Setanta lost but not mourned

Quiz Time

Name 3 Man U players from the 70s / 80s

one had the name of a river
one had the name of a country
one had the name of a German newspaper!

Oops.

Did we get the answers to this?

Part 1

Official Rules of Scottish Playground Football

Duration

Matches shall be played over three unequal periods: two playtimes and a lunchtime. Each of these periods shall begin shortly after the ringing of a bell, and although a bell is also rung towards the end of these periods, play may continue for up to ten minutes afterwards, depending on the nihilism or "bottle" of the participants with regard to corporal punishment met out to latecomers back to the classroom. In practice there is a sliding scale of nihilism, from those who hasten to stand in line as soon as the bell rings, known as "poofs", through those who will hang on until the time they estimate it takes the teachers to down the last of their gins and journey from the staffroom, known as "chancers", and finally to those who will hang on until a teacher actually has to physically retrieve them, known as "bampots". This sliding scale is intended to radically alter the logistics of a match in progress, often having dramatic effects on the scoreline as the number of remaining participants drops. It is important, therefore, in picking the sides, to achieve a fair balance of poofs, chancers and bampots in order that the scoreline achieved over a sustained period of play - a lunchtime, for instance - is not totally nullified by a five-minute post-bell onslaught of five bampots against one. The scoreline to be carried over from the previous period of the match is in the trust of the last bampots to leave the field of play, and may be the matter of some debate. This must be resolved in one of the approved manners (see Adjudication).

From last thread

Just thinking if we lose Harltey in addition to Naka who has moved on it leaves us with an ineresting few choices for midfield. Assuming Donati moves on as well.

If Brown is unfit for the Euro qualifiers what do we do in the middle?

Aiden McGeady
Shaun Maloney
Barry Robson
Marc Crosas
Willo Flood
Koki Mizuno
Paddy McCourt
Niall McGinn

Any truth in this?

http://www.sportspromedia.com/notes_and_insights/_a/celtic_and_rangers_to_abandon_spl_for_huge_cash_windfall/

gebhoy

Not first!

Buddy El, you ghuys are quick!

Repeated from the back end of the previous thread…

Some photos to brighten a(nother) slow news day: Man Utd v Celtic (2006-7 CL)

Part two

Parameters

The object is to force the ball between two large, unkempt piles of jackets, in lieu of goalposts. These piles may grow or shrink throughout the match, depending on the number of participants and the prevailing weather. As the number of players increases, so shall the piles. Each jacket added to the pile by a new addition to a side should be placed on the inside, nearest the goalkeeper, thus reducing the target area. It is also important that the sleeve of one of the jackets should jut out across the goalmouth, as it will often be claimed that the ball went "over the post" and it can henceforth be asserted that the outstretched sleeve denotes the innermost part of the pile and thus the inside of the post. The on-going reduction of the size of the goal is the responsibility of any respectable defence and should be undertaken conscientiously with resourcefulness and imagination.

In the absence of a crossbar, the upper limit of the target area is observed as being slightly above head height, although when the height at which a ball passed between the jackets is in dispute, judgement shall lie with an arbitrary adjudicator from one of the sides. He is known as the "best fighter"; his decision is final and may be enforced with physical violence if anyone wants to stretch a point.

There are no pitch markings. Instead, physical objects denote the boundaries, ranging from the most common - walls and buildings - to roads or burns. Corners and throw-ins are redundant where bylines or touchlines are denoted by a two-storey building or a six-foot granite wall. Instead, a scrum should be instigated to decide possession. This should begin with the ball trapped between the brickwork and two opposing players, and should escalate to include as many team members as can get there before the now egg-shaped ball finally emerges, drunkenly and often with a dismembered foot and shin attached. At this point, goalkeepers should look out for the player who takes possession of the escaped ball and begins bearing down on goal, as most of those involved in the scrum will be unaware that the ball is no longer amidst their feet. The goalkeeper should also try not to be distracted by the inevitable fighting that has by this point broken out.

In games on large open spaces, the length of the pitch is obviously denoted by the jacket piles, but the width is a variable. In the absence of roads, water hazards or "a big dug", the width is determined by how far out the attacking winger has to meander before the pursuing defender gets fed up and lets him head back towards where the rest of the players are waiting, often as far as quarter of a mile away. It is often observed that the playing area is "no' a full-size pitch". This can be invoked verbally to justify placing a wall of players eighteen inches from the ball at direct free kicks. It is the formal response to "yards", which the kick-taker will incant meaninglessly as he places the ball.

Part 3

The Ball

There is a variety of types of ball approved for Primary School Football. I shall describe three notable examples.

1. The plastic balloon. An extremely lightweight model, used primarily in the early part of the season and seldom after that due to having burst. Identifiable by blue pentagonal panelling and the names of that year's Premier League sides printed all over it. Advantages: low sting factor, low burst-nose probability, cheap, discourages a long-ball game. Disadvantages: over-susceptible to influence of the wind, difficult to control, almost magnetically drawn to flat school roofs whence never to return.

2. The rough-finish Mitre. Half football, half Portuguese Man o' War. On the verge of a ban in the European Court of Human Rights, this model is not for sale to children. Used exclusively by teachers during gym classes as a kind of aversion therapy. Made from highly durable fibre-glass, stuffed with neutron star and coated with dead jellyfish. Advantages: looks quite grown up, makes for high-scoring matches (keepers won't even attempt to catch it). Disadvantages: scars or maims anything it touches.

3. The "Tube". Genuine leather ball, identifiable by brown all-over colouring. Was once black and white, before ravages of games on concrete, but owners can never remember when. Adored by everybody, especially keepers. Advantages: feels good, easily controlled, makes a satisfying "whump" noise when you kick it. Disadvantages: turns into medicine ball when wet, smells like a dead dog.

Top TEN.

Celtic_First

:)

"Hoops Hero" aye

"Hooped Hero" naw.

Can't see the comments about the move to EPHell being closer due to this one as they have resold their rights so are secure and once again the threatened clubs would not allow us direct access.

Would also add young Mr Ferry to the list of midfielders above.

BigSwee

Easy choice for me, McGeady, Robson, Crosas, Maloney although if Mowbray goes with his 4-2-3-1 I'd like to see Robson and Crosas holding with McGeady infront, McCourt and Maloney wide, Skippy in the middle. Of course this assumes no new players which of course there will be.

DD

I for one will not miss Setanta, there coverage was at times atrocious and the Scott Booth factor had me cancelling anyway at the end of the season whether they survived or not.

Celtic Tv will be a big miss especially the Daily Huddle which i thought was an excellent program produced very well.

gebhoy

Maloney robson crosas mcgeady, would sit nicely with me.

Bankiebhoy

Yes, a subtle but telling difference.

DD in case you missed reply in last thread my own folks hail from Meenacross, around a 4-5 mile walk from Dungloe as experienced in my youth when there was no such thing as a taxi in the town :o)

Paul67 thanks for staying faithful through and through. I appreciate what you have made here and thank you for it. Oneinarowherewego. Looking forward to seeing some new faces in the hoops.

Part 4

Offside

There is no offside, for two reasons: one, "it's no' a full-size pitch", and two, none of the players actually know what offside is. The lack of an offside rule gives rise to a unique sub-division of strikers. These players hang around the opposing goalmouth while play carries on at the other end, awaiting a long pass forward out of defence which they can help past the keeper before running the entire length of the pitch with their arms in the air to greet utterly imaginary adulation. These are known variously as "moochers", "gloryhunters" and "fly wee bastarts". These players display a remarkable degree of self-security, seemingly happy in their own appraisals of their achievements, and caring little for their team-mates' failure to appreciate the contribution they have made. They know that it can be for nothing other than their enviable goal tallies that they are so bitterly despised.

Part 5

Adjudication

The absence of a referee means that disputes must be resolved between the opposing teams rather than decided by an arbiter. There are two accepted ways of doing this.

1. Compromise. An arrangement is devised that is found acceptable by both sides. Sway is usually given to an action that is in accordance with the spirit of competition, ensuring that the game does not turn into "a pure skoosh". For example, in the event of a dispute as to whether the ball in fact crossed the line, or whether the ball has gone inside or "over" the post, the attacking side may offer the ultimatum: "Penalty or goal." It is not recorded whether any side has ever opted for the latter. It is on occasions that such arrangements or ultimata do not prove acceptable to both sides that the second adjudicatory method comes into play.

2. Fighting. Those up on their ancient Hellenic politics will understand that the concept we know as "justice" rests in these circumstances with the hand of the strong. What the winner says, goes, and what the winner says is just, for who shall dispute him? It is by such noble philosophical principles that the supreme adjudicator, or Best Fighter, is effectively elected.

Part 6

Team Selection

To ensure a fair and balanced contest, teams are selected democratically in a turns-about picking process, with either side beginning as a one-man selection committee and growing from there. The initial selectors are usually the recognised two Best Players of the assembled group. Their first selections will be the two recognised Best Fighters, to ensure a fair balance in the adjudication process, and to ensure that they don't have their own performances impaired throughout the match by profusely bleeding noses. They will then proceed to pick team-mates in a roughly meritocratic order, selecting on grounds of skill and tactical awareness, but not forgetting that while there is a sliding scale of players' ability, there is also a sliding scale of players' brutality and propensities towards motiveless violence. A selecting captain might baffle a talented striker by picking the less nimble Big Jazza ahead of him, and may explain, perhaps in the words of Linden B Johnson upon his retention of J Edgar Hoover as the head of the FBI, that he'd "rather have him inside the tent pissing out, than outside the tent pissing in".

Special consideration is also given during the selection process to the owner of the ball. It is tacitly acknowledged to be "his gemme", and he must be shown a degree of politeness for fear that he takes the huff at being picked late and withdraws his favours.

Another aspect of team selection that may confuse those only familiar with the game at senior level will be the choice of goalkeepers, who will inevitably be the last players to be picked. Unlike in the senior game, where the goalkeeper is often the tallest member of his team, in the playground, the goalkeeper is usually the smallest. Senior aficionados must appreciate that playground selectors have a different agenda and are looking for altogether different properties in a goalkeeper. These can be listed briefly as: compliance, poor fighting ability, meekness, fear and anything else that makes it easier for their team-mates to banish the wee bugger between the sticks while they go off in search of personal glory up the other end.

Part 7 TM go with the 1-1-17

Tactics

Playground football tactics are best explained in terms of team formation. Whereas senior sides tend to choose - according to circumstance - from among a number of standard options (eg 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 5-3-2), the playground side is usually more rigid in sticking to the all-purpose 1-1-17 formation. This formation is a sturdy basis for the unique style of play, ball-flow and territorial give-and-take that makes the playground game such a renowned and strategically engrossing spectacle. Just as the 5-3-2 formation is sometimes referred to in practice as "Cattenaccio", the 1-1-17 formation gives rise to a style of play that is best described as "Nomadic". All but perhaps four of the participants (see also Offside) migrate en masse from one area of the pitch to another, following the ball, and it is tactically vital that every last one of them remains within a ten-yard radius of it at all times.

Part 8

Stoppages

Much stoppage time in the senior game is down to injured players requiring treatment on the field of play. The playground game flows freer having adopted the refereeing philosophy of "no Post-Mortem, no free-kick", and play will continue around and even on top of a participant who has fallen in the course of his endeavours. However, the playground game is nonetheless subject to other interruptions, and some examples are listed below.

Ball on school roof or over school wall. The retrieval time itself is negligible in these cases. The stoppage is most prolonged by the argument to decide which player must risk life, limb or four of the belt to scale the drainpipe or negotiate the barbed wire in order to return the ball to play. Disputes usually arise between the player who actually struck the ball and any others he claims it may have struck before disappearing into forbidden territory. In the case of the Best Fighter having been adjudged responsible for such an incident, a volunteer is often required to go in his stead or the game may be abandoned, as the Best Fighter is entitled to observe that A: "Ye canny make me"; or B: "It's no' ma baw anyway".

Stray dog on pitch. An interruption of unpredictable duration. The dog does not have to make off with the ball, it merely has to run around barking loudly, snarling and occasionally drooling or foaming at the mouth. This will ensure a dramatic reduction in the number of playing staff as 27 of them simultaneously volunteer to go indoors and inform the teacher of the threat. The length of the interruption can sometimes be gauged by the breed of dog. A deranged Irish Setter could take ten minutes to tire itself of running in circles, for instance, while a Jack Russell may take up to fifteen minutes to corner and force out through the gates. An Alsatian means instant abandonment.

Bigger boy steal ball. A highly irritating interruption, the length of which is determined by the players' experience in dealing with this sort of thing. The intruders will seldom actually steal the ball, but will improvise their own kickabout amongst themselves, occasionally inviting the younger players to attempt to tackle them. Standing around looking bored and unimpressed usually results in a quick restart. Shows of frustration and engaging in attempts to win back the ball can prolong the stoppage indefinitely. Informing the intruders that one of the players' older brother is "Mad Chic Murphy" or some other noted local pugilist can also ensure minimum delay.

Menopausal old bag confiscates ball. More of a threat in the street or local green kickabout than within the school walls. Sad, blue-rinsed, ill-tempered, Tory-voting cat-owner transfers her anger about the array of failures that has been her life to nine-year-olds who have committed the heinous crime of letting their ball cross her privet Line of Death. Interruption (loss of ball) is predicted to last "until you learn how to play with it properly", but instruction on how to achieve this without actually having the bloody thing is not usually forwarded. Tact is required in these circumstances, even when the return of the ball seems highly unlikely, as further irritation of woman may result in the more serious stoppage:
Menopausal old bag calls police.

Taurangabhoy on June 24, 2009 12:48 PM

Superb.

To think that today's footballers complain about playing with a ball that moved too much or playing on a bit of mud at Fir Park.

A Mitre 4 in the thigh or a slide tackle on red ash park in january. Ouch!

JC

RATM,

Not sure there would be much cover of the defensive players in that line up. I know Barry can dig but the others may be a tad light in the ball winning department.

:o(

bankiebhoy1 on June 24, 2009 12:35 PM

Thanks for your comments.

It´s becoming very obvious that the same section of CQN posters who cannot tolerate an alternative view and will attempt to smear those by lying through their back teeth if they had any ;-) are the same ones that sent the hate mail to Paul67. It´s patently the same type of behavior. I cant quite work out if they are loyalists, board loyalists or Paul67 loyalists. Water of a ducks rear end bud.

CirclingthewagonsCSC

As an Armagh man living in a foreign land, and one who is very keen on the GAA, I will mourn the death of Setanta.

I am not sure how much of this years All-Ireland Championships I will get to see now that Setanta has gone.

I know I will still get to watch the Hoops as another network (ESPN) will surely pick up the SPL, will ESPN be broadcasting the GAA?

Doubt it.

Goodbye Setanta.

JohhnyClash I can still remember the feeling of heidying the old leather when it was wet. Surprised I can still cut and paste. And the smell !

Part 9

Celebration

Goal-scorers are entitled to a maximum run of thirty yards with their hands in the air, making crowd noises and saluting imaginary packed terraces.

Congratulation by team-mates is in the measure appropriate to the importance of the goal in view of the current scoreline (for instance, making it 34-12 does not entitle the player to drop to his knees and make the sign of the cross), and the extent of the scorer's contribution. A fabulous solo dismantling of the defence or 25-yard* rocket shot will elicit applause and back-pats from the entire team and the more magnanimous of the opponents. However, a tap-in in the midst of a chaotic scramble will be heralded with the epithet "moochin' wee bastart" from the opposing defence amidst mild acknowledgment from team-mates. Applying an unnecessary final touch when a ball is already rolling into the goal will elicit a burst nose from the original striker. Kneeling down to head the ball over the line when defence and keeper are already beaten will elicit a thoroughly deserved kicking. As a footnote, however, it should be stressed that any goal scored by the Best Fighter will be met with universal acclaim, even if it falls into any of the latter three categories.

*Actually eight yards, but calculated as relative distance because "it's no' a full-size pitch".

Part 10

Penalties

At senior level, each side often has one appointed penalty-taker, who will defer to a team-mate in special circumstances, such as his requiring one more for a hat-trick. The playground side has two appointed penalty-takers: the Best Player and the Best Fighter. The arrangement is simple: the Best Player takes the penalties when his side is a retrievable margin behind, and the Best Fighter at all other times. If the side is comfortably in front, the ball-owner may be invited to take a penalty.

Goalkeepers are often the subject of temporary substitutions at penalties, forced to give up their position to the Best Player or Best Fighter, who recognise the kudos attached to the heroic act of saving one of these kicks, and are buggered if Wee Titch is going to steal any of it.

Part 11 sorry nae subs. This is a bit like CQN in the Summertime. Get with eh blog fholks. Hail hail.

Close Season

This is known also as the Summer Holidays, which the players usually spend dabbling briefly in other sports: tennis for a fortnight while Wimbledon is on the telly; pitch-and-putt for four days during the Open; and cricket for about an hour and a half until they discover that it really is as boring to play as it is to watch.

Johnny Clash: I still have a scar on my right knee from playing football for the Springburn Celtic Club @ the Hibs in Royston, Sunday morning league, the red ash took over a year to come out, what a time.

Big Swee

Ah the Donegal taxi dilemma! Bit better nowadays though!

I've watched the Irish Brigade in Owenies many a time! And Hugo Duncan on the gig rig during the festival!

DD

Setanta was pretty grim, but hey it was better than STV in the Andy Walker era.

Sarah O got a lot of abuse for the crime of being an attractive women who dared work on a sports show, but really, the whole thing was dire. It felt like it was produced by non-football people - looking for quirkyness and "funny" fans.

Sky has moved football presentation on telly on.

But SPL coverage on Setanta and STV particularly has devalued an already devalued product.

If I was a big sponsor watching a highly compressed Setanta coverage of a game played in the Fir Park mud I'd think - naw, I don't want to be associated with this guff...

Your man in the Van

Hanif

Paul67

surely this type of thing was all detailed in the Setanta Clause in your contract

Hail Hail

Lip-smackin', thirst-quenchin', ace-tastin', motivatin', good-buzzin', cool-talkin', high-walkin', fast-livin', mineshafting, happy clapping.......Celtic!

Thomthethim, bad news re the the floods in Derry beg, had a great family holiday just along the road in Bunbeg 3 years ago. Hope everything gets patched up soon.

Sheany

I hear ya!

I'm hoping Setanta Ireland will cop on and show the GAA now 1 and 2 are defunct. SKy were meant to be looking into to getting RT|E on the platform but not sure where thats at.

The qualifiers and the Connaught Final are looming and I don't want to miss them!!

DD

Sheany,

Since Setanta has quit broadcasting I can now receive Setanta Ireland - which was disallowed to Irish viewers previously. Strange or what?

Looking forward to Armagh v Monaghan in Clones on Satyrday week. Hopefully young Vernon will be fit and with a bit of luck we might just do it.

What part of the Orchard are you from?

53

DD,

Indeed I spent many a summer doing similar and wondering where the evening had gone as you reached the Maghery crossroads with the sun rising. (and still no sign of a lift :o)

Was back for the first time in a few years and intend to make a few trips over and back this year and will hopefully catch the tail end of the festival and of course the Meenacross Show :o)

Awe_naw

From last thread, 2% you don't know how lucky you are mate :-)

Are from the same town as Token ?

bjmac

DD.

You too? What is it with the Setanta Ireland thing? Any idea?

53

JUST IN CASE ANYONE IS INTERESTED, SETANTA IS STILL PLAYING IN ONTARIO CANADA - LIVE RUGBY ON NOW, I CANCELLED TWO DAYS AGO AND AM STILL WAITING ON THEM CUTTING IT OFF.

Celtic & Rangers Fans in North America made Setanta paying them over $250,000.00 a season for the games, the larger Celtic support in NA, paved the way for them to keep RFC going in games, Celtic has over 80 clubs & Rangers only has 50 or so, but once Setanta got going the never kept loyol to the ones that put them there, now you reep what you sow.

Good Riddens to a bad company, I could never understand, that with todays technology why can't the game on the menu match the game on the chanel, it was like a luck dip, you watch what you can when you can.

53

Setanta Ireland was always available to me,I am in Belfast.

UC

BigSwee

haven't been back in a while, I've been more in Mayo than Donegal, the other half is a Ballina (well Knockmore) girl.

My brother (the erstwhile GweedoreBhoy) makes sure I get my fill of Football Special and Banana Juice though! Burger Bites and Chickatees as well!

DD

Ulster-Celt.

Maybe it was live GAA which was blocked? I'm not sure. Can't understand why I'm still receiving it and the other channels are down.

53

bjmac03 ,

I´m much more up market than Token. Him and his family live in a whisky bond. I tried to warn my wee cousin but she has an uncontrollable fat fetish ....but he does well by her fiddling the books.

HAil Hail

The Bard of Banff
Whisky Or Whiskey?

A Scotsman who spells
Whisky with a n ‘e’,
should be hand cuffed
and thrown head first in the Dee.

In the USA and Ireland,
it’s spelt with an ‘e’
but in Scotland
it’s real ‘Whisky’.

So if you see Whisky
and it has an ‘e’,
only take it,
if you get it for free!

For the name is not the same
and it never will be,
a dram is only a real dram,
from a bottle of ‘Scotch Whisky’.

Stanley Bruce.
20th April 2004

Anyway I´m on a self imposed exile to prevent the prevalent huffiness so stop talking to me ;-)

HAil Hail

Paul67
I remember well that split second delay in transmission
we were still getting it when Robb McLean took over. In one
game I remember in particular, the decibells dropped as he told
us that Petrov had scored well before the ball left Stan' boot.

Any info on where this demise leaves Celtic TV as of
today?

dunno if anyone has mentioned this but matt derbyshire has signed for £3 mill for olympiakos....

would have been a great signing - only 23, fast and an eye for a goal.

alas another one passes us by

Lurgan

Always had Setanta Ireland through Sky as far as I'm aware, although checking the listings they aren't planning on showing the GAA but now that 1 and 2 are gone surely they'll ditch rally and all that nonsense for the GAA.

Incidentally attending McHale park in Castlebar last Saturday GAA grounds put soccer to shame. Granted the outside and internal alleyways are nothing more than gravel and the toilets are portakabins but you can fit 40000 inside McHale park! One stand the rest is terracing but the atmosphere is superb!

Plus you're too far from the pitch anyway around!

Kept the flag flying with the Hoops on even at the GAA! Front row if anyone was watching! :-)

DD

Finnharp
I know what you mean about Setanta, as a Celtic fan in Ontario I worry about getting the game at our clubs, without them our clubs which flourished due to the get togethers will fade and die and Celtic will lose a commercial base in North America

53

It's in the Irish news today that GAA will continue on Setanta Ireland and the whole island will be able to watch.Britain has total blackout.

UC

DD

Ya need a snack box from Doodlebugs for that authentic culinary Dungloe delight :o)

Beedy's now the preferred venue for the matches with big screen and high stools to fall off :o)

Taurangabhoy, what do you mean, I’ve been offline for a few days, have I missed something?

Faithfulthru&thru, ha!

Bournesouprecipe, Celtic TV is no more although I hope it is back for next season in some form.

ADAM, dont worry, big tam fae TO will talk to Celtic and it will be sorted before season starts.

Taurangabhoy - fantastic posts mate, what about a feature on 5/eleveners or 10/twenty wanners, 3 and 1 or World Cup 3 and 1 (can't remember what the difference was in that !)

Paul,

Through mostly good fortune I have attained a 3-in-a-row of firsts.
Can I depend on you not to leave me tactically bereft half way through today and tomorrow thus missing out a four in a row feat no seen at Celtic for some time :o)

Taurangabhoy

“Thanks for the memories”

Along with several others on her lately, you’re giving us something enjoyable to take our minds off the unfortunate outbreak of mud slinging which has welled up to drown out the “phony war” silence following TM’s appointment.

I hope things settle down quickly on here now and we’re witnessing nothing more than a hiccup in the life of this fine blog.

Hail, hail

Finnharp,
The football image in the cobbled street, which you referred to in the previous article, was at the junction of Camlachie St. & Yate St.
It was variously claimed to be a memorial to John Thompson, & to a famous hat-trick by Jimmy Quinn. I have never seen any evidence which would prove either theory, but it was removed many years ago. I am fairly certain that it is not at the People's Palace & have to fear that it would not have survived anywhere.

Paul67,

Time to make your pitch to the SSM. Celtic TV no more, what about a CQN Channel? Yourself and Kojo as presenters. A weeknly slot for Mr Z to gives the lowdown on all things Eastern Europe and Ayrtic, WCM, Dobbo, as the roving reporters doing interviews and getting scoops.

Club comment on Celtic TV:

http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_240609124402.aspx

Paul67 Just that you haven't changed what you believe despite the abuse, that you have kept faith with this blog you have created for others to voice an opinion and kept your standards which people like myself have occassionally fallen off. Lesser men would have been tempted to drop a level or can the whole thing. Hope you and yours have a great Summer and that you are fresh and ready for a new campaign in a few weeks. Shortest day here was Sunday so its all downhill to Summer. Off to my kip now. Hail hail

MWD

No problemo chum, just let me know.

I too am eager to find out what the Kano Fund guys have agreed, I posted a few of my own thoughts on the basic set-up of these "camapaign" teams, on the day of the meeting but have yet to hear 'owt back!

More power to you.

Bankiebhoy1

Setanta lost me after they dropped there pay per game policy in favour of the monthly subscription.I paid £6 to see Celtic Away matches but I had no interest in watching Hibernian v Dunfermline.I would pay happily a monthly subcription to watch all Celtic Away games but for this to happen Celtic would need to take control of there own channel. May your day be Blessed.

So do you actually still have to cancel Setanta or do the payments stop automatically now that they have gone into Administration.

Havent had much time to read anything about it so anyone know the score? Can you e-mail to cancel and if so, what details do you need

Cheers Folly Folly they are good aren't they , an English mate sent them through to me today, night.

Ulster _ Celt

Strangely enough I am receiving Setanta Ireland which I didn't before.

Re Celtic TV. I noted people complained about Alex O' Henley but though he may not have been the world's greatest presenter we were in no doubt he is a Tim. Good luck to him and others affected.

Never mind deletiongate,hate mail,posters spats and new signing targets,with setanta having goe pear shaped where am i gonna get my daily fix of the lovely miss charlotte jackson,[would do a wee smilie but ah dont know how].

KK, Thanks never knew the name of the streets, but used to walk down every other game, also used to walk along the tracks back to Springburn when we missed the train, long long walk. Never would do that now living in Canada, became very lazzy over the years 20+ since moving, moves summer of Centenary year.

One good aspect of Setanta was that you could get a monthly, cancel at any time, internet subscription for £7.99. Ironically, the picture quality was upgraded to pretty much TV quality just a couple of months ago. Hope the new provider offers something similar.

Hail! Hail!

Finnharp & Adam,

What CSC's do you belong to in Ontario?

TimSinYYZ: I don't anymore to much polo-tics. Shame really.

Bohemian Bhoy,
(from previous article)

I have not read all of your posts and I too Sir could retort that I had not known of your existence until yesterday, but I can assure you I contribute when I can however I have been an avid reader of the blog for quite a few years (work and travel prohibit much more than lurking).

Please be assured I am not as you so eloquently put 'newly-enlightened' What I am is independent of mind and thought some things on here I agree with the host some things not!!!

I tend to make up my own mind on this blog, and other things in life not related to Celtic, on what I perceive to be the pros and cons af any particular argument.

For instance I am not of Irish descent, I am a card carrying atheist, an unapologetic Tory and boast of a few other non stereotypical Celtic supporter traits to boot, so please do not try and label me as a unquestioning supporter of the host.

Please be constructive in critisism, that I can take and would encourage but, I must be honest, your posts come across to me as being deliberately targeted to undermine the host's credibility and to accuse all and sundry of being under his 'corrosive influences'.

This is papably divisive and dare I say it insulting to the intelligence of the vast majority of bloggers who frequent the site, without offering much argument for the case.

However to paraphrase Francois-Marie Arouet about freedom of speech, I defend to the death (of the blog) your right to say what you will say.

I have not called for anyone to go away and form their own blog as would be easy to do. Of course the reference to starting up an alternative newspaper in times gone by is so clearly spurious next to a blog it is not worthy of argument.

I look forward to your continued contributions to arguments and debates and will give my support when I agree and give my (reasoned) arguments when I disagree

RD

Finnharp,

Too bad. If you're ever out Kitchener / Waterloo way please join us.

Paul67,

Would the now disolved agreement for the live TV rights gone with Setanta would this not leave the way clear for Celtic to step out on their own and start taking control of their own TV rights?

Might be a stupid question but would seem like the right time to do it if we can.

/Bishop B

the more ball playing players you have hopefully the less of the ball the other team see! Especially in a European style game, we shall see I know my preferred mid field is unlikely but I'd love to see it!

BigSwee on June 24, 2009 12:49 PM

I would also add young Millar to that list....

Len Brennan

Don't think we can do our own TV as the other 11 teams would need to agree to it and I can think of 2 clubs who would never say yes to it simply because they are horrible.

DD

I bought one of those freeview boxes which gave Setanta free for 1 month,

This was to be used in my spare room, h oooooops....

BT

now that peace has broken out, it's hopefully safe to go back to discussing football matters....

it is less than a week until the end of both Celtic and Rangers financial years...it's probably worth reviewing the state of affairs to this point as an indicator as to what might happen in the next 7 days...

Celtic...

The financials will be slightly behind the previous year due to no European involvement post Xmas, and the failure to win the SPL resulting in reduced payments from the league and in all probability from sponsors, possibly heavily countered by bonus payments not earned by the football department,and which should not be earned by the executive officers...Crowds appeared to have dropped a bit and therefore i would expect match day income to have suffered a little as well....there was clearly money in the budget for spend in January, which wasn't utilised , however this would not have had a huge effect on the profit and loss acount for the year about to end

All in all i would think there is no desperate need to sell anyone to balance the books this year, and equally we didn't make so much profit, that we would benefit from spending cash on tax saving expenditure

So in all probability we are in the position of just getting deals done when they fall...not accelerating either the buying or selling process, although we have the capability for significant spend should value and the opportunity show itself

Rangers...

A real horror story of a year financially...no European revenue at all, apart from 1 gate receipt, and if memory serves Ibrox was half empty for the Kaunus game anyway.....the Cuellar purchase would have mitigated about 35% of the European loss, but the subsequent splurge in the transfer market will hit this years P&L by a broadly similar amount..With debt increased and possibly markedly so the charges , arrangement fees and interest payments may be very significantly higher...the only good news would be the bonus payments from the SPL and sponsors for winning the league that traditionally go to Celtic...when business' are in a distressed condition there are usually 5 options to provide a solution , at least in the short term

Additional share capital introduced.....that is certainly most unlikely in Rangers case...that well is bone dry under the present ownership

Increase in bank facilities, until better days return.....not going to happen, if anything the reverse is the case

Staff reductions.....already happening, but the savings made so far are on lowly paid ancillary staff

Selling of Assets....nothing of note so far

Squeezing suppliers......hard to do when your suppliers in the main are owned by your majority shareholder

Which means that there is real pressure on Rangers to sell assets which will show a contribution to this years P&L in the next 7 days....failure to do that will show a significantly bad set of full year results, with the balance sheet coming under real pressure....

If they can't dispose of any assets in the next seven days, i think there's every chance that Lloyds will be having pretty strong conversations with them .....At that point their best defence would be a business plan which shows drastic cost savings and a use of CL monies to reduce debt to the level the bank wants

In my view the bank will accept this as viable and go along with the plan for the next 12 months, whilst putting very serious restrictions on their ability to spend anything much at all

The scenario if we had won the League would have been completely differrent and one which i'm sure all Celtic supporters would have seen as payback for the years of bragadoccio and bombast from the Rangers Chairman......a missed opportunity of once in a lifetime proportions

Tom McG

I enjoyed that post on the previous thread about the old days at CP immensely. I had the exact same feeling of pride when I first heard the words addressed to me "mister, gonny geez a lift ower the turnstyle?"

Me.... a mister...magic!

me @1.33

cancel your direct debit for Setanta. they have already stated they won't take any more monthly subscriptions by DD, but better to be safe than sorry. i heard one guy last night say he'd already been charged for
July - no chance of getting that back now i suspect.
it's highly unlikely you'd be pursued for cancellation without the statutory notice.

TR

This blog really is a microcosm of Celtic's Irish/Scottish cultural behaviour.
We love/hate each other on a regular basis and all of it is totally illogical.
Reminds me of time i took an American girl to Scotland and we attended a dinner party with a bunch of my friends.On way home she asked why do you guys only argue with each other?Don;t you like each other?I replied were Scottish.She just looked perplexed.

Will tell you that i always read the postings of Awe Naw and Negative Anon and love WGS for his tireless scouting reports.There are lots of interesting posters on here and some i scroll by.
Always feel this site is a little pro board in it;s slant but that;s Paul;s perogative as it;s his blog.Also know if it was my blog it would be more critical of the board on it;s poor performance on the football side and it;s condescending treatment of support.
I blame T Mowbary for contentious nature of blog recently as if he had signed 4 world class players by now we wouldn't be so full of angst.

RAGdaddy- is that quote not a variation on :

Evelyn Beatrice Hall, (1868 - 19??), who wrote under the pseudonym S.G. Tallentyre, was a writer best known for her biography of Voltaire. She completed her biography of Voltaire The Friends of Voltaire in 1906.

She wrote the phrase, which is often misattributed to Voltaire, "Je ne partage pas vos idées mais je me battrai jusqu'à la mort pour que vous puissiez les exprimer" as an illustration of Voltaire's beliefs

twists n turns on June 24, 2009 2:05 PM

I never remember asking for a lift ower the turnstyle...The Greenock bhoys always asked : gonni gae ne a punt mister...

DD,

I understand what you're saying mate, but surely we have some say in our own rights and the control over them.
I would hate to think that we are at the mercy of some of that mob as we will never be free if we are.

However I possibly never explained my point that clearly.
I was thinking of what would happen if the possibility that the SPL doesn't come up with a replacement to Setanta.
Sure then we could have the ability to then take control of our own rights?

/Bishop B

Barcabhoy

Thanks for posting, as usual, with insight and detail that we, the financially challenged, are unlikely to have and even less likely to read about in mainstream media.

One question, if I may.

You paint as a likely scenario for Rangers the bank agreeing to go along with a 12-month business plan in which they will reduce spend on the football side and use CL money to reduce debt.

Surely that still gives us a chance to put the boot in.

If, as I believe, this title-loss is only a blip for Celtic, it won't take too long for the gap between us and them in business terms becomes much bigger, perhaps even unbridgeable. Such things can happen quickly in football these days.

I am not surprised that Setanta failed. It was available free in my part of Canada for over a year, as a promotional strategy. When they decided that the rubber should hit the road, it was bundled with a collection of other (non-interesting) channels at a monthly fee of $14.99 through Rogers. Other soccer channels could be purchased individually at $2.49 per month.

Given the economic situation (particularly the banking sector) in Ireland, any organisation that relies on credit to fund their activities will be challenged. Setanta is only one, and not the last, Irish institution that we shall see hit the wall. Pity, because seeing Scottish soccer in Canada is not easy.

The recent stramash over censorship, and the bitter arguments over real and actual spend make me wonder if the Blog is falling prey to that old concept--the life cycle.

There are 4 phases to the life cycle:

1. Introduction --- the arrival of a new concept---accurate coverage of Celtic issues; financial analysis of the same etc;
2. Growth --- word gets around; many new users; CQN acknowledged by Celtic FC to a degree--the Quinn interview; the exciting saga of the Belamy non-transfer etc
3. Maturity --- CQN no longer the new kid on the block; is perceived to be part of the establishment (by some); initial contributors leave or post less often (where are you Vargas-shampoo, Evil Rum Baba, Estadio (your prose is greatly missed!), Paddy8, etc). The Blog switches emphasis to be more opinion based than an on-going source of News and analysis. In part, this change is forced because of the high traffic on the Blog (there cannot be some new every half hour), but also because Celtic FC have become very circumspect about releasing/controlling information.
4. Decline and Abandonment -- is the final phase of the life cycle. After the last few days, I would not be surprised if we were moving into this stage. I hope not. However, the law of the indestructable matter may also apply. Matter cannot be created nor destroyed, merely transformed into some other form. Perhaps, we shall see the Blog transform into something else.

Finally, in this too long rant, I found myself agreeing with Kojo yesterday -- I have to say that doesn't happen often! But, Kojo you have often said that it is all about opinions, so sometimes we shall agree; others we shall not. Yesterday, you brought the nail and the head together splendidly when you indicated that the Number 1 priority is an experienced striker who can hit the back of the net---and that we should blow the cobwebs off the big purse on this one. This is a bigger issue than CH or LB and defines the way that we would like to see Celtic play. Two goals in the last few games of the season would have seen the flag flying where it should. If we do not fix this problem area first, then I fear we are in for a repeat performance of last season. I do not think that Mr Fortune is the answer--he is 27 and has never had an impressive scoring record. He may be part of the solution, but he is not the keystone.

Enough already--I'll stop,

Rebus

Couldn't agree more with barcabhoy.

We blew the lifetime chance to inflict a lifetime of suffering on Murray and his hordes.

Administration would have been a very real scenario for Rangers had we closed out our lead.

Sad to see some friendly Huns in anguish but the majority of the goon show taking apoplectic fits would have been memorable.

So, too, would UEFA's view on letting financially unstable teams compete in any European competition.

Talk about the get-out-of-jail card we provided. . .

Still, onwards and upwards. Despite the new gaffer and settling-in/squad overhaul, etc, etc, there will still be NO excuse for not takling the title comfortably this coming season.

Bottom line:

Even with the CL shortfall and Setanta collapse we are far and away the most economically powerful club in the SPL and without straining too much should be able to flex our financial muscle enough to bring in sufficient quality to prevent any repeat of last season's unforgivable capitulation to the forces of darkness.

So, welcome TM, and no pressure, big man. . .

Fortune, Fletcher, Hreirdarsson...

surely we have youth/reserve players better than these? If not, then why not?

What I fail to understand with this whole Setanta debacle is a story I heard some time ago, that Celtic, Rangers, and at least one other SPL team (possibly Aberdeen) were shouting out warnings to the SPL about Setanta over a year ago.

I was told that they had an alternative offer from Sky on the table at a somewhat lower rate. Instead of looking at their own long term financial protection, the other clubs decided on short term profit (Ha!) instead.

Can we really trust these muppets to run the game in Scotland?

If their financial accumen is as poor in it's judgement as this, we should go it alone, and to hell with the rest of them. They only get any TV revenue because of the likes of Celtic. What have we to lose?

Hail Hail

DBBIA

Puissiez?

What's that going to do for our new non-cliquey, non-elitist credentials, mhan.

SubjunctiveCSC

Paul67...

Any word on how this will impact Channel67? I thought they piggybacked the Setanta feed? Maybe I am wrong on this.

I dont think Celtic have the right to sell their own TV rights, otherwise I thin they would have done this before, and I suggest that they would make alot of money. Hopefully as the Internet bandwidth improves then Channel 67 will become a real viable alternative to subscription TV. I have SKy player and the qwuality is excellent.

Len B

I hear what you're saying but at the mo we are at the mercy of those we play against. Our hand would've been far stronger had we won the league as the huns would've been down and out but hey we didn't and they aren't.

DD

timsinyyz on June 24, 2009 1:46 PM
Windsor CSC and I thank the Feds every time I get the chance to watch Celtic.
When I first came over we needed to wait until Tuesday to get the score (nobody in my family had a phone in 1968) later we'd drive 2 hours to London to share watching the reel to reel tape of the previous weeks game with some lads from London Ont.

Then with the advent of the big dish we could get a few games, up till now we miss very few games and whenever you get an organization as large as the NAFCSC there will be politics, the Windsor club has never been caught up in any and we see no reason for that to change, thanks again to the committee of the NAFCSC

Taurangabhoy - outstanding stuff. Laughing my wee head off.

gordybhoy64 @ 1:40

the basic smilie is straight off the keyboard, there are 3 characters, first one is next to the L, its : second one is next to the zero, its - and the third one is next to the 9, its ) Put them all together and it should be :-)

I think there are others buts thats the only one I know.

C1st- modern conditional tenses should be rubbish.

A friend of a friends aunties dog groomers brother has put about a rumour that Celtic are in for Simon Cox striker from Swindon town fc.

Just a rumour mind.

DBBIA and Celtic_First

French graduates of Glasgow Uni by any chance? Class of 79 masel.

vieillardcsc

ZetaBhoy,cheers for your piece of info,no news on miss jackson though ;-)

may67

Only did it to Higher, I'm afraid.

Lurgan,

I come from a small village about 8 miles south of Armagh city.

If I give the name of it everyone in the village will instantly identify me and I don’t want to lose the anonymity that the web brings.

Nooo, I fear I have said too much already.

Anyway, think we will beat Monaghan looked decent against Tyrone and that is no mean feat at the minute.

I will be in Washington DC the day of the Armagh game, not sure if it will be televised on Independence day!!! (He says sarcastically).

taurangabhoy,
cheers for that, good wee chuckle, had it been your composition I was going to request you made a wee list of team selectoirs first pick deciders, I remember "tic tac toe", "it dit dog's ...." "one potato, two potato", and quite a few others.

Timsinyyz,
Your mention of Kitchener/ Waterloo brought back some memories for me. I spent about 2 years there a long time ago, 1970/71.
I stayed up at Stanley Park & worked in Kaufman's shoe factory.
Sadly there was no CSC at that time, otherwise I might have been there still.
I ran about with a Dumbarton fellow ( John Kennedy ) who, as far as I know, is still there.

Good luck

Barcabhoy - I've said it before and I'll say it again. The maximum CL money they can achieve only covers their net spend from last year.

So unless they can start making a profit, or at least break even the banks are still going to be on top of them.

If (and it's a huge if) we can also get into the CL then it increases the pressure.

I would only expect to see players going out until they know for certain that they're alone in the CL, and if they're not I would expect some big names moving out.

People that had setanta through virgin tv like myself got it as part of the sports package for free.So we never had to deal with customer service or direct debit etc with setanta. Will miss Setanta for Celtic tv all the Celtic games (living in south of england so it was great to see the live games) and the boxing coverage was good.Won't miss ones like Scott Booth & Craig Burley who were out there depth commentating.

Taurangabhoy- thanks for posting the School Football rules.

Brought back some great memories, and some really bad ones.

Few funnies that your post brought up

Holey trousers - my ma used to skelp me regulary for coming home with big holes in the knees of my trousers. She didn't understand when I told her it was a last ditch slide to save the win.

School Shoe burnout - My ma would always ask about the duration of the school shoes when buying them. But she never factored in the football. More skelps were delivered with holey worn out shoes.

Nice Weather - when the weather was nice - ie not raining we would play on a patch of grass in front of the school. Holy trousers and shoes were replaced by boggin trousers. Many an afternoon was spent peeling the dry caked mud off the trousers - leaving a nasty pile of under the desk.

Kilbowie Kelt,

I worked at Kaufman's from 1989 until 2000 as Sales Manager. Sadly due to the 3rd generation taking over and total mismanagement, they went out of business in 2000. The building on downtown King St is now loft apartments.

Sheany,

Flanagan's Harp & Fiddle in Bethesda, MD (on the metro line) shows all GAA matches. Enjoy your visit to the city.

TimsinYYZ

Is that on the record?

GreenOakTree on June 24, 2009 2:11 PM

Re Hey mister gonnae gae is a punt over?

Ye missed oot a wee step there.

Me and ma mates used to stand outside the auld Greenock Celtic Supporters and ask the supporters boarding the bus if we could go on the bus wae them (children went free).

Up to CP for free and into the match as well……..any money saved went on yir macaroon bars oh and that paper (evening times?) which always had a coloured photo of a Celtic player in the middle.

memoriesCSC

vmhan

I for one will not be mourning the demise of Setanta. I wonder if the SPL will now disclose the terms of their loan of £3m to their members and if indeed, should any members default on thier payments, which club will be liable and be the only one worth the Bank pursuing?
On another point Paul, Regarding your impending article on Season 08/09. perhaps you could expand on the point below?

By barcabhoy on June 24, 2009 2:03 PM

The scenario if we had won the League would have been completely differrent and one which i'm sure all Celtic supporters would have seen as payback for the years of bragadoccio and bombast from the Rangers Chairman......a missed opportunity of once in a lifetime proportions

Celtic_First,

Why do you ask?

TimsinYYZ

Just kidding. As if I'd let work interfere with CQN.

By vmhan on June 24, 2009 3:09 PM

Vmhan

Yep remember those day's well, only difference after getting the punt in we started on the old four crown...Also remember selling the times and Citezan (Yon big green paper that was murder trying tae hold never mind read the frigging thing)...Ah those were the days////

Barcabhoy and weeminger

As I said in the last thread, the bank will never force Rangers into administration. Administration is what a business does to protect it from it's creditors, and the Govanites' main creditor is Lloyds TSB, who must be £30 million in the hole by now. Failing to sell Monster Munch in January meant they couldn't hope to cover wages, never mind bonuses, until the end of the season without going over the overdraft limit. That's why the bank went in....Murray may have considered administration but his option to do that is curtailed as so much of MIH is tied together.

While not as bad as Newcastle Utd, whom Ashley blamed for £100 million worth of 'hidden debt' (which begs the question Who did 'Due Dilligence' on their accounts?) a good amount of last years spend would have been in installments....which will now start to come due. Tha's not so bad when you consider that 40,000 season ticket holders just pumped £20 million into the club...but that money is a seasons worth. If £6-8 million (so has been intimated to me) is due by 1st July in previously agreed transfers, plus bonus payments to players, staff and clubs of signings (success clauses) take care of another £2 million, that's £10 million left to fund wages. More payments (around £1.5-2 million ) are due in Jan 2010, leaving around £8 million. Euro nights will generate around £5 million but the irony is that the bank would probably have preferred 2nd place in the SPL as the extra cash isn't banked until end Aug/Sept whereas 2 CL qualifiers then Europa League games would have seen possibly 4 home games by the end of Sept...money in the bank.

Without selling players for cold hard cash on the nail, they're back to zero cashflow by December.....I estimate that £8 million will need to be generated to allow them to break even on current projected costs. And this doesn't make a single dent in the overdraft.

Who's got value in their team? Mendes, Davis and Bougherra spring to mind but the difference over Boumsong, Hutton and Cuellar is that all three are known quantities down south and their ability has already been measured in the English game. How much will a year in the SPL have increased their attractiveness to the EPL? Hutton got his move based on some sterling performances in Europe and for Scotland, where his mad bombing runs down the wing were admired. Cuellar did well at the back for Rangers, coped well in Europe too, so was a decent punt for a team. Davis couldn't hack it at Fulham, went to Rangers and had some good games IN THE SPL and had some bad games IN THE SPL....same for Bougherra and Mendes. I don't see any of the three going for the £6-8 milion that is needed.....all three maybe, but that leaves big holes in the first team.

We live in interesting times.....

Hail Hail!

Don't know if this has been mentioned before, but we were linked again this morning with Simon Cox. Skippy could learn a bit from him about first touch...2 special goals below

Simon Cox

RAGDaddy: Some of what you say may be fair - and I guess even Tories can support Celtic. :)

However, not every comment has been directed at you. Perhaps you deny there are any "blind followers" at all on this blog.

On the other hand, if reasoned debate means citing direct instances of pushing policies I find objectionable, it appears that is met with vociferous abuse from posters who no doubt see such behaviour as a form of personal loyalty.

I posted the day before yesterday because I was angry at the use of the term, "a bounty of Hibernians", to disparage four players, three of whom remain at the club and two of whom were our best performers last season. The specific Scott Brown issue has now been aired but the general attitude, I find disappointing.

I considered that to be an unfair attack on our players and, coupled with continued references to "asset management" and "churn", I think it fair to say that the implication is that Celtic should sell our best players when we get a good price for them.

That has serious echos of the old board who drove us to despair selling players at the drop of a hat.

I object to the ENTIRE blame for last season's abject capitulation being laid at the door of Gordon Strachan and the players. I do blame them but cannot be anything but frustrated when I see a failure to strengthen the squad adequately having the consequences that were so widely predicted.

Some think it is unreasonable to wonder why Paul67 NEVER seems to make any negative reference to a single action by Peter Lawwell or Dermot Desmond. (John Reid's actions should be exempt as there are none).

I despair of the people running Celtic. As a Tory, you will perhaps like John Reid better than I do but I must say that I am ashamed that someone with his record should be Chairman of Celtic. I also think his political record entitles me to distrust him.

Likewise Dermot Desmond. Anyone with any knowledge of his record pre-Celtic would feel entitled to question his dealings (notably re Charlie Haughey and family) and his motivations.

Peter Lawwell? I'm not sure if he is just following orders to the letter or is influencing policy directly. One way or another, the actions of Celtic over the last couple of years or so under his stewardship have left me deeply dissatisfied.

Then we can go back to Gordon Strachan, who had his failings. Insisting on signing players he has seen is not one of them in my opinion. Scouts identify and recommend players for managers - they don't sign them, not least because the manager carries the can. Yet Gordon Strachan has been criticised for just this "fault".

There also seems to be an implication that Celtic should be used as some form of showroom, signing cheap players from the continent and selling south any who happen to be any good.

All of the above issues seem to be pertinent to this blog - as in every case the prevailing view appears to be one that I find deeply worrying.

Need I go on - for example to an embarrassing champions league campaign, to giving the title away and in the process losing the chance to deliver a telling blow against a club I frankly despise?

Need I remind you that in the midst of our financial supremacy, we have won two domestic trophies out of six while Rangers "stalked by administration" as I believe was once said here, have won four?

There was a time when hostility to the board was a great spectator sport for Huns and their Hun hacks. For a period, the more positive attitude to the new regime seemed to be suiting everyone.

However, it appears to me that they have now become at best complacent and at worst contemptuous of the supporters - and it is OUR complacency that has allowed that.

I believe it is imperative that Celtic fans start to speak up and exert pressure. Given the issues I have raised above, and excluding the car park, what more appropriate forum is there?

Cue the torrent of ill-informed abuse!

Celtic_First on June 24, 2009 2:14 PM
Barcabhoy

Thanks for posting, as usual, with insight and detail that we, the financially challenged, are unlikely to have and even less likely to read about in mainstream media.

One question, if I may.

You paint as a likely scenario for Rangers the bank agreeing to go along with a 12-month business plan in which they will reduce spend on the football side and use CL money to reduce debt.

Surely that still gives us a chance to put the boot in.

If, as I believe, this title-loss is only a blip for Celtic, it won't take too long for the gap between us and them in business terms becomes much bigger, perhaps even unbridgeable. Such things can happen quickly in football these "

With sustainable and significant investment we should be able to regain the title and continue to dominate

The opportunity missed relates to the fact that Rangers are now able to put a plan to their bankers which has a decent chance of "working".....and as such the bank are likely to go along with it

"Working" is a relative term...it will still mean a further reduction in quality and investment, however i suspect that if the plan is accepted they will be left alone to operate as long as they stick to the outline of the plan

That is a difficult although just about manageable scenario for people who are used to making all their own decisions .....The alternative would have seen the bank make all decisions, even very minor ones, and a working environment that was hated by the Directors

Business' who in previous years boasted about their growth, their position on Rich Lists and their plans for world domination are now at the beck and call of HBOS/Lloyds

The MIH's,Miller's,West Coast Capital , Kenmores and others have had a shock to the system almost beyond description. There is no public affection for their business' outwith staff and some suppliers.....I know, because i know some of the individuals, that they hate the current situation...it is almost intolerable for them, but they have no choice but to carry out what the bank insist on

the worry for them is that when the asset values show signs of recovery, the bank may force a sale to get rid of the debt....there is going to be nothing close to what the owners of these business' thought was in it for them

Rangers are differrent though...there is public sentiment for them, and the opposite obviously....the bank will have to tread a slightly different path there....if there is a viable busienss plan, they will support it...even one which doesnt get rid of the debt as quickly as the bank want will probably be supported....that means Rangers will continue to make their own decisions, albeit in a more controlled financial environment

the differrence was , no CL income , meant no plan...nothing other than a firesale.....Without this Rangers would have been effectively paralysed and the bank in control

Now , although it might take 5 years....Rangers will recover financially....Once the money markets recover and borrowing capability is back at normal levels, they might even find a buyer....

What we should be doing in the meantime is ensuring they get as little European income as is in our means to do so....that equally applies in the SPL.....

The scenario I have outlined should have been apparrant to everyone at management and executive level. If it wasn't they shouldn't be there

We had the ingredients for a perfect storm....and we threw them a life raft...

anyway, thats behind us, nothing we can do about it now.....the people in charge owe the shareholders and the support for an opportunity missed.....so far they have made a decent start with a good managerial appointment

Barcabhoy

Thanks.

Paul:

Writing as a pseudo intellectual, might I recommend the blogging of Daniel Davies, a left-wing stockbroker (I know, I know), here, here and here.

The reason I bring it up at this moment is that he posts this excellent advice in his most recent piece:

In the early days of blogging, a particular comments moderation policy was independently invented by a number of us, specifically that "if something would earn you a punch in the face if you said it to someone in a pub, you're not allowed to write it in a blog comments section".

For the avoidance of doubt, I am not advocating that anyone in any pub, or anywhere else, punches anyone in the face, or anywhere else. It's just that from time to time we all need a moral compass, a touchstone.

Sir Paul

Setanta?

Celtic T.V.? Wither, Wither?

Ah popped this question tae Ma Numbah Two Advisor, in Awe things Celtica Related, Ali Zarathustra.

Ma Numbah Wan Advisor,in the same category.. Mr.Skeetzick..wiz indisposed.

"It all depends," the answer to ma enquiry, came back.

"Depends oan whit?", this, frae Me.

"Good Question," this, frae Zarry.

At this juncture.. let's change the subject,kiddo....

Ah dinna like the wey this conversation is goin'!

Maks sense tae me!

Kojo.

Bohemian Bhoy at 3;30pm.

A truly magnificent post. I congratulate you.

By Kojo on June 24, 2009 3:40 PM

Normally have to read your posts at least twice before the point has registered...Once I get yer point it normally makes good sense (Not knocking you in the least)I like yer style..However lost me on the last post...Can you decipher...Much appreciated..

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Green Oak Tree.

Sorry,pal.

Ah canny help ye tae decipher ma last effort.

Besides, even if Ah did,the fact that ye dinna understaun whit is wiz aboot,in the foist place, shows me that...an explanation, wid be a waste of time.

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

GreenOakTree

Kin you no reed proper hinglish?

kojo dont listen tae him, yer awe right in ma book.

paul67,

How many times has a post hit 1000 comments.

The last one 'SPL and the money produced from nowhere' did.

and unaccustomed as I am to claiming a 1st post - I would like to lay claim to one of a very select club

1000th post

tojo - yipee dee doo daa

"OECD head Angel Gurria says the world economy is at a turning point"

Now, THAT, (IMO) is spin!

God Bless Kano.

Regards & Hail Hail
TBM

Kojo/voguepunter

akkkkkkkkbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeuuuuuuuuuuuudbbbbbbbbbbaaaaaaaayeeeeeeeeemmmmmmdiiiiiiiiiiiisahhhhhhhhhhh nnnnnnnskjsmmmsmsmsmmsmsmsmssiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiineeeeeee

Decipher that ya couple o bandits.....Ha Ha Ha

..."and those that dont understand dont matter".....where have I heard that before I wonder

English Accent - What's so surprising about a Guardianista stockbroker? Stockbrokers can be as smug as anyone.

I agree with your suggested policy, although of course the pub standard depends on which pub we are using as the yardstick of punch-in-the-mouthability.

As Edward will no doubt confirm, there are pubs in darkest Ayrshire where people from outside the surrounding area are known as "Normies" and are liable to be subjected to a terrifying 'Deliverance' style ordeal should they be so unwise as to venture into one of the taverns in question.

I suggest the pub we choose should be a place of taste and refinement, such as the Forge in Whifflet.

Kojo

I know exactly what you mean....Celtic TV cost Celtic nothing to produce, and indeed Setanta paid a 'royalty' of £400k per annum to provide it. It's now faced with closure because it has no output medium. Perhaps Celtic can convince ESPN of the need for a 'corporate outlet' but each channel provided by ESPN on the Sky platform requires bandwidth, an EPG number fee, studios and transmission base. The 'failure' of Setanta to initially attract enough subscribers to support their SPL only product, leading to the deal whereby Sky paid them to include the games in their commercial 'pub' product, means that ESPN is unlikely to see commercial value in providing a limited appeal product across a diverse demographic. The failure of Setanta in trying to be a 'jack of all trades' coupled with the set-up costs for ESPN make focus the key for them. They also have to deal with a dimished product after year one, 46 games becoming 23, unless they strike a deal with Sky for their 5th package...but that is just conjecture of course..... ;o)

Hail Hail!!

A pair of Ayrshire stockbrokers mildly upset at criticism of their favourite Romantic Comedy.

paul67
hi paul did rangers not sell thr tv rights to ntl
when they took that loan of 30million & celtic refused
when allan macdonald was chief exect,meaning celtic
can sell there rights&rangers cant or was that a
different deal

Chris The Tim on June 24, 2009 4:12 PM

Kojo

I know exactly what you mean....lah de dah

Dontbrattbackinanger - don't they look just like Kris Boyd's goal celebration face?

GreenOakTree

It is a woory....that I know what he mean when he doesn't...maybe I've ascended to an alternate plane of existance...or maybe I'm oot ma tree! Who knows, who cares...pass the ketchup!!!

Hail Hail!

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo

(and any other overseas bloggers wishing to make a contrbution towards "Bringing Martin Home")

Can you drop me an e-mail on cqnquiz@gmail.com.

I now have the back code that you require to make a donation from outside the UK.

Thanks.

Woory....worry....the drugs are kickiN in festeR tHan I can tipe.... :o)

They look like Kirk Broadfoot's successful boiling of egg without having to go to A and E celebration face; which is something he's been working on over the close season.

DBBIA

Don't mess with the Kirk! Scarred for life over a snack....his damaged face is a loss to womankind everywhere! Plus he dinged Monster Munch a cracker over his 'What were you up to at the weekend?....Scorin' goals for ma country!' line.....All hail the Clubfoot!!!!

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Chris the Tim.

Pal... ye hiv goat maist o' the Jist o' Ma Truncated Expose.( Is that spelling correct?,Fur it jist dinna look right!..or. is it Gist Me?...ed)( Na, it is no jist you,it's me, tae... Ah Gist saw Ma mistake,as weel.)

And also,palomine,ye hiv added some mair info,o' yer ain.

Ye ur, ur indeed, a man tae ride the river wi'.

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes the wey ye think.

They also look like wee Nacho's if Fernando Torres and David Villa both got run over by a combine harvester I could get a game for Spain celebration face.

Been doing a bit o' sniffing around then scratching the surface these past couple of days, then some digging around, and have some incredible news. It took my breath away when it all clicked into place. I've discovered that NegativeAnon's post from sunday night was not deleted at all. It was instead 'removed' from the blog and stashed away in a vault next to the Seville money.

JerryFletcherCSC

PS Bohemian Bhoy; Enjoyed reading your post there. Cheers.

Paul, Agree with rebus67, we need to spend some money on a couple of forwards who are going to score forty or fifty goals between them.

The present two or three are not good enough. McDonalds retention and distribution of the ball is not good enough forbthe championship,down here in England,let alone the Spl.

Having lived in Rotherham since I was 11 years old,thats 55years,and being a football supporter,I watch live football,hence a season ticket holder at Sheffield United. However I agree with KOJO,I am a Celtic fan,thats different to being a supporter,as KOJO, said a fan is a fanatic. I consider myself to be a Celtic fanatic,and have been since my first visit to Celtic Park in 1951, John Higgins, Willie Fernie and Bobby Evans being my heroes.

As I only get up to Celtic Park a couple of times a season I am Going to miss Setanta,and Celtic T V........

PAUL, I HAVE been reading this site since you set it up,addicted to it
and I have to say I have been concerned that some people have suggested that you may wide it up, because of ,in my opinion unfair criticisims.

Paul, Please keep the site going. I for one would be lost without it.

In Sheffield there is strong rumours that United interested in Loovens, and the fans would love him down here.

Hope he is not for sale,as he is the best Central defender at Celtic Park, he has speed,both caldwell and Mcmanus are to slow.

I have been very disappointed in Maloney since his return, played well for one or two games then disappeared, then he was injured.

When he went over to Germany to see a specalist, something Gordon Strachan said,Its up to Shaun now, suggested to me THAT IT WAS ALL IN HIS MIND, this injury problem. I think he lacks confidence,and that is worrying.

PAUL, One other matter is THE medical team at the club on top of their job. A number examples throughout last season Wilson, Robson, Did they wait to long before their operation. We were told Kennedy was ready to play again, then he never appeared. Now we have Scot Brown, why have they WAITED TO THE END OF THE CLOSE SEASON,surely this should have been done at the end of May.

Paul KEEP THE SITE GOING IT HAS BEEN A GOD SEND TO PEOPLE LIKE ME.

Good luck

WGS

Juan Arango?

Dobbo

Juan Arango? Naw, Juan up front an' a left back fur starters!

hi ghuys

please,please,please if there is a god in heaven,make sure we sign a quality left back.

its not too much to ask for is it????????????

and two lethal strikers

and tough footballing centre mid

its not to much to ask for is it:))))))

hail hail

iliveinhopeCSC

Dobbo .... looks a great player, possibly a Naka replacement.

SFFS

Ibleed...

"two lethal strikers..."!!!!

Even just hearing those words in the same context as the Celtic gets the heart pumpin'.

Roll-on the fitba'!

As I said the other day - if they didn't constantly alienate their (potential) audiences all the time it might have been different for them. This goes alot further than the SPL, by the way.

The BBC model doesn't compare, they don't rely on subscription, and as such are almost certainly immune to their consequences. Shame the BBC isn't subscription too...

Good riddance to "it". And Boof... I hope you never utter another word in broadcast again, you despicable worm.

Just returned from my middle kids awards ceremony at her school, only one in the family that watches all the games with me, two boys don't care, but I can still change the youngest, anyway she just received 14 awards out of 18 the classes received, I did not know she was involved in half the stuff, anyway she wanted to wear her Celtic Pink tracksuit for the pictures, only in my family, although I am sure most of your kids would do the same.

Good luck Laura, Dads wee lassie

With our apparent difficulty in recruiting players due to over inflated transfer fees.

You would think a logical strategy would be to go after Bosmans. We seem to have over looked this market in recent seasons or are not prepared to pay decent signing on fees.

Why not?

I think Bosman signings would be our only realistic chance of bringing in quality and experienced players.

I remember gaun tae the 'tally van and askin' fur a boatle o' ginger, two cheese 'n' onion, wan salt 'n' vinegar an' a Fry's Five Centurs. I handed him a haun fu' o' shrapnel and said 'Is that enuff?' He said 'Naw, Wan Tanner Mair-a....I said jist Wan Tanner Maira......Wan Tanner Maaaaaaiiiiraaaa.....gimmie a Wan Tanner Maaaaaairrraaaaa!

From the file marked Where are They Now?, dusty cupboard, Lennoxtown

Exclusive by Bert Mitchell

PARTICK THISTLE may be set to hand former Celtic starlet Michael McGlinchey a career lifeline.

The 22-year-old joined the Jags for the opening day of their pre-season at Lochinch where he was put through his paces along with the rest of the first-team squad by Thistle assistant Gerry Britton.

Also present was former Hibs striker Damon Gray, who had two successful loan spells with the Jags over the last two seasons, but it is the inclusion of the once highly touted McGlinchey that will intrigue Firhill fans.

Britton revealed: "We have decided to give Michael a chance to show us what he can do. Michael was one of the most highly-rated talents of his generation and, at 22, he still has time to fulfil his potential. So we'll have a good look at Michael and he has the platform to impress us."

Who know's we may increase these players values and be able to cash in on them in a season or two.

bankiebhoy1

lol:)))))

We need almost a full team replaced, I have heard on her complaints about almost every position, only three players will make the team come July maybe 4, but I think by January BTM will have his stamp on the team, Is BoBo still a Celtic Player.

Celtic lose out on first choice manager

No more live coverage of Celtic matches at time of writing, a great blow to all overseas supporters.

Celtic TV finished.

Celtic fail to sign Fontaine an average player who instead
opts for rag-ball outfit Hull.

Is our great club starting to slip below the waterline?

Ellbhoy

You're risking the wrath of Kojo with that one

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend... Springhill Bhoy.

Happy, tae mak yer acquaintance,pal.

Ye ur ma kinda Guy!... nae need tae explain... as tae... Why!

Thanks, fur the Leg Up.( Whit?...ed)( Dae Ah even hiv tae explain tae you,noo?)

Learning that ye are domiciled near Sheffield, I hiv a burning hoat question fur ye.

Whit dae ye think o' that young fella me lad..whom Ah named ... THE RIFLE?

Noo, ah canny remember his correct name!

Anyhow.. he left Sheffield United, when he wiz still at the Trainee Stage..and ended up in a Third Division Outfit.. again. my memory let's me doon, as to which Team that wiz..

Then..while playing fur his New Team...He Blossomed intae the Top Goalscorer in His Division...and Ah mean....BIG,BIGER,BIGGEST... Time.

This is where Celtic comes in.

We wur interested, much mucho.. However, as they Say in the Newsies...

He SNUBBED, CELTIC.. and.. wid ye believe this?

He wiz BOUGHT BACK, by.. SHEFFIELD UNITED!

So..

Tae return tae Ma Smoking Hoat Question.

Whit is his Status,noo.. in the Sheffield United Set-Up?

At this element in this discourse.. at the risk of muddying the waters, as is Ma wont...

I am not at all soiten .. if The Team where he served his Soccer Apprenticeship, and subsequently, where he Returned.. was called..

Sheffield United.

In,fact. .or.. mebbe,actually... no... in fact,at all..

It may have bin..

Sheffield Wednesday!

Be that as it May, or. May Not..

The Burning Question tae Ma Burning Question..is..

Kin ye throw, cast, or shine... your choice.. any Light, oan this Matter,pal?

Kojo.
yer pal... who likes ye an awfy loat.

Ellbhoy

I remember Sol Campbell going to Arsenal...for a period of time he was, by far, the best paid footballer in Britain.....£80k a week salary and a £12 million signing on fee paid to him over 4 years adding almost £60k a week.....and Wenger still said he was a bargain! I agree Bosmans are the way forward...how come Lawwell is so eager to offer terminal bonuses for seeing out a contract (Bobo?) when they walk away for nowt, but nothing upfront to a player we could potentially move on for a profit? Curious use of P&L accounts and cash flow......

Yes Molly Malone, all is lost. abandon ship. we are all doomed.

First choice manager? Who?

Celtic TV to return in a different guise, possibly internet based is the more likely outcome from the failure of Setanta.

Fortune to Hull? Is that confirmed? Even if it is it isn't the first time and it won't be the last. The pull of £15K a week, full houses of up to 60k people, regualr European football, championship medals and cups cannot compete with 25 - 30K a week and a relegation dogfight. How can Celtic insult these guys by only offering them subsistence wages? Or was it the transfer fee? Don't know. If so then to hell with it. Celtic need to watch their money. Hull obviously don't (until they do get relegated and are lumbered with big wages and serious cuts in income.)

Rant over.

Don't worry - be happy CSC

roberttressell

Quite Frankly I don´t want Fortune and if he goes to Hull to earn some more coffers then on ye go son, show us yer medals and enjoy yer career playing sporting giants like Portsmouth, Fulham, Wolves, Stoke and all the other dross in that self prclained greatest league in the world.

They can pay more but if that is all you want then fine.

I don´t want ANY of the strikers we have been linked with this week.

Roberttressell

I thought Owen Coyle was the first choice manager. Thanks for reminding me of all the great things we enjoy at our club. I am beginning to feel better already. Going to sit in the back garden and enjoy the sunshine.

The Battered Bunnet on June 24, 2009 5:22 PM

The rath of Kojo is only a smoke screen he's really just a pussy cat:)

Chris The Tim on June 24, 2009 5:27 PM

So Campbell was looked upon as a new 3 million pound signing year on year at Arsenal (obviously plus his huge wages).

I think the obvious similarity this window would be Owen. Give him a guranteed year on year signing on fee plus his wages, perhaps with an option of a break. For 2 or 3 million up front I think he could be a bargain. He has to find form this season if he's got any chance of a World cup spot next season. Whoever he play's for next season they are likely to get a hungry striker. If he rediscovers his scoring touch he's still young enough next season to be courted for a huge fee.

KoJo,,, i give you the rifle,,,,,,

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

Kojo, The Gun, Billy Sharp,started his career at Sheffield United,transferred to Scunthorpe, where he scored goals for fun.

Sheffield United, reportdly paid 2million pounds for him, might have been 3million,who is to know, Maybe Mad mitch,he seems to know how much players cost.

Koj, I am afraid the gun is firing Blanks and will probabily be transfered for a small fee anytime soon.

Kojo you cant get them all right,but in my opinion you are right about MOLLY, money down the drain.

Krakowbhoy

Sadly for us........Hull playing sporting giants like Portsmouth, Fulham, Wolves, Stoke and all the other dross......

That other dross probably includes Man Utd, Chelsea, L'pool etc etc

More and more players are drawn to big money as opposed to actually winning a medal or three......Hurts like hell that we're stuck in this dead end league and I think we're really gonna sruggle getting players in who maybe don't know much about us or our proud history.

A quick blast round BBC News throws up some interesting stories:

When Judy Dench swears, people always complain according to the BBFC. Better than being deleted Judy!

Further, the most recent DVD set of Friends was given a 12 rating instead of a PG because, somewhere in the 24 episodes, the word 'spastic' is used. Once.

Meantime, the Dwarf Olymics are coming to Belfast. There are doubts over the participation of the Romanian team.

Daryl Hannah (DBBIA alert) has been arrested in West Virginia for protesting against open cast mining. Article describes her as a champion of clean energy, and, gen up, one of her fellow protesters was arrested for battery.

Finally, Celtic have failed to sign a left back, a centre forward or a midfield general, amplifying the embarrassment to the club of failing to get their first choice manager.

Thank god for slow news days.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Krakow Bhoy.

Excellente.. pit,pal.

You Echo ma Sentiments, exactly regarding the quality of the Forage,we are purported to be eyeing.

Fortune, wiz a nae go frae the start.. He failed tae Pass.. Kojo's Rules of Incoming Stiker Transferees.. oan two Counts.

Rule.. Wan

He is nae Jimmy McGrory... He is mair like a Jvoh, part Two.

Rule.. Three.

He is and was... NO WAANTED. .by his PARENT TEAM.. who, as everyboady knows..should Know the full Unabridged Story. .oan his Actual Woith tae THEM!
Which is.. Nada..Zilch.. "Get this Guy oot o' ma Sight!"

But, if they kin Reel in, a Sucker, who diznae Know the Real story.. then..

Ye pays ye Money and ye taks yer Chances!

Maks sense tae me!

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

Out Of Contract: Players Across Europe Free To Move This Summer

not really a great deal to be had, fae europe's biggest leagues,,

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear, friend.. Springhill Bhoy.

Thanks,pal.. ye ur a Brick( Whit?..is that some kinda Zinger?..ed)( Perish the Thought Pally.. you Yanks jist dinna get the Lingo)

So it looks that We dodged .. tae continue oan the Musketary Vein.. A BULLET!

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch..

Who said Ah canny Get them Awe Right?

Sure Dukes,pal.. I Agree with your Agreement with Me.

Molly.. Stinks.. Molly, is a wee Jessie.. Molly, canny tackle.. Molly, canny Track Back.. Molly, fa's doon tae easily, even at a TICKLE o' A TACKLE... Molly, never met an Injury, that he Didnae Like.

Sure, he kin Dribble and He Kin Jink..

Nae Question..

Howevahhhhhh........

as they say in Texas, pard..

" He is Awe HAT and Nae .. CATTLE!"

Nice Chattin', pal o' Mine.

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes ye mair and mairer.

Moonbeams Wet Dream calling all CQN cyclists.

Are you be interested in spending a day with a few fellow CQNers cycling across Central Scotland from Glasgow Green to Edinburgh to raise money for our fellow CQNer Kano.

‘CQN Cycles for Kano’ will be joining the Pedal for Scotland event to take place on the 13th September 2009. looking to leave Glasgow at around 9am’ish.

Already we have 5 confirmed CQNers

Mouldy67
Bigjock67
Falkirkbhoy
Biginsend
Jonnybhoy
Me

2 unconfirmed.

DBBIA

The more the merrier. Come and join us if you can. It would be good to make up as many teams of 4 as possible since for each team of 4 entered 1 of the 4 goes free cutting the cost for all involved by £4.50.

Cost to each person if we can enter teams of 4 will be £13.50 + transport back to Glasgow of £13.00 per person (including transportation of your bike)if required. If I get odd numbers for teams I will divide the total cost by the numbers taking part.

Let me know if you are interested by sending a mail to

cqncycleforkano

@

googlemail.com

I will organise means for sponsorship at a later date.

Thanks

MWD

brendan behan on June 24, 2009 6:00 PM

A few more on here.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1173117/Best-Bosmans-Sportsmails-guide-contract-players.html

Add to this.

Liedson and Lita.

Sure their are many more around the game.

We have lost one in Nakamura and I don't see him on any lists, also JVOH may also be available on a free and also not being touted as a bosman.

Falkirkbhoy & Biginsend

can you drop me a mail at

cqncycleforkano@googlemail.com

DBBIA - you too if you are still interested? Gonny answer. :o)

MWD

Bargain today.

Mate selling a 1 month old plasma 42" telly with built in freeview for £25.

All that's wrong with it is the volume button on the remote is busted.

I couldn't turn it doon :-)

Kojo

I agree re: Fortune....but I defer to Tony Mowbray who would have an intimate knowledge of what he would bring to a Celtic team. Howevah...is Sutton the exception that proves yer rule? Bates chased him oot the door, crowing he'd sold Celtic a dud, despite losing £3 million on the transfer. But Celtic knew what they were buying, the Yin to Larsson's Yang...as opposed to the orphan winger that Sutton was played as at Chelsea. Could Fortune be Skippy's Yin...does that sound vaguely sexual? Who knows, who cares....pass the ketchup, nurse!!!

Hail hail!

It may be off topic,and for that i apologise,just wanted to wish Shunsuke Nakamura all the luck in the world,in his time with us he was an exanple of what hard work and practice can bring.His three years at Celtic Park were conducted in a completely professional manner,and,to top it all off,he scored,what was,without a doubt,the finest free kick i have ever seen.Who could forget the euphoria of that night?it was one of the great european evenings,thanks,SN.

johnnyquest - nice one.

Thanks Naka - it was a pleasure.

Good Luck in Spain.

Update on the UEFA U21 Fantasy Football League now the group stages have been completed.

1 True Colours 159
2 SFTB SFTB 151
3 harrys heroes 146
4 Dynamo Tyrone 145
5 Hendrix67 140
6 The Green Machine 139
7 beatonsbhoys 137
8 DrumGlen Utd 134
9 L.A.CELTIC 129
10 paxmania 127
11 Bhoys will be bhoys 126
12 BumbleBees Revenge 126
13 pointer brothers 125
14 We'llwinitall 121
15 Jobby 120
16 Shatners Syrup 118
17 Roll and Tosic 112
18 LargsCSC 111
19 Sparcelona 110
20 Stevos Heroes 108
21 seville7 102
21 Irelandshouldbehere 102
23 Croydon Celtic 102
24 BareArseAloner 100
25 Henriks11 92
26 celtic hoops 91
27 Coatbrig Muppets 89
28 Belfast_bhoys 87
28 Selección67 87
30 German Hoops 83
31 Latimer Lions 79
32 Sydney Bhoys 76
33 Im the new manager 73
34 Dinky Diamond 70
35 cf citlec 58

I now know why I was passed over for the managers job.

johnnyquest,

Not to mention one of the best ever against "them"

Ya Beauty

twists n turns

How did the snooker go?

EN

Bohemian Bhoy @3-30pm
Excellent post.

Johnnyquest

Naka's free kick at CP against ManUtd was made all the sweeter by the fact he'd done exactly the same thing away against them....everyone in the ground knew where it was going....and it was still unstoppable! It was the fitba equivalent of Babe Ruth pointing with his bat where he was gonna put the home run...

No wonder Matt Le Tissier, owner of a mean free-kick himself in his day, was so effusive in his praise.

Nakamura-sama, arigato gozishimashite! You'll never walk alone!

Hail Hail!

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Brendan Behan.

Thanks pal fur taking such trouble to inform.

On studying this Curious Case.. I must admit that the I am defeated in finding a solution to the sudden Switch-off of Form, by young Billy.. and he is entitled tae be called, Young.. Still only Twenty Three.

On quite a few occasions, including on the Return to Sheffield..he has Scored the Much saught after.. "Hat Trick" of Goals.
A Feat that can be sometimes achieved,by others..

However, his feat that he accomplised on his return to Sheffield, was remarkably conspicuous, in that it was done, by scoring with his Right Foot, His Left Foot, and the Crowning Stroke. By a Header!

A PERFECT HAT-TRICK!

That,in itself. tells me a Loat aboot the Potential o this young Man.

If I were King..

And... If what my good friend, Springhill Bhoy,has newly informed, about the Status o' Billy's present Status at Sheffield..is still extant..

Which means that this young fellow can be gotten.. oan the Cheap..then

Ah wid Be Willin',As Barkis, wiz.. wi' Peggotty..although, fur entirely unrelated reasons...

Tae take a chance with this Lad.

Kojo.
Yer pal.. who likes ye aloat.

Kojo,

Assistance required:

Regarding your comments on Fortune and to a lesser degree Molly, I wholeheartedly concur with what you are saying. I read earlier on here that TM was considering a bid for Kamara from Fulham. I say we've had enough experience with the Camara moniker ( Mo & Henri ) to go down this path again. Would you, with your wonderful linguistic talent, please explain why we would consider a 5M bid for someone who has major knee surgery rather than float 6M for Mark Janko? Something doesn't seem right or have I fallen victim to a spin?

Celtic's financial supremacy is only relevant if it can be converted into players.

If players of the standard we seek and require prefer to join clubs who can/will pay more, then Celtic's money is no use to them.

If we can't spend it, then it levels the field between us and them.

Perhaps our best bet will be to seek players, who, for one reason or another, are perceived to be damaged goods,looking for an opportunity to re-establish themselves. Cadete, Di Canio equivalents.

Failing that, it's SPL time till our young European imports graduate.

I don't envy our hard working and honourable Board their job.

Estadio, just polishing off a salmon steak here, and I'll be back with the snooker report. Needless to say, it was quite a night....

Bohemian Bhoy

Apologies for the delay in replying, firstly let me say, I agree with much of the sentiments of your post and cannot offer, indeed I would not wish to offer, much argument against your observations. My main argument with you was the use of the SB argument however I am man enough to admit there is more depth to your argument as expressed in your post at 3.30. I am simply conscious that this blog has become one of the few rational forums for debate on all things Celtic and do not want to see it disappear. I do not know Paul personally and felt he deserved a bit of support for providing us all with this platform

For what its worth I truly believe that we missed a huge chance to 'bury our rivals' with the lack of activity in January and I feel that this was as you say more out of complacency (contempt I am not so sure about).

I also believe we are being hoodwinked when we are asked to believe that no single player (other than Willo) was available during January,the reason being because the right players weren't available at the right price!! I simply do not buy that one(what is the saying about fail to prepare?)!

I think the historical political and business machinations of those incumbent on the Board could lead us into arguments about ethics, and what is and isn't acceptable in modern political and business circles, suffice to say one man's pleasure!

I will be out of the loop for the next week or so in a posting capacity however I will look forward to your future posts and will, as I said earlier offer my agreement or counter when I possibly can

yours in Celtic

RD

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Just Chris..

The Comparison that ye are endeavourng tae mak. between The Noble Sutton.. and the Lowly Fortune,is absolutely positively..no a Cogent Wan.

Reason why I scoff at yer Weel Intentioned Attempt?

Fortune, did not go the West Brom oan a TEN MILLION POUNDS OF the Finest ORCHIDS fee, as the Immortal Mr.Sutton, cost when he was transferred, to Chelsea... from .. Blackburn(?)

Also..

Keeping in Mind.. that the Estimable Sutton, STILL COST CELTIC,when they in turn.. procured his services..

A WHOPPING .. SIX MILLION POUNDS OF THE FINEST LANARKSHIRE TOMATOES.

Na..

Oan the Ither Haun...

The Misbegotten, Mr. Fortune.. came to West Brom strictly as a Stoap Over, on his way tae Soccer Oblivion.

He wiz no Waanted by his Ain Team at that Time..

and HE STILL IS NOT WANTED BY THEM.

In short or in long...

He wiz DUMPED!

A Valiant effort,pal.

But Ah am afraid ..

Ye are Comparing Scots Whisky tae Irish.. ( Hey.. look oot pal..that ought tae get someboady's Irish Up!..ed)( Whit dae I care?.. It is the Truth.. and if they canny handle the Truth. then Tough Cookies!)

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes ye aloat.

thomthethim
If Celtic's hard working and honourable board can't turn our financial supremacy into finding players to fit into a successful team then perhaps they should step aside for people who can.
Not to sure how hard they actually worked in the last few transfer windows.

fan-a-tic

"Not to sure how hard they actually worked in the last few transfer windows."

That's the point.

Too many people make and post assumptions that fit their particular hypothesis and agenda, without being privy to the facts.

I TRY to remain positive.:>)

Kojo

I was not comparing Sutton to Fortune, just questioning the argument that if a player is unwanted by his current team, we shouldn't consider them....Sutton was a National Hunt thoroughbred being asked to run the Derby. His talent had been proved in the SaS attack of Blackburn Rovers, but Chelsea chose to misuse his talent.

Martin O'Neill saw his place in the Celtic team and what he could bring...and all I'm saying is that Tony Mowbray has had 5 months of working day in, day out with Fortune and should he decide that he can do a job for him, I'll defer to his superior knowledge, hail Fortune as a Hoop and hope he can do the business, as I hope of every player that pulls on the Hoops and steps on the turf.

Hail Hail!

thomthethim
To fail in consecutive windows would suggest that they are not up to the job.
I am like most Celtic supporters positive about our team but not convinced our board are as supportive of the footballing side of our club.
They are very successful on the business side of our club.

timsinyyz

forget about kamara - he will go for a lot more than £5 mill. Personally i think he is an outstanding player and if we get him I would be absolutely delighted. He was immense when he came back from injury at the end of last season and would be a quality.

out of our league unfortunately

I find it hard to believe that our board would purposely,not sign players which would have helped us win the league,i am as frustrated as the next guy,but i dont believe that the big bad board are trying not to help the club be successful.

it just does not make sense?

so unless anyone can prove otherwise then it is just all speculation.

hail hail

DougieBhoy,

I will defer to your knowledge then since I know nothing of him other than what I've read online.

Hail Hail

Bhoys: when you get a minute take a look at this link and tell me what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01RpvM3m13Q&feature=related I will send anotherin a couple of minutes. Why no investigation in this poor guys knife attack.

Paul67.

I have/had a package from BT/vision which included Setanta Sports.
Today I received an automated call stating that Setanta were no longer trading (which I knew)and they will cancel my subscription until the football season starts,At the start of the season, the contract will start up again, with ESPN taking over the contract.

Could you,or any off our readers tell me if I'm in my right to cancel the existing contract.

i cant rememeber who it was against but he scored an unbelievable overhead kick in the premiership.

he is injury prone and suffers through confidence at times though...he would do a job for us though

Barca-Bhoy

Thanks for getting the talk back onto financials.

Interesting to see what the T/O comes out as it was looking good in Dec in the main due to the TFOD flop money.

One thing is that the outgoings will not be reduced because we lost the league, 2008/09 contains the bonuses paid out in July 2008 for "Helicopter Thursday".

Interesting to see how we get on.

First half had us generating £2.5mill of cash after putting out £4.5mill to bring in new players.

Total player investment in those 6 months is given as £7mill, although only the £4.5mill mentioned above went out the door. PL getting big on calenderisation?

New players:

GL
SM
MC
GS

Interesting to see the split on these 4?

The rumour that MON crowbar'ed £2.5mill out of PL before SM could head up north could well be true looking at these figures. When he gets the money could well be another issue.

Also the issue of the "Fat Boy Three" contract extentions seems to be lurking around somewhere. I don't think any signing on fees have been included in the above £7mill number. Anyone care to comment?

Finally we now know that it cost £1.2mill to rid us of "onerous contracts".

Issue remains how much did TG get?

Consequently the accounts for 2008/09 are important but the big issue is what will happen in 2009/10.

2008/09 Operating Expenses = £65mill+ (poss £67mill)
2009/10 Operating Expenses = £62mill+ (poss £64mill)

Big issue then is T/O.

AMB2 with soft season ticket sales mean £53-55mill is the the worst case scenario.

Consequently we are looking at £5-10mill negative cashflow before a pound is spent on players.

Now where did I put my worry beads?

Chris The Tim on June 24, 2009 6:36 PM

How did ye get away wi that wan an nae deletion eether! :-) Arabic Keyboard smiley.............I hope........

Regards & Hail Hail
TBM

Here is another link to the saint: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=322VtL6cmVk

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Chris The Tim

Your latter reason for considering Mr. Fortune, is a sound one.

And it is a stand alone one.

As you say.. Leave the Picking of Players to Mr.Mowbray.

No argument from me, there.. pal.

Forget the Comparison bit.. and.. by the way.. I try my best..

And Most Times, I Succeed...

To...

NEVER EVER ENDEAVOUR,TO MAKE COMPARISONS BETWEEN TWO PLAYERS, REGARDING THEIR INDIVIDUAL FOOTBALLING ABILITIES..

and that, I am afraid..

Is anither WAN.. o' KOJO'S PESKY RULES.

Kojo.
yer Pal.. who likes ye mair and mair.

fan-a-tic

I really believe that success in the business side and the football side go hand in hand.

Last year, I'm afraid, they were a bit out of sync.

Let's hope that they realign next season.

I'm off to watch Spain v USA.

Cheers

DougieBhoy on June 24, 2009 7:28 PM
i cant rememeber who it was against but he scored an unbelievable overhead kick in the premiership.

he is injury prone and suffers through confidence at times though...he would do a job for us though

With all due respect, one spectacular goal in the EPL does not a hero make. I hold Mr. Janko's consistency and talent for goals scoring in a much higher regard.

i was citing that as an example of his ability - he is strong, fast and technically very good. would be an excellent addition....

still think we missed out by not signing matt derbyshire from blackburn today - young and cheap with great potential

Finnharp: have no idea why the attack was apparently not investigated but turning it into a Da Vinci Code conspiracy clearly suggests evangelical paranoia to me...

WWC - no matter where we live or why this guy was attacked, any law enforcement must investigate such actions, and I assume he is in the UK so with knife attacks as badas they are, police should have done something - unless ???.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend Timsinyyz
@ 6.40.

The Kamara story, could be, and Ah believe,is.. an auld fashioned shot in the Daurk, by
the Newsies..

It is one thing for Celtic to be interested in a Player of Kamara's Reputation,but, who has fallen oan evil times..to come chapping at his Owner's door.

If his fee was Commensurate with his present Woith, because of his past crippling injury..

Which fee, I would be say.. should be... Two Million Pounds of Hamilton's Finest.

Howevahhhhhh....

It now becomes a Preposterous Idea.. that Celtic would be at all interested in the Player under Discussion...at such an Elevated Figure...as quoted in the Yellow Press.

Na...

Fuggettabootit... I believe that the Kamara Story, has been Ghost Written.. by Hans Christian Anderson.

Oan the Ither Haun...

I know that Celtic, have already spoken to Mr.Janko.. during the winter meetings.

The Ball is in Both Courts, and regarding, the Ootcome of these Talks..

The Ba' is bouncing frae the Mr. Janko Court.. across the Net intae the Celtic Wan.

Where it wull stoap. .naeboady knows.

Brushing All euphemistic high jinks tae the side..fur the moment.

I sincerely believe that if Mr. Janko wants tae come tae us..

We wull dig deeply.. and do our best that his wish be granted.

Kojo.
your pal.. who likes ye aloater.

I cant remember a summer where there has been a huge majority of Celtic supporters shouting for one man to be signed.

Ive yet to see a poster say anything against him.

Even some posters who do not shout about potential signings are shouting for him.

The man?

Marc Janko

Come on Celtic do what it takes to get this man, we can afford him and give him Bobo's wages.

For latest pictures of Kano please visit

http://www.helpingmartin.moonfruit.com/#/latest-news/4534181444

If you want to buy a personalised football coaster then follow the link.

Handcrafted and personalised, this gift is unique and makes a great gift for any occasion.

http://www.helpingmartin.moonfruit.com/#/merchandise/4534111930

Want to win a Martin O Neill signed original oil painting for £2. See KDS link

http://kerrydalestreet.co.uk/topic/8141657/1/

All profits go to Kano

Bringing Martin Home CSC

Finnharp :- Without knowing more details I can't give an opinon on why the police didn't follow up an investigation, but having looked at those clips and a cople of others by the same bloke I reckon he needs urgent mental health treatment.
He gests attacked at triangular road markings on a road hump and it means there is a masonic conspiricy?
The childs song "I'm a little teapot" is a masonic rhyme?
I know it's silly season on CQN but being very kind to the bloke he is obsessive, gullible and very stupid.

Kojo,

As always I bow to your literary prowess. You have made my afternoon complete. Hope the PLC are listening.

should read:

"Allegorical High Jinks.."

Sorry aboot that..

"Ready, when you are, C.B.!"

Kojo.

EdwardUrsus@8-06pm
Sure your not trying to discredit that guy because you know full well that it was a chelsea supporter in rangers top that threw the knife and ran away?

FAO TonyBhoy

The colleague with the knowledge is at CIPD conference so it could be early next week before I get her. The other person can only say like you that most, nearly all, use Handy, so her recommendation would be just that. Let me know about the former and I will speak to her Monday and post on here around this time. Apologies for not bringing better.

Hope it's going well.

HT

Spain 0 USA 1 (Altidore)

finnharp what a load of drivel!!! how the hell (pun intended!!) did you find those clips?

Some interesting early odds.

Celtic to win the league 4/5 or 5/6 at many bookies.

The following from Skybet.

SPL & Scottish Cup 7/2

SPL & CIS Cup 4/1

SPL, Scottish Cup & CIS Cup 10/1

All Four Trophies inc. Champions League 1000/1

That treble looks good.

Estadio Nacional,

Treble? What's wrong with the (definitely precedented) quadruple?

Gordon_J

Im looking for better odds for that, wonder what they were last time we did it?

EN

Bohemian Bhoy

I have enjoyed your recent posts.

You present your point of view in a very articulate way.

Gents,

Wee bit of help if you can.

I'm in the fortunate / uinfortunate position of travelling back to n.Ireland at the start of july to visit family etc.
My return will be a week later falling on the 11/12th (Not the greatest time to be running round a boat calling my kids' name you might agree...they're called Saoirse & Erin)
Which, if either is the best day to book to return in your opinion?
The Saturday (11th) when I'm sure they actually march and have their bonfire night.....will there be blocked roads between Derry & Belfast?
Or the 12th when I'm sure a heap will be returning to Ayrshire etc?

I'm swaying towards the saturday to give me a relatively peaceful ferry journey over (lots of noise & colourful fun will of course be seen).

Any advice anyway will be helpful I'm sure

Mucker
Wondering about the wisdom of going at all
Not the n.Irish Tourist board

Fanatic :- That isn't true, it was a purple lizard in human form acting on the orders of David Icke because the bloke had found out that Arran hadn't sunk into the sea.

EdwardUrsus
How silly of me as everyone knows lizards are as deadly at hitting their target as Celtic's strikeforce of 2008/2009

Abmucker :- As far as I'm aware very few from Ayrshire return on the twelfth, most return on the 13th or 14th.

Admucker
i would imagine that their big bigoted march will be on the 12th itself as this is always a holiday in norn ireland, the 13th i would assume would then become the holiday...

i may be talking mince but after spending most of the afternoon/evening in the garden i am naka'd and enjying nice GLss of cider and ice..

bohemian bhoy
i disagree with only the last line in your post at 3.30 , i haven't saw any abuse.

Estadio: thanks for the square sausage on Herr Janko. I had only heard of and not seen anything of the guy. Looks the part don't he?

So, what are the chances? Presume he will cost a few shillings (Austria, get it? - I'll get me coat...) in both fee and remuneration. Didn't I also read somewhere that Blackburn saw him as replacement for Santa Cruise? Bit worrying that as they are defo a bigger club than Hull!

Admucker: flight or swim?

proposed midfield earlier today-whit?

maloney, crosas, robson, mcgeady

or

mcgeady, crosas, robson, maloney

-either way- the filleting knives will be eagerly unsheathed in anticipation of a footballing bloodbath -IMO

watching crosas in action at love st and any number of other games ? Doesn't like it up him capt mannering-sur! or it seems that way -maybe TM can work a trick - hope so because something there nay doubts - hope not just a decent prospect this season- will need to deliver more telling contribution

feel these 3 darlings of the keep ba' game are found wanting at keepin ' it -too often leave back 4 exposed where and when they give it away-
and none more so than aiden-leaves his left back exposed time after time and still we blame the LB! - AND -still to see shaun show he has the guts needed since his return

poor barry will have a crushed spine trying to carry that lot-

Sooo by all means attack but please don't send out a team to get slaughtered

"the battle has to be won first" - R Keane (who knows something about theses things)

-that 4 will never do it and i'd be shocked if TM ever puts it to test

might work in a 5 man midfield with a real snapper - and we don't have any -yet -maybe broon - then we have the smallest midfield since the Lilliput fives invitation tourney-under 12's -so more problems created than solved

and one up front or maybe 3 at the back - they would all need to be about 6'2" minimum to counter-balance the lack of midfield presence

not speculating on players - a complete waste of time - when sense we will be unlikley to spend more than £4m on all transfers in

what is the view of team with current resources -i.e. no new and minus known leavers- are any of the young bhoys ready for this?

M

oldtim67

I'm no legal expert but I would have thought that you would be on a firm footing to say that you consider that they are in breach of contract in that they are failing to provide the service you contracted for, regardless of whether or not they will not charge. You should argue perhaps that it was the mix of programmes offered by Setanta that attracted you and that no-one can guarantee that ESPN will provide the same mix. I know its generally thought that ESPN will gain the rights to the SPL but the Guardian on two successive days has stated quite firmly that the contract will go to Sky.

West Wales Celt

Ive seen many prices posted here and I dont see why we cant go to the 7m mentioned.

Bloody hell, 2-0 to USA.

2 0 usa, dempsey

USA 2 - Spain 0

Blantyretim

I read the kwenchy cup posts earlier and in my house a frozen kwenchy cup was 'a kwenchy cup' I knew of the jubilee but it was always a kwenchy cup.

Was it just the house?

EN

oldtim

you not online?

Estadio at 8pm
great video clip of Janko - VERY impressive.

We should sign him and Cox. What a striking partnership that would be!

blantyretim,are you coming to derry this weekend with your father?

EN

i hope there wasn't a load of them left in the loft along with the old chopper.... the pain when that gear slipped brought a tear to many a young bhoys eyes...

BT

USA have been brilliant.
Coach has maximised their ability.
We should make a serious effort to sign Bradley.Feldhouser or Donovan.
All have shown class in this game

coorslad
alas no, my mother has decided to go this time, safe to saw that she and I are not speaking...

He will be going on Friday, will get back to you with more info.

He is a busy man at the moment, just back from Vegas, then Bellshill for Jinky's golf and the CQN golf next week...

blantyretim

The summer of red roof leaks has just been solved. I never slept for months.

Cheers

EN

Whatever happened to Joachim(sp) the other Spanish wonderkid who came through at the same time as Torres, think he played for Betis and went to Athletico

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39GoytjOlyc

if we are going by highlight video's then this guy looks like the complete package as a striker

Ab mucker - they are marching on the 13th this year as the 12th is on a sunday.

Abandon all plans to play the footballers, playing the wee fhellas and trying to play like Barcelona/Spain.

Get a load of big unknowns to run and run like the USA.

FT USA 2 Spain 0.

Spain were only a shadow of themselves in this competition.

The NZ result gave a false impression.

Xavi couldn't carry the midfield on his own, minus Iniesta and Senna.

Villa is brainless and Torres selfish.

They got what they deserved, even with the Uruguayan ref throwing them a lifeline by red carding Bradley late on.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend...Maghera
@ 8.55.

I agree, essentially, with everything that ye hiv written,pal.

Especially, Mr. Crosus.. who, I opine, is of lesser value in the Tussle.. and therefore is not my kinda guy.

He could and should be replaced in the starting blocks by, say Mr. Ferrie for instance.

And

I am not impressed with Molly,eethur.
as you probably hiv gathered.

Master McGeady?

Just, as you so shrewdly bring to our attention...

Master McGeady does from time to time, from time to time ,from time to time.. is that enough times... to press home my point... to you, dear Reader?
often loses the ball, and fails to track back in a TELLING and Professional manner.

Oh! it it not that he does not Track back.. He sure does..and whenever his tackle on the Trackee, is successful, it unfortunately,oan many occasions, ends up in a Foul Given against us.. or.. a Yellow Peril. handed to Mr. MCGeady for an Over Exhuberantly Robust Tackle, FROM BEHIND...which, was invariably brought oan, by a rush of the blood to the Head of Mr. McGeady... much like the type of thing that is Typical in the Over Exhuberant and Ill Timed Tackles of Mr. Scott Brown,which .. again result, many,many,many, times.. in either a Yellow Card to Mr. Brown.. plus a Foul... or a straight common or garden Foul.

And do you know how many times those silly Midfield Free Kicks, have Hurt Us?

Don't Answer that.. the number is too painful to contemplate.

I suggest that Mr.McGeady, should be sold, as soon as is decently possible.

Scott Brown, would be no loss, either.

Which leaves, Mr. Robson..

A Man whom I admire.. who gives his all.. and earns his pay.

Nothing fancy smancy about him..

I would soitenly keep Mr. Robson, as a back up when facing certain opponents.

So...

Where diz awe this leave us?

In the middle of Nowhere..or... as they say in Oklahoma.

"Somewhere up the Crick,wading bravely tae escape the Injuns, who are paddling the Latest in 8 man Canoes, beaucoup vigorously.. and bearing doon oan us, rapidly"

Kinda lengthy,Ah know.

But it diz paint a rather Distressing Picture!

In Summation..

We need a BRAND SPANKING NEW MID FIELD.

Whether, we can fill it from our ain Mother Hubbard.. Ah hiv nae idea.

But,to fill it with New Faces..

WE MUST!

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

thomthethim
Spain definitely missed Iniesta and Senna.
Everytime i see Ramos in defense he always has concentration lapses.He should be in midfield as his concentration is poor as a defender.
Spain overplayed the ball until 2-0 down then went for long range shots and punts into the box.
Red card was poor refereeing.
Think some of the USA guys would do a job for us.

Bobby Evans & Barcabhoy

I think youll find this is the complete striker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lg2oRDPjWg&feature=related

Blantyretim
Give my regards to your old man.
A real gentleman and a pleasure to know him.

WGS

You are not in here? Your choice. Then I keep the news for myself.

Taurangabhoy

Excellent posts

Only read as far as your posts tonight and can I say what a breath of fresh air. That is CQN as I know it.

I think the ball you are talking about is the mitre mouldmaster we played with one often, as well as the soddy wet ones, often with half the bladder hanging out after a patch came off... ahh the memories

Brilliant man

God bless Tony Mowbray

God bless Peter Grant

God bless Mark Venus

God bless Paul67

Only 9 more sleeps til aberdour

HAIL HAIL

wwmoml

johnbay
i will pass on your regards although i don't know you :o)

you going to golf next week?
if so you will see him there,

Hearing some people discuss whether the 1st signing should be Guillaume Beuzelin.

Tickets are on sale now for the new production of an adaptation of the famous George Orwell novel. Demand has been so high there is a waiting list for this dramatic new story.

Hibernian Farm is the story of a club who once aspired to high ideals of being one of Europe's big clubs but have instead aspired to long-term mediocrity, such that during the final scene where Celtic play Dnipro in the Euro Trophy 1st round. The Dnipro players are stunned by the faces being so similar to the players who they thumped 5-1 only four years ago.

Written originally by Snowball O'Neill, the principles of Celtic-Minded-ism were founded.

"Three points good, one point bad."
"No mediocre player shall disgrace the Celtic jersey."
"No opposing player shall outjump the Celtic defence."
"No player shall give up a lost cause."
"No words from the manager shall grace the tabloids."
"The dream is European football after Xmas."
"All players are equal."

Year after year following the departure of Snowball, Napoleon gathered his following, helped by the words of Squealer, firstly to defend the farm against Mr Frederick of Govan, but then to subjugate the massed ranks.

The corruption of the principles of Celtic-Minded-ism has long become a feature in Hibernian Farm. The slogans changed almost daily by Squealer, to suit Napoleon and his followers.

"Three points good, one point better."
"No mediocre player shall wear the Celtic jersey 24 hours a day."
"No opposing player shall be challenged by the Celtic defence."
"No player shall chase a lost cause."
"No words from the manager shall grace the tabloids, but the assistant to the assistant manager is fine."
"The dream is a trophy per season."
"All players are equal but some are more equal than others."

Catch Hibernian Farm if you can.

Oh, and Beuzelin, please, but NO!

Zbyszek

Don't hold out on us please, tell all..

BTW
to Mr Z and all..

spoke to pablo this morning, he is doing 7 days a week, he only called because he was worried that Paul was maybe going to call it a day...

I told him that it was only a wee bit of childsplay, nothing to worry about, I hope...

Blantyretim
yur da will ken who am are.
No golf at alton towers on that day

johnbay
step for a hint?

and i will phone him..

fan-a-tic

There were a few useful lads to have in the trenches playing for the USA.

The centre half, Demerit(?) for one, and Donovan looked useful tonight.

red hair, used to swally with big jim conroy- God bless him.
I stayed in willow drive next to big donnie g.

coorslad

Staying in the Tower hotel, Q & A Friday night, he is over all weekend getting the last flight home from Derry on Sunday..

Thomthetim

DeMerit looked good but not good enough on the whole
but Donovan would be a fantastic player for us is at all possible (and it would be).

Clint Dempsey is the one that has always impressed me.

blantyretim,i will have to get an akward question for him,any tips?

johnbay.

just spoke to him. he said hello to you and your family...

remembers you well...

take it you heard about bif Jim and Robert as well as wee Mick, I am giving you good news tonight,,
;0(

pggtips2 on June 24, 2009 9:50 PM

hehehehe smashin'

hibs barrel is well-scraped

rather than wigan pier ..instead we raid wigan reserves

or any more homaging to be contemplated in catalonia- wee naka seems to think so?

seems we trade more with hull types these days

M

coorslad..

ask him about is golf, he has holes in his pockets and never looses a ball ;o)

Any progress ?????

or are we enduring celtic inaction ...just what we`ve come to expect over the last 2 seasons

Buezelin .....GTF with any suggestion such as that

blantyretim,thanks,will do.....

PF ayr

the Celtic board could be on TV with Clint Eastwood tonight,

for a few dollars more(or less) is on 5 just now....

BT

What's the latest lads? Just had a munch and catching up. Any news on signings?

Blantyretim
I know about Jim & Wee Mick. but not Robert( Jims brother)? So young, Sad. God Bless.

Zubsezk at 9:45pm.

The WGS has returned.

blantyretim

When you spek next time to Pablo wish him all the best from me.

Corked Pablo Diablo

This is from Slovakian press.

I guess Tony Mowbray is going to solve the problem with left back at Celtic.

For a long time there is information in the media that left back Marek Cech is moving to Celtic Glasgow. New coach at Celtic is Tony Mowbray who was the coach of Marek Cech at WBA in the past.Celtic Glsgow made the offer to Paul Robinson. We remember that Marek Cech spent his time mainly on the bench at WBA because Robinson was first choice in Mowbray’s team.

-My name is not Paul Robinson, I cannot tell you how things are with his move, I can speak only for myself. My situation is not clear yet. I have learned that Paul Robinson has had the offer from Celtic Glasgow. They are interested in both of us, because Mowbray who is in Celtic is searching for the new left back. Maybe they are going to make a choice between Robinson and me. Maybe they are going to take both of us to Celtic, said Cech about his current situation.

What were your relations with Tony Mowbray, your coach in the past and possibly your coach in the nearest future?

-I cannot say that there was something special in my relations to Mowbray or his relations to me. We have had clearly professional relations. I respected him, he respected me. These were two rules.

If there was an offer from an English Premier League club, would you consider it?

-I don’t think I’m not enough good to play for the club from Premier League. When I did play, I did well. I cannot make judgment throughout one fail. If I Get good offer from Premier League I’m not going to hesitate on it.

Did any clubs apply to you?

-I don’t want to speak about club names because I still don’t have nothing concrete yet. Most of the time I think about Celtic. They have new coach. Summer transfer window ends in August. Let’s see what happens until then.

PF Ayr

Typical moaning post from you.

Thank Ghod I am thinking of becoming a happy clapper .....eventually

WGS

Did you see how fast I was? It took me only two minutes to write answer to you.

Link to the oryginal article

http://www.trebisov.sk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4652&Itemid=91

Paul Robinson does not have the greatest reputation with the WBA fans who have commented on this board ...but hell if he`s cheap he`ll do :¬(

Finnharp @ 7.30pm. Yer man gorilla 199 isn't all that he appears....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/7194961.stm

jvoh67

i dare you to disagree

i know you`re a s p`eed of as me

I was wondering about Cech, we looked at him and he went to WBA, his manager never played him last season so why would he but him now?

is PL making the signings this season again?

Edward Ursus,

I won't have you speaking ill of Arran sir ( I know you weren't really but bear with me - bear, geddit? Lame, I know, sorry).

I have some good friends who still tie up the Arran boat at Ardrossan harbour, and I learnt my pool playing skills in the now demolished Ardrossan Dockworkers club (the Dockers, or the "mods and rockers" as we young uns called it).

What an absolute menagerie that place was, but I absolutely loved it. Learned to play pool while dodging the pint glasses getting hurled aboot the bar and ignoring the 12 man brawl taking place around you. Character forming stuff!

Modern pubs is rubbish.

Hail Hail
HB

PF Ayr

I'd like ti disagree, but,.......

Zybszek,

Marek Cech??? I thought Cech and Mowbray had a big fall out.

Please let the Paul Robinson bit be translation problems. He would make Naylor look like Maldini.

Today being The Feast of The Birth of St John The Baptist I begin my countdown to Christmas with an old tradition. This is the day I drink my last Christmas ale of 2008 (drink by Nov 2009, just before the new Christmas ones hit the shops of course). The one I kept for Halfway Round Day is by Shepherd Neame and weighs in at 7% abv

" A glowing amber winter ale with a beady fuity nose. Crystallised winter fruits combine with festive spicy hops on a platform of smooth warming alcoholic notes, leaving a refreshing cleansing hop finish. "

A beady fruity nose aptly described Bishop Devine's before he went all Cher.

Season's Greetings

WenceslausGemmell, Diocese of ML1

WG

you never fail to bring a smile to my face...

BT

bT

;-)

(_,_)G

Zubsysek,

Keep a close eye on the Shabrini situation, i smell a rat on that one. Also keep your ears open Shikabla the Egyptian player.

As Kojo has alluded to. With Hartley, Donati and Nakamura going i think we might be in the market for a least a couple of additions.

Kojo,

I agree if a deal to good to turn down for Aiden was to present itself, i think TM and Celtic might accept. You got players like McCourt and Mizuno and Maloney waiting in the wings who could use to replace him. Not to mention i reckon we might sign a flair player as well.

I also think that if an English club sticks a bid in for McDonald it will accepted. I think TM reckons he could get better value to replace him. I don't think McDonald will work in TM system unless Mr Dupont undertakes a rigirus circuit training for him in pre season. Holsd up play and pace going to be vital in TM philosophy. McDonald aint got that.

from earlier

Robinson is in the GTF category also

come on we do better than this .....surely

Thought the States where fantastic tonight and deserved to win.

De Merit, Onyewu, Donovan, Dempsey, Clarke and Altidore where all tremendous. What the states lack in ability they make up with in heart, comitment and dicipline. They play the game like an American football play book. Everyone knows their job and does it well, while they will never be spectacular they will always play as a collective unit, a team.

We could do alot worse than look to this market, what you get is work ethic and an iron will to do well.

megansdad

I think very well of you and megan of course.

I have my owm Meghan whom I love unreserveadlie.

WGS

Some truth must be in the news. Maybe the best information is that Tony Mowbray is searching for the left back. I still think Ronald Gercaliu is the best option.He is not bad and free agent. If Marek Cech still hope for transfer to Celtic then I'm suprised but who knows? I liked he did not say never again under Mowbray.

Evening fellow Tims

I've a question to ask Why does everyone seem obsessed with the left back situation, before I go on, I know we need to strengthen in that position but it almost seems like an obsession for some!! Before I go on I'm not having a go at all as everyone is entitled to their beliefs and opinions and yes even obsessions! :) but for me there are other areas that are just as obvious that need strengthening such as Right midfield dominating centre mid (badly needed) Striker (again badly needed) and centre back at least Darren O Dea can fill Left back with a degree of competency!! So d]]far me Yes Left back needs strengtening without doubt but for me it possibly not the most important position to strengthen in the summer.

I think most would agree that despite Lee Naylor being terrble last season we would have won the league if we had a striker to score a few goals!!

As I say I'm not having a go just curious?!

Hail Hail

Roccobhoy.

WGS

yor attempts at spelling Zbyszek are hilarious. your best ever was Zybersex.

Ulster-Celt

nerly as god as my atemps two spel your

:-)

UC

UC
Deleted, ;o)

The Evening Times reported a few weeks ago that Paul Robinson has something wrong with him (think it is an old injury) and he would fail any new medical, and it would therefore be too tricky for a buying club to get insurance. His only option to continue his career is to stay where he is on continued insurance. Anyone confirm this?

This too from the Press Association yesterday:

Bolton's bid to sign defender Paul Robinson from West Brom appears to have stalled as the two clubs are well apart in their valuation of the player. Wanderers are believed to have made a £500,000 bid for the 30-year-old left-back but the Baggies want double that. However, Bolton manager Gary Megson is unlikely to go much above his original offer for a player who has just 12 months remaining on his contract.

Willing to back TM on his West Brom signings as he knows his players and those he can trust, but a million for him?

pf...

a west brom fans take on paul robinson...

has a sweary in it..

a fans view..

Ulster,

Can't be bothered checking my spelling sometimes. I just type then post:)

Best one for me was Zyberski

UC

thank god for both of us that Pablo is off line, he gives me a hard time about my spelling too, I don't go to word and read what i have written, obviously...

Ulster-Celt 10:44
I agree Zybersex was the best one. Maybe WGS wanted it to be put on yesterdays SFTB list of things which are worse than cyber lawyers.
WGS, keep the good work :) I like it very much.

Sure if you didn't laugh......

Ulster-Celt

awalk

How's things? You will be shocked to see the Blue Nile site is under construction :-)

Sorry guys re earlier question - couldnt post over lunch time

Name 3 Man U players from the 70s / 80s

one had the name of a river - JOE JORDAN
one had the name of a country - ALAN BRAZIL
one had the name of a German newspaper! - GERRY DALY!!!!!!!!

spelling can be so overrrated - in my post above I had no r in fruit, if I had no f in fruit I'd have been deleted by the masonoderator

Danny Gall

Post deleted for that :-)

Danny Gall -

in ML2 we call Christian Dailly Presbyterian Journal, wonder who thought that one up..........hmmmm

Winningemmell,

How are you, long time no speak.

Love your writings and story,

So much talent, so much talent,

Thats you, not me that I am talking about.

Martin.

bloke...things reasonable at the mo..having a bit of a rammy with an insurance company over a written off car but apart from that ok...

not a surprise to see the the site is still under construction..will probably be up and running in time for the next album in 2013:-)..

am off to the embra playhouse on sunday to see Steely Dan so looking forward to that..the things you do in the close season...

hows things with you these days??saw you had a bit of bad news recently..hope things are heading in the right direction a bit for you now

EDB,

You got mail,

Martin.

anyone noticed 2 union jacks & 2 st andrews crosses attached to lamp posts in Nelson St , sunny Tradeston. can they no celebrate in peace?

Was it to celebrate them winning the double? or
was it for the BNP councillors being elected? or
is there a difference?

winningemmell excellent

Martin42 -

I'm not too bad, glad you're enjoying The Infancy Narratives. I saw John the other day and he was looking better than he has in years, delighted about that. Love to you and yours.

WG

And so to bed.... per chance to (.....naw, she's no in the mood....)

LOVE to all

WG

Anybody needing some last minute practice for Aberdour?

addictive golf game

Heading to sunny Donegal on Saturday - anyone recommend anything for 9 year & 6 year old bhoys?

WG,

I haven't seen him for a month, we were at a First Communion Msss for Martin's twins, both J & K were good

I will email you something tomorrow night, so tune in.

Martin

Danny Gall

nintendo DS :-)

UC

Zybersex....nearly peed the bed with that one!

Wife thinks I'm on dodgy website so had to lie through teeth and say I was on swinger site....too embarassed to admit I was on CQN, hee-hawing at WG!

.

BT....

Jist back Fae the Land o Hamster Jam....Will Call You Morgen....

001HalfManHalfMattressCSC

001

i look forward to it...

awalk

Been better of late thanks. Work holidays start Friday and can't wait. Steely Dan - nice one, I see they're doing some interesting things with their set-list in the States dates.

winningemmell..

if you are aware of this my apologies..but theres an 8 page interview with yer man Robyn in the current issue of Mojo magazine..may or may not be of intrest..

celtic park in full floodlights tonight just switched off about 5 minutes ago

anything on in the stadium anyone know?

WGS

Lets see what happens. I expect news about Marek Cech soon. If media will pick up his interview tomorrow they must inform about interest of Twente Enschede in Cech. I have heard that they aleady have spoken to Slovakian left back. It's interesting that Twente Enschede spoke to Ronald Gercaliu too.

HI PAUL. FELLOW CELTS .

have a wee listen to this .

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

sorry cant do the link thing .copy /paste but worth it .let me know what you think .
hope it works.

jings is that no great .i can do the linky thing .

bloke..

saw that some of the old albums were being played in their entirity in the states..have no idea if thats the case here..missed them the last time they played up here in 2000 but looking forward to the show on sunday..

Danny Gall on June 24, 2009 11:09 PM

Heading to sunny Donegal on Saturday - anyone recommend anything for 9 year & 6 year old bhoys?

Yes. A good babysitter and you and the missus go out and enjoy yourselves. :>)

Harrowbhoy :- Depending on when you drank in there I may have played a few games against you as I have been in it a few times.
The other two for great in house entertainment as I recall were the Bute and the Clyde Estuary.
The two I tended to drink in most were Aldos/Alfies or Nichols.

Bigjock67
jonnybhoy
Mouldy67

mail to you.

MWD

Danny Gall,

Seriously,

Take them to Ionaid Cois Lacha in Dunlewy, if you are in that part of the county.

If the weather stay the way it is today, then the beaches are the places.

Paul67

I have tried clicking your link to get your email address.

Cannot mind exactly waht it is

Can you drop me a line as I lost it from my contacts when my old PC went up in smoke.

Cheers

MWD

Airdrie town centre has turned green, white and yellow to welcome the latest invasion of ornage marchers on 11th July.

Airdrie has never looked so good with PaddyPower and Subway now occupying 2 of the 4 prime corners in the town centre.

The recently opened PaddyPower in particular looks grand with fresh Irish green paint. I'm sure it will be an interesting change for the types that normally visit the town to "celebrate" the annual Boyne thing.

In case I've wetted your appetite the main march will leave Rawyards CSC Park at 11.30am with 90 bands from all over Scotland and Ireland ready to woo the crowd.

I might not be able to make it myself (pray God) but I can give you directions. A brochure with full details will be included in next weeks AIRDRIE and coatbridge Advertiser.

Just remember don't dress like Paddy!

It is sometimes very easy to dislike one's fellow fhans -
Stoke and all the other dross......
Contempt for other clubs is a childish way of dealing with life. Stoke, Portsmouth, Wolves are fine clubs with decent fans who take a justifiable pride in standing up to the Chelseas and Manchester Uniteds of this world. It's the big clubs, and particularly their retinue of know-nothing, air-headed, boastful glory hunters who deserve contempt.

When I think of my early experiences of supporting Celtic I think of my father and his brothers, decent working men who wanted Celtic to win, but who took a genuine delight in seeing a Scotsport report of Dunfermline or Hibs, or even Kilmarnock, sticking a few goals past some European 'aristocrats' on a bitter Wednesday night. Thoughtful sceptical blokes who would, and did, cast amused glances from a healthy distance at empty vessels who ranted of 'dross'.

jimtim 11.23

Cracking find, uplifting.

Now that Celtic TV has gone off air my thoughts are with the team who have probably already been laid off. If any of you post or read here (lawrie Ann, Sharon or Ian) let us know whats happening to your jobs. I hope that Celtic TV is retained for broadcast in some form with any new Company, it fills a fair few hours of my week tuning in. I'm sure everyone on here joins me in wishing you all the best whatever the future holds for you.

bringbackceltictv csc

Ed,1131
Worrying stuff,you drinking in Alfies,as that was the only pub in town I wasn't allowed to drink in 30yrs ago when I got a taste for the stuff at the grand old age of 14
My Uncle Jim still drinks there,though apparently Alfie has retired.

Thing is,I don't remember too many Rangers fans around then;surely you're not one of these peepul who crawled out from under a stone when Souness turned up?! Heaven forfend.....

I'm back in Kilwinning in a fortnight,and will expect to see the aged relative at some point-if you see a stranger in town between 8-18 July,say hello. Just don't tell the uncle who you support.

Jimtim...... Gold.

jonnybhoy.
thank you for the reply my friend. are you looking forward to the golf day .hope all goes well for the bhoys and ghirls. (if any ghirls are going this year, think only mrs celticlover attended last year) and the sun shines for you all . no doubt a few pounds will be raised for worthy causes. we maybe werent the champions on the field last year.but get a group of celts together .a few pints, a good cause, and then we come to the fore. will maybe manage that pint with you and the token, sometime in the new season. thats something i,ll look forward to . catch you later my friend

hail hail .

AidenO'Fovit :- I was supporting and attending matches long before Mr Souness arrived on the scene. At the time you were talking about Alfies was a pretty mixed pub, on match days both sets of fans drank in it before going for their respective busses.
When Alfie took over the pub from his Dad he was my next door neighbour, he retired around 5 or 6 year ago and the pub was bought by a bloke from Kilwinning.
I'll be nlikely to see you in Kilwinning as I've now moved a couple of towns south.
If however I am over and you see an incredibly handsome bearded bloke with a beautiful daughter and granddaughter then it will be me so say hello and I'll buy you a pint in The Alton

edward my friend .

i was going to ask you, why you were still up on-line at this time in the morning. but on second thoughts ,if i came from d****o** , i wouldnt sleep either. my part of ayrshire is a little more refined .the part where men are men and the sheep are nervous.

Ed,1244
Sorry,mate,I apologise, I was having a dig at certain types-you know who they are,but I've read your posts often enough to know you better,and should have known better myself!

Alton-local when drinking with sisters
Market-local when drinking with brother-in-law
Cosy-local when drinking with my dad
Vic,48-local when drinking with the lads
Off-limits-all of the above,and more,when my mum puts her foot down

First beer on me for causing gratuitous offence

EdwardU (12.44)

I worked at Ardeer for about 4 years in the early 90's, and was told by the locals not to go into the Alton - like the Eagles song "you can check out, but you can never leave"...

The owner had a bit of a rep of, er, making snap desicions about you as you walked thru the door. True or urban myth?

G

AidenO'Fovit :- There was no offence taken in any way, so the first pint will still be on me :-)
Georgiebhoy :- The owner that had it at that time was the just as you say, I moved to Kilwinning and started drinking in it the week the present owner took over.
JimTim :- You mean you are from Auchinleck? :-)

Seems to be a bit of a Kilwinning clique forming on this board.

Count me in.

Michael Collins
How I could have done with someone with that moniker at my side in the B A A A D days of the 90s,still,it knocked any remaining bigotry right out of my soul. Opened my eyes a bit,even though I thought I was fairly tolerant
A truly smashing town that I miss,especially at Old Firm games.

MC,

I was only a visitor - honest!!!

G

Georgiebhoy

Come on now come out the closet and join the Kilwinning clique. You know you want to.

Never mind Kilwinning.

I remember New Year's Day 1985. A friend of mine, who lived in Linwood, invited my wife and I for a New Year visit with him and his wife. The occasion happened to coincide with a New Year's Day Rangers v Celtic match at Ibrox. Billy and I had tickets for the game and were travelling with the local supporters club. I think it was St Brendan's CSC if my memory is accurate.

New Year's Day was a Tuesday and the plan was to go to the Ponderosa after breakfast and have a few beers before boarding the bus. It was a simple 10 minute walk to the pub and on the way, we saw a commotion in the street ahead of us. It was only about 11 o'clock in the morning and there, in the middle of Linwood was a pitched battle between rival gangs of Celtic and Rangers fans. There were perhaps around 20 in each group and they were separated by probably 30 yards or so. They were throwing stones, bricks, bottles and cans at each other, and not a rozzer to be seen. Even coming from the badlands of darkest Lanarkshire, I had never witnessed anything like this.

The Gers fans were on our side of the road, between us and the pub. We turned round and walked back home. We had a large nip of Whisky as we bided our time. We hid our colours under our jackets as Billy's wife drove us to the pub, taking a circuitous route to avoid the mayhem.

For the record, Celtic came from 1-0 down at half-time to win 2-1, the winner coming from a superb Mo Johnston header with about 10 minutes to play.

Michael,

Those days of two hour train journeys (after my car had been nicked from the "secure" car park of ICI) and stories from the locals of the Dalry/Buffs crunch matches (boy do they take their junior fitba' serious)were very formative. Whilst I am happy to say I made some good friends down there, I cannot claim to be of that Parish. Perhaps I could start my own clique...the "once worked in Ardeer but was too afraid to drink in Kilwinning" clique!!

G

M C 2am
WORDS NO-ONE EVER EXPECTED TO SEE ON A CELTIC BLOG,haha!

Aiden

Conclusive proof for the more paranoid FF inmates that the Tims really are taking over Scotland.

.

For a Few Dollars More....? Nah....

.Real Madrid: In their defence...

As the ticks on the calendars gather pace, the business district of Madrid continues its normal operations, the third most populous city in the EU continues with daily commitments under the constant watch of the beaming sun, as the Spanish capital treats each day like the previous.

But swollen in the middle is the hub of football sovereignty, the most emblematic stadium in Europe according to its creators. The Santiago Bernabeu it is named, and its occupation? Starting a revolution that is proving impossible to defy.

Galacticos II: The Sequel is avalanching towards climax, rampaging through the football hemisphere with devastating effects. The brain behind the invasion is Florentino Perez Rodriguez, arguably the biggest Galactico of all and the brunt of European criticism, an opinion that has revisited due to the smashing of two transfer records in less than a week.

The acquisitions of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, from AC Milan and Manchester United respectively, highlight the colossal intent of a side determined to resurrect the past and produce the most formidable team on earth.

The president of Uefa, Michel Platini, criticised Ronaldo's £80m price tag as 'excessive' and a 'serious challenge to the idea of fair play' whilst Manchester United director Sir Bobby Charlton echoed this sentiment by describing the proposed deal as 'vulgar'. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero also added weight to the argument, judging the fee also 'excessive' as parties from all sides of the globe wade in to attack Perez and his team.

However they are valued assessments of the modern game not just the Kaka and Ronaldo transfers, as everyone is now aware that football has evolved into a money soaked industry, where wealth and power prevails. Therefore the comments above now find themselves at the forefront of a worldwide debate, so ask yourself this...is Real Madrid ruining our sport?

Of course not.

Madrid's transfer signings have been fundamentally identical to any other in football history, the basic formula remains the same. It is guaranteed that during this summer there will be countless occasions where a team uses their attraction as a club and their superior financial muscle to overpower anyone who tries to oppose. However because Ronaldo's is the largest transfer in history, people are distracted from the primary points, making it laughable that only now this complaint has gathered serious momentum.

The power of wealth has lived in football for decades, it's well known that the richer clubs are more successful than the poorer clubs so the persecution of Perez and his dealings are not exactly new and not exactly a surprise, hence why the world transfer record has been smashed 13 times since 1990. Certain clubs are getting increasingly wealthier because no-one has bothered to stop them, so why is Madrid being blamed for other people's blindness on the matter?

Just because the line has been crossed doesn't justify the finger being pointed, especially in the wrong direction. Madrid should not be read the riot act just because they have signed two of the world's best players, nor should they be read the riot act just because they happen to possess enough money to buy whoever they want at whatever price. They have been transformed into the enemy of football but much of this criticism and apparent hatred stems from jealousy.

There is nothing immoral, 'excessive' or 'vulgar' about breaking a world transfer fee. Until the rules state otherwise Madrid can spend as much as they wish, just like any other side in the world but the burning issue is that not many sides can and some resent this power struggle, which is why Madrid are being made the scapegoat for the problems in the game.

People find it very easy to criticise teams that are successful in what they do, especially when they have a bucket load of cash at their disposal, they also find it very easy to blame these teams for all the problems that occur. But by casting this blame most people forget that affluent clubs like Madrid don't make the rules, which is why Platini's displeasure at their actions is a touch embarrassing.

The rules of the game seem to echo a similar code of conduct to the jungle, it's the survival of the fittest in a dog-eat-dog world. So until Platini voices his concerns to Sepp Blatter in Zurich, Perez and Madrid should continue to sit top of the food chain and be as greedy as they see fit, with the complete blessing of everyone in football, albeit disgruntled.

001

More transfer speculation . . .

Mourad Meghni

and

Merouane Zemmama

Where will it all end?

Tom McLaughlin Zemmama, thats more like it 800k from Hibs and another Derry city man for 100k and that will be it as usual :(

ST

Tom McLaughlin on June 25, 2009 2:21 AM

ahh lovely Lynn o'the Wood- some fond, fond memories -Pondy & St Brendan's club and St Conval's club -not too many Gers fans there- must have been tourists from Kilbarchan or Bridge O Weir taking on the Shamrock CSC (double decker left for all games from outside the Pondy)

Only 1 gers bus from their supporters club where Paul Lambert's da' had a beer (a decent guy btw..as ye would expect)

at least 3 CSC buses every week -aforementioned Linwood Shamrock CSC; Peter Scarff CSC (mostly St Convals club ghuys) and St Brendan's CSC

I remember Queen Lizzie came to open a new Incinerator in mid 70's and they were issuing wee union jacks to all the schools -you should have seen the look on faces of the officials as they were sent packing with their boxes of unwanted bunting and rossettes- the new incinerator would have been right handy as they built it right next to St Brendan's High school which was already adjacent to the local sewage treatment plant - need ye wonder ? try sitting prelims o's and h's in hot weather next to that little lot...

remember the 'long' walk along to glasgow airport - to see the European cup finalists St Etienne and Bayern Munich during lunch break...hundreds of wee bhoys set off back to school ...late and the belt!...proudly clutching green and white St Etienne scarves....Allez Les Verts!!!

oh and Dominic's chippy after the 4-2 game '79 - another rammy - mair tourists from Kilbarchan -could always tell from the bumpkin accents ;-)and the clatty blue kit of course

M

ahhh fond memories indeed

Setanta not gone for us expats :))))))))))))))))))))

It has been announced by the Board of Setanta Sport Holdings Limited that it has not proved possible to secure the additional financing required to ensure the future viability of certain Setanta businesses in Great Britain. As a consequence, the Board has taken the decision to seek the appointment of Receivers to the parent company, Setanta Sport Holdings Limited, and certain subsidiaries in Ireland, and Administrators to certain English subsidiaries.

Setanta International is not covered by these appointments.
Setanta’s services in Australia will continue to trade normally.

Also, it has been widely reported in various media channels, Setanta Sports has had its agreement to broadcast 46 Barclays Premier League matches in the UK terminated.

This development does not affect our channel and other services in Australia.

Setanta Sports in Australia is a separate operation that has a separate agreement to show the Scottish Premier League and all other programming. Our channel and other services in Australia continue to broadcast and our subscribers can still enjoy our programming including the UEFA U21 European Championships in June, the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July and the traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season, the FA Community Shield, in August.

New customers are welcome to subscribe to watch some of the world’s best football and rugby either by visiting www.setanta.com.au or calling 1300 738 268.

We thank you for your continued interest in Setanta Sports and look forward to bringing you a wealth of sport over the coming months and years.

yeeeeeeeeeeeee haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa :))))
goood old setanta :))))

ST

magherareagh - I think I am right in saying that the only Gers pub in Linwood was the Tavern, which was just round the corner from the Ponderosa.

I later took my son to Linwood to play football and after my wife and I dropped him off, we went for a little drive round the town. We visited there for lots of weekends in the mid to late 80s. How it had changed only 10 years later. It was so depressing, and the Penderosa was no longer called the Ponderosa and was completely changed. I remember playing lots of pool in the Pondy ans there were 2 good tables as I recall.

I'm sure my friend's daughter went to St Conval's Primary and later St Brendan's High. There was also a Linwood High. The nearest drinking den to my friend's house was the Phoenix Hotel.

Sydney Tim - Thanks for that. Made my day.

I did wonder why Setanta was still broadcasting on my TV this morning as I supped my breakfast.

So who, I wonder, will be the commentary team next season? Surely it won't be Scott Booth.

Tom McLaughlin will be back to irish commentry as it used to have before spl live :) only problem they usually did not know players names :(

SydneyTim
http://www.tetsuyas.com/

whitedoghunch i do like japanese, did you see me last night eating sushi???

Tom McLaughlin

Linwood takes me back. Used to play football there often in the late 70s early 80s with my football teams. Played against both St. Convals and Linwood Rangers often with my first boys team Glennether which was a mix of boys from Stanely Green and St Alred's (from the Glennifer and Nethercraigs area of Paisley) (both schools alas no longer in existence).

Linwood also housed the pub the Clippens Inn where many an 18th (ahemmm) birthday party was held.

Linwood is indeed a run down area now (as the Proclaimers pointed out almost more than twenty years ago).

.....Occasionally one of my brothers would want to go to sleep during the commentary and ‘put me off’ by flicking the socket switch. I’d always be intently listening for the switch noise as they would be bold enough to try catch me out by flicking the switch sneakily. If I continued with the commentary (a wee statue of Our Lady was the standard microphone) when I’d already been switched off they’d scoff at me. Fistfights would erupt between Ged and Chris when only one of them wanted to sleep (or simply got fed up with my transmission) whilst the other eagerly awaited the predictably dramatic conclusion of the match. Cheekily Ged, who usually got bored first, would try to barter with me and suggest things in order that he allow the commentary to continue – ‘ye cin carry oan if the dug invades the park again’ or ‘nae mair Kinloch Street till the end ay the gemme’. I refused point blank to entertain any of his suggestions and would rather end the commentary at that point than accommodate any such requests. On a few occasions all three of us would end up wrestling on the bed whilst I would still be commentating and screeching over near things in the Celtic six-yard box and Ged would be fighting desperately to get to the switch socket to douse the commentary. My dad would arrive to find a tangle of limbs rolling around the bedroom with Alsations barking, police and referee's whistles blowing, Neilly Mochan being cheered on to the park and me hoisting Our Lady aloft in the midst of it all like Bobby Moore with the World Cup. God only knows what he thought he’d fathered.

What are you three doing ?

Playin it Sellik gemmes.

can someone remind me - when is the first Euro CL qualifying match?

Malceye

29th July

Less than 5 weeks away.

Thanks M.C.

Given the significant surgery required insofar as the strike force is concerned and the relative imminence of such important European fixtures, the delay in signing a striker is a worry.

A six-year-old boy asked the Celtic club shop to put the name of new goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska on the back of his shirt - but staff had not heard of him

taken from BBC gossip...

it's from the Ranker so it must be true ;o)

ihave 4 tikets for springsteen on sunday in london

trying to offload at face value

glasgow area
anyone interested

Malceye

I share your concerns. My biggest fear is that the board will hedge their bets and go with what we have until after the CL qualifiers to see where we are with CL cash.

Given their recent performance would it really be a surprise.

I await eagerly the first signs of the "serious business is not done until the last weeks in August" often quoted nonsense to keep the plebs happy during another window of inactivity.

I se Zaluska is showing celtic class aready.

A wee bhoy went into the celtic superstore, and asked for his name on the back of his goalie jersy.... but the staff didnt know who Zaluska was.

The we bhoy left dissapointed.

Zaluska was surprised to hear of this, hunted the bhoy down and gave him his gloves for being his no 1 fan.

Celtic class?

great start!

Keep it up deputy Holy Goalie

Skippy

I am not particularly interested in criticising the Board for the net/gross spend under different managerial regimes. Such comparisons are of limited value. However, in relation to the current strike force, I have been perplexed by the club's recent approach.

Such was the inability of JVoH and Samaras to hot the target at the beginning of their combined goal drought that the team reverted to bringing on Sheridan to try and salvage the disaster that was Aalborg. Sheridan had his limitations, no doubt, but he post January he was at least as likely to score as JVoH and GS.

The club seem to have fallen into the trap of viewing the Ibrox victory as a pivotal one. Sheridan goes on loan. "The goals are bound to come" being the theory behind the persistence with the other tall strikers.

In short, we have been aware of the acute failings of our strike force for some considerable time now. Yes, the change in management has interrupted matters but this is such a priority it cannot be stressed enough.

Oh, and Fletcher is not the answer.

michael collins

celtic transfers in during the last 2 summer windows

28 Jun 2007 Massimo Donati AC Milan Celtic £3,000,000[63]
01 Jul 2007 Scott Brown Hibernian Celtic £4,400,000[74]
01 Jul 2007 Chris Killen Hibernian Celtic Free[80]
01 Jul 2007 Scott McDonald Motherwell Celtic £0,700,000[83]
11 Aug 2007 Jean-Joël Perrier-Doumbé Stade Rennais Celtic Free[161]
28 Aug 2007 Luca Santonocito Inter Milan Celtic Free[181]

19 June 2008 Patrick McCourt Derry City Undisclosed [1]
15 July 2008 Georgios Samaras Manchester City Undisclosed [2]
15 July 2008 Matty Hughes Rochdale Undisclosed [3]
10 August 2008 Marc Crosas Barcelona £415,000 [4]
16 August 2008 Glenn Loovens Cardiff City £2,500,000 [5]
22 August 2008 Shaun Maloney Aston Villa Undisclosed [6

12 transfers, 10 players signed on or before 16 august. thats before the last weeks in august.

Michael

it is precisely that hedging of bets that has contributed to my refusal to renew my season ticket. There is a fine line between the hedging of bets and taking the.... For me, that line has been crossed.

Prudence may well be a banker's friend but she does not score goals.

celtic4orme

You've made my point for me.

So by the time the SPL kicked off last year we had only signed Georgios Samaras, Pat McCourt and Matty Hughes(who he).

Not exactly a ringing endorsement is it not forgetting the fact we have an important qualifier, arguably one of our most important games of the season, in less than 5 weeks from now.

hi ghuys

the daily ranger eh,what a sad pathetic excuse for a newspaper.

do any of you think that zaluska thing is worthy of a story in a national newspaper??

no,me neither,i hate pre-season,its the same anti-celtic and negative crap we are exposed to every year,it gets right on my tits.

hail hail

MC

not fogetting that Samaras was not quite a brand new signing - he was already here on loan precisely because there was a concern about the strikeforce.

I have to say that, with one or two exceptions, that transfer list make me shudder.

michael collins

i didnt make any point for you. i highlighted the inaccuracy of your statement.

in the last 2 summer windows we have done our serious business before the last 2 weeks of the window.

summer before last we signed donati, brown, killen, macdonald, all in by july 1. cl qualifiers and all that.

last summer we didnt have cl qualifiers to worry about, hence why we signed crosas (according to records he signed on the day of our first fixture, before the start!) loovens (before our second) and maloney when we did. although i dont think its fair to dig up the board for signing maloney so late considering who we were trying to buy him from

when mon was in charge of transfers we werent very good at doing our serious business early were we?

i cant see how we were supposed to do any business before the new manager came in.

Celtic4me

"i cant see how we were supposed to do any business before the new manager came in."

Maybe, perhaps not. However, one failure (ie the delay in snaring a manager) cannot act as a valid excuse for another delay.

malceye

Are the team back training yet?

What benefit do we get from signing a player when we are still on our holidays.

Now, if they're not here on the first day of training....

malceye

i dont see the time it took to secure tony mowbray as manager as a failure. and i dont see the lack of signings so far as a delay. theres been very little business done up to now anywhere, people are only now coming back from their post season break.

no need for panic.

according to gordon strachan when interviewed on celtic tv donati cost 2 million euro which at that time was about £1.6m. where did the £3m figure come from?

By setting free the bears on June 25, 2009 9:13 AM

Team returns to training 1st July......

SFTB

the benefit? A player who is familiar with his surroundings and indeed those who surround him on and off the field. Instead, much of the training period will be spent (assuming that English is spoken) querying "who he?"

i dont know wether to believe it or not,but this guy we are being linked with,the one called little zidane,this guy looks a bit of a player,but i wont get my hopes up too high.

i wont settle for second best though when it comes to buying a left back,whoever we sign had better be quality,a pacy,footballing full back.

its the least that we deserve,dont you think.

hail hail

GreenOakTree

Right then, malceye's complaint becomes legitimate next Wednesday.

Unless, the signing does a Viduka act...

You know, the more you think about it, the more you find to worry about.

Thank God that, when I joined the cult of Paul67, I managed to give up thinking.

Well,

if Tony was first choice, I suspect there wasn't exactly a queue forming for his services. That relegation issue aside, why is the failure to have the manager in place as early as possible, not a failing?

Insofar as a lack of business elsewhere, not many other clubs have a game in less than 5 weeks which could provide the template for future funding...

malceye

Just saw your reply.

If most of the squad are on their holidays, a new signing won't meet anybody until 1st July. As for familiarising with their surroundings, I'd guess that they'll be hotel living for a while and a half hour on the open top Glasgow bus tour provides the rest.

I'm in a half nine meeting. I have to run.

malceye

its clear we were looking at a few different people for the job. i'm not sure btm was the outstanding candidate from the start. pl and co wouldnt have been doing their jobs properly if they didnt take their time and make sure they got the best man they could for the job, and then at the best price

these things do take time, especially when ultimately you are trying to take a manager from a chairman who doesnt want him to go and who holds out for the top price for compensation.

buying a player involves 2 parties - we need to be able to do business with the player, his club and his agent. if they arent all about then its hard to do anything. if we had wgs still in place then the trasnfer targets would have been identified, and possibly contacted before now. as it is, i dont see how that was possible for btm and his targets when he wasnt in the job.

malceye

From what i heard Mowbray wasn't first choice but when he was approached and accepted (pre any negs with WBA) he was identifying signing targets a full 2 weeks before he was officially unveiled as new manager. Most players are away on holiday at the moment and its next week that a lot return for pre season training, so i would expect the signings to start rolling in from the end of next week and throughout July. I'm sure talks are on going with a variety clubs and agents.
I think Mowbray will want his squad in place by the time we go to Wembley for the final warm up games before the CL qualifier. Newspaper speculation at the moment is just that, they haven't a clue what is happening and along with willing agents trying to punt their players are filling their pages with tittle tattle.
I have no idea who we'll sign and like many i'm impatiently waiting on Mowbray making his moves, as well as seeing who he offloads which i think will be equally significant as who he brings in.

Wigan, Martinez and Jordi Gomez show that it is possible. And they don't have European football to contend with. However, I will leave it there for the time being.

Bit of an easy one Malceye as the relationship was in place between Martinez and Gomez in the first place.

Surely for BTM to sign new players before he sees the old players in action is a wee bit premature,

Who knows - he may be able to turn Massimo Donatti into the new Roy Keane - who is to say he can't,

We all wrote Bobby Petta off under John Barmes nut when MON got a hold of him he got called up for the Dutch National team

I just think that anyone expecting a truck load of new signings to roll into Celtic Park before August is going to be very disappointed.

Morning CQN’ers,

Once upon a tim.......

Agree above but also I don’t think anybody expects truckloads of new signings that would likely mean we increase the squad without increasing the quality of the 1st team.

So for me it would be 2, probably 3 signings (which most of us believed would win us the SPL last season) who will be utilised as 1st team players.

Apart from the obvious weak areas most people are aware of, we had a team who should have won the SPL last year and realistically I want the SPL trophy back at CP and perhaps a cup or two as company. In Europe I think the best we can hope for is a run in the Europa.

That’s my tuppence worth anyway for noo.

oh and I blame Tony Mowbray for me looking forward to next season :¬)

Vmhan
Hail Hail

Celtic are where we are right now, you can moan and complain all you like, its pointless dissecting previous footballing mistakes or amateur fag packet accountants trying to prove we have a parcel of rogues running the club? get a grip please, for myself i honestly believe we kept WGS on a season to much, however, it is time to move on as the new manager needs ALL our support, we also have to TRUST to some extent the board are doing their best for the club, WHY? Well TM IMO has a big big job to do, he has been left the weakest squad that we have had in the last 10 years, it lacks balance, harmony, winners, class etc etc, the list goes on!! it needs radical and immediate overhaul, and that my fellow bhoys is just to big an ask to do in a matter of weeks or in one transfer window!! of course you can ignore all the factors such as economic recession, dealing with players and agents, dealing with egotistical chairmen of other clubs, and just be a whinging moron who hasn't got a clue, or give Mowbray and the board time!! two transfer windows and six months later, hopefully we will see how TM is progressing in turning the proverbial oil tanker around, we don't need malcontent-ed imbeciles demanding to see new players in, celtic playing like Barcelona by the C/L qualifiers? it just isn't reality people!! football is a volatile business to say the least, ignore the ridiculous Scottish meeja, the most sickening bigoted meeja in Europe, WE all know it!! relax and trust our new management team to work there socks of in putting the best Celtic team they can on the pitch.

Lionroared67, well said

By Once Upon a Tim on June 25, 2009 9:59 AM

Said (he may be able to turn Massimo Donatti into the new Roy Keane)

Can I have some of wit ever it is that you are smoking...

Malceye

How is the training coming along?

I’ve been out running every morning this week but only short runs as I canny get up early enough to do longer runs, during the winter I was up at 5am and now it seems to be getting nearer 6am before I can get up oot o bed.

I’ve left off with the bare footed running as I was getting pains in the bones o my feet which I’ve never experienced before so I’ve cut it out for a while.

I might have a wee stab at designing a Kano sponsorship form to use on the Blackpool shammy bus, and to send over to Derry. The Derry no.1 CSC have promised to help out by sponsoring , I’m also hoping to get a form up behind Tracy’s bar in Derry as it’s a busy wee pub for Celts, locals and holidaymakers etc.

I have some other ideas which I’ll talk to you about later.

Vmhan
Hail Hail

Tony Mowbray I am certain will be working on his targets as we speak.

Whether that be through talking with players he knows through his time in England, or in discussion with Celtic scouts or player wages, he'll be busy. He will certainly be aware of his budget.

Give it another week or so, maybe two, and we'll have a better idea of who we are after.

Unless of course anyone thinks he is sitting back watching Jeremy Kyle thinking "I'm sure there was something I was meant to be doing?"

West Craigs

I fear we are about to go through another round of financial inexactitudes.

The club cannot get its story straight when it comes to the finances behind the football team.

Please see MON vs BQ on wage levels for confirmation of this.

BQ = Total group wages
MON = Football wages
BQ makes a fool of himself with the help of a moblie phone.

Regarding transfers:

MD = Good example of this.
AV = Best example of this.

Regarding the details behind this inexactitude look at 2008/09 first half results.

Headline figure = £7mill player investment.

Paid out on:

PMcC
GS
MC
GL
SM

Question then how is the £7mill split up against each of the players.
The mythical cost of SM comes into play, did MON really crowbar £2.5mill out of PL for the prodigal son?

How else can you get the famous 5 to match up to a value of £7mill?
I think even GS's mother would blush at the figure we would have to put against him.

However in cash terms only £4.5mill was paid out in the 6 months covered by the accounts. Where that leaves us regarding the £7mill investment shown in the accounts is then open to question.

That could mean that £2.5mill of the 2008/09 figure was not paid for - we came into July 2008 in the clear with no transfer debt.

Or it could mean more than £2.5mill was not paid for if we used some of the £4.5mill to pay off our existing debts from previous years.

You takes your money and you make your choice.

The one thing that is definite is that we have debts outstanding on existing transfers of £3.6 mill on the 31st Dec 2008.

£2.0mill is liable within one year of the 31st Dec 2008.
£1.6mill is liable sometime after that, although when is up for discussion.

Who that debt is for is open to question.

MD on the missing £1.4mill when he wins 50 caps for Italy / the Ayr Gold Cup / The Eurovision Song contest

SM on the missing £1.5mill? PL's "shame" payment?

The one thing is that the headline figure makes it to the tabloids.
It makes it to JR's throw-away comments.

However it never needs to go out the door as hard cash.
Impairment + one off charges to the accounts / balance sheet and the intangible assets book see to that.

Interesting to see what happens when MD leaves.
Big impairment charge and his inflated value is being worked off the books?

For the record we are amateurs at this compared to SDM and TFOD.
The can play it in three dimensions with MB's holiday home as the joker.

*player wages? players' agents I meant

Malceye - Today is only the 25th June and the players don't return until 1st July. It's a bit premature to use words like "the delay in signing a striker is a worry."

We have 5 weeks before the first CL qualifier, so if we sign a striker 4 weeks before the game, or 3 weeks before the game, or even 2 weeks before the game, why would that be a problem? Surely it would be better to make sure we sign the right people, even if it does take another one, two or three weeks, rather than jumping in and buying anyone, just to appease people like your good self, especially since you have already stated that "Fletcher is not the answer".

Also, you talk about the board "hedging their bets" as if that is definitely Celtic's approach, rather than a possible scenario raised by one or two posters.

Like every transfer window, each new day of apparent inactivity increases the sense of discomfort and impatience in a lot of Celtic fans. I can understand and relate to that, but let's not start jumping out of the windows just yet.

Hail Hail

Here's a wee thing about Donatti's style of play. He may have had the heart of a mouse, but I think a lot of that was down to lack of confidence.

In my view he has a genuinely gifted vision for a pass into space, the problem being we were (as a team) not mobile enough to run onto those passes. I said (when he was getting some game-time) that he should really have been able to adjust his game and play to feet, but his main failing was that he couldn't. It did used to annoy me that fans used to barrack him and not even see what he was trying to do. He always tried to play the ball forward, something sadly lacking in a lot of our play last season.

If TM manages to keep him and get the team playing the way he's noted for Donatti could yet be a revelation. However, he may already be too disillusioned to stick around.

lionroared67 10.28

good post my friend. but as i said below . its not what TM can do it is more the case of what will he be allowed to do. i am watching closely as i feel its our hierachy who are holding us back .still cant get over them being allowed to win the double.and as each season we go backwards i get a greater feeling i am being fleeced. i posted this last week .

By jimtim on June 17, 2009 12:52 AM

i feel the guy has a mammoth task on his hands. i pray to god he is strong , because a right good cull is needed. my advice to him would be show no mercy, no favour. there were players pulling that magnificent jersey over their heads who did not merit even walking in the front door of celtic park, let alone playing for the celts. and we all know who they are, each and every one of us, who attend the games. tony mowbury would not have been my choice , but he has the honour of being manager of my /our club .and will get behind him 100% , but he needs even more support than what we can give him . he needs the TOTAL support from the custodians of our great club. and having followed the tic for over 50 years, and know only too well, having studied our hierchy .i fear that may be too tall an order . i make this plea to the celtic support. give tony mowbury time. if he fails, the failure will have come from above him . as the failure of 4in a row ,came from above wgs

Madmitch - It might help your cause if you refrained from the lazy habit of using initials all the time. I for one really can't be bothered trying to decipher initials if you can't even take the trouble to type names in full.

Also, why are you prattling on about perceived board mistakes going back 6, 7 and 8 years ago? My God, you are even mentioning Brian Quinn's so-called mobile phone call about Martin O'Neill. Unbelievable.

Soon you'll be attacking Peter Lawwell for something Sir Robert Kelly did. You've been riding a one-trick pony for over a week now and it is very, very exhausted. Please, give it a rest.

The cost of Old Firm arrests will be reduced with the implementation of Sunday kick-offs, with those imprisoned spending just one night in cells at the taxpayers' cost as opposed to the whole weekend under the current set-up.

They believe trouble will also be greatly diminished since supporters will be more responsible in their drinking the day before the working week begins. It is another layer of complexity for the SPL to consider as they complete negotiations with broadcasters in time for the new season.

Sunday6.05KOCSC

Tom McL

The issue relates to the transfer value associated with MD.
The values given are all over the place.
Ties into the figures used in 2008/09.

Might not interest you but it does me.
One million here, one million there, soon we will be talking real money.

If that doesn't interest you then jog on.

Tom McLaughlin,
I think mine like Malceye and many others concerns are that while we wait on players to return from their holidays other clubs are snapping up the good players that are out there.

The fact that JVoH looks certain to leave would mean that we should be looking to replace him immediately, as wait on the players to return will means nothing here.
The same should apply to Nakamura and possibly Hartley to a lesser extent.

The reason I would highlight JVoH and Naka is due to the fact that they were first team picks on a weekly basis, so the players behind them are just that.

However with Hartley I wouldn't feel we have to replace him as we do with the others two as I feel Hartley is a squad player and IMO we have enough of them already in this position.

A proven striker and a skillful MF will do me for starters. (Janko and Silic pleeeease Mr Mowbray!)

/Bishop B

jimtim

so if mowbray succeeds its his doing and if he fails its the boards fault.

Tom McLaughlin ,

i see you dislike the use of initials that a lot of people use on this site. This is something that really bugs me. Sometimes i spend that long working out who the poster is meaning that i forget what their original point is.

Hail Hail

Obviously it was Stilic I meant. D'oh!

/Bishop B

madmitch

tom has a point - the comment about bq was a cheap shot and had no relevance to the point you were making.

PB and TM -

What can you possibly mean????

Lurcy 8-)))

Madmitch - I appreciate you taking the time to explain it to me, but my immediate problem is, who is MD?

"while we wait on players to return from their holidays other clubs are snapping up the good players that are out there."

- there hasn't really been much going on that we've missed out on. most of the transfers have been involving the richer clubs taking players we'd have no chance of signing anyway.
transfer activity across europe - and at celtic - should pick up when players return from training (as has already been said) and as we head further into summer.

BQ = Brain Quinn
MON = Martin O´Neil
MD = Massimo Donati
AV = Adam Virgo
PMcC = Paddy Mc Court
GS = Gorgios Samaras
MC = Marc Crosas
GL = Glen Loovens
SM = Shaun Maloney
SDM = Sir David Murray
TFOD = The forces of Darkness
MB = Martin Bain

I don't like Mondays ...anyway.

Where's Pablo when ye need a linky u tube thingy ( I cannae dae it in work)

So I'll be booking the Monday following the Cellic V rankers games off.

vmhan
Hail Hail

Tom McLaughlin @ 2:21am,
What is wrong with Judas or Le Petite Merde?

Mods, blog polis? Never about when needed!!!

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo - Thank you.

Jim the Tim,

Losing 4 IAR is open to subjective debate, i myself cannot see the direct and irrefutable formula that says, money given to WGS by the board would have equalled a league title win, i believe the malaise which was profound and complex, which we all watched at great pain in the run in resulted in there inevitable conclusion. I am no apologist for the board, and i fully accept they make mistakes, is our board the biggest rogues in world football to read posts on here you would be forgiven for thinking so? Abraomvitch, Berlusconi or Sir Moonbeam are they better? as i have stated football is a volatile and perilous business and there is no club in the world who have the perfect formula for operating in the sharks pool of professional football, Celtic fans really need to have a reality check, just read the laughable posts about finances, such as by madmitch, it is clear we now have some malconted amateurs who are posting pointless and irrelevant posts on finances in which they are only proving to themselves we have a parcel of rogues running the club.

Lionroared67 - As much as I would echo your sentiments to back the new manager and board, i'd put forward that the squad left behind by Martin O'Neill was much weaker than the one we have today.

I'd also contest your notion that "whinging morons" and "malcontented imbiciles" should pipe down, and any other such suggestions of debate being stifled.

Fred C. Dobbs - I had to scroll back to my post at 2:21am to remind myself what you were alluding to.

Point taken, but when I refer to something positive he did in a Celtic jersey, I don't mind giving him his proper name, even though he is un grand merde.

LIONROARED

it possible to make a point without being abusive

i am neither moronic nor imbecilic

because i have a contrary view does it make me so ??

this is a quality blog where most try to act with courtesy ...please consider this when composing your posts

btw ..you make some decent assertions ..i don`t necessarily agree ..differing opinions ...see ...

no need for the abuse ,

celtic4orme 11.04 hello my friend .

my point was, if tony mowbury doesnt get backing from the board in the form of signins. then i fear for our team .we couldn,t win the league or cup last season with what we had.if given funds to bring in a few improvements,then we have a chance . bt the same token ,if he does win the league without backing from the board, then he does deserve praise of the highest order .

Today's birthdayBhoy is Hoopslegend Neil Lennon.

Neil gets to share his cake with tortured genius of PrincessDiPop George Michael, Kiwi rock god Tim Finn and hamsterfaced pompous purveyor of self-opinionated pomposity Alan Green.

Awe na ...

Thank you.
When I confuse myself reading my old posts I will be in touch.

Celtic4

No cheapshot just the lowest ebb of board / manager relations.

I just repeat that the club has hsistory of getting itself tied up in knots over finances.

Good morning bhoys

Doesn't look like I've missed much in the last couple of days.

anyone heard anything intresting on the transfer front?

it doesn't look like the other mob are up too much either!

Tom,

He played for us?

;O).

weeminger on June 25, 2009 10:42 AM

agreed.....i also think donati is a player....the problem is that it's a huge decision to make him the central midfield playmaker at this stage....i would not sell him unless we got an offer of £3 million, and even then only if it was to top up a transfer fee to enable us to sign someone very high class...i think he needs to be fed back into the team via the bench and some playing time in the upcoming friendlies

without knowing all of the facts behind his exclusion, i suspect gordon did not cover himself in glory regarding this....all managers will have differences of opinions with players, but gordon seemed to me to have too many for it to just be routine run of the mill stuff

another side effect of having far too big a squad of players of similar ability....

Alan Green must by eponymously colour blind, the prat

jimtim

the manager must share a large part of the responsibility for us losing the league last season. the players were good enough imo

Tictical_genuis

Opinions and debate about fitba and Celtic, i can have, no problem with you there, IMO it was a Scottish meeja fallacy about the squad MON left on his leaving, the meeja hated him with a passion, recently heard this on a radio station from a journo? called Nuremberg hugh, he said, i disliked MON, i found him a cold fish, he talked for 20 -30 minutes and didnt say anything worth reporting, an excellent quality of MON'S for this bhoy, Nuremberg hugh loved WGS, he enjoyed his press conferences (devil dugs and Kestrel lager? has there ever been a faux paus by a manger on this scale?)MON will never receive anything like a just and level summation of his time as Celtic manager by the Scottish meeja, analysing both squads there is no debate!! the state of the squad WGS inherited was far superior, it still had a good backbone of talent and winners to say the least, i wish i could say the same for our present squad.

vmhan

not too badly at the mo, although like you I find early morns difficult when the weather gets better. I mainly playing footy and cycling at the present. I would welcome any ideas you have. As I said previously, we want to start cranking things up sponsorship wise next month.

Lionroared - "malcontented amateurs" - I'm rather in the "discontented amateur" category. Its just under the "blind optimists" section.

celtic4orme.

the manager must share a large part of the responsibility for us losing the league last season.

agreed.

the players were good enough imo.

imho .not nearly good enough .

At the complete opposite end of the broadcasting spectrum from Alan Green was the late Derek Lacey, who was buried in Carlisle yesterday.

Derek commentated on over 500 matches for Carlisle, including the Jimmy Glass game, and even allowing for the fact that on a local radio station like BBC Radio Cumbria he could get away with being a bit more partisan his commentary always added to the enjoyment, whereas with the likes of Alan Green as soon as you hear his voice you want to reach for the off switch.

He is a very fortunate man to have landed the job at R5.

From Derek's style you could tell whether Carlisle were winning or were behind before you heard the score, just by the tone in his voice.

His contribution to the club is to be marked with a minute's applause before the first home game of the season.

should read the manager must take much of the repsonsibility.

i just spoke to a friend about the lazio player we have been linked with - meghni. a winger/no 10., bags of skill and touch, but a poor injury record and very lazy - no tracking back or tackling, and no great pace. lazio are looking to offload players to fund their deal for zarate and other new faces. a skilfull player who might not be up to the rigours of the spl is how he summarised.

PF Ayr

It is the continued cheap shots by so called Celtic fans/supporters against the club, and the board i dislike!! the laughable fag packet accountants with there selected facts and figures, what do they prove? is it fair on the board to be attacked and abused in this way, do they have a right not to be abused?

Any white schmoke?

By madmitch on June 25, 2009 11:31 AM
Awe na ...

Thank you.
When I confuse myself reading my old posts I will be in touch.

Celtic4

No cheapshot just the lowest ebb of board / manager relations.

I just repeat that the club has hsistory of getting itself tied up in knots over finances.

so saying he made a fool of himself wasnt a cheap shot and was relevant to the point you were making?

Thursday 25th June 2009.

I woke up this morning; late. However, in mitigation your honours, I had to contest Wimbledon, State of Origin, The Famous Grouse and apathy.

I got to work and loads, and I mean loads, of the brownest stuff, and it was everywhere, had hit the fans. The blame game was the order of the day. (I love the blame game… it is sick with the best players the sickest. It is unique in a paradox of excellence) Union brother on union brother and staff proctologist on staff sycophant, or the other way around, or whichever way you choose to imagine it (and that is sick if you go bother to go there) I lost the plot with the lot of them, I asked for a P-45, I spat dummies for fun; I said FFS get a grip, but nobody was listening and things could only get worse, so keys in the ignition, petrol and revs a company expense and I left the stenches behind. Four hours of dodge em’s on the Warrego Highway, a few inate pleasantries with guys whose day might have been a mirror of mine but who were taking my space in time and I’m home.

Perspective.

A Famous Grouse or two, a bit of pizza and I've calmed down and my only wonders… wonder what Kano and his clock got up to today???

I wonder if they were as bored as me. Naw couldn't have been it just isn't possible.

PF ayr on June 25, 2009 11:23 AM

Thats a NO then ;-)

Hail Hail

"so called Celtic fans/supporters "

you are stirring up a hornet's nest with this line. Time to move on...

Lionroared67,

Martin O'Neill aside, I still disagree about that squad, most moved on and proved that they had nothing left to offer, even at at less demanding clubs. Others either retired, were out of contract or back to their parent club. The exception was Petrov and perhaps Balde (depending on how you judge his ability), to a lesser extent there was 34 year old Neil Lennon who still performed, but not someone you could look to build a team around.

The squad from M'ON's last game in charge;

------------
Douglas, Agathe, Balde, Varga, McNamara, Petrov, Lennon, Sutton, Thompson, Hartson (Beattie 75), Bellamy.

Subs not used:- Marshall, Valgaeren,Laursen, Lambert, Maloney, McGeady.
------------

Lionroared67 - Nuremburg Hugh?

over here we have a plethora of othe names for him...thats not one of them. In fact, its one of the few times he did call something right.

lion ...

Team full of winners?

Get real - Black Sunday.

Husk of a team running on empty.

Fag packet accountants? Just who could that be?

I take it you are not allowed to go to Tesco on your own?

"while we wait on players to return from their holidays other clubs are snapping up the good players that are out there."

I think it is time we realised that there is no point in us rushing in to be part of the feeding frenzy for the top players available.
Until the Big Beasts of the EPL, & even the lesser lights of that league, are satisfied,we might as well wait patiently to see what is left available to us. We cannot compete financially & only frustrate ourselves & create interest in targets which we MAY be hoping to capture wh