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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The HH is Collymore’s.
I wish someone would do a change.org petition to have Sevco removed from the face of the earth. That’s one petition I’d sign twice…!
Readers’ Opinion: Aftermath of Scottish Cup Final riots
In demanding an independent inquiry into the events at Hampden last Saturday perhaps Rangers FC should beware of what they wish for.
For the record I am a Hibernian supporter and was appalled a small minority of our fans should have ruined what was our most joyous day for over 50 years, or 114 years if you consider the Scottish Cup to be more important than the Scottish Championship
I sincerely hope all supporters who brought shame to the Hampden pitch that day are severely dealt with.
That said, the Rangers statement condones the behaviour of their own supporters who they claim were “goaded” by Hibs fans. Perhaps those in authority at Rangers should play back a recording of the match and watch the illegal pyrotechnics burning in the Rangers section of the ground. Perhaps they could also listen to the songs of bitterness and hatred spewed from the mouths of many of their supporters. Perhaps Rangers FC don’t consider those ditties to be “goading” or offensive; they’ve certainly done precious little to stop them over the decades.
Cal Waterson, 37 Crosshill Street, Lennoxtown.
Having attended the cup final at Hampden on Saturday I shared with every other Hibs fan the ecstasy of victory and the ending of a hoodoo that had lasted 114 years. I witnessed the stupidity of some extreme elements of the Hibs support, who came close to ruining the occasion for everyone at the end.
Returning from Hampden to Glasgow Central Station en route to Edinburgh, and in light of the events we had just seen, I was a little worried as my nine-year-old grandson was wearing a Hibs baseball cap and under his jacket a Hibs shirt.
When at last the segregated fans began to mix I became more concerned and when I saw a large and tough-looking fan bedecked in Rangers colours approach I stiffened and braced myself for possible trouble, although my son-in-law was there also and we were ready for anything.
My faith in human nature was restored and the day made even more when the fan clapped my grandson on the shoulder and said: ‘’Well done, wee man! Your team deserved it.’’ Smiles all round.
A fitting end to a great day.
Alexander McKay, 8/7 New Cut Rigg, Edinburgh.
Since its controversial founding, Police Scotland has been subjective to a host of criticisms, some self-inflicted.
Am I alone, however, in thinking that the disparagement of their intervention at the Cup Final at Hampden on Saturday to be wholly unjust? Their response seemed to me to be timely, commensurate and organised.
The slowly-advancing line of yellow-vested officers across the width of the pitch, backed by a mounted force, was enough to gradually quell the volatile situation, without resort to more dramatic measures.
Imagine a similar scene in such as Barcelona, with the forces of law and order baton-charging, split heads and general carnage.
Well done the Polis!
Iain L MacLeod, Dunnottar, Academy Road, Rothesay, Isle of Bute.
Records reveal, that before Saturday’s success, Hibs had last won the Scottish Cup 114 years ago and understandably have been lampooned as the bridesmaid of this particular tournament.
Who then was the best man at Saturday’s final? I would suggest referee Steven McLean earns that plaudit for his quietly effective performance in a keenly contested match.
Pity that the actual game will pale into oblivion due to the antics of a minority of mindless morons who brought shame to themselves, their club and most importantly the beautiful game.
Allan C Steele, 22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.
quonno on 24th May 2016 4:39 pm
SFA quoted as saying that it does not have power to ban Hibs from Europe
——–
Does that mean they looked into it?
MWD
“I am Pilgrim “a brilliant read would defo recommend to everybody
Thought it a a biography of John Wayne though :)
Hold on a minute….
Does Brendan Rodgers play a zonal marking system?
This is strange, a big name is signed up today at Ibrox and yet still there is no sign of Warbs, it’s Davie Weir who is running the show, the interview and the photo call. MW has not been seen or heard of since Saturday evening. Maybe the rumours are true that he is for the offsky. Would make sense if they don’t have the money to pay his promotion bonus. (£500k?) And of course no war chest.
Joey Barton is a great signing for them. 3 players out one in.
Think we will see a similar balancing of the books as we hopefully bring in some quality.
Guess who said this in 2012??
“For me Adrian, the SPL is a bit like Switzerland. As in it’s where people go, when they’ve exhausted all other options and want to die.I went to an Old firm game once, cracking atmosphere but the standard was horrendous. I’m not really sure what the way forward is for Scottish football. Especially now Rangers are playing Wetherspoons, or whoever else chuck out teams at that level.”
One for the grammar Bhoys to sort out..
Fink yer a legned…
Joseph Barton @Joey7Barton 2h2 hours ago
To be a Ranger is to sense the sacred trust of upholding all that such a
name means in this shrine of football.
——————————
I’m sure that quote’s from Yogi Bear…
Or maybe it was Boo-Boo..
jimthetim53 on 24th May 2016 5:07 pm
Maybe he’s on holiday?
Joseph Barton, professional footballer, philosopher, republican, and existentialist seems to have embarked upon a journey to rediscover his inner ned.
Enjoy your new-found fascist allegiances, Joey.
Mug.
MALC
Id settle for a blazing saddles type brawl with the Sevconians on Glasgow Green.
Just think of it like a mass celebrity boxing match.
All good clean fun
PETITION!:)
HH
GlassTwoThirdsFull on 24th May 2016 2:33 pm
Tony Donnelly 67
Maybe Burnley thought he might not last a full EPL season so only offered a pay per play deal or something? Dunno. Certainly didn’t look like anyone else was interested so maybe that tells you something!
*similar tae the FGB, naebody wanted him either, at the time I thought this was the worse move someone like him could make, a licence tae dae what he liked.
He was well like doon Balloch way, even by the Tims, very generous in the bar.
Joey will be making frantic calls to the Vatican within a month.
Absolute numbnuts nugget.
My mate in Huyton wont be impressed….next time he sees him:)
Scousers will be giving him loads…as they say:)
He is a half-wit of epic proportions.
Good player though:(
Although, i know another scouse player at around that age, who is pretty decent:)
Cmon Brendan….you know how to do it.
HH
Cancel the 10 in a row parade and stewards ;) they’ve signed Iniesta.
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD
Did I see you write once you were an atheist???
In all seriousness, decent player, 34 shortly, short fuse, numpty, attention seeker. Wrong direction to take their club, they’ve got a decent midfield anyway, it’s a whole new defence they need. Better ways to spend £2m I reckon.
Here’s yer dinner.
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/a-sevco-club-sandwich/
“Does Brendan Rodgers play a zonal marking system?”
Hope so davidpolous :)
HH
Calvin Miller signs New 3 year deal with celtic
TT
FGB?
barton is a great signing for Sevco. He could definitely help keep them out oft he relegation/ play off positions. Kudos to the newco, they are planning for survival in the top league. You have to admire that.
Unseen Fenian Hand hovering for another massive skelp to the sevco heid?
Hope so….they have been on silent, since their ‘Mein Kampf’ statement.
This sevco mob make Pastor Jack Glass look like an amateur.
They sail beyond the realms of absurdity….and what is more, they actually believe all their own lies.
But…its fine…..Because they have signed a mental 34 yr old who is drawn to trouble, and who talks like a total zombie, he will be right at home at the circus of horrors.
I give it 2 days before they are calling him a Fenian Bassa:)
Hell and Damnation for real.
HH
lymmbhoy on 24th May 2016 2:42 pm
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.
*isn’t ogilvie a director there, that we scheitd george waddell peat tae who was a director at airdrie when bader pulled the plug on them. duffield used tae as well. effin ludge over there.
Still laughing at some of the comments by people signing the Sturgeon petition.
The Hun cretin will have no awareness of the ridicule he has subjected himself to.
The lack of self awareness and irony is a familiar trait amongst huns.
Still laughing so have to stop typing and try to compose myself.
Starry Plough
I am indeed comrade….but a surreal one, who like a gag:)
HH
MEA CULPA on 24TH MAY 2016 1:32 PM
Just catching up…………..a bit behind.
Brilliant post.
Ian Archer. What a piece that is!
When you read reports and brave opinion pieces like that, it really is in stark contrast to the pathetic offerings of today’s award winning “journalists”
Reading that really does bring into sharp relief the dearth of talent, morals and backbone that are the norm today in Scottish Newspapers.
That should be sent to every one of today’s SMSM to shame them into analysing their inaction, indeed even their part in all of the farce currently surrounding the new club.
ROBERTTRESSELL on 24TH MAY 2016 5:31 PM
barton is a great signing for Sevco. He could definitely help keep them out oft he relegation/ play off positions. Kudos to the newco, they are planning for survival in the top league. You have to admire that.
I would rather stand and admire a jobby ,than admire anything to do with Sevco.
TONYDONNELLY67
Kenny Miller’s married to a blow up doll, ah thought that only happened in the movies:)))
THE GREEN MAN SAYS SACK THE BOARD
Melted clocks at dawn, fish needs a bike Comrade::)))
FAN A TIC
I’m not big on politics or Sturgeon, but some of the bile on that site posted about her is way beyond the pale, it’s absolutely disgusting.
Madmitch\bmcuw/dallas
Aye the family steppin out In embra.
Murray.who poisoned the original club,is remembered as the sole reason for its toxicity and death in 2012.
The family still own/have permission for vast tracts north of glasgow torrance area.
Will try dig out the article. :-)
—————————-
Tony D
Anthony,
I cant quite fathom your interest in who they sign.
Suprised at ye.:-)
its deep diving unfathomable that some reporters view of who the cheat signs is of interest.why give credit to the very msm you berate at other times.:-)
Suprised at ye
Keep it to Celtic.
HH
Awe aye! Here go pile it on, nothing about the baggage he brings, remember when we signed Griffiths? Disgusting MSM .
Joey Barton admits he was seduced by the notion of playing for Rangers after knocking back the English Premier League’s millions.
The 33-year-old could have stayed on with Burnley after helping Sean Dyche’s men to the Sky Bet Championship title but has instead penned a two-year deal with Gers.
The midfielder has foregone a lucrative 12-month deal with the Clarets but Barton insists it is the history of the Ibrox side and the lure of challenging for trophies which persuaded him north.
And a week after being given a guided tour of both Ibrox and the club’s training base, he has now promised to help deliver more silverware to the club’s famous trophy room as Mark Warburton’s men gear up for their return to the Ladbrokes Premiership.
He said: “I came up here a week ago and I was just blown away by the history and tradition in the stadium.
“That is really seductive for someone like myself, who is a football man.
“I had a great tour guide in [assistant boss] Davie Weir. As soon as I walked into the trophy room and saw the portrait of Bill Struth and the 54 pennants on the wall I was just bitten.
“When I saw what had gone before and when I spoke to the gaffer here and saw what an exciting future this football club could have, I thought it was an opportunity I just can’t turn down.
“I had great options on the table. I had a phenomenal year at Burnley but what they are going to do next year is a something I’ve done before.
“I had far better financial offers but I swore to myself a long time ago I would never make a career decision based on finance.
“You’ve got to be true to yourself as a human being. You’ve got to be comfortable looking the man in the mirror each morning in the eye. Coming to Rangers allows me to do that and know I’m taking on the correct challenge.
“I’ve played in the Premier League for a number of years. The last few times I’ve been battling relegation but in the cold light of day, the competitive animal in me wants to win trophies.
“I had a taste of that last year winning the Championship, with the collective and personal accolades that came with that. The easy thing would have been to stay with Burnley in a comfort zone.
“But I’m very keen to keep challenging my own perception of what the game is and experience as much of this great game as I can.
“Hopefully this is now a very successful period in the club’s history and I can contribute to that.”
Warburton has been looking for an experienced figure to guide his young side since he himself crossed the border from Brentford last summer.
Barton shied away from declaring himself a role model for his fresh-faced team-mates but the former Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Marseille battler does plan to lead by example.
“I have a wealth of football experience based on the fact I’m 33,” said Barton, Burnley’s player of the year. “But I don’t feel I have the body or mentality of somebody at the latter stages of their career. Performances on the pitch over the last 12 months have proved that.
“If I can impart my wisdom on the young players then great but it won’t be me getting self-righteous and telling anybody how to behave. Far from it.”
Barton’s previous form for combustible behaviour will ensure his first Old Firm derby draws a curious and sizeable television audience.
He now presents himself as a far more stable character but while he remains outspoken, he was keen to distance himself from tweets he has previously sent declaring himself a Celtic supporter.
And he warned those who remain to be convinced of his loyalties to the blue half of Glasgow that he will provide an emphatic answer come his first meeting with the Hoops.
“You only support one club,” he insisted. “C’mon let’s have it right, I’m an Evertonian.
“But coming from a football family, if the Milan derby was on you’d have to pick a side, AC Milan or Inter. If it’s Barca vs Real Madrid, I’d have to pick a side. That’s just what we do.
“So obviously being Joseph Anthony and having gone to Catholic schools, I didn’t really have a choice when it came to it. So I looked out for one of the teams when the Old Firm was on. I’ve said on Twitter, amongst other things, I’m a Celtic fan.
“You have to take that in jest. I don’t think anybody will have any doubt about my allegiances when we play Celtic.”
Barton signing serves as 1) a smokescreen for Warburton’s hush hush exit and 2) as a nice little cash burner…but to what end??
Starry Plough
As we speak, an invisible clown army are marching.
A mass campaign of flanning will shortly be underway.
I hear Chick Young, and BFDJ better be alert.
But the number one target…is Satan himself, Dave King of Africa/Castlemilk.
Its just as well he has those swivel chameleon type eyes….flans will be flying at him from all angles.
Thats before the mad clowns then wheel the mobile Whicker-Man down Bigot Drive:)
Comrade…This will happen, believe me.
When you hear local clowns shouting ‘Fishbones, Chopsticks…you know its Flan time:)
HH
barton can be a decent player btw