At around 13:16 tomorrow afternoon Fraser Forster will hopefully break the 40-year record of Aberdeen’s Bobby Clark for not conceding a goal in Scottish league football. Clark’s record is next up for the Celtic keeper but the British and European records are not too far away.
Apart from Celtic Park itself there would be no better place to break this record than at Tynecastle, but the most important part of the day is to secure a win. Concede early but win the game and we have done our job. Break the record and leave pointless and we will have nothing to celebrate.
Clarity has never been a prominent feature when it comes to the analysis of football finances. 2012 threw up a slew of ‘experts’, practically all of whom swallowed lines from PR people instead of explaining HMRC’s published rules on voting for or against Company Voluntary Arrangements.
Journalists were briefed on HMRC’s intentions, which filtered to the ‘experts’, soon this PR version of events was accepted an a reality. The same was going on inside football. One journalist called me back then to dispute my challenge to his assertion that Celtic would have vote to allow Newco Rangers into the SPL, and that the SPL itself was absolutely certain to vote them “back” (sic.). Celtic were never going to that way and by then the SPL tide had turned.
It was not in Celtic’s interests to have Newco parachuted into top flight football, which has become clear in the subsequent years, although many in Scotland, including a sizeable chunk of the Celtic support, thought otherwise, and that the club would vote in favour.
It was, therefore, refreshing to watch BBC Reporting Scotland last night without the 2012 flops. A new expert was found to ask the pertinent question, a £1.5m loan is fine for a short-term fix but what about the enormous long-term problems?
Many thanks to everyone who participated in the CQteN Dream Team. We have now passed the 125 team target, which has triggered a £1000 donation from a longstanding CQN’er, who is a shining example of what Celtic is all about.
The Dream Team is your chance to select your team from those who have played 10 or more games during the CQN decade.
Select 11 players in either a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation; you’ll need a goalkeeper, two full backs, two central defenders, 3 or 4 midfielders and 2 or 3 forwards. You also need to select a manager from the decade.
The team judged as the strongest will be announced at the CQteN St Patrick’s Dinner on 14 March. The event is open to bloggers and lurkers but you can only enter ONCE. Closing date is 3pm, Sunday 9 March. There will be prizes!!
For a comprehensive list of players who are eligible for selection, see CRC’s comment here. Email your entry to Doc here, and remember to include a manager: doccqten@gmail.com
If you would like to read the new CQN Magazine, GO HERE to read properly, and for FREE, the graphic below is just a taster.
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Kayal33
It’s too early to make a judgement on Griffiths, but so far he has missed umpteen chances, been caught offside ad nauseam, and given away possession as if he were an emissary from UEFA’s financial fair-play trying to even things up.
Pukki can play in the hole, and Commons and Stokes are a far superior partnership to Griffiths and Stokes, 2 of whose goals were self-made, the other set up incongruously by Brown.
Caveat – reserve the right to change my mind after today, Wed etc.etc.
corkcelt- SUPPORTING THE DAM 5
10:41 on
22 February, 2014
All over the world its accepted that Ultras are a “little mad”. What a bloody awful boring world it would be if everyone simply conformed to the status quo. You cannot totally sanitise a group like The Green Brigade, to try and do so is a contradiction. I do understand there are limits of tolerance but if you over legislate and over police you simply destroy the product. I would hate to live my life in the sterile, “safe” environment which macjay extolls.
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Jeez,pal.
Whatever else you are,you`re no judge of character.
tonydonnelly67 11:10
Believe me, I’m on your side.
I will bow out as I didn’t realise I had questioned you before.
HH and keep kicking and Screaming. I love it.
Roy Croppie, let’s just say, I beg to differ mate.
Kayal,
I see a bit of George in there definitely.
Said before that he plays in a similar style to Rio Ferdinand.Nowhere near the level Rio was in his prime but if he keeps progressing then he could be in next 3 years.I wouldn’t be surprised if he mentioned him as a favourite player when growing up.
macjay, I can only form an opinion from what I read on here and all I see in your posts is “adherence to rules”. IMO if rules are wrong and stupid you challenge them, and that is what The Green Brigade did.
up_over_goal
11:12 on 22 February, 2014
Kayal33
It’s too early to make a judgement on Griffiths, but so far he has missed umpteen chances, been caught offside ad nauseam, and given away possession as if he were an emissary from UEFA’s financial fair-play trying to even things up.
Pukki can play in the hole, and Commons and Stokes are a far superior partnership to Griffiths and Stokes, 2 of whose goals were self-made, the other set up incongruously by Brown.
Caveat – reserve the right to change my mind after today, Wed etc.etc.
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In True Celtic terms, these signs are amazin’, IMO.
I was delighted Neil signed Leigh.
I cannae quite see Leigh getting to Henke levels but he is a goal scorer and gives 100% every game, nonsense those that gibber about 110%.
Given that the green brigade are listed in the apologies, I would have assumed that means they were invited? Why would there be apologies from someone who wasn’t invited to a meeting?
corkcelt- supporting the dam 5
11:11 on 22 February, 2014
TD, Did you ever have a swally outside licensing hours ? Did you ever make a piss in a public place?. Rules my erchie.
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Yes I’ve had a shally beyond licensing hours more times than I can imagine, yes I pissed in a public place, outside Hampden in the 70s, semi finals against St. Mirren, so what? I’ve got a hole in my arse, does that make me a flowerpot?
Lenny very good on Football AM (only reason I watctched it) ;-)
watched even!
our neil
what a man.
This day 1982:
Andy Kennedy is the new Charlie Nicholas.
Presumably Kennedy didn’t like wearing socks either.
WDH
You’ll recall we spoke previously about le chardon d’or.
I can report back v positively.
40 covers for a 3x3x3 dinner menu with dishes selected from the a la carte.
All good. Service excellent.
I’ll be going back.
Danny McGrain was genuinely world class.
VVD might just be the best centre back we have had. But John Kennedy could have been the best.
Lawwell & co ‘nothing to see here Timmy,move along’
revolutioncsc
NegAnon2:
FoCUS was conceived from a Celtic initiative. The OBT was just a bastard offspring of that initiative.
The architect of the Offensive Behaviour law – Paul McBride QC
Macjay:
Your words “ they will deal with every issue in a sober and considered way,” Post Motherwell, was issuing 128 precautionary suspensions and subsequently breaking up and in the process, stigmatising a group of supporters, to your mind… sober and considered?
There is no need to bring the Celtic Trust into the equation, I do not see any connection nor relevance.
Billy Bhoy
I’m not too sure why you posted that you’re going to watch the links with two Tim Police ?
But the wider issue of political electioneering on CQN is something to consider; feedback from many is they don’t want it.
To reiterate my stance on independence ,and I’ve stated this on several occasions to you, is all evidence based. by that I mean the actions of the parties involved and my own experiences.
The SNP facts are there for all to see. I have no doubt that there are good and bad in all groups. I’d like to see Scotland go it alone.
Problem is Scotland has a large and disproportionate number of bigots who revile the Catholic minority. Would you agree ?
We have seen how the SNP given even a modicum of power have attacked us. Do you think with the mentality that is prevalent in Scotland that we’ll be safe ? I won’t put my safety in the hands of such.
To my simple way of thinking we are a small minority in a big pool just now. Independence will see us in a smaller pool with the sharks.
I also believe that the sectarian divide will increase in the next 20-30 years as many from the Six Counties will flee from a United Ireland, if that happens.
Glad that you enjoyed the quiz, you did well too.
twists n turns
11:19 on 22 February, 2014
Given that the green brigade are listed in the apologies, I would have assumed that means they were invited? Why would there be apologies from someone who wasn’t invited to a meeting?
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Could you show me where they are listed in the appols. I’m not being a smart arse, but I honestly never saw that?
KevJungle –
You have absolutely nothing to apologise for my friend.
Hail Hail.
twists n turns 11.19 . Where did you see The Green Brigade listed as in apologies. I only saw Not the View, E Tims & Cyber Tims.
thomthethim for Oscar OK
10:51 on
22 February, 2014
macjay1
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How are you,pal?
We have a love of Celtic which I know goes way back.
Hopehill Rd.?
Sad doesn`t begin to describe it.
After all the years of attempts by the hun to damage us,we can sustain more damage from our own than they could ever dream of.
I remain the eternal optimist.
HAIL HAIL
Last time I was ever in that midden Swinecastle,the Maestro scored a last minute equaliser….in off the post.The abuse and spitting we got on the way out that day was disgusting and probably stopped me going to all of our away games after that day.I wish Hearts and their scum fans every misfortune that comes their way.
Incidentally,we didn’t know at the time,as it was first game of season I think,just how important the Maestro’s equaliser that day would prove at Love Street nine months later,ey?
Gordon_J
Much has been written about Forster, but VVD and Ambrose are equally, if not more, responsible for the clean sheet record. I’ve just had a look at our last three league games. If your goalie faces an average of one shot on target per game, chances are your team won’t concede.
Apologies: NTV, E Tims, Cybertims
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Unless they are NTV who I don’t know, I don’t see them?
TD A bam pot more than a flower pot, my point is that you break Society’s rules when it suits you, yet you and your fellow travellers keep shouting rules are rules when talking about the Green Brigade.
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon
11:21 on 22 February, 2014
Danny McGrain was genuinely world class.
VVD might just be the best centre back we have had. But John Kennedy could have been the best.
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It is spooky that World Class players overlap @ Celtic. It makes for great thoughts and Dreams.
HH GJ
Hopefully History repeats itself. ;))
I assume NTV is Not the View.
Macjay:
Are you seriously telling me that you have a problem with the Green Brigade because you believe/perceive that they are the Celtic Trust’s puppets?
corkcelt- supporting the dam 5
11:23 on 22 February, 2014
twists n turns 11.19 . Where did you see The Green Brigade listed as in apologies. I only saw Not the View, E Tims & Cyber Tims.
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Awe ok I see, not the view , I didn’t know who that was, initials wise, but I do know who they are.
jist in …fae the jiggin’………………………………………………………….
Pukki, is the Noo/Auld.. Commons.
He IS.. Don’t Argy~
Ah likey him.. aloater.
Lee..
Is a Peach o’ a Player.
He jist is…
Don’t Argy~
Luv,a Gallus Guy…
Gallusness..is ..Next tae .. Godliness.
n ,Lee, is a Gallus Guy.
So..
Diz That Mean that ,Lee ..is a God?
Nevah.. Thought aboot That…
Hmmmmmmmm…
Get Back tae ye,oan THAT ..yin.
Feelin’ Guid.. Yep.. Ah AM…
Gie Ye Three Guesses.. Why.
C’mom, the Celtic.. Let’s get this Damn show oan the Road~
Kojo
Stll,Laughin/
BIG-CUP-WINNERS
We have seen how the SNP given even a modicum of power have attacked us. Do you think with the mentality that is prevalent in Scotland that we’ll be safe ?
Perhaps the Scottish trades unions will apologise for their own anti-Irish catholic bigotry during the days when unions were in their pomp and Scottish employers were terrified of upsetting the lodge.
corkcelt- supporting the dam 5
11:11 on 22 February, 2014
TD, Did you ever have a swally outside licensing hours ? Did you ever make a piss in a public place?. Rules my erchie.
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Yes I’ve had a shally beyond licensing hours more times than I can imagine, yes I pissed in a public place, outside Hampden in the 70s, semi finals against St. Mirren, so what? I’ve got a hole in my arse, does that make me a flowerpot?
We know you have Tony, you keep talking through it.
Kit
Did you read this?
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Twists and Turns 5.50
Do the Club believe their response to Motherwell was justified and proportionate?
We believe the vast majority of the Support backed the Club on this matter. Celtic suffered substantial reputational damage as a result of significant physical damage to Fir Park on December 6. There was overwhelming evidence that a large group of fans had occupied a section of the lower tier which they did not have tickets for. On this basis the Club immediately suspended the STs of those involved pending further investigation. Given that no charges were brought against anyone within this group, the suspensions were lifted at the earliest opportunity.
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I find that reaction and response eminently acceptable.
Thinking back to the days when I followed Celtic everywhere…..70s /80s…..I can’t think of even one set of away fans who were particularly welcoming in Scotland.Even Hibs were every bit as scummy as their city’s Ugly Sisters.
The Live updates article will be up at 12:15, could someone leave a note here?
Thanks.
macjay:
Yes I read it and just like the Celtic PLC believe (sic on what facts do they base this belief) that the majority of the fans backed them, well I believe the majority of the fans did not back them. I base my opinion on the same census as that carried out by the PLC and offer in supporting evidence the falling crowds.
How successful are the PLC, their policies and their grand general statements without proof, well a part of that barometer will be next years season ticket uptake.
Please tell me mate that you don’t believe every word that the PLC broadcast.
macjay –
I know we are diametrically opposed politically, but I am right behind your comments today. Keep telling it as it is.
I noticed some posters defending the GB with “rules are there to be broken”.
That is all very well when it is not you that has to pay the fines.