Pantomime in black and white

Taurangabhoy, Parkheadcumsalford, philvisreturns, I concur with your various views, especially "Br Walfrid's whole mind set was to build bridges between the communities." and "Ironic really as it is the mirror reverse of the behaviour that we loath in the bigotdome".

There is a (not insignificant) portion of our support which is as bad as the other lot, just as there are plenty of them who are perfectly reasonable, decent people. But too many Celtic fans have this holier than thou attitude, making out that we are a class apart. But we are not.

Having moved to England many years ago I have (fortunately) become detached from the intolerances that blight Scottish society, particularly amongst males from their teens to their 40s and occasionally beyond. I shudder to think what life would be like here in Yorkshire if we were all as intolerant of the English, Irish, Welsh, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Polish, Latvian, and various other European, Asian, African & Caribbean people in our communities. It would be like World War 3!

So what if Celtic have Irish roots? There were more Scottish people than Irish people involved in the formative years of Glasgow Celtic FC, and the club has always existed in Scotland, played in the Scottish League and represented Scotland in European competitions. It is not an Irish club. And most of it's supporters are Scottish. Glasgow Celtic FC is Scottish. So let's accept, embrace, and be proud of that fact.

Leaving the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday I heard some rather agitated, Scottish accented, hoops clad, 30-something males exclaiming something about "the f...ing b..tards have got a f...ing Union Flag so what do they expect?". To which my English Man City supporting mate (whose 12 year old son also heard this foul-mouthed tirade) enquired "what was that all about?". I then had to explain to him why in Britain after a football match between two British teams, a British flag should cause such anger!

I personally think there is too much emphasis on the Irish side of things amongst the Celtic support, and this serves only to heighten the conflict and division that has blighted Scottish football for many decades.

Brother Walfrid dreamed of a society without division, hatred and prejudice, and over a century later we still haven't realised his dream.

Above comment copied from end of previous thread, due to my (usual) bad timing!

I am Nige

Nige am I

Eat my dust.

Unlucky Nige

Newcastle is a bad job to get - unless you win them that elusive trophy and you will be given hero status. A big gamble for any manager, particularly as jobs come up so often.

Sorry Nige, my 2nd 1st in 5 threads. Mansell is no longer on the Button.

Their away strip completes the pantomime look.

A shambles of a club.

EN, are we really qualified to criticise anyone else's away strip?!

BigChipsUK - hear hear!

I guess the lesson learned here is that it doesn't matter where everyone is from as long as we're all the same religion...

BigChipsUK

Here here.

mmm, spelling lesson required me thinks.

BigChipsUK

Why post that twice?

Just dealing with the factual errors:

1. The name of the club is Celtic Football Club.

2. The people who built the first Celtic Park were Irish labourers who gave their time freely at the end of a full day’s shift. Who were all the Scottish people who outnumbered them during the club’s formative years?

3. Walfrid chose the name he did because it reflects the fact that the club is Scottish and Irish.

4. Celtic is a club that has been open to all since 1888 and is most certainly not responsible for the heightening the conflict and division in Scottish football and Scottish society.

philvisreturns, 90%+ of Celtic & Rangers fans (who give a damn) are the same religion... Christian. Though you wouldn't know it.

(permit my indulgence in carrying this over from end of the previous thread)

haven't been around for a while... Hello to Paul 67 and thanks for your continued passion for this great blog.

I have always found the Scots - Irish -Scots Irish thing most puzzling.

As someone with grand parents split equally between the Scots Side and Irish side I have happily enjoyed both cultures.

However I consider my self Scottish having been born and brought up in Scotland and with almost all of the Irish side of the Family outwith Ireland very few physical links to Ireland itself.

I however have strong republican feelings and my politics are firmly in the self determination camp.

Now where I get confused is with those that i know in the Celtic Family who decry all things British yet will happily argue politics with me along the lines that Labour are the only party for them - Yet Labour are the one of - if not the Arch British Unionist Party.

See Natural Republicans - See Unionism - Most confusing

BigChipsUK

I think we might get away with it as long as we dont loose the plot on and off the park the way Newcastle have.

EN

BigChipsUK - I could not have said it better myself
I moved to London in 1976 and I have lost that "hatred" that existed in my youth regarding "them"
But my love for Glasgow Celtic has grown stronger - my heart still races when we score - when we win
I continue to boast about our support in Seville
My mother was Irish - but I love being Scottish and have no problem with a British passport
Proud to be a Celtic supporter

Paul

I watched Football Focus on Saturday morning and they were live from WBA where West Brom were due to host Newcastle in the opening Championship match.

They spoke to Alan Shearer who appeared to have no idea about what was going on at the club. Temporary manager Chris Houghton wasn't any the wiser about the goings on. This is one club that is in serious danger of going downhill rapidly. They have been unable to make any signings and unless they get some stability before the end of the transfer window, are unlikely to do so.

I think Gordon Strachan should stay well clear.

Mort

defend your Scottishness and keep the Irish out of it.

you support a football team with a proud history but why the need to mention Ireland when telling us you are a proud Scot.

I find that the bloggers who regularly feel the need to defend their Scottishness also have to bring Ireland/the Irish into the argument, having read many of the views of certain bloggers for years it does seem sometimes that there is a hint of anti Irish about them.

Ulster-Celt

Is it true that wherever in the World 'Celtic' is used in a sporting context it's always with the 'soft C' pronunciation? And that would be part of Bro Walfrid's legacy?

Insistence, for want of a better word, on racial or ethnic purity is more hunnish than Walfridian.

One more comment on this Scottish Irish thing
My mother was Irish I was born in Glasgow
I say I am Scottish
My mother said I was Irish
I was born in Glasgow says I
If a dog is born in a stable - it doesnt make it a horse - your Irish says she
Help

bigchipsuk, your submission goes against what your trying to say , celtic fc can be as much irish as it is scottish and vice-versa. No need to demand that it be marginalised into one identity , each has their own views on what we see celtics identity as , this is why we are special. The church is broad.

Ulster-Celt,

Well said, they are indeed lost souls.

Celtic_First, Celtic is indeed "a club that has been open to all since 1888 and is most certainly not responsible for the heightening the conflict and division in Scottish football and Scottish society". I suggested that it was the "emphasis on the Irish side of things amongst the Celtic support" that served to heighten conflict and division.

The pedantic semantics of nomenclature is petty and unnecessary: Glasgow Celtic FC, Celtic Football Club, The Celtic Football and Athletic Company Limited, or Celtic PLC (as listed on the LSE), whatever... they are labels for the same thing.

If you'd like to list all the employees of Celtic FC from 1887 to 1899 inclusive, I am sure you will find more Scots than Irish by birth.

Walfrid always pronounced it with a hard "C".

Ulster-Celt not sure who you directed you comments too but for the record my mothers folk were from Skye and my Dads all came over in the famine from Donegal. I am Scottish and Irish and proud of both. Celtic First funny thig with facts , it was my mothers protestant family in brigton who had the first celtic supporter home and away from 1888 until he died. They tried to keep that a secret from me :). philvisreturns if this one gets too serious bring in some of that humour from the ed of the last blog , a few very funny post. We can have a laugh with this one too. talking of which Estadio Nacional I catch up with a Geordie nearly every night , he's gutted about whats happening with his club but the away strip is something we can laugh about. Bananas in Pajamas. Apparently it was designed so that the barcodes could get a quick opening goal while the home side were still laughing.

BigChips

You may as well call the club by its correct name.

I can't give you a list of employees. Let's assume you're correct and that more people on the list would have been born in Scotland than in Ireland, although for the dates you specify, I'm not sure how you can be so sure. My point was, though, that this appears to airbrush out all the thousands of Irish people who were not employees because they worked for nothing.

Well, they didn't work for nothing. They worked out of love for the club. Why don't they count?

I think many Celtic fans suffer a definite identity crisis when it comes to the Scots/Irish thing, myself included.

I'm very proud to be Scottish, but at the same time, there are certain aspects of Scottish culture that I just can't buy into, and there is a significant proportion of the Scottish population who probably wish we weren't here.

I'm equally proud of my Irish ancestry, but cannot be considered Irish as it goes back to my great-grandparents (7 of 8 Irish).

I also feel that there are many Irish people who want nothing to do with us. We are seen in some circles as Republican loonies. Also, the Glasgow/west of Scotland Irish are, in my experience, the forgotten branch of the Irish Diaspora. So close, we have become invisible.

So, Scottish or Irish? In many ways I feel both, AND neither. Celtic is both my club team AND my national side.

I'm just Celtic - with a soft "c." All welcome.

Dont intend to get embroiled in this arguement but BigChipsUK, I think 'philvisreturns' @ 1036 had his tongue firmly in his cheek...

Anyone know if this reported interest in Kilgallon is legit??
Anyone seen him play?? Any good...?

Hail Hail
CB

Big Liam

The way I see it is Celtic now is a club for anyone to support regardless their story with a proud Scottish/Irish history which has made this club so special to millions of fans.

Five nil to the tic this weekend with a double from Fortune.

Clare's Bhoy,

Nice shift back to football!

Yesterday's Times suggested that we had watched Kilgallon but hadn't made a bid.

Only seen him play a few times but he looks big and strong, good in the air and in the tackle. Surprised EPL clubs aren't in for him.

Taurangabhoy

Bananas in Pajamas knew it reminded me of something. Maybe it was an attempt to give their suport a laugh, cheer them up a wee bit?

I saw a photo of their launch, three people were at the door of the Newcastle club shop at opening time, I dont think their support are in the mood for a laugh.

Talking of weird away strips and the launch of them, I noticed this..

Hail Hail Haka

EN

Big Chips,

Celtic are a Scottish club with proud Irish roots as are Hibs. But the difference between us and Hibs is that we have retained our Irish identity, played on it even to ensure we are a world wide club supported in every corner of the planet. This did not happen by default or because we are a scottish club but because of our Irishness. Take this away and we are, in a word Hibs.

Ulster Celt, agree 100% a definate anti-Irish feeling to this and has been brewing for a while.

Anyway, Newcastle.

Their fans have helped bring them to this place, with their ridiculous demonstrations and whatnot.

The Geordies are lovely people but I'll never understand their insistence that Newcastle is a "big club".

What have they ever won?

Hearts have a better claim to being a "big club" than Newcastle does. And Hearts, need I add, is a smelly little provincial club with smelly little supporters.

EN it was on the news here the other night too. Think the Haka Hail Hail will take off at Celtic Park ? The GIRUY part of the might be used a few times during the season

As far as i know,the last time Newcastle won a trophy,the goalkeeper was a man who had previously won an olympic medal,and,subsequently,a mere twelve years later,went on to win a European cup,anyone know the name of this chap?

Glow, Pipes, Glow.

They walked oot proud as yae like,
the racket, music to my ears,
awe dressed up, wearin a skirt,
I wiz staunin, haudin back tears.

The tunes are stirrin, aye tae the blood,
makes the hair staun up, make yae cry,
yer foot starts tappin, quick as yae like,
pumpin an blowin, wonderin why.

Visions of Highlanders, crushin the foe,
claymores a swingin, red does it flow,
the enemy are runnin, tails in the air,
you come back to reality, with a nice glow.

So next time, when yer tempted tae jeer,
think awe the past, think awe the fear,
the pipes will instill all this fir you,
soak it awe in, drink it like beer.

Serenity

Don't worry, I realised that Clare's Bhoy. But I am more intrigued as to why Jermaine Beckford was omitted from the Leeds Utd squad for last night's Carling Cup game... They say he's "going nowhere", but would they change that view if Celtic came in with a £3.8M bid?

Celtic_First, I don't want to get drawn into a long drawn out argument, or to fall out. After all, we are all Celtic supporters, and I respect your views & opinions as you, I am sure, do mine. So having said my piece I will now turn the other cheek and go hide behind the sofa.

Morning all

An interesting note on the Toon, and perhaps a vision of things to come in English football in general. Like Newcastle, Southampton and Charlton have both been acquired by new owners in recent times, the Charlton deal is not yet public, but has again come at a price far below what the sellers originally wanted

With the EPL's top clubs becoming the playthings of the super-wealthy, the lesser clubs cannot compete, their fans get frustrated and stay away, the levels of financial reward offered in the lower end of the championship and leagues 1 and 2 has actually fallen in real terms over the past three years. The average salary paid to a League 1 player in season 8/9 was just over £67k, an excellent amount, however when viewed as a 15 year career it suddenly doesnt look so good, certainly not enough to provide a lifetime of financial security

We are clearly at a stage where thankfully our Club and the rest of Scottish football in general are avoiding the financial meltdown here in England, this is a good thing, I believe that once the storm has passed and the rich men get tired of their playthings there will be a raft of administrations and liquidations which will see smaller properly run clubs rise to prominence and in all probability we will look back and laugh at the mayhem caused by the money men.

I've said it before, PL and the Doctor know what they are doing, they are investing heavily now to support our new manager, as they always said they would, however, they are doing it within the boundaries of a clear financial plan that is sustainable.

I am sure that we are on the right path and under the current stewardship bioth managerial and financial, to parapharse, " our time will come "

Ming

I can think of nothing that culturally links Scotland and Ireland more than the bagpipes.

The pipes were brought to Scotland from Ireland in the 6th century, by the Mc.Earcs.

Over the years, they were developed into what is now known as the Great Highland Bagpipe.

When "the wearing of the green" was prohibited in Ireland, the pipes were also outlawed.

This was because they were considered to "too stirring" and encouraged the people to rebellion.

It was therefore illegal to march to the pipes. The Fife then became the instrument of choice.

To circumvent this ban, the Irish developed the uillean (elbow) pipes which are played from a seated position.

These were permitted, as nobody had ever heard of an army marching into battle behind a guy sitting on a chair.

With the formation of the Irish Regiments, the bagpipes were reinstated, as the Brits knew what effect they had on the enemy.

The pipes have a prominent place in Irish culture and in the Six Counties, over the last forty years, not one fallen Volunteer has been laid to rest without the tribute of the Lone Piper.

Finally, my son is playing with the St. Finbar's Cork Pipe band this Saturday in the World Championships GR 3A at Glasgow Green. They won the All-Irelands a couple of weeks ago.

If anyone has nothing else to do, they should go along. It's a great day out.

But please, DON'T BOO!

johnnyquest,

A certain Mr Simpson?

johnnyquest

Ronnie Simpson?

Paul, why do you want to see Newcastle relegated again and their fans driven further into infighting...

why else would you want to force strachan upon them ...

I wonder why a Scottish club would have imported Irish grass for the playing surface who's idea was that?? Now while the club may be in Scotland it will always be Irish no amount of anti Irish "tosh" from the local media or even Celtic's own support will change that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq2Dc73-xm0

No one is uniquely Scottish,uniquely Irish or indeed uniquely anything.
What in fact makes each of us unique is our experience and which part of that experience we focus on.
Focus is fine,maybe even unavoidable,but it can prevent us appreciating the whole,either in ourselves or in others.
Brother Walfrid,being a wholey man, was alert to the dangers of too much focus and so built into his vision of Celtic the kind of principles of inclusiveness to counteract the extremes too much focus brings.

BigChipsUK

I think it's a very dangerous argument that celebrating our differences causes division in society. Our country is full of people from different cultures, this is all part of life's rich tapestry, IMO to be celebrated.

Would we better if we all tried to 'pass' as good subjects of the queen and assimilated? What if your name marks you out as different? You could change it, I suppose. What if the colour of your skin marks you as different? How are you going to assimilate then?

I moved to Germany 22 years ago. The generations in my family and friends that experienced war were flabbergasted that I had done so. It´s amazing how grandchildren can refocus the mind. Having spent so long out of Britain my hatred for Rangers and the SFA has increased ten fold. My disdain for British pomposity has exponentially increased to the extent that it is vertical asymptote. I´m never going to be German and I dont want to be. Germans possibly due to their multi racial society or from learning lessons from the past and are happy with that generally speaking. I have learned the language. My son has a German passport etc. They dont expect me to embrace German nationality ... they know that I know that they know that my older generations had the right to be well humped off about it ... and you know what they respect that too.....

I have often felt the need not to be seen to be controversial but not to compromise within German society. Their denial those of that generation whom experienced it is the greatest marketing job of the 21st Century imho. If I am at a dinner party I may wait until the 25th Scottish joke about our frugality Brian Quinn please note :-( before saying; when it comes to national stereotypes I´d rather be considered tight than a Nazi... it´s great being a Tim so its is

Thank god my boys a Tim and understands all of this due to our shared experiences and him asking questions and seeing the futile and unnecessary and negative divisions that nationality and race can cause ... if we are an all inclusive club then truthfully flying the Union Jack at Celtic Park by a Celtic fan should be quietly and respectfully tolerated .... but we shouldn´t be kissing anybody´s ass they should be kissing ours ... for showing them the proper way to behave.

"O wad some Pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as others see us!
It wad frae monie a blunder free us,
And foolish notion”"

and if all they can see in us is us booing the Union Jack for no apparent reason ...then it´s back to school for them.

HAil Hail

Strictly speaking the last trophy won by the Mags was the 68-69 Inter Cities Fairs Cup, when they beat Ujpest Dosza 6-2 on aggregate.

In the semi-final they beat the Shame 2-0, a result which was greeted by the blue hordes in their traditional way; laying waste to the town with unbridled vigour.

Duff67

Interesting that you mention Celtic importing Irish grass. I wasn't aware of that but not important at all.

Here in Ireland, there were mutterings of discontent that following U2 concerts at Croke Park, the playing surface had to be relaid and imported British grass was used.

Mort

celtic were the club of the disenfranchised, poor, irish imigrants and many other imigrants from all over the globe who settled in scotland not only the east end. my own descendants from eastern europe settled in croy at the start of the 20th century and were naturally drawn to celtic and their ethos. we are now in my view simply a club for all with a proud heritage. dont understand this scottish/irish debate, we're open to evereyone. even know some who supported the huns in younger years but grew up and saw the error of their ways and to me their as welcolme as anyone else

I have always had a feeling there is a certain element within our support that are embarassed with Irish aspect of Celtic. I'm not sure if I agree that it's anti-Irish per se. More about a desire to seem more "mature" with their identity. I think it might be sudlimily driven by Scottish media's negative coverage. Only my opinion, and I'm no psyco analysist.

Modern vertical asymptotes is rubbish.

Mort August 11, 2009 11:26 AM,

I heard that he best grass comes from Columbia Not British :-) or Thailand ... we shouldn´t compromise.

"If theres grass on the pitch.....lets play!!"

AliGCSC

Awe_Naw

:-)

Are we seriously to believe that Man City fans weren't aware of Celtic fans likely reaction to the union flag? Pull the other one, even the Dynamo fans knew enough to bring one to CP

I have got to say that I get bored senseless with the over emphasis on all the irish stuff. I appreciate the history with my own family coming over in the 1880's,but some fans take it too far as far I am concerned.

I feel that it gets to the stage that some are coming down to the level of the southsiders, who have nothing else to sing about except anti-Irish and catholic bile. We should be above that and stop singing songs about the IRA and all the paramilitary extras.This just gives the other lot a chance to cast up negatives aginst Celtic

Move on everyone and support TM and the club to the full and let 'Scotlands Shame' continually let themselves down without dragging us into their gutter.

Celtic are a Scottish club founded by an Irishman to feed the poor in the East End of Glasgow. Our supporters are in the main either Irish or of Irish descent. I was born in Glasgow, to Irish parents, nearly 40 years ago and was raised in The Gorbals. Half my extended family are in Glasgow and half in Donegal. When I go to Donegal, I say I'm going home, if given the choice I would play for Ireland.

I think the above description (except for the Gorbals part) would account for a large percentage of our fans.

We are the Football club of "A People", in the same was as Barcelona are the club of a "Nation."

Ronnnie Simpson it was indeed,the olympic medal was,i think,for rowing.I guess the correct question should have read,last DOMESTIC trophy,the year,for those who have not,as yet,fallen asleep,was 1955,the trophy,FA cup.G' night.

Just to add, I don't the morons who were "offended" by the pipe band at Eastlands deserve a mention on here. I'm not offended by a pipe band, or even a flute band for that matter. Racism/sectarianism on the other hand, I've got no time for. Let the people sing or play flutes. But if someone racially abuses you, stand up and show your offended. Overcome.

Down For Sam. Proud to Irish. Proud to be a Celt.

SOMETHING INSIDE SO STRONG!

Paul, not related to this article but have been trying to contact you via the link on "About"....... it was in relation to your article about stuff for the kids in Malawi. Can you drop me a line?

BigChipsUK

have to agree with almost everything you've said. I'm Scottish, and proud of it. i am aware that a great grandparent of mine was Irish, but that doesn't make me want to be Irish in any way. and that in itself doesn't make me feel any less of a Celtic supporter. my son, who would be even less "Irish" than me has as much passion for our club as i do, and feels every bit as hurt when we lose as anyone who might claim Irish heritage.

it's not about Irish, or Scottish, but it does disappoint me that some Celtic fans "boo" something with links to Scotland - i don't boo people who sing about the fields of another country, and i wouldn't boo anyone singing The Soldiers Song.
it's about a love and passion for our club, and for me, it doesn't matter where you come from, what colour, creed, or nationality you are, if you're a Celtic Man, and love the club, then you'll do for me.

Maybe the pipe band were just s**t?

Ronnie Simpson played in the GB squad in the '48 Olympics, as a goalkeeper[ he was a 17 year old amateur with Queens Park]. Britain lost in the semi-final and were beaten by Denmark in the Bronze medal play-off.

DBBIA/Fanny Blankers-Coen CSC.

Unstable

I think I am Irish, or am I a Scot,
born in a stable, that is our lot,
the son of a paddy, for better or worse,
you know what it is? the immigrant curse.

Can I say "Paddy" or is it bad?
a racist remark about ma GrandDad,
Totties are touchy, wit can I say,
I like them wie mince, mashed if I may.

Political correctness, who let it loose,
how can we catch it, before they bring oot the noose,
just waitin tae hang us, up by the feet,
I find it all nonsense, don't alf make yae greet.

So please don't encourage them, let it slip by,
turn a blind ear, wink a deaf eye,
you know where you came from, I wiz in the next stall,
no hidin it noo, I saw it all.

Serenity

Tom 10:47

great comment!!!

My mothers Irish, my Fathers German and I was born in England - been called English most of my life, when being called that I usually say '£$%& off, I'm Irish-German' to which people ALWAYS say to me 'ahh, but you were born in England'....... now I have a something funny to say back - marvellous!!! And before anyone asks - I've been a 'Tic supporter for over 40 years now....

Don't know if this has been mentioned here yet:

Youths on form in Villareal tourney

Gregor Kyle
PENALTY shoot-out wins over Real Madrid and AC Milan have got the Under-19s off to a flyer in this season’s Villarreal International Youth Tournament.

Celtic opened the 2009 competition with a 90th-minute equaliser from John Marsden taking their game against Real Madrid to a penalty shoot-out. Richie Towell and James Keatings then scored from the spot to give Celtic the win.

In their next match against AC Milan, Tommy McIntyre and Stevie Frail’s team started in fine form, but had to withstand a second-half bombardment from the Italians. They then went on to hold their nerve in a second shoot-out, scoring all three spot kicks.

“Against Real Madrid they had a really good first half, then, against the run of play, Real took the lead,” said U19 manager, McIntyre. “We were one down and then equalised in the last minute and it was thoroughly deserved because we created plenty of chances.

“We then went on to play AC Milan, drawing 0-0 in normal time. We had a really good first half, Grant Gallagher and Declan Gallagher were outstanding at the back, as was young Kieran Brennan, who is in his first year with the U19s and was playing in a relatively new position at left back.

“Danielle Giordano was also excellent in goal, as was Haydn Cochrane and Richie Towell in midfield, but while they have excelled, it is a wee bit unfair to single people out, because we played so well.

“We had a really good first half and had AC Milan on the back foot, then, when they came into it in the second half and put us under a lot of pressure, we handled it.

“It then went to penalties and it was actually James Forrest who missed one of our penalties against Real Madrid, but he scored the winner against AC Milan, which shows real character.”

The shoot-out wins mean that Celtic go into their final group game this evening, against the Japanese national team, high in confidence and aiming for a place in the final.

Japan have won one and drawn one of their previous two matches and McIntyre said: “We now play the Japanese national team tonight (Monday, August 10) and at this stage, everyone is still in with a chance of progressing.

“They are a right good side, but if we win tonight and AC Milan either draw or lose, we will be in the final.

“The Eurofoot Tournament in Belgium was a great learning experience, but this has been a step-up, in terms of the quality of opposition.

“For the boys to take to this environment so well, to stick to the game plan and tactics and enjoy some success, has been excellent.”

VILLARREAL 2009 YOUTH TOURNAMENT

Results so far:

Celtic 1 Real Madrid 1
(John Marsden)
Celtic win on penalties, scorers: Richie Towell, James Keatings

Celtic 0 AC Milan 0
Celtic win on penalties, scorers: Richie Towell, James Keatings, James Forrest

I think we beat the Japanese national u-19 team in the semi and now play Liverpool in the final.

Exiled Boy 11:14
I would add Norwich to that list. It is not so long since they aspired to be an EPL team but are going in the opposite direction.
Against the background of the picture you paint it is understandable why PL said at the QA that English clubs are rethinking their attitude towards us moving south.

I was born in Scotland with Irish parents and live in England. Given the choice, I would play for Brazil.

You might be right andybhoy

Something for all the Canadian and American Bhoys.

Celtic have agreed to play a friendly against Benfica in Canada next month.

The Parkhead club have agreed to the glamour game in Toronto on September 2 as they seek to boost their brand in North America.

The game will come during an international break and many of the first-team squad will miss the game because they will be away on international duty with their respective countries.

Scotland play Macedonia at Hampden on September 5 and Holland four days later.

But Celtic will head to Canada with a shadow squad after playing Hibs at Easter Road on August 30th.

The game against Benfica will be played at the 20,000 capacity BMO Field - where Mo Johnston's Toronto FC play their MLS matches.

Beyond a doubt we are a Canadian club

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/display.var.2524974.0.hoops_line_up_benfica_friendly.php

BigChipsUK,
The club has never claimed to be irish, being marginalised and discriminated against, by scottish/british society has caused the support to become more insular, to actually say we are as bad (regardless of majority/minority) as them when looking for reasons why we dont live in a happy multi-cultural society is quite offensive to me. Your argument pretty much states to me that non-conformists should always turn the other cheek.

I love Lubo, it has been suggested on here before that the Dinamo fans may have been duped into that one by a supporter of a certain other club... "Here boys. If yeez wave this British flag at the game the Celtic fans will give yeez a big cheer!".

As for identity, my recent family is almost exclusively English by birth, but my family name is indisputably Scottish, with probably Irish ancestry beyond. I have family resident in England, Scotland, Ireland and France, and I spent the firsthalf of my life to date in Scotland and the latter half in England. I see no point in modern life to the British monarchy, other than it boosting our tourism revenues. I don't see why we should hold sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, a small part of Ireland, or any distant piece of land anywhere else on the globe. And I am British, although I give this no more emphasis than I do the fact that I am male or I like dark chocolate. I just am, because I was born here.

I have no problem with anyone else celebrating their nationality, religion, race or ancestry. What I do not like is that some people do so in a manner deliberately designed to cause confrontation or division. They should learn to live and let live.

I was born in Scotland with Scottish parents, 3 scottish grandparents and one Irish grandparent. I am Scottish but would quite like to be French. Given the choice I would like to play football for Barcelona, cricket for England, or the guitar for Teenage Fanclub.

In a playing sense the Irish have contributed very little to Celtic over 120 years - Patsy Gallagher, Tully ,Peacock, MON & Lenny excepted and possibly Bonner (P).
Did you know we have had more Scottish players cappeed than any other club.

notoneofthepeepil,

That's official. The U19's beat Japan U19's 2-1, goals from James Forrest and Declan Gallacher, and now face Liverpool in the final of the Villareal Youth Tournament.

If some Celtic supporters booed a pipe band (one which according to an article posted on here was more Irish than Scottish) because they regard the bagpipes as an expression of Scottishness rather than Irishness, then at best they can only be described as extremely ignorant. For the reason, see thomthetim @ 11.14 a.m. The Scottish and Irish people have been linked continually in many ways throughout their history. What else does the name of our club signify? If you come across any Scottish person who is anti-Irish, ask them what the name Scotland is derived from.

Any thoughts on Declan Gallacher would be appreciated.
ta

Wishaw Tim

Charles Patrick Tully.......

BT

bigchipsuk

i lived in yorkshire, it was twenty years ago, but i found that there were a lot of people that were pretty intolerant of anyone who wasnt from within about 5 miles of where they lived. i lived in a part of leeds that was predominantly asian, i wouldnt say on the whole the local people were tolerant of them, i saw a fair amount of racism in bradford as well. like i said it was 20 years ago and things may have changed for the better since then, i know as time went by things did get easier for someone with a london accent like me. but having a london accent life was always easier in glasgow than yorkshire for me, especially at celtic park compared to elland road.

re beckford, i was listening to 5live last night and they said that officially he didnt play last night because he was injured and that he finished the game at the weekend without appearing to be carrying a knock. the leeds manager said they had had plenty of offers for him but that he was not for sale and they would do everything they could to keep hold of him. it sounded like he was for the off.

WishawT- you've forgotten Hoopslegends LMillar, WFlood and TCascarino.

I don't even begin to understand the mentality of someone who would boo a pipe band, or any other national display,.. from ANY country, let alone the native land of most of the sad individuals doing the jeering. There truly are some schizophrenic people among us.
In my childhood, many moons ago, almost every Catholic parish had its own pipe band.
I well remember the pipe bands of Our Holy Redeemer's in Clydebank & St. Peter's in Partick proudly marching for Easter & other religious festivals.

Nice one notoneofthepeepil, thanks for that. Certainly sounds better on that front....is Marsden the 16yr old bhoy we signed from Liverpool (who has been tipped for a BIG future) ???

Hail Hail
CB

Could we face an Arsenal without Fabregas?

Barca close on Cesc offer
Tuesday 11 Aug 2009

Barcelona are close to making a move for Cesc Fabregas, according to reports in Spain.

The European champions have been chasing the Arsenal midfielder since the start of the summer, but are yet to make an official bid.

CESC FABREGAS The club have reportedly made contact with his representative and been told that he is interested in moving to the Nou Camp.

However, the switch may depend on Arsenal's Champions League qualifier with Celtic next week.

Barca want to do a deal before the game, so he does not play and become cup-tied for the group stages of the competition.

If nothing can be arranged before then and he does play, Barca will give up on signing the Spain international.

Fabregas played for Barca's youth team before signing for Arsenal in 2003.

Re. the Scottish vs Irish debate .....

.... If he was reading this blog just now, I think the journalist (an out and out Uncle Tim called Andrew Smith) who mentioned the bagpipes "incident" in Manchester would be saying to himself ....

.... mission accomplished.

Lets get real here guys. A couple of dozen Celts at Eastlands who probably had a wee bit too much to drink booed some bagpipe tunes.

It was slightly embarrassing and all a bit silly. Most of us wouldn't have done it (in the same way that most of the Celtic fans there didn't do it either)

Our fans didn't riot, assault innocent civilians, urinate en masse in public places, attack a team bus, desecrate local cultures or attempt to murder a policeman.

Does it really warrant this self examination?

Hail Hail

Irish ? Scottish ? or just a Celt with a K, who cares it matters not a jot

I'm proud to be a Scot, and proud of what my country has become since devolution, whilst I must work in Engerlund it is simply that, a workplace.

There is a huge add campaign being run down here by EDF called "green britain" where they have created a version of the union flag, but in green and white, I'd love to see that flag adopted by the Celtic fans, if for no other reason than it would send the residents of Mordor into a seething rage, I could imagine many an unfortunate hun owned cat taking a kicking over that one.

Flags, Banners, Sashes and signs do not mark the man, rather he is marked by his actions and his treatment of those around him

Ming

ML2 Tim

Chris Morris and Michael McCarthy Roy Keane and Pierce o Leary

Love

It looks like Patrick Viera has knocked back the chance to return to Arsenal.

Hopefully Fabregas will be gone by the time we play them too.

A central midfield of N'Guemo and Robson just might frighten the life out of them. Is Robson fit?

Might I add Sean Fallon to the list?

tom and CroydonCelticPunk

You might be interested in the origins of the stable phrase. In 1843, the Duke of Wellington was a member of the British parliament and represented Irish interests. There was a bit of debate among Irish politicians with none being overly happy that their interests were being taken care of by non Irishmen.

The Duke of Wellington was in fact born in Ireland and it was Daniel O'Connell who said: "The poor old Duke! What shall I say of him? To be sure he was born in Ireland, but being born in a stable does not make a man a horse."

Mort

Clare's Bhoy

We signed him from Wigan I think, but he is a Liverpool lad who has the Merseyside schools goal scoring record, more than Fowler, Rooney, don't know if the lad Islam Feruz played, what age is he now 14/15?

Away to download the U2 album before next week

ExiledBhoy,

Brilliant idea! (Not the cat-kicking part, obviously.)

like it or lump it we're all from the british isles

ExiledBhoy on August 11, 2009 12:06 PM

I saw a t shirt at Pittodrie last season with a green white and gold UJ on it with the slogan 'If it wasn't for the Irish, Britain would still be rubble'

DD

Mort,

Wasn't it Wellington himself who said that, indignant at being described as Irish?

ExiledBhoy - "There is a huge add campaign being run down here by EDF called "green britain" where they have created a version of the union flag, but in green and white, I'd love to see that flag adopted by the Celtic fans, if for no other reason than it would send the residents of Mordor into a seething rage"

That would be brilliant. Your average orc would take one look at it, the cognitive dissonance would amp up to 11, and then his head would explode like in "Scanners".

I was born in a stable, my dad was English and my dog was Afghan. I once tried Welsh rarebit with Irish stew, closely followed by a Danish. My mum made French onion soup on the night I was conceived.I have supported Celtic all of my three lives. The grass at my house was imported from Amsterdam. I now live in a treehouse in Michigan, but only on Tuesdays.

Ulster Celt An Fear Beg Celtic First Big Liam

I don't wish to take issue with you but I will say this. I left Scotland in 1963. I left a Celtic supporter and a proud Scot with both Irish and Scots lineage. My memory may be failing me but at the time I left I had no sense of any split amongst Celtic supporters regarding their antecedence. Irish or Scots were both equally understanding and supportive of themselves and each other's shared identities and relished the origins of the name Celtic.

I left Scotland quite simply because I couldn't get a job going through the normal " What school did you go to? " interview process.

It took me a very little time in England to realise that there was a wider world out there where narrow mindedness bigotry and parochialism played no part and were regularly challenged. I visited home as you would expect over the years but had absolutely no desire to return permanently to what I began to view as a rather nasty mean - minded society regrettably not restricted in my experience to which team you supported. The tendency manifested itself on both sides of the divide in my experience. Marrying an English wife exacerbated the feeling as I became more conscious of just how irrationally bigoted some were.

I had a number of opportunities to return but the only thing that caused me any hesitation in rejecting the offers was the thought of seeing Celtic regularly again. Other than that I had absolutely no desire to go back.

I worked in Ireland during the nineties and was surprised to find that my conception of the Irish love of Celtic something of a myth. It certainly brought little but a puzzled expression on the faces of those I met.

I discovered CQN about 5 years ago and like most am now hooked. This also co -incided with the greater exposure of Celtic on TV via Setanta. I have through the process become more and more unsettled by the apparent transformation of Celtic and its support into something I don't recognise as the Celtic I grew up with. Indeed as a Scot I feel isolated at times and alienated by the proliferation of Irish Tricolours and similar which dominate the stands whereevr we go. I couldn't explain to my friends why a Scottish pipe band was booed at Leicester four years ago by supporters of a Scottish team. Whilst I love to talk of our origins and our name advocated as a symbol of our shared culture I can't explain why their is little evidence of us being Scottish in any sense amongst our support.

The latest evidence of anti Scottishness as demonstrated in Manchester quite simply raises the hackles on the back of my neck! Prehaps the politicisation of the Celtic support is complete and I am no longer welcome amongst what were once my people.

I'm never happier (beating the rankers apart) than listening to or watching a good pipe band. I should emphasise the "good" bit, out of tune pipes are like nails down a blackboard to me. (If the Manchester Pipe Band weren't very good I may have booed to! Were they any good?)

St. Michaels Bhoy

That is an urban myth. I always thought it was Wellington who first said but when reading up on Daniel O'Connell I read that it was he who said it. Apparently Wellington never spoke about his Irishness and didn't seem to care one way or the other. I suppose to him at that time Ireland was part of Britain.

I'll try and see if I can find some evidence for the quote from Daniel O'Connell, if for no other reason that to satisfy myself that I didn't dream it or just make it up.

Mort

Not going to get involved with the Irish-Scottish debate but as a Scot I don't like the union flag, as someone with Irish roots I don't like the union flag and as a Catholic i don't like the union flag.

It's got jack all (you like how i did that?) to do with the Irish-Scottish thing.

vmhan

Had a great day in Manchester, despite only being allowed in the Bradford Arms Man City Pub that run out of beer at 1.30pm. Can you believe anyone with a Football top was not allowed to buy beer in Asda. Do they think we would cause probelms in Manchester? Who do they think we are? Billy Duncan never made it to Moscow (Visa issue)and we told him he is now banned from going to away European games as he is onviously the Jonah. :-). The Celtic fans were superb as usual and behaved well. Some clown pretending to be a Man City Fan near the Celtic end proudly lofted a Rangers shirt and had it taken off him by a stewerd. He then was singled out by the Man City fans after Bellamy's secong goal as a fake (making some obnocious getsures) and they encouraged the Stewards to remove him, and the stewards duly obliged. Very funny and enjoyable seeing him ejected. All in all a good day out.

UlverstonCelt

Great news about the under-19s, who have reached the final against real quality oppostion. Has anyone seen James Forrest play (not the blogger)? Sounds like a prospect.

What to get the Ed in your life for Christmas.

No spell check on this :-))

Hi,

Does CQN have a predictor league this year on the BBC website?
If so, can someone post the link....

Thanks.

donegaldanny - I saw somebody with a T-shirt that said:

"If Donati plays its all over, enough said IMO."

Needless to say, I pointed and laughed.

St. Michael's Bhoy

From Shaw's Authenticated Report of the Irish State Trials, 1844

Mort

derbyshirebhoy (12.17pm), how did you get in my head? That is exactly how I feel.

I reckon that NUFC will be sold before the years out and regardless of wether they sign anyone or not this window, will go up this season!

just read that Man city have put in a 150 million bid for messi

how are we going to top that unless we sell skippy??

I thought Donati played well at Centre half against Man City, although a little suprised at Tony's decision to play him there (wonder what he is contemplating?)

Ulverstoncelt

I'm English and season ticket holder at CP for 14yrs now and don't see why we moan about who's scotish,irish,english,prod or catholic.If the person, forget his religion or nationalality improves our team and gives us success thats good enogh for me and should be for any celtic fan otherwise they could be classed as a bogot!

Mort 12.24,

Thanks for that.

I'd always seen it attributed to Wellington. It seems a strange turn of phrase for an Irishman to use, don't you think?

BigChipsUK on August 11, 2009 10:29 AM

Well said.

Have to say I'm a proud (K)Celt and happy to share my blood and heart with my Irish cousins, but it is the disdain expressed by many Irish supporters for Scotland in general that rankles to the bones of many of us and something I fail to comprehend. It's not our fault we are in Britain!!

The respect for each other either side of the Irish Sea just never seems to me to be in equal measure.

lars9707 - "otherwise they could be classed as a bogot!"

Someone who hates toilets?

philvisreturns

Never been too fond of them myself, but never knew I was a minority

Sorry about the spelling there guys.

I'm glad somebody enjoyed Manchester because I didn't. It was confrontational from the start. The Man City fans sang the usual Rule Brittania and GSTQ, but also 'we are the people' and even 'who s****** all the boys'. They had more than a few huns in there. Celtic fans even sang the awful 'Roamin' in the gloamin' and 'glory glory, Man Utd'. There were also more than a few punch-ups after the game too. A quick view of any Man City noticeboard will show that they don't want us back in a hurry.

Buy One Get One Tree. A new Save the World initiative...

lars9707

Thats the English for you :-)

The only qualification Jock Stein had for you to play for Celtic was "are you good enough"

I don't think he would have cared if you came from the British Isles, Ireland, India or Pakistan, I don't care who I sit next to at celtic park, they could have whatever nationality, ethnicity, or political belief they wish, I just care they are there next to me as a Celtic fan, end of.

philvisreturns

Thanks for you repartee, it made me laugh a lot, although in defense, I is next to O on the keyboard and I am also guilty of not reading what I type

:-))

Ulverstoncelt

St. Michaels Bhoy

It is a strange phrase but the sentiment I suppose was that just because he was born in Ireland, he didn't deserve to call himself Irish.

In fairness I suppose a horse back then was much better thought off and so it probably was used as a compliment that Irishmen were noble like horses.

Actually I don't have a clue...

Mort

sdstim, It has always been my experience traveling in Ireland, that Scottish music & culture are almost universally popular.
Don't allow the occasional misanthropic bigot to tarnish decent Irish people,

sdstim

"but it is the disdain expressed by many Irish supporters for Scotland in general that rankles to the bones of many of us and something I fail to comprehend"

when and where?

Ulster-Celt

Wellington was from the Pale, he was an Englishman living in Ireland similar to the British Raj in India, you wouldnt call yourself Indian if your parents were part of the British enclave that ruled India, the same as an Englishman would never call himself an Irishman. The English has a distinct culture from the Gealic Irish for centuries around Dublin, but remained Roman Catholic after the reformation and slowly "went native" as the mainland English Protestant establishment shunned them.

Kilbowie Kelt

Fair do's and I have to say I've never encountered the disdain I mention outside of Celtic sites such as this.

keepitrealcsc

philvisreturns on August 11, 2009 12:23 PM

You save all my posts on a wee spreadsheet don't you? You're so sweet..

DD

FFS Paul, have the poor Newcastle fans not suffered enough?

I do find the regular bouts of soul searching and self-criticism amongst Celtic supporters to be endearing, albeit sometimes a little too earnest.

Can you imagine similar discussions on Follow Follow? This is an actual transcript from a thread on there today:

=======================================

BigBilly1690: Me hate kaffliks. FACT!

BillStruthsBrogues: Me an all.

BaxtersLiver: Me hates them more than u 2. LOL. And by that me mean Loyal Oringe Ludge, not Laff Oot Loud!!!!1

SirIronside: Hey guys, does anybody want to buy a football club or a French vineyard? Cash money only. Drop me a line at: dm@rangers.co.uk

donegaldanny - Not at all, I just googled "idiocy" and it came up with your posts.

Ulster-Celt

check back on the comments every time this subject has been mentioned on here (for example) over the last 2-3 years. Or are you saying I imagined it? Sorry I'm at work and on't have time right now to keep up to speed.

BigChips Uk

Its the Yorkshire thing.

As you'll know " there's nowt as queer as fowks"

Ulverstoncelt - looks like Loovens and Caldwell both suspended for Aberdeen and with McManus injured - I think he is looking at options
Also why the Zander Diamond and Killgallon to celtic rumours had some legs

Mort 12.10 - thanks for the history - but I must say I am not sure my mother was quoting the Duke of Wellington - I think she overheard it in Bairds Bar in the Gallowgate??

CroydonCelticPunk 11.43 - dont be hard on yourself for being born in England - I live in England - its not a bad place - I would rather have a beer with a Celtic supporting Englishman than a Scottish supporting - well you know who I mean

Aye derbyshirebhoy, that's what they said about that infamous November 5th villain, Gay Fowks.

tom

I think Celtic have appealed Loovens suspension so he should be available for Saturday.

Mort

Right

have a look at the attached, all we need is someone to make a copy and get manufacturing, I reckon a fiver a flag with a portion going to the CQN charity fund and we are sorted

wouldnt it be funny to see thousands of green and white "jacks" being waved at the huns at CP, I think permarage would break out

M

sdstim

you imagined it.

the anti Scots sentement you will find amomg the support are actually Scottish born Celtic supporters who do not have an affinity with the land of their birth.

in 25 years of following Celtic and the years spent on blogs I have never met or heard any Irish Celtic Suporter showing disdain to Scotland or Scottishness.

Ulster-Celt

BigChipsUK -

Remember, remember
The fifth of November
Gunpowder treason
And fabulous outfits!

Celtic were formed by an Irish brother to feed a starving Irish immigrant population and retain a large percentage of their support who are either Irish or of Irish descent.

Some Celtic supporters really need to get over this.

Paul,
any info on this from Randalstown

http://www.randalstowncsc.net/home/modules/news/article.php?storyid=508

Great news for the NA tims!@

gsu

Just back from a short break in Gweedore and I might do well to avoid the current debate as I've been absent from the world of t'internet for nearly a week.

As I'm now a safe distance removed, I can own up to, probably, being the cause of the spilled drink/ wet trousers incident as big Giorgios, the Greek Love God, did the business in Moscow. In mitigation, I will plead that I was not the only eejit jumping about like a dafty at the time.

It was good to meet thomthethim and Noel (and his brother) on the Wednesday again and also Ard Macha with family at the Man City game. The traditions of the Donegal Branch AGM were maintained and we did not rush the deliberations surrounding the motion of "Massimo for Captain", particularly in light of Samaras's late bid for the post. These matters require several hours of thought and the brain must be continually watered throughout by judicious use of nearby carefully stored liquids.
Despite our best efforts, we have decided to let Anton Mor have a free run at the choice, if he must have a captain at all.

On a lighter note, I found the Irish Press seemed to take a more left field approach to newsworthy items. This was a cracker:-

King Billy travels south to conquer Kerry

I tried booing when I was a kid, got a tickley sore throat, never tried it since.

All Irish Celtic X1

Bonner

Fallon
McCarthy
Peacock
Rogan

Gallagher
Keane
Lennon
Tully

Cascarino
Larsson

A bit of help please. Will be in Galway for a couple of weeks at the end of the month. Does anybody know a good pub in Connemara to watch CL games.

Ulster-Celt on August 11, 2009 1:06 PM

You know, you're right. I withdraw my hurried comment unreservedly and I'm definetely not going to get into THAT debate!

Hail Hail

Ulster_Celt,
good shout, I fear there are a few here in the pay of the dark side.

For those of you starved of goat news,

King Billy progress update

Anybody want a free horse?

Down for Sam,

If you are near Galway City itself then Monroes is a cracking pub that shows all the Celtic games.

canalmar,

They dont have any money

Ulster-Celt on August 11, 2009 1:06 PM

Agree 100% a bit like the Wolfe Tones classic 'My Heart Is In Ireland'.

Tommy Tiernan put it all in perpective when he said England (Britain) were the only empire to conquer people then get upset when they follwed them home.

i102-104CSC

DD

Sorry if this arguement has passed but only just read the first message and felt the urge to post!!

BigChips you are absolutely 100% there mate. I remember having an arguement with an Irish Celtic fan on the Ramblas after the Barca (David Marshall) game years ago.

He was telling a Spanish guy that we were an Irish club!

I had to intervene and point out to him that we are actually a Scottish Club. His response was "Yeah but we all know we are Irish".

I was appalled and despite pointing out to him that we are based in Scotland, play in the Scottish league and represent Scotland he could not agree with me.

When I pointed out to him that Brother Walfrid founded the club to help the Irish poor and integrate them into Glasgow and to inetgrate the two religions he called me a liar.

At this point I walked away and told him I think he should "know his history".

"I personally think there is too much emphasis on the Irish side of things amongst the Celtic support, and this serves only to heighten the conflict and division that has blighted Scottish football for many decades. "

Couldnt have put it better Big Chips

Off topic:

Long story cut short ...... can anyone tell me where I could buy a book by Ranulph Fiennes called The Feathermen?

Waterstones have replied to previous placed order that its unavailable, even from supplier.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Hail Hail

Does anyone know a definite figure with regard to how many tickets we've been allocated for the Arsenal game?

Ranulph Fiennes: The Feathermen

Panda Hands, Amazon seem to have it.

Thanks for the help lads.

Hail Hail

shouldhavethoughtofamazoncsc

BigChips, you`re a bully. Just because i`m stupid and can`t do linkys.........

At the risk of offending my friend in the Occupied 6, I heard this on my holidays too.

Dublin boys dissing the northern accent

re derbyshireboy @ 12.17

Been to Ireland once only so far. To Dublin. It was the weekend of our last Scottish cup final win. Was very excited at the thought of being in Dublin, having a guiness or three and watching the hoops. Was astonished at the trouble I had finding a pub that was showing the game. One pub that had had a board outside it stating that the game was going to be shown changed their mind even though they could offer two programmes because the punters weren't interested. I think there was rugby on. Not sure though. Couldn't help but think that the celebration and love of Ireland among our fans is far far greater than the interest that the majority Irish have for Celtic.
I have no problem with remembering the team's roots , but I would like to see a greater celebration of us being Scots, or at least a Scots based team.

Afternoon bhoys

I have I missed much today?

Any news on transfers????

BobbyRussell, add this to your faves for future use. It's from the link at the top right of this page.

Caolila

Couldn't help but think that the celebration and love of Ireland among our fans is far far greater than the interest that the majority Irish have for Celtic.

I think you have hit the nail on the head there. Undoubtabely there are many thousands of Celtic supporters in Ireland and a great many travel over week in week out to support the team but the vast majority of people in Ireland prefer English teams.

I have also noticed a lot of snobbery as a great number of people don't think Celtic are any good because they don't play in the "greatest league in the World".

Mort

panda hands
also plenty on e bay
all differing prices
under books comics ,magazines
just type in ranulph fiennes

I've been going to Donegal (Inishowen) since the late 50's as a child and all through the 60 70's and 80's and hardly any local people were interested in Celtic.

I hate the Scotland v Ireland debate. Cant we just live together and accept that we all have different reasons for supporting Celtic? I am Irish and support them because of the history and what they stand for. I also accept they are playing in Scotland and are legally a Scottish club - no dispute (but with tangible roots to Ireland that surpasses any other UK club (despite the drivel Manure fans come out with to the contary)).

Derbyshireboy - I am not surprised with your comments re Dublin. Personally I blame the Celtic marketing for this. I was in Dublin for the Celtic ManU match and there were more Man U fans....unbelievable. Celtic need to promote themselves more in IReland to sell more merchandise (although they may have missed the boat).

Ah, yes the SAS. Another fine British institution with sound Catholic origins.

Anyways,as a Celtic supporter it is probably just simplest to support the team; otherwise what you say will be construed as too Irish for some and too Scottish for others.

By whitedoghunch on August 11, 2009 12:00 PM
Any thoughts on Declan Gallacher would be appreciated.
ta

He canny spell his name.

sftb,

Good to see you arrived back safely and also that there no reported cases of food poisoning in Gaoth Dobhair after Saturday evening :-)

Sorry I wasn't able to stay for long on Saturday due to family being in tow. In fact nearly everytime I've met up with CQNers I seem to be in a rush to go somewhere with the family. I feel like that guy from the Fast Show, running around with the wife and kids carrying loads of bags.

Slán

Ard Macha

I was working i Dublin and every pub was split between Liverpool and Man U. When people heard my accent they would ask "who my team was" when I said Celtic they would say " grand but who is your favourite Premier team" when I said I didnt have one they though I was being diplomatic or simply didnt believe me. Cant say about the rest of Ireland but Dubliners I met were very materialistic and swayed by marketing.

Anti-irish, revisionist brigade out in force today:
to some we are a scottish club
to some we are an irish club
to some we are a scottish / irish club
to others we are none of the above

we are obviously all of the above because each individual supporter has their own view - and who would want to take that away?

Mort

Thank you! Only my second post. first one was months ago. Was worried it was contentious as I am aware there are very many who do indeed travel over and it was most certainly not to not recognise their affection for the team.

Just feel a lot of our support from these parts would get one great surprise if they were aware of what was my reality at least on that visit.

As for the two horse race that is the greatest league in the world ( Man U and A.N. other) let's not get started on that one.....

Caolila

ArdMacha

I know you've explained this before but why no 'H' in your name?

Just curious by the way, no starting a fight :-)

Hail Hail

My understanding was that Brother Walfrid was trying to help all the poor immigrants not just those from Ireland. There were plenty from the Highlands as well remember.

I also understood that in naming Celtic we chose a name that represented Ireland and Scotland rather than the more obvious choice at the time Hibernian - a term that refers only to Ireland.
When Celtic were founded we took many players from Edinburgh Hibernian but we refused to take the name arguing that it cut us off from Scotland rather than recognising that the Irish and Scottish people ie the Celts had much in common. This caused dissent from hardliners wanting us to be exclusively Irish.

I would like us to accept that we are not 'Hibernian' but 'Celtic' and use the flags of both countries to represent us. The tricolour and the Saltire look good together and would be the most accurate description of who we are.

HH

b2k

Caolila

No probs. I'm from Ireland meself, well the northern part that is.

When I was at school, a Catholic grammar in quite a large town, I and one other fella were the only Celtic supporters in our year out of about 150.

I set up a CSC in the town (it's now near enough defunct, the CSC not the town) and in the beginning we had about 20 members but that dropped off and at our last few meetings, only 3 or 4 bother to turn up. The town would have a population of about 10,000 but Celtic have never been seen as that important. We used to get slagged off that we could hold our meetings in the telephone box.

Only one or two pubs in the town would show games, and unless it was celtic v rangers, the numbers watching the match would be in single figures. I know a lot would have watched at home but the turn out for the english game that usually followed the Celtic match was always a lot more.

Hail Hail

Mort

Mort

Agree with your comment and I don't think this is only a recent phenomenon. In 1970 we met a group of Dublin lads in a pub on the Sunday before the Celtic v. Leeds Hampden semi. Their sympathies were clearly with Leeds and not only because Giles would be playing.

The image which the modern Republic seeks to project is sophisticated and urbane. For many Irish people today Celtic is too primitive, too republican and too Catholic. This perception may not match reality but it is nevertheless their perception.

Ard Macha

I managed to knock up my own speciality- Marchette.

It's basically mince, pasta and cheese with two tins of condensed soup for your sauce. Lazy man's cooking.

When you met me I was in the middle of my Keith Floyd approach to cookery..... first, find your drink.

Went to Lanzarote on my hols during 98 world cup.
Noticed signs up England V cannyremember,says to my missus,
I am going to watch ra gemme,aye right says my darling.

Looks for suitable pub and finds this nice Irish bar down at the harbour,och there will be a good (anti English) atmosphere in there,
says I.

Goes inside Irish bar staff ,check
Irish punters ,check
game starts and all around start shouting for Engerland,finished my pint sharp like and made my way to the more friendly Scots bar
RABBIE BURNS APRON or summit like that.

livinginabubbleC.S.C

Martin 47

For many Irish people today Celtic is too primitive, too republican and too Catholic.

Precisely. I wanted to add something like that but couldn't think of the right words.

Mort

Caolila @1:56,

Yes start the debate about the greatest and most competitive league in the world. I remember listening to this barb from a Man U fan a few years ago while we were playing them down south. I reminded him of a few stats - so here’s an update since then. EPL in existence since 1992-93 i.e. 17 titles winners:
Man U 11
Chelsea 2
Arsenal 3
Blackburn 1

And of the 6 titles missed by Man U they were 2nd three times. So, as I think you are alluding to, “greatest and most competitive league in the world” my a$se!

Dougiebhoy at 1:25

and to inetgrate the two religions …

Totally revisionist and utterly false.

Prestonpans Bhoys

No but it is the Richest and best marketed and that counts more than competitiveness or quality in todays society

Booing bagpipes and Union Jack- seems to me that there is a group in our support who will always confuse what it really means to be pro-Celtic:

Fair minded; tolerant; welcoming to all; respecting the views and culture of our opponents; attractive atacking football; being gracious hosts to visiting teams and their fans; being good guests respectful and well-behaved when visiting other teams and a whole host of other values that define us as a club and a support

Some -however, define their idea of being Celts with being anti - brit or scots ---and slag off other teams for defining themselves as being anti-rc or Irish --hmmmmm just brilliant eh?

I remember the immense sense of pride I felt in Seville when there were a fair number of Kilts and Saltires in there, alonside the Big Green belted hats and various Irish flags - I felt we had finally come to terms with our identity and believe that most are confident about their identity - still a bit sad that we cannot have Saltires in the crowd at CP or the away grounds we visit..but we know why...

If you have ever been abused by a so called fellow Celt for wearing a kilt or waving a Saltire (whilst wearing the hoops) -you will know what I am referring to -there is an element that attach themselves to our club that shame us as a club!

The fools that boo the pipes and abuse the kilt and the saltire are not fit to be guests anywhere...anytime.

Hail hail

M

My name is Andrew Kerins, born and bred in Ballymote
I left my home at an early age and travelled to Scotland in a trawler boat
Would I ever again see Ireland, as the famine had stolen her strength
Would Scotland welcome the Diaspora, of Irish men & women

My calling of becoming a Marist Priest led me to the Glasgow parish of St.Mary's
Where the immigrant Irish, poor and starved, made home in the east end of the city
My heart cried out when I saw theses lost souls, living in poverty and in squalor
As Protestant Scotland would not accept, their accent, dress or culture.

I prayed day and night to Our Lord, for the welfare of St.Patrick's flock,
As jobs were few and far between as they were ridiculed, harassed and mocked,
From all over Ireland, they came to Glasgow, to escape the potatoe blight
Some had wished they had went to America, to live in the comfort of the stars and stripes

I saw the hunger on the faces of children when they sat for Sunday Mass,
My dream was to feed them once a day, that became my spiritual task.
Along with the St Vincent de Paul Society, we would reach out to these starving souls,
The Poor Children's "Penny Dinner" Table was formed, for the undernourished children of Glasgow.

The Donegal dialect and the Kerry brogue, I heard within my confessional,
As Ireland’s lonely sons and daughters spoke of broken hearts and promises,
I sought to feed their hunger and bring hope to their shattered dreams
I fought to bring them comfort, to silence their children’s screams.

At St.Mary’s hall in the Calton, in February of 1887
I joined the victory celebrations for a football team called Hibernian,
They were the pride of every Irishman from Scotland’s east and west coast,
Were we sang songs of dear old Ireland, to Hibernain, some gave a toast.

Like a vision of God before me, inspiration came to me I a dream
Were the old east end of Glasgow, would like Edinburgh, have an Irish team,
No more would Irish families live in poverty or see their children sick,
For a football team would play for charity and that team I would call Celtic.

For months, we toiled the barren land that sat upon Janefield Street
And built a stadium for football were the Irish would gather and meet,
I saw smiles appear on the faces of children, who carried Ireland in their heart,
For they could not wait to welcome the Bhoys,
Who would one day grace Celtic Park.
Daniel McDonagh – Apr’27th 2006

_ Sung to the same Tune as The Message by GrandMaster Flash and The Furious 5

magherareagh

Why fly a flag at a game that is not green, and is the colour of your main rivals hated strip, to me that would be bizarre to say the least

magherareagh - " The fools that boo the pipes and abuse the kilt "

Just say no to kilt abuse.

Panda Hands,

This is hard to explain properly or quickly, so apologies to others with no interest.

I don't know why things were changed as growing up in Armagh I was always taught Ard Macha but Contae Ard Mhacha. Basically without getting into too much grammar when you prefix the name of a county it changes (genetive form) so Luimneach but Contae Luimnigh etc.

I can only surmise that the standardisation of the language in the 50s may have someting to do with it. The photo below shows how it was spelt, the 'dot' over the c in Árd Maca was replaced with a h with standardisation so thus became Árd Macha. I've no idea why the county jersey is spelt as Ard Mhacha, and have heard from scholars that both forms can be used. I prefer Árd Macha as I'm profiicent in the old gaelic script and modern Irish is rubbish:-)

1952 Programme

Slán

Árd Macha

Speech delivered by Eddie Tonor
at the unvieling of the Walfrid Memorial Statue

http://www.celtictrust.net/BrotherWalfridMemorial.htm

So were the boos from the so called 'Celtic support' because it was a Scottish band or an Irish band which was playing ?

Or is it that a huge chunk of our so called support as so thick and just want to abuse anything that they think might represent some form of establishment.

good grief - saltire is same colour as rankers strip - since when?

Burnley'78 - "Or is it that a huge chunk of our so called support as so thick and just want to abuse anything that they think might represent some form of establishment."

You might be onto something there....

In La Liga over the past 18 years the title breakdown is :

FCBarcelona 8

Real Madrid 6

Valencia 2

Deportivo la Coruna 1

Atletico Madrid 1

Over the same period the runners-up have come from the same 4 clubs, except twice, when Atletico Bilbao and Real Sociedad broke the mould.

I think you will find them both blue

Should we ban blue straws?

Royal and Sky blue are totally different

the old anti-irish sentiment raises its head again i see. Is it just a co-incidence thats its an international week for scotland? The clamour to force your "scottishness" and "britishness" down everyones throat says a lot about your perception of the rest of us. Should we irish just pack up and "go home"? Why do you feel uncomfortable with our identity , ethos , beliefs? Is it because you feel uneasy with your own?

I see - hmmmmmmmmm

I dont see why any national flags should be taken to a Celtic game, but to wave something blue in support of Celtic to me seems strange. you dont wave straws at games or your jeans.

Big Liam

Who was that aimed at?

I seem to remember loads of Swedish flags being waved in support of Celtic.

What colour were they?

Big_Liam - were you talking to anyone in particular there?

Paul Revere, agree with a lot of that, everybody is cocooned in their Celtic idyll. I think since SPL stopped getting shown on Sky, the interest in Celtic has dwindled in Ireland, however, still see Celtic merchandise available (even if some it unofficial like chocolate bars!!) and Celtic tops throughout the land.

The global Irish bar network has probably helped promote our brand throughout the world better than many of our previous marketing ploys.

To be honest, Glasgow is a socially deprived area, with high levels of violent crime, amongst the worst in the developed world, if booing a pipe band is all we have to worry about from our wido's, the support are very well self policed.

Senor Pablo Diablo

exactly Bizarre to say the least. Support the team not an individual, wear the green

Aye good point lets ban the blue straws and the orange and purple while we are about it -let's ban the sky on the days it's blue -

did we not laugh until we were sore -like when rankers made a semi-serious attempt to replace the natural grass at ipox - with blue grass

I suppose my comments will define me as having a latent anti-irish dipsosition - ho hum -

tear out my blue eyesCSC

I think the only thing that's bizarre is that someone might have a problem with it.

What about the Irish tricolour? Should we stop flying that because 1/3 of it is orange?

andyboy@2.25

re flag waving

many different coloured flags are dislpayed by our support. When the great Swede demonstrated how the game should be played the Yellow and Blue of his country flapped proudly in our stadium. This is not about colour. It's about selling our identity. As both a team and representatives/ great ambassadors for Scotland.

HH

Michael Collins

Get over what exactly?

magherareagh

You've got blue eyes. Tut tut!
You should consider these.

Mort

magherareagh

You have missed the point, if something is blue, it is blue. Our Lady's colour, beautiful colour, but in the support of Celtic it is a colour we have never worn so why use it in support of Celtic. An dont come on with the glib remarks of banning everything in blue you know exactly what i mean.

Nobody is being anti-irish.
I am Scottish by birth and Irish by descent not unlike many Celtic fans. I want to see a united Ireland by peaceful means ,a bit unsure of having an independent Scotland ,irritated by English chauvinism although have many English friends and relatives.Dont like Rangers although have many friends, relatives and neighbours who do.

For any of the CQN East Coasters (across the pond), can you help. An old neighbour of mine, now in his 80's, is sure the team below played in hoops and had a connection to Celtic. Can anyone throw any light on this

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

ArdMacha

Cheers for that. I was aware of the introduction of a 'H' after C's that had the 'dot' above them, Irish teacher explained that one.

Just finished another course (90% marks - just bragging)in our language and hope to continue in the next semister.

Tóg go bog é agus ádh mór.

Yes swedish flag - seen some Greek flags with cross of St Andrew on there -Starry Plough - a wee bit of blue in there - the province of Connacht the same- etc, etc.

just a wee problem when it's Scots flag? -suppose a big risk the rankers players might get a wee advantage thinking that we are secretly cheering them on -

yes i know what you mean 100%

Is the Starry Plough flag not banned from Celtic Park?

WishawTim - I wouldn't worry about Big_Liam, it isn't the first time he has made comments not unlike that one. I think the "Big" in his name refers to the size of the chip on his shoulder.

I do find it strange that blog posters whom I respect and who are obviously Irish seem to believe that people who are not Irish but find themselves offended by slurs and boos diminishing aspects of others Scots nationality believe that that is somehow anti - Irish. In the nicest possible sense that's a bit Irish as my mammy used to say:>)

I think the DVD 'Celtic- the Irish Connection' currently sold from all Celtic outlets should be enough to answer both sides of any argument on here.

DD

Panda Hands,

Sorry my post at 2.26 should read...*not proficient.

Árd Macha

Andybhoy

Are you going to answer my question about the Irish tricolour?

Should we continue to fly it in support of Celtic? It is as much orange as it is green, and orange is a colour we've never worn on our kit.

What do you think?

So here's me in Cardiff, not much use for a season ticket, can't really justify the cost to go 2 or 3 times a season. And there's that premium rate number to phone to get through, cos I can't get to the ticket office.

Oh good, we got Arsenal in the qualifiers, you know the qualifiers we have to play in since we managed to throw away the league to that mob. I could go up for that, might be a good game.

Oh, but you need to buy a season ticket to go to the Arsenal game. Mind you, if I did buy a season ticket then I might be able to go to the game at the Emirates too, but then I'd have to fly to Glasgow to get the train to London , cos Thomas Crook have all the tickets...

Pantomine in Green and White more like.

Leabrannagh

Glasgow is a socially deprived area with high levels of crime..

You what? on what basis ? substantiate that remark or withdraw it !

Ming

Senor Pablo Diablo

Totally agree mate, Fly Celtic flags.

So... Scotty from "Star Trek".

In or Aus?

I know of many celtic fans who have already secured tickets in the so called arsenal parts of the emirates, I suspect this could be a classic occasion where the whole ground erupts when Sammi slips one in...

Senor PD

I think we wore orange socks v Leeds in 1970 European Cup Semi Final -so that is why you won't get a reply ;-0

I watch the games in the Parlour bar NYC run by a fine Irishman and Celtic supporter John Kelly.
Many of my fellow NYCSC members are fine Irishmen who support Celtic alongside their Scottish brethren.
We all support Celtic.

Ho hum, anyway, what is the latest on the Barca interest in Fabregas? A wee unsettling period of transfer speculation could work in our favour. Clutching at straws!

Caolila, wishawtim

Go and stand at the docks in Larne or Belfast at 7am on a saturday morning and watch the amount of cars and buses full of celtic fans making the long journey to glasgow and then come back on here and tell me Celtic aren't that widely followed in Ireland.

Add all the football supporters of all clubs (including rangers) leaving Ireland on any given weekend and I can assure you it does not equal the amount of us celtic fans there are. Dublin is a place I have visited often and I have never had a problem getting to see a Celtic match on tv.

Donegal I can assure you has a huge travelling support, I can remeber before the days of SKY when matches were only available on BBC Scotland we had bus loads of fans (from as far away as Donegal) making there way to coastal villages such as Cushendall, Carnlough and Ballycastle where matches could be seen because of the proximity to scotland.

As a few have said already and I will repeat, As an Irishman I have never heard a bad word spoken about the scottish by Irish caltis fans or in general. I see know reason why the Irishness of our club is a problem to some on here.

Irving Washington

A proud Glasgow Keltic fan

In recent weeks there have been a couple of questions which have led to prolonged debate.

1) Is it ok to sing political songs, eg BOTOB ? (cue songs debate)

2) Why was a Pipe Band booed at Eastlands ? (cue identity debate.

Are we ignoring the elephant in the room ? By that I refer to the type of abuse that was hurled towards Marc-Antoine Fortune by some when he missed a few chances against Dinamo at Celtic Park.

This is the real problem.

If there is a repeat against Arsenal next Tuesday or in any other game I would expect Celtic supporters, if possible, to stand up and challenge such behaviour.

Hail Hail.

Afternoon all,
Here's the latest update of the list.

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

CONFIRMED TRANSFERS IN:
Name------------Age-----Club-------------Source----------Fee

Zaluska---------27------Dundee Utd---------Various---------Signed for free (01/07)
Fortune---------27------Nancy--------------Various---------Signed for undisclosed fee (08/07)
N'Guémo---------23------Nancy--------------Various---------Loan deal for 1yr (16/09)
Fox-------------23------Coventry City------Various---------Signed for £2M (24/07)
Thompson--------18------Stockport County---Various---------Signed for £500K (08/08)

CONFIRMED TRANSFERS OUT:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source----------Fee

Nakamura--------30------Espanyol-----------Various---------Free
Balde-----------33------Wolves(Trial)------Various---------Free
Hesselink-------30------Bristol City-------Various---------Free
Hartley---------32------Bristol City-------Various---------Free
Doumbe----------30------None mentioned-----CFC-------------Free
Cuthbert--------22------Swindon Town-------BBC-------------£100K

UNCONFIRMED SHAMPOO RUMOURS:
KEEPERS:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source----------Fee

Gordon----------26------Sunderland---------Independent-----No fee mentioned

DEFENDERS:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source----------Fee

Sylvinho--------34------Barcelona----------Various---------Free
Rat-------------27------Shaktar------------Various---------£2.5-£4m
Cech------------26------WBA----------------ET--------------No fee mentioned
Ottesen---------25------SönderjyskE--------LOTW------------No fee mentioned
Ricketts--------27------Hull City----------Vitalfootball---No fee mentioned
Petkovic--------23------Eintracht----------NOTW------------£1.5M
St Ledger-------24------Preston North End--Hunday Mail-----£1.5M
Diaz------------25------Wisla Kraków-------Eurosport-------£1.5M
Calvé-----------25------Nancy--------------French site-----No fee mentioned
Angelov---------31------Energie Cottbus----ET--------------£1M
Krizanac--------30------Zenit SP-----------Rumour Mill-----£3M
Rangel----------26------Swansea------------Daily Mail------No fee mentioned
Kilgallon-------25------Sheffield United---Daily Mirror----£5M (Would depend on McManus deal going thru)
Diamond---------24------Aberdeen-----------Dons fan site---£850K + O'Dea on 1 year loan

MIDFIELDERS:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source----------Fee

Kljestan--------22------Chivas USA---------Footylatest-----No fee mentioned
Valero----------24------WBA----------------KTF-------------£4M
Sharbini--------21------NK Rijeka----------Express---------£3M
Stilic----------21------Lech Poznan--------Various---------£2M (Possibly due on trial in July with a Lech team mate)
Vargas----------19------Cobreloa-----------Independent-----£1.5M
Beuzelin--------30------Coventry City------Express---------Free
Meghni----------25------Lazio--------------Various---------£2.5-£4M quoted (Possible Donati plus cash deal?!?)
Zemmama---------25------Hibs---------------Arabic site-----£2M
Ferguson--------17------Newcastle United---The Chronicle---No fee mentioned
Marques---------24------Iraklis------------Express---------Free - Player offered trial with us (14/07)
Hasebe----------25------Wolfsburg----------Tribalfootball--No fee mentioned
Aguiar----------28------Hertz--------------Independent-----No fee mentioned
Bischoff--------22------Arsenal------------Sunday Mercury--Free
Menseguez-------25------San Lorenzo--------SSN-------------Possible loan
Bouazza---------24------Fulham-------------SSN-------------£1M
Greening--------30------WBA----------------Fanzone---------£2.5M
Dos Santos------20------Spurs--------------CQN-------------No fee mentioned/Possible loan
Shikabala-------23------El Zamalek---------Various---------£2M

STRIKERS:
Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source----------Fee

Mandzukic-------23------Dinamo Zagreb------TNFP------------£8M (WIT!)
Kamara----------28------Fulham-------------The Mirror------£5M
Naumoski--------25------SV Mattersburg-----Express---------£650
Lewandowski-----20------Lech Poznan--------Various---------£5M (Possibly due on trial in July with a Lech team mate)
Reyes-----------25------Athletico Madrid---Express---------Free
Seydou----------21------BSC Young Boys-----Rumour Mill-----£1.5-£2.5M quoted
Garcia----------31------Atheltico Madrid---Spanish sites---Possible loan
Chhetri---------25------Dempo SC-----------Daily Express---£1M
Simpson---------20------Arsenal------------SSN-------------Loan
Beckford--------25------Leeds Utd----------Various---------£2M

CONFIRMED SHAMPOO RUMOURS:

Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source----------Fee

KEEPERS:
Pele------------26------Le Mans------------NOTW------------Signed for Toulouse for undisclosed fee (29/06)
Turnbul---------24------Middlesbrough------BBC-------------Signed for Chelski for free (01/07)

DEFENDERS:
Hreidarsson-----34------Portsmouth---------Daily Rectum----Signed new 1 yr contract with Portsmouth (23/06)
Bjarsmyr--------23------Gothenburg---------The Sun---------£400K - Panathinaikos agreed terms with player (04/07)
Atouba----------27------Hamburg------------Hunday Mail-----Signed 2 year deal with Ajax for free (07/07)
Jones-----------29------Hibs---------------Express---------Hibs accepted £350K from Scunthorpe (09/07)
Robinson--------30------WBA----------------Various---------Signs for Bolton on 1 year loan (12/07)
Collins---------25------West Ham Utd-------Daily Mail------Sunderland have offered £5M (14/07)
Castillo--------23------Real Sociedad------Various---------Signed for Bilbao for free (16/07)
Caceres---------21------Barcelona----------Frech press-----His agent says agreement was made with Juventus (23/07)

MIDFIELDERS:
Gomez-----------24------Espanyol-----------Various---------Signed for Wigan for £1.7M (19/06)
Aguiar----------28------FBK Kaunas---------NOTW------------Signed for Omonia Nicosia for free (20/06)
Eliseu----------25------Malaga CF----------The Sun---------Signed for Lazio for €1M (25/06)
Gercaliu--------23------Red Bull Salzburg--Express---------Signed for SC Wiener Neustadt for undisclosed fee (30/06)
Commons---------25------Derby--------------Various---------BTM states we have no interest in the player (09/07)
Tisza-----------24------Ujpest-------------Hungarian site--Cup-tied after playing in the EL qualifier (16/07)
Ivanschitz------25------Panathinaikos------Austrian press--Signed for 1. FSV Mainz 05 (18/07)
McCarthy--------18------Hamilton Accies----Various---------Signed for Wigan for £1.2M (20/06)

STRIKERS:
Arango----------29------Real Mallorca------Setanta---------Signed for Borussia M'gladbach for €3.6M (26/06)
Fletcher--------22------Hibs---------------Various---------Signed for Burnley for £3M (01/07)
Kucharczyk------18------Swit Nowy Dwor-----Polish press----Signed for Legia Warsaw for undiclosed fee (01/07)
Owen------------30------Newcastle Utd------Various---------Signed for Man Utd for free (03/07))
Cox-------------22------Swindon Town-------BBC-------------Signed for WBA for £1.5M (08/07)
Campbell--------23------ManUre-------------Daily Star------Signed fot Sunderland for £3.5M (11/07)
Viduka----------33------Newcastle Utd------The Sun---------BTM rules out a move or the former Celt (12/07)
Janko-----------25------Red Bull Salzburg--Various---------Cup-tied after playing in the CL qualifier (15/07)
Alassane--------26------Le Havre-----------The Sun---------Player released after week long trial (22/07)
Liedson---------31------Sporting Lisbon----Express---------Cup-tied after playing in the CL qualifier (29/07)

RUMOURED TRANSFERS OUT:

Name------------Age-----Club---------------Source----------Fee

Naylor----------28------Various------------Various---------No fee mentioned
McGeady---------22------Spurs/Hull---------Express---------£8M
Donati----------27------West Ham-----------Rumour Mill-----No fee mentioned
Brown (S)-------23------Spurs--------------Various---------£7M
Boruc-----------28------Bayern Munich------Mirror----------£8M
Killen----------25------Wellington Phoenix-Various---------No fee mentioned
Caldwell--------27------Wigan/Burnley------The Sun---------£3M
Loovens---------25------Birmingham---------Daily Rectum----£5M
McDonald--------25------Hull---------------Daily Rectum----£6M
Brown (M)-------28------Aberdeen/Dundee U--Rumour Mill-----No fee mentioned
Naylor----------29------Portsmouth/B/ham---Various---------£2M
McManus---------26------Wolves-------------Daily Mail------£5M

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

/Bishop B

Exiledbhoy, do you not get Taggart on your ex pat Sky package!

gallowgate

Surely abusing a player for missing chances is what you pay your money for?

Why not fly the Scottish flag at Celtic games? Celtic are after all Scotland's most famous football club.

I wouldn't fly it at ordinary league matches, where I see no need, but certainly in European matches, it makes perfect sense to me.

andybhoy

I thought people paid money to support not abuse.

Maybe I'm just different.

Mort

Panda Hands,

Maith thú. Lá níos sine, lá níos eolai.

Tá obair le deánamh agam.

Slán

Árd Macha

D'oh, should read

irish celtic fans or in general

andybhoy, I wrote 'type of abuse'.

Andybhoy

If your opinion is that we shouldn't fly any national flags then fair enough, that's consistent.

Personally I disagree and am happy to see Irish triclours and Saltires at the games.

I do think that people who have a problem with the Irish tricolour but not the Saltire, or vice versa, should have a think about what appears to be an inconsistency in their views.

magherareagh

I heard those socks were red, but looked orange in the floodlights. I may be wrong though, I'm far to young to remember ;-)

I think we had orange on the People's logo though?

Mort

Human nature, someone f***s up you abuse them, all in good fun.

gallowgate ,

I challenged TWO suited fans Their nationality is unimportant who were continually calling Marvin Andrews a Black B* at a game. When I had ago at them and told then that it was unacceptable they being well oiled told me where to go. When they started abusing me I called over a steward who chucked all three of us out of the game. Which left a scary 2 to 1 situation outside. Luckily my Thai boxing badges held me in good stead.

Upon writing to Celtic I was informed that they stood by all of their stewards who are of the highest calibre etc. etc. etc.

SO TAKE IT FROM ME DONT DARE EVER EVEN ATTEMPT OR SUGGEST TO CHALLENGE ANYONE AT CELTIC PARK, NEVER MIND ACTUALLY DOING IT. THE OFFICIAL CELTIC PLC POLICY IS TO TRASH EVERYONE INVOLVED AS THEY WANT IS THE REMOVAL OF ANY POTENTIAL FLASHPOINT FROM THE VICINITY OF THE STADIUM ASAP

gallowgate

I loved your little report on the game, Sunderland friendly I think, any chance you could make it a regular piece?

Ulster-Celt

derbyshirebhoy.

At times I've felt the same as you, alienated from the team I've supported for nye on 58yrs. I never found that there were problems with the support forty, fifty years ago but lately It has been getting to me through CQN.Last night someone came on and said he wished that Celtic would join the League of Ireland,I've never heard such drivel,I want Celtic to improve their footballing skills by playing in a better League,But I certainly wouldn't advocate going down that road.

There are times when I wonder what would have happened If Brother Walfrid had been French, Polish, or from some other Nationality,would it have made a difference.
There's is a discrepency in what some posters think what Brother Walfrid,s Life in Glasgow was all about,He didn't start Celtic Football Club solely to Get Money to feed the Irish poor,I would guess that he may have started Celtic to feed the poor in the East-end of Glasgow,whether they be Scottish,Irish,Catholic,Protestant,as long as they were poor they would be welcome at his door.There's no chance that he would select a group of poor to the detriment of others,that just wouldn't be in his mind set.

I used to be a regular poster on CQN but over the last few months I have become very disillusioned by it all and it makes me sad when I read what some write on here,We are close to becoming a divided support,and that can only help another team,We need to have a long hard look at ourselves.

Written by Michael Collins @1.07pm.
Celtic were formed by an Irish brother to feed a starving Irish immigrant population and retain a large percentage of their support who are either Irish or of Irish descent.
Some Celtic supporters really need to get over this.

What do we need to get over.That he was an Irish Brother,or A Marist Brother,I think you need to get over the fact that he was Irish,as I said above he could have come from any Country.
And a Marist Brother wouldn't distinguish between Irish,and Scottish poor, to feed to them.

In the good ole' spirit of compromise, a new flag for CP

Senor Pablo Diablo
We absolutely should fly the Irish tricolour its a huge part of our history and culture.
As for flying the saltire?We should but i understand why some of our fans object.
I followed Celtic as an away fan throughout the 70s and faced numerous examples of fellow Scots not wanting me in their country.This was not a minority from police and civilians in every town Celtic fans visited.after 30minutes because of the hatred and venom the vast majority of Scotland supporters directed at Celtic players representing their country.Have never supported them since
The first and only Scotland match i attended had me leaving a
Have not lived in Scotland for 30 years and hope it has changed but perhaps thats why a section of Celtic fans seem to feel anti Scottish.

Irvine Washington

As i said earlier i recognise the great amount of people that follow Celtic from Ireland but on the occasion of a cup final no less I was shocked that in the middle of Dublin that nowhere that could be found easily was showing the game which led me to question just how much real interest there was in the club .

Ireland has done a fantastic job of marketing itself and I wish for us here in Scotland to do the same and I feel Celtic can make an even greater contribution to this by having a stronger Scottish identity whilst still not forgetting how it all started. That's all. No offence meant to you. Don't know how you afford it either.

HH

Caolila

oldtim67

I also get disillusioned reading this blog but then I go to games and I feel better again.

it is only my opinion but some of the views regularly voiced on here are not the majority view, especially among the fans who actually go to games.

Ulster-Celt

Ulster Celt, many thanks. But, 'little' report ? It took me hours to do that and at the end blisters were on my fingers :-

Seriously, I would love to.

Hail Hail.

Talking of pipe bands, should we not be supporting these guys?

Free the Lahore Pipe band

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. WeeJoe

Declan Gallacher, is a LEFT BACK, and a fine prospect is he.

Howevahhhhhhhh..

The young man that you should be more interested in..is JAMES
FORREST.

Now this young person, is the Best Celtic Prospect to come down the Pike, since.. Aiden McGeady.

Howevahhhhhhhhh..

Unlike, Aiden.. James, has an Auld Heid oan his Young Shoulders.

Aiden, in contrast, has a Young Heid oan his Young Shoulders.

Which... Is a Wholelotta Different Kettle o' Sardines.

Yes Sirree Boab!

If my presumption that yer name is Bob, is a wrang wan.. Ah assure ye that nae malice wiz intended and I apologise.

James Forrest.

Remember that name, for ye ur gonna hear a lot aboot this young
Guy.

By the way.. He only came back from injury,at the latter part of
last season to Star in the RESERVE SIDE, to which he had been very early in his Career, Promoted.

My guess is he is SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD.. so you can see that
a Promotion to the Much older Reserves side, tells you all ye
need tae know about this young Man's Potential.

James, is a Brammer.

Kojo.
yer pal.. who likes ye, already.

Ulster-Celt on August 11, 2009 3:20 PM

Again I agree 100%

DD

OldTim,

I am a few years younger than you at 55 but I very rarely heard an Irish accent at CP up until maybe the late 80's mid 90's.
Rebel songs were sung con brio, but there is now a quite spiteful anti everything mentality displayed by a number of the 20 / 30 something brigade that was not there years ago.
Or am I just an old fart.

Pressed submit button to early. Should say
The first and only Scotland match i attended had me leaving early after 30 minutes because of the hatred and venom the vast majority of Scotland supporters directed at Celtic players representing their country.Have never supported them since.

fan-a-tic

'We absolutely should fly the Irish tricolour its a huge part of our history and culture'

does this only apply to Irish support, should all nationalities that go to Celtic park carry their nations flags?

Awe Naw
It will be your fault if the Thai flag gets put on the banned list by the powers that be.
Still one less flag for this forum to worry about.

Caolila

For me scotland doesn't need to advertise itself, it has celtic, thats good enough for me.

I have spent alot of time in Scotland outside of football trips and I love the place, the similarities in the two countries are amazing from the scenery to the people and their humour, thank god we also have our great club to unite us.

Wishaw Tim.

Anyone over fifty is an old fart in younger mind sets,But there is an anti British feeling emerging from the support.I have Irish ancesters but I'm Scottish through and through,My parent were born in Scotland,I could claim to be Irish but then I would be lying to myself.

Andybhoy
Why not?

fan-a-tic at 3:18pm.

Very good post. Most of the older fans will have experienced the same thing. The abuse directed at wee Jinky, Davie Hay and Kenny Dalglish when they played as Celts for Scotland was disgraceful. Funnily enough, or not, when Kenny went to Liverpool the Hampden crowd began chanting his name.

The Scotland support then was mostly made up of Rangers supporters. It's different now. Well, to an extent.

Hail Hail.

fan-a-tic

I get what you're saying, however most of the people who go to the games are Scottish, wherever they're descended from and I don't see why bigots should be allowed to hijack the Scottish flag. I don't want to let them have it.

Oldtim67

Walfrid might have come from another country, but he'd have been less likely to win such overwhelming support from the people who had fled the Famine had he not shared their background.

I like to think of it as one of those marvellous meetings of the right idea, at the right time in the right place.

Others, such as Gordon and Winningemmell, may know more, but I think it's true that when the Marists moved Walfrid to London, he tried to get a football club going there as well, but it never quite took in the same way.

My honest view is that his achievement in setting up Celtic, for the reasons he did (some of which have been grotesquely twisted in today’s discussion) was one of the most significant in the history of Scotland, which is really saying something. Utter genius.

Finally, I'm sure I speak for many when I say that if you feel less inclined to post on CQN than you used to, CQN will be infinitely the poorer for it, as you are absolutely of the finest.

There's a simple reason why we should encourage the flying of the Saltire at our European matches. Amongst the tricolours it would make a clear statement to a global audience that we know who we are and that despite numerous and regular attempts to diminish us in the land in which we live we have embraced and enriched that land and we are going absolutely nowhere else (except the EPL as soon as they ask)

Oldtim67 - do you have any Werthers Originals to share with us younger CQN readers?

Gallowgate
I also feel the complicit nature of the Scottish media in their absolute silence on this reinforced the belief in many Celtic fans that they where not wanted in their own country.

Nationality, is an Accident of Birth.

Like.. One's Religious Affiliation, or the Final Length to which one's Big Toe shall Grow.

So.

Well.. need I say more?

Kojo.

gallowgate

The real problem is that we have a significant group of people who are not worthy to be classes as Celtic supporters.
The instances quoted today, including yours, just add up to one form or another of absolute ignorance.

Pulling a hoops shirt over your head does not make you a Celtic supporter.
There was always a code of conduct ,which had respect at it's root, that typified the Celtic supporter.

That is being eroded gradually. There are plenty of elephants in our room.

SFTB and Hard Macha(is the H in the right place):>), I'm glad that you met up on Saturday.

My attempts to text SF, were aborted, owing to his phone being "busy".

A point of order about the Massimo for Captain motion.

It is my belief that the chairman unilaterally declared the motion unanimously carried.

I suppose the minutes were destroyed by the infamous pint tipping incident.

God knows what rubbish you were eating, but it seems to be a major come down from last year's al fresco supper!

In our house, when I was growing up far away from Glasgow, all I knew about Celtic I got from my father. He settled down in England with a girl he met while stationed at RAF Ternhill during the war and was, I realise with the wisdom of hindsight, glad to be there. Though he missed his pals and (some of) his family, and regular attendance at Celtic Park, there were real rewards living away from Glasgow – not least a healthy few hundred miles of space between our home and the baleful political and social influence of the Priest’s House in Langlands Road, Govan.

Like many Celtic supporters of the 1930s my father and his smart younger brother were anti-clerical: and I do mean anti – not just a wee bit sceptical but outspoken and consistent enemies of the Priest, St Gerard’s School, Parish Ladies’ Committees to Alleviate Poverty, the whole lot. And in the same bed as these backward, anti-life creatures and institutions who do you find? ‘Successful’ crook families like the Kellys and the Whites, Sons of Old Erin, promoters of the Gaeltacht and friends of De Valera, propagators of the full-strength brand of Oirishry: heritage, harps, jigs, political quietism disguised as nationalism: reaction, reaction, reaction. Of course he did find and fight alongside progressive people, not least his great friend and Best Man Daniel Bell – a Rangers man to his fingertips.

So, rightly, he took, and I take, the view that one must treat with the deepest suspicion all attempts to drag Celtic into another place. The core of the club is Scottish, and not just Scottish but Glaswegian – cocky and hard, masters of patter but never to be laughed at, urban, sceptical and very keen on football.

oldtim67

Thanks for commenting. I've been wondering for some time whether or not its just me feels this way both about these divisions and would someone still in Scotland would feel the same. I also share your feelings about the blog and have been much less inclined to blog of late as generally most comments were ignored dependant on who was blogging or debate descended into abuse. You've given me quite a bit of comfort. Thanks

i dont think anyone on here is being "anti irish"....

i think it speaks for itself that some are interpreting it as that

Ulster-Celt.

I think you could be right,there are a lot of interlopers who come on here and just stir it up,Most of the guys that go to the football are great to know,In fact everyone that I have met since joining CQN have been friends for me.

Gallowgate
Kenny Miller is a recent example.When he signed pre-contract for us he was booed by sections of support when Scotland played at Hampden.
Strangely enough some of the Scottish press who had previously lauded him started to question his goalscoring record for his country.
Since he has returned to Rangers his national hero status has been reinstated by Scottish media.

oldtim67,

you always need to remember what I told you this is a virtual site which means it is not real.

Philvis.

Are you a hun ?

http://media.photobucket.com/image/philvisreturns/bazzza1/CLHOME-09-10.jpg

HAil HAil

by the way, the SPL season starts in 4 days and a CL qualifier against one of the EPL big 4 is in a weeks time.

I could understand all the hand wringing and self fleggelation if this was still June. Oh, the Celtic support has some naughty boys who apparently booed a pipe band in Manchester, discuss!

SSN are reporting John Hartson has left hospital and will continue Chemo as an outpatient.

I'll flagellate for typing fleggelate.

By Celtic_First on August 11, 2009 2:15 PM
Dougiebhoy at 1:25

and to inetgrate the two religions …

Totally revisionist and utterly false.

please explain this, the Celtic social mission statement :

Brother Walfrid saw the need for social integration and his vision was a football club that Scottish and Irish, Protestants and Catholics alike could support. A new football club would be a vehicle to bring the communities together and this was the second aim.

playfusbal4dguilders

That's great news.

Mort

playfusbal4dguilders

Excellent news, cheers for the update.

Philvisreturns.
I'll share a pint or three with you,but how did you know Werthers Originals are my favourite sweeties.

thomthethim,

Thank you for your post at 3:41pm. You have just won me an amount of money, small unfortunately. The bet was on how long it would take you to respond to one of my posts.

If nothing else, I'm keeping you on your toes. You should be showing some gratitude. :-)

Hail Hail.

Glasgow Celtic Parkhead
Glasgow Rangers Ibrox
Dublin City Lansdowne rd
Dublin Shamrock Lansdowne rd
Belfast Utd. Windsor Park
Hearts Tynecastle
Dundee Utd. Tannadice
Derry City Brandywell
Cork Athletic Thomond Park
Aberdeen Pittodrie
Hibernian Easter rd
Swansea City Swansea
Cardiff City Cardiff

A blueprint for for the new Celtic League drawn from Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Looks exciting and full of possibilities. Finer details re promotion relegation etc to be decided.
With potential support drawn from a combined approx population of 14 million, is it the shot in the arm football needs in these countries or would it pose a security headache?

Dick Byrne

Amazing what an incisive piece of good humour can provoke. What a gaggle of emotion followed the parade from Hamlyn this day.

bournesouperecipe

I hope nod comes back

townhallhamlynCSC

And now for something completely different;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4o2bLb9f_E

fan-a-tic,

The Kenny Miller example is a good one. When he was a Celt playing in the dark blue there was much highlighting of his inability to convert chances.

Hail Hail.

Official statement on BBJ:

John Hartson treatment
Tuesday, 11 August 2009

Statement from ABM University NHS Trust;

“John Hartson has completed the first phase of his chemotherapy treatment and has been discharged from hospital.

“He will now continue his chemotherapy treatment as an outpatient of the hospital.”

Statement from John Hartson’s family;

“The family would like to thank all the staff at Morriston and Singleton hospitals for their support in getting John to this stage in his treatment.

“John is glad to be back with his family, and ready to face the next steps in his chemotherapy.

“It goes without saying that the support of friends and the public has been a huge lift to us all over the last few weeks.

“As John’s cancer treatment is ongoing, we hope that the public and media will continue to respect his privacy.”

Source: Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust

Been out all day, have I missed anything?

Molly Malone

I reckon we'd see a United Ireland before we'd see a Belfast United football team.

I know it's only your opinion but personally I don't see the point in this. The competetion would be no more for Celtic or Rangers than the current SPL. The Welsh teams won't be interesed, they would get more money and more exposure playing in the Championship and I'm sure they harbour dreams of reaching the Premier league.

Mort

The only thing of importance that you missed today Paul67

DBBIA
One flaw in the compromise flag you suggested, being that it has the word "Royal" in its title. Can't see many on here going for that!
HH
CTTC

Paul67

Nope, just another debate about whether Celtic are Irish or Scottish.

Tommorrow will be the songs debate and Bobo will be discussed in more detail on thursday.

Mort

gallowgate on August 11, 2009 3:54 PM

Why the sarcasm?

I was augmenting or enlarging your point.

You referred to the abuse dished out to MAF by some of our support and responded by commenting on the increasing lack of respect generally from our support.

I hope the money that you won will be of a help to you,as you may have to rely on some other means of financial support if I choose to ignore you in future.

Respect, is it.

Celtic_ First.

I won't stop posting,I lurk every day,and will post when I have something relevant to say.Thanks for your kind remarks.

Celtic First/ Dougiebhoy

I think people believe what they want to believe but it is suggested that a driving force for Brother Walfrid was the "potentially proselytising effect on the younger memnbers of his flock of the noticeable increase in Protestant soup kitchens." I think that's much more likely. He may well have wanted the two communities to live and work amicably togther but he certainly would not have wanted a dimunition of the Catholic religious influence on his own.

Some one earlier on when naming good Celtic players to have come from Ireland grossly forgot to mention the Iron Man Sean Fallon.
Who is a true Celt if there ever was a term and a champion of a man, who'm i had the great pleasure of meeting few years ago in Dublin.

Btw Paul you shudnt bother posting new posts daily if all your gonna have is fella's giving us their reasons why they support our club based on there connections with the map of the world !!!

I cudnt care less where you were born or raised but if your a Celt then you've made a clever choice in life...also probly means you have an electric shower that isint just used on the same morning the Queen gives her speech !!

HAIL HAIL

Molly Malone ??
Cork athletic at thomond park ? i know times are tough fro cork city dont think the cork lads would fancy travelling over 100 miles for their home games...

just on thing to say about the scottish -irish thing

I am Irish , and there's barely a day goes by i don't thank God that I am...

Round yees scotchies!! ;-)

Back to Newcastle. I saw a recent rebroadcast of a 2003 CL match between Newcastle and Barcelona. The Newcastle manager was Sir Bobby Robson and its lineup featured Alan Shearer.
Fast forward to 2009. Newcastle on the road to relegation, and now managed by foul mouthed yob Joe Kinnear, and a lineup featuring convicted violent felon Joey Barton. What went wrong? Somebody ought to do a book on the demise of NUFC. I'm no expert, but I can't believe Ashley is the only one to blame.
My heart goes out to Newcastle fans. All they want is a competitive club with competent leadership.

My Perfect Cousin ( He'll be Irish of course:))

http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_100809121022.aspx

.

Didnae Miss Much Paul67....Just the Same old Repeats & Reruns....

12:00pm: CSI.... Celtic Supporters Infighting....

2:30pm: CQN.... Continually Quarreling Nemesi....

Just Normal Celtic Slow News Day....

001ScottishAustralianWhosHalfDutchHalfGreekCSC

Kojo,

Nationality is indeed an accident of birth, or possibly of parents' birth, or even of politics.

But religion is very different. Which religion, if any, to give our allegiance to is a choice we all make. You cannot be born into a religion any more than you can be born to support a football team or to like a certain type of music.

thomthethim,

Lighten up. It was a joke. In the same vein as the name of the Kinks record we discussed the other night. And then, after that, the Pink Times references and the Airdrie goalie, Lawrie Leslie, being part of the double L theme from Superman comics.

I still thought you were in a good mood. Obviously I was mistaken. My apologies.

Hail Hail.

DougieBhoy at 3:50 PM

Very simple.

The mission statement says Catholics and Protestants are welcome, indeed, encouraged to become one support.

What you said at 1:25 suggested that Walfrid wanted Catholics and Protestants to become one religion. What you wrote is an accusation that Walfrid founded the football club with the aim of changing people’s religious affiliation. This is untrue.

You may not have meant that, but that is what you wrote.

Gerry and the Pacemakers, not the Kinks.

Gordon_J

I appreciate that religion is a choice but the vast majority of people are indeed born into a particular religion and have no say in what religion they belong to in their formative years.

Mort

Molly Malone, always keen to support innovative thinking on this subject.

The Welsh clubs have a straight route to progress to the Promised Land, so might not be up for change.

Belfast United might take a bit of..... uniting.

There is also the practical challenge of getting the Irish and Welsh to follow Irish and Welsh clubs instead of English ones.

Mort, this is a recorded message, Paul67 is unavailable at the moment.....

Awe Naw, I fail to see the relevance of that pic.

Im_from_Cork_bhoy, aye, not a bad day to be away.

001, so it seems.

Molly Malone

Thomond Park is in Limerick

Limerick City would pose a security headache to the Elite US Militia never mind travelling stewards from Cardiff or wherever..

Molly malone

Belfast United!, now theres a challenge.

Trying to get Linfied & Glentoran fans togethers gonna be a task and a half before u even start thinking about cliftonville and DC.

Derbyshirebhoy

I'm genuinely unsure of what you might mean by

but he certainly would not have wanted a dimunition of the Catholic religious influence on his own.

I'll answer your point about the soup kitchens, but I think it would help if you could clarify what you meant.

Good day CQN’ers,

FourLeafClover,

Just to back up what others (lennybhoy, I think) have said.

You and the family will be welcome to watch the Dons game with the Blackpool Shamrock CSC at the Trades club, its near the football ground/ cinema complex.

On entry to the club go upstairs, if there’s anybody on the door say Vinny (committee member) sent you. I hope you have a great day.

ulverstoncelt on August 11, 2009 12:19 PM
Sorry to here Billy D never made it to Moscow, he’ll be gutted but as you say he’s the jonah!
I had a good day out with the Blackpool Shammy on Sat. apart from the trip back on the motorway, the window beside me was smashed in by Man. City supporters (or masquerading huns), bloody freezing although the banter and singsong made up for it. The Man city fans on the bus were treated ok by us and we shared non-alcoholic drinks and snacks on the bus :¬)

Wee story on Sat. @ the City ground….on exiting the ground I made my way over to a burger van in the city end, it was cordoned off and there was quit a few Celts waiting to get over to that side.
I shouted to the nearest police man, excuse me officer, is it possible to get through to the van as I’m bloody starving. “No sorry I can’t let you through just yet”. Ok said I, can ye shout me up a pie and chips……..
The whole place was in noughts including said policeman………the huns would have pulled the fence down and emptied the burger van.

vmhan

Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.

Samuel Johnson CSC

Mort,

Those are two different points.

You cannot be born with religious views; it's simply not possible. Some parents do seek to indoctrinate their children into their particular religion from an early age, but that's not the same as being born into it.

Cracking news about the under 19's. It is these thngs we need to do well in and, more importantly, have the best young players in in order to progress the club as a whole.

Re the Ireland Scotland debate. Celtic is neither. We are a club open to all. I am English, born in England, never lived in Scotland and have always supported Celtic. Several of my mates are the same. I believe we are definitivly neither one nor the other.

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Gordon J

I am astonished that you have made this following statement,pal..

I quote... a Truncated Version of your Astonishing Statement,nevertheless an accurate one.

"You cannot be Born into any religion...."

Say what?

Tell that to the following.. not necessarily in this order..

The Mormons
The Moslems
The Jews.
The Shintoists
The Buddhists.

Tne Okefenokee Indians.

The Apaches..

Well.. ah wull stoap noo.. Ah hiv made Ma point.

Doncha Agree?

Kojo.
yer pal.. who knows that ye ur jist hivin' me oan~

RogerMilla....... ha ha

Im_from_Cork_bhoy Any news on the Cork V Celtic game, is there a date set?

What Bro Walfrid did next, researched by D.Mcdonagh:

In 1892, Brother Walfrid received orders from his Marist superiors to move to London, little is known about him after this period, it was suggested that he had the idea of forming a London Celtic but decided that London's Irish population was too far and scattered across the city. On reaching the compulsory age of 65 in 1908, he had to sever his connections with St Anne's but his legacy remained in the shape of a Boy's Guild and a Young Men's Club. Walfrid's last assignment was not to the Irish but to the French. The expulsion of religious congregations from France in 1903 saw the Boarding College at Beauchamp in France closing as a result it sought asylum on English soil.

The French superiors entrusted Walfrid with the task of negotiating the purchase of a suitable property in the south of England in which they could house some one hundred and fifty boarders and thirty brothers. Walfrid succeeded in acquiring an ideal property at Grove Ferry six miles northeast of Canterbury and around 70 miles from London. The French superiors requested that Walfrid be sent to Grove Ferry to assist the college in its organization and development in new surroundings. The Scottish superiors granted the request and Walfrid was said to have been pleased to be of assistance as he felt he was repaying a debt to the French brothers as it was from them he had acquired his religious and professional training when preparing for his mission to Scotland. His fluency in the French language would prove to be a great asset in his new surroundings as would his organizational skills and his natural ability in dealing with the young, it is also worth noting that it was whilst posted here that he would once again renew acquaintances with his beloved Celtic.

In 1911 Brother Walfrid met the Celtic team when they were returning from a European tour and was reported to have been visibly moved upon his introduction by proud Celtic Officials at a celebration dinner. Tom Maley whom had been a Celtic player with that first team some 23 years before was now working as a reporter for the Scottish Observer he was present at the celebration dinner and quoted Walfrid as saying "Well, well, time has brought changes and outside of ourselves, there are few left of the old brigade. I know none of these present players, but they are under the old colours and quartered in the dear old quarters and that suffices".

A short time later Brother Walfrid's health began to deteriorate and he was transferred to Mount St. Michael's in Dumfries, the retirement house was on the same grounds as St Joseph's College, which the Brothers had opened in 1875. All the boys at the college would have known him by his name and most were ardent Celtic supporters, apparently Brother Walfrid was invited to give lectures and on St Joseph's day 1890 is said to have delivered a lecture on 'the picturesque abbeys of Scotland' many of which were illustrated by use of 'powerful oxy hydrogen projection'. Walfrid's health is reported to have remained much the same during his time in Dumfries and he passed away on the 17th April 1915, the following day he was buried in the Mount St. Michael Cemetery.

Gordon_J

That's what I meant though I think indoctrinate is a bit strong.

Mort

Thomthethim, hurry up. I need to go out in 5 mins. :-)

Paul67... a new article quick...please.. this is enuff to make you want to throw the rope up...

Seems like the tricolours, shamrocks and fields of athenrye are out. And instead we shall have bagpipes, saltires, union jacks, monacles, bulldogs, bravehearts, bonny purple heather and shorthbread (that’ll be the biscuit tin mentality )

Scotland? Is Scotland still even a real country nowadays? Seriously? We shall hurriedly dispose of all things unirish, to atone for the sins of our past as we hurry to proclaim we are actually scottish (british I mean)

Why don’t we just invite the LOL along to march round the pitch so that everyone can see how british we jolly well are and that we are so ALL inclusive.

Tally ho, toodlepip old chap csc

DBBIA

Excellent work. Well done.

In your considered medical opinion, was it D and G what done for him?

Kojo,

I stand by what I said.

If I am born in Scotland, I am Scottish from birth. If my parents are black then I am black from birth. These are statements of fact.

But if my mother is a Mormon and my father is a Mormon, I am simply born a child of Mormon parents. This does not make me a Mormon from birth. I have not accepted whatever belief makes one a Mormon or decided that this is the religion for me.

Similarly if my mother and father like country and western music, I am not born a country and western fan; rather I am a child of parents with no musical taste!

What exactly does; Im_from_Cork_bhoy on August 11, 2009 4:17 PM ;
mean?
I happen to be a member of the CSC club in Limerick and although not a native, find the people to be extremely friendly and very supportive of all sports. Indeed their famed support of rugby reflects the lack of narrow mindedness that is found in all our other major towns and cities.
To blindly repeat the bigoted stereotyping that passes for journalism in this sorry country, reflects more on the blogger then the victim.
Strange that Rep of Ireland will be playing in this so called "dangerous city" whilst Cork is ignored.
Perhaps the Limerick sporting fraternity are more up to date with their Tax returns ???

celtic first - i am not going to entertain an argument with you.

if that is how you interpreted what i wrote you are sadly very wrong.

"integrate" does not mean make into one.

back to school for you i'm afraid, absolute stupidity if that is what you think i wrote

What nationality are you if your scottish mother whose parents were irish gave birth to you on an ocean going liner in the mid atlantic ocean?
Oh and the ship was registered in Panama and yer da wiz fae Diego Garcia!

andthepointisCSC

Aberdeen, Arsenal (do they fly St George Cross at games or merely display a heavy artillery gun as per their roots at woolwich arsenal). I'll see of there is a discussion on Arsenal quick news about it, .....nope only the EPL season and CL qualifier.

Dobbo

Well said that man

Celtic is first and last a football club for those who want to support it from any background

We all come to it from our own experiences
None and no-one should be regarded as a second class supporter because they are Irish or Scottish or English !

Like all big supports you will always find some who will behave badly when they drink too much

Fortunately the vast majority of our support are well aware that the press would simply love any opportunity to paint them as black as the huns

Saturday was disappointing in that some chose to break seats and fling stones - the booing of a pipe band is not a story IMHO

Time to concentrate on supporting the team on the park

TM has made an excellent start and if the reports from the Q&A session are correct about wanting 2 Landry N'Guemos ! - we can look forward to a very positive season

Power and Pace Tony - Power and Pace !

gallowgate,

Fair enough.

I do get touchy when I perceive the club's name being denigrated, not by you, in this case.

There appears to be a growing concern with us older posters, i.e. Oldtim and Derbyshire,etc., that the quality of the blog is being undermined by some who claim ownership of the club for some faction or other.

I am also of this view, and it led me to stop posting a while back.

I resumed because I thought it would be somehow a betrayal of what the blog was originally, and felt that Paul deserved to be supported in his efforts.

As you are obviously aware, I detest any attempt to radicalise the club for anyone's agenda, be that political, religious or nationality.

I agree with J. Reid that all these things should be left at the door, as alluded to in the Club's Mission Statement.

The pipe band abuse was just another act of intolerance by whatever number of our support involved.

So too is the bawling of God Bless the Pope to home supporters of teams we are visiting.

That obscenity would even be improper if it was genuinely said as a prayer and not as a taunt to people who by and large just want to see their team beat the mighty Celtic.

Is it any wonder that we are not welcomed at most British grounds?

Foreign trips don't count as the locals there don't have a clue what is being sung or chanted, apart from YNWA.

If you still need the cash, I can make arrangements through Paypal :>)

I'm off to walk the golden beach of Carrickfinn.

celtic first - please look at definition 4.

If you think i meant "lets forget about two different religions and make one big happy family" then you are deluded...social integration - you ever heard of that?!!!

over and out

Main Entry: in·te·grate
Pronunciation: \ˈin-tə-ˌgrāt\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): in·te·grat·ed; in·te·grat·ing
Etymology: Latin integratus, past participle of integrare, from integr-, integer
Date: circa 1586
transitive verb
1 : to form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole : unite
2 : to find the integral of (as a function or equation)
3 a : to unite with something else b : to incorporate into a larger unit
4 a : to end the segregation of and bring into equal membership in society or an organization b : desegregate

tamrabam

I disagree, I think we should keep the tricolours, shamrocks and the fields.

If you really want to get rid of them that's your opinion, but then you'd be in a minority of one on here.

Note I deliberately mis-read your post.

Dougiebhoy

That seems to be the end of that, then.

Just so as you know, my dictionary gives, as its first definition of the verb to integrate, to make or be made into a whole.

If it was "absolute stupidity" for me to interpret what you wrote in the way I did, fair enough, but it's only fair, also, for absolutely stupid people to stop compiling dictionaries.

thomthethim on August 11, 2009 4:39 PM

'Is it any wonder that we are not welcomed at most British grounds?'

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Yes that'll be why we're asked to so many testimonials then will it?

Absolute rubbish of the highest order.

DD

thomthethim,

Don't agree with everything you say but the main thing for now is that you seem to be back in good humour. Enjoy your walk.

Now, i'm out of here.

Gordon
If `indoctrination` is too strong , what about `brainwashing`?

English X1

Latchford

Morris
Stubbs
Elliot
Naylor

Barnes
Lyons
Thompson
Fox

Sutton
Larsson

ThomtheThim
"Is it any wonder that we are not welcomed at most British grounds?"

I think you need a walk along Magheroarty beach to clear your thinking on that one! - wee smiley.

The good old days weren't actually that good and not every Celtic supporter in the 40's and 50's was a saint, I belive we had some drunken wide bhoys then as well..

Morris was Irish !!!

Dougiebhoy

Your dictionary seems to be as absolutely stupid as mine.

If you made reference in your original post not to religions but to people of those religions, it would have been different. But you wrote what you wrote.

Anyway, if we're agreed that Walfrid’s aim was not to get Protestant people to become Catholics, I'll happily leave it there.

celtic first

i congratulate you on being able to read a dictionary. However, you also need to be able to use the definition of the word given the context of the sentance it is in.

to make or be made into a whole is correct - a whole society perhaps?

Lisbon1967,

Dont you start!!!!!

C1st- as you may know the school is now run by the Council, and there are no Marists living there now. I think they still get requests to visit the grave, which they try to accommodate.

Anyways, in HMDT they said that the Army has now fired over 3 million bullets in the current operation; when they were sent there the then defence secretary, a Dr John Reid, hoped the mission could be accomplished 'without firing a single bullet'.

I wonder what Dr Reid is doing now. I hope he's not in charge of anything important.

can't believe i got sucked in lol !!! Cmon please stop this nonsense !!!

Anyone recommend a pub in London I might pick a CL ticket up in before the away game? - don't hold out much hope of getting one from CP..

Mort
I'm in Walter Mitty mode after some heavy gardening.

Roger Milla.
It would have to be Thomond. no chance of getting Pairc Ui Caoimh.

Paul 67
Who could ever believe that the Leinster rugby team now sellout the RDS every home game and win the Magners and European Heineken Cup back to back. Magners Celtic League now very strong.

Irving Washington
Belfast Utd. it would have to be best players drawn from one city depending on population.

I'm From Cork Bhoy
Now there's no need for that. As i said security could be a problem.

why not say that first instead of trying to create an arguement then?!!!!!!

agreed. truce. apologies.

What i would like to know is why all day evryone has spoken of the question is CFC an irish club or scotish.No better subject to discuss?We are a scotish club in Scotland and biggest achievement was to win the big one with 11 Scotish players........End of story.

Dougie Bhoy
I liked your earlier posts so be careful with all aspects of language in your semantical `debate` with Celtic First. `sentence` is the correct spelling!

Thomthetim,

I have to agree with much of what you say. Maybe it's an age thing. I have the greatest respect and regard for Paul67 and CQN (and am addicted to it, of course) but there have been times recently when I have felt alienated.

Some Irish posters today have been suggesting that there is an anti-Irish tendency among some of us. Personally, I doubt it. But some of our support who persist in demanding that that our identity as Celtic supporters include bellowing "God bless the Pope" and the excribable(sp)"soon there'll be no Protestants at all" and pro-IRA chants baffle me. I presume it is the same crowd who boo the bagpipes or the kilt or (and this is utterly beyond me) the Saltire.

...and `argument`!!

we are an irish club full stop,anybody who thinks differently is a moron!

hail hail

iamatthewindupCSC

Craig Thomson will referee our match against Aberdeen on Saturday.

He has refereed us against Aberdeen on three previous occassions:

Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic (10/02/08)
Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic (17/02/07)
Celtic 3-2 Aberdeen (16/04/05)

Mort

ha ha!! thank you Mr JungleJim, Sir! Detention for me tonight teacher?!

WishawTim,

Morris and Larsson??

Leabrannagh on August 11, 2009 4:45 PM

Us 40+ now were always well bahaved away from Home :@)

My Mate sent me this today(Blown my cover Johnny)
as we talked about forthcoming game and remembered one we went to
many years ago.

From 1986

Arsenal .............0 Celtic ..............2

Billed as a testimonial to Arsenal's David O'Leary, last night's game at Highbury was for 80 minutes a testimony to the fact that football on both sides of the border is poverty-stricken of old fashioned forwards with the ability to put the ball in the back of the net.
Arsenal were the most to blame, albeit because especially in the first half, they had the lion's share of the proceedings. Nicholas, playing against his former club, set up enough first half opportunities to have won the game four times over. After 20 minutes he set up Robson with a clear opportunity only for Pierce O'Leary to block the shot on the line, surely an uncharitable act when your brother is having a testimonial for the other side. In ritualistic fashion Celtic supporters who made up a third of the 29,634 crowd, burnt a British flag before the start. In the 80th minute they erupted into a display of green to rival a St Patrick's parade in New York.

I am, actually but I never give detentions because they don`t work.

Ibleed 4.54
Excellent. Really made me laugh which is quite important considering some of the topics on here today!

Parkheadcumsalford

But some of our support who persist in demanding that that our identity as Celtic supporters include bellowing "God bless the Pope" and the excribable(sp)"soon there'll be no Protestants at all" and pro-IRA chants baffle me. I presume it is the same crowd who boo the bagpipes or the kilt or (and this is utterly beyond me) the Saltire.

Baffles the life out of me too but the songs (and chants) debate is scheduled for tomorrow :-)

I'm away home from work now but to anyone who still feels the need to sign pro-IRA songs at Celtic matches, let me ask you, Would you sign those songs at GAA matches?

Hail Hail

Mort

jungle jim

i had to try and lighten the mood a little bit,was getting very serious so i thought i would stick a pin in it:))))

hail hail

It amazes me that this debate started off as why the pipe band was booed and has now become one about being anti Irish.

There is a time and place for ballad singing, and I love the songs, be it James Connolly, Sean South, the Boys of the Old Brigade or whatever, they were as much part of me growing up as kellogs frosties, however, that was then, this is now

Whatever ones political beliefs, ramming them down someones throat is counter productive and quite frankly silly, just as the Orcs look pathetically outdated in their gailey coloured horse colours, groups of grown men chanting " Goad Bless Ra Pope ! " in the middle of the English wording of the Irish national anthem is plainly barmy

Supporting Celtic isnt wrong, Supporting Sinn Fein isnt wrong, Being a catholic isnt wrong, trying to make them inextricably linked is very wrong, forcing it down other peoples necks is very wrong

Celtic is an inclusive family, theres room for the Tim and the Prod, the unionist and the reublican, Irish and Scottish, that my friends is the real beauty of being a Celtic supporter

croppybhoy

Many thanks.

Mr Z

I see some Lech players are looking to leave, but their price is a bit high

ibleedgreenandwhite

No, we aren't.

Paul67
Judging by a lot of postings on todays article you are clairvoyant.

clearly I needed a p

M

Afternoon all

first of all, havent had a chance to read though previous posts to check if this has been mentioned yet. so apologies if it has already been discussed. if it hasnt however, then i think it would be a good idea to consider.

Just read that John Hartson has been released from hospital and is on his way home, hopefully to start his recovery process. i was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about a banner or flag for BBJ at the arsenal game? to show our support for the big man? also thought it would be fitting as he played with them for a couple of seasons??

anybody agree or have any thoughts? was wondering if it had already been mentioned?

Cheers

Gerry

I'm of the same vintage Jc2 and when I was a kid on the terraces of football grounds in the 70's, I dont recall the punters sipping Pimms and singing how much is that doggy in the window!

Paul67

It was only a heads up

philvisreturns is a regular poster on CQN

http://media.photobucket.com/image/philvisreturns/bazzza1/CLHOME-09-10.jpg

http://media.photobucket.com/image/ philvisreturns /bazzza1/CLHOME-09-10.jpg

Philvisreturns is pretty unique name I reckon.

No why would a right wing sh*tstirring Celtic fan have a pic of Rangers CL 09/10 pic on his website ? Posted ny Bazza.

I´m not big on coincidence but as you would say

Mhhhhhhhhhhh......

Hail Hail

Good on ye Gerrybhoy7, glad to hear that.

.

Is it Not Just a Case of....Whit Fit Ye Kick Wae....

BTW....My Left Leg Fell Asleep on the Train Today....

That Will Be it Up all Night Tonight....

001CelticSupportersClubCSC

The UK Border Agency has apparently refused entry to a Pakistai pipe band. Does this make them racist or pipe bandist?

Lea

You dont remember the 100,000 thousand souls at the 76 ne'rday game singing Paper Roses, what a shame, youd have loved it...

Gordon

thats because one of the bands went awol after last years competition, however Im thinking that a couple of dozen Pakistani chaps in kilts carrying pipes and drums are going to be quite distinctive.....

col p

we are,nt what?????

hail hail

Thomthethim and the Gweedore team

Sorry I missed the AGM. Was planning to go to Sean Og's, but caught up with an old Arranmore mate in The Lobster pot.

Ahhhhh, Carickfinn....fantastic spot....got engaged there 11 years ago.

Had the kids playing in the rock pools last Tuesday to Friday...what a place

That's one thing a did agree with in your post!

Enjoy

ps Well done BBJ.....kick it's butt

hhplc

I can't believe people are actually arguing about a pipe band getting booed. There were far worse things happened at the game on saturday.

Awe Naw...

I am dying to say that explains a lot, but I won't.

:-)

Hmmmnn

UC

Paul67.

John Hartson continues to improve.
Other than that, no.
A quite successful fishing trip but that's about all.
Won't waste any time looking back.

Vmhan:

It was indeed my good self that passed on the address, club details and phone number for the Trades Club.

I also passed an e-mail to FourLeafClover via Paul Stevie B's name and mobile number and the address and phone number of the Trades Club.

Nothing against Little Fat Jack's which was recommended by another poster but FourLeaferClover was taking his 10 year olds and I thought the Trades Club would be more appropriate for this reason.

I watched the Dundee Utd. game when Naka scored his hat-trick at Tannadice...great hospitality and cracking big screen...and I don't mean literally before some wise bhoy comes back on me...lol!

I occasionally text Steve if I hear any rumours!

Good luck to you and Blackpool Shamrock this season!

Keep the Faith!

Hail Hail!

My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend... Gordon J

I see that ye hiv carefully thought this matter... which we are discussing....
awe out,pal.

So.

I dinna hiv a chance tae convince ye eveh tae Accept Ma point of view, in the Matter of How One does ACTUALLY ACQUIRE one's ORIGINAL RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION.

You have clung to the concept of Personal Choice.. which is another aspect, altogether.

Strictly speaking.. one can, indeed, change the color of One's Skin.. thru.. bleachng.. not too well.. but, bleaching shall undoubtedly change the original color of one's skin,or... one can alter the final length of one's Big Toe..thru the magic of Plastic Surgery..or.. can change the Original Color..of one's own Eyes.. My gal Gabriella, does this, frequently..when she pops in a Pair of Colored Contact Lenses,her choice of Color of the Lenses is selected to enhance her Couture Look of the Evening.

Howevahhhhhhhh..

I am afraid that you are weedling..in order to fortify your point of view.

Therefore...

Let's jist leave it at that,pal.

Kojo.
yer pal.. who noo knows that ye hiv actually come to believe ye're ain conclusion in the matter, of which, we are discussing.

Dobbo

Two, or three weeks old information.
Lech Poznan players had offers but they were blocked inside the club. I think no more moves until January. Very likely they will be playing for the group stages in the European League.

oldtim67 3:15

I read and scroll, scroll and read the blog. I like you opinion.
As always you have my support.
Yesterday when I been to the big shop I saw two men who wore Celtic top.Having learned there was some time interval between two events and that these two were not twins I assumed it was interesting phenomenon. Both guys spoke Polish to their ladies. Not Irish, not Catholic, not Scottish - it must be an Celtic invasion on Poland.

Is the Toronto game part of the season ticket????

.

100

)O:....snrutersivlihp delbmur neeb vih uoy kniht

Don Dan,

The recipients of testimonials and club treasurers may welcome the money we bring to their coffers, but what kind of masochists in their supports would welcome being sang AT, in some sort of act of defiance, by visitors to their grounds.

The GBTP one particularly annoys me as it belittles my Faith and by association links me to the ones who disrespect the Pope.

The feeling is that many who indulge in this chant, which ,by the way, also bastardises the anthem of the country in which I live, have long since offered a prayer up for the Pontiff during Mass.

hailhailplc on August 11, 2009 5:31 PM

I hope it wasn't in the rock pools at the top of the beach.

Celtic are a Scottish club with an Irish background. FACT!

As for Newcastle, I do feel pity for the good folks of the North East. I live and work here, and can tell you they are all (north of the Tyne, anyway), on a massive downer. It impacts on the whole local mentality. Their football team is in the 2nd Division.

I for one wish them a speedy recovery and return to the top flight. Their fans can be a bit of a pain at times, but they're a good bunch really. They suffer from the North East goldfish bowl syndrome, they think their team deserves success and think their team is bigger than Jesus. They also want to win every match playing sexy Brazillian football, and put too much significance on their local derby rivalry with Sunderland, er, hang on a minute...

What about that new hamilton away kit,sorry but if I played for them I would rather be in dole queue than put that on.

voguepunter, it's not that bad!

just a poor argentina rip-off, a follow-up to their brazil one last season.

i can't think of one worse than that manky newcastle one.

Dean-moriarty

You haven't seen it son,it's bloody bright orange.

Did the Argies wear that,If so that is the last time I chant
ARGENTINA ARGENTINA at the game.

Bye the way I kidding about the last bit,just so none of you get on my case.

Anyone else think David O'Leary could do a job on - sorry do a job for Newcastle?

Naw - thought not.

vogue punter

you are bang out of order with those comments mate,you sound like a right bigot,in my opinion you should be banned from attending any future celtic games

hail hail

imonlykiddingonCSC

ibleedgreenandwhite

AND? :0)

vogue punter

and you should also be banned from the vogue :o)

hail hail

ibleedgreenandwhite

Its the wife isnt it?

vogue punter

lol lol :O)))))))

hail hail

EDB

You're not suggesting that good ole Dave boy is anything less than a 100% good guy and manager are you ?

After all at Leeds after spending about £100M he was only a couple of players short of having a team !

Given his track record him and the Toon seem made for one another !

Or it could be that Mr Ashby is trying to scare AS's consortium into putting their money where their mouth is !

I see from the Dundee Evenng Telegrpah this evening, that our "friend" William Walls, who was defended by Donald Findlay QC for his singing of TFS has been sentenced to 50 days detention for fighting in the streets of Dundee after Black Sunday2 back in May.

I suppose it's one less of them to pollute the streets...

Evening Paul.

The Newcastle situation is a car crash. I see the latest is O'Leary for manager, and Ashley in charge for another year. I read today that they were trying to get shot of Joey Barton, who earns (wait for it) 65k per week. Good luck...

They are heading for the same black hole that engulfed Leeds United.

This might be relevant when you look at how good our under 19 team have done. MY brother was at Q & A session last night at Parkhead with BTM & PL. Mowbray said that he wants the average age of our under 19 team to be nearer 17. They both felt that the under 19 set up had been neglected in the past few years. BTM also said that players who havent made it in their early 20s will probably not make it at Celtic and plans to move them on quicker. He also said that he would rather send fringe players on loan to the championship and not the SPL. He said that the championship is a mans league and would soon sort the wheat from the chaff.

What I liked about last week's Moscow game was the quicker tempo.
A rather heretical thought came to me that perhaps Naka was responsible for the slowness in our play in Europe sometimes. He would be given the ball when tightly marked, make a little space and give a short pass to someone else who then had no room either.
That player was then dispossessed, hoofed it up the field or played it backwards.
Maybe we still lose the ball a lot but at least the opposition have to work to get it back.
Sorry, Naka - if he had pace he wouldn't have played for us.

Apologies for discussing football, BTW.

croppybhoy

They'd be better off having Delboy Trotter in charge. At least they'd get a laugh.

My closest friends live in Newcastle but I'm afraid I can't abide the football club.

PeteTheBeat

It will never catch on.

Hail Hail

pete the beat
who the hell are you to come on here and make a football related point!

thats not what this blog is about :O)

hail hail

paulthetim

Is it true that TM said he would like to sign another 2 like N'Guemo ?

Get it done PL you know it makes sense !
We would run the guts out of the huns in about 30 minutes !

Celtic First

Sorry - been away getting a life. Nothing really contentious meant. Simply saying that he would I would have thought been active in promoting the Catholic faith and wouldn't have wanted to encourage associations that might have undermined it. Soup kitchens provided by others might have contributed to that. Mixing with other faiths does tend to challenge one's own hence the parish priest advising me that my "heid was fu o' wee buses" whatever that meant and to stop associating with Protestants - Girls in my case. Some fell on stoney ground as they say.

brendan behan on August 11, 2009 6:03 PM

na, The Ex is running this match on their own. No advance window for TFC seat holders. Not even word on which sections will go to which club as yet (which they may not bother with, but should)

Peet the beat

Totally agree, but not only in CL duty but also in the bread and butter of the SPL.

Neat and tidy footballer, a fantastic striker of a dead ball (but curiously consistantly hopeless at corner kicks), but no where near a top drawer player.

I always though naka's ideal role would be like the kickers in Amercian football.

Bring him on for the free kicks around the box and then get them off again

By Hoopsididitagain on August 11, 2009 5:13 PM

You must be new here then ;)

It's a trait of the Fightin Irish :)

PeteTheBeat

Well done that man ,lets talk about football lads

PeteTheBeat
Also agree with you regarding Naka.

KDS poster suggesting Gudjohnson coming across to Glasgow after the international tomorrow possibly to sign a year long loan deal?

Paul67 any info??

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This translated from todays newspaper of Fréttablaðið.

Gudjohnsen on the verge of Celtic move

Eidur Gudjohnsen will travel to Glasgow on Thursday after the international between Iceland and Slovakia tomorrow, Fréttablaðið understands.

Celtic remain frontrunners for his signature and an agreement with Barcelona regarding the transfer, which will be a one yr loan deal with a view to a permanent deal, is set to be reached this week.

Barcelona have granted Gudjohnsen permission to speak to Celtic and the player is keen to join the Scottish giants.

West Ham remain interested in the player also.

Croppybhoy

He said that if Donati went back to Italy then he would like to bring in 2 players like N'Guemo. PL said that Mowbray and John Park work very well together and Park knows exactly the type of player that Mowbray likes. The youth setup that they are doing just now seems very promising. The young guys that Celtic have signed from all over Europe actually live in Accommodation at Lennoxtown and they have a link with a local school for the boys to continue their education.

Disappointed with everyone agreeing with me about Naka.

In true Monty Python style I had come on here for a five minute argument.

ItaliaBhoy, car crash stuff indeed.

lisbon1967, :-)

Ian58, I’ll take your advice. Let’s hope John Hartson continues to improve in the weeks ahead.

Awe Naw, I see! Over to you, Phil.

fan-a-tic, so it seems. Bring back Gordon Strachan, he gave us focus.

Molly Malone, I’ll take your word for that one.

PjDali, not heard that one.

Huddleboard are saying Gudjohnsen signing on thursday
after the iceland game

here is his source:

This translated from todays newspaper of Fréttablaðið.

Gudjohnsen on the verge of Celtic move

Eidur Gudjohnsen will travel to Glasgow on Thursday after the international between Iceland and Slovakia tomorrow, Fréttablaðið understands.

Celtic remain frontrunners for his signature and an agreement with Barcelona regarding the transfer, which will be a one yr loan deal with a view to a permanent deal, is set to be reached this week.

Barcelona have granted Gudjohnsen permission to speak to Celtic and the player is keen to join the Scottish giants.

West Ham remain interested in the player also.

gallowgate 3.05pm

Great point re the booing of our own players !

Apologies to all for my initial question about this booing of the 'band' whether Irish or Scottish or whatever, I was genuinely perplexed, and even now am dismayed by the ignorance of some who follow Celtic and seem to be ignorant of their responsibilities as Celtic fans in upholding a nurtured reputation.

PjDali ,

i wouldn't mind seeing Eidur Gudjohnsen at Celtic Park. I'm sure he would add something different to the team, and, there's no chance of the weather affecting him during a cold night in Aberdeen.

Hail Hail

PjDali
Quicker of the blocks ;)

derbyshirebhoy at 7:23 PM

Well, I think it's highly likely that you are correct.

Archbishop Eyre, a brilliant man in anyone’s book, had been in the job almost ten years when Walfrid approached him with the football club idea and part of the agenda, I'm sure, would have been to offer an alternative to the proselytising Protestant soup kitchens that were systematically giving charitable relief to the Irish on condition that they gave up Catholicism. The football club would provide the money necessary to make sure fewer people were forced down that road.

I posted on this once before and someone else, I cannot remember who, alas, posted that not all the Protestant charitable institutions took this approach, and I'm sure that's correct. He also said that, informally, especially among mothers, lots of genuinely charitable sharing would have gone on. I'm sure that's true, too.

Nevertheless, Walfrid's plan included this pragmatic and strategic answer to the problem of proselytisation, which I'm sure would have helped convince the archbishop that the idea of founding a football club was a good one, which of course it was.

Must admit Eidur Gudjohnsen has become a bit like a mythical 'signing' in recent years......a bit like Robbie Keane.......so until the guy is standing on the steps of Celtic Park wearing a hooped jersey beside Tony Mowbray I'll not be holding my breathe but he has been a quality player and would surely be a decent addition.

Gordon_J,
I have to agree with kojo(how the hell are you?)
What about the Dali Lama?
If you reckon he was just a wee boy with unlucky parents,
then you are insulting bhudists and lots of other reincarnation believers. I doubt you actually ment to do that but denigrading their belief system is not inclusive, see what I did there :o)

I love Celtic, therefore I'm a better Celtic supporter than anybody else.

hail hail

Aw naw & Debyshire Bhoy,

Like you I spent many years away from Scotland and did not miss the small minded parochialism that we suffer from. Before the internet, waiting to hear the Celtic score or even for them to get a mention on the World Service was a result, and that was all, a result, no need to get het up and bothered since it was a continent away and no there was no way my small pre match superstitions had any influence. Besides, might be Bluenoses about but you got on, done your job and let live.
However since my return have experienced the constant press exposure of Celtic and Rangers, the antagonism and tension created between supporters and the polaristation of extremists within and without both teams. Have also noticed the gradual politicisation of Celtic support, Basque flags,Palestinian flags, return of IRA songs, what have they ever done for us? and the drift to have a Sankt Pauli activist support. My pleasure in watching Celtic is being diminished by this politicisation, don't suppose these organisations wave Celtic flags at their activites, do they?
If we want to have and gain a broad church of supporters across the world some of these activities that are indulged at CP will have to go, move on wtih the times, let the others wallow in the past. In the meantime, look forward to getting back our SPL title.

PeteTheBeat
I disagree.
Naka had a quickness of mind that far surpasses quick feet.
He would have been brilliant with the movement off him that TM's team shows.
Pass wiil always move quicker than player running with ball.
Last season he played with the equivalant of Easter Island Statues FC.

Eidur Gudjohnsen.....would be a brilliant signing !!

Any comment from notoneofthepeepil on that one....? ;-)

Hail Hail
CB

Paul67,
sorry to stray onto a related topic,
do you think we will be bringing a few argentinian stars over?
I mean if newcastle is a car crash
what is the argentinian league?

Good to see BBC Hun, that good old bastion keep up their fine tradition of having the cameras rolling at the launch of the Hamilton Accies away kit.

Or was today the first time we've seen the Accies unveil anything, because it was Rankers away kit bright Orange?

any body seen this?
translated from todays newspaper of Fréttablaðið.

Gudjohnsen on the verge of Celtic move
Eidur Gudjohnsen will travel to Glasgow on Thursday after the international between Iceland and Slovakia tomorrow, Fréttablaðið understands.

Celtic remain frontrunners for his signature and an agreement with Barcelona regarding the transfer, which will be a one yr loan deal with a view to a permanent deal, is set to be reached this week.

Barcelona have granted Gudjohnsen permission to speak to Celtic and the player is keen to join the Scottish giants.

Tony Mowbray seems to be getting through a power of work in these early days. Gruelling trip to Oz, Cardiff next, Wembley tournament with a spying trip to Russia sandwiched inbetween and straight into the vital Moscow games.

In parallel, new signings, numerous press conferences, planting the seeds within our youth set up, and of course training every day, which you have to imagine is more difficult as he tries to introduce his style of play.

A question and answer session yesterday evening after training and back to business today.

No easy introduction I'm sure you'll agree and his report card to date should be marked with a 9/10 in my humble opinion.

Go big Tony, yer playin' a stormer.....

More chance of signing Kerry Katona fae Iceland

OH, and Sunderland and Man City games as well!!!

Gordon J

As noted by you the great Bagpipe debate shows no signs of letting up, with the news Lahore Pipe Band banned! The Pakistan Band, will not be admitted to Great Britain and as such will not compete in the World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow this weekend. I can state quite categorically however, that there is no truth in the rumour that the banned Band, whose National Flag is green and white were denied entry by the Authorities for fear they would be booed on the Glasgow Green, in the dear Green Place by the ...er Green Brigade!

my goodness how quick are you lot on here?

does anyone think McCourt is due a run out?

Just on....are ROI playing tonight...if so, is it on the tele ??

paulthetim

that`s an encouraging development re the youth set up

particularly the accomodation situation

i wasn`t aware that there was housing there

By PjDali on August 11, 2009 7:29 PM

A highly paid Icelander to Celtic?

Sounds fishy to me.

Not that I'd want to start a codswallop war or anything.

masty

I saw it, but unfortunately it has no link and the person that posted it
instead copied it and what it purported to say.

sorry therefore, it lacks substance or credibility.

Hail Hail

canamalar

to where ?

he`s no very fit so it cannae be too far ;¬)

seriously ....i was at the Sunderland game and he was terrible ...then again so was Mizuno and Flood

Auldheid

I reckon it could be a red herring....

:-)

PF ayr

I have a place there overlooking the main training pitch

Be a reel shame if he does not sign now. Anyhow, this is neither the time nor the plaice.

was..were

jeez

The argentenian league is burst, BTW.
World renouned teams not paid players wages for weeks.
League trying to illegaly end TV deal.
Demanding money from everyone.
Could this be the domino?

Anybody translate Catalan. Gudjohnsen article.

http://www.elpunt.cat/noticia/article/-/-/68683.html

bournesouprecipe
totally agree mate, just thought it was worth a mention...

I notice that article is dated the 6th

The simple way to end this nonsense with these terror group flags is, lifetime ban for those with the flags.

Tony Mowbray is putting more work into this job than is humanley possible.

Amazing, i wish i could have his work ethic.

This man is the new Stein, he will be that good.

Kilgallon deal is on BTW....

Mr Z

I see. Thanks. Lewandowski for 7m euro is expensive.

PF ayr,
is he really that bad?
could we get a good hour out of him?
would he be huffin and puffin?
I'd like to think MrMowbrey will rotate a bit more.

masty

it is worth a mention.

if only for the fact it's causing a right rumpus elsewhere in celtic land

wish it was true though.

the thick plottens

IwishCSC

Just watching the Panorama programme.

Simple way, over 21's only - drink price raised by 40% and no promotions...

Simples

andycol

I believe this is the jist of it...

Eidur Gudjohnsen is one of the players with the poster that still transferred to the club. The Icelandic contract expires on June 30 of 2010 and know that you can find equipment to play this season because Pep Guardiola does not have it. Several teams in the Premier League, which has good reputation after Chelsea triumphed, interest in his services, but the card is offered far below that charged for Barça, which slows their progress .

The Icelandic is participating in the tour players in the United States and hopes to arrange new deals on their future as they do not want to spend his last year without playing for Barça. Last week, West Ham were interested in him and announced that speak to the Icelandic back when the United States. This interest has been added in the last few hours of Glasgow Celtic, who also negotiated with him next week.

Gudjohnsen wants to take full advantage of the close of the market and stay with the proposal closer to the current tab. In Barcelona, for their part, I joined about 5 million euros for the transfer of Icelandic footballer

Celtic Underground's rumours twitter feed claims Eidur has been invited to the Arsenal game.

Surely if we want him we want him on the pitch against arsenal not in the stand

awe naw

very good detective work

has said ardent Celtic fan who suggests that he hails from Coatbridge challenged you yet ...he`s not normally shy

Celtic First

"the idea of founding a football club was a good one, which of course it was."

Amen to that.

evening all, dont know if its been mentioned already but programme on STV now with the manchester riots and scotlands shame, worth a gander

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

I am wunnerful,simply wunnerful, pal..

Why No?

which brings me to this..

Why does one nevah say..

Why Aye?

Nmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

You have inadvertantly mentioned something in your last posting.. which goes right to the heart of My own Personal Belief System.

You brought up the subject of ..

Re-Incarnation.

Well, pal..

Before I write any further or farther.. I must inform ye..

That I am a Staunch.. Roman.. Catholic.

A Super Catholic.

Howevah..

I also am a Staunch and Unswerving Believer in..

Re-Incarnation!

Why so?..ye may ask..

well whether ye ask .. or.. no..

I am about tae Tell ye, Why that is so.

Fur only an idiot and and imbecile would nevah consider that Belief System..

and .. contrary to the over riding opinions that are extant oan this very blog..

Kojo, is no any o' these things.

So..

Why dae Ah believe in the Re-Incarnation of the Same Soul.. over and over and over again..

Because is Maks Sense.

And why does it mak sense?

Because, Godot is nae fool.. and he designed a system that reflects that.

If at foist ye dinna succeed.. then Try, Try, Try, again.

Ergo..

He knows that Wan Shot at Life is insufficient tae advance the Soul tae the state, where HE and that Soul.. could hiv a sensible tete a tete..

Howevahhh.. Godot, also knew that if he allowed that very same soul..

tae hiv many, many,many, DIFFERENT life Experiences.. each time it returned to Earth, in a DIFFERENT BOADY..and Lived in Different COUNTRY,in an entirely New Environment..and had the opportunity to view matters from
a totally different Point of View and Pespective, from that particular soul's Former life.. then......?????

Ah hiv said enuff fur you tae be enticed tae be at least
a wee bit interested in whit I am saying..

Noo, dae ye begn tae see that awe this stuff aboot differences in Points of View.. is a Natural Phenomena.

And actually, is part and parcel of Godot's, Plan.. and is a
maist ESSENTIAL Ingredient that must be Encountered in the journey of the raw inexperienced soul.. oan the Road tae Perfection.

And in the Great Scheme o' things.. disnae add up tae a Hill
o' Garbanzos.

Maks sense tae me.

Kojo.
yer pal....who ayeways hiz time fur YOU~

Philvisretreats?

Pastyface
I think the deadline for signing players for the Arsenal game was last night. If we do invite him then he should have to queue up at the ticket office like the rest of us.
Hail Hail

canamalar

he was absolutely dreadful in that game

not interested and couldn`t make a pass

however in other game he looks really good but only at times

he may make a decent sub in a home league game as the visitors tire

i will be surprised if his appearances are anything more than cameos

does appear to have bags of natural ability tho`

Huns fans on itv now

Some huns wearing the new Accies away top on ITV

kojo,
does that mean that everything that lives is a soul that is going through a phase of assention?

PF Ayr and lemon's teeth.

Don't proclaim Awe Naw a winner just yet? philvis is usually on the blog during work hours, is he not?

And remember, Awe naw just asked the question, he did not convict him without the courtesy of hearing his reply.

BTW Good to see posters ignoring the latest Joshy reincarnation who is still trying his wind ups tonight. There should be a racist stereotype coming from him fairly soon.

Optimus

Who what a tangled web we weave

when first we practise to deceive, eh?

HH

PF AYR - McCourt??

I hope so, he could be a Lubo-esque player

SFTB

no winner as yet ....quite intriging tho`

just interested in whether the locquacious has an answer

said individual is not usually slow with a response

Dobbo

7 ? Who told you that?
I hear it's between 2,5 and 3.

paulthetim

I may be wrong here but I believe just as was the case in the last qualifying round that it is still permissible to replace one originally named squad member with another up to 24 hours before the tie takes place.

Don't expect a Scottish journo to have worked that one out yet.

sftb : Fair dues,no accusation intended.Only making a joke on a bit of wordplay. :-)

Pastyface
Would he be allowed to play if he was on LOAN from Barca?
Bob.

Kojo

How bad would you have to be, to come back as a Rangers supporter?

ElDiegoBhoy

Lets hope that he signs and one of the intrepid Laptop Loyal will have great pleasure in trying to pour cold water over him not being available for Arsenal. I hope he does sign but I just cant see it.
Hail Hail

Mr Z

A comment from Krzynówek

http://www.polishsoca.com/newswire/ekstraklasa/1811-krzynowek-lewandowski-not-worth-7-million

I see the PLC are giving season book holders the chance to make some money on e-bay, yep thats what its all about, makin money.

Zebedee

So yer team is black and white,
relegated, without a fight,
to many passengers that were shyte,
Viduka, springs to mind.

To many players wae blond rinse,
playin fitba that wiz mince,
missin Keegan ever since,
Smith, he springs to mind.

Brought in Shearer, at the last,
couldn't hack it, days are past,
steel is missin, die is cast,
Butt, he springs to mind.

Now the championship, is yer bed,
yae cannae sell it, in the red,
propaganda, your force fed,
Ashley, springs to mind.

Serenity

paulthetim

I don't expect him to sign either. Still, it's gotten us away from other daft nonsense that has little relationship with football.