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Celtic v Preston North End, Live updates

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  2. Parkheadcumsalford on

    Can’t really criticise Ajeti today. I don’t recall him getting any service at all. We had no threat from the wings until the young Israeli came on. I am hoping against hope that Forrest gets a game on Tuesday. I would also play Eduard and Ajeti.

  3. An Dún on

    So for Tuesday – Barkas, Ralston, Welsh, Urhoghide, Taylor, Shaw, CalMac , Turnbull, Abida, Ajeti and Eddie. 4-2-3-1 with Abida in the left and Ajeti playing right side which I think he did on occasion for Basle. Far from ideal but injuries & want aways leave us very short.

     

     

    If Forrest is fit, he starts on the right and Abida goes Left side, Ajeti dropped for Eddie. Forrest almost certainly is out though.

     

     

    Central defence is a big concern, I never thought I’d be praying for Bitton to be fit for a CL qualifier but that’s where we are… he starts alongside Welsh if he’s fit. Again, unlikely.

     

     

    Ralston and Taylor are our only realistic full back options, disgraceful but true.

     

     

    Ntcham, Christie, Ajer & Griff will most likely never play a game this season or any other season. They’ll be out the door in the coming weeks.

     

     

    Without doubt the weakest we’ve been as we go into a CL qualifier.

     

     

    Like last season, I’m going into the game with only hope that we can do something but the head tells me to prepare for a sobering night of football on Tuesday.

  4. Back to Basics - Glass Half Full on

    Genuine congratulations to those who’ll be one of the 9,000 able to attend Tuesday’s game.

     

     

    I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit jealous.

  7. Tommy Joad on

    At the risk of clogging up the blog on a matchday, I’m re-posting this piece for my beloved dad who died this week.

     

     

    RIP Old man, loved you and always will

     

     

    Joyful Lament to a Different Game

     

     

    It is a Saturday afternoon in Paisley, just outside Glasgow. The year is 1967 and a 28 year old man with a whimsical idea in mind is dialling a number in a telephone box, more in hope than expectation. A gruff sounding Irishman receives the call. A speculative request is made, and is granted after brief consideration. The necessary arrangements are agreed. The players of St Charles Boys Club should report to the stadium the next day at 10am for a tour of the ground. Some of the Celtic players – newly crowned European champions – are in for a light training session and will be happy to say hello. The man placing the call – my father – thanks the gentlemen on the other end, the Celtic assistant manager, Sean Fallon. A hectic evening ensues convincing disbelieving kids and parents alike that the proposed outing is not a hoax.

     

     

    On the Sunday morning, Fallon was true to his word and a dozen or so wide eyed Paisley youngsters were greeted by the man from Sligo, who warmly introduced them to legendary manager Jock Stein and club icon Jimmy McGrory, along with a clutch of first team players who willingly had a kickabout with them at the ground, followed by a full tour of the stadium.

     

     

    I’ve lost count how many times I’ve been told this story, both by my old man and by those who made the 10 mile trip to Glasgow’s east end with him. As I sat with my dad watching Brendan Rogers’ current Celtic team honour the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions triumph with an undefeated treble in May this year, we reflected again on that impromptu encounter, laughing at the notion that a man in the street would have such direct, immediate and unfettered access to senior players and management at the home of the reigning European champions, while remembering that this was also a time when star midfielder Bobby Murdoch would take the bus to training on a daily basis and legendary winger Jimmy Johnstone borrowed money from the ball boys for a fish supper on the way home. Simpler times undoubtedly, when players and managers were still deeply embedded in their communities and were talented representatives and extensions of the wider support

     

     

    In football as in life, the generations elapse and things change, but these anecdotes – now half a century old and heavily laden with nostalgia – form the basis of a lament to the modern game, where elite players are for the most part, fiercely protected from their fans. The story of the Lisbon Lions has been split into tens of thousands of narratives but it remains eternal and special largely because eleven men, all from within thirty miles of Glasgow, conquered Europe with an earthy, gallus swagger which is entirely different to the pretentious conceit we often see at the top level of football today.

     

     

    I often argue with my dad that nostalgia can contaminate the memory when it comes to football but in the case of the Lions, the evidence pointing towards true greatness is overwhelming. Some might also argue, and not without reason, that Celtic fans have an inclination towards the sentimental but it’s important to acknowledge the club would not have the history and romance it has now, had those players not had the courage and ability they had then, but the magnitude of their unique achievements were not always recognised in some quarters. From the UK media, national team selectors and even from within the boardroom at Celtic Park they received contemporary applause, followed by oblivion, with the odd moment of rediscovery. Chief executive Peter Lawell and Martin O’Neill raised their profile greatly again around the millennium, though the fans had never allowed these ordinary heroes to be forgotten.

     

     

    When Jock Stein arrived as manager in 1965 there was no drum roll to accompany him. Trumpets did not play. His limited playing career and plain speaking offered no hint of his visionary attitude to the game. He was an ex miner whose values of modesty, humility and teamwork were forged in the pits, a man who in the words of Hugh McIllvanney was “educated below his intelligence”. His impact on the club and on his players was seismic. Victory over the mighty Inter Milan in Lisbon was as one sided as a 2-1 victory could possibly be, where Celtic dominated proceedings entirely, despite the oppressive heat and the concession of an early goal. It is unlikely that there has ever been a more fruitful or historic collaboration between two full backs than Jim Craig’s perfectly timed cutback for Tommy Gemmell to hammer in the equaliser from the edge of the box, a combination which epitomised the relentlessly attacking nature of the Celtic performance. When Stevie Chalmers diverted Gemmells strike beyond the one man barricade of Giuliano Sarti, the Italians had long since abandoned any pretence of attempting to win the game.

     

     

    Re-watching the entire ninety minutes is an illuminating experience; Celtic were absolutely masterful.

     

     

    Millions of words have been written about this special team so when the anniversary documentaries and articles began to be trailed it was hard to see where the fresh angle would come from. The new perspective on their achievements came with a heavy dose of melancholy and sadness, with news earlier in the year that team captain Billy McNeill was in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, which was closely followed by the passing of Tommy Gemmell. These were hard blows for a group of men who are close as brothers and the anniversary celebrations were coloured by recent developments. The sight of Billy McNeill with the group in May this year prompted some throat clogging emotions for Celtic fans of all ages.

     

     

    Jimmy Johnstone overcame the limitations of his genetic inheritance, not to mention some medieval tackling, to be voted the greatest Celt of all time. Bertie Auld epitomised the Glaswegian essence of the team with streetwise attitude and ability, while Bobby Murdoch held the compass every time the team advanced. But McNeill was the undisputed leader of the team. This son of a blackwatch soldier led the team out in Lisbon with the quiet nobility of a gladiator and ended it by ascending the concrete stairs alone, to be immortalised in the most famous photograph in the clubs history with the big cup. It must be difficult for family and ex-team mates to see a figure of such physical and mental fortitude in his current health.

     

     

    Sporting icons, even the greatest, do not exist in a vacuum and the remaining Lisbon Lions are old men now. Even those St Charles Boys Club youngsters who attended Celtic Park on a bright Sunday morning are in their sixties. While all would acknowledge the incredible job Brendan Rogers has done in his maiden season to connect players, fans and management again, it would be an offence to most fans sensibilities to compare the two teams. It is equally futile to compare eras and traditions but one wonders what Jock Stein would have made of the corporate carnival of vanity that passes for the Champions League today, or what McNeill might think of the actions of Sergio Ramos in ensuring the dismissal of his opponent in the recent Champions League final.

     

     

    The remembrance of the Lions was a season long celebration and they were commemorated brilliantly by supporters in the 67th minute of every game at home and away, in Scotland and abroad. For Celtic fans of my father’s generation, that Celtic team were men like themselves with the same daily concerns, who just happened to be sportsmen. Perhaps this is part of the reason why they continue to be so celebrated.

     

     

    Sometimes it’s unhealthy to dismiss modern progress or to lapse into sentimentality for an extended period of time, but in the year of the Lisbon Lions 50th anniversary, it’s been entirely justified. There will never be another team like them.

  9. JHB on

    If we had won the title for10iar last season, it is almost certain that we would still be in the situation we find ourselves. It would have made virtually no difference financially.

     

     

    However, would having won the magical 10iar rendered us more understanding & patient of the massive rebuilding job in front of us?

     

     

    I wonder!!!

  11. ziggydoc1 on

    PARKHEADCUMSALFORD on 17TH JULY 2021 9:44 PM

     

    Does anyone know if we have to produce evidence of being fully vaccinated to get into Celtic Park on Tuesday?

     

    _____

     

    Not required. Just bring a nervous disposition. Actually, I’m fed up with the (realistic) expectation of our chances in the first several games. We’re playing Midtjylland. They’ll be decent, well organised but surely not full of flair players who’ll cut us open at will. We can go out with a good midfield, control it, front three of abada, Ajeti and edouard. Score more than them and we win. One game. Big swede in for the return and dare I say, a good right back and we’re home and dry. 😱

  13. excathedra44 on

    I did not enjoy that one bit.

     

     

    Even being at the game was scant consolation,as a combination of sun and rapidity of changes confused the passable with the deplorable.

     

     

    I think we have some really good young players,but moulding them into a force to be reckoned with will take longer than the CL window.

     

     

    For me,forget Europe,concentrate on securing the Title,as I believe we have a nucleus to carry us for several years,this will be evident once a few new faces arrive and merge.

     

     

    Couple of general points,why Clancy the coward,object to this incompetent wimp officiating at any of our games.

     

     

    Upon the arrival of the unfortunate Boli we immediately were in chaos on the left side for approx 10 mins,sorry he wont do.

     

     

    Ryan Christie,what can I say about a player who last year was a first pick,now another non trying cheat, anyone not wanting to play chase them and make it known as to the reason.

     

    At least Ajer gave his all,despite that sore to lose him.

     

     

    I think someone has tinkered with the Flux Capacitor in the car and I’m back pre Jock Stein.

     

     

    HH

  15. scullybhoy on

    Tommy Joad on 17th July 2021 9:56 pm

     

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

     

    Cheers mate – a lovely post.

     

     

    “Eternal rest grant unto them , O Lord,

     

    and let perpetual light shine upon them.

     

    May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.“

     

     

    HH

  16. glendalystonsils on

    ‘Ange Postecoglou admits transfer frustration but explains why it’s not Celtic’s fault’ (67 Hail Hail)

     

     

    ‘Postecoglou concern over signings’ (BBC)

     

     

    Two headlines covering the same story which tell you more about those reporting than anything else .

  18. Go tell the Spartim on

    Can we at least ban any reference to the BBC on here. Their unattributed articles on their website show nothing but contempt for Celtic, everything is tempered with Celtic say they beat off competition etc, I’ve a suspicion it’s chief bigot Wilson who pens the anonymous articles, though their staff writers don’t fare much better.

     

     

    We’re in a bit of a mess for Tuesday, I’d take a scoreless draw right now

  19. JHB on

    GLENDALYSTONSILS on 17TH JULY 2021 10:28 PM

     

     

    Headline two has a sub-editor, headline one hasn’t.

     

     

    Not defending BBC Scotland, God forbid, however you don’t tell the whole story in the headline – the commercial media want you read the article.

  20. bognorbhoy on

    TOMMY JOAD

     

     

    Lovely post …

     

    You’ve posted that story a few times , and it always brings a smile to my face ..

     

    rest in peace tommys dad

  21. !!Bada Bing!! on

    SFTB- Preston has the highest Catholic population of any town in England, it used to be called Priests Town, then shortened to Preston

  22. Sláinte Ange on

    Liel Abada can play as a winger or a centre forward. It will be interesting to see how well he can link up with Edouard or Ajeti and Kyogo Furuhashi, who can operate in wide areas or as a central striker.

     

     

    With the imminent return of Jamesie Forrest, Celtic would have a formidable forward line.

     

    I, for one, am excited.

  23. PeterLatchfordsBelly on

    We have the weakest defence in my 49 years. We have one forward (assuming Eddy is going) and he did nothing last season. Nada. Our 3 keepers are all poor. The squad is the weakest in my 49 years.

     

     

    Quite the achievement for the outgoing CEO. Bit of a fraud really.

  24. PeterLatchfordsBelly on

    Gotta love all the absolute tosh about this was always going to be a transition season as if it’s as unalterable as the laws physics.

     

     

    An absolute and total fiction that provides cover to those responsible for this calamity.

     

     

    See how far it gets you when we’re out of Europe and 10 points behind by October__ nothing could’ve prevented this 🤣🤣🤣

  27. glendalystonsils on

    JHB on 17TH JULY 2021 10:52 PM

     

     

    It’s not exactly an isolated example though , is it?

  29. Tommy Joad on

    Excathedra44, scullbhoy, bognorbhoy,

     

     

    Thank you all. You took a wee moment to be kind and thats what makes the world go round x

  30. Sionnaigh on

    Ross Douglas and his hun skunk Cowan (lily livired quisling know yer place Cosgrove on toe) defended the indefensible Šimunović sending off on BBC’s Off The Truth. The Little Englander Brit Douglas claimed Rodgers agreed with his “OFF,OFF,OFF” Unionist held beliefs by not complaining officially about his bigoted decision making process.

     

    No mention of Rodgers actually saying he’d never seen anything like it in all his years in football.

     

    Cowan being a filthy hun can almost be excused, like so the Brit hoor Douglas. They can’t held responsible for their upbringing. Cosgrove on the other hand, is a coward of a man that would as soon smear some of the butter on his arse as he does both sides of bread.

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR6IL3fUvGU

  31. The hand of God on

    I was at the game today,well yesterday now, it was great to be back inside Paradise after almost a year and a half.The football was pretty much a typical friendly with for us anyway an unusual starting 11 (I hope) and a multitude of substitutions. Unfortunately not to much to be optimistic about,Turnbull and particularly Barkas showed up well but nothing else of note…I hope Ange has got something up his sleeve for Tuesday..we are gonna need it.

  41. quadrophenian on

    The players again seemed to struggle to adopt the formation/pace AP wants them to play; like in the Sheff and Charlton games – and AP looked pretty frustrated by that on the touchlines.

     

    Too many slowdown touches + sideways and backwards (last season’s model)

     

    While we look too much like a team of raw kids, I don’t think Tony R or Greg T deserve to be as scapegoated as they are being. Both done many of the basics pretty well – and that may help us on Tuesday when KISS is the motto. If only we’d brought in Starfelt and Baldock, we mighta been looking mature enough for such a highstakes tie.

     

    Big Urhogide, Shaw and Ajeti had pretty anonymous games and Eddy and Boli looked out for a kick in the park.

     

     

    To me, Tues start should be:

     

    Barkas,

     

    Ralston, Welsh, Bitton, Taylor

     

    Soro,

     

    Shaw, McGregor,Turnbull

     

    Abada, Ajeti

     

     

    Subs: Bain, Murray, Rogic, Edouard, Urhogide, Robertson

     

     

    ktf

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