Jock Stein won his first five League Cups as Celtic manager (no pressure, Ronny) but in the 43 years since we’ve won the trophy only eight times, including yesterday.
There has been a bit of chat that the Treble is a bit easier since Rangers were liquidated, but, if you know your history, you’ll know that’s not really borne out by the facts.
We’ve won three of the last 10 League Cups and lost to Rangers once but the six other defeats in that period have come at the hands of the likes of Morton, St Mirren and Kilmarnock. What’s more, Falkirk, Hearts (twice) and Morton all knocked us out at Celtic Park. We haven’t actually lost an away game in the League Cup for over a decade. 25 of our 35 defeats since Stein’s five-in-a-row have come to teams other than Rangers.
Here is a list of our eventual outcomes in the League Cup, winners or those who eliminated us:
2014-15 Winners
Morton
St Mirren
Kilmarnock
Rangers
Hearts
2008-09 Winners
Hearts
Falkirk
2005-06 Winners
Rangers (November 2004 Celtic’s last away defeat in the League Cup)
Hibs
Rangers
Rangers
2000-01 Winners
1999-00 Winners
Airdrie
1997-98 Winners
Hearts
Raith Rovers
Rangers
Aberdeen
Airdrie
Rangers
Aberdeen
Dundee United
Aberdeen
Rangers
Hibs
Dundee United
Rangers
1982-83 Winners
St Mirren
Dundee United
Aberdeen
Rangers
St Mirren
Aberdeen
Rangers
1974-75 Winners
Dundee
Hibs
Partick Thistle
Rangers
At the 40th anniversary of Lisbon I wrote about the 1965-66 until 1969-70 period. Jock Stein won 12 of the 15 domestic trophies available, five Leagues, five League Cups and two Scottish Cups. We also won and lost a European Cup Final, while beating champions from Italy, Portugal France and England.
That we went on to win nine-in-a-row disguised the fact that the real glory era ended in 1970. The last four title winning seasons were not characterised by beating anyone substantial in Europe (notwithstanding the fact that we reached two European Cup semis) and a series of capitulations in League Cup Finals. The downwards trajectory from beating Leeds at Hampden and finishing fifth in the league in 1978 is evident.
Two inferences can be drawn:
Winning trebles is incredibly difficult. One slip, one bad tackle leading to a red card, and you are up against it.
Teams who aspire to genuine historical greatness never switch off.
We have a ‘never switch off’ manager. No more Mortons, Falkirks or Raith Rovers’.
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weeron,
Conversely, I have liked him from his first reported statements.
However, I do agree that we are still very much a work in progress, but he will get there.
I have no doubt that the infractions you mentioned will be attended to, in house, away from the poison pens of the media.
I don’t think that Ronny has any intention of letting anything interfere with his ambitions.
At the start he said that if his methods were not going to be implemented at Celtic, then he would pull out and head back to Norway.
He really comes across as a strong willed man with a vision.
When we are chasing a treble, I doubt many of our players are excited about facing Norn Iron in a friendly or bloody Gibraltar!
timaloy
We are on CQN because we are celtic fans … many of our players aren’t, and will never have the love for the club that we do. some will, but others wont. Some may not LOVE Celtic the way we do, but will do their job, and do it well because they are professionals. Craig Burley is someone who I thought did a great job for us, but was never a tim!
Some of those pros may only get one chance in their life to pull on the green jersey of ireland, or blue of scotland, or red of canada … I would think that, for those players, playing maybe that one game for their country (even against Gilbraltar) would be something they would cherish. I know I would had I been good enough.
GS knows he has enough in the tank to beat GIB. He is aware the NI friendly is no real challenge and a banana skin for CFC players.
We have 2 games most weeks from the international week until 2nd May. I am happy we have only a few players involved. Fewer the better. Remember John Kennedy.
GS would love to have Grif and SA and GMS in his squad for France if he gets the chance. I am sure.
scottishleaf,
Saw someone on twitter giving off about people calling in about Poyet and being described by some as Geordies.
He said that Mackems don’t sound anything like Geordies.
Now I couldn’t tell the difference in the accents, so would be interested if you could give me a word or two, maybe even a phrase which illustrates the difference if you have time.
Gwan, gwan…
Genuine Question.
Árd Macha
“Thanks. What if you’re neither!!?”
Thomthetim,
Errrm. I’m not sure neebs. :)
I’m sure they will be smart enough to work it out….I hope :)
Ard…
Genuine answer…
A few years ago at a business meeting I was in the company of what I thought was a Geordie. The Mackem soon put me right. I had never heard the term Makem before.
As he put it, its not the accent but the attitude and personality, describing the Geordie’s as mean and incestuous!
He also pointed out they all had six toes on each foot…
Who was I to argue?
HH. :-)
Oh Paul,
You have certainly stirred up some great memories indeed. I was there at the majority of these brilliant games, just wish they would return,eh!!
Maybe, we are on our way again , you just never know, maybe indeed!!!!!!!!!
KINGLuBO
ernie lynch
14:36 on
16 March, 2015
There is nothing untoward in my exchange with BMCUW. You have chosen to try to find something. I do not have a problem. You can keep going with your snide doublespeak. Like I said, feel free to call me an anti-semite to my face. I suspect though you have the baws of a weasel when it comes to direct accusations.
Now trot along…… if that’s the right term……….
Maybe it’s true –
Watched Inter 1 Cesena 1 with the Inter mad old codger from down the valley . He ranted at the tele for 90 minutes . Post match summary was ——— ” The worst Inter team I have ever seen .( he is 84 )
In a Sciacca bar at lunchtime ——– 2 old codgers talking football —– ” worst Inter ever ”
Took shelter from a biblical downpour in a Sciacca bus stop —— Graffitto on the wall – Season 2014 – 2015 — ” Worst Inter Ever “.
Torrential rain -way down south ( worst winter since I arrived in 2000 )
John Kennedy was a young player most of us were really excited about in terms of a home grown commanding centre half, he had the lot and just as it was about to come to fruition he got called up for the Scotland squad.
Ever since, I’ve been totally indifferent about our national team, purely from a selfish point of view the less ‘called up’ the better.
90th????
martybhoy59. I dont think it will be very long at all and it will be well deserved Ronny is the real deal. H.H
F.A.B. Virgil (WATRC)
15:10 on 16 March, 2015
ernie lynch
14:36 on
16 March, 2015
‘There is nothing untoward in my exchange with BMCUW. ‘
###
So why make the comment about Jim Murphy and Kosher?
Jim Murphy isn’t Jewish.
Mrs J was very worried abt our wee grandson (8) going to his first final with his dad. But when I told her thems wernt involved the look of relieve on her face was a sight to behold!!
Rock Tree Bhoy
15:13 on 16 March, 2015
John Kennedy was a young player most of us were really excited about in terms of a home grown commanding centre half, he had the lot and just as it was about to come to fruition he got called up for the Scotland squad.
Ever since, I’ve been totally indifferent about our national team, purely from a selfish point of view the less ‘called up’ the better.
………………………………………………………………….
My memory of the career ending assault on Kennedy is that his Scottish team mates looked like they didn’t give a monkey’s if he was badly hurt.
Does Ciftci play on Wednesday ?
Rock Tree Bhoy
15:13 on 16 March, 2015
John Kennedy was a young player most of us were really excited about in terms of a home grown commanding centre half, he had the lot and just as it was about to come to fruition he got called up for the Scotland squad.
Ever since, I’ve been totally indifferent about our national team, purely from a selfish point of view the less ‘called up’ the better.
###
His career was ruined by a psychotic tackle in a meaningless game.
And his team mates showed no sign of concern. That stuck in the craw with me.
TheOriginalSadiesBhoy
14:25 on
16 March, 2015
!!bada bing!!
14:22 on 16 March, 2015
Fae a purely selfish point of view,the less Celtic players playing international football the better.
…………………..,….
Absolutely agree.
—
and me
Plenty time for the young bhoys to get caps, lots to be done in a Celtic jersey 1st:)))
SelfishCSC
Jude……………
Yes, I believe so.
Ard
So there is quite a big difference between a Sunderland and Newcastle accent or Mackem v Geordie. When you live in the region it’s easier to tell the two apart.
People from Wearside would say Ha’Way and on Tyneside it’s Ho’Way. Both mean the same thing but they sound different.
The mackem accent is a lot softer than the Geordie accent. Youtube video below gives some good examples
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCVTNRRQayk
If you know what they sound like compare Paul Collinwood (Mackem) versus Steve Harmison (Geordie) and you will see the difference.
jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/
Aye
if fit
A lot of talk of a DU penalty yesterday, not much around a similar incident where Fojut held Griffiths away from a through ball with an outstretched arm across his face. It was a far more blatant penalty shout.
philbhoy
15:19 on 16 March, 2015
One of JK’s team mates on the night was ex Hearts midfielder Colin Cameron.
He was more upset at his Wolves teammate Ganea getting a hard time for the “tackle”
I have no idea why but despite spending millions over the last 50 years Sunderland have had no real lasting success and they have been a grave yard for many managers. H.H.
Lhads and Lhassies
Thanks to those who have already responded to this.
Squire junior is doing his dissertation on the effects of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Act.
As part of his work he has prepared a survey to be undertaken by Celtic fans regarding their views of the impact and effectiveness of the legislation
I – and obviously he – would be very grateful if you could take a few minutes of your time to complete his survey which is attached below.
Thanks very much.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VMNMFSQ
@Stairheedrammy
VVD did the same thing to McGowan and was praised by the commentators.
It’s just a classic case the theatrical fall. McGowan tried to muscle VVD back and lost. It looked like an honest exchange.
When Scott Brown tries to go shoulder to shoulder with Gow, he goes down like a sack of potatoes.
The lad knew he was going away from goal, he had no support and Brown was goal side. So he went down.
David Cairns a fine gentleman of St Patricks Coatbridge parish and season ticket holder past away at the weekend. RIP Davie it was always pleasure to speak to you after mass in Pats on a Saturday night. Davie will be laid to rest after 10 o clock mass on Thursday.
from twitter
Fantastic video from SPFL Web Site on Cup Final .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU-LX1G8j8M …
ennon’s passion
14:21 on 16 March, 2015
http://www.talkingbaws.com/2015/03/16/video-leigh-griffiths-tells-celebrating-celtic-fans-rangers-will-still-be-a-championship-club-next-season/
Belter! Brilliant!
Steven Pressley was beside JK when he was assaulted.Reaction -Nil
timaloy29
Ill go with that one 0)
Leftie
Enjoyed that
ernie lynch
15:18 on
16 March, 2015
Still reaching Ernie. Like I said, if you want to call me anti-semite do it to my face. I will not indulge your twisted game playing on here.
justafan,
:-)
scottishleaf ,
Thanks for that. I’ll have a listen later.
Go raibh maith agat.
Árd Macha
Squire
Completed
UTLR
I thot the United keeper was very cheery in defeat!!!
Squire danaher
Survey done
Good luck to your bhoy
Ktf.