The Scotsman did an interesting article today on the fact that recent attendances at Celtic Park have fallen well short of the circa 46,000 paid for tickets, the majority of which are season tickets. It touches on several issues.
Suggestions that a league in which Celtic inevitably process to the title is less attractive to the spectating public than a league with a competitive challenge is not a surprise. It would be bizarre otherwise.
Still, many Celtic fans continue to support the club for a whole variety of reasons: we want to see it prosper, we enjoy going to games with our family and friends, and, unsurprisingly, we enjoy watching football.
Anyone who doubted that attendances would soften after Rangers were liquidated should have widened their survey sample. For most of us, this was a welcome change. The joys of beating Rangers were undeniable, but most of us have a deeper relationship with Celtic.
The Scotsman predict that in the event there was never a “team called Rangers in the top flight” Celtic would endure some serious downsizing. If we remained within the confines of Scottish league football this is undeniably true. So what? There would be little competition, less income, fewer signings and more promotion from the youth team.
In this scenario there would inevitably be fewer Champions League nights too, but in the big scheme of things, would we want it any other way? Of course not. Celtic will be there, in sunshine or in shadow, playing football and paying their bills. I’d sign up for this right now.
There is, of course, the question of how welcome our continued presence in Scottish football would be with the prospect of not just winning 10-in-a-row, which I hear our favourite Sevconian, Ally McCoist, is now discussing as a possibility, but the realisation that 10 would soon become 20, or 30-in-a-row.
All Celtic can do is continue to win football matches, pay their bills and see off all challengers. The game here is irrevocably broken; the consequences of this will continue to emerge in the months and years to come. All we know for sure is that Celtic will prevail, no matter which scenario plays out.
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JIMBO67
What?!
No Kelly?!
Check yer contract,bud-I think you may have grounds for constructive dismissal.
You should have struck while the iron was hot,btw.
bobby murdoch’s curled-up winklepickers ………fc not plc
Aye he’s some Mhan, no great love of Sky from what he was telling me, so much so he was showing the games on non-Sky feeds despite being threatened with court action by the Man.
As you say we sometimes get invited back ;-)
Eurochamps67
Just as a matter of interest, what school was it that Jinky visited with the cup?
Probably a forlorn hope but I believe this fine site would be a better place if those of a negative mindset would use their energies in criticising the footballing Authorities in Scotland. They are much more deserving of it than , for all their faults, are Celtic.
JJ
CQN Predictor (week 22)
Position Lst Week Team Manager Week 21 pts Dec Pts Total Pts
1 (1) Gohome Yahuns stevenagebhoy 43 188 990
2 (3) Dougies Donkeys DougC 45 211 970
3 (2) Bayern Bru Twists n turns 31 192 959
4 (4) Imran’s Maw Dick Byrne 31 207 931
5 (8) Setting Free the Bears Setting Free the Bears 44 217 922
6 (6) Koln Hoops Kolncelt 38 196 919
7 (7) Norfolk Enchants Sponsored by Cheetah 37 206 917
8 (5) 7-1 4-2 6-2 Travelbhoy 31 201 913
9 (9) Kayal33 Kayal33 34 213 910
10 (10) Set Phasers to Malky Jeez_I_thought_blinker_was_pants 33 190 907
11 (11) Thom’s Sellick Thommybhoy 37 194 904
12 (12) Celtic Under Ninety Team Paddy Turner 43 223 902
13 (13) Hurdles Huddlers bognorbhoyle 42 209 898
14 (14) The Exiled Tim The Exiled Tim 38 200 894
15 (18) celtic 67 Deccyrollercoaster 45 187 889
16 (15) ColleensBhoys Leftclicktic 34 207 888
17 (16) Hail Hail Rain or Shine FC Jobo Baldie 37 190 887
18 (21) Hopeful Hoops Bobby Evans Superstar 38 193 880
19 (23) The NoNames Kingoh 39 201 878
20 (20) Maybe Next Year…………… Penfold 34 197 877
21 (17) EK Green & White Army Kelvinbhoy 29 198 876
22 (22) The Dukes of Montrose Celtic Mac 33 167 875
23 (24) Minx 1888 Minx 1888 36 153 875
24 (25) Frank’s Frantic Eleven Celtic Soul Brother 36 174 874
25 (19) Kikinthenakas Kikinthenakas 28 191 872
26 (29) Roughrigg Brushers GG 39 214 869
27 (32) Hillend Rockies Slabhoy 45 210 869
28 (26) Mcdowells Bhoys mcdowellcelt 36 136 867
29 (27) Jessica Rabbit Mrs CRC 36 174 867
30 (36) Kiwinning Dangers BMCUWP 45 188 859
31 (28) Looney Tunes Celticrollercoaster 26 169 856
32 (35) FC Pasch(ing) praecepta 37 192 856
33 (31) Green and Whiteley Murdoch, McGrain and Larsson 31 129 855
34 (33) Meiklehill Rovers Mayanman 31 194 854
35 (39) epl overated hmack 43 143 849
36 (34) Donny Gaels Bradbhoy 22 151 844
37 (40) Rossini Sammi the Hun Skelper 38 196 840
38 (44) Were on the one road Colts Cowiebhoy 43 174 837
39 (37) Athenry bhoys stpatricksbhoy 26 149 837
40 (45) Del Monte Shamrock jammabhoy 44 152 836
41 (41) Lennys Bhoys Lennybhoy 35 170 835
42 (30) lubosleftpeg castlebhoy 7 179 833
43 (38) celtic1888 Murdoch, Auld and Hay 24 168 832
44 (43) MARCELONACELTIC F C Mhark67 36 221 831
45 (42) Bannockburn Bhoys Doc is Neil Lennon 31 174 829
46 (46) Weißbier X Pogmathonyahun 33 206 825
47 (47) Nitrams 11 ncmjc 20 145 808
48 (50) Evergreen The Lurker 33 164 807
49 (48) Glasgow Brazilian Mouldy67 29 195 807
50 (49) thebhoyfromoz thebhoyfromoz 30 161 805
51 (53) Lennys Lions The Lizard King 35 150 805
52 (55) Dan City Dan 38 156 804
53 (51) Belfast Celtic cliftonville celt 31 199 802
54 (52) Googys Globetrotters Googy Bhoy 31 180 802
55 (56) Jonny the Tim Jonny the Tim 32 206 798
56 (54) Acacia Milan Doubting Thomas 30 162 796
57 (57) Angola CSC thecelt45 34 150 793
58 (69) Death or Wamba? Ard Ri 45 178 788
59 (58) Dreamchester Athletic Blantyre Tim 37 178 782
60 (59) Dim Sam’s Tims Dim Sam 24 95 756
61 (62) Celtic rose Caityrollercoaster 43 155 755
62 (61) Diamonds B-Boy 33 216 753
63 (60) Billys Boots Lionsroar67 31 163 752
64 (63) Bada Bing Bada Bing 36 194 748
65 (64) Chocolate Bhoys McFudge 17 31 726
66 (65) Port Brigade Saint Stivs 33 199 707
67 (66) Giffnock Old Bhoys gscbhoy 26 26 696
68 (67) Dark Horse FC Stephen Black 36 225 661
69 (68) Patrick Missal Patrick27 0 0 611
70 (71) Sipsini Sipsini 37 163 603
71 (70) micktic 3mick3 0 0 582
72 (72) Berocca Juniors The Pips XI 0 0 561
73 (74) Real Ale Madrid The Token Tim 32 114 547
74 (73) Somerset Harp Gherrybhoy57 0 0 522
75 (75) RalphWaldoEllison X1 RalphWaldoEllison 0 0 490
76 (76) iPaddys Plodders iPaddyMcCourt 0 0 443
77 (77) Jinky’s Giants Johnbud78 0 0 435
78 (78) Heaven Albert Kidd 0 0 429
79 (79) Gordybhoy Rovers Gordy Bhoy 64 0 0 350
80 (80) ruggyvogue c.s.c. voguepunter 0 0 288
Saint Paul’s Primary, Whitehill, Hamilton.
The heidie had been Jinky’s teacher before becoming our heidie.
Jinky played keepie uppie with my ball,for playtime,as well. Our teacher Mrs Ward was pure beelin’ so she was, even gave me into trouble, after Jinky left, as if it my fault the genius played fitba in her classroom.
EC67
So we end the year as league champions, Scottish Cup holders and unbeaten runaway leaders in this season’s league. Not perfect by any means – but not too shabby either.
The football has not been great in the last few games, but we did have a purple patch before that, showing that the capability is there to play fast, free flowing and attacking football.
We have plenty of good young players in the squad who will get better and several established internationals to lead them. I don’t expect to see too much business done in this window but we know that a few will leave and a few will come in at the end of the season.
Unfortunately we are still stuck in a footballing country that is going nowhere fast. The sooner some form of European league comes along the better, as thar’s the only way I can see for us to move forward as a club.
Wee question for the ole ornithologists on here: why do seagulls congregate on what passes for the putting green down here in the summer, when it is very windy? Haven’t they got nests to go to?
Ellboy
You need to read my post again mate, they can’t come back, they are in liquidation, if you think they are going to come back as something else? Well that’s up to you, they died all there players left and play elsewhere now, now for the last time, RFC died, and any lurking Huns GIRUY.
Celtic s problem is that too many fans still read the rags an believe them an feed off their negativity.
Parkheadcumsalford
To get worms?
ScotlandsShame
Unfortunately there are too many Celtic fans with their own agenda doing the rags evil deeds for them.
2013 – another great year for Celtic.
Parkheadcumsalford- how far down the English ladder would you go?
The Conference?
THe Blue Square?
The ole Evo -Stick?
THere’s plenty to choose from.
For what it’s worth I think Keltic Nation is a non starter, as an ole stalkin’ horse. The bhoy Lynch is potentially another Brooks Mileson.
There are a lot of posts on here expressing disgruntlement at our efforts to win the SPL; think what it would be like as we struggle our way through the English divisions.
I think this transfer window will be difficult for us however,if Hull are prepared to pay 1 million for Sammi I would let him go also if we get a half decent offer for Joe Ledley ( the Ghost ) I would also sell him that would be two sizable wages of our wage bill.I think it will be hard to find clubs willing to sell there better players this window unless like Sammi and Joe they are out of contract but as a club we must find some fresh players I would take a punt on the boy at St.Johnstone as he has shown he knows where the goal is and he wouldnt cost the earth.However,like every other Celtic fan I will see the picture at the end of January and I hope we at least manage to bring in a couple of quality players.H.H.
Parkheadcumsalford who is supporting the Amsterdam 5
10:14 on 31 December, 2013
‘Wee question for the ole ornithologists on here: why do seagulls congregate on what passes for the putting green down here in the summer, when it is very windy? Haven’t they got nests to go to?’
###
If it’s stormy they’ll go to shore rather than be out at sea. A putting green provides food. And they’re very obvious there, so you notice them.
Nests are used for rearing young, they aren’t houses in the human sense.
Time will tell, but this post last night on TSFM is probably the best assessment of goings on at the Death Star……. Backed up with what appears to be a modicum of knowledge of one of the main players behind the scene. Apologies if already posted;
‘Please rest assured that Colin Kingsnorth of Laxey Partners is not in the least interested in football nor any long term investment. He’s as asset stripper, that’s what he does and he’s very good at it. Mr Wallace can get on with his austerity plan that is of no consequence, other that acting as a squirrel, to the operations of Colin Kingsnorth. Mr Wallace can close Murray Park to save costs but no money raised from the sale of Murray Park, or any of the rest of the RIFC/TRFC property portfolio, will be used to finance a football team. No, that money belongs to the shareholders and Colin Kingsnorth will make sure they get it. If previous form is anything to go by then Colin Kingsnorth will have had buyers lined up for the RIFC/TRFC property assets before he bought a single share in RIFC.
Although I’ve called him an asset stripper and a shark he is no crook. He’s a UK citizen and pays UK taxes. He’s well respected, if feared by some, in the City of London. He uses the law and shareholder voting power to force company directors to do his bidding. When he invests in a company he regards it as his duty to force the maximum return to the shareholders. If the Easdale brothers really are “rangers men” then they’ll quickly find that the majority of support they had at the AGM, from Blue Pitch/Margarita/Artemis/Hargreaves etc etc, will desert them and quickly fall in behind Colin Kingsnorth.
If Mr King wants to be involved then he’d better quickly start buying shares from the current holders as there is not going to be a further share issue. Nor will Colin Kingsnorth et al allow their assets to be used as security against any loans.
In some respects I feel sorry for the bears, and their friends at the SFA/SMSM, as they appear to have no idea about what is going to happen to their beloved clumpany in the coming months. Also, unfortunately for any gloaters reading this, it will almost certainly be done quietly behind closed boardroom doors.
Mr McCoist should do very well out of Colin Kingsnorth’s activities.’
Parkheadcumsalford- to get their ole handical down?
‘Drive for show, putt for dough’
If it is very windy very few birds like flying; they’ll put down on any open space. Small garden birds don’t cope very well with windy conditions, even crows will struggle to make progress against the wind.
The formation of a so called European league would be populated by participants whose countries present co-efficient would deemed to be second or third rate
It would probably mean also an end to champions league football on a regular basis for the participating clubs
Celtic v Barcelona on cold December night or Celtic v Anderlecht on a cold February Saturday ?
‘Acting as a squirrel’
Jingsie me.
ellbhoy…
I’m sure you’re right, none of that will happen unless something unexpectedly toxic arises from the continuously stricken RFC liquid or the almost as stricken TIRFC.
I will not allow any of that to dilute my support of Celtic nor inhibit my watchfulness in holding people or institutions to account.
I can’t get as vitriolic as some over Celtics positioning on the demise of RFC, nor can I see how the entry of Sevco into the League structure could have been prevented. Sevco has been protected for sure as has the reputation (snort) of Oldclub but if I obsess on that it means I’m not obsessing on Celtic. That would never do!!!
The best defence against them is overwhelming support for the team on the terraces.
IMO CSC
Not an ole house
DBBIA @ 10:29,
“If it is very windy very few birds like flying; they’ll put down on any open space. Small garden birds don’t cope very well with windy conditions, even crows will struggle to make progress against the wind.”
Try telling that to Jonathan Livingston…
Grand Hogmanay to yin an’ ah’
OOOOOOOOooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmCSC
Good morning my friends in Celtic,
From myself, a final thought for 2013.
NASA has currently got LADEE orbiting the moon, its mission to collect data and study moon-dust. When I first heard the name I thought it was to equalise the gender gap, but unfortunately it’s a space craft ( Lunar Atmosphere & Dust Explorer )
Get this : 44 years of technological advance and it took 30 days to get there. Cost $ millions, will run out of fuel and self destruct on the moon. And they still tell us man landed on the moon. Even PL could not sell that one. tony donnelly 67 is correct when he states do not believe everything you read
In reality they know the Chinese are coming and its to plant “evidence” to make the moon landings more convincing.
A giant step backward for mankind.
Remember the “Moon Landings in 1969 was only 2 years after we won the European Cup. Just think of the progression.
———————————————-
Then again maybe man did walk on the moon after all.
To those who visit CQN : A happy and healthy New Year to all.
HH, Always in Celtic.
archdeaconsbench
That is a great read, I’ve been saying for a while the stuff will really hit the fan when the Berrs fully realise that Fat Salary has been playing them for fools all along and lining his own very substantial pockets, you will have noticed that the notorious coward The Man With No Surname has blended into the background lest his money making ventures come to light..
Pass the popcorn..
Paul67
A good, positive article to finish off 2013.
I watched the Norwich / Man Utd game the other day and I see a lot of similarities in how we line up and play with Norwich.
Obviously Hooper is in their side but Hoolahan reminds me of a quicker Kris Commons and their midfield plays the same way we do. Unfortunately for us we don’t have a Redmond or Snodgrass in the wider areas.
Anyone else notice this?
Seagulls and squirrels… and tales of the Norwegian blue parrot team.
WeDontCareWhatTheAnimalsSay CSC
;o)
Many thanks to antipodean Red for a good few beers last night. Love the top mate will be wearing it back to Scotland.
Best wishes to all of you for 2014. Let’s hope all of you have a good one and let’s also hope those who run celtic find their courage.
starry plough
Thats what I find most astonishing. Even after everything that’s went on they still refuse to see what is being played out (again) right in front of their eyes. Even a cursory glance on the pages of FF gives a glimpse to the extent of their denial, whether it be the cuts required to stay afloat (their was a post last night discussing the merits of signing Kenny Miller) or the true intentions of Fat Salary….. All the while the dugs in the street can tell whats coming round the corner…..
Morning all.
Not been on much lately, but still been lurking.
Dont know if it has been mentioned on here – or by the smsm – but I got a text from a friend in Italy who read an interview with Zlatan Ibra which appeared in the local media.
He said – “It’s the dream of every player to close their career with CELTIC, and it’s mine too!”
However, I dont think there is much chance of him joining in January!
Have a great 2014 all!
HH!!
archdeaconsbench
Denial is a very common survival tool when the truth is too horrible or painful to contemplate, I think most people use it to some extent, the orcs being the orcs they have to set a new wurrrald record with it!!
The sad thing for me is that the actions of their club has killed the game in Scotland slowly and we as Tims who love our club are left to pick up the pieces of a game that in our hearts we know has little or no integrity left.
What to do? Personally I have as little interest in football now as I have had in my life, CL, World Cup, exercises in advertising and money make ventures for the already super rich, even if Celtic move to the cash rich EPL would we then sell our souls to keep up with the Jones of oligarchic rulers of the game down there!
Many on here asking for entertainment which is their right but it is also a reflection of the times we live in, the game that used to sustain many of us through hard times and good our therapy, our upliftment has become a plaything of people who don’t care about it in the sense that we care about our club!
Zombies indeed..
Happy New Year from New Zealand Paul67 and CQN’rs. All the very best for you and yours in 2014. Lang may yer lums reek. Hail Hail the Celts are here and everywhere. Back to the party. Have a good one all.
A very happy new year to all Australia and New Zealand based Tims!
HH!!
It’s the Bishopp!!
HMRC launched an appeal against the ‘big’ tax case in the Upper Tribunal last year and it is set to be heard on several days between January and March 2014.
Colin Bishopp is the Upper Tribunal judge overseeing it and his directions issued at an earlier preliminary hearing in the case were released on Friday.
In it, he confirmed that all further hearings in the case will be made in public, after the previous case was held in private.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyhMYVU31ng
Well just watched the Neil Doncaster interview on Sky Sports.what a shocker. Our game is definitely on the up with him (not).still peddling the ‘Old Firm’ lie and how Rangers coming back up the lower level leagues is good for the game. No new vision for our game. The man really is a busted flush.
Wonder when Stuart Regan will push his drivel on us.
I’ve seem plenty mention of Dougie’s return just nothing official….any links out there?
Hail Hail
scotlands shame
10:19 on 31 December, 2013
Feckin’ SPOT ON …… Well said, my Mhan…..!!!!
On another subject, a friend gave me 2 CDs by Patricia Ferns……sitting listening to them now……best singer of Irish / Celtic Songs I have ever heard……fabulous
Taurangabhoy
11:24 on
31 December, 2013
Happy New Year from New Zealand Paul67 and CQN’rs. All the very best for you and yours in 2014. Lang may yer lums reek. Hail Hail the Celts are here and everywhere. Back to the party. Have a good one all.
================
The same to you when it arrives here.
Since you are already in our tomorrow and as a act of seasonal goodwill to CQN punters (and TET), who won the One o clock race at Lingfield Park and the One ten at Uttoxter? :)
Apart from the Wolfe Tones, PERHAPS……..HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
tallybhoy-you are probably right but we can all dream.He seems eccentric enough to do it in the future………not too distant i hope :)