I’ve watched a large number of insipid end of season efforts over the years. The one that stands out most is home to Falkirk in 1987. It was probably the first time it was clear to me the white flag had been raised on a campaign (had results gone our way, we could still have won the league that day). Only a year earlier the same squad delivered the most unlikely title in the final game.
There was no white flag yesterday, quite the opposite, the league is all-but won. Instead we looked like a team with a lot of players wondering if they had a future at the club. The next two games, away to Hearts and home to Aberdeen, should provide enough focus to allow the level of performance to rise, but I thought that about the semi-final too.
It’s the end of the road for a few players, and for a system clearly few still believe in.
On the way into the ground a few of us wondered how often Kris Commons would be used going forward. He will be 33 in the summer, ahead of the last year of his contract. Whatever the reason he didn’t make the starting line up yesterday (or last week), his 9 minute cameo demonstrated the directness, not to mention game intelligence and skill, that Celtic are badly lacking.
Despite the plethora of No. 10s and creative wide players we’ve recruited over the last two years, Commons remains by far our most effective creative player. Without him we look to be punching with an empty glove; I hope whoever takes over takes note.
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Tiny Tim
Will the interview be in a hospital bed or vineyard or even a heated driveway? :-)
HH
CRC
Proudbhoy
I bet you are living up to your name :-)
HH
KTF
Working as a hospital porter is rewarding.
Thanks everyone , family all delighted.
Lucky Lucky man.
Proudbhoy
Great news. Enjoy Comrade.
HH
Brown on early evening News…
” The players let themselves down.. and the Fans and the CLub.. the supporters are entitled to their opinions…”
Same old tripe Broonie, same spiel as last week, and the week before, and the week before… My Gawd man, you looked so uncomfortable coming out with that, you didn’t even believe it yourself.
You and your team mates set out to prove a point.. and you did it extremely well.. by refusing to play and demonstrate your ability to withdraw your labour, youve set a new standard in how much contempt you can show to your employers and your supporters.
Dont look for forgiveness scotty, it aint coming.
There will be no points at Tyncastle or Mcdairmid or v Aberdeen or v Motherwell.. it wiil depend on Aberdeen failing again for us to ‘celebrate’ the title win in front of 15,000.
Shame on you all.
Proudbhoy
Yeah!!
But you don’t look old enough…..you soon will!!
SleeplessNightsCSC
HH jamesgang
Brendan Rodgers would be my preference for next Celtic manager. Celtic minded and his teams play an exciting brand of football.
However,I suspect he may be out of our price range. Moyes will only come to Celtic if he doesn’t get a better offer elsewhere.
If Brighton fail to make the EPL then I would look at Chris Hughton. A very good manager anywhere he has been.
Former Irish international. I think he would “get” our club and supporters!!
APRICALE on 25TH APRIL 2016 9:46 PM
Battered Bunnet, more than that, when we do play with lots of men up front they close down their own space, by being flat and by not standing off their man. They need to make space for themselves within the system,not treat it as something which will magically arise. You make chances by making space, all our system does is make space in front of our back line for the opposition to run into when we lose possession.
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Never mind yer Opta stats…..yet whiteboards….yer video analyses. There’s a huge chunk of our problem set down in good old black and white writing….
Quality post bud.
HH jamesgang
How’s this for entitlement?
Sevco have emailed Alloa demanding disciplinary action be taken against two players.
Michael Duffy for not clapping the cheats on to the park at a guard of honour.
Eddie Ferns for tweeting, “you’re not Rangers anymore” and his disgust at having to visit ibrox on Saturday.
This is the type of nonsense that has been allowed to fester, where a club feels it can dictate to another club, how it deals with it’s players.
I reckon Jack Ross will not pay too much attention to their threatening email and tell them to GTF.
This however is the toxicity that will return, with clubs scared to speak out, Celtic being the biggest of those.
SID
Par for the course in sectarianland.
HH
I can`t understand Neil Lennon`s sudden interest in the Celtic job.
Less than 2 months ago he explained his decision to leave Celtic as follows:- “We had dominated for three seasons and the club was sort of downsizing with the squad. I always felt the Champions League was the competition to be in and I wasn’t sure we would be able to do that again with the squad of players that we had. So it was time to go. Four years was a good stint at it.”
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/26/neil-lennon-bolton-wanderers-interview
So what has changed? Celtic are still downsizing the quality of its squad. In fact its much shorter in quality than it was this time 2 years ago. The Champions League is still the place to be. But if Neil Lennon had doubts over his ability to guide a Celtic side containing Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk and James Forrest into the Champions League in 2014, are we to believe he now is certain he can take a side instead containing Craig Gordon, Dedryck Boyata and Gary Mackay-Steven into the CL in 2016?
Financial mismanagement
British institution
Sold for £1
Administration
Duff & Phelps
Something very familiar about all this.
Half expecting Neil Doncaster to say how badly the Premiership needs BHS.
SID on 25TH APRIL 2016 10:31 PM
Let them scweam and scweam and stamp their little feet. Pompous Feckers.
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http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10154596/report-claims-link-between-3g-pitches-and-cancer
Report claims link between 3G pitches and cancer
By Geraint Hughes, Sky Sports News HQ
Last Updated: 03/02/16 6:31pm
A study in the USA claims there is a link between the use of artificial pitches which contain ‘crumb rubber’ – made from recycled tyres – and cancer.
The study – by the University of Washington – is not new and the results do not mean that 3G pitches in the UK hold a health risk.
The complete report cannot be made public as it contains personal information of those surveyed, but its conclusions are worrying, according to one of the authors, former US Women’s soccer international Amy Griffin.
Griffin found that 200 athletes who use artificial surfaces regularly have developed forms of cancer. Of those 200, 158 were footballers and of those 158, 95 were goalkeepers.
The report went onto highlight ‘crumb rubber’, which is spread over artificial surfaces to act as a support, to prevent wear and tear and soak up excess water, is made of recycled tyres that can contain hazardous levels of toxic chemicals.
Those chemicals, if ingested over a long period of time can cause an increased risk of developing cancer. In the USA, tyres either manufactured domestically or imported can contain chemicals such as lead, cadmium and mercury.
In reply to a request from Sky Sports News HQ about any health concerns over the use of artificial pitches, FIFA – who has conducted two studies in the last decade – replied: “FIFA’s Medical Assessment and Research Center (F-MARC) in cooperation with UEFA conducted an analysis of this matter in 2006.
“At that time, the conclusion was clear: the available body of scientific research on this issue did not substantiate the assumption that cancer resulting from exposure to SBR granulate infills in artificial turf could potentially occur.
“Since then, several independent research have been conducted -the latest being from 2015- reaching similar conclusions. FIFA will continue monitoring and analysing any new evidence produced on this matter.”
The available body of scientific research… did not substantiate the assumption that cancer resulting from exposure to SBR granulate infills in artificial turf could potentially occur.
FIFA
Artificial pitches are a common sight in football in the UK and the Football Association are spearheading a campaign for more all-weather facilities.
Guidance from football authorities in the UK say they are constantly monitoring the situation and at this time are assured there is no evidence to suggest any danger.
Sky Sports News HQare awaiting information from The British Association of Tyre Manufacuturers as to what materials are legally allowed in the manufacture of tyres within the UK and EU.
EU health and safety marks state the presence of mercury and benzene in tyres is not allowed while lead and cadmium are at trace levels of 0.05 per cent and 0.001 per cent – the same restrictions are not in place in the US.
While many experts believe there is no hard evidence to suggest a link between cancer and ‘crumb rubber’, there is yet to be a comprehensive study on the subject.
A study is under way in California which certainly intends to be more scientifically intense, but it is not due for publication until JUNE 2018.
——
https://www.pitchcare.com/magazine/category/13/strong-synthetics-strong?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C6296663588
https://www.pitchcare.com/magazine/calls-for-ban-on-3g-pitches-grow-after-professor-finds-cancer-causing-chemicals-in-artificial-surfaces.html?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C8521362576
Calls for a ban on 3G football pitches have intensified after a professor from Scotland found cancer-causing chemicals in the artificial turf.
Artificial pitch scheme for Surfleet scrapped due to cancer concern
——-
3 weeks ago- Synthetics- Spalding Guardian
A £400,000 project to build a new artificial pitch in Surfleet has been scrapped over fears a link between its use and cancer cases in the USA.
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Harry Kane opens new 3G at Walthamstow club where it all began…
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Celtic Manager – I’d LOVE to turn Parkhead plastic
2 Mar 2016- Synthetics- External source
The Hoops boss reckons critics such as Rangers manager Mark Warburton are living in the dark ages when it comes to installing synthetic surfaces
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Personally think Rodgers will go back to Swansea. Moyes to Everton . What about Hein Vanhaezebrouck, Ghent Manager?
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Surprised they didn’t phone ALLOA and reverse the charges…..probably charge them sodjurs on leaving their stadium on forces day as well….do they still have them bucket collections ??
Oh, and a guy called Green.
Spooky…….
Until we meet again…
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Proudbhoy,
I’m delighted to read your news. Congratulations!
Phil Mac’s recent blog is interesting.
A lot of his blogs are interesting but few stand up to the test of time, long term.
ie a lot of his predictions over the last few years sound good but rarely pan out.
How is this one any different?
DONTBRATTBAKKINANGER on 25TH APRIL 2016 10:24 AM
‘recently overtook the Anglican as highest active group’ – something else to blame Peter Lawell for.
Eh whit!?
Lennybhoy
One Hein Vanhaezebrouck
There’s only one Hein Vanhaezebrouck,
One Hein Vanhaezebrouck,
Theres only one Hein Vanhaezebrouck
We could be doing the Vanhaezebrouck vault next season
Mick McCarthy.
Night all.
How about a Hein Van Haezenbrouck and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink double act in the dugout?
JIMTIM 449
Lucky sod,I wish I had been there too!
Don’t think I could have handled it afterwards,mind.
Glen Daley
They would need a defensive coach to support sviatchenko and Jozo Simunovic… any suggestions
—–
Greetings To The Wizard Of Oz…
Your Welcome Return Is Like A Breath Of Fresh Air…
To This Flatulent Blog….
[ And ChooChoo BMCW Hasn’t Clocked-On For The Night-Shift YET..! Ed ]
A Welcome Change To The Blog Demographic….
Stump For The Trump..!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=hgM2xN5TPgw
~~~~
Apricale
Yip, got it in one.
Lennybhoy
Well it certainly would be a big name :-)
Firstly, when the manger has lost it all sorts of crap can happen. So the Ross Countys, ICT, Malmo, Maribor, Legia are not a surprise. Also when the personnel has been substantially weakened Europe is a harsh school. The players we have are not good enough to secure CL qualification. This is where Lawwells downsizing has severely damaged us.
Secondly, Sevco defeat. The players crossed a red line. This failure against a pub team is unacceptable. They surrendered possession and stood off. If you give the other team so much off the ball there is a danger they might score a couple of flukes. Players like Brown and Bitton hid. GMS is rank and should never be in a Celtic jersey ( or Armstrong for that matter ).
Lawwell by downsizing the manager, team and squad has left us in a terrible mess. We need some quality players in and a ton of dross shifted. The Kris Commons PR in leader is nonsense. Commons has done zilch for 18 months and needs to go to.
We need a manager who can transform the playing staff before CL qualifiers. The manager should be in now to decide who stays and who goes. If the manager only comes in the summer time is really against him. Plus in the interim Lawwell is playing DOF lining up more cheap options with his network of agents.
Lawwell has made a gross error of judgement in supporting Ronnie so long.He should have been sacked after Malmo exit, Europe League shambles, January transfer window. Every day longer is a joke and sums up the lunacy of the situation.
It’s a transformation that is probably too big for one man and may need a Director of Football to be a sounding board and help drive change. This is another reason for getting shot of the control freak. He will work against anything which weakens his control. This is the damage he does to Celtic to protect his personal interests. Let him go to sunderland or wherever else he dreams up.
We are starting this change a season too late because of Lawwell. We have Sevco who will be helped and will beg EPL clubs for 5/6 loans signings. No room for error as we perform this transformation—-that’s indeed if there will be real change.
Celtic need to move fast…every day RD is in situ we lose a day.
Lennybhoy
You been chatting to a certain high profile blogger of this parish?
——
John Calvin/Cahane Hiz A Lot Tae Answer For…
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/to-fight-isis-we-need-to-learn-from-the-era-of-calvinism-a6775841.html
To fight Isis we need to learn from the era of Calvinism
What Syria is going through at this time is no worse than what Germany experienced in the Thirty Years War that ended in 1648
Andreas Whittam Smith
@indyvoicesThursday
17 December 2015
As I learn of fresh Isis atrocities, I cannot help reminding myself that Europe was once in a similar situation to that in which the Middle East finds itself today. I am referring to the period of the Reformation, which started soon after Luther nailed his 95 theses to door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Saxony, in October 1517.
Luther had denounced what he saw as the corrupt practices of his Church.
Before long, his followers, who later became known as Protestants, broke away from the authority of the Pope in Rome.
This Protestant versus Catholic division – our version of Islam’s Sunni versus Shia – was replicated all over Europe.
In Britain, France, the Netherlands and Germany, what started as disagreement and protest later morphed into religious persecution and then, often enough, into civil war.
Only when these conflicts came to an end in the mid-1600s was this nightmare, which lasted 140 years, brought to a close.
What Syria is going through at this time is no worse than what Germany experienced in the Thirty Years War that ended in 1648. The historian Norman Davies describes the post-war scene thus: “Germany lay desolate.
The population had fallen from 21 million to perhaps 13 million. Between a third and half of the people were dead. Whole cities like Magdeburg stood in ruins. Whole districts lay stripped of their inhabitants, their livestock, and their supplies. Trade had virtually ceased.”
Nor is the Syrian calamity any more disastrous than the English Civil War, which petered out in 1651. Read what the Cambridge historian, Robert Tombs, has to say about the conflict:
“The Civil War was the most lethal conflict England had suffered since the Conquest. A recent estimate suggests around 86,000 killed in combat, nearly all soldiers; another 129,000, mostly civilians, succumbed to the diseases that accompanied war; and infant mortality reached the highest level ever recorded. These losses, in a population of 4-5 million, are proportionately much higher than those England suffered in the First World War.”
I should add that neither the Thirty Years War nor the English Civil War was caused solely by religious hostility. The former was part of a Continental power struggle, as well as being a contest between Catholics and Protestants.
On the latter, Tombs comments that:
“Religion was the clearest dividing line, but even that does not explain everything.” But then religion is not the sole generator of Middle East conflict.
The most striking similarity between the contemporary Middle East and the Reformation is that the most austere versions of religious belief – Christian Calvinism, and Islamic Wahhabism – have been very influential.
The two creeds, for instance, think of themselves as citadels of purity.
Calvin was more radical than Luther.
He divided humanity into the Damned and Elect. His followers saw themselves as “Strangers among Sinners”.
The good Calvinist family would put all pleasure and frivolity to one side. There was to be no dancing, no songs, no drinking or gaming, no bright clothes or loud language.
Likewise, where Wahhabism has influence – which includes the regions controlled by Isis – such activities as listening to music, dancing, smoking, playing cards, drawing human or animal figures or acting in a play or writing fiction may be banned.
What particularly shocks us about the current situation is that Isis shoots or beheads its prisoners. But is this worse than being burnt at the stake?
In England during the reign of Mary I, the Catholic daughter of Henry VIII, some 290 Protestants were burnt at the stake, which has been described as “the most intense persecution of its kind anywhere in 16th-century Europe.”
When the flames were licking round Bishops Latimer of Worcester and Ridley of Rochester, both tied to stakes in Oxford, Latimer urged his colleague:
“Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England as I trust shall never be put out.”
Isis destroys ancient sites of historical and cultural importance such Palmyra in Syria, which is classified by Unesco as being “of outstanding universal value”.
Iconoclasm was also a feature of the Reformation. In 1566, a Welsh Protestant merchant doing business in Antwerp was shocked to see “all the churches, chapels and houses of religion utterly defaced, and no kind of thing left whole within them, but broken and utterly destroyed, being done after such order and by so few folks that it is to be marveled at”.
In 1651, during Cromwell’s time, a proposal was introduced into the House of Commons that “all Cathedral churches, where there are other churches or chapels sufficient for the people to meet in for the worship of God, be surveyed… pulled down, and sold, and be employed for a stock for the use of the poor.” While this motion failed to carry, soon afterwards the nave of St Paul’s Cathedral in London was being used as a cavalry barracks with stables for 800 horses.
These times of upheaval in Europe were finally b
Just popped in to ask, has anyone heard from Dena29? Haven’t heard from her in months. Any news? HH
HAMILTONTIM on 25TH APRIL 2016 10:57 PM
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Iv been saying big mick for a good while now.
Not box office but it’s hard work and passion we need at minute.
Chris Houghton is good shout from some posters aswel.
Hi Going to Spain for a wee break can anyone recommend a Celtic friendly bar in Madrid.
I will also be in Torremolinos,Benalmadena area for the Hearts game.
Also the same for Seville.Thanks in advance Bhoys and Ghirls.HH.
I feckin hate these posters who try to dominate the blog with enormous posts. If a post goes beyond the page of my ipad, I scroll by. Some people have a bigger hit of themselves than what we know. Kiddy on experts my arse. :-)) HH.
Away to ma kip. Night all. :-)) HH