In days of yore Celtic would rattle nine goals past the Finnish champions on European Cup duty. That was never going to be on the cards last night but there remains a clear gap in quality between the teams. HJK Helsinki are no better than Hearts, but were clearly sharper.
The tie remains very much in the balance, a ‘Big Dan moment’, similar to what happened away to Sion last season, and the odds would stack heavily against Celtic progressing, and although HJK didn’t impress much, neither did Utrecht, who lost 2-0 at Celtic Park two years ago before wiping the floor with a disorganised Celtic a week later.
I have a few concerns.
Last season it worried me how dependent we had become on Charlie Mulgrew to create goals. His delivery from the left back position, not to mention his runs to the back post, were significant in Celtic overcoming the early season deficit.
Today we are a few central defenders lighter, if not any worse off in that department, but without Charlie galloping down the wing we are immeasurably less potent. Emilio is an able left back, but his performances are several degrees below his Player of the Year form and he is categorically not a goal creator. A double jeopardy is that when Emilio is behind Georgios Samaras on the left, instead of the more defensively minded Joe Ledley, we seem to have a real weak point.
If we are to start with a lone striker and five in the middle next week we’ll need Charlie on the left. This will stiffen up our weak spot and give HJK more to worry about.
The video moment for the players to study must surely be Georgios Samaras cross for the first Celtic goal. In case you missed it, the cross evaded the first defender. In this respect it was quite stunning and contrasted markedly to what was going on across on the right wing for most of the evening.
Early Player of the Year tip: Adam Matthews. Usain Bolt must be relieved our man is not a sprinter almost as much as Victor Wanyama is relieved he’s a footballer.
Our three raffles end at 19:10 TONIGHT! For the sum of only £1 you stand a chance of winning a painting of Henrik Larsson mid goal celebration, Scott Brown inventing the Broony or a print of our manager in his playing days.
It has never been easier or cheaper to contribute to the concept of what our club is all about, go buy a ticket.
Martin Chambers of the Ecuador Trust was in touch this morning. He said, “If you are able to help, the money will be used to fund the Soup Kitchen that we run each day feeding 150 of the poorest children in the shanty town – kids who would otherwise go hungry. Hope to hear from you soon” (he means you).
Feeding kids who would otherwise go hungry. Where have you heard that idea before?
The four beneficiaries are; The Haven, Cancer Respite Centre, Blantyre, Oscar Knox Neuroblastoma Appeal, Martin Chambers Ecuador Trust and Aberdour Primary School Parents Association.
For £1 you can win:
A celebrating Henrik Larsson painting.
A painting of Scott Brown in classic pose.
A Neil Lennon print.
What are you waiting on, do it now, there are only a few hours left! And after you have clicked on ‘buy a ticket’, DON’T FORGET TO PAY, as some people have. Just like social taxes, paying for your raffle ticket is NOT optional!
647 Comments- Pages:
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Tommy Joad 18:40
Excellent post sir. Well said.
Guidi is a complete fool. And a bottle merchant
p.s i think the spl should ringfence 1.5 million a year over the next 5 year sky contract to start their own scottish football television programme because i think we get a poor return for the amount we spend via sky
Guidi,,,gutless turd,unable to give an opinion,,coward!!!
HH
You know when you get a phone call you can accept or decline?
Can we no’ something like that on here so we don’t have see posts about Clyde, complaining about what some MSM erse has said on a stupid phone in that we didn’t want to hear in the first place?
Just asking like.
EC67
ClubspolishedfortomorrowCSC
Private Lands new blog picking up the baton from RTC, One for your favs
THE FIGHT GOES ON.
http://scottishfootballmonitor.wordpress.com/2012/08/02/about-the-the-scottish-football-monitor/#comments
Til later HAIL HAIL
stephbhoy on 2 August, 2012 at 19:10 said:
From what I recall, DD is the largest shareholder in Celtic but he only owns approx 30% of the total. From this I would believe that he has major influence but could not dictate everything.
Maybe if others (ie supporters) took up more shares that influence could be curtailed a little.
Hail Hail
Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper extrordinaire on 2 August, 2012 at 19:11
Cant see what the Celtic board would have to gain from not wanting Rangers having titles stripped?
I can see why the board would want der hunnes in a spl2 or equivalent for financial reasons next season but that’s about it.
Who appoints the independent commission and outlines its remit/ range of investigation and timescale to report?
Anyone have any idea?
What about the millions in Champions League money that we deprived of from the cheats,,no-one seems to be concerned about that??
HH
Does anyone know if there are plans by the shafted creditors of oldco to Persue newco given the use of R@##ers and other intelectual branding of old co trading from oldco premises?
Cos it needs doing to shut the sevco supporters delusions of continuity down once and for all
They would have us all feeling as sorry for newco as they do……. Silly SSB
MHARK67 on 2 August, 2012 at 19:24 said:
Correct ….. This is not finished yet…..
Dublinbhoy on 2 August, 2012 at 19:16 said:
whats to stop DD from using one of his many companies to give celtic working capital via stadium name change, sponsorship etc… in order to help grow the club or is he just happy to take the status of being majority share holder at celtic?
DD has the wealth and know how to make celtic a better more successful business, but he lacks the desire to do so and if DD’s hands are tied then pl hands are definetly tied are they not?
hail hail
MHARK67 @ 19:24
Good point.
Another scenario I’d settle for is the lot of them fighting over the carcass as seemed to be the case on occasion. That would kill this notion of continuity off as well.
In some ways it was sad to see the Myth skulk off back into the shadows when Alex Thomson queried his EBTs – hun vs hun, zombie hun vs metamorphosis newhun would have been entertaining and lethal for both sides I reckon :))
Foxy_1888
it’s an old firm thing
ibleedgreenandwhite1 on 2 August, 2012 at 19:21
it’s a disgrace we were cheated out of all that revenue. when they’re found guilty I would expect Celtic to make that point very clear
every supporter was cheated during those years. For Guidi and the rest of the MSM to try and play this down just shows them up for what they are
Prima Facie Day (Copyright Paul67, CQN)
SPL 18/06/12
A statement from the SPL read: “The SPL Board heard a report from its solicitors following the investigation into payments to, or for the benefit of, players allegedly made by Rangers FC outside of contract.
“The delay in concluding the investigation was caused by an initial lack of co-operation from Rangers FC.
“The investigation has now been completed and, in the view of the SPL, there is a prima facie case to answer in respect of its rules.
“Disciplinary charges will be brought when the future status of Rangers FC is clarified and prior to the start of season 2012/13”
An application for registration of transfer of Rangers’ SPL share has been received. Consideration of the application will depend on receipt by the SPL Board of all required documentation and verification.
“A general meeting of all 12 member clubs has been convened for 10am on Wednesday 4 July 2012 for members to decide whether to approve the transfer.”
>>>>>>
And now;
SPL Press Release 02/08/12
The Scottish Premier League today announced that it has appointed an independent Commission to inquire into alleged EBT payments and arrangements made by Rangers in relation to players during the period from 2000 until 2011.
The Commission will determine whether during that period in relation to alleged EBT payments and arrangements for players, Rangers was in breach of the relevant SPL Rules.
In the event that the independent Commission decides that such breach or breaches occurred the independent Commission will have powers to determine what sanctions, if any, are appropriate.
>>>>>
So, in summary, not only is this another delay, its saying that their may be sanctions; no will be; may be.
This is utter nonsense, and yet another dereliction of duty by the SPL. How much longer do we need to put with this.
Pathetic.
ElDiegoBhoy.
I’ll try and control his consumption,We’re staying overnight in the Ceder Inn and heading through to Glasgow on Saturday for the game,I want a sort off clear head for the game,so I’ll not be getting drunk?.Good breakfast in the morning will fix us up a treat.
Seriously thinking about returning the season ticket tomorrow
Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper extrordinaire on 2 August, 2012 at 19:35 said:
Seriously thinking about returning the season ticket tomorrow
Why???
HH
CANAMALAR 1935
It’s like yer virginity-once the deed is done,it cannae be undone.
Enjoy the season,bud.
canamalar-What reason in particular mate?
I hope the golf committee has name tags with our names and blog names,it’s hard to remember everyone,I’ve been going for as long as the golfs been going,and I can only remember one name,Paul67 I think?.
oldtim
Ye cannae fool me. You’ll both be wrecked on Saturday:o)
My younger daughter is coming to her first Celtic game, at 18 years of age, and is looking forward to meeting the legend that is oldtim67. No pressure there eh?
Have a great day tomorrow. See you on Saturday.
Larrybhoy on 2 August, 2012 at 19:30
Let’s wait and see what the verdict is and the punishment.
One things for certain if this investigation isnt carried out properly in accordance with the rules and procedures in place, Der Hunnes lawyers will be all over it.
I’d rather it took longer to complete properly than anything half baked that could be torn apart by lawyers.
let’s face it the spl and sfa have a history of making a balls of it. they had better get it legally water tight this time round.
If they are found guilty it will be down to bigotry…
Scottish
Premier League today announced that it
has appointed an independent
Commission to inquire into alleged EBT
payments and arrangements made by
Rangers in relation to players during the
period from 2000 until 2011.
“The Commission will determine
whether during that period in relation to
alleged EBT payments and
arrangements for players, Rangers was
in breach of the relevant SPL Rules.
“In the event that the independent
Commission decides that such breach
or breaches occurred the independent
Commission will have powers to
determine what sanctions, if any, are
appropriate.”
Rangers have admitted to paying their
players through the EBT scheme with
the debate with HMRC over whether
they were discretionary payments or
contractual.
EBT’s are legal as a means of bonus but
not if they are contractual, in such cases
they are liable to income tax and
national insurance.
If Rangers are found guilty of not
declaring all of their players earnings
the SPL can declare matches involving
those players to be void with 3-0
defeats shown in the record books
Patient fellow CQNers.
Due to the number of lawyers involved in Scottish football this year, the SPL, which includes Celtic’s Eric Riley on the board, are using the ‘innocent until proven guilty’ premise, and then if there there are breaches determined, sanctions will be applied. Remember the ‘prima facie’ statement?
Patience fellow CQNers.
Did Celtic not already state that there was an EBT involved in the Junhino transfer,,but Brian Quinn wasn’t happy about and Celtic paid back every penny!!!
Paul 67 would probably know more than myself??
HH
Oldtim67
You’ve been going so long he’s now Paul 167 :-)
Ibleed….,
Very very simple, a couple of days ago PL went to London and agreed a deal with sky, I asked a couple of questions about the terms of that contract. Questions I consider very relevant, have Celtic agreed to participate for the duration of the contract? and what has been agreed with reference to the NewClub.
Both IMO very important questions we need our Celtic representative to clarify.
Today we are told that an already completed investigation is now being deferred to another body.
I smell shit*, that’s why
This cant be right! All our clubs are supposed die without the huns…
With a few days to go until the start of a new campaign Saints have managed to surpass the total number of season tickets sold last year. As of this afternoon the club has sold 2,533 tickets, as opposed to the 2,503 it sold for 2011/12. OK, so it’s only an increase of 30 but it’s still a rise – not bad considering all the doom mongering we were treated to over the summer. There’s a fair chance it could still go up as well.
bankiebhoy1 on 2 August, 2012 at 16:55 said:
Sorry buddy, at least its for a good cause!!
Foxy_1888
Regardless of any other debate, the SPL should have included an explanation today related to their statement on 18th June, which clearly stated that sanctions would be applied.
They didn’t. More delay, more “well yeah that was then, but now that we’ve been bullied a bit, and bricking it, we’re going to throw it over the fence”
Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper extrordinaire on 2 August, 2012 at 19:45 said:
I understand your frustrations,i share some of them also,,but how does handing back your season ticket help,all your going to do is punish yourself by not being able to watch the team we all love??
HH
http://www.stuffwelike.com/stuffwelike/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/goonies_sloth.jpg
Mark Guidi
stephbhoy on 2 August, 2012 at 19:27 said:
First off, I am no expert on company/SFA rules and regs, but isn’t 3rd party financing of players by outside organisations disallowed.
Secondly, didn’t DD (part) finance some of our loan signings eg Robbie Keane, Roy Keane etc? They didn’t work out too well did they.
I don’t know about anyone else but I do not want Celtic being some rich blokes plaything whether for good or bad.
FYI I am neither a pro nor anti board. They have really pissed me off at times but overall I am happy with the way the club is being run.
Hail Hail
Fortunes Favour Mibbes on 2 August, 2012 at 18:45 said:
Anyone got any advice on how to read CQN while babysitting an 18month old bairn??
Youtube on one half of the screen and CQN on the other-
essential Youtube viewing for an 18 month old-
Barney-
the wheels on the bus
Bingo
Alphabet song
London Bridge
Ants go marching
others-
baa baa black sheep
Miss Polly
Twinkle twinkle little star
Itsy Bitsy spider
From a time served Grandad!