Management is not as easy as it seems

Hola amigos

Suerte Roy

1up

No. I'd get a row.

Drat and double double drat!

Pablo.

i am sure you owe Paul67 a pint for that one.....

That's row as in rammy, not row as in four-in-a ... ;-)

70 quid !!!! ... the biscuit tin lives on !!

You're right Paul. Keane did not succeed, but what he did, he did with real dignity. Keane has time to learn his new trade properly now, if he so chooses.

Paul Ince, I hope feels a little foolish today and will reflect on his words after our defeat at OT, I doubt it somehow.

Well spotted, Awe-Naw. But the tannoy announcement at half-time would have said only £28.47.

Pablo

From last blog;

Klinsman

King Billy (the only one)

I wish we could buy the players that Keane has for £70! you'd have change left over for a left-back!

LazyJournalismCSC :-)

The board has been lying to us about spending millions.

creativeaccountancyCSC

Good Luck in wherever your career takes you next, Keano.

It was one my proudest days as a Celtic fan to see you run out in the Hoops for the first time at Celtic Park. And it was my birthday that day too.

We won't count the "other" game!!!

Hope the reports are wrong, but if not, then hope you'll be back soon.

craggy island gaa

£70, spent more on a night out.

WGS

From the previous thread, and it concerns two, young Czech players.

I have read that news yesterday. Good, that Celtic is searching for the young players in here. On the other hand, both who are in Glasgow are very young and cannot play now for your club. This is the melody of the future.. Pribram is not a big club in Czech Republic. They are the poorest in Gambrinus League, and now second from the bottom of the table.

Below, you will find my translation of the original source. I see, it stands to contradict with the articles from the Scottish press. If you take into consideration, that I translated Chovanec, their agent statement, you will probably see the differences. Usually, the agents exaggerate with the positive news about their pupils.

I remember short joke, which suits to this situation with a press.
One man meets the other guy, who was yesterday at the party in his home, and says:
When you were yesterday in our home, somebody has stolen my wife’s platinum earrings.
-I hope, you don’t think I have stolen them?
-We found them in our home yesterday, but the disgust still remains.

Translation:

“Two talented football players from the fist league club FK Pribram: Antonin Fantis and Milan Minus, flew to Glasgow today. They will take a part in trainings of the famous Celtic club. This information was confirmed by chovanecsport.cz. Scottish big club, is going to test them within next few days. It’s common knowledge, that the other club that is interested in these two players is AC Milan. Celtic don’t want to be beaten by Milan for these guys. That was the reason, they were invited for the trainings in Glasgow, “ said Ondrej Chovanec, the agent of Fantis and Misun.
They will take a part in ordinary trainings with the first team, in front of Gordon Strachan’s eyes. On Sunday, they will go with Celtic to the Hibernan’s stadium, to see the game. This is a big chance for both players. They are happy with that interest from Celtic.
Celtic, also observed another young player: Josef Hasbauer. After the qualifications tournament of U-19 National Team in Cyprus, Hasbauer came back to the club, for regular games, added Chovanec.

Hasbauer is only 18 too.

Cheers Paul !!!!

Now, can we move on please ???

Paul Ince, reep what yeh sow !!!

Why do clubs....................we'll leave that one !!!

From Celtic-Mad

Liking what I'm hearing from BROOOOONNNYYYYY more and more.

""I am a changed Man" Says Scott Brown whilst chewing on a Refs Whistle!

Scott Brown has today revealed that although he is happy with his current form so far this season he still looks to his Manager's opinion of his performances as the true barometer of his displays thus far.
Brown also stated that personal glory is not in his sights - it is all about the team for this Bhoy.

I'm happy with my form. I'm enjoying football and I'm happy playing in this team," he said.

"Is this the best spell of my Celtic career? You need to ask the gaffer. He's the only person I listen to. If he's happy with me and he thinks I'm playing well that suits me.

"If he says I'm rubbish, I'm rubbish. That's the way I work. I got the Player of the Month award recently and that was pleasing but I don't worry too much about personal trophies. I just want the team to keep winning."

Brown also hinted that a change in role and system may be assisting him to display his true potential. Could a change of personnel also be benefitting the Midfield Terrier?

"I feel comfortable in the current formation. The gaffer has worked with me and shown me how to play in this system. I've played on the right side of midfield, in the centre and just off a striker. I've enjoyed all the roles."

On the subject of his disciplinary record Brown is forthright in his response.

He said: "I'm a changed man so far. I don't know why I've not had as many bookings this season. Maybe it's because I've actually won the tackles and not kicked my opponents.

"In all seriousness, it's not something I've really thought about. I've just been enjoying the games and I think that helps. I've not changed my style of play as I still like to get stuck in but I think the referees have been fair with me."

Could this also be an indication that he is more content in his new role and also his new team mates? Poor disciplinary records can be as much of an indication of a frustrated player as anything else so maybe we are seeing more benefits to our newer systems.

Yours in Celtic

Clydebuilt"

pablophanque

Paul,

Reckon Keano would have been to buy at least half a dozen top quality...

Subbuteo teams with that sort of dough ;-))))))

craggy

Actually it was from Monthehoops.

pablophanque

Interest rates cut to 2%!

Keane bottles it , again.

First real test of his managerial credentials and he bottles it.

Not surprised really.

Big Liam

When did Keane bottle it before?

I think the family with be getting JJB bags with pressies this year

;)

donegaldanny.

I'm a big admirer of Owen Coyle myself and have been following his career both as a player and manager for a long time. Have often thought of him in the manager's seat and think he would do a great job. It'll be his one day I'm sure!

I'm a big Gweedore man myself - if you count holidays that is!!

In the meantime I'm still backing GS. Now you didn't expect me to agree with everything you said did you?

From the BBC

A run to the Scottish Cup final has produced a major financial boost for a first division side.

Dumfries team Queen of the South recorded a profit of some £535,915 last season thanks to a string of displays which took them to Hampden twice. Celtic´s net spend last year was less than 70£

pablo -

Have you been spouting forth more rubbish again? 8-)))

Fact of the Day -

The Marie Celeste was found abandoned on this day in 1872.

Ulryc

PS Where's WG these days? What is happening in TGITW?

£70 in 2 years - no wonder they are struggling ;-)

Pablo, from last post .............

Wim the tim Jansen, did he naw win the big cup with Feyenoord, and win the SPL thus preventing the ten in a row.... hello ha ha.

And don't give us percentages, more than 50 % o the posters (after you're post) on the last thread give some very good examples.

Just think of it as a wee cumuppence.....auldtim will be pleased to note I think lol

Long time lurker here,BUT defo best celtic website (only my humble opinion).Anyway thanks Paul67 & all you fellow CQNers & Onwards
to 4 in a row! At ICT game & a touching tribute to Kano on screen,
did everybody concerned proud,...thoughts are with Kano & family.
Hope Koki gets a wee bit more time in the side soon & Skippy finds
his shootin' boots OR stops moanin'..nae chance there then..ha ha

Really like Roy Keane, especially loved his master class at Mordor, that was worth bringing him to Celtic alone.
Principled fella who does what he thinks is right.
But please don't let the Strachan haters start a campaign on here for him to replace our second most successful manager ever.

Lurgan

Ah now if everybody agreed life would be boring wouldn't it!!??

Big Owenies family come from Bloody Foreland (Cnoc Fola) and surrounding areas and I'm told he's regularly back there for holidays so would love to see him manage us one day. He scored goals wherever he played and was mooted for a move to us early nineties but never happened.

DD

.

Curly....

'The Gout In The Wellies'....is Affecting.... 'The Gout In The Wood-Bine'....

WellieGout

Mon the JJB ffs

Through good luck I happen to have stumbled in just after a new article was posted.

On the Roy Keane news, funnily enough was talking to my Old Man about it at the weekend as a friend of Niall Quinn's was telling him some members of their Irish consortium thought Keane's refusal to sign a new contract was down to him being tapped up by Celtic to step in when WGS leaves.

As for our European exit, it disappoints me that some of our fans are only too happy to join the press in lambasting our club for being prudent with our finances. I am not one to ever say "Were you at the match?" or "How long have you had your season ticket?" so all I will say is this:

In my opinion, as a season ticket holder since 1986/87, who attends practically every game, home and away...

I have seen more disappointing European campaigns than this season and so I console myself by looking at the bigger picture.

Our club is in a healthy state, on course for 4 titles in a row, the best squad in Scotland, and no worries about financial wolves at the door.

Seeing as my first season as a season-ticket holder was The Beast's first in charge at Mordor, I hope you will all forgive me if coming 4th in our Champions League group does not have me throwing myself of a bridge.

And please note, I haven't even started on mitigating circumstances such as injuries, disallowed goals, offside goals, deflected goals, own-goals...

Anyway, that's where I'm coming from, but I respect all fellow Celt's right to their opinions, whether they go to matches or not.

Keep the faith.

Hail Hail

paul67

surely the Rangers contract in itself would be sufficiently attractive to a prospective purchaser ...after all it was worth £18 m at one point :¬)

seriously though, would that not be enough to have a administrator appointed ...who would almost certainly utilise such a substantial asset

eurochamps67
Re Keane @ Mordor.. loved with him & Lenny in midfield that day,
Capt Unbookable neva came near them...totally outclassed @ Snake mountain that day.It wid be great to really take the game to them on 27th instead of sittin' in and givin them too much respect@ home.

Good call Paul67.

Ince has always been all mouth. I remember watching "The Governor" when asked to take a penalty for England a number of years ago (probably against Germany) - he totally cacked it and was too scared to step up to the spot.

One other thing, as for Owen Coyle, he used to be in the same parish as my Granny in Glasgow and I used to get in trouble every Sunday for getting him to autograph my Mass Sheet!

He has family buried in Linn Cemetery, near where my Gran (and TB) now rests, so I still see him from time to time. He is an absolute gentleman and, like many other fellow Tims, one I keep my eye on for a future coaching role.

Pablo - what have the Romans ever done for us?! :-)

TTTT

Pablo, don't worry mate, it's nearly Friday night music night when you will be able to pull some of that self respect back. :o)

Oh Yeah - Steve McLaren (well I thought he was good) ;o)

Helicopter Thursday ,

Saipan , Man U. , and now Sunderland.

He talks a lot but can he walk what he talks?

Answer Clearly is a resounding NO.

Sunderland backed him to the hilt. Time has come for Keane to coach and manage his 70 million pounds + team and prove he has managerial ability but know he throws in the towel because financial constraints prevent him from spending more cash.

I'd be surprised if he even enters management again.

Pablo........auldtim told me to pass this on B'dumtish!

Are ye feeling paranoid yet?

Agree with Porridge n B........Please no posters speculating about Keano as the new manager. GS is enjoying himself and seems to be increasing the gap with rankers while not overspending, I look forward to another few years (or more)of wee GS and by that time Keano will be onto pastures new.

onwards to 4inarowCSC

Big Liam

Far more to the World Cup story with Eire than meets the eye.
I dont think for a second Keane bottled it as he had more than enough class and ability to mix it in any company.

As for Man Utd, he basically spoke out about the attitude of several of his tema mates which he thought were taking liablities and were not fit to wear the jersey.
Again, no lack of bottle......quite the opposite actually.

I think I remember reading a week or two ago that JB Sports was considering buying JJB. Presumably that would mean that the Rangers deal (were they give away all future merchandise money) would remain in place.

Sorry if this topic has already been discussed as I haven't had time to read back but:

A Hun supporting colleague has shown me a text that's doing the rounds amongst the Orcs giving the alleged address and telephone number of our beloved (well in my eyes!) manager, with the final line reading "now we know this, lets hound the b*****d out"!!!

Can anyone tell me if they've seen or heard about said text?

Panda Hands

Roy Keane
His display at Ipox was in the master class - him and Lenny were head and shoulders above Barry and his cohorts.
before the game the Ipox faithful were shouting from the rooftops about Roy and Lenny being over the hill and past it, they certainly showed them that they were far from being spent forces, the hoops stars controlled the game with a mix of guile and aggression that had Barry greeting to Wattie after the game "it's no fair Wattie they big bhoys were too tough and too good for me".

The 27th December looms large and as far as i'm concerned BRING 'EM ON.

Panda -

Is the address in G71?

I agree Keane is a total bottler which has been proved again. It wasn't a laugh anymore and he had people dare to question him so he threw the toys out again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!He's another one of the top player, poor manager category. I shudder at the thought of him coming here as a manager. Anyone who thinks he'd be a success needs to re-engage their brain. It's easy to succeed when you throw money at something in a poor division like the Championship. Like Wattie and Wiggy did for a while. But when real opponents come along like Wim the Tim and MON you get found out. I said last night Sunderland were the 6th biggest spenders in world football this year. Not Britain the world! Too many managers are lazy when it comes to buying and I think MON went that way. Look at who GS signed and from where. Who heard of the likes of Naka and Artur before we signed them? GS puts his work into signing players and gets results. Being lazy and throwing money at it gets you Tore Andre Flo for £12m and Anton Ferdinand for £8m!

I have to agree, Roy Keane at Ibrox was absolutely sensational that day.

It highlights the importance of a top class central midfield player in Old Firm derbies.

Natknow

No. G21

Legend of Peter Grant.

There may be something in what you say.

I believe Dermot Desmond is a big admirer of Gordon Strachan and wants him to stay on. However the one man who he would replace GS with is Roy Keane.

Roy Keane's post-match interview at Ibrox that day was also class. Think Booth was still their touchline reporter at the time, and he was all "so, are you surprised that you were put in the starting line up today?" "er, no, I'd be more surprised if I wasn't" "are you pleased to get the man of the match award?" "er, no, I'd be more surprised if I wasn't" etc. Can't remember the exactly details, but it was a brilliant display of "I'm so much better than you in every way, and don't you forget it".

I wonder if it's on YouTube?

Panda Hands - That can't be true. The red-tops would have run front page stories about "Text Message Bigots" by now if it were.

re Roy Keane

£5 mill for Chopra ...enough said

no perspective in the transfer market

reminded me a lot of Wee Dick ...plenty of money ...and ..collecting players with it

hopefully it will be the end of the RK for Celtic manager nonsense which pervades this blog from time to time

Lurgan53

I agree. Not for one minute do I think Dermot Desmond wants rid of Strachan, but in much the same way as he told Strachan to keep him informed before taking a new job as Martin might be leaving, I wonder if he's said similar to Keane.

OneAntonRogan

Tremendous performance that day - both on and off the park.

Curly 12:49

It was called the `Mary Celeste`. The Marie Celeste was a piece of fiction (Arthur Conan Doyle and created the whole `myth` of the disappearing crew etc

Startrek, however, IS a true story.

It's not on YouTube :-(

Also, I have no idea what "exactly details" means, so I should really stop ranting about poor quality sub-editors and Paul67's missing millions, shouldn't I?

glasshousestonethrowersCSC

RK
has acheived legendary status because of one good performance ( all be it very good/and against the huns )

he was paid a fortune / injured a lot and was part of the Clyde debacle

RK was a world class player ..but not for us ..he was fortunate that we took him ..not vice versa

he has an obvious appeal to some ...perspective please

a failure as an EPL manager and a bit part player at Celtic

imo ..nothing more

Panda Hands,

sorry. what did you say. ahe. what's that. can't understand you. what language are you speaking. what? pardon?

Oh I heard it that time.

Celtic fans are sending a text around with Walter Smiths tel. no. and address requesting that we keep the bar and his steward at REARS. God that's terrible. I 'll have to make up a story about that. :o)

Accies at Snake Mt on Sat...If they don't score in first 20 mins,
crowd will be on there back( Rearrangers, that is), Waldo & sally
didn't envisage this scenario after answering Minty's call. They
must be in a dark room soon looking at the fixtures coming up &
the prospect o' the Jan fire sale! LOL every day I hear aw the
bleating fae the red tops, Minty must STAY!!

Roy Keane a bottler ? I don't think so. I remember one clip from his playing days (think its still on you tube) where he basically challenged Patrick Viera to a square go out on the pitch. The only bottler that day was Viera, Keane wiped the floor with him in an immense display. I seem to recall he was sticking up for Gary Neville as Viera was trying to intimidate him. He might be a poor manager, yes, but a bottler, no chance.

I don't think for a minute that Roy Keane is a bottler. I believe that he is one of those rare guys in football who genuinely puts the interests of the team first, or at least, what he perceives to be their best interests, which may not always be the same.

Others will know the story better, & will have their own take on things, but the row at the world cup seemed to me because he felt that the team was being badly let down, & would not do itself or his nation justice, by McCarthy & the IFA. That may have been wrong- I don't know enough about the situation to take an informed view (I am not one of those Celtic fans who have any real interest in the ROI, so wasn't bothered enough to follow the story or its aftermath in any depth), but I don't doubt that it was a view that Keane believed to be the case.

Likewise, the remarks about the Man Utd younger players which brought about an end to his time at Old trafford seemed to have been made as a result of his concern that the new players were not putting in the effort & commitment needed to sustain the clubs success.

So, I believe Roy when he says, as he did at the weekend, that he would need to think about whether he was the right man for the job, & if not, that he'd go. I'd ve very surprised if he sought a pay off.

I like & respect Roy Keane. His achievements as a player are outstanding, & his values as a decent, family oriented, human being seem pretty good too.

However, I am far from convinced that he will ever make a good manager. His qualities as a player & human being won't necessarily translate into those needed to succeed in a totally different environment.

He is an intelligent guy, & if after some self analysis he thinks he can adapt & wants another go at the management game, then good luck to him. I will certainly wish him well.

However, under no circumstances, well, aoart from having proved himself over an extendedperiod post-Sunderland at another club, should he be considered as our manager when Gordon stands down, which I hope is a long way off yet!

roy keane world class player ,, championship class manager ,, but never a bottler

Guys - unbelievable, taken from Armchair Celts.

"The ink on the paper has barely dried since Roy Keane announced his decision to quit Sunderland and already the bookies are offering odds linking him to the Parkhead hotseat

A straight swap?

it's quite bemusing and somewhat flattering that Paddy Power are making Celtic manager the most likely next job for Keane. He is 5/2 to make that his next managerial job and with Gordon Strachan being linked with the Sunderland job left vacant by Keane, it could be a straight swap. Strachan is 8/1 second favourite with Paddy Power to be the Next Sunderland Manager and if he went it would open the door for Keane to fill his position as Celtic manager.

Keane played for Celtic in the latter part of his career.
I wouldn't rush out to place a bet on this unlikely scenario considering Peter Lawwell has given his assurances that Strach will be going nowhere and the wee man himself wants to remain on the throne"

Sheany,

That contribution from yourself wiped the smug smile that has been on me face since Paul's article about EU's team's finances. Mind you, JJB being in trouble hasn't helped my mood.

While Roy Keane seems to have conducted himself well, why would our board seek to replace our most successful manager since Jock Stein with him?

.

Sheany....

That Makes it a Over 30/1 Chance of it Happening....

001

I am sure that you do not need to be reminded that the Transfer Window is creeping ever closer. As such it is of vital importance that each and every one of you is fully aware of your responsibilities at this very important time.
Consequently I would like to take this opportunity to draw your immediate attention to the 'Daily Record - Transfer Window Style Guide'.
This is a document you should all be very familiar with. However, due to recent revisions it is crucial that you re-familiarise yourself with the guide as a matter of urgency.
As you know the style guide sets out clear and definite instructions on the coverage of all stories regarding the Transfer Window and related issues. Under no circumstances should these be strayed from.
Any queries or questions regarding the content of the guide should not be addressed directly to Sir David or Mr Bain but rather raised in the first instance with myself. After that all further communication will be conducted via your union/legal representative.

Transfer Window - Style Guide

(1) Rangers FC do not 'buy' or 'sign' players. They 'swoop' for players. The extraordinary nature of these swoops must be emphasised at all times by preceding the word 'swoop' with at least one of the following choices - 'sensational' 'stunning' 'exciting' 'audacious' or 'ambitious'.

(2) Celtic FC do not 'buy' or 'sign' players. They 'finally complete' deals. The hugely dull nature of this event should be emphasised at all times by using at least one of the following terms - 'protracted' 'long-running' and 'drawn out affair'.

(3) Any overseas transfer target of Rangers FC is, without fail, also being pursued "...by a host of Europe's top clubs".

(4) Rangers FC must then be referred to as "battling it out for the signature..." of this 'hot property' and 'wanted man'.

(5) The exact identity of these elite club's will be selected on a random basis but must contain at least one of the current top 4 sides in Italy, Germany and Spain. One of these may be substituted by Lyon but no other French club.

(6) If the said player signs for Rangers FC then the club have "pulled off a sensational coup". To avoid unnecessary confusion under no circumstances should the player be asked why he turned down these previously reported top clubs. Instead the player will "modestly refuse to comment on the speculation".

(7) Any overseas player purchased by Rangers FC under the age of 21 years is a 'wonder kid'.

(8) Any overseas player purchased by Celtic FC under the age of 21 years is an 'unknown youngster'.

(9) In recognition of the club's international stature it is appropriate that the transfer fees received and paid by Rangers FC should initially be quoted in Euros. After this initial use the term of currency quoted should be dropped and thereafter, whenever possible, the figure referred to only by approximate amount.

(10) Should Rangers FC purchase a Scottish player from a domestic rival then this story must be accompanied by a double page spread praising the club's willingness to invest in home-grown talent and how this is of the benefit to the national side and indeed the country as a whole.*

(11) Should Celtic FC purchase a Scottish player from a domestic rival then this story must be accompanied by a double page spread condemning the club's willingness to rape rivals of home-grown talent and how this is to the detriment of the national side and indeed the country as a whole.*

*Billy Brown and Jim Jeffries are again willing to contribute. However, please note due to current financial constraints within the company the expenses department has placed a limit of four fish suppers per contributor

(12) Any player linked with Rangers FC who has not made a strongly worded denial of the said move should be referred to issuing "...a come and get me plea."

(13) Clubs unwilling to lower their asking price to meet the perfectly acceptable bid placed by Rangers FC must be strongly condemned. All stories of this nature must include the words/terms "staggering asking price" "inflated fee" "outrageous demands" and "holding to ransom". The player involved in this deal must be referred to as "the want away star' and it is imperative that any story fully informs the reader how the immoral stance of the selling club could "jeopardise a dream move to Ibrox" for a player "whose heart is set on a switch to Glasgow".

(14) Clubs unwilling to up their bid to meet the perfectly reasonable fee placed on a player by Rangers FC must be strongly condemned. All stories of this nature must include the words/terms "insulting" "laughably derisory bid" "on the cheap" "deliberate attempt to unsettle" and "outrageously low offer".

(15) The signing of an overseas player by Rangers FC must be accompanied by a two page spread stating how they will become as good as their nation's most famous footballer. For example: Rangers' Romanian new boy was last night tipped to be the man who could finally fill the boots of Gheorghe Hagi. Mark Hately is willing to contribute to this article.

(16) The signing of an overseas player by Celtic FC must be accompanied by a two page spread questioning whether they are good enough for the SPL. Gordon Smith is willing to contribute to this article.

(17) If Rangers FC sign a player who has - at any point of their career - been watched by any member of the Celtic Park staff (including Superstore employees, programme sellers and outsourced catering workers) then they will have "...sensationally snatched" the said player "..from under the nose of the Parkhead club".

(18) If Celtic FC sign a player who we previously linked with Rangers FC then it will be because "After initial tentative interest Rangers decided to pull out of the chase" thus "...leaving the road clear for Celtic". The player in question "..represented poor value for money.." and was "...no better than the players already available to the Rangers boss."

(19) The fact that Sir David Murray owns a private jet and a vineyard in the south of France are integral elements of any Rangers transfer story and failure to recognise this will see copy spiked.

(20) Finally, as in previous years our colleague at the Sunday Mail will again be organising 'Operation Moonbeams' which is as usual planned for the first weekend in February. Our duty is to ensure quality follow-up coverage. While details of the current operation are being finalised you are advised to familiarise yourself with Glasgow City Council's Draft Regeneration Project for Govan and NASA's proposed manned mission to Mars.

/Bishop B

Gordon Strachan:
-Kept Coventry in the Premiership for a lot longer than they otherwise would have been;
-Took Southampton to their best league finish and an FA Cup Final appearance;
-Won the league and league cup double in his first season at Celtic despite massive cut-backs in the playing staff and football budget;
-Retained the league and added the Scottish Cup in the face of a French Revolution at closest rivals Rangers. Beat Man U over 2 legs to qualify from the group stages of the Ch Lg for the first time in club's history;
-Overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to win his third title in a row, having been 10 points behind Rangers with 7 to play (Rangers had 8). Qualified for the latter stages of Ch Lg beating European Champions AC Milan in the process;
-Leads his team to a 7 point lead before November is over in his 4th season and that with only 2 new signings.

Roy Keane:
-Spent lots of money to turn Sunderland's fortunes around in the Championship and took them back to the Premiership (as Mick McCarthy and Peter Reid did before him).
-Spends obscene amout of money and keeps Sunderland in the Premiership by the skin of their teeth.
-Resigns with Sunderland staring relegation in the face having spent lots of money.

Who would you rather have in charge of your team?

Craiginho

Stand up for the Celtic manager CSC

If JJB goes down the tubes, does that mean Wigan is not that far behind? Are they not both owned by the same person?

I know who should buy JJB. Celtic. That would be unbelievably funny.

Don’t expect me to have the slightest sympathy for Paul Ince, I never liked the man before his “men against boys” comment. He’s 39 years old, an adult, he knows exactly what he’s doing and he knows the implications and risks associated with it. If he doesn’t then he’s just another naïve idiot who will fall foul of this harsh world. No reason for him to have any of my sympathy, it’s in short supply.

As a general rule I have no time for these young managers who have displayed very little aptitude in management (never mind high level management) and yet manage to get promoted beyond their abilities. Like many in this world they have decided to “go for broke”, they know they can fall flat on their face but they also know if they pull it off the rewards are massive.

It’s a high risk winner-takes-all strategy that can backfire. Fair play to them if it works, but likewise no sympathy if it doesn’t. But don’t put all the blame at the club’s door, no one put a gun to anyone’s head.

weeminger,

The post of this or any other month. Here's hoping our board read the blog and do precisely that immediately. Has to be THE win/win situation to beat all.

Some of you are at it again with speculation about replacing Wee Gordon! Much as I enjoyed RKs small spell with us, just because he's like minded as Bhoy doesn't qualify him to take the helm.

Likewise Coylie, although he's doing a terrific job at Burley it's all early days. The powers that be will not fall into that trap of employing inexperience, both MON and WG served their apprenticeships the right way, resulting in all these great years we have been getting. I get the impression that as long as the new man is a Tim then it's ok! Get a bloody life and see reason!

Wonderful however, to see a sprinkling of Scots influence with Burnley, sticking it up all those Johnny Foreigners at Chelsea, Arsenal and co. Definetely my second team at the moment next to Celtic reserves of course.

Outstandin Bishop B, just one other I would add;

Clubs unwilling to lower their asking price to meet the derisory bid placed by Celtic FC must be congratulated. All stories of this nature must include the words/terms "penny pinching Celts" "biscuit tin mentality" and "insulting offer". The player involved in this deal must be referred to as "the want away star' and it is imperative that any story fully informs the reader how penny pinching Celtic could "jeopardise a dream move to his bhoyhood heroes" for a player "whose heart is set on a switch to Glasgow".

01bhoy.

8/1 second favourite,that must make the Favourite at long odds-on for the job.Who could that favourite be,It must be one of the top managers in world football.

Or is it a big wynd up.

Thats the biggest certainty,it's a wynd up.

Guys,

That is not my opinion, I am flabbergasted that someone has penned that article.

There is absolutley no chance that we will swap Strachan for Keane.

And I would not want it to happen.

Keane is a flop as a manager and since Saipan in 2002 I have had nothing but contempt for the man, I was gutted when he signed for us, and do not believe he should have been given the honour to wear our famous hoops.

Please read my last post before assuming that this is my opinion.

Thanks.

We should defintely make Keane Manager, with David O'Leary as his assistant & John Barnes as Director of Football

Wonder are these the same bookies who were offering odds of 1/2 that Gordon Strachan would not be Celtic manager come the start of 2008/09 or odds of 14/1 that Rangers would win an "unprecedented" quadruple.

.

Oldtim67....

No It's Probably Right....Basically they haven't a Scooby Doo Who Sunderland Will go For....The Fav will Probably be 3/1 or 4/1 in a 30 Man Field....

001

Old Brigade in the 3:20 at Wincanton....@ 5/2....

VargasShampoo-

If we are playing dream team, what about having Sir Dave Dignity of moonbeams fame as owner/chairman?

Sometimes things just don't work out for a player, a manager, or any employee at any company.

Paul Le Guen, for example, is a good manager who made one poor career decision and is now back on track.

Sammy Lee is a great football coach. Players love working with him. But he struggled at struggling Bolton.

Martin O'Neill fared badly at Norwich City before going on to much better things.

Roy Keane is very young in football management terms and this does not necessarily mean the end of the road. Maybe it's best to start at the bottom and work your way up.

SonsOfErin on December 4, 2008 2:26 PM- Agree with your point regarding Paul Ince the person.It is Paul Ince the person who deserves no sympathy, the "men against boys" quote should be put in the context of the arrogant man that Paul Ince is!!
This is a man who will crash on the same rocks as Hoddle, Barnes, Souness, Wise, Collins etc, all of whom considered themselves to be the best there is.

Celtic_First 3.07pm

Absolutely agree. Would Alex Ferguson have been the same manager had he been thrown in at the deep end with a top-tier club?

He cut his eye teeth at East Stirling, progressed onto St Mirren, then took Aberdeen to uncharted heights.

The move to Man Utd didn't have the best of starts (about the first 4 years) but like him or not, he proved he is a winner, who has rebuilt side after side with Man U.

Albeit with a near blank chequebook, but a mangerial great nonetheless.

craggy

The farcical situation where we get some Celtic supporters looking to supposedly 'Celtic-minded' people as the primary candidates for roles (that are already filled) is perhaps the single most depressing thing about supporting Celtic apart from European defeats and having to co-exist in the same city as Beelzebub's eleven.

I sometimes think as to why Strachan bothers when there is an utterly MORONIC section of the support that would still rather see a 'friend of the club' come in his place no matter what he has achieved because 'he isn't one of us'. These are the kind of clowns that would give their brother-in-law a job even though he might be a certifiable idiot just to keep it in the family.

For all the talk of being an open, welcoming club (and I sincerely believe it is) among some fans the mentality can be depressingly like that of being a closed shop- and for a club that was built on the foundations of providing support to those who were outsiders in an unwelcoming society, I find that particularly perverse.

But tell ye what, bring in Keano, let him bring in 45 players on 15 year contracts, never play a settled side ever, but he's from Cork and a Tim so it must be right.

Paul67 said Paul Ince will have cause to ponder his "men against boys" comment after Celtic's October defeat in Manchester, his Blackburn Rovers team have since dropped into the relegation zone and fared poorly in Manchester last night.

Aye I've been watching them closely since Ince described our defeat as embarrassing. Since we lost at Old Trafford Blackburn have played 9, won 1 (a Carling Cup tie against Sunderland), drawn 2 and lost 6 - losing 5 goals to a Man Utd second string in their last game. I wonder if he's embarrassed yet...

billyimatim @ 2:36.

Bit of an over reaction mate.If you think Keane's resignation will pass without him being linked in some way to other teams - in particular Celtic then I would find it surprising. The bookies are in there straight away for goodness sake! Its inevitable!

Keane for Blackburn?

Salve Salve Guys;- Roy Keane was a truly great player, sacraficed his chance of CL final place by showing true leadership when 2 nil down against Juve, got himself booked but he grabbed that game by the scruff of the neck Awsome imho. HOWEVA!!!! as my very good friend Kojo might opine I would never have let him near a Celtic Shirt. If he was that big a Celtic man he could have come to us when he was 30 or 31 when he had still something to give as a player. All we did was lower our aspirations and standings to accomodate the whim of an over the hill player who gave us nothing in return. he can come to paradise any time if he wants to coach our youths or pay to get in :- Never a manager
Greenwells

Nemo dat quod non habet

ThusSprakeZaramoravcik

Maybe I've missed something but has anyone ACTUALLY said bring Keane or Coyle in at the expense of Strachan?

And for you to say you believe the club is open and welcoming then say people are moronic is a bit of a contradiction is it not?

That holier than thou attitude while name calling others is a contradiction in its self!

DD

ThusSprakeZaramoravcik

For goodness sake! What on earth are you on about??

ThusSprakeZaramoravcik.................I agree with you're post and don't even think we should add credence to it by discussing it, you lost it a bit though when you call you're fellow Celts morons and clowns IMO.

4 in a row under wee GS , he deserves it!

What is the more fearsome fixture? The Old Firm game on October 4? Or Celtic’s Annual General Meeting on October 3? Brian Quinn, the Celtic chairman, will probably need a defence every bit as stout as that possessed by Martin O’Neill, his manager, when he turns up for an inquisition by investors with his fellow directors, and he may wish he cut as imposing a figure as Bobo Balde. The former Deputy Governor at the Bank of England will again sound like a mother dispensing Cod Liver oil to a wailing child — “you won’t like this, but it is good for you”.

Just as O’Neill’s team is a pragmatic one, so too, Quinn would argue, is the board’s approach. Celtic are a model of financial probity compared to many other clubs. Their tax bills paid up, their wages-revenue ration well within the industry guideline of 60 percent. Their debt, just under £18m at the last count, manageable when set against a turnover of £60m. Given that they have a responsible manager, though, couldn’t they indulge in a little risk management? Quinn’s answer to such queries is basically: Do You Know Your History? “It should never be forgotten that financial mismanagement almost closed this club 10 years ago,” he says. “No-one is more ambitious for Celtic than the board members but we won’t risk financial ruin for Celtic.

“And those who think I’m scaremongering should have a chat with the chairman of Leeds. The fans there enjoyed a run to the semi-final of the Champions League, only to see their team haemorrhaging money, flog their best players to service crazy debt levels, escape relegation and almost go out of business.

“We’ve lost £20m in the past three years and that’s despite a run in the Champions League and getting to the Uefa Cup final in Seville (the highlight, says Quinn, of his seven years so far at Celtic). People think there must be money somewhere but it’s simply not true — the fact is that we have been spending more than we bring in, and it would be highly irresponsible to do anything other than take the hard decisions we have been taking.

“This isn’t going to win us any popularity contests. It’s understandable that we have been criticised. Fans — and I count the board among them — obviously want to see ‘big name’ players coming in every summer, but we won’t put the club’s very future at risk simply to deflect criticism.”

Martin O’Neill has probably already argued that there is a middle way between Celtic’s excess caution and Leeds’ excessive spending. An approach where you invest in the right players, they help you to success and then you sell them at a profit. The manager continues to emit frustrated comments at his press conferences, but Quinn denies they are at loggerheads and says the club’s management structure is evolving around O’Neill’s excellence on the football side.

The board hope to have a new chief executive in place by the AGM. O’Neill cannot veto any appointment but he has been allowed to meet and vet the leading candidates. “We have made mistakes with this appointment in the past and that makes you humble,” says Quinn, a reference to the adverse publicity which plagued Allan MacDonald and Ian McLeod — he was part of the board which appointed both men. “You can’t really tell whether somebody can handle the attention that goes with the post until they are in it. Football clubs are different to other businesses because the football drives the whole business. We saw that when we went out of the Champions League in Basel, but then it picked up again as our Uefa Cup run gathered momentum. Martin drives the football side of the business and we have taken all possible steps to ensure that the successful candidate will work well with Martin O’Neill. We also have to make sure that the responsibilities of the new person are fully complementary with Martin’s own pivotal role.

“Martin is very sensible when he approaches the board. I am on record with my admiration for the intelligence he shows when he comes to our board meetings. In that respect, he is far more impressive than the other managers we have had in my seven years on the board. We have faith in his judgement of players and he has a good sense of value for money. I have a good working relationship with both Martin and Dermot Desmond (Celtic’s largest single shareholder).

“We have had disagreements, as people involved in any business do, but Dermot and I tend to reach the same conclusion on most things, although I prefer to do it with a piece of paper and a pencil, and he has the intuition of the entrepreneur.

“We did not refuse any specific request Martin made in the summer and we were working to bring several players to the club right up to the deadline (including Emerson and Dino Baggio). The budget is not set in stone — because of the nature of football a budget must be flexible. Football is like the dotcom industry in that there has been a global collapse in its market and I think there might still be a couple of years of that to come. They might not be exciting times but we have a responsibility not to let our football club go the way that others have. Thereafter, we can get back to a more manageable position and I would urge the fans to stick with us through these short-term problems.”

There will still be some spending, however. The club continues to look at the possibility of creating a new training ground, said Quinn, although it will not be on the same scale as Rangers’ £14m complex near Milngavie. “It will not be a Murray Park clone. It will be smaller and cost less because I think the change in the transfer market means there is less money in developing young players than there was previously. That is the feedback we have had from the clubs in England who have built academies. Martin and I agree that it shouldn’t be too far from Celtic Park. We don’t want the players to be seen as remote from the fans. The priority is to ensure that the best young players are on the books at Celtic and we’ve greatly increased our scouting network throughout the UK and Ireland. There are 400 young players within our training programmes.”

Quinn added the board will back O’Neill in a last-ditch attempt to persuade Henrik Larsson to play the rest of his career at Celtic Park rather than heading off somewhere warmer as he has, repeatedly, said he will. “Henrik is a man of few words and he knows his own mind but, against that, Martin can be very persuasive.”

Larsson’s departure is due next May, after seven glorious years. Quinn’s exit may come around the same time. He will then have served eight years since answering the call of Fergus McCann in March 1996, if he feels his role as a key witness at a trial into the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce International in 1991 requires too much of his time.

What may prove Quinn’s last AGM at Celtic, could provide some handy practice for the court case to come because he will certainly face some hard questions about money.

....a few random things:-

Gordon_J : Given the hi-tech world we now live in, have you thought about the possibility of teams being able to take part in the quiz remotely "on line"? I know some our lads would be keen for this.

.....anybody else concerned that a combination of us gein' the Beasties a doin' on the 27th in conjunction with the 'credit crunch' (that phrase again) may see a very limited (if any) movenent by us in the Jan transfer window?

....next, congratulations to Inter RS who became the first Brasilian side to win the Copa America do Sul (the S.American UEFA Cup) last night by beating Estudiantes 2-1 over two legs.

Sadly, the game was more like a competition to see who could cynically foul and simulate the best, but there you go.

Estudiantes had Veron (remember him?) as one of their best players and look out for Angeleri (only because he looks like Russell Brand on a fitba pitch). Isn't there a Celtic connection with Estudiantes?

Finally on this one, Estudiantes are affectionately known by their fans as "Las Pincharrata" (the rat stabbers). So no chance of Novo signing for them!

Oh well onto Sunday now and the very real prospect that Vasco maybe relegated in the last game of the season.

Ate mais..........

Spare a thought for the beleaguered coaching staff at Real Madrid.

Berndt Schuster has just had the old vote of confidence/kiss of death from the club president. He said he was sticking with Schuster "unless there was a real catastrophe", which included the crowd really turning against him. I think that means he has to win the game against Barcelona on December 14.

Míchel González, one of the famous Quinta del Buitre, has just walked away from his job as head of youth development. He said irreconcilable differences with the president were the reason. The president, Ramón Calderón, said it was nothing to do with him, but a matter for the technical director, Pedja Mijatovic.

I love lurking on here, and, crikey, it never fails to amuse me that the mention of something (even if no one has advocated anything) can cause ww3 to break out. The blog where you can argue, even if no one holds the opposing position!

HoopDreams.

The blog where you can argue, even if no one holds the opposing position!

LOL!!!

Rioskorrie,

The inaugural CQN Quiz will be very much a low tech affair - less to go wrong that way! Hell, I might not even bring my laptop along!

I have run on line quizzes before and they can be a lot of fun. Something to think about ... but let us get the Quiz Night out of the way first!

My e-mail list for the Quiz is growing almost by the second - it is looking like we will have a good number of teams and a great night will be had by all.

Thus Sprake - well said sir. Unfortunately there is a horrible cringe factor element within our support that beat this nonsense 'Irish catholic' drum. Don't get me wrong i am both a proud Roman Cathloic & from Irish descent, however the very identity of Celtic Football Club as you have said was based upon providing support to outsiders into an unwelcome society and when you see how our story has developed since 1888, it has unquestionably been influenced by characters outwith that irish/catholic profile. When you look back down the years & see all the players from other nations/cultures/colour of skin etc - it is this all embracing attitude combined with our irish heritage that makes Celtic such a unique entity in World Football.

Apologies if already posted

http://www.etims.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2412&Itemid=29

sounds like the tanks are warming up their engines :)

http://sport.scotsman.com/celticfc/Lawwell-warns-18m-profit-wont.3347408.jp

vargashampoo

there is also the horrible cringe factor when moravcik has went off on one about somethig no one has actually advocated from what I can see! Again i'll state maybe i've missed but did anyone actually say get keane or coyle in at the expense of strachan???

Plus as a staunch celtic and irish man I wouldn't let keane anywhere near the celtic job! I couldn't care if he was the next pope! he walked out on ireland and hasn't been very good as a manager! Although I'll give him the game at Ibrox just for the moment he took Prso clean out of the game!

DD

English clubs received £4.14m and Scottish clubs £359,196 from Uefa for releasing players to play in this summer's Euro 2008 tournament.

Arsenal were England's top recipients, earning £732,760 for the efforts of players such as Spanish European Championship winner Cesc Fabregas.

In Scotland, Celtic earned £272,989, compared to four figure sums picked up by Inverness and Rangers.

German side Werder Bremen were highest earners overall, taking in £935,107.

What´s £272,989 - £70

£272,919CSC

VargasShampoo

Not looking a fight here but can you provide examples of this "'Irish catholic' drum.

Clubs receive Uefa Euros pay-out

From the BBC:

English clubs received £4.14m and Scottish clubs £359,196 from Uefa for releasing players to play in this summer's Euro 2008 tournament.

Arsenal were England's top recipients, earning £732,760 for the efforts of players such as Spanish European Championship winner Cesc Fabregas.

In Scotland, Celtic earned £272,989, compared to four figure sums picked up by Inverness and Rangers.

German side Werder Bremen were highest earners overall, taking in £935,107.

As far as I can see there is no "Pro Keane" faction. There is definately an "anti Keane" faction but I think their reaction borders on the hysterical.

Calm down boys.

An Lorgain

HoopsDreams - thats a bit contentious mate - you looking for a fight?

AWE NAW...

Does anyone know ,who in the rankers squad played in european championship?

And us women get telt we're hysterical!

Hail hail

SORRY.

EURO 2008.

Lurgan: Not denying the bookies will make something of it, inevitable as you say but when our own fans start the whispering,
it get's up this big nose of mine! Happy to start the chant "Only one Gordon Strachan". Optimistic it will gather momentum soon.