There was an unusual reaction at full time last night. Some attempted to boo, but the applause from the majority in the crowd soon drowned them out. Not all defeats are the same, this one came after one of our best performances of the season, against an undoubtedly better team.
It was important to qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League. Bereft of domestic competition, Celtic need to test their abilities against top teams, they need to be stretched, forced to defend for long periods, parts of the game which simply never happen in Scotland.
It’s also important to see tangible signs of improvement. Those four weeks of summer, which saw defeats twice to Legia, to Maribor and Inverness, were signs of a team in crisis. They cost us Champions League football, and revenue, but finishing our Europa League group in second place behind Salzburg is the top end of where we expected to be three months ago.
I’m not happy with this morning’s line that we qualified thanks to the result in Romania; we qualified because we collected eight points from our opening four games, including a highly respectable draw in Salzburg. Win, lose or draw last night, the qualification work had been done. We can now start planning for the second half of the season.
Those three months since the summer crisis passed with only one defeat, an ultimately costless, if embarrassing, reversal at home to Hamilton. We can afford a similar episode on the next three months, but not this Sunday. The visit to Tynecastle is our most important game in the next two months, considerably more so than last night’s.
Commons and Forrest return to full fitness will be closer, while it would be good to see Denayer and Lustig available again.
It was kind of Rangers International to publish their accounts as a pick-me-up for us when we got home last night. More tomorrow, if we have time.
Shocked and stunned at the news Roy Keane has chucked it at Aston Villa. No way did I ever see his appointment as assistant to Paul Lambert looking like a pointless distraction so quickly. Next time we appoint a manager, cut the lines to Barbados and keep Martin’s mobile engaged!
Pre-orders are being accepted for the 2015 CQN Annual, which will be posted week commencing 8 December. Get your orders in now…
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https://twitter.com/kebabx5/status/538450192245485568
i hate phone typing
Just thought I’d empty my thoughts about Celtic stuff on the CQN-blog. It’s a Celtic fans blog, eh?
Well, there are those types on here who would contest wither I should be on here-under a bus-sleeping with the fishes-that’s their look-out.
There are also those, conceited sorts – plenty of those – who would suggest that…”Our best form of defence is to attack.”
Aye, very clever, eh?
Attack when yer main striker is ineligible?
Sure, then ye get a skelping.
Play football the ‘Celtic way’ when you leave yer only ‘Celtic player’ on the bench?
That’s young James Forrest btw.
To the conceited ones(you know who you are)….away n write an essay n look at yerself in the mirror when ye read it ya chooky’s.
I suggested the other day before the EL game that, Celtic’c football side of present – urny good enough to try to go out and – ‘Play Football The Glasgow Celtic Way’ coz, we only have ‘one’ ‘Glasgow Celtic Player’ – James Forrest, who should have been used as an outball with the rest of the team – parking the bus – and hit on the break but, RD knew better, aye, anyway…JG will move on coz the ‘bored’ don’t think that 30k of toothless sheep who pay into the ‘boreds’ coffers – don’t deserve respect so will ‘not’ treat you to JG coz they know they’ll get away wi it – wont they? That’s what their like – that’s how they see ‘you’ – wake up afore the arrival of the smelling-salts in the shape of the cheating-mibbery-assisted-huns come back for, as they view it – REVENGE.
Does anybody out there think that this present Celtic ‘bored’ have the cojones to deal with what is coming down the track?
Now doubt….CQN’s carefully planted ‘lackeys’ will try to dupe – the easily duped sheep who read on here that all will be well and the huns won’t last long…..aye.
For the huns to disapear awe the gither….Ibrox would have to be flattened.
If that happened….the West of Scotland would – in the space of a week, turn into Belfast of the 70’s – maybe without the guns n bombs – maybe not?
Anyway….I’m impressed with the Hearts set-up by Anne Budge.
Craig Levein should have been the Celtic manager when his stock was high at the point of his – “We shouldn’t have turned-up at ibrox today – it was all about Rangers….etc”
If I was in control of Celtic at ‘that point’ WGS would have been told he was leaving on a high after clinching 3 in a row coz, if truth be told, he was on the wane at ‘that’point’ I know it sounds bizzare but, look what he did next, just after ‘stumbling’ across the formula of how to defeat the ‘Myths’ huns ie: get Broony oot the team and get, Barry Robson and Paul Hartley, who wurny slow indoing what needed to be done – the only way to deal with the huns is to get flucked intea thum on and off the pitch, they’ll show no mercy – we have to be the same, for effff sake, Mr Stein loved ‘nothing’ more than sticking it straight to the bassas….where was I, oh yeah – win 7 games in a row and that will get ye 3 Leagues in a row with, a little help from WGS’s pal at Motherwell, big Mark McGhee who ‘gladly’ took some points off the huns in the run-in – WGS reverted to type in the 1st O## F### game of the next season, he brought back Broony, dropped BR and we got cuffed 2-4 at Celtic Park on his way to blowing 4 in a row.
A hands on ‘bored’ would have gotten-rid of WGS and replaced him with either, Craig Levein or, the man that WGS recommended – big Mark McGhee.
But, naw…the main man, flew to the other end of the world ‘after’ WGS had chucked it – begging him to stay for another year with, at ‘that’ time 20k of Celtic fans not going to the games despite having paid their money.
The ‘puppet-manager’ strategy of DD / PL is a front for a racket involving players being recruited through foreign agents – I canny prove it – it canny be disproved.
But, it is a strategy designed to make a buck or two for the chosen few and, this ‘nice little earner’ will continue until…30k of sheep Celtic supporters somehow, find the cojones to effect the change, the much needed change in the structure of the club.
Who knows….maybe the return of the cheating-mibbery-assisted huns will provide the switch for the sheep to shake their blind-loyalty-faithfulness-apathy ach fluck it….
….I’m going away now-canny be bothered anymore-lifes too short-off oot,bye.
Morning all from a slowly brightening Cumbernauld. An extremely busy weekend lies ahead.
Jobo,
Your weather and moustache comment has enabled me to start the day with a smile. Thank you. I am now going to ruin my good humour by attempting to play golf 0:-),
Cheerio,
JJ
Good morning CQN
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/ronny-deila-puts-winning-ahead-of-style-at-celtic-1-3619805
“I have to admit that I have ditched those principles a lot this season,” said Deila ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Championship leaders Hearts at Tynecastle.
“Because I now understand it is a totally different environment here, compared to what I was used to before (at Stromsgodset in Norway).
“This is all about results – you have to win all the time. So you have to think short-term and also try to take small steps towards the long-term things as well.
“There is an intensity here to every game that comes along. I’m used to having seven days between games and being able to relax a little bit, reflect on the game and prepare for the next one.
“But as a manager and player here, you need to go further very quickly. You have to think about the next game the very next day.
“That’s something I’ve learned and that’s fine with me. But then things go slower when you are talking about development. But I think we have also done that quite well.
“You always have to find a balance between pushing and thinking short-term and being calm. I don’t change, I believe in the same things. But I understand that you don’t get a lot of time here.
Jungle Jim –
Golf in the dark? Or don’t you hit it too far? ;-)
KevJ . Never tire of your empty thoughts.
You must be the twin my father in law never knew he had.
;)
keeponsmililingcsc
HT
Enjoy your tryst with your pal in scouseland!
Mwah ha ha ha ha!
PantoLarfCSC
Kevjungle
I’ve never known anyone on here to want to park the bus – on you!
I agree with much – not all – of what you say for what it’s worth. And I reckon I’d be one of the ones on here you might accuse of being a sheep.
The probably more of us on here agree with more of what you say than you realise or would like!
You’re perhaps not such a lone Fenian wolf when alls said and done.
HH jamesgang
Smokie
If your golf shots display the same dry, crispness or your self deprecating humour you’ll be well under par!
HH jamesgang
Lionroars
I saw Ronny’s quotes on Twitter. That first paragraph is bamboozling!!!
Jamesgang
Oh trust me, I’d love to meet him!!
KevinKeeganCSC
Good Morning Timland.
Kevj……what a opus,some very valid points and some
utter tosh,yer always worth a read,not got time to debate
my great Celtic pal,Mrs Nye’s taking me tae the shops.
Hamiltontim……busy weekend,try a shopping trip wae
the love of my life and you’ll know all aboot it.
Have a great day cqn,I doubt I will.
Another one on my boycott list. Companies which use every means available to drive down wages can do without my cash.
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2014/nov/28/next-polish-workers-british-retailer-poland-uk-minimum-wage-yorkshire-warehouse
HAMILTONTIM
I hope yer benefactor hasn’t arranged for a wee reconciliation between you both!
Enjoy it,mate.
Why would Glasgow City Centre be a no go area today?
Christmas shoppers. It’ll be worse than Derby Day back in the old days.
Som mes que un club –
Wondered about that earlier comment myself. Maybe a reference to mad Christmas shopping, this being the Saturday after the last monthly pay day before Santa’s birthday (copyright Homer Simpson)?
‘ This is said to have “induced” the board to agree to the sale to Mr Whyte.
He is then accused of pretending he would provide £5m to buy players, that he would pay £2.8m for a tax liability and use £1.7m to settle “agreed capital expenditure”. ‘
So pretending to provide a war chest of £5 million is a criminal offence these days? Maybe Fat Sally should be up in court as well for pretending to be a football manager.
Morning HT give yer pal Ryecatcher my regards when you’re down at Anfield ;-)
Have a good day out.
1. Pesky Christmas shoppers.
2. Big protest march – the Free nye bevans’ rebel soldier One campaign seeks the Bhoy’s release from the unjust enslavement of going shopping with the other half.
Spoke to my daughter’s teacher about it after dress shopping with her (my daughter, not the teacher!). We agreed Men Crèches are the way forward. Nerf guns, beer, nuts and sport on big tellies.
SignMeInMammaCSC
HH jamesgang
Pogmathonyahun –
Good to see you up and about. Just waiting on your coupon pick for the full house ;-)
pogmathonyahun aka laird of the smiles
Bet you a million quid that’s not right….
Nee naw, nee naw, nee naw…..
InTheClink4MendacityCSC
HH jamesgang
JAMESGANG
NAW!
This plan of yours will just get blokes all softened up so that we miss the missus battering lumps outa the cards. A recipe for disaster if ever there was one.
From oor Phil
The devil is in the retail
25 Replies
Ah these accounts…
It is almost as if Philip Nash had not been on a messianic cost cutting drive this last year.
However it really happened.
He clamped down on the living off the tab and the expense culture at Ibrox and Murray Park.
However, despite all of that sweat and harsh words the cost base actually increased by £150,000!
I got two of my number crunching guys to go over these accounts for me.
They both independently of one another told me that the reason for this increase, despite the austerity, was the ‘Onerous Contracts’.
It fits the evidence of what we already know of these wheezes artfully constructed by Charles of Normandy and his minions.
The only people making money out of RIFC are the beneficiaries of the ‘Onerous Contracts’ and that includes Mr Ashley.
The merchandising deal is a joy to behold and the devil truly is in the retail.
RIFC had to pay £411,000 under their obligation to purchase stock at cost higher than resale value through Rangers Retail Ltd.
Sorry, but that is just brilliant business for both Big Mike and Puma.
Charles of Normandy was desperate to get a big name kit supplier on-board when he was setting up Sevco.
In order to get the German outfit providing apparel for the Bearmacht Charlie had to offer them guaranteed sales that were off the radar.
In this deal neither Puma nor Sports Direct can lose.
It is undeniable that RIFC is in stormy financial waters and there are now mines bobbing on the surface that could do for the good ship Sevco.
Firstly the dis-application of pre-emption rights needs to go through.
If that is blocked by some angry shareholders then that is a big problem.
Secondly the rights issue needs to be a major success because that £8m is badly needed.
One minor problem is that it will cost money to put a prospectus together. That is why they last Shareholder Share Option was for less than €4m as that was below the threshold for such an expensively constructed document.
The third explosive device floating dangerously towards the badly riveted hull is actually about football.
If the mighty Glasgow Sevco does not gain promotion then that will represent a massive loss of expected revenue.
The only silver lining in no silverware is that the ‘Onerous Contracts’ will not ratchet up to Premiership levels of remuneration for Charlie and the boys.
One of my number crunching pals told me that, on currently available figures, even if they get the full £8m then they will still lose around £15m next year.
This is because of the increase in the ‘Onerous Contracts’ and the strong possibility of a decrease in Season Ticket sales.
Many of The People have simply had enough of this circus.
There is also the small matter of Mr Ashley being repaid £3m in April 2015
Strangely the Chairman David Somers sought to include as a highlight things that had happened after the 30th June.
These accounts, according to my guys, are screaming that Charles of Normandy is still doing very well out of the Ibrox match day experience.
The Going Concern Warning was written in standard auditor style and should come as no surprise to regular readers.
“EMPHASIS OF MATTER – GOING CONCERN
“In forming our opinion on the financial statements, which is not modified, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosures in note 1 to the financial statements concerning the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Group requires additional funding to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due. The Group has made key assumptions in relation to its ability to secure further funding in addition to the timing and value of season ticket income, increases in matchday income and sponsorship, the timing and value of dividends and further cost reductions.
“These conditions around the need to secure further funding, along with the details provided in note 1 of the financial statements, indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt over the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and therefore that the Group may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Group was unable to continue as a going concern.”
Only the seriously deluded amongst The People could now deny that this club/company/celestial entity is in serious financial trouble.
The AGM should be interesting and no doubt The People will deport themselves with all available dignity.
It takes place on the 22nd December and that is one week from payday.
As it currently stands my sources tell me that there is not enough cash to make payroll next month.
It would be a good time for Mr Ashley to put Sevco on special offer.
I would not discount that possibility.
Pog/BMCUW
I’d post where I’m going for lunch if I thought he’d actually turn up :-)
Right, off to Anfield, cmon the Cellic!!!!
Bobbio
Just when you think you know someone……..beer, nuts, nerf guns and fitba.
I thought you’d be front of the queue!
Was it the nuts?
Too much food?
How about I replace nuts with an alternative liquid nutrient?
GuinnessGivesUStrengthCSC
HH jamesgang
JAMESGANG
Oh,I’m all for it-though maybe not the nuts,for obvious reasons.
But then,I don’t have a missus tanking up the plastic while I’m distracted.
I can feel it my old creaking bones that this will be the week that I finally get back under 22 mins for the ole 5K ParkRun. Missed it by just 1 second last week, grrrrr.
And by the time I return hopefully Pogmanthonyahun will have settled on his coupon pick ;-)
…and as if by magic it happened!
Cheers Pog!
Kobo, done.
JOBO
Buy a new watch. Much less grief.
Good luck!
Jobo, feckin IPad
This week’s CQN Coupon. I believe it’s exactly a year since our last Big Win ;-)
>> Awalkacrosstherooftops: Preston
>> Blantyretim: Derby
>> Greenlion2: QPR
>> Jobo Mobo Baldie: St Johnstone
>> Lennybhoy: Luton
>> PFayr: Wycombe
>> Pogmanthony: Leyton Orient
>> The Token Tim: Inverness
Bobbio
And that is to womankind’s eternal loss.
Like an extra punny from God for messing about with apples in his garden a long time back.
If memory serves it was also something to do with spare ribs.
Must have been a barbecue or something…….
Hope my Sister never reads this or she’ll have me down for the eternal barbecue. The old Hades 5000 range!
Aff oot Timdom.
Now daughter’s triathlon gives way to the wee Mhan’s footie.
HH jamesgang
Must run…
Jobo…spot on regarding my stay away from town post…should make myself clearer.
Jobo
Silver City
Cheers!
I thought it was reference to some sort of Rangers/OO parade!
Hoop doggy dog
No need, understand now, and yes, you are correct.