Usually we head straight home, but that day we stood around the front door of Hampden Park, waiting to see the players emerge with the trophy. It was big Billy’s last game, it also provided an enduring memory of Paul Wilson, but it was the unused Jimmy Johnstone who engaged the fans most. In the days which followed Jock Stein had ‘the chat’ with Jinky. Celtic’s greatest ever player, still only 30-years-old, was released from the only club he’d ever been at.
Jinky later acknowledged he expected the news. Jock had been using him increasingly sparingly, and mostly as substitute, and these were the days before clubs supported large squads. It was the end of an era, a sad time all round, but this is football, and football is ruthlessly harsh to everyone eventually.
Georgios Samaras has come through the wringer at Celtic, often target of the boo boys and denied the support and encouragement he needed to flourish. His languid style implied a lack of urgency, for some, but Georgios stuck to his beliefs on how the game should be played and had a late spell in the sun during the last two years.
He was instrumental in the incredible league win in 2008 but the Champions League campaign of 2012 will be his most memorable contribution to the club. Goals away from home against Benfica, Barcelona and the last minute winner against Spartak Moscow, for our first away win in the tournament, are his hallmark goals.
It wasn’t just the goals during that campaign, Celtic were fourth seed, up against three considerably stronger teams. Neil Lennon set out to defend and used Samaras physical attributes, as well as his natural desire to hold the ball, as his first stage in building attacks.
Celtic tried the same in this season’s Champions League but, not surprisingly, Sami more often than not, found three defenders around him whenever the ball approached. He was ineffective, as was Celtic.
In domestic football, Georgios, our main Champions League attacking weapon, was often regarded as a blunt instrument. Scottish teams defend deeply against the champions, who would, therefore, never ask Samaras to hold the ball up and bring others into the team. On these occasions his languid style frustrates those wanting a more urgent approach to their football.
The lack of an offer from Celtic will be a blow to Georgios, but I’m sure Peter Lawwell can more than stand the ‘blame’ for this one.
Very best wishes, Georgios. I hope you have a great World Cup and have your choice of next destinations.
The Celtic FC Foundation badge sellers had enormous fun before yesterday’s game. Many thanks to all who joined in, and who bought a badge. It was an easy way to feel part of this great club’s reason for being.
Issue 20 of CQN Magazine, CQLisboN, is out and enjoying great reviews. Click here to read for FREE.
[calameo code=0003901717b11f6e50af4 lang=en page=2 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
1,108 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- ...
- 27
- »
Winning captains
How does that compare with other publications?
How is their online readership moving, up or down?
QPR 4/1 in play. Mr Caldwell means there’s always the possibility of an own goal ;-)
winning captains
That’s hardly surprising – but a bit sad in a way.
Whatever happened to sports journalism in the UK.
I live in France and “l’Equipe”, although not perfect, is still a reference for sports enthusiasts throughout the country.
Do you have any idea on the year to year “circulation” figures for CQN?
Maybe circulation isn’t th eappropriate word: individual “hits” maybe?
Merci!
Relaxing night.Sitting in front of the telly watching Queens Park Sevco v Wigan.Sorry,meant Rangers,force of habit.
TBJ
Council already querying the plans as the Gazebo will be attached to a first floor flat !
Also think the ‘hover casino and sauna’ has raised an eyebrow or two !
TBJ says Wee Oscar Knox is in heaven with the angels
19:54 on
12 May, 2014
Saw a wee quiz question on FB
Last team to score 4 at Celtic park .. Excluding oldco .. Celtic and European or friendly games
———————————————————————————————
Third Lanark.
Mozz
They also stayed in The Coltness Hotel during their 2 night stunt
I was there
Bada
That was a European game
Domestic match
sixtaeseven
What is l’equipe saying on the ffp as far as PSG is concerned
Tbj,
I saw the scheme a few times a lot off toking going on at there sessions…probably old tim:))
PRESTONPANS BHOY
I always included that on my list of great opening tracks on a debut album.
My vinyl copy is in considerably better condition than the 12″ single I gave to NATKNOW and his very frightened desperate for ice-cream daughter on Saturday.
It wasn’t marked A and B or 1 and 2.
Inner and outer or black and white,summat like that.
I got it on CD recently. To put on my iPod
Lit was halfway through the album,another childhood illusion done and dusted.
Still their second best track though,IMO.
Though their take on Sister Ray is a contender.
Young mclean not covering himself in glory with that bit of simulation, yellow card
Sipsini
I had them on a c60 cassette tape ;)
Last team to score 4 at Paradise may have been St Mirren.
Liverpool in the hillsbrough game?
scheme…..
http://youtu.be/P0T46bJHysE
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………Praying for our WEE HERO!
20:12 on
12 May, 2014
Mrs Prestonpans has banned me from playing JD, she thinks its depressing. However she doesn’t know I’ve added it to her ipod for the holidays, she’ll defo lose control :)
winning captains
19:59 on 12 May, 2014
sixtaeseven
The Daily Record are brooding over this – Circulation DOWN 11.76%
and
The Sunday Mail are brooding over this – Circulation DOWN 12.68%
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am led to believe that The Herald increased their sales by 30,000 this week and last by declaring their allegiance on independence.
Maybe The Record made a huge and irreversible mistake in tying themselves to illiterates.
The Spirit of Arthur Lee @ 20:10
Wow! I was in third year.
FORMER Celtic boss Liam Brady has quit Arsenal – after spending 19 years as the youth team chief.
Sorry just annoying the hacks.
Both this and the David Marshall stories are on http://www.facebook.com/CQNMagazine at the moment.
Re CQN circulation – we currently have 112,762 unique users on the site in a 30 day period. 2,294,670 pages are viewed per month. We put out the CQN Update last week at the Aberdeen game and distributed thousands of copies. This has added around 5000 new readers to CQN. For anyone who missed the CQN Update last week here is a link to what the printed booklet looks like:
http://www.calameo.com/read/000390171983f8a63dabf
jobo baldie,
Good evening jobo.
Hi Ghuys
Mcinnes should’t have got moty, it ought to have been awarded to el mullet as they eventually finished runners up to Celtic
Hasn,t this always been the criteria for this particular accolade? No?
HH
Phil
sipsini
;-)
Morrissey’s new single, “World Peace Is None Of Your Business”, will be released as a digital download tomorrow:
https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/world-peace-is-none-your-business/id875907196
TBJ says Wee Oscar Knox is in heaven with the angels
19:54 on
12 May, 2014
Saw a wee quiz question on FB
Last team to score 4 at Celtic park .. Excluding oldco .. Celtic and European or friendly games
===============
Scotland?
DAN
Juarez
At Celtic park
Tbj,
Shhh, your giving your age away…it was my dad that told me about scheme;))
Cowiebhoy,
If your lurking.
Could you send me your addy as I can hopefully make it this week, if that still suits.HH
People will have differing views on the Hearts decision to remove Locke from his position as Hearts manager in what has been a torrid year for the guy but……
Read the full statement from Anne Budge. Now there is a lady with a plan for the long term. May have faults, may work; may not, but it’s a real strategic plan.
Now compare and contrast with that nonsense from the 127 day review from the man who ran up City’s huge debts, who cocked-up big-time at Cable and Wireless and then presented his much awaited “plan”.
How the genuine Huns; those with a brain, must wish Anne Budge was their CEO, rather than Iain.
I know we have very mixed baggage with the Jambos and they are no natural friends of ours but I genuinely wish this lady good fortune.
Mind you I’m pretty sure she will receive mega criticism in the SMSM pages tomorrow although, if that’s the case, would suggest she’s on the mark such is their collective ignorance/ stupidity.
28th april 1969 celtic 2-4 morton
https://twitter.com/jamesgang5446/status/465936198889111552
Now this is mind kinda fleg!
HH JJ
HH jamesgang
TBJ – :(
winning captains
How about putting these links on the article page and ensure that we casual and occasional visitors get a chance to keep up to date?
morrissey the 23rd
20:18 on 12 May, 2014
The Spirit of Arthur Lee @ 20:10
Wow! I was in third year.
————
What prison:)
30th april 1989 celtic 0-4 liverpool
Frankmarker wins
Gene … Domestic game
sipsini @ 20:30
:O
Tbj
Sorry didn’t see the word domestic in your question?
Thoroughly enjoyed yesterday.
A real Celtic day.
Fantastic tribute to Wee Oscar.
Brilliant to see BBJ & Stan.
The Celtic way. Just letting them know we never ever forget heroes.
Real lump in the throat time.
Neil & Sammi with the wee ghuy in the crowd. Just lovely.
Will keep me going through the summer.
Just magic
Oh and well done Big Fraser.