One more time for permanently written-off manager

ole

First?

denied!

ole ole ole

come on ye hoops

savoO1 sorry

John Fleck....who are you?

one game at a time

looking forward to the game on saturday with great gumshion

WE CAN STILL WIN THIS LEAGUE.

Let’s get behind the team and support them across the winning line.

As much as Naylor, Brown, Hesselink, Samaras, McDonald, McGeady etc may have been disappointing sections of us with their performance, we need to accept some of the blame ourselves.

We are the 12th man and our performances of late have been every bit as poor as the bhoys on the park.

The boards have been full of petty arguments and negativity.

The stands have been eerily silent.

Let’s not forget the importance of the support we can provide.

Starts Saturday.

WE WILL WIN THIS LEAGUE.

Good shout paul......we will come good
lets the huns get over confident!...makes the fall ever so harder

My beef and i'm sure the beef of many fans is not with Gordon directly it is the lack of decent funds. I have generally backed GS here and I feel he is a good hard working manager but the lack of a decent transfer kitty is killing us. No one is asking for the silly money spent 10 years ago but if he had been given say £10 to £15 million to use last summer and in January if any was left I feel we'd be in a much better place right now. My main bone of contention is how much Desmond is putting into the club annually. Paul can you tell us? AS I say no one is asking for silly money but when we are asked to dip our hands in our pockets time and time again we would like to see the board doing the same.

Gordon_J (from previous post)

Amalgamating all the governing bodies into one would be a very sensible recommendation. Let's hope "self preservation" doesn't come into it when the meaty parts of the discussions take place.

Should be an intersting review. I'm sure if they had a few of us posters on board we could come up with some good recommendations.

Hail Hail

Mort

Celtic 8 St Mirren 1

jamiebhoy,

The team needs to give the fans something to cheer about.

One shot on goal per game while either scoring or conceding is not sufficient ... these problems need addressed. PDQ

HAil Hail

big wavy

Sounds good. A start like we had against Hibs would be just the tonic. Celtic need to start the match at a blistering pace and put St Mirren on the backfront right from the off.

One Gordon Strachan, there's only one Gordon Strachan.

Hail Hail

Mort

Awe Naw

Agree it's a two way street. We need to do out bit though, just as they do.

Hail Hail

@savo01: In the current "economic climate", £10-15 million for Celtic probably is silly money. Remember, it's not just transfer fees it's the wages too.

savo01

Dermot Desmond doesn't put anything into the club each year. As a PLC, Celtic is not dependant on a "sugar-daddy" like many of the teams in the EPL. All money earned is reused throughout the business either in purchasing players or debt reduction.

With the debt nearing 0, the retained profits might be able to be used in the future in strenthening the team but I don't know the ins and outs of it all.

Mort

Now that we are behind in the title race (albeit on GD) I think the team will step it up. Quite simply they have too.

Freshen up the team Gordon. Make a point.

How the support need a 5-0 win.

YES (!), my friends in Celtic. I feel a rallying battle-cry is on the horizon.

What we need are GOALS and plenty of them against St Mirren to galvanise the team and promote the confidence our bhoys should have in knowing that they are 3IAR CHAMPIONS!!! Lets see the swagger of the CHAMPIONS, lets see the rip-roaring incision of a highly skillfull group of players we know as the CHAMPIONS, lets hear the unrivalled voice of the men and women who flock to support the CHAMPIONS, let us once again take our place as Scotland's finest because....

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS !!!!!!!!!

Hail Hail

PS. I'm watching Celtic TV the now and the 'European Nights' game being shown is the DEMOLITION of a right good Benfica team in the CL by a Strachan team featuring many current 1st teamers inc Boruc, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura, Maloney but also containing many players, whom I'm sure we all agree are glad to have passed on to other places (Lennon aside), including Telfer, Sno, Zurawski, Miller - are these players better than our current men whom they have replaced??? I dont think so. Again, confidence is the key....

The next 4 games will tell us if this slump is recoverable.

St Mirren at home (then away in the Scottish Cup), Killie away next week and then Rangers in the CIS cup.

If we stay, at least level on points after the league games (expect Rangers to win their games), remain in the SC and hit them hard by taking the first trophy of the season, we are back on track.

If we go behind in points and lose the CIS final, the momentum will be with them and I don't think we'll get it back.

Paul67,

I hear you.

what might scupper us this time is the 'wrong' players are available for selection for this run in.

The players who are not available are the ones we want to play.

tojo

What does CQN think of Donati´s recent comments about WGS having lost faith in him since the Barca game?

last post should read 'have replaced them' instead of "they have replaced" oops. Still you get my point.....

The manager was a great player. With Aberdeen, with Manyoo, with Leeds, well until his late thirties, but not with us. Remarkable in the modern game. He is a manager who is dedicated to delivering us a fourth title in a row. Why the doubt? 'cause he didn't play for us? That's sad!

Someone said earlier...'we can still do it'. I expect us to do it. We are well better than them. There will be tricks up their sleaves, we should anticipate those tricks, and beat them handsomely....but only with a great deal of effort. We can't expect the breaks!

It will be close...but sweet!

Stand up......

Big Wavy 12.07
I thought we had finished with all these negative comments but, oh no you just had to predict we will lose a goal.
Celtic 13 St Mirren 0

clare's bhoy,

i realise paul telfer was a whipping boy, but he was sorely missed when he left!

he was nearly always fit, dependable if not exciting and always seemed to me to be a consumate professional footballer.

I realise someone will shout "journeyman" at me, however, all teams are a combination of graft and skill.

buddy

It all points to the Cis Final being absolutely crucial to our season. If we lose that then we lose all momentum.

It's up to WGS, play the right players and we'll win the league. No more Gary "Beckenbauer" Caldwell experiments, its time to play the correct players in their correct positions.

Jamiebhoy, well said. Winning the league is the only show in town.

Pauloantony, indeed.

savo01, Dermot Desmond is not putting money into the club annually (apart from hospitality/ticket related issues).

Forget the sugar daddy idea, they don’t exist. As for spend more money: aye, it would help, but how much more money do we need to spend to beat Inverness, Motherwell and St Mirren.

We outspend everyone else in the league by a comfortable margin, made £3m profit last year and I expect will make less this year. The budget is pretty close to ideal.

But as Jamiebhoy suggested, eyes on the prize.

Tojo, hmmmmm.

penang_bhoy/auldheid,

Thanks for the replies on the last blog.

Remember the chamges to CL/Europa league which come into effect this summer mean that there will be stability accross these competitions for the next 3-4 years.

Unfortunately, no matter how good celtic are (unless they win the CL) they are not gauranteed CL qualification unless scottish clubs collectively manage to have 2 in eurpoe after christmas as the norm.

Buddy

Awe_Naw @ 12.23 It will be interesting to see how Donati performs at his next club. For me he lacks the fight and awareness to play in the CL/SPL. So much for marquee signings.

We will draw at the weekend ( the wains christening money!), i dont like saying it but we have given up as a squad. They know that the new man will be in place in June and will be a big change.

By riot survivor on February 26, 2009 12:17 PM

.......(expect Rangers to win their games)......

I disagree, my prediction is a hunskelping draw for them and we win, top o the league Sat. night ....... ya beauty.

vmhan Hail Hail

Mort, sav01,

What celtic seem to be aiming towards is a setup where, the salaries are covered each year through gauanteed income and then player purchase in terms of transfer fee and wages can be decided through the existing room in the budget.

Celtic approaching debt free means that this should allow re-investment into the team to be at a higher level than currently. But obly from the profit that can be made!

I realise this is not popular, it is not necessary how I would run celtic, but i can see the logic in this!

Although, I would have liked a left back!

More pertinently anything to do with budgets/europe/board is completely meaningless until JUNE it is the 11/14 guys wearing that hooped jersey every week go out to TRY and do THEIR best and WIN football matches that count.

Still standing up!
buddy

Mort,
That for me is the killer with our current set up then. I know sugar daddies can be wolves in sheep's clothing but it's getting sickening when we're paying for season books and have seen 9 new football strips been brought out in just over 4 years nevermind countless other merchandise. We are being bled dry and yet Desmond for me sits aloof in the stands (the odd day, whan a trophy's in the offing) getting into a huff any time anyone mentions money and investment. I firmly believe he feels he is doing US a favour by being the main shareholder! If he could make at least a token gesture each season he'd have far more support and the board would be received a lot better by the fans. For talks sake he/his company could pay the club £1/2 million a season to ensure the stadium remains sponsorless. That would be brilliant in my view. Look what Willie Haughey is doing for the Scottish Cup? His old buddy JP McManus was going to give £50 million to a national stadium in Ireland to ensure it was sponsorless.

Anyone see this. From our favourite rag:

SPL Pitches

RANGERS 9/10
Top of the league and top marks for the standard of their pitch. Rangers spent fortunes during the summer relaying a surface which has been troublesome in the past. It has paid off with Ibrox still resembling a bowling green.

CELTIC 9/10
Celtic Park has been the best playing surface consistently over the past decade. The SPL champions have maintained their high standards again this term and the pitch remains in immaculate condition.

FALKIRK 8/10
Jim Dawson was presented with the Scottish Groundsman of the Year trophy for the second time before last weekend's game against Hamilton. He came out top in a poll of SFA referees who score conditions before, during and after matches.

ST MIRREN 8/10
St Mirren's carpet was only laid three weeks ago so there is no excuses for it not being up to scratch. So far, so good with visiting teams quick to praise the standard of the surface.

HEARTS 7/10
One of the best grounds for atmosphere and a well maintained pitch. Tynecastle has a few bare patches appearing through wear and tear but the surface remains true.

HAMILTON 7/10
Just one point behind Motherwell in the race for a top-six spot but light years ahead of their Lanarkshire rivals in terms of preparing a surface that allows decent football.

KILMARNOCK 7/10
Traditionally, Rugby Park has always been one of the better surfaces in Scottish football and this season has been no different. It must be the balmy Ayrshire weather.

DUNDEE UNITED 6/10
The Arabs lived up to their nickname last year by piling tons of sand on the pitch. This term the surface is much improved and while not perfectly manicured it gets pass marks.

INVERNESS 5/10
Following the recent Arctic-like conditions in the Highlands the Caley pitch has taken a bit of a battering from the elements. Uneven and partly worn, it is not conducive to free-flowing football.

ABERDEEN 3/10
Looks more like a ploughed field than a football pitch. Rutted, bare and covered in sand. Anyone hoping to play apassing game can forget it.

HIBS 2/10
The Easter Road outfit give Motherwell a run for their money when it comes to the appalling condition of the pitch. Resembles a patchwork quilt and there's even one large strip of ground which is about an inch higher than the rest.

MOTHERWELL 1/10
Gordon Strachan was being kind when he claimed Fir Park wasn't good enough to play rugby on. It's not fit for grazing sheep. Devoid of grass, the Lanarkshire bog is an total embarrassment to a decent club.

I take it they don't remember how "wonderful" the surface at Ibrox was on 27 December 2008.

Mort

Buddy_holly

Nearly got that but not quite. Scotland lie 10th in the pertinent table (if memory serves) and have done for quite a while. Top 12 nations get to send their champions straight to group stages.

So why would we need 2 clubs after xmas to preserve that status, when Scottish clubs have (with exceptions) been making a habit of early exits for aeons?

Apologies if you covered this yesterday.

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on February 26, 2009 12:23 PM

No matter what anyone on here thinks about Donati's ability, the frightening thing in this story is Donati's statement that he and Mr Strachan do not communicate...If this is true (Only Donati's word for it)then I would say that man-management at Celtic park is lacking in a big, big way...

Can we not sell naming rights to the ground?? We could in theory get 5 Million a year from Nike

We could get 1.5 million a year from Guinness on the shirt - imagine that a golden harp on the front..

GIRUY at Ibrox with that one!

Paul67,

I'd love to come on here and agree with you, afraid I can't though, although I notice almost everyone else has. Gordon has beaten awful Rangers sides - awful for different reasons, whether it be rotten with PLG or no bottle with Smith - and that is it, he is correctly written off as he is just a bad manager with a lot of luck. The luck may carry us through but nothing changes the fact that he should go at the end of the season what ever happens, if anything can bring us the league it is luck.

savo01 we have more money than the entire league put togther incl. rangers. WGS has squandered it. 19 midfield signings, results in a CB - our best - playing in CM, is it any wonder when he comes out defence we always fail to win. Gaffer squanders resources on Loovens types buys (cost the same as Tamas in the end) and an endless plethora of midfielders who cant even get a game, i repeat as a shareholder (although an emotional one) I question my investment when the man in charge spends so much cash on 19 midfield players and resorts to playing a CB in midfield, how little confidence does he have in his own buys??? it appears little and I dont either.

The board dont back him as much as I wnat them to, but i cant actually blame them for this it would likely be more wasted investment.

Hail Hail, I hope we win the league, but id feel more confident with someone else, who didnt squander investment and alter our starting eleven to combat poorer sides supposed threats at the helm.

vmhan - hope your right...but remember they took 7 off of Hamilton last time out.

We should have buried them after the Ibrox victory, but gave them an unexpected boost by allowing them back in.

Thats got their gander up and will give them impetus. It will take something from us to knock them off their stride.

A CIS victory should do the trick.

Peter Grant, you're lack of confidence in the team is a shocker but granted it's understandable.

Maybe I'm kidding myself on but we're Cellic suporters and need to rally round the team and support them until the end of the season.

vmhan Hail Hail

Strachan is a pathetic wee man, wee men should not be at our club.
I want a hard man that others fear....

Keane, lets see the press fanny around with him

Is yours any higher??

We are playing very poorly.

Plus why did we let Boruc play with all that mud behind his ear last game??

The players should be spotless as they walk out.

By vmhan on February 26, 2009 12:44 PM
Peter Grant, you're lack of confidence in the team is a shocker but granted it's understandable.

Maybe I'm kidding myself on but we're Cellic suporters and need to rally round the team and support them until the end of the season.

vmhan Hail Hail

Claire's Bhoy

I would rather have Sno than Hartley and Donati combined, and the jouneyman Telfer was good for creating much needed space for Naka to exploit.

As you know I am one of those fans who would rather have a new manager for no other reason than at least I would see the back of McManus when he is gone.

Watch the difference in Celtic this coming weekend playing on a good pitch, I feel it is no coincidence that when the pitches are very, very poor is when we suffer and when they come back we improve no end.

7-1 the hoops this weekend

p.s. Has snyde told us the team and formation for tis weekend yet?

Paul,

If the budget is pretty close to ideal, why are we so poor?

Surely this team can only be so average for one of two reasons;

1) - Not enough investment;
2) - The right amount of investment but the wrong manager (poor signings, picking favourites, wrong system etc)

What else could it be? I know you can say good players underperforming, but then that falls into category 2 as with the right investment, the manager should have sufficient replacements in place for underperforming players and be willing to use them.

For the record, I still think we will win this league and have money on us to do so but something is seriously missing at the minute with our team.

IMO that is the guidance of a good coach.

Paul

Would you accept a manager in your own business who wasn't able to perform until he'd taken your company to the brink of failure? Would you regard it as an acceptable risk to allow that scenario to unfold year after year?

Last season's league win was memorable but let's not pretend it was enjoyable, even as we were winning those seven games we still played well below the mark, any entertainment value was only provided by the importance of the results.

We are crying out for change at Celtic, and the manager's office is the only place that change will have any real effect.

buddy holly,

I was never a huge fan of Telfer but he did earn the tag of dependable at his time in the hoops but that is not my point.

My point was that he also earned the 'whipping boy' status during his time and now we have Hinkle who, although far from being the next Danny McGrain, is a better player than Paul Telfer IMO (and the majority's I'll bet).

Likewise, I liked Sno but I also feel that Brown and Crosas are better players.

For Zurawski read the same in relation to the much-more-prolific McDonald, and Miller with Samaras.

We have good players. We have better players. We need the 'chin up' and to get behind the team.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS !!!!

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS !!!! (repeat until appropriate levels of belief are restored)

HAIL HAIL

GreenOakTree

All footballers say stuff like that.....Have you not heard the Denis Law story when his boss at Huddersfield was Bill Shankly?
When Law was out of the team with injury, Shankley could ignore him for weeks at a time. He didn't start talking to him again until he healed and was selected.

What does Strachan have to say to Donati?

It's a footy club mate not a creche ;-)

Paul67

Excellent article! We should all be behind Gordon and the team. The negativity does my head in and will be condusive to absoulutely nothing. Gordon did it last year and i look forward to him leading us to FOUR IN A ROW and then recharging for FIVE IN A ROW.

I wonder what percentage of people who blog on here have experience watching a Celtic team winning THREE IN A ROW, let aone FOUR. I shudder when i remember rangers as they went to 9 titles in a row and hearing fans on phone ins not happy with what they were getting and slagging off Smith - i thought we were a bit different.

You would think that the idea of FOUR IN A ROW would excite people and result in a siupport firmly behind Gordon and The Bhoys.

ONWARDS WITH GORDON STRACHAN!

savo01

I disagree completely. DD has spent a lot of money in shares in celtic and doesn't need (and i don't think even is allowed to by law) to just give Celtic money.

Did JP McManus give money to ensure Landsdown would remain sponsorless because AVIVA have paid €40m for the naming rights of Lansdowne Rd.

Willie Haughey is doing a good thing for the Scottish Cup but lets face it there weren't too many others beating down Gordon Smith's door to sponsor it.

Hail Hail

Mort

savo01 - It's easy to spend other people's money.

Why should Dermot Desmond give the club money for nothing? He's not a charity and we're not a charity case.

As for Mr Desmond's alleged huffiness, I'd be annoyed too if people were constantly second-guessing my motives and pontificating on how they thought I should be spending my hard-earned cash. Is a man not entitled to the sweat of his brow?

hoops1990

You say that the Manager has beaten awful Rangers sides. That is arguable as the reached the UEFA final last season and disposed of some handy teams on the way.

But even if it is true that he has only delivered titles because of a lack of challenge from Rangers then how do you rationalise the relative success he's achieved in Europe? Do you put that down to luck?

SwasneaBhoy

Not talking to Donati might actually be good man management, of the players that have a chance of playing!

Peter Grant,

Is that keane 'the serial giver-upper' as both player (a la ireland) and manager (a la sunderland) then ? You read his recent outbursts in the press ?

Roy Keane, as a manager, isn't fit to tie Gordon Strachan's shoelaces.

jungleJim - Added the 1 conceded for authenticity. I'd have been laughed at had a stuck an 8-0 scoreline :)

Big Wavy

GreenOak Tree

Cqn was developed by Paul to try to give Celtic fans Celtic News that was not tainted by the slants innuendoes and downright lies of tabloid journalists. Why on earth would you want to believe what's printed? Unless you hear such comment directly from the mouth of the man concerned treat it with the scepticism it deserves.

Peter Grant

A draw on Saturday you reckon? You've changed your tune from Monday when you thought we would get a 1-0 win

I'm glad you like betting so much on Celtic not winning. Nothing personal but I hope you lose a fortune between now and the end of the season.

Hail Hail

Mort

Peter Grant - "We will draw at the weekend ( the wains christening money!)"

You are one white sock short of an orange walk.

By philvisreturns on February 26, 2009 12:56 PM

:-)

I'm not into the 'Hunposter' thing really but......

SwanseaBhoy

Masty (from previous thread).

Everyone else can skip by.

If you bump into Sean, ask him about Matt. Lived across the road from him and had many a party in his house especially the all-nighter after I got back from Helicopter Thursday)

His boy (young Sean) has my season card while I'm travelling. I will be back in Glasgow for a few days at the weekend. Will probably be in the Brazen/Granite with Pat Duffy, John McGee or Big Sean.

The sign for Spenny was just before the return leg against Ajax.

Anyway, if you see Pat Duffy in there, I'll probably be with him.

hail Hail

For the moment

Estadio

well said 'mon the tic'

in terms of titles, its the best we've had for a long long time. Although the football hasnt been great to watch recently, we're far from finished this season. If we win the next 2 league games comfortably and do the baddies in the cup final then we will all be smiling again.

so get lets get behind the team folks,

remember we're supporters not critics..

hail hail
celtictilidie (showing some PMA)

Peter Grant.... I guess you must have been behind the team at the weekend if you noticed all that muck behind Arturs ear!

vmhan Hail Hail

huvinalaughCSC

Tojo ,

The players who are not available are the ones we want to play.

If your referring to Barry Robson , that's absolute nonsense.

He's a magnificent part of the problem. Spare the thought of Robson and Flood in the center midfield for Celtic. Who are we , Dundee Utd?

We all advocate playing 'the' footballers then someone mentions B.Robson , slow , cannot pass , one dimensional and who first touch is a tackle which to his credit he'll probably win.

Maloney is the only player we miss who is unavailable through injury , maybe Wilson.

There is a continuing character assassination of S.Brown and his ability to play on this blog. People see with their eyes and S.Browns performances have been of a higher standard than most of those around him. Most bloggers here are not fooled in the slightest.

Crosas is availible and should play and he should play with S.Brown , our most consistent performer this season.

Its a shame for S.Brown , trying to have a good season while running a midfield on his own while frequent passengers pose as team mates , namely Hartley , Robson , Nakamura. All of whom are woefully off form.

We played our best football this season with Maloney and Crosas in the team along with S.Brown and McGeady.

I'll say it again , Barry Robson and Paul Hartley , whilst they have all the heart in the world , they're simply not good enough for our first team. Their SPL cluggers and thats why were at that level.

TootingTim - I agree with you. Lennoxtown is a state of the art training complex, not a steamie.

I wouldn't expect my boss to have much to say to me either if I wasn't, for whatever reason, actually working.

Peter Grant- Im not into denouncing people as Rangers fans but you're being incredibly negative about the team.

The teams poor, we all know that. But we need to support the team louder than ever before. It only needs one decent win to kick-start a season.

I have no idea what the term 'hunposter' means but does it refer to peter grant?

By TootingTim on February 26, 2009 12:49 PM

First and foremost I am fully aware that this is a football club and not a Creche...

Your Question (What does Strachan have to say to Donati)..

I would have thought an explanation for dropping him for one and also advise on what he is doing wrong and more importantly what he has to do to be in contention again....Simple man-mgmt I would have thought...

Give credit where it's due Bhoys. The Huns were I agree absolutely mince to watch but were hard to beat all the same. Why is it not enough to say we were better than them instead of saying we beat shite! There are too many of us, oh so ready to put the boot in!

As for the BB's statistics from the last thread, more often than not is the case that poor coaching and actual talent spotting is the major factor, how often do we hear of youngsters that were offloaded at an early age then come back with a bang after being with someone who believed in them?

As for Sat, Gord please, please, let the Bhoys play and run up a score.

4-0 to the CELTS.

Donati I hope is the last of a very poor cycle in recruitment. Which has been evident since PL took up the reigns. I have serious reservations about our new direction as I have seen no evidence of it so far under WGS. To start to embark on this new philosophy now is just spin as far as I am concerned.

I think the way the support has been informed about this new direction and how these decisions are made and the conclusions that they come too fills me with dread.

If Team 1 had evolved into Team 2 3 years later then I might not be so critical but there has been an unacceptable amount of waste with regards failed targets and poor recruits by a team that are unaccountable and make policy up on the hoof.

I fear that our recent increased European exposure is going to take a hammering.

If we dont beat St. Mirren and Rangers win at the weekend. Then the weekend headlines with some justification will be that of a washed up team.

Hail Hail

I think we shall regain the top again this weekend,
and stay there to the finish.I agree with paul,
that this current team seems to respond to pressure.
Vmhan..another day not angry,
and this weekend Celtic will take my lead,
only fist will do!
Going to Dundalk on Sunday to run my eye over the reserves,
looking forward to seeing the future charges in action.
we love you,we love you,we love you,
and thats the way we like it,
cause we support the Celtic,the Celtic,the Celtic,
and thats the way we like it,wooooooooh,wooooooooh.
Its to late for money talk,for new signings,get behind
what we have and help them over the line..
positiveCSC.

SwanseaBhoy - Carlsberg don't do hunposters, but if they did.... :)

PS - I shamelessly stole that joke about the orange walk from a guy who was posting on here yesterday.

Paul67,

I'd like to hear your take on this.

Why do the written press write/publish about us being in talks with eg Mark Janko, Eliseuo, Shikabala (excuse my mis-spelling).

To what purpose does it serve?

Is it purely to sell papers coz people buy one paper consistently no matter what the other paper says.

Is it to stir the hornets nest?

Are there any truths in any of the 3 being close to signing.

Personally I wouldnt believe any of it because I'm sure the wheelers, dealers and contract makers at Celtic have 3 players for every position needed filled and its just a question of working through the list until someone and their club says OK.

tojo

monthetic

I'm not into calling people Hunposter's/Imposter's for fear of using the term just because I disagree with another Celtic fan's view.

But if 'Peter Grant' is a Celtic fan then I'm Catherine Zeta Jones.

SwanseaBhoy

Jamiebhoy,

I agree but can I add that it isny gonny happen.

I wish our remaining 12 games were all away from home. The away fans support our team by the fact they sing 90+ minutes without pause.

I don't go to away games.
I am part of the problem (although I have tried).

The home fans support by sitting on their hands, grumping, oooofffing and ooahhing at every mistake. Celtic Park only gets going if we score in the first ten minutes, it raises a little bit if we score again soon after (for a while) then abaits as expectation of victory sets in. The only thing that seems to get the juices going with the fans is going behind (hopefully early on) when they are then backed through to the last 10 mins when restless natives arrive and remonstrate vigourously with every touch of the ball unless we have drawn back level or went ahead in the game.

The vast majority of home fans just arrive, expect, leave and complain.

I love CL nights (Allbog was a disappointment) due to the fan factor and if we could only raise a quarter of that belief and anticipation for SPL games then we would fair better on the park as well as off the park. An atmospheric paradise would bring the best out of the under performing players. OK, maybe it shouldn't make a difference but it does.

The vast majority of fans look at you with disdain if you stand up never mind try to start a song. You get insane looks of derrision.

Then you get TGB & TJB who try to orchestrate an atmosphere only to find they are fragmented in pockets around the stadium and unable to get anything going properly, unless at a cup game against lower div teams and find the stadium half empty allowing them to get together in one area.

Anyway this started as a one sentence reply, so I am going to stop now as i could go on and on and on...

I think you get my drift though.

MWDbringbackTheJungleNo7.CSC

P.S. to all the English language anal retentive posters who complain of bad grammer and spelling out there. You will have found a few mistakes in my above post. Please note they were not intentional and were due to my lack of intelligence and the fact I have too much to say and too little time to say it. Can you please all get over yourselves. Thanks. :o)

hoops1990, luck happens when a referee gives you a goal, but not so commonly on the football field as you suggest.

Three in a row – last season against a Uefa Cup finalist, and twice reaching the last 16 of the CL, if you think this is all about luck you are doing Gordon a great disservice.

Sheany, lots of reasons why we are so poor, but how much more money do we need to spend to have a better recent record than Hamilton?

KingKevofKevdonia, Celtic have not been to the brink of failure year after year. They have been written off by people who should have known better year after year, but failure does not happen in August.

Success was well established by midway through both of his first two seasons and European success in his first two CL group campaigns.

I am not disputing the current issues, but we have to give credit where due.

Monthetic, thanks.

Tojo, I suspect it is exclusively to sell players. Celtic will assess dozens of players befor the next window closes; there is no such thing as news about any of them at the moment.

SwanseaBhoy - "Imposter" is one of those words we just don't hear enought of in real life these days.

It always makes me want to leap to my feet and shout "seize him!" to my imaginary henchmen.

By tamrabam on February 26, 2009 12:10 PM

I think the answer to that requires a thesis on what makes someone likeable.

Off the top of my head "like" able means identifying self with. Someone we would like to be like.

Short of stature, ginger hair and a public manner that some find off putting because in the public arena, sometimes hostile, his intent is to put folk (usually journalists) off.

Not particularly likeable attributes!

We all know folk that without the benefit of knowing well we make judgments about, maybe sub conscious ones, but on whom getting to know better we change our mind.

It is probbaly significant in that respect that when the real GS stood up at Tommy Burns death, many attitudes towards him changed because for the first time in public he opened the door on his public persona and let us in, and lo and behold he is not what many judged.

Likeability probably covers a lot more than that. It is different from love, we can love someone, usually family, but not like them.

Love is for the inner person we believe to be there, like or not liking is for the image they project through their behaviour.

At the risk of this becoming a sermon its the old adage love the sinner hate the sin.

If that were easy GS name would be ringing around CP.

It is really a reflection on our understanding of what love is.

Teaching us that is for me a work in progress for everyone.

Cath, do you have a phone no?

vmhan Hail Hail

notoneofthepeepil,

I agree that Sno is a better option than the misfiring Donati and I thought the lad had a lot of promise. But read my reply to buddy holly for the point I was making.

You have voiced your opinion all season on WGS and his captain but I remain in full support.

I also expect/hope for a great display and an abundance of goals this weekend but I am going to suggest to you, and all of like mind, that we refrain from such outbursts against the team (individuals or otherwise). We are putting forward the motion of unity as we push on for 4IAR and need all to get behind the team.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS (repeat until appropriate levels of belief are restored)....you might be saying that all day I fear ;-)

Hail Hail

By derbyshirebhoy on February 26, 2009 12:54 PM

Derbyshirebhoy

Donati has been directly quoted as saying : "I felt like I was dead after the Barcelona game. We don't communicate very much. I am the kind of player who likes to do his talking on the pitch. I won't be knocking on the manager's door or anything like that."

For the record I do not pay any attention to paper talk but direct quotes make me sit up and take notice...

With regards to prospective signings, 2 very disappointing tx windows have led me to the "believe it when i see it camp".

I read the story about the Egyptian player and it went along the lines of us leaving it too late.

Just how can that happen?

You get 2 fixed periods of tx windows over the summer close season and in Jan, how could we have left it too late?

Ditto Stephen Fletcher (although I'm glad we dodged that bullet).

We're either making big gestures to show that we are serious players, or just not very good. Either of those 2 doesn't reflect well on the people who conduct our transfers.

I too believe WGS has done a cracking job, his record is excellent. The problem is I don't think his past success is sustainable. The writing is on the wall - poor team selection, poor transfer record, team lacking (seemingly) motivation and the fans on a downer.
The menu needs changing - after May and hopefully with 2 cups and the SPL again.
Onwards to 4IAR.

vmhan

If I was CZJ I wouldn't give you my number. I'd spend all day looking down my own top.

Hope that doesn't get me my first deleted post.

SwanseaBhoy

Moonbeams wet dream - "P.S. to all the English language anal retentive posters who complain of bad grammer"

Or grammar, even? :)

Mort,
Lansdowne is a private stadium owned by the IRFU. Mc Manus was going to sponsor what would have been a public facility. He has also put tens of millions into Limerick GAA rebuilding the stadium, sponsoring teams and paying for managers. If DD doesn't want to be questioned/second guessed he should not have got involved in a football club. I appreciate our business model but it seems a tad crazy its the little guys at the bottom who have no money who have to pay for everything when the rich guys are sitting in the leather seats and keeping their hands in their pockets. Maybe it's the socialist in me!

Regarding GS. He has signed duds yes but look at Mourinho, Sir Awex, Benitez, Wenger and MON's last few years here. They wasted countless millions on duds. It happens, it's football. Two of our most recent duds came from Real Madrid and AC Milan, not exactly poor sides are they? When MON had little money to spend he signed nothing but duds, Sylla, Fernandez, Hedman, Laursen. GS has done his best but as I have said I feel he'd do a lot better with an extra few bob. Maybe that's the capitalist in me!

GreenOakTree,

me too and MON no less - ask his lawyer.

I presume that those posters that ask for a unified battle cry for support of the team on a virtual Internet forum on a Thursday afternoon with no game until Saturday are in reality screaming positive support from beginning to end while in attendance at Celtic Park

Hail Hail

Coorslad.....Thats good that yir back on track amigo.

I wasn't overly keen on yir angryman persona and glad to see him oot the door.

Enjoy Dundalk with wee Caolan on Sunday.

We love you and that is why we follow, cause we support the Celtic.......cause......thats the way uh uh uh uh we like it uh uh uh uh.

vmhan Hail Hail

Moonbeams: The home atmosphere is very poor and, as a season ticket holder who goes home hoarse after every home game (from singing not criticising!), I am in the minority of vocal supporters at home games. If we raised the atmosphere like we do in Ch Lg games we might see a response from the team.

Therein lies the problem: should the team give us something to sing about or should we give the team something to play for. I think it is a bit of both although the team have to make the first move (that is what they're paid handsomely for). The home fans have not been great this season and I just wish that people would get a bit more involved in encouraging from the stands.

One of the most irritating experiences I had this season was at the CIS Semi. The guys in front of me moaned the whole game "That's terrible Celtic" being their catchphrase of choice. Eventually my brother shouted at him to stop it and support the team. He said he was supporting the team but my brother reminded him that this involved more than just turning up at the stadium. Cue bedlam when McDonald's penalty went in and my and my brothers yelled "That's terrible Celtic!!" while jumping around. He just stood up and left.

With supporters like that it is easy to see why Celtic Park is a library at weekends. Yes the team should be playing better and it may be difficult for some to get motivated to cheer on recent performances. But if you really want the team to win from the pit of your stomach then stand up and be counted on Saturday. If we can shake AC Milan's confidence then we can do the same for St Mirren.

Craiginho
BattlecryCSC

GreenOakTree

Donati does his talking on the pitch, except when it he is crying to the papers :)

I don't think Swalex and Beckham talked much after golden balls married posh, but it never harmed his time on the pitch, but I never heard beckham crying to the papers about it.

Coorslad,
If you want a decent watering hole in D'Town try the Bar Tender on Park St. Not a football bar but it only does World beers not the run of the mill largers. Fine European largers to remind you of Euro away days!

Big Liam,

I firmly believe that Crosas (who is not available - he has tweaked his hamstring, i believe) is by far the best ball player we have at the club - and when fit should play EVERY game.

Whether thats with Brown, Robson, Hartley - I dont really care. Scott does lose the ball needlessly 10 yards from the 18 yard box tho.

I also think Darren O'Dea has never put a foot wrong (apart from playing left back at Ibrox a while back) but in Gordons eyes is not available to start.

My biggest bug bare (or is it bear) is Bobo. I still feel the big lad was IDEAL for Scottish football. After all he only did what the Celtic Captain does now - HIT IT THE WAY HE'S FACING. alas his time has gone.

When you ask Gordon Strachan a direct question eg Why is Bobo not playing these days. He gives you a direct answer.

He's not available for selection.

I picked my words very carefully Liam - its the words Gordon uses when, for one reason or another (sometimes personal reasons), answering awkward questions.

tojo - hoping that makes sense.

Well the closer we get to Saturday the more half-full my glass becomes but it is yet a fragile confidence. We need a right good performance and some goals to get this monkey (7 point lead squandered) off our backs...

Not seen Donati's whines but not really interested either. He hasn't produced the candy, end of.

On faces from the recent past. I liked Telfer. 'Does what it says on the tin' kind of player who far from disgraced himself in his twilight spell in hoops. Also liked Sno and thought he could well develop into the real deal. What's happened to him since he left - anyone know how he's faring?

Once again dear friends its got to be Crosas. Add in a bit of Hutchinson and keep a bit of McCourt and Mizuno in reserve.

Skippy hat-trick anyone????

I guess it must be happy clapper afternoon.

The whiff of optimism is overhwhelming? The cup brimeth over with jubilation and joy for us the 2nd placed team in the SPL who have an aim to attain the level of consistency of the mighty Hamilton Accies.

What has changed in the last few days may I ask to cause such optimism? Has Henke returned or Sutton or even The Maestro himself?

We've seena articles from Paul heavily criticising team selection with scott brown being the scapegoat and then the 3 imobiles up front not able to hit a coo on the erchie with a barn door?

I'll have 2 pint of whever all you happy clappers are having cos I'd love to share your unfazed belief that all in the garden of celtic is rosy.

Sorry to put a less than chirpy post in but as far as I can see it's the same manager who couldn't put a winning team out these past few weeks that is about to bamboozle us all again with odd team selection this weekend. Will Caldwell be playing up front to accomodate Boruc at centre back to accomodate Loovens in goal?? Who knows?

NotconvincedCSC

D'oh - just seen Tojo's sad news...

I'm beginning to notice a trend, in the build up to a match the blog is swamped with well wishers, the happy guys, which of course is how it should be, then in the aftermath of another ropey display they disappear like snow off a dyke and the mineshafters get the run of the place - until the next match build up. More of a vicious circle than atrend, which I would dearly love to smash to pieces, we really need a win this Saturday and if offered 1 nil now I'd bite your hand off.

By savo01 on February 26, 2009 1:19 PM

He'll have his son with him, can you get children in? he's 12yrs old.

vmhan

SavoO1 cheers pal,will give it a go.

Craiginho - "The guys in front of me moaned the whole game "That's terrible Celtic" being their catchphrase of choice."

They need a better catchphrase.

How about "Ho ho ho, Four in a Row!" ?

Or even "It's good, but it's not right..." ?

If its a day kick off i'd say yes. The main Celtic bar is called Cheers but it's not the nicest place on God's green one without wishing to sound to rude.

West Wales Celt ,

Who has been producing the candy for us recently ?

notoneofthepeepil on February 26, 2009 1:18 PM

NotOne
I am not for one minute suggesting that going to the papers is the right thing to do...I take the absolute opposite view and condemn it totaly....

I do not care a jot what happens at Man U, My only concern is Celtic FC.

I think that most people on here agree that there is something missing at the momment and I am merely suggesting that bad man-mgmt could be a factor...

Well that me away back to work.

Top o the league on Sat.

Toodaloo the noo.

Vmhan Hail Hail

VMHAN thats were the gift of the gab comes into play.
He would get in were a draft woun't

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo - If I may interject, I don't know who has been producing the candy lately, but I hope he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good.

Paul67 -

With respect, I DID expect to overhaul a 12 point deficit with only seven games left, mainly because two of the games were at home to the darnel and, collectively, a 'twelve-pointer'.

Although the task this season looks easier it may actually be more difficult as they have the remaining home fixture.

I still expect to win the league.

WG

This coming weekend we need to play players who have even a little bit of form even if it is in the reserves, Hutchison, Crosas, Flood McCourt should play and Nakamura, JVOH, Samaras and Brown who haven't been able to do it for the last few months should be dropped, you went half measures with team formation last week gordon, this week go the whole hog!

Put Mcgeady out on the right hand side

savo01 - do you expect all share holders to put in cash on a like for like basis then? Aside from the fact that he owns more shares than anybody else why is he treated differently to the other owners of large chunks of shares? I never hear people crying for them to put some money in.

auld heid
a good definition etc of likable and so on.but regardless of his personality qualities,
if WGS really is the best since Jock Stein, then I would have imagined that his army of fans would chant his name.
We all know WGS has his detractors
We all know he has his fans
why dont his fans ever sing about him?
Still curious

Paul67

A fair description of Gordon's reign.

One question, you previously suggested it was time for Gordon to go yourself, things then changed and we won the league. Can we expect, should we lose the league, to hear a similar call from you?

Philvis: It's fast and furious in the ready money round! Or is that too much of a reference to the January transfer window?

Craiginho
Roy Walker CSC

Deja vu time again.

Yes, that time of year when M'well throw a apnner in our works and cries of Stachan "MUST" go echo around the websites.

Oh well, as the saying goes, night is darkest just before the dawn and I thought the following report on a match last Saturday may put some perspective on how some of us perceive our situation:-

Weymouth 0 Rushden & Diamonds 9

Digest and discuss.

weeminger,
because he's the one on the pitch when we win the League and happy to talk to the camera's, have a chapter in the fishal biography given over to him. if you don't want the flack stay out of the limelight. how many interviews have you heard with Abramovich? And yes the fans like myself who are shareholders are putting money into the club? How much does Dermot pay for his replica kits/channel67 subscription/ celtic membership?

philvisreturns

Is that taken from the garbage man by Homer Simpson ? ;-)

The Gate In The Wood …………..continueth

RBS, That Wishaw

B: I’m thinking of going home for the weekend, Catriona. It’s time I put mum and dad in the picture. In pictura est puella magna. Puella magna est Boynita. Preggers magna est Boynita.

C: I didn’t know you could speak Italian, Boyn

B: It’s Latin, Feles

C: I must say I’m deeply impressed,Boyn. Winston is obviously ..er… rubbing off on you.

B: Oh, aye. I’ve heard more from Julius Caesar than I have from Winst this week. So much for him getting in touch after his spell as a hermit.

C: He’s probably catching up with his pals, regaling them with stories of how he conned the abbot out a flagon of mead.

B: That’s the very point, Cat. His priorities in life don’t include me. I’m on the periphery, at the extremity of his needful things panorama.

C: I’m sure he’ll be in touch soon but I think a trip back home will do you the world of good. Play hard-to-get for a while and perhaps he’ll come to his senses.

B: Good idea, I’ve a long weekend and it’s been a while. A wee bit of R&R will do me and the triplets the world of good. Not that I expect to see much of dad. I believe he’ll be watching Rangers on Saturday and he then has a high-powered business lunch on Sunday, some planning meeting with a referee, Donald McDougall. The name mean anything to you Cat ?

C: Yes, he’s in the same clique as Curry McMichael, Murray Malcolm and Dougal Stuart, all handshakes and pre-filled yellow cards

B: Interesting, Cat, most interesting

TBC

Awe-Naw -

An interesting and challenging question compadre.

Skippy's Curly Whirly has faded to a Kit Kat (but its still chocolate). Cauldwell continues to provide Maltesers. Naylor's come up with a few penny chews of late but beyond that its been a very starchy fare...

I hate Gordon Strachan, he is wee (all celtic managers should be 6 foot 8), he doesn't come out and slag off the team to the press like all the great managers (err Harry Redknapp), he is nasty to the press who only want to see celtic do well, he can't buy a player like Martin O Neil could (eg Juninho, Fernandez etc) he keeps winning titles, oh and he doesn't make the players clean behind their ears.

You are a disgrace Gordon.

sarcasmisstillaformofwitCSC

My team for sat -

..........Boruc

Hinkel Caldwell O'Dea Naylor

McGeady Flood Crosas McCourt

....Hutchinson McDonald

7-1 THE HOOPS!!

The rest of the season starts on Saturday.

The next few weeks is a crucial test for our treble ambitions. A good win against St Mirren is needed to get back on track for the challenges of four games away from Celtic Park in three competitions.

I hope we get a fast start on Saturday and and early goal. In recent times the players need to lift the crowd rather than the other way around. A good attacking performance capped with a few goals would give confidence as well as lift the spirits before we head to the Quiz!

By tamrabam on February 26, 2009 1:31 PM

Perhaps his persona puts him in a debit position? Big Jock was not exactly full of bon homie but his teams played good winning football.
GS teams play winning football and that puts the account in balance but not credit?

They i.e persona, performance, results all play their part in the judgement folk make imo.

By philvisreturns on February 26, 2009 1:14 PM

I am standing up, pointing at you and laughing my heid aff.

yes someone just had too.

HOOK LINE SINKER. :o)

ZetaBhoy, us HappyClappers are always here! Until this team fails we will be in fine voice.

BTW this team is NOT currently failing, merely faltering. I'm sure we'll pick up and push on towards the title starting with a rampant win against St Mirren. We are only 2nd by goal difference, not by 7pts! This league is ours to win or lose and our support is paramount in the success.

Hail Hail

tamrabam

it's very rare that fans will sing songs about a manager. Granted we did sign about Martin O'Neill but I can't remember any songs about Josef Venglos, Wim Jansen, Tommy Burns (as manager), Billy McNeill, Davie Hay etc.

I propose we start on Saturday with

There's only one Gordon Strachan

Hail Hail

Mort

we will be top by 5pm Saturday.

win the rest of our games.

four in a row.

Ulster-Celt

Moonbeams, he may have got the hook n line but surely he'd have had to question whether 'anal retentive' wouldn't be better as 'anally retentive' to be awarded sinker as well?

Rioskorrie

Terrific bit of perspective. I was particularly impressed that the York fans chipped in to get a bus so the Weymouth fans could get to the game.

Think we'll maybe do the same for EdU and his pals next season?

WWC

you get the sinker, splash and gurggle urggle. :o)

savo01 - I doubt he has any of those things. He's paid for the right to talk to the cameras by buying the shares and guaranteeing minimum investment levels for share issues.

I'm not trying to get directly at you, but you brought him up. As I say it's not so much the fact that people continuously call for him to stick some more money in, but that they never add "and John Keane and Christopher Trainer could stick in a few hundred thousand each as well".

Paul,
Interesting article as usual, however I am slightly concerned that you state that "This Celtic team need to be under pressure before they deliver".
Am I alone in thinking that if such a situation were true then that is a failing of the management system or style of management. Surely a good team can perform under pressure or equally well when no pressure is on them, I would have thought when there was no pressure on, then there is an opportunity for going at teams and entertaining and winning at the same time.

For some time now I have felt that some of our players are operating in a comfort zone. Certain players keep there places irrespective of performance, some when they get a chance to shine and cement a starting place do not take it. Is that because they know the team will be changed in certain positions whether they perform or not, I really do not know but it is a concern all the same.

Confused and Concerned CSC

Paul67

Not sure if you plan an article on the UCL but i heard them saying last night Real adrid have not made the last 8 in 4 seasons.

Also, Sporting Lisbon were hammered 5-0 at home

It puts last 16 into perspective.

On the same note tho, Panathinikos get a score draw away from home at Villareal

Our aim to get to last 8 looks virtually impossible, look at the teams going out in the last 16 (probably)

Lyon, Juventus, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Roma

Can we realistically be aiming to compete with them?

tamrabam @ 1:31 PM

"why dont his fans ever sing about him?"

Its got to be peer pressure, intimidation, fear of a doing, plain old fear. With all due respect tam regardless of what you think of our manager he is not the most popular person at Celtic right now, I'm not saying thats right or wrong, just IMO an accurate observation.

NB maybe they sing about him when they're having a bath:-)

Moonbeams - cheers, comforted by that. Meritocracy after all...

Mort
im not so sure about that because, i can easily recall fans singing about billy McNeill (probably wouldnt get away with that song nowadays but thats a whole different thread!)
certainly recall the fans singing about davie hay as well
and definetely Tommy Burns as well.
MON chants were also plentiful.

im still curious, i dont purport to support the wee man myself but he does appear to have a lot of online backers, but they are strangely silent on match days, I wonder why?

Rioskorrie

Thanks a lot for that. I was watching Soccer Saturday on Sky a bit on Saturday and that scoreline stuck out but after the match I thought nothing else about it. Reading the post you provided was heart wrenching as I remember how perilously close we came to a similar situation.

A story like that needs much greater publicity and it brings home what a football club means to some people. We are so lucky that not only do we still have our wonderful club to support but that they are doing not too bad for themselves at the minute.

We've rarely had it so good.

Hail Hail

Mort

Paul67

It's an interesting analysis of the manager to describe him as "permanently written off", and based on the various opinions regarding Gordon, you are correct.

It's a paradox wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a mystery with a big green question mark over it that I shall leave to the more intelligent to hypothesise why this is the case.

Dismal performances, a scattergun and on balance unsuccessful transfer policy (my own defintion of that is simply better players who consistently make a positive impact in the first team over a reasonable period of time), embarrassing defeats, an apparent "out of touch" approach to interviews and ultimately regression in the face of a poor foe.

All this against 3 in a row, last 16 of the CL and in his fourth season still in with a shout of a domestic treble.

Go figure!?!

What I would say is that this season is the turning point. Regardless of the rights, wrongs and whatevers, the undisputed fact is that the manager divides the fans. This spectre has haunted his stewardship since day one.

For the sake of our collective mental health and to at least create a platform for the focus of Celtic Postive Energies (which when we do this, we are untouchable), there is only one conclusion to make. Gordon Strachan has to go in the summer, regardless.

And if we fail to do anything next year under new leadership, then I told you so.. ;-)

Mon the Hooops

"H"

tamrabam

I will try to start a few Gordon songs on Saturday but I daresay I'll not get too far.

Who knows why people don't sing songs about managers or players for that matter. What does the Scott McDonald song go like?

Mort

The famous quote from Jock Stein keeps coming to mind lately.

"Inter played right into our hands; it's so sad to see such gifted players shackled by a system that restricts their freedom to think and to act. Our fans would never accept that sort of sterile approach."

I wonder what Jock thought the fans would do about it if they found the football unacceptable.

I have an ominous feeling that many thousands of season tickets will remain unsold next year.

Rioskorrie :- I read your post with interest as I had noticed last week that the bookie had suspended payouts on the Weymouth game, that's the first time I've seen that.
It's a sad situation as although they may only have a small fanbase each fan loves his club just as much as we do ours.

Just as an aside, to those that do the charity fixed odds each week, have you ever thought on trying non league teams, I've found them to be a wee bit better in trying to judge as web sites and local knowledge can give a good clue as to how a team is playing and knowledge of individul players. In the bigger teams this is more often kept quiet but can make the difference when deciding on a bet.

Clare's Bhoy @ 1.43 - sincerely hope your faith is well founded.

I was watching Celtic TV earlier whilst reading through the blog and there was a 5minute clip of action from various games. Scott Brown was prevailent in evey one of the clips and I thought it was a wee 5minute focus on him. Transpires it was actually the Goal of the Month competition...the man deserves a break from his detractors as he is doing not too badly at all. Take note notoneofthepeepil.

Hail Hail

Peter Lawwell's ability to stoke up interest in season tickets appears to know no bounds. Yesterday he was able to get an agent to suggest that he was interested in signing Marc Janko from Salzburg.

If that wasn't enough, he now has a team mate suggesting we were interested in signing Janko and Bodnar himself.

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

From SkySports:

Red Bull Salzburg defender Laszlo Bodnar has claimed that Celtic were interested in securing his services during the January transfer window.

The Hungarian has been in fine form this season but there has been speculation about his future with his Salzburg contract set to expire in the summer.

Reports in the Austrian press suggest Celtic wanted to sign him and Bodnar says they became aware of him whilst checking on team-mate Marc Janko.

Salzburg refused to let Bodnar go but the 30-year-old admits he could leave the club when the transfer window reopens.

"Originally Celtic wanted to sign our goal machine Marc Janko but on the games they scouted him I did great too," Bodnar told www.origo.hu.

"I scored a goal and gave assists so they became interested in me too. They made an approach to Salzburg in order to sign me but the Austrian officials stated there's no amount of money they would sell me or Janko.

"But I don't think that the story is over because I know they will make contact again this summer again.

"The club didn't want to sell us because Salzburg want to win the Austrian Bundesliga. My bosses told me that they'll let me go this summer for free if I want but in January I'm not for sale at any price."

Extension
Bodnar is enjoying life at Salzburg and plans to speak to club officials about the possibility of signing a new deal.

He said: "If I stay here I won't be disappointed because I feel good here. I could adapt easily, I enjoy football and Salzburg want me to stay too.

"We're planning to sit together about the possible extension of my contract."

Bodnar added: "I'm happy that Celtic showed interest, it must be good to play football in Glasgow but there are other teams - with the chance to play in the Champions League - too which may offer me a contract.

"I admit that I'd love to play in a big club. I had a good half-a-year and I think I'll have the possibility to take this chance."

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

As the campaign to entice Season Book renewals cranks up a step tomorrow Messi will reveal that he is willing to take a pay cut in order to fulfill his dream of playing for Celtic.

Hail Hail

Mort

On the lack of songs for Gordy. Several possibles:

1) He had the misfortune of following a manager who was deified by the support.

2) He's not an ex-Celt or Irish and played rather well for the sheep.

3) The football product hasn't been as good as the results imply giving rise to a fluctuating dissonance of the cognition.

4) This generation are far too interested in singing about politics - the wee blighters!!!

5) He rarely gives us a wave?

6) People don't take Southampton seriously enough (except Le God of course), we're more Leicester kinda fholk

7) An FA cup final loss does not a League Cup (English) win make

Jilted John.

Savo

It's ironic that the only real criticism I have of DD is quite the opposite of yours.

Fergus spread out the ownership in an attempt to prevent the club ever being controlled again by a small number of people.

Many of us bought in to that. Can't beat a bit of democracy in yer footie.

DD underwrote the most recent share issue. It was oversubscribed by £3 Million - £15 Million was offered, and £18 Million subscribed. Of that, £8 Million was DD, and £10 Million the rest of the world.

DD was given preference over the rest of us, being alloted his full subscription, well in excess of his pro rata entitlement, and consequently increasing his stake in the club from 29.9% to 42% (and damned cheaply at that!!).

The club's constitution was ammended to permit him to do this without triggering stock market takeover rules.

So while you're busy doing him down for putting too little into the club, here's me giving him a hard time for putting too much in.

Poor fella canny win.

Clare's Bhoy

That didn't go without notice in our house too.

Hail Hail

Mort

I see C3PO has been given the league cup final to referee

Im stuck in the middle of criticising WGS and supporting the team.

Is it possible to be a happy clapping mineshafter? ;)

'H' - that's not especially provocative (see 'taxi').

I think your 'paradox wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a mystery with a big green question mark' fits neatly with the fluctuating dissonance of the cognition which arises when good results do not equate to football product and are subject to mini slumps and the odd out an out stinker.

There, not tricky to get your head round really ;-)

shouldhestayorshouldhegonowCSC

Thanks Bunnet - I couldn't remember what his overall holding had gone up to (nor could I be bothered looking, lazy). It's the fact that there are other investors that themselves own chunks of around 10% (ie a quarter of DDs) and we never call on them to open the purse strings, after all they could all afford it too.

Surprised at the number of posters expecting 1) wholesale changes, and 2) a goalfest on Saturday. There's not much precedent, this season at least, for either.

Since St Mirren came back up to the spl, we've struggled to defeat them, home & away.

I expect a 2-1 victory, and a reliance on the usual faces - maybe one of our young guns will make an appearance, but I doubt WGS would risk more than one surprise change in the current climate.

estadio,
no problem i have known big dommy all my life. and of course his cousin john mghee oh and his bro eddie,just letting you know that i know who you are on about...my round!i will be in the granite after the game.

JungleBhoyJr @ 2.16 - I suspect that's where the majority of Celtic fans are right now.

With all the talk about Gordon Strachan's merits, weaknesses, future etc. I have wondered often lately about the effect that the likes of Paul Le Guen would have on our support if he was to become manager at Celtic Park...........

Paul,

I'm sure you could do a whole article on "Performance under Pressure." There have been lots of examples over the past three seasons of Celtic performing under pressure, going a goal down or being 12 pts back with seven games to go etc etc. I have even found myself saying when we are playing at nil nil or 1-1, "we need them (opposition) to score before we'll get the finger out!"

I hope we're up for the fight this year, as I feel the title this year is more important than the first three.

gsu

luckybhoy

He'd have to win at least 3-in-a-row to get accepted.

Mort

The comment that made me laugh was the one about DD being allowed to enjoy 'the sweat of his brow'. He's a capitalist. They don't sweat they perspire!!!

Andreas Hinkel, the Celtic defender, has compared the controversial Fir Park pitch to a piece of wasteland from a Brazilian favela (shanty town). The Germany player believes that no professional game should be staged on a surface as bad as Motherwell's threadbare home ground.

Hinkel revealed yesterday that he has rarely set foot on anything as poor as the Lanarkshire club's pitch, which was blamed for helping to topple Celtic from pole position in the Clydesdale Premier League on Sunday. “In my time as a professional, it's in my top three worst pitches,” the right-back said. “I find it incredible that you can be asked to play professional football at this level on a pitch like that.

“I remember playing for Germany under-21s on a bad one in Bosnia. When we walked on to it [Fir Park] before the game, it was just sand. It was like a beach and so bobbly.

“I have never been to that part of the world, but for me it was probably like playing in a Brazilian favela. I have nothing against the favelas but it was like playing street football. I felt we played well when you take the conditions into consideration.”

Celtic's 1-1 draw at Motherwell saw them hand the leadership of the Premier League to Rangers, on goal difference, but Hinkel is convinced that the champions can regain their momentum. “We did not beat Motherwell but our football was good and we played as a team,” he said. “Rangers are top now but let's see what happens over the next 12 games.”

Gordon Strachan, the Celtic manager, believes that this season's title will be won with the lowest points total for years. Rangers and Celtic are locked on 57 points, having already failed to win in more than a third of their 26 games so far. Both halves of the Old Firm have dropped points in nine league games each.

“I think the points total will be really low this season,” Strachan said. “It is going to be a good challenge between now and the end of the season. People have complained about the overall standard of football, and I understand that, but it is a real championship race now.”

Heard from an infallible source that Gordon Strachan is to become the new Celtic manager! He will have to go some to be accepted after the efforts of Blessed Martin. I think we will need to win the SPL every year and reach the last 16 of the CL a couple of times for him to be appreciated.

Paul, Talking of pre seasons..

Ironically this year´s pre-season was significantly better than Gordon´s previous years , yet no one was expecting the lame performance against St Mirren the last time the teams met in Glasgow in the season opener. So in some ways this is as good a game as any to get our ar&@$ into gear and monkeys off our backs !! We need to win it by two clear goals if any kind of comeback is to be mounted.

“Rangers are top now but let's see what happens over the next 12 games.”
Let`s all adopt the pragmatism of Andreas Hinkel

Mort

I suppose I was being a wee bit facetious. It was perhaps romantic of me to think that we were different from our 'friends' on the south side in EVERY respect. Certainly we carry ourselves and support our club in a better way than the orcs ever will, and I am certainly not likening ourselves to them in that respect. The truth however is that our manager has never been accepted by a sizeable chunk of our supporters since day one. I honestly don't know Gordon Strachan's religous beliefs, and have no interest in them. It used to enrage me when the press (I thought) were making up stories about GS not being accepted because he wasn't Celtic 'minded'. A lot of the criticism aimed at GS just now can be justified - a lot of it can't. I was being naughty bringing PLG's name in to the mix but I honestly do wonder if he would be getting the same treatment as our current manager if he had delivered the success GS has.

rimtimtim 2.43

we probably need a 2 clear goal lead so that we dont end up dropping points. 1 goal is seldom enough for us nowadays

West Wales Celt

Ha! Touche! A good explanation but I remain dazed and confused!

Does this mean he should stay or go?

Mon the Hoops

"H"

Ayrtim@1;49pm
Good points.
Pauls assertion that this Celtic team has to be under pressure to deliver.
Why? Are they not mentally prepared by our coaching staff in all aspects of playing football for Celtic?
The adversity thing is strange considering many on here blame the negative atmosphere at home games for our teams poor performances.This doesn't tally with the better in adversity theory.
When motherwell equalised last week i failed to see a stellar response to an adverse circumstance
Coach and teams heads went down as soon as goal went in.No substitutes or tactical adjustments just a meek acceptance.

Riot Survivor

Remember the year of Craig Bellamy at Celtic when we beat Gers at Ibrox. Bellamy could not wait for his day to play in an Old Firm game, shot out of the blocks and scored a tremendous goal.

We were all on a high and on a five points lead with as many games left to play. We thought the title was in the bag, but we all know what happened.

The improvement in the playing surfaces will suit our lightweight creative players and we are definitely very much still in the title race after all we all need a contest.

very impressed with Paddy McCourt on Celtic TV last night looking lean and fit and showing his creative skills. His languid unfussy style reminds me of Chris Sutton. Lets hope he stays healthy and ready to win his place in the first team squad.

Craig Bellamy also had a couple of gilt edged chances to kill the game off versus motherwell...

fan-a-tic @ 2:53 PM said..
When motherwell equalised last week i failed to see a stellar response to an adverse circumstance
Coach and teams heads went down as soon as goal went in.No substitutes or tactical adjustments just a meek acceptance.

If M'well had equalised against us around the 80th minute mark over the last couple of seasons, we would have driven forward, swept them aside & won the game. The last minute goals have dried up, and the players aren't showing the same refusal to accept a draw or defeat.

I don't know where this attitude has been misplaced, but we have got to get it back.

lucky boy 3.02

ah but that was back in the days when celtic made chances in a game

tamrabam

touche....however we would have won the league if CB's finishing had been better.

luckbhoy.@2;46pm
I would like to state for the record that i do not like Gordon Strachan as Celtic coach.
I don't know who he supported,personal habits or his religion.DON'T CARE.
But i do know the type of football and footballers he has playing for Celtic.In my opinion they are substandard and i do care.
Unworkable tactics and boring ,turgid football are what he serves up on a consistent basis and i DO CARE that we are way short of the sum of our parts.
Hope this clears up my reasons for not liking Gordon Strachan and saves me from future innuendo

Ed Ursus 14:01

I've tried the Highland League to see if I can make untold fixed odds wealth. Sadly (thus dfar) to no avail.

Usually something like a dog on the pitch at Inverurie, snow at Rothes or an outbraek of foot n' mouth (amongst the participants) at Brora have foiled my carefully calculated plans.

What happened about all that nonsense o1bhoy kept posting: "The 19th"? What was all that about?

fan-a-tic

My post was a general statement and not directed at you, I was making a valid comment that a sizeable chunk of our support haven't liked or supported Gordon Strachan since he was named manager. If you had read my original post it stated that I had been wondering for a while how our support would have reacted to PLG as manager.

I hope this clarifies what I was trying to say, however I would take issue with a couple of things from your retort;

"But i do know the type of football and footballers he has playing for Celtic.In my opinion they are substandard and i do care."

How you can possibly call the likes of Nakamura and Boruc substandard is beyond me. Full Stop.

"Unworkable tactics and boring ,turgid football ..."

Valid points possibly about turgid football certainly but "unworkable tactics" - I must have been dreaming when I visited Milan and Barcelona in the LAST 16 of the Champions League.

The Battered Bunnet/weeminger,
I appreciate what DD has done I really do and you are right about the share issue but that was what 4/5 years ago now. Have we stopped buying jerseys/season tickets since then. As I say I am happy we are a well run club but what is painfully evident is that we do need some extra investment and have done so since last summer. It's all a bit too much like 2005 repeating itself. I have said here before we should be on for 9 in a row right now, not 4. If we loose this season's league I will blame the board not GS. Maybe I am wrong to point the finger at DD but he is the major shareholder and public face of the shareholders. I do not believe it is wrong to ask a little more from him

sav01
You must know DD means "Donegal Danny" here!

FANATIC: it's oft been said on here, "can you guys come up with name who you think would do better" and then fall on your sword when it goes wrong? I think Wee Gord is going to be here for the long term, regardless of our position at the end of the season - it will be 1st. If the recent strategy of signing all these very good young players is part of his policy then I'm sure he'll want to see it through? Yes I do also want to see that first 20 mins against Hibs on a more prolonged basis and still live in hope we'll come good.

yes Danny put your money in you Scrooge!

westwales,
that was at the weekend - he's ok now i believe.

no panic needed.

i'm guessing he'll play on saturday.

tojo

luckybhoy,

that seems a long time ago.

And the spectacular fall from grace this season where we finished last in the CL group has not gone unnoticed but unaddressed certainly and no amount of tub thumping is going to disguise this fact.

Hail Hail

in an earlier post some 1 said why should dermot desmond give any money, i tell you why he is the major shareholder a celtic fan [i guess]im sure there is a way for him to lend us money with out interest that way he wont be giving it away, i know if i was as wealthy as him i would, after all as i said it would only be a loan,can some one on here say why he cant do this?

luckbhoy
What retort?
I never singled out individual players but i could give you a far larger list than those 2 who are unfit to wear the hoops
I have stated on here that SBrown ,Naka,Mcgeady,Boruc, are all excellent,Its the majority that are poor.
On tactics glad you omit this seasons hapless tactical displays in the Champions league and our brilliant domestic run since December.

billyimatim
I believe any coach with the ability to point his team in the direction of opponents net would be an improvement.
WGS on here has suggested Van Gaal.He would be a huge improvement.

By Dobbo on February 25, 2009 11:26 PM
good shout on v.kadlec,potentially a great player.
do you play fm09 on the of chance?

billyimatim & FAn_a-Tic,

can we stop referring to "His" signings or "His" policy as its a misnomer.

Hail Hail

danny_1888

Just like every loan (even interest friendly ones) they need to be paid back.

danny_1888,

cos he does not want too.

Hail Hail

AWE NAW
Would you prefer i say him and Peter's?Or just the boards?
Can,t blame them for onfield tactics?

It now looks a real possibility that two EPL clubs could yet again contest the final of the Champions Lge without an Englishman kicking a ball on either team. They still try to tell us down south that this makes no difference to the quality of their international teams.

I still like Mr Strachan and I still think he will win the title, I dont know howmany times the Mr Strachan haters can repeat their views and expect us to think its a new perspective/argument every time, its the same old drivel regurgitated at every opportunity, its becoming and has been a mantra for some, its effect is to try and convince people who are/were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that the haters opinion is a fact. If you've said your piece on the matter why keep repeating it, who are you trying to convince? do you have alterior motives? do you work for a rag?
We know on this site that there are plenty of interlopers with agenda's, for me the anti-strachan bandwagon is the most destructive to date, its constantly pushed along by some diehards, and gathers momentum every time theres a slump in form. To read some of it youd think we had not won the title, in fact become mid table finishers since his arrival.

Fan-a-tic,

If playing Barry Robson at left back is necessary cos we dont have a back up and that ends up dictating tactics and style of play then yes they are culpable as well

what about "our" ?

HAil Hail

Savo, Danny, anyone else that's interested

It's an issue of self respect. This is our club. The club thrives in direct proportion to the money WE invest.

For those who want someone else to buy success for their club, go support Man City.

Personally, I'd have prefered Fergus' legacy to have been a 'club' model, on the lines of some of the Spanish clubs.

As it is though, anyone who wants to take a share a of Celtic can do so anytime. 40p today. Fill yer boots.

AWE NAW: That's why I put a question mark at teh end of the sentence regarding Policy.

Awe Naw
Duly noted.
Our is perfect.

canalamar
Was not trying to convince anyone.
Never used the word hate.
Have no alterior motive.
Don't work for a rag.
Merely trying to give my reason's without some on here using innuendo as to why.

The shortlist:

Louis Van Gaal (Top Target for Me)
Ottmar Hitzfeld
Manuel Pellegrini
Roy Hodgson
Steve Bruce
David Moyes
Steve Clarke
Roberto Martinez
Michael Laudrup

Team for Saturday

Flush goalie

Caldwell

Mizuno Flood Crossas McGeady

Naka McCourt

Samaras Skippy JVOH Hutchinson

billyimatim,

fairy enuff I think his consistent quotes regarding recruitment policy can leave no doubt that he is allowed input into the process. Like you I think he will stick around unless the team collapses between now and April.

fan-a-tic,
so why do you bring it up at every opportunity, hardly a day goes past without your view on the manager, we know your view, who are you trying to convince?? you've said your piece whats the point of continuing to repeat it, IMO it makes your motives questionable.

the treble will have to do

hail hail

WGS

Is this like your infamous transfer targets, none of which ever sign?

Back the Manager. Let him do his job.

Hail Hail

Mort

fan-a-tic,
the statement was directed at all the anti-strachan haters not you in particular, but do you really think the word hate needs to be uttered for hate to be interpreted ??

the treble will have to do

hail hail

WGS

What guarantee do any of those fellas on your shortlist have for matching your namesakes three season record with the club ?

Whay criteria do you use for producing a further shortlist in their respective reign ? We should let them know at the interview stage.

"Dear applicant. Some fans wanted the previous jobholder sacked after winning three consecutive leagues and unprecedented progression in the CL, all within a tighter transfer budget. How do you feel about that ?"

"What do you mean you're not interested anymore ? What was that about a poison chalice ?"

"Next"

Watch you wish for csc

Big Wavy

Paul 67

My non Celtic supporting friends (who have no axe to grind) can identify our problems. Weak defending, aimless long balls, poor retention of ball in mid field, mis-firing strikers (puttting it mildly)and an overall lack of any entertainment. These comments have been based on them watching televised matches thia season. The question in my opinion is - who is responsible! I don't think crossing our fingers and saying 'eyes on the prize' will work. Just being honest. Only so many times rational people can go to the well of blind faith.
I really don't believe all this info on possible transfers that has come out just when the support is feeling really low!

WGS

The Shortlist:

The Most Succesful Celtic Manager since Jock Stein (Top Target For Me)

End of Shortlist

SwanseaBhoy

canalamar
I post every day?

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. canamalar.

Bravo! Bravissimo,Buddy Bhoy!

You sure said a bucketful of uncommon common sense~

The Strachan Detractors, if truth be told, are Unquietly, the Purveyors of Rubbish and Insanity!( A wee bit Harsh,milord.. a trifle strong..ed)( Yer right,pally... forget the Rubbish!)

They always, without fail.. parade out the Facts.. which,uncommonly enough are FACTUALLY CORRECT..in the form of a list of Mr.Strachan's Sterling Accomplishments.. Three League Championships, Two Cups.. etc.. and then..

Then. .they.. again withoot fail..

Inform us to..Ignore those pre eminent accomplishments that they just quoted..

And..

Provide us with their intellectually flawed, conclusion..

That ... In spite, of what they have jist told us,concerning the successes of oor Presesnt Manager..

That .. He is oor Manager.. but is a MOST INADEQUATE ONE~

Those Critics of Balderdash.. proceed to destroy their own solid observations re the Object of their hatred.. yes hatred.. that term is not too strong... by claiming that Mr.Strachan's Success was a Lucky one.. as the opposition was weakly weak and insipid.

Say What?

When wiz the last time, some courageous Sports Writer claimed that ..."Yes, Tiger won the Green Jaiket.. but, his opponents all had a off day, the day!"

Of Course, his opponents hid an off day, to day..

Because, Tiger was Superior to them...

Da!

Those Culprits, who vend their ridicule on these sacred Pages,venting their nonsense regarding our auspicious Manager, should take a good long look at themselves.

We are Celtic Fans, thru and thru.. etc. etc.

And... If those guys do qualify.. although, in that I hae ma Doots...

They should at least wait until the Party is over..

Afore they Extinguish the Lights!

As I said at the beginning,Pal..

You hiv goat their Number and it is a Negative wan, awright.

Kojo.
yer pal.. who thinks yer great.

big wavy

Good questions.

What would the answer be if one of those on the 'shortlist' asked:

After three seasons, what will I need to have achieved to be regarded a success given that three titles, two cups and two CL last 16 places is such a catastrophic failure on the part of WGS who I'm replacing'?

SwanseaBhoy

The guy who sits behind me in Section 106 in the Jungle moans the whole way through the game. Every game. He thinks we are terrible. Every game. I applaud every good move throughout the whole game. Every game.I think we are a lot better than many SEEM to think. Every game. He is there every week. I am there every week. We are both Celtic Supporters.

TakesallsortsCSC

big wavy 4.24
There is no guarantee that any next tic boss will win the league
there is no guarantees that rangers will still be skint
there is no guarantees that the board will give any new tic boss cash
there is no guarantees full stop.

but if rangers continue to pay less wages there is a higher likelihood we will win
and if rangers continue to buy lesser players again there is a higher likelihood that we will win
and if CFC splash the cash the likehood is higher again
but no guarantees

Let's cut to the chase.

What If we dont win the league, what are we to do?
Go and support someone else?
Of course not.

I support Celtic. Managers, players and even board members will come and go but I'll always have Celtic because I was fortunate enough to have the privilage of being born into the Celtic family.

I'd much rather be a losing Celtic supporter than a winning rangers supporter.

fan-a-tic,
excuse me :oD, but as you likely know, I ment, every day you post.

the treble will have to do

hail hail

fan-a-tic on February 26, 2009 3:48 PM

I have no intention/inclination to get involved in a prolonged debate with you. I will however ask you not to move the goalposts when you discussing issues.

Your initial post (3.08 PM) stated;

would like to state for the record that i do not like Gordon Strachan as Celtic coach.
I don't know who he supported,personal habits or his religion.DON'T CARE.
But i do know the type of football and footballers he has playing for Celtic.In my opinion they are substandard and i do care.
Unworkable tactics and boring ,turgid football are what he serves up on a consistent basis and i DO CARE that we are way short of the sum of our parts.
Hope this clears up my reasons for not liking Gordon Strachan and saves me from future innuendo

Correct me if I'm wrong but what I commented on was lines 6 & 7. You make no reference other than to say that "But i do know the type of football and footballers he has playing for Celtic.In my opinion they are substandard and i do care." and "Unworkable tactics...."

To your statement/direct quote I responded by saying;
How you can possibly call the likes of Nakamura and Boruc substandard is beyond me. Full Stop.

and

Valid points possibly about turgid football certainly but "unworkable tactics" - I must have been dreaming when I visited Milan and Barcelona in the LAST 16 of the Champions League.

Straight forward opinions to YOUR post.

As a footnote can I just add that I do not 'do' innuendo. If I want to pass comment on someone's post I lend my name to it - ALWAYS.

Enjoy your evening.

TBWTWTE -

easy tiger

WinninGemmell

so how exactly is wgs the most successful maanger since JS
three in a row?

That stat in isolation hides a lot of factors

there is/was a stat on scot prem that the goalkeeper with the most successive shutouts in the SPL was Rab Douglas (I think it was seven conseq shutouts) now i cant really argue with the stat- its true- but i dont think big rab was celtics most successful goalie either.

Same old same old! Surely we should have moved on from the doubts that have raised there heads in each of the last few seasons. We should not be in this position however here we are once again. Thankfully those past doubts proved to be unfounded and hopefully once again they will do so again, starting on Saturday.

Lets blow away the cobwebs and put on a show, a dour, edgy 1-0 win will do, but to get the confidence restored lets get them humped.

tamrabam

Yip. Three in a row and relative European Success.

Who do you think was more successful than Gordon Strachan since Mr Stein and why?

SwanseaBhoy

Paul67
Well said.

The Gaffer for three years has been the best in Scotland.
What I know as a moral certainty is.....
This season he will do his best again.
That's good enough for me....to wait and see.

Keep Rollin Ghordon.....

I for one think many celtic supporters have very poor memories,when MON left celtic, we had a very small pool of costly ageing players. His remit was to reduce the wage bill increase the squad size and still win honours,no easy task as he had no Henrik Larrson and I question how many top managers would have been will ing to take on this role but to his credit he took it on.He now has a much younger pool of players who are mostly internationalists,he has cleared out the ageing high cost players with the exception of Bobo where his hands where tied.He has won 3 SPL Championships and is in the hunt for a fouth,he has taken us to the last 16 of europes premier tournement twice,the club are in the league cup final and have a good chance of reaching a second final and are also making profits.However,we dont play football the Celtic way,well ive sat at Parkhead on many a Saturday and wondered why MON bothered with midfielders as we continuely punted the ball from back to front we were very fortunate at that time to have Henrik.Mon also made some signings that just didnt happen for example Juninho.I am not having a go at MON as he is a proven quality manager as I also believe Gordon Strachan is.We are supposed to be the best supporters in the world, I suggest many on this site do not know the meaning of the word supporter and should look it up in the Oxford dictionary.I will stand up and say im a Celtic support who wants Gordon to stay and continue his good work as every period of poor form will pass and his record is exceptional and all the nonsense its only because Rangers are so poor( so poor they were in a european final last year).We have a first class manager wake up before its to late and you drive the guy out because you think hes not Celtic minded. May your day be blessed.

luckybhoy
Where did i move the goalposts?
Seems to me that you attributed words to me that i did not say.
Where did i say in my original post that Naka and Boruc where substandard?

kojo,
how the hell are you?
this lenteen sobriety is kicking in too early, after only one day, I'm finding reasoned arguments a dawdel and I'm not sure if I like it :OD

canamalar who still has loads of respect for kojo

the treble will have to do

hail hail

swansea bhoy
do you really want to open up the mon/wgs argument?
anyway im leaving the office now.

i guess european success is
ac milan and man utd at home- great victories...

Tamrabam,

So who was, in your opinion, the best manager since Jock, and why ?

I suspect the answer will be subjective (and why not) but the stat for our current boss is based on an irrefutable fact that he's gone where no manager since Jock has gone before in both Europe and successive league titles.

Big Wavy

p.s Big Rab was honking. Subjective I know and certainly not a fact.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear, friends,...

Swansea Bhoy and Big Wavy..

And ... A Big Loud Bravissimo to you two good lads. as Well!

Both of You.. earn the Golden Scimitar.. for destroying the Specious Accusations, that have bin unfairly and DISHONESTLY, directed against our Great Manager by the Merchants of Gloom.

You Two Gents.. have well earned... a Tip of the Sombrero.. from me... to you.

Kojo.
yer pal..who thinks both of ye.. are swell Compadres.

bhoybhoywalter

Your friends are correct.

I do not thnk it it disloyal to ask questions about the teams present predicament. Anyone can see the performances have been disjointed, inconsistent, lacking in comittement, bewlderingly lack lustre etc. I sat in the North Stand and watched Aberdeen and Hamilton pass us off the pitch - and passing and ball retention is supposed to be our forte - at least thats what we're told, and what the players are supposed to be practising so much in training. These are not the only sides to do this to us this year.

I'm not concerned about the lack of signings in January. For the past two years I've read on these boards about how superior a squad we have. I don't see it myself but when you read it time after time you start to believe it. If we've such a superior squad there is precious little evidence. And if we've a superior squad either the players don't care and aren't working hard enough - or the management team can't make them. After all we're now behind an allegedly inferior Rangers side.Either way there's a lot of work to do.

For the first time in over forty years following Celtic I feel I'm being played. This talk of transfers has all the hallmarks of a PR exercise. I don't go for it anymore.

All this won't stop me roaring my team on. Its my team - regardless of manager, players and boardroom. The fans are the only consistent. We'll always be there. But we - on these boards - should be allowed to question without rancour.

An Lorgain

father tim
quick point
wgs has accumulated enough dross on the wage bill to easily match Bobos cost

for eaxample
donati 4 million transfer fee plus about a million a season= 6 million

and theres more.

or is this when the history books get rewritten and we find out he only cost 2 and 6 old shllings

im really leaving the office now honest

tamrabam

I don't want to open up any argument.

I think Gordon Strachan's record stands favourable comparison to Martin O'Neill's (who I hero worshipped incidentally).

To deliver three titles in three attempts and the relative success he has in Europe gives him the best record of any Celtic Manager since Jock Stein to my mind.

If people take a contrary view that is their right.

SwanseaBhoy

Father Tim
Your post above and your post last night (?) .... Both welcome blasts of fresh air. Agree with everything you have written.

PJ who has to get back to the classroom....

Kojo

I (still) Love You.

SwanseaBhoy
xxx

GreenOakTree at 1.11pm

Let me simply say that personal direct experience clarified for me that nothing printed in a newspaper is to be read without a significant dose of cynicism as your constant companion. Consider what the purpose of the article is? Who is it designed to benefit or who is it designed to harm?

tamrabam

Show me where you know he cost £4m and is on £1m a year. I'm pretty sure you'll find the actual fee paid was less than £3m and wages will probably only be known to him, his agent and Celtic staff.

I know you are going out but I'll check back later to see your evidence.

Hail Hail

Mort

Lad's

Last 16 and three in a row. No argument by me on that. But please don't spout this to beat anybody that raises the question that maybe GS has taken us as far as he can.

We got lucky last year big time and never took the warning. The team has declined for me, it's the same as last year. Numbers not quality has been added year in year out with Gordon in charge. People will bang on about his budget or lack of but when you add it up, we could he have got have add better players for the budget and wages available? Could we have purchased better? I believe so. Rather than do our scouting on players that might play well against us in the SPL, we should have broaden out horizons a bit better.

Issues that have ben lingering for a while, going on two years with the team have not or rather than, have been point blank stonewalled by the manager. A left back, a dominant centre half that can defend, buying players for positions and not playing them. Buying players then deciding because he never done this or that, i won't play them regardless. Taking the hump with people he's bought and paid good money for and jettonising them and playing players regardless of poor form etc.. rather than giving someone else a chance to prove themselves.

I seen this blog on meltdown over the past week because of such things and also because we know we are struggling big time now and the team is starting to get shown what we have forseen ages ago, but by winning has blinkered people.

So WGS, the answer to my conundrum on your list of hopefuls is :

"Dear candidate, when you have reached season four and remain in all three domestic competitions, second by virtue of goal difference, with a treble very much to play for, it will be perceived by our support that you've taken us as far as you can"

If this is as far as he can, can I stay here please ?

Big Wavy

Lets not forget that Rangers Uefa cup finalist were dumped out the CL by Kaunus.

I also think that its limited thinking to blanket label all Strachan dissenters as disliking him for not being Celtic minded.

It´s mainly the guff football that is on show and his complicity towards a board that sabotaged any momentum we had and that WGS created with regard CL ambition.

We were informed by WGS that we would have fitter faster football 3.5 years later and ... errrrm where is it ?

PL promised CL quality signings ... errrrm where are they ?

The Celtic support waited a long time to dine at the CL 2nd phase table .. the fact that we DID NOT WANT TO as a club build on that momentum was emotionally criminal ...how long have we waited to get there ?

As soon as we get there DD pulls us back because the level of spending needed to make the jump from last 16 to last 8 is too much for the Celtic board to contemplate

Leaving the support feeling like the bubble has bust and that the CL momentum was a lucky way to pay off the monetary mistakes of the MON era .... which was us flirting with possible EPL entry

PL talked about seamless transition when WGS took over .... we are downsizing big time and this decision has been made at at time we finally get a manager that took us to the last 16 of the CL. .... again emotionally criminal.

Lots of spin coming out of Celtic Park regardless of the trophies and the support can now smell it.

When Walter SMith was deemed a failure first time around it was because he couldn´t do it in Europe .... we wont even give our man a chance.

Hail Hail

This a very ordinary Celtic team. Won't argue about the stats. They are there and GS deserves credit for that record. Stats can be deceiving though and sometimes does not show what really goes on.

Let's be honest these are two ordinary teams going for the title, both Celtic and Rangers.

“The Celtic support waited a long time to dine at the CL 2nd phase table .. the fact that we DID NOT WANT TO as a club build on that momentum was emotionally criminal ...how long have we waited to get there ?”

Aw naw – How do you know that ? Why would the club want to pull back ? Surely the increased riches of the EPL and the credit crunch impacted our ability to size upwards without blowing our business model out of the water ?

“When Walter SMith was deemed a failure first time around it was because he couldn´t do it in Europe .... we wont even give our man a chance.”

Aw naw – Using the overspending bankrupt hun’s business model ? Please god no.

Big wavy

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend... Swansea Bhoy.

Well, thanks.. Pard... ( In a deep Voice!)

Nothing wrang wi' that admission frae you,pal.. Naething, at awe,at awe!
,
I like it! I like it!

Kojo.
yer pal.. who thinks yer swell.

WGS

4:51
Are you new to the blog?
Class criticism, mate. I don’t say I agree with everything you have already said above but that is all truth. I could write my own additions to your post but it’s not necessary. I hope Celtic started searching for the new players for Summer. When Summer comes they must have good plan.
Tonight I'll be watching Lech for example.

... and to your post at 5:0
"Let's be honest these are two ordinary teams going for the title, both Celtic and Rangers".
Celtic is ordinary better, Rangers are ordinary.

Can I just say that all the guys standing up for Gordon, that would be canalamar, Kojo, etc etc, in my opinion, are making an assumption that Gordon is not doing any long term damage to Celtic - and remember guys thats who we all support - Celtic - not Gordon - by the manner in which he is currently managing our club. That is one heck of an assumption. Clearly everybody hopes you are right and everything turns out fine, however the manner in which we have been playing over the last 10 games or so, coupled with some of the guys he's signed this season, and I'm not talking about the youngsters, suggests the guys who come on here to express reservations about Gordon, have just cause for concern

Big Wavy,

Good point, very good point. But as i say stats are decieving. Rangers are just as bad. If our ambition is to just to do enough ahead of Ranegrs then fine.

I tend to think our ambition is far greater than that. But then again maybe it isn't, and fans like myself should lower our expectations and get used to getting draws against Inverness, hammerings from Aberdeen. Entering the CL to make up the numbers and sit freezing my nuts off wondering how the my love of football from the team i support is diminishing.

Even going through the 90's growing up my love never dimished as it has just now. I was always the optimist. At least when we got beaten, the opposition keeper was made to work for his wages. I could sit and watch the highlights and go, aagh what if. Now i go, i wish this would just finish and put us out of our misery. I was excited when i heard GS at the start and his "vision" even when we struggling i was convinced it would get good. I'm still waiting and this team is far off his vision than Team 1 was.

WGS

I can't understand your comments.

"But please don't spout this to beat anybody that raises the question that maybe GS has taken us as far as he can".

Surely he can take us to 4 in a row?

"Rather than do our scouting on players that might play well against us in the SPL, we should have broaden out horizons a bit better".

Have we not signed many players from outside the SPL, including promising young players recently?

"People will bang on about his budget or lack of but when you add it up, we could he have got have add better players for the budget and wages available? Could we have purchased better? I believe so".

You believe so based on what? What are your qualifications and experience of recruiting professional footballers? If the answer is the same as mine would be - none, then it's just a fans opinion.

"but by winning has blinkered people".

Pardon?

"Stats can be deceiving though and sometimes does not show what really goes on".

What really goes on? What really goes on is that Gordon Strachan achieves our (or at least my) number one objective - delivering the title.

You posted yesterday to the effect that you were no longer going to build your hopes up on new signings until you seen them in the Hoops for fear of disapointment. I'd resectfully suggest you do the same with new Managers.

SwanseaBhoy

Tooting Tim said @12:41 :

Nearly got that but not quite. Scotland lie 10th in the pertinent table (if memory serves) and have done for quite a while. Top 12 nations get to send their champions straight to group stages.

Nearly, remember the final euro co-effs at the end of the season 2007/2008 had scotland in 10 th place, this means the winner of the SPL in season 2008/2009 enters the 2009/2010 CL group stages. The runner-up enter the Non champions Qualifying (NCQ), needing two rounds versus teams drawn from the top 15 euro leagues who are also non champions.

So, the final euro co-effs at the end of the season 2008/2009 will have scotland in 13 th place after being passed by ukraine, turkey and greece. This means the winner of the SPL in season 2009/2010 enters the 2010/2011 CL Champions Qualifying Round (CQ), needing two rounds against other champions drawn from the euro leagues places 13th and below. The runner-up enter the Non champions Qualifying (NCQ), needing two rounds versus teams drawn from the top 15 euro leagues who are also non champions.

Hence, the SPL 2009/2010 winners is NOT gauranteed a group CL place. To get 12th spot in the euro league co-effs, will need more than scotlands club performance from this year. In the main this requires each team scotland enters to at least play to THEIR CLUB co-efficient.

Taking this year as an example, ignoring logic and favouring co-efficients, Celtic SHOULD have finished at worst 3rd in the CL group and had a UEFA cup run. Rangers SHOULD have qualified for the CL and finished at worst 3rd in the CL group, then had a UEFA cup run. Queen of the SOUTH SHOULD have reached UEFA Round1. Motherwell were automatically in UEFA round1, but did not progress further.

This on balance is why for scotland to remain in the top12 countries it needs most years for 2 teams to reach beyond christmas, as this is what the other euro leagues ranked about 10-12 do, i.e. this year ukraine have 3, turkey have 1 and greece have 2 still in today, some might be out tomorrow!

All knowledge courtesy of the most excellent site ...
http://www.xs4all.nl/~kassiesa/bert/uefa/

buddy

big wavy,

you have an abominable habit of trying to put words into peoples mouths it´s very unbecoming please refrain and behave yourself.

Thanks

Tell me what this business plan is ?

and additionally how it has been adhered too these last few years. I´m pretty sure that I would be able to ask questions where the answers would make it look like an obvious fairy tale ?

Hail Hail

By Once Upon a Tim on February 26, 2009 5:10 PM

If a 100% record in delivering Championships = Long Term Damage then bring it on.

How much damage will he have done by the time he deliveres 10 in a row?

I despair.

SwanseaBhoy

Swanseabhoy,

Your posts are great. I'm feeling very attracted to you. Is that wrong ?

Happy clappers love-in csc

Big Wavy

big wavy

I have eyes only for my beloved Kojo.

However, what he doesn't know won't hurt him.

You're place or mine?

SwanseaBhoy

Sorry playing catch up, going back to why don't we hear Gordon's name at the games,

I have some thoughts, however, thats for another day!

At the rangers game the noise level went up, when the celticminded.com flag dropped from the top tier with a picture of gordon on it.

I was glad to finally see that.

By fan-a-tic on February 26, 2009 4:42 PM

This is getting a trifle tedious. Here is YOUR direct quotes taken from YOUR post;

By fan-a-tic on February 26, 2009 3:08 PM
luckbhoy.@2;46pm
I would like to state for the record that i do not like Gordon Strachan as Celtic coach.
I don't know who he supported,personal habits or his religion.DON'T CARE.
But i do know the type of football and footballers he has playing for Celtic.In my opinion they are substandard and i do care.
Unworkable tactics and boring ,turgid football are what he serves up on a consistent basis and i DO CARE that we are way short of the sum of our parts.
Hope this clears up my reasons for not liking Gordon Strachan and saves me from future innuendo

Now I agree with you that you didn't say that Nakamura and Boruc were substandard, however your actual words make inference that they are. You didn't make any exceptions to YOUR words/statement/opinion, if you had then I wouldn't have passed comment.

Enjoy your evening.

falkirkbhoy ,

There´s only one Gordon Strachan
why does he not get any backing?
not from the support
or from the board
Walking in a Strachn wonderland ?

Howzat ?

“Tell me what this business plan is ?”

Aw Naw - Try to bring success to the club and live within our means at the same time. We can’t compete with an increasing array of external factors (i.e EPL lunacy, eastern European oligarchs, regulation on bringing in non-EU players) so must open up affordable channels to make money and exploit the current weaknesses (i.e pinch a youngster and sell him on to the madmen mentioned above at some point). Throw in the odd experienced player (if they’ll come and accept our wage cap) and try and progress the football agenda. Some you win and some you lose (transfer wise)

“and additionally how it has been adhered too these last few years. I´m pretty sure that I would be able to ask questions where the answers would make it look like an obvious fairy tale ?”

Aw Naw - Think we’ve got a fairly savvy bunch running our club who make decisions at odds with the populist stance of the average fan. They want success but need to make informed choices. We’ve reduced our burden on players wages (post MON), sought good, young overseas talent and kept a winning formula on the pitch (not exactly on the attractive footie front I grant).

Don’t know if that answers you but that’s what I think you asked….

Big Wavy

“Tell me what this business plan is ?”

Aw Naw - Try to bring success to the club and live within our means at the same time. We can’t compete with an increasing array of external factors (i.e EPL lunacy, eastern European oligarchs, regulation on bringing in non-EU players) so must open up affordable channels to make money and exploit the current weaknesses (i.e pinch a youngster and sell him on to the madmen mentioned above at some point). Throw in the odd experienced player (if they’ll come and accept our wage cap) and try and progress the football agenda. Some you win and some you lose (transfer wise)

“and additionally how it has been adhered too these last few years. I´m pretty sure that I would be able to ask questions where the answers would make it look like an obvious fairy tale ?”

Aw Naw - Think we’ve got a fairly savvy bunch running our club who make decisions at odds with the populist stance of the average fan. They want success but need to make informed choices. We’ve reduced our burden on players wages (post MON), sought good, young overseas talent and kept a winning formula on the pitch (not exactly on the attractive footie front I grant).

Don’t know if that answers you but that’s what I think you asked….

Big Wavy

ANNAOAN

That doesn't rhyme.

A fine day to be catching the big Iron Bird, without a doubt.

Anyway Tontine Tim mentioned yesterday that Toronto's Ice hockey team used to be called St Pat's and wore Green and white.
See here for full post

Toronto St Pats

Well, beggar me if I wasn't strolling up Yonge Street today cursing the burden of the backpack when I chanced upon a shop qualintly entitled "the sports shop" and there it was in the window.

The green and white Ice Hockey Jersey with the name 'Toronto St Pat's' emblazoned across it's manly chest!

I got a picture, but will post it later when I get better facilities than this free wifi sitting outside a 'Rodgers Telecoms" shop.

By the way, have done a full and totally biased review of all the sports retailers across Canada based upon Celtic Stock versus 'their stock'.

Now it could have been that the blue and white meanies' gear sells like snide parfum on London's oxford street, but my questions to the assistants suggested that they didn't even know who I was referring to!

Whereas, not only the brilliantly effervescent Celtic First team shirts were as prominent as daffodils in Spring, butt so were the skip caps, training tops and casual gear.

I will do a full analysis later, but for the moment we can safely say that the Bears' gadarine rush for world domination unfortnately sank without trace somewhere in the mid Atlantic and is now grubbing around the bottom in search of the key to Davy Jones' locker.

Hail Hail

Must fly (literally)

Estadio

By The Battered Bunnet on February 26, 2009 2:07 PM
That is what DD stands for

Damned if he does, Damned if he does'nt. :0)

Cracking match on ESPN Classic right now. Man Utd v Spurs with our Manager playing.

Bring us home to Four in a row Gordon

ONWARDS WITH GORDON STRACHAN!

Big Wavy,

The MON years raised expectations on the back of a foolishly calculated hope that we would get an EPL invite.

WGS has done the business on a backdrop of a weakened Rangers over the last three years (Eck ,PLG, and then Watty) nobody can deny that. That what the history books will state.

The recruitment process that has been performed since MON left has been very poor and very expensive... and that is the main reason why we are drawing back ... a lack of confidence from within with our operators in the transfer market.

I think we have a savvy bunch too .. anybody that can get themselves into a job where they are unaccountable is doing well

... just winning the SPL by the skin of our teeth after a three year plan and with what we spend ?????? I´m unimpressed

Btw I´m not convinced that DD is either .. especially after last summers transfer negotiations

I always argued and I was right that what Souness done anybody could have done. Spend enough money and win the SPL

Its Europe where we need to be making our mark. Do you know why ? Its the only place we can make money.

You think we are getting to coin a phrase "a good bang for our buck" ?

I´mm all for tub thumping before after and during a game ....but on a debating forum ???

Paul,

Dont want to infer too much from your comment but does your "one more time" imply "one last time"?

As I've said here before I think WGS will go in the summer of his own volition.

I'm not asking you to answer on the basis of any "knowledge" but merely your personal opinion.

I agree that it seems to be part of the make up of the team that they need to be under pressure , maybe even underdogs to really perform.

It used to be , IMO , that the same could be said of the fans.

I hope its still true although I worry that many of the post-RFC nine in row younger fans havent experienced enough of it to really believe we can do it again.

No doubt in my mind we can but we need to start hitting form again and that must start Saturday.

YIC

TLWIO

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend... Once Upon A Tim

If .. as you have intimated in your last submission.. that.. The Fact that Gordon has had such a List of RESOUNDING SUCCESSES, over the COMPLETE PERIOD of his Tenancy..shall..

According to you,in your own woids...paraphrased, of course..

Lead to Culpable And lasting DAMAGE.. to Celtic in the Future..

Well.. Well.. Well..

I see that my description of The Strachan Detractors is an Accurate one.

You Guys, are.. not to put a fine point on it..

Stark, Raving,Mad..

And if I have possibly over stated my opinion in that respect..

I will tell you right now..

YOU DETRACTORS, HAVE DARN WELL EARNED THAT CONCLUSION FROM YOURS TRULY.

I repeat that hoary adage..

" ONE SIMPLY CANNOT ARGUS AGAINST SUCCESS!"

Mr. Strachan ,soitenly qualifies as being...

SUCCESS.. PERSONIFIED!

As regards the Future..

Who can tell..what is in Store?

Not, me.. nor you... The Big Lad, who lives Upstairs.. Diz..
and He is no talkin'!

So...

Let's do the sensible thing, pal..

And..

ENJOY THE PRESENT!

What do you think of that piece of Advice?

REVOLUTIONARY?

I do believe that a wholelotta Detractors of our Esteemed Leader would be somewhat shocked at such a ... well, Revolutionary... way of Conducting their thoughts.

Howevahhhhhhhhhhh..

I have no such qualms.

Fur ye see..

I Ayeways Live in the Present!

And.. believe me, so far..

I hiv enjoyed every minute of it... with wan or two set-backs, of course..

Which, by the way.. I ayeways try tae ignore..

Na...

Pal.. forget ...The Future..

Relax, kick back.. and toast yer Tootsies at the Blaze of Successes, that we hiv enjoyed .. as FANS over the Last

Oh... Nearly Four YEARS!

The Plot is still afoot..

The Band has no pit away its Instruments..

The Last Dance has still tae come.

And who knows?

Any of us, Might still hiv a chance tae Lumber that wee Blonde Frae Maryhill, afore the Lights go oot!

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes ye and respects yer opinions.. although.. Ah still think ye are worrying too much aboot .. the Shape o things Tae Come.

I am Strachan!

SwanseaBhoy @ 5.15

10 in a row - Gordon Strachan - thats one heck of an assumption. I've been supporting the bhoys for a long time now, managers come and go, even St Martin went, however Celtic will be here long after we've gone, and that's who I support, Celtic, not some here today gone tomorrow manager. If I suspect that someone is doing us harm, I'm concerned, and right now that's where I am with Gordon, the football he has us playing right now feeds that concern. You have blind faith support for Gordon but mine is for Celtic, hopefully we will both be celebrating at the end of the season.

Read over most of the posts today's and yesterdays and would like to put these question to CQNrs.

1 If the manager does go would you replace him with a manager on £100,000 per week plus his own coaching staff say another £150,000 per week?.

or

2 Get a lower class manager and pay a class signing £100,000 per week?.
Y I C.

Good article though it was needed to get me behind the manager.
I Have been all season although he can be frustrating at times with his selections he is the man for the job!
To those who still arent happy with Mr.Strachan: Tuff!! Hes our gaffer till the end lets get behind him!
Please Gord team for sat:

Boruc
Hinkel
Caldwell
O'Dea
Naylor
Naka
Brown
Crosas
McGeady
McDonald
Hutchinson

We're on the one road......to the league title!

ST

Kojo - thanks for the reply. Can I just pick you up on one thing "ENJOY THE PRESENT". We are presently trailing the bad guys and playing woefully, that is the cause for the current consternation. However, as you point out, who knows what the future will bring.

Father Tim, as reagrds Bobo in recent years still the only commanding centre half at the club, we cant win headers, he can but cant play. Our best defensive spells and the statistics back this came when he was in the side, (Man U first time) and following season. Lets not forget WGS has presided over a Celtic team that consistently couldnt keep a clean sheet, I remember at one stage was it a 20 plus game run without one?

Burdened??? well if being left with a centre back who wins headers and consistently ignoring him for a so called "great team-mate" who was almost away to Livingston, and well should have been is what you call burdened, then yes wgs was.

By Once Upon a Tim on February 26, 2009 5:52 PM

Blind Faith?

How?

My faith in our Manager, Mr Gordon Strachan, is based on his 100% success rate in delivering my number one priority - titles.

100% Success. Some damage that. Damage away Gordon, damage away.

Not Blind Faith.

Eyes Wide Open Faith.

SwanseaBhoy

Once upon a tim

"however Celtic will be here long after we've gone"

Not so sure about that one.

We went to the wall because the kelly´s and the whites bled us dry and had no vision for the future. From 1975 until 2002 our European ventures were sporadic.

After this seasons showing in the CL I was astounded of forehead to see us pulling back.... I predict that sporadic but ultimately poor European campaigns is what we will be witnessing.

I mention Walter Smith going the first time as I equate it with where we are now. A domestically successful manager that could do nothing in Europe and was pilloried by his support. Walter was jettisoned so that DA could come in and spend the big bucks cos the hun support had had enough.

That´s where we are now but we are saying to the support. Forget about any CL ambitions. We have no intention of investing in quality we are going to speculate

.... and so far their record with regards player recruitment and youth development is abysmal.

SAme old Same Old

By Estadio on February 26, 2009 12:58 PM
Masty (from previous thread).

Will probably be in the Brazen/Granite with Pat Duffy, John McGee or Big Sean.

The sign for Spenny was just before the return leg against Ajax.

Anyway, if you see Pat Duffy in there, I'll probably be with him.

*My God you've really hit the memory cells here, I worked with Pat on the high flats at Kirkton Avenue in 1967 just after we won the "Big Cup".

He probably disnae remember me but I was the wee sellick supporter fae Balloch who got blootered in a pub at Scotstounhill Station with him and Pat Malone the day after we beat the huns 3-1 in the League Cup at Parkheid in what the Big Mhan claimed at that time as his greatest victory, it was also the day after the western world found out who killed Kimble's wife.

Wisnae long married tae so that went down like a lead baloon.

Swanseabhoy @ 6.01pm

Mate - you are assuming that what has happened in the past will also happen in the future - and that I'm afraid is Blind Faith.

hoops1990

Two quickies.

Bobo will never play for Celtic again and nor should he. His basic wage costs us enough without adding the reported bonuses he would pick up.

If you are delivering the title each year as Mr Gordon Strachan has never failed to do for us, what is the importance of clean sheets?

SwanseaBhoy

Swansea,

Anybody would think your John Hartson with some of your words and choice of Blog name? Are you?

WGS

No.

SwanseaBhoy

WGS

in the run up to the last Glasgow Derby. BBJ campigned in his column in the Sun two things

1) That Robert Fleck was a guaranteed superstar of the future

2) That Gordon had to drop Artur Boruc

Now I know that these are ghost writers but you have to ask yourself does BBJ really need the money that badly ?

HAil Hail

By Once Upon a Tim on February 26, 2009 6:05 PM

I am making no such assumption.

My faith is based on Mr Gordon Strachan's record of outstanding achievement as Celtic Manager - unsurpassed in our recent history. Unsurpassed since the days of Mr Jock Stein.

SwanseaBhoy

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo

Robert Fleck wasn't even a superstar of the past....but we know what you meant.

Awe Naw at 6.04pm - when you look at it like that, we have more to worry about than who is going to win the SPL this year! I'm reasonably content with domestic success but I have a son who is not interested in the SPL, only what is happening in Europe, and based on this seasons Uefa campaign, we've got problems that wont go away overnight. However, one thing at a time, lets win the league first cause if we dont we may not have to worry about Europe.

Is anyone begining to get sick off the tit for tat comment in relation to WGS?

Father Tim's post of pro WGS comment I am sure was written with good intentions. However it has only stired up the whole debate once more. There is much within Father Tim's post that I disagree with. I choose however not to coment as the tit for tat is becoming tedious.

Now if you are a WGS's supporter or a WGS sceptic at this time it matters not a jot. We are Celtic we have a league to win and everyone from the tea lady through the managemnet to the fans we all need to do our jobs and get Celtic over the line to 4iar.

Now whatever the final out come win or lose the league we must change the manager at the end of the season, for the sake of unity if for nothing else.

Swanseabhoy @ 6.15

If that's how you see it fair enough, lets agree to disagree.

By Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 6:17 PM

What makes you think that sacking a 4 in a row Manager would unify the support?

I would be disgusted if this level of moral cowardice was shown by the Board to appease an ungrateful section of the support.

Now whatever the final out come win or lose the league we must NOT change the manager at the end of the season, for the sake of unity if for nothing else.

SwanseaBhoy

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear, Friend.. One Upon a Tim

A Big Thanks right back at ye,palomine.

Ye have taken my remarks like a Mensch( Is that a Zinger,bud?..ed)( Unruffle yer Hackles... Look it up~)

Tae continue...

Look, pal.. read this..

We are Even in Points with oor Hated Rivals..

Right?

So..

Noo we are BAITH... starting...

OVER!

It's a NOO DAY.. Baith, o' us ,hiv an equal chance tae tak the Prize.

Try tae imagine that?

Ah say ..

We hiv goat as guid a chance as the G.A. hiv... tae WEAR THE LAUREL LEAF GARLAND...

Ye canny beat that?

Right?

Well, that is how Ah look at things...ayeways.. ayeways...and.. ayeways..

I ayeways look at things and events as they... UR~

No, as they MIGHT TURN OOT.. as.. they hiv as guid a shot as Turning Oot tae MA AIN SATISFACTION, as they hiv tae the CONTRARY.

Right?

Ah AYEWAYS TRY..try tae....TELL IT AS IT IS!

As Ah hiv informed ye.. dozens of times, oan here..

NAEBUDDY.... KNOWS THE FUTURE..

So...

Let's pit away oor Worry Bag..and plank it somewhere, where ye wull nevah able tae find it again~

And..

GET RIGHT BEHIND THE CELTIC AND THE MANAGER.. AND PIERRE. AND DEMETRIOUS.. AND THE BOARD..

And Emulate.. The EBULLIENT HOOPY..

Yes, HOOPY!

Fur HOOPY IS AYEWAYS UPBEAT and CHEERY..

So he is a Darn Mascot.. But..

Ah wid prefer Hoopy's Upbeat Attitude regarding his EVER PRESENT, Enthusiasm, fur Celtic Success... anytime.

Tae a Bunch o' Downbeat.. No Hopers.. that, unfortunately, have bin in the MAJORITY on These Very Pages.. since.. Last Week.. and mebbe, even... LONGER~

STAND UP FUR THE CELTIC!

Kojo.
yer pal..who likes ye a loat..especially when ye proved tae me.. Ye ur a MENSCH~

And ye kin

SwanseaBhoy @ 6:05 PM

"If you are delivering the title each year as Mr Gordon Strachan has never failed to do for us, what is the importance of clean sheets"?

Is this a serious comment?

Do you think we are trying to make it harder for ouselves by conceding goals?

Ellbhoy, well said.

As I previously stated he will be our manager till the end of the season. There is no point discussing how good or how bad he is.
Lets keep the faith that he will get the job done like he did last season then we can all celebrate together when Four-In-A-Row is delivered!

ST

Ellbhoy 6:17
I was in agreement then you said this:

"Now whatever the final out come win or lose the league we must change the manager at the end of the season, for the sake of unity if for nothing else."

Unity? How so for those of us who want him to stay?

Confused.Tim

Ellbhoy

The late great Jock Stein's (no I'm not making any comparisons) philosophy was that providing you score more goals than your opponents you will win the game.

Seeing we are in the business of showing SPL opposition a massive amount of repsect and worry about them, rather concentrating on how we can hurt him. So who is Gordon going to worry about on Saturday from the opossition. Billy Mehmet, Jim Hamilton and Andy Dorman???

We'll the pitch will be good as it at CP. Will i play Marc, naw, i'll go with PH and Broonie. Paul's aright good team mate even although Marc will provide that spark and "knit" the team together.

Ehm.. Let me see, Jim Hamilton and Billy Mehmet. Good in the air, big bustling characters that will rough it up. Mick finds it difficult against them, everytime. Playing a bit dodgy the now.Ehm...., Naw forget it. Gary will cover him and i don't want it to be a sign of weakness that i drop my captain. In addition, Mick is a big likeable character.

SwanseaBhoy @ 6:23 PM

So you wouldn't support a new manager whoever it might be?

Ellbhoy 6:27
Deliberately obtuse?

By Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 6:24 PM

Deadly serious.

How many clean sheets did we keep last season?

I neither know nor care.

I do recall we kept a clean sheet against Kilmarnock on the first day of the season in a 0-0 draw. 1 point.

The following week we beat Falkirk 5-1. 3 points.

Which is better?

We won the title. That is all that matters in the end.

Gordon Strachan

No one knows his team but everyone know how his team will play.

My experience of football is that should be the other way round, and should increase the more money you spend on a set of players.

Under GS the exact opposite has happened.

I simply want to know what the 1st XI is, then it will be possible to identify where the gaps are, and if possible, money put aside to fill those gaps.

To win three leagues as GS has done proves he is a very lucky, than a very good manager. I would prefer a very good manager, myself.

JungleJim @ 6:25 PM

Can you remeber another time in our history when a manager so divided the fans?

No matter what you or I think about him the fact is the fans in general are split in half and have been if truth be told for a long time now.

For the sake of unity I would suspect if we brought in a new manager then all would get behind him.

It may not be right but it is just the reality as I see it.

WGS

I don't know where you got a copy of the team selection manual but your spot on.

Y I C

By Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 6:27 PM

Of course I would support a new Manager.

If the Board sacked our 4 in a row Manager I would be disgusted at THEIR moral cowardice. I would be disgsuted at the ungrateful section of the Celtic Support whose demands had brought about or superbly successful Manager's downfall.

I would not feel unity with that section of the support or with the Board.

My support for the new Manager would be unconditional. None of the forgoing would be his fault.

Nipping out to collect a pizza which is going cold at Pizza Hut - not ignoring anyone's replies and will be back on later to face the music.

SwanseaBhoy

Ellbhoy

If a Mark McGhee, Craig Levein, Willie McStay (names suggested by anti GS posters THIS week) was to take over the reins in the summer do you honestly believe that we would all get behind him?

pggtips2

I like my managers to deliver success.... good or lucky that is a very subjective view.

luckybhoy and Swanseabhoy

Most managers will tell you that all great teams are built from the back forward.

A solid defence allows the rest of the team to function properly and if your lucky to go and express themselves. We are soft at the back and have been for over two seasons now.

Yes in terms of the SPL it has made little difference and here's hoping it continues this season. However if your conceding regulary there becomes a greater strain on the Strikers to score the goals in order to get the defence out of trouble.

Hoops 1990 5.58 My point was not on wither WGS should play Bobo or not it was the point that Gordon had no input in his ridiculous contract,My point of view on Bobo is your looking through rose tinted glasses as he was consistantly capable of loseing concentration in matches and costing us goals, and in my opinion he should never have pulled on a Celtic jersey again after Seville, and I certainly dont see him as a top defender,and to confirm this hes been available for transfer for the past 2 years and not one top club has expressed any interest.Bobo is in the past and should remain there. May your day be Blessed.

luckybhoy

consistently winning titles but seeing an overall fall in the fanbase as the product is poor seems to me like short-term gains over long-term success.

As an analogy, UK and USA can confidently say the won the war in Iraq, even including the real prize of securing Iraq's oil reserves but the overall cost to UK and US diplomacy.

i.e. they have Iraq's oil, but what about Iran's, Libya's, Kazakhstan's, Nigeria's, Saudi Arabia's, etc...

luckybhoy @ 6:36 PM

It's a good question.

The only way I can aswer it is by repeating a question I asked earlier.

Can you remeber another time when a manager so divided the support?

I honestly can't so in that case I have to surmise that the phenomenen is isolated to WGS.

Father Tim ,

you write

"have pulled on a Celtic jersey again after Seville"

Why do you think this ?

Ellbhoy

No arguments with your reasoning on building from the back - I was merely pointing out our beloved Jock's outlook. I'm not defending Gordon Strachan on his choice of backs (au contraire), what I will contest is that he has given us THG, and also (IMO) GC will get better.

We don't tend to agree on matters when it comes to our manager, but at least we can debate it properly.

has the SPIN DOCTOR GENERAL prescibed a large dose of Spin to be fed to we the supporters of THE GREATEST FOOTBALL CLUB IN THE WORLD as regards transfer targets from now until the close of next transfer window after the failures of last transfer window i wonder?
IS all this talk of transfer targets for summer window after we have just surrended a 7 point lead to what is a poor RANKERS team meant to keep the ranks quite again i wonder?

What has happened to our Scouting Network is it no longer functioning or was that more Spin

Now i shall take up prescribing and for our team a good LAXATIVE (FOR A GOOD CLEAR OUT KNOW WHAT I MEAN) followed by a good tonic
in the form of
2 STRONG CENTERAL DEFENDERS
1 LEFT BACK
1 HARD AS NAILS MIDFIELDER
2 STRIKERS THAT WILL DO THE BUSINESS
simple really

Без перевода

Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 6:44 PM

"Can you remeber another time when a manager so divided the support?

That's a very valid question mate. What we have here, I believe, is a unique situation. Gordon Strachan has delivered success and therefore probably can't be compared to Liam Brady, Lou Macari, John Barnes etc. You can only compare him with successful managers, the late great Jock and Blessed Martin, and for this reason I honestly don't know how to answer that question without saying but...

Kojo @ 6.24 pm

We all want the same thing, 4 in a row, its just that some of us are more nervous about it than others, however your post is a great rallying call and I'm going to go along with it, we're all in the same boat together and cant be jostling and pushing each other around as that will definitely not help us steer a steady path towards what we all want - to finish in front of the bad guys.

NB I did look it up - a compliment this time - excellent!

SwanseaBhoy @ 6:34 PM

"Of course I would support a new Manager"

Well I think that sentence kind of proves my point.

Of course there would be a section of the support that would be annoyed that a 4iar manager was replaced. But they would still get right behind the new guy.

You personaly would be annoyed at the fans pre WGS for not giving him their full support. However whatever decision was made by the club you would support it.

However you would give the new manager your "unconditional" support (as you said in the below sentence). I suppose that would also go for the Club, players, board and fans alike.

"My support for the new Manager would be unconditional. None of the forgoing would be his fault".

Ellbhoy

I posed you this question earlier;

If a Mark McGhee, Craig Levein, Willie McStay (names suggested by anti GS posters THIS week) was to take over the reins in the summer do you honestly believe that we would all get behind him?

I read somewhere today that Rangers interim accounts will be released sometime this week ... has anybody managed to get a copy?

luckybhoy @ 6:51 PM

"But"

What would you rather have a divided support or a united one?

Can you see another way to unite everyone other than change the manager.

I must clarify although I have severe doubts about WGS as you know. I am by no means calling for his head, that is not the point of my question.

I am glad you said in your post that "we tend to disagree but at least we can debate properly".

Nice one I echo that comment, I think if more could do likewise then whatever differing opinions we all may have, it would not get lost in insults. The same insults thst I guess repeats over and over amongst fans everywhere.

Elbhoy

Can you remeber another time in our history when a manager so divided the fans?

Bill McNeil
David Hay
Liam Brady
Jo venglos
Kenny dalglish
John barnes
Lou macari
Wim Jansen

the only manager i can think of who didnt divide the fans was MON

Luckybhoy..
i posted this week that Willie mc Stay would be more
useful around the first team than Lennon or Pendry,
that does't suggest im anti GS.
Then it may not be me you are refering to.

Awe Naw 6,46 In my view any highly paid professional has a duty to his club and there supporters to be professional at all times.Bobo was sent off in that match for a very poor tackle and let both his team mates and the fans down,I happen to think if wed had eleven players on the pitch, for the whole match we would have had a great chance of lifting the trophy.Bobo was unprofesional and to my knowledge has never apoligised to the fans for letting them down. May your day be Blessed.

By Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 6:53 PM

mmmmmmmmmmm........Pizza.

Anyway, if your point was would SwanseaBhoy lend his support to the new Manager then you have successfully made your point.

If your point was that it would unify the Support then you have failed.

I would be incandescent at the Board and a combination of disapointed and disgusted with my fellow fans. There would likely be others like me.

Does unity look like that?

SwanseaBhoy

I know the reports about Celtic being interested in players from the Austrian league are simply paper talk and therefore not worth noting. However, a little bit of me still shudders when I think back to the outcome when another manager in Scotland brought three players from Vienna.

Hail! Hail!

luckybhoy @ 6:58 PM

"I posed you this question earlier;

If a Mark McGhee, Craig Levein, Willie McStay (names suggested by anti GS posters THIS week) was to take over the reins in the summer do you honestly believe that we would all get behind him"?

Not sure how I can answer that mate, I tried earlier with the below reply.

The only way I can answer it is by repeating a question I asked earlier.

Can you remember another time when a manager so divided the support?

I honestly can't so in that case I have to surmise that the phenomenen is isolated to WGS.

(Added this bit)
So I can only guess that any of the names you mentioned would enjoy a much higher percentage level of support. As their has never been in my memory another manager in our history who did not enjoy that support .

Ellbhoy
Been out.
a) Most managers + a so;id defence. We have a Polish international, a German Intenational and two Scottish International in our defence so Gordon fits the bill there.
I lived in England for a long time but cannot imagine that the fans were behind Barnes, for example (possibly unified in condemnation, I suppose). Finally, You argue that Swanseabhoy`s support for a new manager `proves my point.` How? Not ALL the fans would support ANY new manager. Billy Davis, for instance. Would we get unity then?
PS Sorry about the `obtuse` comment. I thought you were being deliberately provocative; I can see now that you were not.

I said early on in the season that Paddy McCourt,if fit,would be a great player for Celtic.Looking at thr reserves matches I think he is almost at full fitness.He is a player who can see an early ball,,can pass through the opposition,and also strike a ball very cleanly.I can't remember who I compared him to as regards speed,but players like Teddy Sheringham or Cantona had no great speed.His speed is in his head.He sees the pitch and his team's players in his head.I'll remind those commentators on the game that they have the decided advantage of watching from an elevated position,either in the stands or on TV.Football is played on the horizontal,and everyone on here should remember that.Whether Gordon goes with him on Saturday is up to him,but surely he's worth a shout.To the rest who are complaining about WGS.Why don't you hand the last three titles back to Rangers,apologise,and say"We didn't really deserve them."Do you think they'd accept?----They'd take your arm off!! If there is one criticism of the manager,it is that he is too preoccupied with zones and where people can and can't play.Zones should be only a basic outline of the playing style required,and should not inhibit individual play or thinging.Still,if he goes,George Burley for me.

notthebus @ 7:06 PM

"Bill McNeil
David Hay
Liam Brady
Jo venglos
Kenny dalglish
John barnes
Lou macari
Wim Jansen

the only manager i can think of who didnt divide the fans was MON"

The majority of fans gave these guys their full backing, it was only when results where bad when opinion was divided. However even during those periods most fans where in agreement in one way or another.

Even in relation to MON.

O

By Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 6:40 PM

Agree with every word, dot and comma of this post.

However, as I said originally:

"If you are delivering the title each year as Mr Gordon Strachan has never failed to do for us, what is the importance of clean sheets".

I take it you would agree with me that the answer is 'No difference whatsoever'.

SwanseaBhoy

Father Tim @ 7:09

Really harsh. No-one in the Celtic side, almost least of all Bobo, need apologise for Seville.

Seville, sending off, or no sending off, the whole game, prior to the game and immediately afterwards was my finest day as a fan by far.

It really is about the taking part that counts.

The SPL really does mean v.little to me, what matters is progression, especially in the European arena, by progression I mean performances, less than results.

If you don't like Bobo for his aggressive side then there is no point having him in the side. There is always the chance Bobo could get sent off, but that was much less than offset by the fact that few opposition forwards would match him in a 50-50.

more than offset...

Father Tim,

I couldn´t disagree with you more. He got a deserved second yellow from a ref that was so incompetent that he was always destined for big things in his career. I suggest you direct your fire and brimstone towards Big Rab

Turn the other cheekCSC

Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 7:06 PM

Of course I would rather have a united support, my point was that the Gordon Strachan/Divided support debate was unique, because he IS a successful manager and therefore can't be compared to other Celtic managers such as John Barnes, Lou Macari etc.

coorslad

I mentioned Willie McStay because he was being mooted as a possible successor to Gordon Strachan. This was in reply to Ellbhoy's question about divided support and nothing else.

He is doing a fantastic job but personally I don't think that Willie McStay is close to being ready to take over at CP, in fact I wouldn't want ANY manager who hasn't got European experience to take over.

coorslad

I meant to add that I would have no objection to Willie McStay joining GS (or other) in the dug out.

I just noticed Gordon Strachan saying this in the CV, `Where would I have fitted Paddy (McCourt) in against Motherwell?....Paddy plays very much in a specialised position, off the striker or on the wing. He`s the type of player that you have to change your shape to fit in. He knows that he`s not at the stage where Celtic are going to build the team around him. He could maybe play Naka`s role coming in from the right but he`s not got the engine for that just now. At the moment he`s building his fitness up.....`
Interesting.

Provocative H - from earlier.

I honestly don't know mate. I'm completely dissonant of cognition in relation to wee Gord.

I've liked the titles, suffered significant amounts of the football and felt frankly astonished of forehead at our transfer dealings.

I'd love to see us playing better quality football but not more than I love us winning titles. Right, there you have an answer. Strachs should stay as long as he continues winning the title because I can put up with turgid footie whilst their following in the wake. If the titles stop the equation feels different I guess...

Tojo - thanks for letting me know, I was getting very down there for a mo.

SwanseaBhoy on February 26, 2009 7:11 PM
"If your point was that it would unify the Support then you have failed.

I would be incandescent at the Board and a combination of disapointed and disgusted with my fellow fans. There would likely be others like me.

Does unity look like that?"

So you are saying your disapointment and disgust would stop you supporting Celtic in a united manner?

If that's true then I guess I was wrong, I was under the impression that most strachan supporters would be behind Celtic no matter what decision the club made.

"I take it you would agree with me that the answer is 'No difference whatsoever'"

In terms of winning past trophies then yes it has ultimately made no difference. However I just hope this undisputed problem does not catch up with us this season. As it already has done on many occaisions thus far incl the CPL.

Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 7:12 PM

Serious question, were you about when Lou Macari was signing Wayne Biggins?

pggtips2, I kinda agree with your post @ 6:43. Which is more important? Winning titles but playing poor football? Playing good football but not winning titles? Gordon Strachan or Tommy Burns? The question is easy... the answer is more difficult. Personally, I love a good game of football, be it at Celtic Park or a public park and therefore, I will honestly say...gimme Tommy Burns any day of the week. Given time, he eventually would have won the title. Can you say of Gordon, given time his team would eventually play well? Hmmmm!!! Another question...what actually defines a good manager? For me, he must have an eye for a player and be a good man-manager. Players must want to play for him. Big Jock and Alex Ferguson encapsulate everything required in a great manager and leader. Another question...is a clipboard really necessary?

BIG CHANGE ON WAY

How will it effect Celtic

Boost for Blatter plan to cut foreign imports
Simon Johnson

FIFA president Sepp Blatter HAS claimed a victory in his battle to limit the number of foreigners in matches after getting key backing for it.

A report by the Institute for European Affairs — commissioned by FIFA to study the issue — claims the idea of restricting foreign players in league games through the 6+5' rule does not break EU rules on free movement of workers.

If implemented it could have a dramatic effect on English football because 65 per cent of the players in the Premier League are imports. The Premier League have consistently opposed the idea.
Blatter is delighted with the result of the report, which will form the basis of fresh talks between FIFA and the European Commission. The FIFA chief said: “This study confirms that we are not breaching European law in defending the 6+5 rule.

“On behalf of FIFA and its member associations, I would like to express my pleasure at this finding. Through 6+5 we wish to encourage the development of young players, protect national teams and maintain competitiveness and the unpredictability of results. This is why 6+5 is beneficial to football.”

The study was carried out by five professors, all experts in European law, and INEA chairman Professor Jurgen Gramke insisted the report, although commissioned by FIFA, was entirely independent.

The key point is that under the proposal, each club must field at least six players eligible for the national team in the starting XI, but there is no limit on substitutes being foreign, or on the number of foreigners in a squad.

So far, the EC along with most EU governments say it would amount to discrimination at work and a restriction on the free movement of workers.
However, Gramke said: “There is no conflict with European law.” The report says that, under EU law, the “regulatory autonomy” of sporting associations is supported.

“The key aim of the 6+5 rule in the view of the experts is the creation and assurance of sporting competition,” it says. “The rule does not impinge on the core area of the right to freedom of movement. The rule is merely a rule of the game declared in the general interest of sport in order to improve the sporting balance between clubs and associations.”

FIFA's Congress endorsed the rule in May last year, but six months later EU ministers said it broke EU rules. Today's report says that, at worst, the rule could constitute “indirect discrimination” because “it is not directly based on the nationality of professional players”

luckybhoy

You do get the feeling a lot of the posters didnt live through the 90's dont you

Cognitive Dissonance - #36

SwanseaBhoy, luckybhoy, bigwavy, kojo and all the rest of those who haven't given up hope in our great manager,

I salute you.

Hail Hail

Mort

STAND UP FOR GORDON STRACHAN

Aw Naw, PGTIPS.That is the great thing about both Football and a site like this,everyone has a point of view and all views should be welcome.So my sons I respect your points of view and agree to differ. May your day be Blessed.

JungleJim @ 7:13 PM

No need to apollogize JJ.

As long as the debate evolves with civility as is my ontention then we all should get along just fine.

Exactly how it should be.

You mentioned Barnes, I liked the guy I know most did not want him and I could see valid reasons for why. However in the first instance I think most united and gave him full backing. It was only a run of poor results that had a collective and united belief that he was the wrong man. Looking back I think he was not far away and was unlucky with Henke's injury, however I think in the end all agreed his time was up.

Have to say you got me, If we apoint Billy Davis it would make me physicaly sick. Not because he's a Hun just as he's an annoying we guy who has a very smashable face and is a managerial joke.

So that would be a no from me then.LOL. o)

By Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 7:26 PM

Genuinely, I don't know what "So you are saying your disapointment and disgust would stop you supporting Celtic in a united manner?" means.

Seriously, I don't.

Look, I'll always support Celtic.

You'll always support Celtic.

I won't support them any more or less, better or worse, than you will.

If we abandon an unarguably successful Manager, in fact arguably the most successful Manager since Stein, what does that say about us, the Celtic Support?

I genuinely, sincerely, believe that we (you and me and all the rest) are the best fans in the world and yet we would wish to reward Mr Strachan's successes with the Hoof. I hate the thought of that.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the debate and hope you'd agree it's been civil on both sides, but I'm running out of puff now.

Last word to you mate....

Hail Hail

SwanseaBhoy

MurdochauldandHay

Interesting report. I seen on SSN today that the SPL actually has about the 3rd highest ratio of foreigners in Europe. I'm sure the actual figure was 49.1%.

The EPL, unsurprisingly, had by far the highest ratio - 65%.

weebobbycollins

I know you didn't address me with the question but if you don't mind I'll answer it any way.

The way I see it is we will put up with the awful football as long as we win titles. Mercenary I know but there it is. Its the prize which is all important. The difficulty this season is that there is a very real possibility that we will have to put up with the awful football but not win the prizes.

Having said that I also believe watching football has become less of a spectacle overall. I watched the Man Utd v Inter and Liverpool v Real Madrid games this week and they were godawful. The same could be said for most of the SPL. What does that prove? - Bugger all probably but some how its seemed relevant.

And another thing. The Real Madrid CH - indeed the whole of the RM defence hoofed the ball up the field all night long. Ditto the Inter defence. Closely followed by their counterparts in MU and Livrerpool.

As I'm a big Mick fan I just thought I'd mention that.

Apologies for the interuption.

An Lorgain

Did someone mention Wayne Biggins (shudders)

My first time at Celtic Park was in 94 (I was 14), a week or 2 after Fergus had taken over. We lost 1-0 and I was very dissapointed but ultimately delighted to have been there. I can't remember much of the football that was on offer as the occassion and excitement got the better of me and if I get a chance I'll have a look at my programme to see the team but I'm pretty sure it wasn't great.

For anyone complaining about the quality of football on offer now, they should remember the bad days.

WE'VE RARELY HAD IT SO GOOD

Hail Hail

Mort (proud member of the happyclapper.csc)

I have been watching the reserve team for the last few seasons on Celtic TV and I think it is fair to say that they play a different type of game to the first team.

This year especially, they play a fast, quick passing and moving game, which is a joy to watch.

I believe that this is the style to which we aspire and these young boys are being groomed to play that way.

I don't think that this is a unilateral decision by Willie Mc.Stay and Danny Mc.Grain to deviate from GS's instructions.

The question is, will the support have the patience to wait for these young players to become the nucleus of the first team?

If so, then I believe that there won't be a spare season ticket to be had for love nor money in a couple of seasons.

What we are watching now is a pragmatic style of football, designed to buy us time until the nursery bears fruit.

If FIFA's 6+5 Rule Gains Momentum England Will Lose Big
Should FIFA impose the Sepp Blatter-envisaged 6+5 legislation the Premier League will become the biggest loser.
Feb 26, 2009
opposed to the controversial 6+5 ruling - which dictates that six out of the 11 starters for a specific club should be eligible to play for its respective national team - claim that it contravenes employment law.

However, murmurs today suggest there is nothing untoward with the intricacies of the proposed ruling. Should FIFA pursue with the legislation, then the world of football could witness the first stage of 6+5 in the 2010-11 season; an enforced 4+7 ruling.

According to Sky Sports, the Premier League is set to be the biggest loser, as nearly two-thirds of its footballers are non-English.

Premier League 65.1%

Bundesliga 49.9%

SPL 43.2%

Serie A 40.3%

Primera Division 35.24

The Premier League therefore may need to alter its transfer policies in the upcoming windows, or indeed take a more hands-on approach in bringing through their academy products.

No-one, it seems, may be more acutely aware of this than Arsene Wenger. It is no secret that Arsenal have a multi-national squad, and the team that started their round of 16 Champions League clash against Roma midweek contained zero Englishman.

The Frenchman though, has been quick to remedy this. Theo Walcott was brought from Southampton three years ago, while there is a distinct focus on young English talent in the club's academy.

Jack Wilshere is regarded as not just a promising future player for Arsenal, but also for England, and the club's Carling Cup team has a heavy English flavour.

Ellbhoy

One last thing.

When I said "I've thoroughly enjoyed the debate and hope you'd agree it's been civil on both sides, but I'm running out of puff now." it wasn't in response to your comment one minute earlier "As long as the debate evolves with civility as is my ontention then we all should get along just fine".

I know how easily the writtne word can be interpreted as sarcastic. That was absolutely not my intention.

SwanseaBhoy

luckybhoy @ 7:26 PM

Yes I was about quite young though.

Remember not liking McCari as I felt he liked the ponies to much.

However I don't remember him dividing the support as much as WGS, even though he was probably the worst manager ever to take the helm.

notthebus on February 26, 2009 7:31 PM

Indeed.

Ellbhoy & luckybhoy

I hope you don't mind me sticking my oar in to your conversation but is the main reason the support are split over WGS is the fact he has been successful (3 in a row) but the football has been absolutely crap to watch.

I've never known so many supporters, grown men and women who take their kids to paradise and have done since Noah was a bhoy, who quite simply cannot stomach the lifeless shapeless and general poor football WGS teams play.

I've watched lifelong season ticket holders struggle with the concept of not going on a saturday but are so frustrated watching hamilton pass us off the park that enough is enough for them.

The same conversation about WGS was raging on here this time last year...and for one I'll be glad the day WGS steps aside. Team 4? your having a laugh!

Purely my opinion.

Mort:

Few have lost hope but some are concerned. Not a wholly unreasonable position in view of the turgid football of late and the squandering of a 7 point lead.

There's nothing wrong with the total faith, pro-Strachs evangelism shown by the fholk you list but sometimes the self-righteousness with which it is delivered is little short of the alter ego of our friend 'taxi'. I don't subscribe to his level of certainty, nor yours.

Cognitively dissonant perhaps but a supporter nevertheless...

Mort,

I´m glad you didn´t include me in your list. Running with the pack is something I learned to avoid as a child. Growing up in a town where we went to mass in a phone box helps.

I have not lost faith in WGS but in the recruitment process and those involved with it.

If the signals regarding the removal of Bobo off the wage bill before there were any further incoming players and the quality of player we have seen since that "seismic" about turn in recruitment policy is anything to go by then I think our major shareholder may be having doubts as well about his bang for buck. Especially if Donatis veiled threat leaves us with yet another high profile transfer that is just sucking on the wage bill

Swanseabhoy wont have to worry about being disgusted as it will be presented as WGS walking away having done a good job and with everyone´s blessing.

Personally I think we will win 4 in a row and Gordon will be allowed an attempt at 5 and with a weakened Rangers who knows how long he might be at the helm. I certainly hope so anyway.

Hail Hail

Modern magic markers are...rubbish.

Chris

Lurgan53 ,

I´m a big Mick fan too

Hail hail

ellbhoy

As i mentioned in my post to you at 7.06pm I cant remember a manager who didnt divide the support with the exception of MON.

I stood outside parkhead the day Jo Venglos was appointed, I can tell you the support was didvided before the poor man had finished his first press conference.

Subterranean - do I detect a theme?

SwanseaBhoy @ 7:37 PM

I too have enjoyed the debate, well done mate.

No sarcasm was detected so no need for the appollogy.

You and me as rational minds wouldn't it be bliss if that was repeated over and over between the support. For the sake of harmony and a collective unity, for me it is the only way forward for the long term prosperity of our great club.

It's a shame more don't see it that way, and for them only a change of manger would surfice to bring about that unity.

I could be wrong and like you it sits uneasy but that is the only realistic way forward as I see it.

thomthethim,

I certainly hope so and your post warms my cockles.

I cant believe that in more than 3.5 years so far we haven´t managed to bring one through to the first team !!!

Hail Hail

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Mort.@ 7.39

Of course, you are correct,pally..

It is way,way past Beddiebys.. for the proposal of the question.. "Which is more important.. Aesthetically Pleasing Soccer..or ... The Final Result when the game has ended?"

I will not even answer that one,pal... to even propose such a question.. .is to question the Proposer's Intellectual Quality.

So...

Let's abandon this specious argument, once and for all.

Kojo.
yer pal... who likes yer style

PjDali

Your views, I respect, but I would intimate that they are harsh. Of course what you say is the very reason that we are having this debate. I would pose you the question; who would you have in charge? Given that we are NOT going to get a Trappatoni, Eriksson or others of their ilk. Tony Mowbray? Mark McGhee? - not on my shift. Everyone on here is agreed on one thing - we want to see a successful Celtic in Europe, that wont happen with a 'rookie' at the helm.

Apologies if I don't respond to your answer, I'm off to pick up the girlfriend from work.

So, he's still not gone ?

By Taxi for Strachan ! on February 26, 2009 7:57 PM

Nope.

Still here.

Delivering Success.

SwanseaBhoy

The number you are thinking of...

The number you're thinking of is 43.

Thank You

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo

Thats You, me, Kojo - and as Kojo points out - Big Mick's Ma and the manager!

We're growing!!

Hail! Hail!

An Lorgain

I'm Strachan

Ellbhoy on February 26, 2009 7:42 PM

Believe me Mr Macari did divide the support and I'm far happier that he prefers Man Utd to our good selves these days.

Nice chatting, signing off now.

It's Thursday. Have they gone yet ?

PjDali @ 7:43 PM

No bother mate more the merier.

Didn't realise I was hogging the board will just answer your post and shut up for a while.

I think your argument has equal validity to the success argument we here that counters it.

I think the anymosity between the fans is repugnent and really can't understand why both sides of the fence can't see the validity of each others arguments.

I think many valid points gets lost by the petty insults that serve no purpose whatsoever.

I read an interesting quote today that I think is relevant to this.

Never spend more than 10% of your time on problems and spend 90% of your time on soloutions.

I guess it's all about finding the soloution to the problem.

Can anyone shed any light on what that might be?

53
were dose watching this awful football that CELTIC are playing leave us as regards europe.judging by most post on blog people not happy with the standard of football we are serving up now
do we want to go out out of europe first hurdle every year and what about our co-efficent? do we want to compete in qualifying rounds every year, that would be a minefield

Action is needed not the spin that we are getting now,and the football we are playing now would see us humped in europe and left in the back waters footballing wise

Без перевода

As a matter of interest, it would be insightfull if posters listed thier first game and year.(Rather than asking what age everyone is!).I am sure it would add to the posters points if we knew what "era" they come from

I will start off

May 3rd 1975..Scotish cup final Celtic 3 Airdire 1

Ellbhoy

Correct me if I've picked you up wrong but you seem to be basing your equation ( new manager = fan unity) on 2 assumptions

1) the pro-WGS group are happy clappers who would give their support to whoever is in charge or, at least, give them the benefit of the doubt until they mess up.

2) The anti-WGS group would be so delighted to get rid of Gordon that they would come back on board.

You might be right about assumption 1) as Swansea Bhoy answered in the same way that I would have.

However, I think assumption 2) is a big jump. I strongly suspect that the judgemental mind set which had persuaded a board to sack a successful manager would revert to their old repertoire the first time that the "unifying" new manager's team dropped a point at home or lost to rangers. They would certainly be keeping their pitchforks sharpened in case we did not qualify from a CL group or fail to reach the group stages.

Once a mob has a taste for blood letting and know that pressure applied will result in the board caving in, they may get to enjoy their role as kingmakers.

I can see this process in operation over in Govan.

Alex McLeish was successful in the remit he was given except he lost a league. - result- McLeish sacked.

PLG was successful in shaking Ibrox up on a shoe-string budget but the board were unwilling to lose a league to see the shake up through- result PLG sacked.

Walter was brought back to restore old values and succeeded beyond their wildest dreams- UEFA finalists and a league almost won against the odds. Result- almost sacked and he will be this year when they lose it.

Now, if we're going to adopt ppgtips' mantra that the league don't matter, it's only Europe I'm interested in, then I think we'll end up sacking 2 coaches a year; when we fail to qualify for CL and again when we get knocked out of UEFA cup.

I fear unity is a long way off.

I wonder what will replace ginger hair, clipboard use, and hand clapping as the bizarre targets of abuse respectively for our new manager, assistant manager and our captain.

By Long Train For Rude Supporters on February 26, 2009 8:04 PM

Nope.

Still here.

Upsetting me.

SwanseaBhoy

Hello to all.

It has been a while since I last posted. I've still been lurking though - just been busy with another project - hence the off-topic post ( all right then - it is a shameless plug)

About a month ago - I set up a group on Facebook called New Peace Virus. Essentially the purpose of the group is twofold...
Firstly to encourage group members to contact their MP ( Senator, Congressman etc...) every once in a while to promote peace.
Secondly to spread the idea by inviting friends and family to do the same.

I got the idea some time ago after writing to every major 'establishment' figure in Scotland after that incident with Artur.

It would be great to have some fellow Bhoys and Ghirls as members.
Just like Celtic the group is open to all.

It is not his creed nor his nationality that counts - it is the man himself.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=14436512661#/group.php?gid=47632493887

Your Granny's dog was called Rex.

notthebus @ 7:48 PM

I have to confess mate that when DR Jo was appointed I was miffed but was willing to give him time. However he then signed a middle aged geriatric un-heard of in Lubomir Moravcik. I was incensed that for the one and only time I phoned a radio phone in expressing my displeasure.

Nothing one of the most memorable day's couldn't fix though. 2 wonderful goals to help demolish the Huns later showed even I could be wrong.

LOOL.

Ultimately he was unsuccessfull it the successful managers that luckybhoy alluded to and that I was meaning.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Ellbhoy.

I would luv to come up with a Solution to the Problem of whit is gangin' agley, in Wonderland.

Howevahhhh..

I have quickly traced the SOURCE... of the Trouble.

And Ah wull gie ye WAN Solitary guess, as to what that source is.

Ah wee hint...pallomine.. fur auld time's sake.

THE SOURCE OF OOR FA' FRAE GRACE.. IN THE RACE..

IS...

NO... it is NO, Mr. Strachan.. not by a Short, Long or even a Truncated.. Chalk! ( Chalk?...ed)( Ah know.. but, whit can ah say? everybody says that. .. but, naebody understauns whit Chalk his tae dae wi' anythin'!)

Time fur anither Hint?

Well.. Ah will weaken an tell ye,then..

Fur it is obvious, that ye wull no get tae ferretin' oot, the real source... in a Hundred Years.

IT IS THE FAULT OF THE CELTIC PLAYERS!

They are the Mysterious Source to which I refer.

Now..

Who wid have thought of that?

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes ye a loat.

57

Agree - there is a bit too much spin. However most fans want a successful team. A lot of fans abhor the football at present but will put up with it and back the manager and team because to do otherwise is counter productive. We don't want to encourage the Bad Guys. Thats the dilemma.

Thats my position anyway. BUT - no matter what happens this season - a rethink is required.

53

notthebus

I was at that game. Absolute mince IIRC.

My first game was probably about 1960 (lifted over the turnstyle of course) and maybe against Dundee but not sure of that.

We used to have two Brogan brothers? in the team.

Gordon doubtless will correct me.

As we went inevitably 1-0 down my dad said "we always play better when we're getting beat".

Some things never change.

Gunther Dettlef, GDR, Luge

Awe, Naw,...

Thanks for your response.

There are one or two who could step up, but the tolerance level of our support may make it difficult.

It doesn't seem to matter who the personnel are, the style stays the same.

I'm not sure if Hutchinson has the sharpness for the first team, unless in a Boyd type of role.

Conroy is showing up well at left wing back in an attacking role, but his height is against him for defending.

notthebus,

Some time in August, 1951. QOS, I think. 1-1

Lurgan53 @ 7:39, you are more than welcome to respond to anything I post on here. I would certainly agree with you that even some of the glamour teams are playing a more scruffy kind of football. I didn't see Real v Liverpool but I have heard similar comments. I did watch Man Utd and thought they were by far the better team...I just can't stand C. Ronaldo. My hero, Big Jock would have hounded him out of CP for being such a cheat and a whimp. Actually, under Big J. he would not have resorted to cheating and I can't remember any whimps playing for the Big Man. However, it is indicative of the modern game, girls' blouses and cheating are encouraged rather than frowned upon. And it's about fear...fear of losing, fear of losing one's job. It seems every manager upon arrival at his new club, hangs his jacket on a shoogly peg, some don't even have time to take the jacket off. Did Scholari remove his? Or Juande Ramos at Spurs? That can not be conducive to relaxed, free-flowing football and unfortunately, we, the fans are partially to blame...we demand success, i.e. trophies. I, on the other hand, will always prefer to watch a good, exciting game of football. ( except against rangers...I only want to win, don't care how.)

Notthebus,

Hibs at Easter Road in the old league cup sections 1982.

We won 4-1

setting free the bears @ 8:05 PM

I see your points however their is no president for it.

You mention a mob mentality in relation to rangers managers, ultimately though those managers where unsuccessfull. Baying for blood although not what any fan wants to see was in their case pretty much a collective unity. They wanted change and got it.

I would hate to see any manager at Celtic especially a winning one be removed by fan power. I would much rather see him walk with head held high. I think like the team out on the park has regressed so has the support for WGS. If things carry on as they have been into next season then I can only see further regression and an inevitable mob forming to enforce change.

You mention Europe as the yardstick?

I think your right, however I also think if we see a successfull Celtic at SPL level, playing atractive football. Then no one can really complain if results in Europe are not to clever.

That should have read.

"I see your points however their is no president for them".

Can you identify any?

Alright folks. I was on earlier today and was pleased by the numerous posts pledging their support to WGS and the team. I was not surprised by the return of the doubters as the day wore on but one theme which is common in these such posts is the backing that the team are getting from all.

I know that most feel this even if they choose not to write it but the fact that it is written more gives me great heart. It shows me that we are ready to unite behind the team and meet the challenges facing us in the title run-in head on and as one. This is our title to relinquish and I for one will not contribute to the enemy's momentum by voicing negativity. We are the Champions and my chest is puffed proud.

I find the differing opinions on this blog interesting and healthy. Keep up the good work.

Hail Hail

Cheers for the reply....Ellbhoy and luckbhoy

how weird is it though that we have a very successful period for the club (3 in a row !) yet so many are so fed up with the actual product on display that they are speaking out and considering not renewing season tickets? I've never known supporters like this before and it's almost an annual occurrence.

I recall literally identical debates taking place about this time last year about Gordon Strachan management of our beloved Celtic and if this season finishes up with us retaining the SPL title I'll be absolutely thrilled. It would be incredible!

It's one of this centuries enigmas surely as to how Gordon Strachans football teams can be so successful yet so dire to watch. Is there any other team that have acheived this??

And we are dire to watch, so one paced and predictable to the point the vast majority of supporters groan when the team sheet is announced. We have good players so how come they are set up to play turgid football?

I'm almost ashamed to even ask for Gordon Strachans removal but when we get passed off the park by SPL fodder somethings desperately wrong and our team have been getting worse as the season progresses.

As for a replacement manager? Yes please.

I think if we're setting our market for SPL as we seem focused on Easter Rd and Tannadice as the level of player we will bbuy then Craig Levein is as good an option as anyone.

If we're looking above that then I'd expect those running our club to source an up and coming manager who's hungry for success akin to a certain Slaven Bilic....not saying he specifically would be within our limited budget but I like the guys outlook on football.

It's opt my job to find our next coach, I dodn't find Wim Jansen or Martin Oneill or Gordon strachan so little point in me picking thenbext one.....i doubt PL or DD will listen to me.

If we are as far reaching a club in terms of scouting as PL would have us believe then those in charge must already have some inclination as to who they would like to manage us next year and beyond other than WGS.

Kojo

All that for THE PLAYERS

Your posts are brilliant luv reading them, on occaision they make alot of sense.

However this one only makes a little sense.

Yes players are to blame but not always.

It is just not fair I know but managers are always to blame.

Regular lurker very occasional poster.

First game I recollect attending, aged 6, Celtic beat Hamilton Accies 10 v 0, league Cup 1968, Chalmers and Lennox both scored 5 each. Happy days :)

While I am by no means a Happy Clapper I find some of the negative comments directed towards WGS beyond belief. Constructive criticism good, any other criticism not worth a penny.

12 games to go. If we win them all we win the league. The aesthetics of how we do that don't really concern me. Winning is everything. When we played 'beautiful' football under Tommy Burns and Rangers won the league, did I feel contented and happy. Did I heck. Were the Rangers supporters' of my acquantaince disappointed that Celtic were viewed as playing more attractive football than their title winning team. Were they heck. They knew, as we all know, that winning the title is the important thing, indeed the only thing.

Some of the fiercest critics of WGS base part of their criticism on his poor record as they perceive it in the transfer market.

Interesting. I wonder what they think of the manager who signed, inter alia, Magnus Hedman, Momo Sylla, Stephane Henchoz, Ulrik Laursen, Rab Douglas, Michael Gray, Ramon Vega et al?

A couple of MON signings who were regularly criticised were Alan Thompson and Didier Agathe, both of whom would walk into the current team. i wonder if those who moaned about players like Agathe and Thompson are the same ones who moan so loudly about the current squad.

No manager in history has had a 100% record in the transfer market. Soem you win, some you lose.

Right, Billy Connolly is on in a few minutes so back to the couch for me. I'll log on later to see who I've offended :)

HH - Onto 4 in a row.

My last post reads like I typed it out withmy big toe.....alas chubby fingers \ wee keyboard syndrome :-)

I had meant to type :

It's not my job to find our next coach, I didn't find Wim Jansen or Martin Oneill or Gordon strachan so little point in me picking the next one.....plus I doubt PL or DD will listen to me.

Thanks for the contribution guys, already i am seeing you in a different light .

so everyone else.

FIRST GAME

WHAT YEAR

PjDali on February 26, 2009 8:39 PM

Great post mate.

Did MON willingly sacrifice the game tonight to assist their hope of staying in the top 4 in the EPL?

Will Wenger continue in the job if they continually fail to make the top 4?

Celtic v Arsenal

August 1978

inkybhoy

That was a 40th birthday treat then:o)

I cannot take seriously the notion that FIFA are going to be able to proceed with their 6+5 proposal. A think tank has given the proposal a clean bill of health! So what? Since when has a body of "experts" failed to give the body funding their deliberations the required result? How would the European Courts view the argument that 6+5 potentially discriminates against the earning potential of talented players from poorer leaguesin the EU,, with compared with lesser players from richer countries. The EU will simply not allow the single market and the free movement of labour to be compromised by any arguments from FIFA, or any other sporting body.

Aalborg are hammering Deportivo 3-1 in Spain at HT.

Bizarre.

Just read pauls Article, One last time he means, we need a manager who will put is in a position where we dont need this last minute scamble to the line. We are financially bettter than rangers by miles, and we pay more in wages.
Gordon has too many failings for Celtic eg he has never liked big center halfs, Southhampton suffered for this, losing goals in the air from corner kicks and having virtually no threat at their own corner kicks(sounds familar to our team now) we lose to many goals in the air because we dont have a proper center half, cringed when i watched kenny miller beat Mcmanus to a header!!.
So last time gordon, you have not learnt your lessons.

needabigcenterhalflikereiperjohanbaldeCSC

EDB,

they´re getting beat 1.0 at H.T it´s 1.3 on aggregate

EDB

For you maybe :)

53
yes we all want a successful celtic and by being the best we can be success will be guaranteed trophys will come and we will make inroads in europe why settle for anthing less and as regards the bad ghuys let them worry about us

AND ALWAYS 100% BEHIND THE CELTS

Без перевода

Celtic 2 v Hearts 0 January 1955 ( wee bobby collins, my first hero.)

notthebus @ 8:47 PM

Celtic v Aberdeen game 1989, think we drew cant remeber the result just the walk up to the stadium and the excitement of it all.

Oh and it was freezing.

Alba bhoy Your comments about , Momo Sylla, Stephane Henchoz, Ulrik Laursen, , Michael Gray, Ramon Vega et al? These guys would walk into our team now walk in easily, what i would give for a Big center half like Vega or Henchoz or a runner like Momo just shows how far our team have fallen now!!!

Celtic v Moscow Dynamo pre-season friendly 1989 when one Dariusz Dzeikanowski made his debut

Celtic V leeds united hampen park 1970 was only 6 at time remembered not much, was last minute substitute for my cousin who was ill

Celtic V motherwell

1966

57

OK. I give up!

Без перевода. Is that your waist?

53

Aw Naw

Aalborg scored in something like the 41st, 43rd and 44th minutes tonight.

livescore.com

notthebus:

First Celtic experience was not at a game but coming across a bunch of Celts who'd come down to London for a Troops Out march in the ?mid 1980's - that was my loyalty sorted! Finally got up for a game in 1993 - a nil-nil draw with Killie.

Kiddies, money and the distance have always limited the frequency of my visits - thank god for the computer age, cheaper flights to Europe and P2P!

Mighty Aalborg currently 3-1 up in Spain against Deportivo Lacoruna for a 6-1 aggregate.
D.L. only lost 2 from 12 at home in La Liga this season. Maybe temper this home form after watching the performance last evening of the LaLiga form team Real Madrid. plenty of possesion but no creativity and eventually resorting to long balls - Remind you of a team we know and love??

Clare's Bhoy, I thought I had seen Jacki's debut, at Kingsmills Park, Inverness in a pre-season friendly against what was then Inverness Thistle. Who is right?!?! He scored a belter of a scissors kick, if I remember correctly.

53
mars bar for first correct answer
nothing for second and third,sorry

Без перевода

Ellbhoy- sorry for the delay, I was on taxi duty with my sons.

Any precedents for removing managers?

Thousands. I see it everywhere. I gave the example of Rangers. You countered that those managers were unsuccessful. I think, rather,that they came 2nd (ok 3rd on one occasion) but that's what constitutes unsuccessful these days in Scotland and that's part of the madness.

There have been 111 Scottish top league titles to be won since 1890/91 and we've won only 42. We're 9 (or 8 and a half) titles behind rangers in that regard.

Losing a top league title is a sporting hazard. It has happened to Celtic more often than it has not. Even if you restrict it to modern times and say it's a 2 horse race, you should still expect only 50% success. "Failing" managers are not being given a 2nd chance to fail or come second.

The idea seems to be based on the mythical belief that our success can "bury" rangers. Well, winning 9iar did not do that to them nor did it do it to us. Only their own financial profligacy, or us imitating that can lead to prolonged harm for either club, but it will not end them.

Rangers will survive, unfortunately. they will continue to challenge us and, one day, perhaps soon, they will win another league title.

That's the sporting inevitability. If you enter a genuine competition you might win but you won't always win. Football fans seem not to accept that these days. They call it refusing to accept mediocrity as a rationalisation but it is, in reality, a feeling that they were born to deserve better and if Manager X cannot do it, manager Y will get a chance to please me. Political parties are elected on the same principle that change must be good.

So the thousands of precedents for unthinking changing of managers are demonstrated by the short shelf life of most coaches. Whether it's a Colchester fan who thinks their team should be top 10 and not bottom half or a Chelsea fan who gets Ranieri or Avram Grant sacked, the mob precedent is there.

Usually they cite the same litany of faults too; tactically naive, no plan b, useless transfers, useless subs, lost the dressing room, can't man manage, too stubborn or tinkers too much. Sometimes contradictory faults are ascribed to the same person (WGS is both tactically rigid and also a tinkerman).

But the oft quoted big precedent is Real Madrid. A winning manager was not enough for them. So they sack and sack one scapegoat coach after another and they end up behind Barca. Juande Ramos might be replaced by Rafa if liverpool win this CL tie. Remember Rafa, he's the useless tinkerman who manages Liverpool to CL wins despite having lost the dressing room, having bizarre transfer dealings and not playing the Liverpool way. Well that's what he is according to the Liverpool Quick News judgementalists, anyway,

Poor Vicente Del Bosque- sacked in 2003, the day after he won the league.

Del Bosque took charge after the sacking of John Toshack in November 1999.

In his four seasons in charge he steered the club to two European Cups, two domestic league titles, a European Super Cup and a World Club Cup.

Real have not won the big cup since 2002. They did not win their league in 2004, 2005 or 2006.

Careful what you wish for.

Been suffering from a broken computer (I'm no techie) recently so have not been posting. I have however been able to lurk on my son's laptop and I have been depressed at the support lining up to have a go at our manager. Gordon Strachan has been and will continue to be our most succesful manager since Big Jock. I had a furious argument today with a fellow supporter who, almost gleefully, started on WGS and his failure on Saturday. The man fielded a different team, in a different formation. This team created numerous chances and managed to restrict the opposition to one attempt on target. What more could our manager have done? More to the point is it not the case that our players and our support have a lot more scope for improvent. Time for the players to start justifying their wages and our support to start living up to the GFITW tags.

First really BIG game...replay league cup final...oct 1956 Celtic 3 v Partick 0 Half day off school. 2pm ko. No floodlights at hampden. Remember Bobby Evans holding up cup. My dad, " Look son, you'll remember this for the rest of your life." He was so right, I can still see the view...from the old north stand. Sigh!!!!!

Sydney Tim, yer having a laff.

"Momo Sylla, Stephane Henchoz, Ulrik Laursen, , Michael Gray, Ramon Vega et al? These guys would walk into our team now walk in easily,..." And who would they replace?

Right Big Billy's commercial break is almost over so back to the NW frontier.

KTF.

SydneyTim

Sorry my friend but the guys you mentioned wouldn't even get a game for rangers these days.

I'm not pleased with what I'm watching at the minute but to be fair they are a fairly young group of players so I'll cut them some slack for now.

notthebus

Airdrie v Celtic - late 70's.

Mate's Dad took us - age about 8 or 9.

Can't remember anyhting about it except the excitment.

SwanseaBhoy

Hey, oneantonrogan, wierd but I remember being in the old Celtic End wi my old man and Jacki scored a scissors kick from a ball in from the right wing. Its my understanding that that was his debut. That game was against Moscow Dynamo but one of us is mistaken unless he scored 2 cracking scissor kicks and had 2 debuts. Which one is right indeed....anyone? (I still feel I'm right ;-) )

How old were you then anyway, or should you never ask a lady her age?? I was 10....

Uly

That's absolutely amazing.

Wildly inaccurate, like, but amazing all the same.

Apologies if I missed an earlier question, anything interesting happening?

paul67

Excellent sentiments
however ,
i am really worried about our chances this year

by the end of Nov we were 8 points clear and looking in the groove ..winning games even when we were not playing particularly well ...8 points clear

at the hun game 27 th DEC ..normal service resumed ..7 points clear

then ...stories of signings at Celtic and mass sales at hunville ..optimism abounds

what a difference in 6 weeks ...we cannae by a goal nevermind a victory and the huns are top of the league

what a let down

last year was an exercise in defiance ..a triumph of hope over adversity

this year thus far has just been a dreadful disappointment

and all so needless given the advantages we had at te start of this year

all this and the football is turgid

one more time and go with your head held high and the thanks of us all

Ah "support" What a wonderful concept when its meaning is known and it is given in the the spirit of that meaning.

It is the spirit in which it is given that is key, for support does not mean always seeing the best or always seeing the worst. It is seeing what is there rather than what we think SHOULD be there and responding to what is there in a healthy manner for ALL concerned.

In some instances it will be right to criticise, especially when the behaviour being criticise is obviously not right. In other instances it will mean giving encouragement and standing by patiently to wait for the effects of the encouragement to show themselves. But criticism or encouragement will only work if it comes from the right intent.

The key thing is not what is being said but the intent behind it and sometimes that intent is hidden even from ourselves.

We all get a great deal of pleasure from a Celtic team playing well. Indeed I would argue that in those instances the Celtic team are supporting us and our sense of well being by meeting a need in us to feel good about something.

If we criticise them because they are not meeting that need well its not actually Celtic we are supporting in our criticism or even encouragement. It is their failure to meet a need in us that we have placed on them. The intent there is not to criticise or encourage Celtic for THEIR benefit, it is for our own.

So when anyone posts to criticise or encourage Celtic/GS etc the trick is to ask ourselves, is what I am saying for their benefit or mine? If it is for theirs is what am I saying being expressed in such a way that its intent is unquestionnable.

If what we say is for our own benefit and we are aware that it is, then we are not thinking of Celtic, we are thinking of ourselves and that can be discerned in what we post.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear, friend.. Ellbhoy

Thank you for your appreciative recognition of my small efforts..

And..

Likewise, I shall reciprocate, in kind, as to your own well worded and ineresting efforts.

Now that we have got the Smoozin', outa the way...

May I state this..

I have no intention of convincing any of my readers, to capitulate and decide to eschew their own opinions, after reading my own personal opinions concernign the subjects in which I discourse.

As I believe strongly in the Freedom of Thought.

I present my Opinions as Honestly and Truthfully as I can..

And matters can proceed from there.

Howevah...that being said..

I shall now switch horses.

This upcoming game against the Saints is a very important one..

and I seem to recall that I did say much the same, concerning out conflicts against the G.A. and the Motherwell..and...

Well..blithely ignoring the danger of Becoming Redundant..

I shall press my point and continue to repeat my Warning...only in this Case it is pertinent to the St. Mirren affray..

This game is more Important than all of the others in that..
There are only Eleven Games to go after its completion.

And... like the Ten Little Indians..

As the Games are ticked of in the fixture list...

Soon there will be None.

So...

St.Mirren conflict could be definitely classed as a Watershedian Event... ( I agree..ed)( And here I thought that you were only a Pretty Face!

We must win ... that is a given that we must be able to take.

My feeling is that we have reached that All Important CORNER.. you know the one?

THE ONE WHICH WE MUST TURN!

I am confident that we shall make that Ambulatory Negotiation a Rousing Success!

Stand up for the Celtic!

Kojo.
yer pal..who likes ye mair and mair.

Paul67

Nah.

We've just been killing time 'til you came back.

:-)

SwanseaBhoy

Kilmarnock v Celtic 1954? always remembered the white picket fence around the enclosure think we won 4-2 that day.

Clare's Bhoy, I was older than 10. Wasn't my first game, just thought it worth a mention. I have a programme up in my loft autographed by the whole squad, if I could be bothered to go and look for it, I could tell you the date.

alba, eldiego. dont think Henchoz or gray or vega would get beat by a ball in the air by kenny miller( so any of those 3 before captain chaos)Remember the threat Vega was at our corner kicks, cant say that about any of our center halfs, i though laursen was a great player, miles better than naylor. its all about opinions tho, thats what is great about football. I am of the opinion this team is our worst since 1999. it certainly has the lowest points total since 1999.

They are players out there, david hay proved that by finding PVH and JD and PDC etc so why cant we now???

sftb

What a post.

I've never understood his sacking.

You couldn't say he was a handsome figure so I guess that contributed to his downfall:o)

Gosh! I must be the oldest supporter on the blog, certainly feels that way. Perhaps I should tuck myself up and have a nice warm cup of Horlicks.... Aye, that will be right! Still plenty of life in the old dog yet. Seriously guys (and oneantonrogan), I can say I have been to three European finals with the Bhoys. Maybe that's why I demand more than Gordon appears able to give.

SydneyTim

Captain Chaos? What's the point of that? Humour? Hardly.

McManus has a pretty good scoring record for a CH.

SwanseaBhoy

Sydney Tim

imo Uly Laursen and Ramon Vega would play in out team right now

i couldn`t imagine MON ever playing Naylor and he didn`t rate McManus

as for Sylla ..yes if he was the one who played against liverpool in the UC ..def no is he was the one who played in the league for us

the others didn`t play enough for us for me to comment

notthebus @ 8:05

Celtic 2 Tottenham 1 Friendly July 98

ST

Rangers Manchester debacle on Crimewatch again.

HeeHeeHeeHeeHeeHee

SwanseaBhoy

That was my 1st game but my 1st Celtic experience was attending the Open day at Celtic Park in the summer of 1986 after the excitement of winning the league. I remember it well, my trip to Sunday mass at St John The Baptists was hijacked by my uncle and big cousin who intercepted me and my bro to take us to CP. The only player I remember meeting was Lex Baillie who wasn't a regular (in fact I dont think he had managed his debut as yet). We were allowed onto the hallowed turf to walk about.

Anyone else there and can remember it??

PF ayr, no arguments on the frustrating facts, but, as you say, we have to raise the game again.

SwanseaBhoy, ah, that’s fine then, thanks.

EDB,

apologies ... bum info or Rioja or spec wearing phobia ;-)

oneantonrogan, a very tactful reply :-)

I would normally bow down to superior knowledge as a 10yr old's memory may not be the best but my recollection of that day is so vivid that I cannot possibly be wrong...can I? Would be interesting to resume this one to a conclusion another day but I feel the need to go for a wee pint. Until next time

Hail Hail

I'm getting strong images of the seaside...

Did anyone here maybe holiday... at or near the seaside... maybe a ... Yes I'm getting a caravan too at or near the sea... Oh and candyfloss....

But the greatest night of all (after Lisbon) was 1970 v the GREAT Leeds Utd. 136,000. What a game...what a night...what a team...what a manager...what a wonderful world...it was then!

See Aalborg won 3-1 in Spain to beat Deportivo 6-1 on aggregate.

Hmmmmmmm

Swansea, here is question, i know some peolpe like Mcmanus, i think he is nice lad, never a center half tho.
We do lose too many goals in the air and have no big center half eg reiper(awesome player) Johan M( big and strong) Bobo( big strong would not get pushed around but past in now) A southhampton fan i spoke to said Gordon refused to play big center halfs and they lost most of goals from crosses that they could not clear(same as us)
Now my question is do you think we need a big center half?
and who would drop out to.
My answers are yes and mcmanus what are your views?

And the letter S

Is the letter S significant to someone?

Si or Sh or St or Sc or Sa or Se or Sk or Sl...

Does anyone drive a car... A red car? Maybe S in the registration?

No it's stronger over to my left...

PF yes MON only played stephen as stop gap when other players were injured. Shows once again how far we have fallen when stop gaps are made captain we have lost is it 11 goals in 13 games!!??

NeedabigcenterhalfasapCSC

Although I'm getting a very strong scent of tobacco over to my right - is it pipe maybe? Or a cigar or a cigarette? Or a coal fire maybe? Anyone used to smaoke a coal fire? Maybe in the past?