Spanish football, like its economy in general, in mired in difficult financial times, which, apart from one or two well-funded clubs, has restricted the budgetary scope of a large number of teams. I had hoped all summer to hear we were on the case but it wasn’t until the final day of the window that solid opportunities materialised.
Marseille-born Tunisian international Lassad Nouioui is a complete unknown to all of us but his profile, earned at Deportivo La Coruna, fits the bill. He scored a handful of goals as Deportivo finished 18th and dropped out of La Liga in season 2010-11 but hit the heights last season as they secured promotion. It would be practically impossible for Celtic to sign a striker with the equivalent profile in English football, despite the apparent gap in standards between La Liga and the English Premier. I’m also delighted to hear Levante, who finished 6th in La Liga last season, were so keen to capture him.
There is also something I like about the port-town mentality the people of Marseille have. It’s very Glaswegian. Lassad should flourish here.
I’m not sure what Phil Mac Giolla Bhain’s reaction was when The Sun called asking for an interview about his new book, which details the mainstream media’s failure to report the demise of Rangers. “Are you joking?” may have been appropriate. I had no prior notice they were running an interview yesterday and couldn’t believe the promotion they gave to a book detailing the failure of their industry.
This was not without consequences, of course, and The Sun got themselves into an incredible mess, today trying their best to backpedal, which is pretty much what the theme of the book predicts (irony #1). Meanwhile there is a book publisher in Glasgow who cannot believe his luck. Thousands of unwitting critics and a leading newspaper have ensured Mac Giolla Bhain, who would struggle for a platform without the anger of others, has a bestseller on his hands (irony #2).
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I am going to try and head along on Thursday, get me in the mood for the CL.
CELTIC´S youngsters will kick-off their 2012/13 NextGen Series campaign against Sporting Lisbon this Thursday, September 6, with the game at Firhill (KO: 7.30pm).
The young Hoops will take also face Aston Villa and PSV Eindhoven over the coming months in the group stages of the prestigious tournament.
Last year the Under-19s took part in the European competition against Barcelona, Manchester City and Marseille, and it proved to be a vital exercise in terms of experience and development.
The competition also allows three overage players the chance to participate, opening the door to some of those who featured last year but have now graduated from the Youth Academy.
Speaking ahead of the game, midfielder John Herron said: “It´s a great set-up and the standard in there is just as high as international level. You play against a lot of big teams and it´s a good test for you, and you got to play at Celtic Park as well which was great, but we’re looking forward to this season’s campaign with the home base being Firhill.
“Last year the Barcelona coach was one of the people who was praising us, while the NextGen people believed that us and Barca were the two best teams.
“But it´s not about the best teams, it´s about the results and for us we never got some of the results we should have and missed some chances. But we showed we are a good team and hopefully this year we can go further.
”It´s like international level as you don´t get as many chances as you would do against Scottish or English teams, which means you must be clinical. You must keep the ball and not give it away softly.”
This season’s NextGen Series fixtures:
Sporting Lisbon (H) Sept 6 (Firhill, KO: 7.30pm)
Aston Villa (A) Sept 19
PSV Eindhoven (H) Oct 3
Aston Villa (H) Oct 24
Sporting Lisbon (A) Nov 7
PSV Eindhoven (A) Nov 28
Celtic play Sporting Lisbon in the NextGen Series at Firhill (KO: 7.30pm). Supporters can pay at the turnstiles. £5 adults/ £2 concessions.
Saint Stivs – :)
Fortune cookie say: “Do not ask for credit, especially in name of Rangers” (thumbsup)
This will be the “club” with no banking facilities?
Where’s the deeds? (thumbsup)
A bhoy posted yesterday that Eurosport covering some Next Gen games.
Just heard Jangles being given a platform on Talkspurt (a national radio station BTW) to discuss a 3rd division team and they’re plans to starve Mudderwell of any finacial gain in their cup game.
They are everywhere and hurting so badly. LMFAO!!!!!
Happy Days! :oD
HH
/Bishop B
Phil’s latest….
++++++
September 4th2012
The bigger picture
By: Phil Mac Giolla Bhain (published September 4th, 2012 at 11:25 am)
The last few days have felt like being in a huge online huddle.
The level of support has been overwhelming.
The Celtic family have an understanding of fairness and what is right.
I cannot better Roy Greenslade’s analysis of the Sun’s decision to first commission the serialisation of Downfall and then the decision to pull it.
So I won’t try.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2012/sep/03/sun-scotland?CMP=twt_gu
In the midst of all of this it has been very easy to forget what the book is really about.
Downfall is the story of the biggest ever scandal in British sport.
This story isn’t about me or the Sun, it’s about the behaviour of the establishment club at Edmiston Drive.
There is no precedent for what Rangers did during the first decade of the new millennium.
The book proves that the truth was out there, but many couldn’t handle it.
Over the last 48 hours, Downfall has leapt in the Amazon UK best seller rankings.
At the moment it is number 27.
When the Sun interviewed me it wasn’t even in the top 1000!
The reason the publisher agreed the serialisation with the Sun was the same reason I took the big tax case story to the News of the World in 2010 – to get the truth out to the largest possible readership.
Indeed, that was the same reason I shared my scoop with the Sun on the sheriff officers paying a visit to Ibrox over the wee tax case in August 2011. I simply wanted those snaps to be seen by a mass readership.
It was a commercial decision for the Sun to go for the book and it was the same rationale that made them drop the serialisation.
It wasn’t personal, it was just business.
There are wider issues to this episode, but others are better placed at present to analyse them.
Paul McConville is one of those people.
http://scotslawthoughts.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/playing-the-man-and-not-the-ball-the-sun-rangers-and-downfall-by-phil-mac-giolla-bhain/
No one who knows me would recognise the characterisation of Phil Mac Giolla Bháin that appeared in the Sun’s editorial, but that is a job for another day.
In the midst of all of this a book was being printed.
It contains a valuable commodity that should be treasured.
The truth.
yorkbhoy
08:32 on 4 September, 2012
Stumptownbhoy a few folk have had problems with the online store ( kitbag based in Manchester ) we cancelled an order after waiting for home and away tops for 2 months. Wrote a letter to Celtic to tell them about the service and received a letter from Peter Lawwell apologising and asking us to speak to the commercial manager of Celtic. He said that that had a delivery problem from Nike but were going to meet with kitbag to try and sort things out.
I ordered black away shirt for delivery to oz over months ago and nothing..sent Celtic shop a tweet then they have me email address.. Got email saying rigs were coming 9/12th August and be sent then.
Dissapointed with whole delivery. Bought from shop to try support club.
Levante director Alberto Gil was quoted as saying: “Our club reserves the right to use legal matters to investigate this transfer.
“And it is possible it could be reported to FIFA.”
However, the Celtic boss, at Parkhead to publicise a cycle ride for former team-mate Stiliyan Petrov in support of leukaemia and Lymphoma research, was relaxed about the situation.
“There is nothing really to say,” he said. “He is a Celtic player who did his medical (on Monday) and he is training at Lennoxtown with the rest of the players who are here and we are very pleased to have him.
“When the story broke about Levante we were involved in the game (against Hibernian on Saturday) but having spoken to Peter (Lawwell, Celtic chief executive) and his (Lassad’s) advisors everything is above board, it is the way we do our business anyway.
“Whether another agent got involved I don’t know, sometimes these people do get involved and sort of muddy the water a little bit but as far as we are concerned everything was done the right way.
“I don’t know what repercussions there can be, certainly not on our part anyway. I am assuming that the player is aware of the fuss.
“But I met him (on Monday) for the first time, we spoke for a lengthy period of time and Levante never came into the conversation once.”
Som mes……..
I think you should post the link to Phil’s article and not the article itself.
Phil need’s the hits on his site.
Proudbhoy
Was able to buy tops from the Celtic shop when I was in Scotland last week but really annoyed that Celtic fans want their money to go to the club and it seems to be a hassle. Hopefully they will sort it out, don’t understand why they don’t do it in house
Paul67,
John Mensah has been released by Lyon. He is on a free !! Him and EFE twin towers
WGS
….it’s no Paul67 you should be telling!
PETER!!!!!!
How Levante can take an action against Celtic when we don’t have a contract with them nor do we owe them any particular duty of care is beyond me.
Just read the so called Sectarian publication by Phil Mc which the Sun objects to. Is there a more inane publication in this who sorry saga?
If that is what they find objectionable, I suppose I’d better not use the word bum or fart or other such highly offensive terms.
It is hilarious that the withdrawal of the series of articles has possibly been one of the best bits of publicity Phil could have wished for.
I congratulate Phil for having the courage to speak the truth. A commodity sadly lacking in journalists in the MSM.
I am thoroughly looking forward to my visit to Scotland for Christmas. Phil’s book will make a great Chrissie pressie.
who sorry saga = whole sorry saga
More trouble in Belfast it seems. Sad to see but always going to happen every year.
I’m in oz past 14months and sad to see the way things are back home.
Republicanism at the moment is in bits apart from sf who seem to keep getting stronger despite a large split in the republican community.
I see there has been a republican killed in Dublin these past few days. Hopefully not a feud about to start with whoever was responsible . I’d say drug dealers but Im just guessing.
Philboy
Many on here often say that the firewalls in their place of work/office prevent them from reading articles that are ‘linked’ hence the reason for the posting of the article.
WGS
He is signing for West Ham.
Lassad ?.
Valencia based media outlets are saying this ——–
Levante no longer wish to sign Lassad . They fully accept that he is a Celtic player.
Levante will legally pursue the relevant agent for deception / misrepresentation.
AsSonOfDan,
Lassad was signing for Levante allegedly.
Pete get in there!!
I’d really love Del Pieoro to sign for them. Taking them for 2 million a season way down there in the depths of Div 3 would be fantastic.
Interesting article that gives an insight into how to beat Benfica. Power through them via the middle of the park.
An astonishing afternoon of transfer activity unfolded in Portugal today, as FC Porto forward Hulk and Benfica midfielder Axel Witsel were bought by Zenit Saint Petersburg. Both clubs are to receive €40 million euros in exchange for their prize asset. The Russian club paid more for Hulk, but Porto owned only 85% of his rights.
When the summer transfer window in Western Europe shut at midnight last Friday, it appeared that Portugal’s two strongest clubs had managed to hold on to their key players, at least until January. However, the window closes later in Russia (6 September), and the business concluded today means both Hulk and Witsel will be playing their football alongside Portugal internationals Danny and Bruno Alves in the Russian Super League.
Thanks for the memories
Hulk’s official debut for FC Porto at the Estadio do Dragão in the first league match of the 2008/09 season against Belenenses was notable for two incidents. The Brazilian hit a free-kick so hard into his own player, Mariano Gonzalez, acting as a decoy in the wall, that the unfortunate Argentine was ruled out of action for three weeks with a knee injury. Soon afterwards Hulk struck a rocket-propelled shot into the top corner of the net from 25 yards. The Porto faithful had a new hero.
It soon became evident that the Brazilian forward plucked from the obscurity of Japanese football would be grabbing attention for more than just his marvellous nickname. Carlos Carvalhal, the ex Sporting coach once said: “with all due respect to the rest of the players in this country, Hulk does not belong here – he is too good for the Portuguese league.” Few would argue. Indeed, it is something of a surprise Porto have been able to hold on to Hulk for so long.
As his moniker suggests, immense strength afforded by his stocky build is one of his foremost attributes. But what makes Hulk such an exciting player is the fact he allies raw speed, astounding acceleration and exceptional footwork to his powerful frame. Throw in a left foot that produces one of the most powerful shots in the modern game and there is little doubt that Hulk is a player who combines a unique set of talents.
Indeed, the biggest surprise to many is that none of Europe’s biggest clubs from the more high-profile leagues – namely the English Premier League or La Liga – came in for the 26-year-old. The same applies to Axel Witsel.
The Witsel factor
The Belgian was one of Benfica’s final buys in the summer of 2011. Costing around €7 million euros, the elegant midfielder slotted smoothly into the Eagles’ midfield and immediately looked a special talent. Covering an immense amount of ground as he glided around the pitch, Witsel defended with real steel, and attacked with class and verve. The clever interchanging of short passes between Pablo Aimar, Witsel and Benfica’s battery of wingers and overlapping full-backs became a feature of Benfica’s play.
It was precisely Witsel’s ability to combine the two roles so effectively that tempered coach Jorge Jesus’ tendency to put an over emphasis on attack, resulting in a more balanced team. As 2011/12 neared its climax, Benfica were at the top of the table and in the latter stages of the Champions League, but a late collapse saw the Lisbon giants ultimately fall short on both fronts.
Many analysts point to a Liga match at Vitória Guimarães late in the season, in which Jorge Jesus, already missing the injured Javi Garcia, decided to rest Witsel for the first hour. Benfica lost, and a commanding lead at the top of the table over bitter rivals FC Porto was cut to reachable proportions just one week ahead of the clash between the two. Seven days later Porto won at the Estádio da Luz and went on to lift the title.
Who will be missed the most?
That is the question raging in Portugal tonight. Hulk carried such a threat for Porto that it was always the Incrível to whom the team turned when things were getting tough. Invariably he delivered. With the man bought to replace Falcao last summer, Kléber, failing to convince in 2011/12, much will depend on how much of a goal threat new Colombian striker Jackson Martínez will prove, and how young stars James Rodríguez and Christian Atsu react to having to carry a greater burden of the attacking threat.
Witsel undoubtedly bolstered Benfica’s erstwhile soft centre. Together with the departure of Javi Garcia last Friday, Benfica fans will be fretting about a potential huge hole in the middle of the park. An abundance of dazzling talent on the flanks and up front promises plenty of goals for Benfica. But can they stop them at the other end?
The double-whammy news will no doubt give a psychological boost to Braga, themselves weakened by the departure of Lima to Benfica last Friday, and Sporting. It is difficult to argue that both Porto and Benfica will be significantly weaker for having lost Hulk and Witsel respectively. Can Sporting, without the draining participation in the Champions League, and Braga, who have made such impressive steps to reel in the traditional powerhouses in Portugal, now mount a serious title challenge?
Del Piero?
Sevco can’t afford Del Monte. (thumbsup)
Mea Culpa –
Why would any self-respecting professional footballer sign for a lowest division team, when they had a chance to play at a higher level?
Mmmmmm? Mr. Templeton? Mmmmmm?
Cylur
Does Andy Goram not get a column in The Scottish Sun?
Hmmmmmm
yorkbhoy
11:55 on
4 September, 2012
Proudbhoy
Was able to buy tops from the Celtic shop when I was in Scotland last week but really annoyed that Celtic fans want their money to go to the club and it seems to be a hassle. Hopefully they will sort it out, don’t understand why they don’t do it in house
Agree , i emailed and asked could they not send me one from one of the Celtic shops that are selling them but was told no. Strange altogether .
Just sent email there to see if it’s on way as they last emailed me and said be posted on 12th
Snake Plissken – Which Andy Goram? (thumbsup)
Look out Phils abt sniffin!!!!! MMMMMMMM
Me, a tought a tranfer ban meant a ban on the registration of new players
Lassad –
” We were cheated and misled by The Agent . We will proceed to take appropriate measures ”
Francisco Catalan —- President / Levante .
Levante have no issue with Celtic . Francisco Catalan waved a document at a press conference ———– the document allegedly features the Agent signing a 2 year contract with Levante on Lassad’s behalf / authority and agreeing authorizing Levante’s ” signing ” of Lassad to be made public —-
jude2005 – Sniffing highlighter pens?
I recommend the Stabilo Boss fluorescent yellow. (thumbsup)
Billy Mc Neil has.
Billy Mc Neil has a colm in the that rag.
proudbhoy
This recent trouble in Belfast is in a brand new area and the reasons for these riots are as follows:
1.) On 12th July, a band paraded past a Catholic Church on Donegall Street. They have done so in the past with no problems at all as it takes a couple of mins to go past and nobody really battered an eyelid. On this day however, some members of the band decided that instead of just waking past, they would walk around in circles outside the church playing a Beach Boys song called “Sloop John B” for about 15 mins. They haven’t given a reason as to why they picked this particular song from the Beach Boys back catalogue but have refuted claims that it was because it is the same tune as “The Famine Song”.
2.) The Parades Commission imposed restrictions on the next parade that was to pass the church (a couple of weeks ago) saying that they could walk past but no music should be played. This is a common restriction in contentious areas. This time it was the Royal Black Perceptory who were marching and they defied the parades commission ruling and played their tunes. When Police arrived to enforce the restriction, the loyalist “supporters” turned their ire onto the police. There was a bit of trouble but nothing too serious.
3.) On Sunday past, a republican parade was marching down the town and it had to pass an Orange hall. No restrictions were placed on the parade but the bandsmen said they would not play music past the orange hall but instead just a single drumbeat.
4.) This wasn’t enough for the loyalists who claimed that there was one rule for them and another for the republicans, so loyalists gathered at the hall and ambushed the police who came to ensure that the parade passed off without incident. This was where the trouble started and continued last night.
These things usually have a timespan of 3-4 days max so there may be some more trouble this evening but pretty soon it will calm down until the next time.
If it were up to me I would ban all parades, no matter who was involved, and if people really wanted to march and hear some music, let them hire out a field and do it there so only people who want to partake have to.
Mort
Phil
Do they do it in lime or vanilla??
It must be repeated ad nausem to the board–unless the referees are made do their job fairly Celtic and the rest of the clubs—no matter what division— will be regularly on the end of completely one-sided decisions. This should be shouted from the rooftops at every oportunity. The evidence on UTube and recordings of matches is overwhelming. There is no point in being honest and open all the time, as Celtic are, if all that is achieved is the SFA and the rest laughing at such naivety. We have a similar problem in N. Ireland. Where the Nationalists– of whatever hue–run the councils there is power sharing. Where the Unionists–of whatever hue–rule, there is no chance. Lisburn, for instance, wants to give the Freedom of the City to the Orange Order. I think that puts it in a nutshell.
jude2005 – No, but you can put the lime in the coconut. (thumbsup)