When we drew Maribor I wrote about their performance in last season’s Europa League, when they were eliminated by eventual winners, Sevilla. Our man, Blaz, in Slovenia, also warned me that this was a settled team who had improved since ending Rangers’ interest in European football three years ago.
I watched Red Bull Salzburg destroy Ajax in Amsterdam last season with some sublime football, and my pal in Austria tells me not to put too much store in their 3-0 humbling by Malmo, who, apparently, rode their luck to an incredible degree. Having said that, on the balance of probabilities, they are by far the top seed we would have chosen.
As Croatia Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb bossed Celtic out of the Champions League play-off round in 1998, our first attempt at the tournament. Zagreb’s stock has fallen since, so while you could make a good case to suggest we are far from ready to tackle any European team right now, this is a good draw. They are also not Legia Warsaw, which would have been an unwelcome confrontation at this time.
So far, so good. Then we draw a complete unknown from pot 4, who happened to eliminate Lyon in the last round.
Between now and the middle of next month Celtic have to be ready for these challenges. We have an opportunity to progress in the Europa League, earn some badly needed coefficient points, and revenue in the second half of the season.
Bring it on.
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As i mentioned before PL is “bored” he’s done the hobnobbing at the top trough of UEFA, & has a few roles on some SFA boards paving the way for a wee UEFA number imo. He has lost interest & the way our irish fans have been treated is shambolic, last year we cancelled 2 matches at late notice for meaningless friendlies, this year due to CL exit games are now on a sunday, what incentive is there for irish fans to make the long trips over many by ferry, no wonder these numbers have fallen. Season tickets down over 30% and he thinks its the downturn, i would buy but they are too dear & not value for money. Thankfully the EL tickets at £66 are a more attractive option, but £29 for a bog standard spl match no thanks.
SFTB – Don’t get it twisted.
The only reason why I mentioned the BNP is because another posted stated, that the BNP,among a few others, voted against the war on Iraq.
I stated another fact – that the BNP were the first people to expose gangs of Muslim paedophiles – I was going to say, well at least they have done two decent things in their miserable lives – until you jumped in with your usual cry of racist!!!
Now, I post on here almost every day of my life, and I have never, ever posted about the colour of other people’s skin.
That is a fact.
Why so?
Because it isn’t a matter that concerns me. I don’t think about people’s race or colour.It means nothing to me.
If you have issues with TSD,fair enough, none of my business – don’t bring me into it.
TSD doesn’t particularly like Irish people either, do that bother me atall?
Nah. I don’t care. Magill doesn’t like Irish people either, so what? Probably lots of other posters don’t as well.
It’s no big deal.
I’ll leave the place, no problem – if that’s what you want, if it makes you happy – fair enough.
One condition though – I won’t post anymore, apart from the wee racing competition.
I can’t be any fairer than that.
HH.
paolosboots fc before plc
Aye, I think tomorrow will tell us a lot. Surely RD has learned that he needs to play Commons? I think the players either don’t have a clue what way he wants them to play, or, just cannot implement the way he wants them to play. Agree on this Serbian lad’s signing. What is going on? Nobody seems to know. All these medicals in Paris. Hope Liam Neeson is not involved. Maybe yer man’s been taken? :-)
Marti
macjay
“Your stats are only relevant if compared to the racial demographic of the general population.
Or,in particular,the racial demographic of the area in which the assaults took place.”
They are relevant because they are stats for the UK as a whole and broadly reflect our demographic, unless you know different. The behaviour of the men in Rotherham demands widespread condemnation and no excuses but, please note, that it has been widely condemned by the Muslim community there too, as a second’s research would show.
If we are to believe the racist propaganda, from the same sources, we have 3 million gypsies and umpteen million other illegal immigrants within the UK, Why are they not represented at that level in offending stats?
Let’s cut to the chase:- Do you believe that sexual offences, in fact all acts of evil, are committed by people of all races and all religious persuasions and none? If so, why cavil about the demographic accuracy in my post?
We were presented with anecdotal info last night which listed offences committed only by those with Asian names. Do you trust those sources? If so, why are you querying mine whilst in the past you have praised that racist for “opening your eyes”?
Don’t let me down with your answer.
Mart, remember under MON we would just see new signings revealed rather than all this hassle, things were much easier in those days. We need a win or many will be touting Hartley as his replacement !
Saint Stivs – Thanks.
Eddiegreenhillsbhoy – Things have been getting worse for 10 years with the odd occasional outlier year such as 2012 and the beating of Barca and reaching the last 16 of the CL masking the overall downward trend. I`m not convinced that the board and CEO can halt the decline especially when they are proclaiming that “on and off the pitch we`re one of the best run clubs in the world”. I think my summary clearly shows that not to be the case.
Hail hail to you.
Paolosboots – thanks. I probably will repost tomorrow afternoon, I`d like to get a view on my take on things from some of the more positive pro-board/ PL posters on here. As I said, there have been some successes over the 10 years but I think on balance when people put the bling of beating Barca to the side they might see that we`re not being the best that we can be and we`re certainly not among the best run clubs in the world. That’s the sort of garbage David Murray used to come out with at Ibrox.
I`m not asking for the board to throw about crazy money for transfers or to sign the likes of Steven Fletcher for £37,000 per week. That’s not the way ahead. But rather than tell the world that they can all learn from us, Mr Lawwell should be looking at the likes of Basel, Olympiacos and Braga and seeing what we can learn from them.
Also, consider this – the very reason why the perpetrators were able to act with impunity, unobstructed for so long is this – fear, not fear of consequences or being shunned by their own – but a fear other people whom could see what was happening had of being labeled racist for reporting those vile crimes.
Racist eh?
Now you think about that for a wee minute.
HH.
the glorious balance sheet
Great post mate. Good to see this stuff in black and white. Peter Lawell’s stuff is very much broad stroke. This stuff you research is incisive and makes, I hope, everyone think. Hoping the world cannot be ruled by PR. Add your context to Peter’s facts and then the debate is more open.
Marti
setting free the bears for Res. 12 & Oscar Knox but saying no to CQN racists
01:56 on
31 August, 2014
Sorry,mate.On the run.
7.6% were black
8.7% were Asian
—————————————————————————————————————–
They are relevant because they are stats for the UK as a whole and broadly reflect our demographic, unless you know different.
Do you think the numbers above reflect the general demographic.
——————————————————————————————————————-
You use the word “Asian” .The word in reference to Rotherham is “Pakistani.”
One other factor you fail the mention is: How many of the victims were Pakistani or Asian?
wigwam777
02:11 on
31 August, 2014
Can Any one tell me when James forest will be playing again. I’ve not read anything about the extent of his injury. And can we expect to see our caption back soon. HH
iIn case you missed it, Paul67 on Forest……..
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/?p=15910
No mention of our caption (sic) though!
HH
“I stated another fact – that the BNP were the first people to expose gangs of Muslim paedophiles – I was going to say, well at least they have done two decent things in their miserable lives – until you jumped in with your usual cry of racist!!! ”
You were going to say???
What happened-? Cat stole your tongue?
Before I “jumped in”, as you allege, I stated that this was not typical of your previous posts and gave you a chance to clarify your use of the phrase, “Muslim paedophilia epidemic” (your words). You chose to stand by your words and claimed them as FACT.
The twisting is now being done by you. Your words and response is on record.
You flew with the TSD craw but it is not too late to recant if you are genuine about your regret.
Team for the mora…..
————— C.Gordon——–_____
Lustig. Denayer. Mulgrew. Izzy
——- Kayal. Biton. Johansen ——
——McGregor Commons. Stokes——
Mon the popes 11!
ruggygman
Why no Virgil?
I think Lustig will be rested
HH
TGBS, PL takes out 2.5% of our £40m €50m wages budget bigger than all but the top 4 in Spain, many in Italy some in Gemany etc etc , no other player except Broonie is as well paid. We are not getting value for money , i saw something like 1,100 teams in Uefa we were one of 32 in CL group stages ffs we only need 11 good players on the pitch and maybe 5 subs rest made up of youth players or part paid loans 20 quality over quantity players on £15/20k per week (massive wages in an economic downturn) is £15-20m so wtf are we doing with the other £20m? i cannot believe for a minute that we cannot attract players with those kinds of wages & this crap about affecting wage structure, Larsson, Paul McStay, Robbie Keane got infinitely more wages. We don’t have that calibre now.
Team 4 the future…….
———– C.Gordon————
Lustig. Denayer. New signigning. New signing
——_ Brown. Biton. Johansen. ———–
——Forrest. Scepovic. McGrgegor ——-
That’s a team that will win the treble….. Any bets….. Yeez ir aw fanniez
paolosboots fc before plc
I know. We have basically a day left for this new manager to inject something to kick start things. The mystery around the striker goes on. Not great prep for tomorrow. We need a performance tomorrow. Players need to show the belief u were talking about earlier. I am hoping more than believing that it is there. If he starts without Commons though I’m thinking we could be in for a bitta torture.
Marti
macjay
“You use the word “Asian” .The word in reference to Rotherham is “Pakistani.”
I think the correct clarification would read “of Pakistani descent”. In this case it was a gang of men of Pakistani descent exploiting vulnerable white girls.
Now, answer the question! Do you generalise from that to state it as the typical pattern?
Or do you recognise that there are sex slaves, of all colours and religions, exploited by men of many colours and religions (or none) in all the cities of the UK and Australia too.
Or do you think that those of Pakistani-descent have a greater tendency to this offence? The most common demographic amongst the perpetrators is that they are men.
It is not so comfortable to face up to that truth because that brings you and I into the dangerous demographic. Much easier to blame it on a scapegoat group. Now is paedophilia more prevalent in Catholic priests or Yorkshire men of Pakistani descent?
And with that I head for my bed. I want to catch our Dundee match more than continue this distasteful conversation.
Coz Virgil is almost past carlisle already….. Mon, get wae the program. He’s offski.
Ruggy
San Lorenzo are Papa XI.
Marti Sandino-
Thanks for that, cheers! Hail hail
Papa Roche
Paul le Guen. New tactics. Monster Munch revolt. Oh how we laughed. Cognative disonance?
Papa new guinea
Papa bear…..
setting free the bears for res. 12 & oscar knox but saying no to cqn racists
02:38 on 31 August, 2014
—————————————–
Right, right fair enough.
I mentioned Muslims, and Muslims were the perpetrators – 1400 children abused in the space of a few years.
Now if that isn’t abuse on an epidemic scale, tell me what constitutes epidemic in your book?
Also where did you produce the racism card from?
Did I say anything racist, have I ever posted racist nonsense?
All of my posts are on record, 99% tripe, granted – but if you can reproduce any post that I have made that is racist – I’m gone, here and now, away.
I’ll even contact Paul67 myself and tell him to bar me for life.
It’s not my style, racism.
You are in the wrong.
HH.
ruggyman,
whit progrom (sic) would that be – his agent’s?
or you reading the DR propaganda?
no13shorts, thats what its looking like not sure PL will survive if he leaves. It will be a litany of mistakes. With £8m+ for VVD & £11M + Wages freed up from sammy, forster, watt etc then there should be £19m + what £30-50k/week wages freed up. Question is do you trust RD/JP to spend wisely?
The bhoy is away……. Nothing less, he wants away….. Surely we can plan ahead / plan without
paolosboots-
I`ve no doubt that PL works all the hours of the day and night but I cant see how we can afford to pay anyone in the executive team £1 million a year when our income is reducing and when we are reducing the players wage bill so I agree with the points you make on his salary.
We can definitely get players that will do a good job for us for £15,000 per week or less if we look in the right places. Look at that Radovic guy Legia had, he tore us apart. They signed him for £700,000 eight years ago. He won`t be earning a fortune at Legia, no chance of that.
I think part of the problem is the Premiership and all its money gives us a ready made excuse to fail sometimes, how often do you hear the usual “Shane Long transferred for £12 million, how can we compete with that?”, “Ross McCormack, £11 million, that’s what we`re up against” etc
We don`t sign players from England in general, so the likes of Ross McCormack are irrelevant to us. We do sell players to England though, so if transfer fees in England are overheated it probably does Celtic more good than bad. The overheated English transfer market has given us the best part of £40 million over the last 2 years for Wanyama, Ki, Wilson, Hooper and Forster.
Time for me to call it a night, hail hail to all
The glorious balance sheet….
You hit the nail on the head…. Here’s my logic… Celtic fans on here, if we tried to sign an unheard of player from f.c Astra 2 weeks ago, most on here would be saying…. What da f’ck, why we signing a nobody from a nobody team…… However, now that we have drawn f.c Astra in the Europa league, apparently they are no mugs.!
Wit the f’ck is that all about
TGBS, exactly the same shi@e is peddled in terms of spending on players like old rangers or leeds blah blah. We should be cherry picking the best from Legia & other teams particularly those expecting to reach EL & missed out on a £3-5m windfall we are financially superior & yet have never used this advantage. Last year we could/should have signed Finboggoson for around £5m & we didn’t have to use installments & they needed the cash, this year he was top scorer again in Holland sold for €8m/ £6m Pukki, Balde, Derk anyone!
ruggygman
There’s truth in what you say. I wonder what, if any, scouting we do in places like Romania, Moldova, Macedonia, Serbia etc. Technically, the youngsters there seem light years ahead of our guys. The Italians and Germans seem to grab players there on the cheap regularly. Maybe we should just grab their coaches for our own young lads to learn from I suppose.
Marti
The glorious balance sheet
Insightful and accurate point, we should never compare to the EPL in terms of income and expectation and we do make money on transfers there
A good win on Sunday is so desperately needed
Coneybhoy but thats the stick PL beats us with. Cqn not lazy journalism Celtic not lazy scouting.
Signing off. Goodnight all Celts!
Marti
16 roads
I am off to my bed after this
“I mentioned Muslims, and Muslims were the perpetrators – 1400 children abused in the space of a few years.
Now if that isn’t abuse on an epidemic scale, tell me what constitutes epidemic in your book? ”
Men of Pakistani descent were the perpetrators. How religious were they or would they have to be before they qualify as Muslim, a religious designation?
Were the IRA a bunch of catholics or a group of freedom fighters open to all?
Are these Rotherham men evil sexual perpetrators or are they particularly evil because they are of Pakistani descent and some of them are Muslim?
Which is the most important descriptor to you? You chose their perceived religion- Why? That is for you to answer.
Is it racism? Or are you downgrading it to “mere” religious bigotry? Or are you just careless in that you did not say what you intended to say, despite being offered the chance to do so?
Our people have known what it is like to be set up as the scapegoat for crime, poverty and sexual proclivity. We should be the last group to be seeking to re-create a scapegoat to take our place.
The men in Rotherham were evil. Whatever misunderstood impulses prevented Police and authorities from re-acting sooner is to be deplored. It has been deplored by the Muslim and non-white community of the town, county and country. You lumped those disgusted and angry people in with the perpetrators when you chose to highlight a characteristic as a tendency. To suggest that there was an epidemic of Muslims involved with paedophilia of white girls ignores the fact that the vast majority of Muslim men, particularly those who were a bit more devout in their faith, were not involved in this epidemic. Were they inoculated? No, because it was not their religion that made them predators. Any more than it was Catholicism that made some priests predators.
It is late and I am tired. Bone tired of facing these issues on a Celtic site.
I must go now.
SFTB – Listen, I didn’t know the colour of the victims,nor the colour of the perpetrators.
And I will be honest with you here, I read the BNP thing in the quotes section of an online newspaper, can’t even remember which one.
I researched the BNP claim, because I didn’t believe it initially, but it turned out to be true.
As for the ideology in question,you call it a religion – we are going to have to agree to disagree on that one.
As you have stated,it’s not for a Celtic site – one million % agree.
I have said enough about it and I will say no more – but you are going to face a few more battles ahead, because if it isn’t me,it’s gonna be somebody else.
And remember this – once upon a time, I thought the exact same way as you do now – then I began to study.
Don’t cry racist though, once you do that, the argument is lost, more or less.
One last thing, as Columbo would – try not to let TSD wind ye up too much, because he’s a wind-up merchant if ever there was one.
I’ve had more run-ins with him than enough fs.
Humour him instead, I reckon.
Never, ever personal.
God bless yous all,and sorry for the rant.
HH.