If charm brought European success, Brendan Rodgers would have left Celtic Park with the Champions League trophy yesterday. After speaking to the media he sat down with a small number of fans and immediately bound himself to the group by quoting the vernacular of the Celtic Park of his youth.
He spoke about it all. Paul McStay was his favourite all time Celtic player, “when we were in trouble you always looked to Paul to do something”. There was a special place for Anton Rogan, “flying down the wing” but it was Tommy Burns who made the most durable impression on Brendan.
“He went to Mass every morning before training [at Reading]. Family and people were important to him. He told me all about managing Celtic”.
There was a glint in the eye when he recalled stops in Baird’s Bar on trips to Glasgow before heading to Celtic Park, and of recounting his trips for weeks afterwards. The thought crossed my mind that this was a guy who had just picked up keys to kingdom he dreamed of ruling.
There was a short sentence: “I was 39 when I went to Liverpool”. He didn’t need to elaborate. The Liverpool job came when Brendan was still young enough to be play. He’s sure he is a better manager now than then, although he was a pretty impressive manager to be able to land the Liverpool job when he was still a pup.
Several of you have noted that the pickup in season ticket sales will pay the reported multi-million pound salary Brendan will earn. That will pale into insignificance compared to the money his family spent in the Superstore yesterday. They are a very proud family.
He wants his teams to defend aggressively. The responsibility to develop players remains, but he noted that it takes the right experienced players to properly bring on young talent. Oh, and no one needed to tell him the importance of the last week in August.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the newspaper advert fundraiser, the money is now in and fundraising closed. The Guardian and Tribune De Geneve have been paid, and the balance will go to Mary’s Meals.
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Barton is a good player.
His robust style will be applauded by mibs and mSSm.
It was probably his recent assaults against Kayal that earned him the contract.
He is a good signing for them with the latitude Huns players are given on the field of paly.
Great news uber Tim joely Barton signs for Huns. Similar to Jim Steele signing.
TBB
I had the misfortune to hear Regan on 5Live on Sunday morning and he mentioned Hampden Park Limited a few times in his brief interview.
HH
Barton to speak to the media this afternoon.
Will he do it in Glasweigan ned accent?
https://t.co/SdCxRJHkg3
THE BATTERED BUNNET on 24TH MAY 2016 2:38 PM
What I have been saying.This is an SFA problem.Hibs had no control over anything that happened.All wishful thinking by Jackass and his cohorts about punishing Hibs.Not a scrap of evidence has been seen,apart from Huns attacking Hibs fans,brutally.
John James does not hold back in his recent blog.
Big signing for them. Hopefully we can trump it in the coming days.
Is the Warbmeister building a team of Tims over there, think we should be told of the UFH’s plans:))
GOT IDEA FOR DISTRIBUTING ANNUAL (7)
Just back from Madeira and that clue has been annoying me all week! – o- e – i -.
Incidentally, met Nir Bitton at Glasgow airport. Very accommodating chap.
JJ
PS Polemic was my guess but I don`t understand why.
Johnjamesite article, worth a read
Bringing the game into disrepute
Rule 1: All member clubs shall:
(a) observe the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship in accordance with the rules of fair play;
(b) be subject to and comply with the Articles and any statutes, regulations, directives, codes, decisions and International Match Calendar promulgated by the Board, the Professional Game Board, the Non-Professional Game Board, the Judicial Panel Protocol, a Committee or sub-committee, FIFA, UEFA or the Court of Arbitration for Sport;
(c) recognise and submit to the jurisdiction of the Court of Arbitration for Sport as specified in the relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes and the UEFA Statutes;
(d) respect of the Laws of the Game;
(e) refrain from engaging in any activity, practice or conduct which would constitute an offence under sections 1, 2 or 6 of the Bribery Act 2010; and
(f) behave towards the Scottish FA and other members with the utmost good faith.
Rule 1 is quite clear. Dave King has a history of bribery in South Africa but on this occasion the relevant section is clause f. At this point we should consider what James Traynor stated at the behest of King and his board:
“No matter how many times Hibernian’s chairman and Scottish FA vice-chairman, Rod Petrie, and certain other biased commentators wish to play down Saturday’s mayhem and violence, the truth must not be distorted. It was clear to most of those who watched in horror that the Scottish FA’s security procedures failed when Hibernian’s fans went over the top in their thousands. This is the second time in a year that Rangers fans have had to endure attacks by another club’s supporters.Rangers fully expects the Scottish FA and Police Scotland to take action to provide our people with a safe environment.”
James Traynor is paid by the Rangers board for issuing statements on their behalf. They would have been issued with a draft of Traynor’s statement, invited to comment and ultimately approve it. They would have the final say on publishing it on the official Rangers.co.uk website.
Therefore we must conclude that Rangers are of the view that the Vice President of the SFA is a biased commentator.King’s board is stating that the SFA’s security procedures failed and are also stating that the Motherwell fans’ decision to encroach on the field of play was an attack on Rangers fans.
There was no attack on Rangers supporters in Motherwell. There was encroachment and goading. The only violence on that day was a punch and kick at Lee Erwin by Bilel Moshni. Would Mr Traynor care to comment on this instance of assault? Could his actions have led to social unrest?
As for the statement that the SFA and Police Scotland failed in their duty to provide a safe environment, the alleged assaults of Rangers players have been exaggerated out of all proportion. We now have statements from parties close to Dean Shiels and Kenny Miller that Keith Jackson’s article in the Daily Record is a tissue of lies. Mark Warburton, who is the only voice of reason at Ibrox, stated that his players were intimidated and that he was most concerned in regard to the former Hearts player Danny Wilson. However, all Rangers players managed to exit the field safely. They should not have been at risk, but unless the SFA choose to construct a moat at Hampden there is not much more they can do.
The Hibs fans who chose to encroach on the pitch are clearly at fault. However I do not consider that they attacked the Rangers supporters as stated by Traynor. The attacks came from Rangers supporters. The decent Rangers supporters made their way home. A hardcore minority engaged in attacks. Two Hibs supporters were punched and kicked by packs of Rangers fans and were fortunate not to have been seriously injured. These were criminal attacks, but King and his board are putting the blame on the SFA and Police Scotland. Has Mr King or Mr Traynor not seen the footage of a Rangers supporter using a corner flag as a weapon? As for the ludicrous justification that they were defending the players, there were no Rangers players on the park at this time.
Have the Rangers board behaved towards the Scottish FA and other members with the utmost good faith? Evidently not. Will they be charged by the SFA for bringing the game into disrepute? Probably not.
Charles Green accused the SFA of bigotry as per their decision to offer his new club an SFL II berth. He was duly charged and fined for this comment. It was a cheap stunt by Mr Green that played to the gallery. King is a different kind of animal altogether.He has no sense of propriety whatsoever. He is a corrupt businessman who has lied, cheated and bribed his way in life in a shocking catalogue of criminal behaviour and corporate malfeasance over a period of four decades. He commits perjury at the drop of a hat. He will ragdoll the SFA.
However his invective in regard to Police Scotland will not go unnoticed. They could charge him with a criminal offence if they chose to do so. Many of us are aware of the nature of this criminal offence. At this point in time he is being perceived as a gamekeeper, but he could be viewed as a poacher.
As has been the case for decades, the Rangers supporters are allowed to goad supporters with their songs of anti-Irish hatred. The SFA refuse to deal with it and the only time it is ever censured is when UEFA get involved. Until this problem is addressed it’s probably a boon that Rangers will not be playing in the Europa Cup next season as it would indubitably lead to fines, games behind closed doors and suspension. I’m fairly certain that the SFA won’t include a discussion on this issue in their report.
It’s a strange one? Can’t get my head round it at all? He must be injured surely?
Rangers confirm signing of Joey Barton
Rangers confirm signing of Joey Barton
Jeff Holmes
Posted on Tuesday 24 May 2016
Rangers have confirmed the signing of Joey Barton after the former England midfielder successfully passed a medical.
The 33-year-old will officially join the club on July 1 after penning a initial two-year deal.
Barton was a free agent after leaving Sky Bet Championship winners Burnley.
The Clarets had offered the former Manchester City, Newcastle and QPR battler a new 12-month contract but he was won over by Gers boss Mark Warburton and his promise of longer-term security.
It became clear Barton was heading to Ibrox on Monday after he sent a pair of cryptic tweets containing lyrics from songs popular with the Light Blues faithful.
He then travelled north the following day for a medical at the club’s Auchenhowie training base before thrashing out the final details of his contract.
Barton – who was given a guided tour of the facility and Ibrox by Warburton during a flying visit to Glasgow last week – took to Twitter to confirm his exit from Turf Moor.
Paying tribute to the Clarets faithful, he said: “Thanks to all the Burnley fans and everyone connected to the club. Amazing support this year that will live with me for a lifetime.
“Toughest decision of my professional life to leave an amazing set of people and a phenomenal culture behind.
“Club is in a great place on and off the pitch with great custodians at the helm. Thanks again for the opportunity to represent your club.
“I was presented with an opportunity and challenge the competitive animal in me just could not turn down. Onwards and upwards now.”
Barton had hoped his move north would signal a return to European action but has not been put off joining the Gers despite seeing their Europa League hopes evaporate with Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Hibernian in the final of the William Hill Scottish Cup.
He now becomes Rangers’ fourth summer signing, joining Accrington pair Josh Windass and Matt Crooks as well as former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Rossiter.
Warburton will see the signing as a major coup as he prepares to do battle with Celtic and their new manager Brendan Rodgers next term.
Barton was named Burnley’s club player of the year as he helped lead Sean Dyche’s side back to England’s top division as Sky Bet Championship winners.
Meanwhile, Warburton has told midfielder Nicky Law and forwards Nicky Clark and David Templeton their time is up at Ibrox.
Templeton cost former boss Ally McCoist around £700,000 when he arrived from Hearts at the end of the 2012 summer transfer window but the winger has never fulfilled his Tynecastle potential and leaves having made just 84 appearances in his four years at the club.
Law joined 12 months after Templeton after an impressive spell with Motherwell and leaves with a League One, Championship and Petrofac Training Cup winners medal, as does former Queen of the South striker Clark.
He signed at the same time as Law and went on to net 23 goals in 102 appearances.
A club statement said: “Everyone at Rangers wishes all three players every success in their future careers, and thanks them for their efforts during their time at the club.”
Barton could be a good signing for them, Whilst he is correctly being touted as a 33 yr old, less than a month into new season he will be 34. He still has the capacity to play at the highest standard for a few years, remember Lubo but equally he could start declining or be more susceptible to injury.
Anyhow that is their problem, paying him will also be their problem.
We should not be distracted or influenced by what they do, if we do our job right we will win the League again, and I am totally confident that is exactly what we are going to do.
The whole things about stewards being sent to Ibrox, as hinted at by Winning Captains, certainly explains why such outrageous statements eager to attribute blame were so hastily published. This was the bad news they didn’t want anyone knowing and chucked out the smoke grenades early.
What a wonderful day yesterday. My two daughters were with me, which is saying something, as rarely can the two be found in the same country, let alone in the same post code area.
The atmosphere was super optimistic, positive and friendly, in stark contrast really to many of our home games this season.
Someone said earlier that Dermot has now been ‘pardoned’ by some sections of our support, let’s hope that those who constantly harbour feelings of obdurate antagonism towards our CEO, Peter Lawwell, can now let it go, and we can pull together in what could be a tumultuous season.
It was obvious in what Brendan said that Peter was completely involved in securing him as our manager.
Just like Peter oversees the financial parameters within our overall budget, when it comes to the recruitment of players, so Dermot will lay out and agree the major financial package, including salary and transfer spend, on offer to the manager, in consultation with his CEO.
Their is a desperation setting in down Ibrox way, we do things differently – long may it be so. HH
JJ
Isn’t it an anagram of Got Idea?
Good we number hope it works.
http://youtu.be/ndn8gRF_uIo
Man @ 3.25
Pal is the reason things got so bad.
His performance as CEO is nothing short of shocking.
Second rate bean counter promoted to a level his imagination could not cope with.
No issues with talent, detail, influencing skills.
Just a case he became totally focused on his bonus and he did have the depth to take us forward.
JJ
Godetia
STARRY PLOUGH on 24TH MAY 2016 2:35 PM
Barton Fink the new Iain Black, we should be afraid very afraid:))))
Want a bet?
Unless the huns are going to bring in a few more on the same sort of wages they will be paying Barton, having one player getting paid wheans more than the rest of the squad will do wonder for team harmony :-)
Corkcelt,
My prediction… Jb will cause them more problems than he does us.
HH
YORKBHOY
Want to bet what??
distributing annual… flower. Ha!
Joey Barton’s signing is an attempt to soften the blow of Mark Warburton’s departure.
yorkbhoy
have you got an O’NEILS YORK CELTIC SUPPORTERS CLUB BADGE????
I promised a pal
STARRY PLOUGH on 24TH MAY 2016 3:38 PM
YORKBHOY
Want to bet what??
Just a joke on the Iain Black betting story…
YORKBHOY
Forgot about that, there’s so many stories and scandals round the zombies:))
FAVOURITE UNCLE on 24TH MAY 2016 3:42 PM
yorkbhoy
have you got an O’NEILS YORK CELTIC SUPPORTERS CLUB BADGE????
I promised a pal
—
Sorry no… I’ll see if I can pick one up for you
yorkbhoy
have you got an O’NEILS YORK CELTIC SUPPORTERS BADGE. I promised a pal of BT I would send him one then remembered I gave it to some kids in MILANO.
double post not even had a drink yet.
“To be a Ranger is to sense the sacred trust of upholding all that such a name means in this shrine of football.” Joseph Barton
Each to his own.
I agree Geordie, The guy is one year older than Kris, was rightly offered a 1 yr contract by Burnley, he is getting a 2yr one by the Sickos so went for it.
It’s a huge gamble by them, hopefully it does blow up in their face.
Hrvatski Jim on 24th May 2016 3:46 pm
“To be a Ranger is to sense the sacred trust of upholding all that such a name means in this shrine of football.” Joseph Barton
Each to his own.
————————————————————————-
Kicking off with a Struth-ism. He knows how to play them, I’ll give him that much.
Like Donald Trump stringing along the rednecks…
HRVATSKI JIM on 24TH MAY 2016 3:46 PM
“To be a Ranger is to sense the sacred trust of upholding all that such a name means in this shrine of football.” Joseph Barton
How ya’ doing pal?
He sort of had to say that, didn’t he. Firstly, he is known for playing to the crowds. And, secondly, there is no such word as “DOWNholding’ (although there should be …)
And I didn’t realize Sevco had SACRED trusts … I thought they only had illegal EMPLOYEE BENEFIT trusts….
Joey Barton…..one for the future I reckon and a mere babe in arms compared to Kenny Miller. A huge drain on their limited finances and a huge gamble too. Let’s hope it all goes pear-shaped for them.
JB vs TFOD2
Mentalist in need of an audience meet audience in need of a mentalist.
Joey Barton has an MA in bullshitting and an o-level in French :-)))
He also knows feck all about seagulls and trawlers BTW.
Sounds like JB’s been on the goat’s milk.