When Ibrox legend Walter Smith issued a statement in June 2012 saying, “We wish the new Rangers Football Club every good fortune”, he no doubt hoped that one day the club would win a major trophy. That happened yesterday, when Celtic lost only their second domestic trophy since 2016 and their first league in a decade.
Credit where it’s due, “new Rangers Football Club” have yet to lose a league game this season and are worthy winners. Like old Rangers, they chose to play Casino Football, accumulating £86m in operational losses in their 8-year of financial history, while, as ever, Celtic live within their means. There is not a hope in hell they would have won the league this season otherwise.
Notwithstanding this, Celtic can reflect on a season of unmitigated failure, and the feeling that they never asked a question of a team who famously bottled every opportunity to win a prize against full time opposition. Had we got our act together, even as late as January, the outcome may have been different.
Today, the consequences of failure are ours. We will explore the reasons at the end of the season, none is insurmountable. The consequences of playing Casio Football are structural and also for a later date. We got many things wrong this season but trying to live without our means is not one of them.
In January 2005, When Martin O’Neill’s Celtic were sliding below the water line before our eyes, I told you we were 5 years into a Generation of Domination (I was mocked and abused thoroughly for my trouble). How spectacularly correct that turned out. It was not a gambler’s hunch; it was the inevitable outcome of how Celtic and Oldco were corporately managed.
I know it’s difficult to step back and look beyond today’s pain, but this is not Self-Flagellation Quick News, I’ll leave that to others. What was overwhelmingly evident in January 2005 remains so today. 21 years in, we are now in our second successive Generation of Domination (cue 2005’s blind reaction). All that has changed is the weather, not the climate, so forgive me a lack of panic.
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If God’s available, fine………..
bankiebhoy1 . Reality right now sucks , I remind myself of how bad things looked when Mon came in and how quickly he turned it around , i live in hope that happens again :)
Made it through Monday relatively unscathed. One ‘merican Spurs colleague mentioned it on a call. I got to give 30 seconds of colorful commentary before everyone else joined the call and I somewhat smartly shut my pie hole. I don’t believe I’ve ever said this before but for once I’m glad I wasn’t in Glasgow last night.
If we were not under a Covid lockdown can you imagine what more damage they would have done? Long run bet says mass spreading event will have done far more damage to the city than they would have with an en masse turnout. Place would have been trashed, picking fights with us as we walked to the store and all their wee other hobbies. Knocking one out at the Club gates as your mates cheer you on? What the actual?
Oh, almost forgot. Happy Commonwealth day all! Yes, British Commonwealth day. As you may know I am over here in the colonies and I woke up this morning to blanket news coverage of two runaways speaking of rife racism on my old shores. Where did this take place? Was it Glasgow? Was it some seedy suburb in Newcastle? No, it was that fine old palace in a place called London.
“How black will the baby be do you think? We can’t be giving him the same protection as his cousins you know.” Pretty sure half the commonwealth is of colour, prepared to be proved wrong on that. Also pretty sure it was that same crown that first brought slaves to these American shores. 4 centuries of growth eh?
Entitled arse pieces. They are among us, everywhere, north and south. Makes that Independence question tougher doesn’t it?
Early night tonight. Big bosses in town and we are heading to the brewery place across from the office after work. Need to coach the staff in advance to not say “we missed you at lunch today Aipple. Are you off it again?”
Speaking of coaching and sorry if mentioned already as yet to read back, but JC as DoF? Does that signal JK staying on? Ach, if only every headline happened we’d have had Jose before he hit up Spurs.
HH!
Ps It isn’t just the buyers that are getting higher, it’s the emissions as well. The quandary of it all.
Colorado’s legal cannabis farms emit more carbon than its coal mines
By Krista Charles
Legal cannabis production in Colorado emits more greenhouse gases than the state’s coal mining industry, researchers analysing the sector’s energy use have found.
The production and use of cannabis for medical or recreational reasons is now legal in several US states, which has led to a booming industry.
Hailey Summers and her colleagues at Colorado State University have quantified and analysed the greenhouse gas emissions produced by cannabis growers.
They found that emissions varied widely by state, from 2.3 to 5.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per kilogram of dried flower produced.
In Colorado, the emissions add up to around 2.6 megatonnes of CO2e, which is more than that from the state’s coal mining at 1.8 megatonnes of CO2e.
“The emissions that come from growing 1 ounce, depending on where it’s grown in the US, is about the same as burning 7 to 16 gallons of gasoline,” says Summers.
Most US cannabis is grown indoors, as some states don’t allow outdoor growing and the crops are also at risk of theft. This means that the majority of cannabis production emissions come from climate-control systems and high-powered lights that take the place of the sun.
“One of the challenges associated with this is that the profit margins are so huge that you don’t have to be making super energy-conscious decisions,” says team member Jason Quinn.
The team suggests that moving to growing cannabis outdoors in greenhouses could lower the energy requirements and reduce emissions. The current indoor set-ups could also be made more energy efficient by switching to LED bulbs and retrofitting the climate-control systems. Making the change in Colorado would save 2.1 megatonnes of CO2e, or 1.3 per cent of the state’s total emissions.
The carbon footprint of the cannabis industry is even larger than this study indicates, says Evan Mills, formerly at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, as the team didn’t look at emissions associated with storage and processing.
Illegal cannabis production is also likely to be more highly emitting, he says. “The energy profile of black-market production is distinctly different in that it frequently involves on-site diesel generators, which are often less efficient and more polluting per kilowatt-hour than grid-purchased electricity.”
Hey GEEBEE1978
Sure, Phil flies kites as do most of the lazy and trigger-happy scribes in the blogosphere and the MSM as well.
I still like the range of his pieces and the fact he writes with some fairly informed restraint and style.
Which is more than some self-proclaimed blog gurus who only eviscerate and opine with intemperate regularity, qualities seen often on here, too.
Fukovayeer for all real Celtic fans, but despite Shankly’s assertion football’s now mainly a money-spinning offshoot of the entertainment industry.
Still I fervently want the enforced restructure to go flawlessly well. HH
TIMBHOY2 on 8TH MARCH 2021 10:15 PM
What has John Collins done to be criticised on here ,good football player for us ,so why all the negativity about him,,one thing that came out when he was at Hibs was a lot of players couldn’t hack John’s views on there fitness,and I believe Michael Stewart was one of his biggest critics.
——————
I agree – I can’t understand the negativity towards John Collins. He was a fabulous player for us, a true modern athlete, and has reasonable experience in a management team role.
Negativity – as far as I can see- seems to be based on stories that some players in Scotland – not noted as a football culture with the highest professional standards – didn’t like being ‘forced’ to work harder than they felt they should.
Collins has explained the vast difference his move to Monaco made in his perception and understanding of what ‘professional’ meant as a footballer.
He also has explained the difference the increase in basic fitness made to performance on the park – speed of though, speed of action, dynamism, stamina.
These are all characteristics our players have not been demonstrating. Collins would bring a level of professionalism – and experience at a high level in European football – that has been sadly lacking.
I’m not saying Collins is the only answer – just that I don’t understand the negativity towards him. One of our best midfielders in a difficult period for Celtic / brilliant seeing Collins and McStay together / turned down the Huns who wanted to sign him, etc.
HH
BGFC
BGFC
Well said. Not a fan of JC as DoF at the moment – open to convincing – but to knock his character seems wrong.
Interesting debate re the merits of Roy Keane.
Roy Keane came to us at the twilight of his playing career. He stayed 6 months and played 10 games then retired.
He has not managed a club side for 10 years.and his managerial CV is not impressive.
Apart from where he was born, just what qualifies Roy to undertake our massive rebuilding programme.?
HH to all.
Totally agree with the positive comments re John Collins.
TIMBHOY2 on 8TH MARCH 2021 10:15 PM
What has John Collins done to be criticised on here ,good football player for us ,so why all the negativity about him,,one thing that came out when he was at Hibs was a lot of players couldn’t hack John’s views on there fitness,and I believe Michael Stewart was one of his biggest critics.
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Totally agree.
HH
Collins was holding court in my hotel in Seville the day after the game, slagging the team and the performance, coming away with simplistic nonsense ‘ kept giving the ball away’, ‘ needed to keep the ball better’ etc,etc….I walked after 5 minutes……
!!BADA BING!! on 9TH MARCH 2021 7:43 AM
We all know he loves himself but his comments were probably no more than any other fan i reckon!
Bada, are you saying we did well in possession against Porto?
One of my favourite moments as a supporter despite the loss.
We could have played a lot better.
FOURSTONECOPPI- M1980- I couldn’t have been prouder of how we played in Seville, we attacked Porto for the 120 minutes, sure there were individual errors which cost us.The same Porto who won the Champions League 12 months later,were hanging on at the end of 90 minutes, if you were there,you would agree that you have never been at a game in heat like that,to put in a performance like that against a Latin team in those conditions was fantastic. It’s been the best experience of my Celtic life.Let’s hope we can get back playing regularly at a decent level in Europe, I could fill 3 teams of world class players ive seen live at Celtic Park, I hope I can fill another 11.HH
!!BADA BING!! on 9TH MARCH 2021 7:43 AM
Interestingly, I watched the game with a Portuguese friend who was very impressed with Celtic but he thought ball-retention was probably our weakness. All about opinions, I suppose.
But you’re right – what a level we were at and I hope we get to those heights again. The financial climate might change that a little but we should still be doing better than we are.
Seville season : number 1 for memories.and sheer enjoyment.
Well down the list for honours.
GREENPINATA on 9TH MARCH 2021 6:50 AM
Agreed on Roy Keane. Last night we heard, Keane, MON, Henrik…..we need to look beyond ex-players and boyhood fans.
Looks like BIG JIMMY got at least one post deleted last night?
Anybody?
FAO DAVID66…
I have Emailed Paul67 this morning about this ” New” Poster who has suddenly appeared since yesterday…I will wait til Tomorrow to see if Paul can confirm IF its the same Chump as last time ?
I KNOW what you are saying about ignoring him, but its much more than that as the ” Original” Chump who finally was banned from here has a History of causing arguments on here and he also told BLATANT LIES about my personal life on here, DESPITE ME warning him about his LIES.
IF its the same Chump/Roaster/Space Cadet/Moron as before, its only a matter of time before he causes more trouble on this Blog.
I will also be very angry that CQN has allowed HIM to Post on here again…IF its the same Chump….and I believe it is.
All he has done since yesterday is place a ” 1″ beside his Moniker, which he used before….That in itself tells me that it IS the very same Moron/Chump as before, as he woulnt be smart enough to change his Moniker…and because he was/is a Serial Attention Seeker, he wouldnt wish to divert too much from his original Moniker, as he would want Posters on here to KNOW that he was back, given the high opiniuon that he has of himself.
Stay safe mate.
HH.
PHILBHOY on 9TH MARCH 2021 8:33 AM
Looks like BIG JIMMY got at least one post deleted last night?
Anybody?
………………..
The ONLY Post that I have submitted since last week was addressed to ANY MOD on here. I have submitted a further Post above just immediately before I saw your Post.
I would have to look back, but I would be very pissed off and angry, IF the ONLY Post that I have submitted since last week was DELETED, because it simply posed a question to ANY of the Mods on here ?
HH .
Monday 9th March 1981
I have left this rather late tonight and it is cold. The priest Fr Murphy was in. I had a discussion with him on the situation. He said he enjoyed our talk and was somewhat enlightened, when he was leaving.
On the subject of priests, I received a small note from a Fr S. C. from Tralee, Kerry, and some holy pictures of Our Lady. The thought touched me. If it is the same man, I recall him giving a lecture to us in Cage 11 some years ago on the right to lift arms in defence of the freedom of one’s occupied and oppressed nation. Preaching to the converted he was, but it all helps.
It is my birthday and the boys are having a sing-song for me, bless their hearts. I braved it to the door, at their request, to make a bit of a speech, for what it was worth. I wrote to several friends today including Bernie and my mother. I feel all right and my weight is 60 kgs.
I always keep thinking of James Connolly, and the great calm and dignity that he showed right to his very end, his courage and resolve. Perhaps I am biased, because there have been thousands like him but Connolly has always been the man that I looked up to.
I always have tremendous feeling for Liam Mellowes as well; and for the present leadership of the Republican Movement, and a confidence in them that they will always remain undaunted and unchanged. And again, dare I forget the Irish people of today, and the risen people of the past, they too hold a special place in my heart.
Well, I have gotten by twenty-seven years, so that is something. I may die, but the Republic of 1916 will never die. Onward to the Republic and liberation of our people.
https://celtsarehere.com/celtic-slam-disgusting-pathetic-vandalism/
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Surely this is more than vandalism? Is this not a hate crime?
Are the incidents over the weekend likely to influence any Governmental relaxation of Covid Regulations in Scotland?
HS- canny see it,empty threats is the huns punishment…….now if we had been celebrating…….mmmmm
BIG JIMMY
I read your post last night – definitely deleted.
Pull the season now, no league winners announced, European places awarded on league placings as of now , scrap the Scottish Cup host the euros with no supporters or dont if UEFA dont want it without support, and have a forensic check on their Test results throughout this season , Covid breakdowns at parties and those concerned including Police logs as to who was involved, that in particular stinks of friends in high places and a cover up which has put the population at risk. Open criminal investigations if anything found.
It was only going to be a relaxing of rules allowing 4 people from 2 households allowed to meet up outside, schools and getting them back is the priority, Sevco its players and support have shown it means nothing, it is now up to the Government to Act as football wont.
Those nice families pictured at Ibrox and talking on the BBC news of how they just have to come along 1 male 2 females should be getting a chap at the door and charges pending.
Big Jimmy..
Chump..
Love it..
Oh and definitely deleted..
HH.
☘
Has there been any furore about the Sevco Manager
Car sharing without any face mask ?
Or is the furore just reserved for NFL and Scott Brown, having a chat on a subbed in Dubai, where they were abiding by Dubai laws ???
PS – all this noise about the super privileged family
Where is Andrew Windsor hiding ?
Have they released him yet to answer to the American lawyers ?!
NorrieM
So many things wrong about the weekend, their manager has probably done what he has always done, its like putting a seat belt on you get used to it it becomes normal but only if you do it.
And the Police have let the whole country down , no doubt about it.
Remember how the clowns were doing interviews for a week with masks on,just after Dubai……pathetic
Pleased to see some people on here recognise John Collins’ trajectory in the game. Indeed it was media mouthpiece Michael Stewart who undermined Collins at Hibs. However many took a liking to Stewart recently when he was Rangers bashing or Traynor bashing. Beware of those bearing gifts from Edinburgh.
Irvine Welsh is another muppet.
Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.
Great piece from Phil today.
Phil can be a bit hit and miss,but what I think he has never missed,is the Hun finances.His pieces on the dire straits their finances SHOULD be in,we all agree with.We know that there has to be something “Not right”about a business that posts large losses every year for the past 9,yet continues to operate and spend money,they can’t possibly have.This theory,that its the Directors who are putting in the cash for worthless shares in return ,just does not hold water.
In the past 9 years,we are talking north of 60 million in losses.They have no lines of credit,they are in hock to various debtors,Close Bros,balance of transfer monies to various teams,HMRC,with whom they have a delayed payment,due to Covid,and as we witnessed in 2012,who knows what other debts are piling up.Covid has been kind to them,in their Court case with Ashley,with the backlog of cases or they would already be facing a huge bill payable to SD.
We have seen Celtics finances being seriously hit due to Covid,and that is from a position of financial strength.Just how do you think it SHOULD have affected them from a position of financial weakness.From where we are sitting,it does not seem to have made any difference whatsoever.For anyone to think that these Directors have ponied up 60 million over the last 10 years,is fantasy.Phil has always been correct in the state their finances ,SHOULD be in,and what SHOULD,inevitably happen.Why it has not remains a question we should all be asking.
TURKEYBHOY on 9TH MARCH 2021 10:36 AM
‘Phil has always been correct in the state their finances’
##
He got lucky because in the past it suited someone’s purpose to use him as a conduit to release information about what was happening at Ibrox, and he’s dined out on it ever since. That’s long gone. Nowadays it’s guesswork and speculation.