Pace squared creates havoc for world's best

1st?

Podium at last !

Oh yes.....

Was a cracking game to watch.

First time i've seen 0 Posts

Fair point Paul, but we need players of genuine pace and they are not exactly thick on the ground at parkhead

Ming

Just one question mind.....How many of the teams we come up against week in week out will play further forward allowing our faster forwards to exploit such space.

Teams do sit in against us and press in the middle of the park and often rely on the same tactic you outline above as we are not exactly blessed with sprinters in our own back four.

Cheers

Kojo -

do you have a Celtic tat ?

WG

Americans were impressive in their last 3 games at Confederation Cup. Wouldn't mind seeing Onyewu, Dempsey, Bradley & Donovan in the Hoops. The guy we were supposedly interested in, Klejstan, wasn't impressive, although he didn't get much playing time.

Paul

criteria for ALL new signings

1) Is he fast
2) can he shoot

the rest i honestly cudnae care less, it can be worked on

Gary67, form the last thread

expect the usual laptop Summer agitation.

Stingy biscuit tin Celtic failing to complete deals and valiant Rangers holding off the EPL big boys for their star players. Minty and the Cardihun only relenting for "silly" "crazy" "exorbitant" "unrefusable offers" etc. These journalists are the modern day court jesters. Once Rangers go through a repeat of last winters - everything for sale but no takers ... the picture will become clearer.

I think it more important that TM properly assesses what we have already before we have another era of mix and match patchwork. Two players for every position considering he may want to play alternative formations dependent on the opposition

I´m prepared to sacrifice a run in Europe if our youth conveyor belt springs into action. Play the bhoys in the cups from the offset. If we can give the Youth Academy a shot in the arm ..its the way to go.

HAil HAil

Fair point, Big Swee. However, I would go further than Paul, and say that the USA had fitness, quickness and pace throughout the whole team. A team of athletes, all of whom were capable of competing for the ball.

Very good point Paul.

One of the high points for me of the WGS reign was the 3-0 home win against Benfica in October 2006, when we attacked them at pace, and the much maligned Mr Miller scored a couple. I think he had scored a similar goal earlier that season against Ed's team.

Sadly our wish to "manage our assets" as you would say meant that we sold our one pacy striker, only to have him come back and bite us on the proverbial last season.

Pace is key , Something which Mowbray is actually searching for up front. Remember when at hibs , mowbray used players such ivan sproule to devastating effect in away games , hitting on the counter. sproule was never a good player , in fact he was pretty crap but his one asset was pace and Mowbray knew how to use it wisely.

Remember Craig Bellamy's 65 minute cameo at Ibrox of that said year of that Sunday when he produced almost single-handedly a devastating performance to terrify not only the rangers defense but the fans in the stand as well. Every time he touched the ball ibrox fell silent in fear.

Hopefully we attempt to sign such a player. A pacy direct forward.

ExiledBhoy, we do, but the chap from Hammarby shows that they are not exactly scarce either.

BigSwee, this is not a tactic for us week in week out, more for away from home in Europe.

Lennondinho18, no arguments.

Cardiffbhoy, agree on Benfica, but Celtic have demonstrated no desire to manage first choice assets. Miller was sold when he could not commend a starting place – and I was happy to see him go. Pace is important, but the striker also needs to be able to shoot once he gets the ball.

CQN Cycle for Kano.

Bigjock67
Mouldy67
Jonnybhoy
Falkirkbhoy
Bigsinend
MWD (me)

are now registered participants in the Pedal for Scotland event taking place on the 13th of September 2009.

We will be cycling from The Peoples Palace in Glasgow Green to Victoria Park in Edinburgh approx. 50 miles give or take a couple of hundred yards.

We will be hoping to raise a few quid in sponsorship which will be added to the Kano fund already setup. If you would like to make a donation or sponsor Team CQN Cycles for Kano per mile then please send an email detailing your donation\sponsorship per mile to: -

CQNCycleforKano@googlemail.com

No donation too small. 1p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £5, £10, £20, £50, £100. We don't mind. The choice is yours.

Thanks in advance and a big Hail Hail

from all the Bhoys of CQN Cycle for Kano.

Paul67,

I dont think that USA and their coach Bradley done anything revolutionary. What he did though against Spain & Brazil arguably the two best teams in the world was brave.

Thats where we have a problem.

Gordon Strachan and MON were not prepared to give youth a chance. Why ? cos we would hang draw and quarter them when things go awry. We (not ME :-) would boo and hiss at a young laddie trying his best for Celtic who might have a stinker. if USA were gubbed 4.0 yesterday nobody would have raised an eyebrow ...and everyone would keep their job. This is where we have a problem with our over wrought support. MON was as guilty of this as GS although at least Gordon had an interest in it.

Why do we not embark on PR campaign within our own support to emphasise a change in direction. Do we want to give Eto types 250K a week and go down the mercenary road or do we want to setup a long lasting foundation. If we are serious about that then we need to play more kids in the cups. Give youth a chance. Financially if we unearthed the new Dalglish within 10 years it would pay for itself and wouldn´t head out the exit door in a hissy fit.

The fact that we dont sends out all the wrong signals that we aren´t serious about it leaving us exposed to all and sundry including our own.

Be brave, Be patient, No half measures. We have our feet in to many camps and are too half hearted in all of them.

HAil HAil

Agree Paul, it was certainly a tactic we were never able to deploy under WGS. We simply didn't have the strikers with the pace to pull it off and we still don't.

On the USA side, Clint Dempsey has been quietly going about his business with Fulham and is a very effective and reliable player much in the same way that Brian McBride was although the styles contrast a bit. Landon Donovan is the classic enigma wrapped-up in a mystery, the exact opposite of Dempsey he has quality but is not reliable. Bradley is a poor man's Scott Brown (and you can make your judgements about that) and Onyewu is still very raw - we have better at our club already.

I'd still rather watch players who play with greater emphasis on technical proficiency but then that's just the way I like my football.

Weeron. Certainly agree on the fitness.

Paul67. Fair point. Would be good to see players of that type available to us.

Regarding the progression of youth players, what can more learned posters tell me about Simon Ferry?

All the feedback I've been receiving suggests this boy is a genuine talent and just needs the opportunity - true or false?

MWD

Have you registered as a charity, to claim the Gift Aid? 20%-40% more isn't to sniffed at.....

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo - The grave-like silence surrounding Castle Greyskull since they won the league is eerie. Plenty of bats, moonbeams, and dead trees have been spotted in the vicinity of Govan, but as yet no queue of English clubs desperate to sign Boydy, Barry, McGregor-y and the rest.

I imagine their ghoulish shuffling bodies are currently doing a well choreographed dance routine on the blasted heath of Ibrox while Vincent Price's disembodied voice mysteriously intones:

"Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand..."

Chris The Tim

Gordon_J and other members of the fund raising committee are looking into this right now. If they manage to find a way to get the extra % off the government then all the better. At the moment I am just looking for pledges and will sort the semantics closer to the event.

Cheers

MWD

By bigtrainpete on June 29, 2009 12:26 PM

Progress was hampered for 2 years by injury, but seems to have been back at his best towards the end of last season. Also got a place on the first team bench towards end of season. He was the one identified by both Tommy Burns & Willie McStay as the most likely from a youth team that included Cuthbert, O'Dea, Grant, Bjarnsson, Finbogasson, O'Brien, Conroy etc..
2009/2010 will probably be make or break for his Celtic career, he needs to push himself into first team squad and get some first team action.

Moonbeams wet dream on June 29, 2009 12:23 PM
CQN Cycle for Kano.

Bigjock67
Mouldy67
Jonnybhoy
Falkirkbhoy
Bigsinend
MWD (me)

are now registered participants in the Pedal for Scotland event taking place on the 13th of September 2009.

We will be cycling from The Peoples Palace in Glasgow Green to Victoria Park in Edinburgh approx. 50 miles give or take a couple of hundred yards.

We will be hoping to raise a few quid in sponsorship which will be added to the Kano fund already setup. If you would like to make a donation or sponsor Team CQN Cycles for Kano per mile then please send an email detailing your donation\sponsorship per mile to: -

CQNCycleforKano@googlemail.com

No donation too small. 1p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £5, £10, £20, £50, £100. We don't mind. The choice is yours.

Thanks in advance and a big Hail Hail

from all the Bhoys of CQN Cycle for Kano.

Moonbeams -

Is that the Jonnybhoy? Jeepers, the bike must be built like thon wan that Desperate Dan used to run about in. Made frae girders, with the tracks and suspension of a Sherman tank!! 8-)))

Jonnybhoy - see me at the gowf and I will make a wee contribution to a very worthwhile cause.

Lurcy

@ Paul67, Charlie Davies will be leaving Hammarby ( Bajen) shortly. He has stated he would like to play in a bigger league, which of course rules us out. But agree with you, Wee charlie is exactly the type of player we need. I can tell you Paul that Bajen is my local team over here ( play in green and white) and last year we sold a cracking midfielder called Petter Andersson, my question is do we have scouts over here, it seems to me that the dutch teams get all the promising players. regards fergusmor

Pace and finishing costs money.

For me Craig Bellamy wasnt a finisher and he is involved in silly money.

Who ever partners Scott McDonald cannot have the same pace as JvoH, I dont think it is possible.

I'd like to think the manager will assess the players and tell them that they all have a clean slate. This surely must motivate those who felt ostracised by the last management team. It may allow the most objective assessment of the squad possible and focus our transfer strategy.

Regarding comments made on Stephen McManus, he is out injured and will not feature in those first few days when the assessment is made. However, I really hope BTM will assess that Caldwell, Loovens and O'Dea are the first picks and that McManus is surplus to requirements. Any sign of form players being put aside for the captain, regardless of his own form or fitness, will be a huge negative for me, and could undermine BTM fairly early on. I am sure he is wise enough to know that.

Mon the Hoops

"H"

Can't hurt to ask the lad if he would fancy some Champions League football ...

We lack pace throughout the squad but the lack of it up front is where it tells most of all. Hopefully that will be addressed, but I wouldn't count on it.

With the discussions of captaincy resurfacing surely Caldwell is the only one who should even be considered. He was the obvious choice for me 4 years ago and he's still the obvious choice today.

Strachan made one of his biggest mistakes in selecting McManus as captain, hopefully Mowbray will correct that mistake. Caldwell is a Celtic fan, doesn't hide and is a leader and organiser. Make the right choice Tony!

Fergus Mor,

Our scouts travel on the No.67 bus which terminates at Easter Road.

Hello there, Leo here

Amidst the tragedy, there is a small ray of light.

I read today of massive sales of Michael Jackson records. The income from that should ensure that his children are financially secure for many years to come. This should be some comfort to his parents as they struggle to come to terms with their loss, in particular, his father Joe who is such a gentle soul. He must be so grateful that the children will still have their mother Debbie there to look after them.

The great Sir Jimmy Saville said when his close friend the King died “The Elvis I knew was no junkie”. In the same way, I can categorically assure you all that the Michael Jackson I knew so well was no junkie. Whatever caused his death, it was not anything bad. I hope that reassurance from me brings you some small comfort as you too come to terms with your own grief.

We must go on however and I just want to say that I will do my very best to be at the Celtics game against the Rowers in Brisbane, Queensferry. I understand that they will rename the stadium “The Jumble” in honour of our own never to be forgotten Jumble in dear old Parkend.

To watch the Celtics play here in my native land AND on the 12th July (which is such a special day in the Celtics calendar), is a dream come true for me. A double cause for celebration.... watching the Celtics and celebrating our heritage. Only such an occasion will lift my gloom at this very sad time.

Hey, wouldn’t it be great for us to honour Michael with a minute’s applause before the start of the first quarter? That would certainly show the world how much we care.

Michael, all your Celtics fans are with you. You will never moonwalk alone

Hail hail hail

philvisreturns,

Boyd wants to "stamp his authority on the CL tournament" next year. I spat my cornflakes out this morning when I read that one. The King of Tarbolton is going nowhere. Warren Feeney is on the brink of signing for Leeds?. Fergiehun is not going to Birmingham unless he is compensated for a 30k a week deal and Boyd & Eck couldn´t agree a wage. Dean Furman has moved on a free to Oldham. Adam is being punted for 500k. No news is good news as far as the bear are concerned.

HAil HAil

Castle Greyskull is where the good guys live. Celtic Park is Castle Greyskull.

Skeletor lived at Snake Mountain, a far more fitting name for ibrox.

Besides forward, which is all we are hearing about, what about some replacements for the midfielders we are shedding?

@Dubiabhoy, It seems so lol. i Used to get the 130 Wallyford-Edinburgh and get off at the top of Easter road.

Bazzabhoy....Tell that to the lassie reading the weather :o)

Lennondinho 18 12:10

Agree with both your requirements. Could I add a 3rd?

An ability to hit the target. Some players are just better than others with accuracy. If you can't hit the ball in the direction of the goal, you just can't score.

How many times last season did we see final shots hit high, wide, and not very handsome?

Hail Hail

Re Jackson: It would be nice if all the little boys he "shared a bed with" had a 100th the sympathy ...

Smoke

What's that wisp I see in the distance,
that seems to be streakin the sky,
can't make out if its the black stuff,
I'm straining with my little eye.

I really should buy me some bino's,
cause how am I ever to know,
when they are stokin yon fire,
watchin here by the bedroom window.

I suppose I could log on to the internet,
would only take me a keystroke,
but then I would probably miss it,
that lovely wee sign of white smoke.

waitingCSC

URCYL

maybee. haven't hadd the pleasure of meeting Jonnybhoy yet.

I know he is from Clydebank and will be at the gowf on Friday as he was last year.

I take it he is not fragile then much like myself?

MWD

Leo, Celtic don't do plural

Dubiabhoy,

It used to be Eastern Scottish No 27 or No 35 Bus. That was my only link to the civilised world but they don't run anymore. Even at a young age David Bowies ground control to Major Tom would be in my thoughts as I waited on those buses.

HAil HAil

Paul67

I don't disagree that a striker should be able to shoot, a problem that Mr Miller never seemed to be able to address. And if truth be told, he was never, in my opinion, of sufficient quality to be a Celtic player.

He was, however, a first choice player in 2006/07 season, and fell down the pecking order after we bought Scott McDonald and Chris Killen !

He was sold after 4 matches of the 2007/08 season. 3 of which he featured in, scoring 3 goals in the process, only missing the other match through injury.

WGS commented at the time that he was sold to "balance the books"

Miller scored 10 goals for them last year, most of them important goals such as 2 against us, and not the 6th and 7th against the diddy teams like boydichenko scores. He picked them up at least 8 points with those goals, not to mention those he got assists for.

Now as I said I don't rate Kenny Misser, but WGS obviously did and he was the manager of our team. I would much rather have a £3m overdraft and 4 in a row sat on the mantlepiece than be in our current position.

Hopefully our new manager will be allowed to retain the players he wants as well as being allowed to spend some of the money that the fans put into the club.

BigSwee - shes quite cute, she can get away with it!

Paul67

I agree that pace, not just up front but throughout the side, would work wonders in any level of football. However, as many have stated, this doesn't often come cheap.

I'm hoping our scouts have their eyes on some good players but at the moment I'm not getting my hopes up after 2 disappointing windows in which we saw a similar pattern.

yes, and bone chillingly quiet on the left back front as well.

Awe_Naw, privatisation really screwed up the nos. How's the banking sector doing? Still lots of credit being crunched?

bournesouprecipie

How's life treating you mate?

Joining the search for the mythical left back I see? It's an old wives' tale I tells ye!

Malone19 - "Caldwell is a Celtic fan"

I don't think he is. I am pretty sure I read somebody saying he is in fact the exact opposite! Not that it matters...but just so you know.

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo - "Boyd wants to "stamp his authority on the CL tournament" next year."

Presumably this involves him wearing mirrored sunglasses and hitting people with a baton while demanding they respect his authoritah.

Dubaibhoy,

Not good banks and institutes falling like dominoes so I decided to move into the tax business full time last year in March but now the export industry here is falling so I´ve strapped on my guitar again ;-)

Summer Hols ?

HAil HAil

Paul67,

I reckon any team with Howard as a goalkeeper would manage not too bad.

Can you imagine what it must be like to play infront of Howard who has the inherited disorder Tourette syndrome. That must be an experience. Not making light of Tourettes but I bet Howard is an in your face goalkeeper when dealing wiht his defence and probably midfield too.

MWD

CelticSephiroth

Hope you are well, I see you are on the dayshift which is murder on the old iPhone, take it you
body swerved most of Glasto?

ToomainstreamCSC

p.s Tom Jones was scary " i felt the knife in my hand "

too many Ha Ha Ha's

Paul67

Is this your way of telling us we are in the buying market?

Paul67 - sorry to keep on, but you could also say Shaun Maloney was a first choice asset when he was moved on, albeit the circumstances were different. Another bad piece of management by the non football side of the business. Despite the spin that was put on it when wee Shaun came back and seemed to suggest that it was all his fault when he left, we could and should have kept him in the first place.

Big Liam @ 12:14. You beat me to it. TM's Hibs team did exactly that and produced some decent 'muggings' in his time there. This ability was one reason I am very pleased at his appointment. With his kind of thinking (if he can get the players of course) that away win in the CL will come at last.

bournesouprecipie

The only part of Glasto I saw was in a guidebook from my girlfriend's copy of the Guardian. As you say, not my cup of strawberry and vanilla smoothie (tea is too mainstream) ;^)

Tom Jones is pretty scary, do you think he can play left back?

Philvis and Awe_Naw - Re the Skeletor crew, things are looking particularly bad round their way. Davis is the only player who is garnering any interest at the moment and it is for not much more than they paid for him last summer.

The other 5 figure salary brigade currently have not had a sniff about them mainly because of how poorly recent cross border transfers have gone and the fact that Bougherra and Mendes are known quantities down South and not hugely regarded. Bazza I am told does have options but not for anywhere near what he is on at Ibrox so he is sitting tight for now to see how it plays out.

I also hear Rangers have been trying desperately to do swap deals as any money coming in gets gobbled up immediatly so it is the only real chance of getting them any new faces this summer.

Lastly Feeney going to Leeds? That would be a sure sop to their fans to get a "true blue" on the playing staff would it not? But if he is going to Leeds they cannot have approached him....could they?

:)

Watched the game last night and thought as good as the US of A were in the first half they were really hanging on all second half.

Pace is without doubt one of the most valuable variables an asset at a football club can have and I remembered those Craig Bellamy exasperated looks on that dark Sunday...I had the same look every time his finishing failed him!!!

We need players who can finish as well as having pace, but we also need some pace at the back, which has been sadly lacking for a number of years now.

Zola and West Ham now the latest to be linked with Fortune.

The merry-go round continues to spin.

bazzabhoy - I know but Castle Greyskull is the traditional name for the home of the badgers, because back in the 1990's when we came up with the name we didn't have Google to check up on our fuzzy childhood memories.

Besides, I don't really grudge them getting to hang about with a guy with a page-boy haircut who dresses in pink and likes to show off his muscles to Man-At-Arms. Have you ever seen He-Man with a girlfriend? Me neither.

Also, for all his supposed strength it's interesting that He-Man never manages to fully defeat Skeletor. Now, I can barely run the length of myself, but I'm pretty sure I could sort out a talking skeleton if I had to.

I'd just set a dog on him. Or run him over in my car.

I think pace in any side makes the opposition consider their approach more carefully....most teams in recent seasons knew they could sit deep to frustrate us but still easily get forward make chances against us by virtue of players could could outrun Caldwell and Mick.

We get double whammied in games where our back line sat so deep (cos they're so slow) and we as an attacking unit had to push on and try and unlock 2 banks of 4 opposing players with our stretched midfield being asked to cover huge areas of the park.....most teams sussed this out and we ultimately lost goals and points and well........the rest as they say is history.

If we had 1 or even CB with pace and attacking players with pace what a difference it would make in how we hit teams....and being able to defend a high line and get our midfield men up in support quicker.

No idea who's coming in for us (or who's leaving) but I really hope TM's vision for us will involve pace all over the park cos I think when you watch any games in SPL, a player who can cover 100metres in less than 12minutes tends to stand out........

I think maloney is\was teh only guy in our squad who looks to have pace....possibly Aiden aswell with a tail wind!

CelticSephiroth

Neil Young is still favourite in the free world

Hail Hail

what about Ben Hutch? He has pace to burn, surely he deserves a chance.

RogueLeader - Sounds like Moonbeams would need a crowbar to separate that lot from the Ibrox payroll. Maybe an "insurance job" is the answer!

bermybhoy

I think a few fans wonder about him, but the last time his name was mentoned to WGS he quirked something like "Ben talks a good game" but I've no idea if that was a dig at the boy or just a Gordon dry-edged reply to the media.

Ben H scored goals aplenty in the reserves, more than a certain C Sheridan but somehow Ben H never got teh nod as often as I'd possibly expected.

Maybe under Mowbray he'll get a shot?

I'll tell you what, Fortune's agent(s) is playing a blinder. Manufactures a "bidding war" with other clubs entering the "race" to sign him, pushing up his transfer fee and weekly wage in the process.

Play the footballers.

PJdali, interview on Celtic TV with Aiden and Broony, Aiden fastest in squad by a whisker ahead of Broony, which surprised me, I thought Broony was quicker. Shaun not overly quick, Loovens the fastest out of the CH's, if you dont include Bobo. Paul Caddis and Koki, about the only others I can think of with pace from the massive first team squad. Though, I haven't seen guys like McGinn, so there could be a few others, though obviously not enough first team starters.

bournesouprecipie

I spent the other day listening to Tortoise and Air. I felt pretty sublime after it.

Emiliana Torrini has also made her way onto my playlist. Apparently she's friends with Bjork so kudos to her.

Anyway, we're not going to sign anyone, are we? ;^)

Leabrannagh

That surprises me.

I always believed Sean was the fastest in the squad by a margin.

I thought Aiden was quick but not in the 'pacey' category that paul's article is alluding to.

Brown, I musta dmit to have overlooked, quick but again not pacey.

Curly 12.35

:-)

It is indeed. The poor contraption that will carry my silf like figure is currently being constructed in John Browns yard.

They have experience in building large metal conveyances :)

Your donation and others will be gratefully accepted.At 2 weeks off my big 5 0 when the event takes place , it will serve as a reminder that,at the moment ,one of our own is unable to do the same and will face his 50th with a different outlook.

Well done to MWD for setting this up.

God Bless Kano.

Simon Cox off to West Brom. They have had a bid accepted. 2 million. Stilic up for grabs at 3 million euros, cologne sniffing.

Come on Pete, start giving us some hope for the new season.

PJDali, I'd have agreed with you on Aiden if I didn't see the interview. I think it re emphasises that we have no one with searing pace.

WGS - "cologne sniffing"

Does it give you a buzz?

RogueLeader

I don't know for sure but I'm sure he said he was or his family was when he signed.

philvisreturns -

Hahaha, laughed out loud to that one. Although I am sure He-Man and She-Ra the princess of power had a wee thing going.

Big Bobo could have Skeletor and He-Man, at the same time. FACT.

77th?

Harold Brattback had plenty of pace, but because we spend most our time camped in the opposition half, he rarely got the chance to use it and eventually was sold off and deemed a flop. We dont have a support base that would allow us to sit in and hit on the break, we need to find another BBJ.

RogueLeader

Gary Caldwell is def a celtic fan

where did u read he wasnt?

CelticSephiroth

Still don't know where you get these guys from and I must look out that old playlist
of yours.

Yes, we are signing in this window and the "things didn't work out they way we hoped"
won't wash this time. We spend the pennies when a new man comes in, this time won't be any different from the last two managers. The 'Celtic Snubbed' Headline will still be wet when TM
introduces at least three good uns, one midfield, one striker, one left back.

I'tsNotUnusualCSC

BhoyinEngland

absolutely mate

need to hit the target defo

otherwise we wud end up with 11 kenny millers

Lennondinho18 - I was sure I read a poster on here saying he knew him and he wasn't. Happy to be corrected as was going by something I thought I read here.

bazzabhoy - "I am sure He-Man and She-Ra the princess of power had a wee thing going."

She was his sister!!!! I'm starting to think the Masters of the Universe was set in Ayrshire.

"Big Bobo could have Skeletor and He-Man, at the same time. FACT."

Indeed. Bobo's only natural predator is Chuck Norris. If Bobo and Chuck Norris ever fought, the resulting forces unleashed would destroy the space-time continuum as we know it. Only God could put a stop to that fight.

RogueLeader/Malone19

Gary Caldwell IS a Celtic fan!

Malone19 when the captaincy was up for grabs I made the plea for Gary Caldwell to be made the Celtic captain. However Stephen got the nod. I do not think there is much point in arguing who now should be the Club captain. Stephen is in post! He has not left officer (yet).

In many ways whether GC is the captain or not...he is a leader. Captains are appointed...leaders emerge!

He is also a Celtic fan!

Paul67...can not argue that pace aligned with ability up front is a potent combination. When it is just pace....it is Ivan Sproule!

RogueLeader

fair doos mate

he is def a RGT

Pace upfront was a huge reason as to why the U.S. did so well in the confederations cup.

However the main factor was discipline, each player did their job, they new it inside out. Rarely did you see an American player caught out of position. May not be the most exciting on the eye to watch but they play the game, almost as if it's from a text book. What American's have in their psyche many could learn from. They rarely throw the towel in and only 100% is good enough, what they may lack in ability they more than make up with application.

Would love to see some of the U.S. players in the Hoops. You would think our association with Nike, that would have been a priority market place for us. Perhaps pre confederations cup we could have realistically brought in a few.

Now with their success other clubs must be looking at these players.

Would take.

DeMerit
Okinywu
Clarke
Spector
Bradley
Altidore
Casey
Donavon (would be top of the list)

Even if we had pace last season it would not have been utilised.
Our style was reminiscent of Easter Island Statues FC.
Players with pace force the opposition to move and create space for others.But the real key is versatility in the system allowing those players freedom of movement.
USA negated Brazils forwards pace in 1st by pressing opponents defense and not giving them easy out passes so forwards had poor service.
Fabiano's goal panicked USA and they reverted to the Caldwell/McManus system of defending on the 18 yard line which basically invited Brasil to come at them.
When Dunga saw this he brought on Alves + Elano to play wide and stretch the field.
Brasil the used their pace to get behind USA defense in wide areas and caused constant problems.
In short pace is an excellent weapon if you have a coach smart enough to utilise it

Now we know why Manchester City are spending all that money.

News that was posted by someone on here a few weeks ago has been confirmed.

"Mark Hughes' men will complete their build-up for the Barclays Premier League campaign with a prestigious friendly against Celtic at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday, August 8 (kick-off 3pm).

The game, City's last before the Premier League opener at Blackburn Rovers, gives new Celtic manager Tony Mowbray a quick return to the arena where his West Brom side gallantly lost 4-2 in April as they battled unsuccessfully to avoid relegation.

Mowbray's reputation for enterprising football clearly impressed Celtic, who were pipped to a fourth successive Scottish Premier League title by Rangers in an exciting final day of the season north of the border.

Celtic, whose fans have taken to Greek former Blues striker Georgios Samaras, will arrive as League Cup holders, having beaten Rangers in the final at Hampden, and as Champions League contestants thanks to their runners-up spot.

Supporters should continue to monitor mcfc.co.uk for details of ticket prices and arrangements. "

Man City site

GordonJ @ 9.46 :- I have to say i agree with you about those comments.
Gratefull thanks to ANNAOAN (bet you thought you would never hear that ANNAOAN) for posting the lyrics of the song and his background.
This also dealt with the to my mind anti-semitic comments posted because his name sounded Jewish

That game has been confirmed on the official site.

"manchester welcomes mowbray's bhoys"

Anybody know if the Sunderland friendly will be on the season books yet?

From the ficial site

manchester welcomes mowbray's bhoys

Gregor Kyle
TONY Mowbray’s Celtic will meet one of the Premiership’s star-studded sides when they travel down to the City of Manchester Stadium on August 8 (kick-off 3pm) for the latest pre-season friendly.

With a list of multi-million pound transfer targets being mooted to join the likes of Robinho, former Celt Craig Bellamy, Shay Given, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry at Manchester City, the friendly promises to be a tantalising prospect as well as a stern test for Mowbray’s Bhoys.

The game will come hot on the heels of Celtic’s pre-season trip to Australia, their July 22 encounter with Cardiff City, their games in the Wembley Cup and the first home game of the new season against Sunderland (August 1).

The run of matches will make for a busy and challenging start to the campaign, while drawing in the club’s army of supporters from every corner of the globe.

This is also the second consecutive year that the club has faced City in a pre-season friendly, with the Blues visiting Celtic Park last August and being held to a 1-1 draw by a youthful Celtic side.

Ed,

If it wasn´t for the boss´s goatee I´m not sure you´d not be so enthusiastic in protecting him ;-)

The Boss is a Democrat. Has raised tens of millions of dollars for them. Well it could be worse he could be a republican.

Gordon_j,

I sent an email to the quiz email addy.

Hail Hail

Re: Bruce Springsteen

I dont know what the fuss is about the comments last night, a few posters posted light hearted comments about the title of a song. Nobody was seriously making any negative comment about him.

ANNAOAN :- You have to admit being practical it's a lot quicker to comb your face in the morning than it is to shave it :-)

Estadionacionl :- Fair point and fair enough, I was more concerned about the comments that were dispariging towards him because he had a name that could be counted as sounding Jewish.

Sunderland game is on the season books

Ed,

I agree with you entirely

EN,

your obsession with the Boss is becoming visible ;-)

Light hearted ??? as Paul67 would say Mmmmmmmhhhhhh...... try Sunday mornings comments

AweNawGunnerSolskjaerCSC ;-)

EdwardUrsus

I didnt see those comments, but agree that comments like would be out of order.

My concern with BS is that he calls himself The Boss, just because he has a variation of Stein in his name it doesnt give him the right to go around calling himself 'The Boss' ;-)

EN

moonbeams wet dream.

Are you going to the golf,did you manage a reserve place.

The reason I'm asking is,I'd like to sponsor the team for £50,I take it you can sponsor the team rather than the individual,I can't see you,or jonnybhoy, doing the whole distance,so it's a £50 donation.
If your at the golf on Friday,I'll give it then.

EdwardUrsus - Did you know there's an all-Jewish Bee Gees tribute band?

They're called the Heeby Jeebies.

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo

Right I see them now, I didnt understand the comments then and still dont.

EN

Oldtim67

I am not at the gowf this year although I have asked taggsy to reserve me a place for next.

good man with the donation and yes it is best to donate as a team rather than each individual.

I think Jonnybhoy is at the gowf so you can pass his way if that is OK.

I have completed the course twice in the last 4 years you cheeky git. :o)

might be fat but I am a fit fatty.

MWD

Afternoon all,
Here's the latest updtaes to the list.

The latest piece of shamPOO to come out from the press is the Craig Gordon could be a target if The Holy Goalie departs.

Where do they get these stories???

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

Players in:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source--------Fee

Mowbray---------47------WBA----------------Club----------£2M
Venus-----------42------WBA----------------Club----------No fee disclosed
Grant-----------43------WBA----------------Club----------No fee disclosed

Players out:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source--------Fee

Nakamura--------30------Espanyol-----------Various-------Free

Rumoured in:

Keepers:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source--------Fee

Turnbul---------24------Middlesbrough------SSN-----------No fee mentioned
Gordon----------26------Sunderland---------The Independent-No fee mentioned

Defenders:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source--------Fee

Sylvinho--------34------Barcelona----------Various-------Free in July
Rat-------------27------Shaktar------------The Sun-------£4m
Cech------------26------WBA----------------ET------------No fee mentioned
Castillo--------23------Real Sociedad------Various-------£100K (special clause in contract for non-Spanish clubs)
Robinson--------30------WBA----------------Various-------£1M
Bjarsmyr--------23------Gothenburg---------The Sun-------£400K
Ottesen---------25------SönderjyskE--------LOTW----------No fee mentioned
Jones-----------29------Hibs---------------Various-------No fee mentioned
Ricketts--------27------Hull City----------Vitalfootball-No fee mentioned
Petkovic--------23------Eintracht----------NOTW----------£1.5M
St Ledger-------24------Preston North End--Hunday Mail---£1.5M
Atouba----------27------Hamburg------------Hunday Mail---Free
Caceres---------21------Barcelona----------Frech press---Loan
Diaz------------25------Wisła Kraków-------Eurosport-----£1.5M

Midfielders:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source--------Fee

Kljestan--------22------Chivas USA---------Footylatest---No fee mentioned
Valero----------24------WBA----------------KTF-----------£4M
McCarthy--------18------Hamilton Accies----Various-------£750K
Sharbini--------21------NK Rijeka----------Express-------£3M
Stilic----------21------Lech Poznan--------Various-------£2M
Vargas----------19------Cobreloa-----------The Independent-£1.5M
Beuzelin--------30------Coventry City------Express-------Free
Meghni----------25------Lazio--------------Various-------£2.5-£4M quoted (Possible Donati plus cash deal?!?)
Zemmama---------25------Hibs---------------Arabic site---£2M
Ferguson--------17------Newcastle United---The Chronicle-No fee mentioned
Marques---------24------Iraklis------------Express-------Free
Hasebe----------25------Wolfsburg----------Tribalfootball-No fee mentioned
Aguiar----------28------Hertz--------------The Independent-No fee mentioned

Strikers:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source--------Fee

Janko-----------25------RB Salzburg--------Various-------£5M
Owen------------30------Newcastle Utd------Various-------Free
Mandzukic-------23------Dinamo Zagreb------TNFP----------£8M (WIT!)
Arango----------29------Real Mallorca------Setanta-------£3.4M
Kamara----------28------Fulham-------------Various-------£5M
Naumoski--------25------SV Mattersburg-----Express-------£650

ShamPOO rumours:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source--------Fee

Defenders:
Hreidarsson-----34------Portsmouth---------Daily Rectum--Signed new 1 yr contract with Portsmouth (23/06)

Midfielders:
Gomez-----------24------Espanyol-----------Various-------Signed for Wigan for £1.7M (19/06)

Strikers:
Fortune---------27------Nancy--------------Various-------£2.5M (Nancy have accepted £4M offer from Hull)
Fletcher--------22------Hibs---------------Various-------£2.5-£4M (Move for Hibs striker ruled out by Mark Venus

26/06)
Cox-------------22------Swindon Town-------Teamtalk------£2.5M (Swindon have accepted £2M offer from WBA)

Rumoured out:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source--------Fee

Hesselink-------30------Ajax/Larissa-------Various-------Free
Balde-----------33------Birmingham/Burnley-Various-------Free
Naylor----------28------Various------------Various-------No fee mentioned
McGeady---------22------Spurs--------------Express-------£8M
Donati----------27------Lecce/Sampdoria----Various-------No fee mentioned
Brown (S)-------23------Spurs/Villa--------Various-------£9M
Boruc-----------28------Bayern Munich------Mirror--------£8M
Killen----------25------Wellington Phoenix-Various-------No fee mentioned
Hartley---------32------Hertz/Iraklis------Various-------Free
Caldwell--------27------Wigan/Burnley------The Sun-------£3M
Loovens---------25------Birmingham---------Daily Rectum--£5M
McDonald--------25------Hull City----------Daily Rectum--£6M

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

/Bishop B

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hee_Bee_Gee_Bees

MeaninglesssongsinveryhighvoicesCSC

I know glamour friendly matches get us money but Man City could tear us a new one, could seriously be detrimental to our confidence!

DD

donegaldanny - are Man City a 'glamour' team? Fur coat and no knickers if you ask me.

philvisreturns on June 29, 2009 2:55 PM

there is also a jewish take that tribute band, featuring rabbi williams

I once saw a Jewish rock band at the Edinburgh Fringe, they were called Guns'n'Moses

Apparently there was a family plumbing business which was owned by the SINGH family. I believe they had the following advert on the side of their white van which I think is brilliant;

"you've tried the cowboys, now call the Indians"

There's also three midgets from Glasgow who do a Bee Gees tribute act called the Wee Gees.

Philvis

I think there is no question Man City are now a glamour team with some of the biggest players in the world potentially like Eto'o and Robinho.

I think some confdence boosting friendlies would be better.

I was down at St James' Park the night their keeper scored against us in a 4-0 drubbing, how that helps us I've no idea.

DD

philvisreturns ,

Has Gordon signed them up yet or are you jive talking ?

moonbeams wet dream.

I'll pass it onto Jonnybhoy at the golf,I know you'll manage the cycle,it's jonnybhoy I worry about,Curly's post earlier on gave the right impression,bike made from girders for that yin.

Passed by a greengrocers out hampden way the name was "Tattie Buy"

moonbeams wet dream.

I'll give it to Jonnybhoy on friday at the golf.I know you'll make the run,but you better carry an oxygen bottle in case,the last time I seen Jonnybhoy,he was carrying a bit of surplus weight?ha ha.

Afternoon pheeps,
after a recent spate of partick old folk being "found behind the door", I have devised a cunning plan that will keep my parents alive indefinately, I have concluded that "found behind the door" is the equivalent of the "elephants graveyard" so if any of you are worried about aged friends and family, here is how to ensure they live well into their centenary. Replace all doors with bead curtains, if they cant find a door to expire behind, they cant expire, simple eh.

hail hail

'Wean's World' - Trongate childrens clothing shop.

moonbeams wet dream.

I'll give it to Jonnybhoy on friday at the golf.I know you'll make the run,but you better carry an oxygen bottle in case,the last time I seen Jonnybhoy,he was carrying a bit of surplus weight?ha ha.

From Tom Shields diary..

Indian restaurant in Amsterdam............

MAHATMACOAT...................I'll just go and get it.

Further woes for plucky strugglers Haiphong Cement as they slump to 10th place in the V-League after a 2-1 home defeat to Binh Duong.

Haiphong Cement Quick News is awash with rumours that the legendary Scottish managerial team of G.Strachan and G.Pendry is heading out East to 'sort things out' and get the team playing the 'traditional Cement way' ie hoofing it into the mixer.

DBBIA:

Has Denilson quit "The Cement" yet?

RogueLeader

Sunderland game is DEF on the season card bud

Marty T - Funny you should say that but....

HPCQN is in meltdown and PaulChoi67 is struggling with bandwidth

Denilson is still there, but hasn't played much as he has a sore leg.

This has not endeared him to a support that's already banned from attending away games because of previous affray and disorder.

donegaldanny - "I think there is no question Man City are now a glamour team with some of the biggest players in the world potentially like Eto'o and Robinho."

Meh. That's like saying Michael Carroll is now a member of the aristocracy because he won the lottry. Man City can adorn themselves with bling all they want (until their oil sheikh gets bored and moves on to another plaything), but to me they're just another Parma or Gretna writ large.

Once they start winning trophies we can decide whether or not they're a glamour club. Until then, they're the footballing equivalent of Viv Nicholson.

Re signs in shops. From an optician's....
If you can't see what you're looking for,
you've come to the right shop.

Re: everything -

Springsteen - he was good at Glasto, although 'The Boss' title was scuppered brilliantly by Spinal Tap who were onstage earlier in the day and referred to him constantly as 'The Employer'. :))

Pace - surely Ben Hutchinson now gets his chance? His reputation is built on his supposed lightning reactions but we've been offered little chance to see such; as much chance as GS gave him to prove himself. I'd like to see him given a fresh start by TM.

Signings - haven't we tried to snatch Eto'o from under the noses of Man City yet?. . .

philvisreturns ,

Has Gordon signed them up yet or are you jive talking ?

oops !

echoes CSC

Awe_Naw - Please stop this Bee Gee nonsense. If you continue it will surely cause a Chain Reaction throughout the blog.

RL,

Its only words, and words are all I/we have ?

In the 80s there was a Jewish Disco in Golders Green called,

LETMYPEOPLE GOGO.

Hail! Hail!

Awe_Naw - The blog doesn't want to read this, in fact if it continues it can only be described as a Tragedy

RL

I cant help it

R.Leader- thanks for that bit of info on the ole' Cement.

The days of their blue chip- or if you prefer Blue Circle- signings may be over with the departure of Denilson.

No more Galacticos when Gordon and Garry take over.

No sirree.

More your Dublinicos and your Telfericos.

DBBIA - It was never going to work out for Denilson at that club. The fans would never have taken to him, he wasn't cement minded enough for them.

Awe_Naw - You can help it...it is a lovely day, You Should Be Dancing instead of wasting your time on the blog.

If we continue we will be ostracised by the blog, we will be like Islands In The Stream.

Pop

I fell asleep huggin the pillow, wandering off in a dream,
standing waiting in the tunnel, Captain, to lead out my team,
I looked at my opposite number, his face was full of dread,
me playing for the Celtic, thinking, 'I've only just went to bed'.

I rolled over grasping the duvet, just as we started the game,
passed the ball to a team mate, the crowd started chanting my name,
"get up, ya fat lazy bassa, don't think yae can lie there awe day",
the team, quickly surged forward, playing the old fashioned way.

The ball, came over inch perfect, I rose to meet with my head,
suddenly, commotion all round me, as heavily I fell out of bed,
the ref, whistled a penalty and stood staring down at my face,
"wid dae yae think yer playing at, the sheets are all over the place".

The goalie watched in terror, as he was rooted to the spot,
slotted it in the far corner, the crowd cried "bhoy what a shot",
I slid on the ground in jubilation, my team mates all jumped on top,
woke up with a thumpin headache, really must keep off the pop.

sweetdreamsCSC

cardiffbhoy on June 29, 2009 12:46 PM

"He was sold after 4 matches of the 2007/08 season. 3 of which he featured in, scoring 3 goals in the process, only missing the other match through injury.

WGS commented at the time that he was sold to "balance the books"

I would much rather have a £3m overdraft and 4 in a row sat on the mantlepiece than be in our current position.

Hopefully our new manager will be allowed to retain the players he wants as well as being allowed to spend some of the money that the fans put into the club."

fully agree with your point....whilst getting £3 million was deemed to be good business by the majority of Celtic fans that i spoke to and on here, what it did do was undermine the manager....he didn't want to sell him, knew that it reduced his options, and must have been pretty much aware that he wouldn't get extra spending power because of it

if TM is going to make a success of his new job , he must have the final say in all movements in and out......accountants have their place in a large organisation like celtic, but making judgements on football players should not form any part of their remit

Much as Gordon was snippy at times and some of his comments would have been better left unsaid, i think he could have brought a whole heap more pressure on our CEO had he wanted to....he effectively accepted all decisions publicly and supported the official line

...very noble, but ultimately it may well have cost him an undefeated stint as champions of the SPL........

R.Leader- the board were caught between a rock and a hard place.

RL,

I started a joke but I didn´t see that the joke was on me. What kind of fool .... do you think I am ?

whit aboot the glesga flooring specialist...................................

Lino Ritchie

boom boom

Awe_Naw - I liked that last one, You Win Again it seems

RL,

I´m a heartbreaker but hey your a ghetto superstar that is what you are

Reminds of the time Marcel Marceau made a guest appearance with the Bee Gees at a hellish gig in Radio City - The New York Miming Disaster

Tim.

it wasn´t Marceua´s fault that he had night fever

BAsilBrushCSC

Awe_Naw - I apologise for chastising you earlier Re going on and boring the blog, in hindsight I suppose you are not going on anyMore Than A Woman would

barcabhoy - I thought the story with Miller was that he wanted guaranteed 1st team action - fair enough, given that he wanted to keep his Scotland place, but Gordon Strachan couldn't guarantee that, again fair enough, if you guarantee players their position what motivation do they have to train and perform? On that basis it was mutually agreed that the best decision was for him to move on (I'm sure the £3M offer helped though).

I don't recall the 'balancing of the books' line as I'm sure a lot more would have been made of that on here.

Marceau was actually worried about his new false teeth on order at a dodgy dentist - he thinks he is going back to massive chew sets

SSN: Hughes confirms Burnley in for Fletcher, if we are still in for him we will have to make our move soon!

...is made for you and me!

Hail Hail!

RL,

dont start to suck up and apologise now bud. The damage has been done. How can you mend a broken heart?

hi ghuys

im not too bothered about about missing out on either fletcher or fortune,for the amount of dough they would cost,they dont score enough goals to justify their cost.

hail hail

Strachan sung in very high pitched falsetto voice: “He has been fantastic for us. Even when he was not at his best he was a great team-mate, good in the dressing room and he showed earlier in the season what a good player he is.

“Being a good greedy man I don’t want any of my players to move on but sometimes we have to balance the books.

“Football and football management is all about disappointment, you just have to handle it.

“We have a good strike-force but as a manager you like to have as many good players as you possibly can.

“Sometimes that’s not possible for reasons; the players need to play or the books have to be balanced.

“I’d like a squad of 30 but as people keep telling me, it’s very hard to keep 18 happy never mind 30.

“A manager is never happy. We don’t want anybody to go but we want to collect players at the same time.

“So you are never totally happy. But I’m comfortable with the spirit and enthusiasm of the club just now.”

ThisLand...

I hope Burnely get him and we dont enter a daft bidding game with Burnley. £2m absolute maximum for Fletcher, and that would be grudged.

EN

Paul67
Cardiffbhoy Salient points get to the Heart of the Matter on this Thread.
Highly Pertinent they are too....
Kenny Miller?: Asset Management Game Played Superbly.. Laporta Style?
Hmmmm....

Bhoys in Oz thanks for passing on your swine flu scare work experiences...
Very Much Appreciated.

Good to see the return of Leo Sayer with his 'unique reflections....'

Roll On The Hydration Station.

I think we could do much worse than signing either (or both) of these two players.

Yassine Chikhaoui

Felipe Caicedo

Perhaps not the fastest out there, but I reckon they'd both fair well against SPL and Europa League opposition.

Thoughts?

Man City away on a saturday afternoon.........serious mistake........as is the visit to Cardiff. Coming after our visit to Chelsea and our proposed visit to Glentoran, somebody is not doing their homework.

In what way Tobi Legend?

furtle

Sir Paul

Ah dinnae know if these TWO things ur connected... but, if they ur NO,

I dinnae Care!

Firstly, first...

The Big Punt up the Field...let's talk aboot that.

Why dae we even consider... the Big Punt up the Field?

Fur..

Look at the Profit Margin,under it's Auspices.(Whit ur we talkin aboot?
Unemployment or Guns or Buttah?..ed)(Read oan,McDuff.)

The Big Punt..is the most useless Tactic In awe awe Soccerdom.

Who Said that?

Ah jist did.

Yet, it is pursued with Mucho Gusto, by Desperate Managers, the Woild O'er.

Question.

Which, Ah am Sure ye ur dying tae Ask.. No You,pal.. as you know bettah..

Why is this Tiresome Tactic, used in the First, Second and even,many a time,in the Thoid Place,during a Soccer game?

Sir Paul...Consider that Question,to be strictly, Rhetorical.

To continue..

Ah, the Question..which Ah already, asked..Fur Ah jist,remembered.

Ah shall repeat it, anyway.

"Why Dae we even Consider.. The Big Punt up the Field in the Foist Place,as it's Profit Margin is Mighty Slim Pickens?"

So, dear Readers, I know ye wull want me tae expand oan that, statement a wee bit.. so..

Ah Wull.!

It is extremely safe to say,in fact, it is like shooting fish in a barrel,to say ..

That when a Big Punt is Sent up the Park,into Opposition Territory,by one of our Doughty Defenders,.. the result is Pre Ordained...

Especially, under the present state of the ONE Glaring Inefficiency
,which it seems, is an ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT, that must be possessed, by Every and Each One of all Prospective and Current Celtic Target Men..

Which Special Requirement ur we Talkin Aboot, here?

Ah am gled ye Asked,pal...

Oor Target men, who as ye know ..awe suffer from the White Man's Inability to compete very well in Basketbal Games...( Whit?...ed)(Well, they do do,don't they?)

... and even if there ur ither Celtic Forwards, beside the Handicapped Target Men/Man, who happen tae be in the Vicinity of where the Big Punt is slated tae Float... these woithies, are so WEE, that they are like Pygmies
trying to prevent a Giraffe... frae Plundering their Fig Orchard~

So..

As you can imagine, now that Ah hiv given ye a leetle part of the Picture..that.

The The Big Punt up the Park, which is part and Parcel of our Soccer Tradition.. lately... I must point oot.
When it is put into action, because of the reasons which Ah hiv pit forth..is a Doomed and Utterly Worthless Tactic..

Fur...

The Big Punt, when it is Attempted, is eagerly and thankfully Collected,rather easily, by One of the Towering or sometimes by Wan o' the No So, Towering Opposition Defenders.. and is immediately returned post haste, to One of
our Opposition Attackers..

Thereby, showing to one and all, that the Wartime Adage of..
in referrence to, The Big Punt Tactic... in paraphase..

"Was it's Journey really, Necessary?)

Which Turns out, in fact,to be an Extremely Cogent Question.

Now for the Second thing that I referred to,in my opening sentence.

Drat! it turns oot, in retropect.. That that THING is No Connected tae my Foist Thing, at awe!

Doncha, jist hate when that Happens, kiddo?

So..

Sorry aboot that,pal

Kojo.

What I see in Stephen Fletcher is a promising footballer in the mould of Chris Sutton,he has a bit to go to emulate Chris,but he's worth the chance,and if he does become half as good he will be a very valuable asset,or the way I like to think of him, a very valuable player for Celtic,Players don't start out as £25m players,they work up to it over a few years,and I can see Stephen Fletcher working his way up to becoming a very valuable player.

spot on kojo.
the big punt up the park serves no purpose and it's also unpleasing on the eye.
let's be done with this so called tactic. in fact, any player resorting to a punt up the park, especially when under no pressure, needs a thorough tolchocking and his p45.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. OldTim67

I was inclined to think much the same as you do, pal..whence foist Ah heard about our interest in this Young Fellah Me Lad.

Howevahhhh..

On further rumination and contemplation on the Subject. I am now ready to retract my approval.

It would be futile, for us to engage in discourse as tae why baith o' us hiv hid a parting of the ways, on our personal thoughts, oan the qualities that this young man possesses or disnae.

I suppose it all comes down to a difference of opinion.

Na..

I vote that we dinna bother tae pursue this young man.

Whit he wull cost us, wull be no woith the return that we wull get,
.. in return~

Kojo.
yer pal... who likes ye aloat.

oldtim67

I've been chuntering on for weeks about the comparison between Fletcher and the young Chris Sutton.

The Hibs boy is only 22 years of age and shows a maturity beyond his years.

He would be well worth a sensible investment.

oldtim67

Fletcher has potential and just now is a decent player but like anything else, an investment is only an investment if bought at a reasonable price. For me that suggests Fletcher's worth is £2.75m max.

weeminger on June 29, 2009 5:11 PM

awe naw's at 5:19 contains direct quotes from gordon....he mentions balancing the books twice....i think there are always nuances and versions of any deal, but the things i remember from millers sale was that the manager didn't want him to go, and the support, generally , were happy to get £3 million.....the support might not have been as happy had they known how subsequent transfer windows panned out

i think generally any time a manager has a player sold against his wishes, there needs to be impending financial disaster looming should the sale not take place

we haven't been in that situation for a long time, and therefore in my view the sale should not have been forced on gordon.....we paid him handsomely for his expert knowledge on what was required to win our major targets

what happens if Spurs offer £6.5 million for scott brown, and Tony says no way, he's staying....what happens if the CEO says, thats a decent offer , we have other midfield players, i'm accepting it

some of the support would say...i agree....others no way sell him for that....the main point is that the manager has been undermined by an accountant with no expertise in assessing players

we have had 2 phenomenally successful periods in recent times against a strong Rangers......Jock and Martin both achieved great things against Rangers teams who were as good as any they have had in 50 years

Gordon won a lot and deserves credit, but it was against a financially constrained Rangers .....Jock and Martin would not have brooked interference from Peter Lawell in any shape or form.....I hope Tony follows their example

Give him a budget and make him and him alone responsible for how he spends it.....and make sure it's a good strong budget, and not one that is so pitiful he has to go running back to the CEO after having spent it all on a couple of SPL hopefuls

Empowering Tony Mowbray is critical in giving us the team we all want, removing Peter Lawell's influence or decision making from player acquisition or disposal is equally important

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Syllawhowasmince.

I am glad that you agree,pal.

Howevahh..

I must admit I felt foolish even to bring up the Matter of the Big Punt..as.It is ineluctably a truism, that every Celtic Fan, is well aware of
that Useless Tactic,so.. it would seem that my submission was a Redundant Wan.

A.. Second..

Howevahhhhhhhhh...

I purposely wrote that Piece, with the full intention of issuing a STERN Warning. to oor Newly and Barely, Ensconsed, Managerial Team.

If ah see a continuance of the continuing of that Misbegotten Son of a lady dog.. Tactic.. well.. continuing,during the upcoming season..

I will be be much moved to voice my total Dis satisfaction.

Maks sense tae me.

Kojo.
yer pal..who likes ye aloat

Hey Kojo
Off Topic I know... But..
I am very curious what your thoughts would be..
If and when time permits.

I know you and I agree on one thing... That being Al's Inconvenient UnTruth...

And I know we disagree on another... That Current Affairs are 'Different this Time'.

When you have a chance, cast your eyes over a recent article by Matt Tiabbi,
'The Great American Bubble Machine'.
Would appreciate your thoughts (at a later date of course).

PJ

Can't really say that i'm keen on Fletcher at all, especially not for the figures being discussed in the rags. If I were king for a day, at best i'd offer a player swap deal, Fletcher for M.Brown & Killen, or a straight swap for John Kennedy.

My Shopping list for the summer would be

Castillo/Garrido - Left back 23/24 (5'10" - 5'11")
Michael Johnson - Central Midfield 21 (6'0)
Yassine Chikhaoui Attacking Midfielder/Striker 22 (6'2.5")
Filipe Caicedo Striker 20 (6'1" + brick keekhoose)

Height and power & youth over pace for me.

Kojo.

!2 dears,I must be doing something right when I get twelve dears,how many did yi give Tiny Tim,I'm glad to see I'm getting near his league.
As you say it's all about opinions,Your opinion is as valid as mine,vice versa.

I can just see a bit of Hutton in him at the moment,and at 22 there is still a lot of improvement in the lad.if there is the chance that he can improve to Suttons standard,your talking £20 plus.I think it's chance worth taking.

K0jo.

£20m rather than £20.

Oldtim67

My dear friend i have a different opinion from you again with regards to Fletcher.

I am also bemused by the Young Sutton comparisons.

His style of play is nothing like Suttons.

Suttons game was very physical and he was outstanding in the air.

I haven't checked but think that Sutton was also a couple of inches taller.
Sutton played most of the match with his back to his opponent and pummelling them in the air.

I can't recall Fletcher being overly dominant in the air.

He stri

The last time we had two players who had a bit of pace upfront was against Benfica at home in the CL.

We scored a wonderful counter attacking goal created by Maloney and taken by Miller.

That was the best performance that i saw from Celtic Under Mr Strachan.

So far I have had to endure Calton Tongues saying my bike will be made by Hummer then Curly suggesting parts of a Sherman tank would be needed....

Then the coup de grace Saintly Oldtim 67 sticks the boot in several time this afternoon. Well auld yin, ye,ll no see 68 when I get a haud o ye.

I will challenge anyone of a similar age/weight ratio to see if they can beat me :))

All good fun for a deserving cause

Scottishslimmers CSC

jonnybhoy fading away tae a side of a mountain

Murray getting pumped in the first set at Wimbledon.

He is in real trouble.

Malone19.

£2.75m would be a great price to pay for Fletcher,but,if,what we read in the rags are true and Hibs want £4m,then we either lose him,or up the stakes.If it came to the crunch I'd go the extra mile.

Hi Folks

Any word of fires that might lead to white smoke being lit?

Oldtim

I predict that Fletcher will never be sold for £5 million.

If he goes to England he will be a flop.

He doesn't have any pace.He is not good in the air.He does not have any tricks.He has a decent shot.

He doesn't score that many goals,for a striker,and he is not big enough or powerfull enough to be realy good at the old fashioned CF role.

Kojo said he would lose faith in Mr Mowbray if he signed Fortune.I will lose some faith in him if we sign Fletcher.
You told me you were off the bevvy.(;-0))

Any word of fires that might lead to white smoke being lit?

Nope, just a few tabloid hacks regurgitating old stories (hopefully in the cases of Fortune & Fletcher).

However, we have recently lined up a friendly with Man City, we have form for arranging friendlies with clubs that we buy players from. Hopefully we are picking up one or two of their fringe squad on the cheap this season, and this is'nt payback for buying Samaras!

jonnybhoy

Have you dunted Oldtim in the napper.£2.75 million pounds is a good price for Fletcher!

Riordan scored more goals ,and he went back to Hibs for free.

I think Oldtim has shares in the Hibees.(;-0))

commmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmon

murry...........................

joeTheTHIN

TinyTim,
S.Fletcher looked good in the air when he scored for Scotland

The Aphex Tim

I'm sure has does and will continue to score the odd header,but he is not near the same class as Sutton or indeed Hartson was in the heading discipline.

Not even remotely close.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Just P.J.

I verily heartily and ineluctably approve of yer recommendo.

I am a Fan of The Great American Bubble Machine, author...correntewire.com

Good solid info.

Will get back tae ye,pal.

Kojo.
yer pal...who likes ye a loat

TT 7.24

He must have as you and I know Fletcher aint the answer.

Still, he is 67 years of age :)

Gaun yirsel Auld Yin.

bhoybhoywalter

The bonfires don't start until the 11th of July.

TinyTim,
Yes I agree i don't think there is a comparison in styles but i think S.Fletcher could hold the ball up well and bring others into play the way sutton did,i think he could be a great signing at the right price but that aint looking likely

hi ghuys

the signing im most excited about this pre-season,is whoever we buy to fill the left back position,im hopeful that he will be a footballing pacy player,something we have been craving for!

hail hail

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. OldTim67

Noo, that we hiv decided that the Bettah part of an indiscretion is when we actully commit wan~ It is when we look back.. we finally realise.. it WUZ... an Indiscretion!

Maks sense tae me,pal.

Anyway, or should it be, Anyhow?.. Ah canny mak up Man Mind~

If I were King..

Ah wid hot foot doon tae Swindon.. and rush tae the City Church..by Plane, Train,and Automobile.. no necessarily in that order. and..

Burst intae the Swindon Cathedral.. in the Nick or the Niche of Time..

Tae interrupt the Ceremony of the Wedding,that wiz taking place... between...

Simon Cox and W.B.A.

Ah believe that .. if someboady frae Celtic disnae dae jist which I hiv jist proposed..

We shall live tae Regret oor Dilatory Inaction.

Simon, is an Up and Comer if ever thur is sich a thing.

But..

Alas! Alack! and, as this Forum, is the Known Habitat of the Scholar and the the Cognoscentus.. I shall throw in .. An.

Oh Me Miserum!.. as weel.

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes ye a loat.

ibleed

Sounds like LN well the pacy bit does:/)

Tiny Tim at 7.10

I made that same point earlier about the benfica game . both of those players were subsequently sold, one against the manager's wishes and one because we wouldn't offer him a contract befitting his status as player of the year.

You wouldn't get many on here arguing that we should have turned down £3m for Kenny Misser, but I tell you what, I wish we had.

Murray shows bouncebackability

1 set all

Cardiffbhoy

I felt that Miller could have done a great job for us down either flank.

Watch the goal he created for Davis against us at Ibrox again.

Embdy got any thoughts on the two players I linked above?

Just online, have I missed anything?

Germany 1 England 0 Castro

Paul: yeah, the sound of silence...

Paul, yes we've broken our transfer record to sign 2 strikers from Auchinleck...2 dozen mitres and a manager's jacket.

Anybody know whats happening with fortune?Are Hull still favourites? I know he is not rated much on these boards but he is highly rated with the West Brom fans which is a lot more than i could say about Robinson and Valero alot of them compare him to Emile Heskey.thoughts

Tiny Tim

I know what you mean, but Im not watching that goal again !!

tictical_genius

We already have an attacking midfielder ,who is too greedy and doesn't provide enough of n end product.

Paul67

Oldtim67 is steamin.

Tictical....

I've never seen Xabi Castillo play so can't really comment on him but thought Garrido was decent for Machester City when he played, but hasnt had a look in since Wayne Bridge joined.

Michael Johnson was looking the real deal when he first broke into the Manchester City team, but isn't going to have a change again with DeJong, Kompany etc in the City midfield. Sadly though, I think he'd be out of our financial reach and that he may well end up at Aston Villa or a team of that ilk.

I've never heard of Chikhaoui....Wikipedia'd him and it shows he's only played 18 times since 2007. Wouldn't it be a bit of a gamble going for someone with that kind of appearance / injury record?

I think Caicedo is an outstanding prospect - big, strong, quick and can finish - another who's not going to get a look in when you have Robinho and Santa Cruz and potentially Eto'o and Tevez as well.

Tiny Tim, which one is that then?

Chikhaoui has 8 goals in 18 games, is that not end product?

Tictical

It is quite good.The video didn't show that .

West Wales Celt, pleased I didn’t miss anything.

nakamura-san, from Ayrshire!

TinyTim, I thought Oldtim was tee total!

Jonnybhoy.

I'm 70, where did you get the 67,Because my handle is oldtim67 disnie mean I'm 67,67 stands for something I shall never forget.

I'm sponsoring you cowbhoys on bikes for £50,I think I may come to the Victoria park in Edinburgh with my camera,and take a wee movie of your last mile.

I'll see you at the Golf,dinae throttle me until I come up wi the cash.
TT.I hope I'm up for a drink with you,depends if the diabetes behaves itself.

London - oriental eatery (and also noodles in the states) -
TOP RAMAN. (If your from the 6 counties you'll get that easy - if not think senior ranking Republican activist)

Following on from my 'Weans World' Earlier a chinese meal (although fictional) which may be inappropriate for the site. Near wet myself the first time I heard it! Anyone remember?

Commentator on England Germany game.

'There are concerns in Germany that many of these players miay not stay and play on with Germany, fears that they may transfer.'

There is something wrong with International football that this can go on.

Clowns like Gordon Smith campaining to relax things further does not help.

In saying that, Im German just now.

Cognitive Dissonance - #155

Oldtim67

I thought the 67 was to represent your year of birth.

We can have a coffee if the diabetes plays up.

Indeed Paul - we narrowly missed out on Gerry Peline from the Buffs though...(if Ed's lurking he probably remembers him!!)

The Chinese takeaway in Larkhall is called The Orange Wok.

Roberttressell

Theres a Shat Inn Chinese in Viewpark.

EN

bleedgreenandwhite on June 29, 2009 7:50 PM

Are you Billy Connolly ?

HAil HAil

Paul67.

Don't you start,I'm up to here with these finger assassins as it is.
Could you tell me if Len Murray is coming to the golf day.I see John Quinn his pal is going,but no Len,there again he may not be playing golf.

barcabhoy @ 16:56 pm
100%, difference being at the time I did rue :o) his departure, said it on here and every bit came true.
TinyTim @ 19:10 pm,
thought it was one of the best football games I'd seen in over 30 years, couldnt remember (including mon's time), us playing like that since the MAN.

On, Fletcher like Sutton? give me peace, we were blessed by that man, he was all I thanked MON for.

hail hail

Good to see a new addition to Celtic podcast producers.

LostBhoys.com

"This website is designed mainly for Celtic supporters outside the U.K. and Ireland (all are welcome of course) as a place where you can come and tell of your experiences of supporting Celtic around the globe."

Podcast Number 1

In this episode, we talk about why we started the site, The NAFCSC convention in Las Vegas, the impact of the collapse of Setanta, why an American would support Celtic and a whole lotta other stuff.......hope you like it."

May be of interest to some here.

Paul:

SSN report that Yogi confirms approach from Burnley for Fletcher, have you heard any murmurings and or do you expect Mogga to make amove?

With Burnley registering their interest and if we are interested, perhaps we will need to make our move sooner than we hoped?

Or perhaps Fortune will favour the brave!!!!

...is made for you and me!

Hail Hail!

TinyTim.

I was thinking about doing the same thing as what you done last year,can it be arranged.???

Marty - Have to be honest and say i've not seen Castillo either, however at £100k he dosent represent a huge risk. I put him in the mix as I think the other three (non left backs) might be quite expensive when added together. Would have included Sylvinho for free, but it looks like he's off to Corinthians. More research here perhaps.

Johnson could well be one that would come with a hefty fee, so perhaps we'd need to sell to buy for him (if he's not already on exorbitant wages). That said, there would be a premium to pay if he was to move between clubs within the same league, perhaps City would be keen to ship out of the country altogether. If not, perhaps a loan arrangement.

Chikhaoui would represent a gamble coming back from a knee injury, however this may be reflected in the price. Potential no.25 material for me. He's no weakling either by the looks of things, seems to enjoy the physical nature of the game (granted this is based on youtube compilation, so there is every possibility he's a diving bassa too).

Caicedo looks the pick of the bunch for me, and exactly what we needed up alongside McDonald post-Decemeber last season. I'd push the boat out for this guy.

Oldtim

Len cant make it sadly

I know the reason for your moniker, I was just kidding you ;)

Just back up the road from sunny London and catching up with the blog.

The Kano questions: we have our fundraising committee up and running. We will have a new website up soon and will provide details of various ideas we are investigating at the moment.

I saw mention again of us not being a charity. To become a registered charity in Scotland you have to provide public benefit that cannot be applied in an unduly restrictive manner. An organisation helping one person simply cannot become a charity.

On the Boss, he attended Catholic school in Freehold NJ, and is now a lapsed Catholic. He has no Jewish blood. For the record, his father's family are a mix of Dutch and Irish and his mother's are Italian.

And after last night's amazing performance he now owns Hyde Park, if not the whole of London!

Estadio

The Chinese takeaway on Springfield Rd at the Rangers End was also called the shat inn until the last few years.

jonnybhoy.
I knew you knew.

Are you wearing your CQN shirt to the Golf,I'm frightened to wash mine in case the lettering comes off.

the kilermont indian resteraunt serves food called "dum phuct" a mogul type of cooking, too rich for my blood :p

oldtim,

I'm wearing mine.

Martin.

martin42

you better get it in the washing then.. ;o))

Off on holibags

Croatia will never be the same again

I`ll see if i can`t get a few players to come back with me

hail hail

PF

NakamureSan :- I do remember him, he was part of Kilwinning Rangers best ever team and had a medal haul that many would envy.

PF
are you going on a wine tasting break?

the cantonese on the left at the cross in larkhall is okay.

Oldtim67

Yes .
email me on andrew.watt16@btinternet.com

Oldtim 70

It only looks cheap Dave, its actually very good quality :)

The usual arrangement for "the commmiiitttehhh" and my 2 "old" friends again this year.

Weather looks crap but we cant be held responsible for that!

Looking forward to having a beer with you and the troops

2-0 Germany half way thro second...

...ich bin ein berliner

PF - do they have KitKats in Croatia?!!

Got a text from GL2, who was drinking a 4 pint jug of lager by himself in Turkey. Greedy bassa!

TTTT

Go tell the Spartim

A popular name for some reason.

My favourite is tan shops.

Tan Canaria
Tanarama
Tantasia
Tanzarote
Tanerife

EN

Just back from my yearly blowout at Glastonbury (terrific weekend incidentally) - and came on to see the new signings etc.

And of course we have done precisely nothing...........

How sadly predictable.......

How utterly pathetic.

Whatever happenned to the new management team getting some momentum?

Instead we see Venus telling us "we wont be rushed".

Hold onto your hats for an awful season.

Tony Mowbray et al - I am already less than impressed.

NA

NegativeAnon

How long were you at Glastonbury for?

Did you expect a rush of signings over the weekend?

EN

NA

Forgot to add, some of it looked great on tv ;')

EN

NA,
ha ha ha,
love it, sack him now and bring back the manager :o)

NegAnon - your ability to look on the bright side and/or see the silver lining is, at times, truly humbling.

Edward

I also remember Gerry Peline well. Met him one night in the Claremont after a Celtic Championship victory. A major Tim he was as was the majority of the Scottish Cup winning side from that year. Funny that....

Cracking fourth goal for Germany under-21s as they crush the under-21 team from the best league in the world - a team that includes by the way no Man U or Liverpool players. Man of the match for me, Otzil of Germany, but Mats Hummels in defensive midfield gave as good a performance in that area as I've seen for some time.

There used to be a Shat Inn in Glasgow city centre. May still be there actually

NegativeAnon on June 29, 2009 9:19 PM
Just back from my yearly blowout at Glastonbury (terrific weekend incidentally) - and came on to see the new signings etc.'

thats a first.....NegaAnon using terrific in a post

Oldtim,

EdwardU,

Both got mail,

Martin.

NegativeAnon,,,,, shame on you,,, your attendance at a middle class bbc road show has been noted,,,,,

Estadio - from Wednesday to Monday - just back (and it was as good as it looked) - how long has Tony been in the job?? How long does it take a management team (who should be in the know anyway) to find what they think is a good player?

Havent we got a rather important game soon??

I also see we are busy arranging friendlies with all and sundry - wonder why eh?

There were quite a few Tims at Glasto - lots of Celtic shirts etc - most just rolled their eyes when potential signings were discussed.

Not exactly re-energised are we?

My review of yesterday's Hard Rock Calling show in Hyde Park, if anyone is interested:

Bruce Rocks London

Ah Brendan - but I agree with the politics and sentiments (as well as really liking the music).

By NegativeAnon on June 29, 2009 9:19 PM

brilliant! it's posts like yours that make the blog worth reading!

why oh why haven't celtic signed all the players I want? it's enough to make me think about leaving before the 1st game of the season starts in my own small way of protest.
when will the board ever learn?
and as for tony? don't get me started! what's he been doing the past 10 days??? b*gger all it seems! and as for the fast attacking football, well i've yet to see any. the whole thing's a farce. and as for grant and venus........shocking. who gave them permission to open their mouths? i thought standards had slipped under strachan but this lot etc

Kojo,

We never took the punt on Dean Ashton and missed out, will Cox be the same?

Ayrtic1967,

Any whispers going down?

Ed, Michael Collins, you can tell it's a quiet close season when we're posting about Kilwinning Rangers players...... :-)

NegativeAnon

I agree that we need signings this week, good to see you were discusing transfers while there, Im sure I saw a few tops in the crowd.

We need to be buying for this first CL game, Im not having this 'spend will be linked to whether we qulaify for Europe' nonsence, we should spend so we do qualify.

EN

Neg Anon

I want to know when John Reids fabled "fightback" begins. According to him it began two weeks ago.

Must be the most secret fightback in the history of fightbacks.

Oldtim, Len had to call off.

ThisLand, I have not heard of Celtic make any approach for Fletcher although West Brom made an enquire in January, so Tony is aware of the player’s progress.

Without any real information, I suspect the media are writing with the only material they have at the moment.

Michael Collins
are you suggesting the lack of signings so far is down to John Reid? And what's "fabled" about the fightback? You given up the title already? If not, I'd love you to explain the comment

Nakamura-san, Edward Ursus....

Gerry Peline wasn't fit to lace Archie Halley's boots! Now there was a big immobile striker to strike fear into...well, ...hardly any defence!

Pacy Striker with an eye for goal? I can think of one.
I'd love to see Celtic move for Matt Derbyshire.
Whenever I've seen this guy play in the EPL I've been impressed.

I'm surprised at the 3M evaluation Blackburn have put on
his head, as this young man always struck me as the genuine article, with pace,
instinct, an emphatic finish and his best years ahead of him. Anyone else think
he'd fit the bill? An absolute steal for that price if you ask me.

omnichan01

He signed for Olympiakos last week.

EN

NegAnon,, back in the day glasto had it's sentiment,,,, not now tho,,,, sadly it's now a true corporate monster,,,, with fodder funding the privileged few,,,,,,, sounds a familiar tale tho,, eh??

i

thought that hadn't been completed yet.
Ah shasmutt!

Swiss guy has a set....if you know what I mean!!

2-2. Final set, game on....

TTTT

thisland

Newspapers don't know diddly at the minute. Celtic are being very quiet about their business, as it should be

Magnificent 7, I remember big Archie well - playing alongside Pat McCurdy in the Largs Thistle Scottish Cup winning team. If memory serves, they beat Peline's Buffs in the semi....

What do you mean this is meant to be a Celtic blog?! ;-)

Did I read last week that Olef Melberg had left one of the top Italian sides and joined a Greek team?
Would have done a job for us for a couple of years.

TTTT

twists n turns

The fightback is fabled because with one day to go till pre-season training starts we have done the square root of nothing about the first team squad. In fact we are weaker than we were at the end of last season.

I'm not blaming JR in isolation, I mentioned his speech as it was a perfect example of a bold statement suggesting plans were afoot and ready to be put into action. The reality appears somewhat different.

Estadio

you're right. 4yr contract signed on the 23rd.
Ah well, you snooze you lose.

got my finger on the pulse of the corpse.

Tommytwiststommyturns

Signed for Olymiakos I think, they must have money to spend over there, thats a few players heading there.

EN

Come on Tim

Michael, I am sure John Reid's comment was made in the context that the fightback started with the appointment of the new mgmt team. Re signings, I think we need to give them some breathing space. Whilst the qualifiers are important, I'll accept the title this year and progressive football. If that means taking time to get the right guys, then so be it.

Oldtim/lycru,

Shame on you!

Poor wee jonnybhoy, he is but a skelf of a laddie..............and Kirk Clubfoot is the new Leo Messi :-)

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

GlassHousesAndStones CSC

Wimbledon under floodlights, absolutely magic!

Murray a break up in the 5th!

I can't believe I've just read criticism of a manager who hasn't even taken a training session yet, probably the same sort of criticism Strachan got for the Aliadere signing before realising he had Maloney in place.

Up next, Peter Grant stole my chips.

Naka...ah, the mighty Thistle! My second team for a fair few years til i moved to the big smoke. Think you're right about beating the Buffs in the semi final.

Have we signed a left-back yet?

twist n turns

I understand exactly what you are saying and I do appreciate the need to take our time. However our time is not open ended. We have a signing deadline in just over 3 weeks for our first CL qualifier and looking at some of the teams we could be playing even in the first qualifier we desperately need additions before then, if of course we are serious about getting to the CL groups.

Next week the first team are coming down under for and will be away for almost a week making signing anyone difficut after that we are getting right down to the wire.

There seems to me to be as much talk about players leaving as players arriving and I'm not comfortable with that at all.

on signings,,, i wouldn't expect to see any signings before pre season starts,,, only then can you expect any given manager to be able to give any true assessment of what requirements may be needed,, i would rather see him test the likes of flood,donati,crosas,ferry,mccourt,sheridan,koki,hutchinson,caddis, fully before taking punts on the likes of fletcher,cox,or fortune,,

thismancraig

Cracking game! Murray got him now though

EN - cheers for that. Wonder who's coughing up all the cash?!

Fair enjoying the tennis. The Swiss lad has rattled big Murray a few times, but he should come through it.

TTTT

Michael, Ive always felt the group stage would be a bridge too far this season, and the Europa league will be our euro soccer. I hope and pray I'm wrong but its a big ask.

MC @ 9.59,

Just wondering mate how you know for definite that "..we have done the square root of nothing about the first team squad."?

Do you know that no negotiations have taken place with any potential signings?

I don't and I would like to know how you do.

I must admit that I didn't and don't expect any early signings, but would hope that one or two will be in in time for the CL qualifier.

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

Murray does a Celtic early in the 5th, back with serve!

When's the last train?

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. WGS.

Actually, I do not approve of this nonsense we are told of a Team Manager, jist drapping in at the end of the jist feenished Fitba' Season, and saying, casually..

"By the way,old bean.. I have jist come tae clean oot my desk drawers and take Ma Aspidistra, wi' me...

I am leaving in the Morning, fur Points Unknown... bye!"

Fur, that is exactly how the Mr. Strachan, Folding his Tents and Decanting the Premises,Scenario, wiz played oot..if we ur tae believe whit we read in the Newsies.

So.. keeping all of that in mind.

It is therefore, nae surprise tae find, the Incoming Managerial Administration, is caught behind the eight ball.. with having nae idea
or first haun knowledge of who or whom we hiv tae Ditch, frae the Payroll.. or who or whom the Former Manager hid in mind tae lasso at the Opening o' the Next Rodeo.

Tae pit it anither wey.. They ur Caught Short.. and hiv nae idea whit tae dae.

Ah dinnae believe fur a minute that Mr.Mowbray and his Team, wull be able tae hit the Grun running, smootly... even.. Smoothly,eethur~

Mair like.. Hitting the Boattle...and stumbling frae Pub tae Pub, tae droon thur Sorrows..

"Noo its Anither Fine Mess ye hiv Goat us Intae, Tony!" moans Mark and Peter.

Na..

All that Ah see in store fur us.. is an Upsurge, by the Mowbray Team, in Purchases o' Teething Rings and Buying Boxes o' Rusks and Boattles o' Pablum.

Ah kin see the Headlines, noo..

After, oor Foist Competitive Game.

"Celtic, are Beset and Besotted wi' TEETHING PROBLEMS.. Big TIME!"

Think Ah am Over-Daein', the Exaggeration?

Sure, Ah am..

A leetle Whimsy..and Complete Balderdash... noo and agin..

Nevah, Hoit...

And Helps tae Reduce the Ennui.. whilst we twiddle oor Imaginary thumbs. awaiting, tae see whit Mr. Mowbray and Co.. are gonna dae!

Kojo.
yer pal..who likes ye a loat.

Estadio - truth be told all the supporters I speak to are very apathetic and have the general view "we know they wont try and sign anyone" etc. The other prevailing attitude is one of just wanting to forget about it - have you ever heard the like?

I think the Club are slowly but surely alienating the Support and show no signs of learning from THEIR mistakes of last year.

Michael Collins - I'm convinced its empty rhetoric to cover up their real policy (which is making a profit at all costs). Talk without action (or proof of action) is meaningless.

Twist n Turns - the problem is that its always jam tomorrow with this lot. If we fail to get into the CL they will then make statements about cutting our budget to suit. So you have the classic appearance of a low risk policy when in fact its a very high risk policy. You say you will be happy with the league next year - why should we limit our ambitions like this - it should not be unreasonably for us to TRY and get into the CL.

Brendan - its interesting you say that - we had a lot of discussion on this topic over the weekend. There is no doubt that there has been creeping commercialism coming more to the fore in Glastonbury. However some of it is necessary for an event on the scale that it is. As I understand it the organisers also got into some difficulty with the outlay they had to make to the site to imporve drainage following some really horrible events a few years ago - and this was exaccerbated when it failed to sell out last year. Hence they had to make some more money (they certainly sold a load of tickets this year) and hence why the arent having a break year next year. Having said all that the main sponsors are charities and there is always a big emphasis on activism etc - so the heart is still there. And finally the nicest. most relaxed atmosphere of any festival is still there (particularly when you have 200,000 in a field for 5 days) - thats worth savouring.

thismancraig

I stuck a score on Wawrinka at 8/1 after the first game...looked fired up..and he has some backhand..8/1 was too big...I might be collecting although I hope not!

Martin42.

mail back to you.

TTT

I dont know anything for sure. Pure speculation on my part based on previous experiences of transfer windows which I find as enjoyable as having needles poked into my eyes while being forced to listen to a Perry Como LP.

I'm nervous that the board will settle for Europa Cup football this year and may go with our curreent squad with one or two minor additions to replace those going and bank on the fact that having a new manager will re energise the exisiting sqaud enough to see off der hun in the league.

They may be right about the last part but in my opinion this just enough startegy we've been following is what cost us the title last year and I dont want to see a repeat.

Michael, now you are being offensive. Leave Perry oot ae this :-)

Anybody going to this ?

http://www.rockwerchter.be/en/lineup/index.aspx

Kojo,

I thought Mark Venu's comments were interesting saying that had been up at a number oceltic games during last season. Tony and Peter are not stupid, they would have been watching from afar when not playing theor own games last season. They also will have good contactcs up here as well. They know where the problems are IMO.

Many think i'm mad when i say that i think Macko will not fit into his system. He's not got the pace for starters. I think he might get a shock tomorrow when he arrives back to training. There will be no hiding for some players, they will be found out under the new regime. The will be judged soley on performance on the park IMO.

The message will be loud and clear tomorrow. Shape up and listen or ship out.

Awe Naw

someone said on here you were raised in Whitburn? I must know you or yer folks..... being a Bash man masel'

twists and turns,

I was a very quiet shy and retiring type always in the background,

St Josephs 1970 - 76
St Kents 1976 - 82

Same era ?

Martin42 :- Thanks for sending me that, in my opinion you gave a tragic incident the dignity and gravitas it deserved. A fitting tribute to young man who died doing what he loved. If you don't mind me saying you looked quite emotional at one point. Long may he be remembered.
I had no idea about Mr English having his portrait in St Mary's or of the involvement he had with the youth there, without trying to be trite it reminded me of Mr Smith and Mr McCoist ant the funeral of the late Mr Burns. I think there is a lesson for a lot of us fans in it. The players don't hate each other and perhaps we should all do more to follow their example.

T&T,

I was actually born in Whitburn. Not Bangour .. I couldnae wait to see my SSHA house :-)

HAil Hail

Scotlands Andy Murray wins the tennis.

MC,

As Len Brennan will no doubt testify, I hate the close season/transfer window and all the speculation that goes with it.

However I tend not to get despondent or frustrated when it is still early in the window.

There is no doubt in my mind that 2 new players at the minimum is a necessity. But I will trust (stupidly?) in the manager and the Board to back his judgement.

However if we are still in the same position come the end of July,
my thoughts may be slightly different at that point :-)

Here's hoping!

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

Awe Naw

St Joe's when it opened in 1968, went to St Mary's, ST Kents wasn't open then. You sound like ye'r the same era as Bill Mazs, Tony McCabe??

Great game of tennis.

What is it with Brits playing and watching sports. The snarling faces from Andy, his mum and the crowd would have had Kris Boyd in fantasy land.

Give me the unbridled joy anytime

Ard Macha

Actually Awe naw, ye must have been in my brothers class at school, he was born 66.

I was in the same class as the triplets you were in the same class as my Big brother. Did you go to St. Kents as the oldest year ?

Awe-Naw,

cracking photos of the "wee" bhoy!

Yir cuz couldn't believe how big Joe is now (me too to be honest). Last time we saw him he was about 7yrs old!

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

Naw, St Mary's all the way....I was up in Scotland with the male triplet on Sat night at a free bar!! Imagine eh..free aw night!!

Paul,

Presumably we're holding off on the signings to save a few weeks wages? ;-)

Forget all this talk of emulating the plays of American players who go on to lose and of 'playing the players' (whatever that means) what we really need was demonstrated in spades by Andy Murray. Guts, heart, determination, fitness, mental toughness, call it what you like, but we lacked it last season, having had it for the previous three. Rediscover the fact that when we play with our hearts, and our minds, we will win back the league. It's all in the mind y'know.

TinyTim.

You have mail.

TTT,

once ha has managed to convert a move maker video into an mpeg thats the task I set him this week I´ll send you his Celtic montage.

Having seen it a few times now I have started praying that we dont sell Aiden and Artur. If we do I´m going to have to counsel him for a few weeks!

Hail Hail

Andy Murray's mother gives me nightmares but what a talent Murray has, simply outstanding. He has improved each and every part of his game over the last few years and should be a lesson to aspiring footballers who work only on their strengths. Anyone imagine him getting blootered last Saturday night, just cos he didn't have a game until Tuesday?

T&T,

my Bar has the same name as Lisbon Lion.

Hail Hail

Awe Naw

In Whitburn?

That should be Brar; I wish it was bar I´d still give it the same name. ;-)

TTT

he´s an inch bigger than me 6 foot 3 and only 14

Hail HAil

T and T,

remember a St Marys Science teacher by the name of Monaghan?

Ardmacha,

Just finished watching the tennis and while his girlfriend looked good I loved the passion and intensity his dear old mum showed for him.

Maybe I'm slightly biased as I'm a bit of a mummy's boy myself, well according to my older brother that is.

Awe Naw

Aye, I think I'm with you.....

In fact..if you worked in Livvy at one time, I worked beside you!

Awe-Naw,

Look forward to it.

As you know I really would not be impressed if we sold Artur or Aiden.

We've already lost Naka, last thing we need to do now is lose a top class keeper and one of our few, very few creative players.

Anyway, here's to the new signings not departures!

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

T&T,

that would be great name for a bar in Whitburn though LOL.

Never worked in Livi that was my wee Brar

He just looks older than me ;-)

Hail Hail

manihoop

fraid I don't. Mr Hunter (or shiner as we called him) Cavanagh was another, but no, don't recall that name

Awe Naw & T&T...do any of you remember any Hunters at the above schools?.

John

Awe naw

Maybe I'm on the wrong tracks..brother = STU?

TnT,

count yourself lucky it was the wee brur rather than Awe-Naw you worked with :-)

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. WGS.

Ye ur right,palomine..Mr. Mowbray, shall,indeed be,the Needed Soccer Enchanter.. who shall cast his Magical Spell,and chinge oor Team of Pumpkins, intae a Coach..

Na.. that disnae look right!

or.. to put it anither wey..

Tae Coach oor Bunch o' Pumpkins, intae a Bunch o' Princes!

Bettah?

Fur the moment, I shall Remove my Mask of Comedy.

I trust Mr.Mowbray, implicitly.

We are in Good hands.

Regarding, the Fate of Macko.. that is a puzzle.

For, I do not agree,with your observation, that Macko could be branded as sluggish of foot.

But, I can honestly say that he does show all of the symptoms o' a man who has nevah studied the Soccer Rule Book.

Especially,the Chapter. Entitled..

The Off-Side Rule.. Page 123...

"Beware, of its Pit-Falls and Traps."

I like Macko, and I am sure he will blend in,nicely,nicely with the future plans of Mr. Mowbray.

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes ye a loat.

Snapper

Aye I do..Billy, and the brother Tommy and Willie

T&T,

I think you might have been in the same class at St. Marys as Caltontongues

HAil HAil

*brothers Tommy and Willie

It would have helped if Tony Mowbray had signed a few players before taking the Celtic job............Walter Smith did it.

T&T,

no worries, born and bred in manchester but remeber the St Marys play ground being good for a game of footie as a kid. My grandfather taught there and mother/uncles attended back in the day.

Awe naw..I'll check next time he's on..

snapper1969

Michael & Rose,

Kids Andrea, Michael, Kathleen? and one other terrible memory ...lived in the corner of Whitdale Head Rd.

TTT,

Kojo,

far be it for me to correct yir good self, but please refrain from the "S" word (that the word that ends on occer btw). It is Football!

Now I know you abide across the pond and that is how your neighbours refer to The Beautiful Game, but please do not fall into their lazy manner.

In addition, can I point out that our Football, the true Football, has LAWS, not Rules.

Petty and pedantic I may be and for that I apologise, but these wee things annoy me.

No offence intended, but couldn'y help masel.

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

Was a great school manihoop..and in my era they had a right guid fitba team as well. Lost in the SC final if I recall. (not that I was in it, but a few mates were) One of them actually went on to play for Hibs and scored against us at CP

TTT,

youse grey heided guys eywis stick together . How come ?

Hail Hail

I dinnae remember any of them ones...I was at St Mary's from 1963 - 1966...My big bro' Joe was a teacher there as well a bit later on.

John

There was a Stephen Hunter at St Mary's as well. His dad was the science teacher I referred to earlier. Last time I seen Stephen wiz oan the telly..Uni Challenge!

T&T email me nevermastered@googlemail.com

HAil Hail

Couple of famous St Mary's pupils

Bernard Gallagher (with the luvvvvly daughter Kirsty on Sky)

Michael Jones the director of Memphis belle and a few others. Added his wifes name Cayton to his own to become Michael Cayton Jones...then divorced her! Kept the name.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dea,dear,friend.. The Token Tim.

Criticisms, are welcome,pal.

Fur..

It shows that ye hiv taken the trouble tae read ma comments.

I shall Not pay the Slightest Attention,of course, to your Criticisms.

Nevertheless..

I shall always welcome them.

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes ye a loat.

Awe-Naw,

grey heided? Moi? Salt and Pepper at worst me ole son!

Its actually us young uns that stick together :-)
BTW hows that younger brur of yours doing anyway, not seen him since last time I saw the 2 of you over in my in-laws.

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

Stephen is my cousin, the teacher is my brother!!. Stephen is down in Cardiff, I think he's medical director for an NHS trust, he's coming up for the Spurs game at Wembley.

John

T&T,

I remember meeting Bernard Gallaghers father in Boyles years ago. Great chap.

Kojo,

Lol!

To be fair I wouldn't consider them criticisms more pointing out the error of your ways :-)

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

TTT,

If I was to answer that one I´d bring the server down.

manihoop,

I used to go onto Bathgate to go to the Green tree and always ended up having a better night in Boyles. Is it still there ?

Awe naw..mail sent.

snapper..yer brother wiz a tough cookie! Hud tae be mind ye! Stephen was a brainbox..I think he got 8 straight "A's" in his exam results. (Dunno how I ended up in his class,,must have been a mistook!)

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo,

not in its old style. The last time i walked in a couple of yrs ago it was some kind of wine bar.....a shame because it was a real celtic friendly place with a crackin pool table!

Awe-Naw,

:-)

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

Well done Andy Murray. A hard fought but deserved win, in the end, over your pal.

And just remember...

Wimbledon: The English canny do it coz they may as well have not qualified!

Any news on Celtic signings yet?

I've read the ETims piece by Gaudd just now. I then re-read it.He makes Gogol and Kafka look like Morecambe and Wise. We need to get behind the management team here.To start moaning because no-one has signed is premature,to say the least.None of us know what Big Tony has in mind (just like The Sopranos,where no-one knew either).Training has not started yet,the mindset is not in place as regards the style of football,and I would imagine that it will be a couple of weeks before any signings will become known.I know that I will be much happier with the way the team play--all Tony Mobray's teams are taught to think,and he knows where they fit on a football field, something that WGS seemed to forget or ignore on quite a few occasions.It seems clear now,at least to me,that the league was lost because the dressing room was lost.WE will not know the story until the different autobiographies come out.Until then,I can't wait until football proper begins.On another note,I will be in Stirling from 1st to 12th July.Any Celtic pubs around for a bit of craic? I usually pint in the William Wallace,a Bear's bar supposedly,but quite a few Celtic men use it now.Also has a traditional session on Sunday nights,which I usually join when I'm over there.Remember also that Patience is a virtue,and quite probably a virgin as well.

csial,

Fair enough.

Oiche Mhaith

Ard Macha

Raymac :- I like your Soprano analogy after all at the end big Tony lost everything :-)

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend..The Token Tim

Ah know they wurney,pal.

When ye ur right,ye ur Right.. and.

Ye wur Right!

Kojo.
yer pal...who likes ye a loat.

Well 4am rise so I'll hit the sack.

Ra morra

TnT

manihoop on June 29, 2009 11:31 PM

Raise paradise and put up a parking lots

Real shame

T&T,

right back at you.

Hail HAil

Only on for a minute. Well done Andy Murray! A great victory! You had me worried on a few occasions but courage, grit, determination and class won the day in the end.

Kojo, the other night you used an expression which I haven't heard for years but which evoked happy memories of childhood in Coatbridge - 'a wee tate'. One of my Irish grannies always talked about 'a wee tate of salt/pepper/sugar/tea leaves/milketc' as did the whole family. I haven't heard or seen anyone use it in the last thirty years until your post.

Keep up the good work!

Re: Charlie Davies from the thread title,

No argument regarding his pace but he has a touch like an elephant at times. Isn't that something that we continually talk about regarding current Celtic players...?

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Sadies Bhoy.

I am glad those woids that I used, evoked some pleasurable reminiscences for you,pal.

Happy tae,oblige.

Those woids, I referred to, were actually taught to me, by collie.. he is the real Scots Laddie, among us.

Another favourite, phrase of his, is..

"Come oan, an Tak a wee Donner, doon tae the Strip.. Ah feel Lucky!"

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes ye a loat.

Kojo,

if you said that now you´d get a small kebab ;-)

Kojo,

Thank you good sir.

It doesn't happen enough so I'll take it when I can :-)

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

Awe-Naw,

Well seing it wisn'y you as it would defo have been a large kebab :-)

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

raymac - Etims should be renamed MoanymoanmoanwhingemiserygutsTimswhodon'tseemtoderiveanypleasurefromactuallysupportingCeltic.com

TTT,

Wishy Kebabs or Köln Kebaps whats your preference ?

Good Evening, Scotland.

Kojo.

i agree with that article... and WGS sold kenny miller...

sums strachan up for me

nighty night

Awe-Naw,

contrary to popular opinion I do not like kebabs whether they be of the Wishy/Koln/anywhere variety!

Now pizza is a different matter altogether. Doesn'y matter from where either :-)

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

And on that note, it's goodnight from me too.

HAIL! HAIL!
Token

Yep.

Selling a striker who struggles to score goals and gets caught offisde continously regardless of his legendary pace for a good profit.

What an idiot GS was...

chris sutton is a legend got to agree with you. Great piece of Business to sell miller for 3m. I would not want him back, how many goals did he score for Them?? Kenny miller did not help to win the SPL for Rangers, we throw it away with our away tactics/team selections.

ST

Technical advice - if you do not want your PC/Laptop infected with viruses, DO NOT browse to MonTheHoops website.

You have been warned.

If the Daily Mail is to be believed, Celtic really are pulling out all the stops to get Fortune.

Celtic will today make their final pitch to Marc-Antoine Fortune - despite fresh competition from the English Premier League for the striker.

West Ham have now entered the race for the 27-year-old in a quest to gazump favourites Hull and the Parkhead club.

With Wolves, Portsmouth and Fulham amongst six clubs competing for Fortune's signature, Celtic representatives will travel to Paris this morning in the hope of salvaging a reunion between Tony Mowbray and his former West Brom loan signing.

I think Marc-Antoine Fortune would be a great signing for Celtic. He has lightning pace and an eye for goal, although he is apparently more of a goalmaker for a more out-and-out striker like Scott McDonald.

There can be no doubt that over the last two seasons, Celtic lacked any sort of pace going forward. Kenny Miller had pace, but he lacked the intelligence to utilise it properly.

I know a lot of CQNers have voiced disapproval of Fortune joining the Hoops, but not everyone is going to agree all the time. All I would ask is, what are you really looking for in a Celtic signing? So he didn't top the scoring charts in the EPL last season, but you have to remember it was the EPL and West Brom spent the season fighting the drop.

Tony rates the player highly, so that is good enough for me.

Tom

I think you missed my question yesterday. Have you heard any confirmation that Henrik will be joining Gold Coast United.

Michael - Sorry, I guess I must have missed that one.

It's not official yet, but talks are on-going and Henrik is definitely very interested. Gold Cust United is owned by a billionaire and he sees Henke as his marquee signing. He is very bullish about pulling it off.

There is a $126,000 per annum wage-cap in operation in the A-League, but the rules allow each team to have one Marquee player whose salary is not subject to the wage-cap.

Swindon Advertiser reports Simon Cox off to WBA for £2m. This is a player previously discussed as a Celtic target,and was watched personally by both TM and MV last season.

Now ,I'm not suggesting that this is the level that we should be targetting,but given he scored 32 league goals last season in a piss-poor team,and that is TWICE THE COMBINED TOTAL of Fletcher and Fortune,it begs the question ...are they the level we should be targetting?

Also,to anyone who argues that Steve Coppell didn't rate him at Reading-that's the same manager who didn't rate Stan Collymore at Palace!

Having said that, Jason Culina is already Gold Coast United's Marquee signing, so that point is irrelevant. As Henrik will only play in 9 games, he would presumably be paid a hefty salary - but still within the wage-cap - for 2 months work.

aiden o'fovit - Maybe Cox was approached and he completely rejected any suggestion of moving to the SPL.

Who knows?

Michael -

Here is a local link to the Larsson story.

Gold Coast Tom i saw someone post fortune goal scoring record in last 4 years. Naka had scored more :(

an interesting article in the herald about Bobo. I think he summed up Gordon Strachan. Gordon did not like criticism from the fans and the press. When many fans said 3 years ago that Stephen Mcmanus is too weak, Gordon dug his heels in, a big strong ball winning center half(bobo) was not for him. Personally i think it stinks

http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2517278.0.The_saga_reaches_its_final_chapter.php

ST

Sydney Tim - Bobo was reasonable enough in the SPL, but in Europe, he was an absolute nightmare. I can't understand why Martin O'Neill sanctioned such a ridiculous contract extension, and it has certainly been an albatross around Lawwell's neck ever since.

So what if he used his wages to help his people back in Africa. That is of no concern to Celtic as far as picking him for the first-team. Daryll Broadfoot says Gordon Strachan's decision to drop Bobo and replace him with Caldwell was vindicated by Gary's player of the year award, then goes on to say that the fans loved him because of his immense physique.

Again, so what if he was built like a man mountain?

Also, Broadfoot describes how Strachan ordered Bobo out of the dressing room and sent him to train with the reserves, but no word as to why Strachan took such action. In the absence of a reason, I shall reserve judgement on that.

Bobo was certainly a character, but as a Celtic player, he simply wasn't good enough.

Tom

Gary Caldwell has cost us more goals in Europe than Bobo ever did but he never lost his place in the team.

Make no mistake about it Bobo was left out of the team because of his wage packet behind two inferior centre backs. He made a couple of high profile mistakes in Europe but also had several collosal performances against top teams like Juventus, Valencia, Liverpool so to home in on a couple of mistakes is unfair.

To me he sums up Celtic under Peter Lawell. Leaving our best CB training with 16 year old kids because he negotiated, in good faith, a contract many believed was too fat.

Why not use him while we were paying him.

Gold Coast Tom i can rember lyon with Bobo and seville of course, but what is forgot is the ten or more goals that we lost in europe under stephen( no presence, unable to win a header against a strong physical player) and Caldwell, Garys, 1st 4 or 5 games in CL were a nightmare, virtually everything he done gave away a goal. Gary caldwell did not find himself training with the youths after mishap after mishap in his 1st 2 seasons.

You said Bobo was ok in SPL, well Stepehn Mcmanus is not and Gordon played him in both SPL and Europe.

We were paying his wages, he was our best center half. It was our money he was getting paid, For Gordon to stick him in with the Youth team was a scandal, especially considering we have watched Stephen Mcmanus getting battered by all players including kenny miller!!!.

ST

Michael & Sydney Tim -

I wasn't making a case for Caldwell. I simply mentioned the contradiction in Daryll Broadfoot's statement that Strachan's decision to drop Bobo for Caldwell was "vindicated" (his words), and then going on to question the decision on the basis that "he has a tremendous presence and a great physique".

Gold Coast Tom Yeh but his decision was not vindicated by his decision never to drop McManus for Bobo, maybe thats what Mr Broadfoot should have stated. I can remember after Artmedia he dropped Bobo, then he dropped Varga , but never ever dropped McManus, which i feel came back to haunt him and our defence :(

ST

IMO anybody who think's either McManus or Caldwell was a better CB than Balde when he was dropped clearly has no place judging a players ability.

As has been said yes he made a few high profile mistakes but his colossal performances was just as much responsible as Henke's and Hartson's goals in getting us to Seville. He get's pelters for his red card in the final, what's forgotten was his almost faultless display up to that point and the massive contribution that Rab made in us losing that cup. He also marked some of the world's best strikers out the game in the CPL Owen and Carew being the most prominent in my mind.

In terms of the SPL I can't remember a single mistake that cost us important point, can anyone say that about Mick or Caldwell?

What I do remember is an infinite amount of headed clearances, bone crunching clean tackles and great recovery tackles. Bobo was always fit and ready to play, his professionalism can't be questioned. Unlike others he has also kept his mouth shut in all this time while out of the team. To much water under the bridge at this point but if Celtic wanted to do the best buy the club then IMO Bobo at 33/34 would be an asset for us. If weir can do it at 39 then Bobo has 3 years at least left in his legs.

Having a secure defence helps the midfield and in turn the strikers. We have been weak at the back for far too long and that has been detrimental to whoever has played in front of the back four. Hopefully TM will build a solid back 4 as we once had when Bobo was a huge part of it.

Ellbhoy hear hear could not say it better myself, here we are strugling for t/f cash and we wasted 4m on a player( who was far better than any of our center halves) who played with the youth team. Shocking!!!!!!!!!!!!

ST

Bobo's gonnae get yeh.......

BT

SydneyTim on June 30, 2009 8:18 AM

It need's explained.

For me Bobo was almost as important to the team as a Sutton, Hartson even at times Larsson. Now if any of those players had been dropped and banished to the youth's then what would have been the response from the fans?

Ellbhoy

Bobo fell out of favour with WGS because:

before our 5-0 gubbing from Artmedia, WGS was trying to focus the players and provide several briefings to the team etc

Bobo went AWOL before a lot of them and was constantly on his mobile trying to engineer a move away for himself (within his right to do to as it was in his contract, BUT not during celtic time)

This is the reason he was ultimately chased by WGS

Its on WGS's book

GCT 242am
I think you have got the point on that one,not only are we picking players from the wrong level,but we can't even compete against teams like WBA for that type of player!

If that's the case,and we have to spend on transfer fees,agent fees,signing-on fees and loyalty bonuses,as well as wages,for players who shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as Celtic,then....why bother? I'd rather spend sod all as waste it.

A fool and his Ego..

From the BBC

Shepherd in £60m Newcastle offer

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is heading a consortium that is set to launch a £60m takeover bid for the Magpies, BBC Sport understands.

Alan Shearer has been lined up to carry on as manager at the club, who were relegated to the Championship in May.

Owner Mike Ashley was asking for £100m but BBC Sport understands Shepherd's offer is likely to be accepted.

Shepherd sold his Newcastle shares to current owner Mike Ashley two years ago as part of a £134m deal for the club.

Ashley's total investment in the club is estimated at £244m, which includes paying off debts and buying new players.

When Ashley first put the club up for sale last September, he hoped to get around £300m.

Shepherd became chairman in 1997 when Sir John Hall and his son Douglas were the major shareholders and negotiated the £15m signing of Shearer.

Always a controversial figure, Shepherd was forced out of the club when Ashley bought his controlling interest.

Several other groups, including investors from Singapore, Oman and South Africa, have also shown interest in buying the club.

The man in charge of the sale, Keith Harris, the chairman of brokers Seymour Pierce, has said he expected a deal to be concluded by the end of this month.

ST - what stinks about the Bobo situation is that we negotiated that contract which we knew was potentially going to cost us over £40k/week but apparently didn't budget that for the length of the contract.

Then when it was clear that he was no longer wanted we appear to have stubbornly stuck to our guns over getting some kind of fee for him.

To be frank there's too many angles to go at this from but it's been handled terribly from the point where that kind of contract was even considered.

I do wonder at MON insisting on a Premiership level contract for him and then not once even taking a sniff at him, even when it was clear he was available for free.

Lennondinho18,

Bobo
Graveson
Donati
JJPD
Mulgrew
Riordhan

Any more ?

weeminger,

I dont think we should personalise this down to MON. I think quite a few other managers didn´t fancy him on a free either and those that did, either didn´t offer enough money or Bobo decided to sit tight much to Celtic´s cost. Only Bobo can tell us why ... which will cost us to find out in print. The whole Bobo affair could have been handled so much better.

CelticprehistoricancientnewsCSC :-)

Lennondinho18 on June 30, 2009 8:50 AM

Well if that's true then Bobo should have been publicly disciplined by the club. Going AWOL in the run up to an important European qualifier is highly unprofessional and somewhat surprising, judging by his readiness to play after that time. He was dropped the following game at Motherwell, perhaps that was his punishment, as he was an ever present for the rest of that season.

You say that this was ultimately the reason given by WGS for chasing him. Well I suppose if true then it was not the best of starts in their working relationship, however it never stopped the wee man from using him when needed. To me if that's the only reason given then it's a poor explanation. However if true Bobo was not the last to have a falling out with WGS.

Also if true then their would be no reason now for Bobo to leave the club other than his contract expiring. I am sure there is more to it, perhaps PL tried to negotiate a reduced contract(just speculation) but if it was just down to WGS and Bobo's relationship breaking down early on, then their is nothing now at the club hindering Bobo. Would suspect he would be exactly the kind of defender TM would be looking for, pretty similar mould to TM as a player.

I know it's very unlikely but if true and it was WGS's decision then perhaps if TM wanted him PL would not stand in the way.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder indeed eh,
my main memory of the big man was every time he had the ball at his feet, my heart was in my mouth.
His recovery tackles were good because he got plenty of experience of making them.

If being made to play with the youth team isn't punishment, I don't know what is.

Awe_Naw - you're right, but most agree that it was MON that insisted on that level of contract ie he believed him to be Premiership class, that fact that he never went near him again is a little confusing.

For me it shows that that board had allowed themselves to get to the position of making the wrong decision for fear of the fans reaction if they went against MON. Then during Gordon Strachan's reign they went completely the opposite way seemingly paying not too much attention to the fans at all. Hopefully things will swing back in the other direction a bit under Tony Mowbury.

On the Australian link the club's chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "The visit is not just about playing one match. We're fortunate to have millions of fans worldwide and a great level of support in Australia.

"There is obviously a high level of interest in the trip and we felt it important that we were able to give something back to the supporters. Celtic have always been much more than a club and pride ourselves in a strong, charitable and community ethos.

"As we have already done at home, through our community courses, we aim through football to promote positive sporting attitudes, healthy living and bring people together through sport. We are sure these courses in Australia will achieve those objectives.

"During our visit, we also have a number of supporters events in Australia, so we are looking forward to meeting some of our fans, who perhaps do not see the team as much as they would like."

Hoopsididitagain on June 30, 2009 9:22 AM

A wee bit of a delayed decision do you not think?

Bobo again.

I read this morning that they are adding Bobo into the dictionary as a new synonym for boring.

Synonyms for boring

Synonyms (Grouped by Similarity of Meaning) of verb bore

Sense 1:
bore, tire

Sense 2:
bore, drill
cut
Similarity of adj boring

1 sense of boring

Sense 1:
boring, deadening, dull, ho-hum, irksome, slow, tedious, tiresome, wearisome, Bobo
uninteresting (vs. interesting)

Pre season begins today. Let the games begin.

If Bobo stays another year he'd need to be renamed Beckenbauer, so rose tinted is the view of him. He was a great player for Celtic, never more so in the Seville season when he was amongst the finest defenders in Britain. For every Liverpool or Boavista however, there was a Rosenborg, Porto or Lyon but that's what you get when you spend heehaw. He was as raw the last time he played as when he signed.

Must be easy to be so principled when you earn such a great wage.

Bobo was relegated to the reserves after GS first season due to him not accepting an offer from Sunderland which Celtic believed to be a perfectly reasonable offer. Bobo asked for compensation to move on neither Sunderland or Celtic were prepared to give him that. Which to me is an indication that Celtic were being reasonable. Celtic wanted to move him on for a combination of footballing and financial reasons. Bobo stood firm and Celtic decided no more appearance money. We then went on two win two more titles and play at a level in European competition that Henrik Larrson, Sutton, Mjallby, Vaalgarren, Moravcik, Thompson, Lennon, Lambert never manged for Celtic ... what do we hope to gain here from scratching at the scab ?

MexicanstandoffCSC

I can't recall who it was (it may have been McGraininSpain?) but someone suggested that I may be able to arrange a game of 11s against a team in Madrid when my team is over in November. I would like to try and organise that if possible. So, apologies for not having retained your identity but whoever it was, if they would like to identify themselves again...

cheers
malceye

WGS-tomorrow surely?

WGS-tomorrow surely?

Awe_Naw - it is perceived as a stick to beat Strachan with. Some people just can't drop that habit even though he is now gone...

ZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzCSC

Rogue leader,

Boring - you're so right, what we need is a whole load more rubbish bee gee jokes, that'll fair liven the place up again.

Bobo circa 2003 - great player.

Bobo circa 2006 - bombscare.

Once Upon A Tim - I resigned from that when I saw the "Massive Chew Sets" joke. That could never be beaten...

BowedOutGracefullyCSC

Awe Naw
I would dispute that the last 16 of the CL is a level above the UEFA cup final, and I'm fairly sure Henk, Bobo etc would have sacrificed that experience for a last 16 place.

WGS delivered titles and 2 last 16 places. Fantastic.

MON gave us titles and a UEFA final. Equally fantastic.

For some of us though, in fact I'd say the majority if the fans I associate with are a representative sample, it was more enjoyable watching Celtic more in the O'Neill days than the Strachan days. I honestly cannot see why this is regarded as an anti Strachan stance. The football was decidely more attractive under MON, and I'll never believe any different.

It was at it's peak under Jock Stein, but by believing that to be true, I shouldn't be regarded as anti MON!

I hope Tony can bring us the same success in respect of titles, as WGS, and can do it playing in the same manner as Jock or Martin.

Once Upon a Tim,,

I started a joke, which started the whole world crying,
But I didnt see that the joke was on me, oh no.

I started to cry, which started the whole world laughing,
Oh, if Id only seen that the joke was on me.

I looked at the skies, running my hands over my eyes,
And I fell out of bed, hurting my head from things that Id said.

Til I finally died, which started the whole world living,
Oh, if Id only seen that the joke was on me.

I looked at the skies, running my hands over my eyes,
And I fell out of bed, hurting my head from things that Id said.

til I finally died, which started the whole world living,
Oh, if Id only seen that the joke was one me.

Name that band ? :-)

Hail HAil

* wouldn't have sacrificed!

Are we still talking about the Bee Gees then?

Ellbhoy @8:15am
I couldn't agree more Ellbhoy. Whatever went wrong with the WGS/PL/Bobo relationship I am inclined to think that the majority of blame lies with WGS/PL and that the Bobo/Fans relationship is still pretty much intact. Celtic had a great available and ready resource in Bobo but they scandalously wasted that by refusing to play him while still paying him the wage that he was contractually and morally entitled to.

In keegan style I would 'just love it' if BTM were to wipe the slate clean with Bobo and give him the opportunity to stay and fight for his place in the team and the fan's hearts. Can you imagine a (Bigger, Faster) centre back pairing of Loovens and Bobo when the occasion demands? That pairing would eat corners (and Centre Forwards :-) ) for breakfast! I 100% agree that Bobo can still be a huge squad asset for us. Also I can't think of a better way for BTM to say to every player at the club that "The slate is wiped clean. This is MY Team; prove to me you are good enough and I will play you! Confirm my faith in playing you and I will keep playing you!"

Yours in Celtic,

TB&F.

ReconcileWithBobo!CSC

Well said RogueLeader. Today is officially Bobo's last day as a Celtic player, so a discussion on Bobo at this time is entirely fitting and to be expected, but as you say, he is being used as an anti-Strachan tool.

Balde seems to always have been held up as some sort of paragon of virtue by some sections of the Celtic support. He is often regarded as a victim during his time at Celtic - a victim of bad management and money-grubbing directors.

I for one do not see it that way. Bobo Balde has done very well indeed out of Celtic, and that includes us, the fans, for little or no return. People talk about Strachan bearing grudges. Bobo has borne the biggest grudge of all, jeopardising his own playing career in the process. I could perhaps understand him sitting tight for one season and taking the money, and then, having made his point, moving on to resume his playing football again, and the offers were there. We could all have respected him for such a stance. But no. He decided to take it to the wire.

I have absolutely no respect whatsoever for Bobo Balde. He took the money for all those years and sat on his backside, basically sticking two fingers up at the fans, even if a lot of the fans cannot or will not see it.

I guarantee that if Martin O'Neill hadn't left, and was still manager today, and the exact same turn of events had transpired, the entire Celtic support would have crucified Bobo long before now. He would have been a pariah to the support. In fact he WOULD have left 2 years ago, because he knew a lot of the fans were behind him, and without that support, he would have cut his losses and jumped. Of that I am certain.

But it wasn't Martin. It was Gordon. Therein lies the crux of the matter.

Morning Chaps

doesn't look like I have missed much?

I see Rangers are looking at Tonel from Sporting Lisbon again and that Dean Furman has left them. Were the Rangers fans not Raving about him?

Btw looking at the Bobo Situ..I seem to recall on the last two windows we offered to let Bobo go for free. My last Memories of Bobo are screaming " Ohh no Bobo put you ******* hand down, ahhh naw ya tit"!

t&t,

Absolutely agree with you.

WGS got there playing turgid dogged football while moving the club from the red into the black and NO BOBO ... that was my only point

MON did not have any of that to contend with as the authorisation for BOBO´s new contract would indicate. We should thank DD´s EPL wet dream for that one as much as MON? .. WGS sorted that one out financially.

If you look at The UEFA coefficients points ... UEFA would also agree with you too.

Gordon got Artmedia four weeks into his job and got crucified. The only reason Seville happened was that mighty Basle humped us out of the tournament. Thats air brushed away isn´t it.

I wonder how it will pan out for TM if we get YET another CL qualification humping ?

HAil HAil

Moderator !!!!

Gold Coast Tom referred at 10.06am to "anti Strachan tool."

I presume he is speaking about me. Surely unacceptable conduct? :-)

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_No

Would that be Faith no more?

anybody planning on going to the Manchester City game?

Senor Pablo

Bobo circa 2006 - bombscare.

What do you base that on?

Wee Green Machine ;-)

Half a point.... Who wrote it and which band did he play for? :-)))

Awe_Naw - if Tony Mowbury fails to get us into at least the Europa Cup, that will be worse than Artmedia.

I expect us to get to the CL playoff, lose and then have a half decent showing in the Europa Cup and I actually think that would be better for the team than being in the CL.

However it would be quite nice to deny Rangers some of that CL cash. Although I really think this is the season where we should stop looking at them and just get on with doing our own thing.

malceye - it wisnae me it wiz him ower there.

weeminger,

We´re joined at the hip. Last year proved it for me.

Hail HAil

Kittochbhoy

I base it on me having serious heart palpitations every time the ball was anywhere near his feet.

He was never the same player after he contracted malaria at the ACN.

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo

Was it the Bee Gees

I think someone said that above me?

So that would be Robin Gibb..I think!

I also Seem to recall Mike Patton changing a few of the lines..but that might be another Song I am thinking of. I might be getting that mixed up with "easy".

I liked Bobo when he was the centre of MON's Celtic defence. He can't be blamed for the club's decision to offer him a huge contract. However a lot of Celtic supporters are guilty of wishful thinking about Bobo. He's not a victim - he's a millionaire who has gotten rich while doing practically no work for the last 3 years or so.

The man was entitled to see out his contract, but personally I have little sympathy for players who would rather get paid for nothing than play and earn their wages.

Senor Pablo Diablo

I would agree that he was never the same after his malaria, but this is because he never got a run in the team.

He was not there for the ball at his feet he was majestic in the air and quick over the ground.

Stachan simply didn't like him, or his style of play.

I would love to see him stay, I think the Celtic fans would see a return in their investment in him and I believe he would stay.

This is a man who flew to Barcelona and bought a ticket and joined the fans in the terracing, thats what I want from a Celtic player.

A Celtic Fan!

Wee Green Machine,

Well spotted ... :-) I´ll give you the whole point and crown you King Bee Gee.:-)

Are the Bee Gees more boring innane and phoney as a Celtic transfer window ?

HAil HAil

Bobo, Bobo, Bobo,

brilliant in the air (for the most part), nightmare on the ground. Not the complete defender which is surely what we must strive for. Hence, time to move on. My only regret is not seeing Bobo play against Elbows McCulloch...

This must be shared.
A great line from an Aussie Foxtel commentator about the moment of Murray`s victory at Wimbledon :
"Never seen so many Englishmen cheering ......{pause for effect}....a Scotsman!

Gold Coast Tom.

You state he sat on his backside and took the money.

Whose decision was that?

Personally I think WGS amongst others.

In my eyes, Bobo was not at fault and I sincerely hope Tony Mowbray does with him as he sees fit, and not what anyone in the boardroom sees fit...

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo

lol Cheers Buddy!

At the moment I would doubt that there is anything more "innane" than our Windows.. In saying that..at least we are not on the other side of the city! (Shudder)

Well I'm off to see my Doctor, were I plan to give him a swift kick in the Nacho Novos!

Catch you later

Hail Hail

Wee green Machine ..the new King Bee Gee!!

Kittochbhoy

Strachan in his first season did actually try to have the team playing football and passing it from the back rather than the horrendous hoofing of the past couple of seasons.

Even Boruc passed the ball in those days!

At that time, Bobo saw plenty of the ball at his feet - hence the large number of ironic "BeckenBobo" references on here at the time.

I agree that he was great in the air and quick in a drag race to the ball, but he was becoming more and more indecisive and reckless in possession, which caused a fair few heart in mouth moments.

I loved the guy in MON's team and have no problems with him or what he decided to do in the last years of his contract, but I think his time as a player was well up by the time he was dropped.

Is it stating the bleedin' obvious to observe that Bobo was a colossal defender, with good pace, defective decision making and no ability with the ball at his feet?

Against Barca at home Bobo was immense. Similarly Vigo away. The Celtic defence was under pressure continually, and Bobo dominated the box. He had decent ball players either side and in front of him in MON's set up, so playing football was not a task he had to endure.

The number of significant goals set up by Gary Caldwell these past few seasons indicates why WGS played him instead of Bobo. WGS needed the team to keep the ball. That was the central principle. Bobo wasn't capable of that. McManus, for all his (apparently many) critics, is, indictably for Bobo, a superior ball player. Ditto O'Dea and Loovens.

If you need to clear headers from your box for 90 minutes, Bobo's yer bhoy. Rob Jones eat your heart out. If you need your defenders to play football though, he's a weakness. Balance would be a fine thing of course; Why can't we win headers AND play football at the back? But with Bobo, it is binary. Shame. Waste of a huge amount of dough as well.

WGS,
I think you might be getting the contract expiry date (today) mixed up with the start of preseason (tomorrow).

As of COB today Naka, JVoH, Hartley and Bobo to name a few are no longer Celtic players.

Good luck to them all in whatever they go on to do.

Also means that Bosmans will be available from tomorrow.. :oD

/Bishop B

I Have to agree with other posters that say a run in the Europa would be more beneficial for us this season than in the champions league.

Mowbray and co have no european experience so would be a better apprenticeship for them (yes I know it would've been nice to get a manager who already served his euroe apprenticeship...).

Plus I just can't see us getting past teams like Arsenal and Lyon et al to get to the CL in the first place.

A final at Landsdowne Road is obviously the dream but a far fetched one I'll grant you.

Mince pie, Sausage roll, come Celtic give us... a signing??

DD

Wee Green Machine - I am led to believe they did indeed enquire about Tonel and the conversation went something like this :

RFC - "Hello Hello, we are interested in Tonel. How much do you want for him?"

SL - "Xm euros."

RFC - "Sounds OK. How about we do a swap with Mendes?"

SL - "Sounds good to us"

RFC - "OK, you have Mendes and we have Tonel and you give us Xm euros. Deal?"

SL - Dialing Tone

Wolves sign Kevin Doyle for 6.5m!

Would've been a collosal target man for us...

Oh well...

Good luck under the real Big Mick!

DD

Whats worse

Microsoft Windows or Celtic transfer Windows ? Discuss.

With their dysfunctional similarities I believe we are missing an excellent marketing opportunity here.

HAil HAil

Len Brennan

I think it's time for all the players you mentioned to go.

Out of the list I feel Hartley had the best season.Naka IMO was average but that's what can happen when played out of position.

I hope TM will have players in their natural and more comfortable positions.

Against Aberdeen last season at CP, McGeady spent the last 20 minutes on the right and managed to get 2 early low crosses in which led to goals.
Having pace is fine but if a player then has to check inside for his better foot to cross or hang up a floated ball what's the point?

As long as TM isn't a slave to a system is all I ask.

As far as I am concerned losing the league is equivalent to failing to qualify for the Champions Leauge. We have an enormous task in front of us now, depending on the draw, and participation is now a bonus. As DD says, Mowbray has little European experience (4 games less than MON) so the Europa might be the place to be. I'd also love to see us play Arsenal in the qualifier, that would be a monumental occassion to start the season.

Gold Coast Tom @ 10.06am

It could be that the malaria he contracted during the African Cup of Nations in 2004 is a lot worse than he is letting on.

Although I would love the CL and the money it brings the Europa Cup gives us the chance to win some co-efficient points.

I think the lack of european football helped GS in his first season. No midweek humpings and time with the players.

Looking forward to Rangers in CL with their squad.

If we got a draw against a glamour team for the second qualifying round and then had an extended run in the Europa (Last8 or 16) the combined income from the big CL qualifier PLUS the Europa run would surely not come to too far off a 6 game CL run? We would certainly gain more co-efficient points in the Europa and I agree with DD, it might be best for BTM et al to cut their teeth in the Europe rather than CL proper.

A few signings (we know the ones) and we would be a serious threat in that Europa tournament.

RogueLeader - financially I don't think it would make a massive difference being in the Europa Cup. As you and others have said it'll be more beneficial for the coefficient and the experience.

RogueLeader

It all depends on who we sign.

I think we're kidding ourselves if we think the current crop would make a dent in the europa league. Remember we lost to Aalborg last year and we'll have to face far far better teams than them in the europa league.

we've lost and will lose a lot of well paid but mince players over the next few days now thes test to see if we will replace them to the full value and improve or make a profit whilst replacing them with similar level of player, which IMO would be a sin.

Still to be convinced anything has changed bar a few faces.

DD

DD - a Left Back would be a good start

BuildFromTheBackCSC

allgreen -
I'm not looking forward to Rangers in the CL, i think their tactics in the CL will make their tactics in their run to the Riots in Manchester look like open and progressive football!

Rogueleader / Weeminger

There is a lot of reverse engineering in your commemnts relating to the benefits of being in the EuL.

As I havve mentioned before in financial equivalence between the 3 home games of the CL and the 6 game wend around Europe in the qualifiers and the EuL is the fact that the support will be asked to pay twice as much to support the failure of WGS and PL in not winning the league.

Given the current finncial climate and the fact that WGS reputation has been built on CL last 16 qualification I think that going to the support to make up for their mistakes is a step too far.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the season ticket sales are under severe pressure, I fear we will see many empty seats in the qualifiers.

All as SDM / MB lie back and dream of the CL flop money.
Too terible to contemplate.

DD

"Still to be convinced anything has changed bar a few faces".

WGS has gone and BTM is the new man - thats a major change right there. No disrespect to WGS but BTM will get far more out of the players than WGS ever could. He will motivate rather than lecture.

No more 'right good games' as we drop 2 more points....yippee!

my last last word on Bobo as its his last day as a Celtic player.

Yes he should not have been on the phone during the build up to the artmedia game, but then again if the entire defence had been on the phone maybe they might have missed the Zonal marking team talk and we would not have lost 5 goals :)
He should have been fined and disiplined, end of Story.
He was our best center half at the time, no doubt, however, Gordon did like ball playing center halves( goes back to the days of Aberdeen and Miller and big shrek) But in playing stephen he made our defence( which the whole idea is to stop the other team scoring) subceptible to high balls and top quality strikers like jim hamilton!!! etc had a field day.
If it was in WGS book that he did indeed drop him for the phone calls, then gordon you are guilty of negligence as you deliberatly made our defence vunerable in the air.

regarding Gary caldwell, gary was behind the couch material for his 1st few CL games where he tended to gift Goals eg benfica twice.

If Gordon had replaced bobo with ball winning center halfs the whole bobo thing would not have been an issue.
But Gordon didnt and it was an issue that left a sour taste in lot of fans mouths

ST

Rogue

I agree and a commanding centre half among many others we need. Look at the number of players we are losing. We should be able to replace with less numbers but better quality.

A goal scorer is obviously our priority. I see even though we say we can't compete with the EPL we are still going there for players.

DD

madmitch -

"As I havve mentioned before in financial equivalence between the 3 home games of the CL and the 6 game wend around Europe in the qualifiers and the EuL is the fact that the support will be asked to pay twice as much to support the failure of WGS and PL in not winning the league.

Given the current finncial climate and the fact that WGS reputation has been built on CL last 16 qualification I think that going to the support to make up for their mistakes is a step too far."

So what is your suggestion? Should the club only make tickets available for 3 home matches in the EL to appease you to make sure they "aren't going to the support"?

Sorry for not wallowing in all that is terrible and wrong with the club. In future I will endeavour not to attempt to look on the bright side of things

Once upon a tim

Oh I agree with the BTM point but what I meant was I'm still to be convinced anything has changed where it really matters, i.e. the attitude of PL and DD with regards to improving the football team rather than the advancement of Celtic Bank Plc.

DD

Morning all,

So, Big Bobo is the focus of discussion. I would have had him in my team over the last couple of years, if he was fit to play, because in spite of his limitations (and they are huge), he is a better CH than our captain. His main strength has always been his dominance in the air. We have badly needed that. Having said all that, he was a great deal poorer after he returned from the ACN. Whether it was malaria, which surprises me, or some other illness, I don't know. But it is certainly true. I feel he should have moved on, if there any real chance of him resurrecting his career. Personally, I feel we have been foolishly generous to him.

Madmitch - as a supporter, yes I'd rather we were in the CL, as a rule it's where the top teams in Europe play and it'd where we should be.

However in terms of the long term development of the team, I think a season in the Europa Cup would not be a bad thing for the reasons discussed.

As for the support being asked to pay twice as much, I would hope there is a marked distinction in the classification of tickets for Europa Cup and CL (but I expect there won't be). It would be an extremely positive move on the club's part to make the first CL qualifier part of the Season Ticket.

I don't see any of the European nights being that empty because a) they're generally the best atmosphere-wise and b) they offer an early opportunity to see Mowbury's team in competitive football.

Where's your anecdotal evidence coming from regarding season tickets sales? I ask because despite most people I know initially saying they wouldn't renew they now all have. This and other anecdotal evidence I'm getting suggests that season ticket sales are down, but not dramatically.

Donegal Danny,

I hadn't considered Doyle to be within our price range but, at the surprising figure of 6.5 mill, I have to say that he would have been worth that kind of outlay. Any idea on what he will be earning at Wolves?

Rogueleader

We should cut the cost of the tickets.
£15 / £10 for the qualifiers.
£5 for U16s.

In fact if we need to qualify for the EuL the tickets should be "free".

Certain people at CP need to start earning their money.
The savings from a more realistic executive level pay range would help fill the funding shortfall.

The management have failed.
Why should the supporter / consumer pay the price?
Where is the shareholder element in all this?

We cannot look at any possible EuL campaign as a success.
If we are so good and the TFOD so lucky why isn't a last 16 CL place the target?

weeminger - Celtic have came out and stated categorically that Season Ticket sales are at the same levels they were last year.

There will be no significant drop in Season books. There will be a drop unfortunately due to the current economic climate in the main but most Celtic supporters I know are now optimistic and looking forward to seeing what BTM will bring, hence the non significant drop in Season Ticket sales

Hear Hear Madmitch.

I think PL should apologise for the errors of last season - or at least acknowledge them. As time goes on I am becoming extremely angry at the lack of a backbone in the boardroom - they think they have got away with it again.

Now a lot of you are saying lets not even try for the CL - please explain your logic.

Hey everybody Madmitch doesn't think winning the Europa Cup would constitute a success.

It's something to bear in mind when considering his opinions.

madmitch - None of us know if we will even be in the EL nevermind what price the tickets would be so for you to be having pops at the board regarding it and us having to "pay for the failures" seems rather churlish to me.

"We cannot look at any possible EuL campaign as a success."

Really? I would consider a last 8 or last 4 run a success for a new manager with limited Euro experience gelling a new team and style of football. Clearly my standards are not as exacting as your own however.

BFCH

He'll not be on anything we couldn't match, after all its only Wolves and there is a myth that every team i the EPL can outspend us which is exactly that, a myth. Yes they get tv money but don't have even have the ticket sales or merchandise money we get I would imagine. No doubt someone will poo poo me on that. :-)

NegAnon

I just want to distance myself from the group who say (if they did say) we shouldn't go for champs league. I just think we can't get there and Europa would be beneficil to BTM who through no fault of his own really doesn't have european experience to speak of.

DD

NegativeAnon - Nobody is advocating surrendering the CL campaign. I am sure we would all prefer to be there. Realistically though if we come up against an Arsenal or Lyon it aint gonna happen.

We are just pointing out there would be some silver lining to a an EL run, not saying we should go for one.

do players not go on rolling contracts unless released? There seems to be a distinct lack of chatter on bosman signings. As a club be only ever seem to lose out to the bosman ruling...

Rogueleader

'weeminger - Celtic have came out and stated categorically that Season Ticket sales are at the same levels they were last year.'

And you believe that? No offence but they're hardly going to say otherwise are they.

DD

We have a new manager. We will be bringing in new players. A new season is about to start. A new chapter in the story of our geat clun is about to be written.

So why are so many posters stuck discussing last season or, even worse, debating potential failure in the season yet to begin? If we can't be optimistic now as we look forward to the start of a new manager's tenure, then what's the point?

It's like Victor Meldrew starting the journey to a holiday destination, telling everyone, "I know I'm not going to enjoy it."

NegAnon - who has said that we shouldn't even try for the CL?

DD - "And you believe that? No offence but they're hardly going to say otherwise are they"

I have no reason not to DD. As I said, from the fans I know and have spoken to, they are all renewing, everyone seems re-enthused with the thought of a new regime and style of football, so why would the Season Books be under severe pressure as Mitch says?

I agree they will be down due to the economic situation and a few of the bhoys will be out of work at the moment but from the anecdotal evidence I have heard PLUS the statement from Celtic, I see no reason not to take it at face value.

We shouldn't be in this position of having to qualify for anything.

The blame lies equally with the management and the players,(I include the board in the management)

We, the fans where short changed by what we had to put up with last season, we need to see some green shoots of recovery and soon

I am not usually as negative but I still can't get over the fact that we threw the league away last season..

still sick and scunnered... ;o((

Nothing like heaping pressure on the new man.

As I said yesterday I´d be prepared to sacrifice European competition for a few years and 20k on regular home attendances if if it meant we finally got a productive conveyor belt of young self developed talent coming through the academy that were of good enough quality. It´s like the proverbial bhoy with his finger in the dyke.

HAil HAil

Rogueleader

As I have noted before you are what a board aplogist would consider to be an optomist.
Rogueleader / Weeminger

There is a lot of reverse engineering in your commemnts relating to the benefits of being in the EuL.

As I havve mentioned before in financial equivalence between the 3 home games of the CL and the 6 game wend around Europe in the qualifiers and the EuL is the fact that the support will be asked to pay twice as much to support the failure of WGS and PL in not winning the league.

Given the current finncial climate and the fact that WGS reputation has been built on CL last 16 qualification I think that going to the support to make up for their mistakes is a step too far.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the season ticket sales are under severe pressure, I fear we will see many empty seats in the qualifiers.

All as SDM / MB lie back and dream of the CL flop money.
Too terible to contemplate.
We are 4 weeks approx away from the start of the qualifiers.
There has been no positive news on squad investment.

CP "oligy" ( a new form of Cremlinoligy) suggets that at least two of our big 4 assets are for the off.

We have BTM on record saying we will need to sell big to buy medium.

We have a bare bones T/O figure for next season of £55mill.
That means we are looking at a £8-10mill negative cashflow before any "net" investment on new players.

Bare bones as in CL + EuL failure.
20-25% chance of that happening in my book.
Currently that figure is getting bigger.

And you say things will be alright if we qualify for a 6 game wend around Europe.

No, no and thrice no.
Big plays are needed all round.

DD has to sanction some serious spending.
JR has to put a rocket up a few posteriors. Alternatively find RP's / AC's phone number.
PL has to start to earn even his basic wage.
BTM needs time and money.

Neg Anon

The logic is obvious for all to see, we should be able to compete in the Europa, if we managed to get into the CL it would take a lucky draw for that to happen.

We are in desperate need of coefficient points due to MONs failings and Bratislava, until they change it so CL wins are worth more the Europa is the best way to build them. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be at least an outside bet to win the Europa every year. I'd take that over last 16.

Bobo Balde
Arrived at Celtic Park Free of charge in 2001 no transfer ree involved no outlay to celtic
Bobo was on less than 10k a week at that time (for a sense of perspective that was just over half the wages that steven pressley was paid)

When it was time to renew Bobos contract there was two options
Option 1
Don’t increase his wages
Let him walk free of charge on a bosman
Sign a CH from elsewhere (transfer fee?)
Pay him half of bobos wages
Total cost of this option would have been anywhere from 2 million to 5 million quid, depending on who we signed and how much we paid them

Option 2
Pay bobo 1 million quid a year
Cost of this option 4 to 5 million quid

For comparison ex gers reject Steven Pressley was getting paid 17 grand a week, while we were trying to push bobo out the door

Bobo was part of the Seville side – the BEST celtic team that I have seen in my lifetime.
Bobo was caught out vs lyon away - accepted
Bobo was caught out vs porto in the final - accepted
I concede that. But frankly we haven’t got the players in the current side to even get to near that level, never mind getting caught out at that level, and we are paying these guys £25 grand a week as well. Stand up Scott Brown.

Compare the bobo deal to the current deals at CP in these so called frugal times
Scott Brown 4 million transfer fee,
1 million quid a year
Cost to celtic 9 million quid
SB so far has played for 2 seasons as an impostor

Massimo Donatti
Not so different from the scott brown numbers either

It was Celtic who decided to ostracize him, it wasn’t bobo who was unwilling to play.
Celtics plan failed miserably and cost the club a fortune for a player that they then couldn’t play without a massive loss of face.

Oh and by the way bobo thanks the memories
Thanks for the Seville run
Thanks for the goals vs the huns as well
Something that many of the STILL overpaid imposters today at CP CANNOT do.

Rogueleader

You got my idea.
Cheap tickets for any EuL games.

Any ideas yourself to take us forward?

madmitch -

"We have a bare bones T/O figure for next season of £55mill.
That means we are looking at a £8-10mill negative cashflow before any "net" investment on new players.

Bare bones as in CL + EuL failure.
20-25% chance of that happening in my book.
Currently that figure is getting bigger."

Since this has been the crux of your arguments for the past 6 weeks (in fact I think you must have a text document somewhere that you just copy and paste that bit to save you writing it over and over again) it is built on rather shaky ground considering it involves the assumption there will be zero euro football which by your own admission is 80% unlikely to happen. So you are going hammer and tongs and all and sundry on a premise that you yourself to believe only has a 1 in 5 chance of happening.

This "board apologist" says...thats says alot about you chief

donegaldanny on June 30, 2009 10:43 AM
Wolves sign Kevin Doyle for 6.5m!"

he's ok....nothing better....i wouldn't swap him for skippy

which we should remember if any of the EPL come calling.....i don't want to sell Aiden or Scott or Arur ......but if we get offers, lets remember the going rate for an OK striker with a 1 goal every 4 games record as an international, and a 1 goal every 3 games, mostly at championship level....is £6.5 million....especially when you see that he scored 6 goals in 36 games in his last season in the premiership....hardly top class

based on that and lots of other anecdotal evidence , any of our best players are worth £10 million +

Rogue

I have every reason not to. Alot of staunch fans I know have not renewed their tickets after being there for years. Maybe we just know different kinds of celtic fans who knows.

I also have every reason not to believe the board - I state various transfer windows as all the exhibits you would need for evidence.

And lets face as nice a man aBTM is was he really your first choice to be Celtic manager? He wasn't even Celtic choice to be the manager.

As I say I am yet to be convinced anything has changed.

I started very positively but the proof will be in the signings pudding.

DD

Howdy gang.

DD - "I started very positively but the proof will be in the signings pudding."

True. I said at the start of this merry go round it was my opinion that right now the job of getting the players in is more significant than the manager when we saw the managerial "menu".

Is it a big number who have not renewed and are not coming over DD? I suppose it will be hard to know until the very first home match...

Paul67,
I'm a right in believing that Bobo will get a loyalty bonus at the end of his contract which expires today?

I seem to remember it was posted somewhere that it was in the range of £1M and was part of the reason he didn't want to leave in January as he would have lost it if he had.

/Bishop B

Rogueleader

We are in poor state after last year.
We are in a poor position at the start of the season.

All of this this on the record.

Nightmare scenario will, without a capital injection hobble us for at least three years.

We have £30mill in player equity in the Big 4.
I have no issues with moving anyone on if we replace with similar + younger / better.

We now have to move these players on a replace them with cheaper alternatives.

This and the slow start to the season means that the 20-25% chance of failure is getting bigger by the day.

The only positive I can see at the moment is the fact that BTM is not WGS.

WGS was running on empty last season and the squad has more ability in it than he was able to find.

"WGS was running on empty last season and the squad has more ability in it than he was able to find."

Was this down to selection or the players not trying?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
By RogueLeader on June 30, 2009 11:31 AM
weeminger - Celtic have came out and stated categorically that Season Ticket sales are at the same levels they were last year.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I hope you are correct but think numbers are made up by cheaper
kids packages. I noted on SUNDAY (whilst watching Colombo snaring a particularly nasty piece of work )WE were advertising "come and join the Celtic season ticket waiting list" I know a couple of kids in one of my bhoys football team have said they are on a waiting list for £100 tickets.

My kids cost £50 for seat next to me.

BigSwee

At every level in my opinion.

Tactics.
Formation.
Team selection.
Motivation.
Favourites playing with injuries.
Lack of authority due to expected exit.
Players looking to move on.

The last two games tell me everything I needed to know.
Win the last two games - Falkirk would have a had a better go than we did.

Agree totally mate.

The manager has a role to play in selection but for me the players have to carry the can for the lack of performance.

Blantyretim

Im with you on that one, Ive not recovered from our visit to the dark side of town.

Still find our current position hard to believe, if anything this should be a reason for extra motivation this season, the club and team need to put things right.

EN

If today is Bobo's last with the Club I'd just like to thank him for his contribution; I'm only sorry that we didn't see more of him over the past couple of years.

He certainly wouldn't have been pussy-whipped by Daniel Cousin.