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.
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No apologies – this one had me LMAO …
Sunday League Footy @SundayChants
The offside rule explained for females…
pic.twitter.com/iF2OWQO8P9
Is he running in the cqnTEN K
Fantastic news that Forster is in the England Squad…..well deserved, big mhan….!! ….ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED
the spirit of arthur lee
21:01 on 12 May, 2014
It was a pleasant surprise to see you as we did not expect to see you.
I didn’t even know eldiegobhoy had left was looking for him. Sannabhoy gave me a lift back to ML5..
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Can I have raspberry….
It’s Monday! ;-)
Kenny Sheils- wins LC final March 2012- sacked June 2013
Danny Lennon- wins LC final March 2013- sacked May 2014
Derek McInnes- wins LC final March 2014- should he be worried?
Morrissey the 23rd
Not much chance of that – he’s a bit speedy!
None of that dirge (should I slit my wrists music?). :-) :-)
Dance off after McChuills
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=644590175620364&set=vb.100002081612380&type=2&theater
Heid gives a pen
Cauldenbaur strikes again…………………………. doh!
1-1
Pen QPR -1-1
setting free the bears supports res. 12 & oscar knox
21:18 on 12 May, 2014
Catach was over for the game and made McChuill’s was asking if you were about as he wanted to meet you, pity you couldn’t make it.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Lennybhoy
Sorry for disappearing mate. Went back to Blane Valley for a couple of pints and large glasses of wire while waiting on a taxi from my neck of the woods to collect me.
Spent a fair bit of time on the day with MickTT who is a really great guy.
If he is lurking his secrets are safe with me……….for now:o)
Gary Caldwell doing what he does best!! good man heed!lol
Heid subbed
ElDiegoBhoy
21:23 on
12 May, 2014
Lennybhoy
Sorry for disappearing mate. Went back to Blane Valley for a couple of pints and large glasses of wire while waiting on a taxi from my neck of the woods to collect me.
BLUFF
That QPR goal’s been coming for a while and a decent chance they’ll go on for a winner. Been throwing at them in play all night – £1 at 4/1, 50p at 9/2, 50p at 11/2, 30p at 10/1.
So, if you’ll excuse me for saying, come on Rangers ;-)
Lennybhoy
You were alright mucker
Love
Lennybhoy
Pity I missed him. Was off the drink for a week due to antibiotics so gave the pub a miss
Am I the only one who thinks Caldwell did ok for us ?
Aiden Bhoy
This could be the start of a short list
Love
winning captains,
You and paul67 and all other compatriots do a grand job…hat doffed to all of you for all that you do.HH
Jobo
Come on the hoops would have been more acceptable
Aiden
he was another enigma -brilliant and awful in equal measure
Jobo
What’s the script if it’s a draw at FT?
Away goals/ ET/ Pens or brown envelopes?
:-)
From Georgios Samaras to Leigh Griffiths.
No greater illustration could be given of Celtic downsizing, in terms of skill on the park and class off it.
eldiegobhoy
21:23 on 12 May, 2014
No worries mate and yet mickTT sound Bhoy and yes his secret is safe with both you and me…:)
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
gene
True he did have some howlers .
praecepta –
Extra time then penalties I believe. It won’t get that far ;-)
the spirit of arthur lee
21:27 on 12 May, 2014
A very short list…:)
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Aiden Bhoy
I would think you are on solid ground with that assumption 0:-)
ACGR
The hun death list is so long I should be safe for a while yet so get your own bike. Anyway, Jamesgang is something of a giant and has accepted the position of minder.
Cheerio all.
JJ
up_over_goal
21:30 on 12 May, 2014
Aye, right ….
summa of sammi….
21:00 on 12 May, 2014
.
Sammi was made an offer he didn’t like
McDowell
When big jvoh rag dolled rio at OT .. I knew he was a dud . For All I liked big jan he was no hartson
Acgr
Did you just call me a hootenannier … FFS last week BT called me an avengilist
I’m away to update my cv ;)
Fleetwood Mac win away leg of their play-off.
Aiden
Caldwell and McManus with loovens as back up ,,, the sieve
What did everyone think of the efforts of the ghuys at half time yesterday?
The car wasn’t in much danger!!