A few hours ago we discussed Brendan Rodgers eventually retiring from Celtic through old age. That took a step close to reality today when he signed a contract which commits him to the club until 2021.
Brendan knows that he and Celtic are perfect for each other. He has no interest in returning to England, or leaving for foreign shores. He has made his home in Scotland, at Celtic, the club he loves.
If you think Champions League group stage and an unbeaten 38 game domestic season are the limits of his ambitions, think again. He has been planning for the period up to 2021 since shortly after arriving at the club, keen to build a lasting and memorable legacy.
I’ve reprinted today’s earlier blog below, as it’s pertinent to today’s announcement. And there’s a bit about the Celtic Disabled Supporters’ Association dinner dance………
The earlier blog:
You will have noticed minds elsewhere have recently turned to the most difficult question in Scottish football, how will Celtic’s inextricable domination of Scottish football be stopped? If you have been reading CQN for as long as I’ve been writing it, you’ll know the information you should consult on this question is the financial fundamentals.
Celtic’s domination was assured since well before it was predicted here (in 2004). Our only opponent worthy of the name was indulging in an orgy of irresponsibility. While the eventual outcome was more delightful than any of us dared hope, the consequences for the Scottish title were always going to end up the same way.
Celtic just needed to stave off the desire to join the lemmings, keep to a responsible budget, and their long-term outcome was assured.
But this is not the issue most commentators ponder when considering how Celtic will be clawed back into the pack, all they can see is a manager with the apparent Midas touch. While Brendan is here, the story goes, it’s not even worthwhile discussing Celtic’s domination.
I agree with this point, although I could add that Ronny won two leagues more than comfortably, Neil won three, and when Brendan eventually reties due to old age, we’ll be very capable of recruiting an effective talent.
There’s been a fascinating juxtaposition this week on the subject of Brendan as he secured his first title as Celtic manager. 11 months ago, when Ronny announced he was leaving, Peter Lawwell drew up his targets. Two names were at the top of the list, Brendan, and now-Sunderland manager, Davie Moyes. Both were interviewed and both knew each other was under consideration. I’m pretty sure Celtic were prepared to sign up the first one who would commit.
11 months on and, from 100 miles away, life seems to be disentangling for Davie Moyes. The jocular threat to slap a female reporter is systematic of a man who is losing control. After a promising honeymoon period at Sunderland, his team is destined for relegation, most probably as bottom of the division.
There is a haunting realisation in the North East that, like a struggling swimmer who has bobbed below the waterline a few times, the next time they are under could be a great deal more consequential. Moyes’ reputation has taken more than a slap.
I remember Davie as a player (splay-footed and unconvincing), and wanted his as Celtic manager when Gordon Strachan resigned. His decade at Everton provides ample evidence of his genuine talent. These are the things my mind turns to when his name is mentioned.
When Brendan hears Davie’s name, what chance he thinks, “There but for the grace of God………”
We’ve got a great manager, but he knows he’s got a great job.
Celtic Disabled Supporters Association
Dinner Dance
Kerrydale Suite, Friday 21 April
The Disabled Supporters Association invite you to addend their annual Dinner Dance later this month. Tickets are a mere £25 per head, which includes a three course meal, live entertainment from The Foggy Dew, and a Q&A with Jim Craig, Bertie Auld and Tom Boyd.
The trophies will be there for photos and there will be lots of additional entertainment. All are welcome.
For tickets, contact events@celticdsa.co.uk or 07514-059870 (office hours).
Coolest T-shirt on the planet in remarkable book offer, shipping later this month:
Enjoy your weekend.
276 Comments- Pages:
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ERNIE LYNCH on 8TH APRIL 2017 10:57 AM
GARY67 on 8TH APRIL 2017 10:47 AM
See those two additional games, that carry a premium price, what’s that all about?
Are they against a special club or something?
As you well know,this does not apply to ST holders.With the amount of tickets we have to give to the Munters,it is they who will bear the extra cost,as most of the Celtic fans attending will be ST holders.
TURKEYBHOY on 8TH APRIL 2017 11:16 AM
‘As you well know,this does not apply to ST holders.’
##
It applies to the ‘additional’ games for the concessionary tickets.
And if you wish to believe that Celtic treat the huns the same as any other club that’s up to you.
Big Cup Winners
I signed in to website yesterday on receipt of text from PLC.
My bhoys ticket was 105 last season (without old firm games). This season it is £165 with no option to buy without old firm games.
If the £105 ticket is available in store I stand corrected and apologise for my misunderstanding and slating the club on any increase in child books.
I’ll check today in store.
Still not happy at any increase burdening a faithful support!
MWD
MOONBEAMSWD on 8TH APRIL 2017 11:15 AM
Turkeybaster
Another appeaser of despicable cretinous tendencies.
Have a good day.
MWD the zealot.
So they are “Cretinous”as well as “Despicable”now.I nearly always have a good day.
You seem to be having a couple of horrendous ones.
When the PLC ends the financial year cash rich and the highest ever profits then indeed there is no need to go to the customer base and increase prices.
That’s just rampant greed.
No need.
When I watch a game from Rugby Park, Fir Park and the like, I see thousands of empty seats. I often think why? Surely it would be better to have 10k fans in the ground, paying £1 a head, rather than 1k fans paying a tenner (This example for illustrative purposes only).
A full ground means better support for the team, a better looking product to sell to TV, and a bigger spend on food, programmes etc. Simple right. Win – win surely.
If Celtic raise season ticket prices by 10%, and sell 50k tickets. Is the pricing wrong? I know this is a simplistic model, and assumes the club working within a Capitalist economy. Perhaps this grates with the majority of our support, who may or may not have a world view that favours a more egalitarian society… but it is a Capitalist society that the club operates in. No?
ERNIE LYNCH on 8TH APRIL 2017 11:20 AM,
The only way I can see Celtic treating the Huns any different is charging them more to visit our Stadium.
You are right,maybe thats just me.
Turkeybaster
Most of the people around me at the last old firm game, directly to my right, left, in front and behind were not the usual faces. I think you are kidding yourself on if you think most of those attending are season book holders.
It’d be interesting to see the figures for the numbers who do not attend old firm matches who are season book holders. An impossible task in total to do son as books will be passed on. But even child books would provide a decent guide. Numbers the club will know from their extra profit made on these tix.
MWD
SAINT STIVS on 8TH APRIL 2017 11:23 AM
Possibly.
But what if BR is being paid megabucks to stay?
What if he’s demanded a guaranteed increased budget for transfer fees and players’ wages as a condition of signing a new contract?
Moonbeams
No need to apologise, you’re amongst friends here.
The clarity I was after was had there been an increase in child prices i.e. The £50 tickets. I was being lazy and asked a couple of questions rather than checking myself. There hasn’t been an increase in the £50 tickets, which were and are a great price.
Turkeybaster
Im sure you do due to your selflessness.
Any ways off to catch the train to Paradise and a quick pint with Peter, his old fella and his laddie.
Bible and Torah in hand with a wee present of an English translated Koran for the man. :-@)))
MWD
Celtic is now further ahead of the Ibrox club, than they ever were of Celtic during the Murray/Bank of Scotland/EBT years, and we are accelerating away.
This has been achieved professionally, honestly with adherence to the rules of the game, whether domestic, or, European. We have not resorted to defrauding the country by evading our due taxation, nor, run away from a list of creditors as long as your arm.
Celtic is now in the second most successful period in its entire history. It has wonderful facilities with plans in the pipeline for even more improvement.
We have a manager, major shareholder, chief executive and a board, who mostly were boyhood Celtic supporters. The club is being run as a model commercial operation in the twenty-first century and if it had not have been, it would not be in the position it now finds itself.
The main body of our fans are the best in the world, and have many testaments from those in the game, as well as awards and accolades from around the world. There is a minority who feel it is their right to bring their flares, smoke bombs, effigies and politics into Celtic Park, in the full knowledge that resultant penalties will damage the club. We will eventually rid ourselves of them, and leave them behind, just as we have done to The Rangers.
Finally, on a different topic – I hope like Paul, that we can say our goodbyes to Kris Commons & his family, on the field at Celtic Park.
MATS NILLOC on 8TH APRIL 2017 11:39 AM
‘There is a minority who feel it is their right to bring their flares, smoke bombs, effigies and politics into Celtic Park, in the full knowledge that resultant penalties will damage the club. ‘
###
That minority will still be there when the glory hunters find something else to do.
Over the past 2 seasons, my season ticket will have increased by near enough 20%
Yes it went up £50 season 2016/17, and will go up season 2017/18
Now accepting it is now back to price of several seasons ago, but the club decided to drastically downsize in quality – I would have happily continued with the new price if the club had continued with ambition- it was the Clubs choice
Now back to my major gripe – and as highlighted by Ernie, whom I will respond to for a first time :-)
And for your benefit Turkey
Under SPFL rules, we Must allocate 5% of our stadium to visiting fans , so 3000, minus segregation, say 2800.
Why are we as a club giving a 5 year old club preferential treatment over our own fans and season ticket holders ?
This new club visiting our stadium last season for a first time, abused the club and its supporters and maliciously damaged our stadium – making apart of this out of bounds to its own fans .
This new club was given about 12% of our stadium seating as a thank you.
And over 4000 Celtic fans and a large part season ticket holders are disadvantaged to allow the club to treat this new club differently
No lessons learned from last season, let’s continue to treat this new club differently and to the detriment of our fans
Hugely dissapointed the price increase did not include the message, all season ticket holders can attend 21 home games
What was that strapline again ?
Anyway nearly Celtic time :-)
If I walk into a pub or a shop, and I don’t like the price of that beer or that loaf…..I walk out, and I don’t go back……FECKIN SIMPLES !
Celtic – 6 V The Ayrshire Huns – 0, with Stuarty Bhoy to score at anytime.
Keep the Faith with the Celts, Brendan and The Board,
“I know my decision will disappoint the fans, but I felt that I owed it to them to explain my choice in public.”
https://theclumpany.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/what-really-happened-at-the-celtic-press-conference/
HT. Have a good time in Portugal. If you get to the other place of pilgrimage…Fatima…say one for all of us.
Big Jimmy
Which brand of milk do you support and have a love for?
Stupid analogy mate.
And can you tell me were I can find another brand of Celtic to support and love to widen my choice at a cheaper cost?
MWD
Just an afterthought……
IF Celtic had come out early this week and said, ” We want to offer Brendan a 4 year contract, with the promise that we The Board will continue to support him in ALL that he does including the buying of better players , and the ongoing development of every player who is with celtic, and who may arrive in the future, with a collective plan to not only dominate Scottish Football for years to come, but to give The Team, in fact The Club and Brendan the BEST possible chance of success on the European stage then it has to come at a price………….we are therefore introducing some price rises in season books, which some may find difficult to accept, we understand that, but the DECISION NOW LIES WITH THE CELTIC SUPPORT/SEASON BOOK HOLDERS” ?
I will now have an educated guess….IF that had been the statement from Celtic this week BEFORE Brendan was prepared to put pen to paper…………my guess would be that the VAST MAJORITY of Celtic season book holders would have sold their feckin grannies in order to not only keep Brendan for at least another 4 years, but allied with full support from the Board and Brendans ambitions for Celtic FC…..that same VAST MAJORITY of the support would have been tripping each other up to pay the price increase’s ?
Just my opinion Bhoys and Ghirls.
Keeping The Faith…always.
I love Guinness and Belhaven Best…..oh and I also love Mothers Pride and Warbutons
Easy son !…don’t flip yer dish wiith me.
Moonie/Loonie ?
i didn’t post anything about MILK ?
Time to go and watch The Celts…feck the prices.
Goooooooooooooooooood afternoon all.
Ah….What Price ” SHEER JOY most weeks ? No one can put a price on happiness.
I don’t expect everyone to agree with ANY of my opinions about anything on here or elsewhere….I couldn’t give a flyin duck
Likewise, I won’t have anybody else ranting on and on …..and on with their opinions especially about The Celts….cos I won’t have anyone trying to ram their opinions of anything down my throat.
SIMPLES.
COYBIG.
*** GFS2 – THE ROUND 3 CHOICES ***
Good afternoon all from a bright, sunny and almost warm East Kilbride. With half a dozen picks still awaited here are where the other choices have gone this week.
Saturday 8 April
Tottenham [27] v Watford (12.30)
Celtic [25] v Kilmarnock
Hamilton v Ross County
Hearts v Dundee
Inverness v St Johnstone
Partick v Motherwell
Manchester City [31] v Hull
Middlesbrough v Burnley [1]
Stoke [1] v Liverpool [1]
West Brom v Southampton [1]
West Ham v Swansea
Bournemouth v Chelsea [2]
Sunday 9 April
Aberdeen [19] v The Rangers [NO, NOT ONE…..] (12.30)
Sundeland v Manchester Utd [5] (13.30)
Everton v Leicester (16.00)
Monday 10 April
Crystal Palace v Arsenal [1] (20.00)
Had a totally surreal dream about CQN last night.
Dreamt that there was some negative comment about the club’s use of strapline “Tomorrow belongs to us”
In my dreams the comment and complaint from CQNers was that the strapline was reminiscent of the Nazi youth’s rendition of the song “Tomorrow belongs to me” form the (fictional) movie Cabaret.
What if it wasn’t some bizarre dream though ?
Who needs the SMSM to create their nonsense when we have such sleuths ?
Big Jimmy
Son! Seriously?
Flip my dish. Just pointing out the stupidity of that analogy.
Where can I find a cheaper version of my club to watch and support?
It’s a serious question.
I can choose my favourite bread, beer, milk, porridge, fruit, veg, meat and the producers as there is a lot of choice.
I’m away to find another Celtic FC. Be back soon. Honest.
MWD
MATS NILLOC on 8TH APRIL 2017 11:39 AM
Fine assessment of the current and future state of play.
It`s good to be a Tim.
:-)
Two points on ongoing discussion,
Big Jimmy @ 12:24 – the Plc have made that same statement of intent for every manager they have put in place and failed IMO.
BCW @ 11:28, prior to sevco gaining promotion the £50 ticket got the kids into every game, after promotion two games were excluded and the price stayed the same, if the kids wanted to or were allowed to get to these games it cost extra so it could be viewed as a double hit price hike, no ?
Two of my wee cousins,Caelan and Darragh,are making their first pilgrimage to Paradise today.
They weren’t really that interested in football,until recently – amateur boxing is their sport – just these past few months they’ve been torturing their Da to send them over to watch Celtic.
I was speaking to a Tyrone Tim from Dungannon the other week – their CSC bus is fully booked up and demand for tickets has been exceptional he said.
It’s going to be like the Alamo today for Kilmarnock.
Moussa Dembele,Patrick Roberts and Scott Sinclair to lead the charge.
https://youtu.be/oQkoKsli3H8
HH.
Moonbeam
Sure I have asked you this before but exactly do you think the ongoing business model for Celtic should be?
This Board, or current custodians, of our club have reacted positively to the Ronnie semi final debacle, and provided the club through their decisions with a season that could end as one of our most successful in our domestic history.
We have money in the bank, a four year plan and a full stadium watching some of the best football since TB’s team.
If they have increased ST prices, for the first time in 3 years, I don’t see, in any way, what you find to moan about? Chill out and enjoy the ride,
HH
Sod the price increases,we can moan about it if we like,we either cough or go without.
That’s life. That’s our board. That’s why there is and always has been antipathy at best towards them.
Ffs,they even managed to overshadow the great news about Brendan due to their greed for another £3m
Aye,£3m. A drop in the bucket compared to the increased income since Brendan arrived.
I feel for those who will struggle,and for those who are pissed off regardless.
But…
They are what they are.
We are Celtic supporters.
Back the team,sod the board. Basturts ra lottithum
HH
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 8TH APRIL 2017 12:40 PM
‘In my dreams the comment and complaint from CQNers was that the strapline was reminiscent of the Nazi youth’s rendition of the song “Tomorrow belongs to me” form the (fictional) movie Cabaret.’
##
They critical comments were firstly that the strapline (which seemed to be a new word for some on here) was, leaving aside any associations it might otherwise have, a bit hunnish in its sentiment of arrogant, triumphalist, supremacism.
And secondly that it was reminiscent of the song Tomorrow Belongs To Me from the movie Cabaret ( which is not entirely fictional, as you claim), and was therefore, to be charitable, a bit of a PR gaffe.
Not unreasonable points.
And, if nothing else, some posters learned a new word, and others learned a new song, and are therefore now better informed, if none the wiser.
Canman
Thanks for your answer and yes “double hike”, could be arrived at.
At this time I’m happy to pay the extra, that’s a personal thing obviously and everyone will have their choice to make.
Stuart Armstrong asking the question?……. is one hurting hunny.
via James Forrest
Ernie
In my opinion it was a bizarre take. One that had to start looking for complaint.
Imagine if BFSDJ or Traynor had penned that complaint ?
Another question, what wasn’t fictional about Cabaret, other than the backdrop ?
In case some of you missed this but there is a song (popular with the youngsters) called
Tomorrow Belongs to Us….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGuTKW_cwPA
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 8TH APRIL 2017 1:19 PM
A number of posters has similar views.
We are not all suspected of being huns, plants or whatever.
Cabaret is based on the play I Am A Camera* which in turn is based on Christopher Isherwood’s semi autobiographical account of his time in pre war Germany The Berlin Stories. The characters are based on real people and the political backdrop is all too real.
* Mostly now remembered for the succinct, dismissive review by one critic ‘Me no Leica’.