttressell on August 5, 2008 11:22 PM

Only 2 points ahead, remember its 3 points for a win!

Given all the comments here and elsewhere re watties follies problems travelling last year, is the failure to qualify a Baldrick to avoid further bad press nationally? Or just a blessing!

Given the universal or should I say "catholic" condemnation of Mr Smiths (only a matter of time before the surname becomes headline news), tactical awareness and lack of transfer savvy, with the ensuing protest marches( they do love a march). How long before the National press, banks and creditors feel comfortable to take a wee pop at the present custodian and finally investigate statements, financial and verbal?

Paul67(again wee bow)
At times like this ,is it just me or if you charged a tenner for each 1st post, would you be nearing retirement? (From work that is not blogging).

Finally, at times like this with the vino flowing and the hearts warming surely the icing would be a few snippets from follyfolly.

Paul67,

Wonderful news tonight. The plans are progressing well and without altercations. Praise the Lawell!!!

Forward To Four in a Row!!!

Paul, re your comments on the main article:

....."I will not pretend that this was as enjoyable to watch as our own 4-5 debacle three years ago would have been for others, but two days after the 5-0 reversal which put that particular train in motion, Celtic responded by signing Japanese hero Shunsuke Nakamura. Soon afterwards thousands of Celtic fans put their hands in their pockets to make up the financial shortfall."

.....I think this is spot on. Rangers have to (and be seen to) react to this disaster. Their ability to respond will be vastly different to ours post Artmedia, and that makes the next few days/weeks so interesting.

On a separate note. A hun pal of mine has long been banging on about the the superior ability of Walter Smith to handle pressure than our own Gordon. Tonight's result and our delight in the depth of their predicament has made me appreciate all the more what Gordon Strachan achieved in managing to turn things around post Artmedia. I just don't see the Cardigan, or his club, or his fan base having the same ability to achieve! :)

Enjoy.

Ah Oldtim, I'm such a bookie-slut by comparison - I'll bet with any trollop that offers me the best odds! ; )

5/2 Motherwell tempting tho - Hearts are a completely loose cannon, 7th manager in about three years...

Joshybhoy

Conspicuous by his absence I wonder?

Paul

Cracking news tonight - the implications of which might be enormous.

As a second generation Lithuanian (my old grannie was from Kaunas), I felt especially happy tonight. This is another severe psychological blow for Rearrangers and we now have an opportunity to press ahead and leave them fighting amongst themselves. We have now seen what they can (can't) do and it is up to us to stamp our authority on this league and make sure of 4 in a row...and can I echo WGS, ( I've been dying to say this for a long time ) SACK DUFFIELD...

I didn't know of this blog until tonight but I thought some might be amused by this post from The Offside

I wouldn't normally post a piece in its entirety but it is quite short and I guess that the exposure from this blog might compensate.

Rangers Bounced From Europe, Masses Rejoice
Safe to say Celtic acquired an amazing number of new fans after we were subjected to a Scottish tribute to anti-football during last year’s Champions League and UEFA Cup campaigns.

One could find giant pink diamonds easier than an attack at the Ibrox, and to make matters worse they made it all the way to the UEFA Cup final.

Well, ladies and gents, there’s no more miserable bitch than karma, and she struck back in glorious fashion today through…wait for it….Lithuanian club Kaunas. (Lithuania!)

After a goalless stalemate in Glasgow, Kaunas stunned them back home today with a 2-1 victory, the death blow coming a cruel and just three minutes from time.

Kaunas will now probably face Aalborg (Danish) in the third qualifying round for the opportunity to get steamrolled in the group stages.

CelticSephiroth, I’m well, thank you, hope you are also.

Yes, it is a delight today, a sheer delight.

Alibhoy, I think you can guarantee they will revert to form.

Johnny Mac, but the BBC are still ahead of the written press.

Hampden In The Sun, possibly, but McGregor has talent that they can break.

j titor, yes, but you knew that anyway.

Once A Bhoy, what an excellent idea.

Jimbo, yes, I await their response, or lack of.

Dobbo, aye, there will be dancing in the streets of Mossend.

Why do rangers always have to copy Celtic ?

We done 9 in a row while they were a major force in Europe - They also achieve 9 at a low point in our history.

We get to a UEFA Cup Final after years in the wilderness beating all our very strong opponents on route - they bore half of europe to sleep with a unique brand of "football".

We are put out of Europe by complete unknowns (Artmedia)after a change of Management They are are knocked out of Europe tonight by Vlad's 2nd team even although they have the "Dream Team"!

Even in the bad '90's we hired for a Dutch coach with a very dodgy hair style (Wim Jansen) a mere eight months later they announce Dick Advocaat (say no more)!

Sorry that should have been why do rangers always copy Celtic -badly ?

For Chris Sutton etc....here's how they lived through that last goal. Paul, feel free to delete this if you think you should...but give the guys a few minutes to have a wee giggle.

Re: Kaunas V's Rangers Official Match thread, all comment in here!

#952 Today, 14:40
AnglianBear
Forever a ger...... Join Date: 10-06-2007
Posts: 1,379

Re: Kaunas V's Rangers Official Match thread, all comment in here!

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

Best players on the park - Papac and Broadfoot.

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

Quote:
Originally Posted by allmodcons
Alternatively could just speed up Cuellars departure.

I honestly beleive that at some point Carlos is going to look at the feckers around him and say - 'feck this im ofski'

Shoulda been a first time pass Nacho. Not a bad effort from Miller

Quote:
Originally Posted by interbear
Have to give credit to the bears spending their hard earned to stand in that apology of a stadium watching our apology of a team in the pi**ing rain.Well done bears, if only the team had half of your passion.

Aye they deserve a result

Misse may be injured - get him off, better still - get him to f*ck!

ffs who was that gave that passback?

This is ****ing murder to watch.

7mins of this still to go bears....

Both Us & Kaunas will still have two good chances before the final whistle

this is awful, we badly miss ferguson

smith must watch this tonight

we are not good enough

Can't believe Dailly is still on the park. Poor, Poor display tonight.

miller f***ed ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ford fairlane
Well with this performance its embarrassing and we may still go out

If we do go through another performance like this would see us out.

Thats it!! Im going for a walk round the block, cannae take this last 5 mins

Kenny Miller is limping and we're not bringing him off as he is held in high regard?

Farce.

pat nevin you sir are a horses coccck

Feck me......how pathetic was that attempt at goal ?

WTF .... Dailly....

Fellow bears I have had a good innings, 22 years of happiness but tonight in about 15 minutes I am going to end my life by cutting my right leg off and bleeding to death.

Its better than enduring a season of this.

Goodbye, God bless.

Omg...................

Midfield look very tired. Walter is asleep.

omfg daily

dailly just **** off

Did i hear that right, Miller so highly rated that he will stay on injured rather than replace him with a sub?

Dailly - mince

Daillly absolute abysmal

Feck off Dailly ya clown.

DAILLY FUK RIGHT OFF

Quote:
Originally Posted by kennytheger
Thats what I was thinking. To say the performance doesnt matter, is the kind of thing said on here which is deeply concerning.

Were you expecting silky football or something

we are out of europe

Quote:
Originally Posted by summit
Who gives a f**k about the performance as long as we get through this

Catch yourself on. Yes getting through is important but we cant just continually accept such woeful, sub-standard performances. Its disgraceful.

Quote:
Originally Posted by the1oval
Velicka sitter - have we anyone who can put the ball in the 'onion bag?'

EBB

Think his name is Kris Boyd and Walter doesnt like him so he is on the bench.

2-1 now to Kaunas.

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Shambles. Smith, utter shambles.

Christian Dailly - thank you so much !!!!!!!!

Smith must go...

Dailly you are a prick

Nooooooooooooooooooooooo

This is a total nightmare.

Thats it, **** off Rangers

Walter **** off now

Smith Must Go

---

Christian Dailly please **** off!!!

Fekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

It happend we're out.

Oh dear God.

well we now have what we deserve sweet **** all

were out.

i'll tell you what.

Walter , please F***k off NOW

Quote:
Originally Posted by second_pole
If we do go through another performance like this would see us out.

We said that about all the backs to the wall crap in the Uefa cup, all the way to the final. Dosent make it better, just thought id make the point.

dailly should be booted out the club for that

Walter Smith **** Off Now You Waste Of Space!

Paul,
Reference Weeron's post at 11:24 listing the topics being discussed on the other side of towm, one seems to stick out for me, especially when noting that it has the most (?) viewings at 95. LeGuen's 3 mil versus Walter's 22mil. I'm not a man for statistics but I think there might be a point here which is right at the heart of the Rangers dilema.
Celtic moved on to the new world, while Rangers faltered, went back, and look where they are now.
Point being, at 95 views, the Rangers fans are thinking along these lines.

oldtim67

Hope you don't mind, but after reading your post at 11.46 I've followed your lead and wagered £10 of my Kaunas winnings on those games.

Hey, the way I see it it's a free bet thanks to our friends in Lithuania.

You do realise that if it comes off I will be looking for your tips every weekend ;-)

harryhood

fingerscrossedcsc

Hampden In The Sun -

That's a whole Scapeherd!

And every wan ae them rank rotten.

( Well... Kenny and Wattie... aren't actually, I don't believe... but I wasn't about to let the facts stand in my way... I'm sure you understand)

PermaGrinCSC

Welcome to Celtic, Marc Crosas (assuming the story is true - nothing official from CP yet?).

I'm looking forward to seeing how Crosas fits into our midfield. Much as I enjoyed Hartley and Robson muscling us over the finishing line in May I felt for most of the season (and the one before) that we were lacking a killer pass or a wee bit of something special creatively in the middle of the park. We have relied too much on Naka and Aiden to supply the forwards. Hopefully Crosas can reach his reported potential and take some of the load.

I'm glad I don't have the manager's headache in picking a starting 4 (maybe 5 in Europe) from McGeady, Crosas, McCourt, Nakamura, Brown, Robson, Hartley, Mizuno, Sno and Donati (did I miss anyone?).

Kaunus to the right of them
Kaunus to the left of them
Kaunus in front of them
Volleyed the guns
Stormed at with shot and shell
Poorly they played and fell
Into the jaws of death
Into the mouth of Hell
Plunged the Huns

Alfred Lord Tennyson Csc

Paul -

Re the Darnel response to potential meltdown.

I predict the sale of Cuellar, spun as a bold response to the crisis - to fund team restructuring.

This to be followed by a small string of deals "for an undisclosed fee", promises of much more to come in January, and vague rumblings about a casino with leisure complex and particle accelerator.

NiccolMachiavelliCSC

Paul67

From the last post

"I will not pretend that this was as enjoyable to watch as our own 4-5 debacle three years ago would have been for others,"
Apologies for nitpicking or possibly misconstruing but having watched both games at least we gave it a right good go. They were absolutely awful and must have given CL dreams to 3 or 4 other SPL teams on that performance.

And when they ask me
Are they really that *****
I'd say yes
They were so dreadful tonight

Aside from cheesy remakes of Eric Clapton songs, it is difficult to think about the damagae to the co-efficient when you are wetting yourself with laughter. We survived Artmedia because we slashed the wage bill and worked wonders in the transfer market (Boruc, Naka and Magic). They will suffer from this because they have already sliced their wage bill and have 10,000 less season ticket holders and no merchandising arm.

Paul, you posted a while back that if we have no European income we make a modest loss (all other things being equal) but if they have no European income they make a significant loss (mainly due to the factors mentioned above). Do you have an article up your sleeve on what financial impact this will have on Rangers? I can't see them adding any more new faces without selling their most valuable assets (Cuellar and McGregor).

The first thing I said to my brothers on full time was that we should make a signing this week if possible to pile the pressure on the forces of darkness. If the Crosas story is correct (and it sounds pretty concrete) it shows that we have heeded Fergus McCann's advice when he first took control at CP:

"Celtic always seem to operate from a position of weakness. I want to ensure that we operate from a position of strength."

Let's use this as an incentive and not forget the turn around we experienced after Artmedia. They will have only the SPL to concentrate on this season and we will still have a fight on our hands. We cannot afford to be complacent and the Crosas deal is the first sign that we won't be!

Craiginho
Feetonground CSC

Alisdair, I think this was one of murray's biggest blunders....not sticking with PLG. Folks might remember that the arsenal players were looking to get rid of Wenger because they didn't like his training methods. Arsenal's board stayed the course.

Wally having come back, makes it VERY difficult for anyone else. If smith can't do it, with his relationship with murray....then who can?

I think Paul said that bringing back smith was murray's last throw of the dice. Maybe, maybe not. But I really can't see what he'll pull out of the hat now. He might be more unpopular with the bears than our old board were with us.

His over valuation of Ibrox might be a problem for him. The way his books are now, with that big 'asset'....he'll need to take a bath even if he sells at a 'reasonable' price. With the market the way that it is, this would be the worst possible time for him to do that.

So, he'll lie. That usually works for him.

Very long time lurker,

I know everyone on the site is so happy tonight and rightly so. Great feeling.

I was a wee bit annoyed over the last couple of weeks with some of the critics on the site, surely we have all learned by now that the wee man is very clever when it comes to pre season aided by the master tactician in the boardroom. I am not saying that Gordon sends his teams out to get beat against Cardiff or Middlesbro', but hey when it mattered to us againts Porto he comes back with a result. If the clever man is up to his usual negotiations I reckon that his phone will be constantly engaged come end of August. Please all take a step back and fully support the wee man in every game this season, he has surely earned it.
On a betting front, I notice that the tired journey, old legs, early kick off, first game of the season, Jackie M, 14 to 1 HT/FT.

Keep The Peace

In light of tonights events, I'm enjoying a bottle of 20 April 2008 Heineken to celebrate. You get my meaning. Finished a night-shift, went for a 10k walk, get text message from brother-in-law. shower and decide to mark the day.

C'mon the fair-haird Bhoys.

weeron,

Thanks for the treat.

I'm actually quite amazed that so many of them realise just how poor Dailly is.

Seriously, we talk about Donati and Evander Sno for example and have heated debates about their merits or lack of.

Can you imagine watching Dailly in your midfield 4...?

a truly carlsberg end to pre season. good night to one and all. a very good night in fact.

weero, brilliant !

now they know how it feels ... mon the hoops!

Michele Cocozza @ 10:22 PM: I had already played my first joker on a 0-0 at Falkirk on Saturday.

That was before I realised that Kyle Lafferty was fit and saw the form of Kenny Miller. In all honesty, that could be the greatest Rangers front two of all time, from our perspective.

I have to say I still give Kenny credit for the effort he made when he played for us - but now that he's on the other side again, I can't worry myself too much that he has had another of those nights that will only further enrage the hairier simians out there.

Rangers in crisis!

Even when the darkest clouds are in the sky
You mustnt sigh and you mustnt cry
Spread a little happiness as you go by
Please try

Whats the use of worrying and feeling blue
When days are long keep on smiling through
Spread a little happiness till dreams come true

Surely youll be wise to make the best of every blues day
Dont you realise youll find next monday or next tuesday
Your golden shoes day

Even when the darkest clouds are in the sky
You mustnt sigh and you mustnt cry
Spread a little happiness as you go by

:)

Weeron -

The comparisons between Wenger @ Arsenal and PLG @ Snakemountain have always struck me.

Fortunately for Arsenal, they were not the most change-phobic, foreigner-mistrusting club in the western hemisphere.

Unfortunately for Rangers \

[ "You have been banned from FollowFollow. Length of ban : Forever." ]

harryhood.

I hope you have luck with the bet.I'm going for a three timer,checked my Premium Bond Nrs this morning and I had a winning Nr bet Kaunus,then bet the line you saw,so I hope you win,if you do,I do.

Well done tonight on Radio Scotland, Martin C. You have the perfect face for radio!
Your hometown should be proud of you.
Hail!Hail!

Kenny Miller...over 500 minutes on the park and no goals.....lol

Poor Kenny...

Weeron,
I'm in no fit state to have a discussion, but I think you,ve hit the nail on the head with Wenger. The most successful manager in England - pound for pound - didn't get there by buying superstars did he? Or pandering to self proclaimed supestars. Am I right in saying one of his kids won the European Championship? This too ages to write this so ...another time!

Record Headline Sorry Rangers Crash Out of Europe.........

A wee thought before kip,
misser limping on for 10 mins after injury, chances are he wont play on sat eh :oD not sure if its a good thing though.

UNEW MIKE,

Did you miss a comma?

Rectum headline

Sorry, Rangers Crash Out of Europe...

Just back from the pics. and catching up...:)

After the last Ranker's game at Castle Gray Skull a Ranker got a hold of my mobile No. sent me a text Tell all the Tims...Samaritan's helpline 0800101010...you all know the number!!

So I saved it under Hun and on Helicopter Thursday I texted him to say thia it was disconnected and then gave the number to as many friends as I could who in turn texted him...he was none too pleased!

So tonight I texted him only to get a reply saying do not scoff until you see what your team do...a bit of the kettle and black me thoughts but then he texted me he following, I kid you not and he he is a Ranker who I do not know:

Walter Smith yer getting the sack, yer out of Europe before the Schools go back, all the rangers fans down in the mouth, your out of Europe before Queen of the South!

I kid you not from a Hun. I did get a similar text from Tim friends earlier!

Hail Hail

Who's next in the grand scheme of things?

Without playng we are acouple of million to the good. Who'd have thunk it?

Rearrangers need to offload. We need to upload. A top-class defender is on the way. One that no-one saw coming. Left-sided. One who will keepthe jersey warm until Celtic's best defender since Caesar, Darren O'Dea, steps up.

I'm a big fhan of O'Dea. He impresses me every time he's interviewed. He seems to be years ahead of his time and he's a fellow Irishman. He will be Irish international captain in2 years, mark my words.

colmcille celt,

o'dea stepping in shows the value of having a quality back-up in case of injury - agreed he is excellent, glad to see him playing, however no matter how well he plays mcmanus will be back in when fit.

Colmcille celt -

Given Mick's position as El Capitan, would I be right in saying this defender plays in a wide position?

Looks like we have the Holy Goalie for a wee while yet.-"There was no point in me changing club for a team that was a similar size to Celtic,but one which does not always make the Champions League or have 60,000 fans behind you.-Of course it's great that the fans like me.But a hero?Listen,I'm just a goalie,nothing more."-Hail,hail-Here's to 4-in-a-row.

ssm -

I kid you not, one news outlet spun that same interview as a coded "come-&-get-me" to Arsenal.

YeCouldnaeMakeItUpCSC

Paul67...
thank you very much for the news on barcelona hot prospect marc crosas....impeccable timing!

and

superkaunasgoballisticrangersareatrocious

Carlsberg dont do tuesday nights... but if they did! ha ha ha

Kaunas/Aalborg or Cluj looks like an attractive proposition for pot 4. Better than Shaktar or Spartak anyway!

Larry.bhoy

I watch every Celtic youth game with vested interest. A young man that I know signed as a left-back to every-ones surprise, because he was a decent footballer, nothing special, but Celtic seen something else. He has since progressed to a combative centre-half and matured. Not Darren O'Dea, younger.

The young man that I refer to, wasn't one picked out for a cross-channel move but Celtic seeen something. No matter what happens from here on in, Celtic FC have developed him into a confident young man and several people deserve great credit. Willie McStay, Danny McGrain and Neil Lennon take a bow - The work that these men are doing with young Celtic players is rarely recognised but I can assure you that they do everything in their power to ensure that these players are ok. John McLaughlin has come in and changed things and it's early but his approach is already reaping benefits.

Keep the faith. I believe a harvest like the one that man u reaped is not far away.

Paul67:

Crosas costing about £400k down with a further £700k = £1.1 million, not bad!! BUT it is a loan deal they are looking to buy him back after two seasons 2110 for £1.5 million, so do they get 25% of this figure when he goes back?

So it does indeed look good for NIKE FRIDAY if takes two days after Clubs agree fee! Will Crsas have Basa and or others at the Conference Paul?

Hail Hail

Oldtim67

You're on a roll !

I do have some Premium Bonds tucked away in a file somewhere, but my winnings over the 15 years of owning them amounts to a massive £10 :-(

With that kind of luck, you can see why I liked the look of your flutter :-)

My Kaunas winnings over the last week far exceeds my Bond winnings.

I'm not really a punter, but I do like my golf and had some success with Padraig Harrington and Henrik Stenson in the Open.

Using the dosh from that I backed Kaunas to draw at Ibrox and win tonight. Can't stop winning, it's dead easy this betting lark isn't it ;-)

harryhood

harrygoingtobuyhislotteryticketcsc

Hoopla,

I'm only listening to young footballers and one of them is at Man Utd. They hear rumours like you and I. Fortunately, I now have 2 friends at Celtic park but the downside is they are very professional. I like that.

They refuse to bum. They are the kind of guys who don't talk shop.

hoopla-Hunbelievable-My take on it was ref AC Milan,but I could be way off the mark.Hail,hail.

When I say they don't talk shop, I mean they don't criticise fellow professionals.
One guy I know said that Matt Holland was the worst senior footballer that he had ever played with. Sad when you consider that this man played at the world cup and scored a memorable goal versus Cameroon.

canamalar: I thought it was more revealing that Wattie was again leaving an injured player on the park. Has there ever been such an irresponsible manager at a major club?

Story of theBlues

Here in my pocket
I got the Story of the Blues
Try to believe me
'Cos it could be front page news

I say I live with it like it hasn't happened yet
I keep thinking of everyone
How I'm the one, the one they're trying to get
To tell the Story of the Blues

First, they take your pride
Turn it all inside
And then you realise
You've got nothing left to lose

So, you try to stop
Try to get back up
And then, you realise
You're telling the Story of the Blues....

I wonder if any of our fellow denizens stopped to visit the Hill of Crosses or if they found its existence offensive.

That was "Crosses", not Crosas! :)

I would rather people show a little compassion this evening, after all, I may be a Celtic fan, but Rangers are now my wee team :o)

I watched tonight with a couple of mates supporting 'them' and I didn't want to gloat, but the failings of their manager needing telling to them and they could not disagree. He brought them stability, but they are so stuck and Walter is so one dimensional. Apart the fact they will have few matches, plenty of rest, which could make me concerned, another part of me is thinking there will be many SPL managers seeing that there are points to be had off this Rangers team for sure.

I didn't laugh in my friends' faces, but I told them I how close I was to it. If it was so sad. I also thought it was sad to watch a team with the Saltire on the back of the jersey playing with such fear against a weak team. Shame for Scotland. Even my Rangers supporting buddies thought this was more embarrassing than our Artmedia exit, because at least we made an effort.

Really, shocking from them tonight, I didn't imagine they would play so negatively, with such fear. No excuses for Walter anymore on that, he's been shown right up.

AGENT MILLER..RETURN TO BASE..MISSION ACCOMPLISHED..

Useless!!!!!!

Marc Crossas and Shaun Maloney by the weekend.

Who will be the defender?

Everything comes in 3's.

I dug this piece up from 12 months ago.Keeping up with Celtic has Smith craving moonbeams and miracles The outlook could hardly be more upbeat this season despite improbable results in the Uefa Cup. Has Wattie been shown up and his reputation tarnished?

ha ha ha ha ha

check this out....

this is how much they are hurting!!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7SUIy9cqbRs

What an evening of joy.

We huvnae played anyone and thats been the best night of footba' I'v seen since helicopter thursday.!

Just as long as we keep our feet on the ground.

The Darnel have no distractions but we do.

The League is the big one....no mistakes.

4 in a row bhoys....4 in a row.

That's the biggie....!

Ironbhoy.

It's with great sadness that I report Ibrox Stadium was broken into last night. The entire contents of the trophy room were stolen. Strathclyde police are believed to be looking for a man with a blue carpet.

pauloantony: LOL - You are my hero for finding that!

"See if hings don't f---in' (nod, nod)"

"I'm gonnae jump off that f---in' rear ston' an' get you Mr Murray"

The beauty of Youtube - bams can post their faces while still pissed. One of my all-time faves!

pity, they've removed their own clip from youtube!

Damn, I feel so privileged to have seen it and yet so sad that it is gone.

That is a belter...!

Who's Dad, Brother, Son is that..?

What a waalloper.

YouTube at its worst. Great.!

Ironbhoy

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1126121770/bctid1713734258

Rangers players reaction - sorry can't do the linky thing

Paul - Seems like a complex deal for Crosas. I suspect the SSM was forced to be extra creative in this transaction. I am sure he has his (+ our) basis covered. Sounds like a good signing based just on the fact that Barcelona were reluctant sellers.

wow - no idea how that link worked. Must be a lot smarter than I give myself credit for.

From Jim Templeton Rangers Supporters Association.
"Our agm is this week and there will be fans coming from all over the world. There will be a question-and-answer session at Murray Park on Friday morning with Sir David Murray, Walter and Martin Bain.
"That should be interesting."

It certainly should be an interesting open forum.
Somehow I think it will be stage managed.

'GG wanting to be a fly on the wall.

GG -

Can we buy tickets furrit?

Hoopla wanting to be a swivel-mounted watercannon on the wall...

Duncan, here's the link...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ioVkARO7o

I blame the all blue kits! They should have worn their white shorts and black fenian blood socks. I still think we should wear our away kit the first time we play them, as it matches Kanaus's to a tee!

Yellow/Green/Yellow Schadenfreude CSC

Weeron -

That is priceless - priceless.

I have downloaded it for posterity, it must be preserved and treasured. Comedy gold.

.
GG....Hoopla....weron....NJBhoy....

Just Woke up What's Happened....

Is it "Thatcher"....????

o1bhoy

Got up this morning in Hong Kong to discover that

a) they crashed out of Europe overnight

b) Storm force level 8 warning has been raised,so I am not allowed to go into work.

Spending time at home reading the online reports on the game - the Sun version is top quality, knives really out.

Officially a Calsberg day.

By the way Weeron, that youtube link is the funniest thing I have ever seen, bar none.

Weeron,

quality link. :-D lol

had to leave a comment for him when he sobers up...

o1bhoy -

Nah she's still breathing. Allegedly.

The news is, Rangers got gubbed oot the CL by Kaunas, some of us won a barrowload of money in t'process, and a gentleman says he's going to jump off the Copland Road stand onto Sir David.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=V6ioVkARO7o

.

hoopla on August 6, 2008 4:13 AM....

Good Man....

What a Day l am Having Woke Up to a Marriage Proposal....OK....She's only 3yr Old.... but her Daddy Said Yes....

Then Got a TXT....From Paradise....Kanaut Believe it....

o1bhoy

ps Hoopla a Didnae hav a Bet.... ;o)))

Well you shouldnae be gambling now anyhow, you've got your fianc�e to think about.

Put the money in a fifteen-year no-withdrawal trust account, and then you can buy her a Celtic top for the ceremony.

Birds flying hiiiiiiiiigh you know how I feel
Sun in the skyyyyyyyyyy you know how I feel
Reeds driftin' on byyyy you know how I feel

It's a new daawwwwn
It's a new daaayyyy
It's a new liiiiiiife
For me
And I'm feeeeeeeeeeeling good

Fish in the seeeeeeeaaaaa you know how I feel
River running freeeeeeeeee you know how I feel
blossom in the treeees you know how I feel

It's a new daaawwwn
It's a new daaayyy
It's a new liiiife
For meeee
And I'm feeeeeeling good

dum, dum dum, dum dum, dum dum

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you
know
Butterflies all havin' fuuuun you know what I mean
Sleeeeeeep in peeeaaace when day is done
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For meeeee

Stars when you shiiiiiine you know how I feel
Scent of the piiiiiiiine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel

It's a new daaawwwwn
It's a new daaaaay
It's a new liiiiife
For meeeeee
And I'm feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeling good!!

01bhoy

It's the beginning of the end of the House of Murray.
The Provident Man is calling in his cheques.
The Emperor's new clothes are transparent.
Humpty Dumpty is headed for a fall.
Jack and Jill are tumbling down the hill.
The Pied Piper has been exposed as a poor musician.
The Wolves are blowing down the house of straw.

'GG with the programme for his grand daughter's visit tomorrow.

.
Blogger GG....

The Provident Man is calling in his cheques....Quality....!!!!

He has a Chequered Past....

o1bhoy

Gordon MacRae sums it up melodically

Oh what a beautiful morning

'GG to sleep perchance to dream

.
No 1 in the Billboard Charts....

>“WILL MURRAY SACK WATTY…?.”

Here's a little song I wrote
Mr Murray….want to sing it note-for-note
Don't worry….Sack Watty….
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry, you Won’t win the double
Don't worry… Sack Watty…. Don't worry… Sack Watty…. now

Ooo-oo-hoo-hoo-oo hoo-hoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooo Don't worry
Woo-oo-woo-oo-woo-oo-ooo Sack Watty
Woo-oo-oo-oo-ooo Don't worry…. Sack Watty & Ally…now

Ooo-oo-hoo-hoo-oo hoo-hoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-ooo Don't worry
Woo-oo-woo-oo-oo-oo-ooo Sack Watty
Woo-oo-woo-oo-ooo Don't worry…. Sack Watty & Ally & Duffield Now

Ain't got no place to play your Games
Somebody came and took your Team
Don't worry…. Sack Watty….
The landlord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, (ha-ha ha-ha ha-ha) be happy (look at me, I'm happy) Your Skint….

Chorus….

Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got no Aiden to make you smile….
But don't worry…. Sack Watty….
'Cause when you're worried, your face will frown
And that will bring your Empire down
So don't worry, be happy Don't worry….Were happy now

Chorus….Sack Watty…..

“Now That’s this Little song I wrote
I hope you learned from it Vote-By-Vote….YOUR FINISHED… WERE HAPPY….”

o1bhoy

.
ps....The Above was Witten BY....Lennon & McGeady.... ;o))))

o1bhoy

.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND/FBK Kaunas 2 Rangers 1 Kaunas win 2-1 on agg: THE RAMIFICATIONS of this result mean it was not simply a bad night in the Baltics for Walter Smith and Rangers. As Linas Pilibaitis rose to head home a winning goal for FBK Kaunas three minutes from time Smith may as well have watched the financial gap between his club and Celtic extend right in front of his eyes.

Kevin Thomson and Nerijus Radzius had traded first-half goals but, with Rangers edging towards an away-goals victory, Pilibaitis met Rafael Ledesma's corner. For Kaunas, a first tie in the Champions League third qualifying round awaits. Rangers are out of Europe altogether and can only watch as Celtic contemplate the riches of another Champions League campaign.

Monsoon conditions greeted Smith and his playersDitto when they get back tae Glesgae.... at what must be one of European football's more decrepit venues. It was a far cry from Manchester in May, where their last European campaign ended with the Uefa Cup final. Basketball is the dominant sport in Lithuania, as the sparsely-populated breeze blocks that masqueraded as stands highlighted.

Kenny Miller has arrived at Ibrox in the meantime, to the consternation of a vocal section of the Rangers' support, but the striker should have fired himself towards redemption within 15 minutes here. Miller, who missed a similarly gilt-edged chance in the first leg a week ago, shot wide when sent clean through on goal by a speculative Christian Dailly pass.

In a brisk start, Miller had another attempt smartly saved by Marian Kello, before Kevin Thomson emphasised the visitors' early dominance. The midfielder, on a rare foray beyond his strikers, collected Nacho Novo's pass and slid the opening goal through Kello's legs.

Kaunas offered little in reply before Nerijus Radzius rifled home a spectacular equaliser shortly before the interval. The full-back's 35-yard free-kick left Allan McGregor helpless.

Rangers, comfortable in possession earlier in the evening, now looked nervous. The Rangers substitute Andrius Velicka, whose career started at Kaunas, should have sealed his new team's progress but shot wildly over following fine build-up work from Sasa Papac. Kaunas capitalised in the most damaging manner possible through Pilibaitis.

FBK KAUNAS

o1bhoy

Two sheets to the wind in texas and on a school night ;-)

Ain't no fun being ..... and all that.

Off to my scratcher....with a smile on my face and a song in my heart.....

No mitigating circumstances, i look forward to the excuses manjana.

hail hail

.

New look Celtic formation looking good for Europe....

Celtic's away-day blues in the Champions League may be a thing of the past if the formation boss Gordon Strachan has been experimenting with in pre-season is a success.
Midfielder Paul Hartley believes the new system, which has produced two victories, will stand the team in good stead for Champions League trips.

"There have been some good performances over the last few weeks," Hartley told celticfc.net.

"I felt we were really good against Southampton, we got a great win against Porto and the Feyenoord game was excellent.

"The different formation worked well against Feyenoord. We've used it in a few games now and the boys looked comfortable with the system.

"Myself and Massimo Donati sat deeper in midfield, and that allowed Scott Brown to get forward with Aiden McGeady and Georgios Samaras to support Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

"I'm sure it's given the manager something to think about for the season ahead.

"The shape was good and against certain opposition, especially in Europe, it could be really useful."

o1bhoy

.

From Wikipedia....
FBK Kaunas
Full name Futbolo beisbolo klubas Kaunas

Kauno futbolo beisbolo klubas is a Lithuanian football club from the city of Kaunas, that currently plays in the A Lyga. Originally the team has been founded in 1960 as Banga Kaunas. After Lithuania regained its independence the club has been restructered. In 1993 Banga Kaunas has been renamed FBK Kaunas and the baseball section added (which later separated and became BK Lituanica Kaunas), hence the original name in Lithuanian is Kauno futbolo beisbolo klubas. FBK Kaunas are sponsored by Ūkio Bankas, a bank which has Vladimir Romanov as its principal shareholder. In October 2005 Mr Romanov became majority shareholder of Scottish Premier League side, Heart of Midlothian. Romanov has since used Hearts as a feeder club to Kaunas by allowing the SPL side to loan many players, such as Edgaras Jankauskas, Bruno Aguiar, Andrius Velička, Nerijus Barasa, Marius Žaliūkas and Roman Bednář. However the latter signed a permanent deal for Hearts on 31 August 2006. Kaunas have played Celtic, Rangers and Liverpool FC in Champions League qualifying stages.... On August 5, 2008, FBK Kaunas defeated Glasgow Rangers, 2-1, to advance to the third round of UEFA Champions League qualifying.... It was the first win for the club at home over a Scottish side. In the third round they meet the winner between Danish AaB Football and Bosnian FK Modriča.

o1bhoy

The Edinburgh Fringe have announced that they are delighted with their experiment to move the Festival wider than Edinburgh. Despite the poor weather conditions a good audience enjoyed the interactive comedy in Kaunas. Rang666ers are now the bookies fabourites to win the most coveted Perrier award!

.
Following the Sucsess of Madonna & Timberlake featuring JVOH.... Celtic Song...."We Only Got 4 Minutes to Save the League...."Tick Tock....Tick Tock....

Timberlake Will ReRelease "Were Bringing Sexy Alexie Back...."

o1timbaland

Let`s calm down now and behave like Champions, I ,too, loved seeing them go out and the result has left a satisfying glow.Time now, however, to start thinking positively of ourselves and the season to come.

ChampionsbeforesplitCSC

Oh what a beautiful morning....

Repeated apologies for the multiple postings last night but I was one of many during Meltdown Tuesday! The blog was a joy to read in the aftermath and nails the PC nonsense that we wish them well in europe.... what a great site Paul!

My only disappointment today will be the lack of currents at my workplace - they're scarce in Cymru!!!

BTW a while back someone posted a utube link to a Hitler's bunker sketch - can't even remember how it went but a Boro mate has sent me a 'Ronaldo signs for Real' version and I wanted to reply with the 'original' if it's still there - little things.....

Cheers

.

WWC....

6 Month BC....Kaunas FC....

o1bhoy

morning bhoys!!

how the fek do you get to sleep after that!!
been up all night laughing, even took a trip to FF for more fun.
Its been a feast but the best was the link "weeron" posted...

Paul67

someone suggested in an earlier post a cqn badge for the best link, think "weeron" deserves one for digging up that one!!

any seconds on that??

01bhoy.

It's good to see the nightshift still pushing out the glee from last night.

It's not in my nature to gloat at others misfortune,but to tell you the truth,they deserve everything that's flung at them.I remembered Artmedia last night and the way they gloated at us,But the worst thing for me was Murray's quip about"if they spend £5 we'll spend £10"That comment coming from a grown man was disgraceful.I've waited for this day ever since.
Hell mend the man,I hope he sinks without trace soon,Absolutely no sympathy for the man,or his club.

Rangers new kit:

http://awooga.org/images/yx120478mckh1k8xv9p.jpg

West Wales

Key in Transfer deadline day at Ibrox.

01 - star man, cheers!

Et tu Nels....

01bhoy

this has been coming, but i never thought it'd be as good as this.
Artmedia was a low but atleast we fought back.
The only fighting their doing is wee themselves & the guy thats gonna jump of the copland rd stand & go for Murray ;-D

Living and working in the Greater Manchester area as I do can I just say that the unbridled joy of their exit last night is not just confined to those of us with a connection to the east end of Glasgow. "Just what they deserved" seems to be the over-riding opinion of the good citizens of Mancunia!

And again...

Deh dehreh, deh deddeh deh deh deh...
Watty and Ally gonna get the sack...
Oot o Europe before the schools go back...

Had to buy the papers this morning, could not resist...sorry!

Back Page of the Sun headline:

'Walter Load of Rubbish'...then bottom left is a Celtic advert inviting you to have your photograph taken with the SPL Trophy and the European Cup, awesome...as a fellow Bhoy text me this morning somebody has done their homework!

And one of the rags quoted the £400k and £700k figures I posted late last night re-Crosas fee...spooky!

Paul67:

One of the rags claiming Tamas no more and Basa no more, have you any info on Basa situation and or the search for a CH?

Hail Hail

Shanghai Hoops:

Can't open your link to the new Rankers top.

Hail Hail

LennyBhoy,
your missing a cracker its got the easyjet logo with in & out of europe in three hours!!

Shanghai Hoops:

Does the Rangers top actually have the Umbro sign so far up?

Must be the size for quasi-modo types. Should go down a storm then! ;-)

Second try:

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.419ff31ab4.jpg

Apologies in advance for this but this is a link to what Mr Paisley Prod of FF has to say about things this fine morning

The best treatment for sore ribs is rest, local heat and pain-killers.

ShanghaiHoops:

Got it this time.

Hail Hail

ShanghaiHoops

Did you put it through the wash??

Its shrunk!!

The image hosting site shrunk it. The original link is much better. Many rather humorous photoshop jobs over on the Football365 site if you're interested in more.

It'll probably be the right size now for most of the huns out ther as their feeling quiet small today. ;o)

Artmedia was a one off bad night where we missed a stack of chances and one where we were close to pulling off a great escape in the return leg.

The hun were well beaten over two legs and managed one goal in 180 mins against the Lithuanian champions!!

This Rangers team are going nowhere fast and I think a few of their "fans" are beginning to remember why they got rid of Uncle Wattie the first time.

have to have a look,..

RFC can no longer afford full sized kits, children's sizes only.

It is not just Rangers supporters who were left stunned by last night's result. Motherwell manager Mark McGhee believes the Scottish game as a whole will suffer from the Ibrox club's shock European exit.

"I really can't believe it," said McGhee, whose own team will begin their Uefa Cup campaign next month following their third-place finish in last season's Premier League.

"I didn't think Rangers would have an easy time over there but I just couldn't envisage them going out tonight.

"It's unbelievable. It puts a dampener on everyone."

The Motherwell manager added: "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Roon' yeez!"

There were reports that Kanuas's ground was run down, leaking roof and a crumbling stadium,...

The Gers would've been right at home as they leaked the goals & crumbled!

ShanghaiHoops:

Managed to open your first link, much better XXXL...now winging (forgive the pun)its way to my outlook recipients!

Hail Hail

I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but can anybody remember the much wailing and gnashing of teeth when the SPL fixtures were announced? Apparently they would hinder the Rearrangers progress in Europe.

Well they don't have that problem anymore do they?

I believe that a couple of decent signings in the right areas could help us bury that lot for years. As funny as last night was (and it was HILARIOUS) we can't lose sight of what we are trying to achieve. We need a squad capable of competing on all fronts this season. It is debatable whether we have that at present but I trust in Gord and SSM to deliver before the end of August.

DinkyBhoy,

been thinking he same & i believe we will be looking to strengthen the key areas CB,LB as the rankers will only have one focus, the league.
Im sure GS will be aware of that & will do his best.

permarage cert 18

http://celticunderground.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=620&Itemid=1

ulster-celt

Alasdair MacLean, that is an excellent observations (Le Geun money v Smith money). If you look at the McLeish money, which was minus £14.5m, it paints an even starker picture.

Once A Bhoy., I was referring to the glee felt elsewhere when we went 5-0 down.

Craiginho, that is an excellent idea. I don’t have an article prepared, and there will be plenty of financials to discuss in the next couple of weeks, but I could write Rangers P&L for this season right now and it wouldn’t be pretty.

Welcome pacifist, well said.

Pauloantony, impeccable indeed.

LennyBhoy, the details don sound too bad.

fu99ie, deleted, language. Excellent link from weeron.

Mncelt, aye, complex indeed.

‘GG, I’m stealing that.

LennyBhoy, more info when I have it.

Ulster-Celt

Weeron put it on here last night, its class.

This guy's is becoming famous...

All together now...

Deh dehreh, deh deddeh deh deh deh...
Watty and Ally gonna get the sack...
Oot o Europe before the schools go back...

oops, sorry Paul67,

just got a bit carried away.

if MIH were overweight in football on Monday, they must be severely obese today.

The statement made in Mondays Scotsman was significant. It was a public admission that Football will not play as big a part in MIH in future as it has done in the past. The public statement is what has been said privately for some considerable time now. Business speak is second only to political speak for duplicity

In the context of only having one investment in football, most business people would understand "overweight" to mean i want out of this sector asap

Cutbacks are the only option at Rangers now. The general business and lending climate is not conducive to support from MIH,therefore a rights issue is unlikely. The options don't look attractive from Rangers perspective

The value in the squad is highly limited. A fire sale wouldn't raise enough to replace last years European income

Realistically only Cuellar would fetch in excess of £5 million. Without any "friends of David's" in place to pay excessively, and the football market well aware of Rangers parlous state, there will be virtually no opportunity to get Boumsong type money for average players

It's really catch 22 at Ibrox just now. Last year Rangers made a profit of £3.8 million in the first half of the year...that was with European Football. That is likely to move to a loss of £6 million for the first half this year. Unless they sell players...

Getting rid of the manager won't happen. There is no other good manager who would have invested in players with such a lack of technical ability. Jock Stein would be challenged to get this bunch playing attractively, and with no resources to add significantly , any new manager will be stuck with the current squad

Fortunately for us we don't have to speculate what will happen...we've seen it all before

Cuellar will most likely be sold, probably very late in the transfer window. The price will likely be £6 million, but put out in the media as £9 million. This being an offer that was too good to refuse copyright A Hutton

There will be some private jetting around at the last minute to indicate serious efforts are being made to recruit genuine quality

these will end in "close but no cigar" as the previously unheard of future superstar decides to join sienna or girona or some other mediterranean b league team

Dundee utd or Falkirk will then be the benificiary of the warchest, probably to the tune of 1 million (euros's obviously)

Stephen Pressley and or some other long since retired Scottish International will join to ensure Weir and Dailly are fresh for the challenges ahead

Dinkybhoy 9:11

Loved the comment about the fixtures hindering Rearrangers chances.The only fixture which hindered their chances was the one V Kaunus!

fu99ie
We have already seen what happened when they had to focus in `a game more iportant than the UEFA Cup Final` (Walter Smith).
I have no worries about them at all, at all.
PS Was weeron`s post the rant from the Hun that Ulster-Celt posted at 9:32?

titlebyabarrowloadCSC

There was some really good calls on Radio Scotland last night. Guy said that there had to be a fundamental change to the way Rangers were being run as a club because they had dismissed a successful manager in Alex McLeish who delivered 7 trophies, they then acquired Europes most sought after manager in Paul Le Guen, who had a long term vision to change the culture at the club & when you look at his results they weren’t as bad as I first thought – he was winning games in Europe, won away games at Fir Park, Tynecastle, Pittodrie, edged out in one Old Firm game & drew the next one, yet the club binned him after 6 months in favour of siding with the bevvy boys like Kris Boyd & Bazza. Another mystery was them letting Buffel go – who was the only creative midfielder they had???

I know Le Guen was slated for some poor signings but in hindsight were they any worse than Kirk Broadfoot, Christian Dailly, Amdy Faye, Kenny Miller, Lee McCulloch

The situation at Celtic whether fans love or can’t stand Gordon Strachan is that he has attempted to put a team on the park with an obligation to entertain – Mcgeady, Nakamura etc – he has persevered with younger guys to try & make them better & at the end of the day when he leaves or when results go against him at least you can see what he’s trying to do.

I don't know if it's been mentioned, but I thought McCoist looked rough last night.
He had that crimson, bleary look that often comes from over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages.
Or maybe it was just embarrassment.

Barçabhoy

I always enjoy your posts on the business side of things. Please keep them coming.

Celtic First

If you enjoyed that, just wait until Paul67 does an article on the templars business track record

del boy and rodney were gates and buffett in comparison to him

Who did Artmedia play after beating us and what was the outcome?

Well just when you think you won't learn anything new from the old media (there are just days when you really need to read them ALL!!!) it turns out Walter's surname is SMITH. Smith this Smith that if results get any worse I think we will need to rename him the man with no Christian name!!!

What's that I hear in sports editors' rooms across the country knifes sharpening?

Hail Hail

Hi

Just looking for a bit of help. Just bought my first season ticket and was wondering if there are any supporter club buses that run near my area.

I live on the Meath/Cavan border.

Appreciate any help.

You can hear a full replay of the Radio Clyde commentary from last nights game. DJ and Darrel and Davy Provan. Makes good listening
http://www.clyde1.com/Article.asp?id=623527&spid=24537

fu99ie, no worries.

Barcabhoy, “severely obese” :-)

After the last debacle, a rights issue is completely out of the question. Agree that Smith will stay until the end of the season when – I hope – McCoist steps up to the big job.

Tick Talk, the beat APrtizan Belgrade before finishing third in the group stage, behind Rangers but above Porto.

Artmedia lost on pens to Partizan Belgrade after they beat us; in the previous round they knocked out Almaty of Kazakhstan.

We love you Rangers we do, we love you Rangers we do...oh Rangers we love you...

I thought under McLeish they had given me a new way to enjoy my football, then Leguen surpassed that and now Walter has made it even better again over the last few months.

It makes it even better to think that they didn't even try and win the UEFA Cup, so inept and negative was their performance in Manchester against a side with an average defence. Couple this with blowing such a lead in the league and surely the manager's position is close to being Gordon Brown safe...

Tic Talk

Having beaten Kairat Almaty in CL Q1, they beat Celtic and then Partizan Belgrade (on pens after 2 nil nil games) to qualify for the group stages.

They played in a group with Rangers, Porto and Inter. They drew home and away with rangers and got a home draw with Porto. They dropped into the Uefa last 32 and went out to Levski Sofia (2:1 on agg.)

Good morning one and all!!!

Paul67
Trying desperately to catch up with all the joyous posts from last night and it got me wondering. When you do a 'round up response post' to other posters comments (like here http://tinyurl.com/Paul67) would it be possible to offer a link to the post you are responding to? Not wishing to sound lazy just thought it would help keep a flow...

Cheers

cta!

alwaysaskingtoomuchcsc

just read the report in uefa.com via newnow..the guy is obviously a hun but he does use some quotes from our very on posters re 'schadenfreude'.

Paul,DBBIA and SFTB

Thanks for the info.I think it might come in handy when angry Huns will say that our defeat to Artmedia was just as bad. My honest opinion is that their Kaunus defeat is even worse.The Aalburg game will give us the answer.

I think last night's result is actually quite dangerous for Rangers' closest challengers in the SPL as they can now concentrate on the league without European distraction...so watch out Dundee Utd :)

Been on my hols and been very busy at work but just had to post today with a few thoughts and comments

1. according to the BBC article on Rea-rangers they notched up 19 European victories last season - was I away that long? I am sure they drew a hell of a lot of games in Europe last year

2. Rea-rangers will no doubt focus solely on the SPL next year, not through choice but through their fine efforts last night. It is my view that Celtic should not be trying to achieve last 16 or beyond this year, but rather focus on the SPL and enjoy the Champs League and play it for fun in Europe. This is the season where, if we win the league, TFOD will be right up the proverbial without a paddle. WGS should be publicly stating that this is the Number one priority

3. How bad were they last night?

4. there will be 12 league matches before and after CL games, we mustn't drop points. These matches are where Rea-rangers will gain an advantage given their needs this season do not include passports and Europe.

Any way thats all for now folks

Hail Hail

cantkeepthesmirkofmyfaceCSC

Jinkybhoy,
There was a well run Bus orgainized by a supporters club in Monaghan, which I think is still running.

Just realised my own shortcut to your post doesn't work!!!!

Good job I'm not asking myself to do it then I suppose!!

cta!

willgetthehangofcomputersonedaycsc

And for those at the back...

Deh dehreh, deh deddeh deh deh deh...
Watty and Ally gonna get the sack...
Oot o Europe before the schools go back...

Jinkybhoy

Paul Johnson CSC Monaghan - travel over to all home game via Belfast.
Contact would be Jim Greenan.

Big Jack runs the Mullingar CSC who fly from Dublin (086) 8136530

St. Margarets CSC from Dunleek in Meath used to travel by ferry to games
but last season I seen them quite a lot on planes travelling over.
Contact there is Adrian Hillman

Phone numbers for the above can be found on www.aicsc.com

Alternatively, you could book your own flights from Dublin airport
and our club have a bus service to and from Edinburgh airport for
most home games.
Need any more help give me a shout!

Paddy McCourt is on the bench for tonights game. Hopefully he gets to make his debut in Paradise. 15/20 minutes would be great.

I cannae wait. I can't even begin to think how he's feeling.

My nerves are wrecked.

wolfetonebhoy

spent a few good weekends with the st margarets bhoysand ghirls.
they know how to through a good party.
they are having another one next month during the international break..

Apologies for the lazy journalism of my post of 10.01.

That'll teach me to look at 'FF'.

I think Walter will hang up his Cardigan before Christmas if he starts getting a lot of stick from the Peepil; he doesn't need the money and he doesn't need the aggravation at his age.

The Mint won't sack him, as he never sacks his managers.

The Shame might have played 19 games in Europe last year but they won 7.

The Riches of Crosas, or,

why this is a good signing.

Not because he will go straight into our team and make an immediate impact at European level. He might, and it will be a bonus if he does. But he is only twenty. Let's not forget what the level of expectation does to the Celtic support's judgement. Aiden, Evander, Scott.

We need to allow for age and stage of development. The boo boys don't. I hope the same fate does not befall Marc.

Sure, I hope he'll be a brilliant siging for us, and becomes an integral part of the team that gets us to the semi final this year, or further. But it's asking a lot of a 20 year old, even if he does come from Barcelona.

For me the real positive from this signing is what it says about the status of Celtic. That a player with this potential wants to come here. That we are seen as a team that can develop people at this level. Working with Gordon Strachan.

Feeder club for Barcelona? Maybe, but it's about the age and stage of development of our club as well. Remember, work in progress? It still is.

I was always envious of and apprehensive about Rangers when they could sign young players like Gattuso and Van Bronckhorst. Concerned that one day players like that would stick to them. They never did, the challenge for us now is to take that next step.

PS - The G.O.D. got extended by a couple of years last night, unless I'm very much mistaken. Yesterday's Croesus is now King Midas in reverse.

Cue for a song.

Colmcille celt

great news

ulster-celt

the huns are desperate for a midfielder ,they will no doubt try their damnedness to sell Cuellar

but surely Kris Boyd will be moved on now tout de suite? they have a lot of striking options, despite them all being pretty rotten

i would love for the huns to sell Boyd, he is a dangerous goalscorer despite his flaws

Mazy

According to a number of news sources, last night will have cost them circa £12m, whilst boosting our coffers by around £2.7m as we now gain the whole TV pot. This can only be good news for us, however I'm sure Smith will view it as an opportunity. Smith has never cared about Europe - give him the option of last 16 or an old firm victory and he'd take the latter every time.

I totally agree with Craiginho (wow, you must be from one ultra intelligent family with such measured posts!), although this gives us a boost, let's not rest on our laurels. Let's get some signings in and really drive home our advantage. The Crossas announcement was perfectly timed, and I hope there's more of that to come this month. I can't see them strngthening much from this position (in fact, the opposite could well happen), and as the squads stand at present, we're already the stronger.

As we learned in the Artmedia season, admittedly boosted by some excellent signings, being allowed to concentrate solely on the league is an advantage. I therefore don't think it's a formality, but with some strong additions, we must surely go into the season as strong favourites. Can't wait for Sunday and also tonight! A few choruses of 'no huns in europe' always warms the heart!

Blantyretim

They know how to party alright. Had many a great session with them on the ferry back to Belfast. Never been to the festival and this year the international break will give me the chance to line the pockets before hitting the road to glasgow again.

Hope McCourt gets a run out tonight

wolfetonebhoy

thanks for that..can you email at jinkybhoyatgmaild.com

I'd be interested in the bus from edinburgh.

Thanks

anyone know the rearrangers score from last night?

Hı Bhoys postıng from a glorıous gorgeous day ın kemer Turkey.loged on to get latst celtıc news.not only a new sıgnıng but the huns got a hellava beaten.great news all round ps there all russıan here do you thınk ı could strıke a deal for pavlechencko ......Back to sunlounger 4ın a row. mıtysmoonbeam has turned ınto a collossal nıghtmare

P67
Due to the sheer volume of posts, unsure if already posted, but an added extra from last night's capitulation is that Bert is now reporting that we are guaranteed Pot 3 for the CL

Thanks Uncle Walt

hhplc

And here's Uncle Bert

Morning bhoys

Nursing a hangover, another wee spin off from the rears shambles.

Must say though i was disappointed by a lot of the gloating posters post match, ye didnae rub it in enough!!

Seriously, really enjoyed it all, very funny.

away to the beach(son of)

HAIL HAIL

How long will "Smith" (the artist previously known as Walter) be given? I think that it depends very much on how they do in the SPL.

They have a difficult start and could ship points before they play us. Another win at Celtic Park for the good guys and things start to look bleak for the cash strapped south siders. And it becomes very importnat that we use our squad to ensure that we don't drop points after our CL games. Remember, we will play 6, them zero! Sounds good, doesn't it?

So by Xmas it could be the early end of season party at Ibrox. At that stage would Smith move upstairs, as he won't be sacked of course. And would McCoist take over?

That's the perfect scenario for me. We are running away with the league and still in the CL. They are in disarray with a wanna be comedian in charge who hasn't ever managed anything more important that a Question of Sport Team. A man whose ambition is to be seen as a Glasgwegian comedian who is actually neither.

Let the good times roll!

Can anyone tell me if tonights game is on tv.

cheers

new article posted.

Paul

The BBC site talks about Barca's right to buy the boy back for €2m. I reckon the Barca SSM's S is every bit as S as our SSM's.

If he's a ripsnorting success we get our money back plus €1m from Barca. Alternatively if he's not we would probably be looking at around that figure or less from someone else. We're not quite a feeder club but Barca have done well here to shift risk. If we put Charlie Grant out to Hibs for £200,000 for a year or two for example with a right to buy him back for £400,000 I reckon that would be a sound investment in the boy, exposure to the SPL, see if he makes it, and someone else has paid his wages, reducing the financial exposure even further than the prima facae £200k uplift in the fee.

I think we got some sort of payment from DUFC for taking Jim O'Brien for 6 months and again that was a good deal. Winning the reserve league isn't telling us enough about our players. I like Darren O'Dea but if another centre half is signed I reckon we might want to replicate the deal with Darren going somewhere else to aid his development, although maybe we'd need two more, we're a bit short there all of a sudden.

Definitely one to learn from and use in the future I reckon.

If ever there was a time to appreciate Vladimir Romanov's charm, it was last night.

Interviewed by Chick Young via an interpreter, the highlights as follows. I'm sure you'll be able to find the whole thing on the BBC website. All quotes approximations from an unreliable memory.

CY: Vladimir, that was some result for Kaunus. Do you think that is the finest result Kaunus have ever had in Europe?

VR: Well, you must remember we had a very touch match in the last round in Andorra, and were without a number of our best players.

CY: What does this result do for the reputation of the SPL?

VR: I think it showed that Rangers would compete well in the Lithuanian league.

If ever there was a time to appreciate Vladimir Romanov's charm, it was last night.

Interviewed by Chick Young via an interpreter, the highlights as follows. I'm sure you'll be able to find the whole thing on the BBC website. All quotes approximations from an unreliable memory.

CY: Vladimir, that was some result for Kaunus. Do you think that is the finest result Kaunus have ever had in Europe?

VR: Well, you must remember we had a very touch match in the last round in Andorra, and were without a number of our best players.

CY: What does this result do for the reputation of the SPL?

VR: I think it showed that Rangers would compete well in the Lithuanian league.