Time for excuses expires for Celtic

podium

spinto ?

food glorious food

rangers are just like brazil 70 ;-)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2009/02/the_final_frontier.html

Mcdonald(s) anyone?

Is the Motherwell pitch as bad as last year? No Gretna and no heavy rains.

Weeronn (from the last thread),

Some good points there. I thought we were more balanced when Flood and Nakamura were on their 'proper' sides. However when McGeady came on for Flood he and Naka went to their 'wrong' sides.

I also agree with your comments about passing through our midfield. McManus and Caldwell seemed intent on passing the ball back and forth between each other. Hartley would go back to collect the ball, then pass it sideways for one of them to hoof it up the park. This meant Rangers five man midfield facing up against Naka, Brown and Flood.

A bad day all round.

Therags...

notashappyorasclappyasusualCSC

.

Wolftonebhoy....

Little Chef

001

Let's all hope for the real Celtic showing up.

So are we now looking for our fourth michelin star?

Chef Strachan!

The F Word right enough :o)

We are indeed having a kitchen nightmare!

So who's going to give us inspiration?

McManus-No chance
McDonald-Maybe
Samaras-No
JVOH-No
Naka-Not on that pitch

I could go on all day....

It's time for WGS to gamble and blood some hungry younger players. Time for Caddis and Sheridan to shine.....oh dear.

Here's the form guide since we won at Ibrox

...............Played........Pts......F......A
Celtic.............5.........6........9......7.....DLWDD
O'rangers......5..........11.......8......1.....WWDWD

Apparently scoring goals is our problem??

Can anyone see a different pattern??

Conceding the same number of Goals as O'rangers in the same period would have netted us an additional 5 points and the gap would still be 7.

Utter keich, the towel has been thrown in by a cowardly manager, cowardly captain and a cowardly squad.

Peter Grant and Roy Keane as mangement.

Bobo back as captain & Caldwell as assistant captain.

HAIL! HAIL!

Utter keich, the towel has been thrown in by a cowardly manager, cowardly captain and a cowardly squad.

Peter Grant and Roy Keane as management.

Bobo back as captain & Caldwell as assistant captain.

HAIL! HAIL!

Pete the beat

McGhee moaning about the state of the pitch on Sunday, they have a game on Thursday before our visit.

JungleBhoyJr

Those 2 young plsyers are out on loan till the end of the season...

Here's the form guide since we won at Ibrox

...............Played........Pts......F......A
Celtic.............5...........6........9......7.....DLWDD
O'rangers......5..........11.......8......1.....WWDWD

Apparently scoring goals is our problem??

Can anyone see a different pattern??

Conceding the same number of Goals as O'rangers in the same period would have netted us an additional 5 points and the gap would still be 7.

How is Scott Browns injury?
Is Robson having an op?
Give Hutchison a chance in the 1st team asap.

Paul,
I am jumping in very late on this. Posters may have moved on, and you may very well be about to post a new article....which you just did.....:)..... But here is my 2 cents worth anyway....

I am not sure about blaming Scott Brown alone....but our ENTIRE midfield set up is wrong, unbalanced, doomed to failure. It has been for some time. we have been winning DESPITE our midfield, not because of it.

The concept of 2 wingers, lightweight, inconsequential off the ball, is not in itself a bad idea. However, to support this modern-day luxury, you need 2 central midfielders who have massive energy, can motor on, box to box, and can tackle like their lives depend on it. Petrov and a younger Lennon?

Individually, Naka and Aiden bring us lots of joy, but it can only be successful if someone else gets tackles in. Because they don't.

Robson is the only central midfielder who can get close to the opposition. Hartley has aged, and is 10 yards off the ball most of the time. Brown can't tackle. Crosas, lovely player. See Naka and Aiden. Donati...aaaaarrrggghh!!!

Teams....not just Barca, but Inverness, hertz, Motherwell and others...can pass there way through our midfield with impunity. No one gets hurt. The ball doesn't get whipped off their feet high up the park. They can even send full backs up the park without fear that there will be any combat in the center circle.

This is not the only problem we have, but it is a significant one. It has been a long-standing one. Others have listed the players who have failed in our central midfield. Some have been fine players in their own right. In my view, they have been virtually all the wrong type of player to support 2 out and out wingers.

A fit Robson and a slightly younger than he is now Hartley helped push us over the line to win 3 in a row. Who knows what the remainder of the season holds. However, when Naka goes, I hope we take the opportunity to go to a 4-3-1-2 set up, with Aiden floating...and someone who can press the ball brought into the center.

Been waiting to get this off my chest for a while....:)

.

Peachie aka Wee Pete....

Deleted....Sanitary Towel (Time)....Violation....

001HughGrantCSC

it seems to me that any split in the fans and supporters at present (I know many like to make a distinction between both), is whether the manager should change now or at the end of the season. Chelsea opted for now, albeit their position gave them little option. We have a 2 point cushion. Do we hold on tightly hoping that we gain a sense of direction or that they do not find one? Its all hypothesis. The club won't punt the man. And he won't go mid-season. We're stuck with Mr Strachan until the end of the season so, finger nails at the ready !

Peter Grant

if you're gonnae smoke that stuff while on here, at least pass it round

the rags....

im with you. I couldnt see the point in Hartley playing so deep only to pass the ball back to McManus to lose it again. Surely the point of your deep lying midfielder is to take the ball from the defenders and start the moves.

For me, all that seemed to happen was that either the ball was hoofed, Hartley would pass to Naka or Flood who would pass back to him and the ball kept changing sides with no great urgency. All this allowed Rangers to do was to hold their line and shape and let our attacks peter out. There were a couple of occasions when we were running across the park just outside their 18 yard box with nowhere to go.

Can anyone remember the last time we broke quickly with some incision and invention??

I think a wee bit of Celtic's heart dissolved following the untimely passing of TB. He did more to that team than train the kids, I can assure you.

McGeady and the passion of the team have all suffered since TB was no longer an influence. Sometimes the team forget about what they are playing for and against.

blantyretim- Im aware of that, it was a poor attempt at humour.

Im just annoyed that at the time when we need fresh impetus that we've loaned out 2 of our best young players.

We need to change the personel.

If you look at the first paragraph of Pauls article, you see that this slump is not out of character with this team.

The "magnificent 7" games to win the league last season was a great achievement. But if you look at the form going into those 7 it reads very much like the form we are showing now.

If we keep sending this group of players out expecting form to just all of a sudden happen, we are badly mistaken.

JVoH and Scott Brown MUST be left out and places found for Marc Crosas and Ben Hutchinson.

Also - what happened to Mizuno? He looked like he was ready for a run in the team and has disappeared again.

Nice one malceye!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sick of the whining, we are mince deal with it everyone.

soosidecelt,

The last time was away to Spartak Moscow when Hartley scored.

Therags...

Good point, anyone know??

Also - what happened to Mizuno? He looked like he was ready for a run in the team and has disappeared again.

Could the difference between now and last season be the result of one thing?

The passing of Tommy Burns. A fantastic coach and person

.

Yes.... It is Useless Information Time....

Skippy is Still The Mothers Top Scorer Against Celtic since WGS Arrived....!!!!

and Celtics Top Scorer Against The Mothers....

001Skippy2ScoreaOwnGoalGcsc

JungleBhoyJr

Humour
on this site, aye right....;0)))

BT

A truly sad but true fact. RIP Legend

By wolfetonebhoy on February 17, 2009 12:29 PM
Could the difference between now and last season be the result of one thing?

The passing of Tommy Burns. A fantastic coach and person

Peter Grant - "Utter keich, the towel has been thrown in by a cowardly manager, cowardly captain and a cowardly squad."

I think you need to have a little lie down after posting that my friend.

On what basis are you claiming the entire footballing division of Celtic are "cowards"?

Peter Grant = Pett Ranger

What manager who would be better than Gordon Strachan , as complicit as Gordon Strachan and as cheap as Gordon Strachan is prepared to work for Celtic with the restrictions placed upon him with regards recruitment?

Hail Hail

If Maloney regains fitness or if not, play McGeady in the line-up that popped 3 past Murderwell in the first half of the first game against them. The only problem in that game was the universal pressing of alarm bells when Motherwell attempted a comeback. That hasn't changed much. However, the flowing football between Crosas, Brown, Maloney and Samaras is all but a distant memory.

And let me be clear, although I know he has his admirers here, JVoH has not part to play in a flowing football team. He reminds of watching horseracing on the box when I was wee - I always liked the dapple grey horses but they never came close to winning.

Awe_Naw,

No idea, who is it?

Therags...

Good Afternoon CQN,

read in someone else's (honest, guv!) red-top yesterday that only two 0-0 Glasgow derby games have occurred in the past 50 years. An astonishing statistic. Can anyone please fill me in on the earlier instance?

many thanks
StattoCSC

Rogueleader - we are becoming like Thatcher (me) versus Kinnock (you).

By Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on February 17, 2009 12:31 PM
What manager who would be better than Gordon Strachan , as complicit as Gordon Strachan and as cheap as Gordon Strachan is prepared to work for Celtic with the restrictions placed upon him with regards recruitment?

Hail Hail

Strachan is a coward because he wont speak against PL.

McManus us a coward because he should refuse the armband and refuse to play so that a better captain - the Heid and better player - O'Dea move in front.

Cowardly squad, because they dont appear up for the fight anymore.

Question:
"What manager who would be better than Gordon Strachan , as complicit as Gordon Strachan and as cheap as Gordon Strachan is prepared to work for Celtic with the restrictions placed upon him with regards recruitment"

Answer:
Craig Levein

the rags.. i enjoyed that goal immensely.

What is the problem i wonder? To me it seems that we tend to pass sideways alot and give teams ample time to defend against us. Another poster mentioned that we dont hit the byeline very often either which is mystifying with the wide players we have and overlapping fullbacks.

Strachans set up of playing wingers on their "wrong" side was to allow space for the full backs to exploit when Aiden or Naka cut inside onto their stronger foot.

We need someone to drive forward with the ball and the sooner Barry Robson is restored the better for me.

Aw Naw, if the chef cannot even choose what vegetables he wants then we are in the soup. I naively thought that Celtic put faith in their manager to choose players. I assumed the restriction on recruitment was purely financial.

wasn't juninho's debut a 0-0 draw?

Was that not the game when Thommo slammed one over Klos right at the end?

No, that was a mid-season game.

Will Robson, Maloney & Hartley be fit for the weekend?

Hope they play - Maloney is becoming a bit of joke with his fitness. How many games has he played?

TootingTim,

Last 0 - 0 game was at Celtic Park on 23/04/06.

Others occurred on 20/09/98, and 3/01/96 and 21/08/93.

Haven't checked back any further, but you get my point: don't believe what the red tops say!

rintimtim - i think that was the 1-0 game with Alan Thompsons thunderbold whalloping in off the underside of the cross bar with a couple of minutes remaining

Sooside Celt

The sideways passing has been highlighted for over 2 years now.
In only half a dozen games have the team played anything other than sideways passing, and in those games we have been immense. Gordon obviously then goes back to the clipboard and works out how to stem the might threat of St Mirren/Inverness after his nervous but profitable experiment with playing football the Glasgow Celtic way.

Craig Levin has achieved? Hero status at Leicester?

TootingTim

23 April 2006 - Celtic 0-0 Rangers.

The Celtic side was:

Boruc, Telfer, Varga, McManus, Wilson, Petrov, Lennon, Keane (Nakamura 61), Maloney (McGeady 81), Zurawski, Hartson (Dublin 84).

Mort

PeterGrant - "Strachan is a coward because he wont speak against PL."

You are making the assumption that Strachan disagrees with how the club is being run financially. The money is there, the desire of players who will improve the side to play in Scotland is not. You pesonal attack on the manager in this regard is totally baseless.

"McManus us a coward because he should refuse the armband and refuse to play so that a better captain - the Heid and better player - O'Dea move in front"

Total nonsense. Refusing the armband and backing down is the act of a coward. Standing up, putting yourself in the firing line for your teammates when you are low on confidence and carrying an inury is not a sign of cowardice. Strachan picks the Captain. Strachan picks the team. What would it say about somebody if they refused the captaincy? Once again a baseless personal attack on our Captain. I also have no idea how anyone can state O'Dea is a better player than McManus when the lad has not played more than 3 games in a row and you therefore do not have a window to compare the two. People have been living off his performance against AC Milan. I remember we had a young goalkeeper who played an exceptional game in the Nou Camp. Where is he now? Is he between the sticks for Man Utd?

"Cowardly squad, because they dont appear up for the fight anymore."

On Sunday I saw a team who were scrapping and fighting for every ball but were hampered by a poor choice of tactics and first 11 from our manager. Once again a baseless scatter gun attack from you.

As for the Thatcher Kinnock quote...I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.

This might be too simplistic, but then again football is a simple game - play guys who can pass the ball to each other!!! We don't need a team of hammer throwers, just guys who can play football. Oh, and something else revolutionary to try - pass the ball FORWARD on the ground, don't lump it!

Einstein said the definition of madness is to try the same thing time and time again and expect a different outcome .....

Over to you WGS, lets try and change the central midfield pairing and we can at least expect a different outcome, better or worse but at least you tried

bjmac

Gordon J (and others)

thanks. Though it didn't stack up!

wolfetonebhoy- I suggest Levein because I think he has the ability to mould a decentattacking team with limited resources. Im well aware that his record at Leicester was poor but he's redeemed himself with his rebuilding of Dundee United.

Lets put it another way. If WGS was sacked tomorrow who would be in the queue to replace him? Levein is relatively cheap and would jump at the chance to manage a big club.

Or does anyone have any different suggestions?

Parkheadcumsalford ,

Let's all hope for the real Celtic showing up.

Lets hope not or else we'll be watching more turgid , one dimensional crap struggle to string 3 passes together or manage an attempt at goal.

I want to see a different Celtic turn up!

JungleBhoyJr - "Or does anyone have any different suggestions?"

Frank Rijkaard is out of a job and enjoys coaching. Louis Van Gaal would also perhaps fancy a wee go.

Therags,

I dont think he exists that is why I am trying to highlight that it is a meaningless argument.

JungleBhoyJr,

LOL

rimtimtim,

the chef gets his produce delivered from Aldi understands that he cant have Harrods would like to shop at Marks and Sparks. Occasionally he gives the Hotelier a brochure from the supplier. He does ok with what he is given not more and provides a healthy diet. You wouldn´t want to invite friends round and recently it´s been 8 days in a row with porridge no salt sugar or milk. This happens often. He never uses spices or sauces. The restaurant has no suggestion box. Luckily it turns over a profit as its the only restaurant in town.

Hail Hail

The most difficult thing about talking about a successor for Gordon Strachan is that it can't be Tommy Burns. I do think however, that 5 managers down and given the current climate we need an Ex-Celt or someone of real box office to satisfy the demands of a support who are in danger of losing what makes them so special.

Gordon Strachan, Celtic Manager!

I have a recurring nightmare which features Mick McCarthy in the 'dug-out'.

I am and have been a critic of WGS. Some of his signings, team selections and tactics have been strange.

However, in regards to replacing him, if the next guy does not deliver, over a 3 season timescale, 3 league titles, 1 Scottish Cup and 1 league cup allied to 2 last 16 placings in the champions league.....he will be LESS SUCCESSFUL than WGS.

I don't want a less successful Celtic and am finding it hard to identify a candidate who could take the club further.

conundrumcsc

RogueLeader-Please tel me that was a joke.
Do you honestly think the board could afford those twos wages? Rijkaard is getting linked with Chelsea!

By RogueLeader on February 17, 2009 12:47 PM
PeterGrant - "Strachan is a coward because he wont speak against PL."

You are making the assumption that Strachan disagrees with how the club is being run financially. The money is there, the desire of players who will improve the side to play in Scotland is not. You pesonal attack on the manager in this regard is totally baseless.

Everyone knows that Strachan doesn't disagree with Lawell, nor did he at any other post. His rep in the game is a "steady the ship man" - no firebrand or O'neill-esque

"McManus us a coward because he should refuse the armband and refuse to play so that a better captain - the Heid and better player - O'Dea move in front"

Total nonsense. Refusing the armband and backing down is the act of a coward. Standing up, putting yourself in the firing line for your teammates when you are low on confidence and carrying an inury is not a sign of cowardice. Strachan picks the Captain. Strachan picks the team. What would it say about somebody if they refused the captaincy? Once again a baseless personal attack on our Captain. I also have no idea how anyone can state O'Dea is a better player than McManus when the lad has not played more than 3 games in a row and you therefore do not have a window to compare the two. People have been living off his performance against AC Milan. I remember we had a young goalkeeper who played an exceptional game in the Nou Camp. Where is he now? Is he between the sticks for Man Utd?
McManus is supposed to be a tim, if i was him - as much as i would throw my wean in the clyde tobe the Celtic captain for a month, it is cowardly to take the decision to say, no for the good of the team, the club and the fans - step down. That would be a man.

"Cowardly squad, because they dont appear up for the fight anymore."

On Sunday I saw a team who were scrapping and fighting for every ball but were hampered by a poor choice of tactics and first 11 from our manager. Once again a baseless scatter gun attack from you.

Fine, me at centre half you at midfield, you pass top me and i will hoof the ball as hard as i can to JVOH. That is cowardly, getting the ball and running at their mince team and trying to get an advantage is the Celtic way - even Willow Flood did it for our only chance! If he can do it i am sure Hinkel, Naylor, Naka, McGeady et all can.

As for the Thatcher Kinnock quote...I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.

As in you follow me around and have a go - we are like a couple of politicians.

Hail! Hail! big buddy

The Manager - You can't not change the manager because you can't think of anybody better, that is silly. No matter the reputation of the SPL we would be able to attract a manager of decent ability and standing. Our name is still something in world football (though diminishing I expect).

riot survivor,

it would be more accurate to "say some of their signings"

I'll just take the 67 while I'm here, in honour of Noel 90.

Some numbers mean more.

The Gate In The Wood……….continueth

WG’s Maw’s Hoose, Craigneuk, ML2

WG’sMaw: ………. and at the end of the day he needs to go

WG: At the end of the day they all go, mum

WG’sM: I think we should go for Craig Ravine

WG: Who ?

WG’sM: Craig Ravine, the Dundee United manager

WG: Why ?

WG’sM: I think he wears very nice glasses. Martin O’Neill used to wear nice glasses too. I miss Martin to this day. I felt very secure with Martin.

WG: Mum, you speak of these people as if you know them personally

WG’sM: Oh aye, many a candle I’ve lit for Martin and his family.

WG: Does Gordon not deserve a candle for winning 3-in-a-row

WG’sM: Definitely not. Strachan’s a non-believer. He said so himself. What’s the point of me lighting candles for dyed-in-the-wool atheists ?

WG: I think it would befit your status as a Christian.

WG’sM: I’ll tell you what to do son. Next time you’re at the chapel light two candles for Strachan and pretend one of them’s from me.

WG: Why do you call him Strachan mum ?

WG’sM: What do you want me to call him, Rumplestiltstkin ?

WG: I wish he WAS Rumplestiltskin.

WG’sM: Anyway your dad says he’ll be for the off in the summer and then Martin might come back.

WG: Dad’s leaving you after all these years ?

WG’sM: Don’t be daft, what would that man do without me? Strachan’s for the off and I think Martin will come back

WG: There’s more chance of me taking over.

WG’sM: Which might not be a bad thing, son. Now what’s this big question you have to ask me ?

WG: What’s your current view on extra-marital sex, mum ?

WG’sM: I’m reasonably happy with the amount we’ve got just now. Your father’s not getting any younger son.

WG: I’m not talking about you and dad, I’m talking about me

WG’sM: But you’re not even married.

WG: That I know, mother

WG’sM: Are you still seeing that girl who caused the credit munch ?

WG: Boynita

WG’sM: Funny name that. I’ve never heard of a Saint Boynita in all my life.

WG: There is no Saint Boynita, mum. She’s a non-believer as well. I’m saving you a fortune in candle money. Anyway she’s pregnant.

WG’sM: How could she do that to you, son ?

WG: She believes I’m the father.

WG’sM: Patrem Omnipotentem - I hope you told her to sling her hook.

WG: Of course I didn’t. She’s expecting triplets, mum.

WG’sM: Good Lord in heaven. She’s obviously been having that HIV treatment

WG: What ?

WG’sM: HIV treatment. It’s when you have no children then suddenly you get loads.

WG: IVF

WG’sM: Not those loyalist thugs, I won’t have talk of them in this house. So when do I get to meet this girl ? I’ll need to get started on the knitting.

WG: I’m still coming to terms with the news myself, mum

WG’sM: I don’t watch that Scotland Today, anymore. They hate the Celtic, so they do. Never a good word to say about us and that Strachan just makes it worse.

WG: Give me strength

WG’sM: Have you told your dad about the triplets, son ?

WG: Of course not, I don’t want to set him on the drink again

WG’sM: He’ll be very pleased for you. Grandparents again at our age, who’d a thought? I wonder how they’ll be divyd up.

WG: Divyd up ?

WG’sM: Aye, the triplets. There’s loads of germutations.

WG: I hope the babies will be perfectly normal, mum.

WG’sM: Will it be three boys ? Three girls ? Two boys and a girl? Two girls and a boy ? I hope it’s three boys.

WG: You hope THEY’re three boys, not ‘it’

WG’sM: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. At least we’ve got the names sorted, that will save you some soul-searching.

TBC

If the general consensus is that a shakeup of the team is needed to kickstart our season I suspect we'll be glum and extremely disappointed come May...cos I just don't see WGS doing that.

As has been rightly pointed out it was a suspension to Scott Brown that forced WGS to change his tried and trusted and often impotent midfield last season in the title run in, and what makes any of you think WGS is about to change his entrenched habits now? He's a stubborn guy...he's already said so much in his interviews.

I'd love to be proved wrong but when we've hit the lows like we have recently .......... you, me and everyman and his dog can see we're crying out for a fresh approach yet same old slow predictable celtic are put out onto the field again.

I would like to see Crossas and Brown\Donati start on sunday with Aiden left and Flood on the right, possibly with Maloney playing off Samaras.

Get Loovens on for Mick and change the damn team if not the actual formation if only to get some fight back for 1st team places!!

Last season taught me a lesson in not giving up the chase till it's mathamically impossible and this year we're actually in the driving seat (but only just)

I really hope WGS and his backroom staff have been really looking at how crap we've been and grow some cajones and change the side.

And whilst I'm on this rant I recall a certain Mr Lennon arrived to deliver some behind the scenes energy when the great Tommy Burns sadly was unable to continue working........so there were many factors to stir the players emotions last year in the title run in.......what is there this year to stir emotions?

A radical change in team planning dropping the managers favourites?? I dunno?? I just know I'm hyped for this title run and so want to win this 4th title and stick it right up the laptop loyal and the whole of Gers FC....and just hope the Celtic players and manager want it as much as I do.

rant over.......back to work for me.......

Other 0-0 games from 1970 (can't be bothered looking further back)

Celtic Park: 3 Jan 1970, 26 April 1976, 23 March 1983, 21 Aug 1993, 3 Jan 1996

Ibrox: 25 August 1984, 20 September 1998

Mort

JungleBhoy - Rijkaard would be pushing it I agree, but hey, he can only say no! Let him tell us No rather than us deciding beforehand that he would not be interested. Would he be getting paid anymore per annum than say a £4m player? No, I dont think so. In fact, he can have Bobo's wages and it would make him one of, if not the, highest paid manager in the country. The board are castigated for a lack of ambition, to me that would show ambition.

As for Van Gaal, he has stated he wants to try British football. A world renowned coach who enjoys coaching youngsters. He curently manages one of Hollands lesser known sides. I think he could be tempted to give us a try when he see's the raw material he would have it his disposal.

We wont be spending huge amounts of money on superstars anymore, we want to bring through kids, so lets get somebody with a track record of doing just that should Strachan decide to go.

G’day chaps, haven’t been on since the game. It’s took me this long to get over a disappointing display.

I agreed with Paul67’s assertion , win the midfield battle, win the game, obviously GS never hmmmm.

We have to move on, there’s a trophy or three to win and certainly the SPL is there for us if we go on a run. Time for our coaching staff to earn their wages methinks.

Re rankers racism debate, if the SPL fudge it shouldn’t our politicians demand action. The reputation of our country is being dragged through the gutter again.

Hail Hail

When WGS in the summer, we will be having "oo hum" Roy "quit at anytime" Keane as manager.

Great, what a joke!

McManus and Caldwell punt long balls up front - sometimes - because there is no-one either to pass it to or the midfielders are refusing to take responsibility.

Also I think it not unreasonable to expect either of two six foot plus centre forwards to win a ball in the air occasionally when one is punted up to them. It's a forlorn hope it would seem.

Picking on - and I mean picking on - our two central defenders is ridiculous.There are so many glaring deficiencies in this team both on and off the field - that I am continually amazed at how some posters seem to focus on SMM and GC.

I could go through each member of the team / squad and illustrate how he has performed consistently badly all season. But to tell the truth I'm just a bit fed up at the moment. Hopefully it will pass.

On another point - much as I was sickened by the singing of the Rangers fans on Sunday - I must admit to feeling equally abused by the performance and attitude of our players on Sunday. Neither they, the management or the board can think too much of the fans if they are happy to pocket thousands after such an appalling, pathetic performance which is becoming a little too typical for my liking.

An Lorgain

Junglebhoy Jr

We are a big club and we deserve a great coach if we are to be denied top quality signings.

Levin might do a good job if given the chance but will he be a widely accepted appointment?. If he was to lose his first game against the other mob would people want him out?.

My point earlier about Tommy Burns was that we lost a fantastic coach who had a wealth of experience. We replaced him with Neil Lennon who does not have that experience. Do we look a poorer team for it? I think so. Was Tommy fundamental in our previous league successes?.

There was a discussion on RTE recently betweeen John Giles nad Graham Souness on the relationship between managers and chairmen/boards.

Both agreed that only Sir Alex and Arsne Wenger have complete control over the purchase and sale of players in the EPL.

The Robbie Keane situation at Liverpool instigated the discussion and both agreed(as did a major feature in the Guardian)that he was caught in a crossfire between Mr Benitez(who wished to exercise the same prerogative as SAF and AW) and the Board.

Graham Souness said that he had experienced situations where he was in discussion with a player(or the player`s agent) where he knew the playe was keen to sign but the Chairman had said that the player was unavailable and presented him with an alternative choice which he (the chairman) fancied.

It seems to me that the relationship can only work when there is clear demarcation of responsibilities and mutual respect.Was not the final break between Win Jansen and the Board a disagreement over budget/singings?

John Giles and MR Souness were unhappy at the manager not having total control in relation to football matters.Which is fair enough,but when football matters are handled without reference to budgets a club can arrive at the mess that Dick Advocaat created at Rangers.

I cannot see Roy Keane with his bolshi attitude and his penchant for throwing maoney around like snuff at a wake being the man our revered Chairman would trust with his moolah.

The BBC at its hun best and Walter Nosurname and Rangers back to their old trick of spending most of an interview moaning about something then finishing up by saying "but we're not going to moan about it"

The BBC very helpfully highlights video footage of the Kenny Misser 'no penalty' non-decision and adds a wee link to the messageboards to allow the creamers to talk the incident up and themselves into a frenzy until eventually it passes into history as fact and another injustice against Rearrangers (see "gonnae geezan extension" April '08)
BBC at their hun best making a fuss about any incident that can add to the myth that refs are against Rearrangers

PeterGrant - nothing you have said does anything to back up your baseless attack on Celtic employee's.

You do not know Strachan diasagree's with how the club is run therefore you cannot call him a coward for not "standing up to PL" when you do not know that he disagree's. His "rep" in the game as you call it, is supposition and does not do anything to back up your attack unless of course you are the Managing Director of Southampton or Coventry and know his "rep" and attitude to club finances first hand? Once again a fabricated excuse to personally attack a Celtic employee.

"McManus is supposed to be a tim, if i was him - as much as i would throw my wean in the clyde tobe the Celtic captain for a month, it is cowardly to take the decision to say, no for the good of the team, the club and the fans - step down. That would be a man."

Are you in Lennoxtown everyday? Do you see Loovens and O'Dea train and therefore know for a fact they are better options than McManus, our full international Captain? What do you think it would do for the team if the Captain, at this stage of the season, stood up and said "I am not good enough. Somebody else can play"? Total rubbish used to continue personal attacks on the Captain, who coincidentally had a decent game on Sunday. How many goals did we concede again? The problem on Sunday was not our Captain or our Left Back.

As for the last bit, as I pointed out several times, Strachan dictates the tactics. He had identified a weakness behind Broadfool that could be exploited, one that agree with coincidentally, hence the long balls to the back left corner. However there was no variation in play and only this tactic was used. To suggest the lack of midfield variation, when you are up against a side who are doubling up and have an extra man than you in that zone, is down to "cowardice" is absolutley lonny tunes stuff.

I only post here, to follow somebody you need to actually move and I will continue to "have a go" if you continue to fire off baseless personal attacks on Celtic.

Scotland as an independent country.

Picture the scene, the 2010 general election results are in.

SNP leader Alex “flabby mooth” Salmond, wins all the Scottish seats and the Tory party are rightfully back in power in England.

The SNP calls a devolution vote and the Scottish public that aren’t riddles with Diabetes, Heart disease, Obesity, too drunk or any other self imposed problems get to the polling station
And vote 70% for a separate nation.

In England overnight the country breathes a huge sigh of relief, the income tax rate is reduced down to 22%, the new UK doesn’t now have the unhealthiest people in Western Europe and they now are able to catch a train in London without a drunk Glaswegian urinating next to them.

In Wales, Plaid Cymru gain the power and also go for devolution meaning England are now down to 18% income tax.

The scene is set for the Scottish parliament, judiciary to run themselves away from prying English eyes and English sense of fair play.

The Catholic population are now a minority in a fiercely protestant country, back to the “good old days of the 50’s ^ 60’s” where your school name dictates which job you can get.

Sounds worrying doesn’t it?

This could happen, vote Tory (unless you live in Glasgow) and keep these racists in the Scottish establishment away from power.

PeteTheBeat, Motherwell fans I know are still complaining about the pitch.

Weeronn, it’s tempting to blame everyone, and everyone is playing poorly at the moment, but often small changes provide great results.

McManus and Caldwell played well on Sunday and Celtic have conceded 2 goals in the last 5 games. Not the time to change the defence.

RogueLeader - Van Gaal is currently managing AZ Alkmar to the Dutch championship, they are currently running away with it 9 points clear at the top and is undoubtedly a man who knows how to suceed in the Dutch league, but when he stepped out of Holland he was a disaster.
He basically tried to recreate his entire Ajax 95 team at the Nou Camp and it was a complete shambles.

Below is the run-in prior to the split. As Rangers tend to only struggle badly against the top 6 away, they only have one tough game away to Hibs, we have Motherwell, Dundee Utd and hertz away, as well as a midweek trip down to Killie. Lets hope the bhoys are up for it or we'll be behind before the split. Irrespective, still confident the huns will drop points, particularly after the split when they are playing the best of the rest away.

Saturday 21st Feb
Rangers v Kilmarnock, 15:00 easy game going on past

Sunday, 22 February 2009
Motherwell v Celtic, 14:00 tough game

Saturday, 28 February 2009
Hamilton v Rangers, 12:30 easy game
Celtic v St Mirren, 15:00 easy game

Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Kilmarnock v Celtic, 19:45 tough game
Rangers v Inverness CT, 19:45 easy game

Saturday, 14 March 2009
St Mirren v Rangers, 15:00 easy game

Saturday, 21 March 2009
Rangers v Hearts, 15:00 not easy but not too tough going on past

Sunday, 22 March 2009
Dundee Utd v Celtic, 14:00 tough game

Saturday, 4 April 2009
Celtic v Hamilton, 15:00 easy game
Falkirk v Rangers, 15:00 easy game

Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Celtic v Falkirk, 19:45 easy game

Saturday, 11 April 2009
Hearts v Celtic, 15:00 tough game
Rangers v Motherwell, 15:00 not easy but not tough

Saturday, 18 April 2009
Celtic v Aberdeen, 15:00 tough
Hibernian v Rangers, 15:00 tough

thoughts anyone ?

It seems there's at least one hunposter desperate for attention from Celtic supporters today.

How tiresome.

PAUL HARTLEY SCORED THE WINNER AWAY TO HAMILTON THIS SEASON

Paul67

You often note that the Celtic midfield was at it best when Scott Brown was absent?

Do you see Scott as part of the problem?

Ultimately we were one good finish away from winning on Sunday and are still, marginal, favourites but we need to start creating and scoring more chances.

Injury prone Shaun has been a miss

I had the pleasure of meeting Guus Hiddink a few years back and found him and his wife very nice people, he even bought me a drink! When on the off chance I asked him would he ever manage Celtic he said they were one of his favourite teams and always had been, chiefly due to the Lisbon win but also because of the fans reputation and the ethos of attacking football. He may well have just been being nice but I think it shows that great european caoches do think very highly of us so this argument that they wouldn't want to come here doesn't wash with me. If we tried we really might get a surprise.

Its better to live one day as a tiger rather than a whole lifetime as a worm, not my words, the words of Kat from Red Dwarf..

DD

Paul67

I sense you're starting to get just as frustrated as the rest of us.

From your previous article, if you have any communication with Gordon Strachan at all, please tell him to switch McGeady & Nakamura!

You're right, they haven't been creating chances but that's because teams have got wise to our rigid tactics. If our fullbacks aren't getting beyond our wingers then we fail to make chances as most teams double up on our wingers and out-number us in the middle.

Recently the fullbacks haven't been able to or simply haven't overlapped enough and McGeady and Nakamura have had little options in front of them. If they were on their proper side they'd at least have the option of getting to the byline and flashing a ball across goal.

I still maintain it's not our passing that's the problem - there's no reason why professional footballers wouldn't be able to make passes - the problem is our movement.

We need to change the way we train, change the way we coach or change the formation because something wholesale needs to change in order to get the players moving for each other.

I'm fed up seeing Naylor and Hinkel get the ball and having McGeady/Naka closely marked, nobody whatsoever (unless when Crosas play) in the middle showing for the ball and a 50-50 punt into the channel for McDonald to run onto - the best which you could hope for in 90% of the cases is that you play the ball into a good area and their defender heads it out for a throw.

Back to my main point though - we seen Flood, a right footed player, cross the ball from the right side, the way it used to be!

The playing on the opposite side tactic isn't a new one, it's not going to catch anyone off guard and there's just as many teams if not more trying it these days as there are those with people playing on their natural side.

You do not know Strachan diasagree's with how the club is run therefore you cannot call him a coward for not "standing up to PL" when you do not know that he disagree's. His "rep" in the game as you call it, is supposition and does not do anything to back up your attack unless of course you are the Managing Director of Southampton or Coventry and know his "rep" and attitude to club finances first hand? Once again a fabricated excuse to personally attack a Celtic employee.

I know this because everytime an interview comes up from his previous employers like Lowe etc they always state that he is a man that steadys the ship and never questions anything. Everything PL says backs this up.

"McManus is supposed to be a tim, if i was him - as much as i would throw my wean in the clyde tobe the Celtic captain for a month, it is cowardly to take the decision to say, no for the good of the team, the club and the fans - step down. That would be a man."

Are you in Lennoxtown everyday? Do you see Loovens and O'Dea train and therefore know for a fact they are better options than McManus, our full international Captain? What do you think it would do for the team if the Captain, at this stage of the season, stood up and said "I am not good enough. Somebody else can play"? Total rubbish used to continue personal attacks on the Captain, who coincidentally had a decent game on Sunday. How many goals did we concede again? The problem on Sunday was not our Captain or our Left Back.
Our left back had a better game than he usually does, if McManus did the right thing now then the whole squad would end up being lifted beyond all belief! Apart from Sunday - where he nearly scored an own goal BTW - he has been awful.

As for the last bit, as I pointed out several times, Strachan dictates the tactics. He had identified a weakness behind Broadfool that could be exploited, one that agree with coincidentally, hence the long balls to the back left corner. However there was no variation in play and only this tactic was used. To suggest the lack of midfield variation, when you are up against a side who are doubling up and have an extra man than you in that zone, is down to "cowardice" is absolutley lonny tunes stuff.

So humping the ball is a tactical decision?? John Beck eat your heart out. I bet Trapatonni is calling Capello now "ee Fabio, el humpo longo ballo upto o bigo goono"

Paul67,

Hartley & Crosas for Sunday then. Can it be anything else.

I hope he throws caution to the wind and starts Hutchison.

The ever present starters from now till the end should be Boruc, Hinkel, Naylor, Caldwell, McManus, Crosas, Naka, McGeady & McDonald. The others are either injured or guff.

How much do we need Barry Robson.

tojo - underwhelmed.

bjmac03

you are imo taking a rather simplistic approach to the fixture schedule

as was evidenced in our last away fixture ...when teams are as poor as Celtic and Rangers any result is possible and no games are easy

1 away to St Mirren ...huns lost there already this season

2 away to Hamilon ..huns win by a disputed offside goal

whereas

their last way game to Hibs they horsed them

is we or they can put together ant decent run of victories ..imo 5or 6 then that team will win the league regardless of the next derby match

DonegalDanny,

Red Dwarf is returning to earth this easter. Maybe Kryton can play left back?

Therags...

I haven’t seen it mentioned anywhere, but in the build up to their big “penalty” claim, Miller raises his boot so high he almost catches our captain on the head! Play should have been stopped for dangerous play before he even got into the box. IMO.

donegaldanny

thats not what he said about us when our chief exec offered him a job only for the our major shareholder to offer it to martin o'neill instead.

The rags

Indeed it is but after series 8&9 (or was it 7&8) I'm not hopeful, one of the writers left and it was never as good after that!

Surely Kryten would be a better target man than a left back?

DD

BBC1 scotland, rearangers just about to come on. being reported for Sunday. Sorry of old news.

They have been reported to the spl due to behaviour of the "fans". Slap on the wrist time again?

Points deduction time. It's the only way ti stop it.

bjmac03,

Saturday, 14 March 2009
St Mirren v Rangers, 15:00 easy game

instinct tells me rankers will be attempting to (rightly IMO)
re-arrange this game :¬)

Hail Hail

At last, boffins no longer baffled by what goes on in Ayrshire

donegaldanny,

I imagine that is why they are bringing it to an end. Before it gets really bad and people stop caring. Kinda like the SPL.

Therags...

Peter Grant

I think I'm going to regret this, but maybe I could contribute a few observations on your tirade at 1:16.

I'll just stick to bald facts and see where it takes us, all right?

1. The next elections for the Scottish Parliament will be in May 2011.

2. The SNP will not call for a “devolution vote” because the devolution process began four months after the 1997 UK general election.

3. The envisaged next step in the process is not to vote for “a separate nation”. Scotland is a separate nation. The UK is not a nation, but a state made up of the peoples of at least four nations.

4. Income tax rates at the moment start at 10% (albeit for savings income only).

5. Men in Portugal, Finland and Hungary spend the least time in the EU in good health.

6. The Catholic population has been a minority in Scotland since the 1560s, and most of us have kind of got used to it.

Is it only on Tuesdays you get out?

The inactivity during the transfer window was either an act of prudence during tough economic times or an act of negligence that could haunt the club for years.

With the SPL champions direct entry into the CL only available for 1 more season, and with the changes to the qualifying rounds almost certainly making it more difficult to progress through that route, the importance of winning the SPL this season cannot be understated.

In my opinion the boards failure to take a calculated gamble during the window was a missed opportunity for us to take a giant step towards dominating the game in Scotland for the foreseeable future. A couple of key purchases would surely have been the catalyst for 4 in a row (even with our managers limited tactical knowledge), and it would have confined Rangers to another season without CL football (can you see them make it through qualifying with that team). With their financial position becoming more critical month by month they would have became no more than another Hearts for the next 5 years, at least under the current ownership. Instead we have taken our hand of their throat by being the same old "Celtic Board". If they go on to win the league it will go down as the biggest sitter since Van Vossen.

The only way we come out of this with any credit is if we go on to win the title. Based on current form that is looking tough however it is still in our own hands. To give us the best chance we must start playing our best players now. Play guys who can play football. Play guys who care about winning the title. Play guys who can defend. We all know who they are, hopefully Gordon does too.

If he doesn't it may be a long long time before we see CL football again at Celtic Park.

The forces of Mordor have been reported for sectarian chanting on Sunday.WGS should be reported for impersonating a manager

And while we're on the subject- Shame,shame,shame

Peter Grant 1.16

If you keep up that standard of political analysis up you could just get a scotvec module grade 'E'......or even qualify as a journalist. You're advocating voting for the Conservative and Unionist Party as a way of addressing establishment bias?

Ho Hum.......

bjmac03,

Saturday, 14 March 2009
St Mirren v Rangers, 15:00 easy game

We're playing der hun on the 15th March.

Hail Hail

Did anyone hear the phone in on Clyde after the game?

A good guy called up to complain about the performance of the referee. He was shot down by Keevins et al and told the referee got all the big decisions right. One of them said it's not as if there was a penalty decision he got wrong.

They then went for an interview with Smith. He had a wee moan about Miller not getting a penalty. Then back to the studio, and without any shame they started to discuss Rangers not getting a penalty.

Just thinking about it is making me consider a language violation.

In other revisions the term "section" is now used instead of "minority" to describe the entire Rangers support who sing sectarian songs.

Therags...

Peter Grant

Or... We could take our oil back, invest in tidal and wind power and become a major energy supplier to Europe becoming a wealthy nation like the Swiss. The quality of living would go up as would local government spending, therefore health, education and sport would improve. We might even be able to suggest a wee relaxation in Brazilian footballers work permits and would be able to compete with the bigger leagues more than we do at present?

I'm fed up with the status quo.

Another point on Celtic, indirectly regarding Tommy Burns, Trappetoni apparently said that to get the best out of Aiden McGeady you need to boost his confidence.

Some people might say you shouldn't have to mollycoddle (sp?) players but then you shouldn't need to give players a boot in the erse either. Some players need told how good they are and others need the military approach, that's just the way it is, the basis of man management.

The man management of Aiden McGeady has criminally failed, with Tommy Burns' influence he flourished, he had the confidence to go out and take players on and win us countless matches, this season he is the shadow of his past self.

Recent weeks have highlighted just how poorly he is being man managed. The Strachan incident I assume is a sign of what goes on behind the closed doors - we have a player who needs mollycoddled getting the military treatment.

Add to this the fact that your own team-mates are taking pops at you physically and (reading between the lines from some) mentally with a implicit support for Boruc.

We'll never see the best from McGeady unless he's handled the way he needs to be handled.

Therags...

Didn't hear it but not one bit surprised. Those "pundits" are becoming a parody of themselves.

Mort

oldtim67

You have short mail. I tried to phone you. I think something is wrong with your telephone.

Why do they have to say:

"That conduct relates to the chanting of the so-called 'Famine Song' which, some say, mocks the Irish potato famine. " Some say?

It's like when a player punches another player live on TV and they give it the "in an apparent attack". Umm... he punched him, unless it was a camera attack there's nothing 'apparent' about it!

Celtic_First - dont bother with PeterGrant. I was debating with him as even though i was dubious of his intentions / affliations due to his ludicrous remarks I was giving him the benefit of the doubt and thought perhaps he was just one of these angry young bhoys looking to hit out and was taking him to task. Then he goes and posts his little political doomsday scenario, or should I say his own little political fantasy which like all his other posts, is factually bereft.

Tojo,
Regarding Hutchison, the lhad was on CTV about 3 weeks ago saying he had to get an operation on his foot.
The report said he'd be out for 6-8 weeks.

Not sure if that went ahead, possibly Paul or one of the bhoys can enlighten us?

/Bishop B

Murriger - "WGS should be reported for impersonating a manager"

Is this the same Celtic manager who is more succesful than O'Neill and has taken 2 league title from your manager?

He is doing a good impersonation in my book :)

Fine or points deduction - what would Rangers rather?

Could they pay the fine? If not then what?

Len Brennan@1.49 I think the injury wasn't as bad as first feared so no operation was required. Though I may be wrong....

If anyone wants to see the famous Glasgow Celtic play at Tynecastle on weekend of April 11/12 then there is an application form you can download at the Jambo website.

Tix are £27 or £17 for concessions.

Deadline for applications is March 6th.

Who knows, taht might be the game where we clinch the title ;~)

celtic4orme

This was actually in the summer of 2004 and he was still very complimentary of us, as I say maybe he was just being nice. Incidentally his wife was about 6ft3! And Guus was smoking a cuban about 3ft long!

DD

DBBIA

Easter weekend.....

PF ayr

I agree, it was a very simplistic view of the remaining games before the split, however my point is that our run-in to the split is far more difficult and we could find ourselves a bit behind, psychologically that would be bad.

VMhan - I got the list of the bbc site - my apologies :-)
obviously the huns haven't rearranged the game against St Mirren, although that being midweek, could potentially make a difference, always believe midweek away games are more difficult - don't ask why just always seemed to be we would struggle, so hopefully they do as well.

On to 4IAR if performances improve (even slightly!)

Len Brennan

That was my understanding too but I found something from the Herald from last week where Gordon said that Ben's injury wasn't as bad as first feared and that he didn't need an operation afterall and that he was now fit again.

The reserves are due to play today so we'll see if he gets on for them.

Mort

Len Brennan

Seen the interview as well but he was on the bench at the weekend which I thought was strange.

Malone19 - "The quality of living would go up as would local government spending, therefore health, education and sport would improve."

You're assuming a positive correlation between these different factors. Talk about doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome, it never ceases to amaze me the faith that people, particularly in Scotland, have in the idea that government knows better how to spend our money than the people who actually earn it do. It seems we are doomed to always be just another penny or two on tax away from the public sector nirvana of excellent schools and hospitals. :)

Want to see FF reaction to the SPL delegates report?

"Reporting Scotland's stance is hardly surprising given the presence of an Opus Dei influence in senior positions at Pacific Quay"

Rangers really do not have any chance controlling that rabble. The SPL have to step in now.

Mort

Did you see his toe/instep? Ewwww!! Maybe they were able to drain it rather than chisel it but... ewwww!

Taking everything into account, winning 3 in a row, dire unwatchable horlicks football, dressing room bust ups, being 2 points clear at the top of the league, 1 shot on target during the game against rangers, no shots on target during the game against Caley, unfathomable team selections, falling out with Aiden, not strengthening during the January transfer window, still in the running for the domestic treble, the enigma that is Scott Brown......

...watching Aberdeen put 4 goals past us, Naka (love the guy), our Captain, Ben Hutchinson, Lee Naylor, having no confidence in our team's ability to stay ahead of rangers beyond this Friday night, etc etc, I've arrived at the conclusion that a straight swap of losing the league for a change of manager would be a good deal for Celtic, providing of course we get someone in who knows how to play football the Glasgow Celtic way.

Maybe not the best time to proclaim this, but having supported Celtic for the best part of 50 years, this is the lowest I've felt since the Lou Macari era. We are dire and getting worse with every passing week. The only way we will win the title this season would be a total collapse by rangers, and supposing this did happen and Gordon vowed to carry on, that would definitely be a second prize imo. Sorry guys, had a bellyful watching Celtic play Gordon's way, its just too painful to watch anymore.

Well, sunday was a pathetic excuse for a game of football. We must share the blame for that, but its not so easy to play against a shamelessly defeensive, well drilled, side, so I am trying not to be too hard on our players, or manager.

Rangers, of course, set out with the ultra-defensive style which somehow got them to the UEFA final. That run demonstrated that decent teams can find it very difficult to play against the type of system Uncle Walter likes to put out- we saw the same when France struggled badly against Scotland when he was in charge.

Very good sides will overcome that system. Sadly, at present, we are a long way short of that quality.

We need to start scoring, & winning games. If we don't, then as Rangers have an easier run in up to the split, we'll find ourselves well behind when we play at mordor. In that situation, Rangers will play the same system as yesterday, & we'll struggle again. We need them to have to win, & accordingly to try & be a bit more positive in their play, to be confident of winning next time out.

The next few games will, i feel, define our season.

Maybe Strachans realised that he can't afford to lose Hutch for an operation as he provides cover for the 3 reaming strikers at the club. If McDonald picks up an injury then Hutch would need to go straight into the team or at least be first choice sub.

oh and some choice cuts on their opinions regarding the "anti-sectarian intiative" in Scotland, as if you needed mor proof -

"Has achieved one thing and one thing only

It's made it 10 x worse, I've never hated these bassa more. "

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

"I agree....the more they make things out of it..the more people feel backed into a corner and feel stronger about protecting their way of life etc. I hate celtic more that i did growing up..I blame the modern pc crowd and do gooders'' "

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

"It isn't anti sectarian, its anti protestant. If it was really about ending sectarianism then segregated schools would be top of the agenda."

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

Once again, Rangers have no chance!

Malone19

No I didn't and I'm glad but it can't be much worse than the images going through my mind now.

At least I have finished my lunch.

Mort

RogueLeader

They're all dirty taigs, the whole damn lot of them! It if was good Rangers men at the helm we could say what we want about those bloody fenians!

Peter Grant

Are you sure your on the correct blog?

When does Lent start?

[I know it's Ash Wednesday]

DBBIA

Next wed

Mort

JungleBhoyJr, Mort and Malone19,
Thanks for the info on Hutch. Glad to hear that his injury wasn't as bad as expected.

I wonder if his reserve form and fitness was the reason for us allowing Sheridan and McGowan to both go out on loan at the same time??

I'd like to see the lhad getting a run out. From what I've seen of him in reserve games he looks as though he knows the way to goal so definitely the kind of player we could do with at the moment.

Spent most of this morning reading through the posts since Sunday and was amazed at some of the stick Paul67 was getting!

_____________________________________________________

Just wit they want

Paul yae didnae let us talk, you'd think you owned the site,
yae put the shackles oan awe the time, how are we suppose tae write.

You stop us havin a good debate, yer always buttin in,
then yae post a new report, tae make us start agin.

We want yae to talk aboot the team, dae it awe tae death,
criticise how bad they play, tell it every breath.

Sure we'll lead yae by the nose, writin wit yer telt,
yer liberty's gone fir sure, no independent celt.

Rename the blog, the "Poster's Choice" , nae longer yours tae call,
is that no just wit they want, CQN tae fall.

____________________________________________________

Paul67SC

Paul.et al.

Football is all about winning,Give me a winning team and I'm happy,Playing nice football is the bonus we all crave,But if Celtic win the League I'll be a happy Celtic Supporter.

Someone was waxing lyrical about Tommy Burns,"A great coach,a great Footballer" I can't argue with those comments.

I then think of Van Goch,Titian,Da Vinci,all famous painters,but they only achieved fame after dying.Can it be also true that Tommy is now achieving greatness now that he has passed on.

Were the writers of praise for Tommy,also Writing praise for him when he was managing Celtic,Playing good Football but not winning the League Titles.

My own personal take on it I was extreemly unhappy with us not winning the Title when Tommy was manager,I have always been unhappy when Celtic lose titles.

Accolades can be thrown at anyone but only some deserve them,Jock Stein deserved every Accolade that was given him.
But we can be a bit to generous in passing on accolades in the aftermath of death.I think I'll remember Tommy as a very decent human being and a good coach.

It's rather a roundabout way of praising Gordon Strachan,which after three League Titles he deserves,rather than reading the vilification that has come his way this last few days.

DublinW

If you have a ticket for the cup final, I'll gladly take it off your hands. I wouldn't feel right seeing you go through so much pain watching Celtic.

Hail Hail

Mort

Mort- cheers.

I shall offer up my suffering in watching the famous Glasgow Celtic for the good of Humanity, rather than say giving up chocolate or thinking about Ms Penelope Cruz.

Len-Re Hutch

"I wonder if his reserve form and fitness was the reason for us allowing Sheridan and McGowan to both go out on loan at the same time?"

Possibly, but I still don't see the logic of letting Sheridan go. I know he's not the world's greatest striker but he could have proved handy during the run-in.

oldtim67

If only more people would praise Gordon and be thankful that he rescued a dying team, then I feel there would a lot more happiness about the Celtic world.

People should be very careful about what they wish for. In a few years time many of those who have castigated Gordon might be wishing he was back.

Hail Hail

Mort

oldtim

I agree re TB.

Great man, great celt, very good player, good coach, reasonable manager.

Re Sheridan

I don't think the lad will be back at Celtic IMO and I know hes only 18 but we tend to go over the top when it comes to youngsters coming through. He looks like a very poor mans craig beattie and we must aim higher. Kevin Cawley (surely a Mayo connection with a name like that??) has banged in more goals than big sheridan so why not give him a shout?

DD

Bhoys,

does anyone know when tickets for the cup final will go on sale?

Malone19,

I think Aiden has had enough of being mollycoddled or wrapped in a blanket, when you do this you run the risk of them not wanting to ever come out and experience the cold. There comes a time when you have to give them responsibility to go it on their own without the kidd gloves. I think GS has tried to do this with Aiden.

As for the famine song and all the other bile that their support spewed at Celtic Park, the board should send a letter to the Rangers board and SPL telling them that because of their biggoted behaviour on Sunday their support will be banned. Their board will complain to the SPL and it will be brought out as to the reasons for the ban and the press will have to report on it.

gsu

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo....

Martinez of Swansea is one to keep an eye on. Also, Dave Jones is doing pretty well on a tight budget.

Is Sheridan allowed to play against us ? I know sometimes they write it in to a loan deal they're not allowed to play.

bjmac

Mort, is the cup final a ticket game after that dross on Sunday?

oh and mibbee rearrangers "fans" will be banned :¬) sorry jist joshin

ps I'm not josh!

josh, sorry vmhan

Now that would be funny.

Mort

JungleBhoyJr,

Sheridan may win us the league with a goal against R$£*&%S.

Therags...

This article is from the Scotsman from 2007 regarding the Orc's secterian song singing at Inverness.

Interesting reading as the second paragraph mentions that they had been told that a repeat episode could see the club reported to the SPL Commission, where they will run the risk of sanctions against the club.

Surely this must have happens at least 60-70 times since then??

Scotsman article

So reading between the lines I'd say the chance of anything happening from the last bout of foot in the mouth by the Orc's will result in.. NOWT!!

/Bishop B

Re Sheridan

I totally agree that he won't last long at the club but I still think that we're missing cover for our 3 main strikers. I would have sold/loaned him in the Summer

bjmac03,
I was told at the weekend that Sheridan can't play against us, I guess it's pretty standard when loaning a player in your own league now.

Woulld also guess it would be the same for McGowan and Caddis.

/Bishop B

WWC,

Fair play to you. Now that is me being disingenuous. I will refrain from further debate on this issue since apparently there is a ceasfire on this issue that I was not aware of previously. I just hope come Monday that it is only the Orcs the media will be talking about.

Paul67,

can you please mail me The Token Tims email address?

thanks.

MWDsincereasheeverwillbecsc

Thanks Len, also hope therags... is correct with his prediction

Zbyszek.

You have mail.

Antsman, yes, I think Scott Brown needs to add lots to his game.

Malone19, agree, Willo Flood hitting the bye-line was a real sight.

Tojo, agree on Crosas but I’m more cautions about Hutch.

Len, no info.

Serenity, ha! First class; many thanks, one for keeping.

Oldtim67, Tommy sure heard about his style of play during the Hampden season.

Moombeams, you have mail.

Len,
Never rains but it pours.
the lad was on the bench on sunday that was all.

Tojo.

MWD,

I emailed you last night at 1704hrs - subject heading Token Tim's Season Ticket.

take it you have not recived it???

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

As a follow on from the Scotsman article this was from the Times from Graham Spiers.
As the Famine Song was heard very clearly on Sunday I think the SFA have painted themselves into a corner here.

Famine song threat

Let sit back and watch what happens now.

/Bishop B

Does anyone know what Neil Lennons input at Celtic is?

Afternoon all.
First post since the game. Appears that everything has already been said. We all saw it. Poor,poor,poor. No invention against a team intent on not losing.
And of course, in the media, nothing changes. The major point of contention is Rangers not getting a penalty.Not that the referee was an absolute coward who bottled EVERY major decision, but that Rangers never got a penalty. They should be grateful they were allowed to finish the game with 11 men. McCulloch, Naismith and Weir could all have walked. As for Lafferty, I don't think I have seen a worse footballer in all of my life. How a man manages to commit as many fouls as he did (I counted 13)and not get at least a booking is beyond me.
Calum Murray is the new Dallas. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Still two points in front but we need to up our game.Time for change.
The manager needs to trust Crosas. The boy is a footballer, let him play. Same with Mizuno.
On the plus side, I thought Willo Flood acquitted himself very well in his debut. Was unlucky to be taken off, personally I would have sacrificed Hartley and let Willo run through the middle.
However, Sunday is now history,and Rangers are still worse than us.
Onwards and upwards to 4 in a row.
Only the referees can stop us....and I'm sure they'll give it a good go.

Surely this is the time for the experienced players to step it up? But exactly who are the experienced ones in our current squad? We have some very talented younger players who offer a lot, but are in their early 20s and still learning their trade.

So who do we look to for leadership on the field? Artur? Jan?

Len,

They'll get another slap on the wrist and the worst they'll get is a fine.

Not in my lifetime (and i hope i've got plenty left) will they ever have a point deduction.

tojo - on his knees, hands clasped.

Paul67,

Willo hitting the bye-line certainly was a sight; it stunned poor Scott who has obviously grown unaccustomed to such delivery.

I predict he won't miss the next one.

Therags...

Repoting Scotland, BBC:

Jackie Ma Bird, 'What's all the fuss about?'

Chris McLaughlin, 'It's about the S word. Sectarian chanting.'

There we have it. The usual strategy. Racism ? No! Sectarianism ? Yes! The former can only involve one team. The latter is Murray's way of attempting to drag us in.( which will be fruitless).

Sky Sports News following the Murray line. 'Sectarian chanting'.

While on the subject of the media I heard a couple of things on the radio on the way home after the game on Sunday.

Davie Provan, ' Calum Murray can go home and put his feet up, satisfied with having a good game in his OF debut.' God help us from our ex players bending over backwards to come over neutral.

Daryll King, ' Peter (McGuire) and I were doing the commemtary for Rangers.com.' Wonder if Peter mentioned the racism when he was doing said commentary. No, didn't think so.

On to Four. Fine Girl Y'Ar.

greensideup

In what way has he been mollycoddled enough? And why should it not be OK to do this but be OK to use the hair-drier treatment - it's two different tactics which should be used for two different types of personalities - an inability to do both is a serious management flaw.

Are you suggesting it's ok to use one and not the other?

If mollycoddling McGeady makes him play to his potential then why not do it?

Len Brennan

I've always thought he doesn't have any real outstanding talent but manages to get a barrel-load of goals - which for our team would be one more talent than the current offering.

The one game I saw him play in the first team he looked unfit, maybe even overweight and very slow, he seems faster at reserve level. I don't know if it was just a blip but hopefully if he gets another chance he'll make the most of it.

Still think Samaras is by far the most talented striker we have, if only he would put his mind to it. An infuriating player.

He actually seems like the type who doesn't actually like football, just play it because they're good at it.

TTT,

Moonbeams will be wearing a rubber swimming helmet. Be sure to give him a slap in the face for insinuating that I´ve thrown my towel in.

Did you get my email last week?

carrierpidgeonCSC

StevieNoBread@2.42

Is Lennon not billed as "First Team Coach"?

Essentially he fills the TB role for the first team but has no involvement in the youth sides. In practice this means that he acts as WGS's conduit with the players aka "come and see me if you have any problems that you don't want to tell WGS about".
A role that TB did with applomb but I can't see Lennon enjoying the same affection from the players.

Len/Tojo

I have no doubt that the Scottish authorities, football & otherwise, will never take any significant action against "Scotlands second biggest institution".

Peat's words may seem to be tough talking, but in reality, would the SFA have power, even if prepared to do so (which they won't be) to be able to deduct points in the SPL, or is that a matter for the SPL themselves?

What we'll get next is no doubt the usual guff, eg that its a "small section" of the Rangers support who are defying the club, who as we all know, as we read & hear about it so often, are doing "all in their power" to prevent these unacceptable songs being sung.

Of course, its really not a football problem, its a society one, & while were at it, what about those catholic schools? Or catholics having the temerity to bless themselves in public? Don't celtic fans sing sectarian songs too (by which they mean anything about ireland)...

Its all tiresomely predictable.

The huns will never change.

Scottish society has changed, & is, changing, but very slowly. The huns are being marginalised, & I believe that in due course, they will be looked at much in the same way that the KKK & other white supremacists are. The club, & far too many of its supporters, have no place in a decent, civilized, society.

Paul67/The Token Tim

must be something up with my incoming mail. I will have a look and get back to you once I get it fixed. Otherwise I will send on my works email address and get back to you tomorrow when i get back to work.

Thanks

MWD

FF cracker-

"The fact that "Let The People Sing" is officially sanctioned by the club and played over the tannoy shows they can do as they please while we are villified.Welcome to Scotland 2009.

Just brilliant from FF! I hope i never get barred from it,its just pure comedy!

well said Penang_bhoy. Very eloquently put. Scotland has changed significantly and as a whole it is a small minority of the overall population who hold the sames views as that mob. It is a significant minority of them that still hold those views as witnessed on Sunday. I gave my ticket away and watched in my local - which is 95% Rangers, but in the main good guys on a personal level - however they were still saying the songs are ok - these are business men, bank managers, lawyers etc Clever people who still hold the same views held by the mindless idiots chanting those songs. Scotland has changed, Rangers haven't - you are correct, they will eventually be left behind - the sooner the better.

bjmac

on to 4IAR

Bradford Bhoy- LOL

Keep up your FF highlights, best I've heard for quite a while ;)

Paul67,

mail to you. did you get it.

I dont often go over to FF but do enjoy a glimpse "under the rock" sometimes, today though they are really bad. They are in full siege mode. Liewell controlling the media, the Police, the government and the SPL / SFA. Their racism and intolerance is streaming out of them and their views borne of indoctrination rather than fact are on full display. They geniunely believe what they say and change the facts fo the situation to suit their viewpoint, so no danger of dissonance there you need a comprehension of the other viewpoint in your head for that. It is no wonder Murray talks about internet messageboards. I would be mortified if that was a Celtic messageboard. The mentality and beliefs of the people who post there is absolutely mind boggling. The worrying thing for me is whenever I see anyone making any sort of comment that would come from a normal, balanced perspective, I immeditaly think "timposter". That just shows that the high majority of people who post there share really poisonous beliefs. I would like to think it is not representative of the views of the majority of Rangers fans, as the ones I know are decent human beings, but the vast majority there are just reprehensible.

You honestly have to see it for yourself to believe it!

.

Andy Warhol

bjmac03

I totally agree with you, I know educated people who cant see any harm in the famine song. The Big Jock chants gets the OK too ('because its not sectarian therefore UEFA cant do anything, that makes it alright' A direct quote).

Catholic schools - 'why would anyone except a catholic send their kids to a catholic school? I mean in the crusades the catholic church killed millions' - another quote.

These are from mid 40s educated people. They have been brainwashed by father and peers and will brainwash their sons. This meme will take a long time to dilute.

Bhoyfromcults Feb 15 5:40pm

Over the last day or two there have been much debate over the game, the ability of the players and the ability of the manager, some i've agreed with some i've disagreed. I have not read every single comment. But I feel I am solid ground when I say that your post is right up there with the most half witted and moronic posts I have had the misfoturme to read in the time I have lurking/posting on CQN. There are grounds for constructive criticism of the manager and the players, but you chose to go down the route of the gutter!

Congratulations!

Awe Naw...

on Saturdays it is a full latex outfit. Bet your all looking forward to the quiz night now.

Paul67,

Heard a comment this week that Hutchinson is one of the fastest players we have currently. Some pace in attack would be a useful addition compared to JVOH recent form and lack of pace.

Moonbeams, see what happens when you change email address! You have mail.

McManus69, agree about pace.

.

McManus67....

Ben will now get his chance....The U21 Rule was stopping him being Included in the Squad....

001

bjmac03

thanks.

It is a very deep seated problem, affecting lots of decent guys who support rangers, & just don't see that the club has poison at its core.

I don't understand why any reasonable, decent, guy would support that mob. However, many do. I have loads of friends who are in that position.

Even our own Ed, who is in my view quite clearly a very decent, fair minded bloke that i'd happily share a pint or 2 with, is not immune, as shown by his suggestion last week that one reason he dislikes Artur is because he feels that Artur blesses himself to deliberately wind the opposition up.

Aside from that being nonsense, as he does it twice in every game, regardless of the opponents, for a guy like Ed to instinctively use the "double-think" process used by most Rangers fans that its blessing yourself publicly, rather than those who are wound up by that, that is wrong, shows just how far things still need to come.

Moonbeams,

You dont want TTT seeing you in that ;-)

MarcellusWallaceCSC

My wife comes from a non denom background that has many non denoms who are non practicing/church going protestants who support arREARS from afar as well as a Hearts/Killie and Ayr fans. Her cousin in my view a very decent & intellegent (?) bloke, who likes to see arREARS win but doesn't really bother that much, also from a protestant background but non practicing. Boy was I surprised to see his IPOD just xmass past. Couldn't believe some of the tunes he had on there. My opinion of him has now changed drastically. I would suggest that there is a larger percentage who in public would not dream of owning up to their beliefs but in private have a deep hatred for everything Catholic and Celtic.

FF

"So they can sing a song about the Famine but when we point out to them that its over and they can go home anytime they feel like it,it is sectarian.I dont know about FTP singing at the end of a song but does that not go for FTQ also? I could hear them sing "Who's The Mason In The Black?",is that not a sectarian reference to being a Protestant like being called a "fenian" is to a "Catholic?" I also heard them sing the "Soldiers Song" and I dont know how many sang the "Soon There Will Be No Protestants at all.." part but it does matter because we get accused of singing a line in the famine song thats never been sung by the Rangers support at an any ground.They sing about DOBs,huns and Masons and the Provos yet they are all acceptable yet anything we sing is deemed offensive maybe someone at Rangers might comment this time "Without Fear or Favour".

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

"If they hang a banner saying that they were formed because of the famine then what is wrong with gently reminding them that it is over?

and a reply-

"Exactly,if mentioning the famine is sectarian then surely it is sectarian in any aspect of mentioning it"

AND THEY WONDER WHY MURRAY N BAIN WONT STICK UP FOR THEM!!!!! HAW HAW HAW!!!!!

Help ....looking for an answer

Name two players, as far as I am aware, to have played together in two FA Cup finals for two different teams except for Kanu and Campbell ?

i.e. player A and player B both played for club C in year XXXX and for club D in year XXXX

Moonbeams,

how appropriate as was once labelled "leather joy bhoy"!

have no idea why as I was wearing lederhosen at the time :-)

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

PS- the above is all purely ficticious of course!!!

P.s I am not aware .. just a lazy cut and paste

McManus69.

Gordon Strachan was interviewed about the strikers last week on Celtic TV. About Ben Hutchinson he said "Ben talks a good game. Its time he played a good game".

Thought it strange at the time.

Still think it's strange.

An Lorgain

Moonbeams,

I´ll send you pics of TTT in his dirndl

HAil Hail

Paul67,

The way i see it, is that we have nothing to lose by bringing Hutchinson in. We carry on the way we are at present, then the league will be gone. We need something, who knows maybe Ben might have the Barry Robson effect similar to last year when he was brought in.

I hear Koki has been playing a striker as well in the reserves. Hear his movement and pace has impressed a few folk.

Lurgan53

Maybe Bens scoring goals for the reserves but isnt chipping in with his share of 'square passes'

Interesting, never knew that!!

McManus69.

Gordon Strachan was interviewed about the strikers last week on Celtic TV. About Ben Hutchinson he said "Ben talks a good game. Its time he played a good game".

All not well then.

DublinW
@1.59

i agree with your sentiments entirely

it`s just turgid awful stuff at the moment an in no way passes for entertainment
i can count on one hand the enjoyable games this season ..even the CL was a let down

dire , worrying stuff

Gents,

For what its worth.

Just had it confirmed that Police officers at the match on Sunday were instructed not to arrest anyone in the Away support for Sectarian Singing, particularly TFS, but that the crowd noise was being recorded for the SPL and they would be taking action.

Source:- serving Police officer and very good friend.

play

I really worry that Ben Hutchinson is the latest young player somehow seen as our saviour. If he comes into the side the pressure will really be on him, which just isn't fair. Remember how Cillain Sheradin was abused my many here and at the games for his perceived inadequacies, despite his scoring a few goals.

Lurgan53- I saw that interview too. Seemed a very pointed dig at Hutch and didn't seem to be in a encouraging "sort your act out and you're in the team" kinda way. Shame as I really think Hutch could help us.

If Ben Hutchison can only "talk a good game",why was he signed?

It is a strange one!

Bradford Bhoy

A recruitment officer ?

Gordon_J-Good point. Let me clarify my point, im not saying Hutch is our saviour but I think he would add a freshness to our strikeforce. And it would give Samaras a wake up call

What about a scenario where our 50+ goalscoring partnership of last season kick in and start banging them away for fun ?

To do so we need to up the level of service / creativity / guile / pace in the final third....

The defence seems the least of our worries at the moment (and won't be altered) so I've decided clearly it's all about midfield..

central midfield of crossas and flood in the middle, maloney one side and mcgeady on the other..

option two of 5 across the middle on the same wavelength and short, fast, pacey movement supporting (rejuvenated) skippy..

maloney or sammi - crossas - naka - robson - mcgeady..

Might even stop big Mick from hoisting it 10 feet in the air each time he has the ball at his feet....

Big Wavy

Aw Naw

Do you mean a "high ranking" recruitment officer?

playfusbal4dguilders

Was he the one talking to you outside CP on Sunday?

An Lorgain

If he talks a good game presumably it means he is a confident bhoy, is that not what you want in a striker? Is that not what Gordon wants? Hopefully he's not going to knock the confidence out of him before he plays him so he can then say told you so.

Peeps

re Ben Hutch - He was one of Aidens chums who bevvied in an Edinburgh Hotel the evening of the WGS slagging match. Likes a bevvy !

JungleBhoyJr,

My point wasn't a response to anything you posted, but a more general one.

We laugh at the way Fleck hass been built up yet call for our own young players to be thrown into the first team at a time of intense importance.

My view is that Hutchison is effectively our fourth striker and should be given some playing time to see what he can do. But not pitched is as a first team pick just yet.

.

Re; Ben Talking....

Ben Can't Be a Mole I Thought He was a Rat....

001WhackoJacoCSC

The Token Tim,

no smoke without campfires. :o)

Good stuff from keep the faith

Seems jan has a one match ban to come so hutch may have to play

Celtic Cyberspace is yet again this season in the midst of a painful post mortem into the shortcomings of Gordon Strachan’s Celtic, the agonising autopsy, at which Celtic fans are world-class, this time provoked by that gash goal-less draw in the dreich Derby on Sunday.

And, as is custom, the post mortem is analysing and investigating every nook and cranny of our beloved Celtic, who are still chasing the Treble yet are creating abundant negativity, disgruntlement and disillusionment amongst Celtic fans.

A grim state of affairs when one considers Celtic are League leaders by two points, are in the League Cup Final and are in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

So what have we to gripe about? The answer, sadly, is plenty.

The standard of football played by Celtic this season: How many times during this campaign have we eulogised about and been invigorated by Celtic’s performances on the park? The first-half against Motherwell at Fir Park early in the season, the win over Villarreal at Celtic Park in the Champions League and the 4-2 win over Hibs at Celtic Park in December are three that spring to mind, but there have been precious few other performances to purr over.

The strikers: 14 goals from Georgios Samaras, 13 goals from Scott McDonald and merely 2 goals from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (who was sidelined for three months because of injury) is a rank-rotten return. Our strikers are not scoring a satisfactory number of goals from the goal-scoring chances created, though on Sunday against the Huns only one opportunity was fashioned – Skippy’s header, which he made an arse of. Only 52 goals scored from 25 League matches. Our strikers MUST do better.

The midfield: Does not dominate, seems unbalanced and is tinkered with in terms of personnel much too often, while only Aiden McGeady and Shunsuke Nakamura (and Shaun Maloney when fit) seem capable of creating goal-scoring opportunities. Too many square passes, not enough pace, only one central midfielder, Scott Brown, capable of carrying the ball forward and only one central midfielder, Marc Crosas, able to make that killer pass. Our midfield MUST do better and there MUST be consistency of selection.

The defence: Much-maligned, and with some justification having conceded 25 goals in 25 SPL games, though ironically Celtic have recorded three clean-sheets in our last four matches (the same three matches in which we’ve failed to score – Dundee United in the League Cup semi-final, at Inverness and against the Huns). Gary Caldwell consistent, Stephen McManus shaky, Glenn Loovens an unknown quantity, Darren O’Dea unfairly under-employed, Andreas Hinkel variable and the much criticised Lee Naylor recently improved. MORE clean sheets are essential.

Artur Boruc: Erratic campaign by his impeccable standards (for reasons that appear to be because of off-field problems), The Holy Goalie made two superb saves against the Huns on Sunday, giving us opTIMism that we will have a world-class goalkeeper again in the Hoops’ hunt for the domestic Treble.

Aiden McGeady: Arguably Celtic’s best player, undoubtedly our most creative, yet Gordon Strachan chose to leave the wing wizard on the subs’ bench against the Huns, which was an astonishing decision. Particularly when one considers the Irishman’s confidence would have been sky high after his MOTM display for the Republic of Ireland in the midweek World Cup qualifier win over Georgia. Yet, my perception is that Gordon Strachan’s tactics are often: Give the ball to Aiden McGeady and he’ll create a goal. Alternatively put: Stop Aiden McGeady and the opposition stop Celtic. Solution: Celtic need more variation from midfield. Aiden McGeady MUST play in every game.

The PLC Board: Boasting a brilliant balance sheet, the perception of many Celtic fans is that our leaders have the vision of British and French nuclear submarine captains and the ambitions of Alfie Patten, the 13-year old dad. To the squad that won three League Championships in a row, Celtic needed to add a minimum of two quality players – a striker and a left-back. After TWO transfer windows have open and slammed shut, Timdom remains angry and frustrated by the failure to recruit both players, which is a failure that may yet be our downfall. MUST share the Celtic fans’ ambitions.

The Manager: Predictable and inflexible and a rigid advocate of 4-4-2, why on earth will Gordon Strachan not occasionally change his tactics and formation even for a ten or fifteen minute period during a match? Rumours of dressing room disharmony, a hit or miss transfer market record and a standard of football that is plummeting in quality faster than shares in Lloyds Bank. Gordon Strachan has his acolytes, but he also has his Celtic critics, who appear to be increasing in number and are certainly increasing in volume. In my experience, never has a Celtic Manager divided Celtic fans’ opinions as much. MUST win the League because of four League Championships in a row and because of the guaranteed Champions League group stage involvement for this season’s Champions. Failure is NOT an option.

The Future: Prove me wrong, Gordon Strachan and the Bhoys. Start playing football the Glasgow Celtic Way. Start scoring goals aplenty. Start a winning sequence of SPL matches – 13 League wins in a row would do very nicely and is achievable. After all, the Bhoys won 12 in a row during this campaign. Win the League Cup Final and win the next three Scottish Cup matches. Win the domestic Treble.

Gus Hiddink and Craig Levine in recent interviews were stressing the importance of giving the good young players a chance to prove themselves in the first team.How a player can handle the pressure of playing on the big stage can be more important than all the other factors. Our reserve stars should be used more often.

AWE-NAW,

Mark Hughes Man u and Chelsea; Teddy Sheringham Man U and West Ham???????

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

When watching Celtic on TV, Ive generally had difficulty in hearing what is actually being chanted. I've always put this down to either TV muting the crowd or an age thing on my behalf. However, never mind the Famine nonsense, if the Fenian chants heard loudly and clearly during Scott's lengthy injury stoppage, which Callum misjudged of course (!), have no place in this upcoming report, then, as a previous poster said, we can expect NOWT. Let's face it, this is likely.
When we are lumped in as one half of the 'Old Firm' I like to totally misquote Neil Oliver from his recent 'History of Scotland.'

This is Celtic, that's Rangers and we're different!

Hail! Hail!

Awe Naw...

that is for another type of web site all together. ;o))

Not winning Sunday puts us in a lot of trouble I think. Come this Sunday do we all still believe we will be top of the league?? Its time for the manager to be brave and let players play and not stick to his systematical tactical nonsense!! Of course others will say yeah hes won 3 titles blah blah. The standard of football is very poor and theres only one reason for that. Get rid of the notepad and put forth the following 11 given fitness as an issue for Sunday

Boruc
Caldwell McManus O'Dea
Hinkel Brown Crosas McGeady
Nakamura
Hutchinson Maloney

PF Ayr @3.51

Thanks for that, I'm sure like me it hurts to even admit it, but there you have it. Never thought I'd say this but I'd rather watch a failing Tommy Burns side than one of Gordons. Tommy may not have won much for us when he was manager, but he certainly knew how to entertain us and play the Glasgow Celtic way.

Whether Ben Hutchinson talks a good gamr or not necessity means he should at least be given a chance. God help us but ou misfiring strikers wouldn't scare our localUnder 10's

TTT

read the question again. An example Kanu and Campbell (arsenal and spurs)

Hughes and Sheringham never played together in the same FA cup finalist team twice.

Did you get my last email ?

sorry Arsenal Portsmouth !!

Lurgan53

Maybe it's just his attitude, Strachan might think he's cocky and we know he's not a fan of cocky players.

Don't think he's the answer, don't think Sheriden will ever be either, neither have enough pace, guile or strength.

completely off topic

A wee query about iTunes.Ive just recieved a software update which Ive installed,Im no computer expert but Ive just thought back to when I first got iTunes when I could take songs from anywhere,put them in my library,play them from my library,transfer them into my ipod etc etc Now I cant do any of that as iTunes says words to the effect that it cant find the song etc,Im wondering,with me downloading software updates,am I actually implementing iTunes new rules each time I take software updates, in that iTunes will only let me [play iTunes gear?

If so,is there a way of uninstalling these new enforcements so that I can go back to playing and transfering songs I havent bought from these "merchants"?

iTunes aint fun anymore!

Malone19

I know what you mean but I think its a case of needs must.

The police have no desire to bring the Rangers support to task . Rangers are the establishment club and the police are part of the establishment . All they need to do is have a couple of video cameras trained on the huns and they would have evidence to prosicute as happened recently at Portsmouth vSpurs. A few token arrests + their ugly mug shots in the papers and they would stop.
The strathclyde police ,who allow hundreds of orange marchs to clog up the high streets should be forced to uphold the law.

I thought the Gers were dire in the first hakf of Sunday's game and were passed off the park by Celtic, unfortunately there was no end product.

In fairness the Forty- year-old Weir was a tower of strength in front of Gers goal and he almost snatched what could have been a winning goal. His teamates, most of whom half his age were a nervy lot which manifested itself in a litany of misplaced passes and poor play. This guy never seems to get injured - what is his big secret.

Was happy enough with Willo Flood and will be a good addition to the squad, but it was a bewildering mistake not to play McGeady from the off. He sparked the Republic o Irl. revival last week in Croke Park and tackled like a demon. Bad move gordon.

Ooops soz Awe-Naw, back to wracking the ole cells again!

MWD/Awe-Naw.....thats quite enough of that now thank you...this IS a family site you know!

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

.

Aiden & Ben on The Way Back from Embra....In The Taxi Back Tae Glesgae....

Quote...."Ben, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With a friend to call my own
I'll never be alone
And you my friend will see
You've got a friend in me
(You've got a friend in me)
Ben, you're always running here and there
(Here and there)
You feel you're not wanted anywhere
(Anywhere)
If you ever look behind
And don't like what you find
There's something you should know
You've got a place to go
(You've got a place to go)
I used to say, "I" and "me"
Now it's "us", now it's "we"
(I used to say, "I" and "me")
(Now it's "us", now it's "we")
Ben, most people would turn you away
I don't listen to a word they say
They don't see you as I do
I wish they would try to
I'm sure they'd think again
If they had a friend like Ben
(A friend)
Like Ben
(Like Ben)
Like Ben"Unquote

001

Lurgan 53,

Different one. The one on sunday I hardly knew.

p

Donegaldanny

Donegaldanny and Kevin Cawley

Don't know if there are any Mayo connections in the family, but can definitely tell you that Kevin is directly related to the Donegal Duffys.

Hail hail

Estadio

many many German children decked out in lederhosen and dirndl´s every day of their lives.

Moonbeams only mentions latex to ensure that you turn up ;-)

FFS DID YOU GET MY EMAIL ???????????????????????????????????????????

Awe Naw

Pat Van Den Hauwe & Gary Linker (Everton 86 & Spurs 91)

.

Donegal Danny....

Is The Cawley Bhoy Not Yvonne Goolagong's Son....????

001AbOriginalAustralianCSC

Gary67,

if your (ahem I´m ;-) right a beer next time I´m in Scotland is coming your way

DublinW.........Don't know where the mytholigising about TB's teams playing such fantastic football is coming from? green tinted specs probably mate.

We would be as raging on here (cyberspace) about failing to put pash teams away if we were witnissing the Hampden season (for example) now. Can't ever remember being so frustrated as I was then with our inability to win, especially with a TEN a distict possibility on the horizon.

TB was however, a great man.

Awe-Naw,

I was going to keep ignoring the email bit to see how long it would take you to crack up......not too long I see :-)

If you mean the one that you sent to me and F-I-L on Sat then yes I did. I didn't reply as I didn't see it till yesterday due to the continuing problems I'm having with my internet connection.....hopefully soon to vanish due to change of ISP!

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

txtim

I've always thought that we have the players to be effective in a 3-5-2 the formation that brought us success under MON. Genuinely think Naylor and Hinkel may improve immeasureably as wing backs. Was at Iborx earlier in the season when Naylor moved to midfield and he looked more impressive than he had been in a long long time.

Boruc
Caldwell
O'Dea
McManus

Hinkel/McGeady
Crosas (holding)
Robson
Brown
Naka/Naylor

Skippy
Samaras

The variations are endless, full backs as wing backs when under the cosh, wingers when we're attacking.

Estadio

Only mentioned as there are a number of Cawleys in Mayo and Longford area so thought the name must be off the west.

DD

001

Ah "advantage miss Goolagong"

She could take advantage of me any day! With a toss of her dark locks, a flash of her even darker mysterious eyes and a smile that could find an escaped prisoner in the dark!

"You hate tennis" my Dad used to say.

"So do you" I would reply.

"Aye" he would sigh

And there was me thinking you were a young whippersnapper (albeit with a mature and creative head)

Hail hail

Estadio

I'm a way to make then eat a particularly fiery amatriciana.

'Cos I'm worried we're turning Ben Hutchison into a saviour.

If Vargashampoo is watching - can you repost your reflections on Hutchison's reserve games, please?

Latersvilles Daddios

U

.

McCourt shines as special reserves continue run

PADDY McCOURT stole the show with two sublime individual strikes as Celtic reserves beat Hibernian 3-1 at Lennoxtown on Tuesday afternoon.

The gifted Irishman turned on the style with a virtuoso performance in the first 45 minutes – scoring twice and totally running the show from his attacking position.

Fabian Yantorno’s penalty had made the score 2-1 at the break but Celtic never really looked under serious pressure and Koki Mizuno’s clinical third in the closing stages sealed the points for Willie McStay’s league leaders.

McCourt, playing just off Ben Hutchinson in attack, looked in the mood from the off and Hibs had no answer to his direct style and slaloming runs.

In five minutes, he played in Hutchinson inside the box with a lovely reverse pass but the Celtic striker was crowded out as he tried to shoot. McCourt then left four Hibs defenders for dead, but his shot flew wide.

The visitors were on the back foot, but responded in 10 minutes. Ross Campbell was sent clear down the left wing and he raced into the box, before slamming a shot wide of the post.

Niall McGinn, meeting a Ryan Conroy cross, sent a shot over the bar as Celtic continued to press for the opener. It arrived in 15 minutes and McCourt was the man on target.

Picking up possession 40 yards from goal, he drove at the Hibs defence, glided past three challenges and then rolled an instinctive shot into the bottom corner, leaving the bewildered Andy McNeil with no chance.

Hutchinson twice came close as Celtic dominated. Mizuno also flashed a free-kick inches over the bar as Hibs struggled to contain the Hoops.

Yet, the Easter Road side were handed a lifeline on the half-hour mark. Alan O’Brien picked out Campbell at the back post and Conroy was penalised for handball as he shut him down. Yantorno’s penalty was emphatic.

Mizuno, Hutchinson and Mark Millar all had efforts on goal, but Hibs were putting up a better fight and Conroy had to clear off the line after a bout of pressure.

It looked as if the sides would go in level at the break, but another piece of McCourt genius gave Celtic the lead. In a carbon copy of his first goal, he left almost the entire Hibs defence in his wake before rifling a left-foot shot into the corner.

Hibs defender, Ewan Moyes, had the first attempt of the second half with a header, but Celtic also came close when McCourt fed Mizuno and his shot soared over the bar.

McGinn sent an effort wide of target and Hutchinson also threatened. McCourt threaded a wonderful pass into the box, but McNeil covered the near-post well.

In 72 minutes, Mark Millar – who kept Celtic ticking over in midfield all afternoon – accepted a McCourt pass and crashed a 25-yard shot off the post. At the other end, Campbell sent a scorching volley inches wide of target.

Celtic were still searching for the goal that would kill the game and Mizuno provided it in 82 minutes. Taking the ball on the left wing, he raced across the edge of the box and planted a superb finish beyond McNeil.

This was a good workout for McStay’s men, who remain on course for an eighth successive title. January signing Milan Misun was diligent in defence, while Massimo Donati stepped up his return to fitness with an assured display.

001

TTT,

yes I meant that one. I wouldn´t send the one of you wearing that dirndl to anyone - honest that´s our secret. A promise is a promise ;-)

412K26 @ 4.22

The Hampden season was Tommy's first I believe but was thinking more about the 3 Amigos than the Hampden season. Its not so much how good it was then more how bad it is now, and thats just my view, my neighbour here prefers winning at any cost regardless of how we play, and I can understand that, to each his own.

In my opinion, a central midfield pairing of Maloney and Crosas with Naka and Aiden wide would have more than enough craft, skill and invention to tear most SPL teams to pieces.

I know it isn't quite as good a midfield as Xavi, Iniesta, Senna and Alonso but Spain have certainly shown that going for a skill based midfield certainly reaps dividends when played right(29 games unbeaten 27 of which they've won).

Now I know Arsenal have tried this season to emulate Spain's tactics and have at times been bullied off their game but we would have a Skoosh or Robson to deploy if it did appear we were in dire need of replacing our craft with graft. I also know that JVOH, Samaras and Skippy are not in the same bracket as Van Persie, Adybayor, Torres and Villa but the standard of opposition we face week in week out is also proportionately lower.

Surely worth a try, what we've tried so far hasn't worked.

Declan
Yes, that mid-field has skill aplenty and also would make sure that the average height of the team is kept to Stachanesque proportions. Robson ,Hartly, and definately Donatti are much to tall.

bamboo

you dont need to be tall to play football on the ground in fact surely the low center of gravity would be a bonus for twists and turns, lol.

Tommy Burns was a very unlucky manager. In his last 2 seasons, Celtic finished with 83 and 75 points. Then along comes Wim Jansen, revered now as the man who stopped the '10'........he won the league with 74 points. Jansen's team scored 64 league goals. No Celtic team since then has scored less than 72.

.

Estadio....

Goolagong....15 Love....

Green Eyes are a Fault of Mine....And are Very Common in Aboriginal Australians....Many of Who Have Told Me....We Are The "Black" Scottish....

001

.

Tobi Legend....

The Difference is/was....Not "Tiswas"....

Wim.... Learned To Defeat Der Hun....

And.... Also Unleash a Legend on Us....

001Feijenoord&LarssonCSC

Declan
Dont get me wrong ,I used to think MOM went to far in the other direction with to many biggies . I think nowdays at least two thirds of the team need to be big tough bassas and a third could smaller tricky types with a low center of gravity .

Remember many people calling on Riordan to be given a run?

I believe Strachan has intimated that Hutchison needs to start producing some goods. From what I have seen of him in the reserves he isn't going to be the immediate hit some of you think.

001
I too was a big Wim fan . He put out a disaplined team in which every player knew exactly what job they had to do. He would have gone on to be a legend if he hadnt had Jock Brown undermining him.

Malone19 on February 17, 2009 2:56 PM

Apologies for not getting back sooner. I personally believe that the reason for Aiden's outbursts and petted lip when given a tounge lashing by the Manager is down to his Kidd Gloves treatment. So maybe the way that Aiden will understand and appreciate the talent he has and fulfill his potential is to be treated in a "tough love" manner, maybe GS and Aiden have figured this out hence a better understanding from both parties.

gsu

donegaldanny
do you really think that either GC or Mick are quick or strong enough to play as a three ?

Mick is obviously carrying an in jury that he should be rested now in the hope that he might be fit for the run in - unfortunately we all know it's not going to happen

Nor is the move to a 5 man midfield

GS will stick with what he knows and trusts best 4-4-2

Hope that Iam wrong but haven't seen any evidence in the past 3/4 seasons that he really believes in setting our opponents any other tactical problem

Declan @ 4.47pm

you would think so wouldn't you?

However after a couple of conversation recently I honestly wonder as to the future of our game.

First conversation involved a friend who's son has been asked to train with Celtic youths (Under 8's I think), very early days indeed of a player's "career", but he told me in conversation with Celtic's scout that he was told, off the record, that even at that age and esp in the mid-late teens, unless a player has pace, even allowing for really good ball skills and talent, they have "NO CHANCE OF MAKING IT".

I'm sure I also mentioned previously that a mate of mine who's doing his coaching badges was told by the head of SFA Coaching something along the lines of:
If you give me two boys, one who has the talent but no real pace/athleticism and another who has less talent but has the pace/athleticism, give me the latter every time as I can teach him the football side!

Now I'm sorry but for me it should be the other way about EVERY time, as the natural footballer will always offer you more on the park than the athlete. Aiden McGeady has shown that a player with natural talent can have his fitness and speed improved even at the top level.

The other conversation was with my mate who is coaching as I mentioned, and he told me about a 14yr old he has at training, who before the age of 14 had already been told by Aberdeen, Motherwell and Rangers that he is too small, even although he is a very good player. Obviously this school of thought hasn't reached WGS, but surely at age 14 a boy has plenty of growth potential. Seems a bit premature to me. My mate told me that the boy had as good as packed the game in as he was so despondent due to the knockbacks, even at that age, until after a few pep talks with the coaches he played in a game against a local select where he shone and impressed the Dundee Utd scout who is now keeping close tabs on him.
Who knows how it will go for the boy, but I hope it works out.

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

"injury time should have been doubled.I misjudged how long Scott Brown was down injured and I did`nt allow enough time for substitutions"
Calum Murray ..Guardian today

001 Bhoy -

Wim actually had 1 win in 5 against the huns.

Money Money
thats the game for me
Money Money
keep brining it too me
i'm the finest chair in Scotland
and Murray will agree
I'll never give up until I haven't spent
a jot in a transfer windy.

Money Money
thats what i'll will make
Money Money
for my chairs sake
fae all the fans I'll take it
and even fae sponsors tae
but will I invest it in the team
you are on your nelly

Money Money
thats what i'd like to see
Money Money
tae spend some on ma team
i'd like a new left back
and a goal scorer tae
but all I get is 50 grand
and telt to go on my way.

Money Money
that's what we pay to thee
Money money
in the hope that we get tae see
the finest team in Scotland
but we know it's no gonny be
cause the chair wants to horde it
with the cheif exec tae take the pee

The Token Tim,

Now there's a funny thing... I'd have thought that the coaches had it right... Sad but true.

In my opinion, at a good level you need both pace and height to be a success.... The pace I'd argue you could train in to an extent. But height is normally fairly obvious at that age.. sure you get some late frowers but it should be 'fairly' obvious from the general family.

Frankly, I find it appaling that our manager has not sussed out that a team fail of 'shorties' is no use no matter the skill levels.

B

Moonbeam's,

You've got another mail sent 1617hrs.

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

lamartine on February 17, 2009 5:21 PM

It really is pathetic when a supposed FIFA referee comes out in the press with a quote like that. How can you make that kind of a mistake, there are also three other officials that have watches on, and do they not keep in radio contact with each other?

Only in Scotland, what a joke!

gsu

001 Bhoy,

Many thanks for that report about the reserves and especially McCourt's display. I saw him lay on a goal for Koki a week or two back which was a delight to watch. He seems to be doing something which the first XI seem singularly unable to do at the moment and that is drive at defences.

I am one of those who is all for playing our football players and he seems to be emerging as one of them. He can't do any worse than those who are wearing the jerseys at the moment.

As I've said before, Crosas has to be a fixture, along with Naka Maloney and McGeady. Any football we have produced this season, at least 2 or 3 of them have been playing. I would add Brown, although I know his passing is awful. Currently, he is the only one willing to drive forward with the ball.

On a wee positive note, I think Naylor has vastly improved recently. Let's hope that continues.

WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED.

The Token Tim,

I didn't get that one. Gor one from you at 15:45.

my email is playimng up though.

can you try again.

ta

MWD

.

Bamboo....

I Came to Australia 8 Months Before Henke Signed....Before That I Lived a 100 Meters from De Kuipp (Rotterdam Stadd) and Also Bet Sweden to Win The World Cup in 94 in The US....So a New a Wee Bitte Aboot The KoK....And Wim.....My Favorite Watering Hole at Some Part of a Saturday Night Would put on a Tape Recording of the Milan Final....(In Dutch)...Even to Hear.... Gemmell....Auld....Johnstone.... Was Bizarrely Soothing....

Sorry For The Walk Down Memory Road....

001It'sllDutch2MeCSC

Greensideup @ 5.28

It probably was very confusing for him.He probably thought he had been transported back to the 17th century.

Oliver Cromwell csc

.

Tobi Legend....

Yes....My Point Was More He Learned The Team....Not To Bottle The Little Games....(Thus Win The League)....

But.... My Main Point Was He Left us With The Reason....Why....In The Next 6 Years Our Goal Tally Was Up....And Beat Der Hun....Constantly....

Arise Sir Henke....

Statistics Are Like.... Mini Skirts....They Show a Lot....But Hide The Important Bit....

001AFanOfMicroMinisCSC

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7894854.stm

I was astonished to read the line in the above BBC article stating that the Famine Song was first heard at the 4:2 game. The BBC - liars and apologists!

DublinW..........I'm with yer mate, witnessing their 9 was Purgatory.....but so is watching us at the moment however, I prefer a winning Purgatory than the alternative.

.

WeeFra....

You Have Mail Buddi....Sorry for The Delay....It's Been Hectic....

Parkheadcumsalford....

Thank You Sir....

And ....100% With You Re; Crosas....Maloney....Naka....IMHO They Understand Georgious....and The Style of Football We all are Being Deprived of....Pass and Move....

and Score....

001

I thought the main job of the 4th official was to count the added time and inform the ref (and us) via that big board he holds up at the end of the game.

That system was brought in to deny us paranoids the opporchancity to say the refs a cheating one sided Mason.

412k26

Some of Mr Murrays decisions were so surreal he was probably using the meltting clock.

Salvator Dali CSC

01bhoy

Just in from work. Got your email. Cheers pal.

WeeFra

Sectarian rules branded biased by Rangers fans

By Ronnie Esplin
Tuesday, 17 February 2009

The Rangers Supporters Trust today warned they will question the motives of the Scottish Premier League's unacceptable conduct policy if the club's fans are reported for alleged sectarian chanting during the Old Firm derby.

It is understood SPL match delegate Alan Dick could mention some of the chants and songs that appeared to come from the away support during Sunday's goalless draw at Celtic Park.

Dick reported Rangers to the SPL in August 2007 under similar circumstances following the Ibrox club's trip to Inverness and, while there was no action taken, there was a warning of sanctions should there be any future complaint.

Rangers have campaigned tirelessly in recent years to rid the club of its sectarian baggage but the SPL would come under pressure to punish them if they are presented with evidence of more transgressions.

However, RST spokesman David Edgar told PA Sport another black mark against the supporters' reputation would, in their eyes, raise questions about the SPL's agenda.

"While it is difficult to comment until we've seen the report, we are looking forward to an even-handed and consistent approach to the application of this legislation," Edgar said.

"We find it hard to believe that Rangers fans are the only fans in the country who have ever sung an offensive song; yet we are the only ones who have been reported under the rules.

"There were instance of distasteful chanting coming from both ends on Sunday but, yet again, the focus is only on one set of fans.

"It therefore becomes very difficult for the supporters to understand what is going on.

"Are the rules genuinely in place to eradicate offensive chanting or simply to punish Rangers?

"What about Aberdeen fans singing about the Ibrox disaster or Celtic fans singing about Nacho Novo and the IRA?

"We are committed to ridding Scottish football of all genuinely offensive chanting and Rangers fans have responded magnificently over the last couple of years.

"However, we are left with wondering if this is a rule for all the SPL clubs or are a rule simply for Rangers."

Rangers escaped punishment for the Inverness affair after the SPL board took into account the club's efforts to eradicate unacceptable conduct by some of their supporters.

The incident at the Caledonian Stadium 18 months ago came just nine days after the launch of Rangers' 'Follow With Pride' campaign, which was aimed at cleaning up the club's image by ending sectarian and other abusive chanting.

However, the club had previously been fined on two occasions by UEFA for offensive chanting in Champions League and UEFA Cup matches, amounting to in excess of £21,000.

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist played down speculation that the Ibrox club will be up on yet another SPL charge.

McCoist, who will take control of team affairs for tomorrow's Homecoming Scottish Cup trip to Forfar, said: "I don't know enough about it.

"I don't know what the delegate said in his report; I've not seen anything so I wouldn't comment on it."

An SPL spokesman would not comment on any specific case but explained the process involved if the match delegate brings anything untoward to their attention.

He told PA Sport: "We are expecting the match report in the next 24 hours, which is normal following a Sunday game.

"In general terms, if the delegate flags up any incidents involving crowd behaviour, we cross-check with police, match officials and the clubs involved to get a broad feel for the issue.

"We would then write to both clubs to comment or provide additional information and then we can make an assessment.

"If we do think there has been a breach of the rules, we pass it on the SPL board, who take a formal view."

You notice that according to these jokers TFS has been reclassified as offensive and not racist, when did that happen?

Above article cut and pasted from the Independant BTW

The Token Tim @ 5:17

Barcelona have this wee fella called Messa, apparently he might be a player once he grows a bit...

I hope the boy you know grows as tall as him!!

Token Tim

pace before talent

"I'm sure I also mentioned previously that a mate of mine who's doing his coaching badges was told by the head of SFA Coaching something along the lines of:
If you give me two boys, one who has the talent but no real pace/athleticism and another who has less talent but has the pace/athleticism, give me the latter every time as I can teach him the football side!"

I remember being astonished to read that, not because of the sentiment - that was surprising enough - but because of the original source (who seems to have managed, unsurprisingly, to get his ideas into the national coaching curriculum).

The man who said it first was Arsene Wenger!

Hail Hail

Estadio

.

Trivial Question....

Does The League Cup Final (sic)....Sorry (cis)....Go To a Replay Or Extra Time....And Penalties....????

001WhoThinksIfItsAReplayItWillBe9InARowNilNilCSC

412k26
Thats what I thought too. If we're hanging on to single goal lead you can bet they will add plenty but if we are needing a goal then they only add on 1or two mins.

412K26

Their 9 was hell but for most of that time we were financially out of the game.

We are now in the financial driving seat, I think, therefore we should be kicking on.

412K26

The referee tells the fourth official how much time is being added on. The fourth official merely makes it public by way of the board.

It makes sense since all levels of football must be subject to the same laws and it is the referee who makes the decisions. Even linesman are only "assistants" and referees have the right / power to overrule the assistant - though rarely do so for obvious reasons.

.

Trivial Question....

What is The Only Team.... Too Defeat a Jose Mourino Team @ Home in the Last 7 Years....

001

001 Bhoy

Would it be Stirling Albion?

.

Update on the "Bear"....Who Only Wanted a Drink....

001KoalasCanGetStonedCSC

*breaking news*

by our sports editor, D Edgar.

Sunday's Old Firm referee, Calum Murray concedes that he made one mistake during his handling of the match. Murray blew for full time only one minute into injury time. He misjudged the time taken by the injury suffered by Scott Brown and each side's substitutions. Murray explained "Scott Brown was concussed and to be honest I think I was a wee bit confused as a result of the excitement of my first Old Firm game ! I was sure that Rangers were a goal up. Otherwise, I had no reason to blow my whistle as early as I did, did I ?"
Meanwhile Rangers' assistant coach, Ally McCoist, explained that the Rangers bench was incensed when Kenny Miller was brought down by Stephen McManus but no penalty was awarded. "It was a clear foul, everyone could see that. Walter, Kenny and I were roaring at the ref from the touchline. Anyone could see it was a penalty." The former Rangers legend was then asked if he was aware of the alleged sectarian singing from the away supporters. "I am unaware of any such songs being sung. Walter, Kenny and I are so focused on the football that we often miss the choruses now."

.

ZetaBhoy....

Re; Trivial Purse-Oots....

The Special One....

NOT ....

The Stirling One

001WhoIsNotWilliamWallaceCauseHeIs7FeetTallCSC

no more excuses
get in there win the game
three points
now is the time

Malceye,

Hmmmmmmm.

Can anyone tell me why on earth football doesnt use stopclocks?

Surely more accurate and would give the ref one less thing to worry about.

.

"The 19th"

The blogs quiet tonight,

Paul - Have you heard anything other than whats doing the rounds re, the SPL acting on TFS?
Im inclined to think that the result is gonna be 'its not the clubs fault, theyre doing all they can'

Can you see anythng being done about it this time?

Cheers

KC
What about a system of timekeeping like is used in ruby internationals. There has to to a minimum of 90 mins with the ball in play .

Sounds good to me Bamboo.
Is that the ref who decides or a stopclock?

Ive always wondered why its never been considered before.

hi paul. fellow celts.

a few thoughts from me .

another horror show from the hoops on sunday. bad enough a 39 year old strolls through the game ..why oh why do we continue to pump long high balls up to our forwards .(our what ) where are our wing men now ,where are the players who can take the fullbacks on and cross the ball over. when skippy did bring the ball under control,there was no one there to help him. the ball always had to go back the way. one effort that should have been converted .and a 90th minute free kick .which was spilled with no celt reacting to it was all we had to show for 92 mins of dross. i dont know about you bhoys ,but i am getting worried . i cant see this team going to hearts. dundee utd ,aberdeen, and ibrox ,without dropping points .we arent good enough to expect that .. with regards to callum murray. if he hadnt done his bit for the cause on sunday .the laptop loyal wouldn,t need to defend his performance . THIS LAD WAS HAND PICKED. but i believe that us allowing rangers back into the picture, brought these appointments on ourselves. as has been said a million times the only way we can keep the mib out the picture is by us being out of site. which we should have been.

.

A Look Back in Tim....

farewell Martin

The Manager who restored pride to Celtic Park....

THE RAIN poured down on the east end of Glasgow yesterday, just as it did on a grey summer’s day nearly five years ago. The mood inside Celtic Park, though, was a good deal different than it was in June 2000 when Martin O’Neill appeared on the steps outside the main entrance and turned a raucous crowd into a hushed audience.

“I want to thank you for waiting in the rain, I really appreciate that,” the new Celtic manager began. “It’s an absolute honour for me to the manager here and I will do everything I possibly can to bring success to the football club.”

The roars cut short whatever else O’Neill intended to say. It was enough of a mission statement anyway. The loquacious Northern Irishman delivered his promise. Over the next five years, cheers replaced the jeers which had become the soundtrack to Celtic’s dark period before O’Neill arrived. The clouds cleared that June day and they had a silver lining that will have the club’s supporters looking back fondly on the O’Neill era.

He secured three Bank of Scotland Premierleague championships in five seasons at a club that only managed one title in the dozen years before his arrival. He brought those fans their first Treble in 32 years and last season won the Double. And, of course, he led Celtic to their first European final in 33 years.

If the Uefa Cup was denied to his players in Seville in 2003 by a similar cruel twist of late drama that came back to haunt Celtic at Fir Park last Sunday, then O’Neill could take comfort that soon far greater reputations than his would be put to the sword by FC Porto and José Mourinho.

He restored Celtic’s name in Europe. The replica of the European Cup that sits in the boardroom at Celtic Park may be the tangible reward of that groundbreaking triumph in 1967 — when Jock Stein became the first manager outside of Spain, Italy or Portugal to lift the trophy — but it also became a symbol of rebuke for Celtic’s decline before O’Neill arrived.

Some 23 years of failure to have survived in European competition beyond Christmas was swept aside by that 2003 Uefa Cup run.

Champions League nights, hitherto unknown, became a regular thing on the menu at Celtic Park and if O’Neill’s critics — and he had plenty in the press — point to his failure to get beyond the group stage, that has to be tempered by the knowledge that such achievements for a club from the level of the Scottish league often require much greater patience. PSV Eindhoven endured nine successive group failures before the Dutch club made the breakthrough this season in remarkable fashion, coming so close to an appearance in the final itself.

A measure of Celtic’s progress under O’Neill is that his team had met seven of the last sixteen in this season’s Champions League. Five had been beaten — Juventus, Barcelona, Porto, Lyons and Liverpool — in previous campaigns and AC Milan and Bayern Munich had been held to draws. No Scottish side has come close to living with that sort of company for a long, long while.

“My high and low with Celtic came within the same evening,” O’Neill reflected yesterday. “Driving up to the stadium in Seville and seeing a sea of green and white shirts inside. Those were amazing scenes. We had 80,000 fans in that city, most of whom knew they would never get a ticket. The disappointment was to lose the game in the fashion we did, with a late goal from Porto in extra-time after Henrik Larsson had scored two magnificent goals for us.

“I felt I had let a lot people down, but so many since then have come up me and said it was the best day of their lives. Lisbon and winning that European Cup will never be surpassed for older fans but for the newer generation, this was everything.”

O’Neill was on the verge of rebuilding his side this summer to take the club on to the next level in Europe, until the deterioration in the health of his wife, Geraldine, forced him to abandon those plans. “We spoke last year about the very long-term prospects at Celtic and that was very exciting,” he said. “In the present climate, the money aspect is difficult for Celtic as it is for other clubs. Fresh blood is needed at the club.

“I think it is very difficult for a Scottish side now to make an impact in the Champions League or Uefa Cup. I think it will be a long time before another Premierleague side contests a European final. I hope Celtic can, in the future. We had some great European nights here, especially en route to Seville. If you contrast that with my first European game here five years ago, when we had to play a pre-qualifying round in the Uefa Cup against a team from Luxembourg, I think that showed we have grown since that time. We have re-established Celtic.”

Indeed, O’Neill’s legacy to Gordon Strachan is in stark contrast to the pitiful inheritance that came his way after deciding to leave Leicester City when Celtic, the club he had supported as a boy in Northern Ireland, lured him to Glasgow. The dreadful mistake of the John Barnes-Kenny Dalglish experiment meant that O’Neill was coming into a club whose morale had slumped to rock bottom.

He was the eighth man in nine years — if Dalglish is included — to sit in that manager’s chair. A revolving door had been fitted at Celtic Park to usher in, and out, the procession of Liam Brady, Lou Macari, Tommy Burns, Wim Jansen, Josef Venglos and then Barnes and Dalglish. You knew summer had arrived when someone was standing on those steps having his picture taken with a green and white scarf around his neck — the latest managerial sacrifice had arrived.

O’Neill changed all that, almost from day one. He brought in Joos Valgaeren, the Belgium defender he had seen while working for the BBC at Euro 2004, and then Chris Sutton. The former Blackburn Rovers striker was regarded as a misfit after a wretched season at Chelsea after a £10 million move: O’Neill got Sutton for £6 million and he has still to make a better signing.

Sutton scored in O’Neill’s very first competitive match, a 2-0 win at Dundee United on the opening day of the 2000-01 Premierleague season, along with Henrik Larsson, who had just returned from a broken leg. Those goals prompted the first sight of O’Neill’s trademark leap in the air, something that was to become a familiar sight over the next five years.

A month later, O’Neill went into his first Old Firm game. Celtic carried huge psychological baggage after finishing 18 points behind Rangers under Barnes and Dalglish. That made their 6-2 thrashing of Dick Advocaat’s side — the biggest Glasgow derby scoreline for 62 years — all the more remarkable.

That game set the tone for the season. O’Neill got the best out of players who had under-performed in the previous regime and added his own solidity at the back. Celtic burnt off Rangers before Easter, wrapping up his first title in early April and eventually finishing some 18 points in front. The CIS Insurance Cup was added with a win over Kilmarnock and then a Tennent’s Scottish Cup final success against Hibernian sealed Celtic’s first Treble since 1969.

The margin was almost as great the following season, 17 points, as 2002 welcomed a second title, with Advocaat such an onlooker that he was replaced at Ibrox by Alex McLeish.

The 2002-03 season will disguise a rich tapestry of memories for O’Neill and the Celtic fans, even though the bare statistics show no silverware. The Premierleague was lost on the final day on goal difference to Rangers, by a margin of one, but it was the Uefa Cup adventure that consumed the fans. Gradually, sides such as Celta Vigo, VfB Stuttgart and Liverpool fell in Celtic’s wake, before a semifinal victory against Boavista prompted an air invasion of Seville by Celtic supporters from all over the world.

If the Uefa Cup had exacted too high a price, O’Neill’s players made up for it in 2003-04 by sweeping everything aside. They finished 17 points ahead of Rangers, assembling a run of 27 successive league victories that broke a record held by Stein’s great side.

Only this season — in the absence of Larsson who now stars at Barcelona — has there been a glimpse of mortal frailties. Celtic, who had built a 77-game unbeaten home record since 2001, lost four league matches in their own backyard because of defensive flaws, and two more away. The last, at Motherwell on Sunday, cost O’Neill a fourth title in five seasons.

A spurious argument has been made in the predictable “kicking” that O’Neill has taken from several quarters of the press after Fir Park, that this failure to secure the title indicates that the Celtic manager is all washed up and second best. One newspaper spoke of McLeish’s seven trophies to O’Neill’s six and said, “You do the maths.”

O’Neill won three titles in five years and missed out on the others by a goal and a point. There is no escaping the big picture, which was that O’Neill was the benchmark that other Scottish managers had to follow. Otto Hitzfeld could not get Bayern Munich over the finishing line in the Bundesliga last season in similar circumstances to O’Neill. Does that dilute his two European Cup successes? You do the maths.

“Martin has already proved himself a legend at this club,” Peter Lawwell, the chief executive, said yesterday. “He will take his place among the true Celtic greats.”

001

Bamboo

Your point is a valid one. Alex Ferguson's teams are all big guys. Berbatov, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick, Vidic, Ferdinand, O'Shea, Van Der Sar, all over six foot.

Seem that the old media have been well briefed to ditch the huns in trouble story

STV and Clyde just ignore it and the BBC talk about the "sectarian" nature of the famine song !

We need to keep reminding people that this is Racism that we are confronting here

UEFA have acknowledged that sectarianism is so entrenched in Scotland that they can/will do nothing about it
Racism however is a different kettle of fish and they will act on this

The huns have had this season to deal with their white trash support without being at risk in Europe
They have done nothing to eradicate this poison

They know who they sold tickets to as they are season ticket holders
The Scottish media are as guilty as the white trash who sing this rubbish

If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem

By K.C on February 17, 2009 6:06 PM

It has not been reclassified. It is a ploy to remove the one major mistake they made when making up their latest intent to offend and that was not realising TFS was/is breaking anti racist laws. Note INTENT to offend, why else was TFS created?

They think that if they leave out the reason Rangers were warned by police that TFS songsters risked arrest TFS will lose its sting for them by becoming recategorised as less than what it is - a highly offensive racist message in verse.

They built the goal,they brought their own ball and have proceeded to kick it into their own net and then they bleat that we are doing it!!

I do not know what is more annoying, their blindness or their arrogant stupidity.

By K.C on February 17, 2009 6:06 PM

It has not been reclassified. It is a ploy to remove the one major mistake they made when making up their latest intent to offend and that was not realising TFS was/is breaking anti racist laws. Note INTENT to offend, why else was TFS created?

They think that if they leave out the reason Rangers were warned by police that TFS songsters risked arrest TFS will lose its sting for them by becoming recategorised as less than what it is - a highly offensive racist message in verse.

They built the goal,they brought their own ball and have proceeded to kick it into their own net and then they bleat that we are doing it!!

I do not know what is more annoying, their blindness or their arrogant stupidity.

BBC commentator on TFS "some people find it objectionable". This isn't even legalese equivocation; it is thoroughly objectionable because it is racist.

Jimtim
MoN said that we had to be twice as good as the rest to get success in scotland . Presumably this is to counteract the bias of the mibs and their assistants. Some of them are definatly "at it". Bookings for nothing or over celebrating goals (not that weve seen many lately) , turning down obvious penalties etc ect -it all adds up over the season to our detriment.

Bradfordbhoy,
On the iTunes thingy it sounds like your music folder has been reset to the default location. Find out where your actual song files are stored, the go into iTunes, click the edit menu then preferences and then choose the advanced tab, you can change the itunes music folder location from there. I have the same problem every time I have an update as my music is stored on an external hard drive and the default location seems to reset on every update.

vclxi

By jbj713 on February 17, 2009 7:21 PM

Well it will become a UEFA problem when they qualify for Europe and Celtic should be sending UEFA the evidence that Rangers are a team with a racist support who, despite a series of warnings, continue to behave in a manner that breaches Scottish Football authority and UEFA rules.

Now a UEFA ban would be so sweet.

molly malone
I think you will find that most of the teams in Scotland are now significantly taller than us . I like all our tinys but unfortunatly if we play too many we will get kicked off the park.

001 Bhoy

MON record v Mcleish. They conveniently count cup games and ignore the stats that really matter.

Martin O Neils Record v MacLeish' Rangers
Celtic Played 16 Won 10 Drew 3 Points 33
Rangers Played 16 Won 3 Drew 3 Points 12
21 Difference

A gubbin by any other name.

Cognitive Dissonance - #25

.

Bamboo....

Agreed....

Howevaaaaaaaaaaa....

Have Some Thoughts for Tiny Tim's ....Feelings....

001MiniMeCSC

I was listening to Radio Scotland tonight on the way home. Not sure what programme it was but the consensus of opinion was that nothing should be done about the Rangers' Fans racist abuse as other countries had worse/different problems that hadn't been sorted out. I look forward to hearing about the SFA taking sanctions against the Spanish for their alleged racist fans or the Italians for their racist hooligans. What are these people on? What difference does it make what happens abroad? The SFA have warned Rangers what would happen if their fans carried on with this, it is now time for them to follow through.

Paul67, I asked you before the fact of the crimes that were committed by our visitors on Sunday, what would Celtic do, can you confirm that they will make a robust response to this?

.

AuldHeid....

See My Post @ 5:44Ppm....The Last Sentence Aboot Mini Skirts....

You Can Look Up a Statistic But Not a Mini Skirt....

001

Auldheid
Has to be UEFA since the authorities in Scotland will not do anything unless they are forced to

UEFA and FIFA have already talked about the national team getting into trouble if a member country does not take action on Racism

When the huns belted out their sectarian bile about Fenians etc they might have gotten away with it

However on Sunday for whatever reason they went through their entire song book

Even the FTP was back in !

These "supporters" really do think that they "arra pepul" and wont get into trouble
You can hardly blame them when so many give their actions tacit approval by refusing to condemn them

That's why the club should be held to account

They (RFC) have never come out and said do not sing these songs because the songs are bad or wrong - instead they always peddle the line - stop it becuase you might hurt the club
In other words the songs are really ok - just don't let putsiders hear them !

I wonder if the Irish government will be in touch with Alex Salmond again ?

Found ref for the next huns game.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5UkFfcGQrs

.

AuldHeid....

The Best Thing About The McCleish Syndrome (Their Fans) Thought We Deserve Better....Guillit Was Mentioned....

Is....

They Have Won....Hee Haw.... Since He Left....

001

Agree with your headline Paul67....

But it applies off the Park too...

Is it not Time For Celtic PLC to Communicate their thoughts and concerns to both Hateful Hordes and the Loveable Ones?

Surely this applies to Celtic fans, visiting fans and Stewards without fear or favour?

Where is Kojo when you need him.....
Seems The Black Horse is getting set for Aintree...

Roll On The Accountability.....

dalgety bhoy
It should so simple to monitor that section of the ground -right below the police box . Theres no excuse for the lack of police action . But they and the football athourities ignored the racist chanting against Bobo and Agathe for 3 years. A sad inditement of scottish society.

sgtjones

:0)

This is SFA Glasgow Derby Ref Training Program.... Note the Sponsors logo

.

On Other Swedish News....

33yr Ago Today Dancing Queen Went To No1....

001AFanOfAgethaCSC

More on Late News....

Been in lurking mode on purpose since Sunday, i wanted the madness to calm down a bit before posting my thoughts;

Team Selection

It was debated on here last week on numerous occasions regarding the selection, and on the back of Pauls article. I was not at the game on Sunday due to work commitments, i left the house to place a bet on the game at Mr Hills turf accountant.

Tenner on 2-0 to Celtic, Jan to score the first goal and the correct score double, i had not heard the teams at this point as it was around 12pm.

Went back up the road to settle in and watch the game and i heard the team on the radio, i nearly crashed the motor, no Crosas and no Aiden, i could not believe it, i knew we would not win the game with that team, FFS i know we havent been playing well but we are the champions, we are at home, and a team is sent out not to lose the game, i was gutted and that was even before a ball was kicked.

The game started and it was absolutely obvious to me that Laughable was going to do absolutely feck all, yet we had 4 at the back and Hartley 5 yds in front of them, now i have not been long in giving the defence stick this season, but thier was absolutely no movement in front of them for about the first 20 mins and it was only when Naka put his foot on the ball for around 20 mins that we started to dominate possession without threatening.

I would love to know Gordons reasons for setting up the team the way he did, he did not want to get out muscled in the middle of the park, but we did not have good enough possession in dangerous areas of the field due to the fact we had 4 defenders and a holding midfielder not doing much when we had the ball, all Rangers did was sit back with 2 banks of 4 and left little or no space in behind.

Crosas at least can pick a pass, i am not saying Hartley was poor but they are different players, Hartley is a spoiler, Crosas is a creative midfielder, it is all about attitude and i think ours was we cannot lose, not we are going to win!

Skippy and Jan had poor games, Jan still does not look fit and i thought Skippy was isolated at times, FFS Wier strolled through the game.

Again the feeling at the final whistle was frustration, at the team at the manager and at the result.

The ref was typical, bottled some desicions and evened up the bookings, Jan and Brown booked for absolutely feck all, and 2 mins injury time what a joker!

I dont want to say much about thier singing, but i think they have backed themselves into one almighty corner, and i cant see the SPL being able not to punish them in some way, no doubt they will find one though!

Sorry about the length of the post but it has been in me since Sunday.

gebhoy

Jan gives away too many free kicks and even then doesn't win enough high balls.

i also heard the radio scotland programme as i drove home...i generally try and avoid the songs issue, however when i heard keith jackson say he wasnt offended by the famine song i thought what is this guy on...i know he was only repeating the party line of his boss traynor, that its only banter, which has been the rst line as well....but fter even rangers admitting it is racist, jacksons comments were appalling

i would think twice about boycotts and bans, but the board must surely think seriously about banning the daily record from any game at parkhead and all press conferences

jacksons comments and those of traynor are ignorant,inflammatory and supportive of racism...that shouldn't be ignored by the club

.

Gebhoy....

Honestly....It Was The Huns Line-Up....That Decided the Outcome....4-1-4-1 (with a Imagenery Sriker)...4-6 More Like....

If I Could Watch Them Play....And be Financially Better Off After 90 Mins....I Would be a Very Rich Man (But l Cant)....'Walter' is a Expert at This....I Asked EdwardUrsus to Invest His Spare Money on 0-0 and Then To Go Thru On Penalties in The Eufa Cup Semi....2nd Leg....@ 33/1....

Agree We are Dire....But Sometimes You Cant....Overcome a Team With 7 Midfeilders in It....

001

Bamboo @ 7.05 :- I think you have been misinformed on that one, a rugby game lasts 80 min and there is no rule that says it should be 80 min with the ball in play. I have never seen a rugby match that would meet that rule.

By jbj713 on February 17, 2009 7:54 PM

I think they are betting on protest fatigue and hoping it will just become the accepted norm.

To be honest I think the only effective force to draw attention to how unacceptable this behaviour IN OUR HOME is, will be Celtic and John Reid in particular. He did so very effectivelylast time and I hope he is champing at the bit.

SDM would love it to be swept under the same carpet he keeps his accounts but the SPL must act in face of the inarguable evidence.

They have to set out a series of escalations starting with a home match ban on the support.

at the same time

A interim report to UEFA warning them that the SPL action might prove ineffective

then

A report at the end of the season on the effectiveness of the action taken on which basis UEFA can choose to act.

Rangers to be notified of the process.

All measures send a we mean business message to Rangers and ther support.

It is not difficult and it is more than fair.

001

Mourinho - unbeaten at home in all domestic competitions?

K.C post re. Edgar Davids 6:06

Is Nacho Novo really in the IRA?
Who'd a' thought it?

001 Bhoy,

Agree with what you say but....................................

If we cannot send a team out that is good enough to beat that mob when we are spending 34 million on wages per season, then something is wrong at CP, our team does not have any pace in it, anywhere!

When was the last time we had anyone that is/was lightening quick, pace is a very important part of the modern game, Naka and Flood have none, Skippy flatters to decieve and i am faster than Jan!

We were at home and as i say the over riding feeling i have is frustration, we are now in a dog fight to win this SPL and hammer another financial nail into thier coffin, if we let this one slip away.......................

FFS Davy Wier & Lee McCUlloch and we cant even make thier keeper make a save.

gebhoy

.

Estadio National....

He Has Only Lost 1 Home League Game as A Manager in 7 Years....

001StrangeButTrueCSC

Ed,

In Rugby (union) the ref signals when to stop the watch/clock.

That is why no-side and 80mins always co-incide.

However, you are right in that the clock doesn't stop just because the ball is out of play.

Hail Hail

Estadio

Cognitive Dissonance - #26

Yeah Ed
I knew I was getting into dangerous territory with rugby . I enjoy the occasional international but I admit I have no idea whats going on.

Valebhoy,

Tee hee, i actually thought that masel

Auldheid,

Spot on again Chief!

If theres any justice in this world they will get HAMMERED!!
Cant see anything other than a token fine though, payable no later that 2015!

001

I heard them mention his record during the Milan derby.

FortressCelticParkCSC

dalgetybhoy - excellent point.

jbj713 and Auldheid, I think we need to make representations at all levels. Otherwise, the sort of 'thinking' reported in dalgetybhoy's post will lead to everyone washing their hands of the issue.

UEFA has made the excuse on at least one occasion in the past that this behaviour is accepted in Scotland and has not been addressed by the Scottish 'authorities', so UEFA has not taken action.

The thinking displayed on Radio Scotland would lead to no action being taken in Scotland as long as there's any racism in any other countries.

If this sort of 'thinking' is taken to its illogical conclusion, no-one will take action against any of the racists and bigots anywhere.

You don't have to be paranoid to reach the conclusion that most of the people in Scotland who could put pressure on Rankers and their majority of bigotted/racist followers are either scared or unwilling to do so.

I hope some of the posts suggesting the Rankers support were being filmed in order to provide evidence of mass (no pun intended!) law-breaking are correct and that the SFA and/or the SPL will then take action against them.

And the RST's attempts to tie us and other fans in by talking about 'offensive' chanting are laughable. I don't think it's possible to avoid 'offensive' chanting at football matches - of course rival supporters are going to wind each other up and try to offend each other. The point is the line - the LEGAL line - is drawn at racist, bigotted and homophobic chanting or abuse. On Sunday a sizeable section of the Rankers support were clearly guilty on at least two counts.

No Pasaran!

lapasionariaCSC

Unlike quite a few others I don't think there's a whole raft of reserve players who are clearly better than the present first team squad and 'who deserve a run'. The only one who looks the real deal when he comes in is O'Dea but he, too, makes mistakes and is poor at left back.
That said I do think that Celtic, at the moment, have more genuinely talented players than any othe SPL team viz. Crosas, MacDonald, McGeady, Naka and Boruc. And the rest of team is, man for man, as good as anything the competition has to offer.
If we fail to win the league this season the blame will lie with the management for failing to deploy the players properly and for failing to coax the required levels of performance from them.

.

Gebhoy....

Davy Weir Has Never Ever.... Won.... Anything Tho....

btw

Crosas....Does Not Need Pace....

NAKA....See Above....

Samaras Has Pace....But Needs Teamates (Who Think)....

Flood Has Pace....

Molly....Has both of The Above....

Skippy....(And l Have Pillard Him On Here (Attitude)....

Lastly....

Mizuno Could Be a Superstar....(Maybe Not in the SPL)....

001

Barçabhoy

Estadio posted earlier from somewhere in the Rockies asking what the outcome had been of the questions John Collins levelled at Keith Jackson over his display of tendentiousness towards Rangers when negotiations over the transfer of Kevin Thomson began.

Jackson is pro-Rangers. It makes no more sense for Radio Scotland to let him speak on this subject than the RST. However, the PA piece that the Independent has found itself running (perhaps all members of the newspaper's own staff are tied up with other things) is no better; it's just a Ronnie Esplin apologia quoting an outraged David Edgar.

What's the point in publishing or broadcasting this material?

The BBC and respected newspapers really need to try a bit harder.

Worst of all, if they were printing or broadcasting a defence of any other racist group than the Rangers support and, sorry to say, racism against any race other than the Irish, there would be hell to pay. It's a closed loop, with the same voices saying the same things all the time (variations on 'nothing to see here, move along now’) hoping that we all get fed up.

As McGrain in Spain said earlier today, if you oppose racism, you have to speak up.

Mourinho has gone 110 home league matches without defeat. I know he never lost at home as Chelsea manager so the last team to beat him must have been when he was at Porto.

How many points statments etc has David RST made
Im scunnered listining to this racist bigot
How this blowhard gets airtime and into print yet
still gets taken seriously is beyond me

But still all the media outlets let this odious scumbag
be given a platform to air his lies and distortions maybe
the answer lies in the fact thats he is the only hun spokesperson who can string threee words together and sound like an intellectual

The funniest thing about the beebs reporting of TFS and other chanting by the horribles was the reporters tie.

Bright blue and orange stripes, obviously getting the message across that 'if it was up to me I wouldn't be here'

Reserves beat Hibs 3-1

McCourt shines as special reserves continue run

David Friel

Paddy McCourt stole the show with two sublime individual strikes as Celtic reserves beat Hibernian 3-1 at Lennoxtown on Tuesday afternoon.

The gifted Irishman turned on the style with a virtuoso performance in the first 45 minutes – scoring twice and totally running the show from his attacking position.

Fabian Yantorno’s penalty had made the score 2-1 at the break but Celtic never really looked under serious pressure and Koki Mizuno’s clinical third in the closing stages sealed the points for Willie McStay’s league leaders.

McCourt, playing just off Ben Hutchinson in attack, looked in the mood from the off and Hibs had no answer to his direct style and slaloming runs.

In five minutes, he played in Hutchinson inside the box with a lovely reverse pass but the Celtic striker was crowded out as he tried to shoot. McCourt then left four Hibs defenders for dead, but his shot flew wide.

The visitors were on the back foot, but responded in 10 minutes. Ross Campbell was sent clear down the left wing and he raced into the box, before slamming a shot wide of the post.

Niall McGinn, meeting a Ryan Conroy cross, sent a shot over the bar as Celtic continued to press for the opener. It arrived in 15 minutes and McCourt was the man on target.

Picking up possession 40 yards from goal, he drove at the Hibs defence, glided past three challenges and then rolled an instinctive shot into the bottom corner, leaving the bewildered Andy McNeil with no chance.

Hutchinson twice came close as Celtic dominated. Mizuno also flashed a free-kick inches over the bar as Hibs struggled to contain the Hoops.

Yet, the Easter Road side were handed a lifeline on the half-hour mark. Alan O’Brien picked out Campbell at the back post and Conroy was penalised for handball as he shut him down. Yantorno’s penalty was emphatic.

Mizuno, Hutchinson and Mark Millar all had efforts on goal, but Hibs were putting up a better fight and Conroy had to clear off the line after a bout of pressure.

It looked as if the sides would go in level at the break, but another piece of McCourt genius gave Celtic the lead. In a carbon copy of his first goal, he left almost the entire Hibs defence in his wake before rifling a left-foot shot into the corner.

Hibs defender, Ewan Moyes, had the first attempt of the second half with a header, but Celtic also came close when McCourt fed Mizuno and his shot soared over the bar.

McGinn sent an effort wide of target and Hutchinson also threatened. McCourt threaded a wonderful pass into the box, but McNeil covered the near-post well.

In 72 minutes, Mark Millar – who kept Celtic ticking over in midfield all afternoon – accepted a McCourt pass and crashed a 25-yard shot off the post. At the other end, Campbell sent a scorching volley inches wide of target.

Celtic were still searching for the goal that would kill the game and Mizuno provided it in 82 minutes. Taking the ball on the left wing, he raced across the edge of the box and planted a superb finish beyond McNeil.

This was a good workout for McStay’s men, who remain on course for an eighth successive title. January signing Milan Misun was diligent in defence, while Massimo Donati stepped up his return to fitness with an assured display.

CELTIC…3
(McCourt 16, 45, Mizuno 82)
HIBERNIAN…1
(Yantorno 30 pen)
CELTIC (4-4-2) Fox; Doumbe, Marr, Misun, Conroy; McGinn (Carey 85), Millar, Donati (Tidser 88), McCourt (Cawley 88); Mizuno, Hutchinson
Subs not used: Giordano, Santonocito, Lafferty, McGlinchey

Game will be on CTV on Thursday, wouldnt mind watching it tonight.

Valebhoy
Always thought there was something suspicious about Ratcho !

( No offence intended to the Republican movement obviously )

GerryAdamsBeard

Agree that our club must make representations on this. The two games this season have witnessed some disgusting behaviour by the huns and I fail to see why we should sit back and be forced to endure such behaviour
No doubt after their pillaging down in Manchester they feel as if they can do anything without fear of retribution

Paul do you know if the board share our concerns ?

.

Estadio National....

Milan Derby....Did He Win....????

(Wait a Minute that Could be.... The Daftest/Stupidest Question I Have Ever Asked) ....

001WhoNobodyHasAsked2TheQuizNightCSC

Gordon J
Are you canvassing for Mourino as our next manager? After Seville surely all Celtic supporters must surely carry an undying hate for him and his diving ,cheating conning Porto team!

Martin 47

Totally agree with you.

If we allow this hun team to win the league this season then fingers should be pointed.

I thought they were worse than I expected and I particularly include Bougherra in that. Ferguson is gone as a player yet our better eleven didn't have it in them to win.

I can, grudgingly, accept losing the league to a financially stronger and talented hun team but to lose to this lot is beyond the pale.

But we haven't lost the league. Show some faith hard as it is just now.

Btw, my daughters must have been peeking in recently cos for my birthday today I'm inundated with The Shield DVDs.

Well done James Forrest.

Two reports on the ticker have Marek Cech to us in the summer for £1m. Anyone noticed him in action?

.

Happy B'Day ELDiegoBhoy....From Across The Miles....

001

bamboo,

Actually I was answering an earlier trivia question!

Mourinho wouldn't come to Scotland anyway. But for the record I would be ecstatic if he chose to manage us.

Extract from Celtic Miscellany by Andrew Smith

The final of the 1902 Exhibition Trophy provided the platform for Quinn (Jimmy) to demonstrate he had the character and courage to cause carnage through the middle.And his hat trick in a 3-2 extra time win over Rangers led to Celtic being crowned the unofficial British champions with the tournament bringing together league winners and runners uo from both sides of the border.

Two years later Quinn repeated the feat in the 1904 Scottish Cup final win over the club's great rivals. All three of his goals came after Celtic had found themselves 2-0 down at half time. The triple frames his greatness for a club he helped to dominate the Scottish game. In the 1912 New Year derby he scored a third hat trick.

A player whose robust style led him to fall foul of the authorities, Quinn was also sent off twice against the Ibrox club and accused of intolerable wrecklessness in his approach. It led to a protective manager Willie Maley to offer in defence.

"All the men Jimmy Quinn killed are still alive"

Who is the hardest Celt ever to have graced the Hoops ?. In the early Stein era I think Bertie shorted out any problems on the park after maybe Hay . Enforcers who could play the game as well.

How many of today's team would fit into this team?

Gould
Boyd, Mjallby, Riseth, Mahe
McNamara, Lambert, Moravcik, Blinker
Larsson, Brattbakk

Beating Motherwell 2-1 in 1999 on CTV just now. Not the tallest midfield, mind.

Bloke_109

the holy goalie and aiden for reggie pants

JUST BEAT THEM, WIN THE LEAGUE, BEAT THEM!
BEAT THEM NEXT YEAR, THE YEAR AFTER THAT!

STUFF THEIR SONGS JUST BEAT THEM EVERY YEAR!

WE HAVE BETTER PLAYERS , PLAY BETTER AND BEAT THEM!

THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH FOR ME.

Bloke 109

Boruc, Caldwell, Naka, McGeady for Gould, Riseth, McNamara,Blinker

K.C, I have to smile at some of the comments on here alleging that the football and police authorities are ambivalent to what is going on at Ibrox. They have all shown more appetite to tackle the problem than some alleged anti-racist organisations. Strathclyde Police have even arrested a fellow police officer at Ibrox for racist chanting.

I have heard the odd bit going on behind the scenes but there is nothing for public consumption.

Will anything be done about it? This issue is not going away. When the ball started rolling the SPL laid down a roadmap with where they would take the issue and when; they will follow this.

Every club in the league is aware of the staging posts of the roadmap, staged punishments were indicated up front.

Dalgetybhoy, it would be crazy for Celtic to make any public comment right now. Doing so would play well to the galleries of Celtic fans but would only involve us in what is Rangers issue. Celtic have nothing to add to the public debate, however, I am sure Alan Dick was spoken to before he left Celtic Park on Sunday.

PJBhoynyc, as I said above, a comment from the likes of John Reid would go down well and grab some headlines, but mud would be thrown back and reported in equal measure.

This is not an “Old Firm” issue it is a Rangers issue, public representations from Celtic will have absolutely no bearing on proceedings.

jbj713, I do know that the club share our concerns and heard directly on the subject early on Monday morning – while some on here were of the mind that the subject was not even worthy of an article!

bournesoup

Too much to put Naka in for McNamara too - Heid with Mjallby would be interesting. Harald stays - despite the sitter he's just missed :-)

Lubo's just gone down injured. Remember exactly how I felt behind the goal at that moment.

ahemm, thats my take on the Rascist song.

(retires sheepishly)

Bloke
Bloke they are giants compared to our present midfielders. Larsson (the greatest Celt ever) Moravcik , Lambert ,Mjallby perhaps Boyd and McNamara would be welcome additions to the present squad.
Gordon J
Hope your joking about Mourino comeing here.

Gary

Agree!

Ooh for a Paul Lambert right now, would swap about ten of our midfielders for him.

Bloke

aye right enough, heid beats vidar anyday

and i forgot about naka after sunday ;/)

Estadio Nacional

throw in the strikers and half of the defence for lambert and start a new team

On as sub for Lubo, Burley's just scored - we'd take him too. You know what he did to score - he ran ahead of the strikers to collect a pass and shoot on target. That kinda play will never catch on.

Estafdio Nacional - indeed, and as we know, he's carving out a nice wee managerial career for himself. A propos of nothing at all of course.

We have had two players with real pace in relatively recent times. Henri Camara and Craig Bellamy. The latter, even in his short time with us, missed games with hamstring problems and the former proved with us and other clubs, that you still need ability allied to pace. Craig Beattie was a bit of a mixture of the two.
Now how fit is Bobby Lennox - the real deal!

Hail! Hail!

.

Has Embdy Heard The Rumor.... That Spandau Ballet are Reforming....????

001BhoysOnFilmCSC

001 Bhoy -

I'm now more worried about this rumour than the one that surfaced this time last week!

I see ETIMs are doing the Math on squad costs

Two very tough players, who couldn't get a game because Billy McNeil was No. 5, were John MacNamee and the late John Cushley.

CD
Agathe in full flight was the fastest thing ever seen in Paradise closely followed by the one and only Bobby Lennox. Over course the incomparable Bobby was one the greatest ever.

001 Bhoy -

How good's your source - do you know this much is true or will your communication let you down?

cantbelieveimwastingtimeonthis.csc

BhoysOnFilm...Duran Duran reference surely

WeDontNeedThisPressureOn CSC

001Bhoy

To cut a long story short...

True

001 Bhoy

Cheers my friend.

My good lady and I are adamant - wis he a singer - that one day we'll make it over your way.

Paul67 I didn't say they had to respond now. I would like some sort of assurance that a robust response will be the result. Especially if the authorities fail to take appropriate action.

Bamboo, you are right about the racist abuse of Bobo and others. My brother used to sit right next to the scum and complained to the polis on more than one occasion. He was told that the Celtic fans were making a similar noise. The Celtic fans were chanting Joos, Joos, Joos. These people need to be forced into action. Our board need to be forced into more action if nothing is forthcoming from the SPL

Another Fir Park star is on Sky.

Luton v Brighton. Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Adam Virgo, radio mentioned he missed an embarrassing sitter in the first half.

001

2-1 Mourinho

Cherrio 10 in a row........

rankgers employed media house with one specific remit, to help them with the pr nightmare that is their fans and their persistent racism and bigotry

there is no way in hell that what has been reported today will go without comment in the media over the next week. first we'll hear that rankgers have twyed weally weally hard to stamp it out, its not the fault of the club.

then we'll hear about how it a west coast of scotland problem, those nasty people at celtic really are just as bad.

all eyes will be on the away support on sunday. not looking to reopen the whole debate but i hope everyone is aware of the importance of things on sunday. not preaching here but now isnt the time to have that debate in public imo, theres a very real danger that that will completely move the focus away from them and their behaviour.

EDB - many happy returns!
The Shield is fantastic, but if you or JF spoil this final series for me there'll be trouble!!

TTTT

therags 1.42 - Did anyone hear the phone in on Clyde after the game?
A good guy called up to complain about the performance of the referee. He was shot down by Keevins et al and told the referee got all the big decisions right. One of them said it's not as if there was a penalty decision he got wrong.

They then went for an interview with Smith. He had a wee moan about Miller not getting a penalty. Then back to the studio, and without any shame they started to discuss Rangers not getting a penalty.

Just thinking about it is making me consider a language violation.

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

I take it that was NoSurname 'not complaining' about the penalty. Very Orwellian.

In fact the whole thing sounds like the guy in 1984 who's job is to get rid of old newspaper articles that 'Big Brother' has decreed undesirable and to replace them with new establishment friendly ones.

Ergo -

Sep 12 1983 "Big Brother produced 500,000 units of chocolate which allowed the chocolate quota to remain at 35g per day per citizen"

becomes

"Big Brother produced 450,000 units of chocolate which allowed the chocolate ration quota to increase to 30g per day per citizen"

as

Feb 15 2009 "The referee got all the big decisions correct"

which following a wee interview with establishment team manager "not complaining" becomes

"The referee should have given the gers a penalty"

It's a pity for the old media that all this new fangled digital technology makes it impossible to shove all their jandiced views and lies down a wee chute and into a big fire to be eliminated from history forever.

Yep, fair comment, Bamboo, how could I omit Didier.

CD
Another hardman of that era was the Bairds Bar guy, Willie O Neil.?

Telegraph Article on The Rascist Song

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/scottishpremier/rangers/4682458/Rangers-expected-to-escape-punishment-after-SPL-sectarian-chant-probe-against-Celtic.html

Likely to escape punishement according to them

Gordon , WIN the League !

.

Has Anyone Seen.... Penders Bebo Page....????

Fleckin.... Hilarious....

No Text Or Photos....Jist Inane Diagrams....Quality.....

001

StevieNoBread

but written by Proddy Forsyth

Luton v Brighton pen shoot-out on SS2.

Adam Virgo for Brighton, Dmitri Kharine is coach at Luton... Battle of the 'oh aye him'

TootingTim

Mowbray considers Marek Cech departure in summer. No fee and no club were mentioned. Two weeks ago his agent confirmed Celtic interest but who knows what happens in four months. Now I'm not sure Cech is good candidate. Sold from Potugal for 1,4 m GBP which is not a big price. It does not say a lot but it's an indicator. I'm afraid about his form after warming the bench. After summer you will need the players for the Champions League games, not for the bench or experiments.

.

ELDiegoBhoy....

AdamAnt....Yes He Was....But I Widnae Like To be on a Airplane With Him For 25 Hours....

001WhoDisnaeLikeAntsCauseTheyBiteMyWeeGhirlCSC

From Roddy Forsyth in the Telegraph. Hunbelievable.

The SPL's match delegate, Alan Dick, will deliver his report on the proceedings on Wednesday and will mention the singing of the chorus of The Famine Song, which has been proscribed by the Ibrox club on threat of prosecution.

Rangers were reported for sectarian chanting at Inverness at the start of last season, but escaped sanctions by the SPL in recognition of the efforts they have made to eradicate the problem. It appears likely to go in their favour that when a fan was removed from the crowd at Kilmarnock for singing the chorus in November – he was subsequently sentenced to two years' probation and banned from football grounds – it was stewards employed by Rangers who apprehended the culprit.

The same arrangements will be in place at Station Park on Wednesday night when Forfar meet Rangers in the Homecoming Scottish Cup fifth round tie which was postponed because of a frozen pitch. Rangers have had to endure fallout of a different sort – as have Celtic – from one of the drabbest Old Firm derbies in memory, after Sunday's graceless goalless draw.

T Bananas
The ref guys small decisions that he got wrong were what broke down our few good attacking positions.

Bamboo
Is that the same Willie O'Neil the full back who won us the league cup final by clearing the ball off the line after Bobby Lennox had scored and we beat the Hun 1-0?
If yes, I remember him well. Another good player who suffered from being a member of an excellent squad.

ElDiegoBhoy

Many happy returns, mate. I hope life will treats you better than in a few last weeks.

.

StevieNoBread....@ 9:40pm

I Thought You Said and Thought....And i Quote....

STUFF THEIR SONGS JUST BEAT THEM EVERY YEAR!....

.

.

.

Stevie You are Confusing a Already Confudelled Tim.... :o))))

Who Cares about Their.... Hymmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....Songs

001

Connection between Luton and Rangers?

Dalgetybhoy, a few ifs and buts there, let’s wait and see what happens. A robust response was issued last time and I am sure Celtic will not let the grass grow under their boots if their interests are not being served appropriately.

Both teams glory years were when they were on the plastic.

Not even getting the jaiket.

etadio nacional

nick owen has a king billy tattoo on his arm?

my crazy thoughts on the big picture,

is that we are genuinely better chasers than leaders......(proven last year)

when chasing, the desire is much greater, because a slip up is deemed to be much greater.

when leading, the desire isnt as great, because a slip up is deemed to be not good, but not terrible.

when we lead, as is now, the manager has to be absolute in his quest to inject a much greater desire into the team.........

or else HE and the management team will have failed........

Is it that Luton lost 30 points this season for breaking the rules and Rangers will probably be docked 30 points as well for racist and sectarian chanting?
That's just a wild guess Estadio.

.

The Times Article Today....Read....

Rangers Fans Land Club in Trouble....

Did I Read it Wrong....????

Rangers....Club Land Fans in Trouble....

001LetThePeopleSingCSC

PS. Celtic Midfield.... are Too Slow.... and Small...

The huns having been excusing their bigots by claiming they are trying

very trying imo

to rid themselves of the problem ....so what it`s not working ..time for censure imo

also

the beeb should be ashamed allowing muppets like Jackson to comment on serious issues ...it`s a serious business not for the mentally challenged to comment on

anyway who gives a hoot about his personal feelings ...it is ..

SECTARIAN/BIGOTTED/INFLAMMATORY/ANNOYING AND UPSETTING(IN A B. O .P SENSE)...MORE IMPORTANTLY IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE

BAN THEM / ARREST THEM /DEDUCT POINTS FROM THEM

001 bhoy
not surprised, i confuse myself (without trying)

Zbyszek

Dziekuje.

Has this made sense my friend?

EDB - a bit late now but I hope you enjoyed your day.

RECALCITRANT RECIDIVISTS

ElDiegoBhoy

I speak little Polish, but be sure it makes sense. Well done. I suspect who was your helper with that :)

Dick Byrne

saw your post last evening,I hope for your sake the other members of the team didn't ;0)))

Not that I will drop you in it..

bamboo,

Hypothetical I know, but if Gordon Strachen left the club and Jose Mourinho was interested in the job - would you say no?

bamboo - you are right and where is the bbc's debate page on any of those decisions, have they made clips of these incidents available to view on their website? Why not? Is it because our manager didn't complain about these decision whilst their dignified manager.. em... didn't either? No it's because the media filter what reaches the front pages and websites to suit their agenda.

After all if Celtic get so much as a wrongly awarded throw-in its a scandal that is legitimate to mention at least 20 years later.

Paul67 - I think you maybe sometimes forget that you are generally 'in the know' a lot more than the rest of us and while I'm encouraged that you seem to think that the police and the football authorities are taking the issue seriously, I'm still concerned that the ordinary fans doesn't see action being taken, while we still have to suffer their racist and bigotted abuse in the meantime.

Of course, our concerns are hardly helped by the way the old media in Scotland react to (or ignore) these repeat offenders....

I am partly reassured by your comment to jbj713 that the club share our concerns, and I agree with your comments that this is specifically a Rankers problem. On that point, I still think it would be a big step forward if the club avoided all references to the OF term.

Overall, I think I'll reserve judgement until we see some real action and sanctions taking place. I'm still not convinced by vague comments from SFA about having to 'threaten' to dock points.

Hail! Hail!

Dick Byrne

Sure did my friend but in a different way from previous years.

Hope for you that time is healing. Coming to terms with something just now in my life.

Hail Hail.

BT - I was hoping that I'd got away with it. It goes without saying that any discretion you care to show in this matter will be suitably rewarded at the bar next time I see you...

.

BT....

Have You Spoke Too Yir Man....???? (I Have to Switch to My Australian email Now) So i'm In Incognito....

Hope He is Resting....

001

Gordon J
I could only support the idea of Mourino taking over here , if he bought Obramavich with him as well. I wonder if he could coach our players to roll over and over and over and over anytime any one looked at them.

EDB

I had gathered that something was amiss - I hope & pray that you find the strength to cope with it.

DB

all bribes have to be reported to my bosses......

001 not since Sunday, he was shattered yesterday so i left him alone...

BT

E D B,

You got mail,

Martin.

.

BT....

Cheers....

001

Paul67 - just seen your most recent response to dalgetybhoy. Happy to wait and see in the meantime....

Hail! Hail!

You know where we are on the whole sectarian song issue when the self-styled champion of confronting the offenders, Graham Spiers, writes that, "Rangers simply have to live with their white underclass".

I commented on this today at the Times website suggesting to Mr. Spiers that he really ought to push on and stop being apologetic on behalf of Rangers. I pointed out that until only recently he was firmly caught up in Scottish culture and, as a consequence, he perhaps cannot truly understand how distasteful these songs are. Sadly, at this point in time my comment remains unpublished.

Frankly I'm astonished that the relevant authorities in Scotland have once again gone to sleep on this issue. For how long are they going to stand back and see our country's name tarnished by these people? This must be stopped. If the will exists, sectarian and racist singing can be eradicated from Scottish football and ultimately Scottish society.

Had a few days to digest what has happened at the weekend and I must admit when I seen the team selection I was gutted Aiden wasn't in the team, fair enough over at Ibrox but not at home. Willo done a decent job and will help us as he is a committed wee guy.

I have not heard of any lingering injury effect on Marc Crosas which is another baffling omission IMO. Nakamura and Crosas are the guys who can eliminate guys from the equation in this league because their first touch is of the class all should aspire to.

The pitch looked a lot better than at Ibrox/Hampden but it obviously wasn't great as the first touch by most players was very poor, maybe I am not being fair as this game is 110% commitment and a bit more about a human beings psychological make-up.

GS likes to put up Man U as the Model of a Team and I agree with him there. Get the runners/turn of pace from midfield against Weir and the games a bogey, you just need to have a player who can pass it, either through or via the target man. Crosas obviously springs to mind, I like Hartley as he is committed but so is Brown, play 1 or the other not both, we are mean't to be a footballing team.

I fully expect GS to go this summer anyway (if we win or lose the league)and I think it is possibly a reason he never spent money during the last window. I really hope he gets the 4 and also the recognition he deserves, noone is perfect and managing 2 people is hard enough never mind 25 or so.

There are so many different factors involved for managers especially in this day and age with the obscene wages, constant media, dodgy agents and sometimes personality clashes. IMHO GS knows he is going this Summer and keeps trying to make the best player better, it's hard to understand but I can realise if this is what is going on. GS wants Aiden to become the best player he can be, he knows Aiden wants to become a legend like Wee Jimmy, GS is trying his best to make sure it happens.

There has been a clash of styles between Mon's and GS teams. Aiden and Neil Lennon are the only ones to have bridged it. It is not hard to work it out that Neil epitomised teamwork, he stuck with GS because he done the crap for the good players and GS put more emphasis on the team than anything else, he had to as we had to downsize. Our academy brought Aiden through at this same time. The Bhoy loves the Hoops and GS loves the team after learning from Fergie, who Learned from the Big Man.

Weir attacked ? hardly troubled. I know GS spends all his time taking in football, I know nothing but Big Jock would have made sure Weir never played again.

Marc Guardiola??

Paul67 at 9.20

"while some on here were of the mind that the subject was not even worthy of an article!"

You just can't let go, can you !!

Paul67 the thing that is worrying me is all the people lining up to praise Rangers for 'all they have done' to prevent racist singing. The line goes that they can't be punished having tried so hard. Problem is their fans have so far failed to move until their team have been, or have been threatened with punishment.

As any parent knows there has to be a time when you stop threatening to punish and actually do it.

I am not holding my breath.

.

Here's a Thought....

When l Lived in London....I Got a Orc Mate a Flight Home and a Ticket (With Me) For a Old Firm Game....The 5-1 Game....Circa 90/91....

It is The Only Game l Have ever Cried @....on the 90th Minute (I Was Sitting in the Main Stand....10 Rows away From Them....I Looked Over and Their Was My Mate Singing/Celebrating)....

The Thing is i Didn't Cry Because They Were Singing Derrys Walls....I Cried Because Celtic Lost....

Is Celtic....Winning.... Losing.... or Drawing....Irrelevant Now....

Are We....Changing as a Support....????

001

Just letting my wander...

you know, in another world, on another day, you wish sometimes that there was a more direct way of responding to their fascist, racist ways. Some would say that such objectionable views are worthy of being stamped out...

Anyway, back to reality !

Martin47

While I agree with your post at 9ish that fingers should be pointed,it might be true that our manager cannot motivate the squad as he himself might possibly be deflated.
If after going to the board with his list of targets(and he's not stupid so they would have been within budget)only to be told cant afford them/sorry but no,surely he would be disillusioned knowing that the club is in profit and the players werent demanding mega bucks so how come I didnt get any players.
Ofcourse he wont run to the press,but would tell his inner circle of his dissappointment rather than drag the good name of our club through the mud.For which Im grateful.
I suspect strongly this is his last season.Very few people would work under this system.

My number 2 in work left yet the management cut my wage budget for his replacement,giving me an amount that will never attract the calibre I want.When things dont run smoothly Its my head on the block as Im the boss,but I can counter with I cant afford the quality of staff to make the place run properly.
But to the customer who know nothing of this,if things are substandard Im responsible full stop.
I suspect myself and Gordon are in similar positions.
Dont want to leave but cant get the right employees due to board decisions.
Who's fault is it?I know Im thinking of leaving and it will probably take me to leave for the management to see their error,I really think we will both be out of work soon,,and its no fault of our own.

I hope Im wrong by the way.

Hail Hail

Unfortunately the absolute worst case scenario for Rangers is a small fine probably around the 10k mark and a robust message from the SPL that sectarianism would not be tolerated. Racism will never be mentioned.

Immediately after this the SPL will find something "sectarian" to fine Celtic for. It may be some blootered guy at the game singing Roamin in ther Gloamin our some of the add ons but they will find something and Celtic will face exactly the same punishment Rangers will.

You can forget Rangers being docked points and they will not be unilateraly made an example of.

Our only hope is UEFA or FIFA and given previous statements by them I dont hold out much hope of going down that route.

As ever after a poor performance (and it was poor), and not getting the desired result there are many 'ifs' and 'buts'.

If we had created just a few more chances and if McDonald had done what he's paid to do, many of us would have been happy that this time we set up to win the midfield.

With McGeady and Crosas (I would hope) we'd have played more football. We'd have been more open too. If (that word again) they had exploited that I'm pretty certain a lot of the dissenters would have been on here decrying Strachan for not setting up to close down their midfield.

Quality of football aside, the most important thing was that we didn't lose. We didn't.

001
Yes we are changing as a support -we are not prepared to accept the unacceptale anymore.
Times have changed and their facist behaviour should not go unchallenged.

.

Michael....

Worst Case Scenario....Is We Lose The League....

001

weeminger

=

wiseminger

001

Doomsday scenario more like.

TootingTim @ 12:34...

For all the lazy Red Top lazy journalists out there...

There have been TEN 0-0 draws between Celtic and Rangers in the last 50 years :-

1966 Scottish Cup Final (Billy hit the bar with a header)

1970 New Year league game on a frozen Celtic Park pitch. Rangers defender Dave Smith was the man of the match by a mile

1976 Rangers had won the League on the previous Saturday at Tannadice. Ian Archer reported that "Rangers supporters profane hymns rang round Parkhead in increasing decibels."

1983 The home draw took Celtic back to the top of the League, 1 point ahead of Aberdeen, Peter McCloy defied Celtic with a string of great saves.

1984 An early season bore of a game which saw Rambo McInally start ahead of Frank McGarvey who was left on the bench. What was Davie Hay thinking of!!!

1993 A sunny day in Paradise saw Macca at centre for Celtic and Big Duncan at centre for Rangers. They also had Ally Maxwell, Fraser Wishart, David Hagen, Dave McPherson, Neil Murray and our very own Steven Pressley in the ranks and we still couldn't score!

1996 A dour New Year draw at Celtic Park which nevertheless saw Celtic extend their unbeaten League run to 14 games.

1998 A very warm September evening at Ibrox saw Lionel Charbonier make a great save from a Henrik Larsson header.

2006 This game was probably more boring than last Sunday's! Both Keane and Lennon got subbed but the title was long won. Chris Burke missed a sitter from about 6 yards!

2009 They are still singing some of the songs Ian Archer mentioned in his 1976 (or was it his 1697) match report!

We could also consider the 1980 Scottish Cup final to have been a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes - although we eventually won it on points!

GerryAdams'Beard, demonstrating indignation is easy but that’s not anyone’s objective.

Ian_in_Budapest, I thought Spiers “white underclass” comment was challenging and hit a spot that less colourful words would have missed.

Malceye :-) Celtic Quick News, first with the news, first with the indignation.

Dalgetybhoy, all true. The league laid out how the will respond to this situation over a year ago. There is an agreed escalation, deviation either way will not happen.

I’ve tried hard to avoid saying this, but the league have had strong representations about Celtic fans whenever Rangers fans have had the spotlight thrust upon them. We need to disengage from this issue.

hi paul. fellow celts.

so were back to TFS debate. TBJK debate and the FTP.debate. when are we going to learn . NOTHING will be done .no sanctions will be imposed. no points will be deducted , NOTHING . this rank rotten club and their fans ARE SQUEAKY CLEAN IN THIS COUNTRY. because every hack with a platform to shout from, will continue to toe the party line , will continue to brainwash the halfwits who still buy their rags, and continue to rope us in, and label us as just as bad to even the score . so be like me , be prepared to listen to their bile for a long time to come. god they even caused mayhem at a major european final and escaped scot free. the only way for us to shut them up was to bury them on the park ,and we werent up to it .to continue to win the league, and deny them the lifeline of the champions league money, and at the same time inflict more financial hardship on them . im afraid we may have fed the monster by our own failings .i pray to god im wrong .
hail hail

Michael Collins-
Correct ,small fine at most if at all..but only after our trip to motherwell on sunday.
In the hope of an ''ooh ah'' or something being audible on tv.
Its becoming so predictable these days.
Make no mistake if the hun do get fined ,which i doubt, i think its safe to say that ours will follow shortly after.

MC - I tend to agree that they'll get a fine. No way will the SFA risk a points deduction costing them the league.

However I don't think they'll try and drag us into it on the basis of a lone guy or even a small group.

Sunday was an occasion that couldn't be written off as a small section or even a significant minority.

However, let's assume the worst case and the SFA are going to try and get us and they aren't going apply a scale of punishment; if that's the case our stewards are going to have to stop picking on banner wavers and start lifting those individuals that can't help themselves. If the rest of the stadium averages the same number as in my area, it's not much more than a handful throughout the whole ground but a) that could be enough and b) it makes it a lot easier for the steward.

Boruc

Hinkel, Caldwell, O'Dea, Naylor

Brown Crosas Robson McGeady

McDonald Samaras

subs: Maloney, Hutchison, McManus

here's the team to take us to May. To get consistency on the pitch, do we not need some consistency in team selection?

malceye

Robson injured, which leaves us a wee problem. Donati? Only because I agree with Brown on the right.

.

Bamboo....

I Should have Put at the End of My Thought/Post....I Live 12,500 Miles away From The West of Scotland....

Recently l was @ a BBQ With 7 Ayrshire Orc BackPacking Fans....and in All My Years on This Planet (Once their beer went Down) i Have Never Heard Such Hatred Coming From Their Mouths....(I Won't Repeat on Here What They Said)....

But....I Had a Choice....

Let What They Said....Affect Me.... and Make Me Hate Them....

or

Refuse to Let Them Live.... 'Rent Free'....in My Head and Dilute My Thoughts of Many Good Rangers People (and Their is Many)....I Know....

001

btw....The Same 7 People.... were The 2nd People i Sent a Text Too Last Saturday When Our Bush fires Started....I Just asked them to Contact Their Familes Back Home....

Bloke 109

Donati? Why not? He gives the ball away but no more and no less than others. The thing is, it must be with a view to permanency - this "you're in one week, out the next" approach is to no-one's advantage.
I forgot to add Nakamura but as a sub at present - he's naka'd in my view but can change a game when he enters the field of play even at 60 mins

.

"The 19th"

Moonbeam's Wet Dream,

Sorry mate been out most of night. It's my bro's 30th today so was at his.

I have just re-sent the email in the last couple of minutes.

Let me know if you receive it.

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

Paul67 - I'm not sure what you're saying here. I'm not talking about demonstrating indignation, I'm wanting to see those who can do so taking some action. I'd be happy to see agreed escalation actually happening - if that is genuinely in train, then I can see it could be counter-productive for Celtic to go public.

I genuinely don't understand what you're saying with your last comment about us needing to disengage. Not looking for an argument, just clarification.

Hail! Hail!

Gordon @ 23.08

fascinating reading, thankyou very much.

Malceye
I would go for that team, though I'm sure you give not a toss (!), but with Barry unfit I would find a place for Willo, whom I think will be a useful addition in the run in.