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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sipsini
I hope his wee scare will wise him up, he is playing for a family now, hopefully it sinks in with him, he could well become a legend in the hoops, as long as he pays heed to where he is.
I have faith he will get his act together and become that legend.
Glad you enjoyed the sight seeing >}
HH
Night all.
Night Oscar my hero. Always in my prayers Oscar. X X
Time to retire, things to do early doors and no time to do them.
Sleep well Timland
Take care and god bless.
HH
!!Bada Bing!!
Seen your comment about Levien earlier and smiled:))
Seen him standing with Budge after Locke sacked and I thought to myself “Ya sleekit backstabbing *%£*^”£”.
Good night all
lleftclicktic We are all Neil Lennon
23:30 on
12 May, 2014
@dena
Thank you for reposting that
roll on next season till we meet again, Hugs to your lass :)))
cant wait :-)))))
HH
jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/
23:26 on 12 May, 2014
So I take Ciftci gets the OK????
————
He is better than Daly :))))
I think Leigh has had at least two “goals” chalked off for very debatable offside.
He`ll have to learn that in Scotland only a mile onside will be considered onside.
His joy at winning the title with Celtic was unconfined.
Like a wee boy on Christmas morn.
sipsini
A big ditto on that. Hopefully you can make it up to the ole CQN corner for a meet up. What a way to make for a complete season. :-)))
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
One thing that has annoyed me in the last few days and I commented on at the time….is the supporters running on to the field to celebrate with the players, it’s happening in leagues all over the world but only in Scotland are the hoops fans abused by the SMSM with some dreadful headlines. Don’t even get me started on why we can’t have an open top bus with the trophy…or properly applauded onto the pitch as champions.
Kikinthenakas
goodnight Timland early rise in the morning.God Bless the Celtic familt wherever you are
Wee Oscar GBNF
HH
familt= family
HH
WEEFRATHETIM
Lunchtime as usual,bud.
I’ll call you-unless I dont.
Told I’m on certain duties tomorrow. Chance I may overlook making a call even with the best of intentions.
Nae chance of me ignoring one,thanks bud!!!!
macjay,
He was like a wee bhoy in a big toy store, he will grow into the hoops, I reckon broonie will have been told to put him straight.
Did you you see the crossbar challenge on Saturday with the Celtic team?
CRC
:-)
Dena
Me too. Night night. And from me, it’s great now the lambing has finished, I can say, Night Night Timland, the same day I got out of bed. :-)))))
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
@KiK Been thinkin the same thoughts all day long.
Having to witness the joy in Manchester outside the town hall
the crowds gathered to rejoice. up here?we hide.
I recently announced to the blog that I am taking early retirement, finishing work on Friday 6th June. I have also now made the momentous decision to move back to Scotland permanently. I will return to the old country not long after I finish work and I will be moving back into my old house in Edinburgh.
I have been in Australia for 9 years and have loved it for the most part, but more recently, during trips back home to visit my dying brother and then again for his funeral, it has hit home to me how much I miss my family, especially my two sons, who also live in Edinburgh. Then there are my recent health scares. At the moment I am feeling good and enjoying reasonable health as long as I keep taking the pills, but when you are lying in hospital with cancer, it really does hit you when you think of your loved ones thousands of miles away on the other side of the world.
My Tracey made her first trip to Scotland with me a year ago and she just adored the country and particularly the capital. She is more than happy to move to Edinburgh with me. We are renting out our Gold Coast house for the time being, but the intention is to make Scotland our permanent home for our retirement.
Both my sons are keen on taking season tickets for Celtic Park, so I am going to order 3 as soon as they become available. The thought of heading to Paradise for every home game with my sons fills my heart with joy. The three of us had season books when Fergus took over and they were much younger and I relish the thought of us returning together on a regular basis.
Now I am really looking forward to next season, starting with the CL qualifiers at Murrayfield.
Also hoping to be able to attend some of the CQN functions and Hootenannies, if I am invited. Looking forward to Petec and BMCUW buying me a beer.
Finally, I cannot vote in the forthcoming referendum, but I do look forward to celebrating Scotland’s independence on the Friday. What a party Edinburgh should be throwing that weekend.
Hail Hail
On the 4 goal thingy?
Did we not draw 4 all with thems and beat thems 2 nil back at doom dome in the 70s??
BMCUW
No worries Boaby, I’m in all day. I will call you around 1300 if that’s ok. :-)
Weefra HH praying for Wee Oscar.
lct
Get to ur bed!!
Who scored the Scotland goal? V Germany tonite??
Weefra,
I’ll make a point of it and bring my siblings aswel.
It’s a goodnight from me, I’ll go to my bed knowing big jock killed the hun club with a big smile.
sipsini
23:44 on
12 May, 2014
Broony to put him straight? That`s probably a good call.
I thought Broonie looked very statesmanlike before and during the celebrations.
Very much in control.
There might be a future manager there.
I saw the recently posted crossbar challenge from Lennoxtown,if that`s the one you mean.
Bloody hell Tom!
Good call. Welcome home. Scotland needs bright young things like you!
Bedtime this time. Deffo.
HH jamesgang
Gold Coast Tom…….Great post, apart from the last para.
Doc
23:01 on
12 May, 2014
CRC, thanks for letting us know.
I hope Steven and Leona find the strength in the times ahead.
I have no idea how.
——————————————————–
They will get through this terrible time, with the love and support of their extended family and friends.
This may seem cruel but life goes on, they have another child who they love dearly, for her they will hide the pain, put on a brave face and get on with life. The pain will be there, every day, it’ll never leave them but as time passes it will get more bearable. Nights are the hardest, you lie awake, back to back, knowing your partner is also not asleep but you don’t speak. You just lie awake not moving, your heart breaks and at some point you fall asleep. You get up, go to work and come home and you dread the nights. Night time is such a horrible time, the silence of the night is torture but as time passes the nights get easier to manage, you learn how to sleep again, life has to go on. Your family stop mentioning their name, not wanting to upset you, it’s as if they never lived.
You watch all your video’s, over and over, you cry all the time at silly memories, stupid little memories. Special days, birthdays, when you bought them a new pair of trainers. Their first Jackie Mcnamara top, you remember the first time you felt them kick your hand before they born as you cuddled their Mum. But life goes on, for his sister’s sake life has to go on.
My wife and my 2 other daughters, along with some friends, go down to the cemetery on the annivesery of Lyndseys death and have a party. They sing songs and get drunk and retell old stories of times spent with Lyndsey. I don’t go down with them, I hate the cemetery. I sit at home on that day, on my own just thinking about her, remembering her last words as she left the house “love you dad”, I didn’t even answer. I was ironing a shirt I didn’t even look up to see her her leaving the house.
The pain does ease with time, although part of you also dies but for the sake of your other children you have to keep going and I know that Steven and Leona will find the strength to keep going as they come from a loving family who will support and love them through this most tragic of times.
drambowiecelt
23:46 on 12 May, 2014
Agree that you agree with me….
Gold Coast Tom
Delighted for you….mare drink to be had in the Tav then!
Kikinthenakas
sipsini
:-))) night night. KTF :-))
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
GCT
A big decision one I am sure you won’t regret,3 season books is quite an undertaking:))) see you at the next hootenanny
jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/,
Thems were excluded from the quiz question.
As were Europe and Friendlies…I believe.
Hail Hail.
eddieinkirkmichael
23:53 on 12 May, 2014
Beautifully poignant and incredibly sad….great post…thoughts with all who have lost their children and other loved ones
Kikinthenakas
eddieinkirkmichael
A very moving post lovely to meet you last saturday
Gold Coast Tom
23:46 on
12 May, 2014
Mate.Momentous decision.
But,not irreversible.
Having options is marvellous.
I must say,the older I get the more I hanker for my ain folk.
But they`re in the dear green place,not auld reekie.:-)
gold coast tom,
Just about to hit the hay and read your post.
Well, you will be handy for putting the cqners up for the preliminary games:)
Kidding aside, I’m sorted my two nephews live in Edinburgh.
It’ll be a pleasure to meet you and your sons. Keep well. HH
Eddieinkirkmichael
Totally heart rendering. Tears are back again. What a post. Stay strong young mhan. KTF
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
gold coast tom
23:02 on 12 May, 2014
The biggest different between Yogi and Sammi is that Sammie never heard the following chants from the Jungle
Open the gates and let him run out.
Minutes later followed by
Feed the Bear
Scott Wright OK???
Big Rio gets Celtic,
what about a shout for Ferdinand as defensive coach and player for a couple of seasons now he will be leaving United?
HH