12 former Euro champions compete for Champions League

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There has been a bit of revisionist nonsense expressed recently which appeared to damn the achievements of the current team by comparing them to the great Martin O’Neill side, but Martin’s team were known to struggle in qualifying on occasion.

Let the record show, four wins from four games.  Three clean sheets, two of which were achieved away from home.  The remainder of the tournament will present stiffer challenges but Celtic are a completely different team than the side which lost heavily in Utrecht two years ago.

This is what planned, sustainable, progress tastes like.

The Champions League proper will be difficult for Celtic to win; no fewer than 12 former European Champions battle to reach the Wembley final, but we are one of them and we’re there on merit.  After a four year absence the excitement of those early Champions League nights at Celtic Park against Rosenborg, Porto and Juventus has returned to the club.

Bring it on.

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  1. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    KDC

     

     

    I prefer Chaz left side of midfield

     

     

    I think he stands off too much as a defender especially in the box

     

     

    But he always gets my support I am not bashing him. The lad has been a sensation.

     

     

    Hail Hail

  2. Speirs’s “article” itself is indeed a rambling mix of innuendo of his own creation, unsubstantiated nonsense and hypocritical bile. It seems to have no other purpose apart from taking away from the outstanding achievement of Neil Lennon and his players in qualifying for the Group Stages of the CL. Graham just wants to rain on our parade basically. His only positive note about Celtic in this bizarre article is a begrudging admission that our Board keeping debt under control was a good idea. He even manages to play this down by saying of Celtic “perhaps they have a point” !! It’s a piece that goes around in circles contradicting itself, and, as one other poster, has said has no credible figures to back it up. Another completely forgettable opinion piece from the MSM which I wouldn’t even use as a chip wrapper.

  3. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    EmeraldBee\o/ proud to be an internet bampot

     

     

    It is my job to destroy their credibility.

     

     

    Pretty easy job but I reckon they hate Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo

     

     

    Hail Hail

  4. Green Lantern (((((0))))) on

    I must admit some of the guitar playing on Hotel California is amongst the best I’ve ever heard.

  5. Headtheball @ 13:38

     

     

    In our 1st time in the CL in 2001/02 we were Pot 4, with Juve, Porto and Rosenberg as 1,2,3. finished 3rd.

     

     

    2003/04 we were pot 3, Bayern, Lyon and Anderlecht were 1, 2 and 4. Finished 3rd

     

    2004/05 year we were pot 3 , Barca, Milan and Shaktar were 1, 2 and 4 Finished 4th

     

    2006/07 year we were pot 2, Man U, Benfica and Copenhagen were 1, 3 and 4 Finished 2nd

     

    2007/08 we were pot 3, Milan, Benfica and Shaktar were 1, 2 and 4 Finished 2nd

     

    2008/09 we were pot 3, Man U , Villareal and Aalborg were 1, 2 and 4 Finished 4th.

     

     

    In 6 years we’ve finished ahead of our seeding twice, in line twice and behind twice, not too bad a performance.

     

    Interesting though that for 07/08 we were seeded behind Benfica who we had knocked out the previous season as they gained more co-efficient points in the UEFA than we did in getting to the last 16.

     

     

    Some dangerous teams in Pot 4, who I’m delighted we have avoided, including Montpelier and Dortmund, Cluj and Malaga. Compare that to Anderlecht or Braga who we could get from pots 3 and 2.

     

     

    Nice to be in it and worrying about who we are going to get.

     

    anorakcsc

  6. Tallybhoy

     

     

    Was at both legs. Missed the goal at Elland Road as I was just going through the turnstile into the Paddock. Remember at Hampden, in the Celtic end, struggled to get the cans out of my pockets we were so crushed in.

     

     

    Less than two hours to go !!!!

  7. iPaddy McCourt on

    Looking forward to the draw later and hoping for a mixture of big box office appeal and ‘beatability’ in our opponents. Real Madrid, Man City and Anderlecht would be fantastic but we’ll take anyone. Just delighted to be in it as I would have settled for guaranteed Europa League qualification before a ball was kicked this season.

     

     

    Del Piero would be great from the point of view of adding some much needed experience and composure to the team for these big occasions – we can’t really expect such a young squad to make an impact without an old head there to help guide them through tense periods of games. A definite yes on Del Bhoy from me.

     

     

    I thought Scott Brown was terrific last night – countless important interceptions in the middle of the park and kept the ship steady all night. A real captain’s performance.

     

     

    Samaras was outstanding once again on the European stage. If his finishing and/or final ball was just a bit better then he’d be playing for a pot 1 team. He absolutely terrorised their right back down that flank with his pace and directness. He’s now arguably the first name on the team sheet for these games, home and away.

     

     

    It was great to see young Tony Watt come on and make a really good contribution. He didn’t look out of place at all and a new long term contract for this kid is a must. The best prospect at that age I have seen in years.

     

     

    All the while, Sevco languishes in the fourth tier with an inept manager and the hurt of their followers is palpable.

     

     

    This is a new golden era for us, let’s all enjoy the ride for all it’s worth.

     

     

    Hail hail

  8. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    Greensideup

     

     

    I still have three reoccuring Scottish nightmares

     

     

    1. Cramming in for final exams

     

     

    2. Being on a long journey in a car where my ma and da control the music.

     

     

    3. Me being responsible for the failure of the huns not to collapse … this one is becoming less popular I have to admit.

     

     

    Hail Hail

  9. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    Green Lantern (((((0)))))

     

    15:13 on

     

    30 August, 2012

     

     

    You huvnae heard me play it. ;-)

     

     

    HAil Hail

  10. macjay1 for Neil Lennon on

    Zbyszek

     

    Hope you are around.

     

     

    Finally managed to watch your recommended site re. Jan Karski and the Warsaw ghetto.

     

     

    If you can see anything other than pro – Israeli propoganda and insulting anti-Roosevelt cant ,then I would be surprised.

     

     

    Who are and were the friends of Poland?

     

    Stalin? Hitler?Kruschev?Breznev?Putin?

     

    or

     

    Churchill,Roosevelt,Thatcher,Reagan et al.at al.?

  11. Pictures of Rhodes on Sly Spurts wearing Blackburn training kit and stating that they had just agreed fee with club and terms with player and it’s just the medical to complete.

     

     

    Another one bits the dust or if the £8M fee is to be believed I think we never gonna get this one.

     

     

    HH

     

    /Bishop B

  12. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    ParkheadcumsalfordwhoisNeilLennonand PaulMcBrideandTrishGodman

     

     

    ctrl plus the + key = bigger font

     

     

    ctrl plus the – key = smaller font

     

     

    HAil Hail

  13. thomthethim

     

    14:28 on

     

    30 August, 2012

     

     

    Ref Tony Watt, I do, yes. He’s mature beyond his years, physically strong, and has a football brain.

     

     

    He’s 18 yes, lots of top players started in top teams from 18 or younger. He’s only a couple of years younger than most of our first team are

  14. kdc

     

    15:09 on

     

    30 August, 2012

     

     

    I would like to see us get another ball playing midfielder to complement KC (and no offence to fans of the Derry Pele). I just feel that we need a bit more depth in that position.We have our horses for the mid, although Big Vic can be a ball player when he’s not shutting down the oposition.

     

     

    We need another rover type player which is KC’s best position btw, to give him a rest, it will be a long season with us playing in the Champions League

     

     

    gsu

  15. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    I see it is a lot of codswallop that sally has bought into THE doomed.

     

     

    Hail Hail

  16. AC Milan, Dynamo Kiev & Galatasaray (three weakest in each pot by coefficient)

     

     

    A real European feel to it, none of this Battle of Britain p8sh.

     

     

    Let us play this in our stands and on our forums.

     

     

    NoChampionsLeagueForMSM

     

     

     

    Would we be better off finishing in top 2 or top 3 ?

     

     

    Finishing second gives you another game in the next round of the Big Cup where we could face a sharp exit.

     

     

    Finishing third give you another game in the next round of the Europa Cup where there could be a few rounds progressed.

     

     

    Which avenue would have the most income ?

     

     

    PLawellNeedsANewSharpSuitCSC

  17. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    Greensideup

     

     

    how long is Dylan Mc Geough out for ?

     

     

    Henk was 6 weeks with his jaw.

     

     

    Hail HAil

  18. The sfa is as sickeningly corrupt and bent towards one club and one club only as ever….as usual….as expected. Why why why is Campbell Ogilvie still in situ? This is incontrovertible evidence that the corruption is institutionalised and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

     

    The fix is in……the drip is firmly in the vein….the somnolent pace of the dirge will continue to emanate from Hampden until it’s time for some wheeze re. Chucky & The Sevcovians……Scotland’s premier tribute act.

     

    If I wasn’t in such a good mood I’d be sick.

  19. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    I would love to get Galatasary … and would definitely go.

     

     

    HAil Hail

  20. I see some are having a go at Hooper who has now averaged a goal every two games in Europe for Celtic.

     

     

    Aye, absolutely pash with stats like that…

  21. My dear,dear,dear,friend .. KDC… luv yer.. Nomme de Blog,pal…

     

     

    Yep.. Ah am Delighted tae Find that at least.. AnitherTwo.. guys oot there..

     

    hiv No bin Heavily Influenced in thur thinking, by the Yellow Dog Press.

     

     

    Celtic, are Jist Absolutely Daeing.. Hunky Dory.. Defensively Speakin’

     

     

     

    Their Record in that Area Speak fur itsel.

     

     

    The Press has a Great Big Influence oan the Peneral Gublic’s wey o’ thinkin’

     

     

    and the Pity o’ it all. .is..

     

     

    The Peneral Gublic, Disnae fully Realize that..

     

     

    Ah see it everyday.. No only in Fitba’ Maitters..

     

     

    Political.. Financial.. Family… Maitters.. are awe included .

     

     

    Kojo

     

     

    Yer pal.. who likes ye , aloater.. already.

     

     

    Still, Laughin’

  22. Sargassosea

     

     

    I was 16 at the time so I was TT!

     

     

    Aye right!

     

     

    Big George’s goal in the first leg – remember it well! Took the slightest of deflections!

     

     

    See if he had played in the final against Feyenoord? We would (?) have won!

     

     

    Bring them on!

     

     

    One hour and 40 mins (approx) to go!

     

     

    I’m 58 and I’m like a wee bhoy on Xmas morning!

     

     

    Need to go for a walk (to the nearest bar)!

     

     

    Back in time ‘though!

     

     

    HH!!

  23. joe_joe_john_bobby_teddy

     

    14:05 on

     

    30 August, 2012

     

    New poster here, be gentle

     

     

    How good was Wilson last night

     

     

    Kelvin has played very well this season. Composed last night and was very good against Royal Madrid in USA. Maybe he needed time to settle? Paul Elliot did and if KW turns out to be as good as the big man, he will do nicely!

  24. CELTIC’S success in reaching the group stages of the UEFA Champions League is a massive boost for Scottish football. And the SPL has released a statement congratulating the club on its achievement.

     

     

    The SPL statement reads: ‘Following Celtic’s qualification to the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, the Scottish Premier League announced the resultant positive impact for the SPL as a whole, with the League’s European co-efficient and UEFA solidarity funding both set to receive a boost.

     

     

    The co-efficient rankings are based on a points system calculated against the results of teams from each country. Celtic and the SPL will be awarded 4 bonus points for participation in the group stages, with additional points being awarded for a group stage win or draw.

     

     

    Moreover, the amount of UEFA solidarity funding that is shared equally by the other 11 SPL clubs not competing in the UEFA Champions League will this season increase from £500,000 to around £1,500,000, partly offsetting the financial damage caused to the League by the loss of Rangers from the SPL.

     

     

    SPL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “”Our congratulations go to all at Celtic FC on once again reaching the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. Their success is a welcome boost for the entire game in Scotland – both financially and reputationally.

     

     

    “Ahead of the start of Scotland´s World Cup qualifying campaign next week, last evening is a timely reminder that Scottish football still has a rightful place at European football´s top table.”‘

  25. The Battered Bunnet on

    Liked the PA announcement last night after the game:

     

     

    “See you all back here at Celtic Park on Saturday for the top of the table clash with Hibernian”

  26. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo

     

    15:21 on

     

    30 August, 2012

     

     

    I believe the recovery period is similar. I would be more worried about concussion symptoms than his jaw healing. It’s too bad as he was looking really good against RM he was playing with a lot of confidence. I think their defender got away with a bit of cheap shot on that one

     

     

    gsu

  27. Aw_Naw…

     

     

    The Eagles, eh?

     

     

    The Eagles were fine until Bernie Leadon left and Joe Walsh joined imo!

     

     

    HH!!

  28. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    GSU

     

     

    Their defender had just come on and was looking to impress Uber cheat hun Mourinhio. I dont think it was as intentional as it looked but … yeah he has been playing well. I think he can do well in an advanced mid field role

     

     

    Hail HAil

  29. estadio15:22 on30 August, 2012

     

    >>>>>

     

    Voting duly done….see,ye never know….we could win the thing. There’s a great line taken from Sepp Herberger in ‘Run,Lola,Run’….” ….the ball is round, the game lasts ninety minutes,all else is theory..”

     

    Football is like that…..that’s why it’s soooo fascinating.

     

    It’s worth believing in.

     

    KTF!

  30. jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/ on

    Awe Naw

     

     

    Did you note the surnames of Boyd’s mates? A lot of fence jumping there me thinks!!

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