We hoped that Celtic’s anaemic 57 minutes against St Mirren last week would serve as an indication that performance levels needed to improve ahead of yesterday’s game against Newco, but many of the same facets were in evidence.
Anytime I have seen Newco this season they seem to start brightly. By contrast, Celtic tend to feel their way into games in a low-energy manner. This was evident yesterday. The game was moments old when Erik Sviatchenko was pressurised into a mistake, which brought Newco deep into Celtic territory. It was 3 minutes before we crossed the halfway line again.
Erik’s next two touches were also unassured, which interrupted the flow of the ball. It looked like Newco had decided he was the Celtic player to press. His central defensive partner was caught flat when a touch by Miller saw the ball pass through him, allowing Waghorn the first of his great opportunities to score.
Passing was clearly ineffective. Celtic simply didn’t keep possession throughout the game. The pitch seemed fast, how many times did you see a through ball run out of play? I wondered if Brendan decided to pull back groundsmen on watering duties?
Scott Brown opened in an advanced central midfield position, often ahead of Stewart Armstrong, with Nir Bitton the only one of the midfield three consistently playing his regular role. While the objective was clearly to pressurise the Newco defence, it came at a cost of ball retention.
Callum McGregor brought composure to Celtic’s play when he replaced Bitton at halftime. He was prepared to hold the ball, draw opponents in, and pass or move. This served to underline how poorly we were in this respect during the first half.
Stewart Armstrong created and scored a goal out of nothing. When he went off we not only missed his edge around the Newco penalty area, we became porous in midfield. Ball retention then took a further downturn and we lacked tightness.
Newco deserved their goal and, at that point, I thought deserved their point. They neutered the left flank threat of Sinclair and Tierney, which isolated Dembele. With Celtic unable to circulate the ball to any effect, which was the crucial tactical element of the game.
The psychology of refereeing is a weighty subject. Bobby Madden booked four Newco players before cautioning Scott Brown, but the real test isn’t applying a player’s first yellow card. After his booking, Waghorn twice tumbled theatrically inside the box in a blatant attempt to win a penalty. Both should have resulted in a second caution, but having booked so many Newco players, Madden froze.
Pointing to the penalty spot in added time of a tied game is a big decision for a referee. For whatever reason, Madden didn’t want to do this when Hill took Leigh Griffiths down with a waist-high challenge.
I could debate the reasons why he didn’t want to do this with you all week, but we both know why. At least the manager and players know what to expect in the semi-final.
Our raffle for Alzheimer Scotland to win this magnificent canvas (above) ends at 14:00 TODAY, so you’ve less than two hours to enter.
We ask for a minimum donation of £5.
You can enter through this MyDonate page, with the money going straight to Alzheimer Scotland.
Please make sure I have contact details from you (email me at celticquicknews@gmail.com with the word “Canvas” in the subject, just in case) to make sure I can get in touch if you win.
I can deliver in central Scotland, at Celtic Park, or by collection in Lanarkshire.
Good luck!
656 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 18
- »
SANDMAN
I had to laugh at your description last night of the follically challenged Madden as a forelock-tugger.
The latest news on Dave King and his Takeover of The Rangers International Football Club PLC (or whatever bloody name they use) is yet more evidence that they are an untrustworthy member of both the SPFL and SFA.
If nothing is done by the footballing authorities to bring TRIFC to heel and operate under the rules that fellow members do then those authorities and so Scottish football risk being damaged beyond repair and recovery.
Bread and circuses will only max the toxicity of mistrust for a time, the game yesterday shows that it is still there and we are enabling it by falling for the bread and circuses routine.
the tension and unease within the support was palpable yesterday, especially early in the second half when the Hun came more into the game when the expected tidal flow of goals didn’t come . Why is it that nearly every single move up the field has to start with Craig Gordan, it now looks as if our midfield is brainwashed into moving the ball sideways or backwards toward the keeper just to hove it up the park. t certainly goes a long way to trying to fathom why we start every game slowly with absolute zero tempo
Just read a comment about
Back channels?
It’s not the Iranian nuclear deal we are asking the PLC to get involved.
Astounded of forehead!
Nae hard hitting article then?
MWD
Reading this Dave King story, they should really have checked he was a fit and proper person before he took office.
Oh wait, what’s that you say….
Jason Holts tackle on Forrest was a shocker, no control whatsoever and it was luck the ball ended up at his feet, reckless & dangerous … a red card all day long if the ref didn’t support Jason’s team, why do the EPL make referees divulge who they support or even supported as a kid……. Until the Sfa do this nothing will ever change, although I think Collum goes out of his way to “show” he doesn’t favour us…… Kirk Broadfoot “penalty” says it all
I don’t think it will ever change in my lifetime
Michael Stewart has been excellent both on sportscene & radio Scotland after the game
Holts tackle was on Roberts, shows what I know :-)
A wee statement
Statement by Rangers Chairman Dave King on the decision of the Takeover Appeal Board
The Takeover Appeal Board (TAB) has today ruled that I was acting as a concert party with George Letham, George Taylor and Douglas Park when we acquired shares in RIFC over 2 years ago.
The TAB requires that I, as the principal member of that group, must make an offer to acquire all of the shares in RIFC held by the rest of its shareholders at a price of 20p. I do not agree with TAB’s much delayed ruling nor follow its logic and I shall take the appropriate time to reflect upon it and consider the best course of action for myself, RIFC and its shareholders. My view on one individual not being able to exert undue influence on Rangers is already well known.
The complaint to the Takeover Panel was made by RIFC’s former Chairman, David Somers, as part of the old Board’s efforts to preserve their positions without regard to what was best for Rangers Football Club, its supporters and shareholders. Today’s decision by TAB is part of the price I have had to pay for being determined to rescue Rangers Football Club from its previous regime and the drastic consequences of their actions. I do so willingly.
It is my belief that the TAB has not understood the true nature of what occurred at Rangers and the tremendous role that the activism of supporters played in ensuring regime change. I am only one of a vast number of Rangers supporters and shareholders who fought to rescue our Club. The Rangers Football Club should never have become caught up in a takeover struggle. Those who placed it in that position bear a heavy responsibility.
I do not believe that there is any substantial group of RIFC shareholders that would be willing to sell its shares in RIFC at the price at which the TAB has determined I should make an offer. 20p is not a price that I personally believe represents a fair price for RIFC’s shares, nor is it the price at which shares in RIFC are currently trading.
I would anticipate that, if I was to proceed with an offer on the terms TAB require, it would be rejected by the overwhelming majority of RIFC’s shareholders and therefore not receive the level of acceptances necessary to proceed. I cannot see how making an offer that is doomed to fail can benefit RIFC’s shareholders.
TAB confirms in its decision (para 95) that it understands my position on this point but that the Rule to which they are giving effect “does not include considerations of whether the shareholders will benefit from an offer in a particular case”.
I will communicate further in due course.
Chis The Looney Graham has gone back to writing their statements I see…
Chose Takeovers (that leave you £14m out of pocket!!)
Beatbhoy…thanks for re-posting that I was wrong…I am so embarrassed and full of shame that I am off to a darkened room, with only bread, olives and black coffee for sustenance…and I will be wearing a goat’s-hair shirt. I sincerely hope I don’t have to share said darkened room with a certain Mr Madden… :-)
Looks like King’s bluff is being called…
GLIB happy to bail out before his over investment?
WEEBOBBYCOLLINS
I wouldnae go into a darkened room wi anything smelling of goat…
Green Jedi:
Earlier in the season, Gordon always knocked the ball long wingwards, where it would be contested and 98% of the time we would win the second ball. This put us higher up the pitch. Now, with Gordon’s kicking “improved”, our moves all start 20 yards further back allowing teams to press us high.
We need one of the midfielders to take the ball from the CB’s. That didn’t happen yesterday.
Sviatchenko been hesitant and not as much of a physical presence last couple of games.My take on Siminovic is he will be punted in the summer.I don’t think he can be ‘managed’, into playing games regularly, probably due to previous injuries, playing 2 out of 4 is no good, when you are trying to build a team unit.Seems we are looking at a couple of Serbian CBs, could probably be quids in if Roma etc still interested.
I wonder when Mr King will make that phone call to R*ngers First asking them about the money they have in the bank to buy shares……..
Keving- agree, the passing from the GK and defence out not great on that pitch, i thought we should have went long more ofter against a slow defence.
I can never read anything from the huns without
attempting a Dalek voice………..
SANDMAN 2-02PM
I disagree with your assertion on Boyata and Erik.
Boyata had to constantly cover for Erik.
On the second Gordon save after Miller scampered down wing and cut back to Waghorn Boyata had to go out to challenge but in the centre Erik is miles off his man allowing him a free shot.
Also Erik unsettled KT who kept having to come inside and cover for him.
MARSPAPA
Haha I always had a soft spot for The Arsenal:))
I thought Simunonic’s last two big games at Hampden & Ibrox he was excellent (LC SF V Sevco & LCF v Sheep) his distribution is much better than Sviatchenko’s and phsical presence and positioning much better than Boyata’s. If he was carrying an injury lately fair enough, but if he’s fit he’s a t least a better option than one of the two mentioned.
I’ve took Simo’s absence as nothing more than him returning from injury and the two incumbents not doing anything wrong since he has been out. Erik was poor yesterday and may now make way.
Before the game we knew exactly what to expect.
A very poor Sevco side would copy St Mirren’s tactics, run hard and press, close down space and tackle illegally and hope to scramble a cheap goal probably from a set piece.
No one should have expected any more from that referee. It is astonishing he was selected for that game but there is no point in complaining..dogs will bark,fleas will bite.
I am more concerned with Celtic’s midfield. It did not work in the first half nor were the substitutions correct in the second half. When LG came on we attempted a 4 4 2 which in reality left SB as a one man midfield.
We still should have won but the performance levels, substitutions, individual performances and errors were concerning.
An improvement at Hampden on a better pitch with a fairer referee will result in a comfortable win.
We do need to strengthen over the Summer and BR has said he wants a number 10. He also needs an aggressive centre back and wide right goalscorer if PR is leaving. Hopefully KE is good enough to replace NB but there remains a question mark over that signing.
What happened to the Arsenal Shares money?
Gotta love wee Craigy bhoy…
Just read through the decision of the Takeover Appeal Board.
And I have to say.
Thank goodness they’re English.
I fully agree with one or two earlier posters about Madden being cute enough to book a few Sevconians just to appear impartial. He is one of the flyest huns in the entire hunnery.
If Holt’s ‘tackle’ on Roberts had been in the middle of the park Madden might have shown a yellow. He could see though, that with Roberts kicked aside, Holt had a run in on our goals and a possible scoring opportunity, hence no foul.
Had Maddens plan worked as he hoped, Holt would have scored.
The midfielders in the centre have to make themselves available for the outball.
Bitton rarely does and then usually passes to the side or straight back.
We need someone in this area to be our conductor .Brown gives us tempo but lacks the finesse to spread play in a controlled manner.
The long ball yesterday would not have worked as Dembele was constantly pulled and pushed with the approval of madhun and when he had the audacity to win a challenge the hun gave a free kick against.
Dave King says:
“I would anticipate that, if I was to proceed with an offer on the terms TAB require, it would be rejected by the overwhelming majority of RIFC’s shareholders and therefore not receive the level of acceptances necessary to proceed. I cannot see how making an offer that is doomed to fail can benefit RIFC’s shareholders. ”
You sure about that Dave? The offer will most likely be conditional on 50% acceptance (by qty of shares). So for Dave to need to pay any money, holders of around 34.8 million shares would need to accept. What if Ashley, Easdales, Blue Pitch, Margarita etc all decide to cash in?
Then the insitutional investors decide to cut their losses?
What if Ally McCoist wants to stick the knife in??
Regardless, DK needs to prove he has the funds to pay for the shares when making the offer. Won’t be easy.
Re Sevco statement
This is hilarious. DK is begging people not to insist he pays them 20p per share. Not because he cannot afford to pay but because the shares are really worth far more.
You really cannot predict what is coming next in that unholy omnishambles of a holding vehicle.
Swally could cash his 3 million shares in for £600k.
Just a thought, if King makes the offer for the shares at 20p, let’s say of the 85% or so shareholders, a small percentage do decide to cash in. If the acquisition of these shares was funded by the Concert party would that not leave them in a position to push the Resolution to convert loans to shares over the line, thus enabling them to generate much needed cash flow?
Agreed, Fan-a-tic.
Davidopoulos on 13th March 2017 2:51 pm
In fact, I made an error there, the 50% threshold is actually only 26.9M shares (DK needs to make an offer for all shares that doing belong to him, Park, Taylor or Letham)
*don’t not doing
I think the current Share Price of Huns Inc. is about 35p. So why would anyone want to sell to Dodgy Dave at 20p.
I do accept that if a large shareholding was dumped on the market, the current price would fall dramatically but at the same cannot see anyone selling at 20p.
Got a text that said ;
You are due a tax refund of £972.20 please click the link below etc etc etc.
Second phishing attempt in a few days
watch out CSC
corkcelt
True, but when are you likely to ever get another offer to take all of the trash shares off your hands in one go?
Phil has a blog setting out that one of the consequences of the Takeover Panel ruling is cold shouldering by financial services.
This prompted this question for the SFA.
Does cold shouldering include accountancy services?
But even if it does not, what kind of accountancy firm would wish to provide their services to Mr King’s club/company and, more important for football, can the SFA trust what such a firm tells them via the accounts to be submitted to SFA by 31st March for UEFA and Club licencing purposes?
History will show that misrepresenting the true financial position at RFC by accountants in respect of tax liability by that was to Rangers advantage and at other member clubs expense, has happened before.
Poor SFA. Who can they trust?