Sky have reported that Celtic have accepted a £5m bid from QPR for Gary Hooper. Gary is in the final year of his contract and has declined to sign a new deal which has been no offer for almost a year now.
It will surprise some, perhaps including the player, that an English Premier League club have not made a move, but QPR have the cash to compete with most in the top flight, so the financial rewards for the player will be comparable.
For Celtic the proposition is simple, if the player is not going to extend his stay beyond this season, and an offer matching valuation is received, it is better they know where they stand as early in the transfer window as possible. We’ll know soon enough if the player wants to move. As we said about Victor, it’s always hard to lose a good one, but I’ve yet to meet someone who would walk away from a deal north of £50k per week, so fair play to Gary, whatever he decides.
Neil Lennon had never hid his admiration for the player but the Celtic strategy is clear enough. If Gary decides to move it’s all about finding the right replacement, they days of slavishly watching players run down their contracts are over.
Have you done your thing for 1254125 yet? The supporters group working with Celtic Charity proposed we get as many as possible signed up to running a 10k, hoping each person can raise £125. We’ve teamed up with The Great Scottish Run on Sunday 6 October and extended the scope a bit, to include those who don’t quite have the legs for 10k.
On Saturday 5 October, The Great Scottish Run also organise supporting events you can enter and raise your £125:
100m Toddler Dask (0-5 yrs)
1.5k Mini Run (5-8 yrs)
2.5k Junior Run (9-15 yrs)
Family Mile (Adults and children from 3 yrs)
If you are particularly fit, you can enter the Half Marathon on the Sunday. It is going to be a great family weekend. If you know a kid who is keen to participate and get involved in 1254125, let them know.
If the legs won’t support you for 10k, you can gingerly make your way along the Family Mile.
To sign up you need to register with The Great Scottish Run first. Register here if you are participating in the 10k or Half Marathon, and here if you are participating in the Saturday events, then register here with Celtic Charity (scroll down the page until you see Great Scottish Run).
Just over 10 weeks to go, get your application in and get every Celtic fan you know with a pair of trainers to sign up. I’m doing the 10k, so will be out running tonight…….
[calameo code=0003901713852289beccb lang=en page=52 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
796 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- »
Bhoys.
Celtic are gambling on CL qualification.
They have a Museum etc to build Victor and Hoops will help pay for it.
Short term expenditure for longer term income.
We are setting ourselves up for the longer term.
The board play look to the longer term bigger picture , and don’t waiver from the business plan.
When The Zombies come back into our league we will have a financial footing that they could only dream about.
TT
Sandman
00:50 on
25 July, 2013
‘This is a club at the zenith of its existence in Scottish Football.’
#####
Yes, The Lions may have won nine in a row against the best huns team there’s been, won the European Cup once and been runners up once, but the accounts were rubbish compared to today’s.
If only all fans could just understand matters as clearly as you do.
Reading back the blog from around 7pm last night was a bit disturbing and left me a little disillusioned re the site. Insults and language more becoming The Bears Den were rife. I8p
TinyTim
08:33 on
25 July, 2013
‘They have a Museum etc to build’
That’s as ridiculous as the huns going on about their charabang.
We should be looking to establish ourselves where it matters, on the European stage, whilst we have easy access.
ernie lynch
08:39 on 25 July, 2013
Don’t tell anyone, but that’s what we’re trying to do, against the handicap of playing in a small league / low revenue situation……and we’re doing not too badly ?
I appreciate that we are wanting stars to be lined up and wheeled in as soon as GH goes out the same revolving door, but we are trying to attract top quality players to a footballing backwater that is rigged, with little or no domestic competition, grubby wee stadia, crap weather and a hostile media who insist in attaching the bigoted hordes of another club by means of a umbilical cord thus putting players families in danger.
But we can offer Champions League (well maybe).
What’s not to like about the SPFL?
Celtic don’t have easy access to CL. Win the league then 3 qualifying rounds.
The reason rfc were destroyed was because they spent money in an unaustainable way.
Paying ridiculous wages will be the downfall for many EPL clubs
greendreamz:
Under MON we did not have the money in the bank.
.
Courtesy Belfast Telegraph..
Celtic boss Neil Lennon is raving about Cliftonville’s performance guts and character
Neil Lennon and James Forrest led the chorus of praise for Cliftonville after the Reds produced a performance full of guts and character at Parkhead.
Tommy Breslin’s men relished playing at the famous Glasgow stadium, home of the 1967 European champions, and although they couldn’t find the net in the aggregate 5-0 loss the north-Belfast side frustrated the Hoops for most of Tuesday night’s second leg battle.
Lennon’s men were expected to cruise into the third qualifying round of the Champions League, but the anticipated avalanche of goals after the 3-0 win at Solitude failed to materialise at Paradise.
Forrest, who scored in the first leg, revealed that the post-match talk in the home dressing room centred on the magnificent effort put in by the Irish League part-timers.
“A few of the boys were saying after the game that they were very impressed with Cliftonville and they passed the ball around the park really well,” said the 22-year-old Scotland international.
“We were a wee bit surprised with their performance at Parkhead, but they certainly came here and did well.”
The Hoops made £22m from last season’s Champions League adventure which saw them defeat Barcelona in the group stages before reaching the last 16.
Cliftonville’s earnings are much more modest, but they will be still be richer to the tune of around £200,000 thanks to Uefa cash, plus TV and ticket income and the relationship between the two clubs is now stronger than ever.
Former Northern Ireland international Lennon was thrilled that Celtic kept another clean sheet in the 2-0 win, sealed by goals from Efe Ambrose and Georgios Samaras, but Cliftonville have also left a lasting impression on him.
The former Glenavon ace said: “Cliftonville set up a little differently with three in midfield and Liam Boyce up front and that surprised us a bit because Tommy has been quite consistent in his selections.
“I was surprised to see Joe Gormley left out, but they created a few chances and a goal for them would have been the icing on the cake for everyone concerned.
“They performed well and certainly didn’t disgrace themselves. I still think that Liam Boyce has a future in the professional game. He just needs that full-time training to bring him along.
“There’s no doubting his technical ability, but with more training he could become more mobile. He certainly knows where the goal is. I like Barry Johnston as well. He’s probably getting on a little bit, but I feel four or five years ago he could have played across the water.
“The two ties have been brilliant and there’s a great relationship between the clubs. I’ve just seen Gerard Lawlor (Cliftonville chairman), who I have known for quite a while, and this tie will leave a lot of happy memories for many people.
“While the money from this competition is important to clubs for me it’s also about the careers and reputations of the players. It’s about their development too.
” Now we look forward to facing Elfsborg in the knowledge that our place in the Champions League group stage can never be taken for granted.”
Summa
A lot of rumours regarding Celtic and Kevin Doyle from Wolves. I can’t understand why lenny is interested (if the rumours aren’t just MSM speculation).
Apparently Celtic were willing to pay 5mill for Artjoms Rudnovs. When asked he instantly replied “nav iespēja” ( Latvian for nae f’ing chance). Somehow doubt the veracity of this rumour, being interested in a player is a long way from making an offer. Also if PL was willing to open the biscuit tin and hand NL 5 mill for Rudnovs surely we would be looking at other options within that budget and not a non prolifc 29 year old striker from Wolves. It all seems just a wee bit implausible and desperate.
Ernie
I understand your point of view , if I were on the board , my plan would be closer to yours than theirs.
However .
I’m not and more qualified men are .
I have faith in them.
Where they are failing us is in creating an opportunity to play in league that has top media revenues.
IMHO
TT
One Mile Five Furlongs,
Hamilton Park/ Leros morning shop
Going Firm
Kalimera,
Apologies in advance to all non horsey folk and those who did not frequent Hamilton Park races through the 60’s and 70’s.
Morning routine for ole EC67 is the trek from Vromolithos to Lakki and return. The track is not dissimilar to that at my beloved Hamilton Park racecourse. Starting at the 13 furlong marker one heads away from your ultimate destination, downhill towards the loop at the far end of the course. Number 67 appears to be carrying a wee bit overweight and has a serious decision to make I.e. does he go all out from the start, like the Peter Poston raider, Homefield, and just see if he can gallop the opposition into submission or bowl along patiently like a George Cadwaladr ridden fast finisher.
Settling down after the initial surge, as you approach the one mile one furlong start you reach Florances bakery, where you must purchase the first staple of a Lerian diet, the large baguette, none of your Mothers Pride plain sliced here, although a wee reference to an outsider or 33/1 shot as it was called in my house, would be appropriate. Swinging left on a tight rein you immediately have angle yourself accurately to make the sweeping right turn taking in the key card at the mile start and onwards round the loop to the green grocers.
A quick stop sees you emerge with the finest tomatoes one can buy, to accompany the bread for the obligatory lunchtime tomato open sandwich, washed down with freshly chilled nepo. The bonus is of course the peaches. Peaches so soft and sweet that it is impossible to eat one without thinking you are Castor Troy in Face Off. I like Nicholas Cage but not particularly in that Greek Captain Corelli’s Mandolin strangely enough. We crest a rise now as we swing right, back towards the long punishing hill back to Vromolithos. At the 4 furlong marker we are now faced with a crucial decision. No not should we strike out for home or hold up waiting to pounce in the last 100 yards as the ground levels and the winning post becomes visible.
No not that one, there are two major decisions that now need addressed. The amount of extra weight one can carry uphill for this last half mile and the crucial balance of getting the ratio of water to swaaly just right to maximise the best conditions for the rest of the day. I generally err on the side of caution, so 2 litres of wine and 2 litres of beer to 3 litres of water seems just about right.
This where all the hours of hard work and training come into play. 3 and a half punishing furlongs, straight uphill, weighed down by excessive baggage and expectation, ( can you imagine the hassle I would get from MrsEC67 if I returned light in the wine bearing department? It would be like favourite backers in the last get out stakes where AJ Russell has held up the course specialist, Lineage, only to deliver the challenge too late and fail to reel in the leaders on the line). It is torturous, punishing work but on entering that final furlong you hear the roar of the crowd/ sea, you level out and are re-energised, you surge towards the winning post/ apartment and triumphantly complete your race. All that is required now is a long cool drink and a sponging down or for me a refreshing dip in the Aegean.
Yassas,
EC67
In WWF , is throwing in the towel the same as boxing ?
HH
Morning Celts
I would just like to make a wee observation based on info that I have been given.
Some posters say that we have a wage structure that can’t be altered to accomodate
Vic 67 n GH. So – how come – Joe Ledley and Scott Brown are trousering a cool £3 mill of Celtic fans money each season. The good thing about that particular scenario is that it has made me believe in God again. Well, it must be God who is preventing all of those galactico clubs from making bids for – JL n SB :)
Another thing – when folk talk about MON’s time at the club, financial aftermath seems to be the nature of the recollections – nobody ever mentions the fact that – MON’s 1st season saw him win a Treble after spending what – £6 mill for Sutton, £5 mill for Neil, £2.5 mill for Thommo, £3 mill for Joos and £35k for Didi. All ot hat after having taken in – £6 mill for Viduka, £5 mill for Berko, £3 mill for Burley and £2 mill for Riseth.
In MON’s !st season – we became Celtic again after the departure of Wim(thanks Fergus) and MON taking on a Ran#ers team that had been built at a cost of – £80 mill and growing by the day as it seemed at that time. Oh and remember, most of that £80 mill hun outlay was paid under the table :)
So, on conclusion MON was the best manager we’ve had since Mr Stein. imo
Only saying
HH
Honestly the abuse you give PL. here is way over the top in fact I would go as far as saying that a very high percentage are Huns, and if I am wrong then god help us, some people actually just fall short of saying they hope we get beat in the next stage of the CL, so they can blame PL, it beggars belief, Celtic SUPPORTERS? aye right, have opinions and discussions, by all means, but to rip the main man a new one, SORRY I just don’t get it.
TinyTim:
It’s not about the huns, never was.
a stor mo chroi
09:14 on25 July, 2013
Its all about the Old Firm.
HH
Morning, non football related post.
Can any Birmingham/West Midlands based Celts give me some advice on the best areas to live in and around Birmingham? I may be moving to a job close to Birmingham City Centre and will be looking to rent. Advice on places to avoid would also be appreciated.
Hail Hail.
Googybhoy
Good comm decision re atos using a physio on mental health medical..
10 in a row – will do me.
Kevjungle
I agree re MON – I think they were my happiest days as a Celtic fan…
Morning Kev. MO’N stagnated here near the end. His spending was unsustainable. He was devoid of imagination as he usually sought transfers from England. You are right though about having some good times.
Quick question, anyone know what time the half marathon on 6th Oct will start at for non-elite runners? Looked up the website – can’t see anything……
Kev/cults.
Mon era gave me and many fans something we could only have dreamt about.
A treble and a euro final. Some wonderful games and years…
We where too young to really remember the stein era but we had our glory days under MON
eurochamps67 @ 9.07
Good Lord, man. That took me back.
Good Morning from a clammy Ayr.
Looking for anyone who knows of any supporters buses going to Dublin for the Liverpool game from the West Of Scotland or who will be coming down that way???
clareisland67
09:20 on 25 July, 2013
——————————————-
I lived in Brum for 6 years many years ago, and met my good lady Mrs PMTYH. I would suggest that I could not advise you where not to live but suggest a couple of good places to consider. I lived in Harborne which was great and has plenty of pubs, etc. Edgbaston is good but expensive, I also lived in Great Barr for a short period which was OK in those days. Sutton Coldfield is also very good. Moseley and King’s Heath are other places you could consider.
Hail! Hail! PMTYH
CultsBhoy loves being 1st forever & ever
09:29 on 25 July, 2013
Kevjungle
I agree re MON – I think they were my happiest days as a Celtic fan…
_________________________________________________________
I’m old enough to remember the Mr Stein years from – 1971 – onwards to Big Billy then David Hay etc…these were great times to be a Tim. After going through the hun iar period
Wim Jansen and MON made me walk tall as a Celtic fan again. I know all about WGS and Neil’s success but – because Wim and MON had the ba##s to stand up to the bored
when they had to – these are the hallmarks of Celtic managerial Titans in my book.
God Bless them n Thanks.
Hail Hail
clareisland67
09:20 on 25 July, 2013
——————————————-
Ps, Bourneville is nice if you don’t like drinking! It was/may still be a ‘dry area’ because of Cadbury’s (chocolate) who were Quakers and no likee the drinkee. Good luck.
It is inconceivable that there are not a few Huns on this website. These guys are relatively clever, they sow their darnel and sit back & smile as Tims have a go at each other.
Kev, who would you trust most with Celtic’s future, MO’N or Brian Quinn? Let’s not sugarcoat this era too much. MO’N was hopeless in away CL games.
blantyretim
09:34 on 25 July, 2013
__________________
Agreed M8
I hope that yer guid self is almost all better now and that yer grand fholks are all well too.
Hail Hail n God Bless
John O Neil
09:42 on 25 July, 2013
__________________
1. I would have MON to lead Celtic’s future – not Brian Quinn who sanctioned the outlay for Rafael based on a flimsy 15 min video that the manager KD / JB presented.
2. I would take the opposite angle from you and say that – WGS enjoyed all the luck in the CL that MON didny !
HH
corkcelt
Any long term Huns on this site need help imo. I will never understand the mentality of Edward etc, far less any long term lurkers who pitch in. I do however appreciate (and understand/empathise) with Huns who make the occassional visit when we are experiencing difiicult times (rare occassions and relative)as I love nothing better than a report from FF etc when they are at their lowest point and occassionally access their sites to enjoy their distress and misery…
MON’s time was indeed ‘unsustainable’ however it was absolutely necessary. We needed to break the spell. We needed a huge character and some big players to complement what was actually an already talented squad (albeit lacking in direction after the Barnes/ Dalglish fiasco)
In my own opinion we had to take the financial hit. I don’t think I understood at the time what would have to happen to bring us back to an even keel but what MON did was restore the belief.
I remember a blue nosed colleague of mine in the late 90’s commenting on a monday after yet another Rangers win in a derby game (can’t remember which one) how easily silenced the Celtic support had been after the Orcs had taken the lead. He commented on the fear among the home support. I replied that it was inevitable after a decade of false dawns and too many easy defeats to them that our confidence would be fragile.
I think more than anything else MON restored our collective faith in Celtic’s ability to beat them and win other crucial games. All through the 90’s I hoped we might beat them. When MON came I expected it.
Looking back I also think we needed Gordon Strachan. I really had my doubts at the time but I defended him long and hard with my mates and on line. 3 in a row, Champions League progression – all done within a cost cutting regime. He did not benefit from a legacy of great players left behind him as MON had done – there was no Larrson, no Moravcik, no Mjallby and no Petrov waiting to have the best brought out in them. Against a still doped up and bloated RFC he took us to three in a row and gave us the fightback in ’08 to add to our legend.
Mowbray was a tactical error by the board and I think we have played the odds and won with the appointment of Neil Lennon.
What is most important now is that the club structures appear to be sound, the strategy of buying young and cheap and selling at a profit is beginning to pay dividends. I would like to see us keep a hold of them a few years longer to let the team flourish and sell them at 25-26 rather than 22-23 to get maximum benefit for what we are – a football club. But we are in a good place.
Whatever your opinions on MON he was like Aslan – he broke the long long winter and put Celtic back in their rightful place – top dog in Scotland, respected in Europe.
Hail Hail
KevJungle:
Are you Scott Brown or Joe Ledley’s agent? Are you PL? If not how could you possibly know what is in either’s contract?
Oh! I get it… you’re Owen Coyles granny.
RobertTressell
09:53 on 25 July, 2013
___________________
That’ll do for me M8
Hail Hail n Thanks for that post.
Off oot – awe happy :)
A Stor Mo Chroi
09:58 on 25 July, 2013
___________________
Some folk know things…that’s all I can say.
Sorry – Off oot.