This is the way to start the season. A competitive match, albeit one which is no longer puts us in direct jeopardy, to open what will be a lush green Celtic Park for the first game of the season. Neil Lennon will correctly press his team hard tonight, Elfsborg are reportedly the fittest team in Sweden and are only a week away. That prospect, is enough to get the blood pumping.
Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras took the plaudits in Belfast last week, just as they did in the European qualifiers last season. They are players who can be relied upon to deliver for the team, but it’s the new guys who always attract the most attention in front of the Celtic Park crowd, and tonight, that is likely to mean Amido Balde.
I’m not going to waste your time listing the considerable number of great Celtic players who have taken more than a few games to settle into life at the club. If we see him tonight give him your support. There will be plenty time to judge next month.
I’m delighted to hear John Keane has been asked to unfurl the league flag this season. John was one of the ‘rebels’ who stepped in when the old board collapsed but few in the Celtic support know him, he declined to be photographed on the steps with the others. In many respects he was merely one of the many Celtic supporters who stepped forward when we needed them, but in one respect, John did a whole lot more.
In 1994 the Bank of Scotland informed Celtic that they had to bring their account back under the agreed overdraft limit that same day, or the bank would call-in the overdraft and appoint an administrator. We’re not talking Duff and Phelps-type administration either, the bank’s men would have shredded the playing staff in an immediate attempt to bring costs in line with income.
The old board had no money but John Keane stepped forward. Without any security from Celtic, or from the Bank of Scotland, he paid £1m of his own money into Celtic’s account, bringing the account back inside agreed terms. The bank could still have called in the overdraft and John would have lost his money. We covered it here last year, when aghast at the lack of anyone stepping forward elsewhere.
Within hours Fergus was on his way to Scotland and in the days which followed the old board agreed to sell their shares (with the worthy exception of Kevin Kelly, who told Fergus he could rely on the support of his shares without needing to pay for them).
John has attended board meetings and AGMs for the last 19 years; I can think of no better hand on the tiller. In future, when our history is written, he’ll have a page to himself. Unfurling the flag will be a proud moment for one of the most significant fans in our history.
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327 Comments- Pages:
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Hh
Hello bobby
Gb
Should have read HH
3rd?
Podium?
Go John Keane.
Two trains of thought regarding Gary Hooper tonight.
He appears to want to leave although he may yet sign a new deal. However…..
1. The game this evening will put him in the shop window and a few goals and a good performance and certain clubs swithering may take the plunge.
2. Gary Hooper gets a serious injury.
Neil Lennon will take the chance I reckon.
With the lack of top quality clubs in for Gary Hooper he may just be swayed into staying at Paradise for a few years yet.
LB
Celtic to win by four goals to one tonight.
HH
team or bench
Balde in the title of the article, but not actually mentioned? Is this code?
T20 ?
John Keane – Great choice!
John Keane, far greater Celt than Robbie and Roy.
HH
He’s not listening Jan. Tell him again. HE’S ON THE WRONG SIDE!!!
Pollenca’sChipCSC
God bless Mr Keane.
Good luck Amido
‘Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras took the plaudits in Belfast last week, just as they did in the European qualifiers last season. They are players who can be relied upon to deliver for the team, but it’s the new guys who always attract the most attention in front of the Celtic Park crowd, and tonight, that is likely to mean Amido Balde.’
Gordon J – should have gone to specsavers ;/)
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon
12:34 on
23 July, 2013
I suggest you re-read the article. :)
Bawsman are you off to the game today?
V
Australian TV has Just showed a Gut on the Steps of the Hospital in London with a Gift for the New Heir to the Throne..
A Sort of Birthday Cake ‘Object’ made from 140 Nappies..WTF..?
Have l Missed something..?
Is Someone Celebrating 140 years of Nappies..
Maybe Pampers could sponsor Rangers..
Summa of BizzareGiftsCSC
Gordon j
Read it again. Paul mentions Balde by name.
Miles off topic here, but for all Celtic fans check out DVLA…. Some good uns….. A10CFC, A10ROW….
10 in a row will happen
Gordon_J, second paragraph. You panicked me there.
See thats whit happens when ye dinnae read the article Gordon_J
bliddy podium chasers :¬)
off out for an afternoon stroll in the rain/ thunder/ sun.
V
Paul67
Hi, nice to speak.
I recall recieving an information pack from the ‘rebels’ – outlining their plans for the future redevelopment of Celtic FC – once the old board had been ousted – I’m sure there was a gent called – Edmund Keane who was listed as one of the ‘rebel’ investors.
Any relation to John ?
HH
Andrea Pirlo as a playmaker if we make the group stages… or am I dreaming the impossible ?
CharlotteFakeovers still on Jack Irvines case:))
GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tonight’s team should be the same as last week’s – virtually impervious to criticism.
You could count the number of times Stokes and Sammi have been paired up front together on one hand, but I’ve seen nothing to discourage me from thinking they’re an excellent front two.
DVLA saying W1ATP available [ unmint condition, slightly scorched]
Yes, John Keane is the type of supporter worthy of the name. Only correct that he be honoured in this way.
congrats to the duke and duchess of….. hope the baby and the mam is well !
I remember the article about Kelly paul – £1 million quid of your own money !!
just think a million quid – enough o pay Kenny miller for a week
unew mike
12:42 on 23 July, 2013
__________________
I hope yer dream comes true M8
It used to be one of mine as well too.
Not trying to hex yer dream – CSC
Unew Mike, a dream, but a very nice one, if it comes to be a premonition I’ll give you due credit. I’d love to see that happen, even for only a short time, and I don’t often like older players coming, I’ll make an exception for that player.
Only a few hours to go before getting ready and heading for the bus!
ExcitedCSC
Once again in his panic to ensure he is in the top ten gordon_j fails to read the article before posting….
Schoolbhoy error there mate…. ;-)
Bhoys is the game on BBC scotland tonight ?
7-1 Celtic hope Reds get an early goal
.
Paul67..
Significant Celtic Fan and You failed to mention Wee Oscar..
Only Kiddin Mr Keane..and Mr Paul..;-)
Summa of WeeOscar4LifeCSC
Hopefully good crowd tonight as its on season book.
Great to see wee oscar leading out the team. Little legend
Hope its balde and watt up top, hopefully hooper gets least 30mins and have him sharp for next week.
Whats latest with bangura ? He playing nxt week
KevJungle, no relation.
jackie mac, aye. Almost.