Do you remember the Green and Whitewash season? In 2003-04 Celtic dominated the league. After drawing their opening game away to Dunfermline they won their next 25 consecutive league games, beating every team in the league home and away. Across all competitions, they beat Rangers five times in four league and a Scottish Cup meeting.
This was as dominant as a team could get but there were vulnerabilities. Not only was Henrik Larsson out of contract, much of that team were in the twilight of their careers. Paul Lambert, Neil Lennon, Alan Thompson and Chris Sutton would never command the same on-field fear again.
The team that completed nine league wins in a row on Wednesday night could not be more different from the 03-04 vintage in one important aspect; only four are older than 23-years-old and none of them are veterans: Brown, 26, Samaras, 26, Mulgrew, 25 and Ledley, 24.
With an average age of just over 22 years this team will continue to improve for years; we can see evidence of progress. James Forrest has made a huge step up in form from last season. Victor Wanyama is almost unrecognisable from the player who arrived in the summer. Big Fraser, 23, still young for a keeper, inspires a lot more confidence than he did last season, and the baby of the team, Adam Matthews, is a scarcely believable 19-years-old. He’s so new to this environment you have to wonder if even the lad’s father knew he had a performance like Wednesday night’s in him.
Ki, 22, Stokes, 23, Izaguirre, 25, Kelvin Wilson, 26 and Mikael Lustig, 25 all fit the same profile. They are a squad full of improving players with the appetite you only get when your career is in front of you.
Rangers, and the rest, should be very afraid. Wednesday night might be as close as they get to the coattails of the young Celts.
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Welcome to the greatest club in the world Mikael!
Btw it looks like Lenny is going for the big imposing defenders – Lustig is taller than Big Dan!
http://www.snspix.com/5891890/print/5891890.html
HH
/Bishop B
If it wasn’t for their EBT, our GOD would’ve been ITB.
If they get away with it or any other outcome that favours or helps them, it’ll be an absolute disgrace.
” I’m off to the Kings the nicht…….well it is Xmas! Best Panto in town, so I’m told. The mixture of characters and material is so, so incredible. I’m going wi all ma mates, theres the Cardinal – he supports the ranjurs, big bluenose but helluva guy, theres ma big pal fae Uni Mohammed who supports Airdrie but thinks Celtic are every bit as bad as ranjurs, theres ma guid freen Roddy who lives in the eaves of the Copeland Road stand, but he doesnae support any team in particular. Understandable I suppose. But he does think Neil has an attitude. Then theres ma wee brother he’s so mad wi it that he cannae even get a game wi the Green Republican Brigade, then theres me, just an honest Tim offering curious opinions and perspectives aboot the team I luv. honest. Hail….”
Margaret Thatcher considered pulling out of Northern Ireland in 1981 as hunger strikes by republican prisoners brought international condemnation, in contrast to her public position that she would “not flinch” from keeping the province in the U.K., previously secret papers show.
While members of Thatcher’s Cabinet warned that such a move risked bloodshed, civil war and unrest among the Irish diaspora in British cities, the prime minister said all options should be considered, the documents released today after the statutory 30- year delay show. She also took part in drafting proposals to the prisoners aimed at bringing the protests over their conditions to an end even as her government said publicly it was not involved in negotiations.
“Many people in Britain now believed that a settlement of the complex problems of the area would be more easily reached by the Irish on their own and that continued British involvement could only mean the futile sacrifice of further British lives,” the confidential report of a Cabinet meeting on July 2 says. In her summing-up, Thatcher “said that further thought would need to be given to all possible courses of action in regard to Northern Ireland, however difficult or unpalatable.”
Ten prisoners from the paramilitary Irish Republican Army starved themselves to death in a protest that lasted from March until October. They included Bobby Sands, who was elected as a member of the House of Commons while in jail. The detainees said they shouldn’t be treated as criminals and demanded the rights of prisoners of war, including wearing their own clothes and avoiding prison work. The Cabinet records show ministers were given regular updates on their health.
‘Real Aim’
At the July 2 session, at which they discussed the possibility of forced intravenous feeding of the prisoners, ministers considered a British withdrawal from the province, which they said was the hunger strikers’ “real aim” and was supported by “widespread feeling” in British public opinion. Also weighing on their minds were “increasingly disturbing signs of an erosion of international confidence in British policy.”
Ministers acknowledged such a move could result in civil war and “massive bloodshed” in Northern Ireland as well as unrest among Irish communities in the rest of the U.K., according to the report, which was considered so sensitive that only one copy was made. “Even the suggestion of a withdrawal could lead to serious unrest in western Scotland,” it said.
Troubles
Ireland was partitioned in 1921, with the mainly Protestant northeast staying within the U.K. More than 3,500 people were killed in the conflict known as the Troubles, which began in the late 1960s and saw republican and loyalist paramilitaries waging campaigns of terror. British troops were deployed in Northern Ireland in 1969 and ended operations in 2007 after the province’s political parties agreed to share power.
While it was emphasized in public in 1981 that there were no negotiations between the government and the hunger strikers, the files released today include detailed secret reports on discussions through an intermediary codenamed “Soon,” who was speaking to nationalist leaders including Martin McGuinness, now deputy first minister of Northern Ireland.
Thatcher was kept informed of the talks, including being briefed after midnight on July 8, and her handwriting appears to be on a draft of an offer of concessions to be made to the prisoners, which she approved.
‘We Shall Deny’
“If the reply we receive is unsatisfactory and there is subsequently any public reference to this exchange we shall deny that it took place,” it says at the bottom of the text of the proposal, which involved changes to prison conditions and was rejected by the republicans.
President Ronald Reagan’s new U.S. administration was praised for its “reticence” over Northern Ireland in the face of growing pressure from the Irish diaspora, according to a briefing note preparing the ground for a visit to the U.K. by Vice President George Bush.
U.K. diplomats in Washington were watching the new administration with interest and Thatcher, the first leader invited to see Reagan, was already a fan.
“I’m really quite optimistic,” she told West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt by phone in November 1980.
To contact the reporters on this story: Thomas Penny in London at tpenny@bloomberg.net; Robert Hutton in London at rhutton1@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Hertling at jhertling@bloomberg.net
The headline and Opening paragraph on the STV site says:-
” John Fleck free to leave Rangers on loan
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder will be encouraged to seek regular football away from Ibrox, on a short-term basis, in January.”
Somebody should send a fleet of ambulances to Perth for poor wee Grant.
Vmhan
Hope you see this.
SwanseaBhoy suggested I get in touch with you to discuss if you could help me out getting to games. I’ve just booked train tickets for the Utd game on 14th so no rush.
I’ll message Paul now and ask him to send on my e-mail address.
Hail Hail
30% of STV staff are unhappy with current toilet facilities. The other 70% claim that London based ITV staff, mostly Chelsea fans, are responsible.
Neil mentioned in his post match interview in the SKY sports studio that Europe has been beneficial for his team this year.
Can’t disagree.
I see Kayals likely to be out for 10 days and will probably miss at least the Dunfermline game. The Huns will no doubt think elbows appeal was worth it just for that. Bad news for them is that we’re still going to pick up full points until Kayals back. Roon yees.
Many happy returns to ole Aldersyde Avenue
Wassailing Gooner -you asked a question the other day about previous involvement of the Cellick with the Exciseman.
I’m reading the excellent John Cairney book just now[ ‘the 7d Gate’, courtesy of ole Santa, and in it he reminds us that Willie Maley left Celtic over a tax dispute [amongst other reasons].
Luxcelt, I have to agree with you, the time for gloating is in May, not December. More experienced and stronger Celtic squads than the current one have frittered away bigger leads than we currently hold.
If the green and whitewash season taught us anything it is that rather than improve from a position of strength we have been content to allow teams to stagnate. That team was the best I have seen in my young life supporting Celtic, it took 14months from knocking out Barca to losing on Black Sunday.
Without re-opening the Steven Fletcher debate, this month is the time for Lawwell to prove his statement that we aim to close the transfer window stronger than when it opens. That hasn’t happened for some years now. As Paul67 has written, we have a very good young team, but they are young, and need a bit of experience to help them over the line.
Lustig is a start, hopefully Diawara will be next. Let’s not worry about the January sales on the other end of the city, I suspect they will get to 1st February with their squad intact by hook or by crook.
Paul67 (or anyone else)
Re the signing of Lustig, is this one picked out by Lenny, or would this be a JP signing? Or is there no division to speak of between the 2?
Interested in the how’s and whys of mr depp arriving with us.
Well done Lubo 00:47and TopCorner 02:41
Well done for posting the minutes of meeting between Celtic Affiliation and police. Very interesting stuff, nearly has me listening to an attempt to take the sting out of the rubbish that is put to the country by people with a very selfish and dangerous attitude.
Wot a laugh Grant from Perth was it had me in stitches for ages. Same broadcast has Chic Young on the BBC Radio Programme Your Call in reply to a Ragers fan………………….”especially since we’ve got Bendiksen the young player from Norway”
What a larff Chick Y then goes onto say that he is clearly a St Mirren supporter when he is asked about the Ragers defeat by St Mirren.
HH
I’m wondering how much they still owe Rapid Vienna for Jelavic?
Last summer they were late with a 500,000 euro payment but there was more still owing – I think.
A million more?
Oh , its just started snowing.
BSR -sighin’ in Sion?
Schindler’s Lift
Spotted in the Edinburgh Evening News: BY ex Celt Andy Walker ….saying something positive about us…WoW……….
“Walker said: “When you see those pictures of Neil Lennon at Rugby Park, three goals down, well behind in the league at that time, out of Europe, he looks shell-shocked. But to be fair to him he has now shown the qualities that he showed as a player. He has shown great fighting qualities and a never-say-die attitude.”
I think… he sees the writing on the wall and is trying to ingratiate himself with us again….little Quisling……..he’s got mair faces than a toon hall clock ……………
Harry Corbett used to stick his hand out from under the covers and say ‘ Emb’dy seen Sweep?’
DBBIA
Appealing?
Bournesouprecipe
Craig Whyte………swindlers miffed?
DBBIA
ole Sooty in the Nude?
ASSETMANAGER 1300
Do you not need to be wearing an apron and standing on a large chessboard to do that?
Paul67,
Superb article.
Celtic are on the road again and although the change of direction has taken a bit of time to bear fruits, it is the right path we have taken given the current setup we are restricted by (SPHELL). Of course you need to have the correct man to be able to get these fruits to ripen correctly and Neil Lennon is the perfect man in this respect, he has been outstanding working with young players but as we all know, there is so much more to Neil Lennon than just being good with young players.
Neil Lennon is standing on the edge of Greatness IMO.
Delighted for Neil especially and all the Celtic family after all the ramped up cheating nonsense we have had to put up with over the last few years. As ever, this will only serve to makes us even stronger and thems just never realise this fact.
I look forward to Celtic dominating Scotland for the rest of the time we play here, under Neil’s tutelage.
BSR, funny you mention that, I could really go a wee satsuma.
Pea and ham soup at lunchtime was a bit on the salty side, either that or the ole Garden Centre has got Grant from Perth workin’ in the kitchen.
glendaly
* searches for Craig Whyte images *
Paul67
I hope you are correct but I would have preferred such an article to be published AFTER we win the league if that is what we go on to do.
This article has tinges of the generation of domination that never was.
Let keep our emotions in check and focus in on the only thing that counts – the league. Cups would be nice but nothing should get in the way of the league. Another goalscorer would be nice to reinforce our attacking options.
Happy New Year to you and yours.
P.S. I hope Lenny remembers and reminds the squad that our last two victories over the Huns were followed by an away draw (Hamilton) and an away defeat (Motherwell). No repeat on Monday please.
Sat down to watch Wednesday night’s game in an unusually relaxed frame of mind and confident that Celts would continue their great roller coaster run with another victory. Neil Lennon finishes of the year with yet another successful night against against Rangers in his short reign as manager.
Nice to see Lennie and Aly best of mates again heading down the tunnell probably for a seasonal ball of malt at the bar.
Great team performance in dreadful weather conditions. The back four were superb with Fraser just having to make the one brilliant goaline save.
Young Matthews performance has been well chronicled but I thought Rogne and Charlie were outstanding and Scott Brown put in a great shift
.
All Neil’s young players are starting to gel and it’s proof positive that there is a lot of young talent out there to be had without spending obscene money on transfer fees.
Just watched the 2nd half there.
Excellent to see again. Thanks for posting Kit.
Wee question. As the Huns come up the tunnel who is it standing halfway down the tunnel taking the back slaps from a number of hun players and in particular talking to their no.18?
MWD
Celtic win Wednesday
Birthday yesterday
Home for a quick shower and change today
Off to Whistlin’ for a pint now
Hogmanay the morra
Sober by Valentine’s day
As for the Rangers’ sweetie wrapper cavalcade, I tapped Scott McDonald on the shoulder (He sits in front of me in the North Stand when he can get away from his insurance selling and make it down from Kirkaldy) and said
“That’s us definitely won then”
“How’s that?”
“Well that stuff they’re throwin on is foil…… Fianna Foil (sic)”
Ta ra
Hail Hail
Estadio
DBBIA
Still on Salty Breakfast here ;-)
Saw ole Duffield on the SKY replay beside Snow Whyte, he was in funereal mode.
Parkheadcumsalford says:
30 December, 2011 at 12:57
given their average age, I would be of the Must Keep Dan clique.
– > Me too. Even if he doesn’t play in every game. Experience needed with this young team.
I agree 80% with what you are saying Paul67
But!! I had wished that you had mentioned that transfer window opens in less 48 hrs
A window very simiar to the wilo window,a similar window where we had a team that just needed a bit more quality, especially up front, where we needed a goal scorer
Same as now, the board failed the fans then, will they fail the fans and forest and Mathews now, as they failed us then
Time to put them to bed
Peter lawell,time for you to put the fans and the teams interest before your personal bank account
Will you learn from your mistakes ??
ST
I’m Neil Lennon (tamrabam) @ 13:07
In a documentary about her from roughly 10 yrs ago, one of her right hand men, (John Wakeham maybe, not sure, fat and ugly so take your pick), admitted that one of their private discussions exemplified her ignorance about the situation and lack of humanity towards it from the very start. She asked him, would it not make sense just to move the Catholics out, to which he replied, “what, you mean the way Cromwell tried to do it?”. Forgive the paraphrasing. Still, at least I can look forward to my taxes going towards her state funeral, while a certain football team demands a year’s worth of minute silences without paying a penny towards it or anything else that it deems important.
STV have emerged as surprising frontrunners in the new goal-line technology project fast tracked by SFA lame duck Stewart Regan, roars Jeith Kackson.
In a surprising development that will no doubt have the Tims squealing, it has been proposed that cameras are first trialed unilaterally wherever big Fraser is.
A source close to Dark Mately gave the ‘plan’ his full support.
On STV news. Ally speak on Jelavic, `Nobody has told me that anybody has made an offer`
Thank you Mr WG! I had the good fortune to have 3 birthdays. Saturday, Wednesday and today. Maybe even the horrible mothers will do us a turn on Monday (but I doubt it)
BSR
*try M. Feldman*
ianinascoli says:
30 December, 2011 at 13:26
Classic plausible deniability speak from aunt sally!
Vaultbhoy