Back in 2011-12 when we were being told the SPL “needed a strong Rangers” a few of us insisted what it really needed was a strong Aberdeen, Dundee United, Hibs and Hearts. When the city clubs get their act together, they are more than capable of creating drama and competition. Unfortunately, despite regular reboots, each of these clubs have underachieved for decades.
Aberdeen, Hibs and Hearts have been inconsistent this season, but at least occupy slots in the top six. After three successive wins, Dundee United looked to have secured their place in the Premiership, but defeat to St Johnstone and Ross County leaves them two points adrift in the automatic relegation spot with three to play. A season that started with a promising first leg win over AZ Alkmaar, could end seeing United pass Dundee on the way up.
This week Aberdeen declined an invitation to enter a B team into the proposed new fifth tier in the pyramid – the Conference League. They cite the cost of supporting what would be 55 players across both A and B teams, which I can see. Whatever the problems that inhibit our city clubs from dominating the likes of Ross County and Motherwell, diluting money on a wider pool of players doesn’t seem a likely fix.
Solutions exist. Alkmaar face West Ham tomorrow night in a European Conference League semi-final. They exist on an average attendance of 10,000, miles below what inconsistent Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen are achieving right now, and within the reach of a competent Dundee United. Like Aberdeen and United did 40 years ago, AZ understand scouting and player development on an elite level.
Competition that permits elite youth development to take place is lacking in our game, the Conference League is an attempt to fix this. But at first team level, our (other) city clubs are caught in short-termism, without learning or stability. 40 years on from Aberdeen in Gothenburg and United’s title win, too many of the clubs that should be competitive with Celtic have lost the knowledge of how to develop elite players and teams. So much comes down to ownership and the executive function. Football boardrooms are so hardy to learning and self-analysis, flooding the game with inefficiencies. Learn from Alkmaar, or as Celtic did, Manchester City.
The Road to Seville cyclists are (at time or writing) just a few hundred pounds short of raising £67k for the Foundation. Money has poured in from thousands of Celtic fans who have participated in the adventure. You can help push them over the £76k and beyond here and follow here on Twitter. Thank you.
105 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- »
HH
Although sectarianism was rife in the Port during the 1930’s, the ‘Bad Times’, it was
not always so. Tension and suspicion between groups does not always lead to
polarisation and a refusal to mix.
Paddy Collins lived in a largely Protestant area of the Port as a boy, yet his
recollection of life there in the 1920s is not ofmajor sectarian divisions on the streets.
Naw, naw, we all played thegither at night on the street. No’ so much
[sectarianism] oot in Montgomery Street way, at that time … jist eftir the war
[1914-1918] … later on comin’ intae the late 1920s, there wis more trouble roon
aboot that time … they [Protestants] didnae show it much oot in Montgomery
Street, they showed it more doon at the Glen, that’s where the Orange Lodge wis,
they were all members of the Orange Lodge or the Free Masons or somethin’ like
313
that … all Protestant’s doon there …But, there were Catholics doon there tae an
they had tae run the gauntlet. (Paddy Collins SA1998:18)
that was meant to post in another forum, but hey ho
St Stivs
The Hibs game was one I never thought would be eclipsed. I left Hampden that day at half time feeling sure once the Huns went ahead, which they duly did, that they would see it out.
I arrived back in dunfermline literally just as the Hibs equalised. Tge stress was too much and I turned off the radio hoping to get home to see extra time. Of course by the time I got in to the house and turned the telly on there were riots on the park and jubilation for those in green.
I think now that penalty by Ramsay in Seville is just about as sweet as Carlos Alberto’s fourth Brazil goal in 1970.
great post paul67
BURNLEY78 on 17TH MAY 2023 5:07 PM
St Stivs
The Hibs game was one I never thought would be eclipsed.
—————
It is a big regret for me in life that I never went to the game. I had a ticket offer, and a good pal begged me not to go , just in case it kicks off, lol.
I would have been sitting near his family, with his nephew playing, so he didnt want me disgracing myself.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65626690
Gene
Long time no hear fella. 👍
Saint Stivs
I had a contractual obligation which my daughter, myself and Shuggie Edvaldson’s son Joey had to deliver against for that day. Hence we are there in a semi work capacity pre game. Only Joey Edvaldson stayed and saw it through to the final whistle. The sight of him jubilant behind the trophy presentation always makes me smile. And also regret not staying the course.
BRRB
Been busy – thanks
Gene @ 5:28pm.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65626690
—–
Wow.
Don’t know ANY details but this feels harsh.
In the past I joked once or twice on here that “Ivan Toney was anonymous during the game” in mischievous response to feather spitting posts about “Lawwell not signing him”.
In truth I think he’s a really good player.
He has looked a bit off it recently – I assume because this was preying on his mind?
Punishment might very well fit the crime ..
but, IMHO
… feels quite brutal to take an athlete in his prime (27 years old) out of commission for almost a year?
Back to
Knowingly breaking the rules for 4 years is in oldco territory – no sympathy here.
He’s lucky the ban didn’t start at the beginning of next season.
Evening all.
Ivan Toney?
If Big Jimmy had been a pro footballer, he’d would have got a life sentence. :) :)
In the Aragon. Great pub. Talking to two ladies of the Celtic persuasion. Fun times. 👍
BelmontBrian
If Big Jimmy had been a pro footballer the supporters would have been getting a life sentence. 😂😂
BRRB
BIG Jimmy = The Cannonball Kid, according to James. :) :)
HH
BelmontBrian
He’s been fired more than a cannonball. 😂😂
Imagine the consequences of a referee having been caught up in the ‘football betting scandal’
Now, what’s the chances? 🙂
HH
A rumour, Ange,Michael Nicholson, and Dermot Desmond have arrived at CP, new deal for Ange?
I’m feeling rather chuffed with myself today.
I cooked a couple of perfect poached eggs for my lunch today……..
In the microwave.
My name’s not Kirk Broadfoot.
Shay Given and Chris Sutton on duty for Radio 5 commentary on Manchester versus Madrid.
That’s more like it.
Also like Shay’s response to Ally McCoist dig about not receiving any texts from him or Robbie Keane after Celtic’s defeat at Ayebrokes….
“What’r’e ye talking about…..that was a Testimonial
This game should be a Belter.
Hopefully it is.
Gametime
Gene – cheers.
When you put it like that….
Belmont Brian – indeed.
In other unrelated news, I see Madden’s not even remotely eagerly awaited media career has kicked off.
Madden going from Hun with a whistle to Hun with a microphone
Shortbread must have enough to run a bus from Pacific quays to ipox
Keeper saving Real
That’s been coming.
Fk me this might get Oasis back together
That is an absolute doing 1st half.
Need 3 more goals, so defo need Real to get the next goal.
City are the best in europe right now. Please God we avoid them next season.
City were phenomenal first half.
Real with less than 30% possession.
Re Toney
Probably nothing compared to the ban he would have been given if he had been a Celtic player when this emerged.
By Rebecca Newlands
Digital Journalist
Share
11 Comments
Celtic squad to wear special shirt this weekend in touching tribute (Image: Newsquest)
Celtic squad to wear special shirt this weekend in touching tribute (Image: Newsquest)
Celtic players will wear a special shirt at their next home fixture to commemorate the Irish famine.
The first team squad will play St Mirren at Parkhead on Saturday, May 20 wearing a Celtic Cross on their shirts to recognise the victims of The Great Hunger in Ireland.
Also known as An Gorta Mór, the famine devastated Irish communities in the 1840s and changed the country’s demographic and cultural landscape forever.
Around one million people died from starvation while many more left the country and settled in Scotland.
Great first half.
https://www.derryjournal.com/heritage-and-retro/heritage/an-gorta-mor-donegal-prepares-to-host-irelands-national-famine-commemoration-day-2023-4144190
https://i0.wp.com/angortamorglasgow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Memorial-1-scaled-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&ssl=1
https://c7.alamy.com/comp/R40151/detail-of-the-national-memorial-to-an-gorta-mor-irish-memorial-philadelphia-pennsylvania-usa-sculpture-by-glenna-goodacre-editorial-use-only-R40151.jpg