One of the things you hope for when a player leaves for a richer league is that they perform well. It reflects on whatever value you will get the next time someone leaves. Joe Ledley has gotten off to a flier with Crystal Palace, although there is still a long way to go there, but our two big summer sales are finding it tough.
Gary Hooper hadn’t scored in his last nine starts for Norwich. His season tally stands at five league goals and two assists, which is still four goals more than Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who cost more than twice Hooper’s price but has scored only once in the league. Norwich other two strikers have yet to get off the blocks.
Bizarrely, Norwich are flooded with expensive strikers but their fans will bemoan the fact that they don’t have a goal-scorer, which Hooper was at Celtic and van Wolfswinkel was at Utrecht, where he scored a hat-trick against Celtic, and at Sporting. There is a good chance they will be relegated as a consequence, which will probably have them back on the hunt for a Leigh Griffiths-type striker.
Gary had his dips in form at Celtic, which included a meagre last four months of his final season, Cup Final apart, but Victor Wanyama is one of the best central midfielders we have seen at Celtic in a considerable time. He was a solid performer for Southampton before injury side-lined him for two months. Now back, he has a seat alongside Jos Hooiveld on the bench, due to the form of Jack Cork, one of Southampton’s many current stars.
Hooper and Wanyama were among the stars of the Celtic team last season but I suspect their new clubs’ fans are wondering what all the fuss is about. Form is fickle. It’s hard to tell when a career is about to turn all Liam Miller on a bright young prospect (and let’s be honest, Miller was every bit as lauded here as Hooper or Wanyama), or what consequences the new club, the move, or other distractions are having on performance.
There are also a couple of ex-Celtic goalkeepers doing a star turn in the FA Premier League, David Marshall at Cardiff and Artur Boruc at Southampon. After dazzling in his early months Marshall sipped well down the pecking order at Celtic, who eventually offloaded him. He was replaced as first choice by Boruc, who could claim to be the top rated keeper in Europe 8 years ago but completely lost ‘it’, before finding it again, recently.
My prediction is that Hooper, Wanyama, Balde, Boerrigter and Pukki will not fulfil their potential at their current clubs, although I considered Wanyama’s place on the list for a while. This does not make them bad players, ‘it’ just doesn’t always happen when it should. By contrast, some players look born to play for Celtic, including Kris Commons, who does not fit the profile of top-flight English clubs but is a rare gem in the Champions League for Celtic.
Really enjoyed reading the questions to and comments about Tommy Gemmell yesterday, as did Tommy, who spent the afternoon reading CQN and was “delighted” at the response. He’s not got a login yet but we’ll get him sorted and do a live event on the blog after we have the book out of the way.
I’m attending a meeting next Wednesday with Supporters’ Liaison Officer, John Paul Taylor. Let me know if there are any questions you’d like raised.
If you would like to read the new CQN Magazine, GO HERE to read properly, and for FREE, the graphic below is just a taster.
[calameo code=0003901710a55b5798f06 lang=en page=1 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
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Good auld Clydebank
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/365306/Council-builds-huge-10-LEVEL-ramp-outside-disabled-girl-s-home-taking-up-ENTIRE-garden
What a ramp
JJ
Yes, the brain is an organ. Woody Allen said it was his 2nd favourite organ. Probably a fan of Alan Price and Al Kooper.
I wouldn’t try to reproduce a 3d drawing of yours, though.
Let me guess you bumped into him
You ended or your @rse
Willie Collum awarded you a free kick ????
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
leftclicktic We are all Neil Lennon
13:24 on
13 February, 2014
Bumped into Amido outside the ground after a recent game
Setting free the bears..
Interestingly, 3d printers are now being used to print replicas of the brain for teaching brain surgery (http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24741-3dprinted-skull-simulates-sensations-of-brain-surgery.html#.UvzexGCYaUk).
However, as Tom Waits said, “the large print giveth and the small print taketh away”.
Jimtim,
I hear you, but I don’t think it’s just one or two players fault.
Anyone with any sense learned under big tone that a midfield containing too many players who do nothing when they don’t have the ball will struggle when up against a team who aren’t afraid to have a go.
Stokes, forest, Sammy and kc aren’t bad players but all 4 in the same team against ok opposition will always toil imo.
He also said.
The piano has been drinking, not me
Interesting comment on Sevco Share site.
__________________________________________________________________________
There is no doubt in my mind that the representations to boutique banks in the city failed. The assets, with their contingency, were not AAA collateral. So at this point, RFC as a trading entity are insolvent. However, the Easdales with their bus company (worth £80-£100M) do have collateral that would be acceptable. I therefore propose that they will secure collateral funding to ensure that RFC complete their fixtures this season. This loan will be reimbursed from season ticket sales. Next season will require an additional £20M to put a team on the park. The board will attempt to raise this amount from fans as the city were burned in the IPO. However if the fans ownership campaign gains traction, the share issue will fail and the Easdales would shelve any loan application. I have heard rumours that RFC will go into administration tomorrow. These rumours are in the City, not from PMG.
Are Doug and Dinsdale going to visit Ticketbus (sic), with the offer of future bus ticket sales?
H ha ha ha !
HH
When we play against a team using one striker do we not end up with a six man midfield that includes Izzy and Adam.
The ball should actually be passed to Anto every now and again instead of him having to drop back to get involved
Auldheid from previous article you pose the question how does this make sense:
In that respect I would hope Celtic do come out with a fuller explanation. What I find hard to accept that the Celtic would spend so much time on trying to eliminate the GB and alienate the support in the process.
That would hit profits and as they are accused of only having profit as their goal then how does it all make sense?
………………………………………………………….
Your question is a logical and common sense on which presupposes these same qualities in our board.
From what I have seen our board (for whatever reason) have allowed themselves to be bounced into an agenda that is set by Chick Young and Co.
Just because Chico says that the so called “shame game” was the worst he’d seen in 40 years and there had to be an inquiry blah, blah, blah, doesn’t mean it was.
And just because Chico says that the damage at Motherwell was the worst he’d seen in 40 years and there had to be action etc., etc., etc., Doesn’t mean to say that we (Celtic) should follow his/MSM’s agenda.
We know the MSM agenda is not set to suit us, and for once I would just love one of our directors or spokespersons simply come out and say something like this in the two above incidents:
Shame game: “Celtic FC have nothing to say about the conduct of the Rangers’ players sent off at Celtic Park and we will be speaking to our manager about his conduct, but it has to be said he was almost attacked (but for the intervention of Walter Smith) in his dugout area by Mr McCoist & Celtic are dismayed by the continual portrayal in the media of our manager as an aggresvie snarling individual. Furthermore we will not attend any summit as there is nothing for us to discuss in this instance, as the game was relatively free of trouble off the field.
Motherwell game: “Celtic will not be drawn into making a mountain out of a molehill. We regret that there were damaged seats and as is the normal custom in such events (which happen regularly but without the fanfare that Celtic’s fans damage has atrracted) we will pay for their replacement/repair. We trust the police will pursue those who caused the damage to the seats which was out of character with the match which was trouble free. Celtic are more concerned by the reported ambush of Celtic supporters outside the ground before the match and in view of this and other trouble in evening kick offs at holiday times or weekends we will ask the police to refuse any further applications for such games.”
When will the board start sticking up for their own fans?
The old team known as Rangers certainly did.
Fred C Dobbs
I wdnt hold my breath for Celtic or UEFA doing anything abt last Saturday. We will just roll over and let them scratch our belly.
Bom dia / tarde,
Well another day and still no Celtic news from Brasil, so’s here a wee update on the Libertadores.
Last night’s results:-
Dep. Cali v Cerro Porteno 1 : 0
Club Leon v Flamengo 2 : 1
Real Garcilaso v Cruzeiro 2 : 1
Dep. Anzoategui v Penarol 1 : 1
Only points to note about the above were:-
1) Flamengo had a man sent off after 11mins which killed this game as a contest (even in Latin America, these days a hoof in the chuckies is red card-able).
2) After last night’s altitude assisted victory, Dep Garcilaso may lose their home advantage (or be kicked right out the contest) after their crowd’s racist, ape chanting against Cruzeiro’s Tinga. (coincidentally Cruzeiro looked comfy and led 1-0 at HT in that game. 2nd half they, literally, ran outta breath).
Anyway, tonight´s games are:-
A.PARANÃ v The Strongest (Bol).
O Furação (the Fury) have just announced the signing of Adriano (remember him?) who’s not kicked a ball for about 2 years. He’s on the bench tonight. With, or without, the wasted talent that he is, I’d expect the “furação” to win this one comfortably.
HOME WIN
U. de Chile v Defensor (Urg).
Dunno too much about either team. U Chile being the more stable team of the two (left sided, attacking mid, Ramon Fernandez being the heart of their team). Defensor a bit of a mixed bag, with 36yr old striker Risso leading the line.
HOME WIN
Club Nacional (Urg) v GREMIO
The first game in the Group of Death. Between them, these two teams have won the Libertadores five times. Gremio very much a team in the rebuilding phase and will be looking to the experiences of Barcos and Ze Roberto to see them thru. Nacional are the same and will rely heavily on the midfield pairing of Cruzada and Calzada.
DRAW
Lanus (Arg) v O’Higgins (Chi)
Lanus have a reputation for being an organised “european style” footballing unit in Argentina and have drafted in several experienced pro’s this year. O’Higgins a side virtually unchanged from last year. Strongest aspect here is Hernandez (in the hole). with Figueroa, Barriga and the “opportunist” Calandria up front IF they play their normal 4-3-3.
Experience to win over expectations in this one, I’m afraid.
HOME WIN
Atletico Nacional (Col) v Newell’s Old Boys (Arg)
Another one I’m no too clued up on. The NOB’s are lead by Trezuguet and driven by midfielder, Banega. Nacional won the “Double” in Columbia last year and have allegedly drafted in several players with an eye on this year’s Libertadores. Juan Pablo Angel and young midfield star, Cardena being the more well known names here.
HOME WIN
Emelec (Equ) v Bolivar (Bol)
Emelec struggling with injuries are probably a stronger side than their guests here. Bolivar have had a bad start to the season and are dogged by rumours about a franchise shift to the MSL.
HOME WIN
So there you have it.
Big Nan
You missed out Brines attacking our manager!! There again it cld be seen he was protecting fatsalary!!
jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/
15:44 on
13 February, 2014
Fred C Dobbs
I won’t hold my breath for Celtic or UEFA doing anything about last Saturday. We will just roll over and let them scratch our belly.
If and when the vermin wreck Celtic Park at the SC Final,do you think our board will highlight it? No me neither.
Muggleton, Grant , Boyd , Martin, Mowbray, Mcginlay, Byrne, Mcstay, Nicholas, Falconer, Collins.
Sub Gillespie for Mcginlay, Galloway for Byrne
Maybe our board only mention any breakage done by our own fans as its the only damage that actually costs us.
Dontbrattbakkinanger
15:59 on 13 February, 2014
Muggleton, Grant , Boyd , Martin, Mowbray, Mcginlay, Byrne, Mcstay, Nicholas, Falconer, Collins.
Sub Gillespie for Mcginlay, Galloway for Byrne
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Mikey, Mikey, Mikey, Mikey Galloway shave off his moustache? It was standard issue at Hearts from whence he arrived. This was genuine kids – Movember is a new thing.
Neil brought back the thunder but it soon began to Peter out.
Big Nan
The sentiment that Celtic should grow a set is one I made to a fellow CQNer at an Open Meeting about 4 years ago this week.
I touched on their under the radar approach in a response on Res12 to you and actually asked the question why?
Well I have an answer and it comes from something I have said often on CQN. Celtic operate in hostile territory . I am beginning to appreciate more and more how that impacts on their public responses.
If the club feel that they are up against a society that will not deliver justice, and you more than any have campaigned against the kind of society that is intent on doing just that, then I think it possible to understand a view from inside that says “that is what we are up against”.
I also make allowances for the fact that had Celtic responded as you suggest, that some Celtic personnel might have been physically hurt (and Celtic have a responsibility to them) but also in responding as you suggest (and God would I love that to happen) then that gives numbnuts the environment where they justify to themselves attacks on supporters and again Celtic have a responsibility to them.
I do not like it, I wish it were otherwise but I think all experience to date tells us the hostile nature of where Celtic have to ply their trade.
That means we have to be smart in how we respond, who responds and in what manner.
I touched on this on the last page of the previous blog in The Serenity Communication Prayer.
I’ll repost it and also my invite to the SLO Supporters Forum that Paul mentioned when I’m back on my laptop. I got one because I have consistently pushed a membership scheme which has the potential to solidify a cohesive whole.
Our enemies greatest success is convincing us there is an enemy within.
That does not mean I think our leaders have responded adequately but I think they need encouragement to do it, not criticism for not doing so.
You see one word explains it all and that word is FEAR and you need courage in the face of fear- hence enCOURAGEment.
The whole communication tone is wrong. It does not encourage cooperation, quite the reverse and fragmented groups can only produce a fragmented result.
Hence this SLO initiative is a welcome start. It is not a one off but it is the way to start pulling together. Howeverv for that to happen individual’s and groups are going to have to look at their individual and group agendas in a way that serves the greater good.
And in spite of the multitude of opinions surely Celtic men above all can reach some agreement on what the greater good is?
Or have I got that belief in the goodness of human nature wrong?
antipodean red
Thats a fair point, although i should have put the group to represent all fans views is a long shot!
bsr
Itll come back!!
jude2005 is Neil Lennon \o/,
By the same token…what are Aberdeen doing about their fans?
It seems only Celtic punish their own fans(unless I missed any action/statement).
Apricale
15:06 on 13 February, 2014
spookie! as possibly one of the few on here with hunners of 3d images of my brain I was listening to Tom Waits earlier.
Blue Valentines
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyjHqXlVn1U
‘that’s why I’m always on the run
that’s why I changed my name’
glasgowdave
14:14 on 13 February, 2014
DjYNWA67
It really is astonishing how fickle we fans are.
There have been many years supporting Celtic, that I would have bitten you’re hand off to be were we are today.
These actually are the ‘Good old days.’ to be a Celtic supporter.
That’s not to ignore the fact that there are some serious issues that need addressing.
Agreed, we all need to pull together,how this is achieved, I have no idea.
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I totally agree with these sentiments.
Fred C. Dobbs
It is up to Aberdeen to do as they see fit with regards to their fans actions.
Celtic are the same and I would say Celtic’s standards of what they expect from fans is far greater than Aberdeen’s. therefore they are far less tolerant of idiotic behaviour etc.
I don’t think you should compare the actions of what our board does compared to theirs or anybodies.
‘Hostile territory’
Is the territory so hostile that the board lose their tongues on a myriad of anti Celtic issues?
robert88-what about the Club’s “stance” on the vandalising of our stadium,assaults/abuse of fans and stewards from visiting fans?
Robert88,
It was our stadium…who punishes them then?
Our club wont, the Polis wont…who?
!!Bada Bing!!
Yes i agree and I’m sure Celtic will get the money needed from Aberdeen to repair any damage. it doesn’t need to be a public affair.
Muggleton
Fillippi
Gardner
Tebili
Naylor
Hayes
Davidson
Biggins
Cascarino
Divers
Boeriggter
subs Pukki Balde
Was just watching hamburg v bayern on tv here and noticed a big banner behind the goals in the away end.
Not 100% on the name but it read .. “Daniel” on tour … Sex Machine .
That’s ok then … as long as hes not comparing himself to Bill Clinton !!!!
An amazing man, and no moaning or complaining, we honestly should count our blessings.
-_______________________________________________
These stools are not handmade.
http://wimp.com/stoolshandmade/
robert88
16:28 on 13 February, 2014!!Bada Bing!!Yes i agree and I’m sure Celtic will get the money needed from Aberdeen to repair any damage. it doesn’t need to be a public affair.
So we will only publicise unacceptable behaviour when it involves Celtic fans…….mmm
Tbj- O’donnell?
Yodel at its best
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=609737599096757&set=a.469067196497132.1073741827.435452183191967&type=1&theater
Andrews
Fillippi
Kay
Garner
Sheidt
Dowie
Weir
Blinker
Halpin
Melrose
Cascarino
Paul
Hooper and Wanyama are off my radar now because I am neither a Norwich or a Southampton fan.
Of the other 3, only Derk has provided irrefutable proof that he is a dud. Can’t really assess him on his football, as he doesn’t seem to have the grit to achieve in the crochet and embroidery league for retired gentlewomen, never mind the SPL.
If Pukki and Balde’s careers stall at Celtic, (particularly Balde’s) it will because we have stalled them by showing our lack of faith in them. Besides not giving them an adequate chance to show what they can do, benchwarming can hardly do their confidence or motivation much good. Just my opinion.
Others may have a different opinion
Bournesouprecipe
I’d see your Cascarino and raise you a Martin Haynes.
How about that for a trump(et) card !!!