Overall I was pleased with many aspects of Celtic’s play yesterday. We dominated large parts of the game and got in and around the Hearts penalty area often enough to score the proverbial barrel load.
Hearts scored a good goal. The flick from Beattie and run from Skacel were both exquisite, although a deflection off the blameless Kelvin Wilson was crucial. Enough has been said about the second Hearts goal already. Defensively we were good.
Midfield also played well, to a point, forcing Hearts into retreat for all but the opening 20 minutes of the second half. Ki Sung-Yueng should have scored twice but he’s never been a player for back post headers and I was more surprised he found himself in that position than he missed both opportunities. He is a player who continues to impress.
The question we should turn our attention to is why Celtic didn’t score more goals?
It is probably not an exaggeration to suggest Emilio Izaguirre is the best left back at the club in 30 years. Skilful and intelligent in possession, Celtic look composed when he is on the field, but he’s being kept out of the team by a free transfer from Aberdeen because Charlie Mulgrew is manufacturing the most crucial item in the game – goals.
I’m close to advocating ‘Give the ball to Charlie’ tactics. He has the ability to fire in remarkably dangerous crosses and has an instinctive awareness that the purpose of the game is to score goals. Kris Commons shares this awareness but Kris has had a wretched season and is still rescuing his game from injury and early season loss of form.
In these circumstances, Neil Lennon cannot afford to play Izaguirre if it involves dropping Mulgew as this would severely hamper Celtic’s ability to put the ball in the net. If the manager wants to use Emilio, particularly in Europe next season when retaining possession will be crucial, Charlie has to play left midfield.
Scoring goals is the primary responsibility of the strikers. None of Celtic’s current crop are impressing at the moment, but we need to look further upstream first.
We have an outstanding original canvass painting of Neil Lennon available for purchase on eBay to kick start our summer charity fundraising. This year the beneficiaries will be Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, Martin Chambers Foundation and The Neuroblastoma Alliance, Aberdour PS PTA, The Haven, Blantyre. The painting, by US based artist, Joseph Gormley, is an outstanding memento of our manager during these times.
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Keevins sounded like one of the less astute callers that Clyde have had over the years.
The kind of caller that he would take delight in ridiculing.
The kind of caller whose friends would be embarrassed to say that they had heard the call.
Re The Lanarkshire refs structure.
The VP was in the year below me at school.
SPF
Right off to watch something or other, but adversity triggers nostalgia ….so tonight
http://enematic.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/jinky-the-fisherman-of-the-jungle/
Hail hail
Estadio
I will listen to the ssb podcast in the morning but reading the comments a song popped into my head-
‘Dance,dance,dance,dance,dance to the radio!’
AT on Radio Clyde tonight – the finest 20 minutes of radio I’ve ever heard. Can you imagine Gordon Dalziel being on tonight?
Asbestos = tainted stadium. Oh dear!!
Reading that Piermario Morosini was the guardian for his disabled sister after their parents died when they were teens, and that Udinese will look after her giving her ‘proper financial and emotional support’ through their ‘Udinese for Life’ charity. Terrific gesture in a sad, sad story.
RIP
.
Does anyone Know why Last nights SSB is Not available on Podcast..?
Anyone Have a Link.. Heard it was Guid..
Thanks in Advance..
Summa
Phil on twitter hinting that there may be a legal battle for who owns Ibrox after they go into liquidation… does that mean they would be technically homeless?
Can someone re Post the link to Clyde.
Thanks.
Born 67
THE EXILED TIM on 16 April, 2012 at 22:44 said:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KroVyuSBiU
Part 1 of AT on snyde tonight, just add part 2 for the rest
.
The Exciled Tim..
Just found Your links to SSB..
Cheers..
Summa
pedrocaravanachio67 on 16 April, 2012 at 22:54 said:
Thanks for your reply.
Having watched cheating for so long,I feel complaints get us nowhere,but this was a blatant assault on Broony from behind and off the ball .
Re. your assessment of our priorities,I couldn`t agree more.
Europe and the S.P.L.are all that matter.
Listend to radio Clyde the are all sh*#”ing it they have been found out for what they are. Please may it continue. Ha Ha Ha……
Born 67
.
Looks like Everybody and their Granny is Having a Pop @ Neil Lennon..
Oh Wait..!!
Owen Coyle: Neil Lennon wrong to claim victimisation by referees
OWEN Coyle last night claimed that Celtic manager Neil Lennon is out of line to claim that Scottish match officials have it in for him.
The Bolton manager understands the frustration in the dug-out caused by controversial decisions, but says he’s never known referees or their assistants to pursue vendettas.
Lennon Tweeted that “I think it’s personal” after referee Euan Norris awarded Hearts a late penalty and then denied Celtic one in the champions’ 2-1 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat at Hampden on Sunday. However, Coyle, at Hampden to lecture coaches as part of the SFA’s Continual Professional Development Seminar, believes that the Northern Irishman is mistaken.
“As coaches, because we want to win, sometimes we say or do things in the heat of the moment,” he said. “Alan Thompson is a good pal of mine and I still speak to him a lot. I get on well with Lenny and the rest of the boys there. Like anything else, if you feel a decision has gone against you then passion can take over. We can all do things in the heat of the moment. I’ve been there myself.
“You just have to try and temper it or whatever. The difficulty on Sunday was that it was a semi-final and anything a manager does is in the public eye and is a talking point.”
Coyle, though, says it’s wrong to question the integrity of officials. “I’ve mumped and moaned about referees like everyone else and I’ve taken the opportunity to speak to them to get explanations 20 or 30 minutes after the final whistle,” he said. “But I don’t envy them their jobs because refereeing is the toughest gig in football. Players are athletes and they’ve become quicker every year, therefore the game has become quicker as well.
“Unfortunately, the referee still has that same milli-second to make his decisions and that’s why, with play speeding up and the pitches also becoming better and faster – in England, anyway – that also makes it harder. You and I could watch six replays of an incident and not come to the same decision so refs have a very difficult task.
“People say decisions even themselves out over a season but I’m not a great believer in that. However, you just have to accept that sometimes these things will go your way and sometimes they won’t. But I don’t believe that any referee or official goes out in any game to do anything other than their absolute best. Yes, there’s human error but managers and players are guilty of that as well.”
Summa
Billy Ng. Singapore. “Rangers supporter”.
So he must know the two biggest Rangers supporters in Singapore:
Donald Findlay, part owner until recently of the Sportmans Bar, home of the Davie Cooper Memorial Rangers Supporters Club (Singapore). And Chairman of Cowdenbeath FC.
And Neil Fentie, owner of Singapore-based Subsea Marine and proud member of the Davie Cooper Memorial RSC (Singapore). And sponsor and Investment Director of Cowdenbeath FC.
As Rolf Harris would say:
Can you see what it is yet?
Rascar Capac on 17 April, 2012 at 01:23 said:
Rascar
I have been incommunicado for a week and I just clicked on your link. Thanks for that! That must be one of the most incredible interviews I have ever heard on the deficiencies of Scottish football journalism. A simply stunning interview.
I heard a rumour Bill Ng offered 12 mill. What are the current odds on a newco after liquidation?
Just to say what I love about spots media in Scotland is their total aknowlagement that they are not true journalist, they say their falling in investigation of any of the information about the coruptness in Scottish football is the fault of the true journalists outside the sports media is Scotland. I’m glad they have finally admitted they have been collecting money under folls presences
Folls = false
Sorry I phone
James Forrest
Gordon
I was labouring until yesterday under the impression UEFA Licensing was for clubs qualifying for UEFA competition and National Club Licensing for playing in the SPL.
I read 3.3.1 on the rtc blog and wondered at the time how I missed it. Easy, I was only looking at NCL as the relevant rules.
I hoped it was UEFA that applied but even under NCL there were hurdles under Section 8.1.1. and 8.1.2 that Newco will STILL have to surmount
to get a licences (see below)
However it looks from reading the SFA intro on their web page that SPL Clubs must be licensed under UEFA Licensing, whether they qualify or not for Europe, but from the National Club Licensing documentation are ALSO covered by National Club Licencing, which applies to clubs with Membership of the Scottish Football Association. (which I take includes SPL clubs)
I find this odd and you will find references in NCL to dates for SPL clubs to submit documents, but I now think this is presumably in case they are UEFA license candidates and the SFA want the documentation in time for the UEFA licensing round.
This coverage by UEFA Licensing to ALL SPL clubs is very significant as the criteria there are many and clearly specified and in order to avoid being ruled out by them, Newco HAVE to join lower down than the SPL to have any chance of getting a license UNLESS they apply to be treated as an exception under Annex 1B of UEFA FFP regs.page 43.
You might want to have a look
Perhaps this is why D&P applied for a UEFA licence, not to play in Europe but to test the water on getting a license at all?
One thing is for sure Regan will have tested the water with UEFA and I’ll bet that like everyone else they are waiting to test the degree of opprobrium arising when the BTC result is announced before encouraging or discouraging any exception case.
It does seem though that the tide of opinion is turning againsta parachute into the SPL. When JT and GS start leading on it there is something afoot.
That leads nicely to the idea of an SPL1 and SPL2. Newco would still have to apply for SPL2 under NCL, although I think they will need to be treated as an exception even then but dealt with by SFA/SPL2/SFL.
If
a)registration rules are proved to have been breached and it is known honours will be removed from Oldco,
b) it is known Newco will not start in the SPL, and
c) Newco will still be barred from UEFA competition for three years
d) and Ticketus will also be eating up some of their annual income
I reckon sporting integrity will be seen to have been satisfied by dropping down if only for a season and the punishment is much nearer to fitting the crime.
Newco does not have tro start at Ibrox but it is of more value to CW as a football stadium than a bit of land so they can negotiate a good rent and CW is rehabilitated for saving Ibrox from HMRC.
If you think of the way the Government put aside normal rules to merge Hbos and Lloyds, if the governing parties agree, it can be done quickly enough for a next season start.
.
In Other News..
Hampden 1, Murrayfield 0 for Hibs-Hearts Scottish Cup final
Hampden will host the final of the Scottish Cup.
SCOTTISH football’s governing body has declared that Hampden Park should host next month’s Scottish Cup final between Hearts and Hibs, despite calls being made for the big game to be staged at Murrayfield.
Fans of the Edinburgh clubs face a ticket scramble to secure their place in the 52,000 capacity stadium in Glasgow after officials said there was no question of relocating it to the home of the national rugby side.
The decision will mean bumper business for coach and minibus operators, but a huge logistical headache for rail operator ScotRail, which plans to deploy extra services on three separate routes to Glasgow to accommodate demand.
Murrayfield Stadium, which can hold more than 67,000, had been touted by politicians, business leaders and fans of the rival sides since Hearts beat Celtic on Sunday, ensuring the first all- Edinburgh Scottish Cup final since 1896.
Last night, First Minister Alex Salmond insisted the right decision had been made by the SFA, which is thought to have a long-term legal agreement in place to use Hampden for major semi- finals and finals.
His spokesman said: “Hampden is the home of Scottish football, and it is only right for the cup final to be played there.”
But the decision was branded “predictable and short-sighted” by council leaders in the capital, who want the game moved to Murrayfield to help reduce the cost of the occasion for fans, reduce the chance of crowd trouble, ensure more people can see the match and curb congestion problems on the M8.
Deputy council leader Steve Cardownie said: “I’m sure the fans will largely behave themselves going to and from Hampden, but to me it would have made much more sense to play the game at Murrayfield.
“You could have fitted 15,000 more people into the stadium and it would have made it much more affordable for families than to have everyone go through to Glasgow. The SFA are nothing if not predictable with this decision, but I do think it is short-sighted of them.
“However, I think it will still be a fantastic occasion for the city.”
Business leaders in Glasgow said the SFA had made the right call not to relocate the final to Edinburgh – even though this had been done once before, for the 1896 final.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick said: “Major football occasions are vitally important to Glasgow’s tourism and leisure sector, just as rugby internationals are in Edinburgh.
“The Scottish cup final and occasions like it bring millions of pounds a year to Glasgow. Murrayfield is a wonderful stadium, but it is the home of rugby – not football.
“I’m sure the supporters of Hearts and Hibs will be looking forward to their day out in Scotland’s biggest city. And if the winners want to stay on and celebrate, they are very welcome.”
Graham Birse, policy director at Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said Edinburgh was still set for an unprecedented boom.
“There is going to be huge benefit for both clubs in merchandising and corporate hospitality, transport operators will benefit and one set of fans will be looking to celebrate in style.”
Murrayfield
Capacity: 67,200.
• The stadium has been all-seater since a massive overhaul in 1995.
• It is the home of all Scotland’s home Six Nations matches and home fixtures for Edinburgh Rugby.
• Murrayfield replaced Inverleith as the home of Scottish rugby internationals when it opened in 1925. Its highest attendance was in 1975, when 104,000 watched Scotland tackle Wales.
• Tina Turner, Kings of Leon, Rolling Stones, Oasis and REM have staged concerts there, while Madonna will visit this summer.
• Major events include the World Bowl American football event, the Heineken Cup rugby final and Bob Geldof’s Live 8 concert, in 2005.
• The nearest railway station is at Haymarket.
Hampden
Capacity: 52,063.
• Hampden has been all-seater since redevelopment work was completed in 1999.
• It plays host to regular matches by Scottish Football League side Queen’s Park.
• The existing ground, the biggest in the world when it opened, dates back to 1903.
• The record attendance of 149,415 was for a Scotland-England match in 1937.
• Among the pop and rock acts to perform there in recent years have been Take That, U2, AC/DC and Eminem.
• Other major events have included the Champions League Final and the Uefa Cup Final. It is also a key venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
• It is served by two railway stations, at King’s Park and Mount Florida.
Summa
.
DiCanioWasADream..
Pretences..(Join the iPhone Spelling Bee)..:O(
Summa
Summa of Sammi…. on 17 April, 2012 at 03:42 said:
Interesting. Fourth Lanark eh? who’d have believed it?
Paul67
Depends on the goal..
And the Irony.
Roll on the Future.
Summa
It looks like I typed it with my toes.
Born 67
.
Mags..
Fourth Lanark.. More like Larkhall Twelth..;0)
DiCanio..
Toe the Line.. Ha..
Summa DoingTheGardeningCSC
What is this succulent lamb thing?
Has it something to do with Aberdeen fans sexual tendencies?
Rustle a piece of paper for radio for Timmy Thompson…or is it a hun thing?
.
Mags..
If the Succulent Lamb Sycophants.. Actually knew what ‘Succulent Lamb’.. Meant.. to Your Average Greek Male..I Don’t think they Would throw the Term around with Such Smuggyness Ha..
I Just don’t want to think of a Group of Men meeting For…………..
Summa ft TheOnlyGayInTheTavernaCSC
Take a bow AT. Made a fool of that lot last night…with ease!
Not suprised to hear the SFA say they want to restructure & make new leagues under 1 body, They sent letters to all Highland League Clubs months ago saying they were going to Regionalise it. Pretty sure they were told to beat it by every Club. Everyone seems quick to change Scottish Football now that the cheats are at deaths door, how romantic.
Campbell Ogilvie is hugely conflicted. Why is Stuart Regan protecting him?
Simples. Huns. Next.
The president of the SFA took tax free EBT scam payments as part of his tenure w/the huns. The huns knew it, the SFA knew it and the SPL knew it and he is now SFA head honcho. Martin Bain dropped his lawsuit against the huns. Why? coz he was being paid similarly? Die Die die ya huns.
meanwhile the same honorable organization are charging Neil Lennon with misconduct
good morning fellow tims from a pleasant Al Ain, UAE
i sense that the BK walking away will be spun as in fact a good thing, an opportunity opening up for others, the ones who were in fact more preferred all along, blah blah blah
and there’s a fella called “Bill Ng” ?
no offense to my eastern brethren, but is that a wee joke ?
billing, taxing, cheating
Shuggy Jarse ?
Good morning Celts,
Margaret McGill, that’s exactly what we’re up against, it’s festering nest of Masonic self centred, gratuitous hunnery, the whole things stacked against us. Due to modern media like CQN and modern technology it’s more obvious than ever.
It’s our right to demand to be treated in a fair, open and honest way.
No more tinkering it’s never Gonnae be enough, get Celtic FC out of Scottish football ASAP.
V
Vmhan Supporting Lenny! on 17 April, 2012 at 06:01 said:
I know. I love CQN. Ask embdy.
T.C.
Re. Ng
Check this
JohnBhoy on 17 April, 2012 at 02:40 said:
You know the day destroys the night
Night divides the day
Tried to hun
Couldnt abide
Break on through to the other side
We chased our pleasures here
Dug our treasures there
But can you still recall
The time we tried
Break on through to the other side