TITLE: Carling take the logo off kids strips AUTHOR: Paul67 DATE: 4/09/2008 12:17:00 PM ----- BODY: Coors Brewers today announced that their Carling logo will be withdrawn from children’s sizes of Celtic and Rangers shirts from this summer. The drinks industry recently agreed to withdraw sponsorship branding from children’s clothing form 2010, however Coors, together with Celtic and Rangers decided to move two years early, unlike Carlsberg and Liverpool, who have insisted that the Danish drinks brand will appear on children’s Liverpool strips until the agreement comes into effect. Mark Hunter, who only returned to the UK from Canada to become Coors Brewers CEO in October 2007, said Coors hope to ensure, “that sponsorship is not improperly targeted at people under legal drinking age – this initiative underlines that aim - and using the combination of one of the UK’s leading brands and football to promote responsible consumption by adults. “Beer brands can play a very important role in championing responsible enjoyment of alcohol. It is one thing to make people aware of responsible consumption – the far bigger challenge is to motivate people to follow the advice.” Unbranded children’s Celtic shirts have been available, if requested, since the Carling sponsorship deal began in 2003, unlike Carlsberg, who have insisted that all Liverpool children’s kit carries their logo. Hunter, who was a player with St Mirren when Sir Alex Ferguson was boss, appears to have an unusually high level of uncommon sense. It has always irked me that fans in expensive seats are allowed to drink alcohol inside the stadium before and after games, without serious incident, but the police and football authorities prohibit the sale of alcohol to those in the cheaper seats. Is the implication that alcohol induces a different response in poorer people than in the wealthy? This is nonsense; alcohol does not lead to trouble in the expensive seats because it is served in a civilised, controlled, environment. The current rules were formed a quarter of a century ago when notions about the working man and alcohol had changed little since gin first. Responsible drinking at sports stadiums is an understood concept in the US and Canada.

Labels: Finance

-------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BigSwee COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:20 COMMENT-BODY:You can get adults without em too -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:21 COMMENT-BODY:Can we put UNICEF on the kids Shirts??? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

PedroCelt COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:21 COMMENT-BODY:More bevvy now please! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Lennondinho18 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:22 COMMENT-BODY:Mon the Drink

I'll have a bottle of Corona please Paul shun -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:24 COMMENT-BODY:Although you'd need strong drink to anaesthetise some of what we've had to sit through this season the events at last Saturday's game suggest that not even TGFITW can be relied upon to keep a lid on their emotions. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BigSwee COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:25 COMMENT-BODY:I certainly think if there was a controlled environment to enable fans to drink a beer or two within the stadium you would see crowds into the match earlier and would provide a significant revenue boost to the corporate coffers also.

I wouldn't fancy hanging about in the concourse under the North Stand but with some re-working during the close season I'm sure they could provide additional access to various lounges etc. Again these could be controlled using the SMART Cards as suggested in the previous pie debate. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:26 COMMENT-BODY:Paul 67,

As mentioned, I have always admired Barca's UNICEF Logo and they pay a contribution to UNICEF also I believe. Can we use the Kids' shirts for something similar?

If not, can the SSM use this Blank canvas for another Logo, i.e. sell the space to Marlboro??? Not really but you see what I mean?

Mucker -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:29 COMMENT-BODY:I expect they could sell watered down beer the same way as they serve up watered down Sprite. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TheLeftWinger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:32 COMMENT-BODY:Paul,

I'm sure P8ddy previously commented both on the advertising of alcohol to our younger fans, and the imbalance relating to the 'expensive' seats being allowed to drink before games and at half-time.

I wonder if we'll here from him today..........

TheWonderStuff:WelcomeToTheCheapSeatsCSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Boltonbhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:33 COMMENT-BODY:dbbia - from the previous thread. If my memory serves me correctly I think that the referee in queston was a Mr J Callaghan. He awarded Celtic 2 penalties in the 1965/66 League Cup Final. It is my understanding that Rangers complained about his performance after the game and that just about put an end to his career as a ref.

Like cadizzy I too wish I was too young to remember Mr RH Davidson. If you think the refs today are bad you never got to see him perform. It is a well reported tale in Airdrie that he was heard to say on more than one occasion that "If it is up to me they (Celtic) will win nothing". He was as good as his word - believe me. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:34 COMMENT-BODY:Carling ..... Starling ... dont get me started PAUL67 :-)

Seems a smart move. The french outlets will see a drop in Sales ... Sacre Bleu

Shirts sponsorship news always reminds me of when my dad in eighties had me going for a week that Celtic had accepted TAMPAX as
their new shirt sponsor. I was living in Surrey at the time and it wasn´t like it is today when you could easily check these things.

It begs the question if they offered a 10% increase on what Coors were would we accept ?

Every avenue of bringing in commercial revenue should be explored ... although we may get sued if we were to say that we have wings as we never use them.

I think if we were to ditch shirt sponsorship and replace it with the slogan "legalize it" next to an adapted green shamrock ... we´d be looking to buy Lionel Messi -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:37 COMMENT-BODY:So is this the end of the Strachan out discussion for a while (First time in 3 years but.....

What's the craic with that Bobo Balde character???? :-) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:37 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:40 COMMENT-BODY:Sacre verte!- Mme Sarkozy stroking her pu... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Spirit of Arthur Lee COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:44 COMMENT-BODY:celtic treatment room -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:50 COMMENT-BODY:Lennondinho, until your chosen brand start putting money into Celtic, I’ll refrain.

AbMucker, :-0

The Unicef deal was the greatest stroke in sports sponsorship, how to increase the value of your other sponsorship real estate by giving something away.

I reckon we would have to go into such a move with both feet.

DBBIA, I had my finger hovering over the delete key there. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

porridgeandbananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:53 COMMENT-BODY:I think it's a great idea to have the sponsors logo removed from the kids strips. The strips look better without the logo. It's just a pity we must have a sponsor as the thought of a plain hooped strip unblemished, like the one we had in the early nineties, is a good one. I realise though that we must have one.

On the drinking inside the stadium debate, I'm all for it. I would imagine it could be workable through using your smartcard as others have suggested. I realise there could be a problem if someone loans their card to an underage fan but then they must face up to having their ticket confiscated if they do get caught.

I attended the friendly with Newcastle this year and was surprised to see drink being sold (it was my first time attending a game in England). I know time has moved on, but to compare the reputations of the Scottish and English fans and to think that we cannot have a beer and they can it doesn't seem right. I personally wouldn't have a beer on most occasions as I drive to the matches but surely nowadays it should be OK. It's not as if those who want to get smashed won't if drink is unavailable at the ground. They'll just get it outside (or sneak in their Buckfast like those along the row from me).

Paul, my friends, my dad and I have always wondered if having another Social Club in the area behind the Celtic End would be a good idea, say where the disused ash football park is. Do you think this would be a viable proposition? Only open it on match days and all income would be going straight to the Club. There used to be a couple of pubs nearby that have closed (I remember standing outside 'The Grange' every match for what seemed like hours when I was wee!) presumably because they couldn't maintain their business only on Celtic supporter income. Just a thought. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

porridgeandbananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:54 COMMENT-BODY:Abmucker

I take it that's yourself that posted on the 'Strachan Must Go' Bebo site? I thought I recognised the name! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:55 COMMENT-BODY:Boltonbhoy & DBBIA...

The referee who awarded Celtic 2 penalties in the 1965 League Cup Final was Hugh Phillips.

Jim Callaghan was the referee who Rangers complained about after a League Cup section match in August 1969 at Celtic Park.

John Hughes (Yogi) had already been booked when he decked Willie Johnston right in front of the jungle.

The referee missed the off the ball incident however the linesman didn't and spoke to Callaghan who in turn spoke to John Hughes but didn't send him off.

Celtic won 1-0 and qualified as winners of the section.

Rangers complained to the SFA and Callaghan, who was a UEFA list referee, was suspended and subsequently downgraded.

Rangers' actions effectively ended his career.

He also refereed the 1969 Scottish Cup Final when we beat Rangers 4-0 -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Cadizzy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:55 COMMENT-BODY:abmucker, I would guess that we'll be back on the manager debate before I've finished this overpriced sandwich from Pret.

When I was a kid replica shirts were not as common or de riguer as they are today but I recall that we all wanted a shirt that was EXACTLY the same as the ones worn by the players. At the risk of sounding irresponsible, won't some kids rather have the logo "because Aiden's got one on his shirt" Also, what about the 16 and 17 year olds? They won't want to wear their shirts on matchdays since they'll not get served in the pub of the off sales "Honest, missus, ah'm 18" "That's naw whit yer shirt says son. Noo oan yer bike"

I suppose I am a bit sceptical about the whole Drinkaware thing in general and question the commitment of drinkmakers. Re our sponsorship in general, I can honestly say that the current sponsorship deal has not brought me remotely closer to buying Carling and I will drink anything short of toilet duck (it nips the back of my throat).

John -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Cadizzy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 12:57 COMMENT-BODY:Anybody think that the manager should go? (Sorry, typed that with my mouth full) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:00 COMMENT-BODY:Paul -I thought you might! I know some people like cats, and some can't stand them.

The French are also a nation that divides opinion amongst non-French people.

So I can see why a post about une jolie jeune fille avec un chat might provoke the Finger of Doom :~) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

danny COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:02 COMMENT-BODY:I think children should be encouraged to drink Carling, it will probably put them off drink for life. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:02 COMMENT-BODY:DBBIA

just for you

http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2008/carla-bruni-pics-p1.php -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

patnevinspen COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:04 COMMENT-BODY:I like a drink as much as the next man but at the game? NO!
There are plenty of pubs around in which to drink, before and after.
If fans can't sit for a couple of hours and watch the game without getting up for a pint then I despair.
The same applies to those who those can't do without a ciggie/a pee/a burger. Arggg, it drives me mad when people constantly move around when I just want to sit and enjoy the game (hopefully!) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:05 COMMENT-BODY:Gordon- but you would be of the opinion that the actions of Mr RDavidson of Airdrie would make it unlikely he was in the SVDP? ;~)

I think Mr Callaghans career, or lack of it, is covered in the 'Celtic Paranoia' book. I also think there was a more recent referee who felt his progress would have been smoother if say, he'd gone to a different school. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

StevieS COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:06 COMMENT-BODY:I'm goning throw this one back into the ring guys (With the joking element of it removed).

IF we are to replace Gordon.....

George Burley?

Yes or no guys (and why) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Boltonbhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:06 COMMENT-BODY:Gordon - thanks for that. You are absolutely correct in every detail - shows you how time can play trick with your memory. Being now officially one of the 'aul hauns' I'll put it down to having a senior moment.

Am I correct in saying that Hugh Phillips career was never quite the same either after the 65/66 game? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

porridgeandbananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:08 COMMENT-BODY:Gordon

Thanks for that, my grandas memory must be playing tricks on him. He was adamant the man who Rangers complained about was also in the SVDP and wondered whether that was a factor in his career sinking into oblivion after their protest. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Dick Byrne COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:11 COMMENT-BODY:Awe Naw - I know you said it was just for DBBIA, but is it OK if I have a look too?

Changing the subject (I hope) - I know I shouldn't laugh, but... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Boltonbhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:13 COMMENT-BODY:dbbia - Kevin O'Donnell per chance?

porridgeandbananas - your Grandad may well have been right about the ref being in the SVDP but got the name wrong. But RH Davidson? Believe me, he would not have got it that wrong. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Cadizzy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:16 COMMENT-BODY:Stevies said "IF we are to replace Gordon....."

I actually don't think there are many realistic candidates around and George Burley has shown he is capable.I am undecided. Undefeated in his time as Hearts manager and,indeed, in his time as Scotland manager. His time at Southampton was not that impressive, though and he faltered at Ipswich after a good couple of years. Then of course there are all the allegations (though don't look at me.. I am not the alligator!)

Dick Byrne is that link to youtube or such like. Cyber police are on my highway! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

porridgeandbananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:17 COMMENT-BODY:boltonbhoy

No mate, it was my mistake. My granda couldn't remember the name of the ref involved and I assumed it was R Davidson after picking up DBBIAs post earlier wrongly.

I have to say the opinions on this guy is amazing. I'm glad I didn't see this guy in action! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:19 COMMENT-BODY:Dick- I think Mme Sarkozy wants to become an ambassador for goodwill throughout the EU and beyond.

And a mighty fine job she's making of it too, if you don't mind me saying so.

Do you remember the Henrik's Tongue website? Mme Sarkozy would look pretty good in the Hoops, with or without the logo. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

o1bhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:21 COMMENT-BODY:What does SVDP mean? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:21 COMMENT-BODY:Boltonbhoy- Kevin O'donnell is who I was thinking of.

I see Mr AFreeland is on day release from Carstairs to do Sunday's game. Great. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Dick Byrne COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:21 COMMENT-BODY:cadizzy - it's the BBC so you should be OK. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Boltonbhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:22 COMMENT-BODY:SVDP - St Vincent de Paul -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Cadizzy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:23 COMMENT-BODY:Off whichever topic we are now on.

Excerpt from a Guardian interview with Phil Daniels (of Quadrophenia ..or Eastenders)talking about Chelsea

Q. You even used to do the match reports.

A. For the Morning Star, I was their Chelsea correspondent for three years. Ken Bates kicked us out in the end, because he considered us Russian. How tides have turned. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:25 COMMENT-BODY:Porridgeandbananas,

Yes that was myself who followed your link and was disgusted at the level of some fellow fans.

Felt like a wee post to them!!

Dick Byrne,

Just burst out laughing to show the rest of the office that I'm not actually working HAHA!

Mucker
Don't change the first letter of my name please! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Cadizzy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:29 COMMENT-BODY:Cheers Dick, Jawbone Walk (through the Meadows in Embra) was forever having its L changed to N -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:31 COMMENT-BODY:Shore Lane in Aberdeen is tampered with quite frequently, and usually is a fairly acurate description of an evening there!

Mucker,
Who doesn't go there! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Dick Byrne COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:34 COMMENT-BODY:cadizzy, abmucker,

The sign for Dobbie's Garden Centre in Cumbernauld was found to be altered from time to time. Naturally I had nothing to do with it. But I know a man who did... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Cadizzy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:36 COMMENT-BODY:Dick, was it Ian McCall? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:41 COMMENT-BODY:George Burley for Celtic?

Surely a Scotland manager wouldn't walk out on the national team for a club job? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

StevieS COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:43 COMMENT-BODY:Gordon,

As I said on the previous thread, at least we know the press would be understanding about it. :-) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Battered Bunnet COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:44 COMMENT-BODY:In the future, people will say;

Do you know they used to allow football fans to sing songs of hate about peoples' sexual orientation, race and religion? Incredible.

Do you know they had all this modern technology, but still insisted on the linesman deciding offside? Incredible.

Do you know that once upon a time, the Scotland manager quit his job to take over at Rangers? Incredible.

Do you know they used to use children to advertise alcohol? Incredible. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:45 COMMENT-BODY:DBBIA Dick

it could be worse

http://www.snopes.com/photos/signs/austria.asp -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

druiddude COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:48 COMMENT-BODY:When I used to read the Daily Record the letters page regulularly featured posts from Isabella Livestone..a women of such unsurpassing gentleness that she made Mother Teresa seem like Margaret Thatcher.

She seemed too good to be true.

As for Lee McCullough being the dirtiest player ever to have played in SPl.Ty Cobb won that accolade in baseball.The cherry on his cake was when he left the field to assault a handicapped heckler.By that standard Duncan Ferguson must be in the running for the award in Scotland.

Admittedly he would have fierce competition from G.Souness and T.Hurlock.

My personal favourite would have been Kevin Muscat if it was not for the remarkable transformation he underwent when he ran into Neil Lennon in his first derby game.I believe the folks back in Oz felt the impact of the first tackle administeredby Mr lennon and that it registered force 10 on the richter scale down under.

Is`nt it surprising how old fashioned remedies are often the most effective? Mr Muscat behaved with such a degree of civility thereafter that i began to suspect that he was Isabella livenstone -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:48 COMMENT-BODY:In 1983 the Blue Peter garden was vandalised by EPL legend Les Ferdinand, although he went on to retract his confession. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

porridgeandbananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:48 COMMENT-BODY:abmucker

I thought so, as soon as I saw the name I thought you were from on here. I've commented as well, you're the first guy on here I can put a face to!

On the subject of funny place names. My grandparents and Aunt and nephew moved to a place called MUFF, just over the border at Derry!

The family had a farm in a place nearby called Iskaheen and my great gran owned the house in Muff. Good holidays spent there and still go back most years to Moville. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:49 COMMENT-BODY:Boltonbhoy...

Hugh Phillips was at the end of his career then and in fairness I don't believe that his decision that day affected the remainder of his career.

Both penalties were of the stonewall variety indeed the first one was awarded for Ronnie McKinnon, the Rangers centre half catching the ball with BOTH hands in the penalty area.

porridgeandbananas...

I don't know if Jim Callaghan was in the SVDP however the fact is that Rangers pursued him for what must be said was a mistake (not sending John Hughes off) and his career went into freefall as a result.

They got their way.

R H Davidson's performance in the 1970 Scottish Cup Final was quite remarkable as he made three major decisions :-

A penalty to Aberdeen
A penalty denied to Celtic
A Celtic goal disallowed.

Mind you, the same referee in a second round Scottish Cup tie at Tynecastle in 1962, with the score tied at 3-3, let Pat Crerand re-take a late penalty (having missed first time).

Pat scored second time round and we won 4-3. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

malceye COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:53 COMMENT-BODY:Some idiot's bebo site should not divert attention from the incompetency of the present incumbent.

He's apparently baffled as to why we've not won our last 5 games. He says so in light of the chances created. Fair enough, although I suspect the first port of call for most coaches is to question why we have lost goals. Is this man so blind to the limited abilities of Caldwell and McManus !?! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:53 COMMENT-BODY:I belive Kevin O'Donnell passed away a year or two ago. He allowed a late Mark McGhee goal to stand in a midweek league match at home to Hertz - 12 Aug 1987. He was never heard of again. I sometimes ponder why. No, I don't. He was never heard of again because he and we were all paranoid.

George Burley ?

No, he is needed to win the World Cup fur Scoatlind and/or to replace Watty at short notice (eg Watty lamps opposition coach and is jailed following the intervention of the United Nations as no-one in Scoatlind saw anything untoward).

WG, Voice of tReason, Two Hours From Wetherspoonsville -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Cadizzy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:55 COMMENT-BODY:DBBIA, from Small Talk in the (Blue Peter) Guardian

Q. Oh well. Finally then, Sir Les, we can't let you go without attempting to get to the bottom of the infamous thrashing of the Blue Peter garden. How do you plead?

A.Now that was a joke! What happened was I was on a programme and for some reason they got to talking about the vandalism of the Blue Peter garden and they said: "You grew up and went to school around that area, were you involved?" I just said something like "no, there were bigger and badder boys than me around", but they kept on asking me; apparently they were convinced that me and Dennis Wise had done it. So eventually, because it seemed like it was obviously a light-hearted conversation, I jokingly said, "yeah, we helped those guys over the wall." The next day I woke up and there was a tabloid journalist at my door showing me pictures of Percy Thrower crying and telling me they were going to run my admission on their front page! I kept telling them it was a just a joke but they were having none of it. It was ridiculous! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

St-Gris COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 13:58 COMMENT-BODY:Abmucker - I think putting UNICEF on the kids shirts would be a brilliant idea.

Good shout -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:00 COMMENT-BODY:and the darnel can have HUNICEF on theirs

Back To Work, Hi Ho Hi Ho -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:01 COMMENT-BODY:Porridgeand, good call.

Wheresthe… comment deleted, the link was too wide for the page. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Cadizzy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:01 COMMENT-BODY:and another Small Talk extract. Carlos Queiroz (swalex's sommelier)

Q. Rangers or Celtic?
A. My first feeling was Celtic. When I was 13 years old I saw for the first time in my life a European Cup final - Inter against Celtic. That image is, even today, clear in my mind; that day, that game, Jimmy Johnston, Riva... I was so impressed. When I was in Mozambique, far away from football in Europe, I always remembered that day and that team. Especially because when they started to play in the national stadium in Portugal I thought Celtic were Sporting Lisbon because they dressed like Sporting -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

assetmanager COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:01 COMMENT-BODY:testing -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

3inarow COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:03 COMMENT-BODY:funniest thing about MUFF in ireland (and this is true) there is a diving centre there.
fact i stranger than fiction! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

assetmanager COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:04 COMMENT-BODY:many thanks Paul -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:05 COMMENT-BODY:Dennis Wise is definitely capable of such mindless, senseless -in fact- Hunnish behaviour.

I hope the Manager is saying more to the players in private than it's just' bad luck'. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:15 COMMENT-BODY:porridgeandbananas,

I've been through Muff many times. My folks have a house in Greencastle and we stay there when we go over to visit!
Loved the ads when the 'Top Petrol Station' was there instead of the Texaco one now.
"TOP MUFF"

What a reason to visit.

3in a row,

My wee brothers favourite quip is to tell people he is doing his PADI (Paddy) diving course at the Muff Diving Centre.

They even have a Muff Festival every year.

Mucker
Not allowed to go to the festival now hes married. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Spirit of Arthur Lee COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:15 COMMENT-BODY:Wg

The Wishaw Malt -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

mickybhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:16 COMMENT-BODY:The debate rages on
strachans fault,teams fault
ssm is to blame , boards fault
fans are to blame, self inflicted ect, ect.
Irregardless, one thing I have noticed about this present lot gracing the first team jerseys,
they are most definately NOT a team.They do not play as a team on the field, they do not act as a team and more recently I see a bunch of individuals as opposed to a TEAM UNIT.
This malaise is worse at (of all places) Celtic park, with greedy solo efforts from Mcgeady and McDonald being most annoying.
The most recent was mr Donati who hit the bye line and squandered a chance to put skippy in with a simple pass and elected to shoot from an impossible angle.
Teams playing as a unit have pulled countless managers out of the mire, but no such luck for wgs.
This team needs galvanised and galvanised fast with no room for error.
The funny thing is we will probably take care of mfc away no problem, but at home different story.
Henrik was a master team player and would sacrifice a half chance to gift a team mate a gilt edge chance.
In the 6-2 game wee lubo puts it on a plate for Lambo et al, et al
If wgs does not address this problem (which I don't think he is capable)prepare for a tsunami of nausea courtesy of bouncy bouncy and the media heading our way,
very soon
Teamwork csc -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:17 COMMENT-BODY:Arthur Lee -

wouldn't be seen dead in there

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

3inarow COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:22 COMMENT-BODY:edward you seem to be getting a bit of abuse these days, if you're a hun (well a decent one) on a celtic forum i would expect banter and you getting a hard time, pity some of it got a bit personal but im sure your a big boy and can take it on the chin, wont coment on those subjecting as their perogative, im not their mothers.
There has been a huge increase in the volume of your posting on the lead up to the rangers game which potentially irked some. I thought to myself my, ed is very confident about the result in this one, he is a one man posting machine. You say the volume increased as approaching a big game, would it not be more accurate to suggest the volume went up because their was a big game coming up you were supremely confident of winning? In the previous 2 seasons i dont remember such regularity of posting when approaching an old firm game before sir cardigan was in charge. You may have earned some braggin rights but i think a lot of people have a mistrust of rangers fans as "they only sing when they are winning" and granted you have been around here long enough to not merit that tag but some of your posts did seem a tad triumphalistic.

hope you do not take this as a slight or having a go, merely an observation.

Many have commented recently on how you are obv so anti racist/bigots so how can you be a rangers fan. i find this one strange. how do you sit there and listen to it? do you ever respond/report people.
When mark walters was treated so appallingly by celtic fans (fortunately a one off but should never have happened) it was a low point in our history, i was just getting to an age when i was attending games (fortunately not that one) . HAd that been the way of things from then on i would have stopped going to games and no longer be a celtic fan. Bobo balde is continually racially abused every time he faces rangers (20 years on, have times moved on??), not by an odd few, thousands boo him and monkey chant, dozens run down the govan stands to make monkey movements. What is your feeling about this, how do you reconcile supporting a team whose followrs have such beliefs? Every club has its idiots. There was a guy who sits near me who would shout racist remarks, he was rounded on by everyone around me and we no longer hear this muck.
At rangers it is a more sinister under current. At rangers it is a SIGNIFICANT number within the support base and it would seem within those that run the club(how else can you explain no action after the chants in san siro by officials), the taking away of green straws etc etc, christmas lunches at £16.90.
How can you be associated with this if you find racism and bigotry so abhorent?
You seem to be on fairly regularly at the moment and posting frequently so if you have a spare moment be interested in your thoughts on this, if you miss it perhaps one of the regulars can point ed in this direction when he is next on.
cheers. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:25 COMMENT-BODY:Porridge,

I'll go on and have a look for you on Bebo. Or send me a link to yours to make it easy?

Malceye,

Not sure I understand your point. Strachan has stated his reason for not understanding why we didn't win since we've been creating so many chances in his opinion.

Your problem is that he doesn't say he's baffled as to why we're losing goals???
He obviously isn't baffled. He knows that a mistake has been made in defence, and since it was a counter attack on the break, probably in midfield also.

But why do you want him to come out and slate our defence? He stated that we should be winning but we're not putting the ball in the net when we're on top ( Or I take it that's what he means) and the jist of the point is to score more goals than the opposition.

Slating the defence to the national press will not remedy the situation, and I think we slate them enough during the games that he probably doesn't need to!

I don't know any mangaer who will come out and say that a member of the team was rubbish. Our defence isn't our problem although god knows they've made enough mistakes.
I think our main problem is confidence whihc is my main reason for not enjoying the constant pessimism this season in Timdom.

Mucker
Oxygen tank on, and away to Muff -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:47 COMMENT-BODY:abmucker,

why would you need an oxygen tank in Muff? And in the 69th post as well... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 14:52 COMMENT-BODY:HAHA!

It's like Carry on Ireland on here today!

Mucker
Oh er missus. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:00 COMMENT-BODY:Sir Paul

The biggest faux you have made today,Paul....was

Not to follow your instincts..

You should have used you delete finger...

I know and you know...that the world is full of monkey see monkey do,doers...

It does not take a lot, for you know as well as I do that the road to Perdition, is full of .. "I wish I hads"...:

We have an excellent thing agoin'
let's keep it thataway.

Next time, Paul...

Follow your excellent instinct.

Kojo. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

StevieS COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:04 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

I understand what you're getting at, but this is probably the first time a lot of us have been smiling this week. Anyway, as has been said, it's more like "Carry-on" stuff than Chubby Brown.

I hope Paul let's it slide this time. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

o1bhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:05 COMMENT-BODY:3inarow...

I don't know/never met ED...

But I've been posting on here for a while but i had a good craic with him on the afternoon of the LYON Debacle good bit of craic and as he said he was off to the game i told him my money was on 0-3...

After the game it was me who said to him walkin backwards pretend your leaving ED...

He posted about 5-10 mins later and stayed on a while if my memory serves...

As i say I've been posting a wee while now and only ED and TheNarrowBhoattim have actually conversed with me... Thats why i remember...bb

I think you'll find EDs probably just a nice guy who has a mind of his own...

o1bhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:06 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

Long time since I've been on at the same time as you. Hope you're keeping fine, as I do all the other posters on here.
Don't think anything needs deleting so far on this thread? Maybe I'm missing it!

Also, I think before our next home game they should put the You Tube Clip of 'Henrik Larsson is Rocky' on the Big screens.

Gets me going every time and brings a smile to my face.

Mucker
Who really should do some work. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

porridgeandbananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:08 COMMENT-BODY:abmucker

Here's the link to my bebo page.

Me

I don't use it too much but find it's a good way of having a wee nosey at others!

For those interested in the Muff Diving Club here is a link to some of their merchandise...

Never a frown When You're Going Down -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

3inarow COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:12 COMMENT-BODY:o1bhoy wasnt having a pop at ed, think he seems a decent guy and i hope my post did not seem like i was criticising.
each to their own, it is just something that interests me as know a lot of gers fans who do have an element of racism/bigotry to them so titel of ramgers fans rests easy with them, just wondering really how it all sits with ed, i wasnt having a pop and if ed is unhappy at what i have said then he can let me know and i will apologise, it certainly wasnt my intention and he can feel free not to post back, i wont be offended! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:12 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear friend... StevieS

No excuses will be accepted,for using "Non Drawing Room" Remarks..on this family oriented Forum... sorry about that.

We have a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the insertion of Risque or Off Color Material...which also includes.. Double Entendres.

Sorry about that,Steve.

Kojo.
Your pal...who regrets having to be the Heavy. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:18 COMMENT-BODY:Porridge,

Cheers for that.
My Missus is away to get me a T-Shirt.

Sent a request on bebo to you also. Not on it much neither but you never know when these things might be handy!!!

Mucker,
Really must do some work -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

StevieS COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:18 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

Gonna have to agree to differ on this occasion amigo. Yeah, it's a bit "close to the bone", but you know as well as anyone that ocassionaly you have to let people loose, if only to blow of some steam. And there's a LOT of steam hanging around these days!

But I think Paul (on his return) might agree with you and get busy with THAT button. :-)

Your friend

StevieS -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:28 COMMENT-BODY:As far off-topic as you can get.

If you decide to have a cremation for someone who has passed away, you require the signatures of two doctors from the hospital, as opposed to one for a burial. Doctors call it 'ash cash' and charge £71 per signature. You have no option, it's pure profiteering, and goes straight into the back-pocket of the doctor.

Going through it just now and am a bit annoyed. The whole process is traumatic enough, with this nonsense.

Moving on... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

porridgeandbananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:30 COMMENT-BODY:abmucker, just accepted it on bebo. cheers mate.

Kojo

Just a bit of light-hearted banter today. I think since last Saturday everyone has been uptight and today has probably been the first time things have lightened up. I really wish we had a game this midweek to release our frustrations and hopefully had a victory to help ease the pain of the last 2 or 3 weeks. Sunday can't come soon enough for me.

porridgeandbananas..who always enjoys your posts mate! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:31 COMMENT-BODY:Bloke109,

Sorry to hear of your loss. Never heard of this rule but though all sign offs required 2 signatures. Disgraceful that there is a wee joke name to go with it!

Mucker -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:35 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear, friend...SteveS

If you think that I am being Over Puritan, that is your choice.

I cannot legislate morality...it has been tried by others, more powerful than me.

It disnae woik...period!

When I point out where the direction that this Forum could go...if ... the thin edge of the wedge is allowed to continue to enter... I really am doing so, for the good of all.

Most Forums,although not all...there are exceptions...of which, we are one... are really cesspools of profanity and toilet humor...

And when I say that...

I ain't whistling Dixie!

This is the finest and the most family oriented Celtic Forum on the Planet....

And I will always do my best to make sure that it remains so.

Kojo.
yer pal... who insists that I enjoy adult oriented humor as well as any one...in fact, I could make a nice living, doing it...catering to man's Prurient Interest... is ALWAYS, an easy way to get a laugh... but I choose not to go down that road. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

logger 'GG COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:35 COMMENT-BODY:Winningemmel

I am proud to say that Kevin O'Donnel was a good friend of mine.
He was indeed hounded by Wallace Mercer and the SFA and was eventually dropped from being a first class referee.
He was never bitter about it.
He struggled and eventually died from MS. If my memory serves me we had a wee tribute to him on this site when he passed.

RIP Kevin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:36 COMMENT-BODY:3inarow :- That was a fairly lengthy post covering a few things so I hope you don't mind if I split it into sections to answer. For anyone who wants to skip by this is a long post .

Firstly I honestly don't mind the banter, to me it's like talking in the pub, you dish it out and you take it back, if you can't take it back then you have no right to dish it out. My only complaint in that department is that I don't like personal attacks, anyone is free to attack my views and what I say but attacking me in a personal manner detracts from points being made. I'd like to make clear I don't count your post as coming under this.

Yes there was a big increase in my post in the week before the Rangers/Celtic game, I hadn't realised it was much bigger than my level of posting before previous games between our clubs but I'm happy to accept that it was. Was I very confident before the game? Yes and no, I was more confident than I have been in the previous few games but when playing Celtic I'm also always worried, no matter how bad a Celtic team may be you can never think they will be an easy team to beat, so between bouts of confidence there are also times when I get nervous about it. As the game gets closer I'll bounce from one to the other faster than an ocilliscope in the megahertz range. The fact that Mr Smith was in charge did give me a greater expectation than his predecessor I won't deny that.
I don't think I was being triumphilistic, if I was I would be more likely to come on and say "We will beat you, we are Rangers and you are Celtic so we will win" To me that would be being triumphilistic and I would deserve the description a poster used the other day of "putting timmy in his place" When I came on and said I thought we would win I would give my reasons for thinking so, I would name players or formations that I thought would give us the points, I would compare players that I thought were likely to face each other and base my views on that. So to me I was merely stating I thought my team would win and giving the football reason why.
I would also like to add that if guilty of being triumphilistic I would have been on the blog after the game making several crowing posts, I didn't I did what I always do, come on win, lose or draw, make a post then vanish for a day or so.
May I ask if you consider your own name to triumphilistic? If the name doesn't refer to Celtic lifting a third title this season then I withdraw the question. Are Celtic fans who posted on here saying they were pretty sure their team would win being triumphilistic?
If they aren't then I don't see how my posts can be deemed to be so.

I don't see your questions on the above as being in any way having a go at me, I'm always happy to try and answer questions put to me in this manner.

Do I ever respond to racist and or sectarian comments around me? I have at times and on one occaission reported someone to the stewards, he was ejected, this is the first and only time I've done so in some time and I did it because my grandson was beside me and I didn't want him hearing this, he was frightend by the bug eyed idiot who was screaming the cmments just behind him and who wouldn't stop when asked. When younger I have said to people a few times about some of the things they are shouting but have to confess as I've goten older I'm not quite as brave any more so tend not to say anything if I think itcould lead to bother. I do still say to kids I see behaving like this in the street that when they act like that wearing a Rangers top then they are letting the club down and they should think before they call someone a fenian or a black b**** sometimes they listen, sometimes they give me a mouthfull of abuse but if I can get one to think twice then I feel I'm doing something.
I'll make clear that I consider anyone who behaves like that with Mr Balde to be an idiot, I would like to say an uneducated idiot but sadly you do get educated racists, something I just can't understand. I'll accept what you say about there still being a fair number of bigots in the Ibrox crowd whether it be racial or sectarian and probably both at the same time. It's wrong and I hope that just as things have changed a lot in say the past twenty years it will continue to do so and the Rangers crowd will hopefully comprise of those who are there to watch football, support their team and forget about abusing others for any reason except football.

On your last three points, I thought the singing at the San Siro was a disgrace, action could and should have been taken againsts those responsible. The green straws I see nothing wrong with removing them, green is the colour of our biggest rivals, it may be childish, but it isn't sectarian in any way. On the meal priced at 16.90 I thought it daft and whoever came up with the idea probably had no idea of who actually fought at that battle and what forces were lined up on each side.
As I've answered those points to the best of my ability can I ask you in return how you feel when the
Celtic crowd sings that someone is a sad orange b***** when they have no knowledge of whether that individual is a member of the orange order or not? I would guess that a lot of the folk who sing it will say they aren't being sectarian and I'd believe them in a lot of cases, but to my side (Rangers support) it does sound like it, just as you linked green straws with sectarianism yet I can't see any link.

I'm sorry this post is so long but you gave quite a detailed post with quite a few questions in it and I felt it deserved a considered answer. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:36 COMMENT-BODY:Cheers Ab. I've even heard of the cash going towards a night-out in the past - just a galling addition to the whole bill.

I'll get onto some enlightening football post soon :) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:39 COMMENT-BODY:o1bhoy :- I remember that conversation, not the happiest day of my football following life but as I've said before if I dish it out I have to take it back and football banter and digs are all part of the game, an example was one Paul got me with a week or so ago playing on the numbers 7 - 1 even I had to laugh at it. I enjoy it there wouldn't be much fun if we all thought the same way. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:41 COMMENT-BODY:Bloke109- firstly may I offer you my condolences.

The term' ash cash' belongs to older, less enlightened times and should no longer be used.

However, the explanation for the origin of the fee is more complicated and perhaps does not belong on these pages, but I would be happy to oblige. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:44 COMMENT-BODY:There are but 5 full days of The festival left, it's like anti-advent. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:45 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

The casual banter earlier was no worse than you will here in the average primary school playground.

And if Paul didn't feel that deletion was requried than I can't see how anyone else can object.

Anyway, back to football and Gordon Strachan's "bad luck" interview. I can accept that one result can be put down to bad luck. But 5 is really stretching credibility. Surely the manager has to take responsibility and make changes for Sunday? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:45 COMMENT-BODY:dontbratt -

are you ML2ing on Sunday or taping Mmme Wotjecallher ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

One Star Means More COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:46 COMMENT-BODY:Wee prediction here. I he been burning entrails, casting bones, wiggling the ouija and reinterpreting the works of Nostredamus and this tells me that wee Deek will be making a full apology and retraction with the SoS following at the weekend. then Deek will be punted in the summer.

Okay, so I lied - I didn't really consult any spirits but I noted a mention of "legal issues presenting either side from commenting".

My guess is those legal issues are clearly defamatory remarks calling into question Gordon Strachan's integrity, honesty and professional conduct while also accusing him of malicious actions.

Unless I miss my guess that lot would equate to a pay-out that would make Martin O'Neill's court settlements look like small change.

I think a £1000 is the least Deek needs to worry about. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

3inarow COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:48 COMMENT-BODY:thanks for the reply edward, your a gent asnd your post confirms this. Sadly if it were only kids in the street doing it ed then there would be hope, its those aged close to you and around my age who leave the sour taste in the mouth.
Only other point re the straws, if it didnt have that sad undertone so many things have at ibrox you would take it as banter, sadly i fear it is more sinister and do not like t trivialise it, if only it was because of their main rivals colour then the world (well certainly scotland) would be a better place.
Will try to answer those posed at me.
My name was a bit of a wind up and maybe you could take it as triumphalism (altho i would argue only if i logged in on flowfollowthrough with that name) - thats the most annoying thing about this season, when the fat lady sings my name makes me look stupid!!!!!

Without being drawn into the songs debate i cringe at the sad orange b songs to the tune of daydream believer, i actually physically cringe at the sound, hate it and makes us look sad IMO, have on occassion shouted to stop singing it while during a game as it bugs me so, so thats my take on it.

Thanks again for taking the time to replying, have wee just started a clique? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:48 COMMENT-BODY:.... as in videotaping not as in..... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:49 COMMENT-BODY:.... I was once like that wi Kristin Scott Thomas but I actually saw more of Bobo Balde in 2007 ( as in more often) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:52 COMMENT-BODY:Ee, 3inarow

sorry to butt in but;

If the orange order prides itself on being non sectarian. Then how can calling somebody orange anything be considered to be sectarian? It´s insulting but not sectarian.

Rangers football club by removing green straws, green pepperami, eggs bendict, tangerine tops that even your chairman Mc Lelland admitted was a faux pas, setting prices at 1690 etc. are pandering to that bigoted element. By pandering to that element they are pandering to bigots and therefore acting in a sectarian way.

They are pandering to them to get their income or its the clubs philosophy ? Either way it is acting in a sectarian manner. Do you disagree?

You cannot see the link ?

A smart guy like you ?

Honestly ?

... if so what am I missing ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:53 COMMENT-BODY:3inarow :- We could be the lonnnnnggg posters clique and if we could get P8ddy, Estadio and JamesForrest back posting on a reguler basis we could enter a team in the next fives tournement. Maybe Kojo could be our manager :-) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:54 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:54 COMMENT-BODY:WG- my Ludbrother, as opposed to Lodge brother- I shall be going to the game.

Be warned that some of the conversation may be..racy.

Nudge,nudge,wink,wink. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:55 COMMENT-BODY:ED,

Ee above is you btw -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

3inarow COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:57 COMMENT-BODY:i didnt say the song was sectarian i just saidf i cringe when i hear it.
I do feel that rangers hierarchy panders to bigots and profiteers from it, but you have to separate that from individuals (like ed) just as the kelly's etc when they were dismantling our club did not represent me! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:59 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

Does your comment to Ed need deleted? :-)

Mucker -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

assetmanager COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 15:59 COMMENT-BODY:and again -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:04 COMMENT-BODY:ANNAOAN :- I didn't know the orange order claimed they were non sectarian, to my mind if they are set up as an anti catholic organisation and don't allow their members to marry catholics then they are sectarian. Your other points I've commented on before so I hope you don't mind just a brief summary. The orange tops were just plain wrong, we have no tradition at Rangers of playing in orange and I would agree that this was pandering. The eggs benedict, I'm not trying to dodge the question but personally I don't know if this was true if they did have this dish on the menu and then removed it due to the election of the current Pope then it's crass stupidity as well as having sectarian overtones. Green straws I covered in my post a few min ago and green pepperami I would place in the green straw category. The 16.90 dinner I covered just a couple of min ago..
I don't expect you to agree with my answers but if I'm going to post there is no point in me being anything but honest, otherwise after my first lie was discovered (as it would be over time) no one would ever believe a word I said again.
If it comes down to it I would rather be disliked for my views than considered a liar. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:06 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear friend... AbMucker...

Now, that you have drawn my attention to it... sure... it should be deleted...

In fact I shall do so ...right now...

I am always willing to please...

Thanks for pointing it out,pal

Kojo
yer pal...who likes ye -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:08 COMMENT-BODY:3inarow,

I have lived in Germany 21 years. I´m a pretty sociable guy I believe and have had many experiences.I have yet to meet a German who openly denies the holocaust but I have also yet to meet one whose relatives in any way contributed to the 'wehrmacht'

The KKK does not kill and hang blacks in kangaroo courts anymore. If you were to meet a KKK member and he told you that his organisation is nowadays a good charitable one and has only the interests of white men at heart I dont think we´d be do accomodating.

The dilemna is;

Is hate stronger than love ?

Or is love stronger than hate ?

Its a difficult one to answer but as I always say action speak louder than words because talk is cheap.

I cant recall to many official actions by Glasgow Celtic that I would wish to disassociate myself with. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:10 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo :- Thanks, coming from you that's a compliment indeed. Now how about this management position with the long posters clique at the next 5 a side games :-) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

assetmanager COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:10 COMMENT-BODY:Edward U Wrote

On the meal priced at 16.90 I thought it daft and whoever came up with the idea probably had no idea of who actually fought at that battle and what forces were lined up on each side.

Err.. how did he/she get the idea then? May we look forward to choosing something from your splendid 1916 menu? With a side portion of potatos of course. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:10 COMMENT-BODY:Ed,

Just to confirm

Q)Glasgow Rangers panders to bigots? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bieniex COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:12 COMMENT-BODY:what happened to p8ddy james forrest and estadio? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:17 COMMENT-BODY:And the Empire biscuits with the wee green jellies.

Too good for the likes of them. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

3inarow COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:18 COMMENT-BODY:apart from the team selection on saturday ANNAOAN!!!

yeah i agree in that i dont understand it, how to reconcile supporting a team with such a reprehensible attitude to racism and bigotry -from the very top down to the bus driver who refused to take part in an applause for a dead celtic player, the fact he is still employed and has been for so long speaks volumes of those in position of power at ibrox. We once sacked a dj for saying get the hankies oot rangers got beat!!!
(amazing the different outcry in the media)

Finally as do not want to seemn like trying to pick on ed as i am clearly not, but can anyone out there explain to me why rangers players did not wear armbands as a mark of repsect just like the celtic players did at ibrox for big Cush?

If they can wear it for dead paramilitaries why not then? its all about respect and dignity, smething lacking at the core at ibrox. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:19 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

I didn't really want you to delete it, but I know how seriously you take these issues.

Ed,

The Orange Order has in the last 5 or so years been hoping to show itself as a non sectarian organisation. I think this is where Diamond Dan their new super Hero is supposed to be seen as a bit of fun..bring the kids, we're a family group!!!! I'm sure they were getting their own Tartan designed too!

The same happens in the News around marching season, with shots of the kids with the Ice Cream and faces painted and a happy wee march plodding through wereever.

Now if the KKK were to have a wee march through New York.... would people allow it if they were telling people they were non racist now???

Mucker -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:21 COMMENT-BODY:Assetmanager :- Lots of people know the date of the battle 12/7/1690 without knowing much about it.
before anyone points out I know it was 1/7/1690 old style.

btw I would have no problem eating a meal with delicious taties, I live in Ayrshire where the finest ones in the world come from :-) A plate of new tatties smothered in butter is a treat to relish.
If my meal came to 19.16 then I would probably smile at the coincidence as I would if a bill came to any well known historical date.

ANNAOAN :- Phone them up and ask them. I don't answer for RFC, I don't answer for the SPL or SFA, I don't answer for refs and I don't answer for other Rangers fans. I can only give my own views.
I can sometimes give a sort of informed opinion as I did with the orange shirts but that's all it is my opinion. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:24 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear,dear, friend... Ed

Your are welcome,palomine..

Me? As a team Five a side Manager?...

Wow! Ye gotta be kiddin'!

I could do 15 minutes of Material on that situation!

Suffice to say...

You guys could nevah even come close to being able to please, me!

I am a Hard,Hard, taskmaster....just ask...well... forget that... just take my woid for it!

Even Gunga Din, would refuse tae be my Water Boy...he would desert...and thankfully, return to his comparative sinecure , back at the Regiment!

Na!

Fuggggggggggettabouuuuuit!

You know that I Hate... Softies!

Kojo.
yer pal..... who likes You, though! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:26 COMMENT-BODY:3inarow,

good one ...but I stand by the manager to pick the team and they´ll always get my support. Unfortunately for our board ;-)

I know the KKK is an incongruent analogy but I didn´t get too much exposure to them in my life.

Ed,

why should I ask Glasgow Rangers what your opinion is ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:27 COMMENT-BODY:AbMucker :- (note as requested I didn't change the first letter :-)

I've just said that I considered them to be sectarian, I have no knowledge of what they are doing just now but reckon it would be easier to square the circle than to change that view I have of them.
I don't defend them in any way.
If they or anyone chooses not to like or to oppose the teachings, dogma or theology of the R.C church that is there right and isn't sectarian, but if they choose to discriminate against Catholics or demand that their members don't marry Catholics or attend a service for any reason then I class that as sectarian. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

One Star Means More COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:33 COMMENT-BODY:Ed: "If it comes down to it I would rather be disliked for my views than considered a liar."

As I have no standing in the CQN "community" other than being a Celtic fan, I expect that my words don't carry much weight.

However, you do seem to be a man under siege here as the only "out" Rangers fan on the blog. I think sometimes people miss the point and indulge in convoluted nonsense trying to think up new positions by which you - and by extension all of Rangers-kind - must either renounce your club, and all its works, and all its empty promises or accept damnation.

That is simply wrong. You're as entitled to post exactly what you want as anybody else and I'm sure more than a few join me in admiring your guts and integrity in being here.

But you shouldn't have to take abuse from all sides and, according to every ethos associated with Celtic that I have ever recognised, that is just not the conduct expected of Celtic supporters.

I can understand some of the negative reaction - as someone else alluded, a bit of disappointment brings out the worst in some people. I also think that many of the criticisms of Rangers and the Scottish football establishment are valid.
Furthermore, I think that most

Rangers fans I know, even the ones that have no truck with the behaviours that irk Celtic fans, probably underestimate the real hurt that the anti-Catholic policies, the club-sponsored wind-ups with sectarian undertones, the conduct of players and officials have caused.

People don't like to admit that - they think it's weak. But many times I have found it hurtful that people I know and respect become crudely and quite absent-mindedly insulting of my faith and family's nationality.

But far too often, people mask hurt with aggression and trying to be hurtful themselves. I also have to say that I have noticed a decline in the behaviour of Celtic supporters generally that worries me.

Last night, for example, I was in a quiet respectable pub where some guy was spouting off the most absurd Oranges-under-the-beds garbage I had ever heard coming out of one mouth. Sadly, some of his more idiotic views have been expressed by posters to this blog, which makes me wonder whether, in 20 years time, Celtic will still be "different" or just another institution that lost everything that made it special.

I really think that some of the treatment you are getting here is a clear illustration that some Celtic fans need to wake up.

Do we want to follow the idiots on the FF board who accuse everyone of being Timposters at the drop of a bowler hat?

Do we want to still be able to claim to be "better than them" and do we want to continue to be a truly inclusive club?

Many former Rangers fans have made brilliant contributions to Celtic. Some have even been so impressed that they have been fully converted.

I doubt if you feel so inclined after some of the nonsense directed at you here.

But, when all else fails, resort to Latin: non illegitimi carborundum. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:34 COMMENT-BODY:ANNAOAN :- Apologies for misunderstanding your post. If it's my opinion you are after then fair enough. I did give the answer to that in my earlier reply to you wen I said that I thought the orange tops were pandering. For clarity I should have said pandering to the sectarian element in the support.
Again though can I make it clear it's just my opinion.
btw The answer to phone them and ask should have had one of those smiley emoticons, I wasn't trying to be rude or brush you off. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:35 COMMENT-BODY:Ed,

its not what the bill happens to come too its the price on the menu that it is set at. Just like the 1690 pound deluxe season ticket.

My best two friends are just like you. When we discuss the semantics of scottish football.

They embarrass themselves and they know it and they tend to get irked
by my line of questioning.

I always start of with " ok no smoke screening no finger pointing no accusing me of being paranoid and no passing it off as a joke. Why is blah blah blah"

the answer is always the same

A jokey "it´s just a big conspiracy awe naw"

to which I tell them ... still in denial huh ?

I believe you also to be in denial. You just proved it.

Hope we can still remain friends.

Your friend in Celtic

Awe Naw -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TrueTim COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:36 COMMENT-BODY:Regardless of form, titles or managers...

get this player signed now

This guy has the technique and ability that our midfield craves at the minute. He can play on the right as well which is good since Naka appears to be working for the Rankers PR department. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Parkheadcumsalford COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:36 COMMENT-BODY:Gordon,

You mention that the incident where John Hughes lumped Johnston was in front of the Jungle. For some reason, I remember it as being in front of the old stand. Don't know why.

Davidson and Syme were in a (very ) low class of their own. This cheating by Ed's mob and the MIBs is nothing new. The conniving by the media is nothing new either. No mention was ever made of their biggotted signing policy until it was raised by an Evening Times journalist (Ian Andrews?) in the 70s, I think.

Whenever they have been particularly embarassing, especially in England or overseas, it is invariably the O** F***, that gets the blame.

No matter how good or bad we have been this season, the Estabishment have been ensuring that the Flag was heading for Govan. It is history repeating itself.

By the way, if this hasn't been mentioned before or recently, the reason the View was started was because Mr Stein reckoned we were not getting a fair crack of the whip in the media. That's over 40 years ago. Plus ca change... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

31003 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:39 COMMENT-BODY:EdwardUrsus

I have to say you are a bigger man than I could ever be for some of the abuse you take on this site. You have my full respect.

Now, whether you like it or not, YOU ARE the biggest authority on Rangers we have on this site, so, to that end, could you answer me just one question.

Have you ever seen an uglier team than the Rangers team from the early to mid seventies. For example, Stewart Kennedy, Sandy Jardine, Cutty Young to name but a few? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

31003 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:41 COMMENT-BODY:.........nearly forgot Tommy McLean -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:44 COMMENT-BODY:ANNAOAN :- I hope we can remain freinds as well, I would hate to think people would fall out over a non rancourous exchange of views.
On the 16.90 price I called it the 16.90 meal meaning a set meal for a set price, not just a coincidence as other dates could be. The point I was trying to make at the time though perhaps not to weel was that the person who set it will have heard of the battle and knew it's date but didn't know much else about it. I'm not that well educated in history but even I know it was far from a straight Catholic v Protestant battle. Yes it could be counted as pandering much as the orange shirts were but if the person who set the price and tens of thousands more who go on about the battle read up a little on it it may, though I doubt it in many cases, change their perspective on it. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:44 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear, friend...Abmucker...

Fur Get it,pal...

You wur right...and I was wrong... one thing I am not...

And that is a Hypocrite!...well, maybe... not All the Time!... but, maybe... well ....at least ..SOME O' THE TIME...well... maybe... ( Cut out the weedlin',pal... I know whit ye ur!...ed)( An' ah know whit ye ur.. ye wee Clipe!)( Should that no be spelled... Clype?)( Only, in the Gallowgate,pal, Only, in the Gallowgate!)

Na!
Let's say that I take my Self Appointed Censorial Assignment as Seriously as a Heart Attack!... it is a lousy job.. but I rather enjoy it, in a perverse sorta way.

Kojo.
yer pal...who likes ye. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:46 COMMENT-BODY:Ed,

I wish you would answer my questions more punctually then I would not need to issue you with apologies. :-) A good tactic ... btw :-) :-) Walter would be proud.

I´ll take your last post as a yes.

Rangers football club pander to the large sectarian element within their support. Which by extension is about 60% of the nations populace. The closed door San Siro game demonstrated that this way of thinking is at the heart of your club.

Is this not illegal under new Scottish legislation ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

o1bhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:47 COMMENT-BODY:ED...

3inarow...

Thanks for the retorts lhads...

The Hoops v Well reserves is on Setanta can anyone tell when it was played ? don't tell me the score but...

o1bhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:49 COMMENT-BODY:Ed,

Just making sure there is no cross wires. I wasn't trying to convince you of their Sectarianism, I was merely answering your pint about not knowing that the OO are non sectarian.

My last point with the comparison to a KKK march was to merely highlight someone else's point wrt words & Actions.

Mucker -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:50 COMMENT-BODY:31003 :- I'm afraid I'm no judge of male attractiveness so I can't help you there :-)
perhaps one of the sites female posters would be a better bet to ask -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:52 COMMENT-BODY:ANNAOAN :- On whether any of the points you raise breaks the law I honestly don't know perhaps one of the sites legal eagles could help you. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:53 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

I will act as deputy and monitor yours!

Mucker
Deputy Dhog. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:54 COMMENT-BODY:dbbia

I'm at gmail.com.. The term was used to a relative, via a third party, and with no explanation forthcoming, one from you would be very much appreciated. Thank-you. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Mort COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:55 COMMENT-BODY:TrueTim

He would be a great aquisition but not sure how willing Dortmund would be to deal with us after they appeared to be irked that Andreas would join us ahead of them.

I suppose if Celtic match the asking price then it would be a decision for the player to make. I know i'm cynical but can't help thinking this is a ploy by the player or agent to put pressure on Everton to give him more money. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:56 COMMENT-BODY:o1 bhoy

Monday afternoon, and I won't spoil the ending :) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:58 COMMENT-BODY:We featured this Adonis a few weeks ago and this pic is from his days terrorising the bairns of Inverness but if you can bear to watch the bear 2nd from the end, front row is ex Ranger Handsome Billy Urquhart

Potentially the worst thing you'll see on the blog all year. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:59 COMMENT-BODY:It's an interesting question as to why we follow the football team we do. But I think there are really two seperate questions within this, assuming that most people came to their team as children. And I'm really talking about Celtic and Rangers fans, rather than those who chose their team on a geographical basis, ie a home town team.

So, question 1 is "Why did you start following the team?" For most people I am sure that the answer will be some combination of family and school friends. Most fans will say they were brought up to follow a team. This makes perfect sense, as most boys in the West of Scotland (my frame of reference) tend to come to football at an early age, or at least they did in my day of playing in the street or on any strip of grass we could find until it was dark! So you would quite naturally follow the team of your family or friends.

But the second question is "Why do you continue to follow the team as an adult?" Is it simply blind loyalty to a childhood love? Or is it a conscious decision as an adult to continue to follow a team who's ethos means something to you? And what if that ethos does not square with your own adult views on life? Many people change their views on politics or religion as adults, so why not change the football team you support?

I know of friends who supported Rangers as kids yet could not bring themselves to support the team when they knew the full story at an age they were old enought to understand. Others last night mentioned similar stories. But I don't know of anyone who grew up a as Celtic fan but decided not to support the club for similar reasons.

Is it because the history of the two clubs is so different, or is there some other reason?

I'd be interested in your views! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

o1bhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 16:59 COMMENT-BODY:ED...

Swampy Blue @ 7/2 just Won the 4:50

Topical...

o1bhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

One Star Means More COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:00 COMMENT-BODY:Bloke109:

Sorry to hear of your loss.

I'm sorry to say the reason for the two sign-offs is to guard against unscrupulous docs allowing a body to be cremated when there may have been a suspicion of foul play. Where there is a burial, there would always be the possibility of exhumation in those unfortunate circumstances. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:01 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:03 COMMENT-BODY:Anybody who is Anybody...

The Celtic Youths are about to do Battle at Parkhead...in the Scottish Youth Cup ,against the HIBS Youths...right about... now.

Anybody who is anybody, and has access to the sounds of this combat...

I would appreciate it if you could keep us informed as to how the battle goes.

Thank you, in advance.

Kojo.
yer pal......who likes ye -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:06 COMMENT-BODY:dbbia

Yes, and thanks again.

One Star

Thanks. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:07 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo

Can't make it myself, it's 7pm kick-off, couple of hours. Free, too. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:09 COMMENT-BODY:Fifty Years Ago Today

Scottish First Division

Celtic 6 Clyde 2

0-1 Ring (6)
1-1 Fernie (17)
1-2 Currie (39)
2-2 McVittie (40)
3-2 Wilson (44)

3-2 HT

4-2 McPhail (70)
5-2 Collins (80)
6-2 Collins (84)

Beloved :-

Beattie, Meechan, Mochan, Smith, Evans, Conroy;
McVittie, Collins, McPhail, Wilson, Fernie

Att:- n/a

Bertie Peacock missed the match as he was in the 'Ireland' team which drew 0-0 with Wales in Belast on the same day.

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

o1bhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:11 COMMENT-BODY:Sorry for being a nuisance bhoys where in Motherwell was the reserve game played ? If anyone knows...?

o1bhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bieniex COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:14 COMMENT-BODY:anyone know what happened to estado james forrest and p*ddy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:15 COMMENT-BODY:This Day 1960

Haffey, McKay and Evans were in the Scotland team that drew 1-1 with England at Hampden. Haffey saved a penalty from Charlton (surely more than 12 yards out ????). -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:15 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear, friend... True Tim @16.36.

I heartily agree,pal... thanks for bringing this player's availabiliy ...to our attention.

We were informed by my wee pal ...collie... last season... that Celtic were most anxious to sample the wares of this PIEMAN...
a Nomme de Plume that the wee dug had designated to him..

If we were interested last season..I see no reason why we should not still be interested..

We shal wait and see.

Kojo.
yer pal... who likes ye. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:16 COMMENT-BODY:o1bhoy -

the most recent one was in the loyalist enclave that is Shotts, ML7 - Bon Accord ground.

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:17 COMMENT-BODY:01bhoy

See 16.56 - think it was Monday at 1pm? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:19 COMMENT-BODY:Ed,

A agree with your assessment of the average Rangers fan and Rangers employee.

History is something that we Celtic fans acclaim to know a lot of.

Historically the SFA has been Rangers protection racket not due to a love of Rangers but a hatred mainly of Catholics and Irish republicans bordering on the pathological.

It always comes out in the wash eventually.

Sir George Graham

James Farry

and in ten years from now we will be reading how Murray desperate too offload Rangers and been seen to offload Rangers in a positive light pulled quite a few strings to make sure that his last throw of the dice was loaded.

I am not using this as an excuse for presently being 2nd in the SPL. Rangers have improved.It´s hard to spend 10m and not improve.

There is no proverbial level playing field and I honestly believe that. Not just in football but in every walk of life in Scotland. I have been away for 21 years and return regularly and it still astonishes me what a backwater Scotland is when it comes to dealing with Catholics and the Irish in a modern way. Ironically if it wasn´t for the beloved union it might well have went down the road to Bosnia. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

the long wait is over COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:21 COMMENT-BODY:dontbratt

absolutely terrifying.

All he and the guy front row furthest left need are a couple of banjos and soon it'll be squeeeeel little piggy!

TLWIO -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:26 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear friend... Bloke109

Thanks for the correct time-line.

I shall inform the proper authorites regarding your absence at the game...

I will write on the Excuse Note... that... "your presence was unfortunately. required ...elsewhere."

I am sure that the Teach. will accept that as an unobjectionable explanation... sure beats...

"My dog ate it!"

Kojo.
yer pal....who likes yer style. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:26 COMMENT-BODY:01bhoy

Fishal site has the game at Wednesday April 2 at 1pm (Hannah Park) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

o1bhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:29 COMMENT-BODY:Winningemmell...

Cheers yea think a played there...

o1bhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TontineTim COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:32 COMMENT-BODY:• At 08/04/08 19:15, Burning_Bush said…

“Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you”. Don’t know who said it, always appreciated the truth in it, but now I’m concerned it’s settled into the very fabric of the Celtic support. Lads, the majority of the Scottish press want us to lose; they’ll write negative stories before every big game, hunt our players for misbehaviour and turn a blind eye to Rangers players’ indiscretion. The majority of the SFA hierarchy wants us to lose; our players will be booked for goal celebrations that Rangers players exceed, the most talented player in the country will be booked more times than thugs and 50/50 penalties won’t be awarded. But this is straightforward bias, not a massive conspiracy, and most importantly……THIS IS NOTHING NEW.

It was exactly the same last season, 5 years ago, ten years ago, twenty…you get my point.

*excellent viewpoint BB, as you say it’s always been this way going back tae when Queens Park and Third Lanark were replaced by the Harland and Wolfe sporting division as the establishments favourites to stop the rampant advancement of the “bog Irish”.

However, when we have had weak leadership they’ve not been too bothered with us as we were not a threat, it’s only when our men at the top have been strong that we are seen as a threat tae the second biggest establishment in the country, in my lifetime Big Jock, Big Billy, MON and even the Bunnet took them on and won and I suppose we could include Willie Maley in this as well.

With our strong leaders came accountability, as Jock often said as long as we put the ball in the net more than them then we have nothing to worry about, he also said that you make your own luck

During the latter stages of the Jimmy McGrory years as well as Brady, Macari, Tommy Burns we have been too weak and took on the mantle of victims, martyrs might be a better word.

I was a wee bit hesitant to through in Davie Hay as he won trophies and gave us Love Street; however, he was found wanting after the beast arrived.

So where does WGS fit, is he a victim or is he accountable, are they that afraid of him that they pull the same kind of stunts as 2003, the next 7 games will decide that.

“I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard;
I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word;
Every time I hear a new born baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky then I know why I believe” -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:33 COMMENT-BODY:TLWIO - if only someone would post a link to say, Carla Bruni, we could put the nightmare behind us.

BUrquhart makes DDodds look like DTennant. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

o1bhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:39 COMMENT-BODY:dontbrattbackinanger...

Scottish Grand National Sat...
King Harald 50/1 in case ye like a wee flutter...

o1bhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:39 COMMENT-BODY:A muckhole that makes Myrrh Park look like a muckhole, hardly Hannah from Heaven -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

the long wait is over COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:47 COMMENT-BODY:dontbratt

re Carla

ok then , just for you

Carla -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

barcabhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:49 COMMENT-BODY:aw naw @17.19

"it's hard to spend £10 million and not improve"

you think so ? have you been watching us recently -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:55 COMMENT-BODY:o1bhoy :- re swampy blue, I'm afraid I didn't have a line on today, next week is pay week so the bookie doesn't make anything from me this week. I probably would have put a wee flutter on it just for the name but the normal rule is that if a horse wins a race then I've backed something else in that race.
The only luck I've had recently was picking up a couple of quid betting on the junior football a couple of weeks back. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:56 COMMENT-BODY:Welcome assetmanager.

Kojo, fine advice.

Bloke109, kind regards. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:56 COMMENT-BODY:Bloke109 -you have mail. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:58 COMMENT-BODY:TLWIO ;~)

If Carla [and her sister] came from Ayrshire,maybe.. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 17:59 COMMENT-BODY:50/1 is that for first goalscorer?

I think I shall have a few bawbees E/W on the equine superstar. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:01 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67 :- re your article at the top. I'm glad to see that the logo is being removed from kids tops I always thought there was something distasteful about kids running around advertising booze.
Do you have the rough figures for what Carling pays Rangers and Celtic for this and if so could you post them? I'm not looking for an exact figure just a ball park one.
Would the clubs lose out on mch if they decided to refuse shirt sponsorship from drink companies, I'm not saying go without a sponsor on the shirt though I would prefer it but if there were to be a no drink policy on them how much would the sponsorship drop?
Again I'm not looking for exact figures. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tony Bananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:05 COMMENT-BODY:Sorry to post twice but I missed the "last post" on previous thread

porridge is referring to the referee who in 1969 was demoted on appeal by the huns [despite over 100 years of dignity and never questioning refereeing decisions aye!] because he failed to send off John Hughes in an Old Firm game. When you refer to this and the fact that in 1974 Celtic were made to play 3 games in 4 days 'neutrals' and patrons of the dark side dismiss you as parnoid due to it being 'ages ago'.

Well that got me thinking about some stats. Next time a hun dismisses you like that, or comes away with some '51 and counting we welcome the chase' guff, try referring him/her to this -

http://www.scotpremtv.co.uk/page/Records/0,,10002,00.html

If we consider anything pre-SPL1998 to be ancient history, the record books look like this

Total points
CELTIC - 802
HUNS - 750

Most points in a season
CELTIC 103 (01/02)
CELTIC 98 (03/04)
CELTIC 97 (00/01)

Most goals scored in a season
CELTIC 105 (03/04)*
HUNS 101 (02/03)
CELTIC 98 (02/03)

Best Goal Difference
CELTIC +80 (03/04)*
CELTIC +76 (01/02)

*Not bad for a boring physical team who relied on set-pieces to score goals

Fewest goals conceded in a season
CELTIC 18 (01/02)

Most wins in a season
CELTIC 33 (01/02)
CELTIC 31 (00/01)
CELTIC 31 (02/03)

Most away wins in a season
CELTIC 16 (03/04)
CELTIC 15 (01/02)
CELTIC 15 (04/05)

Fewest home defeats
CELTIC 0 (01/02)
CELTIC 0 (02/03)

Fewest away defeats
CELTIC 0 (03/04)

Biggest home win
CELTIC 7-0 vSheep 16/10/99
CELTIC 7-0 vSheep 02/11/02
HIBS 7-0 vLivvy 08/02/06

Biggest away win
CELTIC 1-8 vDunfermline 19/02/06*

*You remember the one where Craig Burley said Dunfermline were a disgrace to Scottish football. Presumably losing 6-1 deserves a medal.

And Henke bags all the goal scoring records you could think of.

A less obvious one is Rab D holds the record for the most consecutive shut-outs (7 in 00/01). Don't remember much of a song and dance being made of this like there might have been if, to take a completely random example.. I don't know... the record holder was Chris Woods... or Granpaw Weir and 'King Carlos' had just gone a few games without conceding a goal...

Those like myself who are rabidly paranoid might be interested to find, as I was, that the SPL website carries statistics ont he current season including penalties CONCEDED by each team. However nowhere do they publish statisitcs regarding penalties AWARDED to each team.

Is there soemthing they would rather we didn't see? Can't exaclty see the Daily Ranger etc. rushing to print stats that show an overwhelming bias in penalty awards to the huns anyway. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:10 COMMENT-BODY:Dbbia :- If Carla and her sister came from Ayrshire then I'm sure even you would find something nice to say about the place :-)

btw I've noticed your recent interest some may even say obsession with French politics and not even the civilised aspects of it but in the raw so to speak, do you think that like many in modern day politics you are going for presentation and vision rather than polocies? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Thom The Thim COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:12 COMMENT-BODY:Tontine..,

My first fifteen years supporting Celtic were strewn with moral victories. We excelled at them, until Stein came along.

In those days ,we never had anything like the TV exposure of later years. As a result, we didn't know how referees conducted themselves in games not involving ourselves.

We only had the newspapers to tell us what was going on and it is safe to assume that they abused the privilege of providing honest reporting.

What is almost astonishing is that in today's blanket coverage of games, they operate with impunity, safe in the knowledge that they are protected by the SFA.

On another, not unconnected point, a poster the other day was praising Rangers' resilience in coming back three times against D. Untd.

Of their three goals, one was a horrendous pass back, one from a wrongly awarded free kick, following another Boyd dive and Novo was off side for the third.

With that kind of "character" we would be out of sight. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:14 COMMENT-BODY:EU, are you suggesting that if I went on Mastermind with, say 'the career of Golda Meir' as my special subject I might struggle? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:15 COMMENT-BODY:TonyBananas :- I'm sure that if Mr Douglas had went on from his seven games (a very good run I'll be the first to admit) to beat the world record for time without conceding a goal currently held by Mr Woods he would have been given due credit but he still fell short by some considerable time. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:16 COMMENT-BODY:PS Ayrshire's got off lightly lately.

You are absolutely right about the glories of fresh tatties out the garden, with butter.

And fresh mint,for a wee bit of colour. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:19 COMMENT-BODY:Dbbia :- After looking at some of your earlier political pics and then reading that post you have put some horrible images in my head, I think I'm going to have to enlist the aid of Mr Daniels to hopefully kill the brain cells that hold them. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Narrowbhoat Tim COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:26 COMMENT-BODY:Just got round to reading Deeks full interview, quite explosive. It is always disappointing when a player goes public, talk about poor timing. I don't think WGS does himself or us any favours either by responding to it.

It is bad enough we are in the midst of handing the championship to the huns meekly but to have open-warfare in the public between the manager and players is too much to handle. Maybe they should wait to the next Comic Relief and hold a celebrity boxing match Deeks "Haircut 100" Riordan vs Gordon "JotterBook" Strachan.

Q. Will Fir Park be Gordon's Khartoum

Mahdist CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

o1bhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:37 COMMENT-BODY:EDWARD...

Was gonna tell you a wee story yesterday about my first dog...

But with all the talk today RE: Handsome Harry's ane the like...

Growing up there use to be some Dodgy Dudes that use to come to our House the one's i remember Henderson...Semple...Baxter...is that your Era...

Can't believe I'm saying this on here...

Anyway senior Henderson... a still have nightmares over they sideburns... came back up from Englatterra with two Afghan pups a wanted to call mine Jinky but thinkin back the pup did look more like Charlie George...

I hadn't seen the man for all these years... sitting in a dark room after my Aunt sent me the LORD OF THE WING ...video...about the third time i watched i recognised him talking fondly of JINKY... Henderson was one of the last people to phone jinky before passing... Pals to the end...

Better stop ED... gettin a wee bit teary...

HAIL HAIL

o1bhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:44 COMMENT-BODY:Sir Paul

My admiration for your ability to receive advice...in the exact self same spirit, in which it was offered...knows no bounds.

I am glad to be of any assistance at any time,pal.

Now back to Maverick...

Last evening, I had the pleasure of corresponding with a current member of "Esses Eleven."

All that we discussed re the present Stressful situation that is extant at Celtic Park, is not for the ears of the General Public.

Nevertheless, I am allowed to say the following.

Mr.S is not of the mind, that would prompt him to change his diggings...not now, not at the end of this season.. and like a famous T.V. character( British)once said...

"No, Not Now, Not Never!"

Interestingly enough... I found that attitude as expressed by the present beseiged and benighted incumbent... to be... rather astonishing, to say the least.

My informant, I am happy to recount...

Agreed, with my observation that the main culprit/culprits responsible for the near disastrous situation, in which we find ourselves immersed... is NOT the fault of Mr.S.

According him,a thought that is shared in general, by all the rest of the team,incidentally...it is simply, a case of a bad and unmitigated, run of... Excruciating, Bad Luck...to which the Celtic Players have fallen victim

As you well know, I am a strong adherent of Fargo's Pronouncement...regarding the the FOLLY, of believing in,far less putting the blame on the vagaries of Madame Fortune... or belief in the matter of Luck, per se.

However...I am only repeating my informant's woids...concerning the reason for the Horrendous Disappointing results that we have suffered.

He was adamant that Mr.S is held in the highest regard and esteem by ALL of the members of the First Eleven..especially in the matter of Mr. S skill as a supreme Soccer Tactician....( I know... that is a surprise to many... I betcha!)

Mr.S. is in full and complete charge of the dressing room..

There is not a smidgeon... or one iota ... of one hint of a Players' rebellion, in sight.

There you have it...make of it what you will..

I still find it remarkable that Mr.S sentiments is to remain confidentally ensconced, at the helm...although, I must admit, that the information that I have passed on...regarding Mr.S state of mind, must be categorized as hearsay...to be precise.

The only one who can speak for Mr.S...is, after all... Mr.S.

Kojo.

"NO, NOT NOW,NOT Never!" -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:46 COMMENT-BODY:The 1970s huns were always a very hirsute bunch. The loathsome lot who picked up a now-defunct trophy in a Catalonian water closet were probably the ugliest and hairiest team in the history of sport.

HairBearBunchRSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:50 COMMENT-BODY:Who brought Sanschien into the equation ? He remains in The Wee Black Book AD INFINITUM -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Under Dog COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 18:59 COMMENT-BODY:"supreme Soccer Tactician"...perhaps at Coventry or Southampton.

All that experience and still making basic mistakes..."supreme Soccer Tactician".

I can't see it myself. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tony Bananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:08 COMMENT-BODY:Ed - you may well be right concerning Mr Douglas and I am indeed aware that Mr Woods holds the record clean sheets in competitive Scottish football [wasn't aware that this is a world record but I will take your word for it]

The 8-1 win over Dunfermline is a better example of the media angle on these things. Burley described Dunfermline as a disgrace and more or less called for the SPL to be stopped. No-one thought they were a disgrace when losing 6-1 at Ibrox in 2003. In fact to listen to some Dunfermline fans you'd think they deserved a medal for that performance. Some of the enraged Dunfermline players would've done well to thank Mr Sutton for taking the attention away from their own woeful performances (incidentally what about a 5 match ban for the St.Mirren boy who called Naka a cheat? What about a public defence in the papers Mr Wishart?).

After a resounding Celtic victory, MON's after match interviews would invariably consist of "but the opposition weren't up to much were they?". I remember MON responding to one such interviewer along the lines of "well my predecessors didn't seem to find it quite so easy or else I wouldn't be here".

The point is if Celtic won 10-0 against Hearts the media view would be that the opposition was poor "they hit the post when the score was 0-0" etc. but they need no encouragement to revel in a Rangers victory and apply all the superlatives under the sun e.g. Rangers "awesome" form recently.

Compare and contrast the following for size. Same margin of victory, games within a week of each other. Pay particular attention to the opening paragraph -

Celtic 5-0 Hearts

Rangers 7-2 Falkirk -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:10 COMMENT-BODY:My dear friend... Under Dog

That term that I used is an exact quote....

I assume that you are more able to pass judgment on whether Mr.Strachan qualifies to meet that,somewhat heady, description...than an actual Celtic First Team Player.

Alas... I must confess,pal... speaking for myself...

I am soitenly EXTREMELY WELL UNQUALIFIED....as to make a judgment in the Technical Nous of Mr.Gordon... either way.

In matters of Soccer Tactics...I am still firmly stuck in Room 1.

Or to put it in the Vernacular...

"The Penny Buff!"

Kojo.
yer pal....who likes ye. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:17 COMMENT-BODY:Barca bhoy,

only we can manage that one !! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:19 COMMENT-BODY:My undesired jogged memories of Sanschien (when I have been otherwise fully focussed on THE POSITIVE)have driven me to The Teser.

Laters amigos.

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

smc1888 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:21 COMMENT-BODY:I personally think several different problems have put us in this position.
The midfield
This season Gordon took a MASSIVE gamble and put in place a brand new young partnership in central midfield,,a pivotal position,especially away from home,we were given Scott Brown and Massimo Donati as our new midfield.This "partnership" might well have cost WGS his job.
They miserably flopped when needed.Going into a season with a untried,unknown(in Donati's case),raw,never met each other and some communication issues,was a disaster.
Which other top club would make such a mistake?It was plain to all that Neil was leaving,so why didnt this seasons midfielder get bled alongside side,,gain experience,take knowledge,,be groomed,,so as when the time came for you to shoulder the responsibity you'd been in the trenches before and knew what it took to win battles.
What we needed was someone who knew the Scottish game,for after all the league is our bread and butter,and knew the nature of the club and its fans.Arsene Wenger always points out that he feels a player needs a year to settle,and become a true team member through sub appearances,cup games etc.
Scott undoutedly has talent,and its not his fault the manager asks him to play.I dont blame the kid,he should never have been put in this position.But if WGS seen him as his attacking midfielder,then when he supports and bombs forward hopefully scoring from midfield,he needs a defensive anchor to cover.
Massimo was never going to be this player,,technically good but not used to being kicked on bad grounds,given very little ground and time on a rough wet Scottish pitch,grinding out results,,etc.He is simply out-hustled,and out thought most of the time.I think the ref talks more during games than these two,,never communicate.
If that midfield was to succeed they would need a strong captain and teammates to help them through it.Everyone to dig in to help the cause.It never happened and the damge was done,irreversible this season it seems.
I myself would have played Paul Hartley and rotated our new signings,and when resting PH in cups games,home against Gretna etc,,give the new lads a go,see what happens and how they play together.Learn future tactics.They should never have been our first choice midfield pairing.I know it would be a lot to ask of PH but Barry Robson is an able replacement,and Ive always liked Sno's presence on the field.We had option's.
Massimo has been basically dropped now,Gordon has seen its not working,way to late.
I honestly believe that if our midfield was strong this season we would be champions again.

Our manager
While all the world,and rangers,can see the flaws in our team,our manager remains either blinded,or utterly convinced its about to work so dont change it.Over the last 3 seasons I cannot remember how many times we needed something different or just fresh impetus,and nothing happened.Or the wrong choice.Will never ever understand his substitutions.
Failure to drop under-performing players is a mystery.Should your assistant and coaches not be the very first to point out(they shouldnt need to) that such and such was gash today,what about a rest,and X has been lookin hungry and sharp!At the least you listen and watch for yourself the next game.But for some reason I'll never understand some players just keep their places,regardless of (dire)form.
If WGS is just playing him because he doesnt rate his number2 for that position,then thats purely his fault for not addressing the issue.
In studying replays of games he should personally rate the players,and know whos not on song.This is my biggest gripe with our manager.

In the transfer market,,he "might" pass. Boruc,Naka,Skippy have been good signings,probably all well increased their fee,,,,,,but a lot of questionables.
Treatment of players,,very questionable.Can he honestly say not playing Balde,Riordan,to an extent O'Dea is a benefit to Celtic football club,,or a personal decision(why not take half a million for Riordan if he wasnt going to play at all?Chris Killen?what was the point?).If its the later,and I strongly think it is,,then he has crossed a line he should never have crossed.A lot of players have seemingly went backwards under him(Jarosik,JVOH,Hartley,Naylor,Zuraski),not good for selling on to recoup fee's.

I think we are seeing the last games of Gordon Strachan's reign and its,to me, obvious why.
The club will move for a new face and probably hand him Borucs transfer fee as a warchest.
Sad but,probably,true.

Hail Hail

San Diego CSC

S -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

druiddude COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:21 COMMENT-BODY:Bieniex 17.14
They ignored Nietzsche`s dictum of beware when you stare into the abyss for the abyss stares back into you.

They are held prisoner in the mineshaft of Timlord and will only be released when we next win the league despite the best efforts of a crack clique of happyclappers(try saying that when you are drunk) to rescue them.

Minas Morgul csc -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

neilybhoy(bath/vale) COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:25 COMMENT-BODY:i got this email what do you think

Morning Bhoys!

As you know, I like to be able to bring some ‘inside info’ to the party

every now and again even although some of this info may be blatantly

obvious even to the most simple-minded Celtic supporter, it’s all important

to the overall picture inside Paradise. This is what I was told last night:

My ‘contact’ reliably* informs me that all is not well within Celtic Park

(I know, I know, but bear with me!). As I revealed many months ago (from

the same source) WGS and John Park get on like a hand and blister and in

recent months the blister has grown to titanic proportions. The politics

within the factions is quite remarkable, so much so that there are

suggestions that WGS is playing a (political) game against John Park that

has led to us being beaten etc, just so as to prove a point over signings

and delegation of ‘Strachan’s People’ within CP. Apparently Peter Lawwell

has divided loyalties between Park and Strachan and doesn’t know who to

side with (make your own mind up on that one, as I’m not so sure PL would

be an indecisive individual). However, the word is that WGS had absolutely

no say whatsoever in the January signings – all were done by Park with

Lawwell. Add to this that Riordan and Keane had nowt to do with Strachan

too (not sure who was behind the Riordan deal, but Keano was definitely

Dermot Desmond) and it may just explain a little about Strachan’s team

selections, especially of late. I am told that all of the scouts etc

appointed directly by WGS have all been removed from first team duties and

are now only dealing with the youth set up, much to the chagrin, nay fury

of Strachan. Anyway, this has understandably led to the belief that WGS is

DEFINITELY departing in the summer (which we all pretty much agree on

anyway). Also as mentioned previously, John Park is a big fan of Mogga

(Tony Mowbray for the uniformed) from their tine at Hibs and he is keen to

bring him to CP, or was until just recently. It is now the belief that DD

and Peter Lawwell have been monitoring the situation at Sunderland where,

allegedly, recently Keane has fallen out with the powers that be and is

quite unhappy at the situation there. (I must confess to knowing nothing

about this, but supposedly it is not a closely guarded secret). Also it is

alleged that Sunderland received significant financial backing from unnamed

Irish sources and DD (he’s not one of them) is very keen on Keane (sorry

but I had to do it) for our hot seat, for this reason as well as his

personal liking for him. He sees him as a person the fans will love to have

in the role, reckons he is high profile and confident that he will bring

his financial backing with him! John Park has eased off on his big push for

Mogga since discovering his gaffer’s renewed interest in bringing Keano

back to CP. So you heard it here, maybe not first, but you heard it – the

main men at Celtic Park want Keano for the manager!

Time will most definitely tell!

*his word, not mine -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

tinytim COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:25 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo

Lets say he stays another season and we finish second again.

Are you likely to still be of the attitude that it isn't his fault?

How bad do things actually have to get before we replace him?

What has he done for us lately? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

derbyshirebhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:29 COMMENT-BODY:Gordon_J

Yours is an interesting question. In defence of Ed I a thread or two ago I suggested that whilst he might well be uncomfortable with some things that surround his club his attachment would have been formed early on and that subsequently the attachment would be difficult to shake. I made the point that although there were things about Celtic I didn’t like I would remain a supporter till the day I die.

You’ve however made me think that there may be a different slant to the likes of me and Ed in that I now believe that what I’m actually uncomfortable with has actually much more to do with issues that are associated with the club but issues that are not actually promoted or condoned or encouraged by it – and I like to think have never been.

I truly believe that the ethos of Celtic as a bridge for two great nations and peoples is truly espoused by the actions of the club whereas I see the Rangers tradition as one of mean- spiritedness and supremacist philosophies where they are being dragged unwillingly into the modern world.

My disassociation from elements I didn’t like came in fact in 1966 believe it or not on the day we beat Rangers 5-1. I’ve told the funnier elements of the story at other times so I won’t bore anyone now. Suffice to say that I’d been living in London for just over two years and I was as normal with my mates at the Celtic end indulging in all the normal rituals but amongst the mayhem there was for me a moment of stillness when I realised that this wasn’t me anymore. The bile began to sicken me and by the end I was utterly delighted but slightly uncomfortable too. I’ve never gone to a Celtic Rangers match since though I watch every one I can see on telly.

So overall and the actions of some last Saturday confirm for me again that there is a commonality between both sets of supporters in displaying some reprehensible tendencies ( as with most human beings ) yet I do see a distinct difference between the ethos and actions of both clubs that leaves me comfortable in my skin in supporting Celtic. Only Ed can answer whether truly his love for Rangers is a blessing or a curse for him. I never feel ashamed of my club though I can at times be upset by its support. I wonder if Ed can say the same. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

derbyshirebhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:35 COMMENT-BODY:You know I do find it strange this new myth that is developing viz. that somehow anyone who would point out the obvious advantages Rangers have benefited from this season are somehow poor losers or seeking to excuse the deficiencies of the Celtic team under Gordon Strachan.

It seems to me that the deficiencies of the Celtic team have been self-evident and the points secured to date are largely the product of their performances. The argument surely and simply is would Rangers have gained their points total without the assistance of some dubious decisions by officials, the organisation of some favourable fixture making and the consistent ability of the lawmakers and media to turn a blind eye if the circumstances do not favour the “boys in blue”

Some contend”it has always been thus” the implication being that in other times we overcame the obstacles and won the championship even against the odds. That of course is true. It does not however change the fact that when something is wrong its not enough simply to say its always been so and accept it.

Some people have been pointing out some of the peculiarities occurring this season from its beginning and imo it’s a lazy attack to suggest that its simply sour grapes now. To my mind we should all be attacking what is wrong today tomorrow at the start of next season and beyond to achieve the beginnings of a level playing field. I would suggest much the same criticisms were levelled at Martin Luther King and Muhattma Gandhi in their time -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tonybhoy COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:38 COMMENT-BODY:Paul

Just read one of your links above and Ian Blair of the SPL's comments in the Scotsman.

He says that they have always wanted to finish the season before the Scottish Cup Final.

Does this mean that they have extended the league season to the Wednesday after the final league game already without anyone noticing?

Very sneaky. If the huns lose in the UEFA Cup semis then they could use this midweek.

Don't know if anyone else had noticed it.

Regards
Tonybhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:39 COMMENT-BODY:o1bhoy :- I think everybody, even Rangers fans who may have hated him when he was playing against us admired and appreciated the genius that was "Jinky"There was a certain move of his I use to love to see (except when used against us) when he would run from near the middle of the pitch on a diagonal to the corner and then play the ball towards the other corner at 90 degrees to his movement setting up a forward coming in. Fantastic football can always be admired no matter who produces it.

TonyBananas :- Fair point on the reports, they do seem a tad biased to say the least. I was at the 7 - 2 game and although we were never in danger and always in command (as I recall it) I don't think the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game. I can't comment on the 5 - 0 game as I haven't seen it. I really don't rate football reporters in Scotland, they seem on the whole to lack any in depth knowledge of the game.
I think the phrase "fans with typewriters" is being kind to them. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

itzallova COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:47 COMMENT-BODY:For me personally it’s not so much that we won’t win the title that’s the real problem, it’s the fact that’s its THEM that’s gonna win it, the fod, lording it over us, again, their ugly arrogant winning faces splashed all over the media, there will be no escape from it, none at all unless you switch off football period. And probably the news as well cause their bound to be in their somewhere.

That’s the real issue, for me anyway, had it been let’s say a George Burley inspired Hearts team was gonna win it, well I’d be all for sticking with Gordon in the belief that he would come good sooner or later, but its not, its Wattie and Coisty and turncoat Kenny, that’s who we’ll be seeing grinning in triplicate from here on in.

Having lived thru 9 in a row there is no way I could do that again, and we now have the guy that drove them on during that period leading them off, could it happen again? Can Gordon get the better of him? Is there any evidence out there to suggest Gordon’s the very bhoy to sort him out? Cause if not there’s only the one outcome I’d be looking for, somebody that can nip it in the bud before they get up a head of steam, again. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:55 COMMENT-BODY:Neilybhoy, invention of “titanic” proportions.

Tonybhoy, no decision has been taken yet. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Narrowbhoat Tim COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:58 COMMENT-BODY:At 09/04/08 17:39, o1bhoy said…

dontbrattbackinanger...

Scottish Grand National Sat...
King Harald 50/1 in case ye like a wee flutter

I was almost going to put the old barge on King Harald E/W then the penny drop. Unless you're serious.

09/04/08 19:25, neilybhoy

I'd sign Keane now just to play midfield.

09/04/08 19:47, itzallova

Bit early to worry about 9 in a row, they haven't even won one. Bit over the top don't you think, change your medication, the Cardigan is not got be around that long and he only has the upperhand against WGS, if WGS does not perform a miracle and win the league then he is gone. You cannot compare the present time with the the hun time of 9inarow as we are in a far better financial position.

Ed U

It seems to me that you only get ask about your morality when we are losing. You make a great outlet for some of our support to let out their frustration. You are doing a great service to all of Timdom by being here on the CQN , you save some posters from turning on each other. You are a regular Albert Schweitzer (bit of a hun name I know).

"Yet doe I feare thy Nature, It is too full o' th' Milke of humane kindnesse."

Thescottishplay CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:58 COMMENT-BODY:This seems to be breaking news, I know it's in Birmingham but it may be of some interest.
football arrests birmingham -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 19:59 COMMENT-BODY:dbbia

You're a gentleman, sir. Thanks -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tony Bananas COMMENT-DATE:09/04/08 20:00 COMMENT-BODY:derbysbhoy - 100% behind you. I also find strange the 'they only cheat a wee bit so we shouldn't be too paranoid' attitude. -------- TITLE: Time for Celtic to revamp stadium kiosk facilities AUTHOR: Paul67 DATE: 4/02/2008 11:52:00 PM ----- BODY: The North Stand has been up 13 years now, but the facilities in the upper stand, where I sit, have not changed. You cannot buy a programme, scarf, or Celtic strip. The kiosks are crowded when most people arrive as slow moving queues wait to be served food. If you want to be served at half time and being back in your seat before the second half starts, you better move while the first half is still underway. We’ve had these smart cards now for a few years so it’s time to put them to use. Have some smart card, or correct change only, kiosks selling only quick to serve meal deals at a nice round price; a pie and cola for £2, for example. Every well organised retailer in the country benefits from smart use of smart cards. Get the queue moving quickly and maybe one or two of the kiosks could be freed-up to carry merchandise or sell a match day programme. A quicker moving queue would also sell more food and bring in more cash. Most of us stand around inside the stadium for at least part of our afternoon with little to do, time which I bet could be converted into a stack of DVD sales. I have a notion that staff retention and/or training might be an issue. Maybe an extra £1 an hour would help reduce churn – and keep the queues moving, with the aforementioned results.

Labels: Finance

-------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

ElDiegoBhoy COMMENT-DATE:02/04/08 23:54 COMMENT-BODY:Go for it. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

mcgrory-for-arsenal COMMENT-DATE:02/04/08 23:55 COMMENT-BODY:greenlion...

His Family would come up if he knew it was longer term than his last visit.

He'd prob want/need another year at Sunderland

Hes taken them from joint bottom of Championship to winning the league.
Now looks like he'll keep them up.
(an even more remarkable feat)

But after one more year he will tire of decent players refusing to move to Sunderland.
Thats what is making his job nigh on impossible.

He'd love the champions league challenge

He'd sort out the wattie prob ...imho.

Keano in partnership with our chairman, settled in, would not take any crap!! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:02/04/08 23:57 COMMENT-BODY:And while you're at it, improve the standard of fayre on offer. Catering wise, food inside Celtic Park is just one notch up from the vans outside. 21st century stadium with 20th century facilities all round. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

mcgrory-for-arsenal COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:01 COMMENT-BODY:paul67...
many studies have shown a slight increase in min wage has only a short term beneficial effect on employees work rate.

i think the staff churn rate is down to their dissatisfaction with our current manager's annoying habit of leaving his substitutes until its too late in the match..... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:08 COMMENT-BODY:mcgrory

I hope it is GS - if it is, it will probably mean we have won the league. Having said that, just to give your argument legs, Keane is quoted today as 'demanding' that Sunderland match his ambition. This sounds to me like a 'back me or I walk'. A great man-manager he may be, but you really have to question his signings. £5million on Michael Chopra? £9million on Craig Gordon? £6million on Kenwyne Jones? Deciding fairly late on that your first-choice centre-backs are Evans (on loan from Man U) and Nosworthy (free) and signing Wallace and Varga :) His stat to make him least likely to come (largish transfer kitty notwithstanding) is that this season he has spent £39million and brought in zilch - not a Lawell manager. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

greenlion2 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:14 COMMENT-BODY:McGrory so if you dont want Gordon to stay and you want Roy Keane to come a year later who would be the 1 year interim.

If you know RK then you can make the assumption his family will move but he has a large family with schooling and not short of a few pounds?

I think he would give the media the same stick Gordon does but would get plaudits from our fans for doing it.

As I said what he has done is no more than Jewell or Curbishley and a lot less than Davie Moyes.

As for players going to Sunderland I give you the Bhoy Stokes.... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

mpre27 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:21 COMMENT-BODY:"Good luck to Sporting tomorrow.

Lisbon and its inhabitants are wonderful. Rossio Square beer should be sold at euro 10.00 per cup. They will pay for it. If a Gers fan named Ed asks for a pint you should give him a discount though!"

corrib04,

Thanks a lot, man. I've already heard about him. For sure i will. Best luck for all you guys! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

mpre27 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:36 COMMENT-BODY:thetokentim,

once again, many, many thanks!

Wish you luck, my friend! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

~Kevtic COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:37 COMMENT-BODY:Yes why Keane?

Because he is Irish, high profile or up for a fight?

The best comparison to Keane would be another Irishman, David O'Leary.

Why? Because they are both cheque book, lazy managers.

In my time as a Celtic fan (nearly 30 years) for what is worth my list of our best to "least" best managers would be:
1. O'Neill
2. McNeill
3. Strachan
4. Jansen
5. Venglos
6. Hay
7. Burns
8. Brady/Macari/Barnes (all equally bad)

Although an Irishman at the top only one "Celtic minded" man in top five.

Venglos maybe a controversial choice at No. 5 but he made a major contribution to Martin O'Neill's success. As did Jansen! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:38 COMMENT-BODY:I usually check in here incase theres a biggie happening.

I just checked the date there.
No offence P67 you know I love this site.
But someone is going to ask...

Is this what we are worrying about?

Its on my list, but many post-its down and I agree.
But Im still concentrating on this years league performance, Im a believer, but Im not a monkey.

I dont want to say anything that sounds negative on here as this is its my news source for Football.

But lets get the League out the way, the only way pies could come in to it is if one of us sets up a stall at Tannadice front door about lunch time on Sunday.

I'll do it if it helps? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TheTokenTim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:41 COMMENT-BODY:Mpre,

Your very welcome.

Green-and-White-Forever.

Token -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Peter Paul Gualtieri COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:44 COMMENT-BODY:my last comment lost in cyber space

damn as i spent ages on the thing as well

basically jist of it was do any of the posters who have ready made replacements for gordon strachan really believe that these ready made replacements will go on and win 9/10/11 in a row for us??? maybe some euro glory attached??? unlikely given we did it decades ago now and it took 'them' over 100 years of dignity to achieve.

they remind me of spoiled children sometimes

if gordon strachan goes on to win five out of the next seven league campaigns will this not be enough??

what do some people want?

back gordon strachan, back the team

because those who dont will be every bit as responsible for the teams downfall as they think he is

keep the faith

all of you -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

madeira bhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:51 COMMENT-BODY:good post Kevtic

id almost agree wit your choices but id put Strachan at 2 and Jansen at 3 with McNeil at 4. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

greenlion2 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 00:55 COMMENT-BODY:Random Fact from the official site Mark Brown has about a 45% clean sheet record for us.(33% overall with a bad team)

Artur has 38% with us.

PFAYR are you watching -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

greenlion2 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 01:04 COMMENT-BODY:kevtic an interesting list. What is the criteria you used. I would change around a few as im older than you.

Each has their own .... If im truthful I would have liked Jo to have had a few more years.

If Gordon pulls off this league he goes to number 1 f not he stays number 1.5 -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Thom The Thim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 01:14 COMMENT-BODY:Roy Keane gave an interview to TV3 in Ireland today.

He was on his annual visit as patron for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

He stated his aim was to help build up Sunderland to be a viable EPL team and hoped to prise more money from Naill Quinn and his consortium in the close season, should they survive. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

greenlion2 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 01:19 COMMENT-BODY:yet another 1 from the web site. Scott Cuthbert is Heavier than Bobo... a few weeks without the internet you read some p*** -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

southbhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 01:40 COMMENT-BODY:Peter Paul...
nail on the head.
'tis indeed a poison chalis -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

One Star Means More COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 01:58 COMMENT-BODY:Excuse the digression but I was glad to see that the club are taking on the DR.

I also noticed a media blog decent piece on the issue - after the farce on the other media website -

http://tinyurl.com/25ghpu -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

David COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 02:13 COMMENT-BODY:One Star
Great article. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tonybhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 02:18 COMMENT-BODY:Here are my thoughts on the MON v WGS comparisons

Europe
WGS 07/08 – CL Group 9pts qualified for last 16
WGS 06/07 – CL Group 9pts qualified for last 16
WGS 05/06 – CL out qualifying round 1
MON 04/05 – CL Group 5pts
MON 03/04 – CL Group 7pts – ¼ final UEFA Cup
MON 02/03 – CL out qualifying round 2 – UEFA Cup final
MON 01/02 – CL Group 9pts – UEFA Cup out round 3
MON 00/01 – Out UEFA cup round 2

In Europe you could make an argument for both as in favour of MON he never ever had the luxury of being seeded 2nd in the group phase of the Champions League and got 9pts once which is the total WGS got both times he qualified. Also MON had to face Milan and Barcelona in the same group one year. Also in Europe MON defeated Barca over a two legged affair and also took us to the UEFA Cup final losing to the following season’s Champions League winners Porto. Not to mention that he never lost to Artmedia.

In favour of Strachan he has got 9pts both seasons and held Milan till extra time in the last 16.

You could argue a case for both whoever was your favourite although I’ll always thank MON for my best experience as a Celtic supporter and in my opinion the best performance in the last 30 odd years at Celtic by beating a host of good teams to reach the final in Seville.

However it is domestically where the story looks a little bit clearer.

WGS 2006/2007 84pts (goal difference +31)
WGS 2005/2006 91pts (goal difference +56)
MON 2004/2005 92pts (goal difference +50)
MON 2003/2004 98pts (goal difference +80)
MON 2002/2003 97pts (goal difference +72)
MON 2001/2002 103pts (goal difference +76)
MON 2000/2001 97pts (goal difference +61)
Average - WGS 87.5pts (gd +43.5), MON 97.4pts (gd +67.8)

MON’s lowest points total is still more than WGS has achieved and WGS’s average league points v the huns is 1.1pts per game while MON’s was 2pts.

Yes WGS had less of a wage budget to work with than MON but it is more of a wage budget than Walter and MON never had a bigger wage budget until maybe 1.5 years in as his first year was up against highly paid players such as Ronald de boer and Van bronkchurst etc.

People talk about MON getting a lot of money but that actually has to be one of his success – the fact that he used his persuasive skills to get a board to part with money which history says that they don’t do it. Only 2 Managers in our history have persuaded the board to part with money and that is Dalglish and MON.

3 scottish cups and a league cup which is 0.8 cups per year and strachan 1 scottish cup and 1 league cup which is 0.66 cups a year so MON wins here but to be honest I don’t think it is really a measurement and doesn’t come close to importance of winning the league.

Main point would be WGS has given us 4 games in a row against the huns with no points and no goals and MON gave us the whitewash with 5 wins out of 5 in one season. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tonybhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 02:23 COMMENT-BODY:Paul

Agree with your point re lack of increasing turnover opportunities being taken by Celtic inside and outside the ground.

Don't think that £1 per hour is the answer Paul because at that level and the low amount of hours worked not enough to make a difference and you are more likely to keep turnover low by getting them to buy into the Celtic loyalty. I am surprised you say that labour turnover is high because I would have expected it to be lower than the retail average.

However improving labour turnover would not make much of a difference in my eyes. A change to the thinking at the top of the chain is in order and a bit of forward thinking and lateral thinking is needed.

Training could benefit them but they can only sell what is on offer and to those in the queue and as you say the queues are either non existant or lengthy.

tonybhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tonybhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 02:35 COMMENT-BODY:I can't agree with those who say WGS done well tonight with the debate with Souness.

He said during the debate he isn't saying which one is best which seems strange to say. Have confidence in your decisions and your decision to play zonal!!

When asked what he does when there is a real danger man there he didn't give an answer and started to say that it could be changed without a decisive answer.

I understood his point in the fact that the defenders in question done wrong in their zonal system but I didn't think he argued his case well.

tonybhoy -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 07:51 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42 @ 22.56 from last thread...

That winning goal was indeed Frank McGarvey's first goal against Rangers.

He seemed to have a preference for scoring headed goals against them!

Oh for a Frank McGarvey at centre forward today. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 07:58 COMMENT-BODY:OneStar :- Thanks for posting that link, I've now added that site to my favourites. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Alobundy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 08:26 COMMENT-BODY:Surely an update in facilities will be part of the Commonwealth games package. The Celtic board paying out when they can sit and wait, that would never happen. I bet the boardroom and fat cat facilities have had a lick of paint or two though. People wonder why attendances are falling and will in all probability continue to do so next season. Getting out the place can be a nightmare.

Crap parking facilities.
Crap fare.
Crap indoor facilities.
Crap football.
Ecoli pies.
No smoking areas.

Not rocket science. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 08:31 COMMENT-BODY:Interesting timing on this article, I noticed last night before the Arsenal game that the stadium was absolutely dead 15 minutes before kick off. Presumably everyone was in the super facilities offered by this stunning stadium, shame there's little in the way of pre-match atmosphere I suppose.

Inside the stadium is very poor but I suspect the stadium surroundings should improve soon with the East End Regeneration Route, the relocated bus park and the direct train link.

Picked up this bizarre tale from the Times today:

David Beckham's departure from Real Madrid has reportedly helped to plunge the world's richest club into financial difficulties. Real have been forced to ask one of Spain's biggest banks for an emergency loan of €30 million (about £23 million) to cover running costs, according to El Mundo, the Spanish newspaper. As well as the bank loan, it is claimed, directors at the club have been asked to raise additional funds.

Real were named by Deloitte, the accountancy firm, as the world's richest club as recently as February, but despite their vast assets and host of galácticos, their revenue has plummeted thanks to the world's most marketable player leaving for the Los Angeles Galaxy and their early elimination from the Champions League in the past two years.

Despite average attendances of 70,000 at the Bernabéu, Real took only £55 million in gate receipts last season, 60 per cent of Manchester United's takings at the turnstiles. The club's high wage bill and a hefty payoff to Fabio Capello, who earned £4million a year as coach, mean that their margins are under pressure and they have reportedly run into cashflow problems.

Under Ramón Calderón, who was elected president in 2006, Real embarked on a spending spree, buying Arjen Robben, Fabio Cannavaro and Ruud van Nistelrooy. As recently as June, Calderón insisted that the club were in a sound financial state. However, Real missed out on a television rights windfall by going out of the Champions League in the first knockout round to AS Roma.

Related Links
Beckham is too nice a chap to dislike
Beckham brought to earth in rapid fashion
The absence of Beckham was also felt - more keenly on the club's balance sheet than on the pitch. His departure has cost the club between £24 million and £30 million, according to a study by the University of Catalonia. However, any financial difficulty is unlikely to be felt for long. The club boasted pre-tax profits of nearly £30million last year and a turnover of about £250 million. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

blantyretim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 08:41 COMMENT-BODY:chennaiseabird
from previous blog.

I am not saying that artur is not up for any critisism but i feel it is unjustified for this one.

Thomson ran through and empty defence and you are always favourite to score from that position; if the keeper saves its a great save but is would always be classed as a bad miss...

Anyway its over and done with
HAIL HAIL

BT -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Nae Bread come on the 'tic! COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 08:50 COMMENT-BODY:More food for the paranoia appetite

Celtic Home/Away games after Europe vs r*ngers home/away games after Europe
here -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

x COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 08:51 COMMENT-BODY:Paul

Sorry to be cynical at this early hour but this will not be a problem if we do not address the alarming fall in attendances.

I'm afraid this will not happen under WGS REGARDLESS of whether we win the league (most unlikely) or not.

By the way, to be clear, my support for Celtic is unconditional. If he is still in charge I will still be there but I suspect with fewer companions.

Best wishes......Frank

PS Why did he pick this week to give up a day to be on SKY. Looking for a new job? I THOUGHT WE HAD A LEAGUE TO WIN. Hmmmmmm!

PPS Bloke 109. Craig Gordon was overpriced but still a very good keeper who wil get better.
Re. Kenwynne Jones, he is adored by Sunderland fans. If they put him up for sale they would get at least £10 million. Described by John terry as the most difficult opponent to mark in the league. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:03 COMMENT-BODY:Estadio National, no offence taken. I actually had another article on the Ibrox game ready to publish last night but thought better of it just before doing so. There is only so much you can say about a game before you sound obsessive.

I’ll take about the game coming up tomorrow, but midweek is a perfect time to talk business/service matters.

Southbhoy, the “poisoned chalice” phrase popped into my head recently.

Tonybhoy, I don’t know if staff churn is in fact low, but often when I buy a cola, getting the lid on the drink seems to present a new challenge.

Thismancraig, I too have thought about the new stadiums in England. I suspect our current stadium will not last as long as our last one.

Frank, Gordon has been involved in the Champions League every previous round, which is why he did not appear in previous CL coverage. No reason why he cannot attend, I know he attends more football matches than anyone else I have ever heard of since Jock Stein. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BlantyreKev COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:15 COMMENT-BODY:Greggs have it to a fine art. Why have they never bid for the franchise!

Although it should really be Greggs at Ibrox and Aulds at Celtic Park!!

SteakBakes CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tic Talk COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:24 COMMENT-BODY:Nae bread 8.50

Are those stats true? Can anyone display the actual fixtures on here? If so, we have a massive case (and a massive duty to present these and any others anyone has)to present to UEFA in support of our argument that discrimination against Celtic is rife in Scotland. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

antsman COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:29 COMMENT-BODY:paul67

You have hit a real nerve here for me!

That article sounds like it came straight out my head.

I have been saying this for a long time, the staff employed actually struggle to get the cap on the drinks and i have several times had it pop off and the juice spill.

Thye are slow but given the wage the calibre of candidates will be low.

I would like to see perhaps an 'exact change' express Q or could they not have someone just constantly running drinks as that is the time consumer.

Look at all the things for sale outside, i know Arsenal took these types of vendors to court and WON saying they were infringing on the Arsenal brand as it was 'unofficial' merchandise. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:35 COMMENT-BODY:Why can't you get a Greggs after 6 oclock though?

Subway stays open late...

Would play havoc on Champions League nights that. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tony Bananas COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:42 COMMENT-BODY:Good luck to Sporting tonight.

Yesterday the Daily Retard employed the time honoured tactic of discrediting the incompetent foreign referee before a Rangers European tie. Two pages devoted to how crap he is. These foreign refs could learn a thing or two from Dougal and McCurry.

Elsewhere, The Sun - Gordon Smith in campaign to root out "simulation". No names mentioned or anything. Not even a nudge or a wink. This back page headline is suitably accompanied by a large photo of Kevin Thomson.

Only kidding of course... April fool! No this would never do. Instead the Sun choosing to rake up the controversy over the Hearts boy Mikolaunis and attach his picture to the piece accompanied by the caption with words to the effect "players like Mikolaunis will have to watch out" i.e. translation of laptop loyal speak = McGeady, Nakamura etc.

Good to see the media sticking with the "guilty till proven innocent except if you're a Ger" philosophy so ably applied to the recent "UEFA probe".

The Retard also gave great prominence to comments by Craig Levein that Granpaw Weir should be given Player of the Year.

If Davie Weir is the SPL Player of the Year football should be stopped in this country immediately. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:46 COMMENT-BODY:Tony

If Davie Weir played for Celtic then Stephen McManus would be POTY and we'd be alot closer to the Rangers than we are now. He's had an outstanding season alongside Cuellar (who he helps enormously).

I appealed for us to sign him 6 months before they did and think it was a mistake not to. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Parkheadcumsalford COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:46 COMMENT-BODY:Paul,

Your article raises legitimate concerns. Anyone queuing for anything, certainly in the North Stand, could only agree. But, in defence of the staff, am I not right in thinking that they have been mainly recruited from the youngsters of the Barrowfield area, who might otherwise not hold down a job? Didn't Fergus McCann make that a priority?

Your basic contention, however, holds true. We have some of the brightest business brains on the Board. Surely they can come up with something.

By the bye, if the article you pulled had anything to do with the cheating we have endured last Saturday, I don't think anyone could call it an obsession. We MUST oppose it in whatever way we can and as often as we can. It may not change things but it at least let's them know that we are not going to lie down and let them walk all over us. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tony Bananas COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:52 COMMENT-BODY:I would agree that sadly, Davie Weir would probably not struggle to get a game in our defence. However, I'm sure we can do much better than signing a 37/38 year old. The cream buns only signed him because they didn't have the cash to sign anyone better or younger. We had funds available to strengthen in that position but WGS seems to have a blind spot re Caldwell and McManus. Mind you full-back was probably a higher priority, but only slightly IMO. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

aviewfromabovethemineshaft COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 09:53 COMMENT-BODY:On the MON V WGS debate

For me the main differences are;

No matter who we were playing I always thought we were capable of winning under MON (I remember thinking there is no way he can play 3 men up front in europe- and he usually did to accomadate sutton and hartson) With WGS I hope we are going to win but Im never that confident (and that includes the likes of games against kilmarnock, st mirren at home!)

Motivational skills:
I dont know what the stats are but I remember Mon's team always playing better in the 2nd half -(I put this down to playing in the sp-hell and then getting a motivation talk (hairdryer treatment) at halftime. WGS Im always thinking; I wonder when he is going to put on a sub to change things as halftime has obviously passed him by!

MON improved most players....agathe, sutton, lennon, larsson, hartson, balde. Who has improved under wgs? Boruc? Macmanus possibly McGeady without doubt

Media face- Mon annoyed them to the same degree he just wasnt so abrasive and he always got the message through to the listening fans ...WGS hates the media for some reason (I always thought it was because Southampton were getting humped) and he comes across as being the fiery ill-tempered little man that he is

Results- Uefa cup final and unbeaten run at celtic park wins it for Mon for me...Give me a uefa cup final over the last 16 anyday...

Transfer business- Mon was last minute and usually premiership (this would be very expensive today) wgs is an excellent trader (PL must love him for this!)

Backroom set up- scouting network, medical experts, pyschologists etc Strachan is ahead on this..(although we have yet to see much final product from it)

Style of football-- Without Larsson Mon struggled...(Henri Camara the Uks most expensive loan signing!!) but he still tried to involve creatvity.
WGS talks a good game but does not deliver...the typical scottish approach of 2 wingers (albeit on the wrong side!) with an overlapping defender....How many times do we go through the middle??

Anyway MON wins it for me....Personally I wouldnt mind giving Le Guen a chance...I know I know...He was obviously far too cultured for rankers...I mean imagine introducing no tackling at training when you can introduce no playing football...He would love to show mr murray what they could have been...

Hughes, McGhee, Levien the more likely cheaper options if wgs does the honourable thing....

Please not sam allardyce!! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:11 COMMENT-BODY:I would certainly pay £2.00 for the CP value meal of a home-made Empire biscuit[ with a green jelly on top] washed down by a mug of real tea. Until there is a major revamp in the licensing rules I can't see Toilet Duck being served from an optic any time soon, sadly.

I think Kev-tic's assessment of our managers is pretty fair, although I wouldn't have the current incumbent in the top 3.

When Mcneill won his titles in the early 80s Scottish football was much stronger; his only failing was his poor record in Europe, given the quality of the squad at his disposal. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Nae Bread come on the 'tic! COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:16 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:21 COMMENT-BODY:Whilst wishing to avoid the MON vs STRACHAN debate (I'd rather wonder if we need a replacement for Strachan and who might that be these days), for someone of my generation, he's at number 2 in the list.

Just a shame that both great Celtic managers of my era have managed to share a sense of anti-climax (O'Neill especially) and what might have been. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

rimtimtim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:24 COMMENT-BODY:Like thismancraig I also noticed the Emirates stadium empty at half time. A lot of quaffing going on there at London prices I thought. And now Paul points out the deficiencies of our Kiosks at Celtic park.

Firstly, this is a historical problem. What have catering facilities been like for football fans down the years? There has been a lack of investment in this and therefore a lack of motivation and professionalism in the staff. But it is a problem of culture not business. This is where I disagree with Paul and the coterie who seem to see football in business rather than cultural terms. And I am aware that Paul is not alone here, he is surely in the majority here, on a site like this about our club, where he is as equally frustrated as a consumer at half time unable to get served quickly as an advocate of a certain type of business model where the kiosk is an opportunity for Celtic to increase their profits. The problem is that his business model as he himself referred to in an earlier article referring to the end of this season , is a bit skewed.

The East End of Glasgow is not the USA, so instead of trying to make money out of the fans with coca colas and merchandising , the club should look to give fans what they want or need. What about Irish stew/stovies, Haggis and Neeps (BB's type fayre) Tea, Irn bru, Jam Scones and Cream Cookies. Our catering will only work if it is imaginative and is different. Get a young Scottish/Irish/Italian chef to take the reins and go for it!! Obviously market research needs to be carried out to create interest in such a project. I am not optimistic however, we don't do very good food in general in the West of scotland.

thismancraig again; I hadn't seen the report on Real Madrid's finances in the Spanish press but I am not surprised. They have reached the same stage of the Champions league as Celtic in the last two seasons, surely they would have been expected to go further, considering the investment they have made in players. The problem at that club is that player power is out of control and when it is not necessarily the best player who is the king of the castilla then contradictions are exposed.

I must say I am extremely disappointed to hear that Gordon Strachan, who I understood was more of a BBC man, has been taking the Murdoch shilling, discussing football tactics with Graham "Sourness". I always thought and I always will think that Gordon Strachan was the right man for the job at the time. His reputation as a winner and as a decent person was what attracted me to him. Then his early success in Scotland and his performances in Europe have vindicated this. However, although I try to adhere to the maxim of Keep the Faith, I don't want it to lapse into "Blind Faith".

According to Strachan, we had chances in the first half against Rangers. I don't count bursting into the box trying to get onto the end of something as a chance. Yes, we were the more forward looking team for most of the first half but we did not have any clear cut chances. A clear cut chance was near the end of the game when Artur Boruc saved a shot from Adams who had been put clean through by Novo. So if Strachan actually believes we are playing well then we really are in trouble.

I will keep the faith in Celtic but I am losing my devotion to Strachan. Motherwell will be an emotionally charged affair with our memories of Phil O'Donnell. Samaras and JVOH must start the game again. They can make the space for the midfielders to come through and, dare I say it, get on the end of something. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Nae Bread come on the 'tic! COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:27 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

deliasmith COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:27 COMMENT-BODY:As we're in midweek mode, have a look at this rare thing: a French fan's view about last night's Liverpool-Arsenal game, and about money:

Last night, France's main private TV channels screened the Arsenal v Liverpool game. The ratings for this prime time slot are expected to be disastrous. How many viewers in England would tune in for Bordeaux (2nd) v Nancy (3rd) I wonder? The advertisers will be up in arms. Somehow I don't think French channels will be fighting over the rights to screen Champions League quarter finals in the future. Similar scenarios can be expected in Germany, Italy etc. ... The English have stood back and watched Sky and the money-men swallow up its football league but the rest of us in Europe won't allow this cancer to spread. Michel Platini is a clever man. I think he's on to you.

[A fan from Poitiers writing on this blog. ]

These are good points: the appeal of the old European Cup was the simultaneous fame and unfamiliarity of the opponents - our only chance in a decade to see a good team from Czechoslovakia or Yugoslavia, our only chance in a lifetime to see a side in violet shirts, or a player like Gianni Rivera up against Jim Brogan. The CL, with the top four teams allowed in, its seeding and the qualifying groups structure, automatically generates meetings between old familiar faces (Manchester United WILL play Roma, Celtic WILL meet Barcelona and Milan) and internationally unappealing matches like Liverpool v Arsenal, or the awful all-Italian final in Manchester a few years ago.

The cures are obvious and the correspondent is right in identifying Platini as the agent of change. I think the silky Michel is smart enough to see that the interests of the game might actually be served by a breakaway of money-hungry big clubs. I'd hope that if and when such a thing happened Celtic's board would have the sense to see that our interests were best served by sticking with UEFA ... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Nae Bread come on the 'tic! COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:29 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Nae Bread come on the 'tic! COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:32 COMMENT-BODY:Hi TicTalk

Sorry

This is what I make this years fixture - I'm not sure of the season of the link I posted

TicTalk

Our Fixtures Post European Game

15/08/2007 UEFA Champions League Spartak Moskva
19/08/2007 SPL Aberdeen 14:00 A
29/08/2007 UEFA Champions League Spartak Moskva 19:45 H
02/09/2007 SPL St. Mirren 14:00 A
18/09/2007 UEFA Champions League Shakhtar Donetsk 19:45 A
23/09/2007 SPL Hibernian 14:00 A
03/10/2007 UEFA Champions League AC Milan 19:45 H 2-1
07/10/2007 SPLGretna 15:00 A
24/10/2007 UEFA Champions League Benfica 19:45 A 1-0
27/10/2007 SPL Motherwell 15:00 H
06/11/2007 UEFA Champions League Benfica 19:45 H
24/11/2007 SPL Aberdeen 15:00 H
28/11/2007 UEFA Champions League Shakhtar Donetsk 19:45 H
01/12/2007 SPL Heart of Midlothian 12:30 A
04/12/2007 UEFA Champions League AC Milan 19:45 A
08/12/2007 SPL St. Mirren 15:00 H
20/02/2008 UEFA Champions League Barcelona 19:45 H
24/02/2008 SPL St. Mirren 14:00 A
04/03/2008 UEFA Champions League Barcelona 19:45 A 1-0
09/03/2008 Scottish Cup Aberdeen 12:45 A

HOME 3 AWAY 6

rankers fixtures post European game.
Tue 31 20:05 H Zeta CPLG
Sat 4 12:30 A Inverness CT SPLG
Tue 7 19:05 A Zeta CPLG W
Sat 11 15:00 H St Mirren SPLG
Tue 14 20:00 H Crvena Zvezda UCLQ
Sat 18 15:00 H Falkirk SPLG

Tue 28 20:00 A Crvena Zvezda UCLQ
Sat 1 15:00 H Gretna SPLG

Wed 19 19:45 H VfB Stuttgart CPLG
Sun 23 15:00 H Aberdeen SPLG
Tue 2 19:45 A Lyon CPLG W
Sat 6 15:00 H Hibernian SPLG

Tue 23 19:45 H Barcelona CPLG
Sun 28 14:00 A Dundee United SPLG

Wed 7 19:45 A Barcelona CPLG
Sat 24 12:30 A Falkirk SPLG
Tue 27 19:45 A VfB Stuttgart CPLG

Sat 1 15:00 H Kilmarnock SPLG
Wed 12 19:45 H Lyon CPLG
Sat 15 15:00 H Hearts SPLG

Wed 13 20:00 H Panathinaikos UEFA
Sun 17 14:00 A Kilmarnock SPLG
Thu 21 17:00 A Panathinaikos UEFA
Sun 24 15:00 H Gretna SPLG
Thu 6 20:00 H Werder Bremen UEFA
Sun 9 15:00 H Hibernian SCP 5
Thu 13 19:30 A Werder Bremen UEFA
Sat 15 15:00 A Motherwell SPLG Postponed

Home 9 Away 5 -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Subterranean COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:36 COMMENT-BODY:etims article.

Apologies if this paranoia was linked to previously.

Chris -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Theragswerepublicansdisdain COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:36 COMMENT-BODY:Thismancraig,

Gregg's are open late night Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Leeds.

Paul67,

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on

this article

Will Celtic continue to deal with them?

Therags... -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Timmy7 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:46 COMMENT-BODY:Rimtimtim, Scott Brown was clear on goal once (when he was impeded by Whittaker) and, with a better touch, would have been through again from a knockdown by VofH (I think it was him rather than Samaras). Samaras also squandered a good chance to put VofH clean through with a poor pass.
We dominated that first half from ten minutes in, until they scored their (good btw) goal.
I thought that in the second half we failed to get McGeady on the ball enough. Broadfoot couldn’t cope with him at all.
For what it’s worth a stronger character in midfield – a Lennon, for example - could have made the difference for us in the second half, in my humble opinion.
As for the catering, I like the steak pies, as does Timmy junior, and I don’t drink coke. So, I’m all right Jack -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 10:59 COMMENT-BODY:Did someone mention Le Guen????

Tell you what, that guy would love to settle a score with Murray, Ferguson and Boyd. He was to far advanced fot them. If he did want to manage in this country he certainly went to the wrong one.

Wenger got a lot of time for this guy. Don not be suprised when the time for Arsene to step down at Arsenal he does not bring Le Guen in and groom him. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:03 COMMENT-BODY:Part of being a 'good' manager is adapting to your surroundings and mangaging the club you are at in the league you are in (not the club you want to be at in the league you wish you were in).

Paul Leguen was an embarrassment as Rangers manager and having watched Barry Ferguson this season, it's Paul Leguen who got that one wrong - not the other way about.

He would have failed as miserably with Celtic as he did with the beasties. If he wants to settle a score with Murray he can get the Hearts job - that's about his level. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:10 COMMENT-BODY:Thismancraig,

Le Guen sussd Baryy Ferguson out. I don't think Ferguson has really set the heather alight this year either.

What did he do on Saturday?? The whole Rangers team is based around Barry Ferguson. He takes the free kicks, corner kicks, etc.. Does he play a position?? For me he rounds around the park in any position he likes. What position does he play?

The problem with Le Guen is that in foreign shores players get asked to play a position for the the team. Barry didn't like what was aksed and caused unrest. Plain and simple.

This myth about Ferguson is unreal. As i said before it's a bit like McManus in our case. The press and some people in this country give players a status they are not worthy off and the players themselves believe them. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

HAGGISHUNTER COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:13 COMMENT-BODY:Something that concerns me is that there is a great deal of predictability about the way Celtic play and the team that is selected. I really do feel for some of the players on the bench that sit there match after match even when it is obvious that the team isn't playing well and all the subs haven't been used. We do have players who could come on and change things - surely Riordan could have come on more often than he has. WGS has to mix it up more as the opposition have it too easy.
As for stadiums and food, I'm part of a little group of lads who travel all over Europe just to watch football for fun. We look at interesting matches coming up and find a cheap flight. Without exception the facilities on offer and ease of access into the ground is better than at CFC. The matches (always cheer on the home team) are not always brilliant and having just come back from watching Espanyol V RC Santander surprisingly poor quality for teams chasing a UEFA cup spot.
Back the team to the end. Back the manager. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:21 COMMENT-BODY:WGS

Leguen sussed Barry Ferguson out?

Interesting thought, Leguen got the bullet - since then Rangers have reached the last 8 of the UEFA Cup and look set to win a treble with him as captain. Leguens reputation is in tatters and may never recover.

Leguen got every single decsion he ever made for Rangers catastrophically wrong, and in some style as well. It was the most enjoyable time to hate Rangers as I've ever had.

Give Celtic Barry Ferguson and Davie Weir and we win the league by a country mile. He;s an outstanding player for Rangers, both in terms of his playing ability and his leadership.

I'm a McManus fan (not convinced he's had a great season or in great form) but football must be the only sport where we try and talk players down. Can't imagine Earl Woods spent much time telling Tiger he was rotten.

eh barryfergusoncsc...:-) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:24 COMMENT-BODY:I think Celtic should consider going 4 3 3.

Samaras up throught the centre. Good at holding the ball up and bringing people into play.

Riordan on the left playing off him. Aiden on the right playing off him.

Naka in the hole behind Sammy and in front of two holding midfielders in Brown/Hartley with Robson.

So my team would be:

Boruc

Hinkel Caldwell McManus Wilson

Brown Robson
Naka

McGeady Riordan
Samaras -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:27 COMMENT-BODY:Thismancraig,

They way your talking your Davie Provan are you :)

Ferguson coulD score an OG and still get man of the match:) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:28 COMMENT-BODY:WGS

Did you not know that 'Man of the Match' was Barry Ferguson's middle name?

Just to be clear, I'd strip him of the Scotland captaincy and never allow him to represent his country again.

Far too much praise for him there, need to go for a shower after that! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

moonbeams wet dream COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:31 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67,

Give it time and I'm sure the they can outsource/offshore the whole food/merchandising process to India or new cheapest labour country.

Here's how it will work.

You go to a game and via a voice terminal you speak to a young chap/ess in India. Your order a pie;bovril;celtic strip;dvd etc, pay your cash and then go the service terminal and pick up your goodies. Magic.

Only problem is that what you pick up may not be what you just ordered as due to the distance involved between club and cheap outsource/offshore company what you get is what you ordered at last home game.

This way the PLC saves on labour cost and also the fact that there is no more wastage due to On Time Delivery process now in place.

SSM are you listening. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

danny COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:46 COMMENT-BODY:The better the catering the poor the atmosphere.

People going for food, eating food, being full up and feeling sleepy after eating food means no singing.

Ban food, spike the soft drinks, sell bevvy. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:48 COMMENT-BODY:A few thoughts having read over the blog but have no time.

WGS stated clearly last night regarding the zonal v man marking system that you can put a man on a man if you feel he deserves it. I thought it was good punditry - even from Souness. A lot better than hearing Jamie Redknapp thump the tub for the EPL.

I also have to say that I got the strong impression of a man completely relaxed. Sending out the right vibes to the players, support and opposition.

We need to back him properly to ensure that the negative destructive and costly cycle of chop and change to appease the rabid crowd is avoided at all costs. If we have a better suited more knowledgeable and committed candidate that is keen no pun intended then by all means go for it. If and I agree its looking less likely WGS wins us the SPL and direct entry into the CL especially after the chicanery that we´ve witnessed this season then it´s time to push the boat out.

Not just to WGS as a reward or sign of trust but in an attempt to stop the destructive cycle of good players moving on to pastures new. A signal to the small minded nation that nothing can stop us. In fact this should happen anyway if WGS is committed and we lose the SPL. It´s time to get in serious quality and it doesn´t matter where on the pitch. We shouldn´t be too fussy but we need to be prepared to pay the same money we pay too TG and BB. Who knows they might even get a game and help the cause.

Another year of frugality will seriously temper the mood of the support and question the ambition of the Board.

Now is the time to act not react to external events.

With regards facilities. I use my smart card at Eintracht Frankfurt games and it´s definitely a different world compared to Celtic Park. The usual point scheme and incentive point system. I still complain regularly about having to drink low alcohol beer. :-(

You could say I lost my faith in science and progress
You could say I lost my belief in the holy church
You could say I lost my sense of direction
You could say all of this and worse but

If I ever lose my faith in you
There'd be nothing left for me to do

Some would say I was a lost man in a lost world
You could say I lost my faith in the people on TV
You could say I'd lost my belief in our politicians
They all seemed like game show hosts to me

If I ever lose my faith in you
There'd be nothing left for me to do

I could be lost inside their lies without a trace
But every time I close my eyes I see your face

I never saw no miracle of science
That didn't go from a blessing to a curse
I never saw no military solution
That didn't always end up as something worse but
Let me say this first

If I ever lose my faith in you
There'd be nothing left for me to do -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Terrymac COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:49 COMMENT-BODY:Debbia
' Until there is a major revamp in the licensing rules I can't see Toilet Duck being served from an optic any time soon, sadly.'

Sorry to disagree but Toilet Duck is already being dispensed from the optics in the North Stand lounges.
It's called Scottish Leader!
Furthermore they don't even stock bottles of Miller or Bud!
The Club, consequently, is losing much needed revenue as many of these punters prefer the tipple in local hostelries, arriving at the ground minutes before kick-off -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:51 COMMENT-BODY:WGS :- I have to disagree with you on Mr Ferguson, yes he does have a more free ranging role than most players in central midfield but in most games he takes advantage of this to the benefit of the team. This is shown in games where he doesn't play, the team just doesn't look the same or play the same. As a captain he cajoles, lifts, threatens, moans at and generally keeps on top of the team, making sure heads don't go down, that's his role as captain and he is good at it. I'll concede he didn't play well on Sat but being honest how much would you like a player of the same quality and having the same leadership qualities in the Celtic team. Whether it be another Mr Lennon or a player who plays the way your manager did. A player who never says die and keeps the team going when they need lifted. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:56 COMMENT-BODY:EdwardUrsus,

I was suprised at the amount of fans from Rangers would rather have Ferguson out of the team.

I know your not one of them, but i was really suprised at attitude towards him. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Stoir Mha Chroi COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 11:57 COMMENT-BODY:Ed... giving Celtic supporters much needed lessons in supporting Celtic. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:01 COMMENT-BODY:On P. Le Guen, do the posters building him up really think he could do a job at Celtic. I've heard folk on here complain about the lack of fight in the team at times, do you think he would improve this? A manager who bans tackling in training may do wonder on the pitch for the more skillfull type of player like Messrs Nakamura and McGeady but it also raises problems. For the type the same as the two player mentioned they get used to being able to try whatever skillful moves they have which would generally be a good thing, but if they get used to trying them without tackles there is a good chance that they turn into sanddancers, nifty footwork, clever tricks but no idea how to translate it into effective football when tackles come in.
It would also have a negative effect on the midfield and defence, how are they going to cope in a game if they don't have any chance to hone tackling skills on the training ground?
Tackling is a big part of the game and to prevent players from improving their skills in it is just silly.
I'll admit he came to Ibrox with a good reputation and at the time I thought it a great coup on our part but I didn't see anything in his time there to confirm that reputation.
On the other hand I was against the appointment of Mr Smith thinking it would be a bad mistake and a step backwards which would further damage the team so it shows how much I know lol. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:02 COMMENT-BODY:Ed,

In answer to your question I´d take any player that can be a black sheep.

As many bookings this season in Europe as he has had in all domestic games. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:12 COMMENT-BODY:WGS :- I have to admit I'm a Ferguson fan and I have had this argument with quite a few fellow bears. He does have off days and like any player goes through sticky spells at times but to replace him would mean spending serious cash that could be used to far better effect in other areas of the team. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:16 COMMENT-BODY:ANNAOAN :- I agree with folk on here who find it surprising that he has had so few cards in the SPL for someone with his style of play you would expect a few more but I don't think that can be held against him he doesn't dish the cards out. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:20 COMMENT-BODY:Ed,

you were right about Walter Smith. It just shows how easy you can convince yourself when things are desperate.

10 million spent in one summer

9 bookings at Ibrox for Celtic players

Preferential fixture treatment; Game cancellation,complete home and away imbalance, preferential immediate opposition fixture setting

The incredible preferential treatment shown towards Rangers when it comes to discipline by all referees in Scotland the SFA and official protection for Rangers players by the Chief executive of the PFA

Official permission from Rangers protection racket agency to rest players for national team frendlies without course of action.

Listing the concerted and biased media influences would result in PAUL67 having to start a new thread so I wont bother.

Now I have to admit that all of the above combined with Walter Smiths dogged 4-5-1 has proven to be a very good and profitable strategy for your team.

It begs the question.

Is this the future ?

Will the "establishment" effort need to be just as concentrated and abhorrent as its been this year to keep of Celtic? possibly an improved Celtic??

Will Murray outspend Celtic again this summer?

Will Watty stick to and perfect his 4-5-1. If you win the UC, quadruple, treble I think it would need to be considered.

HAil HAil -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

aviewfromabovethemineshaft COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:21 COMMENT-BODY:ed

Le Guen made one big mistake- he thought he was at a club that may want to play football " the celtic way"

Instead he found a bunch of scottish drinkers that like hacking lumps out of each other...

He probably introduced no tackling in the vein attempt that the club may want to advance scottish football- he came to the wrong country

The short term view in the old firm goldfish bowl killed any chance he may have had- without captain courageous or Mr Moonbeam's backing he didnt stand a chance.... What no drinking? do you know who we are???

I think its sad to see everyones reaction to the weekends defeat is "get some big tough guys in- beat them at their own game" How many tough guys do barca have in their team?

Mind you im glad we didnt sign sebo!!! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Spirit of Arthur Lee COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:22 COMMENT-BODY:Bring back the Spam rolls and Macaroon bars along with your Chewing Gum all in the wan box

you must supply yer own drink -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:24 COMMENT-BODY:Ed,

how can you hold something personally against a man with no personality ? :-)

It should however be factored into any possible fair assessment of the player like horse being weight handicapped but that expectation cannot be expected of anyone who choses to support Rangers.

Hail Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:26 COMMENT-BODY:ANNAOAN :- I can't say I'm a great fan of watching the 4 - 5 - 1 style of play and most seasons would condemn it being played against other Scottish teams. I can see the point in it in certain European games and perhaps against yourselves at Celtic Park.
However I'm willing to make an exception for the past season and a half, Mr Le Guen had left us in a terrible state, Mr Smith was brought in to shore things up, steady the ship and hopefully mount a realistic challenge to Celtic, I think that no matter how the rest of the season goes he has done this and would hope that now he has consolodated things we would move on to a more attractive style next season. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:31 COMMENT-BODY:Ed

i wouldn't say Le Guen left you in a state i would say it was McLeish and partly Advocaat. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:32 COMMENT-BODY:David Wheater hmmmmmmmm...!! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:37 COMMENT-BODY:WGS :- I agree with you on MeAdvocaat, with the collussion of the chairman he left Rangers in a perilous state.
Mr McLeish I thought did well under vastly reduced circumstances and managed to take two titles from Mr O'Neil who was arguably your best manager since Mr Stein. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tony Bananas COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:40 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67,

Thanks for enlightening me about Willie Young. I will keep an eye out for what he has to say in future.

Reminded me of a chapter in Tom Campbell's excellent "Celtic Paranoia All in the mind?" book. This refers to the events of the 'shame game' and the subsequent deitification of Dallas despite his abysmal refereeing performance that day. The only sensible account of those events I have read in print since.

Campbell makes the interesting comparison of the media reaction to that game, with the reaction following our 3-1 CIS Cup semi win in 2001 when there were similar scenes of indiscipline on the park, if not off it (from memory I think Reyna, Mols and Lubo were red carded). Campbell states - "These matches were mirror images of each other and, in my opinion, neither referee was at his best. Dallas was universally praised and Young roundly condemned. I should point out that Dallas refereed a match won 3-0 by Rangers and Young a match won 3-1 by Celtic"

There is more in this chapter that makes interesting reading in the context of recent events e.g. the hun mock huddle at the end of the game following a solemn vow from Campbell Ogilivie to the SFA that this would never be repeated after the trick was first performed at CP in May '97. Result = no fine and barely a whimper in the press. Artur Boruc waves to his mammy in the stand = press outrage.

As for the SFA Chief Exec... funnily enough I am some way through another book - Head Bhoys by Graeme McColl. The Jansen chapter has a lot to say about Jock Brown. The author does refer openly to the feeling that the press need no motivation in getting the knives out for employees of Celtic. Whatever you think of Jock Brown, I agree with the author that much of the motivation here was simply jealousy and spite at a media figure being appointed to such an influential position.

Now...can we think of anyone else who previously plied their trade in the ranks of the media and who also has been given a high ranking post within the game recently? And who still seems to enjoy a nice wee cosy relationship with the media? Hmmmmm let me see...?

Not quite a Murray/McCann comparison but still one that shows up the media hypocrisy. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:49 COMMENT-BODY:WGS message to Celtic fans:

Now i won't stop believing that we will be leaving together, so when i say i love you i'll need you for ever and ever, ever and ever!!

I'm not hear to say i'm sorry!!

I'm not hear to say i'm sorry,
I'm not giving up in you. I'm hear to say i'm ready and i have finally thought it through. I'm not hear to let your love go, i'm not giving up oh know. I'm hear to win your heart and SPL, That's why im' hear!!

Yes i'm here to win your heart and SPL. That's my goal!!

That's my goalllllllllllll!! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

rimtimtim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 12:58 COMMENT-BODY:Aw Naw - Maybe this zonal marking strategy is part of our problem. It results in us shying away from the opposition and the ball. It was evident in the match at Celtic Park against Barça.

We took the game to Rangers on Saturday which was great. But, as the last few posts have been debating, Barry Ferguson was able to stamp some authority on the game. I agree with Ed, he is the one who makes Rangers tick. Ferguson plays deep and plays safe in general. If his team are up against it he may risk a few passes, otherwise not. He was able to probe into the Celtic midfield because no one was marking him. Why wasn´t Hartley told to shadow him? Like he was asked to shadow Kaka? As Barry Ferguson starts off deep, Hartley could have put him under pressure in their half. If he lost the ball to us we would be in their half and Hartley would be able to help in attack too.

But therein could be Strachan´s achilles heel. A man stuck in his ways who is trying to get players to play to a system. Square pegs into round holes. Admittedly Rafa Benitez can choose from many great players but his 4-2-3-1 set up last night impressed me as he used his players to their strengths. Strachan is less interested in a player's ability than how he can fit them into his scheme of things. This results in Riordan scoring goals for fun yet cannot fit into the system.
I have to agree with DBBIA,he is turning into a Luis Van Gaal with all the writing in his jotters, he needs to change that if he doesn't want to get his own.
If one thing surprises me about Strachan, and in the latter part of his tenure MON, was the inflexibilty of their playing formations. It makes us predictable and easier to play against. I am worried that Strachan is not contemplating trying to test, stretch and bamboozle* the opposition. Strachan gives the impression of being clever but his team formations need to be revolutionised.To paraphrase the Undertones " You've got your squad, why don't you use it? "

* I once read that bamboozle is one of the favourite words used by English speakers in the Indian continent, in expressions like "Are you trying to bamboozle me?"

More Bamboozling Gordon Puhlease! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

lurgan53 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 13:14 COMMENT-BODY:Ed,
I'm no tactical genius but I'd say the reason so many Rangers fans do not like the 4-5-1 employed by Walter Smith is because it is a static 4-5-1 with either JCD or Cousin employed as the sole striker.

The top Premiership teams all - mostly - use the same formation but there is much more fluidity (I think such a word exists) to it with wide players giving much more support to the front man.

I actually believe we are quite well set up to play such a system - in fact it is the only system which would successfully incorporate Aiden Mc Geady and Naka .

One other point - not necessarily just for yourself Ed. Why Oh why can't some of our midfielders simply play a pass to Aiden or Naka inside the full back so that all they have to do is run on to it and cross from the byline. That way we may see a much more successful JVOH as he is attacking the ball for a strike on goal. Don't think this is rocket science. Barcelona (for example) use it a majority of the time. They don't rely on Messi to beat defenders several times before he gets in a cross. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

itzallova COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 13:14 COMMENT-BODY:I remember when Davie Hay got the sack and big Billy got his job after being interviewed in a car park, the season that followed was sheer class, the centenary year, the double came up when the Souness Ibrox revolution was in its infancy.

I’ve still got the SC cup run on tape, Tommy scored a great goal against Partick Thistle, you had to feel for Hearts in the semi…….not, and of course the Frank Macca final. Good Times.

As good as that season was the one that followed was murder polis, for a whole load of reasons it turned out that big Billy was a busted flush, it all ended in tears. Now that’s what I think will happen to Walter Smith, all well and good this season, but next season we will have learned our lessons well and will put them to good use.

enjoy this season Teddie, but look out the hankies for the next one, you’ll need them. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

LondonBhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 13:24 COMMENT-BODY:ah, finally an article close to my heart!

The answer dear Paul is vending machines. My company runs a host of vending machines at Aston Villa already. Cuts cues and can be switched on and off for games.

You can now do a lot with vending machines (as well as the usual snacks and drinks). We have machines which sell DVD's, pizza's, toasties etc.

We could also easily tailor one to sell other fan merchandise like scarfs, t-shirts etc.

Who would I speak to at Celtic Park then? :o) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 13:38 COMMENT-BODY:rimtimtim,

I think the rigidity in team selection formation and tactics is not just because WGS is stubborn.

I think but may be wrong that it´s a statement of intent. In the SPL we really should be good enough to say. Look this is who we play how we play. and we are going to win. This happens most of the time. It results in teams like Rangers playing 10 men behind the ball and hoping to catch us on the break.

Unfortunatley this is what has happened against Rangers recently, Aberdeen and Hearts in the cup. ICT in the league. With ST. Mirren and Hibs we didn´t break them down.... and this is exactly our problem imho.

There is not a problem with our tactics or the team selection. It´s a problem with the quality that we have in the team. If we dont score which can happen then we shouldn´t be conceding. Domestically it´s happened far too often.

As a club we have Balde, Pressley and Kennedy at the club who have honestly contributed very little under WGS and O´Dea only fleetingly. Scott Cuthbert doesn´t seem to be any closer. Surely this is an area of the squad that needs cleaned out and then hammered down with some real quality.

Hinkel seems to be a good addition but Wilson is too often and easily injured and Doumbe has yet to convince. Naylor´s time is up as well I´m afraid and should be moved on. Virgo isn´t on the radar and the early experimentation with Du Wei still hangs in the air due to the malaise never being properly addressed..... and all this going on at a time where we have truly an excellent keeper...it´s the Celtic way -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

whitedoghunch COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 13:52 COMMENT-BODY:KIOSK

It's training.
when to come in
what to do first
what to do at every event that comes along.
Be aware of the customer.
Be outhinking them before they order.
It's training.
Set the parameters.
Set the expectations
and train the monkeys to deliver.
Hire me and I'll do it in a fortnight.
Hire Ken Mcculloch and He'll do it in a week. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tony Bananas COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:03 COMMENT-BODY:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7328229.stm

A classic piece of Orwellian doublespeak from the Rangers FC Ministry of Propaganda -

Walter Smith - "if we were to progress in all tournaments then it becomes practically impossible for us to play the games. But can I just clarify no-one from Rangers has ever asked the SPL to extend the season"

So Wattie in translation - we're not asking for an extension it's just impossible for us to play all the games in time?

Walter Smith - "If we do carry on being successful and we have the number of games then, from our point of view, you'd expect a wee bit of help"

Seems perfectly reasonable. The SPL, media and referees have already bent over backwards, or rather, simpered in prostrate reverence for Rangers this season.

"It might become impossible for them not to extend the season to let us fit in the games. But so far no-one from Rangers has asked the SPL or anyone else to extend the seaon."

Interesting use of the words "so far" there...

Is there no end to the cynical and duplicitous lengths this club will go to?

Wattie seems very keen to make it clear that Rangers are not asking for an extension. Does this mean that he acknowledges that this would be an unfair and unprecedented act.

The SPL will be hoping that the huns win the next Old Firm game [goes without saying] and get out of sight in the league race. Then they can save face by saying you're not getting your extension, safe in the knowledge that it's sewn up anyway.

How do teams from England, Spain, Italy etc. who regularly compete in the later stages of European competition cope? Oh, that's right by not asking for their own league games to be postponed!! It's a totally farcical stance and position. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Celt33 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:04 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67,

A good article to take the direction away from the divide and conquer scenario unfolding in front of our very eyes. We, quite rightly, continue to raise valid examples of the lack of a level playing field in this country and the resultant injustice but seem unable to display a united front on supporting our team and manager.

Very worrying indead.

On your article, I was privilaged to be invited to Old Trafford last season for their match against Arsenal and was struck by the numbers in and around the stadium several hours prior to kick off. Inside the stadium the kiosks were doing a roaring trade in (plastic) bottles of Bud which at about three quid a go must return a healthy profit. No queues by the way!

25 - 30 home games per season x
50,000 bottles of beer per game x
£3.00
=
1 x Clarance Seedorf.

Perhaps an exclusive contract with Toilet Duck could be negotiated?

ps A great site, best on the web.

Celt33 -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Mike COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:06 COMMENT-BODY:Pizza from a vending machine? Sounds like the Devil's work I tell you, the Devil's work!

Why not have a bloke selling stuff during the game like they do at Baseball games in the US? The food just gets passed along the seats to the puchaser, and the money goes the other way.
That would save queuing as no need to leave your seat for a hot dog, pie, cola etc. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Mike COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:08 COMMENT-BODY:Or how about employing some runners to go and get you your food during the game.

Fill in a wee card saying what you want and what seat number your in, put the money in an envelope (prices would need to be multiples of a £1 to keep it simple) and pass to the runner, who goes and gets it from the kiosk inside and brings it back for you? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:14 COMMENT-BODY:Tony Bananas,

Walter Smith is a liar.

Since when did Rangers need to seek anyone for help from Rangers´s protection racket. The SFA and the SPL will volunteer for duty -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Zbyszek COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:16 COMMENT-BODY:Paul

Some time ago you wrote the article about Polish Polsat TV. You mentioned about the troubles caused by the foreign broadcast that shows Celtic games here and in Scotland. Our media say that season 2007/08 is the last one for Polsat. Celtic doesn't want contract extending. They said Polsat caused less interest from live viewers at Celtic Park. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

St-Gris COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:19 COMMENT-BODY:Watanaccio kinda statement.

We dont want an extension but if we go all the way in everythin then you might want to tell us that you (SFL) are extending the league, but it wisnae us that asked for it, its just you that wants to help us. Sure it is eh eh eh. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Irving Washington COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:33 COMMENT-BODY:WGS..
Totally agree with the formation you posted earlier, the same formation seems to be very common now in the premiership with man u chelsea and liverpool deploying it with success. Particularily like the forward line, all three players are very mobile and have good pace, also i think Riordan would flourish as its very similar to how he played at hibs very successfully. In the summer if a good strong pacey defensive holding player and centre back were brought in and a replacement also coming in for Naylor I think the formation would be ideal.

Lets get behind the bhoys for the run in, how sweet would it feel to do to rangers what they have done to us twice in recent years. KEEP THE FAITH. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

x COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:35 COMMENT-BODY:Good news zbyszek

At last Celtic are starting to address the issue of dwindling numbers.

Frank -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

OttoKaiser COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:35 COMMENT-BODY:Good idea regarding the revamp - i think the whole are in the stadium concourse(?) could do with a revamp, it looks like East Germany circa '76. Kiosks selling merchandise - yes. Juice machines - yes. As much as I hate to see the over-commercialisation of the club, it would save on these queues at half-time and pre-match. It's a definite "money-spinner" which makes me wonder why the club hasn't already introduced it.

Thinking ahead transfer-wise anyone know of any Bosmans we are looking at for the summer. We've been used to the club announcing pre-contracts round about january transfer window time for the last few years. None in the frame this year? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

danny COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:36 COMMENT-BODY:Zbyszek

The contract would be with the SPL rather than Celtic ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Zbyszek COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:39 COMMENT-BODY:It was celticpoland.com site that informed about Polsat and Celtic.

x

So, you must built the new stadium with at least 300 000 seats :) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

x COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:39 COMMENT-BODY:zbyszek

I am sorry that fans in Poland will be deprived of seeing Celtic [(maybe it is a humanitarian gesture based on recent performances :) ]

Best wishes....Frank -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Irving Washington COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:40 COMMENT-BODY:On the stadium revamp... why oh why cant something be done about that coach park, pot holes up to your knees full of water, I for one am sick and tired of leavin the ground and gettin back on the bus covered in crap (excuse the language). How much does a bit of tarmac cost?, HRH cant be seen falling over a pothole in her high heels after jumpin off her ulsterbus goldliner. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:46 COMMENT-BODY:Irving

I'm not sure of the timescales but I was under the impression that the bus park had been purchased by GCC as this was where the proposed East End Regeneration Route (effectively linking the new M74 and M8) will go.

In exchange we will use the new National Sports Arena parking as a bus park.

Plus the new direct train link should encourage a modal shift...I'll stop now! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Cadizzy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:49 COMMENT-BODY:Mike, so long as the runner doesn't do a runner!

Even if service speeds up, all it means is that you get to eat awful food much quicker than before. Somebody earlier compared CP food with the stuff sold outside the ground. The BSE burgers sold on the vans outside are at least prepared in the same calendar year and do give off a foodlike smell…. though that is mostly onions.

Mass catering of course has to cater for the mass market so, while it would be great to have haggis, Irish stew etc, I expect that chips, pies and burgers are going to remain the staple of the menu, and people like me who only eat really posh food in incredibly small portions (with pan bread and not plain) are always going to lose out. They don't even have Earl Grey in the JS Upper. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TheLeftWinger COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:51 COMMENT-BODY:Talking of transport links.......

I need to drive straight through to Edinburgh after the game on Saturday.

Where is the best place to park for a swift Eastwards getaway?

As a soo'sider, i'm not used to parking at the north or East sides of the Stadium.

Thanks in advance

You'llHaveHadYourDirectionsThen?CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Zbyszek COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:51 COMMENT-BODY:Frank

Me and many people will be sorry to hear it's true :(

Danny

I think it's Setanta and Polsat contract. We will know it better when Paul is back. Anyway, I think Celtic must have the right to decide, or make it's influence ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 14:53 COMMENT-BODY:IrvingWashington,

Glad you like my idea of a 4 3 3. I feel we are to predictable and we should be able to change. I aint the manager though, that's down to Gordon.

I like listening to Gordon when he is doing his analysis. Think he's a breath of fresh air.

This is what makes it so dam frustrating for me when he does not address the problems everybody from their auntie knows what's wrong with Celtic at the moment especially at the back. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

pablophanque COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 15:03 COMMENT-BODY:TLW, as you pass the ground going East, you will pass the flats on your left-hand side, after those are some shops at the bottom of a tenement. Behind these is an area of grass which can be accessed by driving over the pavement on London road, use the most Easterly side. I've used this place many times and if you leave before the final whistle (booooooo!) you'll be away before the scarves have been chucked on to wee GS's head :o)))

pablophanque -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

oldtim67 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 15:46 COMMENT-BODY:pablophange.

Did you get the information from Curly.I was thinking of staying in Glasgow over the week-end,and may as well stay in the same Hotel. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

ianinjesi COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 15:57 COMMENT-BODY:Of course the starting point in the revamp of catering is that the average Celtic supporter thinks of his or her body as a temple but is prepared to let standards slip a wee bit just to help the club. :-)
While we debate this, what are the horrible lot up to? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TheTokenTim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 15:58 COMMENT-BODY:TLW,

for a quick getaway onto the M8 and straight through to Embra, I would suggest parking anywhere near the traffic lights on the junction of Todd St (leads up to Cumbernauld Road and M8)and Carntyne Road (just before it meets Duke St).

If you don't know where that it is, head for the Forge and go under the railway bridge on Duke St, turn left at the old Joanna Dees "nightclub" and you will see the trafffic lights about 100yds ahead.

It is a bit farther to walk, but believe me when I tell you once in the car, invariably you will be on the M8 within 5mins.

I park here regularly, including CL and rangers games and I leave bang on the Final whistle and am usually in the house within 30mins - I live in Carfin - eg. the Barca game I left my seat in the Upper Tier of Lisbon Lions Stand right on the Final whistle and I was in the house at approx 2210hrs.

Hope this is of use to you, no doubt many MLers (and those further east)shall be able to give you alternative good spots too.

Cheers
HAIL! HAIL!
Token -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:01 COMMENT-BODY:Does anyone know if the Bewleys Hotel in Glasgow has changed hands? or have you a contact number? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BigSwee COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:05 COMMENT-BODY:Ulysses McGhee said…

Does anyone know if the Bewleys Hotel in Glasgow has changed hands? or have you a contact number?

I think it changed to Marks Hotel mate. Tel:+ 44 (0)141 353 0800 -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TheTokenTim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:05 COMMENT-BODY:TLW,

should of course have said head for the Forge from Celtic Park and also it should read "...turn RIGHT at Joanna Dees..."

Not a good week this at all, mistakes and stuff going wrong galore for TTT!

HAIL! HAIL!
Token -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

blantyretim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:06 COMMENT-BODY:ulyssess

bt.com
355 0800 or 333 4500 Both Bath Street

BT -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:08 COMMENT-BODY:Cheers Lads

Changed names and doubled in price!!

Blast.

U -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BigSwee COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:13 COMMENT-BODY:Was never a fan of the place!

Woke up in it a few times after team nights out and bonding sessions with the visiting lasses!

Changed days indeed!!!!

QuietmanCSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:35 COMMENT-BODY:Narrowbhoat, Ed et al -

The Real Ale festival burst into life last night after an insipid opening week.

My main beer of the night was Badger's Hopping Hare (4.5% abv) from Hall & Woodhouse Brewery in Dorset (Est 1847), blurb as follows ;

" A traditional style (I've never understood what this is meant to mean in ale terms) golden ale wuth a distinctively hoppy aroma (hence the name ?) with slight citrus undertones and a fresh, hoppy taste (that's twice) leading to a clean, crisp finish. "

Very enjoyable stuff although I was favourably disposed towards this beer as I like others in the stable, Fursty Ferret etc.

I also sampled Thwaite's Wainwrights 4.1% abv but not enough for a decent review. Tonight perhaps.

Cheers

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TheLeftWinger COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:48 COMMENT-BODY:TokenTim/Pablo,

Cheers Lhads, I will probably get a quicker exit from the stadium if i wait (as i do with every game) until the final whistle and leave with the remaining 18,000 people -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

oldtim67 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:49 COMMENT-BODY:winningemmell.

Are you reviewing the beer at BBs on Saturday,or will you still be in the teser,testing. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TheTokenTim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 16:54 COMMENT-BODY:WG, NBT, Ed etc,

As you bhoys (and Ed) appear to be fond of an ale or two, can I suggest that if you ever find yourself in the Chester area, you make your way to the Mill Hotel (situated next to the canal, about 1/4 mile from the rail station in one direction and 1/4 mile from the city centre on the other).

Not only is it a decent hotel, with good food and decent rooms, but it has an excellent bar. Has plenty taps of the usual suspects (Guinness, Fosters, Strongbow etc) but it usually has anything up to 10 guest ales from all over the country ranging from approx 3.8% to the slightly stronger 7.5%!!

Always busy, good atmosphere and shows the footie.
They also have live jazz bands on weekly if that sort of thing is your bag, man! (Can't say it does it for me to be honest).
I stay there fairly regularly whilst down on business.

I recommend paying a visit if you're down that neck of the woods.

Cheers
Token -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:01 COMMENT-BODY:Has Le Guen left PSG?? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Narrowbhoat Tim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:05 COMMENT-BODY:Paul 67

To combat the long queues at the kiosks in the North Stand you should tell the SSM to hire a guy to go into the stands to sell macaroon bars and chewing gum (Tuity-Fruity off course) that will cut the queues by half.

Jumpersforgoalposts CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:05 COMMENT-BODY:Artur's replacement

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11800_3376172,00.html -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:08 COMMENT-BODY:oldtim -

company aside I'm not that keen on BB, it's too dear and too small. When NAFOS arrived unexpectedly the place was full !! Will make a late decision but a pint in the Teser is less than half the price of BB's cheapest ale. If they sold Brains it would be a no-brainer

token -

cheers for the tip, canny see me being down there soon. The Coach & Horses in Norwich has its own micro-brewery, best pub I've been in darn sarf.

WishyGuzzler -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:09 COMMENT-BODY:Alright Lhads,

Decent chat on here today and there is definitley a more determined aire around Timdom this last couple of days.

Enjoyed seeing wee Gord last night, (But did find it a wee bit strange that he was there at all after our recent results).
Enjoyed his discussion with the Beast (We don't often get clever analysis of our games)

Looking forward to a resounding roar on Saturday with all this determination to get behind the Bhoys.

Mucker -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Narrowbhoat Tim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:09 COMMENT-BODY:The Token Tim 16:54

Do any of the lassies from Holyoaks drink there? I could about put up with the Jazz music if they were there.

Real Ale & Real Totty CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:09 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67 -

are you around ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tic Talk COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:10 COMMENT-BODY:Nae bread 10/42

Thanks for that. Not exactly 12 home one away (or did I misread the original?) but still revealing, nevertheless....and maybe another factor that people should consider when comparing Gordon with Smith (a foul mouthed liar does not deserve the title ` MR`) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:11 COMMENT-BODY:oh aye..... and BB's has the coldest toilet in what-was-once-Christendom -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:13 COMMENT-BODY:...... and the toilet door in the Springfield Vaults lounge is the heaviest door in Europe (since Mr Mojo Risin' took a bath/went to Africa - delete as apt) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:15 COMMENT-BODY:....honestly that door is like a funfair hammer/bell challenge. it's like being in a scrum wi only you in your team -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

LennyBhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:16 COMMENT-BODY:Just got to log and share the good news, my name sake will return tomorrow as first team coach to replace Tommy until he is well again.

Keep the Faith!

Hail Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:16 COMMENT-BODY:..... I dream about that door frequently, that it puts on a stone between matches. It is Door Hartson. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Spirit of Arthur Lee COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:16 COMMENT-BODY:WcG

Dont hang about the toilets then

George Michael CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:17 COMMENT-BODY:lennybhoy -

get him bloody well stripped for the mothers -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:18 COMMENT-BODY:LennyBhoy,

Eh?

Thought he was helping Lambert at Wycombe? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:19 COMMENT-BODY:Arthur Lee -

it's the Sptringy Lounge ffs, everybody's near the toilet door.

" 3 pints of Guinness and a bullmaster, hen. I need a hit or a miss. " -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:22 COMMENT-BODY:If the bog door in the Springy Lounge married the mop in the Market Bar bog...... ????? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tic Talk COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:22 COMMENT-BODY:WGS

Is `The Teser` a real name? What and where is it? Which beers does it sell? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

LennyBhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:24 COMMENT-BODY:Winninggemmell:

He might not play, but he will sort out the Bhoys from the pretenders!!

WGS:

Yip you are right he WAS at Wycombe, but he is on his way home as we speak.

Remember where you heard it first.

Don't know if Paul has heard yet, but put your money on it.

Keep the Faith.

Hail Hail. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Narrowbhoat Tim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:29 COMMENT-BODY:How's the toilets at Teser, I hope they don't have a line that goes straight to the beer cellar. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:30 COMMENT-BODY:tic talk -

it is the Wetherspoon's outlet in Wishaw (ML2) and it sells all the normal chemical-addled slurp plus guest real ales, normally 4 or 5 different ales at any one time. If you make your way to ML2 Arthur Lee will buy us some.

WG(nae S) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:33 COMMENT-BODY:narrowbhoat -

the toilets in the Teser are pristine and checked by the staff bi-annually whether they need it or not. Last year we went 6 months without a floor in the Gents and I jest not a mote. People slept down there.Bluddy wineshafters !! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:39 COMMENT-BODY:.... a tile/fake flagstone became loose in the toilet so they made an X out of yon yellow and black tape (as if you cudny see the tile was missing) as a safety measure.

HOWIVVVVVVVA

being That Wishaw, the local neds could and did then lever the other tiles off the floor for their hooses' patios.

We were left wi nae tiles, nae flair and come the winter we had an ice-rink to negotiate before our tepid urine could bring some warmth to the proceedings. They've got linoleum down now, ned-resistant it is too......... so far. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:40 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67,

Has Lennybhoy stole your exclusive next article? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Nae Bread come on the 'tic! COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:44 COMMENT-BODY:WinningGemmel

Whats been the star of the teaser ales so far?

Going to pop into Wihterspoons in the town at the weekend for a couple of jars.

Ta ! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:48 COMMENT-BODY:nae bread -

it's early days but I'd say Hopping Hare has leaped into the lead. However this is like Hearts being at the top of the league after three games. There's a long way to go yet. I'm particularly looking forward to the Belgian Ecaussines Cookie Beer flavoured with ginger and cinnamon.

Joos ! Joos! Joos ! Joos ! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:52 COMMENT-BODY:....in autre mots :-

" they have no bread "

" let them drink cookie " -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:53 COMMENT-BODY:Sir Paul

A Catering Problem...?

Solution?

Easay Peasay!

Hire a Superior Catering Management Team!

Augment this with an Observational Trip to DODGER STADIUM...in L.A.

Find out how to really make yer Catering Swing!!!!!

Really?... Really!

Ach!

Kojo. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

AbMucker COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:54 COMMENT-BODY:Winninggemmell,

"My favourite band" and I didn't know too many people still held out the Africa Conspiracy Theory!

Mr Mojo Risin and his strange perceptions.

Strange Days
Mucker -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

LACeltic COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:56 COMMENT-BODY:Tommy Burns should be given another chance as Celtic manager. He knows the Scottish game better than anyone else. Didn't his Celtic teams equal the points of MON's teams??? Plus Tommy is a real Celtic man and that's what is needed right now. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tic Talk COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:56 COMMENT-BODY:WGS

Thanks for that (And for ML2 ,I often wondered whaat that was).I am off to Wetherspoons in Arbroath tomorrow. If I am suitably impresed with anything on offer, I will post a recommendation. For what it is worth, my favourite beer is Harveys of Lewes (Near Brighton). Unfortunately, I have never seen it in Alba.
I really don`t see Der Hun winning tonight. 0-0.
Thanks again (and does Arthur Lee KNOW that he will be buying us some if i ever visit?) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 17:59 COMMENT-BODY:My dear dear dear dear amigo, Kojo

I noted with much satisfaction your rescinding of The Cast Towel.

That's mair like it.

And for your penance: three Ours, two Hails and a Glory Be

Ad Te Absolvo

Your amigo, WG, who forgives ye

PS Keep those gaskets unblown re Mr Lennon !!! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Narrowbhoat Tim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:01 COMMENT-BODY:Winningemmell

Neds in Wishaw? Shurely Shome Mishtake.

Weatherspoons have nice toilets usually with a fruit machine inside.

The Weatherspoons in Warwick Market Square is a Thomas Lloyds Bar so there is music. Check these Posh Toilets, nothing but the best for the good gentry of the"Shire".

Posh toilets but they lost its late licence because of duelling at closing time. The Market Square would be filled at midnight with manservants holding their Squires good tweed jaikets while they get into a punch up (Marquis of Queensbury rules off course).

I stay well away from the place, besides if they knew I was a marxist they would hang me from the nearest gas-lit lampost.

Boginspectors CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:01 COMMENT-BODY:wg are you partaking in said watering hole of a Sunday afternoon?

Chemical Added Ali Bongo Drinker -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:03 COMMENT-BODY:tic talk -

the beers on offer are at the mercy of the individual pub's managers so let us know what's good and bad (beauty is in the eye of the beerholder etc) - there are quite a few of us in the Ale Clique so we look forward to reading your swally summaries.

abmucker -

love The Doors but there's so much more to LOVE.

Slainte

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

LennyBhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:04 COMMENT-BODY:Winninggemmell:

Tis true about Lenny.

Hail Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:04 COMMENT-BODY:LennyBhoy,

Well done mate It's offical -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:05 COMMENT-BODY:Uly -

of a Sunday evening when the diners and their weans have fled

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

LennyBhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:06 COMMENT-BODY:WGS:

Where you hear?

Don't get many scoops, but they are always good.

Hail Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:07 COMMENT-BODY:lennybhoy -

didny no believe ye. I just hope Kojo disny go off on one.

narrowbhot -

the neds would be tourists from the nether reaches of ML1 -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Nae Bread come on the 'tic! COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:07 COMMENT-BODY:Winninggemmel
3/04/08 17:44, 'winningemmell said…

nae bread -

it's early days but I'd say Hopping Hare has leaped into the lead. However this is like Hearts being at the top of the league after three games.

Had me in stitches ! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:08 COMMENT-BODY:WG not partaking at all or just not there? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ardoch COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:10 COMMENT-BODY:Good to have Neil Lennon back at Celtic Park. 1st job, pin Donatti to the wall and tell him to get his finger out. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:10 COMMENT-BODY:If Lenny's arrived back either GS is planning to stay right enough, or Lambert will be up the road in the summer.

London yesterday and appearng at the emirates on Sky last night starting to add up now. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:11 COMMENT-BODY:Uly -

I don't normally go out during the day on a Sunday, always at night. For you I could make an exception.

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bhoy Sean COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:11 COMMENT-BODY:Excellent news to have Lenny back we've missed his precense. Hopefully he'll be influential for us like McCoist is for Rangers. Lenny knows the club and loves teh club and he'll be good for the players I think. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:11 COMMENT-BODY:Pithy Pun

Is Obama sin laden? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:14 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear,dear, Friend...(A Fourer?....ed)( So, He is a favorite...so whit?)....WG.

I should have harkened mair attentively and assiduously, to these woids o' ma Mammy's!

"Ne'er cast a Cloot ....till May be Oot! "

S'Atright?

S'aweright!

Kojo.
yer pal... who is noo OOT... o' da Haberdashery Bizness! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:14 COMMENT-BODY:wgs,

are you Russell Grant ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

mpre27 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:16 COMMENT-BODY:Well mates, this is it...

Cross your fingers!

http://oculoverde.blogspot.com/ -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:17 COMMENT-BODY:Cead Mille Failte, Lenny -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

setting free the bears COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:17 COMMENT-BODY:We need to calm down about Neil Lennon. He's coming back to try out coaching with the reserves and the youth teams. His days as a presence in the first team are gone and he will not be part of the first team coaching squad. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Narrowbhoat Tim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:17 COMMENT-BODY:If you ever see these Beers from Warwick snap them, liquid nector they are.

WG

Are you sure the neds didn't take the tiles out of Teser's toilets so they could make a large Scrabble game for those unfortunate souls with bad eyesight?

Doublescore CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

LennyBhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:18 COMMENT-BODY:WGS:

Just seen it on CFC website.

Keep the Faith.

Hail Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

LennyBhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:19 COMMENT-BODY:WGS:

Just seen it on CFC website.

Keep the Faith.

Hail Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:22 COMMENT-BODY:Aw Naw,

I got bit carried away there. I'm over the moon that Lenny's back. A voice to get those players going.

One player who will benefit big time will be Scott Brown. Lenny will get the fire going in his belly. I remeber when we signed him i think Neil was guuted he wouldn't be around to play with him.

Looking at McCoist(sorry cheerleader) on the telly. Grinning away. Lenny will be gunning for him. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

setting free the bears COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:22 COMMENT-BODY:There have been a lot of posts suggesting that dwindling crowds are directly related to our team's poorer performances this season and dissatisfaction with WGS.

If this were the main factor, surely the converse would be true i.e Rangers should be enjoying bumper crowds after experiencing unforeseen success. Yet, they are advertising that you can buy tickets for the UEFA quarter finals right up to kick off in the papers. If they are struggling to sell less than 50,000 for such a big match, the it suggests the whole of SPL are in trouble.

Too many boring repeat fixtures have got as much to do with this. Is it time to return to a 16 or 18 club Top Division in Scotland? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:23 COMMENT-BODY:SettinTheBearsFree,

He is helping out with the first team while TB is out of action with his illness. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

LennyBhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:24 COMMENT-BODY:setting free the bears.

Lenny is back as first team coach with immediate effect.

He will move to the reserve role when Tommy is fighting fit again...not that he aint already.

Hail Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Jack the bhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:25 COMMENT-BODY:setting free the bears - he is coaching the first team as noted on the celtic web site

"Neil will be working with the first team under the direction of Celtic manager Gordon Strachan.

The Irishman, a hero among supporters throughout his time at the club, takes up his new role immediately and will be in the dugout at Celtic Park on Saturday for the game against Motherwell." -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bhoy Sean COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:26 COMMENT-BODY:Setting Free the Bears

It says ont he official site that he's part of the first team coaching squad and will be pitch-side at the weekend. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

johnnyquest COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:26 COMMENT-BODY:Roy Keane?,no thanks,he banged on about being Celtic fan,then waited until he was done before joining us,i would not have signed him as player,even with his undoubted ability.As for him "sorting out",our enemies.the fact that he was tough on the field bears no relevance off it,i,oersonally,don't care whether the next manager is
"Celtic minded"or not,but,for what it's worth,RK does not fall into that category. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

setting free the bears COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:27 COMMENT-BODY:BTW

Ignore my Lennon post. Clyde have announced Neil will be on the bench as part of the coaching set up against Motherwell.

I can't help but see this as a bad move. Neil going straight into the first team coaching set up will see him as either a ghost at the feast (WGS's last supper?) or as a see-through sop to the anti-WGS crowd to stop booing. Either way it could undermine WGS's authority.

Hope I'm wrong but I want my coaches at Celtic to be tried and tested coaches not playing legends with no coaching credentials. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:29 COMMENT-BODY:Welcome home Neil Lennon, one of the few men to take several (I think) pay cuts to wear the Hoops.

For Neil Lennon (and the press he's got) read the fake media darling that is Ally McCoist and you see what we've been lacking this season.

Hope you stay for many a year. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

madeira bhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:36 COMMENT-BODY:has anyone read Walter Smith's comments about the league extention which Darryl King and others report.

Under headlines of Walter- we wont ask for an extension and other similar ones, he states categorically

"But can I just clarify no-one from Rangers has ever asked the SPL to extend the season and we will not ask them to extend the season.

"If we do carry on being successful and we have the number of games then, from our point of view, you'd expect a wee bit of help because it might become impossible for them not to extend the season to let us fit in the games."

Am i missing something here? In a story with a headline specifically that they wont ask for an extension, and after he specifically says he wont ask for an extension, he erm,,, asks for an extension. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

stpatricksbhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:38 COMMENT-BODY:Welcome home Neil Lennon,get well Tommy

Hail Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Glasgowsellick COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:43 COMMENT-BODY:Just a thought on last night's Arsenal game.

Does anyone else think that Liverpool could be deemed guilty of 'Anti-Football'??

They played 4-5-1 (if not 5-4-1) and were only interested in stopping Arsenal play. They have been commended for a 'job well done' and 'professional performance' etc etc.

GS -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

syllawhowasmince COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:43 COMMENT-BODY:i for one am very pleased with lenny's appointment. i think he'll add fire that has been missing this season. strachan and lenny obviously have great respect for each other and were very successful working together over the previous seasons. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Narrowbhoat Tim COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:45 COMMENT-BODY:Am I being cynical or do you think the board appointed Lennon to appease the "Celtic Minded insistence" of our support and to buy time for WGS. I feel with this appointment means that WGS is here for least another year.

One good thing about this appointment, it will make a good story for the next thread that Paul 67 has to write. I mean he was running out of ideas for threads, come on a thread aboyt "Kiosks" what was going to be next, "Celtic must up the percentage of meat in their pies"

Welcome back Lennon, I said in a much earlier post that WGS must act more like Stalin, now he has Lennon beside him and I've got the Trotskys but I'm not going to use the Loo in Tesers as it has no floor.

Waitngforthegreatleapforward CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Celt33 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:48 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

tighnabruaich67 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 18:49 COMMENT-BODY:johnnyquest

What is "Celtic minded"

T67 -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

brigtonbhoy COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 19:00 COMMENT-BODY:Don't know if this already been posted - taken from at comment posted on celticunderground

"I know we have other things to concern us at the moment…but just to lower the tone for a minute..

It could be that Celtic Park might not be the only place making big changes in the summer. A friend of a friend (an insider) as Gerry would say …claims that the high heedyins at Radio Clyde have been concerned that the “flagship” show Superscoreboard is not firing on all cylinders.
.

They brought in a consultant around Christmas and he has reported back…loadsa guff ....target demographic, losing listeners to Real Radio, Talk Sport and Radio Scotland etc etc everything that everyone else has known for a few years. Don’t know what prompted it but at a guess …money.

There is good news and bad news I’m afraid….Keevins will be taking the long walk on the short plank, curiously enough…. not for all the annoying, sinusy , barry white that he has spouted for years..but for being “dull”

Provan …out….don’t know why and don’t care.

Peter Martin and Big DJ came out well…(I know ! )…..so the plan is to use them as a team anchoring a lighter show on alternate nights with another team which will include Andy Walker and “a big hitter”doing the serious issues.

Looks like wee Andy has made an impression on someone with the Scotsport gig. All those digs at Celtic paid off then.

Our insider was a bit refreshed when this was discussed so I checked with him before putting this on line. He seemed unconcerned…friar tuck was mentioned.

Don’t know many Celtic fans who listen to it anymore but worth a laugh at Shuggy if you can get on air and ask him."

Terry O'Neill - you da man to make the phone call to Keevins. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

jungle-ed COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 19:03 COMMENT-BODY:Hello CQNers,
not posted in a while.

Just a few thoughts on the blog.

Going back to the original thread,

it strikes me everytime i visit

the kiosk at CP, that a lot of the

staff are hopeless! As half of

them are p/t, u16 and don't have a

great grasp of English.

I think a good idea (from a

customers point of view) might be

to invite a high st. food retailer

into partnership, as they could

supply experienced staff onmatch

days as well as deliver a better

standard of fare.

As for swapping our successful

manager for Roy Keane??? Our next

manager must have a proven track

record IMO.

Hail Hail

Jungle-ed -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Celt33 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 19:03 COMMENT-BODY:I really should use spell check. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 19:05 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear,dear friend... WGS.

Lennon came home!

Anybody, who has ever read my own opinions on the dear Bhoy...will know that I have never been enraptured with His style of Play.

I have never made any bones about that opinion, either.

I never liked his obsequious attitude...as a Celtic Team Captain ... either!

I believe that he was completely mis-cast in that capacity.

However....

As a true Dyed in the Joisey Celtic Man...he has earned nothing, but my supreme ADMIRATION.

In making a return, at this important juncture in the Championship Race,Lennon has my heartiest support and unfliching devotion.

I deem that his addition will turn out to be a Coup of great Magnitude, which can have a startling effect, in REVERSING the direction... that this Beleaguered Celtic Team had been hurtling.

Also.... his RETURN...is a vindication...whether by co-incidence or not...I will leave that conclusion up to my readers...of my recommendation that...

The Celtic Management Administration must return to its ROOTS!

The G.A. have seen the error of their ways... and have ceased in their efforts to please the P.C. crowd.

And their dishearting recent success which has been achieved ,under their old war-horse, Mr. Smith..has Ratified their Decision....Big TIME!

I hope that the Return of Lennon is the Paraclete that will point to a complete and utter return to our ROOTS.

Kojo.
yer pal... who is being serious....for a change. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

ianinjesi COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 19:05 COMMENT-BODY:Anti football.
Liverpool were the away team so that is expected. Messi said Rangers played anti football after a match at Ibrox.
Welcome back Lenny, hopefully he can lift our midfield players. Surely Donati and Sno are not beyond saving? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Celt33 COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 19:06 COMMENT-BODY:itzallova@13:14

Hearts in the SC semi '88 was a defining moment for me as a young Celtic fan. My second season as a book holder (or did we have a card that year?)and my first season on the road with the away fans, every ground that season visited bar Aberdeen (no tickets) and the bigotdome (a promise I had made to my father to stay away from there).

I will never forget the feeling I of pride I had standing on the slopes of Hampden in awe of what I had just witnessed.

Was it the collective belief of the thousands willing our team on to victory?

Or

Was it the will of one man?

When Roy Aitken decided we were to go for the winner it seemed to me the whole support just knew it would be alright.

Wonderful memories.

No one left before the final whistle that day.

Come to think of it, no one left after the final whistle either.

Celt33 -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

pastyface COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 19:13 COMMENT-BODY:Have to say with regards Lenny's return. About time too. This job should have been offered when he finished playing for us last season.

Maybe it was and only now has he realised what he should be doing.

My only worry is that this is the build up to him replacing Strachan. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 19:16 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

Keane, Lambo, Mogga or MON to follow in the summer or does this suggest that Gordon will be getting another season? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Zbyszek COMMENT-DATE:03/04/08 19:16 COMMENT-BODY:Last post here.
Word kiosk comes from Turkish "kösk". Kebab - yes, programme - no. -------- TITLE: ITV win secondary UK Champions League rights AUTHOR: Paul67 DATE: 3/20/2008 09:13:00 PM ----- BODY: ITV have won secondary UK rights for Uefa Champions League game from 2009-2012. They will have first choice of one live game on a Wednesday during the group stage as well as one game from each of the latter rounds, including the final, that they will share with BSkyB. The BBC were expected to big for the rights, but decided against doing so. The value of the ITV bid has not been revealed; BSkyB were awarded the majority of the UK rights after bidding £240m.

Labels: Finance

-------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

newsletter COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:15 COMMENT-BODY:Paul - Am I right in thinking that ITV get to choose the best match on Wednesdays with BSkyB showing the remaining seven?

If so, not much chance of seeing Celtic in CL action on terrestrial TV! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:17 COMMENT-BODY:Two thing that bring tears to my eyes,

1 Being in my seat when they play the Champion's League Anthem and

2 Tonight's Procession.

At the risk of yet again being vilified,

STANDN UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS WHO ARE AND WHO ARE TO BE.

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

ElDiegoBhoy COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:18 COMMENT-BODY:Martin

Did you copy and paste from the previous thread? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:18 COMMENT-BODY:Newsletter, this is correct, however, I think they can choose a different first game to broadcast in Scotland and England. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

tinytim COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:20 COMMENT-BODY:Just posted this at the end of the last thread.

At 20/03/08 21:17, tinytim said…

Paul67

Thismancraig made a good point earlier about ,how we torture ourselves as Celtic fans.

It is in my nature when my back is against the wall that i strike out.Fightback.

After Rangers last two performances , i do not feel as bleak as i did last week.

It is not beyond the realms of possibilty that we can go to Ibrox and win.
That is providing we don't slip up against Gretna.If that were to happen the OF matches would be rendered meaningless as far as the destiny of the title is concerned.

I live in hope.Stranger things have happened.

On another note after the Darnel had beaten Lyon.They had six points.
We hadn't yet gathered a point.

I bet my Darnel loving biz partner that we would qualify, and they wouldn't.
I should have checked the bookies odd's.
All i got was a meal paid by him at The U.Chip.
He got off lightly.

This would be a good time to place a bet at the bookies.

I may just do the same.
I am fighting my own personal title challenge at present.
It is proving very testing.

I hope to be able to tell you more within the next month. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:20 COMMENT-BODY:E D B,

I am too old to be hanging wallpaper.

Copy and Paste, don't know how to.

You really did make me ask questions of myself.

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Nakagod COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:21 COMMENT-BODY:Posted this in the previous article just after Paul posted this new one.

Not posted in quite a few weeks due to work and family commitments but finally I have a couple of hours to myself to post.

I apologise if this is going over old ground and not relevant to the current discussion point but here goes.

I've spent the last hour or so reading over some of the comments post aberdeen game. Its difficult to be critical of the posters asking for GS to be removed or leave. I have always been someone who has supported the incumbent manager and tried to give my support to them. Alas though football is a fickle business and us fans are even more fickler (is that a word?)

I will still not call for strachan to leave, at the moment, I will still give him my full support, for now. There does come a time though when enough is enough. Is it enough yet? for me no, not just yet. We still have the opportunity to win the championship, for the third year in a row under our present gaffer. Sure it is going to take a monumental effort now, our backs are truly up against the wall. Strachan has to get the teams mentality corrected, he has to install in this team a ruthless domineering streak. A bully mentalitity that we have sorely missed.

All season, even back to his first season I always said his tactics worried me. Tuesday was informative in the extreme on this point. Why chasing a game in the last 20 minutes would you remain at 442 when completely dominating the game? why take your top scorer off to be replaced by another striker? even when your top scorer is having a mare, wouldnt we have a better chance of scoring with your top scorer than a defender? Surely a defender (Naylor) could have been sacrificed and we could have gone to 343. I know I am only repeating what others have already said on this point, but his tactics really do baffle me at times.

Which brings me to the point of motivation. Maybe we were spoiled for 5 years pre strachan regarding the managers ability to motivate a team or a player. I dont think Strachan is any better or any worse than any other manager regarding coaching, but there does seem to be a problem with his motivational skill. Just my opinion. How to correct something like that I dont know, short of changing the manager.

There is a problem with the team, the way we are playing in general seems to be going backwards, this is having direct consequences in the attendances and feelings of the fans. Gordon Strachan and the board cannot deny this, I know they dont. So we do have an admitted problem that has been getting worse and worse. To deny this is living with your head in the sand.

What would do if you were the manager right now? how would you change things? We have players in our team who are simply not earning their money. I am not saying they are not good enough because I believe the are. Hence motivation. Strachan needs to to motivate the team, how he does it i dont care, he just needs to do it and quick, real quick as if we end up winning nothing the pressure will be enormous for his departure and I dont think it would be wise for the board not to listen to the what seems a majority now and stick with him.

A lot has to be said for these players though, a core in particular who have disappointed so much this year. I wont name names, we all have our own favourites to moan about, but I bet most of us could name the same core group of underachievers.

Make no mistake, Strachan nows his future lies in the next 10 games. I personally hope that he has the ability to lift the team as I believe he has been a success. Some will say that the last 2 titles were due to the poorness of rangers but I disagree to a point, you still need to go out there and win games, which under Strachan we did no matter what they done. I have said before it is his tactics that are causing these problems with our performances. Now it seems its his inability to motivate that is adding to the fire.

Personally that whole team not just on tuesday but the week before and the week before that at aberdeen should have been read the riot act, in fact they should have been read the riot act a long time ago now. Time to get tough Gordon, the time to act is now, because if you dont, you I fear wont get many more chances at the helm of our great club. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:22 COMMENT-BODY:Tinytim,

Go On, Go ON, Go ON, You know you want to.

STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Zbyszek COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:22 COMMENT-BODY:The Narrowbhoat Tim

I love your post from the previous article about Canada. Impressed me very much. One thing scares me. How big must be the hen, that gives so big eggs? I imagine when somebody prepares the chicken soup all people in Canada have enough to eat. All eat the chicken soup made from one hen. Lucky people.

I'm checking the news and I found a lot of roumors in Poland about Artur Boruc move to Bayern Munich. I see that it's Daily Record article that caused them.

Daily Record article -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Han Solo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:23 COMMENT-BODY:If really we want this title-

we need some of this -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

loumacarisbettingslip COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:23 COMMENT-BODY:bbc have got the formula 1 at least ,can look forward to some of murray walkers crackers like oh " i think he is ok but his cars on fire", vroom vroom vroom for 2 hours dreary old beeb not there fault murdoch rules the world unfortunately

freedomofmonopolies csc -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

tinytim COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:23 COMMENT-BODY:EDB

How do you feel about the way things are going? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Han Solo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:26 COMMENT-BODY:and a bit more of this -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:27 COMMENT-BODY:Ten Games Left.

'I told you so' does not fit into the last sentence.

Cold mathematics.

Plenty left and a team that has as much to prove to its supporters as its critics.

Would you have it any other way?

I'm feeling good about being a Celtic supporter just now. Or maybe just more so.

Because I've been reminded, if I ever thought I needed it, of how much the establishment needs its whipping bhoy and by dint how much it has hated our decade of resurgence.

Are we going to moan, after all we've been through (won't mention that day), about them winning some trophies?

We'll still be Celtic supporters.

But right now the fight is not over. The team selections are not set.

The results are not set in stone people.

My belief in Celtic is - win, lose or draw.

10 games left.

Plenty of time to be ants at the picnic yet.

10 Games left.

U. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

tinytim COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:28 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42

We have been through tougher times as Celtic fans.
I just don't want to have to go into "always look on the bright side of Life " mode again. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:31 COMMENT-BODY:Tinytim,

Nor I, nor P67 nor E D B, and Han solo.

With the right attitude, we will prevail.

If that is not shown in the next 10 weeks, then I personally will lead the charge.

STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Han Solo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:31 COMMENT-BODY: Another hun getting skelped -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

ElDiegoBhoy COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:33 COMMENT-BODY:tinytim

I'll answer your question at a more appropriate time. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Thom The Thim COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:40 COMMENT-BODY:Han,

A nasty tackle, but Mutt still milked it and should have been booked for Smithulation. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Serutiku COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:42 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67 20:51 (from previous thread)

"Collie, I had a thought today: how much should I bet on Celtic winning the league championship?

I am not normally a betting man, but I can’t help but feel there are some easy pickings out there"

There's only one answer to that - you live in it - I'm sure the missus would understand. ;) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Han Solo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:43 COMMENT-BODY:Tinytim-

Do you think that if-

a majority of CQNers took the same P.O.V. of yourself,Sean South and others-

incessantly berating the Celtic manager on a public forum-

we would be clear at the top of the league -

- cantering to a domestic treble-

and possibly about to give Arsenal/Man United/Chelsea or Liverpool a good seeing to in The Champions league ?

Neither do I. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

loumacarisbettingslip COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:44 COMMENT-BODY:WHO IS BILLY DODDS

who exactly is this plonker
much to my shame i read his prognosis on celtic in a newspaper more known for its mammary glands than its news though after reading dodds drivel 1 has to come to the conclusision he is the biggest mammary gland
of all time
His answers to celtic and gordons troubles "erm doddy your team drew 1-1 with 5th in the first
division partick thistle ,suggest you address your own teams woes"
This pipsqueaks remedy was to put it mildly was sell half the celtic team as they are of bovine scattology quality,basically keep artur and aiden ,doddy you are a doddy of the doddiest kind were you once a member of ken dodds famous group -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:46 COMMENT-BODY:Serutiku

Pure, solid gold post.

Glad to see the site has got both its humour (Some of the best on the web) and its cojones back...

10 games left.

u
x -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Han Solo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:48 COMMENT-BODY:Thom The Thim-

I have absolutely no time whatsoever for the ignorant, morally inept Ashley Cole-

I have even less time for the loathsome cheat Hutton.

Have to agree with you about muttons over -reaction and trying to get the innocent,ball playing Cole booked.

Shocking behaviour. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

mesatim COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:50 COMMENT-BODY:sorry, new to this blog thing!you dont have any info as to the champions league rights in ireland?
any help as to finding out would be a great!
as for W.g.s. i think we should back the wee man. if not we run the risk of becoming no better than our rivals. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Fred C. Dobbs COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:53 COMMENT-BODY:It doesn’t matter what our manager has won for us. The media hate him and the sheep amongst our support do as they are told.
I remember Fergus and all he did for us, but the media hated him so they told the sheep to hate him, and the sheep obliged.
This was a man who helped save our club, and when he raised the flag the sheep booed him! They should have bleated! IMO. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 21:54 COMMENT-BODY:Tinytim

Thanks, and that's the spirit!

2008 might just have to be a famous year!

tmc -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

loumacarisbettingslip COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:01 COMMENT-BODY:celtic as a club has faced adversity since its inception
and still do including right up to the present day
adversity brings out the best in celtic
to our foes who are plenty
to our enemies there are a multitude
celtic in adversity are unbeatable

3 in a row -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

EdwardUrsus COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:02 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42 :- I may think your closing statement is only half right but I don't think anyone should ever be vilified for encouraging their team. Debate should always be about the mesage not the messenger or in this case in a blog, the post and not the poster. I like the tolerant ethos of this blog and think more folk shoud follow it. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Serenity COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:06 COMMENT-BODY:Been off with a bug the last few days so I decided to watch some of our early games of the season. Bhoy did we play well. I can see why WGS preferred midfield is Aiden, Massimo, Scott and Naka as they produced some brilliant displays back then. He must be scratching his head and wondering why this same midfield are not producing the same brand of football now.

Scott looks more under pressure these days and looks more likely to “lose the hied” than his opponent. Massimo doesn’t seem as mobile as he was in the early days, doesn’t seem to get forward enough and his passing isn’t as good. Both Aiden and Naka seemed to get more support when they were on the ball in those early days of the season, with more options for the pass.

What has happened since then? it has been suggested that WGS tactics are to blame, that he keeps players to rigidly to their allotted area’s of the field, personally I don’t buy that one. Is it the players themselves that have just lost confidence? was it all just a flash in the pan? who knows?

Has the crowd anything to do with it? I wasn’t there on Tuesday night as I watched it in the pub but we played well for twenty or so minutes and then we seemed to loose our way. Did the crowd get to the team? We all know how fragile the confidence of some players is., but it can’t be the crowd surely?

Just what is the problem with these players, we know they can play well together as a midfield. Is it because the centre midfield gets changed around so often? but it can’t be that, ManU do that nearly every week and it doesn’t effect them. So what is it? Looking at these early matches I would say that that was our best midfield and I am sure WGS persevered with them, hoping for a return to that early form.

So what does he do now, still persevere with them, does he try 4-3-3, 4-5-1, 3-4-3? Well 3 at the back is never going to happen, do we have a front man who could play the lone striker? maybe Samaras but noone else, but I don’t think WGS would play him there ahead of JVOH. My prefered formation would be 4-3-3 with a midfield of Aiden, Paul and Scott with a front 3 of Samaras, Skippy and Naka. The defence should stay as it is as to many changes might have an adverse effect on the team? or maybe that is just what we want!

Hail,Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Jamie COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:10 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,elp

Your posts are long and boring.

The ego has landed!

Please keep your finacial wizardry to yourself. I usually scroll past them but can't help but comment this time -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WizardofOz COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:10 COMMENT-BODY:I have criticised our managers tactics. I have, at times, criticised his team selections. I believe I am entitled to do so. It's only an opinion. But.....
I have never booed him or the team and I never will.

And despite my resevations, I will continue to back my team, in the full belief that we can still win a third SPL title in a row. I just want to see a Celtic team, out on the pitch, that mirrors my belief.

We are facing a tiring, average Rangers side. I do not fear them.

I believe our biggest challenge will be the MIB'S. Not just in our three games against them, but in every one of the 10 ganes we have left.

I will not concede the title at any time.
I sense a historic 10 game run a-coming. I hope the players do too. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:17 COMMENT-BODY:oh I am loving this blog tonight.

there is only now.

gordon will pick the team he feels is up to the job on Sunday...

they will then perform.

one victory of ten

10 g lft

don't believe their hype

u. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

sixoclockatthechapel COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:24 COMMENT-BODY:WizardofOz- I like that -a kind of a mini 10 in a row!!

Jamie - prepare to be "Kojoed" !!

ps - I think I saw him post before that he doesn't give a jot about anyone's scrolling habits- Good Luck!

KTF -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WizardofOz COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:24 COMMENT-BODY:Can someone refresh my memory.
Did we play a 4-5-1 away to Spartak Moscow with Skippy as the lone striker?
Honestly can't remember. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:26 COMMENT-BODY:Serutiku, :-)

I had a good laugh at that, thanks. Unfortunately, Mrs 67 is not here, so I cannot share it with her.

Welcome Mesatim, no info on Ireland. The nations are allocated at different times, so Ireland might not be decided yet.

WizardofOz, correct. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

PJBhoynyc COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:38 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67...

Where

is

she?

Bookies? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:38 COMMENT-BODY:Paul dodged the question

Paul dodged the question

Paul dodged the question

C'mon - house? or that cute little ferrari you drive? ? ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

newsletter COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:40 COMMENT-BODY:Loumacarisbettingslip - the following may or may not be a transcript of Billy Dodds interview with a media organisation.

Interviewer : Billy, can you tell me about your general experience?
Billy : I worked for Rangers

I : What about your journalist skills
B : I worked for Rangers

I : Any qualifications; degree, HND?
B : I worked for Rangers

I : What about writing skills?
B : I worked for Rangers

I : What about oratory skills, presentational abilities?
B : I worked for Rangers

I : The job is yours.

Apparently this format was so successful it was passed around various media outlets and used as a template for interviews of the following :-

Derek Johnstone
Daryl King
Craig Paterson
Mark Hateley
Gordon Smith
Ian McCall
Alex McLeish
Darryl Broadfoot
Craig Brown

and many others -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Lubo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:40 COMMENT-BODY:jamie,

If you scroll by why does it promt you to have a dig at Kojo?

Chill mate.

Kojo is the Nakamura of this blog. Some people complain about his contributions, some, like you have a go, others appreciate his input... and naebody can understand a word he says :-)

But his heart is in the right place. Celtic. No Doubt.

Kojo

Lubo. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:40 COMMENT-BODY:EdwardU,

On Tuesday evening a poster vilified both my son and myself on this blog.

This person used the blog provided by my son to attack him.

Now this person can say what he likes about me, I have seen bigger and worse people than him off, but when he abuses either of my sons, then he oversteps the mark.

He has made me his lifelong enemy.

He will regret that in the fullness of time.

Edward thanks for your support. it is most welcome.

Cheers,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:47 COMMENT-BODY:PJBhoy, she’s back. And watching.

Ulysses, it’s one thing betting your house, but what kind of crazy man would bet his car? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:48 COMMENT-BODY:Terry, you have mail. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

sixoclockatthechapel COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:49 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42 - I noticed that post from Tuesday night as well and thought it was well below the belt.For what it's worth you have my support as well.

Must say though that was the 1st I knew of any connection between you and Paul67!

Also thought I had seen some-one vilifying the "Stand up for the Champions" sign off which you are very fond of - what would they have you say instead?? - strange!!

Stand up for the Champions!! (Every -time!) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:51 COMMENT-BODY:Jamie

I never direct any of my advice to the denizens...who live in the part of the farm....where it is advisable to hold one's nose, when passing.

As you,by your singular attitude,are well qualified to inhabit that particular place...I am not in the least surprised, that my Pearls were ignored. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

skippyisagoalmachine(10till3UFB) COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 22:55 COMMENT-BODY:MADEIRABHOY - genius! absolutely brilliant.

brought a very big smile to my face mate :))) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:02 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo?

Where is the love?

For he knows not.

To the venerable Martin four & two...

I've had the pleasure to have sampled your inclusiveness. Save your Cyber rage for a more fitting opponent.

SUFTC

Ten games left.

We worry them. They do not worry us.

u.

x. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:02 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear, friend... Lubo...

My,woid... t'anks,pal...

Ye hiv earned an extra "dear" fur that!

No quite enough,though tae go intae ma Will!.... but,whit the heck!... I hivnae, really goat round tae writin' wan! .... so... mebbe,ye've still goat a chance!

Kojo.
yer pal...who is proud as Punch. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:11 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear, friend Odysseus.

Love?

Who said anything about love?..

Soitenly, no Jamie!

S'awright?
S'awright!

Here was I... innocently, minding EVERYBOADY else's business... and he comes along , and puts his snout in!

So....

Ye maks yer play...and ye tak da Consequences!

Makes a wholelotta sense...

Tae Me,Tae Me!

Kojo.
yer pal....through thick and Thicker!......which is a heckava loat bettah ...dan through... "thin" -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Hiro_Nakamura COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:11 COMMENT-BODY:I think there has been a bit of an over-reaction to our last two results. We have been unlucky with our finishing, although there has been little variety or imagination in most of our play.
And we seem to have little idea how to tackle the 10 men behind the ball tactic, which is a worry when it is very clear that will be the approach adopted by our opponents on March 29.

However, our opponents on that day have failed to win any of their last 3 fixtures in the regulation 90 (or ET), although their morale has been boosted by the penalty shootout win in the Diddy Vase Final.

Equally, it's not so long since we were skelping teams, and gong 2-1 up on FC Barcelona. We won't continue to miss chances.

Overall, I think there is cause for optiism -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

skippyisagoalmachine(10till3UFB) COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:12 COMMENT-BODY:10till3 = 10 games till 3 in a row -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Hiro_Nakamura COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:14 COMMENT-BODY:Or even cause for opTIMism -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:23 COMMENT-BODY:I was hit with a bit of harsh Football fear on Tuesday night.

Avoided all media until tonight, and been thinking today a right good rack up of goals on Sunday could turn things around.
It is actually a must, we must start playing Football again and scoring goals.

Hopefully confidence would be lifted and we can continue.

One thing though?
Does anyone know which players are a booking away from a suspension?

Barca opted out of the Copa Del Rey tonight, KOs are the new black, all the great clubs are doing it this season. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

pfayr COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:26 COMMENT-BODY:nice to see positive mental attitude pervading the blog

i must admit to have calmed down a little since tuesday

it was due in no small part to the rotten mob`s atrocious display last night ....my mate is a harry rag and was at the game , apparently they were really awful.when that is taken together with their bad performance on sunday then perhaps they are proving falable....particularly when bazza isn`t playing ....any news on his ankle injury?

we have to get our own house in order however ....nice to see the SPL giving the gretna players a we boost just before they play us by assisting with the wages until the end of the season ...you couldn`t make it up -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

pfayr COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:29 COMMENT-BODY:malceye

who`s going to do the slapping

the captain`s too busy hand clapping and the managers too busy being obtuse to the media

big Artur would be my man -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:29 COMMENT-BODY:Hey Kojo

Amigo

jamie probably gets bored during his games loading.

But let's allow him his push...

Though God help him from the rebuke...

10 games left.

u. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BHOYSFOUR COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:33 COMMENT-BODY:When do the clocks go ahead in the UK?

BFwhowantstoknowCSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

loumacarisbettingslip COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:34 COMMENT-BODY:newsletter

agree wholeheartedley ,just shows how the huns have successfully or rather unsuccessfully imfiltrated the maindtream media
gets on my nerves having to tell intelligent people DONT BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ in these rags they are scumbags of the highest order
just look at maddies parents and what they suffered at there evil hands

off topic kojo auld pal what do you make of the HBOS scandal with dealers causing unnessery panic by misleading the public and to be investigated by the FSA,how does that lye with your capitalistic tendencies Bear stern leheman brothers not a bull market ,more of a cheats market

Adamsmithwealthofnations csc -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:36 COMMENT-BODY:BF

Early doors on Sunday March 30, just after we celebrate skelping the hun. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:37 COMMENT-BODY:Madeira bhoy, deleted, language.

Malceye, deleted, language.

Bhoysfour, next weekend. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

oldtim67 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:42 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67.

You've got mail. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Graham COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:44 COMMENT-BODY:first time blogger,did it work? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:45 COMMENT-BODY:Graham It did.

From a fhellow Graham -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

pfayr COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:46 COMMENT-BODY:martin 42

your scaring me ....you don`t have any spare horses heads ....do you???

BTW ...said vilifier is a miserable merchant of doom and should be ignored ...one should only get annoyed when you are let down by someone who`s opinion matters

STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BHOYSFOUR COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:46 COMMENT-BODY:Thanks Paul,

I was thinking it would be an early rise over here, but the extra hour helps just notice that the game is a late kickoff though, which is unusual for an old rivals game.

BF -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:47 COMMENT-BODY:go graham

woohoo

welcome to Dante's unwritten level of hell...

u -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:47 COMMENT-BODY:What happened to Graham's post? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:47 COMMENT-BODY:Joke, Graham :) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

~Kevtic COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:48 COMMENT-BODY:There has been no over reaction this week. We have struggled all season at home when we fail to take an early lead.

We must find good form for the run in.

Trouble is some of our players have nothing left to give. Namely our two best performers McDonald and McGeady.
Our defence is fine although Balde would still be my preferred choice.
Our midfield is the problem.
Only Aiden has performed constantly well all season, the rest have struggled. I don't know our four best midfielders hopefully the manager can pick the right ones for the various games that lie ahead.

It's still up to the players (and manager) whether they want it or believe they can take it. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

pfayr COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:48 COMMENT-BODY:BHOYSFOUR

what time is the KO for hun game -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:50 COMMENT-BODY:Sir Paul

Fuggetttttabouttttttt, awe this pussy footing, knitting be ...that this blog has coalesced into!

It's gettin' to be a wee knitting bee...full o'...

Too much darn agreeers!....(Is that woid?...ed)( All together now,lads... "It is ...NOW!)

We really hiv tae get a bettah subject goin'

Say! I got it!

Eureka! ( Na!...ye've no,pal.... Eureka means " I Have it!...ed)( so check dat,den...)

I Have it!

Now,now that it looks like Mr.Strachan may end his Troubled Tenure, by no taking his place at the Plate, next season... ( Troubled?...personally ,I wid go wi... Semi- Triumphant Tenure!...ed)( Okay... we'll compromise then ,pal... and go with .... Troubled Tenure!)

So... then.... let's 'ave, ye men...

Who or should it be Whom, would you propose as to be the Next Latest and Greatest Handy Dandy... Kicking Post, that we should select as our next Manager?

I know to whom, I would Propose.. but there again... that's a whole different Subject!

So....

Who dae ye fancy,then..?

Kojo. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:50 COMMENT-BODY:Sixoclock,

Thanks for your support.

The weasel who wrote the article is just that, a weasel.

You must be the only blogger who does not know about Father and son, so welcome to the club.

STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS EVERY TIME.

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:51 COMMENT-BODY:KevTic

Kind of agree, would love to rest those two at the weekend, but dont think we can.
On top of that I think McD is flying about next week as well. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Graham COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:54 COMMENT-BODY:amazing, cant believe it has my name u, now everyone can know! im glad though as i have been reading this site for ages, finally got a log on, through no want of trying. I am totally hooked on this site, all postings wether i agree or not are in general good reads, i look foward to theh chats. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:55 COMMENT-BODY:Ulysses,

You are, of course correct, he is not worth the effort, but forgiveness, well he has, this time overstepped the mark, so no way jose.

Thanks for your support,

STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS EVERY TIME.

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

PJBhoynyc COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:55 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo

Obvious....
Gordon
in
an
Untroubled
or
Totally
Triumphant
New
Tenure...
Perfect! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:57 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

Has the man from Portugal answered Dermot's call yet?

Only jesting:)

Does out manager have the b**ls to drop certain players at the weekend? Will he finally admit he got it wrong with our two centre halves and re instate big Bobo for the up and coming Rangers game?

My team aginst Rangers would be:

Boruc
Hinkel
Balde
O'Dea
Naylor
Brown(only just included)
Hartley
Robson
McGeady
Samaras
McDonald

I would rest McDonald on Sunday in preparation for the up and coming game agaiinst Rangers at Ibrox.

Paul67,

As well as our defenders do you think that nig Jan's strip is on a shookly nail and might be punted in the summer as well.

Ideally i would involve him in a cash plus deal with a dutch club. Think the players we could potentially get. Hofland, Heitinga, Emanuleson, Vermaelen,, Kenneth Perez, Salcido, Eric Addo, Tim De Cler .

I would say Huntelaar but that's dream land. Others are reasonable though and JVOH reputation in Holland is very big. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

malone19 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 23:59 COMMENT-BODY:The ramifications of Celtic’s performance against Aberdeen will be felt for years to come.

Losing the chance to win yet another trophy midweek was tough to take, the players have disappointed over the past few weeks more-so than they have over the course of the season. However, it wasn’t until the disappointment of our loss had dampened till I realised the potential damage the poor performance could cause.

The number of kids at Celtic Park on Tuesday was noticeable, children running to the touchlines in hope of a treasured autograph from one of their heroes, while neither the starting eleven nor the subs make any effort to facilitate the fans this incident fades into insignificance when you consider the effect the performance and consequent result could have on our long term appeal.

Many of those attending the game, which provided free entry for children with an accompanying adult (a loyalty enhancing strategy that the club is unlikely to implement on any kind of regular basis in the future), done so for the first time. Tuesday was our opportunity to build a new segment of loyal fans, ready to support our club for years to come. While many will turn out to be hardcore supporters (and we as a club benefit from a high percentage that will attend, buy merchandise and give all kinds of support in different ways through thick and thin) of the future, I fear we have not capitalised in selling the club to those important ‘marginal’ fans who could be swayed to give their undying support given an inspirational performance.

We’re not simply competing with other SPL clubs anymore or the adoption of rugby, today’s sporting world is global. For those young children attending on Tuesday, Celtic must compete with not only Scotland’s traditional sports but a whole range of other entertainment services whether that be American sports, computer games or (and probably more worryingly) previously indirect competitors such as the EPL. If kids start to lose interest in Celtic as England successfully brand their league as ‘the best in the world’ then we’re in trouble! For every child who decides to support Manchester United over Celtic we lose merchandise, ticket and season ticket sales and it doesn’t stop there. As these children grow up and have children of their own the probability of their own kin supporting the club they support is high, we lose out on their kids as well.

The damage may seem exaggerated and could possibly be inconsequential (we’re lucky to have a very loyal following while other clubs/sports don’t have that luxury) but even if we lost one fan on Tuesday just think of the cost (hypothetically):

Season ticket sales: lets say 10 years @ £350 = £3500
European ticket sales: 4x£80 = £320
Replica shirts/strips: lifetime = £300
TV subscriptions: ?
Food/drink purchases at games: ?
Celtic related gifts: ?

I’m sure there are a lot more accurate and detailed estimates out there of supporters lifetime values but the point is we cannot afford to put an inadequate product on the park. Short-term, having a poor team may be acceptable and would make good business sense but the long-term damage could be dramatic. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:00 COMMENT-BODY:Thanks Pfayr,

He does not count, he is a nobody and for ever will it be so.

And just to set your mind at rest, I am clean out of horse's heads.

I still owe you an email about Holytown, Newarthill and New Stevenston.

I used to know the T family form N S well, I married a Newarthill girl and stayed there for some years.

STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS EVERY TIME,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

pfayr COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:01 COMMENT-BODY:paul67

is Balde fit yet ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

oldtim67 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:02 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42.

Did you enjoyed the prawn sandwiches on Tuesday night. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

pfayr COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:02 COMMENT-BODY:martin 42

no need for email i`ll catch you in BB`s sometime -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:03 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear friend Lou...

Everything that you have said about the Market is spot on...

Although, what has occurred and does... DAILY... is quite in keeping with the CAPITALIST SYSTEM...
which is based on DOG EAT DOG... the SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.

That is why the weenies of this planet...

Contrived to experiment with... the Socialistic System...

Which is a more cozy and comfortable one..A veritable,Big Brother System... who will look after the LOSERS of the Woild...from,
Conception to Ejection....!

Vive la Capitalism...

It woiks...

Well, for me! Well, fur me!

Kojo.
yer pal... who likes ye. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

moonbeams wet dream COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:04 COMMENT-BODY:Graham, is that you? Thought so!!!

Who thinks the SPL is blaying silly bloggers. Holding out to see our result against Grenta. After said game they will then determine the best sourde of action. If we win 100 - 0 games a bogey. All results will effectively be pulled and huns will be on same points with one more game in hand. If we lose, draw or win by an insignificant margin i.e 1-0 all will stand as is and SPL will bail out Gretna thus helping the mob from the hunnery once more.

C'mon the hoops. Onwards and upwards to 3-in-a-row.

I think the green bibs will win on Sat anyway.

C'mon the green bibs.

Kojo, what are you on and who is your supplier? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:07 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo

Unforunetly I heard radio snyde tonight and they are urging the wee fhella to go no matter what.
So not saying whether I want him to go or not, should it happen Id go for.

Contiuation of the same: David Moyes (Wants to come), Sam Alardice, Harry Redknapp, Joe Jordan, MON?

SPL Standard:
Mowbray.

Moving us up a level, but trying to be realistic:
Tricky bit this one
Jol, Anchelotti, Deschamps, Koeman, Michael Ludrup (Why is he such a better brother?)?

Chianti inspired shortlists. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:07 COMMENT-BODY:Oldtim,

Yes and I was the best dressed there too boot.

I mingled with multi millionaires, shook a few hands but to be truthful, I struck up a great conversation with a couple of Edinburgh folk.

One, whose name escapes me right now,(perhaps P67 csan help) is an author, having wrote Celtic Paranoia, and a few others.

Lovely people.

It was nice to meet you before the game.

See you soon,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

~Kevtic COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:08 COMMENT-BODY:Malone19

Maybe not this season but there will be plenty of matches in the not so distant future that will wipe the memory of Tuesday's defeat from young minds.

Football changes very quickly as we are finding to our cost this season. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:11 COMMENT-BODY:Malone19

Youve talked me into it, Im going out to breed tomorrow, its the future. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

malceye COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:11 COMMENT-BODY:PFAyr

believe it or not (as I am actually one of his biggest critics), I would take a chance on Brown to the do the "slapping". Unlike McManus, he is a leader in the making. His energy needs to be channelled properly. Capitano status would achieve that. It would also remove that unsavoury edge from his game which I think afflicts more or less his every performance. A mature display from Brown would be one worth seeing. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

~Kevtic COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:12 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:12 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42

Tom Campbell? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:12 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42.

Celtic Paranoia. Tom Campbell -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

~Kevtic COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:13 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo

What about the man in Manchester?

If the Korea thing goes pear-shaped he might jump to bigger and better things? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:16 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:17 COMMENT-BODY:Celtic Paranoia.

The wee half page kid on job application for the daily record which was quoted from NTV was me.

I read the book on holiday, and it was amazing to realise it was me being quoted as I sat lazing about reading the book.

Despite that I recomend the book to all. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

oldtim67 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:17 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42.
I said you were dressed well for the occasion -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:18 COMMENT-BODY:Thanks bhoys,

I have the book, have read it, it was a present from P & Mrs 67, but the mind went blank at the wrong time.

It's either age or white wine.

Cheers,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

gordybhoy64 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:19 COMMENT-BODY:what a difference a day makes,reading the posts from tuesday and wednesday last night was pretty depressing stuff so its great to read the positive vibe that the blog has got tonight,10 games to go and 10 games to our title,so as Martin42says lets STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:20 COMMENT-BODY:Estadio N,

Congratulatios and well done,

Famous at last,

Cheers,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:21 COMMENT-BODY:Estadio N,

Congratulatios and well done,

Famous at last,

Cheers,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Graham COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:21 COMMENT-BODY:i would have to go with those in favour of hartley and robson, with mcgeady and probably brown. plus while big mick is a poor choice of el capitan , just remember you dont have to have the armband to shout or be heard or rally the troops! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

moonbeams wet dream COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:22 COMMENT-BODY:last blog tonight.

2 points.

1. Paul67, what have you in store for us re. the rebirth of CQN. C'mon spill the beans.

2. Again for you Paul. What has happened to my wet dream. My 7000000 million pound dream. Is it a total rebuild or is it a total bull pat? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:22 COMMENT-BODY:I agree.

Going back into the blog/posts has got me up again, maybee it was just the fact there wasnt a game on, but my Football mood has lifted. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:24 COMMENT-BODY:Martin.

Cheers -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

moonbeams wet dream COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:25 COMMENT-BODY:OK it's wasn't my last blog.

Graham, couldn't agree more! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio Nacional COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:26 COMMENT-BODY:Sky Sports 1 is interesting just now.

Mutton interviewed, 'I wanted to go to Spurs' -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

PJBhoynyc COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:37 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo ...
You keep flagging it up so I must respond..

It will not suprise you to know that I disagree with your political and economic perspectives...

But it may suprise you why I do so..

First economics....
I would agree with much of your advice...If it were not for the new 'restructured finance' paradigm that we have the misfortune of existing within...Globally.

It is no longer like the good auld days when much of what you adhere to was correct.
When once it was survival of the fittest....
Now all are on Steroids and its unfortunate side effects...The derivatives of derivatives have became one big Pig in a Poke... And it will not fly of the shelf.....Cause the electronic money has went an evaporated.....How? Easy. It did not exist in the first place...

Capitalism I like...When it is rationale. And I hope it continues to work for you and everyone else...But I have my doubts about its immediate future... Put it this way I would not bet on the markets.

Now Politics..

Democracy I do not like....
The minority are subjected to the will of the majority. Not good.

Communist/Socialist?...I do not like...Damm Central Bank... Everyone is subjected to its will....
And that is what bothers me about where we all live at this present time in history...
And your economic position/advice.

A Republic with citizens rights...?
That I do like...And would like to live in one.

PJ who likes discourse....

PS
If Clyde want the gaffer to go...
Thats reason enough for him to stay in my book -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

moonbeams wet dream COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:46 COMMENT-BODY:I don't like pinot grigio, pino griz I do like and I drank a good malbec earlier. No onto the whisky again.

C'mon the hoops. Onwards and upwards to 3-in-a-row. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Stoir Mha Chroi COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:47 COMMENT-BODY:U2_1888:

Only my concurrence on your view of playing Bobo was meant for you alone.
Apologies if you thought my little rant was in any way directed at you. It most certainly was not.

I often make the mistake of running two posts in one and it forever causes confusion.
Again, it was just laziness on my part.

Martin42:

I don’t need to say anything. You know my feelings.

Oldtim67:

Good to see you back posting.

I hope you have a good time this weekend. I hope we all enjoy this weekend; more so than we normally would.

I am proud and defiant in my Standing for the Champions. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Graham COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:57 COMMENT-BODY:i feel a big win on sunday, i hope WGS leaves sm and sb out for fear of missing the of, plus i think it will do them both good! hutch on the bench and hopefully a good run out on sundaymight be what we need, looks powerful and knows the way to go. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

loumacarisbettingslip COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 00:59 COMMENT-BODY:sorry bhoys ,had a look at clydes martin/mguire article in the ET
he really surpasses himself this time ,if i was gordan I would do a caesar on him like mcnee
no wonder gordans has to speak to this mob through gritted teeth,just love it when he does that ,just makes the meeja all the more raging,makes my day that
which brings me on to martin/mcguire in his piece for the ET
this one really shows him up as a great journalist as well as a great historian apparently according to martin/mcguire davy crocket would have won at the alamo,if he had carlos cuellar and davie weir with him
instead of john wayne and richard widmark
American history revisionism -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

malone19 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 01:01 COMMENT-BODY:Estadio Nacional

Not really the response I was going for but feel free to go out and 'breed' if you feel the need.

If you can't beat them out-breed them! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Tictical_Genius COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 02:12 COMMENT-BODY:I've not been on the blog for a while, due to both family and work related issues.

However, a cursory glance over recent posts has shown a futher decline in the general opinion of our manager Gordon Strachan amongnst our support.

I feel that an important question that has not yet been asked is, 'when was the last time that a conistent, solid, trophy winning team was last assmbeled from scratch by a Celtic FC manager?'

When I have the answer to that question, I may have a yardstick to measure up the credentials of the current incumbent of our club's management. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

PJBhoynyc COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 03:32 COMMENT-BODY:Excellent question tictical_genius.

Having just returned from the local I am a little reflective. From Lazarus to the Crucifixion in one week... What will the future bring? I do not know.

The media onslaught is not yet in full flow but the next week should be interesting. As a supporter I can only well....support....publicly. Now maybe its just because I am getting on a bit...And I apologize if I offend but, the extent of public undermining from supporters fascinates me in a kinda morbid way. Its like watching a slow motion train wreck. Too many are impulsively shouting for Barrabbas as the new manager....And the Trial no even over. Jesus Wept!

I would suggest that the answer to the highly relevant question from the tictical_genius is well....Never.
At least not under the amplified scrutiny, pressure, demands and squad environment of today. Particularly the one in "Paradise'

malone19 raised a point at 23:59. It was an interesting one about the future audience, and lost marketing opportunities. It made me think about the present audience and what CQN reveals to the regular reader. The demographic of the support. No doubt it is changing and evolving...With each passing year one generation waxes as another wanes. They are further and further apart geographically, politically, economically, physically and of course demographically. My apologies for the marketing speak but if we are measured and weighed by others that way we sure as hell better evaluate ourselves that way too. I often Wonder what our fathers and their fathers would say if they could see how we support the cause nowadays.
Maybe they would push us off the puter and post play Balde, sack Strachan or what about the feckin marketing opportunities...
Maybe, maybe no....I do not know.

What I do know is the support of the future will be very different from the one of the past... IMO the present support already is.

In my youth I used to hate Gordon Strachan because most of the time he was beating us. Now I admire him because most of the time he is winning for us....On and off the field. Other supporters will never be satisfied for long..

There will be enough negativity produced elsewhere...
We have a challenge of biblical proprtions...
It will need ticticals...

Roll on the Ascension....
. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

logger 'GG COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 03:48 COMMENT-BODY:Coaching certifications I have none.

Unless you count my years using green SMT (Some Man Tully) buses between Coatbridge, Airdrie and the high moss.

Professional football experience is limited to the bus fares provided by my dad when playing at amateur level.

Of tactical and motivational skills I am equally bereft.

I suspect that by far the majority on here rise to the same level of football nous.

Yet I see a tremendous amount of criticism, nay invective, directed at the lack of tactical ability and football knowledge of Gordon Strachan.
A man who has played at the highest level.
A man who has coached at the highest level.
A man who obviously eat sleeps and lives for his passion, football.
A man who has, I believe, come to accept our club as special.

The groundswell of opinion, which started with his very appointment, has now risen to such an extent that even Clyde's intellectually challenged pundits are saying he should leave. And claiming that they are recommending it for the benefit of Gordon and our footballing progress. (Yes I may be green but I am not cabbage looking.)
Reporters, pundits, lapdogs and Murray Messengers, who have the same level of coaching and tactical qualifications as I do. Hardly a real sports journalist among them.

We ourselves have provided the ammunition they use.

Throwing in the towel when we still face three rounds in the fight against a limited opponent,
directing personal invective at players, management and club officials,
doubting their motivation, intentions and commitment to us having a successful club,
calling for a replacement manager while we still have a chance to win the league,
giving scurrilous rumours the oxygen of repetition and gathering credence,
handing the title over before it is won,
merely encourages the pond life to gleefully undermine our club, and by extension our support and culture.

The Thatcher culture of instant gratification, greed and must have is well and thriving in our spoiled support.
You would think that a support which endured Rangers' nine in a row, would have the fortitude and forbearance to accept the success of the last two seasons and look on this season as a platform for new, young and inconsistent players to be blooded and blended.
Not on your nelly.
We must win every game, every trophy, every year or there are calls for sackings, resignations, clear outs and a complete turnover of every employee from the tea lady to the chairman.

I grant you that the levels on here are somewhat balanced and better expressed than most of the Celtic Cyberworld, but nevertheless there is still a culture of intolerance and impatience. The reek of methane perhaps?

It is time to support and defend the club from all attackers including fifth columnists.
Place your faith in our structure, long term ambition and the quality of our people.
Yes OUR people, from the groundsman to the manager and CEO. We can disagree without insulting one another, without descending to the level of neds.
We are all in the same family, all one the one road wanting the same thing.

The Champions to succeed.

'GG with clean feet. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

logger 'GG COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 03:58 COMMENT-BODY:PJB

If I didn't know where you live, I would have thought we were at the same services recently.

Marching and posting in communion?

'GG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

fan-a-tic COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 04:48 COMMENT-BODY:Paul 67
Hope you can see the irony in your posts to me?
Moonbeams
No problem we can always differ in opinions and still be Celtic supporters.
All inclusive CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Hoople COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 05:45 COMMENT-BODY:Tinytim

O.K. I agree.

Rangers will definitely win the league........

Whadya mean you've changed your mind ! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

tinytim COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 07:35 COMMENT-BODY:Hoople 05.45

I haven't changed my mind.I just haven't given up hope. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

tinytim COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 08:06 COMMENT-BODY:Malone19 23.59

I had the same fears about how we are wasting opportunities, to win over fans after our performances in the USA and Japan.

Let's hope we perform better in Australia and Asia this close season. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Parkheadcumsalford COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 08:08 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42,

Have just beeen reading last night's blog. Don't know who you're referring to about Tuesday night. But very sad to hear of you and Paul being vilified.

As someone else said, the vilification of our manager reminds me of the nonsense that was heaped on Fergus McCann. A lot of our "support" are so easily influenced by the media.

As Tinytim was saying, I think, we have been through much worse times as Celtic supporters. We must all get behind our manager and team.

As you so rightly put it, STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS.

We shall not be moved. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

oldtim67 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 08:57 COMMENT-BODY:smashingmilkbottle.

I'm getting ready to go into Glasgow,see you in BBs around 12.30.

stoir mha chroi.

Thanks for the kind welcome back,I'll raise a glass to you in BBs to-day. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

lovejoysalegend COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 09:06 COMMENT-BODY:Morning All!

Long time no post, other commitments eating all my time.

Mesatim from last night.

Irish bidding for broadcast rights don't open until July 17th, I think the bidding window is open for a month and all bids have to be in by 18th August.

Paul

When is the big move? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

lovejoysalegend COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 09:11 COMMENT-BODY:Where is the numbered 1 these days? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 09:26 COMMENT-BODY:Martin42 -

Maundy Thursday, my favourite day of the liturgical year. It's a vital part of what makes us us. Your John and his son, Anthony,were in the pew bhind me. John is looking well.

Et al -

Although I no longer have much time for Ashley Cole I do know that he is not only pro-Celtic but also anti-Rangers. Not a bad way to live one's life.

St Ig's calls.

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Jamie COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 09:27 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

Why do you not just attach a bank statement (if the zero's can fit on the page) and have done with it.

Or you could donate some to this poor inhabitant of the farm if you so wish. I could you use it to buy myself a games console that does not need to "load" haha

I love the fact that the name "Jamie" conjures up images of young bhoys playing computer games. If only eh?

My point is, we all have area's of expetise. I could post on hear about the role of reverse transcriptase in cloning of small varient colonies of Klebsiella Pneumoniae, but it's not the place.

I know I will be battered with the "just scroll past" brigade. But I'm complaining that this scrolling takes about 10 minutes!!

Back to Celtic

Moyes for Celtic. Is it a step forward or back for him?

Surely CL football is the pinnacle he can achieve at Everton. Unless Newcastle United aproach him what else can he do? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

oldtim67 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 09:41 COMMENT-BODY:winningemmell.

Did you see pablophange on Tuesday night,I met him at Celtic Park,and said you would probably be in the S vaults. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

caymanbhoy COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 09:43 COMMENT-BODY:to compare wgs treatment to that of fergus mccann is ridiculous, wgs is a hired hand who i suspect we all believe is on a "shoogly nail", and always has been since his appointment, paul is corrrect 3 in a row is to say the least difficult, i hope he can do it but fear he can't. the bunnet, we wouldn't be discussng anything without him. morning from cayman and hard hat on! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

caymanbhoy COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 09:54 COMMENT-BODY:a) the blog is busted
b)everyone agrees
c)everyone is in BB's
d????? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Estadio COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 09:57 COMMENT-BODY:Noticed a slight stagger this morning as I was putting my socks on!

This may have been the aftershock of drink or possibly the autumn of my years creeping up on me.

It made me consider that perhaps the day to hang up yer guns, put your feet up and take up the briar pipe is when you can't put yer socks on standing up (with no artificial aids like holding on to the butler etc)

BTW according to the BBC - and who am I to doubt such an august body - on this day 1556: The first Protestant archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, wasburned at the stake for heresy.....He said the huns would win the league!!

I made a bit of that up!

Hail hail

Estadio -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Ulysses McGhee COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:01 COMMENT-BODY:Jamie

Was me that registered the games console image - more in response to what came across as a childish snipe...

If I was wrong then I apologise but looking back on it I don't think so and you seem big to have taken it in the good humour it was meant.

But I'm always wary about blaming the workman for his tools.

Yes 'Just scroll past' can be pithy, but cliches are cliches for a reason - they are usually bang on.

Oh, and you'll probably have more than one poster on here who feels the role of reverse transcriptase is a poorly studied field (I josh of course)

Oh and I'm so not a fan of Moyes.

Ten games left!

U. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

ItaliaBhoy COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:06 COMMENT-BODY:Morning Paul and all, and Buona Pasqua in advance...

Funny how a few dodgy Rangers displays can change the mood on our own team isn't it? Suddenly, there's a chink of light, a faint hope that all might not be lost after all. The deficiencies in our own team and management are still there, but is less obvious after their draw to the Jags.

Personally, I feel frustrated at their last few displays- happy that they seem to be weakening, but unhappy in that I am not sure we have the mentality to take advantage. In our Seville year, that Rangers team kept winning, kept pace with us, never gave us any breathing space at all.

Often this was down to outrageous refereeing interventions, but we always knew that one slip by ourselves would be punished. We need to be like they were now. We need to push home our advantage in every game, score lots of goals, really ask questions of them.

Their fixture pile-up is good for us. Injuries to key players like Ferguson is good for us. Their tiredness is good for us.

But all this is only good for us ultimately if we have the cojones to make them pay.

Do we? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Stoir Mha Chroi COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:13 COMMENT-BODY:I am often disheartened when I read some of your posts. I will give you one thing, at least your posts are of the moment and are a sincere reflection of your mood at that time.

I never read them as a product of a template (here’s one I prepared earlier) of doom.

I also like that you are prepared to publicly post a change of mind or attitude.

You got me a ticket for the last Rangers v Celtic game and although we were beaten 3 – 0, I paradoxically enjoyed it immensely. I enjoyed the unequivocal and staunch support of our club that I experienced that day.

I left the price of a pint for you that day with your best mate from Fife. But I am still indebted to you.

If Celtic does tour Asia and Australia and you find the inclination to come down for the fun, then you are more than welcome to spend the Australian portion at my home.

I have some good whiskey and some good books and music that will turn that heart of yours to a diamond hard, happy clapper extraordinaire. The offer is a sincere one.

A wee bit of Scottish wisdom. (Not directed at anybody)

… – never measure your wealth against those that have more than you – measure it against those that have less. In coin, at least, you might find that you are indeed a very rich man. But in heart… you might just find yourself a pauper. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

TICkling sTICk COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:16 COMMENT-BODY:This is what we need -

PASSION -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:20 COMMENT-BODY:Moombeams, initially there will be a move onto a new blog platform and a modest redesign. There will also be a few new widgets. The move from Blogger is the major task, when we get this out of the way we can look at other things.

Still every inch a moonbeam.

Welcome Graham.

Lovejoys, work is still underway, I won’t have a date until it’s finished. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

St-Gris COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:41 COMMENT-BODY:Paul,
I got Celtic at 6/4 this morning.

Did you have a wee punt.

I 'expect' the price to go down tomorrow and down again Sunday :-) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:48 COMMENT-BODY:oldtim67 -

not only did I meet him in the Springy, he's coming through to ML2for an overnight tomorrow then onwards to Livingston (weather and administrators permitting).

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:51 COMMENT-BODY:St Gris, good point, not settled the re-mortgage yet. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Aqua Al COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:51 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Aqua Al COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:53 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67

I'm going off topic here: I watched the reserve Old firm highlights a couple of days ago and the interview with Ben Hutchison last night and on both occasions he looked overweight.

He made comment himself on his "stockiness" and how he likes to use it in his game but in my "humble opinion he looks overweight not stocky.

Have you had any information or passing comments on this as with the exception of this he looks like a great talent for the future.

Another potential "tick" for the scouting network?

Have a great easter - best wishes at LPS

Aqua Al -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

bournesouprecipe COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:53 COMMENT-BODY:bloggerGG @ 3.48

stirring stuff especially at that time of the morning
your post has set me up for the day, and says it all
eloquently.

regardless of opinion of suitability of personnel issues, this is not the time for celtic supporters to judge, especially when the press are sharpening their knives

get behind celtic all celtic supporters

hail hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

winningemmell COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 10:55 COMMENT-BODY:A great verse from today's Morning Prayer (Canticle of Habbakuk no less)which I found highly apt given our current circumstances

" I calmly await the doom
Which will befall the people
Who assail us. "

WG -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

St-Gris COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:11 COMMENT-BODY:Aqua Al,

At least they can use BBJ old shorts on Hutch.

He looked cumbersome to me too - how can anyone say that he has a turn of pace with an Ass that size. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Jamie COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:24 COMMENT-BODY:Ulyses McGhee,

It was not a childish snipe. Just the blog gets chogged up with alot of rubbish.

I accept that there are friendship networks on here that have developed over time. What I'm suggesting is that these people who have these networks, use MSN etc when going off topic with people who have similar interests that do not involve Celtic Football Club.

Also, helps dispell the feeling if cliques on here. A positive in my view.

I loved your 'I so don't like Moyes' comment. Very good :) -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Jamie COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:27 COMMENT-BODY:P67,

Is it true hat you are now receiving a salary of Celtic for the blog??

I would be very dissapointed if you were

Jamie -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

jmyjnstn67 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:30 COMMENT-BODY:The postponed game against the huns has just been confirmed to be played Wed April 16 as expected.

From the Official Celtic site. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

ItaliaBhoy COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:31 COMMENT-BODY:Wednesday 16th April 745ko, confirmed on official site as date of home game against Them FC. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Zbyszek COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:45 COMMENT-BODY:Jamie

My first reaction on your question was: how can you...?
I don't know your intentions, but as a Pole, from Poland who from time to time contacts P67 - can say: mate, I'm 100 percent sure he is not not taking any money from the club.
People say strange things. I've heard Albert Einstein was woman. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Stoir Mha Chroi COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:48 COMMENT-BODY:Lubo:

Your earlier link to Kojo at 20/03/08 22:40, had me in fits. If only Naka had an accent like that. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

St-Gris COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:53 COMMENT-BODY:Jamie,
Even if Paul was given a retainer by CFC - does it make any difference to the blog and the guys who use it. Its all about opinions and we all have a different one.

The hassle the poor guy gets and all he done was give us a platform to air our views.

It takes a strong personality to keep it going.

Good on you Paul -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

St-Gris COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:54 COMMENT-BODY:paul,

PS - I hope you DO make something out of all this.

God knows the amount of time you must put in. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Narrowbhoat Tim COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 11:57 COMMENT-BODY:Here is a good vid that extols the considerable talents of Young Master Messi, unfortunately we feature in one of his montages. The Kerrang CSC will like it as Mr Eddie Vedder and pals provides the music score to the young Argentian's artistry.

On the opposite scale of of artistry I had the misfortune while flicking around the TV channels, of watching the last 15 minutes of some show which I think describes itself as a comedy. It is set in Glasgow. It starred Gregor Fisher and the worse acting hobbit from Lord of the Rings. This made 'Chewin the Fat' look like 'Fawlty Towers', how it got a national broadcast I do not know. Why does nearly everything that is filmed in Glasgow has to have the same style of soundtrack that was pioneered in the early eighties with films like 'Sinking feeling' and 'Gregory's Girl', Taggart ('theres been a Murdo McLeod', see I brought it back to Celtic) has the same soundtrack throughout the show. The only saving grace of this farce(not in a French way)was the song they played when the credits were rolling, 'In the City' by The Jam (Why The Jam, posssibly the title of the show?).

Garybushell CSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

pablophanque COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:06 COMMENT-BODY:Jamie, in Paul's absence, I can categorically guarantee you that Paul receives nothing from CFC in any way shape or form. How he has the Stoicism and time to keep this thing going is beyond me !!!

pablophanque -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Stoir Mha Chroi COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:16 COMMENT-BODY:Jamie:

You are right there is a wee clique on here. It is almost Masonic in its rules of membership.

Your religion does not matter a jot.
Your colour of skin does not matter a jot.
Your politics do not matter a jot.
Your persuasion does not matter too much.
Your status does not matter a jot.
Your vocation or occupation does not matter a jot.
Your academic qualifications do not matter a jot.

What matters is that you participate and to a large degree you keep it civil and respectful(?)ish.

The clique has a name. It’s called CQN and it has its own adopted lodge in Babbity Bowsers(spelling?) in the Merchant City of Glasgow. There are a few members there as we type.

All are welcome, even plebs like me. Or so they told me.

Sometimes it is just easier to communicate across the miles knowing that the intended recipient of your message is just as big a Celtic anorak as you are and he won’t be logged into his e-mail, he’ll be logged into CQN.

I hope like me you take up the offer to go along and have a beer with some of the guys. I know I am glad I did. I’m sure you too would enjoy the company that you’d encounter.

MSN? I have eight levels of security on my PC (four of which I subscribe to) and I still wouldn’t touch MSN. Even if they paid me. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BHOYSFOUR COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:21 COMMENT-BODY:At 20/03/08 23:36, Bloke109 said…

BF

Early doors on Sunday March 30, just after we celebrate skelping the hun.

Thanks also Bloke109

At 20/03/08 23:48, pfayr said…

BHOYSFOUR

what time is the KO for hun game

The K.O. for the game on the 29th is 3pm Glasgow time, which means 11am here. Of late these old rivals games have been played around noonish on the weekends which means 7am or halfpast 7 our time.

BF -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:30 COMMENT-BODY:BHOYSFOUR, Bloke 109 & pfayr...

The game at Ibrox has a 12:30 kick off. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

lurgan53 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:31 COMMENT-BODY:Jamie.

Fell you absolutely correct on the cliques thing. Seems to be a lot of people who frequent BB's, play golf together etc. This is creating a bit of an "us and them thing".
Pity too becaues this was the one Celtic site where Celtic was the main issue.

Not anymore - unfortunately. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:33 COMMENT-BODY:The 29th has a 12:30 kick off (GMT). I think that is 8:30 in the East of the US, as you are already ont summer time.

I hope that is correct as I will be in Philadelphia and would hate to get the time wrong!

Looks like the Partick - Rangers replay goes ahead on semi final day, with the semi final the next weekend. Now this was supposed to be the first week of the post split league games, so looks like another readjustment to the fixture list. But it will still mean they play every midweek. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

hoopsIdiditagain COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:39 COMMENT-BODY:Celtic and Rangers will play their postponed New Year fixture on Wednesday 16 April, with a 1945 BST kick-off.
The 2 January tie was cancelled as a mark of respect following the death of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell.

It was resheduled for 23 January but that, in turn, was changed when Rangers had to rearrange their Scottish Cup tie with East Stirlingshire.

SPL leaders Rangers next entertain nearest rivals Celtic on league duty on Saturday 29 March, with a 1230 start. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:43 COMMENT-BODY:Things must be going badly down Ibrox way. Today's Herald has a nice morale boosting story about which striker they may spend millions on in the summer! Strangely there is no mention of Kenny Miller. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Stefski73 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:44 COMMENT-BODY:Once again Celtic fans have been let down by the SFA & the SPL.
The SFA's decision to have the Partick Thistle v Rangers replay on a weekend (Sunday 13th April) instead of the normal midweek for replays means greater travel hassle for Celtic fans going to the midweek Celtic v Rangers league match.

Not only this, but the SFA and the SPL have again shown that helping Rangers is their main priority for this season.
Rangers play Sporting Lisbon on the Thursday (10th April) before the Thistle game so they quite obviously didn't want them going to Celtic Park 2 days after that game becase of any fatigue issue. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 12:46 COMMENT-BODY:new article posted. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Rock & Roll Bhoy COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 13:31 COMMENT-BODY:"But SFA chief executive Gordon Smith believes they have come to the best possible solution to ease the pressure on Walter Smith's men."
A quote from an article in the Daily Record today about the fixture chaos.
Paranoia?
We gotta win this league.
3 points and a barrowload of goals please, Celtic.
Easter is the time for a resurrection.
Rise Up Celtic.
Happy Easter everybody. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

deliasmith COMMENT-DATE:21/03/08 16:42 COMMENT-BODY:Guilt by association

If you've got a minute, have a look at this example of how the notion of the Old Firm is used by friends of Rangers to smear our club. if you've got two minutes put in a comment. -------- TITLE: BSkyB pay £240m for UK Champions League rights AUTHOR: Paul67 DATE: 3/19/2008 09:55:00 PM ----- BODY: Uefa accepted a £240m three-year bid for UK Champions League rights from satellite broadcaster BSkyB, a 70% increase on the current deal, which expires in June 2009. BSkyB will have exclusive rights to all Tuesday games and will have 7 out of 8 Wednesday night games. BBC, ITV, and Channel Five are all bidding for first choice Wednesday game, a decision for which is expected this week. Jeremy Darroch, Chief Executive of BSkyB, said: “We have secured an excellent rights package at a price which we believe reflects their value to our customers and which recognises the increasingly attractiveness of this competition to our business. “The Champions League as a competition is going from strength to strength, as is the performance and contribution of English and Scottish clubs.”

Labels: Finance

-------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Boltonbhoy COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 21:57 COMMENT-BODY:From last thread - Kojo, I know what you are saying but I would not like HIM but someone LIKE him -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

johnnyquest COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 21:58 COMMENT-BODY:yahoo -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Celtic_First COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 21:59 COMMENT-BODY:I think the decision on the other broadcaster(s) will come tomorrow Paul. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

johnnyquest COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 21:59 COMMENT-BODY:rassin frassin -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

109steps COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:00 COMMENT-BODY:Yep, that's what we want to talk about, who gets Tuesday versus wed matches! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

CaltonTongues COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:02 COMMENT-BODY:Paul,

While the others are away on the old comments page.

Have you noticed how many times this season when we are away on a Sunday, there is always a big game on Sky from the EPL?

Must remember to cancel my Sky Sports subscription. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

johnnyquest COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:03 COMMENT-BODY:Now that we have sorted out all that immature,first post nonsense,does anyone have the definitive answer as to what happens should gretna go out of business before the seasons is
complete? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

The Bhoy with the wafer thin eyes COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:03 COMMENT-BODY:DBBIA 11.16.
Tried to reply twice but comment got lost. (I think)
Just to let you know, I have never had a thorn in my side; only wafer thin eyes. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

skippyisagoalmachine COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:03 COMMENT-BODY:as i said earlier....

THEY aint lookin too hot bhoys n ghirls.

and if they beat thistle in the replay... they are playin 2 a week till the end of the season.

POINT WILL BE DROPPED!!!

we need to be on the ball to capitalise. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:08 COMMENT-BODY:Shouldn't that be 7 out of 8 Wednesday games, Paul? Or is the CL being expanded?? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Celtic_First COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:09 COMMENT-BODY:I read a comment from Sky that said they had been prepared to invest so heavily because the CL was going from strength to strength and because "English and Scottish" teams were performing strongly.

The appeal of Celtic is not lost on these people.

Does this mean Jim White will become even more prominent? Can we forebear that? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WizardofOz COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:11 COMMENT-BODY:The result at Mordor tonight is obviously going to have an impact on the run in. They were already looking fatigued. One more game for them will do us no harm at all.
Right now, any assistance is welcome. Thank you Thistle.
This may be the first real chink in their armour. It is up to us (and hopefully others) to be ready to take advantage. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:12 COMMENT-BODY:So when's the replay?

Rangers don't have a free slot until the semi-final is due to be played on 13 April. Presumably that's when they will play the replay.

That leaves two league games to be fitted in as well as a semi-final, if they can win at Firhill. And should they manage to beat Sporting...

The post split fixture list is going to be very interesting! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:15 COMMENT-BODY:Gordon J, corrected, thanks. Noticed the blog froze again and rushed something up.

Rumours are that Blogger could be history this weekend!

Celtic First, yes, that was the quote used, but I couldn’t find it this evening. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

jinkyredstar COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:16 COMMENT-BODY:Watch for an extension of the league into June - this has already been mooted by Duffield -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Celtic_First COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:18 COMMENT-BODY:Here you go Paul.

---

Jeremy Darroch, Chief Executive of BSkyB, said: “We have secured an excellent rights package at a price which we believe reflects their value to our customers and which recognises the increasingly attractiveness of this competition to our business.

“The Champions League as a competition is going from strength to strength, as is the performance and contribution of English and Scottish clubs.”

---- -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

skippyisagoalmachine COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:20 COMMENT-BODY:this news makes it all the ore imperritive that we win the league.

massive boost to the chmpions if there is extra dosh getting thrown at them..

MON THE HOOPS!!! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:22 COMMENT-BODY:No problems Paul. The move from blogger can't come soon enough - a new article every 200 posts is a lot to expect!

jinkyredstar,

Euro 2008 starts on 7 June and I'm sure coached will want squads together for a week or so beforehand. Several spl players are likely to be involved.

The sfa and spl have helped to create the mess. They need to find a way out of it. And if that means midweek games every week to the end of the season, so be it. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

blantyretim COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:22 COMMENT-BODY:after all these years lurking; just getting used to this new technology stuff and bang we are about to loose blogger; hope the new one is easier than this thing or i'll just go back to lurking land
paul will you do a tutorial for numpties like me? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:24 COMMENT-BODY:WHY DO WE DO IT TO OURSELVES?

I can already feel myself saying it, hope springs eternal - maybe we can beat them after all...

Massive task but bhoy would it be a famous one now!

Changes need to be made to the starting eleven, including Bobo and Robson and am sorry to say but it's one man up there (Samaras) at Ibrox. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BelfastBhoy COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:26 COMMENT-BODY:Somehow 3 in a row doesn't seem that distant anymore. This has to be the turning point! Well done to Thistle. Rank rotten Rangers dish out another poor performance.

Old Red in the Shawshank Redemption said "hope is a dangerous thing". Well I live in hope. keep the faith Celts!

Hail Hail -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:30 COMMENT-BODY:NarrowBT- FTLT- excellent assessment of the current position.

We must clamber on board our faithful T-34s and crush the nests of fascist vipers!

The Martyrs of the 27th Nizhky-Novgorod Toaster and other Small Domestic Appliance Collective Shall be avenged!

For the Motherland! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

ElDiegoBhoy COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:30 COMMENT-BODY:tmc

Have never seen you so negative. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:31 COMMENT-BODY:Celtic First, included. Thanks.

Skippyisagoal/Paddy, the current deal has one more season to run.

Blantyretim, I’m looking to start a CQN Certified Blog Engineer qualification. Blogger is a wee challenge; would making it easy to join improve the quality of comment? Hmmm.

Thismancraig, your phrase, “is would be a famous one”, has stuck with me since you first used it. How true.

BelfastBhoy! Give us a song! One day at a time, one game at a time, where is neverbeaten, when you need to use his name? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

dontbrattbackinanger COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:32 COMMENT-BODY:Well done the Maryhill Magyars!

The streets of the BBC will be dancing tonight.

A wee bit of chaos theory thrown into the mix. Excellent. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Lubo COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:33 COMMENT-BODY:I don't think we should read too much into their result this evening.

They just have a hangover [in both senses] from the diddy cup final.

Lubo. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

ElDiegoBhoy COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:34 COMMENT-BODY:dbbia

O.K. to throw in electrical hair curlers? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

BelfastBhoy COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:38 COMMENT-BODY:Paul,

I will give you a song if the league flag is flying high above paradise next season! However, Mr Strachan has plenty of work to do before that...starting off at Almondvale. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

skippyisagoalmachine COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:39 COMMENT-BODY:the psychie of a glasgow football fan eh?

even if our own side is doing well, it can be a bad day... cos THEY are doin well.

And if we are doin bad, it aint THAT bad aslong as they are mice too!!

Get our own house in order, and we will win this.

THEY ARE A VERY BAD TEAM and in their last 3 games were ran off the park by bremen and utd and pushed by thistle who had already been denied by the upright and 2 good saves by mcgregor.

not exactly got me quaking in my boots.
we just need the forwards to get thier shootin boots on

the chances are plentiful, lets turn them into goals bhoys!

REMEMBERloveSTREETcsc -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

DavieL COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:40 COMMENT-BODY:I fell out with a fellow Tim last night - he spent 40 mins critisisng Aiden - when pulled up by me (I can't keep it zipped when it comes to Celtic) he said that - yes he's a great player but he's also frustrating and as he pays his money he is entitled to shout at Aiden! What chance have the players got - "faithful through and through" my backside. We have 20,000 fairweather supporters - last night was typical of recent games - we started well could've scored, didn't - Aberdeen came into the game - support got restless - players got nervous - Aiden and Skippy who have carried the team all season couldn't deliver (absolutely no criticism of either - POTY for Aiden and top scorer for Skippy) and the rest of the team couldn't compensate. For those who are on Scott Brown's back - he is playing against 3 players in midfield by himself and has no chance without support. Get behind the team - we've done it before and will do it again. The team are young and feed off the support, hence the better performances away from home. If the home support gave the same backing during an Aberdeen game as we give for a Barcelona game the team would be top of the league - it's a two way thing being a Celtic supporter. I'm not saying that there are no problems, I'm not saying that I like WGS's attitude to the press (particularly on Celtic TV - you'd think that he'd relax amongst friends!). However - that's for the end of the season - get behind the team prove that we really are faithfull through and through.

DavieL

PS Paul - keep up the excellent work. Subterranean - Mr Tracey sends his regards! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Domino COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:42 COMMENT-BODY:I disagree Lubo.

They looked dog tired and leg weary on Sunday too.

When the legs go, and the core energy is sapped only a big rest can get you back on track.

They won't be getting a rest for a while.

This is our chance - loosing the league now would be a MASSIVE blow for them.

We can do it. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

thismancraig COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:44 COMMENT-BODY:EDB

I try to be realistically negative, there is so much uncontrolled and physcotic negativy on the blog at the best of times! But I see little to remain positive about - most of the time!

Paul67

Was just thinking, my generation don't really have a famous victory as all since '00 have been at a canter. Even in 98 we were, or seemed, favourites during the run in. This one will have to be different! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

monthetic COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:45 COMMENT-BODY:League still there for the taking

Still backing WGS and the bhoys

ONWARDS TO THREE IN A ROW -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

GerryAdams'Beard COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:46 COMMENT-BODY:thismancraig - why indeed?

I never thought we were dead certs for the league this year, any more than I now think the huns are. But if we demand our team shows some bottle, then the least we owe them is to show some ourselves.

Last night I called for a bit of perspective - maybe tonight's result at ipox will bring things back into focus. We lost underservedly last night, to a team that is at least in the same division as us!

10 games to 3 in a row!!! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

mmm_game COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:46 COMMENT-BODY:Paul 67 or anyone knowledgeable in UEFA's ways,

As this is a "UK" deal, does this mean that with this deal, Celtic will receive their profit share of the revenue from the pool payable to English clubs, rather than just Rangers?

Thanks,

mmm_game -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:47 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear, friend...Boltonbhoy..

And I know where YOU are comin' frae!

My dear friend...and I mean this in the most FRIENDLY, way...

At the risk of repeatin' mysel'( Whit Risk? ye dae it every Day!...ed)( Never you mind...shut up and drink yer Pablum!)

As I was saying... at the Risk of Repeating of Repeating ,just what I was about to Repeat.....

I have no Truck with the G.A.!

I have no old battles to ...weel... Battle! ...as far As they are concerned...

I do not care... ANYTHING, about what they DO....or Think!...or...even.... Don't Think!( Boy!...dat's Deep!..ed)( It is?...isn't it?)

If we finish Second in the S.P.L...

I have no qualms if our Rivals, Finish Foist!

I really and truly mean that...

Look at it this way, for a moment....

If Celtic,unfortunately do not win the League...
Then it is perfectly natural...

That SOMEBODY ELSE WILL FINISH .... FOIST!

Whoever is the triumphant one...

I HAVE NO INTEREST IN... WHATSOVER!....

All My concern.... is RIVETTED ,on the FORTUNES OF CELTIC!

Listen to this piece of Advice... mebbe, just mebbe... you will be the Singular ONE.... who has a handle on where...I AM COMING FROM!

The Agony of Defeat, that one experiences in the Resounding Disappointment, with which one is condemned to struggle...when the undeniable fact...
THAT CELTIC HAVE NOT WON THEIR THREESOME.....is bad, bad, Medicine ,enough, than having to contend with the following...

Here is the Kicker...

Why then .oh! Why?....

Should a Celtic Fan... Saddle himself in Wallowing in self-pity and the frustration, in allowing our Rivals to steal a march on us?

If we finish in Second Place,then it is much,much to late for RECRIMINATIONS....

At this time... the matter has now become MOOT!

The Main subject that should be on our Minds at that time of sorrowful denouement, should be...

How are we gonna prepare for Next YEAR?

Now that sensible approach...ticks all of the correct boxes...and it's... Always the correct way to deal with...

ANY, KIND OF DISAPPOINTMENT...

Concentrate of how to effect a COME BACK!

This woiks,for me... EVERYTIME!

Kojo.
yer pal... who is advisin' ye ...like, a DUTCH UNCLE. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

U2_1888 COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:52 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

From previous thread...

You are right, I am unlikely to come round to your way of thinking if your way of thinking is that the players are to blame and the manager is not.

By way of a polite question...

If players are to blame and are not playing well or in the manner directed by the manager, would you not expect the manager to manage and remove the offending players from the team?

Name the players if they are to blame, sir. Then ask "why are they still in the team?"

The manager has certainly had his successes, which is why it has taken me so long to reach the conclusion that he doesn't have what we need.

He is not getting the best out of the players and is not dealing with those players who are habitual underperformers. Of the course the players must take some blame, but the manager has responsibility for managing the players.

Domestic results and performances suggest he hasn't done well at this. Out of both cups at the quarter final stage is not acceptable for Celtic.

Yer pal U2, who thinks you are off your rocker. Politely, of course. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

johnnyquest COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 22:53 COMMENT-BODY:Gretna go bust,what happens?anyone,Bueller?anyone? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:02 COMMENT-BODY:E D B,

You got mail,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

cardiffbhoy COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:04 COMMENT-BODY:Bhoys and ghirls - lets imagine this scenario

If the Huns knock out Sporting Lisbon they will have UEFA semis on 24th April and 1st May against Fiorentina or PSV.

Remember they still have 3 away league games to fit in.

Add in their replay with Thistle, and assume they win this, they will then have a Semi Final to schedule against St Johnstone.

There are only 4 free midweeks available to fit in these 4 fixtures.

Scottish Cup Final and end of season is 24th May

2 games a week for their creaking tiring stars like Weir and Fergushun.

Euro 2008 starts on 7th June, would expect Boruc, and possible Hinkel, Samaras, Hesselink & Sno to feature from us. Unless Ugly Betty and Nacho Ned get their deserved call up, along with Jean Claude of the Baskervilles replaces Henry and Anelka in the French Squad they wont have any involved. Will Duffield extend the season ? Will he dare ?

We cant support them v the Hoops of Lisbon though can we ? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Subterranean COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:08 COMMENT-BODY:This post has been removed by the author. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Gordon_J COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:11 COMMENT-BODY:Just looking at the epl table. The administrators there have managed to have every club played 30 games tonight.

Wonder why we can't get this up here? Guess the weather must be to blame! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Martin42 COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:12 COMMENT-BODY:E D B,

More mail,

Martin. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

~Kevtic COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:13 COMMENT-BODY:rangers the draw specialists

draw after draw but none in the league they are not helping us to 3 in a row!

It is frustrating that despite spending sack fulls of money we are unable to put pressure on them by winning our games which would enable us to breathe down their necks.
Before talking about them first we must start winning again.
A new midfield is required for starters. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

skippyisagoalmachine COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:15 COMMENT-BODY:Paul - guss we just need to make it 4 in a row then.... GUTTED!

BRINGemALLonCSC -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

canamalar COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:20 COMMENT-BODY:The gretna game ? the weather forecast is for freezing, will livi recommission their undersoil heating or will it be another postponement ?? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:28 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear friend U2

Well, at least yer opinion o' me.... is shared by a cast o' THOUSANDS!

I will keep this as brief, as to what a Chorus girl will wear...if she is really anxious to impress... collie.

May I ask... this...

Where is Mr.Strachan going to find.. the replacements ...from his Mother Hubbard's...
that will, like magic... Turn around completely the Plummeting Fortunes, that his present worthies are experiencing?...

Let's see...

here is a run down of his group of ALTERNATIVE MATCH WINNER:

He nevah seems to play...But I suppose there is ... Mr. Bobo
Or ,now that I think about it...
How about DEEK?....now there is a match winner if I did not see one..

Mr. Killen...step forward...
wella...

Mr.O'Dea?

Now, there would he find a vast Improvement... on him I agree... I now have come around to Detest Mr.McManus...nothin' personal.... I just dinna think that he cuts da condiment.

Say.. almost forgot..

How about Mr.Wilson....or bettah yet... Mr. Conroy..or MR. Caddis?...

sure, those guys would be perfect, for a toothy battle against the G.A.!

My, my according to these suggestions ..
It looks like, if Mr.Strachan follows yer suggestion, and decides to Mix and Match some others, into his present Foist Eleven.. that he will have very little to pick from...

But, I just know that you will come back...with the snappy return...

"Don't Confuse me wit' facts...

It is all Strachan's Fault... he should not hesitate to drop any of his present complement of warriors, that shows that he is not pullin' his weight...
It is the Manager's fault, for insisting on Picking, any poor Lad who is off form!"

Yeah!Right!

It is the Players Fault...always!... and in this...
I am unanimous!

Kojo
yer pal...who is missin' his Rockin'...since, he fell aff the chair! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

WGS COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:29 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo,

What's your thoughts on our current plight? Why does Gordon not see the obvious problems we all see for the past year and half?

We have no spine to our team. Our centre halves are duff and we need a new Lambert and Keane type genreal in our midfield.

We have no leadership on the park and i'm willing to bet if a new coach arrives in sometime over the next few years (not just now as i like GS, however my support is starting to waiver a bit) our captain and his companion at the back will be the first oot. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:31 COMMENT-BODY:BelfastBhoy, I’ll hold you to that.

DavieL, will do, thanks.

Thismancraig, WG has stirred our thoughts with memories of ’79, but it’s ’86 I think back to.

We went to Ibrox and drew 4-4 which left us fourth with 8 games left. Eight victories later and a goal difference championship was won. Great stuff.

Mmm game, no, Scottish clubs will receive circa 10% of the UK total. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Serutiku COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:41 COMMENT-BODY:Kojo - "The Main subject that should be on our Minds at that time of sorrowful denouement, should be...

How are we gonna prepare for Next YEAR?"

Tad premature there - rigor mortis hasn't quite set into this corpse yet cause I just seen it twitching. So lay off the self-fulfilling doom-laden predictions till the last nail is well and truly hammered into the lid of this season's coffin - and that ain't yet - no Siree!!

Think two no quite so young men that arose out off the East shall negotiate us safely though some treacherous shoals and reefs and stormy passages and guide this old steamer home safely to port. And in it's hold a truly wonderous prize to behold - will fair take yer breath awa! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

deliasmith COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:42 COMMENT-BODY:Paul:

If the end is nigh for Blogger what about posting a few tips on how we may track down CQN when it re-appears on a new host? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

moonbeams wet dream COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:46 COMMENT-BODY:Ding dong bloggers dead which old blogger the wicked blogger ding dong the wicked bloggers dead.

Congratulations and Jubilations.

I have just put the flags oot in celebration of bloggers death. Yeeeha.

Posted on previous thread just as the little blogger froze again. Oh what a pain in the sun don't shine.

Anyway here I go again.

We have sold them a double very cheeply this season and if we don't watch out it will soon be a terrible. We need to take 3 points at IPOX, end of. Yes 3 pts. A draw is not good enough as it does not put the pressure on them. A victory for us will have them panicing and running for the the lavy at every toss and turn for the remainder of the season. Anything else and we hand them a terrible.

As for our batch of imposters from last night. Where is the will to win in our team at the moment. Boruc and McGeady are the only 2 who look to be giving 110% to the hoops. The rest are going through the motions or worse. Donati is useless. Naka is Nakad and is offering nothing. JVOH is wasting chance after chance after chance as is Skippy who was outstanding up until he score his 25th. You probably already know my thoughts on Caldwell and of late McManus has not been much better.

It is now that WGS needs to stand up and be counted and show what he is made of otherwise I fear it will be time for him to go. To gift wrap them the SPL as well as the egg cup and the Scottish Cup is beyond the pale. Over the piece team 3 has at times been great to watch as well as frustrating and hopeless.

In defence we have been liable to losing goals in all games. We may have the best defencive record in the SPL but it should be better as we have given away bad goal after bad goal after bad goal. I mind losing goals no matter what but some of the goals we have given away this season have been unforgivable

In midfield WGS's does not know his best option after 3 years. He has bought Naka, Sno, Donati, Brown, Graveson, Robson and Hartley as well as having Mcgeady already in place. Yet he does not look to be anywherer near picking a settled midfield.

Up front he has bought JVOH who has underperformed all season, Skippy who has went of the boil and now Samaras who looks a stick on to start every game from now on in.

It is time to pick your best starting eleven and fill the team with BHOYS who will push that extra mile. Caldwell should now be replaced by Balde.

In midfield palying Donati and Brown switching from attacking to defencive midfielders is not working. Get Hartley in as holding midfielder allowing Brown to do what he does best. Drop Naka as he has not got the pace to get to the byline and replace with Robson. McGeady is having a torrid time of it right now due to the fact that when someone passes to him they just stand back in expectation instead of overlapping and pulling 1 or 2 of the 3 defenders marking the Bhoy with them. McGeady can still do it but when faced with 2 or as Aberdeen played last night, 3 players, doubling or trebling up on him is asking a bit much of his abilities. Robson & McGeady can then get to the byline and cross balls into the area for our strikers to attack face to goal rather than crossing from inside left and right to attackers with backs to goals as we have been doing of late.

Samaras is a stick on and then you pick any 1 from Skippy/JVOH.

Let's see the fight again.

Hail Hail and onto 3-in-a-row. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

canamalar COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:48 COMMENT-BODY:Paul67,
I'm inclined to disagree with your last statement, the fact they even mention scottish football shows, as said previously by celtic first, they have been paying attention to our potential viewing figures, however as there are only a max of 8 (do wales get a place ??) teams from the UK I'd expect more than 10%. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

moonbeams wet dream COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:51 COMMENT-BODY:Another thing. STOP THE BOOING BHOYS. Or swap your book for one at the Hunnery. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Kojo COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:56 COMMENT-BODY:My dear,dear,dear,dear friend, WGS.....

My thoughts on how to correct the sorry state of affairs, in which we have sunk( Should that no be...ach!...forgettabout it.. I'm too tired!)( You and me both,babe, You and me,both!)

I have previously stated that I had my doubts, as to should Mr.Strachan decide to remain at the Helm..next season

So I shall use that old reliable representitive of the unknown.... the letter X... as to who shall be the Celtic Managerial Incumbent.

If I were 'X"

I would immediately fire a few of our present First Eleven...
For they have proved to be without Intestinal Fortitude, when put under the gun!

A bettah way to put it...

Here is who I would Retain...
Arthur, Hinkel...Caldwell...Hartley....NakaMcGeady... Macdonald.( George? depends)

That leaves the following gaps in our formation to be filled...

And filled they would be...
with...

Big, Rough ,Tough...WARRIORS...
A LEFT BACK a CENTER BACK...TWO MID-FIELDERS. A CENTER FORWARD...

And believe me ...I would insist that my scouts should only back to me... MEN THAT ARE MEN!... no Sissies, no Pansies... No handbags will be allowed in the Dressing Room.

In other woids...

I would Copy, Pilfer...Plagiarise... the Methods adopted by Herr Schmidt...

I am not proud...

I know when I am licked!..

And at the Present time... Mr.Schmidt's methods look awfy guid to me.

Now Tactics.... Ah thought ye'd nevah ask!

Ten MEN BEHIND DA BA'...at all times...

And ...Suckah Punch the Opposition oan a RARE BREAK!

Now that is what AH CALL...Ballin' da Jack...

Nae Fancy Smancy... pure fitba''

Tae heck wi' dat..

Tried it... it Disnae woik , nowadays...

It's Time has come An' goan..

It's ONLY WINNING ,THAT COUNTS...

ONLY WINNING!

That wid be ma Plan.... that is how it should be done!

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

Good Night! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Paul67 COMMENT-DATE:19/03/08 23:59 COMMENT-BODY:Deliasmith, CQN will still reside at celticquicknews.co.uk, I’ll keep you right about posting. I hope.

Moonbeams, hear, hear (on Blogger). -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 00:23 COMMENT-BODY:Off topic...

A group of 32 people from another country are visiting Glasgow next week and I've been charged with organising a tour of Celtic Park, while a colleague organises the Ibrox one (petty stuff, but couldn't bring myself to do it). In previous years when we have done this, the Celtic one has proven way more popular, professional and entertaining.

Anyone 'in the know' any tips on how to ensure the same result next week?

They'll be visiting both superstores - a cash-spent tally will be compared. 4/1 in our favour last time. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

rodow COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 00:27 COMMENT-BODY:Can I re-iterate my belief in celtic wining the league, angainst a shjte rangers -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

fan-a-tic COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 00:28 COMMENT-BODY:moonbeams
fans are entitled to show displeasure with performance of team and coach.They don,t pay money to be poodles to this club as some people on this blog advocate.Why whenever Celtic fans don,t toe the party do some people think its acceptable to call them huns or tell them to go to ibrox.
They complain and boo because they care what happens to their club.
Paul i wasn,t surprised at your reply to moonbeams,perhaps you should try siding with the fans of our club occasionally and point fingers at those whose commitment to our club could be questioned. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

rioskorrie COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 00:36 COMMENT-BODY:Boa noite,

Not been on for awhile (mainly due to the IT Nazi's at work being evermore anal. Can I say that on here?)

Whatever, like most I was bitterly disappointed about last night (trudging home from a poor performance is no different wherever you are in the world) and have nothing much more to say than's already been said (except that the laddie Maybury seemed to have the measure of Aideninho, most of the time). However, heartened by that result in Govan tonight, which (for me) underlines how fickle an affair fitba is.

IMHO, when all's said and done I still think the League's there for the taking but only if WE collectively (manager, players and fans) wake up to the fact that nothing can be taken as given. This season will go to the last game, ONLY if we fight for it.

...... rockets going off here as Fluminense have just beaten Libertad of Uruguay, 2-1 to almost guarantee a place in the next stage of the Libertadores. If anybody can find it look for their 6-0 hammering of Arsenal, Arg a few weeks back on Youtube. Some cracking goals.......

......back to my track......Now is no time for fayness and/or fickleness. Like it or not, the manager and the team are the only tools we have to complete 3-in-a-row. They might do it with a fickle support, but they should do it with a solid support. Get my drift? -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Bloke109 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 00:38 COMMENT-BODY:Watched the highlights of the Thistle away fixture. Full-backs there for the taking. And why wasn't BroadofFoot sent off? Even the guy from Rangers TV (Craig Paterson is it?) thought 'maybe'.

Got a ticket for Sunday. Heads, as well as the eggs, must roll if the game's off.

rios

Nope, can't find that game anywhere -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

fan-a-tic COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 00:40 COMMENT-BODY:AT 00-28
It should read don,t toe the party line -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Johnny Mac COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 00:47 COMMENT-BODY:OK...I have stated on here that we are playing poorly. But, I want to reiterate this:

Our 1st team is better than theirs, man for man we are better than they are...I can not name a single player from their side that I would put into our first 11.

So, come on the bhoys....pull it together and win the league..show them you are the best!!!!!! -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

fan-a-tic COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 01:00 COMMENT-BODY:Johnymac
Totally agree with your post.
Now our team has to show same belief.
Our coaches have to look at our tactical flaws ,address them and let our players be the team we know their talent deserves. -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

gordybhoy64 COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 01:00 COMMENT-BODY:trying to read through the past couple of days posts and finding it quite a struggle,the number of people having given up on the league is quiet frightening,why not at least try to support the team until the season is over,cause there are lots of you who will look very stupid if we manage to win the league,also to sean south and others of his opinion,just because people dont agre with you it doesnt mean they are pauls poodles or cqn elite or whatever you want to call them,i for one dont agree with you and i wouldnt know paul67 or any other poster if i passed them in the street,except bigjock67 if you are lurking,lastly plenty posters tell us bookies rarely get it wrong,tell that to the guy with £200,000 on kauto star last week who happened to be beaten by the 2nd favorite -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR:

Michael Collins COMMENT-DATE:20/03/08 01:16 COMMENT-BODY:johnny mac

I agree with your sentiments and hope the players do as well, I have my doubts on that score.

I'm afraid, however that you're dreaming if you think none of the Rangers team would get