Celtic League of Nations

937

It is worth more than a passing observation that in yesterday’s game Celtic had players from 11 different countries in the starting line-up:

England, Sweden, Honduras, Scotland, Nigeria, Netherlands, Finland, Israel, Ireland, Greece and Wales.

Recruitment came from clubs in 7 different league structures:

England (3) and Wales, Scotland, Norway, Honduras, Israel (2), Netherlands and Germany.

There were a further four different nationalities on the bench.

Of the starting line-up only Fraser Forster is not a full international, although that is surely only a matter of time, but Fraser is the only player we have from a large football nation, perhaps an indication that it is more difficult to recruit nationals from England, Germany, Italy, France and Spain than elsewhere.

The signing of Emilio Izaguirre from Honduras three years ago came two years after the player’s representatives had him on trial in England.  It’s likely Emilio’s CV was in every mailbox in the British game, so I doubt we have much of an infrastructure in Central America.

Celtic have obviously matured links in Israel recently, Beram Kayal and Efe Ambrose have delivered value, while Nir Biton fits the profile of the player Celtic should be looking for.  Embedding relationships in similar markets offers a higher likelihood of value – and therefore football development – than taking our chance on the mainstream British and European circuits.

Prize to anyone who can point to Guinea-Bissau (Amido Balde’s country of birth and location of a Sporting Lisbon-associate club) on the map. There is a lot of work to do to catch up with the Portuguese.
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  1. Michael ( &GCT)

     

     

    A wee song for you both

     

     

    Capitalism and democracy are two different paradigms, yet both rely on the apathy of the shareholders or electorate to increase power of profit for some. And even if they do not, the apathy will have the same result. Corruption. Might not be financial, maybe just moral.

     

     

    I believe that Resolution 12 is a flexing of muscles that is long overdue. Some may consider it guerrilla democracy or guerrilla capitalism.. I call it enlightened collective action of Internet bampottery…

     

     

    If you believe all is right and fair in Scottish football fair enough. If you believe it is not, this is the only course of action available. Is it sport, or is it business? And if it is both, what is the essence? The resolution may fail. But a point will have been made. The apathy of voters in business and democracy is at a historical low. Two separate paradigms, but related all the same…

     

     

    Never say never the twain will meet, particularly in these historical times….

     

     

    The Resolution may be a headache for some, but it should not be a problem at all if all is right and proper.

     

     

    Business/Sport/ thrash it oot….For the sake of all our beliefs and hopes.

     

     

    Excuse the rant &

     

     

    HH

  2. FFM –

     

     

    Nowhere did I say either canamalar or Aw_Naw were bullies.

     

     

    My only comment was to you claiming that it was “moronic” of Michael to claim that the resolution was supported by people who lack intelligence. I pointed out that Aw_Naw had said the same thing about those against the resolution.

     

     

    How does that equate to canamalar and Aw_Naw being bullied.

     

     

    Oh and by the way, it is very childish and very poor debating form to counter an insult with exactly the same insult in reverse. You can surely do better than that surely.

     

     

    You call me big nose?

     

    You’re the big nose!!!

  3. GCT,

     

     

    My only comment was to you claiming that it was “moronic” of Michael to claim that the resolution was supported by people who lack intelligence. I pointed out that Aw_Naw had said the same thing about those against the resolution.

     

     

    You’ll need to share that post where Awe Naw said that. He would be right, but proof please….

  4. FFM –

     

     

    I corrected that immediately in another post. I meant “bullies”.

     

     

    Anyway, who are you to tell me to proove anything?

     

     

    Unlike you I don’t have the time or the inclination to spend an hour or more searching for a post just to prove what someone wrote.

     

     

    Knowing Aw_Naw as I do – on CQN – I have no doubt he will happily confirm that he did indeed say that.

     

     

    A few weeks ago, I asked if it was you I had a discussion with a couple of years ago on CQN about Gorecki’s 3rd Symphony – Sorrowful Songs.

     

     

    I asked because I wanted to discuss something I had read about the composer.

     

     

    You came back with a very long and convoluted post about conspiracies and how the symphony was proof that the Holocaust was happening again right now. You were not in the slightest bit interested in why I had asked the question, so keen were you to show off your “messed-up” thinking.

     

     

    I decided not to pursue it and walked away shaking my head.

     

     

    Really, WTF was that all about?

     

     

    Don’t answer. I really don’t want to know.

  5. ffm

     

    Seems to me that jealousy may be a reason why certain posters feel the need to have a go. Very few arguments seem to have been put forward criticising the merits of Canamalar’s resolution, but quite a few along the lines of ” I agree with it but I don’t like the proposer and it’s supporters” have been evident.

     

     

    I don’t know Canamalar other than through this forum, which is I guess the same for the vast majority on here. By voting for the resolution I’m not assisting propel him into power, just hoping his resolution is recognised and supported. To me, the messenger in this instance is secondary to the outcome.

  6. Correction to last post just for clarity.

     

     

    I should have said, ” by voting for the resolution, shareholders are not propelling him into power”.

     

     

    I’m not a shareholder so won’t be voting at all.

     

     

    Just thought I’d best make that clear.

  7. GCT,

     

     

    “You came back with a very long and convoluted post about conspiracies and how the symphony was proof that the Holocaust was happening again right now. You were not in the slightest bit interested in why I had asked the question, so keen were you to show off your “messed-up” thinking.

     

     

    I decided not to pursue it and walked away shaking my head.

     

     

    Really, WTF was that all about?

     

     

    Don’t answer. I really don’t want to know.”

     

     

    What has any of this to do with the current discussion?

     

     

    And, mibbes that bit of music means something to me that you will never understand?

  8. Neil canamalar Lennon hunskelper extrordinaire on

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    {\fonttbl\f0\fswiss\fcharset0 Helvetica;}

     

    {\colortbl;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;}

     

    \deftab720

     

    \pard\pardeftab720\sl520\qj\partightenfactor0

     

     

    \f0\fs30 \cf2 \cb3 \expnd0\expndtw0\kerning0

     

    \outl0\strokewidth0 \strokec2 Micheal,\

     

    Hopefully Auldheid and BRTH will enlighten you as to their input.\

     

    Your arguments remind of those put forward by someone who tried to Kiki all debate on KDS then spent all his time trying to ridicule the resolution and myself yet failed.\

     

    Now this new tactic of misinformation, instead of demanding answers to statements you make why don’t you provide the proof that the CFCB didn’t exist ?\

     

    Oh wait that’s not how to create confusion is it ?

     

    You challenge my intellect then say you don’t think the CFCB are the correct body, go read the resolution in full there is no better or more qualified body to deal with it.

  9. Good morning friends from East Kilbride where it’s clear skies above but damp underfoot. Or was that yesterday? And a few degrees colder by the feel of it…

  10. Morning all

     

     

    Personally i find it illogical that any Celtic supporter would be against the resolution. Why would anyone be against finding out the truth. How far did the Celtic PLC pursue the issue, was the info given to them at the time by the SFA factual and unprejudiced?

     

    Downside to our knowing any of these facts? ehhh – none!

     

     

    HH

  11. Jobo,

     

     

    Weather is frisky.

     

     

    But waiting for an answer on this:

     

     

    “Your arguments remind of those put forward by someone who tried to Kiki all debate on KDS then spent all his time trying to ridicule the resolution and myself yet failed.\

     

    Now this new tactic of misinformation, instead of demanding answers to statements you make why don’t you provide the proof that the CFCB didn’t exist ?\

     

    Oh wait that’s not how to create confusion is it ?

     

    You challenge my intellect then say you don’t think the CFCB are the correct body, go read the resolution in full there is no better or more qualified body to deal with it.”.

     

     

    Now, the language might look aggressive, seeing as it has been reposted by myself unfairly from someone posting from abroad .

     

     

    And possibly offsensive to some.

     

     

    I think the questions are fair, and should be answered?

     

     

    By whom? Well, there’ll be no shortage of them spouting mince shortly. And ole 67Heaven will pipe in soon enough offering the usual inane support……

  12. Just popped in before I take a 7 day sabbatical from the blog. Haven’t scrolled back since my last post, last night so this issue may well have been covered. I was one of those who welcomed back Canamalar and indeed I still do. However I should have made it clear that I hold Mr.Z in the highest regard and just like the parable of the prodigal son, the welcoming back of Canamalar is not intended in any way to disrespect Mr. Z. So Mr. Z if you are lurking and read this post please know that you are loved and valued on this site as a member of the Celtic family and I look forward to reading your future posts.

  13. The 67-year-old — guest of honour yesterday at Craigend-muir Caravan and Camping Site, Stepps — said: “I saw his goal at Firhill and it was a cracker.

     

     

    “I also liked his pose after he’d scored — just stood there with that look that said: ‘I’ve done the business.’

     

     

    “I sense he’s a bit of a character. I like that kind of cockiness and so do the fans.

     

     

    “I think there’s definite potential for him to become a big hero of the fans.

     

     

    “They are always delighted to see Celtic strikers not only put the ball in the net — but also be gallus about it.

     

     

    “I’m confident the fans will really take to big Balde.

     

     

    “The fans will give him all the support he needs. Neil Lennon will know the right moment to give him a run in the team.

     

     

    “I think he’s done well so far bringing the boy on carefully.

     

     

    “He’s keen to protect him.

     

     

    “It would’ve been an unnecessary gamble pitching Balde straight into the team at the start of the season.

     

     

    “Playing for Celtic brings big pressure — and Neil’s allowed the lad to settle in off the park and gradually get to know his new team-mates.

     

     

    “Learn all about the club.

     

     

    “That was good management and Neil deserves credit.

     

     

    “Balde will have taken a lot of confidence from that goal yesterday. He’ll be desperate to stay in the team.

     

     

    “I think that would be great.

     

     

    “But Neil will know best. He works with Balde every day.

     

     

    “Personally, I’d play him from the start now. I think he’s ready.

     

     

    “Balde’s only 22. Whatever happens, he looks to have a great future at Celtic. He looks the part. Big Bobo did alright at the club, eh?

     

     

    “Now it could be time for another Balde to deliver in the Hoops.”

     

     

    Deans is still a popular matchday figure at Parkhead, working the corporate boxes with other famous Celts.

     

     

    He always pays closer attention to the strikers from kick-off than other players.

     

     

    Of the three other established hitmen at Lennon’s disposal — Georgios Samaras, Anthony Stokes and Teemu Pukki — he said: “I love big Samaras, but I don’t regard him as an out-and-out striker.

     

     

    “He will get you goals, but he’s not a 25-a-season type front player.

     

     

    “His work-rate is awesome, he gives you everything. Sometimes he can be frustrating — but I love him.

     

     

    “Against Barcelona he played his heart out. The energy the guy’s got is unbelievable. Neil doesn’t tend to play him as a main striker — but wherever Sami is used he is totally committed.

     

     

    “Stokes has come on a ton since the end of last season. He’s got his game together and he could prove to be the main man

     

     

    “I don’t see him as a direct replacement for Gary Hooper — but he’ll still produce his fair share of goals.

     

     

    “Pukki needs more time.

     

     

    “I believe they bought him for £3million and that’s a big fee. Expectations are high.

     

     

    “Celtic WILL be looking for returns over the months ahead.

     

     

    “But I still think it’s early days for him at the club.

     

     

    “I think he’s looked fine. He’s managed a few goals to his name and been nice and tidy.

     

     

    “Time will tell if Pukki’s to be a regular goalscorer. But you hope so with the money that’s been paid for him. Like Balde, he’ll get all the encouragement he needs.

     

     

    “When you are a striker for Celtic you have to score goals.

     

     

    “But, as I say, Pukki’s only been here a few months.

     

     

    “It’s a marvellous feeling when you are scoring goals for Celtic on a regular basis.

     

     

    “It’s what I miss most about my career.

     

     

    “If I could turn the clock back it’s the one thing I’d like to do most again — putting the ball in the net for Celtic and racing to the fans to celebrate.”

     

     

    Deans, meanwhile, has high hopes for the Celts in the Champions League.Matchday four next week sees them face Ajax in Amsterdam — and he has a firm belief the Bhoys can win.

     

     

    Deans said: “The home win over Ajax was so important and it’s suddenly given Celtic a chance again to qualify from the group.

     

     

    “They played well, but they also deserved the bit of luck they got on the night.

     

     

    “They got none of that in the opening games against AC Milan and Barcelona.

     

     

    “Celtic are definitely capable of going over to Amsterdam and beating Ajax again.”

  14. Sorry about post above…missed the start of the story!

     

    ——————————————————————————————–

     

     

    CELTIC legend Dixie Deans is convinced there’s a new Balde about to win the hearts and minds of the supporters.

     

     

    Over four years after Bobo quit Parkhead there’s Amido threatening a major breakthrough in the Hoops.

     

     

    Former prolific striker Deans desperately hopes Celts boss Neil Lennon now sticks with the powerful front man after he struck the winner against Partick Thistle at Firhill.

     

     

    He reckons the £2million summer signing has got star quality.

     

     

    Deans — a stunning 89 goals in just 126 league games for Celtic between 1971-76 — gave SunSport his lowdown on the hitmen available to Lennon.

     

     

    And he confessed Balde’s made a big impression on him.

     

     

    The 67-year-old — guest of honour yesterday at Craigend-muir Caravan and Camping Site, Stepps — said: “I saw his goal at Firhill and it was a cracker.

     

     

    “I also liked his pose after he’d scored — just stood there with that look that said: ‘I’ve done the business.’

     

     

    “I sense he’s a bit of a character. I like that kind of cockiness and so do the fans.

     

     

    “I think there’s definite potential for him to become a big hero of the fans.

     

     

    “They are always delighted to see Celtic strikers not only put the ball in the net — but also be gallus about it.

     

     

    “I’m confident the fans will really take to big Balde.

     

     

    “The fans will give him all the support he needs. Neil Lennon will know the right moment to give him a run in the team.

     

     

    “I think he’s done well so far bringing the boy on carefully.

     

     

    “He’s keen to protect him.

     

     

    “It would’ve been an unnecessary gamble pitching Balde straight into the team at the start of the season.

     

     

    “Playing for Celtic brings big pressure — and Neil’s allowed the lad to settle in off the park and gradually get to know his new team-mates.

     

     

    “Learn all about the club.

     

     

    “That was good management and Neil deserves credit.

     

     

    “Balde will have taken a lot of confidence from that goal yesterday. He’ll be desperate to stay in the team.

     

     

    “I think that would be great.

     

     

    “But Neil will know best. He works with Balde every day.

     

     

    “Personally, I’d play him from the start now. I think he’s ready.

     

     

    “Balde’s only 22. Whatever happens, he looks to have a great future at Celtic. He looks the part. Big Bobo did alright at the club, eh?

     

     

    “Now it could be time for another Balde to deliver in the Hoops.”

     

     

    Deans is still a popular matchday figure at Parkhead, working the corporate boxes with other famous Celts.

     

     

    He always pays closer attention to the strikers from kick-off than other players.

     

     

    Of the three other established hitmen at Lennon’s disposal — Georgios Samaras, Anthony Stokes and Teemu Pukki — he said: “I love big Samaras, but I don’t regard him as an out-and-out striker.

     

     

    “He will get you goals, but he’s not a 25-a-season type front player.

     

     

    “His work-rate is awesome, he gives you everything. Sometimes he can be frustrating — but I love him.

     

     

    “Against Barcelona he played his heart out. The energy the guy’s got is unbelievable. Neil doesn’t tend to play him as a main striker — but wherever Sami is used he is totally committed.

     

     

    “Stokes has come on a ton since the end of last season. He’s got his game together and he could prove to be the main man

     

     

    “I don’t see him as a direct replacement for Gary Hooper — but he’ll still produce his fair share of goals.

     

     

    “Pukki needs more time.

     

     

    “I believe they bought him for £3million and that’s a big fee. Expectations are high.

     

     

    “Celtic WILL be looking for returns over the months ahead.

     

     

    “But I still think it’s early days for him at the club.

     

     

    “I think he’s looked fine. He’s managed a few goals to his name and been nice and tidy.

     

     

    “Time will tell if Pukki’s to be a regular goalscorer. But you hope so with the money that’s been paid for him. Like Balde, he’ll get all the encouragement he needs.

     

     

    “When you are a striker for Celtic you have to score goals.

     

     

    “But, as I say, Pukki’s only been here a few months.

     

     

    “It’s a marvellous feeling when you are scoring goals for Celtic on a regular basis.

     

     

    “It’s what I miss most about my career.

     

     

    “If I could turn the clock back it’s the one thing I’d like to do most again — putting the ball in the net for Celtic and racing to the fans to celebrate.”

     

     

    Deans, meanwhile, has high hopes for the Celts in the Champions League.Matchday four next week sees them face Ajax in Amsterdam — and he has a firm belief the Bhoys can win.

     

     

    Deans said: “The home win over Ajax was so important and it’s suddenly given Celtic a chance again to qualify from the group.

     

     

    “They played well, but they also deserved the bit of luck they got on the night.

     

     

    “They got none of that in the opening games against AC Milan and Barcelona.

     

     

    “Celtic are definitely capable of going over to Amsterdam and beating Ajax again.”