Dundee have played 12 games since losing 6-0 at Celtic Park in September, scoring in all but one of those occasions. Only Celtic and Aberdeen have kept them out in 21 games this season. They lost five last time out to Ross County (scoring twice), but scored four against Accies the week before. Season tickets at Dens are excellent value for money. There will be goals when Celtic visit tomorrow.
Kane Hemmings scored five of their six goals against County and Accies. He’s a direct player who makes runs from deep into space but a large portion of his goals come as a consequence of defensive errors. In short, he appears to run at defenders in anticipation of them making a mistake, not a wholly unproductive strategy for strikers playing against Celtic this season.
Ronny Deila will be keen Celtic build on the positives from Tynecastle, although the on-going absence of Leigh Griffiths will be a concern. I reckon we would have seen Carlton Cole at some point against Hearts if it were not for the plethora of injuries which restricted the manager’s options. Hearts had done their homework on Nadir Ciftci, who was well marshalled throughout. He can expect a similar night tomorrow.
Partick Thistle’s role in the title race will come into focus over the next week. They are on an excellent run ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Pittodrie at Saturday’s game at Celtic Park, having won their last four league games. You can win two Premium Seat tickets in the Jock Stein Stand for Saturday’s game, courtesy of Magners, if you answer this question:
Who was the last Partick Thistle manager to win four consecutive top flight games?
Email your answer in the SUBJECT line to celticquicknews@gmail.com before 17:00 tomorrow (30th). My Partick Thistle knowledge is limited, so editors decision if final……
And if you are so minded, having read what you’ve done already for Mary’s Meals in 2015, you can donate a £1 or so towards them here. Many thanks…………
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Gooooood morning CQN.
Mr Z – I am an advocate of changing our league season.
We should be shutting down from mid December ( right after final round of European games) so say 16th ? Through to start if Feb ? So 6 weeks
For a team like Celtic, give the players 3 weeks off, then take on a winter training camp
The season should then finish end of May, and re- start mid July, same 6 week break, although teams like Celtic are playing in qualifiers by early July, but again give players a 3 week break
I know weather through Feb/ Mar can be poor, and I know about school holidays etc in July, or training in June, and even impact of internationals, but a change is needed.
Now Cat amongst the pigeons :-)
I would also expand the league to 16
Now something out the box, invite the best 2 or 3 teams from the Republic & 1 or 2 ? From the six counties, to create a Celtic premier league – bigger viewing audience for any TV deal etc.
Finally those commenting on the discussion last night on players
The context needs understood, TET, Auldheid and I were in a discussion around Celtic signing policy, number of players being signed against quality and risk – there was no slight intended on any players named, TET and I think the current policy needs altering, Auldheid was as usual providing evidence of why we operate the way we do. Good honest Celtic fans discussion, without any of us falling out over disagreeing :-))))
Hail Hail and COYBIG if the game goes ahead tonight
Cowiebhoy
I don’t think there are many fans expecting us to spend fortunes on players
However , we are selling very good players and replacing them with dross
Our search for a striker in the last few seasons has been embarrassing and dreadful financial management
Send within your means …however the crap we are filling our squad with has denuded the squad all decent talent …
Ciftci is a shining example of the failure of the last few seasons …whoever thought he was a CFC quality player …never mind spending £1-5m….should be sacked ..
SunSport online believes the stopper – who suffered a hamstring strain against Hearts on Sunday – has been told he’ll be sidelined for a minimum three weeks after an appointment with a local gypsy
That’s a major blow for boss Ronny Deila and the 25-year-old who is firmly in contention for a place in the Belgium squad for next summer’s Euro finals in France.
Boyata had started to finally find his form again after a shaky period of costly errors and unconvincing displays that brought into question his ability to play football
He and Jozo Simunovic have finally established themselves as the first choice partnership at the heart of the defence.
But Boyata pulled up after just 33 minutes of the 2-2 draw at Tynecastle.
His absence further stretches Deila’s defensive options, with Charlie Mulgrew and Saidy Janko already out long term and loanee Tyler Blackett seemingly drained of confidence after struggling badly since his move from Manchester United. It’s rumoured Blackett could return to Old Trafford early. The gypsy believes if he wears a dead chicken around his waist for three weeks then the positive spirits should return
Mikael Lustig, too, suffered a knock against the Jambos and is fighting to be available for tomorrow night’s game at Dundee.
Deila’s worries over fitness issues has led him to put several development squad prospects on standby for the game at Dens Park.
Boyata’s absence may also see the Celts boss move to bring in another central defender during the January transfer window.
Aberdeen are only just a point behind at the top of the Premiership, although unfortunately they have played one game more.
PFAyr
That’s exactly the discussion TET, Auldheid and I were having last night
The costs of Cole (salary) and Ciftci (fee and salary). – against getting it right, with the proper scouting, research etc
Now hope you and family are enjoying the festive period :-)
Hail Hail
The Helpful SFA
Those of you who read my articles will have noted that I tend not to criticize Mark Warburton or his team. Only the board, primarily King, are anathema to me. To paraphrase Derek Johnstone, who opined on an unknown Alvechuch FC player, I like the cut of his jib, as he sails through the sea of tranquility that is the Rangers supporting Scottish media.
However Mr Warburton has been inconvenienced by a penalty award against Rangers. He was so incensed that he wrote to the SFA and apparently ‘received the right answers.‘ Mr Warburton was not willing to accept the myth that decisions tend to balance out over the course of a season. This might apply to teams with weak management and a toothless board, as is the case with CFC, but it’s not good enough for Rangers. The fact that Mr Collum ‘gifted’ a late penalty to atone for his error, was not good enough as this penalty was not converted. I wonder what the ‘right answers’ were? Did they include an apology? Was Mr Collum apprised of the SFA’s blueprint to restore Rangers to the pinnacle of the Scottish game? Did he promise not to award a penalty against Rangers for the rest of his career? Was he told that if he had attempted this at Ibrox it might have led to social unrest? It has not taken Mr Warburton long to assimilate the fact that the SFA is an annex of Rangers. He demanded an explanation and he received one.
As you will have noted from a previous article, Stewart Regan asks for permission prior to any press release on Rangers. We have evidence that he drafted a letter to exonerate the SFA from their decision to allow Rangers to participate in UEFA tournaments in 2011/2012; despite the fact that HMRC sent a final demand for the payment of the outstanding balance from the operation of DOS in May 2011.
Mr Regan’s lame written excuse was that the Rangers board were in negotiations with HMRC. This was a lie. The negotiations had come to an end when there was no offer to settle. Craig Whyte was not negotiating with HMRC, he was avoiding them to evade tax. Stewart Regan’s letter was spiked. He knew that Rangers should not have been given a UEFA licence, but was concerned that ‘the social unrest’ that would have ensued would have resulted in his relocation to a safer address in England and the end of his SFA career. Mr Regan has done his utmost to join the English FA. He has applied for several positions. His applications have failed.
Mr Regan is in an invidious position. Having bent over backwards to approve a career criminal as ‘fit and proper’ his decision is going to be challenged in court. Mr Regan, Mr Ogilvie and Mr McRae will be called to the witness box to explain why Mr King’s 41 convictions for tax evasion, each of which carried a two year sentence and transgressed article 10 of their constitution, were considered no impediment to be a chairman of a Scottish football club? Mr Topping, who wears the hats of the SPFL and the SFA with such distinction, will also be asked why he voted for King as will the junior FA representative Tom Johnson. Mr Regan will be asked to explain why Mr Ogilvie. who was a former employee of Rangers who reported to a board where Mr King was a non-executive director, chose not to recuse himself from the makeshift panel; and why the decision to approve King was not submitted to the vote of the Professional Game Board?
A judicial review is the last thing this venal Rangers-facing cabal of officials would want. In a previous article I touched on the Scottish Football Monitor’s decision to challenge the flawed Emeritus Lord’s findings. They did not receive a response to their letters to those who govern Scottish football. They were informed, in no uncertain terms, that they do not respond to any queries that are not posed by a member club. Given that no member club is willing to challenge the SFA as they have all signed up to their blueprint, only a judicial review could expose the SFA.
A cynic might posit that the £5m repayment to Ashley may well have been conditional on Ashley withdrawing from legal action. If this is the case, this alleged transaction will fail. Ashley wants 100% of Rangers Retail. The £5m may well be too little too late.
https://johnjamessite.wordpress.com/
MACJAY1
Not a problem, I used to be an ex pat myself, and I know the feeling, people take it for granted they get what we got.
http://www.hailhailmedia.com/the-power-of-belief/
Remember the word predicted please.
http://readceltic.com/2015/12/30/predicted-celtic-xi-v-dundee/
Good Morning Bhoys I see tonights game is in doubt and that the ground is going to be inspected early this afternoon.I also believe as well as Celtic having a few injuries to worry about Dundee have a problem with an illness that is going through the club.If the game goes ahead I would like Ronny to be brave and bring in a couple of youngsters as they will never be first team players if we dont give them a chance. H.H.
Auldheid ……can’t understand why you react / respond to neganon2 …… He is a strange one HH
Hmmmmmm Stokes up front tonight on his own? Well he is greedy enough to play the roll, but is he fit?
Has he burned his bridges? I think tonight may tell (if the games on, ) but if fit and back in the good books, why not? If the other two options get the nod before him tonight, then I’m afraid he’s done for.
But going with the goal ratio with all three strikers he unfortunately is the form guy, which doesent board well for the other two, going by goal ratio that is, but it’s football who knows, the other two may step up, let’s hope so, mon the hoops.
Lurking Huns and Celtic supporters who think the present day Sevco players are better than Celtics, GIRFUYs
67HEAVEN .. CHALLENGING THE LIE ..I AM WEE OSCAR…… IPOX BELONGS TO THE CREDITORS on 30TH DECEMBER 2015 10:59 AM
Auldheid ……can’t understand why you react / respond to neganon2 …… He is a strange one HH
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/there-will-be-goals/comment-page-6/#comment-2745413
I can’t understand why anyone does :))
Not a bad read.
http://etims.net/?p=8338
Morning Champs,
A pitch inspection at midday I hear.
HH
M
An interesting article.
http://celtsfromthesouth.com/2015/12/30/step-it-up/
The rain in Aberdeen is torrential.
Unless there is a quick change and the pitch is well draining and has been covered. There will be few games going ahead .
Should we get a game on then this is a big game for Ronnie.
It should also be a big game for any player lucky enough to be selected to play – pre January window performance is everything. A good result can hide bad performances so the result is also important in identifying winners .
The thing about transfer windows is that we have exit and arrival doors.
I’ll be keeping an eye on both.
I hope the right players exit – Id hate to see Biton leave and that is a risk given his fine form and our Boards propensity to cash in at any opportunity regardless of how it impacts the team’s prospects.
If James a Forest plays ( he shouldn’t start imo) he has a lot to make up for unless he’s playing for an exit.
I’d love to see Scott Alan given a go tonight.
The midfield is a very interesting area just now. If Scott Brown and Kris Commons both return from injury and effortlessly resume their positions it raises questions over a few players who have a gift wrapped opportunity to take their places.
Young McGreggor has done himself no harm. Armstrong should be given a shot in the centre but I’m beginning to question his bottle. GMS has way too much talent to continue his poor form. I still believe he can come good but time is running out for him- particularly if Alan and Christie get a chance and shine.
Ciftci needs to start scoring braces and hat tricks to redeem himself or he could be a sacrificial lamb as Celtic may seek to cut their losses by selling him on -although I suspect he may be a Bobo Balde scenario – much better paid in the Celtic reserves than he will ever be in any other 1 St team who would take him.
As I say interesting times for players… Who should be as mindful of exit as they may be about arrivals.
A Catholic diocese in Lanarkshire has suspended a priest for welcoming parishioners to the final blessing of the Christmas Eve mass on a hoverboard.
The priest, at the diocese of Motherwell, was filmed riding the self-balancing scooter up and down the aisles, to the applause and evident delight of some of the congregation.
The diocese issued a statement in the form of an image post on its Facebook page on Tuesday night.
“As a way of greeting his parishioners, the priest sang a Christmas song, while going around the nave standing on a hoverboard and doing impersonations of a surfer while sprinkling holy water ” it said. “That was wrong.”
It condemned the priest’s behaviour as an attempt to “capriciously introduce something to get the attention of the people”, and said he would “spend some time to reflect on this past event and would pay for the dry ice affect”.
The statement said in full:
The Eucharist demands utmost respect and reverence. It is the Memorial of the Lord’s Sacrifice. It is the source and summit of Christian life. It is the Church’s highest form of worship. Consequently, it is not a personal celebration where one can capriciously introduce something to get the attention of the people.
The priest said that it was a wake up call for him; he acknowledged that his action was not right and promised that it will not happen again.
He will be out of the parish and will spend some time to reflect on this past event.
He would like to apologize for what happened.
Comments on the statement suggested the controversy had split the congregation.
Facebook user Helen Hargreaves expressed approval of the church’s handling of the issue.
“Very good. That is all that is needed. Let’s say an Ave for Father, especially that his vocation and surfing abilities be rejuvenated by his time out of the Parish.”
But another commenter, Brian Hughes, said the Catholic church needed to do more to attract young people.
A statement posted to Facebook by the Diocese of Motherwell, after one of its priests greeted parishioners while riding a hoverboard stated.
“Look at the faces of the kids? A teacher from Hamilton performs his lessons on a hoverboard while wearing a long Matrix type overcoat and it goes down a treat and recommended it. I agree with the formalities of mass but there is something to be said about making yourself approachable. The ‘People’s Pope’ seems to be very approachable, granted it is without the use of a hoverboard.”
The church did not address the risks of riding on hoverboards, which have been known to overheat, explode or catch fire.
The popularity of the wheeled vehicles as gifts this Christmas has led to increasing concerns about their safety.
Hoverboards have been deemed too unsafe to ride on roads or pavements in Britain; they are also banned in New York, and for Catholic Priests in Motherwell and the surrounding area.
Awe naw
I knew right away it was a wind up as bishop toal wasn’t mentioned
Awe Naw
It’s a skateboard! :-)
Awe naw
Brilliant. Nearly spat my tea all over the wife’s I pad!
With apologies to the inimitable Jobo.
The weather in Arbroath ( about 20 miles up from Dundee) currently is windy but dry and very mild. The Brothock Burn is about thirty inches lower than it was a couple of days ago so I would expect the game to go ahead.
JJ
For the avoidance of confusion, the game is being played at Dens Park and not in the Brothock Burn.
JJ
:))))))))))))))))))))))))
“……..and doing impersonations of a surfer while sprinkling holy water…..” – See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/there-will-be-goals/comment-page-7/#comments
ItsAlotLessBovverWithAhovver CSC
Jj
Thanks for the clarification
For a moment I thought celtic might really miss beram kayak
Shiver me timbers…the very respectful Mark Warburton and his huns are coming (sooooooon)…so don’t be disrespectful.
Doncaster on Sky gushing with praise of the Ibrox attendance. All very positive and no mention of the 40000 strong racist choir. One or two singing anti Muslim songs would be dragged out, exposed and jailed.
TBJ
I think you might have prompted a flood of pun(t)s by that comment.
JJ
TBJ
We should have signed Kanu!
The Hampden Rower.
Harald Sandbag
Dimitri Mahrine
Marrakesh Express on
It’s what they do, they won’t do nothing to the establishment not a chance in hell, Celtic Fans on the other hand are open season, always has been always will be, Tims will get huckled by the dozen and get banged up, and that’s been going on lonnnggg before the OB in football came into play, and the Kelly’s could do nothing about it then, same as the board today, it is what it is, you can try all you like as soon as the SNP made the monster Police Scotland, that’s it the jig was up, once politics comes into it yer forked, then the Uni. Mob, left wing extremists, ban the bomb, tree huggers, Wee break away groups from normal Celtic supporters start bumping there gums, causing a divide between the club and the fans, ably helped along with the SMSM , who will give it all the oxygen they need without any questions asked, and there you have it, the inmates have taken over.
No personal names where mentioned in this post, so don’t take it that way and run to the teacher, these are my opinions and mine only.
Lurking Huns and SMSM GIRFUYs
Ruud Mullet.
Will Flood
Grrrrr spellcheck
Up to there knees in EBTs ?
https://johnjamessite.wordpress.com/2015/12/30/up-to-our-knees-in-ebts/
There was also the return (has it ever been away) of a proscribed song that in its original form is inordinately offensive. The surprising alteration was that a lyric had been changed from ‘We’re up to our knees in Fenian blood’ to ‘We’re up to our knees in EBT’s.’
It was an interesting twist as it celebrates the fact that we got away with it. It rubs the weak and complicit snouts of the denizens of the CFC boardroom in our EBT detritus. The underlying message was ‘Thanks for the twenty titles suckers, and by the way let’s do lunch.’ This lyric alteration lacked none of the hubris, bombast or supremacy of the original lyric. It hit home at its target audience.
The latest from johnjamessite is he serious?
Boat-eng?
Tommy Burns