You and I know how fans of other Scottish clubs feel about their performances in Europe; at best, it is a source of national frustration. Everyone else is cleared out of Europe in the qualifiers by teams who themselves seldom reach the Europa League proper.
All of this matches the Scotland national team, who only this year started to look competitive. A malaise has crept in, everyone comes to expect failure and copes without undue distress (for the most part).
In this respect, we have nothing to lecture Belgian football on. The Belgian national team is one of their nation’s best ever, a decent outside shout for next year’s World Cup. But domestically, Belgian football has rapidly fallen apart.
Anderlecht, like Celtic, are their country’s last remaining competitor in European football. Brugge were bumped from the Champions League qualifiers by Basaksehir, then the Europa’s by AEK Athens. Oostende lost to Marseille, no particular surprise there, but Gent exited the Europa qualifiers to Altach, currently seventh in the Austrian table after nine games.
The pain of humiliation in European club football is being felt acutely right now in Belgium, while their most successful club, Anderlecht, acts as the flag bearer.
Anderlecht’s fall from grace has been steep. On the way to winning the domestic title, they produced one of the greatest wins in their European history last season, 1-6 away to German club FSV Mainz on the way to a 3-2 aggregate quarter-final defeat to eventual Europa League winners Manchester United.
Now they sit seventh in the table, nine points adrift from Brugge, having sold their top talent from last season, and sacked their manager this month. This is a dysfunctional team in a newly-dysfunctional league. They fear Celtic.
So far, so encouraging, but you and I have seen this movie before. Larsson, Sutton and Hartson had Anderlecht on the canvass in 2003. Dominating possession in Brussels with the home team down to 10 men, but we still contrived to lose the game to a team we would sweep aside with ease at Celtic Park.
There are reasons to be hopeful. Our previous two away games in the group stage, (Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach), produced highly credible draws, we looked like a team who knew how to survive in this environment, but you and I would be delighted with a draw tomorrow night.
Notwithstanding the fact that a draw would be a satisfactory result, this is a game we should look to win. Anderlecht’s deficiencies are many and evident. They cannot buy a performance right now. If Brendan and his players secure three points, they will take a huge step towards European maturity. Don’t bet against them.
Celtic FC Foundation, Great Scottish Run
A number of us will be treading the streets of Glasgow in Celtic FC Foundation regalia on Sunday with the Great Scottish Run. I am doing the 10k (either because I fancied the shorter distance, or because I forgot to register for the Half in time…. hopeless).
Being able to do things for the Foundation is a significant part of my Celtic relationship. It is appropriate to follow in the footsteps of those who 130 years ago decided to form a football club to help those in need.
What the Foundation does will never grab the headlines of what the football team does, but it is difficult to imagine a football result having as profound an impact on people’s lives as the work of the Foundation, when it feeds the hungry, or provides respect to the downtrodden.
If you are able to support the work, please do so at this MyDonate page.
Thank you.
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The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind (EP14) Champions League Special
A Celtic State of Mind offers an insight into the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning invincible Scottish champions.
Each episode includes interviews with ‘Celtic-minded’ figures from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature or politics.
Ahead of the crucial Champions League match against Anderlecht, ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ goes behind the Champions League curtain for Celtic’s opening match against PSG.
Kevin Graham provides pre and post-match discussion with members of his CSC, as well as in-match analysis in what will be a regular Celtic State of Mind feature.
Enjoy!
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SFTB,
What hopes I had of them……
Good evening, friends.
About to do my backshift on the ole LMS9 site so if you’re waiting on a reply to any emails sent in the last 24 hours your wait is almost over.
Still time to join the best clique on the interweb. Just email cqnpredictor@gmail.com asking to join in and I may even reply this evening!
JC2 on 26TH SEPTEMBER 2017 2:00 PM
The Hooped Crusader
My Nephew said SHOOTers if in city center.
Knowing him he has mis spelt HOOTERS.
Just a general sports bar with lots of tv’s.
He says there are no real Celtic pubs in Leeds any more
and when questioned about Irish Center says its in a part of town
he has been advised to avoid.
Anyone advise my Nephew otherwise grateful.
Cheers JC2.
Not trained tonight at Anderlecht’s stadium, i wonder what BR’s thoughts are on that?
Art of War: Best wishes to you and your dad.
Doc: Good luck with your op on Friday.
ThomtheTim: Have a great evening celebrating your anniversary with your good wife.
The Hun in work still hasn’t mentioned Saturday’s match but wasn’t best pleased when I bet on us against ‘the five year old club’ in our weekly staff accumulator:-)
http://celticbynumberscom.ipage.com/bhoy-match-vs-ranger/
Behind the click bait title, I consider the attacking performances in the 2-0 Ibrox win. Oh, alright and the Bhoy of the Match, to ensure annoying folk. HH
And I am officially done with this game!
!!BADA BING!! on 26TH SEPTEMBER 2017 6:52 PM
Dont give them so much as a whiff.
AA
BT goals show.
AOW,
Reading back, I hope everything goes as well as possible. You have had a hard time of late.
HH.
THE HOOPED CRUSADER on 26TH SEPTEMBER 2017 6:39 PM
There’s no such thing as the Irish Centre in Leeds anymore unless your a free stater. The fascist blue shirts took it over years ago.
quite wonderful. ta much.
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TOMMY JOAD on 26TH SEPTEMBER 2017 2:23 PM
A Joyful Lament to a Different Game
Celtic fans around the world spent last season commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions European Cup success. The current team played their part with an unbeaten campaign that culminated in a treble. But amid the joyful nostalgia there is the recognition that that the game has changed beyond all measure in the intervening period.
It is a Saturday afternoon in Paisley, just outside Glasgow. The year is 1967 and a 28 year old man with a whimsical idea in mind is dialling a number in a telephone box, more in hope than expectation. A gruff sounding Irishman receives the call. A speculative request is made, and is granted after brief consideration. The necessary arrangements are agreed. The players of St Charles Boys Club should report to the stadium the next day at 10am for a tour of the ground. Some of the Celtic players – newly crowned European champions – are in for a light training session and will be happy to say hello. The man placing the call – my father – thanks the gentlemen on the other end, the Celtic assistant manager, Sean Fallon. A hectic evening ensues convincing disbelieving kids and parents alike that the proposed outing is not a hoax.
On the Sunday morning, Fallon was true to his word and a dozen or so wide eyed Paisley youngsters were greeted by the man from Sligo, who warmly introduced them to legendary manager Jock Stein and club icon Jimmy McGrory, along with a clutch of first team players who willingly had a kickabout with them at the ground, followed by a full tour of the stadium.
I’ve lost count how many times I’ve been told this story, both by my old man and by those who made the 10 mile trip to Glasgow’s east end with him. As I sat with my dad watching Brendan Rogers’ current Celtic team honour the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions triumph with an undefeated treble in May this year, we reflected again on that impromptu encounter, laughing at the notion that a man in the street would have such direct, immediate and unfettered access to senior players and management at the home of the reigning European champions, while remembering that this was also a time when star midfielder Bobby Murdoch would take the bus to training on a daily basis and legendary winger Jimmy Johnstone borrowed money from the ball boys for a fish supper on the way home. Simpler times undoubtedly, when players and managers were still deeply embedded in their communities and were talented representatives and extensions of the wider support
In football as in life, the generations elapse and things change, but these anecdotes – now half a century old and heavily laden with nostalgia – form the basis of a lament to the modern game, where elite players are for the most part, fiercely protected from their fans. The story of the Lisbon Lions has been split into tens of thousands of narratives but it remains eternal and special largely because eleven men, all from within thirty miles of Glasgow, conquered Europe with an earthy, gallus swagger which is entirely different to the pretentious conceit we often see at the top level of football today.
I often argue with my dad that nostalgia can contaminate the memory when it comes to football but in the case of the Lions, the evidence pointing towards true greatness is overwhelming. Some might also argue, and not without reason, that Celtic fans have an inclination towards the sentimental but it’s important to acknowledge the club would not have the history and romance it has now, had those players not had the courage and ability they had then, but the magnitude of their unique achievements were not always recognised in some quarters. From the UK media, national team selectors and even from within the boardroom at Celtic Park they received contemporary applause, followed by oblivion, with the odd moment of rediscovery. Chief executive Peter Lawell and Martin O’Neill raised their profile greatly again around the millennium, though the fans had never allowed these ordinary heroes to be forgotten.
When Jock Stein arrived as manager in 1965 there was no drum roll to accompany him. Trumpets did not play. His limited playing career and plain speaking offered no hint of his visionary attitude to the game. He was an ex miner whose values of modesty, humility and teamwork were forged in the pits, a man who in the words of Hugh McIllvanney was “educated below his intelligence”. His impact on the club and on his players was seismic. Victory over the mighty Inter Milan in Lisbon was as one sided as a 2-1 victory could possibly be, where Celtic dominated proceedings entirely, despite the oppressive heat and the concession of an early goal. It is unlikely that there has ever been a more fruitful or historic collaboration between two full backs than Jim Craig’s perfectly timed cutback for Tommy Gemmell to hammer in the equaliser from the edge of the box, a combination which epitomised the relentlessly attacking nature of the Celtic performance. When Stevie Chalmers diverted Gemmells strike beyond the one man barricade of Giuliano Sarti, the Italians had long since abandoned any pretence of attempting to win the game.
Re-watching the entire ninety minutes is an illuminating experience; Celtic were absolutely masterful.
Millions of words have been written about this special team so when the anniversary documentaries and articles began to be trailed it was hard to see where the fresh angle would come from. The new perspective on their achievements came with a heavy dose of melancholy and sadness, with news earlier in the year that team captain Billy McNeill was in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, which was closely followed by the passing of Tommy Gemmell. These were hard blows for a group of men who are close as brothers and the anniversary celebrations were coloured by recent developments. The sight of Billy McNeill with the group in May this year prompted some throat clogging emotions for Celtic fans of all ages.
Jimmy Johnstone overcame the limitations of his genetic inheritance, not to mention some medieval tackling, to be voted the greatest Celt of all time. Bertie Auld epitomised the Glaswegian essence of the team with streetwise attitude and ability, while Bobby Murdoch held the compass every time the team advanced. But McNeill was the undisputed leader of the team. This son of a blackwatch soldier led the team out in Lisbon with the quiet nobility of a gladiator and ended it by ascending the concrete stairs alone, to be immortalised in the most famous photograph in the clubs history with the big cup. It must be difficult for family and ex-team mates to see a figure of such physical and mental fortitude in his current health.
Sporting icons, even the greatest, do not exist in a vacuum and the remaining Lisbon Lions are old men now. Even those St Charles Boys Club youngsters who attended Celtic Park on a bright Sunday morning are in their sixties. While all would acknowledge the incredible job Brendan Rogers has done in his maiden season to connect players, fans and management again, it would be an offence to most fans sensibilities to compare the two teams. It is equally futile to compare eras and traditions but one wonders what Jock Stein would have made of the corporate carnival of vanity that passes for the Champions League today, or what McNeill might think of the actions of Sergio Ramos in ensuring the dismissal of his opponent in the recent Champions League final.
The remembrance of the Lions was a season long celebration and they were commemorated brilliantly by supporters in the 67th minute of every game at home and away, in Scotland and abroad. For Celtic fans of my father’s generation, that Celtic team were men like themselves with the same daily concerns, who just happened to be sportsmen. Perhaps this is part of the reason why they continue to be so celebrated.
Sometimes it’s unhealthy to dismiss modern progress or to lapse into sentimentality for an extended period of time, but in the year of the Lisbon Lions 50th anniversary, it’s been entirely justified. There will never be another team like them.
AoW
Sorry for your news and the crap you are going through, take care and God Bless.
HH
……………………………..
Tommy Joad
A fine post sir.
HH
……………………………………………………….
Thom
Best of to you both and I hope you reach many more.
HH
……………………………………………
Crackin goal from Bale
Watching this Liverpool game.Think I am right in saying Spartak Moscow were the pot 1 team.Absolutely terrible.Cant pass,cant defend.Shocking performance.How they got pot 1 is a scandal.One attempt at goal and they scored.Free kick.Liverpool should be 3 or 4 up.
Tommyjoad, wonderful post earlier.
SCULLYBHOY on 26TH SEPTEMBER 2017 5:50 PM
It might be on any letters you’ve had from the registrars regarding AGMs, dividends etc.
If not just phone the registrars. They should be able to track the shares for you.
ernie lynch on 26th September 2017 8:26 pm
SCULLYBHOY on 26TH SEPTEMBER 2017 5:50 PM
It might be on any letters you’ve had from the registrars regarding AGMs, dividends etc.
If not just phone the registrars. They should be able to track the shares for you.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Good mhan, thank you.
HH
SA – yes could be to avoid spying, they might go for a wee warm down…:)
AOW – thoughts with you and family. Not having your troubles to seek at the moment. Hopefully things get better soon.
Doc, al the best for your op. In October routine, maybe, but a positive attitude will make all the difference.
Thomthetim and your verrrry long suffering wife – congratulations. Some achievement.
Tommy Joad – thank you for that. We don’t see posts of that quality often enough. A very enjoyable read.
Fitba’. liverpool drawing 1-1 at half time with Spartak Moscow. Should be out of sight by now. Wouldn’t have minded Spartak as top seeds in our group. Fans are very noisy, but haven’t tried to blow up the ref yet this time.
Not sure if I misread Celtic by Numbers post, has he said he is packing it in or what?.
If he is stopping it’s a pity. He produces fascinating stuff that deserves to be read by a wider audience.
I do find It is a bit heavy at times & I need to be in the mood to read it.
Obviously no one here would have the knowledge to challenge his stuff and I don’t know how he does the analysis but I must assume it is accurate.
I wonder is that type of analysis readily available to Brendan & his team by a Professional outlet, if not perhaps they should offer a wee contract to Celtic By Numbers.
Doc
Good luck with your op.
AOW
Hope your Dad makes a full and speedy recovery.
TimJim
Hoopy Birthday
HH
Corkcelt,
I think he meant he was finished with the weekend Derby game – hopefully.
Fascinating reading, as always and wish i had the patience to do what he does. Deserves a wider audience
Scott Brown Does Nothing Wrong https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/scott-brown-does-nothing-wrong/
Reading back and missed a few obviously :-(
Best of Doc
HH
……………
Feliz Cumpleanos TimJim
HH
………………………
Just booked to go over for the Ross County game on 31st March.
Then realised this is Easter weekend.
What are the licensing laws like in Glasgow over Easter?
Show Meetings The Red Card https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/09/26/show-meetings-the-red-card/
Did not think it possible,but Moscow getting worse.Totally impossible for them to pass to each other.Unbelievably bad.Liverpool should be so far ahead.
!!BADA BING!! on 26TH SEPTEMBER 2017 8:38 PM
Celtic -2 @ 16-1. I know I know……but I couldnt help it :-)
Ave Ave
Bateen Bhoy, Hopefully you are correct.
Was speaking with an IT expert some months ago and he said that there is a Company who can provide an in depth analysis of every footballer compiled over years. Accuracy of passes, tackles etc etc etc & Clubs in the market for a certain type of player can buy this info to assist them in creating a short list of suitable targets.
ThomtheTim
Happy Anniversary.
BHOYLO83
Scottish Easter licencing rules…
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/William_Hogarth_-_Gin_Lane.jpg/517px-William_Hogarth_-_Gin_Lane.jpg
Unlike Copenhagen which is shut doon for Easter from Holy Thursday till Easter Monday.
Done my liver good :O(
Not much ‘love’ between Mane and Sturridge at that substitution for Liverpool.
Classic from McManaman there when Spartak keeper punched out from a Liverpool attack within the penalty area ” it helped that he used his hands there”, lol!
Corkcelt,
I think they may be calld Opta or something similar – Sky use them, i think. It’s mind-boggling the sort of information they record, but there must be money in it…..more than i get paid for staring at spreadsheets all day, that’s for sure :-(
Tommy Joad 2.23pm
Brilliant post, thanks for that.
HH
Sturridge been on for 15 minutes now and has failed to suffer an injury. What a waste of money….
!!BADA BING!! on 26TH SEPTEMBER 2017 6:52 PM
Not trained tonight at Anderlecht’s stadium, i wonder what BR’s thoughts are on that?
—–
Brendan’s decision, we didn’t train in Rosenborg either. Boys trained this morning at Lennoxtown. PSG didn’t train at Celtic Park either, it’s becoming quite common now.
Alexandr Bubnov would say: Spartak Moscow still have a brothel at the back. It make a reminders about 2012. The Liverpudlians are orthodox otherwise they should lead with 4.
AOW
Your dad, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers mate. You are having it tough just now. God bless